But by shifting our focus from what we do to what God does, don't we cancel out all our careful keeping of the rules and ways God commanded? Not at all. What happens, in fact, is that by putting that entire way of life in its proper place, we confirm it. - Romans 3:31 (The Message)
Last week I had an eye exam. During the exam the optometrist asked me to read the eye chart through many sets of lenses. Through some lenses the chart was very clear and easy to read and through others the chart was blurry and difficult to see. This exam reminded me how important glasses are for me. Without my glasses the world would be out of focus and it would be very difficult to see and live my life.
The same is true for our spiritual life. When we take away our focus from God our life becomes blurry and difficult to live. Paul encourages us to focus, not on what we are doing, but focus on what God is doing and then everything will become much clearer. When we focus our hearts on God it is like putting on a pair of spiritual glasses and it makes living a whole lot easier.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of sight. Help me to focus my eyes, heart and mind on you. Forgive me when I look away from you and my life gets out of focus. Amen.
Faith Tip: What are you focused on? When your life gets out of focus, just remember to re-adjust your spiritual lenses and place your focus on God.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Where’s Your Focus?
The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. (Numbers 11:4-6, 10)
When I was dealing with the treatment of my cancer, life was different for me in that there were things I couldn’t do at that time, I was tired all the time, my taste buds were shot, not to mention surgeries, chemo treatments, and more. At the same time, there was a loving husband that cared for me dearly, friends and family expressing love in many ways, the presence of the Lord was felt by me during this time which is always inspirational, I was still able to do my work for I was given very understanding clients, and many other blessings. Focus is everything. I could have chosen to focus on the negatives (which I did sometimes) or the positives. Focusing on the positives doesn’t mean to not deal with the negatives, but more of having a thankful heart. God’s blesses us in so many ways and we lose sight of that because we take things for granted and our human nature wants more. The “more” can become our focus and our heart can harden.
Notice God’s reaction to the Israelites wanting more. They forgot how he saved them, provided for them, and was with them. They focused on the more. God became “exceedingly angry.” It must have been like a slap in the face to him. Let’s be aware of where are focus is daily.
Prayer: Lord, you have given me so much and I thank you. I pray that contentment and thankfulness will keep me focused on you and your will for me each day. I praise you for your greatest provision in Jesus. Amen
Faith Tip: Be aware of your focus today.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. (Numbers 11:4-6, 10)
When I was dealing with the treatment of my cancer, life was different for me in that there were things I couldn’t do at that time, I was tired all the time, my taste buds were shot, not to mention surgeries, chemo treatments, and more. At the same time, there was a loving husband that cared for me dearly, friends and family expressing love in many ways, the presence of the Lord was felt by me during this time which is always inspirational, I was still able to do my work for I was given very understanding clients, and many other blessings. Focus is everything. I could have chosen to focus on the negatives (which I did sometimes) or the positives. Focusing on the positives doesn’t mean to not deal with the negatives, but more of having a thankful heart. God’s blesses us in so many ways and we lose sight of that because we take things for granted and our human nature wants more. The “more” can become our focus and our heart can harden.
Notice God’s reaction to the Israelites wanting more. They forgot how he saved them, provided for them, and was with them. They focused on the more. God became “exceedingly angry.” It must have been like a slap in the face to him. Let’s be aware of where are focus is daily.
Prayer: Lord, you have given me so much and I thank you. I pray that contentment and thankfulness will keep me focused on you and your will for me each day. I praise you for your greatest provision in Jesus. Amen
Faith Tip: Be aware of your focus today.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Invest Wisely
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Mark 4:24-25).
You may have heard the saying that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. When we hear that, our mind goes to people who wisely invest, know how to save their money, or are just plain fortunate. Those living in poverty seem to struggle getting out of their situation for a myriad of possible reasons. The focus for both are on material assets.
Consider the kingdom riches. Jesus said to listen carefully to what we hear. We are responsible for investing our time and energy in listening and responding. If we take the truth of God’s word and apply it obediently, we will then be given more and become richer enjoying abundant life. However, if we do not take his word seriously and stay focused on the world, what we have heard will be taken from us, too. We will remain spiritually poor and walk in darkness. The choice is ours to be rich or poor in Jesus.
Prayer: Your riches, Lord, are more valuable than any earthly treasure. Thank you for allowing me to invest in your kingdom wealth. I pray that my focus may continue to be on you and not the world. Amen
Faith Tip: Take the time to invest in Jesus and experience great kingdom wealth.
Written by Kathy Bruins
You may have heard the saying that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. When we hear that, our mind goes to people who wisely invest, know how to save their money, or are just plain fortunate. Those living in poverty seem to struggle getting out of their situation for a myriad of possible reasons. The focus for both are on material assets.
Consider the kingdom riches. Jesus said to listen carefully to what we hear. We are responsible for investing our time and energy in listening and responding. If we take the truth of God’s word and apply it obediently, we will then be given more and become richer enjoying abundant life. However, if we do not take his word seriously and stay focused on the world, what we have heard will be taken from us, too. We will remain spiritually poor and walk in darkness. The choice is ours to be rich or poor in Jesus.
Prayer: Your riches, Lord, are more valuable than any earthly treasure. Thank you for allowing me to invest in your kingdom wealth. I pray that my focus may continue to be on you and not the world. Amen
Faith Tip: Take the time to invest in Jesus and experience great kingdom wealth.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Touchdown!
“Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown” Mark 4:15-20
Superbowl usually brings the best plays as the football players desperately want to win the game. They seem to put their playing of the game up a notch for this world wide event. It’s amazing that some receivers are able to catch the oddly shaped ball from a great distance thrown at high speed, and grasping it from the reach of the players on the other team. Some players could also do well in gymnastics as shown in their body contortion activity in catching the ball.
God’s word can be like catching a football, where there are a lot of players on the worldly team trying to grab it away. But firmly grasping the word and running with it will produce multiple touchdowns in life. It takes perseverance to get into shape and keep the focus on the goal. Training happens every day with the objective of making us fit players on God’s super kingdom team.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you have made me a member of your team. I pray that I can tightly grasp your word without fumble. I pray that today’s training will bring you glory. Amen
Faith Tip: Consider the training God has for you today for the big game of life.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Superbowl usually brings the best plays as the football players desperately want to win the game. They seem to put their playing of the game up a notch for this world wide event. It’s amazing that some receivers are able to catch the oddly shaped ball from a great distance thrown at high speed, and grasping it from the reach of the players on the other team. Some players could also do well in gymnastics as shown in their body contortion activity in catching the ball.
God’s word can be like catching a football, where there are a lot of players on the worldly team trying to grab it away. But firmly grasping the word and running with it will produce multiple touchdowns in life. It takes perseverance to get into shape and keep the focus on the goal. Training happens every day with the objective of making us fit players on God’s super kingdom team.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you have made me a member of your team. I pray that I can tightly grasp your word without fumble. I pray that today’s training will bring you glory. Amen
Faith Tip: Consider the training God has for you today for the big game of life.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Desperate Living
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God (Psalm 42:1).
Many young men and women participate in Holland’s Tulip Time parade as either a Dutch Dancer or band member. I was a Dutch Dancer both in high school and for some years as alumni. Part of this role included walking in the parade with your dance group. One Saturday was particularly hot and I remember being so thirsty. I felt desperate for a drink and knew we wouldn’t receive one until the end of the parade route. It’s uncomfortable to want something so much, but it calls for action.
How much do we want God? Are we desperate for the Lord to be involved in our lives on a daily basis? If not, why? What are we putting our confidence in other than God? There is a thirst that is not quenched without God. We may try to drink from the world for satisfaction, but living water only comes from God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being the living water for me. I pray that I drink in your presence in my life and allow the springs of your water to spill out of my life for others. I pray that I remain desperate for you. Amen
Faith Tip: Monitor your thirst today and what it is you are thirsty for.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Many young men and women participate in Holland’s Tulip Time parade as either a Dutch Dancer or band member. I was a Dutch Dancer both in high school and for some years as alumni. Part of this role included walking in the parade with your dance group. One Saturday was particularly hot and I remember being so thirsty. I felt desperate for a drink and knew we wouldn’t receive one until the end of the parade route. It’s uncomfortable to want something so much, but it calls for action.
How much do we want God? Are we desperate for the Lord to be involved in our lives on a daily basis? If not, why? What are we putting our confidence in other than God? There is a thirst that is not quenched without God. We may try to drink from the world for satisfaction, but living water only comes from God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being the living water for me. I pray that I drink in your presence in my life and allow the springs of your water to spill out of my life for others. I pray that I remain desperate for you. Amen
Faith Tip: Monitor your thirst today and what it is you are thirsty for.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Friday, February 18, 2011
All The World's A Stage
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? – John 5:44
“All the world’s a stage”, so begins one of Shakespeare’s famous monologues. Tonight Jacob’s High School play opens. The cast has been rehearsing and rehearsing for many months and tonight the actors finally get to perform their play to an audience. Their hope is that all their rehearsing pays off and their performance will receive praise from the audience.
As Shakespeare tells us in his famous quote, life is kind of like a play and we live our lives for an audience. Who are you living your life for? Maybe you live your life to please yourself, or to please others, but Jesus says that we should be living our lives for an audience of one. That audience of one is God, because it is his praise that truly matters.
As Christians, we are called to live for an audience of one. In life, we will often be tempted to try to please others and they will try to steal away our attention and time. But we need to remain focused on the one we are called to live for, because on judgment day we will all stand before that one. On that day I want to hear God’s applause…and I want to know that I have lived my life for his praises!
Tonight the actors in the High School play are hoping that the house is packed, but they would still give their best performance even if one person showed up. Let us always give our best performance to the audience of one!
Prayer: Lord, help me to live my life each and every day for you. Help me to seek your praises and not be so concerned about what others think. I want to live for you and you alone. Amen.
Faith Tip: As you live in this day imagine God is your audience and think about what you can do to receive his applause.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
“All the world’s a stage”, so begins one of Shakespeare’s famous monologues. Tonight Jacob’s High School play opens. The cast has been rehearsing and rehearsing for many months and tonight the actors finally get to perform their play to an audience. Their hope is that all their rehearsing pays off and their performance will receive praise from the audience.
As Shakespeare tells us in his famous quote, life is kind of like a play and we live our lives for an audience. Who are you living your life for? Maybe you live your life to please yourself, or to please others, but Jesus says that we should be living our lives for an audience of one. That audience of one is God, because it is his praise that truly matters.
As Christians, we are called to live for an audience of one. In life, we will often be tempted to try to please others and they will try to steal away our attention and time. But we need to remain focused on the one we are called to live for, because on judgment day we will all stand before that one. On that day I want to hear God’s applause…and I want to know that I have lived my life for his praises!
Tonight the actors in the High School play are hoping that the house is packed, but they would still give their best performance even if one person showed up. Let us always give our best performance to the audience of one!
Prayer: Lord, help me to live my life each and every day for you. Help me to seek your praises and not be so concerned about what others think. I want to live for you and you alone. Amen.
Faith Tip: As you live in this day imagine God is your audience and think about what you can do to receive his applause.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Aliens
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Blue Man Group perform. If you have never seen this show it is three blue men who put on an entertaining show. The show is entertaining because these three blue men act like they are aliens or strangers unaware of cultural norms and their lack of understanding provides a lot of humor. It is also entertaining because these three blue men blend science and technology with musical instruments to perform some very beautiful music.
Like these three blue men, we are also aliens and strangers in this world. We might think we have it all figured out, but compared to God we a very lacking in our understanding of the world around us. I think God must sometimes look down on us and chuckle at our lack of understanding. I also think that there are times when our life produces beautiful music that pleases God very much. Let’s hope that the times of beautiful music outweigh the lack of understanding.
Prayer: Thank you God that you have created me to glorify you. Forgive me when my actions are less than glorifying because I lack understanding. Thank you that I can glorify you in those times when my life is like beautiful music to your ears. Amen
Faith Tip: Remember that no matter what you do in your life, whether you stumble in your lack of understanding or glorify God by making “beautiful music” , God always loves you and he always will.
Written by Aaron Anderson
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Blue Man Group perform. If you have never seen this show it is three blue men who put on an entertaining show. The show is entertaining because these three blue men act like they are aliens or strangers unaware of cultural norms and their lack of understanding provides a lot of humor. It is also entertaining because these three blue men blend science and technology with musical instruments to perform some very beautiful music.
Like these three blue men, we are also aliens and strangers in this world. We might think we have it all figured out, but compared to God we a very lacking in our understanding of the world around us. I think God must sometimes look down on us and chuckle at our lack of understanding. I also think that there are times when our life produces beautiful music that pleases God very much. Let’s hope that the times of beautiful music outweigh the lack of understanding.
Prayer: Thank you God that you have created me to glorify you. Forgive me when my actions are less than glorifying because I lack understanding. Thank you that I can glorify you in those times when my life is like beautiful music to your ears. Amen
Faith Tip: Remember that no matter what you do in your life, whether you stumble in your lack of understanding or glorify God by making “beautiful music” , God always loves you and he always will.
Written by Aaron Anderson
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Is Anyone Listening?
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. – Psalm 40:1
I remember one time as a boy having a rousing conversation with my brother. We were so excited about what we were talking about that we were both oblivious to the fact that we were talking at the same time. That is until my father spoke up and asked us, “Is anyone listening?”
It is a question that I often ask myself as I look at the world today. With riots in Egypt, bickering in Congress, wars in the Middle East, I wonder, “Is anyone listening?” It seems to me like most of our problems could be solved if there was more listening and less talking.
When we go through struggles in life it might seem that no one cares because no one hears our pleas for help. Often times it might even seem like God isn’t listening because he makes us wait for answers to our prayers. It is true that as people, broken by sin, we don’t listen has much as we should, but God never stops listening. God is always right there with his ears wide open ready to listen to anything you want to tell him. So take some time and talk to the Lord today, he will listen.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you care so much for me and that you are always ready and willing to listen to what I have to say. Forgive me when I become impatient and begin to doubt that you hear me. Help me to remember to talk to you more often. Amen.
Faith Tip: Make sure you set aside sometime every day to talk to God. Just knowing that God is listening can help us through difficult times. Also strive to be a better listener in all your conversations.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
I remember one time as a boy having a rousing conversation with my brother. We were so excited about what we were talking about that we were both oblivious to the fact that we were talking at the same time. That is until my father spoke up and asked us, “Is anyone listening?”
It is a question that I often ask myself as I look at the world today. With riots in Egypt, bickering in Congress, wars in the Middle East, I wonder, “Is anyone listening?” It seems to me like most of our problems could be solved if there was more listening and less talking.
When we go through struggles in life it might seem that no one cares because no one hears our pleas for help. Often times it might even seem like God isn’t listening because he makes us wait for answers to our prayers. It is true that as people, broken by sin, we don’t listen has much as we should, but God never stops listening. God is always right there with his ears wide open ready to listen to anything you want to tell him. So take some time and talk to the Lord today, he will listen.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you care so much for me and that you are always ready and willing to listen to what I have to say. Forgive me when I become impatient and begin to doubt that you hear me. Help me to remember to talk to you more often. Amen.
Faith Tip: Make sure you set aside sometime every day to talk to God. Just knowing that God is listening can help us through difficult times. Also strive to be a better listener in all your conversations.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Where Can I Find Help?
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? - Psalm 121:1
The economists say that the recession has ended. While there are signs that the economy is recovering, there are still many who continue to struggle because they have lost their jobs, income, homes, and any sense of stability in their life. They are asking the same question that the psalmist asks, “Where can I find help?”
It is usually after we suffer a loss when we ask such questions. Whether we lose our health, our security, our savings, a loved one…we seek for something or someone to help us. Where are you looking for help? Is it in the leaders of our country…a political ideology…doctors…lawyers…an employer…yourself???? There is one who can truly help you and that is the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. When you are seeking help, take your problems to the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for helping me in times of trouble. Help me to lean more on you and less on the things of this world. Please help me with the struggles I encounter today. Amen.
Faith Tip: In what area of your life do you need help today? Take this worry to the Lord and let him help you get through this problem.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
The economists say that the recession has ended. While there are signs that the economy is recovering, there are still many who continue to struggle because they have lost their jobs, income, homes, and any sense of stability in their life. They are asking the same question that the psalmist asks, “Where can I find help?”
It is usually after we suffer a loss when we ask such questions. Whether we lose our health, our security, our savings, a loved one…we seek for something or someone to help us. Where are you looking for help? Is it in the leaders of our country…a political ideology…doctors…lawyers…an employer…yourself???? There is one who can truly help you and that is the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. When you are seeking help, take your problems to the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for helping me in times of trouble. Help me to lean more on you and less on the things of this world. Please help me with the struggles I encounter today. Amen.
Faith Tip: In what area of your life do you need help today? Take this worry to the Lord and let him help you get through this problem.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Gift of Love
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
Today is Valentine’s Day. Jacob, my son, is spending Valentine’s Day with his school choir delivering singing Valentines to people throughout the Holland area. I ordered one of these singing Valentines for Julie. To say “I love you!” to my wife, I sent my one and only son to sing a love song to her. Won’t she be surprised??? (Not after she reads this.)
God sent us a message of love by sending us his one and only Son, not to sing to us, but to die for us on the cross. God’s message of love, as written in John 3:16, is probably one of the most well-known and quoted passages of scripture. It is better than any Valentine’s Card, love poem or love song. Jesus Christ is the greatest expression of love ever given! And he has been given to you and all you need to do to accept this gift of love is accept Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. Have you accepted this gift? If not, do it today on Valentine’s Day!
Prayer: Thank you God for sending your one and only Son to tell me how much you love me. May I express my love for you in all that I say and do. I love you Lord! Amen.
Faith Tip: This Valentine’s Day you might be telling someone special that you love him or her, but don’t forget to take the time to remember how much God loves you and tell God how much you love him.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Today is Valentine’s Day. Jacob, my son, is spending Valentine’s Day with his school choir delivering singing Valentines to people throughout the Holland area. I ordered one of these singing Valentines for Julie. To say “I love you!” to my wife, I sent my one and only son to sing a love song to her. Won’t she be surprised??? (Not after she reads this.)
God sent us a message of love by sending us his one and only Son, not to sing to us, but to die for us on the cross. God’s message of love, as written in John 3:16, is probably one of the most well-known and quoted passages of scripture. It is better than any Valentine’s Card, love poem or love song. Jesus Christ is the greatest expression of love ever given! And he has been given to you and all you need to do to accept this gift of love is accept Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. Have you accepted this gift? If not, do it today on Valentine’s Day!
Prayer: Thank you God for sending your one and only Son to tell me how much you love me. May I express my love for you in all that I say and do. I love you Lord! Amen.
Faith Tip: This Valentine’s Day you might be telling someone special that you love him or her, but don’t forget to take the time to remember how much God loves you and tell God how much you love him.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Season of Love
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
She slowly opened the red envelope found on the kitchen counter. Her eyes delighted in the beautiful scene of children playing in a field…carefree. Opening the card, she noticed a handwritten message saying, “I’m sorry for the pain I have caused you. Please forgive me. I want us to be free to love one another like the children on the cover of the card. I love you so much.” She found herself desiring the same thing—freedom to love one another with nothing between them to restrict it.
That’s how God wants us to love one another. Jesus modeled it on earth by showing grace and mercy to all he came in contact with. He didn’t keep a tab of the wrongs people did. He loves them completely and longs for relationship with all. Focusing on the past will keep our heart imprisoned with feelings of anger, bitterness, discouragement, and other chains that drag us down. The key to freedom is forgiveness. Offer the gift to others just as Jesus offered it to us.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the wonderful gift of grace that you offered me. I grasp onto that grace and pray that I can offer it to others as you have. Amen
Faith Tip: Discern how free you are to love. Do you want to love freely? Trust Jesus in helping you take steps today to freedom.
Written by Kathy Bruins
She slowly opened the red envelope found on the kitchen counter. Her eyes delighted in the beautiful scene of children playing in a field…carefree. Opening the card, she noticed a handwritten message saying, “I’m sorry for the pain I have caused you. Please forgive me. I want us to be free to love one another like the children on the cover of the card. I love you so much.” She found herself desiring the same thing—freedom to love one another with nothing between them to restrict it.
That’s how God wants us to love one another. Jesus modeled it on earth by showing grace and mercy to all he came in contact with. He didn’t keep a tab of the wrongs people did. He loves them completely and longs for relationship with all. Focusing on the past will keep our heart imprisoned with feelings of anger, bitterness, discouragement, and other chains that drag us down. The key to freedom is forgiveness. Offer the gift to others just as Jesus offered it to us.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the wonderful gift of grace that you offered me. I grasp onto that grace and pray that I can offer it to others as you have. Amen
Faith Tip: Discern how free you are to love. Do you want to love freely? Trust Jesus in helping you take steps today to freedom.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Who's Really Being Blessed?
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40)
Milk, bananas and beans. That’s what the mother standing in line had at the checkout. Her two lovely children, must have been 5 years and younger, were patiently waiting. The card she was using to pay wasn’t working and she didn’t have any cash on her. She was embarrassed and discouraged and apologized as she began to move out of the aisle. Another woman called out to her to wait. She paid for the items for the woman with the children. Relief washed over the face of the mother, and surprisingly, over the clerk’s face. In fact, smiles were all around by all who witnessed the King at work through one of his disciples. God showed up. Not only were the mother and children blessed, but so was everyone else.
Giving to the Lord is never about a duty to perform. It is about experiencing God in a profound way personally. Answering the call of God gives you an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus to those who are the least of these…and who are they? Take a look in the mirror.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the call you put on my life. I pray that I will never give you a busy signal when you call. I want to experience you and shine your light in areas of darkness. Amen
Faith Tip: Be alert to the call of God today and be ready to act.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Milk, bananas and beans. That’s what the mother standing in line had at the checkout. Her two lovely children, must have been 5 years and younger, were patiently waiting. The card she was using to pay wasn’t working and she didn’t have any cash on her. She was embarrassed and discouraged and apologized as she began to move out of the aisle. Another woman called out to her to wait. She paid for the items for the woman with the children. Relief washed over the face of the mother, and surprisingly, over the clerk’s face. In fact, smiles were all around by all who witnessed the King at work through one of his disciples. God showed up. Not only were the mother and children blessed, but so was everyone else.
Giving to the Lord is never about a duty to perform. It is about experiencing God in a profound way personally. Answering the call of God gives you an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus to those who are the least of these…and who are they? Take a look in the mirror.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the call you put on my life. I pray that I will never give you a busy signal when you call. I want to experience you and shine your light in areas of darkness. Amen
Faith Tip: Be alert to the call of God today and be ready to act.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Investing Faithfully
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21)
This morning I sit and try to sort out my day. It’s one of those days when a lot of things are scheduled in. I wonder how I am going to do it all, and wonder if I am being faithful to God in all of these things. Are these the things he wants me to do today? This is a good question to ask ourselves and to seek God’s guidance on. We all desire to hear those words from Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
God has a plan for us today. He has entrusted us with talents to invest in his kingdom. We need to make sure that we are being prudent in the use of the talents given us. It is our responsibility to be connected to God through prayer so that we can see what we are to do. It is his plan after all.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the talents you give me to use each day for your kingdom. I pray that I keep focused on you in all I do, knowing it’s your plan being lived out through me. Amen
Faith Tip: What is the talent God wants you to invest today? Seek the Master who will give you wisdom and direction.
Written by Kathy Bruins
This morning I sit and try to sort out my day. It’s one of those days when a lot of things are scheduled in. I wonder how I am going to do it all, and wonder if I am being faithful to God in all of these things. Are these the things he wants me to do today? This is a good question to ask ourselves and to seek God’s guidance on. We all desire to hear those words from Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
God has a plan for us today. He has entrusted us with talents to invest in his kingdom. We need to make sure that we are being prudent in the use of the talents given us. It is our responsibility to be connected to God through prayer so that we can see what we are to do. It is his plan after all.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the talents you give me to use each day for your kingdom. I pray that I keep focused on you in all I do, knowing it’s your plan being lived out through me. Amen
Faith Tip: What is the talent God wants you to invest today? Seek the Master who will give you wisdom and direction.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Who’s coming to dinner?
That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left (Matthew 24:39-41).
It’s always a shock when someone appears or returns unexpectedly. Sometimes that is good and sometimes challenging depending on the situation. For example, if a person is being interviewed at a coffee shop for another job and their current employer walks in and comes up to your table to say hello. How about when dating someone and someone else who you have dated appears. Those can be challenging situations. You feel caught in something that they probably wouldn’t approve of.
When Jesus appears again, it will be a grand day for those who follow him. For those who don’t, it will be not only challenging but devastating. Jesus is going to return. What will he find us doing? What will be the condition of our heart? There will be no time for a last minute clean up time in our spirits. The time is now to be ready and expectantly waiting.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your promise in coming back. I look forward to seeing you face to face and watching the fulfillment of your guarantees of victory. I pray for perseverance in waiting and being ready. Amen
Faith Tip: What area of your life isn’t ready for Jesus’ return? Ask for help in getting ready…Jesus will help you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
It’s always a shock when someone appears or returns unexpectedly. Sometimes that is good and sometimes challenging depending on the situation. For example, if a person is being interviewed at a coffee shop for another job and their current employer walks in and comes up to your table to say hello. How about when dating someone and someone else who you have dated appears. Those can be challenging situations. You feel caught in something that they probably wouldn’t approve of.
When Jesus appears again, it will be a grand day for those who follow him. For those who don’t, it will be not only challenging but devastating. Jesus is going to return. What will he find us doing? What will be the condition of our heart? There will be no time for a last minute clean up time in our spirits. The time is now to be ready and expectantly waiting.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your promise in coming back. I look forward to seeing you face to face and watching the fulfillment of your guarantees of victory. I pray for perseverance in waiting and being ready. Amen
Faith Tip: What area of your life isn’t ready for Jesus’ return? Ask for help in getting ready…Jesus will help you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
No Need for Alarm
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:6-8).
Whenever I fly, there is always the ritual of going through the small training of what to do in case there are problems on the plane. The oxygen mask will fall, what position to take, where the emergency exits are, and so on. This is so the passengers won’t experience total chaos because they know what to do. This is true in other drills for emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes. When we know what to do, there is calmness and ability to move ahead with what needs to happen.
Jesus knew this and that why he told us how we would know that the end is coming. It will seem like chaos around us, but inside we see the things Jesus told us about and know that he is in control. I believe we are experiencing some of those things today and getting closer to when he will return. What a glorious day that will be! All we need to do is continue to trust Jesus and follow him. That is where peace will be found—in his arms.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you that you ready me for the birth pains of your second coming. I pray that I may just look to you when the world looks chaotic. Amen
Faith Tip: It’s not don’t worry, be happy. It’s trust God and be wise.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Whenever I fly, there is always the ritual of going through the small training of what to do in case there are problems on the plane. The oxygen mask will fall, what position to take, where the emergency exits are, and so on. This is so the passengers won’t experience total chaos because they know what to do. This is true in other drills for emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes. When we know what to do, there is calmness and ability to move ahead with what needs to happen.
Jesus knew this and that why he told us how we would know that the end is coming. It will seem like chaos around us, but inside we see the things Jesus told us about and know that he is in control. I believe we are experiencing some of those things today and getting closer to when he will return. What a glorious day that will be! All we need to do is continue to trust Jesus and follow him. That is where peace will be found—in his arms.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you that you ready me for the birth pains of your second coming. I pray that I may just look to you when the world looks chaotic. Amen
Faith Tip: It’s not don’t worry, be happy. It’s trust God and be wise.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Friday, February 4, 2011
How Do You Define Love?
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. – 1 John 4:10
This morning I received an email advertising an upcoming sale. The subject line of the email read, “Nothing Says ‘LOVE’ Like 10% Off.” “Really,” I thought as I looked at the email, “is that what our consumerist society has boiled love down to?” As Valentine Day approaches advertisers will try to help us define love with whatever product they are trying to sell, whether it be flowers, cards, chocolate, etc… However, love has already been defined for us by God.
As John writes, God defined love by first loving us and then showing us this love by sending his Son to die for our sins. I think I would rather prescribe do this definition of love then the one the email was proclaiming. Wouldn’t you agree that the love of God is much better than 10% off? Maybe I should send the advertiser a reply email stating, “Nothing Says ‘LOVE’ Like The CROSS.”
Prayer: Thank you God for loving me unconditionally and showing that love by sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. Help me to truly understand that kind of love and share it with everyone. Amen.
Faith Tip: Look around you today and be aware of the many ways that our society tries to define love and then remember that God has defined the greatest love of all and go and share the love of God with others!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
This morning I received an email advertising an upcoming sale. The subject line of the email read, “Nothing Says ‘LOVE’ Like 10% Off.” “Really,” I thought as I looked at the email, “is that what our consumerist society has boiled love down to?” As Valentine Day approaches advertisers will try to help us define love with whatever product they are trying to sell, whether it be flowers, cards, chocolate, etc… However, love has already been defined for us by God.
As John writes, God defined love by first loving us and then showing us this love by sending his Son to die for our sins. I think I would rather prescribe do this definition of love then the one the email was proclaiming. Wouldn’t you agree that the love of God is much better than 10% off? Maybe I should send the advertiser a reply email stating, “Nothing Says ‘LOVE’ Like The CROSS.”
Prayer: Thank you God for loving me unconditionally and showing that love by sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. Help me to truly understand that kind of love and share it with everyone. Amen.
Faith Tip: Look around you today and be aware of the many ways that our society tries to define love and then remember that God has defined the greatest love of all and go and share the love of God with others!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, February 3, 2011
We Can't Shovel Sin
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
Yesterday, after the storm, my driveway was covered with four-foot snow drifts. I was glad that I had just gotten my snow blower back from being fixed. However, after just a few passes with the snow blower something in it snapped and the auger stopped working. There I was facing a driveway full of snow with just a shovel. After two and a half hours of hard work and a lot of help from the kids we finally had the driveway cleared.
Hard work and determination can clear a driveway full of snow, but they are useless when it comes to saving us from our sin. Our lives are kind of like my driveway; they are covered with a lot of sin. If we try to clear out the sin in our lives, more sin will soon drift right back in. No matter how hard we work or how determined we are, we will never save ourselves from our sins. It is only by God’s grace that sin is totally taken away from our lives. Therefore, we need to stop relying on ourselves and start relying on God. Praise God that by his grace we are saved, and by his grace he also gives us the strength, ability and endurance to shovel snow!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for saving me by your grace. Thank you that you did not leave me to wallow in my own sin with no way out. Help me to stop relying on myself and start relying more on you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Stop trying to earn, achieve and attain your salvation by your own works, because it is useless. Instead rest in the freedom of knowing that God has already saved you by grace and use your good works to glorify God!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Yesterday, after the storm, my driveway was covered with four-foot snow drifts. I was glad that I had just gotten my snow blower back from being fixed. However, after just a few passes with the snow blower something in it snapped and the auger stopped working. There I was facing a driveway full of snow with just a shovel. After two and a half hours of hard work and a lot of help from the kids we finally had the driveway cleared.
Hard work and determination can clear a driveway full of snow, but they are useless when it comes to saving us from our sin. Our lives are kind of like my driveway; they are covered with a lot of sin. If we try to clear out the sin in our lives, more sin will soon drift right back in. No matter how hard we work or how determined we are, we will never save ourselves from our sins. It is only by God’s grace that sin is totally taken away from our lives. Therefore, we need to stop relying on ourselves and start relying on God. Praise God that by his grace we are saved, and by his grace he also gives us the strength, ability and endurance to shovel snow!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for saving me by your grace. Thank you that you did not leave me to wallow in my own sin with no way out. Help me to stop relying on myself and start relying more on you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Stop trying to earn, achieve and attain your salvation by your own works, because it is useless. Instead rest in the freedom of knowing that God has already saved you by grace and use your good works to glorify God!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Breaking Down the Walls
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. – Romans 1:16
This morning a strong winter storm is moving through West Michigan.
The snow is heavy, the temperatures are cold and the wind is blowing. When the storm was at its strongest, I could hear the wind blowing against the side of the house and rattling the window panes. As I listened to the wind I was glad that I had a house to keep me protected from the forceful power of the chilling wind.
As I think about the power of the wind I can’t help but think of God’s great power. God’s power is more powerful than any power of nature. God is so powerful that he controls the wind, the storms, and the thunder just by the sound of his voice! With such awesome power God could easily break into our hearts and minds and force us to follow him. But he doesn’t, instead he gently and lovingly waits for us to open the door of our hearts and let him come in to our lives. Unfortunately, we often build walls around our hearts; walls that will not allow the power of God to enter our lives. These walls are often so thick that they are like the walls of my house that keep out the power of the wind. What walls have you put up that are keeping the power of God out of your life? Are their only certain areas of your life that you have built walls around?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for you awesome power. Thank you that you do not use that power to control me, but instead you wait until I open my life to you. Help me to break down the walls that are keeping you out of my life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today begin breaking down the walls that keep God out of your life. Sometimes this can take time, but you can do it by taking one step at a time, just like taking a wall down one brick at a time.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
This morning a strong winter storm is moving through West Michigan.
The snow is heavy, the temperatures are cold and the wind is blowing. When the storm was at its strongest, I could hear the wind blowing against the side of the house and rattling the window panes. As I listened to the wind I was glad that I had a house to keep me protected from the forceful power of the chilling wind.
As I think about the power of the wind I can’t help but think of God’s great power. God’s power is more powerful than any power of nature. God is so powerful that he controls the wind, the storms, and the thunder just by the sound of his voice! With such awesome power God could easily break into our hearts and minds and force us to follow him. But he doesn’t, instead he gently and lovingly waits for us to open the door of our hearts and let him come in to our lives. Unfortunately, we often build walls around our hearts; walls that will not allow the power of God to enter our lives. These walls are often so thick that they are like the walls of my house that keep out the power of the wind. What walls have you put up that are keeping the power of God out of your life? Are their only certain areas of your life that you have built walls around?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for you awesome power. Thank you that you do not use that power to control me, but instead you wait until I open my life to you. Help me to break down the walls that are keeping you out of my life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today begin breaking down the walls that keep God out of your life. Sometimes this can take time, but you can do it by taking one step at a time, just like taking a wall down one brick at a time.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Going Through The Motions
Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. – Luke 11:42
This past weekend my family escaped the cold temperatures by going to the Holland Aquatic Center. While we were there, we helped Joy, our seven-year old, learn how to swim. She is coming along quite well. Sometimes she gets the hang of it and can move through the water fairly easy, but sometimes she flails her arms and legs and doesn’t seem to go anywhere.
In our spiritual life we can often feel like a person just learning to swim. Sometimes things are going well and we feel that we are growing and making progress in our spiritual walk. And yet, there are also times when we seem to just be going through the motions and we feel like we are treading water and not getting any closer to God. In today’s scripture, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees because they were just going through the motions. They weren’t making any progress in their spiritual life, because they lacked the passion and love of God in their lives.
Do you feel like you have come to a point in your spiritual life where you are just going through the motions? Then stop just treading water, instead jump in and fully immerse yourself in God’s love!
Prayer: Lord thank you for your love and passion for me. Forgive me when I fail to love you with the same passion. Forgive me when I tread water in my spiritual life and just go through the motions. I want to live my life for you! Amen.
Faith Tip: Watch this video of Matthew West’s song “The Motions” and let it challenge and inspire you to stop just going through the motions.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
This past weekend my family escaped the cold temperatures by going to the Holland Aquatic Center. While we were there, we helped Joy, our seven-year old, learn how to swim. She is coming along quite well. Sometimes she gets the hang of it and can move through the water fairly easy, but sometimes she flails her arms and legs and doesn’t seem to go anywhere.
In our spiritual life we can often feel like a person just learning to swim. Sometimes things are going well and we feel that we are growing and making progress in our spiritual walk. And yet, there are also times when we seem to just be going through the motions and we feel like we are treading water and not getting any closer to God. In today’s scripture, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees because they were just going through the motions. They weren’t making any progress in their spiritual life, because they lacked the passion and love of God in their lives.
Do you feel like you have come to a point in your spiritual life where you are just going through the motions? Then stop just treading water, instead jump in and fully immerse yourself in God’s love!
Prayer: Lord thank you for your love and passion for me. Forgive me when I fail to love you with the same passion. Forgive me when I tread water in my spiritual life and just go through the motions. I want to live my life for you! Amen.
Faith Tip: Watch this video of Matthew West’s song “The Motions” and let it challenge and inspire you to stop just going through the motions.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
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