God is Gracious
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1
We all face tough situations and are called to make difficult decisions each day. Often we will ask advice from family or co-workers on how to best approach the challenge. Many times we are able to find a solution and move on. But what about those times when the challenge seems impossible…when physically, emotionally, or financially there just is no way?
God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but he was faced with a major obstacle. At age 99 and his wife Sarah just a few years younger, the couple was childless. Yet God had told Abraham on several occasions that his offspring would be “as numerous as the stars in the sky”. Without a human solution, they had to place all of their trust in God. At first they tried to establish a family on their own account, but God reminded Abraham that the nation would arise through his very own son and that Sarah would be the mother of nations. As Abraham recognized he was powerless, it was in this place of utter impossibility that a dependence on God was established. God has made you a promise too – to never leave you and never to forsake you. He will grant you grace and peace in whatever your circumstance. Are you ready to trust God and let Him lead you thorough the challenges of your life?
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Because God is gracious, with Christ, resolving even the toughest of situations is possible.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Order in the Court
God is Sovereign
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1-3
If you have ever seen a judge tap his gavel in a courtroom you know firsthand its effectiveness. In just a matter of seconds, where there was chaos there is peace. Wouldn’t we all love to have a so-called “magic wand” to use in our personal lives? But we all know it doesn’t exist. When we are faced with turmoil at work, in our families, with our finances or our health, we often struggle with a solution when things get out of control.
But the truth is, we have been given access to such a tool – it is found in the sovereignty of God through his Son Jesus. From the beginning of time and through the ages, Jesus has been there bringing order to chaos. He was with God at the beginning of creation when the earth was formless and void. He illuminated the darkness, ordered the chaos, and filled the emptiness and He continues to bring order to the disorder of our world. He calms the seas and halts the winds and He can do the same in your life if you allow Him to be your Lord.
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4: 37-41
Because God is sovereign, Christ can bring order to all of our circumstances.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1-3
If you have ever seen a judge tap his gavel in a courtroom you know firsthand its effectiveness. In just a matter of seconds, where there was chaos there is peace. Wouldn’t we all love to have a so-called “magic wand” to use in our personal lives? But we all know it doesn’t exist. When we are faced with turmoil at work, in our families, with our finances or our health, we often struggle with a solution when things get out of control.
But the truth is, we have been given access to such a tool – it is found in the sovereignty of God through his Son Jesus. From the beginning of time and through the ages, Jesus has been there bringing order to chaos. He was with God at the beginning of creation when the earth was formless and void. He illuminated the darkness, ordered the chaos, and filled the emptiness and He continues to bring order to the disorder of our world. He calms the seas and halts the winds and He can do the same in your life if you allow Him to be your Lord.
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4: 37-41
Because God is sovereign, Christ can bring order to all of our circumstances.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Identity Theft
God is Holy
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
If you have ever had your identity stolen, you know first hand the inconvenience caused and inherent cost. Unfortunately however, many of us operate with mistaken identities and aren’t even aware of it. We look in the mirror and see our significance from things we own, who we associate with, and what we do. We fail to see the ultimate purpose for our existence and in doing so, we don’t appreciate the great cost of rejecting our true identity.
The Bible tells us that God created man in his image; that His original intention was for us to be a reflection of who He is. But because of Adam and Eve’s original sin, no one can stand holy and pure before God. Unfortunately pride, anger, jealousy, greed, and lust are rampant in our society and in our personal lives. Through Christ, however, our sins are forgiven allowing us to be restored in our relationship and transformed into God’s likeness once again. With Christ in our hearts, we are clothed in God’s righteousness – righteousness of a King! That is who we are, if we choose to embrace our God given identity.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Because God is holy, by choosing Jesus Christ we are redeemed and made righteous.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
If you have ever had your identity stolen, you know first hand the inconvenience caused and inherent cost. Unfortunately however, many of us operate with mistaken identities and aren’t even aware of it. We look in the mirror and see our significance from things we own, who we associate with, and what we do. We fail to see the ultimate purpose for our existence and in doing so, we don’t appreciate the great cost of rejecting our true identity.
The Bible tells us that God created man in his image; that His original intention was for us to be a reflection of who He is. But because of Adam and Eve’s original sin, no one can stand holy and pure before God. Unfortunately pride, anger, jealousy, greed, and lust are rampant in our society and in our personal lives. Through Christ, however, our sins are forgiven allowing us to be restored in our relationship and transformed into God’s likeness once again. With Christ in our hearts, we are clothed in God’s righteousness – righteousness of a King! That is who we are, if we choose to embrace our God given identity.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Because God is holy, by choosing Jesus Christ we are redeemed and made righteous.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Justice For All
God is Just
You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Jeremiah 12:1
Why is it that we all know someone who seems to prosper and yet doesn’t deserve to? It doesn’t seem fair to watch someone who is dishonest, disloyal, unkind or doesn’t try hard succeed….While our society is set up to insure justice, we often wonder how our system can fail us and why God doesn’t intervene? After all, God is sovereign isn’t He?
The Bible tells us that no one is removed from judgment and that justice will ultimately prevail and yet inequity surrounds us. In 722 BC, God used the evil Assyrian nation to take over the Northern Kingdom of Israel and later God allowed the wicked Babylonians to capture the Southern Kingdom and destroy the beloved temple and city of Jerusalem. While the fall of Israel was considered a great injustice by God’s “chosen people”, we know that God had a just purpose and He continues with His plan until its completion.
Although it appears some prosper without reason and others experience difficulty undeservedly, God in His sovereignty will ultimately judge the earth and all who have lived. Nothing catches God by surprise or escapes him and nothing can thwart His plans.
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth. Psalm 96:10-13
Then men will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Psalm 58:11
Because God is just, we find peace knowing through Christ all evil will ultimately be judged.
You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Jeremiah 12:1
Why is it that we all know someone who seems to prosper and yet doesn’t deserve to? It doesn’t seem fair to watch someone who is dishonest, disloyal, unkind or doesn’t try hard succeed….While our society is set up to insure justice, we often wonder how our system can fail us and why God doesn’t intervene? After all, God is sovereign isn’t He?
The Bible tells us that no one is removed from judgment and that justice will ultimately prevail and yet inequity surrounds us. In 722 BC, God used the evil Assyrian nation to take over the Northern Kingdom of Israel and later God allowed the wicked Babylonians to capture the Southern Kingdom and destroy the beloved temple and city of Jerusalem. While the fall of Israel was considered a great injustice by God’s “chosen people”, we know that God had a just purpose and He continues with His plan until its completion.
Although it appears some prosper without reason and others experience difficulty undeservedly, God in His sovereignty will ultimately judge the earth and all who have lived. Nothing catches God by surprise or escapes him and nothing can thwart His plans.
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth. Psalm 96:10-13
Then men will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Psalm 58:11
Because God is just, we find peace knowing through Christ all evil will ultimately be judged.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Forecast For Tomorrow
God is Wisdom
“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could know the future? It seems like we’d all have much better lives if that was the case. Maybe that is why consulting horoscopes, fortune tellers and crystal balls have their lure, but how often is the feedback provided correct? And do we really trust in it anyhow?
The Old Testament tells us of how God spoke directly to the prophets. That He would give directions for His people to obey which would provide all that they needed to live safely and abundantly. But often the people did not listen and choose to go about things their own way. They dismissed wisdom and ended up suffering for it.
Reading these stories, we think how foolish they were not to listen, but are we not just as foolish? Do we study our bible to gain knowledge? Do we listen to the advice of our pastor and wise counsel? We read a lot of material searching for answers, but why do we turn our backs on the best advice; on truth that comes straight from God - the source of all knowledge and understanding?
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:28-33
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3
Because God is wisdom, through Christ truth is revealed
“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could know the future? It seems like we’d all have much better lives if that was the case. Maybe that is why consulting horoscopes, fortune tellers and crystal balls have their lure, but how often is the feedback provided correct? And do we really trust in it anyhow?
The Old Testament tells us of how God spoke directly to the prophets. That He would give directions for His people to obey which would provide all that they needed to live safely and abundantly. But often the people did not listen and choose to go about things their own way. They dismissed wisdom and ended up suffering for it.
Reading these stories, we think how foolish they were not to listen, but are we not just as foolish? Do we study our bible to gain knowledge? Do we listen to the advice of our pastor and wise counsel? We read a lot of material searching for answers, but why do we turn our backs on the best advice; on truth that comes straight from God - the source of all knowledge and understanding?
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:28-33
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3
Because God is wisdom, through Christ truth is revealed
Friday, September 1, 2017
In God We Trust
God is Sovereign
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Colossians 1:15-16
We elect our government officials, we choose a church, we choose our spouse, our friends, our home, our wardrobes, our meals. With seemingly so much control in our lives, it is no wonder we have problems with accepting authority over our lives.
Despite all these choices we are free to make, the Bible is very clear that God is our supreme authority. As our Creator and perfect in everyway, God is our source of infinite wisdom and power. So why do we think we know better or can do better on our own? Why is it so hard to give Christ jurisdiction over our lives? Many of us have tried and realize our failures, while the rest of us continue to outrun Him. What He demands of us is our attention; what He gives is beyond compare. God is completely trustworthy in a world of uncertainty. While it is easy to find fault in those we have chosen to follow, there is no failure in following Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of all kings.
He will be the sure foundation for our times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6
Because God is sovereign, we can fully trust in Christ.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Colossians 1:15-16
We elect our government officials, we choose a church, we choose our spouse, our friends, our home, our wardrobes, our meals. With seemingly so much control in our lives, it is no wonder we have problems with accepting authority over our lives.
Despite all these choices we are free to make, the Bible is very clear that God is our supreme authority. As our Creator and perfect in everyway, God is our source of infinite wisdom and power. So why do we think we know better or can do better on our own? Why is it so hard to give Christ jurisdiction over our lives? Many of us have tried and realize our failures, while the rest of us continue to outrun Him. What He demands of us is our attention; what He gives is beyond compare. God is completely trustworthy in a world of uncertainty. While it is easy to find fault in those we have chosen to follow, there is no failure in following Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of all kings.
He will be the sure foundation for our times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6
Because God is sovereign, we can fully trust in Christ.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Trust Fund
God Is Love
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. Psalm 36:5-6
If you are on the receiving end of a trust fund, you are often envied by many. After all, who wouldn’t want to be handed down a financial future that is secure? But history tells us that even the safest of investments are risky and can be lost overnight. The same is true if we place our faith in our job, our abilities, our good looks, or social status – as none of these are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Never fear, however, because God in His ultimate wisdom and love set up a system to ensure our livelihood for eternity. This so-called “trust fund” became available to us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Yes, our future is secure when we accept God’s gift of salvation by placing our trust in Christ; a provision that is irrevocable and that pays infinite dividends.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4
Because God is love, through Christ our future is secure.
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. Psalm 36:5-6
If you are on the receiving end of a trust fund, you are often envied by many. After all, who wouldn’t want to be handed down a financial future that is secure? But history tells us that even the safest of investments are risky and can be lost overnight. The same is true if we place our faith in our job, our abilities, our good looks, or social status – as none of these are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Never fear, however, because God in His ultimate wisdom and love set up a system to ensure our livelihood for eternity. This so-called “trust fund” became available to us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Yes, our future is secure when we accept God’s gift of salvation by placing our trust in Christ; a provision that is irrevocable and that pays infinite dividends.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4
Because God is love, through Christ our future is secure.
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