Dear Partners and Prayer Warriors,

Those of you who know me know that I am not someone who is not much about the putting on of make-up and that I wear it more for others than for myself. However one morning, as I was putting my makeup on, I noticed I was at the end of my eye serum and it frustrated me because I would have to pay $15 to get another tube. I heard the Holy Spirit say: “What if, instead of buying makeup, you took the same $15 and it filled your gas tank full? Would the value of that $15 have more worth to you than the tube of eye serum?”  He went on to say: What if that same 15 dollars was used to buy a new Bible that would feed your spirit and soul daily; how much more worth would your $15 bring then?” As I was listening to what the Holy Spirit was telling me, He turned my attention toward Jesus.

 Jesus, who was King at birth, grew to be carpenter/ teacher with an extraordinary ministry for 3 ½ years and then became a Man with a mission to save world and to live in our hearts by His Spirit. Completely God and yet completely man.  Tell me, which of these 3 descriptions of Jesus hold more value to you? Same Jesus but where in is His life has the most value or worth to you? On December 25^th we celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Anointed. He is Emmanuel – God with us.  Regardless of our individual perspectives of how we each view or celebrate Jesus’ birthday, His value and worth are the same. He is God: The King of kings, Lord of lords and the Prince of Peace, Our Logos (The Word). 

Matthew 9:13 says: (Jesus is speaking) “Then He added, ‘Now you should go and study the meaning of the verse: I want you to show mercy, not just offer me a sacrifice.’”

As Jesus was talking to his disciples, he understood the fact that they had lived under the Law for millennium and knew that sacrifice was the only atonement for sin and therefore ingrained in their thinking.  His point was that the sacrifice was about to be completed for all who believed in Him and that showing and giving mercy was a new concept to the disciples. The rest of this verse says: “For I have come to invite the outcasts of society and sinners, not those who think they are already on the right path.”  (TPT) Rather than living under judgement, freely given mercy was the ultimate sacrifice He made for us.  All we must do is receive!

 In the preparation of Christmas Day with the hustle and bustle of shopping and getting together with family and old friends, we want to remember that we “get” to give mercy and not just a sacrifice of our time. We are choosing mercy over sacrifice! We “get” to enjoy ourselves right where we are, seated with Him in heavenly places, and on earth –good will toward men.

 Grateful, Thankful and Appreciative are the three words that come to mind as we are reminded that the Creator humbled Himself to become one of His very own and left a beautiful example of who we are to become in Him. We are excited He chooses to reside within us and to spend time with us!  So as we all prepare for Christmas Day, please remember the WHY and the WHO of the celebration. Remember the Guest of Honor, who is always with us and never leaves or forsakes us; the One who is also described as “perfect love.”

Doug and I love and pray for each of you! We are excited as we trust in the Savior for your behalf and hope this letter finds you in the deepest recesses of the Father’s Love. Thank you for doing this with us! We are grateful for you!

This is just a reminder that we will be sending out our year-end giving statements in the January newsletter, so be sure to check the envelope.  As you prayerfully consider your year end ministry support, we want to thank you now for considering Loving People Enough Ministries.  Your prayers and financial blessing help us to continue to provide the best counseling and relief services we can.  As you consider your giving, whatever ministry you give to, God will bless you to abundant overflowing. 

Our constant prayer is that during this time of uncertainty, and threat of sickness, God says “Fear Not!  For I AM holds you firm and will never leave nor forsake you!”

LPE Ministries is a 501(c) 3 Charitable Organization.  All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.