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 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 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 every day is a day of thanksgiving.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Saturday, November 1, 2014
The Second Mile
God Is All Powerful
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:41
The verse is based on an old tradition where Roman soldiers required locals to carry their load one mile. Jews would carry the bags two miles as a way to show Rome the power and goodness of God.
When at work or in any situation, why not go the second mile? Think of the impact it will have on those around you. Leadership like this may not be immediately rewarded, but knowing you are making a difference one day or one task at a time has its rewards. Draw your strength from God, who ultimately controls all things and rewards us accordingly.
Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. I Chronicles 29:12
Because God is all powerful, in Christ we can be extraordinary.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:41
The verse is based on an old tradition where Roman soldiers required locals to carry their load one mile. Jews would carry the bags two miles as a way to show Rome the power and goodness of God.
When at work or in any situation, why not go the second mile? Think of the impact it will have on those around you. Leadership like this may not be immediately rewarded, but knowing you are making a difference one day or one task at a time has its rewards. Draw your strength from God, who ultimately controls all things and rewards us accordingly.
Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. I Chronicles 29:12
Because God is all powerful, in Christ we can be extraordinary.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Out of Control
God is All Powerful
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
We are taught to be in control -- to take control of our lives and our circumstances. The recent terrorist acts and threats, suspicious wars and rumors of more wars, Ebola outbreak, drought, volcanos, earthquakes and a guarded economy that does not seem to cooperate with our hopes and dreams for an abundant life…. What an eye opener when we understand who really is in control – an all-powerful God who has the whole world in His hands! And with this revelation comes hope and a sense of freedom. We are ultimately not in control. We can trust God, who is good and who has a plan for us.
Look up!
“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.” Romans 8:28
Because God is all powerful, we can trust that He is in control of all the circumstances in our life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
We are taught to be in control -- to take control of our lives and our circumstances. The recent terrorist acts and threats, suspicious wars and rumors of more wars, Ebola outbreak, drought, volcanos, earthquakes and a guarded economy that does not seem to cooperate with our hopes and dreams for an abundant life…. What an eye opener when we understand who really is in control – an all-powerful God who has the whole world in His hands! And with this revelation comes hope and a sense of freedom. We are ultimately not in control. We can trust God, who is good and who has a plan for us.
Look up!
“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.” Romans 8:28
Because God is all powerful, we can trust that He is in control of all the circumstances in our life.
Monday, September 15, 2014
I’m Tired, Are You?
God Is All Powerful
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mathew 11:28-30
Anyone tired? …tired physically, mentally, tired of waiting for circumstances to change… When life is tough, we can become so worn out that we are immobilized. Where do you turn? Modern medicine offers solutions; bad habits can keep us propped up for only so long.
Look up and lean on our eternal God. This is where you can be reenergized and restored. Exchange your ways for God’s ways. God’s promise for everlasting life through his son Jesus Christ offers peace and hope. It isn’t in the what and when of our circumstances, but rather in the who. Who is the focus of your life?
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
Because God is all powerful, we can rely on the Lord’s strength.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mathew 11:28-30
Anyone tired? …tired physically, mentally, tired of waiting for circumstances to change… When life is tough, we can become so worn out that we are immobilized. Where do you turn? Modern medicine offers solutions; bad habits can keep us propped up for only so long.
Look up and lean on our eternal God. This is where you can be reenergized and restored. Exchange your ways for God’s ways. God’s promise for everlasting life through his son Jesus Christ offers peace and hope. It isn’t in the what and when of our circumstances, but rather in the who. Who is the focus of your life?
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
Because God is all powerful, we can rely on the Lord’s strength.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Satisfaction Guaranteed
God Is Eternal
“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:2
Are you still searching for that something that will finally bring you permanent happiness? You may find a temporary contentment or satisfaction based on your current circumstance; however it does not last -- it wasn’t designed to. There is no peace without Jesus. “Stop chasing the wind” as Solomon said, “for it is all meaningless”. Free yourself from the pursuit of approval, money, and power. True joy comes from the Holy Spirit. St. Augustine said, “The heart will not rest until it rests in Christ.” Ask Christ into your life and he will give you a perfect, everlasting peace.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5: 22-23
Because God is eternal, in Christ we can be complete.
“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:2
Are you still searching for that something that will finally bring you permanent happiness? You may find a temporary contentment or satisfaction based on your current circumstance; however it does not last -- it wasn’t designed to. There is no peace without Jesus. “Stop chasing the wind” as Solomon said, “for it is all meaningless”. Free yourself from the pursuit of approval, money, and power. True joy comes from the Holy Spirit. St. Augustine said, “The heart will not rest until it rests in Christ.” Ask Christ into your life and he will give you a perfect, everlasting peace.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5: 22-23
Because God is eternal, in Christ we can be complete.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Patience Is A Virtue
God Is Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:3-5
Maybe you struggle with patience while you stand in line, are put on hold, or wait for a response to an important question….What about people who wait a lifetime to see change in a loved one and never loose hope? The people who care for a special needs child or a parent who no longer can care for themselves….Their patience is amazing. Maybe their strength comes from something greater than themselves – possibly it stems from a love that is so deep it can’t be described.
That indescribable love is the same kind of love that God has for each one of us. He waits patiently for us to acknowledge Him as Creator and Giver of all things and invite Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of our lives. He won’t force you but He’ll never stop pursuing you. He waits patiently, eagerly, lovingly.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8
Because God is love, He waits patiently for us to accept Jesus as Lord of our lives.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:3-5
Maybe you struggle with patience while you stand in line, are put on hold, or wait for a response to an important question….What about people who wait a lifetime to see change in a loved one and never loose hope? The people who care for a special needs child or a parent who no longer can care for themselves….Their patience is amazing. Maybe their strength comes from something greater than themselves – possibly it stems from a love that is so deep it can’t be described.
That indescribable love is the same kind of love that God has for each one of us. He waits patiently for us to acknowledge Him as Creator and Giver of all things and invite Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of our lives. He won’t force you but He’ll never stop pursuing you. He waits patiently, eagerly, lovingly.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8
Because God is love, He waits patiently for us to accept Jesus as Lord of our lives.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Everyday Struggles
God is Faithful
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
Whether you focus on Iraq, Afghanistan, our city streets, or within your own life, war is raging around us. Everyday newspapers and talk shows are full of stories of conflict, political battles, and struggles for social equality. And personally, we battle health issues, finances, relationships, poor choices…..
Some struggles are so enormous that we can’t face them alone. The Bible tells us that God never forsakes us. He is always with us in our struggles, providing strength for the next week, day or hour, and providing comfort, guidance, and rest when we think we can’t go on. God gave David the confidence to face a giant with only five smooth stones and a sling shot...and God the Father gave Jesus the strength to die on the cross for us and through His resurrection, declare victory over this world. Yes, everyday brings strife, but in Christ, we are given the strength to endure and the confidence in the outcome no matter what we face. By having faith in Jesus, we too are victorious over things of this world.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Because God is faithful, in Christ we find hope for whatever challenges we face.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
Whether you focus on Iraq, Afghanistan, our city streets, or within your own life, war is raging around us. Everyday newspapers and talk shows are full of stories of conflict, political battles, and struggles for social equality. And personally, we battle health issues, finances, relationships, poor choices…..
Some struggles are so enormous that we can’t face them alone. The Bible tells us that God never forsakes us. He is always with us in our struggles, providing strength for the next week, day or hour, and providing comfort, guidance, and rest when we think we can’t go on. God gave David the confidence to face a giant with only five smooth stones and a sling shot...and God the Father gave Jesus the strength to die on the cross for us and through His resurrection, declare victory over this world. Yes, everyday brings strife, but in Christ, we are given the strength to endure and the confidence in the outcome no matter what we face. By having faith in Jesus, we too are victorious over things of this world.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Because God is faithful, in Christ we find hope for whatever challenges we face.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)