God Is All-Powerful
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
Could you imagine a job description that lists being meek as a qualification? -- Hardly! Yes, companies seek hard working, perseverant individuals who are intelligent and well-connected, but the meek -- they need not apply. After all, how could one truly be successful as a boss, if they did not act "bossy"?
But if we dig into scripture, meek does not suggest weakness, but rather standing in confidence and security that is achieved through a relationship with the Almighty God. Meek suggests being submissive to God's will, but not necessarily to mankind. And being meek involves being forgiving at all times. Jesus modeled what true humility is -- the all-powerful God made man to be a servant for mankind. Not weak but meek. Are you ready and willing to practice what is preached?
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8
Because God is all-powerful, through Christ, we can humbly serve others.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
A Passion for Service and Excellence
God is Gracious
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15
Since creation, God has given us work to do. Knowing that God created work should shed new light on our approach to the work week. And, if we focus on this truth, it is possible that even the most difficult aspects of work can become a passion.
Are you passionate about your work? Do you strive for 110 percent or is complacency lurking in you? With the new year underway, take a look at what is being asked of you today and think of how God has been gracious to you. As He changes your heart and mind, you will have the ability to transform an undesirable or mundane task into one full of joy and excellence. Passion comes from the heart, a heart humbled by the knowledge of God’s grace and mercy.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23
Because God is gracious, He can transform our hearts and enable us to serve passionately.
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15
Since creation, God has given us work to do. Knowing that God created work should shed new light on our approach to the work week. And, if we focus on this truth, it is possible that even the most difficult aspects of work can become a passion.
Are you passionate about your work? Do you strive for 110 percent or is complacency lurking in you? With the new year underway, take a look at what is being asked of you today and think of how God has been gracious to you. As He changes your heart and mind, you will have the ability to transform an undesirable or mundane task into one full of joy and excellence. Passion comes from the heart, a heart humbled by the knowledge of God’s grace and mercy.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23
Because God is gracious, He can transform our hearts and enable us to serve passionately.
Monday, January 1, 2018
New Year's Resolutions
God is Faithful
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
The New Year is about new beginnings, new hopes, new dreams, and sometimes new direction. It is about setting goals, changing habits, improving character. In our own strength, we often fail, even after our best efforts. But when we lean on God to help change us from the inside out, we can experience success in transforming the big and small things in our lives.
Through the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, all things are possible for those who believe. Remember, God is always at work, renewing our minds and refining our character – it is just that sometimes we don’t recognize Him or embrace His efforts. The bible tells us to have faith and trust God with everything. When we let go of our hurts, our struggles, and our desires to be in control, God will transform our hearts and perfect our character. What would you like to leave behind as you start the New Year and are you willing to trust God to help?
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Happy New Year!
Because God is faithful, with Christ we can experience a changed life.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
The New Year is about new beginnings, new hopes, new dreams, and sometimes new direction. It is about setting goals, changing habits, improving character. In our own strength, we often fail, even after our best efforts. But when we lean on God to help change us from the inside out, we can experience success in transforming the big and small things in our lives.
Through the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, all things are possible for those who believe. Remember, God is always at work, renewing our minds and refining our character – it is just that sometimes we don’t recognize Him or embrace His efforts. The bible tells us to have faith and trust God with everything. When we let go of our hurts, our struggles, and our desires to be in control, God will transform our hearts and perfect our character. What would you like to leave behind as you start the New Year and are you willing to trust God to help?
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Happy New Year!
Because God is faithful, with Christ we can experience a changed life.
Friday, December 15, 2017
'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!
Friday, December 1, 2017
Overcoming Obstacles
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.
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.
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.
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