"Joy in the Journey" Pastor Greg F. Jackson

Romans 6:23 (NKJV) 
23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
John 1:12 (NKJV) 
12  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Christmas wrapping paper has come a long way.  If I recall correctly, there was a time when it was so thin that you could literally read the name of the gift through the paper.  Anyone been there?  It would tear easily, and when you cut it with scissors, it tore as you cut.  Stores like  Elder Beermans,  J.C.Penneys, (Rikes) had gift wrapping available.  This year it is hard to even get a free box to wrap a gift.
This week as Renee and I wrapped some gifts I was surprised to find out that the back of the paper of a certain brand had a grid on it.  A straight line grid to help you cut more accurately.  Now there is a great idea.  Something to make sure I stay on track.  Do you realize that God has given us a life grid, something to help u…

What this Past Weekend Really Taught Me About"The Heart of Christmas"

Wow what a weekend of worship and ministry!  God came through again for us in a miraculous way as the Choir, Kids Choir, and Drama Team, along with our sound, media, and lighting folks  did an outstanding job for the Lord. Marcia with the music, Adults and Children, and Bev leading the Drama and setting up the lighting (While still singing in the Choir!)  reminded us once again that we have two of the best and should thank God for their tireless effort. Saturday night marked our largest attendance on opening night and we had another full house Sunday morning as we learned there is hope for the lonely, the hurting, and the torn family this Christmas.
What did I learn from this past weekend?  
1. God honors prayer. I know many of you prayed for us, and let me assure you we prayed. A special time of prayer took place Saturday evening in the choir room prior to the presentation as different people stood and an…

Today something unusual  happened.  I was in line at a store today and a man and his wife were checking out and being assisted by the clerk.  Another couple was behind them and the second man said to the first, "That is a nice coat. When and where did you serve.  "The Coat" he referred to was a military jacket with patches on it. You may have seen veterans wear them. As I listened, they both served in Vietnam at the same time, one on the north side and another in the southern part of that war torn region.  It was the next statement that caused me to dictate it immediately into my phone. The first man stepped away from the clerk, outstretched his hand and said, "Welcome Home. Thank you for serving our country." Wow, Welcome Home? As I pondered that touching reunion, it hit me.  Those and some of you who served in Vietnam prayed to just live through it and make it home.   The victory for some was just making it through the war alive and coming home.

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