HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM

DIGGING A WELL MINISTRIES






CAST ME NOT AWAY FROM THY PRESENCE

 

 

 

Psalm 51:1-13

Have mercy upon me, O God,

according to thy lovingkindness:

according unto the multitude of thy tender

mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions:

and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,

and done this evil in thy sight:

that thou mightest be justified

when thou speakest,

and be clear when thou judgest.
 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;

and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, thou desirest

truth in the inward parts:

and in the hidden part thou shalt

make me to know wisdom.
 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
 Make me to hear joy and gladness;

that the bones which thou

hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.
 Create in me a clean heart, O God;

 and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;

and sinners shall be converted unto thee.


BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THEE

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo by Kay Rowe

 



SOME TRUST IN CHARIOTS





Psalm 20:1-7

The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble;

the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Send thee help from the sanctuary,

and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Remember all thy offerings,

and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
Grant thee according to thine own heart,

and fulfil all thy counsel.
We will rejoice in thy salvation,

and in the name of our God we

will set up our banners: the LORD
Now know I that the LORD

saveth his anointed;

he will hear him from his holy

heaven with the  Some trust in chariots,

and some in horses: but we will remember

the name of the LORD our God.


FILLED WITH KNOWLEDGE

 

 

 

 We give thanks to God and the Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus,

and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,

whereof ye heard before in the word

of the truth of the gospel;
Which is come unto you,

as it is in all the world;

and bringeth forth fruit,

as it doth also in you, since

the day ye heard of it,

and knew the grace of God in truth:
As ye also learned of Epaphras

our dear fellowservant,

who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Who also declared unto

us your love in the Spirit.
For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience and

longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us into the

kingdom of his dear Son:
 In whom we have redemption through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:
 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:
 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,

and that are in earth, visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones, or dominions,

or principalities, or powers: all things

were created by him, and for him:
 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.


FIRST STEP

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo by Kay Rowe

 

 

Joshua 3:1-15

 Yet there shall be a space between you and it,

about two thousand cubits by measure:

come not near unto it, that ye may know

the way by which ye must go:

for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
And Joshua said unto the people,

Sanctify yourselves:

for to morrow the LORD will

do wonders among you.
And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying,

Take up the ark of the covenant,

and pass over before the people.

And they took up the ark of the covenant,

and went before the people.
And the LORD said unto Joshua,

This day will I begin to magnify thee

in the sight of all Israel,

that they may know that,

as I was with Moses,

so I will be with thee.
And thou shalt command the priests

that bear the ark of the covenant, saying,

When ye are come to the brink

of the water of Jordan,

ye shall stand still in Jordan.
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel,

Come hither, and hear the words

of the LORD your God.
And Joshua said,
Hereby ye shall know that the
living God is among you,
and that he will without fail drive
out from before you the Canaanites,
and the Hittites, and the Hivites,
and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites,
and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
 Behold, the ark of the covenant
of the Lord of all the earth
passeth over before you into Jordan.
 Now therefore take you twelve men
out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
And it shall come to pass,
as soon as the soles of the feet
of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD,
the Lord of all the earth,
shall rest in the waters of Jordan,
that the waters of Jordan shall be cut
off from the waters that come down from above;
and they shall stand upon an heap.
And it came to pass,
when the people removed from their tents,
 to pass over Jordan,
and the priests bearing the ark
of the covenant before the people;
And as they that bare the ark were
come unto Jordan,
and the feet of the priests that bare the ark
were dipped in the brim of the water,
(for Jordan overfloweth
all his banks all the time of harvest,)


TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Lisa Villarreal

 

PROVERBS 3:1-8

 

My son, forget not my law;

but let thine heart

keep my commandments:
For length of days,

and long life, and peace,

shall they add to thee.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:

bind them about thy neck;

write them upon the table of thine heart:
So shalt thou find favour and

good understanding in the

sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.

 

 

 

 

 



THE CLIFT OF THE ROCK

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Lisa Villarreal

 

 

 

Exodus 33:21-23

 And he said, Thou canst not see my face:

for there shall no man see me, and live.
And the LORD said,

Behold, there is a place by me,

and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
And it shall come to pass,

while my glory passeth by,

that I will put thee in a clift of the rock,

and will cover thee with

my hand while I pass by:
And I will take away mine hand,

and thou shalt see my back parts:

but my face shall not be seen.



 



JOY

 

ROMANS 15:1-9 

We then that are strong ought to
bear the infirmities of the weak,
and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his
neighbour for his good to edification.
 For even Christ pleased not himself;
but, as it is written,
The reproaches of them that
reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort
of the scriptures might have hope.
Now the God of patience and consolation
grant you to be likeminded one toward
another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and
one mouth glorify God,
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive ye one another,
as Christ also received us
to the glory of God.
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a
minister of the circumcision
for the truth of God, to confirm
the promises made unto the fathers:
And that the Gentiles might
glorify God for his mercy;
as it is written,
For this cause I will confess
to thee among the Gentiles,
and sing unto thy name.





 

IT'S HERE AND CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON!

 

Digging a Well by Sherry Long

 

Amazon can be accessed by clicking the Photo of the book. 

 

Order your copy today!

 

About the Book

How to find an aquifer in a dry and barren land. Sherry Long was given the greatest heritage anyone could be given. Her grandmother prayed for her family constantly and continually poured the Living Water over their lives. Sherry has determined to keep passing the baton of faith down from generation to generation. Just as everybody requires water to survive, every soul requires the Living Water, flowing from Christ, to thrive. In this book, Sherry masterfully shows us that we’re naturally drawn to wells to quench our thirst. The choice is ours whether to drink from wells of bitterness, destruction or salvation. We often don’t realize that the wells we dig or drink from will affect the rest of our lives and others who drink after us.

 

About the Author

Sherry Long was born into the minister's family of Bill and Jewel V. Creekmore. Pastor's wife for 32 years. This is Sherry's first book, "Digging a Well." She writes a blog, diggingawell.blogspot.com which is read daily by many. Wife of Steve Long and mother of Joshua, Lisa and Matthew Long. Grandmother of Emma and Noah Long.

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HOW EXCELLENT IS THY NAME

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Jana Long




I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD

 

 

 

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart;

I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee:

I will sing praise to thy name,

O thou most High.
When mine enemies are turned back,

they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause;

thou satest in the throne judging right.
Thou hast rebuked the heathen,

thou hast destroyed the wicked,

thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
O thou enemy,

 destructions are come to a perpetual end:

and thou hast destroyed cities;

their memorial is perished with them.
But the LORD shall endure for ever:

he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
And he shall judge the world in righteousness,

he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:

for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:

declare among the people his doings.

 

Psalm 92:1-11


DIGGING A WELL - BOOK FOR SALE ONLINE

 

 

 

Link to order "Digging a Well"

https://www.createspace.com/4084196

This book will be on Amazon in seven days.

 

Thanks to all my friends and family members that have

spent the last two years praying over this book. 

I could have never gotten to the point of publishing, "Digging a Well,"

without the help of each of you and the touch of the Almighty God.   

 

 

 

THE DRY LANDS BECOME SPRINGS OF WATER

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

THOU ART CLOTHED WITH HONOR AND MAJESTY

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe






FEAR NOT

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

THE LORD MY ROCK, AND FORTRESS

 

PSALM 18: 2-3

 

 The LORD is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God, my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn of my salvation,

and my high tower.
I will call upon the LORD,

who is worthy to be praised:

so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

 

 

 

 



THE WORD OF OUR GOD STANDS FOREVER

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"



MARY BEHELD THE CREATOR'S HANDS

 

 

LUKE 2: 4-7

And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth,

into Judaea, unto the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem;

(because he was of the house

and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,

being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there,

the days were accomplished

that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,

and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room

for them in the inn.


FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe








THE LORD IS GOOD TO ALL

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

 

 

 

 



MEMORIES OF YOUR PRESENCE

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

 

In Memory of my grandmother Janie Lee Poss. 

 

This tree and the hill that stands behind MawMaw's house brings back some of the fondest memories of my childhood.  This tree stands in front of her house and has more memories under it than you can imagine.  Memories of new babies being born.  Memories of churning butter, snapping black eyes peas and cracking pecans.  Some of the greatest family reunions were held under this tree.  There were many evenings spent with cousins catching fire flies and putting them into jars.  Many hugs were given and many fights were started under it.  This old tree was the place for many games of tag, hide and seek and cousins saying, "ain't going to MawMaw's no more, only to run off and be back to play in ten minutes.

 

Most of all,

This was MawMaw's old tree,

A memory of her past.







TRIUMPHING THE GLORY OF THE LORD

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

 

 

 

 



CROSSROADS OF LIFE

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

WHEN WATERS ARE STILLED TRUE DEPTHS ARE REVEALED

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

AS DARKNESS COVERS OUR LAND

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Jana Long

UNAWARE OF GOD'S PRESENCE

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Jana Long

 

 

 

 



HIDDEN TREASURES IN NATURE

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

 

 

 

 



RICHES AND BEAUTY OF GOD'S LOVE

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging  a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe





LAVISHED WITH NEW INSIGHTS

 

II TIMOTHY 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect,

throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo above was provided by Kay Rowe


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



GOD'S ARMS OF PROTECTION

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe





CANVAS OF THE UNIVERSE

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe




 

A GOOD HERITAGE IS LIKE A BANK IN THE DESERT

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Phote porvided by Kay Rowe





CLEANSING MY IMPERFECTIONS

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

 

 

 

 

 



AS THE FLOWER WITHERS

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Kay Rowe





ECHOES OF THE STREAM

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Balinda Zimmerman.





PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES IN CONNECTICUT

 

 

 

Today our heart is grieving with the families
of the children and family members in connecticut. 
"Digging a Well" book is being published at the prestent time. 

I feel it important to take a portion from
the book and share it with you today. 

The portion below is a portion of Chapter six,

"What Stops Your Well?"

  *********************************************************************************

What causes your well to stop flowing? Earthquakes can.  What earthquakes have you experienced lately that have changed or stopped the flow of your well?

We see how that cutting the water source can be part of destroying a city.  This is true in our lives.  We are in contant need of the Living Water.   Too many times we are not willing to drink from the Word of God.  Therefore, our lives are like the well that when the water stops, we become stagnant.

Have you experienced failure or pain in your life?  If you are alive and old enough to read this blog, then your answer is probably yes. Failure and pain is a part of each of our lives. It’s the part of our lives that we don’t enjoy but it’s also a part of our lives that makes us stronger.

After a few years of being out of the well of despair and on my way to recovery, I was able to sit down and write a song called, “The Path.” I had experienced things in my life that I didn't think I could live through.  I felt my pain and grief was too great for me to handle. 

I didn’t write it while I was in the well of despair or even six months later.  It took years before I was able to write songs of what I experienced.

You may never write a song, paint a picture, or write a book that represents the depth of your pain.  Whatever the Lord leads you to do, do it with all your might. 

 

THE PATH

When you are afraid and feel so alone

I will be your Comforter.

When I walked upon the earth

I saw just how it felt to be left all alone.

Kneeling in the garden there

I was left alone to deal with all the pain,

Knowing I was born to die

There upon the cross in just a few short days.

So I turned to God and He gave me peace.
 

I lifted up my eyes.

I turned my face to God.

He lifted me up
and gave me strength to trod

That path.

 

 

When you are lost, cannot find your way,

I will be your Counselor.

When you walk upon the earth,

Know within your heart

You will not be left alone.

Kneeling in your sorrow there,

You are not alone to deal with all the pain.

Know that I was born to die

There upon the cross to suffer in your place.

So turn to God; He will give you peace

 

So lift up your eyes

And turn your face to God.

He will lift you up

And give you strength to trod.

So lift up your eyes

And turn your face to God.

He will lift you up

And give you strength to trod

Your path.

(Written by Sherry Long)
 

 The Lord is the only one who can know your sorrow, understand your pain, and touch your soul.  Allow him to walk with you and carry you through this  massive earthquakes in your life.

JESUS IS THE ROCK OF MY SALVATION

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well"

Picture provided by Tim Creekmore






THE RAINBOW OF GOD'S LOVE

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Tim Creekmore



THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALING HIMSELF

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo provided by Tim Creekmore






SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS

 

 

Created by Sherry Long

"Digging a Well Ministries"

Photo's provided by Jana Long


 



THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD

 

 

 

The heavens declare the glory of God

The sky is filled with your love

You touched the sky with your great brush

Showing a glimpse of heaven above

The sun reflecting off the clouds

Can take our breath away

As we reflect Your glorious Son

May our lives portray the same

 (Written by Sherry Long)

This photo was taken on December 11, 2012

in Dallas Texas by my niece, Jana Long.

I must say this verse truly explains the photograph taken.

 

 

 



LESSON FROM THE MONKEY - LET IT GO!

 

Are you the type person that just can't let things go? It can be anything from clothes, shoes, household items and paperwork that's not needed.

You may also be a person who can't let go of bad things. Many times we have unforgiving hearts towards someone. We wait until they say something wrong and then we unload the whole sack of unforgiveness over the top their heads.

The monkey is a perfect example of how holding onto things can be detrimental. Did you know in some Asian counties, if you cut a small hole and put a nut in a clay pot or inside a coconut, you can catch a monkey? The monkey will come along and reach his hand into the jar and will never let the nut go. He clinches his fist as tight as he can. The only way to set the monkey free is to break the pot or coconut open.

In some Asian countries they catch monkeys this way. In our society Satan traps Christians this way. We latch onto things that will totally destroy us. We tighten our grip around it and clinch our fist. No matter who tells us to let go or shows us how to let go, we are not going to. The item is ours and there isn't anyone or anything that is going to keep us from having it.

How tight are you holding onto the things that can be detrimental to you?

Jesus wants us to experience freedom. You will not truly experience freedom until you let go.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,(Hebrews 12:1)

 

 

VIEWING THE FUTURE BY OBSERVING THE PAST

 

Many times I wonder how it would have been to live in the bible days with all the prophecy's being fulfilled. Each of the women was waiting with great anticipation to see if they might be the chosen one, the one that would be the mother of the Messiah. Can you imagine being Mary, and hearing the news the angel delivered?

The only way Mary knew what to expect was by viewing the past. She must have started trying to learn all she could about the prophecy of the Messiah. She knew the Savior was to be born of a virgin, he would be born in Bethlehem, and he would save her people from their sins. She must have pondered on how this all was going to take place.

They didn't have the scripture lying on the coffee table, or data found on an I-Phone so she could research and see what was going to take place. Everything she learned was by going to the temple and listening intently to what was being taught.

Today we are not waiting to find out who will give birth to the Messiah but there are many things in the scripture that tell us of things that are coming in the future.

We are waiting for Christ to return for his bride, for the King of Kings to set up his kingdom on this earth. The best way for us to understand what is in the future is for us to observe the past, just as Mary and Joseph did.

The Lord sent prophets to leave tips and hints of events so we also will wait anxiously for his return. Are you waiting as Mary and the women of the bible did?

God may desire to use you in a mighty way during these days we are in, just as he used Mary to be the mother of Jesus. There are many prophecies' left in the bible to be fulfilled. Where do you fit into his great plan? 

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.  

(Hebrews 1:1-6)

 

 

WHAT TIME IS IT?

There is a clock on my wall that tells the time. I look at this gadget daily so I will know when it's time to start lunch for my husband, when it's time to get dressed and go to the store, and when it's time to go to special events.

The Lord has set a time clock on the universe. This isn't an easy subject for many people because we don't want to think about end times and times of great sorrow. But the fact is true. We will not all live to be one hundred, we will not be the perfect example of health. One thing is for certain, we will all face hard times at one point and time in our lives.

As I began writing the book, "Digging a Well," I knew God's timing of the book was perfect. I had written three words in my bible in 2001. On the very front of my bible the words appear, "Digging a Well." I pondered for five years why the Lord led me to write those words there. I had no idea why or where it would lead until 2010 at which time the Lord showed me this would be the title of a book.

It has taken two years to compile this book and many times during the process I questioned the Lord about the timing of the book. When would it be published?  Why would it be published?  How would it be published?

During the greatest crisis of our nation, the Lord allowed me to be part of His time clock. As the seconds ticked by, then the minutes, as the hours passed and then the days, the Lord has given me the opportunity to write about things that will hopefully carry many people through times of despair as we face the upcoming fiscal cliff.

This very thing is a reminder to me that God is watching over His children. There is nothing slipping by Him. He is going to take care of our needs, if we only trust Him.

What are you doing with the seconds, minutes, hours and days that the Lord has given you? I've wasted far to many in the past. May the Lord guide our every second and show us what we need to do to help others that may be struggling. May we point them to Jesus Christ the Sustainer, Deliverer, Healer, and Restorer of life.

My friend, I am living proof that he can take a broken heart and broken life and put it back together. He has made my life more perfect through my brokenness than what I was before.

ECCLESIASTES: 3:1-8

To every thing there is a season,

and a time to every purpose
under the heaven:
A time to be born,

and a time to die;

a time to plant,

and a time to pluck up
that which is planted;
A time to kill,

and a time to heal;

a time to break down,

and a time to build up;
A time to weep,

and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn,

and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,

and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace,

and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get,

and a time to lose;

a time to keep,

and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence,

and a time to speak;
A time to love,

and a time to hate;

a time of war,

and a time of peace.

WHAT DO YOUR SAILS LOOK LIKE?

Have you ever noticed the sails on a ship? The ship's hull doesn't have a lot of beauty but when the winds pick up and the sails are lifted, the ship takes on a look of majesty. It shows a symbol of strength as the winds become intensified.

   What would happen if the fisherman didn't take time to purchase the sails for his ship? What if when they were torn and destroyed he went out to sea without repairing them, or if he left the anchor lying on the dock thinking it was useless?

   The winds would come and the ship would have no protection and guidance. There would be no way to anchor down without the proper equipment. The ship would be tossed around furiously and become broken apart by the fierce winds.

   Before you set out on the course of life be sure and check your sails. Make sure none of them need repaired. You may be like many who don't even have sails for their ships. Before entering the sea's of life take the time and gather the appropriate sails you need in order to face the winds. Take the anchor with you instead of leaving it behind.

   Listed below are a few wonderful sails. You can find each of them in the word of God. Take the time to gather what you need for the trip you will be facing. As you are preparing your ship be sure to invite the Lord to come along, for his is the "Master of the Wind" and the "Anchor of your Soul."

Ø  Hope - Lamentations 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Ø  Peace - Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful

Ø  Trust - Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Ø  Patience - II Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Ø  Assurance - John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ø  Endurance - Revelation 3:10-11 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Ø  Faith - Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

   It's during these winds that we show the Lord is in control of our ship. These are the times the world sees what we are really made of.

   As the winds start to blow and we lift those sails it shows the majesty of Jesus Christ living in and through you. As the storms become intense it will be the anchor that keeps your ship from being destroyed.

ABC'S OF CHRISTMAS

 

A
A IS FOR ABIDE

Thank you for sending your precious son to live among us. 

Thank you that when you ascended into heaven

 that you sent your Holy Spirit to abide with us.

 

PSALMS 91:1

He that dwelleth in the secret place

of the most High

shall abide under the shadow

 of the Almighty.

B

B IS FOR BABY

He was born as a baby in Bethlehem town
In conditions so lowly it would cause us to frown,
This baby Jesus, the King of all Kings
On the day of his birth the angels did sing.

LUKE 2: 13-14

And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,

 and saying, Glory to God in the highest,

 and on earth peace, good will toward men.

C

C IS FOR CLOTH

A manger, sheep and cattle around
A baby in swaddling clothes he was found,
No spot or blemish to be seen in this lamb
The infant Redeemer, The Savior, I AM.

 

LUKE 2: 9-14
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:
and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them,
Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,
lying in a manger.
 And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

D

D IS FOR DELIVERER

In Zechariah chapter nine and verse nine
The prophet foretold of the one so divine.
Born of a virgin to live among men
The Deliverer would come to save us from sin.

ZECHARIAH 9:9
Rejoice greatly,
O daughter of Zion;
shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
behold, thy King cometh unto thee:
he is just, and having salvation; lowly,
and riding upon an ass,
and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

 

ROMANS 11:26
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written,
There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer,
and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

 E

E IS FOR ETERNAL

The Eternal God, The Everlasting Father, 
The Prince of Peace is He.
 This small child had come to earth
to be the Savior of you and me.

ISAIAH 54: 5

For thy Maker is thine husband;
the LORD of hosts is his name;
and thy Redeemer
the Holy One of Israel;
The God of the whole
earth shall he be called.

F

F IS FOR FAITHFUL

 

He is Faithful, True and Holy
He is the one and only.
From out of the seed of Abraham
Was born the Pure and Holy Lamb.

GENESIS 22:15-18

And the angel of the LORD called unto

Abraham out of heaven the second time,
And said, By myself have I sworn,

saith the LORD,

for because thou hast done this thing,

and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
That in blessing I will bless thee,

and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed

as the stars of the heaven,

and as the sand which is upon the sea shore;

and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

 
G

G IS FOR GIFTS

The wise men brought the gifts to Christ
Three of the oils of greatest price.
A symbol of His life, a symbol of His death
 Would Mary just ponder this under her breath?

MATTHEW 2:10
When they saw the star,
they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house,
 they saw the young child with Mary his mother,
 and fell down, and worshipped him:
and when they had opened their treasures,
they presented unto him gifts;
 gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

H
H IS FOR HEROD

 Herod was king in the days of Christ’s birth
The King of all Kings was threatening his turf.
We must go, we must find and worship this child
But the deception in his heart was running so wild. 
 

MATTHEW 2:11-12

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying,
Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt,
and be thou there until I bring thee word:
for Herod will seek the young
child to destroy him.

I 
I IS FOR INCARNATE

Sent from Heaven to show his love
God incarnate from above
Fully God and fully man
Came to fulfil his eternal plan

LUKE 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb,
and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great,
and shall be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him
the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the
house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel,
How shall this be,
seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her,
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,
and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:
therefore also that holy thing
which shall be born of thee
shall be called the Son of God.

J 
J IS FOR JOY

The moment of his birth the angels burst with joy
They couldn't wait a moment, this news they must employ
He is come, He has come, born into this world
For unto you is born this day the Savior, Christ the Lord

LUKE 2:11 
For unto you is born this day
 in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.

K
K IS FOR KING

Jesus was born King of the Jews
  The word was spread "Good News, Good News"
"A child is born and he will be King"
But the reason he came, a world to redeem.

MATTHEW 2:2 
Saying, Where is he that is born
King of the Jews?
for we have seen his
star in the east,
and are come to worship him.
.
L
L IS FOR LINEAGE

Born of David's lineage, Jesus came forth
The royal line was now set on course
The genealogy was in line with the throne
Our royal priest had come to atone

MATTHEW 1:1
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.

MATTHEW 1:7-18

So all the generations from
Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying away
into Babylon are fourteen generations;
and from the carrying away into Babylon
 unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:
When as his mother Mary
was espoused to Joseph,
before they came together,
she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

M
M IS FOR MOON 
 
Christ the one, hung the moon in it's place
Tonight he was born to the human race.
Mary looked down, fingers tiny, so small
How could my baby be the Savior of all?

LUKE 1:35
And the angel answered and said unto her,
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,
and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:
 therefore also that holy thing which shall be
 born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 N
N IS FOR NEWS

As the shepherds were watching, the sheep lying down.
Good News, Good News was spread all around.
The angels proclaimed it; the birth of the King.
Let's go to Bethlehem and see this great thing.

LUKE 2:13-16
And suddenly there was with the angel
 a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
 and on earth peace, good will toward men.
 And it came to pass, as the angels
were gone away from them into heaven,
the shepherds said one to another,
Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste,
and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger.

 O
O IS FOR OBEDIENCE

He was obedient in all that was said and done.
He was Mary's child, but God's only Son.
With his voice the universe was put into place.
And obediently he came to the human race.

HEBREWS 10:7
Then said I, Lo, I come
(in the volume of the book
 it is written of me,)
 to do thy will, O God.

 P
P IS FOR PROMISE

The promise King of Israel,
The Lord of righteousness,
He will be called, "Emmanuel,"
And reign in Holiness.

ISAIAH 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;
Behold, a virgin shall conceive,
and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.


Q
Q IS FOR QUESTION

 The question asked in the days of old,
"Will I give birth to this King foretold?"
The prophets said that he would come,
Will I get to be the chosen one?

ISAIAH 7:14
 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;
Behold, a virgin shall conceive,
and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.


R
R IS FOR REJOICES

Mary knew the child was a boy.
John the Baptist leaped for joy.
Rejoicing in the children that was to come,
They praised the Lord for what he had done.

LUKE 1:41-47
And it came to pass, that,
when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
 the babe leaped in her womb;
and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice,
and said, Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me,
that the mother of my Lord
should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice
of thy salutation sounded in mine ears,
the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And blessed is she that believed:
for there shall be a performance of those things
which were told her from the Lord.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

S
S IS FOR SALUTATION

Mary astonished, but the moment savored,
What manner of salutation can this be?
Hail thou, that art highly favored,
The Lord will dwell with thee.

LUKE 1:28-31
And the angel came in unto her, and said,
Hail, thou that art highly favoured,
the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women.
 And when she saw him,
she was troubled at his saying,
and cast in her mind what manner
of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her,
Fear not, Mary: for thou hast
found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb,
and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

T
T IS FOR TRAVELED

Joseph and Mary traveled a very long ways,
Following the decree Caesar pronounced.
"Return to your homeland without delay
For a census, the people to count.

LUKE 2:
And it came to pass in those days,
that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus,
that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when
Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed,
every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee,
out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem;
(because he was of the house
and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,
being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there,
the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son,
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room
for them in the inn.

U
U IS FOR UNAWARE

In Judah among the hills was found,
Bethlehem Ephrathah an unaware little town
Emmanuel was born on this holy ground,
The ruler of Israel he has come down.

MICAH 5:2
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,
though thou be little among
the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth
unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;
whose goings forth have been
from of old, from everlasting


V
V IS FOR VISABLE

The star was visible up in the sky,
It was seen by the wisemen afar.
Find him and bring me the news Herod cried,
"I will come join you where you are."

MATTHEW 2: 7-9 & 13
Then Herod, when he had
privily called the wise men,
enquired of them diligently
what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said,
Go and search diligently for the young child;
and when ye have found him,
bring me word again,
that I may come and worship him also. 

Vs 13
And when they were departed,
behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth
to Joseph in a dream, saying,
Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt,
 and be thou there until I bring thee word:
for Herod will seek the
young child to destroy him.

W
W IS FOR WISDOM

Jesus increased with wisdom and stature
And in favor with God and man.
Proclaimed to be the only Mediator,
Redemption through Christ, God's plan.

LUKE 2:52
And he went down with them,
and came to Nazareth,
and was subject unto them:
but his mother kept all these
sayings in her heart.
And Jesus increased in
wisdom and stature,
and in favour with God and man.

X
X IS FOR EXTREMELY

The trip to Bethlehem was eXtremely hard,
As they traveled the rugged land.
With willing hearts, this couple giving their part,
To fulfil the Father's plan.

LUKE 2:3-6
And all went to be taxed,
every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee,
out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;
(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,
being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there,
the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

Y
Y IS FOR YEARNING

Simeon was yearning for the Messiah's proclamation,
He would not see death until it was revealed.
His eyes now fixed upon the Lord's salvation;
The light to the Gentiles, and the glory Israel.

LUKE 2:25-35
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,
whose name was Simeon;
and the same man was just and devout,
waiting for the consolation of Israel:
and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto
him by the Holy Ghost,
that he should not see death,
before he had seen the Lord's Christ
And he came by the Spirit into the temple:
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,
to do for him after the custom of the law,
 Then took he him up in his arms,
and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy
servant depart in peace,
according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared
before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles,
and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled
at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them,
and said unto Mary his mother,
Behold, this child is set for the fall
and rising again of many in Israel;
and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,)
that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Z
Z IS FOR ZEAL

A Son is given, a child is born,
The increase of his reign and peace; no end.
The zeal of the Lord of host will perform,
The Wonderful Counselor, our God will send.

ISAIAH 9:7
 Of the increase of his government
and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David,
and upon his kingdom, to order it,
and to establish it with judgment
and with justice from henceforth
even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts
will perform this.

(Poem written by Sherry Long)


MERRY CHRISTMAS