FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK ~

Every year for Christmas Christians around the world celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. He left His heavenly home and took upon Himself human flesh to dwell among us. As He did so, we do not need to just think of a baby in a manger at Christmastime. Christmas is so much more than that. He came that He could die on the Cross to pay for our salvation and destroy the works of the evil one. That is what Christmas is all about for those know Him. 

It is very rarely that people think of the Cross at Christmastime because it is the time set aside to celebrate Jesus’ birth. But in Philippians 2, Paul connects the two thoughts as he writes about God coming to Earth as a man. Paul says in verse 8 regarding Christ Jesus, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.” For the sake of our redemption, God came as a baby and took upon Himself the appearance and likeness of man to be our atoning sacrifice. 

As Rick Renner has stated, “Out of His deep love for us, Jesus was willing to leave His majestic realms of glory to enter the realm of humanity. Shedding all His visible attributes that were too much for man’s flesh to endure, He dressed Himself in the clothing of a human being and was manifested in the flesh. That little Baby in Bethlehem was the eternal, ever-existent God Almighty, who came to us in the human flesh so that He could dwell among men and purchase our salvation. He was and is the only constant in this world of chaos and confusion.”

The Board of Directors and staff of Joseph’s Storehouse would like to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christ-Centered Christmas. May you all experience “The Real Reason For The Christmas Season” as you stay well and safe this holy holiday time. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.

Benny Nolen
Director
Joseph's Storehouse

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK ~

Being thankful is a choice. We must dwell on the good things in our lives and away from the disappoints, mistakes, failures, and heartaches that try to hold our focus. We need to make a conscious effort to choose to be thankful. It’s not that we are pretending that bad things have not happened to us; we’re simply obeying the Lord as we focus on the good and display an attitude of thanksgiving. Paul said, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Paul’s words could not be any more direct or clearer! God wants us all to give thanks – not be resentful, not be ungrateful, not be discouraged, but thankful. When we consider all the terrible things that could have come about in our lives but didn’t, we can find many reasons to be grateful. God has spared us from so much – and it is His will that we maintain a consistent, thankful attitude for the goodness that He has shown to us all.

We should be encouraged to make the decision today to start purposefully focusing on the good things God has done in our lives. Even if we think life has been tough, we can be assured that it has not been as tough as it could have been. God has been good to all of us. The best thing we can do when someone asks us how we are doing, instead of saying “I’m good or I’m fine”, respond by saying “I’m thankful!” This conscious verbal response will not only change our attitude, but it also transforms the environment around us. This
practice will change the way that we see our lives and how we relate to others. 

Joseph’s Storehouse Board of Directors and staff want to express our thankfulness and gratitude for those of you who have volunteered, prayed, or given financially to this ministry. It would be impossible for us meet the needs of so many without your commitment and support. ~ God’s blessings, protection and favor to all.


Benny Nolen
Director
Joseph's Storehouse