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.
he 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 Jesus Christ.
Friday, July 15, 2022
Friday, July 1, 2022
Fear Not
God is Faithful
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:27
Many of us are worried. Worried about the economy, our jobs, our bills, our children, our parents, our health…the list goes on. God never intended for us to worry. Genuine concern for a matter moves you to action, but worry has ill effects. Do not let your heart and mind be consumed by fear. Learn to focus on what God has called important and trust him to provide.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34
Because God is faithful, we need not worry.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:27
Many of us are worried. Worried about the economy, our jobs, our bills, our children, our parents, our health…the list goes on. God never intended for us to worry. Genuine concern for a matter moves you to action, but worry has ill effects. Do not let your heart and mind be consumed by fear. Learn to focus on what God has called important and trust him to provide.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34
Because God is faithful, we need not worry.
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
From Sorrow to Joy
God is All Powerful
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16: 22-25
When having a bad day, it’s unlikely we’d describe our mood as joyous. To the contrary, we are likely to be tense, short tempered, angry or distraught. In fact, from simple problems like being stuck in traffic to the most difficult of trials, being joyful is the last emotion we would expect to experience.
The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas, two of Jesus’ disciples, sang songs of praise after being whipped, beaten and then chained in a cold and dark prison cell. Yes, bloody, cold and imprisoned without cause, they praised God! Doesn’t seem possible, does it? But Paul and Silas knew Jesus personally; they trusted God was in control of all things and that there wasn’t anything that He could not handle. Their confidence in God gave them peace, and this peace gave them joy knowing they were with God and God was with them. A joy that was so deep and profound they were able to sing praises despite their unfair and brutal treatment, their dire circumstances. Not long after they praised God, an earthquake shook the ground violently and they were set free. This same sincere joy that Paul and Silas experienced is available to us all at all times – and because of it, we too are set free.
I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed. Psalm 71:22-23
Because God is all powerful, with Jesus Christ, we find joy in all our circumstances.
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16: 22-25
When having a bad day, it’s unlikely we’d describe our mood as joyous. To the contrary, we are likely to be tense, short tempered, angry or distraught. In fact, from simple problems like being stuck in traffic to the most difficult of trials, being joyful is the last emotion we would expect to experience.
The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas, two of Jesus’ disciples, sang songs of praise after being whipped, beaten and then chained in a cold and dark prison cell. Yes, bloody, cold and imprisoned without cause, they praised God! Doesn’t seem possible, does it? But Paul and Silas knew Jesus personally; they trusted God was in control of all things and that there wasn’t anything that He could not handle. Their confidence in God gave them peace, and this peace gave them joy knowing they were with God and God was with them. A joy that was so deep and profound they were able to sing praises despite their unfair and brutal treatment, their dire circumstances. Not long after they praised God, an earthquake shook the ground violently and they were set free. This same sincere joy that Paul and Silas experienced is available to us all at all times – and because of it, we too are set free.
I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed. Psalm 71:22-23
Because God is all powerful, with Jesus Christ, we find joy in all our circumstances.
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Trust Me
God is Sovereign
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
Have you ever had a boss or a mentor that you followed without question? Someone you completely trusted? If so, it is likely you did not understand every action taken or how some things would come together, but you followed along because of your fundamental belief in this person. And while you may not have enjoyed each task handed out to you to complete, you did what was asked, believing your efforts would be worth it in the end.
Our relationship with God is much the same. With faith, we don’t need to understand all things or see God’s complete story to follow Him. With just a small amount of faith, God begins to reveal His character and His plan to us. But God intentionally leaves out some of the details – filling them in at His discretion. And while we can struggle to find patience to endure trials on God’s appointed terms and timing, we persevere when we remember who He is -- the Creator of the Universe, the all knowing, and all powerful God, who has our best interests at heart. For some, it may appear risky to place one’s faith blindly, but that is what makes faith, faith. Will you choose to follow Him?
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:44-47
Because God is sovereign, through Jesus Christ we can trust Him, even if we don’t understand Him completely.
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
Have you ever had a boss or a mentor that you followed without question? Someone you completely trusted? If so, it is likely you did not understand every action taken or how some things would come together, but you followed along because of your fundamental belief in this person. And while you may not have enjoyed each task handed out to you to complete, you did what was asked, believing your efforts would be worth it in the end.
Our relationship with God is much the same. With faith, we don’t need to understand all things or see God’s complete story to follow Him. With just a small amount of faith, God begins to reveal His character and His plan to us. But God intentionally leaves out some of the details – filling them in at His discretion. And while we can struggle to find patience to endure trials on God’s appointed terms and timing, we persevere when we remember who He is -- the Creator of the Universe, the all knowing, and all powerful God, who has our best interests at heart. For some, it may appear risky to place one’s faith blindly, but that is what makes faith, faith. Will you choose to follow Him?
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:44-47
Because God is sovereign, through Jesus Christ we can trust Him, even if we don’t understand Him completely.
Sunday, May 15, 2022
The Gardener
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.
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.
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.
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