To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Merry Christmas...okay, not yet, but it is coming fast!
This week there was a day, that will live in infamy, that we remembered on December 7. 1941 found Hawaii relaxing and getting ready for Christmas. There were some on holidays, some relaxing, but none knew what was about to happen. There had been some warning signs, some radar oddities, even some direct warnings through war games in 1932 and 1936. They knew they were vulnerable, they knew that there might be attacks, they had some faint warnings that the attacks were coming, and yet they were caught unaware. Ninety minutes after it began, the attack was over. Two thousand and eight sailors were killed, and 710 others wounded; 218 soldiers and airmen (who were part of the Army until the independent U.S. Airforce was formed in 1947) were killed and 364 wounded; 109 marines were killed and 69 wounded; and 68 civilians were killed and 35 wounded. In total, 2,335 American servicemen were killed and 1,143 were wounded. Eighteen ships were sunk or run aground, including five battleships. The damage was horrific!
Much work has been done on the impact of Pearl Harbour, and all that went on there, and much more could be written here, but my purpose is to remind us, as we remember what has gone before that we are in a spiritual battle and the enemy would love to surprise us with a sneak attack that steals our focus from Jesus and leaves us bitter, filled with sin and broken and living in horrific damage. How can we be prepared? Put on the armour of God! Be aware of the devils schemes, and perhaps most importantly submit yourself completely to God. The key for our victory will be found in our being Spirit filled, Word saturated, and Jesus centred. We should choose this now, and when the inevitable attacks come...we will stand firm, let nothing move us, and always give ourselves fully to the work of the LORD. Take a 100 clear looks at Jesus every day, and you will be prepared for all that comes your way!
BE READY!
This week there was a day of great joy remembered as well, on December 11, 1995, Ryan Godard was born, and has brought incredible joy to his parents! Happy 23! We were so excited when you came, and our excitement as turned into pride and joy., You are a blessing our precious boy!
There is much that we are praying about during the Christmas season. Sunday we have our special kids program, and that is exciting. The VSO Cloverdale Christmas is just around the corner, if you don't have your tickets, get them soon, and we continue to focus on Jesus during our services. Pray for those you will be around that don't yet know Jesus, and choose to share with all who will listen, the REASON FOR THE SEASON with tenderness and love.
BE READY!
One of the great privileges we have as a church is to impact others around the world through our missions program. We helped sponsor a Bible conference for pastors from a closed country and the impact will reverberate for eternity. Thanks for choosing to help us to accomplish these things in prayer and with the giving of your resources. Please continue to pray for our missionaries, and especially pray for the persecuted church!
Sunday Is Coming
Prayerfully prepare your heart for God to speak to you, and to use you to bless those around you!
Title: I Am The Light Of the World
Text: John 8:12
- Why is Jesus declaration of, I AM so profound that the people who heard it wanted to kill Him?
- What did Jesus mean when He said, I AM the light of the world?
- Why does this matter in your life?
- How can your trust in Jesus grow as you grow in your grasp of who He revealed Himself to be?
- How can you help others to trust Jesus as the GREAT I AM this Christmas?
A Fellow Trophy of Grace, seeking to reflect His great light,
Pastor Rob