Friday, December 31, 2010

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

Thursday, December 30, 2010

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

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

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

Friday, December 24, 2010

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

Thursday, December 23, 2010

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

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

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

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

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

Monday, December 20, 2010

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

Friday, December 17, 2010

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

Thursday, December 16, 2010

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

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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

Friday, December 10, 2010

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.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

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

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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

Monday, December 6, 2010

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

Friday, December 3, 2010

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

Thursday, December 2, 2010

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

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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