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 at restoring 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, we become a new creation. 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 Jesus Christ we have become new.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
God Is Our Rock
God is Unchanging
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:24-26
Perhaps at some point in the not too distant past you have felt like something you looked to in this life -- your finances, your health, your accolades, your relationships -- was eroding away; just like sand washing away around your feet in the tide.
The Bible tells us when we place our trust in God, after the last grain of sand is gone, we find a rock that we can stand on. This is our hope and encouragement to get through difficult times. God is always there – around us, before us, above us, in front of us. God is more than a feeling or a vague idea, He is the foundation – solid and everlasting, dependable, faithful, and unchanging.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Because God is unchanging, through Christ we can trust Him with everything.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:24-26
Perhaps at some point in the not too distant past you have felt like something you looked to in this life -- your finances, your health, your accolades, your relationships -- was eroding away; just like sand washing away around your feet in the tide.
The Bible tells us when we place our trust in God, after the last grain of sand is gone, we find a rock that we can stand on. This is our hope and encouragement to get through difficult times. God is always there – around us, before us, above us, in front of us. God is more than a feeling or a vague idea, He is the foundation – solid and everlasting, dependable, faithful, and unchanging.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Because God is unchanging, through Christ we can trust Him with everything.
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
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 known 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 affected – 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 Jesus 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 known 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 affected – 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 Jesus Christ, we are able to experience permanent change.
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Change of Plans
God is All-Knowing
I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23
Our industry was hit hard in 2020. Even today, as we recover there continues to be caution in meeting, traveling, and group gatherings. We can make all the plans in the world, but we can never know what the future holds. Only God knows the future. Sometimes His plans are at odds with ours. God promises however, that good and perfect gifts come from Him if we trust in His plan for our life. Are you willing to accept that your heavenly “Father Knows Best” and embrace all that God has planned for your life?
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15
Because God is all-knowing, through Christ we can trust His plan for our life.
I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23
Our industry was hit hard in 2020. Even today, as we recover there continues to be caution in meeting, traveling, and group gatherings. We can make all the plans in the world, but we can never know what the future holds. Only God knows the future. Sometimes His plans are at odds with ours. God promises however, that good and perfect gifts come from Him if we trust in His plan for our life. Are you willing to accept that your heavenly “Father Knows Best” and embrace all that God has planned for your life?
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15
Because God is all-knowing, through Christ we can trust His plan for our life.
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Second Chances
God is Gracious
Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Genesis 9:15-17
The New Year can signify a time to start over, to make changes, to do things differently. For that reason, many of us look forward to a new year – sometimes wishing they came sooner than every twelve months because as fallible humans, we welcome an opportunity to “do it over”.
Since creation, God has provided new beginnings. Noah built an ark so mankind could start over, but it did not last. Then God made a promise to Abraham to make him the father of a great nation if he trusted God. Abraham was faithful, but as time wore on, God’s people became more and more wicked. They turned from God and took matters into their own hands – a strategy that ultimately leads to destruction. Then, for 400 years God was silent. But God is a God of second chances. He extended grace once again by sending his Son Jesus. Jesus’ sacrifice illustrates the extent of God’s love for us and through Jesus we are able to know God personally. With the 2022 New Year upon us, will you turn over the controls; once and for all and find your second chance in Jesus?
Happy New Year!
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Because God is gracious, through Jesus Christ we have been given a second chance.
Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Genesis 9:15-17
The New Year can signify a time to start over, to make changes, to do things differently. For that reason, many of us look forward to a new year – sometimes wishing they came sooner than every twelve months because as fallible humans, we welcome an opportunity to “do it over”.
Since creation, God has provided new beginnings. Noah built an ark so mankind could start over, but it did not last. Then God made a promise to Abraham to make him the father of a great nation if he trusted God. Abraham was faithful, but as time wore on, God’s people became more and more wicked. They turned from God and took matters into their own hands – a strategy that ultimately leads to destruction. Then, for 400 years God was silent. But God is a God of second chances. He extended grace once again by sending his Son Jesus. Jesus’ sacrifice illustrates the extent of God’s love for us and through Jesus we are able to know God personally. With the 2022 New Year upon us, will you turn over the controls; once and for all and find your second chance in Jesus?
Happy New Year!
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Because God is gracious, through Jesus Christ we have been given a second chance.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Doers Anonymous
God is All Powerful
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 10:39-40
With the Holidays approaching, our “To Do” list is jam packed. But even throughout the year, we are always at work, often doing more than what is realistic. And when things don’t go as expected, our reaction is generally focused on what we are going to do next to rectify the situation. Let’s face it, we are a bunch of doers.
The Christmas message should bring hope to all of us who are tired and seek rest from the busyness, the chaos and the disappointment in our lives. Christmas is the celebration of the hope we have because Jesus, God’s Son was born in Bethlehem. It is a time to rejoice because we are on the receiving end of an extraordinary gift. It is not anything that we do, but rather the birth of our Savior Jesus that gives us peace and joy. For in Him we find the hope of all glory. Merry Christmas!
But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42(NASB)
Because God is all powerful, through the birth of Jesus Christ, we have peace, hope and joy.
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 10:39-40
With the Holidays approaching, our “To Do” list is jam packed. But even throughout the year, we are always at work, often doing more than what is realistic. And when things don’t go as expected, our reaction is generally focused on what we are going to do next to rectify the situation. Let’s face it, we are a bunch of doers.
The Christmas message should bring hope to all of us who are tired and seek rest from the busyness, the chaos and the disappointment in our lives. Christmas is the celebration of the hope we have because Jesus, God’s Son was born in Bethlehem. It is a time to rejoice because we are on the receiving end of an extraordinary gift. It is not anything that we do, but rather the birth of our Savior Jesus that gives us peace and joy. For in Him we find the hope of all glory. Merry Christmas!
But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42(NASB)
Because God is all powerful, through the birth of Jesus Christ, we have peace, hope and joy.
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Be Thankful
God is Faithful
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28
Once a year we gather around a table and give thanks for all that we have. It seems odd that we don’t do that each day…. Most days we look around and only see the things we don’t have and want. This in itself doesn’t necessarily make us ungrateful, but it can create a void or longing for more.
The Bible tells us to be thankful in all things – the good and the bad. The Bible also warns us that not being thankful for what we have can lead us astray. Remember how Eve ended up taking a bite of the forbidden fruit? The serpent focused her attention on what she did not have. Eve could eat from the trees in the garden but she was not to eat from the one tree in the middle of the garden. The Garden of Eden was an extraordinary place and yet she was tempted to destroy all she had for the one thing she did not. She had plenty to be thankful for, but her attention was redirected at what was not hers. Our lives may not be perfect, but each day we all have something to be thankful for. Today, will you focus on what God has provided you and be thankful for your circumstances?
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Because God is faithful, we are thankful for Jesus Christ, who is the source of hope in our lives.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28
Once a year we gather around a table and give thanks for all that we have. It seems odd that we don’t do that each day…. Most days we look around and only see the things we don’t have and want. This in itself doesn’t necessarily make us ungrateful, but it can create a void or longing for more.
The Bible tells us to be thankful in all things – the good and the bad. The Bible also warns us that not being thankful for what we have can lead us astray. Remember how Eve ended up taking a bite of the forbidden fruit? The serpent focused her attention on what she did not have. Eve could eat from the trees in the garden but she was not to eat from the one tree in the middle of the garden. The Garden of Eden was an extraordinary place and yet she was tempted to destroy all she had for the one thing she did not. She had plenty to be thankful for, but her attention was redirected at what was not hers. Our lives may not be perfect, but each day we all have something to be thankful for. Today, will you focus on what God has provided you and be thankful for your circumstances?
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Because God is faithful, we are thankful for Jesus Christ, who is the source of hope in our lives.
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