Alpha and Omega

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:12-13).

Here it is the end of another year. The time has passed quickly and has been described as a blink of an eye timeframe for God. It almost feels like that to me, too. God has journeyed with me through this past year in all the ups and downs that life brings. The only constant thing that can be trusted is God. Nothing that happened this past year was a surprise to him. It’s difficult for us to imagine how God knows everything from the beginning all the way to the end, but he does.

His promise to us is that he is coming soon. We can rejoice in this fact knowing a new heaven and earth will be created and it will be perfect. What does a perfect world look like? I can only imagine.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for all that happened during the year. Although there were challenges and times of pain, you were there in the midst of it never letting go. You always have a purpose. I pray into next year that your glory will be experienced by all. Amen

Faith Tip: Begin praying into the next year for God’s glory to be experienced by all.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Making Everything New

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5)

As the year comes to an end, we reflect on all that has happened. There were times of amazing joy along with the times of difficult struggle. Hopefully, we have grown from these experiences and learned more about God and his purposes.

As the New Year begins, there is a sense of newness. Resolutions are made to try new things, or to try to make ourselves new through the application of disciplines in our life. While these are good things to do, God has a promise for us. He is going to make everything new. While this specific promise is for the new world, doesn’t God give us opportunities every day to be recreated in some way? Each day holds a promise of hope. God has the power to make us new and, if we submit to him, he will do it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as the New Year begins, I pray that I can not only reflect on our journey together, but look forward to the new experiences we will have and submit myself to your will which is perfect. Amen

Faith tip: Make a list of the highlights of the last year and give thanks to God.

Written By Kathy Bruins

Confidence In Christ

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).

I’m going…I know I don’t know anyone there, but I know this will be good for me. These are some of the thoughts I had going to my first writer’s conference years ago. It’s frightening to go to an unfamiliar place and not know anyone. I would have been a lot more confident having a friend with me. But I went and I am glad I did. It opened up a whole new world in writing for me. The resources and networking were invaluable to my growth as a writer.

Jesus wants us to be confident in our daily walk…even when he leads us to places unfamiliar and where we feel we are alone. Our lives are filled with so many chapters; each one seems to be in a new area of our lives and that can be scary at first. The truth is that Jesus is always there with us. Through our life’s journey, Jesus is there. Even at the end when our eternal life begins, Jesus is there and will be forever. Doesn’t it feel good to know that Jesus wants us with him all the time?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises. I pray my confidence will grow as I journey with you in this life and the next. Amen

Faith tip: Is there an area of your life where you don’t feel confident? Look to Jesus to help you be confident.

Written by Kathy Bruins

A New Yoke

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

For me, the month of December fills up the quickest on my calendar. There are Christmas parties, church programs, and special luncheons and coffees sprinkled throughout the month. These are all wonderful things, but at the end of the month, there is a desire for some quiet days. Reflecting on the goodness of God is one way I experience peace.

As the New Year approaches, we are guaranteed that it will not be a smooth ride. In John 16:33, Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this world. This is evidenced in the year end clips of the past year of events that happened in our world. There were disasters, losses, and struggles. Individually we also have struggles, but I believe we see God’s best through our problems. It is through the challenges that we learn more about God, grow in relationship with him, and learn to trust him more. God calls for us to come to him as the world weighs heavy on us. Jesus has a new yoke for us and it’s so much lighter.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your promises of rest. I pray that I will continually come to you to give you the yoke of the world in exchange for your much lighter one. Amen

Faith tip: Take time to reflect and be thankful for all that God has done for you. Remember the times you worried and how God carried you through. Remember the lessons learned and the growth experienced. Look forward to a richer relationship with God in the coming year.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Returning To God

Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ (Zechariah 1:3).

The dancing ballerina doll! I remember the thrill of opening this gift as a child on Christmas. She had beautiful blond hair and a pretty pink ballerina outfit. She danced when I would lift up the knob in her crown. If I moved the knob to another position, she would tip toe.

Lots of family came for dinner that day. There would be tons of food, fun and laughter. I remember this day fondly knowing that I can never relive that moment. I can’t go back.

With God, we can always go back. No matter what we have done in life that was displeasing, we can always return to God and have our relationship with him restored. God promises to return to us when we are ready to let go of the things that are blocking our relationship with him. God is forever faithful.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises. I pray that I can release any strongholds in my life that block our relationship in any way. Holy Spirit, I pray that you enlighten me. Amen

Faith tip: Ask God to show you what is blocking your relationship with him. Make the choice in ridding of it knowing there is something so much better with God.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Jesus Came to Redeem

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. – Luke 1:68

For all you procrastinators, there is only one day left to get your Christmas shopping done. Because tomorrow the stores will close their doors, the parking lots will be empty and the streets, that have been packed with shoppers, will finally be still. But the stillness will not last long because soon the stores will be filled again with people exchanging broken or unwanted presents for something different and redeeming their gifts cards for something new.

When Jesus came to earth, he came to redeem his people. One of the definitions of redeem is “to change for the better.” That is what we do when we exchange broken or unwanted gifts and redeem our gift cards. We change them for something better. And that is exactly what Jesus did for us, he came to change us for the better. He came to take away our sin; to take what is broken and unwanted within us and redeem it for something new and better. Jesus came to redeem us! Hallelujah!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for coming to take away my sinfulness and making me a new creation. I celebrate Christmas because you came to redeem me! Amen.

Faith Tip: As you redeem your gift cards and exchange your presents for something new and better, use that time to remember and reflect on how Jesus redeemed you for something new and better.

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

A Birthday Celebration

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. – Luke 2:6-7a

Today is my birthday. This evening I look forward to celebrating with my family by eating cake, opening presents and going out for dinner. Spending the evening with my family will be the best birthday gift of all, without my family the cake, presents and dinner would be nothing. But just think what it would be like without me! Imagine how I would feel if I came home to find that my family ate the birthday cake, opened the presents and went out to eat without me. The birthday celebration would seem meaningless without the birthday boy.

Celebrating a birthday without the birthday boy sounds ridiculous, but in two days we will celebrate the birthday of Jesus and many will celebrate and leave Jesus out of the celebration. They will gather with family and friends, open presents and eat wonderful meals, but they will forget why they are celebrating. Imagine how that must make Jesus feel to see so many people celebrating his birthday and not inviting the birthday boy to the celebration. This Christmas remember to make Jesus the center of your celebration.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we are able to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Forgive us when we forget to invite you to the party. Help us to remember why we celebrate. Amen.

Faith Tip: As part of your Christmas celebration do something to bring Jesus to the center of your celebration. Maybe read the Christmas story, sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, before opening presents go around and share what you feel is the best gift that Jesus has given to you in this year, etc…. There are many ways to remember Jesus at Christmas.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Who's In Control?

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. – Luke 1:32-33

Last night I was listening to a Christian radio program and the question that the host asked the audience was, “Who has control over your life?” I thought it was a very good question. Often we think we are in control and we like it that way. We want to live by our own rules, make our own decisions and live the way we want. But Christmas reminds us, that as Christians we are not in control of our lives.

When Jesus came as a little baby, laid in a manger, he came as a king who reigns forever. This is probably the most difficult part of the gift of Jesus for us to accept. It is easy for us to accept the other parts that come with this gift, like peace on earth, salvation from sin, light of the world, eternal life, etc…. but giving up control of our life is difficult. However, in order to accept the gift of Jesus we must accept the entire gift, which means accepting Jesus as Lord and King of our lives.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you came as the great King whose kingdom will never end. I give my life to you as my Lord and King. Reign in my life this Christmas and forevermore. Amen.

Faith Tip: Think about you life and ask yourself, “Who has control over my life?” If the answer is not Jesus then think about small steps you can take to release control to him.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

What Peace?

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14

When you look at a nativity scene it all seems so peaceful. Those in the nativity have smiles on their faces, their hair is nicely cut and styled and their clothes are unwrinkled and clean. It almost seems too good to be true, and so it most likely is. The real nativity included a dingy dark stable filled with noisy smelly animals. The floors where covered with dirt and dung. Their bed was a cold hard stone floor blanketed with a thin layer of dingy straw. It was not the most pleasant place to give birth. As the shepherds arrived on the scene they must have wondered what the angels meant when they said this baby would bring peace on earth.

Today as we celebrate the birth of Christ, peace stills seems so distant. The Christmas season can sometimes feel like anything, but peaceful. Our schedules are packed with Christmas programs, parties, gatherings, shopping, and preparations. We are busy planning trips or preparing to host family. The stores are packed with frantic shoppers and we wonder when we will ever get a moment of peace. When we look around the world we see wars, hunger, poverty, crime and injustice and we might wonder where is this peace that the angels promised.

Despite the fact that sin still exists in our hearts and in the world, Christ did bring peace to earth. Peace comes to us in knowing that Jesus Christ came to forgive our sins, pay the price for our sinfulness and give us the promise of eternal life. We have peace knowing that this little baby reigns forever and will one day take away all that is wrong with the world. Christ gives us hope and therefore brings peace to earth.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for bringing us peace and hope. Just as the angels praised you, I will praise and worship you for what you have done for me. Bring peace to my heart, mind and soul this Christmas season. Amen.

Faith Tip: Take some time out of your busy Christmas preparations to enjoy a moment of peace and reflect on the hope and peace that Christ brings to your life.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Christmas Lights

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. – John 1:9

One of the things I like about the Advent season is all the beautiful Christmas lights; lights that shine from rooftops, twinkle on Christmas trees, shimmer from store windows, and flicker from the flames on the Advent candles. All the lights seem to glow in one amazing chorus like an angelic choir announcing the coming of Christ.

The lights at Christmas time remind us that Jesus is the light of the world and he came in order to give light to a dark world. In life we go through dark times, when it seems like someone has turned off the switch and everything around us is shadowed in darkness. It is difficult to walk in darkness; we often stumble, fall and lose our way. But Jesus came into the world to bring us light to help us through those times of darkness and to show us the way. All we need to do is follow Jesus and live in his light.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for coming into the world to shine light in my darkness. May you always show me the way and keep me from falling. Help me to follow you and live in your light. Amen.

Faith Tip: We often get so busy preparing for Christmas that we don’t appreciate the beauty of the Christmas decorations. Today take some time to look at the Christmas lights and thank the Lord for his light in your life.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

God's Love in Kids Hope

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:20-21)

The children paraded out in their brightly colored costumes. There were angels, shepherds, wise men, a lamb, a star, and Mary and Joseph. The children were reenacting the Christmas story for their parents and friends. The ministry these children are involved in is called Kids Hope. I want to say though that hope was given to the adults as they watched their children perform. Sometimes it is hard to believe the true message of God that is delivered to us in many ways such as the Bible, prayer, through people (including children), and situations.

One message that many have a hard time accepting is that God truly loves them. God’s love is not like what the world offers…it is so much better. God’s love was displayed through the event in the relationships formed over the years, the children enjoying the cookies they decorated, the crafts made, the games played, the food served, the groceries donated, gifts given and the pictures taken. There was no doubt of God’s presence at the event and of his great love.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for always loving us. It is demonstrated every day, and I pray that I can accept your message of love and apply it to my life so that I can demonstrate you love to others. Amen

Faith Tip: Believe that God truly loves you. Take note of the way he shows you his love today.

Written by Kathy Bruins

What is God Teaching You?

There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground. (Amos 5:7)

Sharon continually wanted what she considered the best things in life. She would purchase the best wine, cars, dining out at expensive restaurants, along with buying the best in clothes. Her goal was to give an image of success. She purchased these things using her credit card thinking she would be able to repay it back. Sharon then lost her job. The things she thought were so important were suddenly being taken away from her. Her house, her car and the ability to buy the best was gone. How could God do this to me? She wondered. He must not care at all about me, or maybe there is no God.

When hard things happen in our life, we humanly look for someone to blame. We really don’t want the finger pointing at us that perhaps we made an unwise choice. Instead of looking for someone to blame, we could better use our energy to see what God is trying to teach us. Remember God’s promise that he will never leave us or forsake us. He is always working in our lives. His plan is perfect for each of us, and sometimes that means going through the valley and experiencing challenges. If we persevere and follow God, we will once again reach the mountaintop. We will be changed.

Prayer: God, I thank you for your promises. I pray that even when challenges arise that I may follow you closely and not become bitter but continually thankful. Amen

Faith tip: Struggling with something today? What do you think God is trying to teach you?

Written by Kathy Bruins

A Patient Kind of Anxious

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”” (Luke 1:30-31)

I remember as a child the commercial that asked the question, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?” The wise old owl took three licks and crunched into it. The owl couldn’t wait until the center came later for he wanted the center now. But after he got to the center, it was done. No more pleasure from that sucker. That’s how it is with things of this world. We want things now, but once we get them the thrill is gone after awhile.

The above verses we have heard again and again, but there is so much we can take away from them. I think the best part of these verses is at the end. “…his kingdom will never end,” which shows us that the pleasure of being with God will last forever—not just a temporary timeframe after the kingdom comes. But it’s hard to wait. How many years does it take for Jesus’ kingdom to come? God knows exactly when, and we can be sure that it is the perfect time. We must be patient and continue to walk in God’s ways. The journey will be well worth it.

Prayer: Lord, I am anxious for your return, but know that your timing is perfect. Help me to be the woman of God you have designed. Your plan is complete and I just need to walk in it. Amen

Faith tip: What are you anxious for today? Is it something that will be with you forever, or temporary? Be excited for what God is doing in your life for the eternal.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Gift of Peace

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled . . . (John 14:27)

Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year—well, it can be anyway. It really depends on where we focus. It seems to get so busy and sometimes chaotic that we tend to lose sight of the fact that we are celebrating Christ. Our minds get so filled with what we have to do, or is it what others expect us to do? Relationship issues seem to heighten this time of year. Depression may set in and we have lost the joy meant for us…Christ’s abundant joy.

What we need is a silent night type of Christmas. In our minds, we need to sit around the manger and wonder. What does this little baby truly mean to me? Does he make a difference in my life? May I hold him?

Jesus gave us the special gift of his peace. Don’t accept the imitation that the world offers. Calm your worried heart with what Jesus gives to you with his love.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of your peace. I pray that I can keep my focus on the manger. It has made a difference to me. Amen

Faith tip: Discern what you are stressed about this Christmas and make the choice to bring that situation to the cross and leave it there. Then go sit by the manger for awhile.

Written by Kathy Bruins

God's Plan Working Through Us

the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:10-11)

Think about the activity in your environment for the past 24 hours. You may or may not have been involved, but think about how great it is for a person to do something that made you and others feel good. When someone prays for another person, an elderly person needs help with getting on their coat, or perhaps someone who is involved in organizing special events. These are all great things that people do, and all of us have opportunity to be a part of these types of activities.

At the end of the day, we review in our mind all that has happened. Sometimes we think “Wow” on those fuller days. There is a common denominator in all the things that happen—God. God’s plan is worked through us. We can give him praise for all things and lay our crowns at his throne.

Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for life. I thank you for Jesus who makes life abundant. I pray that at the end of each day, I can reflect on times I followed you…no matter where it is you take me. Amen

Faith tip: Exercise your praise muscles. See how many times you praise God today.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Christmas Songs

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. – Luke 1:54-55

With these two verses Mary brings her song to a close. In these final verses Mary sings about God helping, remembering and holding true to his promises. With these words Mary completes her song of praise to the Lord.

Mary’s song is the first Christmas song ever sung. Mary’s song is an important part of the Christmas story and today songs still play an important part in the celebration of Christmas. Just think what Christmas would be like without Christmas music. It just wouldn’t seem like Christmas. The Christmas songs help us to do the same things that Mary sang about. Christmas songs help us to remember the birth of Christ and how God fulfilled his promises by sending his Son into the world. This Christmas as you listen and sing the Christmas songs use them, like Mary did, to praise the Lord.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of music. Help me to use this gift to praise you for the most wonderful gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Faith Tip: As you are shopping, listening to the radio, or whenever you hear a Christmas song being played or sung, listen to the words and remember the reason we celebrate Christmas.

A Song of Reversals

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. – Luke 1:52-53

Mary’s song is a song of reversals. Mary sings about God bringing down rulers, but lifting up the humble; filling the hungry, but sending away the rich empty. Mary knew God well, because that is the way God works. God always does things in a different way then we might expect.

The Christmas story is filled with reversals. Jesus came to earth not as a mighty ruler, but as a lowly infant laid in a manger. Jesus was born not in a politically powerfully city like Rome, or an important religious city like Jerusalem, or a large city of commerce like Alexandria; Jesus was born in a small out of the way town of Bethlehem. The angels did not announce Jesus’ birth to powerful political or religious leaders, but to common shepherds out in the fields.

It is important for us to understand how God works through reversals, because when God brought salvation through Jesus Christ he did not do it in a way we might expect. Jesus, a man without sin, took the sin of the world upon himself and died on the cross, giving his life so that we might have life! It was by God’s reversal that we are saved!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the many wonderful ways that you work in history and in my life. Sometimes I do not understand the ways in which you work, so help me to trust in your ways and not lean on my own ways and understanding. Amen.

Faith tip: Try a reversal today. Do something in a way that you wouldn’t normally do, in order to bring the love of Christ to someone today. It might surprise that person and it might just surprise you.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

From Generation to Generation

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. – Luke 1:50

There is nothing like experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child. The spirit of Christmas is found in a child when their eyes light up as they see the Christmas lights flicker in the darkness, as they gaze upon the star at the top of the Christmas tree, as they wait excitedly to play their part in the Christmas program, and as they unwrap their Christmas gifts with unbridled joy. It is this wonder, excitement and joy that are passed down from generation to generation as the Christmas story is re-told and celebrated from year to year.

As Mary is singing her song she must have been thinking about the stories she heard from her parents; stories about the coming of the promised Messiah. Stories that had been passed down from generation to generation and now SHE was going to be an important part of that story. As she thought about this, she must have imagined what joy it would give her to pass down these stories to her son; passing down to him and the next generation the wonder, excitement and joy that she has found in her faith in God. Faith is something that is meant to be shared. The Christmas story is meant to be told; from generation to generation.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that your mercy extends from generation to generation. Thank you for the privilege and responsibility that I have been given to tell the next generation about the wonder, joy and excitement that I have in my faith in you. Amen.

Faith Tip: This Christmas season take some time to share what Christmas means to you to the next generation. Think about creative ways of doing this; while baking cookies, setting up the manger scene, putting up the Christmas tree….tell your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, students, etc…about why we celebrate Christmas.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

A Christmas Song

For the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. – Luke 1:49

As we go about our Christmas shopping there is always Christmas music playing in the background; songs about dreams of a white Christmas, silver bells, Santa Claus, and a silent night long ago when a Savior was born. The songs playing in the stores at Christmas time are meant to be played softly in order to be unobtrusive, but loud enough to put us in the Christmas mood. The stores hope that the Christmas music will encourage us to buy more. But often as we stroll through the stores we tune out the Christmas music, it goes through one ear and out the other and we miss the message that the stores hope to convey.

In the first chapter of Luke sits a Christmas song sung by Mary. It sits unobtrusively as part of the Christmas Story. Placed there to remind us not only of what God did for Mary, but what God has done for all of us. But, often as we read the Christmas story, this song gets ignored. We tune it out because we would rather read the parts about the shepherds, the angels, and the wise men. But this song is too important to ignore. If we did, we would miss the message that this song conveys and that message is, “The Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name!”

Prayer: Thank you God for what you have done for me. Thank you for sending your Son to save me from my sins. Help me to remember why we celebrate Christmas. Amen.

Faith Tip: As you are out in the stores and your hear the Christmas music played over the speakers, remember Mary’s song and let it remind you of the many great things God has done for you.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Magnifying the Christmas Story

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

The snow continues to fall this morning and cover the land in a blanket of white. It is beautiful to wake up in the morning and look out the window at a landscape covered in fresh fallen snow (That is if you don’t have to go out in it). But in order to appreciate the real beauty of snow you would need a magnifying glass to see the intricate unique details of each small snow flake.

Mary’s song is often called the Magnificat because this is the first word of the song in the Latin translation. Mary sang her song in order to magnify the Lord. She did this by magnifying the details of what God had done for her and for others. Her song reminds us of the greatness of the Lord by revealing to us the small details.

Often times when we think about the Christmas story we remember the “big picture”, but we often miss the details. Like snow, the beauty of the Christmas story is found in the unique small details; small details like a little baby born in a stable and laid in a manger. When God came to earth he didn’t come in grandeur, but he came in small wonders. This Christmas let us reveal God to others by magnifying the small details about what God has done for us.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that you can be found even in the smallest details. Forgive me when I overlook these details and forget to magnify you. In this Advent season help me to notice the small details and magnify them in order to reveal you to others. Amen.

Faith Tip: As you watch the snow think about how it comes down to earth as small little snow flakes and then remember that God came to earth as a small little baby.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Spiritual Hunger

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

On the days that I have appointment after appointment scheduled, I sometimes don’t have time to eat and forget to take a drink of water. I become parched and hungry. I desire food and water and I almost feel desperate for it. Now this is nothing like many who go hungry and thirsty every day. But it gives me an idea of what it is like to hunger and be so thankful for the food I do have.

Spiritually we can get so busy, too, and forget to take the nourishment of the Word and prayer. We become weak spiritually because we haven’t been fed. Jesus has provided himself for our hunger and thirst. With Jesus, we will be at a banquet of great food and wine.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your daily provision of yourself. I can become full on your Word and your presence in my life. Amen

Faith tip: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Sin Awareness

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)

“You are the man!” Those words were so difficult for King David to hear from the prophet Nathan as he told of David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah in 2 Samuel 12. The identification of the sin was needed to be shown to be able to turn from it and once again obey God. David realized he had sinned against God, and made the choice to stop and turn from the evil.

If someone is sick, a doctor cannot help them until there is a diagnosis. If we ignore the symptoms, the problem will only get worse.

It’s important to be aware of the sin in our lives so that we can turn away from it before it becomes a larger problem. This truly shows the wonderful gift of Jesus as the one who can take care of our sin problem. Prepare your heart to receive the gift of God all over again.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for the gift of Jesus who is the cure of my sin. I pray that I can stay aware of any sin in my life and look to Jesus for my help. Amen

Faith Tip: Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of any sin in your life that needs to be identified and stopped.

Written by Kathy Bruins

The Beauty of Waiting

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

Have you ever been in a traffic jam for hours? How about waiting in line for tickets to a very popular opening night? These are the types of things in life that stretch our patience. It’s hard to wait. We live in a society where instant gratification is the goal. Let’s consider the beauty of waiting.

Waiting can build on our character as we strengthen our inner makeup through learning how to gain peace in waiting, patience with ourselves and others, and freedom in knowing it will come to be just as the Lord has designed.

Jesus is coming back. This will truly be a wonderful day. We can be thankful that he is patient with us. His desire is for all to repent. Isn’t that what we also want?

Prayer: Your patience, Lord, is incredible. I pray that I can be more at peace and wait knowing you are in control of all things. Amen

Faith tip: Today as you experience waiting, look for the beauty of your waiting time.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Spiritual Yeast

Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’” (Ezekiel 37:11-14)

I love to make homemade bread. There is nothing like the scent that drifts through the house of bread baking in the oven. But before it hits the oven, it needs to rise. Yeast is used in this process. It usually takes about an hour to rise, but sometimes I wait for two hours, go back and look at it, and still no sign of life. Disappointing.

Our spiritual life can sometimes be like the bread that doesn’t rise. There’s no life to be seen, our hope has faded, and it is disappointing. So what can we do when this happens? It’s not what we do, but what God does in us. As we hear the word of the Lord, we need to let it soak into our soul. We will then realize that our hope has returned and combustion has occurred in our soul. Our spiritual life has risen and we have only God to praise for it.

Prayer: My hope is in you, Lord. I pray that I continually seek the yeast of your word to give life to my soul. Amen

Faith Tip: Take some time today to mull over the word of God that you read.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Spiritual Lenses

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. (2 Peter 1:5-9)

Getting the right kind of lenses for my husband’s glasses has been a challenge since having the retina detachment in one eye and an accident causing damage to his other eye. One lens is a lot thicker than the other, plus there are prisms put in. The goal is to see as clear as possible.

Our spiritual lens also needs continual adjustment as we seek to see Jesus with clarity. The lens of faith needs the prisms of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. As we use these prisms in our life, Jesus will become more in focus. We have the choice to be spiritually nearsighted and blind, which could easily lead us down the wrong path, or we could focus in on Jesus and walk with confidence remembering what he did for us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you give me what I need to see you clearly. That brings such encouragement to me. I pray that I may look for you using the prisms needed. Amen

Faith tip: Choose to use the prisms of faith to see Jesus clearer.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Giving Thanks on Black Friday

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The other day Julie and I were explaining Black Friday to our 10-year daughter Alyssa. After our explanation she said, “It is kind of silly that people give thanks on Thanksgiving for all they have and then go right out the next day and buy more things that they want.” I guess Black Friday does typify the human condition. We are not very good at remembering to be thankful in all circumstances. It just goes against our sinful human nature.

I guess that is why Paul precedes his instruction with the words, “rejoice always, and prayer continually.” Paul understood that joy and prayer are necessary ingredients for a life of thanksgiving. If we are without joy and are not connected with God through prayer then we will never be satisfied or content with our life. Without joy and prayer everyday would be a Black Friday and we would always be searching for happiness in all the wrong places. Joy and prayer bring us to a place of Thanksgiving. On this Black Friday find that place today!

Prayer: Lord, create in me a thankful heart; a heart that rejoices in you alone. Draw me closer to you in prayer and never let me stray from you ways. Amen.

Faith Tip: On this day after Thanksgiving don’t forget to find joy in what you already have and give thanks to God in prayer.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

An Abundant Thanksgiving

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. – Psalm 65:11

Last night I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items. I discovered it is not a good idea to go to the grocery store the night before Thanksgiving. The store was packed with shoppers stocking up for the Thanksgiving Holiday. It put a new meaning to “your carts overflow with abundance.”

As we celebrate Thanksgiving today we will definitely celebrate with abundance. Many will enjoy an abundance of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Houses will be filled with an abundance of family. Football fans will watch an abundance of football. Airports will be overflowing with an abundance of travelers. Despite a down economy in the Untied States we still live in abundance compared to many others around the world.

As Americans we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. As we look back over the year we can certainly see how the Lord has crowned the year with his bounty and how his carts overflow with abundance. Today give thanks for the abundant blessings that Lord has given!

Prayer: I give you thanks, O Lord, for your abundant blessings. Let me never forget what you have done for me. I will give thanks to you and praise your name forever. Amen.

Faith Tip: As you celebrate Thanksgiving, be aware of the abundant blessings the Lord has given you and thank God for his abundant love, grace and mercy.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Thanksgiving In Word and Deed

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

In this passage Paul is urging the Colossians to give thanks to God in all they do and say. That is a difficult concept to grasp. It is easy for us to understand giving thanks before a meal, during our times of prayer, when we are abundantly blessed and when we are happy and content in life, but it is much more difficult for us to understand how to give thanks in all that we do and say. What does it look like to give thanks when we are shopping for groceries, driving a car, or changing a baby’s diaper? What does it look like to give thanks when we are talking to a phone salesperson, talking in a business meeting, or asking someone for directions?

To understand what Paul is talking about, we have to look at the middle part of the verse where it says, “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” When we are living our life for the Lord then everything we do and say is an act of thanksgiving in God’s eyes. When we are living our lives for ourselves than our actions and words are not giving thanks to God. Give all your life to the Lord and let every action you do and every word you speak be a gift of thanksgiving to God.

Prayer: Thank you God for sending Jesus Christ to be an example of how you want me to live my life. Forgive me when I live my life in selfish ways. May all I do and say be done in the name of Jesus as a thanksgiving to you. Amen.

Faith Tip: Today, as you go through your normal activities, think about how your actions and words are a thanksgiving to God.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

A Song of Thanksgiving

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:19-20

Do you ever get a song stuck in your head that kind of goes with you throughout the day? I enjoy it when the song that goes with me is a song of praise, because it helps me focus on the Lord all day long. Maybe that is what Paul is referring to when he speaks about “songs from the Spirit.”

When we think of giving thanks we often picture our thanksgivings in the forms of prayers. However Paul tells us that we can also give thanks to the Lord when we sing and make music from our hearts. The ability to sing is a gift from the Lord and our songs, no matter how well we sing, is our gift of thanksgiving to God. So this Thanksgiving give thanks to the Lord with a song.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me the ability to praise and thank you in song. Let my heart sing for all the blessings that you have given to me. May my song be a joyful noise to you ears. Amen.

Faith Tip: Plan to come and worship on Thanksgiving morning at 9:00am where we will have the opportunity to sing many Thanksgiving songs.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Enter with Thanksgiving

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. – Psalm 100:4

Psalm 100 was originally used in worship of the Lord as the worshippers entered the temple courts through the gates. It helped focus the worshippers’ hearts on thanksgiving and praise as they entered into a time of worship. Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to enter into worship!

Psalm 100 provides us with wisdom of how we should enter not only worship, but all aspects of our life. Think of how much better things would go if we entered into everything with an attitude of gratitude. All you need to do is apply the first part of verse 4 to your situations in life. For example, enter your day with thanksgiving… Enter your week with thanksgiving…Enter your meal with thanksgiving…Enter your work with thanksgiving…Enter your family with thanksgiving…Enter your leisure time with thanksgiving…Enter your bedtime with thanksgiving. When we enter into everything with thanksgiving it will invariably lead us to praise of worship of the Lord.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the life that you have given to me. May I live my life in thanksgiving to you. Help me to enter into everything I do with a heart of thanksgiving. Amen.

Faith Tip: Today as you begin a new task of go from one place to another, remember Psalm 100:4 and enter with a heart of thanksgiving.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Playdoh Hearts

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19)

I recently took some playdoh that I had sitting around to a mentoring session with a fourth grader. I had four different colors for them to choose from. The canisters were never open, so I thought they would be delighted to be the first to use it. Unfortunately, the playdoh was hard in all four canisters. It only crumbled and was not flexible at all. We were disappointed because it wasn’t any fun in this condition.

Our hearts can be like that playdoh—stiff, hard, crumbling, inflexible. We can make choices to try to be a better person and care about others more. Honestly, there is nothing we can do without seeking God. God is the one that gives us a heart of flesh that is loving, caring and obedient to him. As our relationship with God is built on, we will see things the way that God sees them and care about the things that God cares about. In true obedience and desire, we will follow God where he sends us, speak his words, and show his love. It won’t be just a practice session of “being good,” it will be who we truly are because of the transforming power of God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for changing my heart. You have been faithful from the beginning and have plans for me to use my heart of flesh for your kingdom. I pray that I will continually sit at your feet and drink in who you are. Amen.

Faith tip: Time for a heart check. Ask God if there are any areas in which transformation is needed, and then open your heart to whatever work he wants to do in you.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Relating is Believing

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

You’ve heard the term, “Seeing is believing.” Oh really? Think about the definition of believing:

to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully[1].

As humans, we have a tough time putting our trust in other people completely and believing in them. We seem to have more trust in inanimate objects such as money, cars, food and so on. Think about the people you do trust the most. Why do you? There must have been a pattern of trust set in development of your relationship with them.

Why do we have such a hard time trusting God and truly believing what he says? I believe it has to do with our relationship with God. The Bible shows that the things that God said he would do, he has done. He has been faithful. He is still doing wonderful things today. To increase our belief of God, we need to trust him more. One way to do this is to thank God for what he has done and to thank him ahead of his action in response to our prayers trusting and believing that he will do the right thing.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for what you have planned for me today. I pray that I will believe your hand is at work in my life and I trust you with what you have set before me. Amen

Faith tip: In praying today, thank God first for what he will do in your request.

Written by Kathy Bruins

[1] believe. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved November 18, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/believe

The Voice That Calls

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Traveling through life is much like how Abraham left his hometown. He didn’t know where God was taking him, but in obedience he went. The promises of God all came true for Abraham because of the relationship of obedience he had with God. If Abraham would have gone his own way and not followed where God wanted him to go, the fulfilled promises would not have been experienced.

As we journey through life not clearly seeing where we are going, but listening to a voice, we want to see results. Determining which voice to listen to is a choice we make moment by moment. Will it be the voice of the world that cries out “me first” or will the voice be a soft inner whisper that says, “I love you. Follow me.” The results will come forth in our lives as we follow a voice. Will they be eternal or temporary results?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for letting me hear your voice. I only need to listen to hear it. I pray that in obedience like Abraham that I will follow your voice and shut out the voice of the world. Amen

Faith tip: Take time today to really listen for God’s voice. He is speaking to you.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Glorifying God in All We Do

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

So what are you going to do today? I started making my list of things to do which include running errands, working on writing projects, exercising and more. It’s wonderful how God has provided for us each day just what we need. He gets all the glory for it. But we can also give God the glory in doing our daily tasks.

Whenever we eat something, is it something healthy that is good for us, or are we hitting the fast food line and becoming overwhelmed in artery clogging fat and sodium? Which choice would glorify God? It’s all about making the best choices. When we run errands, are we conscious of the contacts we make during this time? What opportunities does God give us to glorify him? Even in our daily work, we are given many opportunities to show people who we belong to and serve—a very loving God.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all the opportunities you give to us that we can glorify you. If we stopped to consider how many times per day we can do this, we would be astonished. I pray that I can be conscious of these opportunities and make the right choices in glorifying you for you are so worthy. Amen

Faith tip: Consider what you are doing right now and how that can glorify God. Repeat throughout the day.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Getting Ahead of God

Peter… said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “…what is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:21-22)

Seeing someone struggle is tough. Many of us have a “fix it” mentality where we want to jump into the middle of the situation and make sure they don’t struggle at all. We truly need to restrain ourselves and pray about our involvement. What is God doing through their struggle? When we jump in to help, we sometimes are jumping in front of God’s will for that person and blocking his work. Sometimes we need to get to the end of ourselves through suffering to truly see what God is doing and learn to depend on him.

Please don’t mistake this for not helping others when called. That’s why it is so important to stay in connection with the Holy Spirit to discern what we are to do. There are times when it is very obvious that help is needed at the moment like if someone is outside freezing without a coat or food or someone is broke down on the highway.

Think about the times you had challenges in your life. What did God work in you through these challenges? Could you have grown as much as you did without the struggle?

Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to be thankful for the times we suffer, but your work in us through the suffering makes us thankful. You always have a purpose for us. I pray that I may discern where it is you want me to jump in. Amen

Faith tip: Pray for clear direction of where God wants you to jump in and help today.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Imitations

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. – 1 Thessalonians 1:6

In the marketplace there are many imitations trying to look like the real thing. There is imitation vanilla, imitation leather, imitation crab, imitation pearls, imitation gold, and the list goes on and on. Imitations are cheaper because they are usually not of the same quality as the real thing. The other day I was looking at an advertisement and it warned, “Beware of cheap imitations.”

However, sometime imitations can be good. It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. In the scripture today Paul encourages Christians to imitate Jesus Christ. By imitating Christ we live into the new life that we have in Christ and by our imitation our lives become pleasing to God. How are you being an imitation of Christ in your life?

Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you have given us an example to live by. Help me Lord to be an imitation of you so that others will see you in my life. Amen.

Faith Tip: Think of one way that you can imitate Christ in your life today and become an imitation of Jesus.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Veterans Day

This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. Galatians 2:4-5

Today is Veterans Day. It is a day set aside to honor those men and women who served our country protecting our freedoms. Freedom is a wonderful blessing that we have in Jesus Christ. We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to live out our Christian faith in that freedom.

In Paul’s day there were those who infiltrated the church in order to try to take that freedom away. But the followers of Christ did not give in for a moment, so that they could protect their freedom in order to preserve the truth of the gospel. Two-thousand years later things have not changed. There are still those who are unbelievers that try to take our freedoms away. Fortunately, we have men and women who are willing to stand up and protect our freedoms and are unwilling to give in even for a moment. Today let us remember the veterans who have fought to protect our freedom in Christ.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Thank you that we live in a country that protects and preserves this freedom. Thank you for our veterans who did not give in, but stood up for our freedom. Amen.

Faith Tip: Today thank a veteran for their service to our country.

All Creation Worships

Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds. - Psalm 148:7-10

When we think of worship our thoughts are often limited to what happens on Sunday mornings. But Psalm 148 provides a much broader understanding of worship. Our worship on Sunday mornings is just a small part of the whole worship of God. Worship flows from all parts of creation from sea creatures, lighting, hail, snow, mountains, trees, animals and birds. In one voice all of creation is worshiping the Lord.

Monday night as the praise band was practicing for Sunday morning we were distracted by a chirping sound outside the window. We stopped to listen and determined that it must be a bird that decided to come and join its voice with ours to worship the Lord. If we take the time to stop and listen, we will hear the gently breeze, the song of a bird, the rustling of trees, the sound of the waves as they break on the sand, and the sound of children, woman and man, and we can join in with all creation to worship the Lord.

Prayer: I praise you Lord for who you are and for what you have done. I join my voice with all creation to worship you. Help me to take the time to listen to the song of worship that is all around me, so I will remember to always lift my praises to you. Amen.

Faith Tip: Today, take a few minutes outside and listen. See what sounds of creation you can hear as worship to God?

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Turn Back Time

For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. – 2 Corinthians 6:2

This past weekend we turned our clocks back an hour and it was so nice to have that extra hour of sleep. Just think how nice it would be if we could really turn back time and have a second chance at life. We could go back an undo all the things that we regret saying or doing and reverse all the things for which we feel guilty. What a wonderful thing that would be.

Although we cannot go back in time and undo all the things that we have done, Christ has done that for us by dying on the cross. When Jesus went to the cross he undid all of our sins in the past, present and the future. He took our life and he wiped it clean. Therefore, we do not have to live with regrets or feel guilty about past mistakes. Instead we can live with the good news that “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” What a wonderful thing that is!

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and wiping away all my sins. Help me to not dwell on my past sins and live with regrets and guilt. Help me to live in the good news that in you I have been redeemed! Amen.

Faith Tip: Is there a mistake in your past that you wish you could undo? Does that event continue to play over and over in your memory? If so get rid of that memory, forget about it and move on. Because of the cross God doesn’t remember it, so why should you?

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Blessing of Family

You shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. – Deuteronomy 26:11

My family was blessed this past weekend by having my parents stay a couple days at our house. Next weekend we will be blessed again with the visit of Julie’s parents. Since both sets of parents live in Iowa we treasure the time that we are able to spend with them. Their visits make us realize that our families are a blessing from God.

Now I know that some might have a difficult time believing that their family is a blessing, because they have strained relations with family members, they have been mistreated and have been burdened with unresolved issues for many years. While there are others who truly realize that their family is a blessing and find acceptance and love within their family. No matter what your family situation, they are your family and it is the family that God has blessed you with. Often we take this blessing for granted and we forget to thank God for our families.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the blessing of my family. Help me not to take them for granted. Help me to restore any brokenness within my family, so that within my family God’s love would be shared. Amen.

Faith Tip: Thank God for your family and do something today to show your family that you appreciate them.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Trust and Thanksgiving

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Last night, I listened to Christmas music on the radio for the first time this year. I know it seems early for some people, but there is something beautiful about getting spiritually ready for the celebration of God’s greatest gift—Jesus. In fact, it ties in with Thanksgiving because of how grateful we are for Jesus. What would we do without him?

Jesus has the ability to heal us in any way. He gives us freedom in those bondages that make us slaves. He was human and knows what it’s like to suffer and be tempted. He’s been there. Along with that full understanding, he also has the power to help us. What do we need to do? Trust him.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of Jesus! Because of him we can have freedom. I pray that I can trust you in your healing power in all things. Amen

Faith tip: Live out your trust in God by seeking him and allowing him to work through you to gain healing and freedom.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Giving in Any Circumstance

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

Being able to give of yourself, especially during a challenging time in your life, is a real gift—not only to the recipient, but mostly to the giver. There is something strengthening about being able to give or help someone else. So no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, there is a way to be a blessing to someone else. By doing that, not only are you glorifying God, but it takes your focus off your situation and puts it on the ministry of Christ.

I like the line in the scripture above, “their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” You may look at your own circumstance and think that because you don’t have a lot of money, what can you do? I say that there is no limit to what you can do in Jesus’ name. Pray about the possibilities.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for all the blessings you have bestowed on us. I pray that I may not take any of them for granted. Please give me wisdom on how I can give for your honor and glory. Amen

Faith tip: Discern the needs God has made apparent to you, and pray about the possibilities.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Spiritually Thirsty

Blessed are the poor in spirit. (Matthew 5:3)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

We must realize that we are spiritually impoverished without Jesus. There is nothing we can do on our own power to receive the things of heaven. It takes a relationship with our God. If we can fully live in the humility of knowing our need for spiritual building in our souls, we will be blessed by the hand of God who loves us and answers our prayers. Yes, there is a condition to this blessing. We need to seek God and lay ourselves spiritually thirsty at His feet. This is done through prayer. There is no other way to communicate and build a relationship with God than to talk to Him.

Would we rather hold on to our anxious thoughts, or hand them over to God? It is a choice we make daily. Be thankful in everything for God has control and has our best in mind. We are to give “everything” over to God in prayer in which we are anxious. God will answer.

Prayer: God, you are the only one we can truly count on. Thank you for loving us and filling us with your Spirit when we are impoverished. It is all about you and your glory. Amen.

Faith tip: Come out to pray tonight at 6 p.m. and be filled with what God has especially for you.

Written by Kathy Bruins