God is Ever Present
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday – a time for reflection and for spending time with friends and family, a time to give thanks for all the blessings we have in our life. Too often though, the holiday brings busyness, preoccupation with year-end expectations and demands, concerns over family dynamics, anxiety and stress. We sometimes find ourselves without a moment of peace and look forward to getting back to our usual routine.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching how about taking this moment to consider all that we are thankful for? Not only little things but the big things as well --we live in a free country, we are the richest nation in the world, we are highly educated…We also have a God who loves us, oh how He loves us! His grace and mercy are new each day; He is always there for us to receive when we turn to Him. In fact, each day can be full of thanksgiving as our Heavenly Father pours out His blessings on us, His beloved children.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:4
Because God is ever present, with Christ everyday is a day of thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Winning Isn't Everything
God is Sovereign
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:20-22
Many of us are glued to our televisions in anticipation of this year’s presidential election. The vote is so close and the candidates positions so opposite. Given how divisive the election is, it appears that nearly half of the country will celebrate come November 7th and the other half will be bitter having lost.
So if your candidate does not win, then what? Living the next four years with resentment won’t benefit anyone, nor move the country closer to restoration. So how does one move forward? The Bible tells us we can find peace in all our circumstances by trusting that God is sovereign over all things. While that may be hard to accept, God is at work constantly using things that don’t seem fair or right to shape and refine our character and move His ultimate plan of redemption forward. Now that is a promise to move forward that we can depend on!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28, 31
Because God is sovereign, we can trust that God is at work in our lives and in the world around us through Jesus Christ.
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:20-22
Many of us are glued to our televisions in anticipation of this year’s presidential election. The vote is so close and the candidates positions so opposite. Given how divisive the election is, it appears that nearly half of the country will celebrate come November 7th and the other half will be bitter having lost.
So if your candidate does not win, then what? Living the next four years with resentment won’t benefit anyone, nor move the country closer to restoration. So how does one move forward? The Bible tells us we can find peace in all our circumstances by trusting that God is sovereign over all things. While that may be hard to accept, God is at work constantly using things that don’t seem fair or right to shape and refine our character and move His ultimate plan of redemption forward. Now that is a promise to move forward that we can depend on!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28, 31
Because God is sovereign, we can trust that God is at work in our lives and in the world around us through Jesus Christ.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Climbing The Corporate Ladder
God is Gracious
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4
We spend a large percentage of our lifetime climbing the corporate ladder. Some of us make it further than we ever dreamed and some even make it to the top. But then what? Do we ever feel satisfied with our position? Is our current title, our fame and our fortune ever enough?
Whether we know it or not, we all have a yearning to be in a relationship with our Creator. It is the missing link to finding fulfillment. Yet, history shows that man has always strived to build a legacy for himself by himself. Not long after God flooded the earth to remove all wickedness from it, the people of the world tried to build a tower to reach the heavens on their own accord. But God stopped them. He had already provided a way for man to reach Him, but the gift was rejected. Nothing we do in our own strength can bring us into a right relationship with our Holy God. We must accept God’s provision -- Jesus. It’s that simple.
Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Because God is gracious, through Jesus we can be in relationship with the Creator, our Heavenly Father.
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4
We spend a large percentage of our lifetime climbing the corporate ladder. Some of us make it further than we ever dreamed and some even make it to the top. But then what? Do we ever feel satisfied with our position? Is our current title, our fame and our fortune ever enough?
Whether we know it or not, we all have a yearning to be in a relationship with our Creator. It is the missing link to finding fulfillment. Yet, history shows that man has always strived to build a legacy for himself by himself. Not long after God flooded the earth to remove all wickedness from it, the people of the world tried to build a tower to reach the heavens on their own accord. But God stopped them. He had already provided a way for man to reach Him, but the gift was rejected. Nothing we do in our own strength can bring us into a right relationship with our Holy God. We must accept God’s provision -- Jesus. It’s that simple.
Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Because God is gracious, through Jesus we can be in relationship with the Creator, our Heavenly Father.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Our Inheritance
God is Eternal
so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7
With the economy stalled, many of us may be looking to our inheritance as a way out of debt, or to provide a cushion for the future as savings and personal wealth have deteriorated. The thought of receiving an inheritance can be a relief, but we all know inheritance comes only through personal loss. And, while we may enjoy a few good years because of this gift, at the end of our lives, will what we own in this life even matter?
What will matter is God’s promise to spend eternity in heaven. It is this eternal inheritance that brings peace in all circumstances because we know our future is secure. Yes, inheritance comes at a steep price, but Jesus willingly died so that we could become heirs to the King. And God’s inheritance is available to all who accept it through faith by His grace.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Because God is eternal, through Christ we will inherit the Kingdom of God forever.
so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7
With the economy stalled, many of us may be looking to our inheritance as a way out of debt, or to provide a cushion for the future as savings and personal wealth have deteriorated. The thought of receiving an inheritance can be a relief, but we all know inheritance comes only through personal loss. And, while we may enjoy a few good years because of this gift, at the end of our lives, will what we own in this life even matter?
What will matter is God’s promise to spend eternity in heaven. It is this eternal inheritance that brings peace in all circumstances because we know our future is secure. Yes, inheritance comes at a steep price, but Jesus willingly died so that we could become heirs to the King. And God’s inheritance is available to all who accept it through faith by His grace.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Because God is eternal, through Christ we will inherit the Kingdom of God forever.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Garbage In, Garbage Out
God is Wisdom
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Phillipians 4:8
In economic modeling, we all know that the results forecasted are only as good as the data entered; and, that without a solid foundation, the predictions for the future are meaningless, even potentially harmful. The same is true in business as the vision, ethics, and values of its leaders seep through the organization. But if the core is rotten, so too will be the results. It is only a matter of time.
To have a fruitful life in business or at home, God's word tells us to begin by protecting our hearts which can only be done by filling ourselves with things that are wholesome and pure, eliminating that which is not. It takes discipline to develop new habits and eliminate the old ones, but we can trust God that the results will be worth it.
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:20-27
Because God is wisdom, and because He has shared His divine knowledge with us through Christ, we can develop good habits for a fruitful life.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Phillipians 4:8
In economic modeling, we all know that the results forecasted are only as good as the data entered; and, that without a solid foundation, the predictions for the future are meaningless, even potentially harmful. The same is true in business as the vision, ethics, and values of its leaders seep through the organization. But if the core is rotten, so too will be the results. It is only a matter of time.
To have a fruitful life in business or at home, God's word tells us to begin by protecting our hearts which can only be done by filling ourselves with things that are wholesome and pure, eliminating that which is not. It takes discipline to develop new habits and eliminate the old ones, but we can trust God that the results will be worth it.
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:20-27
Because God is wisdom, and because He has shared His divine knowledge with us through Christ, we can develop good habits for a fruitful life.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Election Day
God is Sovereign
You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; in your hands he has placed mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. Daniel 2:37-38
An election is coming and so we'll have to choose a side. It seems like in this election the candidates have very disparate positions. To some, this makes the choice easy. But what about the choice you have to make about eternity? Is your mind made up? Have you cast your vote? Do you know what is at stake?
Not many of us realize, but every day is an election day regarding our future. Each day we can make a choice to follow Jesus Christ or not. For some, we have never made that all important decision, and for others despite our claims to follow Christ, we struggle with obeying God's word in at least one area of our lives. Yes the election of our President is an important event, but even more importantly is who we elect as our King.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:10-11
Because God is sovereign, with Christ as our King, we have been given eternal life.
You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; in your hands he has placed mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. Daniel 2:37-38
An election is coming and so we'll have to choose a side. It seems like in this election the candidates have very disparate positions. To some, this makes the choice easy. But what about the choice you have to make about eternity? Is your mind made up? Have you cast your vote? Do you know what is at stake?
Not many of us realize, but every day is an election day regarding our future. Each day we can make a choice to follow Jesus Christ or not. For some, we have never made that all important decision, and for others despite our claims to follow Christ, we struggle with obeying God's word in at least one area of our lives. Yes the election of our President is an important event, but even more importantly is who we elect as our King.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:10-11
Because God is sovereign, with Christ as our King, we have been given eternal life.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Silver And Gold
God is Faithful
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20
More than a symbol of wealth and status, silver and gold have recently increased in demand as a safe investment. And while wanting to preserve our assets for the future is normal, at the end of our lives, will all the stuff we’ve accumulated really matter?
According to Scripture, one day everything as we know it will be thrown into the fire -- that the things of this world will burn up. The Bible goes on to tell us that what matters most is our relationship with God and how we treat others. Is your focus on things that won’t last or are you committed to Christ, trusting that all your needs will be met by a loving God who is the source of all good? Are you foregoing worldly desires and instead, building treasures for eternity?
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 1 Corinthians 3:12-14
Because God is faithful, with Christ our focus can be on building our faith.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20
More than a symbol of wealth and status, silver and gold have recently increased in demand as a safe investment. And while wanting to preserve our assets for the future is normal, at the end of our lives, will all the stuff we’ve accumulated really matter?
According to Scripture, one day everything as we know it will be thrown into the fire -- that the things of this world will burn up. The Bible goes on to tell us that what matters most is our relationship with God and how we treat others. Is your focus on things that won’t last or are you committed to Christ, trusting that all your needs will be met by a loving God who is the source of all good? Are you foregoing worldly desires and instead, building treasures for eternity?
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 1 Corinthians 3:12-14
Because God is faithful, with Christ our focus can be on building our faith.
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