God Is Faithful
“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. John 14:1-2
Sometimes the promises made to us sound too good to be true! But when you have developed a strong relationship with the person making the promise, it is far easier to believe that they are telling the truth, no matter what is at stake.
God has made the most amazing promises to us, all found within the pages of His story, the Bible. And throughout the ages, God has proven He is dependable. As part of His grand plan, God sent His Son Jesus as a way for us to know Him more intimately, to trust so we could yield to His instructions more easily. Maybe your life isn’t working out the way you intended. Maybe it’s time to follow the One who knows the future and always has our best interests at heart; the One who is faithful until the very end.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:14, 27
Because God is faithful, through Christ we can believe all of His promises
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Monday, July 15, 2019
The Biggest Loser
God is Eternal
Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. Luke 17:33
It is rare that we celebrate losing, unless of course it’s unwanted weight. After all, our world is about winning and winning big!
No wonder it’s difficult to grasp God’s logic – that when we let go of the things in this life, we actually gain much more. God instructs that the rewards we strive for -- riches, power, and fame do not last, but our real treasure, found only through Christ, is eternal life with our Creator. Jesus surrendered his life to redeem all mankind. The question is will you surrender your earthly desires and trust God to direct your life for His greater good? Will you allow Jesus to be your Lord and follow Him wholeheartedly?
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Luke 9:25
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20
Because God is eternal, I can surrender my will and follow Jesus
Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. Luke 17:33
It is rare that we celebrate losing, unless of course it’s unwanted weight. After all, our world is about winning and winning big!
No wonder it’s difficult to grasp God’s logic – that when we let go of the things in this life, we actually gain much more. God instructs that the rewards we strive for -- riches, power, and fame do not last, but our real treasure, found only through Christ, is eternal life with our Creator. Jesus surrendered his life to redeem all mankind. The question is will you surrender your earthly desires and trust God to direct your life for His greater good? Will you allow Jesus to be your Lord and follow Him wholeheartedly?
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Luke 9:25
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20
Because God is eternal, I can surrender my will and follow Jesus
Monday, July 1, 2019
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, June 15, 2019
A Father’s Love
God is Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Every Father’s Day we celebrate the important role fathers play in our lives. Yes, dads hold a special place in our hearts, not only as our protectors, providers, and encouragers, but simply because they love us.
And while paternal love is vital to our well-being, it does not match the perfect and complete love that comes from our Heavenly Father. While loved ones can fail us, God never does – He is our rock. Grasping the significance of God’s unconditional love for us can seem beyond reach if God is merely an impersonal spirit. But through Jesus, God has made himself known so that we can know God intimately.
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:4-6
Because God is Love, through Jesus, we can have a personal relationship with God the Father.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Every Father’s Day we celebrate the important role fathers play in our lives. Yes, dads hold a special place in our hearts, not only as our protectors, providers, and encouragers, but simply because they love us.
And while paternal love is vital to our well-being, it does not match the perfect and complete love that comes from our Heavenly Father. While loved ones can fail us, God never does – He is our rock. Grasping the significance of God’s unconditional love for us can seem beyond reach if God is merely an impersonal spirit. But through Jesus, God has made himself known so that we can know God intimately.
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:4-6
Because God is Love, through Jesus, we can have a personal relationship with God the Father.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Network for Success
God is All Powerful
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18
In business, it’s good to be connected. But for those of us who are building our rolodex, we often find ourselves on a long road, striving to be associated with all the “right people”.
While knowing chairmen and CEO’s can certainly help, who we really need to know is Jesus if we want true success in our lives. It is easy to believe the illusion that comes from our own success, but in reality it’s God who is ultimately in control working in and through us for His glory. For those at the top, that precept should be humbling as it was for David, the King of Israel. And years earlier David's reliance on God serves as encouragement when he, a mere shepherd boy, faced the giant Goliath. So no matter your title or status in life, there isn’t anything that can stop you, outside of your own disbelief, when you put your trust in Jesus.
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
Because God is all powerful, we can be confident with Jesus reigning in our hearts
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18
In business, it’s good to be connected. But for those of us who are building our rolodex, we often find ourselves on a long road, striving to be associated with all the “right people”.
While knowing chairmen and CEO’s can certainly help, who we really need to know is Jesus if we want true success in our lives. It is easy to believe the illusion that comes from our own success, but in reality it’s God who is ultimately in control working in and through us for His glory. For those at the top, that precept should be humbling as it was for David, the King of Israel. And years earlier David's reliance on God serves as encouragement when he, a mere shepherd boy, faced the giant Goliath. So no matter your title or status in life, there isn’t anything that can stop you, outside of your own disbelief, when you put your trust in Jesus.
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
Because God is all powerful, we can be confident with Jesus reigning in our hearts
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Far From Home
God is Merciful
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
With our business comes a great deal of travel. Sometimes we can wake up and not even remember what city we are in….But more than physical distance, do you ever feel far from home from an emotional perspective? Do you feel disconnected from relationships that should be easy, or on a path far from what you know is right?
The prophet Jeremiah knew that because the nation of Israel had turned their back on God, God would allow His chosen people to be carried off as slaves to Babylon. But Jeremiah proclaimed to Judah that God will not abandon you – and while an end to an era was imminent, the time would come when the nation of Israel will be restored. Without a doubt it is easy to get off track, but the route back to peace and prosperity is not complicated -- follow God.
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 peace and prosperity. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:1-2, 5-6
Because God is merciful, our lives can be restored when we follow Jesus.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
With our business comes a great deal of travel. Sometimes we can wake up and not even remember what city we are in….But more than physical distance, do you ever feel far from home from an emotional perspective? Do you feel disconnected from relationships that should be easy, or on a path far from what you know is right?
The prophet Jeremiah knew that because the nation of Israel had turned their back on God, God would allow His chosen people to be carried off as slaves to Babylon. But Jeremiah proclaimed to Judah that God will not abandon you – and while an end to an era was imminent, the time would come when the nation of Israel will be restored. Without a doubt it is easy to get off track, but the route back to peace and prosperity is not complicated -- follow God.
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 peace and prosperity. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:1-2, 5-6
Because God is merciful, our lives can be restored when we follow Jesus.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Mayday
God is Omnipresent
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1-2
When in trouble, who do you call for help? We all have our go-to person, but some things are harder to fix than others and even worse, some situations despite our best efforts don’t seem fixable…So now what?
In the Old Testament, the prophet Jonah had gotten himself into a real mess. After disobeying God’s instructions, he was tossed overboard into the raging sea and then swallowed by a large fish. As Jonah cried out for the Lord’s help, he learned a valuable lesson about God – that no matter the size or complexity of the problem, God was with Him. God never left Jonah; nor will he leave you – He has promised to be with us until the very end.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:24-26
Because God is omnipresent, He is always by our side
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1-2
When in trouble, who do you call for help? We all have our go-to person, but some things are harder to fix than others and even worse, some situations despite our best efforts don’t seem fixable…So now what?
In the Old Testament, the prophet Jonah had gotten himself into a real mess. After disobeying God’s instructions, he was tossed overboard into the raging sea and then swallowed by a large fish. As Jonah cried out for the Lord’s help, he learned a valuable lesson about God – that no matter the size or complexity of the problem, God was with Him. God never left Jonah; nor will he leave you – He has promised to be with us until the very end.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:24-26
Because God is omnipresent, He is always by our side
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