Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Most Important Gift of All


God is Gracious

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

The birth of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in the history of mankind, splitting history into BC and AD.  His birth represents a new beginning and hope for our future.  Jesus came to forgive us and free us from our sin.  And in doing so, He made the way for our eternal salvation. 

This year, let us look past the pile of packages, Santa and his sleigh, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman to see the true meaning of Christmas -- celebrating the birth of Jesus.  When we focus on God’s precious gift to all people, His Son Jesus, we can experience heavenly peace, unconditional love, and complete joy without exchanging a single store-bought gift.  Throughout this Christmas season, may we keep our focus on Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Merry Christmas!

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2: 10-11

Because God is Gracious, He gave us His beloved Son Jesus.
 

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Thanksgiving


God is Ever Present


I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.  Psalm 69:30

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday – a time for reflection and for spending time with friends and family, a time to give thanks for all the blessings we have in our life. Too often though, the holiday brings busyness, preoccupation with year-end expectations and demands, concerns over family dynamics, anxiety and stress.  We sometimes find ourselves without a moment of peace and look forward to getting back to our usual routine. 

With Thanksgiving now behind us, how about taking this moment to consider all that we are thankful for? Not only little things but the big things as well --we live in a free country, we are the richest nation in the world, we are highly educated…We also have a God who loves us, oh how He loves us!  His grace and mercy are always there for us to receive when we turn to Him.  In fact, each day can be full of thanksgiving as our Heavenly Father pours out His blessings on us, His beloved children.

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:4

Because God is Ever Present, everyday is a day of thanksgiving.
 

Sunday, November 15, 2009

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)

With foreclosure and bankruptcy at unprecedented levels, more of us than we’d like are being told to “let it all go.”  But what would it look like if you consciously made the decision to give up control of everything? To turn over not only what you hold dear, but also your 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 your debts so that you can live your life to the fullest through a relationship with Him.  You will experience an abundant life full of unconditional love and acceptance, peace, hope, and joy, once you 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, we receive God’s blessings in abundance as we trust in Him. 
 


Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Greatest Gift

God is All Knowing


O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.   Psalm 139: 1-5

God knows us completely – this makes Him omniscience or “all-knowing”.  He knows every word and deed – good and bad – and yet he loves us and invites us into a relationship with Him.  He does not condemn; he does not judge; he accepts us unconditionally.  He guides us through every trial.  He knows and loves us completely.  Isn’t it amazing to know God knows it all – from the biggest issues in our life down to even the smallest of details?  And, that He yearns for us to know Him.

What are you waiting for?  Why not let God come into your life?  Why not accept the greatest gift ever given? - a relationship with God Himself!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Because God is all knowing, he gives us the gift to know Him personally.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Out of Control


God is All Powerful

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,   “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

We are taught to be in control -- to take control of our lives and our circumstances.  The recent flooding and torrential rains, the not too long ago drought, and an economy that does not seem to cooperate with our hopes and dreams for an abundant life….  What an eye opener when we understand who really is in control – an all powerful God who has the whole world in His hands!  And with this revelation come hope and a sense of freedom.  We don’t have to fix everything.  We can trust God, who is good and who has a plan for us. 

“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

Because God is all powerful, we can trust that He is in control of all the circumstances in our life.
 

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Second Mile


God is All Powerful 

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Matthew 5:41

The verse is based on an old tradition where Roman soldiers required locals to carry their load one mile.  Jews would carry the bags two miles as a way to show Rome the power and goodness of God.

When at work or in any situation, why not go the second mile?  Think of the impact it will have on those around you.  Leadership like this may not be immediately rewarded, but knowing you are making a difference one day or one task at a time has its rewards.  Draw your strength from God, who ultimately controls all things and rewards us accordingly. 

Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.  In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.  I Chronicles 29:12

Because God is all powerful, you can be extraordinary.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I'm Tired, Are You?


God is All Powerful


"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." Mathew 11:28-30

Anyone tired?  …tired physically, mentally, tired of waiting for circumstances to change…  When life is tough, we can become so worn out that we are immobilized.  Where do you turn?  Modern medicine offers solutions; bad habits can keep us propped up for only so long. 

Look up and lean on our eternal God.  This is where you can be reenergized and restored.  Exchange your ways for God’s ways.  God’s promise for everlasting life through his son Jesus Christ offers peace and hope.  It isn’t in the what and when of our circumstances, but rather in the who.  Who is the focus of your life?

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:28-31
 
Because God is all powerful, we can rely on the Lord’s strength.
 

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Satisfaction Guaranteed


God is Eternal
 

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.”  Ecclesiastes 1:2

Are you still searching for that something that will finally bring you permanent happiness?   You may find a temporary contentment or satisfaction based on your current circumstance; however it does not last – it wasn’t designed to.  There is no peace without Jesus.  “Stop chasing the wind” as Solomon said, “for it is all meaningless”.  Free yourself from the pursuit of approval, money, and power.   True joy comes from the Holy Spirit.  St. Augustine said, “The heart will not rest until it rests in Christ.”  Ask Christ into your life and he will give you a perfect, everlasting peace.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5: 22-23


Because God is Eternal, we can be complete.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

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, we can know and do what is right.
 

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Teamwork Requires Forgiveness

 
God is Love

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:13

We all know that teamwork requires each player to do his or her part.  When someone lets you down, how do you respond? Do you hold a grudge, complain, or get even?  Why is it so hard to forgive?  To remember that we too have sinned and fallen short and that our Heavenly Father has paid the price for our transgressions is very powerful.  If you can reflect on the kindness and grace our Lord gives when we do not deserve it, forgiving others is possible.

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  Luke 11:4


Because God is Love, we can forgive others.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

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.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Nothing is Impossible

God is Faithful

“If you can?” said Jesus.  “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"  Mark 9:23-24


Feeling down?  Like nothing is possible within this current economic climate?  Don’t lose hope.  Jesus’ words suggest it requires more than our own efforts to obtain results, that it requires faith.  Jesus demonstrates what is possible if we place our trust in Christ -- because nothing is too difficult for God.  As we face challenges and trials, trust Christ to strengthen you and give you peace for what lays ahead.  With Jesus as the source of our strength and hope, we can believe and trust in our Heavenly Father to provide all that we need.    

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13


Because God is Faithful, we can trust that all our needs will be met.