God Is Merciful
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." Luke 5:20
We often do things that we aren’t proud of --and sometimes, they are a bit more serious than others. Time can erase the memories, but the guilt can come back unexpectedly. Many times we try to compensate for our poor actions by bringing gifts to those we have hurt or by making promises that we’ll never do it again. If criminals carry records, our employers keep files on our misdeeds, and our loved ones keep score – then how can we truly be forgiven and earn a fresh start?
The Bible tells us that we are forgiven though Christ’s death on the cross. He died for our sins, paying our debts in full. We don’t have to do anything to be forgiven other than believe in Christ as Lord and repent. True repentance means to turn from our sin and turn to God. While this is a big step, when we trust God, we experience forgiveness and we are made free from the bondage that follows our folly.
If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
Because God is merciful, all our sins are forgiven through Christ.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Is Work an Idol?
God is Sovereign
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24
Unfortunately, society lures us to get wrapped up in our title, the power of our position, the size of our paycheck…. Not only do we let our work define who we are as individuals, but work often becomes the source of satisfaction in our lives.
Giving up an identity defined by work seems counterintuitive to culture, but with Christ as the center of our affections, we are able to see a much grander vision. We end up with balance in our lives and the ability to love our neighbors when we’d otherwise be consumed by work. God does not define us by what we do or what we own, but rather by whose we are. We are God’s children -- the sons and daughters of a King! When we grasp that concept, work should no longer have a stronghold on us. We no longer are a slave to performance, but are free to think differently about the true purpose for our lives.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
Because God is sovereign, we can find our true identity in Him.
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24
Unfortunately, society lures us to get wrapped up in our title, the power of our position, the size of our paycheck…. Not only do we let our work define who we are as individuals, but work often becomes the source of satisfaction in our lives.
Giving up an identity defined by work seems counterintuitive to culture, but with Christ as the center of our affections, we are able to see a much grander vision. We end up with balance in our lives and the ability to love our neighbors when we’d otherwise be consumed by work. God does not define us by what we do or what we own, but rather by whose we are. We are God’s children -- the sons and daughters of a King! When we grasp that concept, work should no longer have a stronghold on us. We no longer are a slave to performance, but are free to think differently about the true purpose for our lives.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
Because God is sovereign, we can find our true identity in Him.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
One Day At A Time
God Is Eternal
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13
Many of us find it hard to live in the moment. We are often focused on our next meeting, our next trip, or our next paycheck. We seem to talk about what’s next, failing to live in the present. What would it look like if we slowed down and embraced the present? If we did not worry about what was next, but what is now? Would we be less hurried, spend more time building relationships, and give up trying to control everything? Could our quality of life be dramatically improved?
Taking things minute by minute allows us to enjoy the present and give up trying to control the future. God’s plan is that one day we will live with Him in eternity - a place without time, where there is no past and no future, just the present. Today, He longs for us to live with Him in the present as well. Consequently, there would be no fear, no anxiety, no insecurity, and a fullness in our heart as we live out each moment, trusting God with the timing and the outcomes.
I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:10-11
Because God is eternal, we can live in the moment in confidence with Christ.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13
Many of us find it hard to live in the moment. We are often focused on our next meeting, our next trip, or our next paycheck. We seem to talk about what’s next, failing to live in the present. What would it look like if we slowed down and embraced the present? If we did not worry about what was next, but what is now? Would we be less hurried, spend more time building relationships, and give up trying to control everything? Could our quality of life be dramatically improved?
Taking things minute by minute allows us to enjoy the present and give up trying to control the future. God’s plan is that one day we will live with Him in eternity - a place without time, where there is no past and no future, just the present. Today, He longs for us to live with Him in the present as well. Consequently, there would be no fear, no anxiety, no insecurity, and a fullness in our heart as we live out each moment, trusting God with the timing and the outcomes.
I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:10-11
Because God is eternal, we can live in the moment in confidence with Christ.
Tuesday, April 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.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Wise Choices
God Is Wisdom
The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:24
Solomon was a great leader, the third King of Israel. He was also known as the wisest man to have ever lived. He placed his trust in God, but over time he became disobedient and took matters into his own hands. At times of testing, it was evident that his own wisdom didn’t lead him into right choices. As a result, Solomon lost everything -- his wealth, power, peace, and security.
How many of us know the right thing to do, and yet fall short in our actions? Temptations to do things our way, to control the situation, to take shortcuts or follow the crowd… these short sided decisions get in the way of allowing Godly wisdom to prevail.
When building a career, business, marriage, or family, it is not enough to get off to a good start. We must remain faithful to God to the end, always yielding our selfish desires to make wise choices.
And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Because God is wisdom, with Christ we can know and do what is right.
The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:24
Solomon was a great leader, the third King of Israel. He was also known as the wisest man to have ever lived. He placed his trust in God, but over time he became disobedient and took matters into his own hands. At times of testing, it was evident that his own wisdom didn’t lead him into right choices. As a result, Solomon lost everything -- his wealth, power, peace, and security.
How many of us know the right thing to do, and yet fall short in our actions? Temptations to do things our way, to control the situation, to take shortcuts or follow the crowd… these short sided decisions get in the way of allowing Godly wisdom to prevail.
When building a career, business, marriage, or family, it is not enough to get off to a good start. We must remain faithful to God to the end, always yielding our selfish desires to make wise choices.
And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Because God is wisdom, with Christ we can know and do what is right.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Did It Again
God Is All Powerful
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15
How many of us are still adhering to our New Year’s resolutions? Although well intended, it does not take too long before the enthusiasm behind those pledges fades and our old habits are back. Why is change so hard?
The Bible tells us the battle to do right is beyond our control; that not only does our sinful nature provoke us but Satan himself lures us to sin. We however, have been given the power to be victorious. Yes, freedom can be found, but it is not in our own strength. We must rely on God’s power through Christ who is at work in us. Are you willing to admit you are powerless to change and place your trust in Him?
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16-17
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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12
Because God is all-powerful, we can change anything with Jesus working in our lives.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15
How many of us are still adhering to our New Year’s resolutions? Although well intended, it does not take too long before the enthusiasm behind those pledges fades and our old habits are back. Why is change so hard?
The Bible tells us the battle to do right is beyond our control; that not only does our sinful nature provoke us but Satan himself lures us to sin. We however, have been given the power to be victorious. Yes, freedom can be found, but it is not in our own strength. We must rely on God’s power through Christ who is at work in us. Are you willing to admit you are powerless to change and place your trust in Him?
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16-17
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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12
Because God is all-powerful, we can change anything with Jesus working in our lives.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Building Castles
God Is Eternal
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25
Many of us have spent extended time on the beach building elaborate castles in the sand, only to find them destroyed at a moment’s notice. Life can challenge us in the same way. Things we work hard for and think we control can all disappear in an instant.
When trials come, God’s desire is that we place our hope in Him and not in what we are able to achieve in our own strength. He lovingly invites us to focus on His Kingdom and trust in His plan. God has already built the perfect resting place for us in the here and now and for eternity through Jesus. Yes, the work is done. But to experience such heavenly peace, we must choose to live by faith and not simply by what we see.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Because God is eternal, with Jesus, our future is certain.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25
Many of us have spent extended time on the beach building elaborate castles in the sand, only to find them destroyed at a moment’s notice. Life can challenge us in the same way. Things we work hard for and think we control can all disappear in an instant.
When trials come, God’s desire is that we place our hope in Him and not in what we are able to achieve in our own strength. He lovingly invites us to focus on His Kingdom and trust in His plan. God has already built the perfect resting place for us in the here and now and for eternity through Jesus. Yes, the work is done. But to experience such heavenly peace, we must choose to live by faith and not simply by what we see.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Because God is eternal, with Jesus, our future is certain.
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