A New Look!

Well, Ladies, it has been a whole year since I have updated the blog. It has not been that I have not wanted to. Time just always seems to fly by. As I looked at the new updated website at Apex Baptist today, I thought today is the day to just do it. So here I am taking a moment to share a word of encouragement with you.

Do you get overwhelmed when someone asks, "Can you believe it is almost Christmas?" Is it hard for you to find Joy in the midst of all the busyness? And to go along with the busyness, it seems the distractions multiply as tempers flare and peace goes out the window. I found myself in this same boat.

Thank the Lord that our Joy and Peace do not come from this world, "...for the Joy of the Lord is my strength!" (Nehemiah 8: 10b) I just have to take time to be still (Psalm 46:10) and know my Savior whose birthday I am celebrating. Take a few moments to sit and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas.

It is the time that we celebrate the birth of our Savior. He left the glory of heaven and came to this earth. He took on human form knowing He would die on the cross. Such a love is more than I can comprehend. But I love Him because He first loved me. Hallelujah! Joy to the world our Savior has come! "So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father's One and Only Son." (John 1:14)

Don't let Christmas come and go without giving a gift to your Savior. I think the best gift of all is ourself. Jesus Christ came to bring us into right relationship with His Father God. "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your Presence and the pleasures of living with You forever." (Psalm 16:11)

My prayer for each of you today is that you find your Joy in Jesus Christ. "yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my Strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:18-19)

Blessings,
Melody Merritt