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Thursday, December 8, 2005

"Spreading The Word"

"When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child" (Luke 2:17).

Today, our dog Roxie is going on a ministry trip. She will joining Brooksyne at a local assisted living center. Some would call this "pet therapy" but we prefer to call it ministry. Brooksyne will lead in some Christmas carols with the residents and share a message about Christmas from the Scriptures. However we are quite sure the residents and staff will enjoy seeing Roxie and she really is a friendly dog.

Photo of Roxie ready for ministry
Roxie, ready for ministry!

Whether we're gone five minutes or five hours she greets us at the door as if she hasn't seen us in ages. She indicates her joy by wagging her whole hind end which also happens to make her curly tail move very rapidly. This causes the tip of her tail to hit her eyes repeatedly so it's interesting to watch her deal with the resulting discomfort.  We are sure that Roxie will be a blessing and bring some extra joy to the seniors today. If that makes Brooksyne's time more memorable and effective we will reckon this as ministry!

The first evangelists were some wide-eyed shepherds.  They had just witnessed the infant Jesus lying in a manger and heard the Gospel from a heavenly choir.  Now they "spread the word."  That's been the mission of believers ever since, commanded in the Great Commission and demonstrated in the Book of Acts. Jesus said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."  He's still building His church and all believers are a part of that building process.

All over the world, including your town and mine, this Gospel is bearing fruit and growing today.  Our mission is to "Go tell everyone." Today all of us have the same commission to go and spread the word.  Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, look for opportunities to spread the word.

Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus
Sang as they welcomed His birth,
"Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer - Jesus, all over the world Your Spirit is moving. And You move through people such as the shepherds who told all they knew concerning the Christ Child.  Two thousand years later we have so much more knowledge and experiences to share with those around us because we have the Word of God that shows Your divine character and tells us of Your great and miraculous deeds.  May we never tire of hearing the stories of Jesus or become lax in telling others about You.




Do you have a Christmas memory you would like to share with others to uplift and encourage? Please send us your story and we will compile a page of memories to share with others on this site. 




Recently Brooksyne picked up a book at the Christian bookstore titled "The Case for Christmas" by Lee Strobel. I have enjoyed his other books in "The case for" series and this is no exception. This is an excellent book for gift-giving and evangelistic outreach. I found an inexpensive online edition.

54762: The Case for Christmas
The Case for Christmas  By Lee Strobel
You never know who may start asking life-changing questions this Christmas. Here's a great way to share the gospel---and the true reason for the season! The Case for Christ author and journalist Strobel investigates the facts behind Luke 2:8--18 and asks: Was it all a hoax---or truly the pivotal event of human history? 112 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

 

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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