God is Holy
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20
Most of us have someone in our life, perhaps a boss, a spouse, a parent, or relative that regardless of how hard we try, leaves us feeling unworthy or like a failure. Sometimes this rejection can be overwhelming and we struggle to find our place because we know no matter how hard we try, it’s never enough.
God knows we aren’t perfect either, but he loves and accepts us anyway! He created us to be exactly as we are, with unique talents and gifts, but by no means perfect. Jesus, as God-made man, was the only being to walk the earth that was perfect. His death and resurrection paid the price for our completion. We aren’t perfect but that is okay, because Jesus is there to erase the wrongs and fill in all the gaps as we put our faith in Him.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24
Because God is holy, we can face man’s rejection with our confidence in Christ.
Monday, May 15, 2017
Monday, May 1, 2017
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 time. The flowers are in bloom, the weather is warm, the days are getting longer -- a welcome 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 blossom as we draw closer to Him. Getting through difficult seasons is challenging and can require more patience and effort than we planned, but when we stand firmly rooted in God's promises, 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 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 of war and a time of 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.
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 time. The flowers are in bloom, the weather is warm, the days are getting longer -- a welcome 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 blossom as we draw closer to Him. Getting through difficult seasons is challenging and can require more patience and effort than we planned, but when we stand firmly rooted in God's promises, 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 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 of war and a time of 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.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
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
Because God is gracious, through Christ we are able to forgive others and live joyfully.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
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
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
Because God is gracious, through Christ we are able to forgive others and live joyfully.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
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
Saturday, April 1, 2017
April Fools
God is Just
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
We all love a good joke or prank once in a while to break up the stress of the day ... maybe this is why April Fool's Day can be so much fun. But that one day of the year can also serve as a reminder that foolish thinking, pranks and schemes should be the exception and not the rule in our life; that while life should be enjoyed, foolishness and folly have consequences.
The Bible speaks at great length on the topic of foolishness. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live writes in the Book of Proverbs that fools do not seek God's wisdom and understanding. That they do not follow God, but rather live by their own set of rules. But, it is written that one day God will judge us all and His justice will prevail. And, while our pride may lead us to believe we will have the last laugh, are we truly prepared for Judgement Day? No matter the recklessness or how foolish our past, God's mercy and grace is still available to us today -- it's never too late.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20
Because God is just, with Christ we will face the final judgement with confidence.
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
We all love a good joke or prank once in a while to break up the stress of the day ... maybe this is why April Fool's Day can be so much fun. But that one day of the year can also serve as a reminder that foolish thinking, pranks and schemes should be the exception and not the rule in our life; that while life should be enjoyed, foolishness and folly have consequences.
The Bible speaks at great length on the topic of foolishness. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live writes in the Book of Proverbs that fools do not seek God's wisdom and understanding. That they do not follow God, but rather live by their own set of rules. But, it is written that one day God will judge us all and His justice will prevail. And, while our pride may lead us to believe we will have the last laugh, are we truly prepared for Judgement Day? No matter the recklessness or how foolish our past, God's mercy and grace is still available to us today -- it's never too late.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20
Because God is just, with Christ we will face the final judgement with confidence.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
A Major Renovation
God is Gracious
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth . . ." Isaiah 65:17
A great deal of effort goes into any kind of renovation – it starts with a vision and requires hours of planning, hard work, and great expense. The restoration all done to make something more useful and hopefully of more value.
God, the master architect is also in the process of a major renovation. He is working on rebuilding the world around us and you are part of His plan. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God has been working to restore His vision. His love for us is too great, His vision too magnificent to allow His creation to decay in the grips of sin. But God’s plan requires a major overhaul in our thinking, our hearts, and our actions… When we replace the focus of our life from worldly possessions to Godly desires with Jesus at the center, the results will be incredible. The grand plan is in place and Jesus has already paid the price. Now it’s your move.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Because God is gracious, through Christ we have become new.
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth . . ." Isaiah 65:17
A great deal of effort goes into any kind of renovation – it starts with a vision and requires hours of planning, hard work, and great expense. The restoration all done to make something more useful and hopefully of more value.
God, the master architect is also in the process of a major renovation. He is working on rebuilding the world around us and you are part of His plan. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God has been working to restore His vision. His love for us is too great, His vision too magnificent to allow His creation to decay in the grips of sin. But God’s plan requires a major overhaul in our thinking, our hearts, and our actions… When we replace the focus of our life from worldly possessions to Godly desires with Jesus at the center, the results will be incredible. The grand plan is in place and Jesus has already paid the price. Now it’s your move.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Because God is gracious, through Christ we have become new.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Swimming Upstream
God is Ever-Present
I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief." You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:55-58
Just like a salmon with the daunting task of swimming upstream to spawn, we too can find ourselves fighting battles that take every ounce of energy we have. While in the midst of such challenging times, we realize we are powerless. Weakened and exposed, we may find ourselves calling out to God to save us for the very first time or restore us once again.
It is comforting to know, however, that even in the darkest of times, God will never leave us, and never will he forsake us. His mercy and grace abound. While we may question God “why me, why now?” we can trust that God is at work in the details of our life. When we are drawn to God’s redeeming promise, we begin to understand how deeply our Heavenly Father cares for us and we find the strength to carry on.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured our his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5
Because God is ever-present, through Jesus, we find our ultimate strength.
I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief." You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:55-58
Just like a salmon with the daunting task of swimming upstream to spawn, we too can find ourselves fighting battles that take every ounce of energy we have. While in the midst of such challenging times, we realize we are powerless. Weakened and exposed, we may find ourselves calling out to God to save us for the very first time or restore us once again.
It is comforting to know, however, that even in the darkest of times, God will never leave us, and never will he forsake us. His mercy and grace abound. While we may question God “why me, why now?” we can trust that God is at work in the details of our life. When we are drawn to God’s redeeming promise, we begin to understand how deeply our Heavenly Father cares for us and we find the strength to carry on.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured our his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5
Because God is ever-present, through Jesus, we find our ultimate strength.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Change Agent
God is All-Powerful
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, Acts 9:17-18
A change agent is defined as an event, organization, material thing or, more usually, a person that acts as a catalyst for change. In the corporate world and even at home, a lot of time, money and resources are deployed to assist with change…But do people, places, or organizations ever really change? We all hope the answer is true and especially when it comes to us personally….but why is it that some are more successful at change than others?
The story in the Bible about Paul, formerly know as Saul from Tarsus, is a wonderful story of change. Paul was ruthless in persecuting Christians during the first century AD. But after a supernatural experience with the resurrected Jesus, he was changed forever in a very powerful way. His actions were immediately effected – his heart and mind permanently altered. It was the interaction with Jesus, a personal encounter with Heaven’s own change agent, which made the difference. Jesus is also available to us in the very same way. Are you ready and willing to be changed forever?
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Because God is all-powerful, through Christ, we are able to experience permanent change.
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, Acts 9:17-18
A change agent is defined as an event, organization, material thing or, more usually, a person that acts as a catalyst for change. In the corporate world and even at home, a lot of time, money and resources are deployed to assist with change…But do people, places, or organizations ever really change? We all hope the answer is true and especially when it comes to us personally….but why is it that some are more successful at change than others?
The story in the Bible about Paul, formerly know as Saul from Tarsus, is a wonderful story of change. Paul was ruthless in persecuting Christians during the first century AD. But after a supernatural experience with the resurrected Jesus, he was changed forever in a very powerful way. His actions were immediately effected – his heart and mind permanently altered. It was the interaction with Jesus, a personal encounter with Heaven’s own change agent, which made the difference. Jesus is also available to us in the very same way. Are you ready and willing to be changed forever?
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Because God is all-powerful, through Christ, we are able to experience permanent change.
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