Nov

22

The Bounty Is Christ

Uncategorized  Posted by / 0 comments

In America, our blessings are so abundant that even the poor are considered rich compared with many other nations around the globe.

While gathered together with family and friends to enjoy food and fellowship this Thanksgiving holiday, let’s also take time to remember the ones who are suffering for their beliefs and pray God would abundantly bless them with his peace and provision.

With thanksgiving in their hearts, the early settlers gave praise and honor to the Lord for many things, most notably, a liberal harvest. William Bradford wrote:

“…And afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair, warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing. For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving… By this time harvest was come, and instead of famine, now God gave them plenty … for which they blessed God.” 

When we stop to think about all that we’ve been blessed with as believers, having Jesus as our Lord and Savior is at the top of our list as he is our fruitful bounty. Everything else is but a garnish. The word tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 that if we have food and raiment, we should be content.

May your Thanksgiving be a joyous reminder of all that is Jesus!

Nov

15

A time for everything

Uncategorized  Posted by / 0 comments

The book of Ecclesiastes speaks about the seasons of life. With everything under the sun, there is a time—a time to reap and a time to sow; a time to mourn and a time to laugh; a time to gather and a time to cast away.

With everything the Lord brings to us as believers, whether to our delight or adversity, it’s for his purposes. Whether it pleases or not, there is really nothing to lose or gain compared to the fulfillment of a God-centered life as only God brings us true contentment even apart from our circumstances.

Whether in good times or bad, the blessing of his hand in our lives is what sustains us. The surpassing joys or sorrows will fade in time, and our spirits are sustained through it all as we remain focused on the power of his presence in our lives.

As with anything earthly, it passes. Though the riches of the spiritual gifts designed by God for us are meant to be life sustaining and everlasting.

To everything there is a season…winter, spring, summer and fall. Each is part of the pattern of life which God has established on earth.

Nov

08

Freedom in Jesus

Uncategorized  Posted by / 0 comments

This Veteran’s Day, we salute the courageous men and women who fought to preserve our nation and its sovereignty. America is fortunate to have a unique position in the world through the sacrifice of so many patriots who’ve bled and died defending America’s liberty. One nation, under God, indivisible. The land of the free and home of the brave is the only one of its kind and was established first and foremost on the principle that only God holds the reins of power. This nation was established to be under God always.

There’s another who gave up his life sacrificially and shed his blood for our liberty. Jesus committed the highest act of sacrificial love for not just America but for the world. He came to earth from his heavenly home to bridge the gap between his father and sinful man. His battlefield was the cross, and he died there to pay the high cost of our sins in order that we may have freedom and liberty in Him forever.

Thank you, Vets, for your strength and bravery. Thank you, Lord, for your selflessness in battling the war we could never fight alone. To God be the glory.

Nov

01

By His side

Uncategorized  Posted by / 0 comments

We all want God to be on our side. The question to ask ourselves is:  Are we on God’s side?

In times of fear or uncertainty, it should be comforting to know that God has always remained close to his people. Though the Israelites did not always follow the Lord every step of the way, while they traveled through the desert for 40 years, he remained faithful to them. He kept them sheltered and fed through his mighty hand. He has always kept his eye on them and has wooed them like the great Father he is.

Though the social fabric of society may be coming apart at the seams, do not be alarmed. When we are abiding in Christ, there is nothing to fear because we are held in the palm of his hand. We are as close as marrow is to bone. He remains with us always. He is faithful to fulfill his promises to us. May we always remain faithful to him.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult ~ Psalm 46:1-3

Oct

24

Be acceptable to God

Uncategorized  Posted by / 0 comments

Inside the depths of our souls lies stuff only God can restore—the hidden parts of our heart that need spiritual cleansing and renewal. We can put on appearances, but the Lord knows our heart.

In the Old Testament, David had a problem with lust. Rather than admit his sin publicly, he kept it hidden until the web he’d woven to conceal his weakness strangled him. He paid a big price for his sins. But all was not lost for David.

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word ~ Psalm 119:67

In dealing with his sin problem, David was convicted and wanted the Lord to make him clean. He knew how much the Lord loved him, even while a sinner, and trusted that God would restore their fellowship that sin had tarnished.

David, the man after God’s own heart, has become one of many examples of restored fellowship with God. May we, like David, share this mindset continually as we contemplate our own ways before the Lord.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way of everlasting ~ Psalm 139: 33-34