God is Ever Present
The LORD replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Exodus 33:14
Just about everybody loves baseball - it's one of America's favorite pastimes...In addition to the hotdogs and peanuts, one of the highlights of the game is the seventh inning stretch -- a time to stand up and stretch your legs, to grab another refreshment, to regain focus on the game and to be re-energized.
Looking at our own lives, we also see the need for a break after a long day, week or series of difficult events. Whether it's the weekend or an extended vacation, rest from daily chores and burdens is necessary. Sometimes our circumstances don't allow for us to get the rest we need. We grow weary and tired. We long for something to renew ourselves.
The bible tells us that Jesus gives us rest. He is always there to lean on, to carry our burdens. And His rest gives more than just sound sleep or relaxation, it gives us complete peace and security. Just as you can count on the 7th inning stretch to be part of a baseball game, so too can you count on God to give you the rest you need.
"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."
Matthew 11: 28-30
Because God is ever present, we find complete rest in Christ.
Monday, July 1, 2019
Saturday, June 15, 2019
A Father’s Love
God is Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Every Father’s Day we celebrate the important role fathers play in our lives. Yes, dads hold a special place in our hearts, not only as our protectors, providers, and encouragers, but simply because they love us.
And while paternal love is vital to our well-being, it does not match the perfect and complete love that comes from our Heavenly Father. While loved ones can fail us, God never does – He is our rock. Grasping the significance of God’s unconditional love for us can seem beyond reach if God is merely an impersonal spirit. But through Jesus, God has made himself known so that we can know God intimately.
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:4-6
Because God is Love, through Jesus, we can have a personal relationship with God the Father.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Every Father’s Day we celebrate the important role fathers play in our lives. Yes, dads hold a special place in our hearts, not only as our protectors, providers, and encouragers, but simply because they love us.
And while paternal love is vital to our well-being, it does not match the perfect and complete love that comes from our Heavenly Father. While loved ones can fail us, God never does – He is our rock. Grasping the significance of God’s unconditional love for us can seem beyond reach if God is merely an impersonal spirit. But through Jesus, God has made himself known so that we can know God intimately.
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:4-6
Because God is Love, through Jesus, we can have a personal relationship with God the Father.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Network for Success
God is All Powerful
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18
In business, it’s good to be connected. But for those of us who are building our rolodex, we often find ourselves on a long road, striving to be associated with all the “right people”.
While knowing chairmen and CEO’s can certainly help, who we really need to know is Jesus if we want true success in our lives. It is easy to believe the illusion that comes from our own success, but in reality it’s God who is ultimately in control working in and through us for His glory. For those at the top, that precept should be humbling as it was for David, the King of Israel. And years earlier David's reliance on God serves as encouragement when he, a mere shepherd boy, faced the giant Goliath. So no matter your title or status in life, there isn’t anything that can stop you, outside of your own disbelief, when you put your trust in Jesus.
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
Because God is all powerful, we can be confident with Jesus reigning in our hearts
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18
In business, it’s good to be connected. But for those of us who are building our rolodex, we often find ourselves on a long road, striving to be associated with all the “right people”.
While knowing chairmen and CEO’s can certainly help, who we really need to know is Jesus if we want true success in our lives. It is easy to believe the illusion that comes from our own success, but in reality it’s God who is ultimately in control working in and through us for His glory. For those at the top, that precept should be humbling as it was for David, the King of Israel. And years earlier David's reliance on God serves as encouragement when he, a mere shepherd boy, faced the giant Goliath. So no matter your title or status in life, there isn’t anything that can stop you, outside of your own disbelief, when you put your trust in Jesus.
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
Because God is all powerful, we can be confident with Jesus reigning in our hearts
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Far From Home
God is Merciful
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
With our business comes a great deal of travel. Sometimes we can wake up and not even remember what city we are in….But more than physical distance, do you ever feel far from home from an emotional perspective? Do you feel disconnected from relationships that should be easy, or on a path far from what you know is right?
The prophet Jeremiah knew that because the nation of Israel had turned their back on God, God would allow His chosen people to be carried off as slaves to Babylon. But Jeremiah proclaimed to Judah that God will not abandon you – and while an end to an era was imminent, the time would come when the nation of Israel will be restored. Without a doubt it is easy to get off track, but the route back to peace and prosperity is not complicated -- follow God.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:1-2, 5-6
Because God is merciful, our lives can be restored when we follow Jesus.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
With our business comes a great deal of travel. Sometimes we can wake up and not even remember what city we are in….But more than physical distance, do you ever feel far from home from an emotional perspective? Do you feel disconnected from relationships that should be easy, or on a path far from what you know is right?
The prophet Jeremiah knew that because the nation of Israel had turned their back on God, God would allow His chosen people to be carried off as slaves to Babylon. But Jeremiah proclaimed to Judah that God will not abandon you – and while an end to an era was imminent, the time would come when the nation of Israel will be restored. Without a doubt it is easy to get off track, but the route back to peace and prosperity is not complicated -- follow God.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:1-2, 5-6
Because God is merciful, our lives can be restored when we follow Jesus.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Mayday
God is Omnipresent
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1-2
When in trouble, who do you call for help? We all have our go-to person, but some things are harder to fix than others and even worse, some situations despite our best efforts don’t seem fixable…So now what?
In the Old Testament, the prophet Jonah had gotten himself into a real mess. After disobeying God’s instructions, he was tossed overboard into the raging sea and then swallowed by a large fish. As Jonah cried out for the Lord’s help, he learned a valuable lesson about God – that no matter the size or complexity of the problem, God was with Him. God never left Jonah; nor will he leave you – He has promised to be with us until the very end.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:24-26
Because God is omnipresent, He is always by our side
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1-2
When in trouble, who do you call for help? We all have our go-to person, but some things are harder to fix than others and even worse, some situations despite our best efforts don’t seem fixable…So now what?
In the Old Testament, the prophet Jonah had gotten himself into a real mess. After disobeying God’s instructions, he was tossed overboard into the raging sea and then swallowed by a large fish. As Jonah cried out for the Lord’s help, he learned a valuable lesson about God – that no matter the size or complexity of the problem, God was with Him. God never left Jonah; nor will he leave you – He has promised to be with us until the very end.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:24-26
Because God is omnipresent, He is always by our side
Monday, April 15, 2019
Suit of Armor
God is Sovereign
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
We all wake up in the morning with a plan for our day. And as we head out to work, well dressed and coffee in hand, how long does it take before our plan is hit with unexpected road blocks or difficult detours?
Yes, the best laid plans often go awry, but God has given us a way to battle all of life’s unpleasant surprises with self-control. Even when wronged, we can be kind and gentle in our response. But a humble spirit is not natural to anyone, it is only achieved when we chose to surrender control and rely on the power given to us through Jesus Christ. Will you consider trusting God with all the details?
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17
Because God is sovereign, I can surrender control and allow the power of Christ to work in me.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
We all wake up in the morning with a plan for our day. And as we head out to work, well dressed and coffee in hand, how long does it take before our plan is hit with unexpected road blocks or difficult detours?
Yes, the best laid plans often go awry, but God has given us a way to battle all of life’s unpleasant surprises with self-control. Even when wronged, we can be kind and gentle in our response. But a humble spirit is not natural to anyone, it is only achieved when we chose to surrender control and rely on the power given to us through Jesus Christ. Will you consider trusting God with all the details?
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17
Because God is sovereign, I can surrender control and allow the power of Christ to work in me.
Monday, April 1, 2019
Loyalty Programs
God is Faithful
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." Revelation 22:12
When traveling on business or pleasure, the major brands are constantly competing for your loyalty. They use well thought out marketing ploys and reward programs to keep you coming back. But really, is anyone loyal to just one company or brand? Why is it so easy to be persuaded?
If you don’t already know, God wants your loyalty too! He knows He is competing against a slew of worldly rewards that appeal to man’s natural desires and can satisfy in an instant. But God is faithful to His word. His rewards are everlasting and supreme. And while they may not be instantaneous, always tangible or may seem counter intuitive to what the world declares good, they are perfect and complete.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17
Because God is faithful, in Christ we will receive our just rewards.
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." Revelation 22:12
When traveling on business or pleasure, the major brands are constantly competing for your loyalty. They use well thought out marketing ploys and reward programs to keep you coming back. But really, is anyone loyal to just one company or brand? Why is it so easy to be persuaded?
If you don’t already know, God wants your loyalty too! He knows He is competing against a slew of worldly rewards that appeal to man’s natural desires and can satisfy in an instant. But God is faithful to His word. His rewards are everlasting and supreme. And while they may not be instantaneous, always tangible or may seem counter intuitive to what the world declares good, they are perfect and complete.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17
Because God is faithful, in Christ we will receive our just rewards.
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