THE U IN JESUS
                             A poem by Laketa
 
Before U were born or time had even begun,
God placed U in the name of His Son.
 
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't say JesUs and not include U.
 
U are a big part of His wonderful name,
For U He was born; U are why He came.
 
His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
 
Isn't it thrilling and incredibly grand,
He rose from the grave with U in His plan?
 
Stones split open; some graves did too,
Even the word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
 
Before JesUs left for His upward ascension,
One thing remained for Him to mention.
 
Go into the world and assure them its true,
God so loved the world - Just as I love U.
 
Many great names are spelled with a U,
And every last one needs JesUs too!
 
It all depends now on what U will do,
The world needs JesUs, and it all starts with U.
 
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (Joh 3:17).
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

Unclaimed Gift
 
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Co 9:15)
 
When it comes to Christmas shopping, we are living in an age of unprecedented convenience. Although most Americans do some shopping at department stores, increasing numbers shop online. In many cases items can be delivered within a day or two.
 
If we are uncertain as to what gift to purchase, most stores offer gift cards. In fact, it's estimated that Americans will spend $30 billion on gift cards this month.
 
The only downside is that some recipients never get around to redeeming these cards. They may remain tucked away in wallets, purses or drawers for months or years. Eventually, they are forgotten and never used. What a shame.
 
There is a far bigger shame, however. God has offered the world the greatest gift imaginable - salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). He intends for everyone to learn about and accept this priceless gift. Yet many of our relatives and friends have not yet obeyed the saving gospel. Although God's gift of salvation is within easy reach, it is an unspeakable tragedy that many lost souls ignore or put off obeying it until later. In some cases, God 's amazing gift will never be used.
 
So, let us redouble our efforts to pray for and encourage the lost souls around us to respond to the gospel of Christ while they still can. God’s gift is too valuable to remain unused!
 
“And now, why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis