God is Wisdom
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15
Management of well run hotels can spend hours a day making adjustments in rates to maximize profitability. And while there are very sophisticated models that are used, the process requires knowledge and making the right choice. So if we can be that intent on managing hotel profitability, why haven’t we perfected a system to maximize how we spend our limited amount of time, talents, and other resources?
The truth is God has provided a counselor to guide our decisions, actions, and desires -- to help us know our purpose and plan for not only our lives but daily living too. But how often do we seek His wisdom and then actually follow through? It’s one thing to have a profitable business; it’s another to have a profitable life.
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:8
Because God is wisdom, we can live profitably through our relationship with Jesus.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Happy New Year!
God is Love
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
What is it about the New Year that gives us hope? Is it the thought of something new – a new opportunity, a new relationship, a new home, or a new job that makes us happy? But the truth is happiness that comes from our possessions earned in our own strength does not last.
The Bible tells us that placing our trust in our abilities and things of this world is fleeting because new things become old things and eventually decay and disappoint. The only thing that lasts and does not fail is a relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we enter into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus, we become a new creation and are given the assurance of being restored and redeemed for eternity. It is in this promise that hope is found -- and nothing else!
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Because God is love, true happiness is found when we place our trust in Jesus
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
What is it about the New Year that gives us hope? Is it the thought of something new – a new opportunity, a new relationship, a new home, or a new job that makes us happy? But the truth is happiness that comes from our possessions earned in our own strength does not last.
The Bible tells us that placing our trust in our abilities and things of this world is fleeting because new things become old things and eventually decay and disappoint. The only thing that lasts and does not fail is a relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we enter into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus, we become a new creation and are given the assurance of being restored and redeemed for eternity. It is in this promise that hope is found -- and nothing else!
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Because God is love, true happiness is found when we place our trust in Jesus
Saturday, December 15, 2018
No Vacancy
God is Faithful
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. Luke 2:1,3
To anyone in the hotel business, no vacancy is a wonderful thing. But to a guest who has traveled for miles, a sold out situation can be stressful.
Over 2000 years ago, Mary and Joseph had made the trip from Nazareth to Jerusalem to register in the census only to find the town’s inn was sold out for the “citywide” event. In addition to being tired from the journey, it was time for Mary to give birth, and so outside in the elements Jesus was born. Yes, Jesus entered the world as a vulnerable baby under very difficult circumstances and yet, He overcame the world. As we prepare for this Christmas, is there room in your heart to welcome Jesus? Will you look past hectic schedules and any difficult circumstances to be filled with joy – an unfathomable joy that comes from Christ himself?
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
Because God is faithful, through Jesus, we experience joy in all circumstances. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. Luke 2:1,3
To anyone in the hotel business, no vacancy is a wonderful thing. But to a guest who has traveled for miles, a sold out situation can be stressful.
Over 2000 years ago, Mary and Joseph had made the trip from Nazareth to Jerusalem to register in the census only to find the town’s inn was sold out for the “citywide” event. In addition to being tired from the journey, it was time for Mary to give birth, and so outside in the elements Jesus was born. Yes, Jesus entered the world as a vulnerable baby under very difficult circumstances and yet, He overcame the world. As we prepare for this Christmas, is there room in your heart to welcome Jesus? Will you look past hectic schedules and any difficult circumstances to be filled with joy – an unfathomable joy that comes from Christ himself?
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
Because God is faithful, through Jesus, we experience joy in all circumstances. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Naughty or Nice?
God is Love
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Romans 3:20
Have you been good this year? The question is used with good intention, but if Santa only brings good gifts to good people, maybe this is where we get the notion that love is conditional. Maybe this is where we get the idea that we have to perform to be acceptable to others.
While many of the places we work leave us with an impression that how we’ll be treated is based on what we do, the opposite is true for God. God’s purpose for rules is to protect us and provide orderly living. And while God’s holy law will show us areas in our life where we fall short, He never expected us to keep the law. In fact, He knew we never could. His plan is for us to accept His love and forgiveness offered through His Son Jesus. And by knowing how deeply God cares for us, we in turn do good for His glory.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
Because God is love, through Jesus, we too can love unconditionally.
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Romans 3:20
Have you been good this year? The question is used with good intention, but if Santa only brings good gifts to good people, maybe this is where we get the notion that love is conditional. Maybe this is where we get the idea that we have to perform to be acceptable to others.
While many of the places we work leave us with an impression that how we’ll be treated is based on what we do, the opposite is true for God. God’s purpose for rules is to protect us and provide orderly living. And while God’s holy law will show us areas in our life where we fall short, He never expected us to keep the law. In fact, He knew we never could. His plan is for us to accept His love and forgiveness offered through His Son Jesus. And by knowing how deeply God cares for us, we in turn do good for His glory.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
Because God is love, through Jesus, we too can love unconditionally.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Thanksgiving
God is Ever Present
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday – a time for reflection and for spending time with friends and family, a time to give thanks for all the blessings we have in our life. Too often though, the holiday brings busyness, preoccupation with year-end expectations and demands, concerns over family dynamics, anxiety and stress. We sometimes find ourselves without a moment of peace and look forward to getting back to our usual routine.
With Thanksgiving approaching, how about taking this moment to consider all that we are thankful for? Not only little things but the big things as well --we live in a free country, we are the richest nation in the world, we are highly educated…We also have a God who loves us, oh how He loves us! His grace and mercy are always there for us to receive when we turn to Him. In fact, each day can be full of thanksgiving as our Heavenly Father pours out His blessings on us, His beloved children.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:4
Because God is ever present, with Christ everyday is a day of thanksgiving.
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday – a time for reflection and for spending time with friends and family, a time to give thanks for all the blessings we have in our life. Too often though, the holiday brings busyness, preoccupation with year-end expectations and demands, concerns over family dynamics, anxiety and stress. We sometimes find ourselves without a moment of peace and look forward to getting back to our usual routine.
With Thanksgiving approaching, how about taking this moment to consider all that we are thankful for? Not only little things but the big things as well --we live in a free country, we are the richest nation in the world, we are highly educated…We also have a God who loves us, oh how He loves us! His grace and mercy are always there for us to receive when we turn to Him. In fact, each day can be full of thanksgiving as our Heavenly Father pours out His blessings on us, His beloved children.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:4
Because God is ever present, with Christ everyday is a day of thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
100% Guarantee
God is Unchanging
Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Whether it is with a relationship, a business dealing, or just simply something we read or hear, we all have doubts. As much as we'd like to, there are times when we are not quite sure we can trust someone or in something. Maybe it is because a particular person has let you down in the past, or maybe it is just caution that has been wired into each of us. We have tried to compensate for a lack of trust with laws and contracts, but we all know that this does not guarantee results either.
Wouldn't it be comforting if we could rely on someone 100% of the time? While none of us is perfect, we know from scripture that God can be trusted wholeheartedly. That He never changes and that the promises He made at the beginning of time are still true today and will be forever. The only requirement is that we have faith -- faith in God's provision -- faith to go one way when the world would say go the other. God has extended an invitation to be part of His family. Are you willing to trust and take a step towards believing and accepting the promises of your Heavenly Father?
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Because God is unchanging, with Christ, we can live with confidence.
Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Whether it is with a relationship, a business dealing, or just simply something we read or hear, we all have doubts. As much as we'd like to, there are times when we are not quite sure we can trust someone or in something. Maybe it is because a particular person has let you down in the past, or maybe it is just caution that has been wired into each of us. We have tried to compensate for a lack of trust with laws and contracts, but we all know that this does not guarantee results either.
Wouldn't it be comforting if we could rely on someone 100% of the time? While none of us is perfect, we know from scripture that God can be trusted wholeheartedly. That He never changes and that the promises He made at the beginning of time are still true today and will be forever. The only requirement is that we have faith -- faith in God's provision -- faith to go one way when the world would say go the other. God has extended an invitation to be part of His family. Are you willing to trust and take a step towards believing and accepting the promises of your Heavenly Father?
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Because God is unchanging, with Christ, we can live with confidence.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
God is Gracious
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4
We spend a large percentage of our lifetime climbing the corporate ladder. Some of us make it further than we ever dreamed and some even make it to the top. But then what? Do we ever feel satisfied with our position? Is our current title, our fame and our fortune ever enough?
Whether we know it or not, we all have a yearning to be in a relationship with our Creator. It is the missing link to finding fulfillment. Yet, history shows that man has always strived to build a legacy for himself by himself. Not long after God flooded the earth to remove all wickedness from it, the people of the world tried to build a tower to reach the heavens on their own accord. But God stopped them. He had already provided a way for man to reach Him, but the gift was rejected. Nothing we do in our own strength can bring us into a right relationship with our Holy God. We must accept God’s provision -- Jesus. It’s that simple.
Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Because God is gracious, through Jesus we can be in relationship with the Creator, our Heavenly Father.
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4
We spend a large percentage of our lifetime climbing the corporate ladder. Some of us make it further than we ever dreamed and some even make it to the top. But then what? Do we ever feel satisfied with our position? Is our current title, our fame and our fortune ever enough?
Whether we know it or not, we all have a yearning to be in a relationship with our Creator. It is the missing link to finding fulfillment. Yet, history shows that man has always strived to build a legacy for himself by himself. Not long after God flooded the earth to remove all wickedness from it, the people of the world tried to build a tower to reach the heavens on their own accord. But God stopped them. He had already provided a way for man to reach Him, but the gift was rejected. Nothing we do in our own strength can bring us into a right relationship with our Holy God. We must accept God’s provision -- Jesus. It’s that simple.
Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Because God is gracious, through Jesus we can be in relationship with the Creator, our Heavenly Father.
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