The Bible says that Jesus took our diseases and infirmities upon Himself (Isaiah 53; 1Peter 2:24). So, when I look at Jesus, I can say, “Yes! You have ALREADY taken my diseases and sicknesses upon Yourself and bore them AWAY! And since you did this before I was ever born, it means I am already healed NOW—regardless of what my body may say—and I refuse to let the devil steal it from me!”

Jesus told us to go into all the world as His representatives. Where you go, He goes. Even as He is, so are you in this world (1 John 4:17). That doesn’t mean that you’re Jesus, it means you represent His power. If you can’t present His power, then all you’re giving the world is another philosophy!

God is FOR you! He gave you the gift of eternal life so you would have peace of mind about your future.  He breathed into you part of Himself so you would have awareness of His presence. He gave you the name of Jesus so you would have authority over all evil spirits. He gave you His promises for every area of your life so you would know His best for you. God is not hard, He is benevolent and HE LOVES YOU!

If we spend most of our time begging God to do what He’s already done, and the rest of the time asking Him to do what He’s told us to do, what have we just done? Nothing! Ask yourself today, are you a beggar or are you a believer?

Scripture says we are to “love others as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:33, author’s paraphrase).  Maybe the reason there is so much harsh treatment of others is that people hate themselves. They don’t have an understanding of how deeply God loves and values them, and as a result feel less-than and condemned most of the time. They can’t give to others what they don’t have, so they project that same attitude toward those around them!

If all you can think about is yourself, then your thinking is very small! When you place your cares, concerns and hurts in the hands of Jesus, then you’re free to focus on ministering to the cares, concerns and hurts of others. What Jesus has done for you is now your privilege to do for others!

Remember that regardless of how difficult the crisis is that you may be facing, DON’T GIVE UP! God WILL guide you in your everyday affairs. He is committed to you more than you could ever commit to Him!

Only humanity was created in the image of God. Only humanity was given the right and the ability and the authority to walk with the living God, to speak words as He spoke, to create as He created, and to live as He lived on the earth. Recognize your worth and preciousness to God!

Millions of people around the globe today, even a couple of billion, celebrate this Christmas Christ who lives in the heart.  Remember, the God who is the creator of the universe and all that we see, He’s NOT some ethereal, cosmic, mystic being. You’re not alone this Christmas! Jesus is God with us, Emmanuel—the One who has come to live and dwell in our hearts!

What have you been given that makes you rich? You have been given righteousness, which gives you a new self-image. You have been given eternal life, which gives you perspective and purpose. You also have been given authority, which is the right to exercise power over all sicknesses, all bondages and all demons! We’re all focused on presents right now, but can there be better gifts than these? Tell someone about JESUS for Christmas!