Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Overcoming Obstacles

God is Gracious|


After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1

We all face tough situations and are called to make difficult decisions each day. Often we will ask advice from family or co-workers on how to best approach the challenge. Many times we are able to find a solution and move on. But what about those times when the challenge seems impossible…when physically, emotionally, or financially there just is no way?

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but he was faced with a major obstacle. At age 99 and his wife Sarah just a few years younger, the couple was childless. Yet God had told Abraham on several occasions that his offspring would be “as numerous as the stars in the sky”. Without a human solution, they had to place all of their trust in God. At first they tried to establish a family on their own account, but God reminded Abraham that the nation would arise through his very own son and that Sarah would be the mother of nations. As Abraham recognized he was powerless, it was in this place of utter impossibility that a dependence on God was established. God has made you a promise too – to never leave you and never to forsake you. He will grant you grace and peace in whatever your circumstance. Are you ready to trust God and let Him lead you thorough the challenges of your life?

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Because God is gracious, with Christ, resolving even the toughest of situations is possible.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Identity Theft

God is Holy

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

If you have ever had your identity stolen, you know first hand the inconvenience caused and inherent cost. Unfortunately however, many of us operate with mistaken identities and aren’t even aware of it. We look in the mirror and see our significance from things we own, who we associate with, and what we do. We fail to see the ultimate purpose for our existence and in doing so, we don’t appreciate the great cost of rejecting our true identity.

The Bible tells us that God created man in his image; that His original intention was for us to be a reflection of who He is. But because of Adam and Eve’s original sin, no one can stand holy and pure before God. Unfortunately pride, anger, jealousy, greed, and lust are rampant in our society and in our personal lives. Through Christ, however, our sins are forgiven allowing us to be restored in our relationship and transformed into God’s likeness once again. With Christ in our hearts, we are clothed in God’s righteousness – righteousness of a King! That is who we are, if we choose to embrace our God given identity.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Because God is holy, by choosing Jesus Christ we are redeemed and made righteous.