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 work, 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
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Because God is sovereign, through Christ we can find our true identity in Him.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Friday, April 1, 2016
April Fools
God Is Just
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
We all love a good joke or prank once in a while to break up the stress of the day … maybe this is why April Fool’s Day can be so much fun. But that one day of the year can also serve as a reminder that foolish thinking, pranks and schemes should be the exception and not the rule in our life; that while life should be enjoyed, foolishness and folly have consequences.
The Bible speaks at great length on the topic of foolishness. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live writes in the Book of Proverbs that fools do not seek God’s wisdom and understanding. That they do not follow God, but rather live by their own set of rules. But, it is written that one day God will judge us all and His justice will prevail. And, while our pride may lead us to believe we will have the last laugh, are we truly prepared for Judgment Day? No matter the recklessness or how foolish your past, God’s mercy and grace are still available to you today -- it’s not too late.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise Proverbs 19:20
Because God is just, with Christ we will face the final judgment in confidence.
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
We all love a good joke or prank once in a while to break up the stress of the day … maybe this is why April Fool’s Day can be so much fun. But that one day of the year can also serve as a reminder that foolish thinking, pranks and schemes should be the exception and not the rule in our life; that while life should be enjoyed, foolishness and folly have consequences.
The Bible speaks at great length on the topic of foolishness. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live writes in the Book of Proverbs that fools do not seek God’s wisdom and understanding. That they do not follow God, but rather live by their own set of rules. But, it is written that one day God will judge us all and His justice will prevail. And, while our pride may lead us to believe we will have the last laugh, are we truly prepared for Judgment Day? No matter the recklessness or how foolish your past, God’s mercy and grace are still available to you today -- it’s not too late.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise Proverbs 19:20
Because God is just, with Christ we will face the final judgment in confidence.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Forgiveness
God is gracious
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22
We all seek to be forgiven, but what happens when forgiveness is asked of us? It takes courage, patience and a generous heart to forgive others when we have been wronged. At times we hold grudges, seek revenge, suppress anger and struggle with releasing hurts that can be very deep and profound. Consequently, we end up suffering more and becoming bitter by not letting go.
So, how does one accomplish this daunting task of forgiveness? Jesus' death on the cross reminds us of the extreme suffering Jesus endured to provide payment for our sins. So if God's grace allows us to be forgiven without any cost, we too should be able to extend the same grace and forgive others without receiving payment. When we embrace God's miraculous gift of grace that has been extended to us through faith and not by any works we do, we will then be able to forgive others, and in doing so experience freedom and true joy.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Because God is gracious, through Jesus Christ we are able to forgive others and live joyfully.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22
We all seek to be forgiven, but what happens when forgiveness is asked of us? It takes courage, patience and a generous heart to forgive others when we have been wronged. At times we hold grudges, seek revenge, suppress anger and struggle with releasing hurts that can be very deep and profound. Consequently, we end up suffering more and becoming bitter by not letting go.
So, how does one accomplish this daunting task of forgiveness? Jesus' death on the cross reminds us of the extreme suffering Jesus endured to provide payment for our sins. So if God's grace allows us to be forgiven without any cost, we too should be able to extend the same grace and forgive others without receiving payment. When we embrace God's miraculous gift of grace that has been extended to us through faith and not by any works we do, we will then be able to forgive others, and in doing so experience freedom and true joy.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Because God is gracious, through Jesus Christ we are able to forgive others and live joyfully.
Monday, February 15, 2016
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. In the end Solomon concluded it is all meaningless without the one true God.
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. In the end Solomon concluded it is all meaningless without the one true God.
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.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Let It All Go
God is Faithful
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Mark 10:21(NIV)
What would it look like if we consciously made the decision to give up control of everything? To turn over not only what we hold dear, but also our fears, anxiety, anger, and grief….
You may ask “why would I give up what I cling to so tightly” and “how would I begin to let it all go”?….The answer is anchored in “Trust”. God sent his Son Jesus to pay our debts so that we can live our life to the fullest through a relationship with Him. We will experience an abundant life full of unconditional love and acceptance, peace, hope, and joy, once we chose to trust in Christ.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10(NKJ)
Because God is faithful, through Christ we receive God’s blessings in abundance as we trust in Him.
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Mark 10:21(NIV)
What would it look like if we consciously made the decision to give up control of everything? To turn over not only what we hold dear, but also our fears, anxiety, anger, and grief….
You may ask “why would I give up what I cling to so tightly” and “how would I begin to let it all go”?….The answer is anchored in “Trust”. God sent his Son Jesus to pay our debts so that we can live our life to the fullest through a relationship with Him. We will experience an abundant life full of unconditional love and acceptance, peace, hope, and joy, once we chose to trust in Christ.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10(NKJ)
Because God is faithful, through Christ we receive God’s blessings in abundance as we trust in Him.
Friday, January 15, 2016
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.
Friday, January 1, 2016
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
Because God is faithful, with Christ we can experience a changed life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)