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.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The Man In Red
God is Sovereign
The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” Job 1:7
Hollywood’s version of the devil has him dressed up in a red suit carrying a pitchfork. At Halloween, his character is always a favorite. But really, who is the devil and what is he up to?
Searching the scriptures, we learn that Satan is a fallen angel. He is the most powerful spirit that God created but his pride caused him to sin against God and be cast into darkness. Roaming the earth looking for opportunity, his purpose is to tempt us with the goal of destroying us – and often we do not recognize the path he has led us on until it is too late. He is very attractive and very clever. His deceitful ways cause many to stumble. But it is never too late because we know the ending of the story -- God defeats Satan and he is cast into the lake of fire for eternity. When we battle Satan and all his folly, we fight from a position of strength because we know God has already won the battle. If we choose to stand with God through Jesus, we will defeat Satan and his schemes in our personal lives as we fight from victory and not just for victory.
But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Revelation 12:8-9
Because God is sovereign, with Christ we are victorious over Satan’s schemes.
The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” Job 1:7
Hollywood’s version of the devil has him dressed up in a red suit carrying a pitchfork. At Halloween, his character is always a favorite. But really, who is the devil and what is he up to?
Searching the scriptures, we learn that Satan is a fallen angel. He is the most powerful spirit that God created but his pride caused him to sin against God and be cast into darkness. Roaming the earth looking for opportunity, his purpose is to tempt us with the goal of destroying us – and often we do not recognize the path he has led us on until it is too late. He is very attractive and very clever. His deceitful ways cause many to stumble. But it is never too late because we know the ending of the story -- God defeats Satan and he is cast into the lake of fire for eternity. When we battle Satan and all his folly, we fight from a position of strength because we know God has already won the battle. If we choose to stand with God through Jesus, we will defeat Satan and his schemes in our personal lives as we fight from victory and not just for victory.
But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Revelation 12:8-9
Because God is sovereign, with Christ we are victorious over Satan’s schemes.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Justice For All
God is Just
You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Jeremiah 12:1
Why is it that we all know someone who seems to prosper and yet doesn't deserve to? It doesn't seem fair to watch someone who is dishonest, disloyal, unkind or doesn't try hard succeed....While our society is set up to insure justice; we often wonder how our system can fail us and why God doesn't intervene? After all, God is sovereign isn't He?
The Bible tells us that no one is removed from judgement and that justice will ultimately prevail and yet inequity surrounds us. In 722 BC, God used the evil Assyrian nation to take over the Northern Kingdom of Israel and later God allowed the wicked Babylonians to capture the Southern Kingdom and destroy the beloved temple and city of Jerusalem. While the fall of Israel was considered a great injustice by God's "chosen people", we know that God has a just purpose and He continues with His plan until its completion.
Although it appears some prosper without reason and others experience difficulty undeservedly, God in His sovereignty will ultimately judge the earth and all who have lived. Nothing catches God by surprise or escapes Him and nothing can thwart His plans.
Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the people with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth. Psalm 96:10-13
Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth." Psalm 58:11
Because God is just, we find peace knowing through Christ all evil will ultimately be judged.
You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Jeremiah 12:1
Why is it that we all know someone who seems to prosper and yet doesn't deserve to? It doesn't seem fair to watch someone who is dishonest, disloyal, unkind or doesn't try hard succeed....While our society is set up to insure justice; we often wonder how our system can fail us and why God doesn't intervene? After all, God is sovereign isn't He?
The Bible tells us that no one is removed from judgement and that justice will ultimately prevail and yet inequity surrounds us. In 722 BC, God used the evil Assyrian nation to take over the Northern Kingdom of Israel and later God allowed the wicked Babylonians to capture the Southern Kingdom and destroy the beloved temple and city of Jerusalem. While the fall of Israel was considered a great injustice by God's "chosen people", we know that God has a just purpose and He continues with His plan until its completion.
Although it appears some prosper without reason and others experience difficulty undeservedly, God in His sovereignty will ultimately judge the earth and all who have lived. Nothing catches God by surprise or escapes Him and nothing can thwart His plans.
Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the people with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth. Psalm 96:10-13
Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth." Psalm 58:11
Because God is just, we find peace knowing through Christ all evil will ultimately be judged.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Forecast For Tomorrow
God is Wisdom
“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could know the future? It seems like we’d all have much better lives if that was the case. Maybe that is why consulting horoscopes, fortune tellers and crystal balls have their lure, but how often is the feedback provided correct? And do we really trust in it anyhow?
The Old Testament tells us of how God spoke directly to the prophets. That He would give directions for His people to obey which would provide all that they needed to live safely and abundantly. But often the people did not listen and chose to go about things their own way. They dismissed wisdom and ended up suffering for it.
Reading these stories, we think how foolish they were not to listen, but are we not just as foolish? Do we study our bible to gain knowledge? Do we listen to the advice of our pastor and wise counsel? We read a lot of material searching for answers, but why do we turn our backs on the best advice; on truth that comes straight from God - the source of all knowledge and understanding?
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:28-33
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3
Because God is wisdom, through Christ truth is revealed
“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could know the future? It seems like we’d all have much better lives if that was the case. Maybe that is why consulting horoscopes, fortune tellers and crystal balls have their lure, but how often is the feedback provided correct? And do we really trust in it anyhow?
The Old Testament tells us of how God spoke directly to the prophets. That He would give directions for His people to obey which would provide all that they needed to live safely and abundantly. But often the people did not listen and chose to go about things their own way. They dismissed wisdom and ended up suffering for it.
Reading these stories, we think how foolish they were not to listen, but are we not just as foolish? Do we study our bible to gain knowledge? Do we listen to the advice of our pastor and wise counsel? We read a lot of material searching for answers, but why do we turn our backs on the best advice; on truth that comes straight from God - the source of all knowledge and understanding?
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:28-33
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3
Because God is wisdom, through Christ truth is revealed
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Trust Fund
God is Love
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. Psalm 36:5-6
If you are on the receiving end of a trust fund, you are often envied by many. After all, who wouldn’t want to be handed down a financial future that is secure? But history tells us that even the safest of investments are risky and can be lost overnight. The same is true if we place our faith in our job, our abilities, our good looks, or social status – as none of these are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Never fear, however, because God in His ultimate wisdom and love set up a system to ensure our livelihood for eternity. This so-called “trust fund” became available to us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Yes, our future is secure when we accept God’s gift of salvation by placing our trust in Christ; a provision that is irrevocable and that pays infinite dividends.
“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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4
Because God is love, through Christ our future is secure.
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. Psalm 36:5-6
If you are on the receiving end of a trust fund, you are often envied by many. After all, who wouldn’t want to be handed down a financial future that is secure? But history tells us that even the safest of investments are risky and can be lost overnight. The same is true if we place our faith in our job, our abilities, our good looks, or social status – as none of these are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Never fear, however, because God in His ultimate wisdom and love set up a system to ensure our livelihood for eternity. This so-called “trust fund” became available to us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Yes, our future is secure when we accept God’s gift of salvation by placing our trust in Christ; a provision that is irrevocable and that pays infinite dividends.
“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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4
Because God is love, through Christ our future is secure.
Monday, August 15, 2011
In God We Trust
God is Sovereign
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16
We elect our government officials, we chose a church, for the most part we chose our boss or place of employment, we chose our spouse, our friends, our home, our wardrobes, our meals – with seemingly so much control in our lives, it is no wonder we have problems with accepting authority over our lives.
Despite all these choices we are free to make, the Bible is very clear that God is our supreme authority. As our Creator and perfect in everyway, God is our source of infinite wisdom and power. So why do we think we know better or can do better on our own? Why is it so hard to give Christ jurisdiction over our lives? Many of us have tried and realized our failure while the rest of us continue to outrun Him. What He demands of us is our attention; what He gives is beyond compare. God is completely trustworthy in a world of uncertainty. While it is easy to find fault in those we have chosen to follow, there is no failure in following Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of all kings.
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6
Because God is sovereign, we can fully trust in Christ.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16
We elect our government officials, we chose a church, for the most part we chose our boss or place of employment, we chose our spouse, our friends, our home, our wardrobes, our meals – with seemingly so much control in our lives, it is no wonder we have problems with accepting authority over our lives.
Despite all these choices we are free to make, the Bible is very clear that God is our supreme authority. As our Creator and perfect in everyway, God is our source of infinite wisdom and power. So why do we think we know better or can do better on our own? Why is it so hard to give Christ jurisdiction over our lives? Many of us have tried and realized our failure while the rest of us continue to outrun Him. What He demands of us is our attention; what He gives is beyond compare. God is completely trustworthy in a world of uncertainty. While it is easy to find fault in those we have chosen to follow, there is no failure in following Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of all kings.
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6
Because God is sovereign, we can fully trust in Christ.
Monday, August 1, 2011
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.
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.
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