Saturday, November 15, 2014

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 approaching 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, with Christ every day is a day of thanksgiving.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

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, in Christ we can be extraordinary.