I like Jazz. Especially when Harry Conick Jr. is singing Christmas Songs. Jazz and Christmas songs go together like peanut butter and jam. I can sit by the tree, just listening for several moments. For me, that is a long time. Ahhhh.
But for others, Christmas isn't so cheery. Christmas remind us of the brokenness in life. We are reminded that we have loss. Loss of a job, loss of a loved one, loss of stability, etc. We wonder, "Does God even care?"
King David had a moment of depression. He was running for his life from his son. He was in a foreign country that he had attacked. He was all alone. I wonder if he thought to himself, "God, do you even care about me?"
Read about it in Ps 34 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Look at verse 18. "The lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
He is close. He is near. He is up close and personal. He knows exactly what is going on in your life. He knows about all the broken pieces of your life. He does care as the Apostle Paul tells us, "Cast all your care upon Him because he cares for you." He isn't far away. He isn't distant. He is right there with you. Weeping with you as you weep and rejoicing with you as you rejoice.
He is also going to restore your brokenness. He is going to save the day. We don't know how and we don't know when. We just know that He is going to save those who are crushed in spirit. He is working on putting the pieces back together again. Even those little slivers that many will not be aware of, He is putting those back into place.
I hope you realize that better days do await you and that is why we can hope in Him. Whatever the piece you are holding in your hand that reflects your brokenness, He cares deeply about it and is putting it back together. Some day you will be mended and whole. But until then our Hope is still in Him!
As you close: Tell God about all the broken pieces of your life. Weep with Him. He will weep with you.
God Bless!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
HOPE - Healing for the brokenhearted - Day 2
I've noticed something. Everyone is impacted by Christmas. They may celebrate differently than me, but this season, this time of year revolves around Hope. Everyone believes, to some degree, that life has got to get better than this. The question is who will make it, life, better?
I have a tendency to snap at my family. I don't know why. I'm not stressed out. I'm not under pressure. I just snap at them. I thought about it and realized that something needed to change. So I decided I needed to change. I needed to stop snapping at my family. So off I go on this grand adventure. Unfortunately, I drop the ball. I fail. I snap. Back to the drawing board.
If I think I am going to make life better, I will find myself constantly disappointed. It's not that I don't have a part to play in change, it's just that I, only me, can not make the changes necessary for life to be better. There is only one person I can hope in. His name is Jesus.
The people of Israel were in some pretty tough circumstances. They were an oppressed people for hundreds of years. They must have thought, "I need to have a positive attitude and things will get better." "I just need to be nicer to that Roman guard who is beating me up. That will make life better." No. They knew if life was going to be better, it would come from one person; the Messiah.
Read about two people who were overcome with joy at the appearing of Jesus in Luke 2:21-38 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A21-38&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Simeon and Anna were just thrilled to see the Savior of the World. He is going to make things better. He will make life more joyful. It will be because of Him.
Who do you hope in to make life better? We all hope better days are ahead. We all hope for something great in the days to come. We need to know who we Hope IN to see those good days. Do you find your hope in your job? Family? Money? or Jesus?
As you close: Take some time and tell Jesus that your hope for better days is in Him. Ask for strength each day to find your hope in Him.
God Bless!
I have a tendency to snap at my family. I don't know why. I'm not stressed out. I'm not under pressure. I just snap at them. I thought about it and realized that something needed to change. So I decided I needed to change. I needed to stop snapping at my family. So off I go on this grand adventure. Unfortunately, I drop the ball. I fail. I snap. Back to the drawing board.
If I think I am going to make life better, I will find myself constantly disappointed. It's not that I don't have a part to play in change, it's just that I, only me, can not make the changes necessary for life to be better. There is only one person I can hope in. His name is Jesus.
The people of Israel were in some pretty tough circumstances. They were an oppressed people for hundreds of years. They must have thought, "I need to have a positive attitude and things will get better." "I just need to be nicer to that Roman guard who is beating me up. That will make life better." No. They knew if life was going to be better, it would come from one person; the Messiah.
Read about two people who were overcome with joy at the appearing of Jesus in Luke 2:21-38 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A21-38&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Simeon and Anna were just thrilled to see the Savior of the World. He is going to make things better. He will make life more joyful. It will be because of Him.
Who do you hope in to make life better? We all hope better days are ahead. We all hope for something great in the days to come. We need to know who we Hope IN to see those good days. Do you find your hope in your job? Family? Money? or Jesus?
As you close: Take some time and tell Jesus that your hope for better days is in Him. Ask for strength each day to find your hope in Him.
God Bless!
Monday, December 6, 2010
HOPE - Healing for the brokenhearted - Day 1
The Christmas season is filled with much anticipation. Christmas day is within reach. It's like waiting for vacation to arrive. You know it's coming but it just won't get here soon enough. So let me be the first to say, "Merry Christmas." Enjoy the season.
While some are enjoying the moment, some, the holidays are a reminder of loneliness and isolation. Some are saying, "I just can't wait for the holidays to get over with." No anticipation, no excitement. If that is you, I've got some good news for you.
This month is all about hope. What is hope? Hope is believing that better days lie ahead. Hope is having confidence that it's got to get better than this. Maybe you've lost a loved one, a relationship is fractured, or a loss of a job, status or stability, better days lie ahead. It will get better than youur present circumstances.
Say this out loud, "Better days lie ahead." We have hope that better days lie ahead. And yes, even for you.
The Chicago Cubs have been living on hope for the past 100 years. They hope to return to the World Series. But 100 years is nothing compared to the Israelite people waiting for God to fulfill His promise of rescuing them with a Savior.
If you know anything about Israelite history, you will know that they were oppressed for around 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Savior. They waiting through the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. They were taken advantage of by countless people. They paid enormous taxes, used as slaves, and used for self gratification. Bottom line, they were not allowed to be a free people. They waited, they cried out, to God for the promised Messiah. And then there was a baby's cry. Mary gave birth to a son, gave Him the name Jesus. He was the one the angels told Joseph and Mary about. He will save the day. Their Hope will be found in Him.
Read Matthew 1:18-25 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A18-25&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
They had every reason to be depressed and anticipate nothing. But their hope was renewed. Hope had become a reality in a baby boy. They had every reason to be filled with anticipation and be filled with excitement. Better days lie ahead.
For today I want to renew your hope. Better days lie ahead. Not because of you or me. But because of Him. Jesus is our hope and He is here to give us better days ahead.
As you close: Thank God for the gift of His son Jesus. Thank Him for renewing our hope for better days. Thank God for this season and ask Him to fill your heart with joy and anticipation.
God bless!
While some are enjoying the moment, some, the holidays are a reminder of loneliness and isolation. Some are saying, "I just can't wait for the holidays to get over with." No anticipation, no excitement. If that is you, I've got some good news for you.
This month is all about hope. What is hope? Hope is believing that better days lie ahead. Hope is having confidence that it's got to get better than this. Maybe you've lost a loved one, a relationship is fractured, or a loss of a job, status or stability, better days lie ahead. It will get better than youur present circumstances.
Say this out loud, "Better days lie ahead." We have hope that better days lie ahead. And yes, even for you.
The Chicago Cubs have been living on hope for the past 100 years. They hope to return to the World Series. But 100 years is nothing compared to the Israelite people waiting for God to fulfill His promise of rescuing them with a Savior.
If you know anything about Israelite history, you will know that they were oppressed for around 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Savior. They waiting through the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, and Romans. They were taken advantage of by countless people. They paid enormous taxes, used as slaves, and used for self gratification. Bottom line, they were not allowed to be a free people. They waited, they cried out, to God for the promised Messiah. And then there was a baby's cry. Mary gave birth to a son, gave Him the name Jesus. He was the one the angels told Joseph and Mary about. He will save the day. Their Hope will be found in Him.
Read Matthew 1:18-25 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A18-25&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
They had every reason to be depressed and anticipate nothing. But their hope was renewed. Hope had become a reality in a baby boy. They had every reason to be filled with anticipation and be filled with excitement. Better days lie ahead.
For today I want to renew your hope. Better days lie ahead. Not because of you or me. But because of Him. Jesus is our hope and He is here to give us better days ahead.
As you close: Thank God for the gift of His son Jesus. Thank Him for renewing our hope for better days. Thank God for this season and ask Him to fill your heart with joy and anticipation.
God bless!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 4
Do you have a favorite song? Perhaps it is one when you were building a relationship with a future spouse. Maybe it is a song during an intense time in your life. Or, it is a song that represents a change that occurred in your life.
Songs can be like markers in the brain. Whenever we sing it, hear it played or just remember it, it reminds us of a time in our lives when it meant something great.
For Moses, songs became a way to remember the stories of God's glory in his life.
Read about the song Miriam, Moses' sister, sang to recount the glory of God in Exodus 15 or click to view (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15&version=NIV (Click Back Arrow on web browser to return)
What a way to remember what God did for the people of Israel. He revealed His glory and now they can sing songs about it. And singing songs of remembrance empower us to trust Him again. We remember and choose to fully surrender again and again. It's like a little child saying to their dad, "Do it again, daddy. Do it again."
What songs can you sing, of what God has done in your life? I realize that there probably isn't an exact song for your situation but maybe you can just put your story to music. Just sing the words back to Him for how He revealed His glory in your life.
As you close: Remember His works among you. Remember what He has done and praise Him for it.
God Bless!
Songs can be like markers in the brain. Whenever we sing it, hear it played or just remember it, it reminds us of a time in our lives when it meant something great.
For Moses, songs became a way to remember the stories of God's glory in his life.
Read about the song Miriam, Moses' sister, sang to recount the glory of God in Exodus 15 or click to view (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15&version=NIV (Click Back Arrow on web browser to return)
What a way to remember what God did for the people of Israel. He revealed His glory and now they can sing songs about it. And singing songs of remembrance empower us to trust Him again. We remember and choose to fully surrender again and again. It's like a little child saying to their dad, "Do it again, daddy. Do it again."
What songs can you sing, of what God has done in your life? I realize that there probably isn't an exact song for your situation but maybe you can just put your story to music. Just sing the words back to Him for how He revealed His glory in your life.
As you close: Remember His works among you. Remember what He has done and praise Him for it.
God Bless!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 3
Sometimes loneliness is an awful thing. Have you ever felt alone? You may be surrounded by people and still feel alone.
People in leadership may have power and influence, but believe me, they feel terribly lonely. It's not that people don't like them, often times leadership means that you will be alone. For example, the president of your company has to look at facts and figures and make tough decisions. Sometimes employees don't like what they hear. Many people have experienced lay offs. What a terrible experience. Not knowing what is next, not knowing if they will have enough money to pay the bills. Often employees attack owners saying, "They just want more money for themselves." That may be true, but often times the owners I know can't sleep because they know what damage it might cause. It is at those times a leader feels alone.
Moses felt alone. The people of Israel were mad at him. "Leave well enough alone Moses..." Read about it in Exodus 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+5&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Loneliness is a part of leadership. Leaders never get used to it but they learn to accept it. For Moses, it seems like he is ready to call it quits. He was ready to throw in the towel. So what does Moses do? He talks to God about it. Chapter 6 is God's response. To sum it up; God told Moses that He will accomplish what He has set out to do. He will rescue His people Israel through the leadership of Moses. Moses needed to simply stay the course.
When you are fully surrendered to God, He may ask you to do something that causes you to be very alone. Everyone has an opinion and they are ready to share it with you. People may question you and try to raise doubts in your mind. Examine the doubts and deal with them.
Here are three things you should do when feeling alone regarding what God is having you to do:
1. Pray. Ask God for His help. We need His strength.
2. Contemplate opinions - Do they have a point that I haven't considered?
3. Pray. Ask God to make things clear.
Why? Because we want to do the very thing God wants us to do. We want to consider that God will make
it very clear if it is just simply our idea or that it is in fact His.
As you close: What is it that is tugging at your heart? Is it from God? Have you asked other people about? Have you considered other's advice? Have you prayed? Do that now.
God bless!
People in leadership may have power and influence, but believe me, they feel terribly lonely. It's not that people don't like them, often times leadership means that you will be alone. For example, the president of your company has to look at facts and figures and make tough decisions. Sometimes employees don't like what they hear. Many people have experienced lay offs. What a terrible experience. Not knowing what is next, not knowing if they will have enough money to pay the bills. Often employees attack owners saying, "They just want more money for themselves." That may be true, but often times the owners I know can't sleep because they know what damage it might cause. It is at those times a leader feels alone.
Moses felt alone. The people of Israel were mad at him. "Leave well enough alone Moses..." Read about it in Exodus 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+5&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Loneliness is a part of leadership. Leaders never get used to it but they learn to accept it. For Moses, it seems like he is ready to call it quits. He was ready to throw in the towel. So what does Moses do? He talks to God about it. Chapter 6 is God's response. To sum it up; God told Moses that He will accomplish what He has set out to do. He will rescue His people Israel through the leadership of Moses. Moses needed to simply stay the course.
When you are fully surrendered to God, He may ask you to do something that causes you to be very alone. Everyone has an opinion and they are ready to share it with you. People may question you and try to raise doubts in your mind. Examine the doubts and deal with them.
Here are three things you should do when feeling alone regarding what God is having you to do:
1. Pray. Ask God for His help. We need His strength.
2. Contemplate opinions - Do they have a point that I haven't considered?
3. Pray. Ask God to make things clear.
Why? Because we want to do the very thing God wants us to do. We want to consider that God will make
it very clear if it is just simply our idea or that it is in fact His.
As you close: What is it that is tugging at your heart? Is it from God? Have you asked other people about? Have you considered other's advice? Have you prayed? Do that now.
God bless!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 2
Something I really enjoy as a pastor is when parents dedicate their children to the Lord. During a child dedication service, parents put together photographs of the child who is being dedicated. After the picture presentation, I have the privilege of speaking with the parents. They tell the rest of us what this child means to them and then promise to raise this child to hear about God's love through Jesus. Then I get to pray for them. I really love those moments.
But one thing is true, that child will still have to make a decision to fully surrender to Jesus on their own. Even though they are being dedicated to the Lord, doesn't mean they automatically surrender to Jesus. There will come a time when the decision to fully surrender will sit before them and they will have to make a decision.
Moses was dedicated to the Lord but Moses would still have to make a choice in fully surrendering to Him.
Read about Moses' personal surrender in Exodus 3 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
God wanted to reveal His glory through Moses and Moses would have to make a decision on being fully surrendered or not. It was up to him. Moses does come to the place where he fully surrenders. He still has his doubts. He's afraid that he's not much use to the Lord. He doesn't talk well enough. Not smart enough. But God tells Him that He will be with him. Moses will not be alone. God will be there right beside him. He even has Aaron join him on the adventure.
You see, you have nothing to be afraid of. God will be with you wherever He leads you. He even provides a friend to help. How many times do we count on our friends to help us get through something? Many times.
I pray that I won't let the doubts in my mind distract me from being used by God to reveal His glory. I hope you won't let those doubts do the same to you.
Plus, I pray that my heart is fully surrendered, each and every day. I hope my children, though they have been dedicated to the Lord, will fully surrender too.
You have nothing to lose when you fully surrender to Jesus. Actually, you have much to gain. We would be fools not to take this offer. Surrender today.
As you close: Pray that everyday, you can be used by God if He desires to reveal His glory through you that day. If not, okay. We wait for Him. And Pray that your children, whom I'm sure you dedicated to the Lord, will daily fully surrender to Him.
God Bless!
But one thing is true, that child will still have to make a decision to fully surrender to Jesus on their own. Even though they are being dedicated to the Lord, doesn't mean they automatically surrender to Jesus. There will come a time when the decision to fully surrender will sit before them and they will have to make a decision.
Moses was dedicated to the Lord but Moses would still have to make a choice in fully surrendering to Him.
Read about Moses' personal surrender in Exodus 3 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
God wanted to reveal His glory through Moses and Moses would have to make a decision on being fully surrendered or not. It was up to him. Moses does come to the place where he fully surrenders. He still has his doubts. He's afraid that he's not much use to the Lord. He doesn't talk well enough. Not smart enough. But God tells Him that He will be with him. Moses will not be alone. God will be there right beside him. He even has Aaron join him on the adventure.
You see, you have nothing to be afraid of. God will be with you wherever He leads you. He even provides a friend to help. How many times do we count on our friends to help us get through something? Many times.
I pray that I won't let the doubts in my mind distract me from being used by God to reveal His glory. I hope you won't let those doubts do the same to you.
Plus, I pray that my heart is fully surrendered, each and every day. I hope my children, though they have been dedicated to the Lord, will fully surrender too.
You have nothing to lose when you fully surrender to Jesus. Actually, you have much to gain. We would be fools not to take this offer. Surrender today.
As you close: Pray that everyday, you can be used by God if He desires to reveal His glory through you that day. If not, okay. We wait for Him. And Pray that your children, whom I'm sure you dedicated to the Lord, will daily fully surrender to Him.
God Bless!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Fully Surrender:Moses - Day 1
This week we wrap up our fully surrendered series. I have enjoyed these inspiring people who had given their lives over to God. Through them, God's glory was revealed and their stories are still with us today.
This week we will be discussing the life of Moses. As a baby, Moses was surrendered to God.
Amram and Jochebed, Moses' parents, were experiencing the joys of parenthood. They had a daughter, Miriam and now Miriam was going to be a big sister. Soon, their joys became sorrows as Jochebed delivered a boy. Why is that a sorrow?
Read Exodus 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
The Pharoah, wanting to reduce the Israelite population, was having all boys thrown into the Nile River to be killed. When Amram and Jochebed delivered a boy, their worst fears became real. Not towards the child, but towards the possibility of the death of their child. So they hid the boy. They covered their tracks as best as they could until one day they could hide him no longer. There was nothing more they could do. What would they do now?
What do you do when you have no other option in a difficult situation? I have a tendency to panic. My heart starts to race and I begin to be overwhelmed with worry. It takes me a while, because of my pride, when I turn to God. I know I should turn to Him first but often times, I depend on my own understanding and exhaust all the options for me to do. Then I pray. I should pray and then do all that I can and leave the rest to Him.
Amram and Jochebed did everything they could and now the only thing left to do was to surrender this child into the hands of God. They built a basket and put him inside and let go of him on the Nile River. I bet Jochebed had trouble letting go of the basket; wondering if she would ever see him again. But then God did something Jochebed had no idea He was about to do. He had Pharoah's daughter go into the water of the Nile to bathe, and while she was there washing, heard a baby crying. Compassion filled her heart, instead of having the boy killed, she took him into her home and raised him. Gave him the name Moses. Jochebed even had the opportunity to see him grow up and become a man.
What a story of surrender. Amram and Jochebed saw the glory of God because they surrendered their child over to his care. We don't know what would've happened if they hadn't. All we know is what they did and as result, God rescued His people from the evil Pharoah and led them to the Promised land. All through this man, Moses.
Is there a basket in your hand that God is calling you to let go of and give over to Him? It could be your career. "God, I have no idea what you want to do through me, but you can have my career. Keep it where it is or change it. I want your plan for my life." It could be your children. "God here are my kids. I will raise them as best as I can but they are dedicated to you. Show your glory through them." It could be your health. "God, I have no idea what I will go through physically, but if there is something you want me to go through to show your glory, then do it."
Often times we want to hold onto the basket for fear of the unknown. God wants us to simply trust Him. He is trustworthy.
As you close: Thank God a new day, life, health and family. Tell God that you are willing to let go of the basket and whatever it is inside of it. All you want is for His glory to be revealed through you.
God Bless!
This week we will be discussing the life of Moses. As a baby, Moses was surrendered to God.
Amram and Jochebed, Moses' parents, were experiencing the joys of parenthood. They had a daughter, Miriam and now Miriam was going to be a big sister. Soon, their joys became sorrows as Jochebed delivered a boy. Why is that a sorrow?
Read Exodus 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1&version=NIV (Click on back arrow of web browser to return)
The Pharoah, wanting to reduce the Israelite population, was having all boys thrown into the Nile River to be killed. When Amram and Jochebed delivered a boy, their worst fears became real. Not towards the child, but towards the possibility of the death of their child. So they hid the boy. They covered their tracks as best as they could until one day they could hide him no longer. There was nothing more they could do. What would they do now?
What do you do when you have no other option in a difficult situation? I have a tendency to panic. My heart starts to race and I begin to be overwhelmed with worry. It takes me a while, because of my pride, when I turn to God. I know I should turn to Him first but often times, I depend on my own understanding and exhaust all the options for me to do. Then I pray. I should pray and then do all that I can and leave the rest to Him.
Amram and Jochebed did everything they could and now the only thing left to do was to surrender this child into the hands of God. They built a basket and put him inside and let go of him on the Nile River. I bet Jochebed had trouble letting go of the basket; wondering if she would ever see him again. But then God did something Jochebed had no idea He was about to do. He had Pharoah's daughter go into the water of the Nile to bathe, and while she was there washing, heard a baby crying. Compassion filled her heart, instead of having the boy killed, she took him into her home and raised him. Gave him the name Moses. Jochebed even had the opportunity to see him grow up and become a man.
What a story of surrender. Amram and Jochebed saw the glory of God because they surrendered their child over to his care. We don't know what would've happened if they hadn't. All we know is what they did and as result, God rescued His people from the evil Pharoah and led them to the Promised land. All through this man, Moses.
Is there a basket in your hand that God is calling you to let go of and give over to Him? It could be your career. "God, I have no idea what you want to do through me, but you can have my career. Keep it where it is or change it. I want your plan for my life." It could be your children. "God here are my kids. I will raise them as best as I can but they are dedicated to you. Show your glory through them." It could be your health. "God, I have no idea what I will go through physically, but if there is something you want me to go through to show your glory, then do it."
Often times we want to hold onto the basket for fear of the unknown. God wants us to simply trust Him. He is trustworthy.
As you close: Thank God a new day, life, health and family. Tell God that you are willing to let go of the basket and whatever it is inside of it. All you want is for His glory to be revealed through you.
God Bless!
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