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. As a result, Solomon lost everything -- his wealth, power, peace, and security.
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, March 1, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Commanding Presence
God is Always Present
They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. Luke 4:32
Being in some people’s presence is noteworthy. They carry themselves in such a way that it feels different. Maybe it is their incredible business acumen, charisma, or influence that draws you in. Whatever the reason, it’s unmistakable and grabs your attention.
Jesus, despite his humble character, drew large crowds. His purpose was to serve selflessly and glorify His Father. His divine nature allowed Him to perform miracles with a simple touch or spoken word. His presence was vastly superior because His authority came from God and not from man. Today, His holy presence continues to bring peace and healing to those who trust in Him. While man can captivate us for a time, only Jesus can captivate us for eternity. And once you meet Him, you’ll understand why.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Because God is always present, through Jesus I can experience true peace.
They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. Luke 4:32
Being in some people’s presence is noteworthy. They carry themselves in such a way that it feels different. Maybe it is their incredible business acumen, charisma, or influence that draws you in. Whatever the reason, it’s unmistakable and grabs your attention.
Jesus, despite his humble character, drew large crowds. His purpose was to serve selflessly and glorify His Father. His divine nature allowed Him to perform miracles with a simple touch or spoken word. His presence was vastly superior because His authority came from God and not from man. Today, His holy presence continues to bring peace and healing to those who trust in Him. While man can captivate us for a time, only Jesus can captivate us for eternity. And once you meet Him, you’ll understand why.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Because God is always present, through Jesus I can experience true peace.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Busy
God Is Wisdom
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:38-40
Life seems so busy. Our daytimers are packed with work obligations, family commitments and social functions. Like a “No Vacancy” sign, we all believe that being busy is good because busy pays bills and busy gives us worth. But does it really? Or does busy just distract us from experiencing our true purpose in life?
Mary and Martha had different views on how to effectively use their time. Mary was enjoying the company of Jesus while Martha racing against deadlines became full of worry. Ironically, Martha who was doing all the hard labor was going to miss out on God’s intended blessing. Don’t let busyness cause you to miss the big picture. God in His infinite wisdom has great things planned for us, and so we must find time to listen and follow.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:40-41
Because God is wisdom, in Jesus, my true purpose is revealed.
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.
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.
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.
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