God Is Holy
and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. Deuteronomy 26:10
In today’s hectic world, deciding what to do first can be difficult. We all know prioritizing is the key to success. But figuring out what to prioritize is the key to life.
The Bible tells us that all things including our very breathe come from God, but how we express our gratitude is often with the very little we have left over after a busy day or busy week. God does not want our seconds -- surely, the Creator of all things deserves better. Imagine if we tried to put God first for just one day, all day. Just maybe we would experience a peace and joy that would cause us to see things differently. Maybe we would be able to see God’s big plan and realize that a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus is the very foundation to experiencing life to the full.
See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:15-16
Because God is Holy, through Jesus, I will honor Him above all else.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
I Quit
God Is All Knowing
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
Have you ever felt like something was so difficult, you could not handle it any longer so you quit? Sometimes when God is at work in us, He can bring us to some very difficult situations. They may drag on for years, be unexpected, or intensely painful. But God’s desire is not for us to quit, but rather to surrender. He has big plans for us, and when we do not obey Him, we lose out on His intended blessing. Sometimes it seems His ways are too hard, but that is when trusting in His promise brings peace.
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. Job 22:21-22
Because God is all knowing, with Jesus, I can surrender my will and receive His peace.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
Have you ever felt like something was so difficult, you could not handle it any longer so you quit? Sometimes when God is at work in us, He can bring us to some very difficult situations. They may drag on for years, be unexpected, or intensely painful. But God’s desire is not for us to quit, but rather to surrender. He has big plans for us, and when we do not obey Him, we lose out on His intended blessing. Sometimes it seems His ways are too hard, but that is when trusting in His promise brings peace.
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. Job 22:21-22
Because God is all knowing, with Jesus, I can surrender my will and receive His peace.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Onward!
God Is All-Powerful
The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145: 13-14
If you have ever suffered defeat, you know what it feels like to pick yourself up, dust off your bruised ego, and head back to battle. The world does not embrace weakness or loss. And it’s not in our DNA to accept defeat – but rather to simply go at it harder, faster, stronger – until we arrive at the desired outcome.
The Bible is full of stories of human failure. God’s point is that in our weakness we are made strong. That we are “only human”, but God is divine. God’s desire is for us to trust Him in all things. That only when we rest in what Jesus has done for us, is He able to work in and through us. The question is will you continue to fight your battles alone or will allow the one true God who controls all things to stand with you?
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Because God is all-powerful, with Jesus, I can experience victory in any battle.
The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145: 13-14
If you have ever suffered defeat, you know what it feels like to pick yourself up, dust off your bruised ego, and head back to battle. The world does not embrace weakness or loss. And it’s not in our DNA to accept defeat – but rather to simply go at it harder, faster, stronger – until we arrive at the desired outcome.
The Bible is full of stories of human failure. God’s point is that in our weakness we are made strong. That we are “only human”, but God is divine. God’s desire is for us to trust Him in all things. That only when we rest in what Jesus has done for us, is He able to work in and through us. The question is will you continue to fight your battles alone or will allow the one true God who controls all things to stand with you?
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Because God is all-powerful, with Jesus, I can experience victory in any battle.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
The Olive Branch
God Is Love
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
We all get into disagreements, but what happens when a grievance gets out of hand and forgiveness is required before the relationship can be restored? Who goes first? And will any gesture extended be accepted and reciprocated? Those are really tough questions – and part of the answer depends on how much the relationship is valued.
God created us to be in relationship with Him, but we often do not have the time or a desire to know God intimately. We think we can handle things on our own until something happens outside of our control. But, because of God’s unconditional love for us, He stands with arms open wide; ready to receive us at any time, in any way. By simply placing our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, our relationship with our Heavenly Father is restored in an instant. And through that same gift of grace, we too can forgive one another.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20
Because God is love, through Jesus our broken relationships are restored.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
We all get into disagreements, but what happens when a grievance gets out of hand and forgiveness is required before the relationship can be restored? Who goes first? And will any gesture extended be accepted and reciprocated? Those are really tough questions – and part of the answer depends on how much the relationship is valued.
God created us to be in relationship with Him, but we often do not have the time or a desire to know God intimately. We think we can handle things on our own until something happens outside of our control. But, because of God’s unconditional love for us, He stands with arms open wide; ready to receive us at any time, in any way. By simply placing our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, our relationship with our Heavenly Father is restored in an instant. And through that same gift of grace, we too can forgive one another.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20
Because God is love, through Jesus our broken relationships are restored.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Teamwork Requires Forgiveness
God Is Love
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
We all know that teamwork requires each player to do his or her part. When someone lets you down, how do you respond? Do you hold a grudge, complain, or get even? Why is it so hard to forgive? To remember that we too have sinned and fallen short and that our Heavenly Father has paid the price for our transgressions is very powerful. If you can reflect on the kindness and grace our Lord gives when we do not deserve it, forgiving others is possible.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. Luke 11:4
Because God is love, through Christ we can forgive others.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
We all know that teamwork requires each player to do his or her part. When someone lets you down, how do you respond? Do you hold a grudge, complain, or get even? Why is it so hard to forgive? To remember that we too have sinned and fallen short and that our Heavenly Father has paid the price for our transgressions is very powerful. If you can reflect on the kindness and grace our Lord gives when we do not deserve it, forgiving others is possible.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. Luke 11:4
Because God is love, through Christ we can forgive others.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
The Easy Button
God Is Merciful
“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
What a brilliant idea -- the “Easy Button” -- a way to solve life’s complicated situations with ease. But in reality, we know nothing is that simple. So where can we turn in light of our demanding schedules and never ending list of challenges and priorities?
God in His great wisdom and mercy sent a solution to take our burdens if we choose to believe and turn over control. His Son Jesus not only paid for our sins to secure our future for eternity, but today and everyday, it is through Jesus that we find strength, wisdom, and peace to bear trials and difficult circumstances. While God never promised that life would be easy, He did promise to be with us always.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Because God is merciful, in Christ, we can manage through life’s difficult situations.
“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
What a brilliant idea -- the “Easy Button” -- a way to solve life’s complicated situations with ease. But in reality, we know nothing is that simple. So where can we turn in light of our demanding schedules and never ending list of challenges and priorities?
God in His great wisdom and mercy sent a solution to take our burdens if we choose to believe and turn over control. His Son Jesus not only paid for our sins to secure our future for eternity, but today and everyday, it is through Jesus that we find strength, wisdom, and peace to bear trials and difficult circumstances. While God never promised that life would be easy, He did promise to be with us always.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Because God is merciful, in Christ, we can manage through life’s difficult situations.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
The Sales Pitch
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
“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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)