I don't know about you, but saying goodbye is hard to do. It could be a friend who is moving away; it could be a spouse who has to travel for work or family emergencies; it could be someone who leaves the church. Regardless of the situation, it's still hard to say goodbye. But there is good news in the sadness.
When Jesus died on the cross, people were weeping as they were saying goodbye to a major influencer in their lives. He has given them wisdom, healing, hope and encouragement. At that moment, He was gone. But Jesus knew it would be for only a moment. He knew that He would be alive again. So He gave His disciples some hope in response to their sorrow.
Read John 14:1-4 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1-4&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return).
The hope Jesus gave to the disciples was that they were going to see Him again. Life doesn't end when the last breath is exhaled. We have Heaven.
That is the good news we all have. In every moment we say goodbye to someone, we are reminded again that we will see each other again. It may be here, there or in Heaven. But the fact still remains, we will see each other again.
That is why I love our church. We have the opportunity to build friendships that will last forever. Sure, people move away; sure people die; sure people leave for work. We have hope that we will see each other again.
I hope this encourages you today as it does me.
As you close: Thank God for eternity. Thank God for heaven. Thank God for friendships/relationships. Thank God that in the church, those relationships will last forever.
God Bless!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I Love My Church - Day 3
Things come and go in our world. Few things really stand the test of time. Aside from the basic necessities of life, there is one thing that has stood the test of time: the Church.
Those committed followers of Christ have stood the test of time. People still gather, people still read the Bible, people still fellowship, people still prayer, etc. While other things have come and gone, the church has remained. Why? Because Jesus said, "...I will build my church upon this rock and the gates of Hell will not stand against it." What Jesus started 2000 years ago is still going strong.
When Jesus left this earth and ascended to Heaven, the disciples could have just turned their backs and went home; they remained. They remained faithful. Read about the beginning of the church in Acts 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return).
Did you notice what happened? They pressed on. They replaced Judas and moved on. Because they moved on and were faithful in following Jesus, we have the message, and the church body today. This family has been together for over 2000 years and it doesn't go out of fashion. Now some churches thrive and some take a dive but regardless, what Jesus started is still kicking.
Another reason why I love the church and I love my church family with it.
As you close: Thank God for His guidance and protection over His church. Ask God to move your heart towards love for the church family. They will always be there for you.
God bless!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I Love My Church - Day 2
This book is filled with God's words whispered to humanity. The Apostle Paul writes, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, sot hat the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
This book is God-breathed. It breathes life into everyman. Just like in the beginning when God breathed life into Adam, He breathes life into our soul through these words.
When was the last time we took the time to read these words? Really read these words and learn who God is, what God has done and what He desires to do in our lives. For some of us, we get too busy with everyday things that we lose sight of this book and the power it contains to help us live a great life. For some of us, we get too confused and we lose motivation in digging for the truth that isn't that far under the surface. And the great thing about this book, the more you dig the more you find. It marvels us.
We presently enjoy the freedoms in reading this book at any time, anywhere. Are you taking advantage of those freedoms?
Paul and Silas traveled to a town called, Berea, in order to teach them about the scriptures. And they made sure that what Paul was teaching was correct. Read about it in Acts 17:10-12 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A10-12&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return).
They examined the scriptures every day. Could I be that passionate for God's words? I hope this year I will be even more passionate for His life giving words. How about you?
As you close: Thank God for His words. They were written down and preserved for you to be able to be read on your own. Thank God for the ability to read and the ability to read His words in your language. Because there are many who don't have His words in their language.
God Bless!
Monday, January 3, 2011
I Love My Church - Day 1
God treasures you as well. He is so emotionally connected to you, that whatever happens to you, impacts Him personally, emotionally causing Him to react. Whether it is joy or sorrow, He is so connected to you that you will see Him move.
Sometimes we think God feels very distant, but in fact, He is truly up close and personal. That is the way He intended things to be with His creation.
Read about it in Genesis 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NIV (Click Back Arrow on Web Browser to return)
This text says that He made you in His image. You and I can never be God. We could never take His place. Many will try and fail. The word "image" means shadow, resemblance or likeness. We were made to be very close in likeness to Him. He did it for the purpose of relationship. He did it so that we can have an up close and personal relationship with Him. To be able to understand Him and be confounded by Him all at the same time.
He is emotionally connected to you. He cares for you. He is working in your life in ways you will not know immdiately but will come to understand eventually. He knows your name and calls you out. He knows what you need and when you need it. He is emotionally connected to you.
This new year, let us remember how God feels about us. That connection is not just between you and Him, it is a connection He wants you to feel in the family of God, in your local church. We'll talk more about that this week.
As you close: Thank God for making you in His image. To bear a resemblance to Him in many ways. Thank Him for being there for you even at times He seems distant.
God Bless!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
HOPE - Peace with God Day 3
This morning I was watching the news and they were talking about a deal with the Russians. One guy stepped up to the podium and told how the Russians can't be trusted.
Who can you trust these days? We have enemies around every corner. Even though we are a major provider of humanitarian aid, we still have everyone gunning for us. When can we just be at peace?
According to the scriptures, we were enemies of God. As a result, we had no peace with Him.
Read about it in Romans 5:1-11 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:1-11&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
The Apostle Paul teaches that because of our sin, we had become enemies of God. Remember, sin is rebellion against God. It is like Pinocchio rebelling against his creator, Geppetto. Not willing to listen to him, despising him and at times intentionally doing things to hurt him. That is what our sin has done to our creator, God. As a result, we are enemies.
In war, it is better to kill than to be killed, right? Most Generals and Commanders understand loss but they don't go into battle desiring everyone of their men to die. Victory in battle is connected to life, not death. Since we are enemies of God, victory would be our death and His life. But God did the opposite. He died and let us live.
He died so that we could have peace with one another. His death brought reconciliation. His death brought about forgiveness for those who request it. His death brought life to our dead souls. He made peace between us.
That is good news this Christmas. God did something so extraordinary, that it won't ever be forgotten.
Are you will to let something go instead of getting revenge? Are you willing to take the hurt instead of hurting? Are you willing for peace instead of war?
As you close: Thank God for His brave act in dying for us when it should have been us dying. Thank God for forgiveness and mercy because of Jesus. Thank God that we are no longer enemies of God, but His children when we surrender our lives to His Son, Jesus.
God Bless!
Who can you trust these days? We have enemies around every corner. Even though we are a major provider of humanitarian aid, we still have everyone gunning for us. When can we just be at peace?
According to the scriptures, we were enemies of God. As a result, we had no peace with Him.
Read about it in Romans 5:1-11 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:1-11&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
The Apostle Paul teaches that because of our sin, we had become enemies of God. Remember, sin is rebellion against God. It is like Pinocchio rebelling against his creator, Geppetto. Not willing to listen to him, despising him and at times intentionally doing things to hurt him. That is what our sin has done to our creator, God. As a result, we are enemies.
In war, it is better to kill than to be killed, right? Most Generals and Commanders understand loss but they don't go into battle desiring everyone of their men to die. Victory in battle is connected to life, not death. Since we are enemies of God, victory would be our death and His life. But God did the opposite. He died and let us live.
He died so that we could have peace with one another. His death brought reconciliation. His death brought about forgiveness for those who request it. His death brought life to our dead souls. He made peace between us.
That is good news this Christmas. God did something so extraordinary, that it won't ever be forgotten.
Are you will to let something go instead of getting revenge? Are you willing to take the hurt instead of hurting? Are you willing for peace instead of war?
As you close: Thank God for His brave act in dying for us when it should have been us dying. Thank God for forgiveness and mercy because of Jesus. Thank God that we are no longer enemies of God, but His children when we surrender our lives to His Son, Jesus.
God Bless!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
HOPE - Peace with God Day 2
If pleasing God was based upon works, how will you ever know if you have done enough? You can not find peace with God based upon works. You will never be able to do enough and you will never know if you have arrived at the required destination. So what is it that pleases God? How can I know that Him and I are at peace with one another?
One day a student of the "Law" approached Jesus with this very thought in mind.
Read about it in Matthew 22:34-40 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A34-40&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
What is the greatest commandment? What is it that I can do to make God happy with me? Those are the questions that are filling this guys mind. We have lived with those questions in mind too. We wonder at times if we did enough good things, would God make life easier for us. We wonder if we were nice enough, or gave enough, would he give us more than we could ever imagine. We all want God to be happy with us. But what does Jesus say to answer his questions?
Love! Love God. Love people. It's not in doing, it's in loving. Loving will be reflected in some sort of doing but loving and doing are two distinct things. If you do and have no love, it means nothing. If you love without doing, it means nothing. This love is a choice. It is a choice to love God and by choosing to love God, you are also choosing to listen/follow Him. If you choose to love others, you are choosing to do that through compassion, mercy and generousity.
What pleases the heart of God is love for Him. That means you have chosen to believe in Him and have chosen to surrender your life to Him. As a result, you experience a new start in life, forgiveness of sin and the willingness to listen/follow Him. This is the peace that you can find with God. This is what pleases the heart of God.
Do a little heart examination. Do you love God? Do you believe He is God, Creator of all things, Redeemer of mankind, and Guide for your life? Are you willing to follow Him to whatever end?
If you can say, "I love God. I have given Him my heart, mind, soul and all my strength," you have peace with God.
As you close: God is looking at your heart. Be honest with Him about your heart right now. Let Him know where you need His help in loving God to the fullest.
God Bless!
One day a student of the "Law" approached Jesus with this very thought in mind.
Read about it in Matthew 22:34-40 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A34-40&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
What is the greatest commandment? What is it that I can do to make God happy with me? Those are the questions that are filling this guys mind. We have lived with those questions in mind too. We wonder at times if we did enough good things, would God make life easier for us. We wonder if we were nice enough, or gave enough, would he give us more than we could ever imagine. We all want God to be happy with us. But what does Jesus say to answer his questions?
Love! Love God. Love people. It's not in doing, it's in loving. Loving will be reflected in some sort of doing but loving and doing are two distinct things. If you do and have no love, it means nothing. If you love without doing, it means nothing. This love is a choice. It is a choice to love God and by choosing to love God, you are also choosing to listen/follow Him. If you choose to love others, you are choosing to do that through compassion, mercy and generousity.
What pleases the heart of God is love for Him. That means you have chosen to believe in Him and have chosen to surrender your life to Him. As a result, you experience a new start in life, forgiveness of sin and the willingness to listen/follow Him. This is the peace that you can find with God. This is what pleases the heart of God.
Do a little heart examination. Do you love God? Do you believe He is God, Creator of all things, Redeemer of mankind, and Guide for your life? Are you willing to follow Him to whatever end?
If you can say, "I love God. I have given Him my heart, mind, soul and all my strength," you have peace with God.
As you close: God is looking at your heart. Be honest with Him about your heart right now. Let Him know where you need His help in loving God to the fullest.
God Bless!
Monday, December 20, 2010
HOPE - Peace with God Day 1
If there is ever a time that is void of peace, it seems like Christmas. Even though peace surrounds this little baby boy born in Bethlehem, we find ourselves without peace. With all the hustle and bustle to get things done, we feel exhausted and worn out. Mornings come too soon and the day is over too quickly.
This week we are going to be talking about peace with God and with those around us. We all need peace and we are going to find it in only one place, Jesus.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6-7&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Isaiah is a prophet of God. Prophets would receive word from the Lord and share it with the people. Sometimes these words were words of judgement. Sometimes they were words of encouragement and sometimes these words were words about the future. This is one of those futuristic passages, yet it should give them hope right then.
He will be called...Prince of Peace. He will be the one to usher in peace like a royal leader. Many times leadership brings peace. Why? Because people feel at peace when the leader is around.
For instance, think of Bret Favre of the Minnesota Vikings. If you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, google it. Anyway, the team appears apprehensive and weak without Bret as Quarterback. They don't score touchdowns, guys drop passes, and even the running game appears slow. (I attended the rescheduled game against the Giants because of their collapsed roof and w/o Favre as QB, that is exactly what they did.) But something happens to the team when he is in the game. They calm down, they focus and they play very competitively.
Jesus is that kind of leader and even more so. What Isaiah was saying about Jesus is that when He comes, He will bring peace to the people. They will find rest in their souls because of Him. Think about it. How many people describe the peaceful feeling they have when they surrender their lives to Him? Many, if not all. He brings peace. Even when it is difficult in life, we can rest in His secure hands.
Do you need to be reminded of that security? You are secure in His hands. He can bring peace to your soul. If you are anxious, pray. Ask Him for His peace and then trust Him in the moments ahead.
As you close: What worries you? Talk to the Lord about it and ask for His peace in those situations. And then trust Him!
God Bless!
This week we are going to be talking about peace with God and with those around us. We all need peace and we are going to find it in only one place, Jesus.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6-7&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
Isaiah is a prophet of God. Prophets would receive word from the Lord and share it with the people. Sometimes these words were words of judgement. Sometimes they were words of encouragement and sometimes these words were words about the future. This is one of those futuristic passages, yet it should give them hope right then.
He will be called...Prince of Peace. He will be the one to usher in peace like a royal leader. Many times leadership brings peace. Why? Because people feel at peace when the leader is around.
For instance, think of Bret Favre of the Minnesota Vikings. If you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, google it. Anyway, the team appears apprehensive and weak without Bret as Quarterback. They don't score touchdowns, guys drop passes, and even the running game appears slow. (I attended the rescheduled game against the Giants because of their collapsed roof and w/o Favre as QB, that is exactly what they did.) But something happens to the team when he is in the game. They calm down, they focus and they play very competitively.
Jesus is that kind of leader and even more so. What Isaiah was saying about Jesus is that when He comes, He will bring peace to the people. They will find rest in their souls because of Him. Think about it. How many people describe the peaceful feeling they have when they surrender their lives to Him? Many, if not all. He brings peace. Even when it is difficult in life, we can rest in His secure hands.
Do you need to be reminded of that security? You are secure in His hands. He can bring peace to your soul. If you are anxious, pray. Ask Him for His peace and then trust Him in the moments ahead.
As you close: What worries you? Talk to the Lord about it and ask for His peace in those situations. And then trust Him!
God Bless!
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