Happy Birthday Jesus!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

It is always a miracle when a child is born.  There is great celebration around the birth of a baby.  And that celebration continues throughout the life of the child with the celebration of birthdays.  I mention this, because today is my birthday.  I am looking forward to celebrating with my family that day soooooo many years ago when I was born.

There is also another birthday that we will be celebrating in a few days.  It is a birth that was a greater miracle and much more important than mine.  It is the birthday of the child that is spoken of in Isaiah.  It is the birthday of our King!  As Christians we will celebrate that day when we were given God’s Son as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.  I am looking forward to that celebration too!!!

Prayer:  Thank you God for sending us your Son to be our King.  Thank you for Christmas to help us remember and celebrate that wonderful gift!  Amen.

Faith Tip:  We invite you to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Grace on Christmas Eve at 6:00PM and/or Christmas morning at 10:00AM.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Do Not Be Afraid

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” – Luke 2:10

In the Christmas story there are four recorded angelic appearances.  The first angelic visit is to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist.  The following visits are to Mary, Joseph and the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus.  It is interesting to note that in all four announcements the angel says, “Do not be afraid.”

Fear is an ever constant emotion in this world of sin.  We live in fear of losing a job, being alone, losing a loved one, disappointment, rejection, embarrassment, shame, separation, illness, sorrow, dying, an the list goes on and on.  That is why God sent us his son Jesus Christ, so that we would no longer need to live in fear.  The good news that the angels announced is that we do not need to be afraid.  Jesus Christ was given to us as our Lord and Savior to conquer our fears so that we can live in great joy.  And as the angel said this is not just for a few, but this is good news for all people.  So this Christmas, throw away your fears and accept the good news of great joy in Jesus Christ!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for coming to conquer my fears.  Help me not to be afraid but to fully trust in you and find joy and contentment in the good news of Jesus.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  What fears are you holding onto today?  Remember the angels command, “Do not be afraid” and find ways to live instead in the joy of Jesus Christ.   

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Love of Christmas

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. – 1 John 4:9

The foundation of Christmas is love.  We gather with family and friends because of love.  We fight the crowds at the mall to buy a Christmas present because of love.  We spent hours baking, cooking, cleaning and preparing because of love.  We give to those in need because of love.  We gather for candlelight services to worship and praise the Lord because of love.  Without love there would be no Christmas.

It is because of God’s great love for us that we celebrate Christmas.  God showed us his love by sending his one and only Son into the world as a little infant born in a cattle stall.  What a wonderful gift!  This Christmas season let us share God’s wonderful love with others.

Prayer:  Thank you Father for your love for me and showing your love by sending me the most wonderful gift in Jesus Christ.  Help me to remember your love for me and share that love with those around me.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Don’t let the busyness of the Christmas season overwhelm you, instead find ways to share God’s love with others today.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Light of Jesus

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2

Yesterday, around mid-afternoon, a large bank of dark clouds covered the sky.  I mentioned to my daughter how dark it was for the middle of the day.  However, the darkness did not last.  Before long the clouds had gone away and bright sunlight had broken through the darkness.  Here in western Michigan any amount of sun is a welcomed sight in the midst of what is usually a dark and dreary winter.  Imagine what it would be like to live in a land of darkness without any light.

Because of our sins we do live in the midst of darkness.  Our life is covered with a dreary, cold darkness.  However, we no longer have to live in the midst of the darkness of sin, because God has given us a “great light” in Jesus Christ.   That is the good news that we celebrate on Christmas; the wonderful gift of the light of Jesus.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the light of Jesus that shines in my life.  May His light always shine in my heart and break through the darkness of sin.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Are you struggling with the darkness of sin in your life?  If so let the light of Jesus shine in your heart and celebrate that Jesus light dawned for all on Christmas.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

God's Extravagant Work in You

I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! – Ephesians 1:17-19 The Message

In interviewing a client yesterday, it was such a joy to listen and watch them express the work God has done in them. They feel so confident that they are going in the right direction of God’s calling even though they don’t know exactly how it will all turn out. To know the challenges they have experienced over the last couple of years and to see them now smiling, laughing and just feeling positive about their future is such a blessing. They are trust God with their all.

God has a perfect plan for all of us. Some of that plan will be played out today. As we come closer to God seeking him, he is faithful in revealing our next step in the plan. As we obediently follow him, we will experience his lavish work in our lives and know it is from him. This will give us more reason to praise and worship him and the endless energy to do it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you for the wonderful works you do in my life and the lives around me. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that enables me to see with open eyes your work more clearly and give you the praise you so deserve. Amen

Faith Tip: Seek God today in prayer and in his Word. There’s a message for you today. Pray for enlightenment and be ready to receive.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

Joy to the World

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. – John 1:1-4

I saw on the news this morning a report on medical breakthroughs that will possibly extend our life on earth by reversing the aging effects on our bodies. While I think this is interesting, I wonder if people who fight to live so long have missed the message of eternal life. I can’t help to think once a person is in the presence of Jesus that they wonder why they fought so hard to keep from this moment. The Scriptures tell us that everything is perfect in heaven and we get to live there for eternity. No more tears, no more hurts, no more political phone calls … sorry, to those who enjoy receiving them.

Our joy comes from knowing the fact that we are God’s and we will be with him forever. There is a place being prepared especially for us. That’s how special we are to Jesus. The fellowship there will be grand.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the provision of eternal life you made for me. I have joy knowing that I will be with you forever, and nothing can take that away from me. I pray that I share this joy with others so that we can fellowship together for eternity. Amen

Faith Tip: Focus today on the gift of eternal life and wonder about what that will be like. The gift started with a little baby in the stable.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

This Little Light of Mine

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16

I saw a flicker by the Christmas tree and looked up. The top portion of lights was burning brighter than the bottom. I wasn’t sure why that was happening until a few moments later when that whole section of lights went dark. It is disappointing to have half of a Christmas tree lit up. The dark area doesn’t allow the beauty of the tree to be seen.

Our Christian walk is like that. The light of Christ that we embody needs to be shone brightly in a dark world. The beauty of Jesus cannot be seen and experienced if we choose not to shine. Like those lights on the tree that went out, we are to shine God’s light the brightest we can until our time on earth is done. The light will carry us to our new home in heaven never leaving its home in us.

Prayer: Jesus, your light that shines is the most beautiful. I pray that I confidently shine it to all I see today. Amen

Faith Tip: Don’t hide the beauty of God’s light. Brighten up dark places today with it.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Magnifying the Christmas Story

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

This morning the snow is falling and covering 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

Prepare The Way For The Lord

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’” – Luke 3:4-6

The Advent season is a time of preparation.  We busy ourselves preparing for the celebration of Christmas.  We decorate our homes, prepare for family visits, shop for gifts, plan for Christmas parties, practice for Christmas programs, etc…  Preparation is hard work.

The preparations in Advent are there to remind us that as Christians it is our responsibility to prepare the way for the Lord.  When Jesus came to earth as a little baby in a manger it was John the Baptist job to prepare the way for the Lord so that all might see God’s salvation.  Now we must be busy preparing the way for Christ’s second coming in order that all might see the salvation of God.  Preparation is hard work, but the results are worth it.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the promise of you return.  We look forward to that day.  Until that day comes give me strength, courage, faith and passion to daily be preparing for that day.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  What can you do today to prepare the way for the Lord?  Sharing God’s love in word or action is one way to enter into someone’s life to help them make their rough ways smooth, so that they will come to know God’s wonderful gift of salvation.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

A Time to Wonder

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. - Luke 2:19

In the Christmas story I find this verse to be one of the most interesting.  Here was a young woman, who, although she was a virgin, had just given birth, and given birth in a stable filled with smelly animals no less.  To top it off, along came some shepherds to see the baby, telling stories about an angel and heavenly hosts filling the night sky with a message about this baby being the promised Savior.  In the midst of this unbelievable and amazing scene, Mary somehow finds a moment to treasure and ponder all that has happened.

The Advent season can become quite hectic with all the shopping, decorating, baking, party going, Christmas concerts, family get togethers, etc….   In the midst of this busy season we often don’t take time to treasure and ponder like Mary did, but we should.  Advent is a time to remember what God has done for us through the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ.  This Advent season, in the midst of all the busyness, take a moment to treasure and ponder the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Thank you God for giving us your Son to save us from our sins.  In the midst of celebrating His birth, help me to take a moment to remember the reason for this celebration.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Set aside some time to treasure and ponder.  Maybe use that time to read the Christmas Story, listen to some Christmas carols, meditate on a verse from the Christmas story, etc….  

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

All I Want for Christmas

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. – Romans 5:5

This is the time of the year when children are making their Christmas lists and checking them twice, making sure that they haven’t forgotten something that they hope to get for Christmas.  Christmas is a time of great expectation as children anticipate Christmas day when they hope their Christmas lists become more than just words on a page.

The Advent season is a time of expectation.  As Christians we await with great anticipation the second coming of Christ.  But the hope we have in Christ is very different then the worldly hope with which children create their Christmas wishes.  The hope we have in Christ is sure, certain and guaranteed.  This is a hope that will never disappoint us.  When Christmas comes children may not receive everything they have put on their wish list and their worldly hopes will soon fade away.  But with our hope in Christ we can be assured that there will certainly be a day when Christ returns again.  Alleluia!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the hope that we have in Christ.  Thank you that this hope will never disappoint us.  In this Advent season, help me to hope with great expectation for Christ to come again.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  A child is filled with joy and excitement as they look forward to Christmas.  Does joy and excitement fill your life and soul as you look forward to the coming of Christ?  If not think of ways to give yourself an expectant outlook in each and every day?  How might looking forward to Christ’s return change the way you live your life?

    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

God is All

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” – Revelation 1:8

Who is God? This question I ask myself many times as I seek to know more. To me, it seems that God’s characteristics are endless. There always seems to be something new to learn about God. For example, how did God come to be? He always was.

This biblical truth is beyond our understanding for we experience a beginning in all things as we also experience an end. Life is all about beginnings and endings, but God is more than that. He is an ongoing, unchanging, full of life foundation that we can steadily stand on for all things. We will never be separated from God once we have committed to a relationship through Jesus Christ. With so many things in this world that are uncertain, God gives us peace knowing that he will never leave us or forsake us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord that you are always with me. I pray the confidence you give me in that promise will allow me to always come to you first with all that life offers. Amen

Faith Tip: Pray to know God more and open your heart and mind to what he will show you.

Written by Kathy Bruins

What Will Be Left?

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

 

 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives… - 2 Peter 3:10-11

 

The season of overabundant marketing has come. Television, email, newspaper, magazines, mailers and more all stating “Buy Our Stuff!” I realize this employs many copywriters and other marketing staff, so the more savvy they are the more successful in the business. As a consumer, I sometimes feel like a target especially at Christmas time with messages that I need a product to have a merry Christmas.

 

God says all the stuff is going up in smoke. After all the chaff is burned off, what will be left? We will. Who we become in Christ Jesus and what we have done will be the measure of success. The playing field will be leveled where there will be no poor or rich, no popular or unpopular people, just us and God. The relationship is more important than the stuff.

 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the relationship we have together. I know you initiated it and I had the opportunity to respond. I pray I take advantage of the ways we can build on it. Amen

 

Faith Tip: Attempt to fast from all the media frenzy of the season and focus on the relationship opportunities you have with God.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

Glory in God's Workmanship

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

I have a couple of brother-in-laws who are very gifted in woodworking. They have made beautiful furniture, household accessories, and more. They love working with the wood and have the patience to make each piece special. Each item they create has a purpose and as they work on the project, they keep the end purpose in mind to its completion.

The Great Artist God did the same thing as he made us. Each of us is specially made by his patient hands with the goal of belonging to Jesus Christ and using our gifts and talents for his purposes. It was planned out before we were born and is being lived out in our lives to its completion.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the workmanship you have done in my life giving me purpose in Jesus Christ. I pray that I allow you to work in and through me today as we journey together. Amen

Faith Tip: When you come across something today that took a lot of work and patience, consider how you are specially made by God for a great purpose.

 Written by Kathy Bruins

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; - Romans 3:23-24

Tearing the piece of bread from the loaf, I heard the familiar words, “This is Christ’s body, broken for you.” And as I dunked the piece into the cup, the reminder given to me was, “The blood of Christ spilled for you.”

The act of communion is so important to Jesus, because he does not want us to forget. We are not to forget the great sacrifice made, but also that the price was paid for our freedom in Christ. We tend to remember the sacrifice, but sometimes forget that we are free to live holy lives, and we still act like we are under Satan’s reign.

This Advent season, reopen the gift of your freedom in Christ and enjoy the riches that are meant for you. This is the best deal of the season for you and someone you love.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank you for the wonderful gift of freedom you have given me though the price was great to you. Your love for me is the perfect fit for each day of my life, and I pray that I can focus on you rather than what the world has to offer. Amen

Faith Tip: Each day during Advent, starting with today, find a new freedom you have in Christ and enjoy it to the glory of God.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Thanksgiving in Word and Action

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 we celebrate Thanksgiving, think about how your actions and words are a thanksgiving to God.       

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Thanksgiving in Song

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 or go from one place to another, remember Psalm 100:4 and enter with a heart of thanksgiving.     

Written By Pastor Aaron Anderson       

Overflowing Abundance

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

Last night our churched gathered together for our annual Harvest Celebration. The main portion of the celebration included the bringing of our abundance offerings.  This offering represents the abundant blessings that God has given to us throughout the year.  I am not one who sheds tears easily, but as young and old alike walked to the cross to give of their offerings it almost brought tears to my eyes.  What a beautiful sight!  God is so good and certainly blesses us abundantly!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week 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.  In this country we 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.  This Thanksgiving give thanks for the abundant blessings that the 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

God Says Yes

Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete. – 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 The Message

I remember making some homemade bread from a book I purchased that had beautiful pictures of all different kinds of loaves. There were step by step instructions including the mixing, kneading, raising and baking. The implied promise was for a beautiful loaf of bread just like in the picture. Didn’t happen. I believe I did all the steps correctly, but what came out of the oven was more like a manhole cover than loaf. It did smell good though, so I’m grateful for the aromatherapy.

Life can be like that, can’t it? You think you are doing the right thing, making the right choices, and the expected implied promise of the world is that life will be free from trouble. All of us know that isn’t really true. Jesus said we would have trouble. He being the Son of God and was perfect had trouble, why wouldn’t we?

We do have a guarantee with God. It is “a sure thing” when we are in Christ that we will have eternal life. Nothing in this life will come between us and God and the fulfillment of that promise.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that our future is guaranteed with you because of your sacrifice on the cross. I pray that I can be mindful of the gift you have given, and open to sharing with others who need to hear the story. Amen

Faith Tip: Think about the promises you depend on in this life and contrast them to the promise you have in Christ. Which one do you serve more?

Written by Kathy Bruins

It's All for God

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, - Colossians 3:23

I remember as a child doing schoolwork believing that whoever did it the fastest did it best. I still see children trying to rush through their homework not only to just get it done, but to show they are good at it. We all know what happens when we rush through things; mistakes are made. Even as adults, we try to cross the next thing off our “to do” list perhaps to show how competent we are and the amount of things we can get done in a day. Rushing through any task will cause errors.

In the things we are called to do, or make a choice to do, we need to have God involved in it. Our work is more than slapping something together and calling it good. Thankfully, that’s not how God creates. God put great love into all of his work. If the Lord is in what we do, all we do should be for him.

Prayer: God, I thank you for all the things you have for me to do each day. I pray that I not rush through them and take pleasure in serving you through these tasks. Amen

Faith Tip: Invite God to join you in all you do and experience the joy of serving God fully.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Relationship vs. Knowledge

…and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:19

BINGO! Isn’t it fun when you’re the one yelling it? Bingo is a nice, easy game that most people can play. There are other games that can stretch us painfully mentally like Jeopardy, Trivia Pursuit (before you have the answers memorized) and others that seem to measure how much knowledge we have. I, for one, am always excited when I can answer one question among the many tough ones asked. My husband, however, excels at these types of questions for he has a great interest in history and geography, but don’t ask him about the great classic movies … that’s my department.

Aren’t we glad that it doesn’t take being a rocket scientist to be in the family of God? His love is more than facts and figures. It is a relationship … a relationship God started for he first loved us. To be filled with God takes being in relationship with him. As we spend time with the Creator of the universe, God will show us amazing things mostly about who he is and who we are to him. God’s love is more powerful than any amount of knowledge. That’s a fact you can depend on.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I do thank you for your love that is greater than all things. I pray that I may enjoy our relationship today and allow you to work through me. Amen

Faith Tip: If you are feeling unworthy because you believe you lack the knowledge to do anything for God, bask in the great love he has for you and allow him to work through you. God has great plans for you.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Knowing the Rules or the Ruler

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. – 2 Corinthians 3:6

I have found over the years that people seem to have their own set of rules for the game Monopoly. It’s usually nothing drastic, but just putting their own spin on the game to make it more enjoyable for them. However, when participating in a Monopoly tournament, there are only one set of rules that is dictated by the judge of the event.

Our Christian life is somewhat like that as we read God’s word and interpret it through our life and experiences. We are blessed with spiritual leaders to help us discern God’s truth, but it is the Holy Spirit himself that tells us the right way to go. Being confident in our daily walk is a gift; it is life giving. Jesus desires us to be free through the Spirit. If we thoroughly follow the law, which we can’t fully do being human, and don’t follow the Spirit, we imprison ourselves.

God, Jesus and the Spirit know the law frontwards and backwards. They created it. They will not steer us in a wrong direction but keep us on the right path.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your word and all it has meant to us. I pray that I may seek and follow your Spirit every moment. Amen

Faith Tip:  Knowing the Spirit of God is important. If you haven’t kept in touch lately, make time to spend together.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Let's Go Over It Again

So do not fear, for I am with you; 
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen you and help you; 
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

 Time and time again, I find myself worrying and being fearful about one thing or another. I can’t control most of the circumstances and I think that’s what causes my fear. I can’t fix it. I have no other choice than to trust God.

It seems that when God has a message that he wants us to fully understand and not forget, it will be in the Bible repeatedly. God talks a lot about fear in the Scriptures. He knew that we would soon forget and easily become fearful from life’s circumstances. Humanly speaking, it is very difficult if not impossible not be fearful at one time or another. It can be fearful just to read the newspaper or watch the news. But God wants us to know, understand, live out and trust that he is with us and will uphold us even during the darkest times.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the one I can trust with everything in my life. I pray that I can walk confidently trusting you today. Amen

Faith Tip: What has put fear in your heart today? Is it a control issue? Hand it over to God to deal with it. Is there anyone more capable?

Written by Kathy Bruins

Me...a Priest?

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9

Knocking on the door of the run down building, Kim took a step back when it was opened by a woman who looked as worn as the structure. A hard life was written all over her face.

“Yes?” she said.

Kim stammered for words. “Hi, my name is Kim and I come from the church down the street. We are having some great activities coming up that we thought the community would be interested in, so I’m here to give you some information.”

The woman took the paper and said thanks. She began to turn away from the door when she stopped and turned back to Kim.

“I see you have a quilting group. I remember my mother making beautiful quilts. I always wanted to learn, but never got around to it.”

“Well, I’m part of the quilting group and it really is a great group of ladies. I would love to have you come and join us. We will show you how to quilt.”

The woman smiled. “I may just do that. Thank you!”

********

Kim was Jesus with skin on. She showed care to the woman who obviously needed a kind word of encouragement. We sometimes think we have to have a special “ministry job” to do the work of Christ, but we already have the role as a priest. That may seem daunting, but God called us as his special possession to go out and shine his love to those we come in contact with on a daily basis. As we have been called out of darkness, we are to help others receive that same blessing.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you gave me hope in times of darkness. I pray that I shine your light on the darkness I see and help others find their way to you. Amen

Faith Tip: Consider your role as a priest and what that means in your daily walk.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Huh?

That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! – Ephesians 1:15-19 MSG

“You want me to do what?” This is usually my response to God as he asks me to once again go outside the box. It doesn’t make any sense to me most of the time. For example, I was giving a talk a few years ago and as I was going over it, the Lord impressed on my heart to share a very personal part of my life. We wrestled until 4 a.m., but you know who won. The Lord always wins one way or another. As I gave my talk, my knees were shaking as I got closer to “the part.” As I started to reveal this section of my life, one woman ran out of the room, and afterwards, three other women let me know they were going through the same thing right now and how my words gave them hope. I didn’t have a clue that these women were suffering. If one would have said she was helped, that would have been enough, but God knew all along what these women needed to hear. From this experience, my ministry has grown to women.

What are we missing when we say no to God because his call doesn’t make sense to us? As we grow to know him more intimately, we will know his voice and trust it. It will be clear to follow his direction confidently and to experience the wonderful work of his hands through us.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the gentle and not-so-gentle nudges you give me when you are ready to do something through me. I pray for clarity that it is from you and that my answer will always be yes. Amen

Faith Tip: Do you feel the nudge of God today to do something out of the box? Pray for discernment, and if you feel it is from God, say yes.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Beware of Easy Answers

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. – 1 Peter 5:8-9

 

When life is hard and full of challenge, we want a quick fix … even thinking that today would be a good day for the Lord to return. However, that’s usually not the answer and most challenges can’t be overcome by a quick fix. It is during these times when we are most vulnerable to temptation. There’s an offer to get you out of your challenge, if you do this or that. We need to discern if the offer is of God or of the enemy. What is the big picture?

There are many lessons that God wants to teach us and sometimes it is through the struggles in life that the lessons come. If we choose to accept an offer that perceives to end our challenge, are we refusing the lesson from God?

Pray about what God would have you do in the midst of trouble. He hasn't left you alone to figure it out for yourself. He is journeying with you and has the answer that is perfect.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for continually helping me grow in my spiritual walk. I pray that I only look to you for answers of my struggles and not a quick fix. Amen

Faith Tip: Are you struggling in an area of your life and want to get rid of the stress and worry? Beware that you do not fall prey to Satan and his temptations and reach out to Jesus for help.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

Spirit of Unity

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Ephesians 4:3-6

Last night the church met together at our annual congregational meeting.  I am thankful for all the people that were present at that meeting.  As the pastor, it was encouraging to see such commitment and participation in the life of the church.  It was not an easy meeting because of the difficult decisions that were made due to our financial constraints.  As the church walked together through these tough decisions, I felt an overwhelming sense of unity and peace in the body of Christ.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges the church to make every effort to stay united in the Spirit.  Paul knows that God can do great things through a church that lives in unity.  Although, difficult decisions were made, I am certain that because of the unity within our church, God will continue to move us forward in ministry in powerful and wonderful ways.

Prayer:  Lord, we pray for our church as we move into the future.  We pray that you will bless the church’s ministries so that we can be a part of bringing your Kingdom to earth just as it is in heaven.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  As a church let us hold on to the spirit of unity that we experienced last night and as one let us be faithful in following God’s call.   

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson   

Nobody Knows My Sorrows

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. – Isaiah 53:3

Often in the midst of suffering and sorrow we can feel isolated, because certainly we are the only ones who can truly feel our physical and emotional pains.  This isolation can cause us to believe that we are the only ones who are suffering and we believe that no one can understand what we are going through.  It reminds me of the words of that old spiritual song, “Nobody knows the troubles I’ve seen, nobody knows my sorrows.”  This feeling of isolation in the midst of trouble can bring us to an even deeper level of sorrow.

The good news is that we are not alone in our suffering.  The scriptures tell us that Jesus was a man of sorrows and suffering.  This doesn’t mean that he had only an intellectual knowledge about suffering, but it tells us that Jesus was familiar with suffering.  He knows exactly what you are dealing with. He knows how it feels, because he has experienced it.  No matter what you are going through, whether your suffering is physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial you are not alone. Jesus has been there before and he knows exactly how you feel and he is there to help you through your times of troubles.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for being with me in the midst of my suffering.  Help me to remember that you know what I am going through and feeling.  Let me rest in you as you help me through my times of trouble.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Are you going through some trouble today?  Do you know someone who is going through a tough time?  If so remember or help someone else remember that Jesus has been there and he is right with you now to comfort you and help you.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson  

The Variety in God's Creation

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.  – Genesis 1:11

I have been helping my daughter, Alyssa, with her leaf project for her sixth grade science class.  This project entails gathering leaves from twenty different trees and identifying the type of tree by its leaf.  This can be difficult at times to differentiate, for example, a black oak from a pin oak or a red maple from a sugar maple.  Helping Alyssa with this project has made me aware of how many different varieties of trees there are in God’s creation.

When God created the trees he could have created one type of tree, but he didn’t.  In Genesis it says that God created various kinds of trees, each one different with different bark, trunks, branches and leaves.  This difference is what makes our world so beautiful and we see that beauty especially this time of year as the leaves change to vibrant colors of orange, yellow and red.

Like the trees God created each one of us different, with different personalities, experiences, looks, abilities, languages, etc…  God could have made us all the same, but he didn’t.  And our differences make the world a beautiful place to live.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the beauty of your creation.  Thank you for the infinite variety that makes this world an interesting and beautiful place to live.  Help me to embrace these differences and see the beauty in every part of your creation and in every person.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Take a walk today or sometime soon and see how many different types of trees you see as you enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Power of Relationship

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. – Exodus 17:8-13

This past weekend, I spent some quality time with God’s people. It was a pilgrimage. Together we journeyed in discovering more about God. What did we discover? God’s great love for us expressed through each other. We found out that we needed one another not only through the weekend, but perhaps more after the weekend.

Gathering together in God’s name is a call. We were never meant to travel life alone. Yes, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us and I praise God for that, but there is another element needed in those God puts in our life. Sometimes the relationship is life-long and sometime just for a season, but they are both crucial for our spiritual makeup.

The power of God’s love and grace is dynamic when people that follow Jesus gather together. It must be experienced for it can never be fully described in words. I encourage you to make plans to get together with some friends and family who know what this means, and be ready to show others who don’t know the great bond they are missing.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the relationships you have brought into my life, especially my relationship with you. I pray that I demonstrate the power of your love to those I come in contact with today. Amen

Faith Tip: Consider the people God has placed in your life. How do they uphold you? What part do you play in supporting another?

Written by Kathy Bruins