God Is Gracious
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
The birth of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in the history of mankind, splitting history into BC and AD. His birth represents a new beginning and hope for our future. Jesus came to forgive us and free us from our sin. And in doing so, He made the way for our eternal salvation.
This year, let us look past the pile of packages, Santa and his sleigh, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman to see the true meaning of Christmas -- celebrating the birth of Jesus. When we focus on God’s precious gift to all people, His Son Jesus, we can experience heavenly peace, unconditional love, and complete joy without exchanging a single store-bought gift. Throughout this Christmas season, may we keep our focus on Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Merry Christmas!
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 10-11
Because God is gracious, He gave us His beloved Son Jesus.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
'Tis the Season!
God Is Love
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Christmas is a time to celebrate as we reflect on the blessings in our life, no matter how small or how great, and on the people who are most special to us. As a tradition, we take time to send special gifts and personal notes as an expression of our gratitude.
At Christmas, we are reminded that God too sent a very special gift to us through the birth of a precious baby, born of a virgin, to show the immensity of his love for us. As foretold by the prophet Isaiah, Jesus would not only be our counselor and source of peace for all times, he would be our Lord and Savior. His Son is a promise God made to mankind for a Messiah to redeem us ever since Adam and Eve rebelled in the Garden of Eden. The extent that God goes through to prove his love for us and draw us close is unfathomable. This Christmas, may you see the depth of God’s love and the gifts He bestows through Jesus Christ, the Savior born to us on Christmas Day!
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12
Because God is love, Jesus, the promised Messiah was born unto us!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Christmas is a time to celebrate as we reflect on the blessings in our life, no matter how small or how great, and on the people who are most special to us. As a tradition, we take time to send special gifts and personal notes as an expression of our gratitude.
At Christmas, we are reminded that God too sent a very special gift to us through the birth of a precious baby, born of a virgin, to show the immensity of his love for us. As foretold by the prophet Isaiah, Jesus would not only be our counselor and source of peace for all times, he would be our Lord and Savior. His Son is a promise God made to mankind for a Messiah to redeem us ever since Adam and Eve rebelled in the Garden of Eden. The extent that God goes through to prove his love for us and draw us close is unfathomable. This Christmas, may you see the depth of God’s love and the gifts He bestows through Jesus Christ, the Savior born to us on Christmas Day!
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12
Because God is love, Jesus, the promised Messiah was born unto us!
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Thanksgiving
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.
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 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.
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