Tuesday, December 15, 2015

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, 2015

Vision Trumps Fear

God is All Powerful

So the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid. Nehemiah 2:2

Our greatest obstacle to accomplishing a goal is fear. Fear can conjure up a slew of reasons why the task can not be accomplished. Fear can immobilize. Fear can stop us dead in our tracks. So how can we resist or defeat fear?

When Nehemiah stepped into his vision to rebuild the broken walls and gates around Jerusalem, he was afraid to approach the King to ask for permission and resources. Knowing this was a grand vision from God, Nehemiah’s fear dissolved when he placed his confidence in God. Ultimately, his vision became reality, an inspiration to many as he was able to accomplish an unbelievable task, a “God-sized” goal -- all because Nehemiah overcame his fear by trusting God.

We all have a dream or a vision to be passionate about -- a vision about our lives, our careers, our families, our finances ….So what is stopping you? Is your fear bigger than your vision and greater than your faith?

In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11

Because God is all powerful, we can accomplish great things when we trust God with the outcome.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

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.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

What's love got to do with it?

God is Love

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16

Have you ever struggled with feeling loved and accepted? Most of us do, but we don't have to once we grasp how deeply and completely God loves us. While love from a spouse or a friend or a family member may be lacking, God's love will fill that void in our life if we invite him to do so. In fact, no one is complete without God's love. He created us to yearn for Him; that is why so frequently we feel emptiness irrespective of whatever our circumstances or relationships may be. So, if you don't feel complete, how about accepting God's love? He is waiting for you. And remember, with God, you will experience love beyond imagine.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:16-18

Because God is love, He is committed unconditionally to you.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Have you been Rejected?


God is Love

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. II Corinthians 4:8-9

No one likes rejection. But it seems more common than we’d like to think – a rejected business proposal, a rejected invitation; a rejected date, or rejected affection….the list goes on.

Even Jesus was rejected. After his arrest, some of his best friends would not claim they knew him for fear they would suffer. Isn’t it ironic that Jesus, the one who will never reject us is the one we so often reject? He stands at the door and knocks, he wants to be a part of our life but so often we are too busy, too prideful, or perhaps, too foolish to accept Him….So why not run to God if you never have; or run back to God if you have strayed away? Man may reject us, but God’s love for us is unchanging and we do not have to fear being rejected no matter what we do or say or think.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Because God is Love, He will never reject you.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

A Passion for Service and Excellence

God is Gracious

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15

Since creation, God has given us work to do. Knowing that God created work should shed new light on our approach to the work week. And, if we focus on this truth, it is possible that even the most difficult aspects of work can become a passion.

Are you passionate about your work? Do you strive for 110 percent or is complacency lurking in you? Take a look at what is being asked of you today and think of how God has been gracious to you. As He changes your heart and mind, you will have the ability to transform an undesirable or mundane task into one full of joy and excellence. Passion comes from the heart, a heart humbled by the knowledge of God’s grace and mercy.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23

Because God is gracious, He can transform our hearts and enable us to serve passionately.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

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)

But what would it look like if we consciously made the decision to give up control of everything to "let it all go"? To turn over not only what we hold dear, but also our 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 our debts so that we can live our life to the fullest through a relationship with Him. We will experience an abundant life full of unconditional love and acceptance, peace, hope and joy, once we choose 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.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

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. In the end Solomon concluded it is all meaningless without the one true God.

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, with Christ we can know and do what is right.


Saturday, August 15, 2015

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 circumstances? 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.

For I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

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

Saturday, August 1, 2015

A Passion for Service and Excellence

God Is Gracious

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15

Since creation, God has given us work to do. Knowing that God created work should shed new light on our approach to the work week. And, if we focus on this truth, it is possible that even the most difficult aspects of work can become a passion.

Are you passionate about your work? Do you strive for 110 percent or is complacency lurking in you? Take a look at what is being asked of you today and think of how God has been gracious to you. As He changes your heart and mind, you will have the ability to transform an undesirable or mundane task into one full of joy and excellence. Passion comes from the heart, a heart humbled by the knowledge of God’s grace and mercy.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23

Because God is gracious, He can transform our hearts and enable us to serve passionately.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Why Ask Why?


God is Faithful

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.  The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.  Psalm 145:13


When passed over for a promotion, or still seeking employment, when illness strikes, or when things don’t make sense – we all want to know WHY.

In the story of Lazarus, Martha said to the Lord “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."John 11:21-22   Despite her grief and lack of understanding behind her brother’s death, she trusted Jesus.  Later that day, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead for all who believed to see the glory of God.

Some of life’s questions we’ll never know the answer….But what we do know is that God knows, and that He loves us, desires the best for us and has a grand plan for us.  And when we trust God with all the answers, we can find a peace that surpasses all understanding.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:7




Because God is faithful, in Christ we can find peace even though we don't have all the answers.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Independence Day

God Is All-Powerful

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18


This week we will celebrate the 4th of July. We will be reminded that we live in a wonderful and free country. Our constitution provides each American with an abundance of civil liberties, but are we truly free as individuals? Each day we are faced with temptation and while we have the freedom to make a choice, do we always choose what we know in our hearts is best?

The Bible tells us we can not be truly free until we have made Christ the Lord of our lives. Because of our sinful nature, we do not have the ability to resist temptation in our own strength. We may be able to withstand a persuasion for a time being, but not forever. However, with Christ in our hearts, we are given the power to be free from all sin if we are willing. Yes, our country grants us many freedoms, but our own hearts will never be free without surrender.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Because God is all-powerful, with Christ we are set free from temptation

Monday, June 15, 2015

Once Upon A Time


God is Wisdom

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 prosperity.
Proverbs 3:1-2

Remember hearing childhood stories about fairy godmothers, princesses and super heroes?….Oh, what it is like to be a small child wrapped up in the arms of a loving parent while listening to fairly tales with happy endings! … We all wish for happy endings when it comes to our life story and especially when it comes to our children’s.  We do everything to protect them, to teach them, to warn them about poor choices, dangerous situations,...but we all know they don’t always listen nor do what we tell them.

Our relationship with our Heavenly Father is much the same….His word provides instruction to protect us, but we too sometimes don’t listen.  No matter what we have done, however, His arms are always wide open for our return.  Are we ever too old to be wrapped up in loving arms, cared for and forgiven?  God doesn’t think so – With Christ in our hearts, He longs to comfort us, forgive us for our sins, and to give us the wisdom and strength to avoid future persuasion.  And, it is in this context with Him that we can live …happily ever after!

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:24

Because God is Wisdom, through Christ we can live a victorious life.
 

Monday, June 1, 2015

Careful What You Ask For

God is Goodness

He rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:24

I want it all and I want it now! That sounds like a battle cry from many people we know, and maybe even ourselves at times. What is so interesting is that same selfish desire probably hasn’t changed much since creation. Eve had everything she could possibly want, but she had to have the forbidden fruit too. And the Israelites were not satisfied with just manna from heaven – they demanded meat. While in the desert outside of Egypt, God had provided just enough for them to be sustained, and He never provided too much so they would continue to trust in Him for their provision. But God grew tired of their grumbling and let them have their way. They feasted on quail to their hearts delight, however, their lack of trust angered the Lord and they were all destroyed.

Thousands of years have passed since these events happened, but people’s wants and needs have not changed. Nor has God’s goodness changed, always providing the perfect amount. It is just sometimes we don’t think we’ve been given enough or we don’t see from where our provision truly comes.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Because God is goodness, we can trust that all our needs will be met through Christ.

Friday, May 15, 2015

People Pleasers

God Is Love

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

The world is full of people pleasers. And while that is a good thing for those of us who are service providers, we all know it is exhausting, if not impossible, to constantly please others. Looking at the motive, we see ourselves striving for acceptance and love. To win over hearts, we can fall into the trap of believing we must earn acceptance. And often we find no matter what we do or say, it is never enough to feel at peace.

But the Bible tells us that we are loved and accepted unconditionally by God. We can never be separated from God’s love no matter what we do or don’t do. And, no good works will provide that love, because it is a gift from God. God loved us first and chose us to be in a relationship with him – nothing is required to receive the gift other than the desire to accept God’s saving grace which was made available to us through Jesus. We don’t need to be perfect, we just need to be His.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Because God is love, through Christ we are completely loved and accepted.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Removing Impurities

God Is Holy

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; ... Malachi 3:3

Let’s face it - No one likes to change their ways or habits, no matter how destructive they may be or how necessary. While the status quo is always easiest, deep down, we all admit there are some things we’d like to change about ourselves. Maybe it’s having more patience with a co-worker, or having a higher level of integrity at work; maybe it’s being more of a team player, or being more charitable….

The Bible tells us that God is constantly at work refining our character. Just like the silversmith that removes impurities in metal over a blazing fire, God places us in hot spots to perfect our character. Daily, we can find ourselves in situations that challenge us to move in a new direction, to extend grace, forgiveness, or a helping hand when we would not otherwise. We have two choices – to stay on the same path or to be like Jesus in our thoughts and actions. But how many of us choose the latter? If we trust God and obey His word at times of testing, we will find that just like silver, imperfections in our character are removed allowing His reflection in our life to become real and visible to those around us.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8

Because God is holy, He continues to perfect our character through difficult circumstances.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Forgiveness

God Is Gracious

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18: 21-22

We all seek to be forgiven, but what happens when forgiveness is asked of us? It takes courage, patience and a generous heart to forgive others when we have been wronged. At times we hold grudges, seek revenge, suppress anger and struggle with releasing hurts that can be very deep and profound. Consequently, we end up suffering more and becoming bitter by not letting go.

So, how does one accomplish this daunting task of forgiveness? Jesus’ death on the cross reminds us of the extreme suffering Jesus endured to provide payment for our sins. So if God’s grace allows us to be forgiven without any cost, we too should be able to extend the same grace and forgive others without receiving payment. When we embrace God’s miraculous gift of grace that has been extended to us through faith and not by any works we do, we will then be able to forgive others, and in doing so experience freedom and true joy.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

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



Because God is gracious, through Christ we are able to forgive others and live joyfully.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Vision Trumps Fear


God is All Powerful

So the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid. Nehemiah 2:2

Our greatest obstacle to accomplishing a goal is fear. Fear can conjure up a slew of reasons why the task can not be accomplished. Fear can immobilize. Fear can stop us dead in our tracks. So how can we resist or defeat fear?

When Nehemiah stepped into his vision to rebuild the broken walls and gates around Jerusalem, he was afraid to approach the King to ask for permission and resources. Knowing this was a grand vision from God, Nehemiah’s fear dissolved when he placed his confidence in God. Ultimately, his vision became reality, an inspiration to many as he was able to accomplish an unbelievable task, a “God-sized” goal -- all because Nehemiah overcame his fear by trusting God.

We all have a dream or a vision to be passionate about -- a vision about our lives, our careers, our families, our finances ….So what is stopping you? Is your fear bigger than your vision and greater than your faith?

In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11

Because God is all powerful, we can accomplish great things when we trust God with the outcome.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Rejected?

God Is Love

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. II Corinthians 4:8-9

Man may reject us, but God's love for us is unchanging and we do not have to fear being rejected no matter what we do or say or think. No one likes rejection. But it seems more common than we’d like to think – a rejected business proposal, a rejected invitation; a rejected date, or rejected affection….the list goes on.

Even Jesus was rejected. After his arrest, some of his best friends would not claim they knew him for fear they would suffer. Isn’t it ironic that Jesus, the one who will never reject us is the one we so often reject? He stands at the door and knocks, he wants to be a part of our life but so often we are too busy, too prideful, or perhaps, too foolish to accept Him….So why not run to God if you never have; or run back to God if you have strayed away?

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Because God is Love, He will never reject you.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Building Castles

God Is Eternal

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25

Many of us have spent extended time on the beach building elaborate castles in the sand, only to find them destroyed at a moment’s notice. Life can challenge us in the same way. Things we work hard for and think we control can all disappear in an instant.

When trials come, God’s desire is that we place our hope in Him and not in what we are able to achieve in our own strength. He lovingly invites us to focus on His Kingdom and trust in His plan. God has already built the perfect resting place for us in the here and now and for eternity through Jesus. Yes, the work is done. But to experience such heavenly peace, we must choose to live by faith and not simply by what we see.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Because God is eternal, with Jesus, our future is certain.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Did It Again

God Is All Powerful

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

How many of us are still adhering to our New Year’s resolutions? Although well intended, it does not take too long before the enthusiasm behind those pledges fades and our old habits are back. Why is change so hard?

The Bible tells us the battle to do right is beyond our control; that not only does our sinful nature provoke us but Satan himself lures us to sin. We however, have been given the power to be victorious. Yes, freedom can be found, but it is not in our own strength. We must rely on God’s power through Christ who is at work in us. Are you willing to admit you are powerless to change and place your trust in Him?

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16-17

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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12


Because God is all-powerful, we can change anything with Jesus working in our lives.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

New Year's Resolutions

God Is Faithful

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

The New Year is about new beginnings, new hopes, new dreams, and sometimes new direction. It is about setting goals, changing habits, improving character. In our own strength, we often fail, even after our best efforts. But when we lean on God to help change us from the inside out, we can experience success in transforming the big and small things in our lives.

Through the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, all things are possible for those who believe. Remember, God is always at work, renewing our minds and refining our character – it is just that sometimes we don’t recognize Him or embrace His efforts. The bible tells us to have faith and trust God with everything. When we let go of our hurts, our struggles, and our desires to be in control, God will transform our hearts and perfect our character. What would you like to leave behind as you start the New Year and are you willing to trust God to help?

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Because God is faithful, with Christ we can experience a changed life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!