Pathways That Lead to Christ

Christmas Season Once Again by Roy Star We are once again in the Christmas Season. Depending on where you are located, the temperature may range from 85 degrees to subzero degrees. We know the North Pole is cold. Santa always wears his red coat, black boots, and red cap to stay warm. Mrs. Claus has the hot chocolate with marshmallows ready for when Santa arrives home from a long hard day building toys with his elves. The factory is in full production during December. There are the letters to answer and reindeer to feed and so much more to do. All for one day and one big sleigh ride. Fortunately, Santa’s magic still works. Santa always stops at Bethlehem each year to see the Baby Jesus laying in the manger. Standing next to Jesus are his Mother and Father, Mary and Joseph. Jesus is the reason for Christmas so Santa says a prayer for all the children of the world.  Before he departs he leaves a little present for Jesus. The Wise Men presented and left with...

Everyone has past experiences that are good and bad. It is the past that sometimes drag us down and make us feel that we may never achieve our dreams and be happy. However, there are things you and I can do that will help us understand the past, learn from it and then put it away. The first step in this process is to reflect on it. To find insight and value from the past, we must first reflect on it. This may seem unnecessary but it must be done so that we understand the past. Then, it is important to study it. The goal of this step is to understand what was happening at the time and what you can learn from it. This step will help you create a mental list of ideas and actions that will help you make better, more informed and wiser decisions in the future. This step is most important because it will give you an insight on the past and why you did what you did. The next step is to replay the past. Go back to the situation or situations like you are reliving the situation; however, wi...

I've been reading Rick Warrens' book, "God's Power to change your life." It is a wonderful book, full of helpful and godly information. As a Christian and person who seeks a closer relationship to God and people, I am getting a lot of helpful information from the book. Like some, I struggle in trying to be a good person; a person who tries to do the will of God. Like can be difficult, stressful and a challenge; I think many can attest to this. However, Rick Warren states in his book that there is simple and easy way to feel better about yourself and your life on this earth. He states that one of the best ways to be a happier and more fulfilled person is to first think positive and Christian thoughts, then feel positive and Christian thoughts and then act in a positive and Christian way. Sounds simple? It is simple and it works! Think about it--what you think is what you will begin to feel and what you feel is how you will act. For example, if I feel stressed...

Everyday, we all make choices; some, however, instead use rejection as their way to treat others. God gives us all a choice—we can choose to follow him or follow our own devices and desires. Rejection is man-made; it is something some of us do now and then. It can harm those to whom we reject and it can also harm us.  Actually, rejecting others can backfire because we are setting ourselves up for rejections too. Keep in mind; the scripture says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” So, whenever you reject a person, simply because you don’t like or agree with him or her, means that you too, somewhere will also be rejected. For awhile I took rejection as personal; however, it should not be taken personal because that person or persons is making a choice—a choice that has nothing to do with you. Instead, he or she is showing you who they are. Their choices stem from the very depth of who they are. So, when you feel that someone is rejecting you, think...

The following is a short article written by Rick Warren. He states that according to the Bible, you and I have direct access to God. What comforting words! We don't have to wait to talk with a relative or close friend when we are hurting; no, we simply go directly to God. As Rick notes, "God says that you are a priest."  We have the same benefits of priests; we have the privilege of going directly to God and we also have the responsibility and privilege of representing God. These two facts are true when you become a believer in Jesus Christ.  Because this is true, we can go directly to God with our problems and we also have the privilege of representing God. This is fantastic news for everyone--especially when we are hurting, in need or just wanting to give praise to God and His Son, Jesus. So, enjoy the article, get closer to God and know that He is with you always--even to the end of the age. And, as the picture says below, ...

Trust, these days, is hard to do. Look at the news. What do you see? I see lies, lies and more lies. Our government in the U.S. is scrambling to survive. We have enemies within and without. The news on TV is unbelievable and most of us don't know who to trust. When trust becomes an issue in your life--no matter if it comes from your loved ones, friends or people you work for, you will be disappointed many times. I have been disappointed numerous times and like many, I feel discouraged and depressed. As in the movie Ghostbusters, the famous line was, "Who are you going to call?" You could also turn this around and say, "Who are you going to trust?" You can put your trust in the stars, your partner, a family member, a business person or someone from a church. But, do you know what? There will be times, I'm sure already, when you were let down. Am I right? You bet! So, do you know who you should put your complete and total trust in? You're already ahe...

Before you read Hazel's Easter Surprise, I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter and to always keep in mind what is so special about Easter; it is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I know most Christians know this but sometimes during the rush of days before Easter, we sometimes lose track of what is truly important, not just at Easter but throughout the year. It is the resurrection of a man named Jesus. Without the resurrection of Jesus, there would be no reason to live, no reason for anything. Jesus is Lord and is the only person who rose from the dead. The only one. So, give praise and glory to God for His Son, Jesus Christ, and live in hope, peace and truth! Blessings, Toni Star Hazel’s Easter Surprise It is eight o’clock in the morning, March the second and Hazel McGreedy is busy planning Easter dinner.   As she jogs down the sidewalk in her new red, white and blue spandex running outfit with matching jogging shoes, she listens to a tape recording she...