God is Holy
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; ... Malachi 3:3
Let’s face it - No one likes to change their ways or habits, no matter how destructive they may be or how necessary. While the status quo is always easiest, deep down, we all admit there are some things we’d like to change about ourselves. Maybe it’s having more patience with a co-worker, or having a higher level of integrity at work; maybe it’s being more of a team player, or being more charitable….
The bible tells us that God is constantly at work refining our character. Just like the silversmith that removes impurities in metal over a blazing fire, God places us in hot spots to perfect our character. Daily, we can find ourselves in situations that challenge us to move in a new direction, to extend grace, forgiveness, or a helping hand when we would not otherwise. We have two choices – to stay on the same path or to be like Jesus in our thoughts and actions. But how many of us choose the latter? If we trust God and obey His word at times of testing, we will find that just like silver, imperfections in our character are removed allowing His reflection in our life to become real and visible to those around us.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
Because God is holy, He continues to perfect our character through difficult circumstances.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Light at the End of the Tunnel
God is Unchanging
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
There seems to be some optimism as we move forward through this pandemic; indicators are starting to look better. You could say there appears to be a “light at the end of the tunnel”. For some, this could mean regaining employment or closing a deal; for others, recovery from an illness, addiction or a broken relationship. But while we long for things to change for the better, we all know there is no guarantee that the good times will last forever.
But, there is one guarantee that we should never forget–God’s promise to us that no matter what the sin, circumstance or struggle, Jesus will be there for us. He was sent from God to save us from our sins, to heal our pain and redeem us. The one thing we know for sure is we can trust God – For He is unchanging, consistent, the beginning and the end, no matter what the circumstance. He is the light at the end of our tunnel that will never fail.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Because God is unchanging, through Jesus Christ we can trust that God is always with us.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
There seems to be some optimism as we move forward through this pandemic; indicators are starting to look better. You could say there appears to be a “light at the end of the tunnel”. For some, this could mean regaining employment or closing a deal; for others, recovery from an illness, addiction or a broken relationship. But while we long for things to change for the better, we all know there is no guarantee that the good times will last forever.
But, there is one guarantee that we should never forget–God’s promise to us that no matter what the sin, circumstance or struggle, Jesus will be there for us. He was sent from God to save us from our sins, to heal our pain and redeem us. The one thing we know for sure is we can trust God – For He is unchanging, consistent, the beginning and the end, no matter what the circumstance. He is the light at the end of our tunnel that will never fail.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Because God is unchanging, through Jesus Christ we can trust that God is always with us.
Monday, March 15, 2021
Faith Over Fear
God Is All Powerful
so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid, Nehemiah 2:2
Our greatest obstacle to accomplishing a goal is fear. Fear can conjure up a slew of reasons why the task can not be accomplished. Fear can immobilize. Fear can stop us dead in our tracks. So how can we resist or defeat fear?
When Nehemiah stepped into his vision to rebuild the broken walls and gates around Jerusalem, he was afraid to approach the King to ask for permission and resources. Knowing this was a grand vision from God, Nehemiah’s fear dissolved when he placed his confidence in God. Ultimately, his vision became reality, an inspiration to many as he was able to accomplish an unbelievable task, a “God-sized” goal -- all because Nehemiah overcame his fear by trusting God.
We all have a dream or a vision to be passionate about -- a vision about our lives, our careers, our families, our finances ….So what is stopping you? Is your fear bigger than your vision and greater than your faith?
in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
Because God is all powerful, with Jesus we can accomplish great things when we trust Him with the outcome.
so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid, Nehemiah 2:2
Our greatest obstacle to accomplishing a goal is fear. Fear can conjure up a slew of reasons why the task can not be accomplished. Fear can immobilize. Fear can stop us dead in our tracks. So how can we resist or defeat fear?
When Nehemiah stepped into his vision to rebuild the broken walls and gates around Jerusalem, he was afraid to approach the King to ask for permission and resources. Knowing this was a grand vision from God, Nehemiah’s fear dissolved when he placed his confidence in God. Ultimately, his vision became reality, an inspiration to many as he was able to accomplish an unbelievable task, a “God-sized” goal -- all because Nehemiah overcame his fear by trusting God.
We all have a dream or a vision to be passionate about -- a vision about our lives, our careers, our families, our finances ….So what is stopping you? Is your fear bigger than your vision and greater than your faith?
in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
Because God is all powerful, with Jesus we can accomplish great things when we trust Him with the outcome.
Monday, February 15, 2021
Need A Hug?
God is Love
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Have you ever struggled with feeling loved and accepted? Most of us do, but we don’t have to once we grasp how deeply and completely God loves us. While love from a spouse or a friend or a family member may be lacking, God’s love will fill that void in our life if we invite him to do so. In fact, no one is complete without God’s love. He created us to yearn for Him; that is why so frequently we feel emptiness irrespective of whatever our circumstances or relationships may be. So, if you don’t feel complete, how about accepting God’s love? He is waiting for you. And remember, with God, you will experience love beyond imagine.I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:16-18
Because God is love, He is committed unconditionally to you.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Have you ever struggled with feeling loved and accepted? Most of us do, but we don’t have to once we grasp how deeply and completely God loves us. While love from a spouse or a friend or a family member may be lacking, God’s love will fill that void in our life if we invite him to do so. In fact, no one is complete without God’s love. He created us to yearn for Him; that is why so frequently we feel emptiness irrespective of whatever our circumstances or relationships may be. So, if you don’t feel complete, how about accepting God’s love? He is waiting for you. And remember, with God, you will experience love beyond imagine.I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:16-18
Because God is love, He is committed unconditionally to you.
Monday, February 1, 2021
Where Are You?
God is Sovereign
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most unusual and challenging times in our lifetime - from health concerns to economic hardship to intense division and uncertainty about the future. How can one believe that there is a God that is good when faced with these circumstances?
There are some things that we just can’t comprehend, but we just have to trust that God is in control and that in all things God works for the good. For it is in times like these that we are given a chance to show love and compassion to our neighbors. This is how hope is restored -- when we offer kindness to those we disagree with or lend a hand to someone in need.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39
Because God is sovereign, we can trust God is at work in the midst of calamity.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most unusual and challenging times in our lifetime - from health concerns to economic hardship to intense division and uncertainty about the future. How can one believe that there is a God that is good when faced with these circumstances?
There are some things that we just can’t comprehend, but we just have to trust that God is in control and that in all things God works for the good. For it is in times like these that we are given a chance to show love and compassion to our neighbors. This is how hope is restored -- when we offer kindness to those we disagree with or lend a hand to someone in need.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39
Because God is sovereign, we can trust God is at work in the midst of calamity.
Friday, January 15, 2021
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, through Christ 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, through Christ He can transform our hearts and enable us to serve passionately.
Friday, January 1, 2021
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.
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.
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