Sunday, December 15, 2013

Makin' a List and Checkin' it Twice

God is Gracious

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12

At Christmas, we all make a list of things we’d like to have. But our lists typically won’t include the hopes and desires we have to change things about ourselves, our circumstances, and our relationships. Maybe they should?

The Bible tells us such gifts like peace and joy and patience can be ours if we just ask and believe. That we can be freed from bad habits, guilt and resentment because God made good on His promise to send a Savior to all mankind. Yes, baby Jesus, the hope of the world, was found lying in a manger over 2000 years ago. And still today, God’s Son is with us. The question is have you found Him? This Christmas, let’s receive God’s precious gift and rejoice for God is with us!

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:21-23

Because God is gracious, through Jesus, God is with us always.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Co-Dependent

Good Is Goodness

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7


The world preaches that independence equals success and yet if we are being honest, over time we end up dependent on the very things that started off as freedoms. Things that once were a source of validation or happiness can take control and the joy that was once experienced is lost. Eventually our independence can lead to hopelessness as we try to fill an insatiable void.

God speaks of having a dependency on Him-- counterintuitive to our culture because as humans, dependence is a sign of weakness. Yet, it is because God created us solely to be in a relationship with Him, that any substitute does not last. Like little children that depend on their earthly Fathers, our Heavenly Father longs for us to see Him as the source of all goodness, all peace, and all joy.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7

Because God is goodness, with Jesus we can depend on God always.

Friday, November 1, 2013

First Thing First

God Is Holy

and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. Deuteronomy 26:10

In today’s hectic world, deciding what to do first can be difficult. We all know prioritizing is the key to success. But figuring out what to prioritize is the key to life.

The Bible tells us that all things including our very breathe come from God, but how we express our gratitude is often with the very little we have left over after a busy day or busy week. God does not want our seconds -- surely, the Creator of all things deserves better. Imagine if we tried to put God first for just one day, all day. Just maybe we would experience a peace and joy that would cause us to see things differently. Maybe we would be able to see God’s big plan and realize that a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus is the very foundation to experiencing life to the full.

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:15-16


Because God is Holy, through Jesus, I will honor Him above all else.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

I Quit

God Is All Knowing

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11


Have you ever felt like something was so difficult, you could not handle it any longer so you quit? Sometimes when God is at work in us, He can bring us to some very difficult situations. They may drag on for years, be unexpected, or intensely painful. But God’s desire is not for us to quit, but rather to surrender. He has big plans for us, and when we do not obey Him, we lose out on His intended blessing. Sometimes it seems His ways are too hard, but that is when trusting in His promise brings peace.

“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. Job 22:21-22

Because God is all knowing, with Jesus, I can surrender my will and receive His peace.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Onward!

God Is All-Powerful

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145: 13-14


If you have ever suffered defeat, you know what it feels like to pick yourself up, dust off your bruised ego, and head back to battle. The world does not embrace weakness or loss. And it’s not in our DNA to accept defeat – but rather to simply go at it harder, faster, stronger – until we arrive at the desired outcome.

The Bible is full of stories of human failure. God’s point is that in our weakness we are made strong. That we are “only human”, but God is divine. God’s desire is for us to trust Him in all things. That only when we rest in what Jesus has done for us, is He able to work in and through us. The question is will you continue to fight your battles alone or will allow the one true God who controls all things to stand with you?

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Because God is all-powerful, with Jesus, I can experience victory in any battle.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

The Olive Branch

God Is Love

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

We all get into disagreements, but what happens when a grievance gets out of hand and forgiveness is required before the relationship can be restored? Who goes first? And will any gesture extended be accepted and reciprocated? Those are really tough questions – and part of the answer depends on how much the relationship is valued.

God created us to be in relationship with Him, but we often do not have the time or a desire to know God intimately. We think we can handle things on our own until something happens outside of our control. But, because of God’s unconditional love for us, He stands with arms open wide; ready to receive us at any time, in any way. By simply placing our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, our relationship with our Heavenly Father is restored in an instant. And through that same gift of grace, we too can forgive one another.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20

Because God is love, through Jesus our broken relationships are restored.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

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, through Christ we can forgive others.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

The Easy Button

God Is Merciful

“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

What a brilliant idea -- the “Easy Button” -- a way to solve life’s complicated situations with ease. But in reality, we know nothing is that simple. So where can we turn in light of our demanding schedules and never ending list of challenges and priorities?

God in His great wisdom and mercy sent a solution to take our burdens if we choose to believe and turn over control. His Son Jesus not only paid for our sins to secure our future for eternity, but today and everyday, it is through Jesus that we find strength, wisdom, and peace to bear trials and difficult circumstances. While God never promised that life would be easy, He did promise to be with us always.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33


Because God is merciful, in Christ, we can manage through life’s difficult situations.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

The Sales Pitch

God is Faithful

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 14:1-2


Sometimes the promises made to us sound too good to be true! But when you have developed a strong relationship with the person making the promise, it is far easier to believe that they are telling the truth, no matter what is at stake.

God has made the most amazing promises to us, all found within the pages of His story, the Bible. And throughout the ages, God has proven He is dependable. As part of His grand plan, God sent His Son Jesus as a way for us to know Him more intimately, to trust so we could yield to His instructions more easily. Maybe your life isn’t working out the way you intended. Maybe it’s time to follow the One who knows the future and always has our best interests at heart; the One who is faithful until the very end.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me –
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:14, 27


Because God is faithful, through Christ we can believe all of His promises

Monday, July 1, 2013

Set Free

God is Faithful

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

If we are born free and live in a free society, why is it that sometimes we can’t break free from bad decisions, anger that comes from being treated unfairly, burdens caused by excessive debt, insecurities and the anxiety of meeting an unending list of promises made to ourselves and others? Does this life we live truly consist of freedom? Or, do we long to be set free from our commitments and obligations?

The Bible speaks of a freedom found in Jesus Christ. This is a freedom that goes beyond human entitlements. Jesus refers to a freedom that penetrates our hearts and leads us into action. A freedom to forgive when we’ve been wronged; a freedom to love our neighbors and our enemies; a freedom to rejoice even during difficult times; and a freedom to have confidence no matter what we face. Jesus allows us to break free of all personal struggles if we are willing to trust Him and allow Him to be our source of strength. With our focus on Christ, not only are we free from the penalty of our sin, we are set free from the burden in our hearts that drag us down and attempt to defeat us.

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. Psalm 118:5

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21

Because God is faithful, with Jesus Christ, we are set free from our burdens.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Network for Success

God is All Powerful

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18

In business, it’s good to be connected. But for those of us who are building our rolodex,
we often find ourselves on a long road, striving to be associated with all the “right people”.

While knowing chairmen and CEO’s can certainly help, who we really need to know is Jesus if we want true success in our lives. It is easy to believe the illusion that comes from our own success, but in reality it’s God who is ultimately in control working in and through us for His glory. For those at the top, that precept should be humbling as it was for David, the King of Israel. And years earlier David's reliance on God serves as encouragement when he, a mere shepherd boy, faced the giant Goliath. So no matter your title or status in life, there isn’t anything that can stop you, outside of your own disbelief, when you put your trust in Jesus.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23


Because God is all powerful, we can be confident with Jesus reigning in our hearts.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Far From Home

God Is Merciful

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

With our business comes a great deal of travel. Sometimes we can wake up and not even remember what city we are in….But more than physical distance, do you ever feel far from home from an emotional perspective? Do you feel disconnected from relationships that should be easy, or on a path far from what you know is right?

The prophet Jeremiah knew that because the nation of Israel had turned their back on God, God would allow His chosen people to be carried off as slaves to Babylon. But Jeremiah proclaimed to Judah that God will not abandon you – and while an end to an era was imminent, the time would come when the nation of Israel will be restored. Without a doubt it is easy to get off track, but the route back to peace and prosperity is not complicated -- follow God.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:1-2, 5-6


Because God is merciful, our lives can be restored when we follow Jesus.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Mayday

God is Omnipresent


From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1-2


When in trouble, who do you call for help? We all have our go-to person, but some things are harder to fix than others and even worse, some situations despite our best efforts don’t seem fixable…So now what?

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jonah had gotten himself into a real mess. After disobeying God’s instructions, he was tossed overboard into the raging sea and then swallowed by a large fish. As Jonah cried out for the Lord’s help, he learned a valuable lesson about God – that no matter the size or complexity of the problem, God was with Him. God never left Jonah; nor will he leave you – He has promised to be with us until the very end.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:24-26


Because God is omnipresent, He is always by our side

Monday, April 15, 2013

Suit of Armor

God is Sovereign

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

We all wake up in the morning with a plan for our day. And as we head out to work, well dressed and coffee in hand, how long does it take before our plan is hit with unexpected road blocks or difficult detours?

Yes, the best laid plans often go awry, but God has given us a way to battle all of life’s unpleasant surprises with self-control. Even when wronged, we can be kind and gentle in our response. But a humble spirit is not natural to anyone, it is only achieved when we chose to surrender control and rely on the power given to us through Jesus Christ. Will you consider trusting God with all the details?

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17


Because God is sovereign, I can surrender control and allow the power of Christ to work in me.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Loyalty Programs


God is Faithful

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. Revelation 22:12

When traveling on business or pleasure, the major brands are constantly competing for your loyalty. They use well thought out marketing ploys and reward programs to keep you coming back. But really, is anyone loyal to just one company or brand? Why is it so easy to be persuaded?

If you don’t already know, God wants your loyalty too! He knows He is competing against a slew of worldly rewards that appeal to man’s natural desires and can satisfy in an instant. But God is faithful to His word. His rewards are everlasting and supreme. And while they may not be instantaneous, always tangible or may seem counter intuitive to what the world declares good, they are perfect and complete.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17


Because God is faithful, in Christ we will receive our just rewards.

Friday, March 15, 2013

There's No Place Like Home

God Is Gracious

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20

Those of us who spend a large percentage of our work week on the road know that accumulating all those loyalty points comes at a price. And while hotels and restaurants do a great job of providing for our needs, after a while, we all look forward to returning home.

What is it that gives us a desire to go home? The Bible tells us that humans have been wired that way since the beginning. That God the Father created us to live with Him in paradise, but after Adam and Eve sinned, mankind was banished from the Garden. We all long to return to that place of complete security and comfort. Despite the trappings of this world which can produce major detours, God has promised we can be restored in an instant. By simply placing our trust in Jesus Christ, God’s perfect plan for man’s redemption, our temporal and eternal destiny is made secure.

And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24


Because God Is Gracious, with Christ in our hearts, our future is secure.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Are You Thriving or Merely Surviving

God is Love


May God give you of heaven’s dew and of earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine. Genesis 27:28

Prosperity is part of the American Dream. But as we all know, what goes up must come down. Having been stalled out in this downturn now for quite some time, many are struggling to stay afloat. Being hard-pressed, we all long to return to the “good old days” -- to a time in which we do more than merely survive.

God has promised us an abundant life, but how we define abundance may not be how God defines it. While we can trust that God will deliver, it’s up to us to see things as He see things and not view our circumstances through the lens of this world. By embracing God’s perspective, that Jesus is our provision for all our needs, we will find hope for the things to come.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3


Because God is love, through Christ, we not only survive but can thrive in every circumstance.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Meet The Boss

God Is Love

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Meeting the boss can be an intimidating thing, especially if you know very little about him or her. While you may be excited or feel honored to have the opportunity, you won’t know what to expect without having done some homework.

Maybe you have wondered what the day will be like when you meet God the Father face to face. The thought itself can be very unsettling and even more so without knowing anything about God. However, God has made it possible for us to know Him intimately. Yes, through His Son Jesus and His holy word we have been given access to know our Creator so that we can approach that day with confidence. Oh that we may know the Lord -- let us press on to know him!

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29


Because God is love, through Christ, we can know Him intimately.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Greatness

God is All-Powerful


“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

In business, accomplishing greatness requires hard work, sound judgment, vast resources, and even good luck. And whether or not we have been acknowledged for things accomplished, in the end, we’ll all want to look back and see the things we did that made a difference. But what matters? What is it that makes a difference?

Throughout history, God has made a habit of using very regular people to accomplish great things. Size, strength and position did not matter, but rather faith and a humble spirit. Like young Mary who simply believed and obeyed, will you drop your plans and follow God’s instruction? Will you allow yourself to be used by God in extraordinary ways?

Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2


Because God is all powerful, through Jesus, I can live a life of purpose.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Revenue Management

God is Wisdom

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15

Management of well run hotels can spend hours a day making adjustments in rates to maximize profitability. So if we can be that intent on managing hotel profitability, why haven’t we perfected a system to maximize how we spend our limited amount of time, talents, and other resources?

The truth is God has provided a counselor to guide our decisions, actions, and desires -- to help us know our purpose and plan for not only our lives but daily living too. But how often do we seek His wisdom and then actually follow through? It’s one thing to have a profitable business; it’s another to have a profitable life.

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:8


Because God is wisdom, we can live profitably through our relationship with Jesus.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year

God is Unchanging

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11

What is it about the New Year that gives us hope? Is it the thought of something new – a new opportunity, a new relationship, a new home, or a new job that makes us happy? But the truth is happiness that comes from our possessions earned in our own strength does not last.

The Bible tells us that placing our trust in our abilities and things of this world is fleeting because new things become old things and eventually decay and disappoint. The only thing that lasts and does not fail is a relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we enter into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus, we become a new creation and are given the assurance of being restored and redeemed for eternity. It is in this promise that hope is found -- and nothing else!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Because God is unchanging, true happiness is found when we place our trust in Jesus