Dec

06

The bounty is Christ

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While gathered together with family and friends to enjoy food and fellowship this holiday season, 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.

In America, our blessings are so abundant that even the poor are considered rich compared with others around the globe. The word tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 that if we have food and raiment, we should be content.

When we stop to think about all that we’ve been blessed with as believers, the list should begin and end with Christ. Having Jesus as our Lord and Savior is our fruitful bounty. Everything else is but a garnish. For the Lord is our everything, and all that we have stems from his never-ending supply of love and mercy—his grace!

May this holiday season be a joyous reminder of all that is Jesus!

Dec

06

A heavenly gift for you

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Do you exchange gifts at the holidays? While it’s a tradition, it seems that some no longer find it necessary once they reach a certain age—preferring to leave the presents for the children—as they already have everything they need. While adults may or may not already have everything, it’s still nice to receive a gift but even nicer to be the one to give it.

Giving is a blessing in itself, but sometimes, it’s hard to accept another’s gift, and we get shy about it. Aw, you didn’t need to do that is sometimes the reaction. Though for the giver, it apparently is necessary—for them—so why not just say thank you with a smile? Unless, of course, they gave you a box of rocks or worms. (Then you probably don’t have to smile.)

God’s gift to mankind is an even lovelier offer. On a grander and more exponential scale, ever wonder how God feels when the world balks at the free gift of salvation offered by his only begotten son? Oh, that’s not necessary, God. I’m good. It’s free? Oh, no, I need to work for my stuff. No such thing as a free lunch, right?

 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” Have you accepted the priceless gift of Jesus? It’s wrapped with a shiny bow of eternal blessings, including peace, joy, hope, and a glorious future.

Nov

13

A glorious future

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One can only imagine the hardship of existence under the dominating command and control of foreign empires. That’s what the Jews were forced to endure before they were carried away from their homeland. Can you envision uprooting your lifestyle at the whim and fancy of dominating brutes and then be forced to move away from your home?

Jeremiah spoke to the Jews in the midst of their suffering and told them they would live in a place called Babylon for at least 70 years. He told them to settle down, build houses, marry, and even pray for the peace and prosperity of the city in which they now found themselves (Jeremiah 29:4-10).

Christ followers presently facing difficult life situations and struggles also can take comfort in the words spoken by this prophet. While God’s response is not always to provide immediate escape or rescue from difficult situations or bend to our inclinations…sometimes, he stirs things up in ways we don’t understand. Though it’s not in vain. He proclaims through Jeremiah that when you “call on me and come and pray to me… I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 19:12-13).

There is comfort in these words that God will not forsake us. God promises that He has a plan to prosper his people no matter the outcome as we foresee it. Walk by faith in His promises.

 

Nov

06

You’ve got a friend

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Friends are great. Without them, where would we be? These people are supportive, loving, and often go out of their way to come to our aid whenever we need them. A true friend sometimes sticks by even closer than a brother, the Bible says in Proverbs 18:24.

While we appreciate our friends, what’s even greater is that Jesus is so much more; he’s both our savior and our friend. He’s been called a prophet, a priest, and a king when he walked the earth. Today, he’s all of that—and more.

Prince of Peace, Bright Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega…the list of Jesus’ names goes on…but with all of the titles Jesus owns, the fact that he is our friend, too, is stunning.

But what about the here and now? What’s Jesus done for me lately, you may ask?  If you have to consider that question, you may want to look no further than the book of John.

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but has everlasting life” ~ John 3:16

 What Jesus accomplished on the cross in doing his Father’s will is everything we’ll ever need. When we have a personal relationship with the Alpha and the Omega, we have it all!

Oct

29

Got thanks?

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 Thanks. Just a word. Though it is short, it’s meaning encompasses so much. When we thank people, we’re expressing not only our appreciation but also our heart’s gratitude. If there’s anything that deserves our utmost thanks, appreciation, gratitude and, ultimately, our praise, it’s our blessed Lord.

When things go well for us, it’s easy to give thanks and praise, but when we are chastened or if God allows something to occur that is not of our choice, the thanking and praising may grow quiet.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” ~ 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

God is there and aware of all we’re enduring. Out of love for us, he works in ways that often are beyond our comprehension. We can thank and praise him for being in control of the storms that enter our lives and for sustaining us while in their midst—no matter the outcome. Just remember that it’s all to conform us more into the image of Christ. It’s for our holiness.

Science bears out that giving thanks and having gratitude lends positively to our lives. As Christians, we already know this. Giving thanks is rewarding not only to the recipient but also to the giver. Thanks and praise be to God!