I Love My Church - Day 10

On Tuesday, when the big snow storm hit our area, Tiffany, the kids, I and another family were on our way for a scheduled mini-break at Kalahari Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio.  Imagine this picture with snow covering the ground and people wrapped up in winter coats.

We were able to stay ahead of the storm and return after everthing was plowed.  We even came home to a plowed driveway and shoveled sidewalk.  It was such a blessing to come home to that loving act and I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you.  You know who you are and you are much appreciated.

While we were enjoying the waterpark, something caught my attention.  It was both our families enjoying each others' company.  Laughing, talking, eating and playing (and the momentary emotional breakdowns, but that is to be expected with kids.)  On the drive home I kept thinking, this was a great trip.  A great break and a great time with friends.  This must be what heaven will be like. 

Audio Adrenaline wrote a song, "A Big House" describing what they thought the glories of heaven will be like.  Whether they are right or off by a little, it will be a place for God's people to enjoy Him and to enjoy each other.  And He instructs us to take time off each week to have a touch of heaven here on earth.

He says in Exodus 20, "Honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy."  We are to be a people who take a break each week and enjoy life with our family, friends and God.  Jesus also addresses this issue of the sabbath when he answered the Pharisees about the sabbath in the Gospel of Mark. 

Read Mark 2:23-28 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+2%3A23-28&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

The Sabbath was made for man.  We were given a weekly gift from God; the Sabbath.  It is a time to refresh and enjoy life.

Are you taking time to enjoy life? Family? Friends? God?

What are you waiting for, take a day off and you will see what God can do through it.

As you close: Take some time to thank God for your family, friends and the gift of the sabbath.

God Bless!

I Love My Church - Day 9

The Super Bowl is next Sunday and many people are gearing up for it.  Who will win and who will lose?  Which has the best offense and which has the best defense.  Who will be victorious in the end?

I love watching the big game.  The thrill of victory.  The smell of chips and salsa.  Children running in front of the television. Women playing board games.  Ahhhh.  What a night. Sunday night can't get here fast enough.

Something to consider though, at the end of every game, there is a winner and there is a loser.  It's all part of the game.  And when it's your team that wins, the victory makes it a sweet event.

We are in the middle of a contest and that contest is between Elohim and Diabolos.  Huh?  Who are they?  Elohim is the Hebrew name for God and can you guess who Diabolos is?  Yep.  That is the Devil.  The Devil has been at odds with God since the creation of the world. 

You can examine their offenses and defenses.  You can examine their players.  You can look at the stats.  But in the end there really is no contest.  The Devil is completely outmatched on every detail.  And we already know the end of the game.  The book of Revelation describes for us how God finishes what He started.  The Devil is thrown into the lake of fire and the children of God enjoy eternity with Elohim in paradise.

Read about it in Revelation 20:7-10 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A7-10&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

You have reason to be excited.  Our team wins.  We are still in the middle of the game but we already know that Elohim wins.  You are victorious because you are His child.

How do you become His child?  By surrendering your life to Jesus Christ.  When you ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, He will do just that.  At that moment you become His child and you my friend join the winning team.

If you are a child of God, are you living a victorious life?  Are you living with Hope?  Are you living with joy?  Are you living with love?  Because the game has already been won, you can live a life that is victorious.  Let's get a little excited.  Put a smile on your face and walk a little taller.  Give a helping hand to someone...

As you close: Thank God for the victory we have because of Jesus.

God Bless!