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 choose a church, we choose 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 realize our failures, 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 our 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.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
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.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Fear Not
God is Faithful
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27
Many of us are worried. Worried about the economy, our jobs, our bills, our children, our parents, our health…the list goes on. God never intended for us to worry. Genuine concern for a matter moves you to action, but worry has ill effects. Do not let your heart and mind be consumed by fear. Learn to focus on what God has called important and trust him to provide.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34
Because God is Faithful, we need not worry.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27
Many of us are worried. Worried about the economy, our jobs, our bills, our children, our parents, our health…the list goes on. God never intended for us to worry. Genuine concern for a matter moves you to action, but worry has ill effects. Do not let your heart and mind be consumed by fear. Learn to focus on what God has called important and trust him to provide.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34
Because God is Faithful, we need not worry.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
The 7th Inning Stretch
God is Ever Present
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
Just about everybody loves baseball – it’s one of America’s favorite pastimes….In addition to the hotdogs and peanuts, one of the highlights of the game is the seventh inning stretch -- a time to stand up and stretch your legs, to grab another refreshment, to regain focus on the game and to be re-energized.
Looking at our own lives, we also see the need for a break after a long day, week or series of difficult events. Whether it’s the weekend or an extended vacation, rest from daily chores and burdens is necessary. Sometimes our circumstances don’t allow for us to get the rest we need. We grow weary and tired. We long for something to renew ourselves.
The bible tells us that Jesus gives us rest. He is always there to lean on, to carry our burdens . And His rest gives more than just sound sleep or relaxation, it gives us complete peace and security. Just as you can count on the 7th inning stretch to be part of a baseball game, so too can you count on God to give you the rest you need.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11 28-30
Because God is ever present, we find complete rest in Christ.
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
Just about everybody loves baseball – it’s one of America’s favorite pastimes….In addition to the hotdogs and peanuts, one of the highlights of the game is the seventh inning stretch -- a time to stand up and stretch your legs, to grab another refreshment, to regain focus on the game and to be re-energized.
Looking at our own lives, we also see the need for a break after a long day, week or series of difficult events. Whether it’s the weekend or an extended vacation, rest from daily chores and burdens is necessary. Sometimes our circumstances don’t allow for us to get the rest we need. We grow weary and tired. We long for something to renew ourselves.
The bible tells us that Jesus gives us rest. He is always there to lean on, to carry our burdens . And His rest gives more than just sound sleep or relaxation, it gives us complete peace and security. Just as you can count on the 7th inning stretch to be part of a baseball game, so too can you count on God to give you the rest you need.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11 28-30
Because God is ever present, we find complete rest in Christ.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
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.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
From Sorrow to Joy
God is All Powerful
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16: 22-25
When having a bad day, it’s unlikely we’d describe our mood as joyous. To the contrary, we are likely to be tense, short tempered, angry or distraught. In fact, from simple problems like being stuck in traffic to the most difficult of trials, being joyful is the last emotion we would expect to experience.
The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas, two of Jesus’ disciples, sang songs of praise after being whipped, beaten and then chained in a cold and dark prison cell. Yes, bloody, cold and imprisoned without cause, they praised God! Doesn’t seem possible, does it? But Paul and Silas knew Jesus personally; they trusted He was in control of all things and that there wasn’t anything that God could not handle. Their confidence in God gave them peace, and this peace gave them joy knowing they were with God and God was with them. A joy that was so deep and profound they were able to sing praises despite their unfair and brutal treatment, their dire circumstances. Not long after they praised God, an earthquake shook the ground violently and they were set free. This same sincere joy that Paul and Silas experienced is available to us all at all times – and because of it, we too are set free.
I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed. Psalm 71:22-23
Because God is all powerful, with Christ, we find joy in all our circumstances.
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16: 22-25
When having a bad day, it’s unlikely we’d describe our mood as joyous. To the contrary, we are likely to be tense, short tempered, angry or distraught. In fact, from simple problems like being stuck in traffic to the most difficult of trials, being joyful is the last emotion we would expect to experience.
The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas, two of Jesus’ disciples, sang songs of praise after being whipped, beaten and then chained in a cold and dark prison cell. Yes, bloody, cold and imprisoned without cause, they praised God! Doesn’t seem possible, does it? But Paul and Silas knew Jesus personally; they trusted He was in control of all things and that there wasn’t anything that God could not handle. Their confidence in God gave them peace, and this peace gave them joy knowing they were with God and God was with them. A joy that was so deep and profound they were able to sing praises despite their unfair and brutal treatment, their dire circumstances. Not long after they praised God, an earthquake shook the ground violently and they were set free. This same sincere joy that Paul and Silas experienced is available to us all at all times – and because of it, we too are set free.
I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed. Psalm 71:22-23
Because God is all powerful, with Christ, we find joy in all our circumstances.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Trust Me
God is Sovereign
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
Have you ever had a boss or a mentor that you followed without question? Someone you completely trusted? If so, it is likely you did not understand every action taken or how some things would come together, but you followed along because of your fundamental belief in this person. And while you may not have enjoyed each task handed out to you to complete, you did what was asked, believing your efforts would be worth it in the end.
Our relationship with God is much the same. With faith, we don’t need to understand all things or see God’s complete story to follow Him. With just a small amount of faith, God begins to reveal His character and His plan to us. But God intentionally leaves out some of the details – filling them in at His discretion. And while we can struggle to find patience to endure trials on God’s appointed terms and timing, we persevere when we remember who He is -- the Creator of the Universe, the all knowing, and all powerful God, who has our best interests at heart. For some, it may appear risky to place one’s faith blindly, but that is what makes faith, faith. Will you choose to follow Him?
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:44-47
Because God is sovereign, through Christ we can trust Him, even if we don’t understand Him completely.
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
Have you ever had a boss or a mentor that you followed without question? Someone you completely trusted? If so, it is likely you did not understand every action taken or how some things would come together, but you followed along because of your fundamental belief in this person. And while you may not have enjoyed each task handed out to you to complete, you did what was asked, believing your efforts would be worth it in the end.
Our relationship with God is much the same. With faith, we don’t need to understand all things or see God’s complete story to follow Him. With just a small amount of faith, God begins to reveal His character and His plan to us. But God intentionally leaves out some of the details – filling them in at His discretion. And while we can struggle to find patience to endure trials on God’s appointed terms and timing, we persevere when we remember who He is -- the Creator of the Universe, the all knowing, and all powerful God, who has our best interests at heart. For some, it may appear risky to place one’s faith blindly, but that is what makes faith, faith. Will you choose to follow Him?
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:44-47
Because God is sovereign, through Christ we can trust Him, even if we don’t understand Him completely.
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