Comfort Bytes by Laura McLeod

The birth of baby Jesus was such an extraordinary miracle. God chose Mary and Joseph to receive this awesome gift . We will be reading their story . Matthew 1 & 2 Luke 1 & 2 . God bless you , I pray for peace for you this Christmas Season. Our Worship song : “Mary did you know” by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd https://youtu.be/NGw8holYZr0?si=Ybo4hPIe4tcdF0CL

Many of us have been duped in one way or another . We hear it on the news , see it on social media, we may live with it in our homes… let’s talk about it with out judgment with prayer and forgiveness. Our worship song today is by Elevation Worship, “ Same God” https://youtu.be/LawxIZE9ePE?si=lq-LuC612RZ06ieA

We are half way through 2024! I thought we should check in , revisiting a prior post ”More in 2024”! Hebrews 12:1 throw off everything that hinders us, let’s talk about the ultimate goal for this New Year ! Our worship song Gracefully Broken link: https://youtu.be/IJNR0lxbIP4?si=VEujgBTpHkrqO9SD

Juneteenth , so much history and what our sisters & brothers have endured . Although we are free ….we may still be a slave to something or someone ….Let’s talk about it ! Our worship song today is by Tasha Cobbs “Break Every Chain”. https://youtu.be/ucY6NwQTI3M?si=ftUynbvfM-qplGsx

A time to remember those who have fallen , how grateful we are to live in freedom ! -Article on the poppy’s https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2018/10/27/paper-and-silk-poppies-help-raise-money-vets-100-year-tradition-world-war/1595252002/ -Our song today by Billy Ray Cyrus, Some Gave All https://youtu.be/ydWhRObVxrM?si=wkLc9vmmduO4-7LT

Giving is Living! Generosity comes in many forms ….let’s talk about it ! Our worship song is “The Stand” by Michael W Smith. https://youtu.be/ZYd8ADY8o5E?si=eDZCODOTEGxlJFYh The Link to Dave Ramsey Article https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/daves-advice-on-tithing-and-giving

We will look at Jesus time during the 40 days after his resurrection before ascension . What a blessing to know our Jesus and all HE has done for us ! ( I use the NIV version if you would like follow along while reading passages . ) Our worship song today is by Sidewalk Prophets “You Loved Me Anyway” https://youtu.be/y8BBCYFAYRI?si=x__oiama1jS7TICa

1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭But just as he who called you is holy, ….so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” ‭‭Let’s talk about it ! God bless you all . Our worship song today is by Chris Tomlin , Holy Forever https://youtu.be/IkHgxKemCRk?si=zi78aHdJeHKZ6pO8

Jesus …his birth death & resurrection , what an incredible gift and how important this is to us ! Let’s share the good news by simply inviting someone to church this Easter … because He has risen indeed , Amen! God bless you all! Our worship song today is by Casting Crowns East to West https://youtu.be/TnkkZLdjf9Y?si=B-8e4FWkRP7UMuxj

Let’s look at the life of John the Baptist. What a great mission he had preparing the way for Jesus. I will be reading mostly from Luke 1 & 3 ( NIV) Thank you for joining me today ! Our worship song today is by Brandon Lake …”Too Good To Not Believe” https://youtu.be/lKVX_XdaP04?si=gPMLKASQCobJ54jP

We don’t need to strive , we don’t need to do life a lone …..we are living in Gods confidence. Let’s talk about it! Thank you for joining me today . God bless you ! Our worship song today is by Riley Clemmons “Loved by You”. https://youtu.be/WnNKIMyQkrs?si=C5J7h_qOUwhH3KgQ

We are fully equipped! We are sent out to love others , to project kindness , uplift with our words and attitudes. Let’s talk about it! Thank you for joining me today , God bless you ! Our worship song will be Great Are You Lord… by All Sons & Daughters https://youtu.be/2qUOHjnDIFs?si=pONgwmMh4vAKCu7T

Our thoughts ….fear -panic -suffering with anxiety … let’s talk about it and how we work on gaining control of our thoughts , focusing on the positive! Thank you for joining me today ! Our worship song today is by Jeremy Camp Anxious Heart https://youtu.be/mH6Gk-IjX54?si=gE-FyDYlo128nvSw

Thank you for joining us today …my father Bill McLeod will share his testimony including a lesson of living an abundant life . What a privilege it is to have him with us! (and I thank Dad for taking on a podcast with me). The link to our worship song: WHO AM I , written by Bill McLeod , you will find on my website home page : lauramcleod.com .Thank you for being with us today -God bless you !

What is our why ? What do you need to tell somebody before it’s too late? Let’s talk about it ! 1st Peter 3:15. Thank you for joining me today , God bless you! Greg Laurie website harvest.org Worship Song Fallen by Dennis Quaid. https://youtu.be/rm6ETB0zXiw?si=6z7CfBXyCfjg_1Ez

Let’s talk what we can learn new this year ….how about our Spiritual Gifts ! The link for Jeff Carver‘s test https://spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gifts-test-welcome/jeff_smiling/ Song Famous One by Passion. https://youtu.be/wWaOP8gW1hQ?si=ri4mUnYBcptiMLb9

We can live in our head , which causes fear, anxiety and so much more! OR we can live boldly with God’s strength! Mark Batterson , author of the book : Draw the Circle & Pastor of NationalCommunity Church in Washington DC, Pastor Rob’s message link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/national-community-church-audio-podcast/id80219293?i=1000630850297 Worship Song “ Too Good to Not Believe” by Bra...

We all stumble ….we may even sin intentionally ! How awesome that we can carry each other’s burden and hone one another as iron sharpens iron . The best news is God is rich in mercy , loves us unconditionally and will carry us through it all ! Thank you for joining me today -God bless you ! Our worship song is “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave Link https://youtu.be/VzGAYNKDyIU?si=ixy5YGuXSk5zu8mH

Let’s talk about beauty our outer beauty may fade but our inner beauty is the core of who we are , it will not fade but can grow stronger through the Lord. Psalm 139! Our worship song today is: YOU SAY by Lauren Daigle . https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI?si=qFv6sImnNikE6OmQ Thank you for joining me God bless you !

Veterans Day ! WE thank those who have served our county , our freedom , how we appreciate all you have done for us …..freedom is never free! Link to Amazing Grace ( my chains are gone) by Chris Tomlin https://youtu.be/KKo3T0j9qqo?si=eBfVcyfGU79DBMxL

Joy - what a great place to live ! Let’s talk about it ! Thank you for joining me today God bless you ! *Link to the song Indescribable by Chris Tomlin https://youtu.be/5IlVfkY5q54?si=8c3UsNMnwLHyF0Dk * Link to a sermon/podcast by Steven Furtick https://youtu.be/gqD2C8C2_Ts?si=nAcnMcQcm9Hh7kYI

Encouragement is a necessary part of community ….we all need to be encouraged therefore we should encourage each other. Hebrews 3:13. *The Blessing by Elevation Worship link below . https://youtu.be/Zp6aygmvzM4?si=18rRSGfcXbN1lSwZ

Let’s talk about the importance of living in community ….to lean into , to uplift , to be with and do life together! Champion by Bethel music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOK8F9caDic ( this link should take you to YouTube)

Let’s talk about the gift of remembrance during communion. Thank you for being with me today. There is a link below to worship song "Come To The Table " by Sidewalk Prophets https://youtu.be/DXXxLwxfo0U?si=Q1QoTKef82YzCDo8

To actively live out our faith we must be doers of the word of God, let’s talk about it! Thank you for joining me, God bless you!