God Is Faithful
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:4
Just about everyone loves spring – It is an incredibly uplifting and joyous time. The flowers are in bloom, the weather is warm, the days are getting longer --a welcomed change from the dark and cold days of winter. But without the toil of winter, would such a glorious spring be possible?
So too is it with life…No one enjoys walking through a difficult season, but they serve a purpose despite not always understanding what that may be. During such hardships, we long for the day when our circumstances will change, when life will get back to normal. But perseverance during trials can bring forth splendor in ways that we can’t even imagine. Trusting God as he prunes the dead branches in our lives provides an opportunity for God centered traits to flourish within us. God’s desire is to see our character and life blossom like the most beautiful garden ever imagined when we draw closer to Him. Getting through difficult seasons is challenging and can require more patience and effort than we planned, but when we trust God to rescue us, the results will be glorious.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Because God is faithful, we trust that even during the most challenging of times, through Jesus, all our needs will be met.
Sunday, May 15, 2022
Friday, April 15, 2022
Swimming Upstream
God is Ever-Present
I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:55-58
Just like a salmon with the daunting task of swimming upstream to spawn, we too can find ourselves fighting battles that take every ounce of energy we have. While in the midst of such challenging times, we realize we are powerless. Weakened and exposed, we may find ourselves calling out to God to save us for the very first time or restore us once again.
It is comforting to know, however, that even in the darkest of times, God will never leave us, and never will he forsake us. His mercy and grace abound. While we may question God “why me, why now?” we can trust that God is at work in the details of our life. When we are drawn to God’s redeeming promise, we begin to understand how deeply our Heavenly Father cares for us and we find the strength to carry on.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5
Because God is ever-present, through Jesus, we find our ultimate strength.
I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:55-58
Just like a salmon with the daunting task of swimming upstream to spawn, we too can find ourselves fighting battles that take every ounce of energy we have. While in the midst of such challenging times, we realize we are powerless. Weakened and exposed, we may find ourselves calling out to God to save us for the very first time or restore us once again.
It is comforting to know, however, that even in the darkest of times, God will never leave us, and never will he forsake us. His mercy and grace abound. While we may question God “why me, why now?” we can trust that God is at work in the details of our life. When we are drawn to God’s redeeming promise, we begin to understand how deeply our Heavenly Father cares for us and we find the strength to carry on.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5
Because God is ever-present, through Jesus, we find our ultimate strength.
Friday, April 1, 2022
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 Jesus 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 Jesus Christ we will face the final judgment in confidence.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
A Major Renovation
God is Gracious
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth . . ." Isaiah 65:17
A great deal of effort goes into any kind of renovation – it starts with a vision and requires hours of planning, hard work, and great expense. The restoration all done to make something more useful and hopefully of more value.
God, the master architect is also in the process of a major renovation. He is working on rebuilding the world around us and you are part of His plan. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God has been working at restoring His vision. His love for us is too great, His vision too magnificent to allow His creation to decay in the grips of sin. But God’s plan requires a major overhaul in our thinking, our hearts, and our actions… When we replace the focus of our life from worldly possessions to Godly desires with Jesus at the center, we become a new creation. The grand plan is in place and Jesus has already paid the price. Now it’s your move.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Because God is gracious, through Jesus Christ we have become new.
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth . . ." Isaiah 65:17
A great deal of effort goes into any kind of renovation – it starts with a vision and requires hours of planning, hard work, and great expense. The restoration all done to make something more useful and hopefully of more value.
God, the master architect is also in the process of a major renovation. He is working on rebuilding the world around us and you are part of His plan. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God has been working at restoring His vision. His love for us is too great, His vision too magnificent to allow His creation to decay in the grips of sin. But God’s plan requires a major overhaul in our thinking, our hearts, and our actions… When we replace the focus of our life from worldly possessions to Godly desires with Jesus at the center, we become a new creation. The grand plan is in place and Jesus has already paid the price. Now it’s your move.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Because God is gracious, through Jesus Christ we have become new.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
God Is Our Rock
God is Unchanging
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:24-26
Perhaps at some point in the not too distant past you have felt like something you looked to in this life -- your finances, your health, your accolades, your relationships -- was eroding away; just like sand washing away around your feet in the tide.
The Bible tells us when we place our trust in God, after the last grain of sand is gone, we find a rock that we can stand on. This is our hope and encouragement to get through difficult times. God is always there – around us, before us, above us, in front of us. God is more than a feeling or a vague idea, He is the foundation – solid and everlasting, dependable, faithful, and unchanging.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Because God is unchanging, through Christ we can trust Him with everything.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:24-26
Perhaps at some point in the not too distant past you have felt like something you looked to in this life -- your finances, your health, your accolades, your relationships -- was eroding away; just like sand washing away around your feet in the tide.
The Bible tells us when we place our trust in God, after the last grain of sand is gone, we find a rock that we can stand on. This is our hope and encouragement to get through difficult times. God is always there – around us, before us, above us, in front of us. God is more than a feeling or a vague idea, He is the foundation – solid and everlasting, dependable, faithful, and unchanging.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Because God is unchanging, through Christ we can trust Him with everything.
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Change Agent
God is All-Powerful
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. Acts 9: 17-18
A change agent is defined as an event, organization, material thing or, more usually, a person that acts as a catalyst for change. In the corporate world and even at home, a lot of time, money and resources are deployed to assist with change…But do people, places, or organizations ever really change? We all hope the answer is true and especially when it comes to us personally….but why is it that some are more successful at change than others?
The story in the bible about Paul, formerly known as Saul from Tarsus, is a wonderful story of change. Paul was ruthless in persecuting Christians during the first century AD. But after a supernatural experience with the resurrected Jesus, he was changed forever in a very powerful way. His actions were immediately affected – his heart and mind permanently altered. It was the interaction with Jesus, a personal encounter with Heaven’s own change agent, which made the difference. Jesus is also available to us in the very same way. Are you ready and willing to be changed forever?
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1: 15-16
Because God is all-powerful, through Jesus Christ, we are able to experience permanent change.
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. Acts 9: 17-18
A change agent is defined as an event, organization, material thing or, more usually, a person that acts as a catalyst for change. In the corporate world and even at home, a lot of time, money and resources are deployed to assist with change…But do people, places, or organizations ever really change? We all hope the answer is true and especially when it comes to us personally….but why is it that some are more successful at change than others?
The story in the bible about Paul, formerly known as Saul from Tarsus, is a wonderful story of change. Paul was ruthless in persecuting Christians during the first century AD. But after a supernatural experience with the resurrected Jesus, he was changed forever in a very powerful way. His actions were immediately affected – his heart and mind permanently altered. It was the interaction with Jesus, a personal encounter with Heaven’s own change agent, which made the difference. Jesus is also available to us in the very same way. Are you ready and willing to be changed forever?
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1: 15-16
Because God is all-powerful, through Jesus Christ, we are able to experience permanent change.
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Change of Plans
God is All-Knowing
I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23
Our industry was hit hard in 2020. Even today, as we recover there continues to be caution in meeting, traveling, and group gatherings. We can make all the plans in the world, but we can never know what the future holds. Only God knows the future. Sometimes His plans are at odds with ours. God promises however, that good and perfect gifts come from Him if we trust in His plan for our life. Are you willing to accept that your heavenly “Father Knows Best” and embrace all that God has planned for your life?
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15
Because God is all-knowing, through Christ we can trust His plan for our life.
I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23
Our industry was hit hard in 2020. Even today, as we recover there continues to be caution in meeting, traveling, and group gatherings. We can make all the plans in the world, but we can never know what the future holds. Only God knows the future. Sometimes His plans are at odds with ours. God promises however, that good and perfect gifts come from Him if we trust in His plan for our life. Are you willing to accept that your heavenly “Father Knows Best” and embrace all that God has planned for your life?
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15
Because God is all-knowing, through Christ we can trust His plan for our life.
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