But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” – Acts 9:15-16
An oxymoron is defined as a combination of words that seem to contradict one another. Some examples are: jumbo shrimp, act naturally, civil war, random order and one of my favorites, a rolling stop. In Acts we discover what many might consider an oxymoron.
Here, God is speaking to Ananias and telling him, that out of all the people in the world, he has chosen Paul to carry the good news of the gospel to the people of Israel, the Gentiles and their kings. This sounds like quite an important calling for Paul. From a humanly perspective, we would expect that Paul, being the chosen one of God, would be in store for a long list of rewards from the Lord; maybe good health, wealth, protection, safe travels, a welcoming spirit in the cities that he visits, after all Paul is leaving behind everything to do God’s will. But this dream of a problem-free life for Paul is shattered in the very next verse when God says to Ananias, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
I don’t know about you, but to me that doesn’t sound like the best strategy to get someone on board with your plan. First, I would show them how their participation in my plan would benefit them and then talk about the problems later. But God doesn’t work in this way. He understands that to do his will means that there will be suffering along the way and as we know, from the rest of the story, Paul did encounter much suffering in his missionary work.
To many, this scripture might sound like an oxymoron, but to those who know God, it is truth. When we pick up our cross and follow him, we must realize that following him does not guarantee a life free of trouble. We will encounter suffering as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. After all, Jesus walked the path to Calvary.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you have chosen me to be a part of your plan. I know that following your ways provides me with blessings, but also brings me down the path of suffering. Help me Lord, walk in the footsteps of Jesus with abiding faith. Amen.
Faith Tip: Reflect on the sufferings of Christ today. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and yet even he did not have a problem-free life. In fact, in order to follow God’s will, he had to suffer, so that you could have eternal life!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sorrow and Grief
Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. – Ecclesiastes 7:3-4
Sorrow and grief are probably the two most avoided emotions in life. Times of sorrow and grief are not fun. They are exhausting, painful and dark. And so, if given the choice between going to a party or going to a funeral, most of us would probably choose the party.
However, this proverb, found in Ecclesiastes, tells us differently. It shows us that sorrow and grief are emotions that are part of the abundant life that God has given to us. Sorrow and grief are good for the soul because they bring us wisdom and they give us insights into life, ourselves and God. The proverb is not saying that we should never laugh and never seek pleasure; for these are also a part of our God given life, but if all we ever did was eat, drink and be merry we would have a life that is superficial and a faith that is shallow.
In this season of Lent, as we reflect on the sufferings of Christ we see that Jesus embraced sorrow and grief when he walked through the dark valley of Calvary. Although we dread walking through the dark valleys in life, these are usually the times when we most feel the powerful presence of God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to walk through the dark valleys in life. They are difficult to go through and I know that I must lean on you in these times. Thank you for walking with me in times of sorrow and grief. Amen.
Faith Tip: Is there some sorrow or grief in your life that you are avoiding? If you don’t embrace your sorrows you will never be able to move past them. Lean on the Lord and He will walk you through your dark valley.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Sorrow and grief are probably the two most avoided emotions in life. Times of sorrow and grief are not fun. They are exhausting, painful and dark. And so, if given the choice between going to a party or going to a funeral, most of us would probably choose the party.
However, this proverb, found in Ecclesiastes, tells us differently. It shows us that sorrow and grief are emotions that are part of the abundant life that God has given to us. Sorrow and grief are good for the soul because they bring us wisdom and they give us insights into life, ourselves and God. The proverb is not saying that we should never laugh and never seek pleasure; for these are also a part of our God given life, but if all we ever did was eat, drink and be merry we would have a life that is superficial and a faith that is shallow.
In this season of Lent, as we reflect on the sufferings of Christ we see that Jesus embraced sorrow and grief when he walked through the dark valley of Calvary. Although we dread walking through the dark valleys in life, these are usually the times when we most feel the powerful presence of God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to walk through the dark valleys in life. They are difficult to go through and I know that I must lean on you in these times. Thank you for walking with me in times of sorrow and grief. Amen.
Faith Tip: Is there some sorrow or grief in your life that you are avoiding? If you don’t embrace your sorrows you will never be able to move past them. Lean on the Lord and He will walk you through your dark valley.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Accepting All Things From God
His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. – Job 2:9-10
In the season of Lent we reflect on the sufferings of Christ. Job was a man who knew suffering. He lost his livestock, his children had died and he was afflicted with a painful skin disease. His wife could not take anymore, so she encouraged Job to throw in the towel and just die. But in his wisdom Job asks her, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
We are always willing to accept good from God when things are going well for us and in those times it is easy to worship Him. But, unfortunately when trouble comes knocking our faith becomes weak and we are too quick to throw in the towel. Like Job’s wife, we too often are willing to accept the good from God, but not the trouble.
Jesus, in going to the cross, was willing to accept the Father’s will even if it meant physical pain and suffering and dying on the cross of a thief. Jesus understood what it meant to accept all things from God, both the good and the bad. What is your response to God when you find yourself in the midst of trouble? Are you willing to accept both the good and the bad?
Prayer: Sovereign God, I thank you that you are in control of all things. I thank you for the good and I ask you to strengthen my faith so that I can also accept suffering. Forgive me when my faith falters and I stumble in the midst of trouble. Pick me up and carry me in those times. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do you have problems and suffering in your life? If so do not pull away from God, but instead draw closer to him and gain comfort and strength from his presence.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
In the season of Lent we reflect on the sufferings of Christ. Job was a man who knew suffering. He lost his livestock, his children had died and he was afflicted with a painful skin disease. His wife could not take anymore, so she encouraged Job to throw in the towel and just die. But in his wisdom Job asks her, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
We are always willing to accept good from God when things are going well for us and in those times it is easy to worship Him. But, unfortunately when trouble comes knocking our faith becomes weak and we are too quick to throw in the towel. Like Job’s wife, we too often are willing to accept the good from God, but not the trouble.
Jesus, in going to the cross, was willing to accept the Father’s will even if it meant physical pain and suffering and dying on the cross of a thief. Jesus understood what it meant to accept all things from God, both the good and the bad. What is your response to God when you find yourself in the midst of trouble? Are you willing to accept both the good and the bad?
Prayer: Sovereign God, I thank you that you are in control of all things. I thank you for the good and I ask you to strengthen my faith so that I can also accept suffering. Forgive me when my faith falters and I stumble in the midst of trouble. Pick me up and carry me in those times. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do you have problems and suffering in your life? If so do not pull away from God, but instead draw closer to him and gain comfort and strength from his presence.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sharing in Christ's Sufferings
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. – Philippians 3:10
Lent is a time to focus and reflect on the sufferings of Christ. This can sometimes be difficult for us, because we would rather not think about suffering. In our world we try to avoid suffering at all cost and even pray that God would remove our sufferings.
However, Paul shows us that suffering is a part of knowing Christ. I think we would all agree with Paul that we want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, but most of us would like to skip past the part that speaks about sharing in his sufferings. Paul wants to share in Christ’s sufferings, because to know Christ is to know the sufferings he endured for us. Desiring suffering goes against every strand of our human nature, but it brings us to a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, it is difficult for me to want to share in your sufferings. I thank you for the suffering that you endured for me. Help me to share in your sufferings that I may grow closer to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today consider these questions: What does it look like to share in the sufferings of Christ? More specifically, what would it look like in your life to share in Christ’s sufferings?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Lent is a time to focus and reflect on the sufferings of Christ. This can sometimes be difficult for us, because we would rather not think about suffering. In our world we try to avoid suffering at all cost and even pray that God would remove our sufferings.
However, Paul shows us that suffering is a part of knowing Christ. I think we would all agree with Paul that we want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, but most of us would like to skip past the part that speaks about sharing in his sufferings. Paul wants to share in Christ’s sufferings, because to know Christ is to know the sufferings he endured for us. Desiring suffering goes against every strand of our human nature, but it brings us to a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, it is difficult for me to want to share in your sufferings. I thank you for the suffering that you endured for me. Help me to share in your sufferings that I may grow closer to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today consider these questions: What does it look like to share in the sufferings of Christ? More specifically, what would it look like in your life to share in Christ’s sufferings?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Prompted to Praise
Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God – Luke 1:64
Danny laid in a coma in the hospital bed. His wife, Sheila, by his side continually talking to him to let him know she was there. She would pray over him. Friends and family would come and gather in prayer. The doctors were unsure of the outcome. The accident caused brain damage, but it was hard to measure how much. If he did come out of the coma, he may be unable to do many of the things he did before.
A few days later, Danny opened his eyes. Sheila took his hand and said, “Danny, how are you feeling?”
Danny looked at her and smiled, “I praise God for his goodness. I heard many of the prayers said, but I couldn’t respond, but God did.”
When we go through struggles in life, is the praise to God on our lips? Even when we don’t know the outcome of our struggle, we do know that God responds. The one who loves you and has total control will help you through—and will carry you if necessary.
Prayer: I praise you for your continuing goodness. I pray that praise will always be on my lips for you. You are so worthy. Amen
Faith Tip: Struggling today? Start praising God and see how he responds.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Danny laid in a coma in the hospital bed. His wife, Sheila, by his side continually talking to him to let him know she was there. She would pray over him. Friends and family would come and gather in prayer. The doctors were unsure of the outcome. The accident caused brain damage, but it was hard to measure how much. If he did come out of the coma, he may be unable to do many of the things he did before.
A few days later, Danny opened his eyes. Sheila took his hand and said, “Danny, how are you feeling?”
Danny looked at her and smiled, “I praise God for his goodness. I heard many of the prayers said, but I couldn’t respond, but God did.”
When we go through struggles in life, is the praise to God on our lips? Even when we don’t know the outcome of our struggle, we do know that God responds. The one who loves you and has total control will help you through—and will carry you if necessary.
Prayer: I praise you for your continuing goodness. I pray that praise will always be on my lips for you. You are so worthy. Amen
Faith Tip: Struggling today? Start praising God and see how he responds.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Heartburn Moments
Did not our heart burn within us . . . ? —Luke 24:32
Yes, that’s it! This was my reaction after reading Oswald Chambers’ devotion for today. The Luke passage above was used and I know that feeling of heartburn….the good kind. Not only do I really feel the presence of the Lord during those times, but I know that God is doing a great work right at that moment. It reminds me of Moses seeing the burning bush. It is an attention getter. It is the mountaintop experience that can be experienced again and again. Our hearts need to be open and seeking God to realize those special times. If we have our focus on something else, we may miss it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for those moments where my heart is burning with you. I am so grateful to see you at work. I pray that I can always have my eyes focused on you. Amen
Faith Tip: Watch for God today and see if your heart burns.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Yes, that’s it! This was my reaction after reading Oswald Chambers’ devotion for today. The Luke passage above was used and I know that feeling of heartburn….the good kind. Not only do I really feel the presence of the Lord during those times, but I know that God is doing a great work right at that moment. It reminds me of Moses seeing the burning bush. It is an attention getter. It is the mountaintop experience that can be experienced again and again. Our hearts need to be open and seeking God to realize those special times. If we have our focus on something else, we may miss it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for those moments where my heart is burning with you. I am so grateful to see you at work. I pray that I can always have my eyes focused on you. Amen
Faith Tip: Watch for God today and see if your heart burns.
Written by Kathy Bruins
To Trust Again
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8
Trust has never come easy for Alice. She has been disappointed many times through life by people. They have each injured her soul through abuse, deception and abandonment. She felt she was better off not getting involved with people and just being a loner. Can’t get hurt if you don’t care, she thought.
Walking down the street one day to her office, Alice came upon a mother and child. They had dark green trash bags with them, and the child was crying.
“Mom, I’m so hungry. Can’t we buy something cheap or look through the trash at the restaurant again?”
The mother looked defeated. “Honey, we will get something soon, I know it. God is going to take care of us.”
Alice thought to herself that the woman was a fool to trust in God. She continued to walk on but couldn’t get the image of the mother and child out of her mind. She stopped and turned around. She went up to the mother and said, “Look, I overheard you say to the child that God would take care of you. I didn’t want you to starve to death waiting for God, so here.” She handed her $20.
The woman looked up at Alice and said, “I am not disappointed in God. He sent you to help us. Thank you for listening to him.”
The little girl stood up and gave Alice a hug. “Thank you, God.”
Alice walked away thinking that perhaps it was God that spoke to her. But how would she know for sure? She passed a group of young people practicing a song by the fountain on the next street. She stopped when she heard the song and tears began to flow. They were singing, “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”
Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for the wonderful ways you show me that I can trust you. I pray that I can show trust in you to others I come in contact with. Amen
Faith Tip: Is there something you are not trusting God with? Release it to him and see the miracles happen.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Trust has never come easy for Alice. She has been disappointed many times through life by people. They have each injured her soul through abuse, deception and abandonment. She felt she was better off not getting involved with people and just being a loner. Can’t get hurt if you don’t care, she thought.
Walking down the street one day to her office, Alice came upon a mother and child. They had dark green trash bags with them, and the child was crying.
“Mom, I’m so hungry. Can’t we buy something cheap or look through the trash at the restaurant again?”
The mother looked defeated. “Honey, we will get something soon, I know it. God is going to take care of us.”
Alice thought to herself that the woman was a fool to trust in God. She continued to walk on but couldn’t get the image of the mother and child out of her mind. She stopped and turned around. She went up to the mother and said, “Look, I overheard you say to the child that God would take care of you. I didn’t want you to starve to death waiting for God, so here.” She handed her $20.
The woman looked up at Alice and said, “I am not disappointed in God. He sent you to help us. Thank you for listening to him.”
The little girl stood up and gave Alice a hug. “Thank you, God.”
Alice walked away thinking that perhaps it was God that spoke to her. But how would she know for sure? She passed a group of young people practicing a song by the fountain on the next street. She stopped when she heard the song and tears began to flow. They were singing, “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”
Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for the wonderful ways you show me that I can trust you. I pray that I can show trust in you to others I come in contact with. Amen
Faith Tip: Is there something you are not trusting God with? Release it to him and see the miracles happen.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Friday, March 18, 2011
Prayer 24/7
“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:4
Last night I had the wonderful privilege of accompanying Alyssa, our middle daughter, to WCSG’s Annual Father/Daughter Banquet where Christian singer Heather Williams was the featured speaker. At one point in the program she talked about how we often take for granted how amazing it is that through prayer we have access to God.
Also last night (actually at 1:30 this morning), I took Annika, our oldest daughter, to the middle school where she boarded a bus to depart on her 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. As I was driving back home, I prayed that Annika and the rest of the 8th graders would have a fun and safe trip. As I prayed I thought about how great it was that even at 1:30 in the morning, when most people were sound asleep, I could come to God in prayer, because as the psalmist says God neither slumbers nor sleeps. Isn’t it wonderful that we have this access to God not on his timeline, or only when he is ready, but whenever we need him 24/7? Heather Williams was right, prayer is amazing!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of prayer and for being available to hear my prayers at anytime. Help me to remember how amazing prayer is and not take it for granted. Amen.
Faith Tip: Prayer is a powerful Christian tool. Take the time to pray to God today. Pray for the 13 men from our church who will be leaving for the Spring Men’s Retreat this evening.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Last night I had the wonderful privilege of accompanying Alyssa, our middle daughter, to WCSG’s Annual Father/Daughter Banquet where Christian singer Heather Williams was the featured speaker. At one point in the program she talked about how we often take for granted how amazing it is that through prayer we have access to God.
Also last night (actually at 1:30 this morning), I took Annika, our oldest daughter, to the middle school where she boarded a bus to depart on her 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. As I was driving back home, I prayed that Annika and the rest of the 8th graders would have a fun and safe trip. As I prayed I thought about how great it was that even at 1:30 in the morning, when most people were sound asleep, I could come to God in prayer, because as the psalmist says God neither slumbers nor sleeps. Isn’t it wonderful that we have this access to God not on his timeline, or only when he is ready, but whenever we need him 24/7? Heather Williams was right, prayer is amazing!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of prayer and for being available to hear my prayers at anytime. Help me to remember how amazing prayer is and not take it for granted. Amen.
Faith Tip: Prayer is a powerful Christian tool. Take the time to pray to God today. Pray for the 13 men from our church who will be leaving for the Spring Men’s Retreat this evening.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Patrick's Day
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:42-44
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today we celebrate an Irish holiday that is more than just wearing green and drinking Shamrock Shakes. It is a day to celebrate the life and ministry of St. Patrick. St. Patrick was a Catholic priest who took Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 to heart.
St. Patrick grew up in Britain and when he was sixteen he was captured by Irish invaders and taken back to Ireland where he was held as a slave for six years until he escaped and returned to Britain. There he trained to become a priest in the Catholic Church and then returned to Ireland as a missionary to bring the love of Christ to the very people that had enslaved him. By loving his enemies he brought Christianity to Ireland and is thought to be the first to speak out against slavery which was a commonly accepted practice in those days.
Although loving those who persecute you is often a difficult thing to do, imagine what God can do when we put aside our disagreements, resentment, anger and bitterness and reach out with Christ’s love and forgiveness.
Prayer: Loving God, I thank you for people like St. Patrick who are able to love those who persecute them. Help me to work toward loving those who persecute me and to pray for them so that they can see the love of Christ in me. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do you hold a grudge against someone, are you unable to forgive? If so pray for that person today and take a step toward moving closer to loving them.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today we celebrate an Irish holiday that is more than just wearing green and drinking Shamrock Shakes. It is a day to celebrate the life and ministry of St. Patrick. St. Patrick was a Catholic priest who took Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 to heart.
St. Patrick grew up in Britain and when he was sixteen he was captured by Irish invaders and taken back to Ireland where he was held as a slave for six years until he escaped and returned to Britain. There he trained to become a priest in the Catholic Church and then returned to Ireland as a missionary to bring the love of Christ to the very people that had enslaved him. By loving his enemies he brought Christianity to Ireland and is thought to be the first to speak out against slavery which was a commonly accepted practice in those days.
Although loving those who persecute you is often a difficult thing to do, imagine what God can do when we put aside our disagreements, resentment, anger and bitterness and reach out with Christ’s love and forgiveness.
Prayer: Loving God, I thank you for people like St. Patrick who are able to love those who persecute them. Help me to work toward loving those who persecute me and to pray for them so that they can see the love of Christ in me. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do you hold a grudge against someone, are you unable to forgive? If so pray for that person today and take a step toward moving closer to loving them.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Make Your Day Count
“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” – Mark 14:8
What a wonderful statement Jesus makes of Mary, “She did what she could.” As we begin a new day we should begin with the thought, “What can I do today to glorify God, so at the end of the day Jesus would say the same of me as he said of Mary?”
These words of Jesus remind me of one of my favorite poems by George Elliot. I share it with you below.
You May Count That Day
If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done
And counting, find one self-denying deed on word
That eased the heart of him who heard –
That fell like sunshine where it went
Then you may count that day well spent.
But if, through all the livelong day
You’ve cheered no heart, by yea or nay –
If through it all you’ve nothing done that you can trace
That brought the sunshine to one face –
No act most small that helped some soul and nothing cost –
Then count that day as worse than lost.
What can you today to make your day count for the Lord? At the end of this day will Jesus be able to say of you, “He/She did what he/she could.”
Prayer: Thank you Lord for blessing me with another new day and for all the blessings that come with this day. Help me to do what I can in this day to bring praise and glory and honor to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do what you can in this day to make it count and to brighten someone else’s day.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
What a wonderful statement Jesus makes of Mary, “She did what she could.” As we begin a new day we should begin with the thought, “What can I do today to glorify God, so at the end of the day Jesus would say the same of me as he said of Mary?”
These words of Jesus remind me of one of my favorite poems by George Elliot. I share it with you below.
You May Count That Day
If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done
And counting, find one self-denying deed on word
That eased the heart of him who heard –
That fell like sunshine where it went
Then you may count that day well spent.
But if, through all the livelong day
You’ve cheered no heart, by yea or nay –
If through it all you’ve nothing done that you can trace
That brought the sunshine to one face –
No act most small that helped some soul and nothing cost –
Then count that day as worse than lost.
What can you today to make your day count for the Lord? At the end of this day will Jesus be able to say of you, “He/She did what he/she could.”
Prayer: Thank you Lord for blessing me with another new day and for all the blessings that come with this day. Help me to do what I can in this day to bring praise and glory and honor to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do what you can in this day to make it count and to brighten someone else’s day.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Where is God?
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 20:20
Horrible scenes of the devastation in Japan caused by the earthquakes and tsunami fill the news reports; scenes of cars and boats being tossed about like toys, a wall of water wiping out entire neighborhoods, fires and explosions burning away what the tsunami and earthquake left behind. As the death toll continues to rise, survivors seek adequate shelter and the threat of a nuclear disaster lingers, some might look at all this and wonder where is God in the midst of such a terrible tragedy.
It is in times like these that Jesus’ words to his disciples speak to us so clearly. Jesus knew that terrible tragedies, wars, natural disaster and suffering were to come and so his final words to his disciples included these words of comfort, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is a promise that is as true today as it was when Jesus said it. In the midst of the suffering that is happening in Japan, in other parts of the world, right here in the U.S., in our community, even in our own lives, this promise provides the comforting knowledge that even in the midst of suffering Jesus is there and will always be right there.
Prayer: Lord, we pray for the people in Japan who are suffering today. Many have lost everything; family, friends, homes, jobs, possessions. Please let them know that you are present with them and by your presence give them comfort and peace. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today continue to keep the people of Japan in your prayers.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Horrible scenes of the devastation in Japan caused by the earthquakes and tsunami fill the news reports; scenes of cars and boats being tossed about like toys, a wall of water wiping out entire neighborhoods, fires and explosions burning away what the tsunami and earthquake left behind. As the death toll continues to rise, survivors seek adequate shelter and the threat of a nuclear disaster lingers, some might look at all this and wonder where is God in the midst of such a terrible tragedy.
It is in times like these that Jesus’ words to his disciples speak to us so clearly. Jesus knew that terrible tragedies, wars, natural disaster and suffering were to come and so his final words to his disciples included these words of comfort, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is a promise that is as true today as it was when Jesus said it. In the midst of the suffering that is happening in Japan, in other parts of the world, right here in the U.S., in our community, even in our own lives, this promise provides the comforting knowledge that even in the midst of suffering Jesus is there and will always be right there.
Prayer: Lord, we pray for the people in Japan who are suffering today. Many have lost everything; family, friends, homes, jobs, possessions. Please let them know that you are present with them and by your presence give them comfort and peace. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today continue to keep the people of Japan in your prayers.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, March 14, 2011
Rivers of Living Water
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” – John7:38
Living water is given to us from the Lord. We are to be filled with living water so that it literally flows from within us, like a river flowing to nourish a fertile land.
The Niagara River flows along the border of Cananda and the US and is the source of water for the Niagara Falls. The power of the Niagara River is displayed as it tumbles over the falls. On average 4 million cubic feet of water flows over the falls every single minute making Niagara Falls the most powerful waterfall in North America. It is amazing to think that this flow never stops and continues falling night and day. The Niagara Falls are definitely a wonderful display of nature’s beauty and power.
Jesus uses the metaphor of a river when describing how the Holy Spirit is to flow out of our lives. We are to be like the Niagara Falls with an ever flowing supply of God’s Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit and allow it to flow in us and through us God’s power and beauty will be revealed to the world and will nourish a land that is thirsty for living water.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with your living water. Allow me to become a river of living water so that you will be glorified in my life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Pray for the Spirit to fill you today and then allow God’s Spirit to flow from you to others so that God power and beauty will be displayed in how you live.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Living water is given to us from the Lord. We are to be filled with living water so that it literally flows from within us, like a river flowing to nourish a fertile land.
The Niagara River flows along the border of Cananda and the US and is the source of water for the Niagara Falls. The power of the Niagara River is displayed as it tumbles over the falls. On average 4 million cubic feet of water flows over the falls every single minute making Niagara Falls the most powerful waterfall in North America. It is amazing to think that this flow never stops and continues falling night and day. The Niagara Falls are definitely a wonderful display of nature’s beauty and power.
Jesus uses the metaphor of a river when describing how the Holy Spirit is to flow out of our lives. We are to be like the Niagara Falls with an ever flowing supply of God’s Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit and allow it to flow in us and through us God’s power and beauty will be revealed to the world and will nourish a land that is thirsty for living water.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with your living water. Allow me to become a river of living water so that you will be glorified in my life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Pray for the Spirit to fill you today and then allow God’s Spirit to flow from you to others so that God power and beauty will be displayed in how you live.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, March 11, 2011
Supersizing Today
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions (Mark 12:28-34).
Today if you are reading this devotion, you have been given a special gift of another 24 hours—another day. Think about what you will do with this gift. We want to make sure that we don’t waste gifts, so we put a little thought in its use.
For me, I will be going out for breakfast, running some errands, mentoring a student, doing some writing, answering emails, and so on. The day I have been given today will easily fill up, and I am sure yours will, too. So what is most important for us to do today? Jesus says to love God with all you are and to love your neighbor as yourself. These very important commands (yes, they are definite) can be done in all we do through our day. Our special God assignments are already lined up and waiting for us today. Enjoy and be blessed!
Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for this day where I can truly rejoice in it because you are there. I pray that I fulfill the kingdom assignments you have for me today to your glory. Amen
Faith Tip: Look over your schedule for today and apply the most important commands to it all.
Written by Kathy Bruins
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions (Mark 12:28-34).
Today if you are reading this devotion, you have been given a special gift of another 24 hours—another day. Think about what you will do with this gift. We want to make sure that we don’t waste gifts, so we put a little thought in its use.
For me, I will be going out for breakfast, running some errands, mentoring a student, doing some writing, answering emails, and so on. The day I have been given today will easily fill up, and I am sure yours will, too. So what is most important for us to do today? Jesus says to love God with all you are and to love your neighbor as yourself. These very important commands (yes, they are definite) can be done in all we do through our day. Our special God assignments are already lined up and waiting for us today. Enjoy and be blessed!
Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for this day where I can truly rejoice in it because you are there. I pray that I fulfill the kingdom assignments you have for me today to your glory. Amen
Faith Tip: Look over your schedule for today and apply the most important commands to it all.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Concepts of Heaven
Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”
Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” (Mark 12:18-27)
I’ve read that people have lost the battle in their fight with cancer. I do not agree with this statement at all for it gives all the power to cancer, while we imagine God with his hands in his pockets not knowing what to do. We know that is not true. God has all the power, and while we don’t understand why someone dies from a disease, illness, accident or other, we can still know that God is in control. There is always a purpose and the purpose is God. Spiritual healing is a lot more important than physical healing. God wants his people to be healed.
What happens when we die? It is a question we all ponder because it is something we will all experience. We try to imagine it through our human minds and experiences in life, when in reality it will be something ultra experiential. Jesus is clear in saying that dying is not the end, but a new beginning that will go for eternity. “You are badly mistaken!” if you think that dying is the end.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power you have over death. The gift of eternal life is ours as we follow you. It will be better than we can imagine. I pray that I can be used to share this good news with others. You are the God of the living. Hallelujah! Amen!
Faith Tip: Consider those you love who have gone before you to the Lord, and imagine the wonder of it all and how it will be when you see them again.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” (Mark 12:18-27)
I’ve read that people have lost the battle in their fight with cancer. I do not agree with this statement at all for it gives all the power to cancer, while we imagine God with his hands in his pockets not knowing what to do. We know that is not true. God has all the power, and while we don’t understand why someone dies from a disease, illness, accident or other, we can still know that God is in control. There is always a purpose and the purpose is God. Spiritual healing is a lot more important than physical healing. God wants his people to be healed.
What happens when we die? It is a question we all ponder because it is something we will all experience. We try to imagine it through our human minds and experiences in life, when in reality it will be something ultra experiential. Jesus is clear in saying that dying is not the end, but a new beginning that will go for eternity. “You are badly mistaken!” if you think that dying is the end.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power you have over death. The gift of eternal life is ours as we follow you. It will be better than we can imagine. I pray that I can be used to share this good news with others. You are the God of the living. Hallelujah! Amen!
Faith Tip: Consider those you love who have gone before you to the Lord, and imagine the wonder of it all and how it will be when you see them again.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Preparing for Easter
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9).
Lent begins today. What will we do with it? Is it just another day in our life, or is it something in which we take action? The action is in preparation. Preparation can take many forms such as buying eggs to color, getting an Easter dress and bonnet, or planning a special meal for Easter. There is nothing wrong with doing these things, but the real preparation is in the heart. Lent is a time to prepare our hearts for the greatest event in history. Reliving the Easter experience in our lives brings us closer to the true meaning of what Jesus accomplished and what it cost him.
God calls us to live a holy life. God is the only one who makes us holy and it is truly only by his grace that we can experience holiness in walking with God. Follow in the footsteps of the Master this Lenten season and discover the powerful events of God as he readies his one and only son to pay the ultimate price for you and me.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for taking the sin in my life and paying for it. Your love for me is more than I can imagine although I don’t deserve it. I pray that I can pick up your cross each day and carry it closer and closer to Calvary. Amen
Faith Tip: Begin today with praying for an open heart to where God wants to take you on this Lenten journey.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Lent begins today. What will we do with it? Is it just another day in our life, or is it something in which we take action? The action is in preparation. Preparation can take many forms such as buying eggs to color, getting an Easter dress and bonnet, or planning a special meal for Easter. There is nothing wrong with doing these things, but the real preparation is in the heart. Lent is a time to prepare our hearts for the greatest event in history. Reliving the Easter experience in our lives brings us closer to the true meaning of what Jesus accomplished and what it cost him.
God calls us to live a holy life. God is the only one who makes us holy and it is truly only by his grace that we can experience holiness in walking with God. Follow in the footsteps of the Master this Lenten season and discover the powerful events of God as he readies his one and only son to pay the ultimate price for you and me.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for taking the sin in my life and paying for it. Your love for me is more than I can imagine although I don’t deserve it. I pray that I can pick up your cross each day and carry it closer and closer to Calvary. Amen
Faith Tip: Begin today with praying for an open heart to where God wants to take you on this Lenten journey.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
God of Comfort and Compassion
“[Praise to the God of All Comfort] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
To be understood is to be given a great gift. We all have different life experiences, but when we run into someone who has been through a similar experience we have, there is an instant connection. You both feel understood.
God being the author of our lives allows us to connect with those on similar paths so that we can be understood as well as give understanding. Compassion and comfort are offered, and it’s the perfect kind because someone who’s been through our type of situation is sensitive to our needs and seems to know how to minister to us in a powerful way. It’s all from the hand of God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of compassion and comfort. You empower your people to display your love to others in wonderful ways. I pray that I can be sensitive to those you connect me with and attune to their needs. Amen.
Faith Tip: When you hear of someone struggling, see if you have a common experience that you can understand their challenges and minister to them in Christ’s name. If you don’t, then just let them know you care and desire to help them.
Written by Kathy Bruins
To be understood is to be given a great gift. We all have different life experiences, but when we run into someone who has been through a similar experience we have, there is an instant connection. You both feel understood.
God being the author of our lives allows us to connect with those on similar paths so that we can be understood as well as give understanding. Compassion and comfort are offered, and it’s the perfect kind because someone who’s been through our type of situation is sensitive to our needs and seems to know how to minister to us in a powerful way. It’s all from the hand of God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of compassion and comfort. You empower your people to display your love to others in wonderful ways. I pray that I can be sensitive to those you connect me with and attune to their needs. Amen.
Faith Tip: When you hear of someone struggling, see if you have a common experience that you can understand their challenges and minister to them in Christ’s name. If you don’t, then just let them know you care and desire to help them.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Monday, March 7, 2011
Showing Love
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Being married gives many opportunities to show the other person how much you love them. It’s not only on special days like birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day that affection can be demonstrated, but every day. As we trust, help, encourage, pray for, and do other things for our spouse, we live out our love for them. We want them to know our heart for them.
We can live out our love for God in much the same way. We invite God to know how our heart beats for him. To test, practice and know, we are putting what we have learned to practice in loving God. We increase our trust, avail ourselves to his leading and follow obediently, we praise him for all he has done, and seek his face in all things. That is showing our heart to God in a real way.
Prayer: Lord, I love you. Please search me and know my heart for you. Thank you for always be so faithful and loving. Amen
Faith Tip: Show your love to God today and invite him to search your heart.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Being married gives many opportunities to show the other person how much you love them. It’s not only on special days like birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day that affection can be demonstrated, but every day. As we trust, help, encourage, pray for, and do other things for our spouse, we live out our love for them. We want them to know our heart for them.
We can live out our love for God in much the same way. We invite God to know how our heart beats for him. To test, practice and know, we are putting what we have learned to practice in loving God. We increase our trust, avail ourselves to his leading and follow obediently, we praise him for all he has done, and seek his face in all things. That is showing our heart to God in a real way.
Prayer: Lord, I love you. Please search me and know my heart for you. Thank you for always be so faithful and loving. Amen
Faith Tip: Show your love to God today and invite him to search your heart.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Friday, March 4, 2011
Everything That Hinders
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1
In this passage Paul is encouraging the Hebrews to throw off everything that is keeping them from running the race set before them by Christ. I find it interesting that Paul makes a distinction between that which hinders and sin. Paul recognizes that it is not just sins that keep us from running the race of faith.
What hinders you in your faith? It might not be sin; maybe it is something that you consider good, a habit, pleasure, work, hobby, event, entertainment, a relationship. Paul is saying that even if there is something that you consider good in your life that is keeping you from living for Christ, then you must toss it aside. Sometimes these can be harder to throw off then sin, but we must be willing to throw off everything if we want to finish the race and finish it well.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the race to run. Help me to run this race by throwing off everything that hinders me, both the good and the bad. I want to run this race for you and I want to finish well. Amen.
Faith Tip: We often say “no” to things that Christ is calling us to do, because of everything else going on in our life. Today, take an inventory of everything you do and see if there is anything you need to throw off so you can more often say “yes” to Jesus.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
In this passage Paul is encouraging the Hebrews to throw off everything that is keeping them from running the race set before them by Christ. I find it interesting that Paul makes a distinction between that which hinders and sin. Paul recognizes that it is not just sins that keep us from running the race of faith.
What hinders you in your faith? It might not be sin; maybe it is something that you consider good, a habit, pleasure, work, hobby, event, entertainment, a relationship. Paul is saying that even if there is something that you consider good in your life that is keeping you from living for Christ, then you must toss it aside. Sometimes these can be harder to throw off then sin, but we must be willing to throw off everything if we want to finish the race and finish it well.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the race to run. Help me to run this race by throwing off everything that hinders me, both the good and the bad. I want to run this race for you and I want to finish well. Amen.
Faith Tip: We often say “no” to things that Christ is calling us to do, because of everything else going on in our life. Today, take an inventory of everything you do and see if there is anything you need to throw off so you can more often say “yes” to Jesus.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Too Much of a Good Thing
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. – Philippians 3:10-12
The familiar saying tells us, “You can never have enough of a good thing.” On the surface this sounds correct, but we know that this isn’t true. There are certainly times when we get too much of a good thing. A child gets a stomach ache from eating too much candy at Halloween. An athlete sustains an injury from too much exercise. Eating too many sweets and too much junk food can lead to obesity, heart disease and a myriad of other health problems. We have even heard the stories of those who have won the lottery and struggle with more problems in their life because they have too much money.
Although we can have too much of a good thing, we can never get enough of Jesus. Paul, when he was writing to the Philippians, was sharing his abundant knowledge and love of Jesus. One thing you could say about Paul was that he was filled to overflowing with Jesus. Yet, he still desired more. He wanted to know more about Jesus. He wanted to know his love, his resurrection and his sufferings at a much deeper level. Paul could never get enough of Jesus.
Do you desire to know Jesus in this way? No matter how much we think we know about Jesus, no matter how filled we are with his Spirit and power, we can never, ever for all eternity, have enough of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, like Paul, I want know more and more about you. I can never get enough of you. Help me Lord not to be satisfied with where I am in Christ, but help me to long to go deeper in my faith. Amen.
Faith Tip: What is one thing you can do today to get more of Jesus? Is it more time in the Word, prayer, study, worship, service? Whatever it is, strive to get more and more of Jesus.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
The familiar saying tells us, “You can never have enough of a good thing.” On the surface this sounds correct, but we know that this isn’t true. There are certainly times when we get too much of a good thing. A child gets a stomach ache from eating too much candy at Halloween. An athlete sustains an injury from too much exercise. Eating too many sweets and too much junk food can lead to obesity, heart disease and a myriad of other health problems. We have even heard the stories of those who have won the lottery and struggle with more problems in their life because they have too much money.
Although we can have too much of a good thing, we can never get enough of Jesus. Paul, when he was writing to the Philippians, was sharing his abundant knowledge and love of Jesus. One thing you could say about Paul was that he was filled to overflowing with Jesus. Yet, he still desired more. He wanted to know more about Jesus. He wanted to know his love, his resurrection and his sufferings at a much deeper level. Paul could never get enough of Jesus.
Do you desire to know Jesus in this way? No matter how much we think we know about Jesus, no matter how filled we are with his Spirit and power, we can never, ever for all eternity, have enough of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, like Paul, I want know more and more about you. I can never get enough of you. Help me Lord not to be satisfied with where I am in Christ, but help me to long to go deeper in my faith. Amen.
Faith Tip: What is one thing you can do today to get more of Jesus? Is it more time in the Word, prayer, study, worship, service? Whatever it is, strive to get more and more of Jesus.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Confession
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:19
Confession is not an easy thing to do. It highlights our shortcomings, brings to mind those things we would rather forget, and makes us painfully aware of our sinfulness. That is probably why confession is one of the most neglected areas in personal prayer. When we go to God in prayer it is much easier for us to offer thanksgivings and requests, but confessions are a little more difficult.
I remember in college, in order to save money, I would cram as many clothes in the washing machine as possible. This method of washing clothes did save some money, but it wasn’t very good at getting the clothes cleaned. When it comes to confession I think often we take the same approach. We lump all of our sins together and pray “Lord, forgive me of my sins” and move along with our prayers as if throwing all our sins in what big heap will suffice. When we confess our sins in this way we don’t have to deal with them directly and it is much more comfortable.
Instead of lumping our sins together, we ought to pull each sin out of the pile one at a time and confess each individual sin in every painful, embarrassing and raw detail. Of course, this way of confession is difficult, humbling, and uncomfortable, that is why we often don’t do it. But it is effective! Because when we confess our sins in this way it makes us more aware of our need for God’s grace and, as John tells us, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Prayer: Lord, help me to confess each of my individual sins before you so that I may become painfully aware of where I have fallen short of your glory, not so I can wallow in guilt and shame, but so I may be humbled and be thankful for your love and forgiveness. Amen.
Faith Tip: Take some time today to come before the Lord and confess your individual sins to God.
Written By Pastor Aaron Anderson
Confession is not an easy thing to do. It highlights our shortcomings, brings to mind those things we would rather forget, and makes us painfully aware of our sinfulness. That is probably why confession is one of the most neglected areas in personal prayer. When we go to God in prayer it is much easier for us to offer thanksgivings and requests, but confessions are a little more difficult.
I remember in college, in order to save money, I would cram as many clothes in the washing machine as possible. This method of washing clothes did save some money, but it wasn’t very good at getting the clothes cleaned. When it comes to confession I think often we take the same approach. We lump all of our sins together and pray “Lord, forgive me of my sins” and move along with our prayers as if throwing all our sins in what big heap will suffice. When we confess our sins in this way we don’t have to deal with them directly and it is much more comfortable.
Instead of lumping our sins together, we ought to pull each sin out of the pile one at a time and confess each individual sin in every painful, embarrassing and raw detail. Of course, this way of confession is difficult, humbling, and uncomfortable, that is why we often don’t do it. But it is effective! Because when we confess our sins in this way it makes us more aware of our need for God’s grace and, as John tells us, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Prayer: Lord, help me to confess each of my individual sins before you so that I may become painfully aware of where I have fallen short of your glory, not so I can wallow in guilt and shame, but so I may be humbled and be thankful for your love and forgiveness. Amen.
Faith Tip: Take some time today to come before the Lord and confess your individual sins to God.
Written By Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Chosen
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. – John 15:16
I remember the days in elementary school when we would choose up teams on the playground. Two people would get to be the captains and do the choosing while the rest of us huddled together in a group with anticipation of being chosen. I was never selected first or even second for that matter, because I was short, thin and not the most athletic kid on the playground. In fact, I usually had to wait quite a while to be chosen. When my name was finally called I was happy and wasted no time in joining my new team.
Do you know that feeling of not being chosen? It is not a good feeling; it makes you feel forgotten. With Jesus you are not forgotten. He tells us in this scripture that he is the one that does the choosing and he as chosen you! He has chosen you to be a part of his “team”. We should find comfort and peace in knowing that we have not been forgotten, but we have been chosen. All we have to do is leave the huddled masses and accept the invitation with gladness and be a part of the Lord’s team. And the best part is that we already know that his team is the winning team!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for choosing me. I want to be on your side and bear fruit for the Kingdom. Help me to bring others to your side. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do you feel forgotten, lonely and left out? If so, just remember that Jesus hasn’t forgotten you. He has chosen you! Accept his invitation and be a part of the Lord’s team.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
I remember the days in elementary school when we would choose up teams on the playground. Two people would get to be the captains and do the choosing while the rest of us huddled together in a group with anticipation of being chosen. I was never selected first or even second for that matter, because I was short, thin and not the most athletic kid on the playground. In fact, I usually had to wait quite a while to be chosen. When my name was finally called I was happy and wasted no time in joining my new team.
Do you know that feeling of not being chosen? It is not a good feeling; it makes you feel forgotten. With Jesus you are not forgotten. He tells us in this scripture that he is the one that does the choosing and he as chosen you! He has chosen you to be a part of his “team”. We should find comfort and peace in knowing that we have not been forgotten, but we have been chosen. All we have to do is leave the huddled masses and accept the invitation with gladness and be a part of the Lord’s team. And the best part is that we already know that his team is the winning team!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for choosing me. I want to be on your side and bear fruit for the Kingdom. Help me to bring others to your side. Amen.
Faith Tip: Do you feel forgotten, lonely and left out? If so, just remember that Jesus hasn’t forgotten you. He has chosen you! Accept his invitation and be a part of the Lord’s team.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
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