Romans 9:1-3 “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,” NKJV

Life Lesson: Followers of Jesus should care and be willing to sacrifice for those that do not know Jesus as their Savior.

The Apostle Paul’s legacy endures as a challenge for us to re-think our obligation toward others. He was willing to make a sacrifice of his own life so that others could know Jesus. Are you willing? Whether we want to admit it or not, Christians place conditions on compliance. We draw lines of feasibility. I will do this or that as long as it falls within certain parameters. What conditions did Jesus place on His love and His willingness to sacrifice?

Here’s a common situation … the homeless man asking for a little cash … how do you react? “If I give that homeless man a few dollars, he will go and buy alcohol. I don’t want to be an ‘enabler.’” Yeah, maybe he will buy alcohol, but what if you share Jesus and pray for him? Jesus died for that man just as he died for you. God took the action for you to claim the opportunity. Friend, be an enabler … enable others with the choice – Jesus … yes or no?

What about sharing with that long time friend, family member or passing acquaintance? How will they react? If your friend or family member were drowning would you be considering their reaction before throwing a life line to them? Of course not! I say let’s hang up the excuses and get beyond “comfortable.” There is no inappropriate time to share Jesus.

At Calvary Chapel of the Triad, we believe in hands on, bridge building, life enabling evangelism. My desire is to see the world changed for Jesus. When you make a contribution at reachthetriad.com or at crossthebridge.com you are investing in the kingdom of God, and that, friend, is the best investment you can ever make.

Dear Father,

Thank You for saving me. Please soften my heart towards others and give me a deep caring for them. Open up opportunities for me to share and help me to be faithful to do so. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
reachthetriad.com
336.996.6880

Genesis 49:10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” NKJV

After the death of King Herod in 7 A.D., the Romans placed a governing authority over Israel.  The Israelites were no longer self governed … the scepter had departed.  Rabbis rent their raiment, dressed in sack cloth and ashes and wandered Jerusalem in mourning. They actually thought the Word of God had failed. They missed it. Just a few years earlier, Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise for a Messiah, had been born in Bethlehem.

Two thousand years later, we buzz about our hectic holiday.  From store to store, we flex our fervor to a chorus of “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings.”  No matter how much we manage, the thirst for more never gets quenched.  Perhaps, like the Rabbis, we have overlooked something.

Matthew 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” NKJV

What does Christmas really mean to you? What is it to you … family and friends, tree and trimmings, turkey and dressing?  A Christmas that is about those things is just festivity.  I hope Christmas is much more than that for you.  Gifts are great and time with family is precious, but Christmas is about Jesus who came not in robes or royalty, but in humility, so that we can approach Him where we are.   In the shadow of the manger, stands the cross of Calvary; the baby Jesus – born to die for our sins so that we can have abundant life. My friends, I hope that this Christmas you receive many blessings.  More than that, I pray you will not miss the real meaning.

Dear Father:
Thank You for the gift You have freely given to me through Your Son Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to earth. I not only celebrate His birth in the manger, but also the reason for His coming — His victory over sin and death. Thank You for providing eternal life for me — His free gift of salvation. Although gifts and time with family are great, may nothing ever overshadow You in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
reachthetriad.com
336.996.6880

Romans 8:36-37 “As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” NKJV

Life Lesson: Bumps are what you climb on.

As the Pastor of a large congregation, I often speak with and pray for those who are in the midst of monumental life changing challenges. It might be unemployment, eviction, addiction, separation, divorce or even death. Whatever it is, for those going through it, it seems to be a Mount Everest of a challenge. One thing I’ve noticed is that those who dare to take on mountains often triumph while those who survey the towering heights and presume defeat… buckle. Colossal cliffs teach the deepest lessons – the kind you never forget.

Genesis 22:8 “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” KJV

From the stable to sacrifice, Jesus knew His mountain. Awaiting Him at the top were false accusation, humiliation, torture, pain, suffering and death on a cross. For us, our Savior set His jaw and pressed forward. Jesus made the greatest climb – to Calvary.

Willingly, Jesus took that hill. He knew what was waiting, and He went. It was His joy to do so. He did it to purchase you and change your destiny. Friend, because Jesus made His ascent, you can climb your mountains with victory in hand. The next time you see a mountain looming in the distance, remember, you’re a conqueror. With Jesus, you will take that hill.

Dear Father,
Thank You for loving me. It is through You that I do not have to fear the difficulties of this world and that I have everything I need for the challenges of life. Please forgive me for times when I’ve stalled in the face of trials instead of relying on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
336.996.6880