Thursday, December 31, 2015

Jesus' Birth and the New Year



Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19

This time of year we celebrate Christmas and the coming of the New Year.  Christmas is the celebration of the Incarnation or the birth of the God-man Jesus who was fully human and fully divine.  He was born to live out a completely sinless life – though He was tempted and tried just as we are.  Jesus was born to die in our place.   After His death came His resurrection.  His sacrifice secured a place in heaven for those that would put their trust in Him and in what He did for us on the cross.  Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection also bought for us healing, deliverance, and new beginnings.  This New Year that awaits us can be full of the new blessings that God has in store for us.  We couldn’t have them unless Christ came down to earth.  

God the Father has wonderful things in store for His children.  It is through the power of what Jesus has done for us that we can lay hold of these new and wonderful things.  The Scripture says, “Behold I do a new thing…”

If you have made poor decisions this past year, if you have sinned, our Lord will forgive you and you can start again.  If you confess your sins to Him, He is faithful to forgive you and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). 
If great difficulty marred your year, God will help you to find peace, love, and ultimately victory as you trust and obey Him.

He will give new plans and strategies to those who seek Him.  He will open doors that have been closed for years.  He will pave the way for a bright future for each of you.  He that has begun a good work in you will complete it.  He will finish what He’s started in you and through you (Philippians 1:6).

Come and pray this New Year prayer with me….

Dear Father God, 

Thank you for sending Jesus to be born on this earth, to die for me, and to save me.  Thank you for giving me a new future.  I ask you to forgive me for my sins, and I thank you for your forgiveness.  I declare, I am forgiven, and I am saved.  You have healed me and blessed me.  I choose to live for you every day of my life.  I ask you Lord to give me a vision for the New Year before me.  I ask you to open doors so that I can serve you in the way you desire and so I can receive all your many blessings.  I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

The Same Spirit

The same Spirit that resurrected the Christ

Lives inside me, heals my body, saves my life

Healing power is in His hands

He delivers me, He makes me stand


Rest upon His promise sure

That He will make you strong and pure

Rest upon His promise great

That you are healed in Jesus' name


By Jesus stripes we have been healed

The lashes on His back revealed

This blessing from the Lord is sealed

We are healed! We are healed!


Sometimes His power arrives all at once

Sometimes it's a gradual occurrence

We know that all who believe the Lord

Will receive when we come to heaven's shores


The same Spirit that resurrected the Christ

Lives inside me, heals my body, saves my life

Healing power is in His hands

He delivers me and makes me stand

Let's rest in His hand

Sunday, December 13, 2015

A Man Named Nimrod

Cush was the father of Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on earth. 1 Chronicles 1:10

Who was this man named Nimrod? Was he godly or carnal? Holy or fleshly? In Genesis 10:8 it says that Nimrod was a mighty hunter before the Lord. At first glance, it seems that he was a hunter that had a heart for God. But scholars believe that Nimrod was a bold man who used his skills in defiance before God. His name actually means rebel. Another translation is tyrant. He used his might to build cities and kingdoms. It is probable that he also used his prowess hunt to down and kill men, but he could have used his abilities to protect and help others.

We all have been given gifts and talents. It is up to us to use them to build God's kingdom. Like Nimrod, we have a choice. Let's serve the Lord with our talents instead of rebelling against the one who loves us.

 Determine to use your talents to please the Lord and serve people.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Here We Are

Here are the lyrics to a Christmas song I just wrote.  I hope you like it...

© Copyright 2015 by Tom Toya

Here We Are


Here we are gathered round

Singing songs, make a joyful sound

Under the tree, gifts for friends and family

We wait to open them expectantly


But the greatest gift this Christmas

Is full of grace and richness

Yes the greatest gift this Holiday

Is the love we share today

Is the love we share today


I know God the Father's smilen'

Over me, over you

As we lift each other higher

With a love that's true


And the greatest gift this Christmas

Was the One the Father gave

His precious Son named Jesus

Oh, He came. Yes, He came