“In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” - Psalm 56:4
There are many things in this life that we can fear if we choose to. The economy, wars, or perhaps there is something closer to home as individual persecution of some sort. All of these things seem to be in the control of people, so we focus on their power and what they can do. If that is where our focus remains then we probably will have fear.
Understanding that God overrides all things happening on earth and has more power than all the people put together should give us a sense of peace, but again we need to choose to focus on God’s power. God’s love for you is greater than any person’s love for you. His care for you is the best, so you can rest on God’s best.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for always being there for me. I can stand strong knowing you are here. I pray that I never lose sight of you. Amen
Faith Tip: Do a word search in the Bible on “Do not fear” and see how many times God wants you to know that you need not fear.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Always Remember
These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. – Joshua 4:7
I am at the age where I frequently forget things. The doctors say that it is possible that I have “chemo brain” and that it may last a couple of years. I plan on using this excuse for a long stretch…say another 30-40 years. Well, we’ll try anyway.
It’s important to remember things. There are days in our lives that call for remembering both the good and the bad. We want to relive and be thankful for the good times, but can we be thankful for the bad times? If you can see how God worked through those times and carried you through them, then you can be thankful. It is through the challenges that we grow and become stronger in our faith. It’s important to remember what God has done so that we can be forever grateful and trusting.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for the good and bad times in my life for I have seen you at work through them. I pray that I continually look to you to follow in your steps of grace. Amen
Faith Tip: Altars and other symbols of God’s work are mentioned throughout the Bible. Think of an important moment in your life where God presence was evident. Make a symbol to help you, and those who come after you, remember and learn of God’s faithfulness.
Written by Kathy Bruins
I am at the age where I frequently forget things. The doctors say that it is possible that I have “chemo brain” and that it may last a couple of years. I plan on using this excuse for a long stretch…say another 30-40 years. Well, we’ll try anyway.
It’s important to remember things. There are days in our lives that call for remembering both the good and the bad. We want to relive and be thankful for the good times, but can we be thankful for the bad times? If you can see how God worked through those times and carried you through them, then you can be thankful. It is through the challenges that we grow and become stronger in our faith. It’s important to remember what God has done so that we can be forever grateful and trusting.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for the good and bad times in my life for I have seen you at work through them. I pray that I continually look to you to follow in your steps of grace. Amen
Faith Tip: Altars and other symbols of God’s work are mentioned throughout the Bible. Think of an important moment in your life where God presence was evident. Make a symbol to help you, and those who come after you, remember and learn of God’s faithfulness.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Power of the Spirit
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8
The pictures of the recent tornado damage in Joplin, MO are devastating. Terrible scenes of whole neighborhoods destroyed, a hospital ruined, cars crumpled in piles like toys and trees that have lost all their leaves and limbs. The death toll has risen to 116 making it the deadliest tornado is 60 years. Although wind is something that we cannot see we can definitely see where it has been and the results of its power.
The Spirit is like the wind. Although we cannot see the Spirit, that doesn’t mean that it does not exist. We can see the Spirit move and see its power work through the church and people. The Spirit contains more power than a tornado, however that power does not destroy lives, but it transforms lives. Let the power of God’s Spirit move through you today.
Prayer: Father, Son and Holy Spirit I pray for the people in Missouri whose lives have been changed by this tornado. Give them comfort and strength in this time. Allow me to be open to your Spirit so that your Spirit may move through me in powerful ways. Amen.
Faith Tip: Look around you today and notice the many ways that you can see or hear the wind moving and then begin to notice the many ways that you can sense the Spirit of God moving.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
The pictures of the recent tornado damage in Joplin, MO are devastating. Terrible scenes of whole neighborhoods destroyed, a hospital ruined, cars crumpled in piles like toys and trees that have lost all their leaves and limbs. The death toll has risen to 116 making it the deadliest tornado is 60 years. Although wind is something that we cannot see we can definitely see where it has been and the results of its power.
The Spirit is like the wind. Although we cannot see the Spirit, that doesn’t mean that it does not exist. We can see the Spirit move and see its power work through the church and people. The Spirit contains more power than a tornado, however that power does not destroy lives, but it transforms lives. Let the power of God’s Spirit move through you today.
Prayer: Father, Son and Holy Spirit I pray for the people in Missouri whose lives have been changed by this tornado. Give them comfort and strength in this time. Allow me to be open to your Spirit so that your Spirit may move through me in powerful ways. Amen.
Faith Tip: Look around you today and notice the many ways that you can see or hear the wind moving and then begin to notice the many ways that you can sense the Spirit of God moving.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Faithful Footsteps
And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. – Romans 4:12
Following “in the footsteps of faith.” What a marvelous phrase Paul uses here in Romans to describe our journey of faith. It reminds me of winters when my children were little and they would follow my footsteps in order to navigate their way through the deep snow.
In order to navigate our way through the journey of faith it is helpful to walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before us. Their footsteps direct our path and inform our way. And as we follow the footsteps of others we make footsteps for those who follow us. Whose footsteps inform your faith journey and who is following in your footsteps of faith?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the faithful who have gone before me to provide me a path to follow. May my footsteps lead others down paths of righteousness. Amen.
Faith Tip: Reflect on your life and the kind of footsteps you are leaving for future generations. Are you leaving the kind of footsteps that you want others to follow?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
That Day or Hour is Unknown
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36
Radio host, Harold Camping, predicted that the Jesus would return this past Saturday. Several who believed him put up billboards around the nation and stood on street corners holding signs to warn others. Maybe you saw a few of them in downtown Holland. But Saturday came and went just like any other day, proving once again that Jesus was right when he said “no one knows about that day or hour.” Mr. Camping of course has ignored Jesus’ words and is now predicting that October 11, 2011 is the correct date.
Many like, Mr. Camping have tried and will continue to try to predict the second coming of Christ, but I will always choose to believe the words of Jesus. We will not know and we cannot know that day or hour. Although we do not know when it will happen, we can be assured that it will happen someday and sometime. It could be today, tomorrow or many, many years from now. Therefore we shouldn’t spend our time worrying about when it will happen, but prepare ourselves and do our part to work towards the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the promise that Jesus will return again. I look forward to that day expectantly, but I also thank you that I do not know when that day will be. Help me to live for your Kingdom in this day. Amen.
Faith Tip: Are you prepared for when Jesus comes again? Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not do so today, if so then do something today that will glorify God.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Radio host, Harold Camping, predicted that the Jesus would return this past Saturday. Several who believed him put up billboards around the nation and stood on street corners holding signs to warn others. Maybe you saw a few of them in downtown Holland. But Saturday came and went just like any other day, proving once again that Jesus was right when he said “no one knows about that day or hour.” Mr. Camping of course has ignored Jesus’ words and is now predicting that October 11, 2011 is the correct date.
Many like, Mr. Camping have tried and will continue to try to predict the second coming of Christ, but I will always choose to believe the words of Jesus. We will not know and we cannot know that day or hour. Although we do not know when it will happen, we can be assured that it will happen someday and sometime. It could be today, tomorrow or many, many years from now. Therefore we shouldn’t spend our time worrying about when it will happen, but prepare ourselves and do our part to work towards the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the promise that Jesus will return again. I look forward to that day expectantly, but I also thank you that I do not know when that day will be. Help me to live for your Kingdom in this day. Amen.
Faith Tip: Are you prepared for when Jesus comes again? Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not do so today, if so then do something today that will glorify God.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Gift of Worship
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. – Psalm 100:2
Last night we gathered together for a “Night of Praise.” It was a wonderful time of praise and worship as Moses and Tessa Mares led us in singing our praises to God. Before the concert we also enjoyed fellowship as the youth group served a delicious meal. Certainly the Spirit of the Lord was present in our midst last night!
These words from Psalm 100 brought us into our time of worship. Psalm 100 provides a beautiful description of what worship is supposed to be. Worship is to come out of a heart of gladness and be filled with joyful songs. Worship is a wonderful gift that God has given to us. It is a great way to begin our week and our day. When we begin with worship it keeps us focused on God and brings us into His kingdom! That is why it is so important to start each week with a great time of worship.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of worship. May all I do begin and end in worship to you. May my worship come from a heart of gladness and be filled with joyful songs. Amen.
Faith Tip: Find a way to start each day with worship. Read scripture, listen to a Christian song, pray, etc… you will find that when you start your day with worship it will change your day!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Last night we gathered together for a “Night of Praise.” It was a wonderful time of praise and worship as Moses and Tessa Mares led us in singing our praises to God. Before the concert we also enjoyed fellowship as the youth group served a delicious meal. Certainly the Spirit of the Lord was present in our midst last night!
These words from Psalm 100 brought us into our time of worship. Psalm 100 provides a beautiful description of what worship is supposed to be. Worship is to come out of a heart of gladness and be filled with joyful songs. Worship is a wonderful gift that God has given to us. It is a great way to begin our week and our day. When we begin with worship it keeps us focused on God and brings us into His kingdom! That is why it is so important to start each week with a great time of worship.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of worship. May all I do begin and end in worship to you. May my worship come from a heart of gladness and be filled with joyful songs. Amen.
Faith Tip: Find a way to start each day with worship. Read scripture, listen to a Christian song, pray, etc… you will find that when you start your day with worship it will change your day!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, May 20, 2011
To fix or not to fix - That is the question.
For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. – John 12:49
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. – Psalm 106:13
For all of us with a “fix it” mentality, we have a very difficult time waiting for something to be done, don’t we? We see someone suffering in some way and we are ready to throw on our cape and rush in to rescue them. At first glance, this may seem like the right thing to do, but consider the big picture. We can’t see the whole situation, but God can. If we jump in to rectify everything, we may actually be doing more harm than good. What lessons will be missed? What character won’t be built up? What trust will be built up to depend on God?
So what do we do? We just can’t stand by and let it happen. God doesn’t want us to stand by; he wants us to be in connection with him and to listen carefully for direction. God will give direction as we ask him. Listening and obeying is the key. He may have you act right away, or he may want you to wait on him for his purpose to be played out.
Prayer: I thank you, Lord, that you have all situations in your hand. I pray that I can discern when to act and when to wait. Amen
Faith Tip: Pray for a situation you know of today to see if God wants you to act. Listen carefully.
Written by Kathy Bruins
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. – Psalm 106:13
For all of us with a “fix it” mentality, we have a very difficult time waiting for something to be done, don’t we? We see someone suffering in some way and we are ready to throw on our cape and rush in to rescue them. At first glance, this may seem like the right thing to do, but consider the big picture. We can’t see the whole situation, but God can. If we jump in to rectify everything, we may actually be doing more harm than good. What lessons will be missed? What character won’t be built up? What trust will be built up to depend on God?
So what do we do? We just can’t stand by and let it happen. God doesn’t want us to stand by; he wants us to be in connection with him and to listen carefully for direction. God will give direction as we ask him. Listening and obeying is the key. He may have you act right away, or he may want you to wait on him for his purpose to be played out.
Prayer: I thank you, Lord, that you have all situations in your hand. I pray that I can discern when to act and when to wait. Amen
Faith Tip: Pray for a situation you know of today to see if God wants you to act. Listen carefully.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Hunger Pangs
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. – John 6:35
I remember as a child going to visit my great grandmother on the east side of the state. She was a dear woman who had the gift of hospitality all her life. We knew we would need to be hungry going to her house, because she always had a spread of good food upon our arrival. She deeply desired to show her love through feeding us. When we left, we were always full, but eventually we would get hungry again.
Jesus has a deep desire to show his love by feeding us—with himself. Hunger pangs happen when we are not focused on Jesus. Trying to fill up on worldly things only satisfies for awhile. When we feast on Jesus, the bread of life, we will never be hungry or thirsty again for fullness in our spirit.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for filling me with yourself. I pray that I will not look at other things in the world to satisfy me where you rightfully need to be. Amen.
Faith Tip: Feeling hungry? Crave the food and drink of Jesus. You will be more than satisfied.
Written by Kathy Bruins
I remember as a child going to visit my great grandmother on the east side of the state. She was a dear woman who had the gift of hospitality all her life. We knew we would need to be hungry going to her house, because she always had a spread of good food upon our arrival. She deeply desired to show her love through feeding us. When we left, we were always full, but eventually we would get hungry again.
Jesus has a deep desire to show his love by feeding us—with himself. Hunger pangs happen when we are not focused on Jesus. Trying to fill up on worldly things only satisfies for awhile. When we feast on Jesus, the bread of life, we will never be hungry or thirsty again for fullness in our spirit.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for filling me with yourself. I pray that I will not look at other things in the world to satisfy me where you rightfully need to be. Amen.
Faith Tip: Feeling hungry? Crave the food and drink of Jesus. You will be more than satisfied.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Rowing on Rough Waters
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. - John 6:16-21
I wonder how the disciples were feeling as they were rowing in the lake, in the dark with the waters getting rough and Jesus nowhere in sight. How long did it take them to row three or four miles? I imagine it was plenty of time to consider and create scenarios in their minds of what could happen to them. With their minds filled with possible disasters, they then see Jesus and in their already anxious state they are afraid.
When something happens that is unexpected, it can be frightening—a diagnosis, a loss, or any situation that seems to come out from the blue. We may feel alone. But the truth is that we are not—Jesus is there. He doesn’t want us to be fearful, but just to trust in him. Like the disciples, invite Jesus into your “boat” and let them take over. He knows the way to go to reach the shore of peace.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being there when I am frightened. I pray that my focus stays on you and not on the situations that seem to surround me. Amen
Faith Tip: Something upsetting your boat today? Look out on the water of your life because Jesus is walking to you. Invite him in.
Written by Kathy Bruins
I wonder how the disciples were feeling as they were rowing in the lake, in the dark with the waters getting rough and Jesus nowhere in sight. How long did it take them to row three or four miles? I imagine it was plenty of time to consider and create scenarios in their minds of what could happen to them. With their minds filled with possible disasters, they then see Jesus and in their already anxious state they are afraid.
When something happens that is unexpected, it can be frightening—a diagnosis, a loss, or any situation that seems to come out from the blue. We may feel alone. But the truth is that we are not—Jesus is there. He doesn’t want us to be fearful, but just to trust in him. Like the disciples, invite Jesus into your “boat” and let them take over. He knows the way to go to reach the shore of peace.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being there when I am frightened. I pray that my focus stays on you and not on the situations that seem to surround me. Amen
Faith Tip: Something upsetting your boat today? Look out on the water of your life because Jesus is walking to you. Invite him in.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
God's Great Love For You
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17
Children have a way of bringing joy into our lives by simple things. Their enthusiasm for life is addicting as we may or may not have “lost the thrill” of things such as a parade or fireworks. As I watched a friend Dutch dance last week, it was neat to see two children run out to their group and join hands with the dancers to kick the last few steps. They were excited!
As we take pleasure in the children, God also delights in us the same way—we are his kids. Although there are times when we need correction, he does it because of his great love for us. He forgives us and moves back into delighting over us. His love is so great for us; it’s beyond what we can fathom.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your great love that is demonstrated in our lives every day. I pray that I can be aware of your presence knowing you never leave me alone. Amen
Faith Tip: Give yourself a hug and imagine it’s from God. Well, we are the hands and feet (and arms) of Christ.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Children have a way of bringing joy into our lives by simple things. Their enthusiasm for life is addicting as we may or may not have “lost the thrill” of things such as a parade or fireworks. As I watched a friend Dutch dance last week, it was neat to see two children run out to their group and join hands with the dancers to kick the last few steps. They were excited!
As we take pleasure in the children, God also delights in us the same way—we are his kids. Although there are times when we need correction, he does it because of his great love for us. He forgives us and moves back into delighting over us. His love is so great for us; it’s beyond what we can fathom.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your great love that is demonstrated in our lives every day. I pray that I can be aware of your presence knowing you never leave me alone. Amen
Faith Tip: Give yourself a hug and imagine it’s from God. Well, we are the hands and feet (and arms) of Christ.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Love Builds Up
We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. – 1 Corinthians 8:1
I was speaking at Pilgrimage a few weeks ago. At Pilgrimage the speakers choose a flower to take forward and place in a vase by the podium. I was speaking towards the end of the weekend and most of the beautiful flowers had already been selected. I saw one flower that had been ignored. It had not yet blossomed and therefore was not the best looking flower in the bunch. I felt sorry for this overlooked flower so I selected it. As I was waiting to go to the podium I held the flower in my hand. As I held the flower it suddenly began to blossom. Those who were waiting with me and I were amazed. As I spoke the flower continued to open up and by the end of my speech the flower had fully opened and was one of the most beautiful flowers in the vase. All that flower needed was someone to love it.
There are many people like this flower. They are ignored, under-appreciated, just waiting for somebody to care for them and love them. Once they receive love they begin to blossom into the person that God created them to be. As Paul tells the Corinthians, love builds people up. Love is a powerful tool! Look for those who are often over-looked, those who stay in the corners, those who society has forgotten and show them Christ’s love. You never know, they may blossom into the most beautiful person you have ever met!
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes so that I may see the people that I often don’t see. Help me to love those who feel unloved, so that by my love they will be built up and blossom into the person you want them to be. Amen.
Faith Tip: Share Christ’s love today with a person that needs to feel loved. You never know how a smile or a kind gesture may turn a person’s day or life around.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
I was speaking at Pilgrimage a few weeks ago. At Pilgrimage the speakers choose a flower to take forward and place in a vase by the podium. I was speaking towards the end of the weekend and most of the beautiful flowers had already been selected. I saw one flower that had been ignored. It had not yet blossomed and therefore was not the best looking flower in the bunch. I felt sorry for this overlooked flower so I selected it. As I was waiting to go to the podium I held the flower in my hand. As I held the flower it suddenly began to blossom. Those who were waiting with me and I were amazed. As I spoke the flower continued to open up and by the end of my speech the flower had fully opened and was one of the most beautiful flowers in the vase. All that flower needed was someone to love it.
There are many people like this flower. They are ignored, under-appreciated, just waiting for somebody to care for them and love them. Once they receive love they begin to blossom into the person that God created them to be. As Paul tells the Corinthians, love builds people up. Love is a powerful tool! Look for those who are often over-looked, those who stay in the corners, those who society has forgotten and show them Christ’s love. You never know, they may blossom into the most beautiful person you have ever met!
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes so that I may see the people that I often don’t see. Help me to love those who feel unloved, so that by my love they will be built up and blossom into the person you want them to be. Amen.
Faith Tip: Share Christ’s love today with a person that needs to feel loved. You never know how a smile or a kind gesture may turn a person’s day or life around.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, May 9, 2011
A Leader of Influence
When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil. – Proverbs 29:12 (MSG)
Thursday evening the consistory of Grace listened to Rodger Price of the RCA speak about leadership. We learned that a leader is one who influences others. By that definition we are all leaders because we all have the ability to influence those around us at some level. Whether you are the president of a company or a person working on the line you are a leader in your work. Whether you are a pastor or a new Christian you are a leader in your church. And as leaders we can influence others in both positive and negative ways. This verse in Proverbs gives us an example of a leader influencing others in a negative way.
Every day whether we realize it or not, we have an influence on the people around us. We influence our family, friends, co-workers, we even have influence on strangers. People are listening to what we say, how we act, and how we respond to situations. By our words and actions we are leading people to Christ or away from him. Where are you words, actions and attitudes leading people?
Prayer: Lord, you are my shepherd and you lead me in paths of righteousness. Help me to follow your leading so that I may lead others in a positive way along your paths with my words, actions and attitudes. Help me lead others to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today try to have a positive influence on those around you. Try smiling instead of frowning, approach problems with optimism instead of pessimism. Be encouraging instead of critical. Be a positive leader.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday evening the consistory of Grace listened to Rodger Price of the RCA speak about leadership. We learned that a leader is one who influences others. By that definition we are all leaders because we all have the ability to influence those around us at some level. Whether you are the president of a company or a person working on the line you are a leader in your work. Whether you are a pastor or a new Christian you are a leader in your church. And as leaders we can influence others in both positive and negative ways. This verse in Proverbs gives us an example of a leader influencing others in a negative way.
Every day whether we realize it or not, we have an influence on the people around us. We influence our family, friends, co-workers, we even have influence on strangers. People are listening to what we say, how we act, and how we respond to situations. By our words and actions we are leading people to Christ or away from him. Where are you words, actions and attitudes leading people?
Prayer: Lord, you are my shepherd and you lead me in paths of righteousness. Help me to follow your leading so that I may lead others in a positive way along your paths with my words, actions and attitudes. Help me lead others to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today try to have a positive influence on those around you. Try smiling instead of frowning, approach problems with optimism instead of pessimism. Be encouraging instead of critical. Be a positive leader.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, May 6, 2011
Building Up or Tearing Down
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16
Mary Hinkle, author of the blog Pilgrim Preaching: Keeping Company with Biblical Texts and the People Who Hear and Preach Them, says, “Is there any congregation in the whole Christian church on earth that you don’t have to leave when you are having a problem that you can’t hide.” This is a sad commentary that I pray isn’t true. We as humans all encounter problems, struggles, bad choices, and basically sin in our lives. The body of Christ is put together for a reason. God knew that there would be times when we would struggle and being alone in a struggle is very lonely. Leaving a support system, such as the church, I would think would be more detrimental to the person suffering. The importance of showing compassion and mercy to a hurting person and surrounding them in prayer is where healing will begin.
We need to choose if we will be a builder of the body of Christ or a demolisher. If you have been in the demolishing role before, ask for forgiveness…it is freely given, then turn away from that practice and become a builder. Christ is counting on you to be a part of a supportive body of believers ready to pray and love as Christ where needed.
Prayer: The body of Christ is such a precious gift that you have given us. I pray that I may not look at it as the world looks at it. I pray that I may represent you in every situation giving you all glory. Amen
Faith Tip: Do you need support from the body of Christ? Find someone you trust and share your hurt or struggle. You don’t need to carry your burden alone.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Mary Hinkle, author of the blog Pilgrim Preaching: Keeping Company with Biblical Texts and the People Who Hear and Preach Them, says, “Is there any congregation in the whole Christian church on earth that you don’t have to leave when you are having a problem that you can’t hide.” This is a sad commentary that I pray isn’t true. We as humans all encounter problems, struggles, bad choices, and basically sin in our lives. The body of Christ is put together for a reason. God knew that there would be times when we would struggle and being alone in a struggle is very lonely. Leaving a support system, such as the church, I would think would be more detrimental to the person suffering. The importance of showing compassion and mercy to a hurting person and surrounding them in prayer is where healing will begin.
We need to choose if we will be a builder of the body of Christ or a demolisher. If you have been in the demolishing role before, ask for forgiveness…it is freely given, then turn away from that practice and become a builder. Christ is counting on you to be a part of a supportive body of believers ready to pray and love as Christ where needed.
Prayer: The body of Christ is such a precious gift that you have given us. I pray that I may not look at it as the world looks at it. I pray that I may represent you in every situation giving you all glory. Amen
Faith Tip: Do you need support from the body of Christ? Find someone you trust and share your hurt or struggle. You don’t need to carry your burden alone.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Turn Anxiety Into Ashes
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
This tends to be a busy time of year with graduations, weddings, end of ministries for the year and their celebration, along with everyday life and work. Sometimes we can become anxious about it all because it seems overwhelming. We wonder how we are going to do it all and forget that the One who created all things is there. If we can keep from grouping everything together in one chaotic mass and enjoy them one by one, day by day, minute by minute praying for God’s grace and wisdom as you journey, the trip will go much smoother. Peace will descend upon you as you allow God into what you are doing. This peace will guard your hearts and minds as a protective barrier against evil.
Be thankful for prayer. Choose to use prayer in your every moment enjoying the presence of all mighty God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for prayer and for the promise of peace. I pray that I choose to trust you in all things. Amen
Faith Tip: What’s on your schedule today and tomorrow? Take one thing at a time and begin talking to Jesus about it. Accept the peace he has to offer.
Written by Kathy Bruins
This tends to be a busy time of year with graduations, weddings, end of ministries for the year and their celebration, along with everyday life and work. Sometimes we can become anxious about it all because it seems overwhelming. We wonder how we are going to do it all and forget that the One who created all things is there. If we can keep from grouping everything together in one chaotic mass and enjoy them one by one, day by day, minute by minute praying for God’s grace and wisdom as you journey, the trip will go much smoother. Peace will descend upon you as you allow God into what you are doing. This peace will guard your hearts and minds as a protective barrier against evil.
Be thankful for prayer. Choose to use prayer in your every moment enjoying the presence of all mighty God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for prayer and for the promise of peace. I pray that I choose to trust you in all things. Amen
Faith Tip: What’s on your schedule today and tomorrow? Take one thing at a time and begin talking to Jesus about it. Accept the peace he has to offer.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Can You Handle the Truth?
…the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. – John 14:17
What is truth? That question has been asked for centuries and the answer seems to change depending on the world’s circumstances. What is true one day, such as the Pony Express is the fastest mode of communication, is no longer true. Technology has changed this truth.
God’s truth never ever changes. Although human ideas of what is right or wrong has changed in regards to truth that seems right to us, it does not have an effect on God’s truth. Whether or not we accept God’s truth is our choice. The Spirit of Truth lives within us, so we do have access to real truth. The question is do we conform to God’s truth or the world’s?
Prayer: Spirit of Truth, I pray that you reign in my thoughts today. Amen
Faith Tip: Is there a lie from the world that has established itself as truth in you? If so, it’s time to clean house.
Written by Kathy Bruins
What is truth? That question has been asked for centuries and the answer seems to change depending on the world’s circumstances. What is true one day, such as the Pony Express is the fastest mode of communication, is no longer true. Technology has changed this truth.
God’s truth never ever changes. Although human ideas of what is right or wrong has changed in regards to truth that seems right to us, it does not have an effect on God’s truth. Whether or not we accept God’s truth is our choice. The Spirit of Truth lives within us, so we do have access to real truth. The question is do we conform to God’s truth or the world’s?
Prayer: Spirit of Truth, I pray that you reign in my thoughts today. Amen
Faith Tip: Is there a lie from the world that has established itself as truth in you? If so, it’s time to clean house.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Pray the Plan
“Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” – Luke 22:40
I have found that the best way I can lose weight is to plan ahead what I am going to eat. If I find myself hungry with no plan in place, I am allowing myself to fall off the wagon and start grazing the nearest grass. Having a preventative plan all set up helps me immensely.
It’s the same with any temptation in our life. If we have a plan of prevention set up, we can succeed. The number one step to plan is to pray. Praying against a temptation invites God into the plan and allows him to take action in fighting your temptation. It says in the Bible that God will always make a way out for any temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). God is faithful. He wants us to succeed. In every little success, giving God the glory will set the healthy habit of always going to God for help. He’s waiting.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the successes you have helped me reach. You are cheering me on every step of the way. I pray that I focus on you so that I am to move through any obstacles I come across. You are so worthy of all glory and praise. Amen
Faith Tip: What temptation feels like it has a total grip on you? Break free through Jesus. He will help you through.
Written by Kathy Bruins
I have found that the best way I can lose weight is to plan ahead what I am going to eat. If I find myself hungry with no plan in place, I am allowing myself to fall off the wagon and start grazing the nearest grass. Having a preventative plan all set up helps me immensely.
It’s the same with any temptation in our life. If we have a plan of prevention set up, we can succeed. The number one step to plan is to pray. Praying against a temptation invites God into the plan and allows him to take action in fighting your temptation. It says in the Bible that God will always make a way out for any temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). God is faithful. He wants us to succeed. In every little success, giving God the glory will set the healthy habit of always going to God for help. He’s waiting.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the successes you have helped me reach. You are cheering me on every step of the way. I pray that I focus on you so that I am to move through any obstacles I come across. You are so worthy of all glory and praise. Amen
Faith Tip: What temptation feels like it has a total grip on you? Break free through Jesus. He will help you through.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Hearts Set on Pilgrimage
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. – Psalm 84:5
My morning is running a little slow as I catch up on a bit of sleep from a wonderful weekend in Newaygo. This was the Michigan Presbyterian Pilgrimage #17 and as always, is worth doing. With the great team that God put together and the guests that were called to experience the journey, there was no question who was in charge. The rector did a wonderful job in leading, but God was at the controls.
Life can make us feel drained. Whether it is everyday responsibilities or certain challenges that we experience, we get tired. Those on the pilgrimage experienced the life giving Spirit of God as we all focused on what God was doing in us all. We drank in the reflections of God’s love as we served one another and gave gifts of encouragement. Together we were strengthened.
God gives the refreshment, wisdom, stamina, vision, encouragement, love, joy and anything else we are willing to accept from him. It is our choice.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this past weekend where I can join other sisters and brothers in a journey that brings us to you. It is so refreshing! I pray that I can carry that refreshment will me always to give a drink or a splash of your love and grace to those who are parched by life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Take the time to experience a pilgrimage of faith in whatever manner that may look like.
Written by Kathy Bruins
My morning is running a little slow as I catch up on a bit of sleep from a wonderful weekend in Newaygo. This was the Michigan Presbyterian Pilgrimage #17 and as always, is worth doing. With the great team that God put together and the guests that were called to experience the journey, there was no question who was in charge. The rector did a wonderful job in leading, but God was at the controls.
Life can make us feel drained. Whether it is everyday responsibilities or certain challenges that we experience, we get tired. Those on the pilgrimage experienced the life giving Spirit of God as we all focused on what God was doing in us all. We drank in the reflections of God’s love as we served one another and gave gifts of encouragement. Together we were strengthened.
God gives the refreshment, wisdom, stamina, vision, encouragement, love, joy and anything else we are willing to accept from him. It is our choice.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this past weekend where I can join other sisters and brothers in a journey that brings us to you. It is so refreshing! I pray that I can carry that refreshment will me always to give a drink or a splash of your love and grace to those who are parched by life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Take the time to experience a pilgrimage of faith in whatever manner that may look like.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Breakfast with Jesus
Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast. ”None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. – John 21:12
After the resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples in many different places, but probably the most unusual place was on the beach at sunrise to enjoy a breakfast of fish. We might expect the resurrected Jesus to appear at the temple, on top of a mountain or walking across the Sea of Galilee, but instead Jesus showed up at breakfast.
Jesus appearance at breakfast is a reminder to us that the living Christ is with us always. He is not just with us in church or on special occasions, but he is with us wherever we might be, even if that place is at the beach or the breakfast table. There is no place too mundane or too out of the way that Jesus will not be there. He is alive and he lives with us every hour of every day!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you are with me wherever I may be. Forgive me when I forget that you are always present with me. Help me to be always present with you. Amen.
Faith Tip: As you go through your day take sometime to remind yourself that Jesus is present with you. This simple exercise will help you appreciate the presence of Jesus in your life and will make your day a little brighter.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
After the resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples in many different places, but probably the most unusual place was on the beach at sunrise to enjoy a breakfast of fish. We might expect the resurrected Jesus to appear at the temple, on top of a mountain or walking across the Sea of Galilee, but instead Jesus showed up at breakfast.
Jesus appearance at breakfast is a reminder to us that the living Christ is with us always. He is not just with us in church or on special occasions, but he is with us wherever we might be, even if that place is at the beach or the breakfast table. There is no place too mundane or too out of the way that Jesus will not be there. He is alive and he lives with us every hour of every day!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you are with me wherever I may be. Forgive me when I forget that you are always present with me. Help me to be always present with you. Amen.
Faith Tip: As you go through your day take sometime to remind yourself that Jesus is present with you. This simple exercise will help you appreciate the presence of Jesus in your life and will make your day a little brighter.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Following by Faith
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here;see my hands. Reach out your hand and put itinto my side. Stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27
We live in a world that is full of doubt and unbelief; a world that needs proof before we will believe. In our world we live by sight not by faith. Thomas was a man from our world, not wanting to believe in the resurrection until he could actually see and touch the living Jesus.
How much are we like Thomas. Do our doubts arise when we don’t see God at work? Does our unbelief increase when we can’t see how God is answering our prayers? Following Christ is not about following by sight, but following by faith. Jesus calls us not to believe in him because of what we have seen, but believe in him because God has given us the faith to believe what we have not seen. This is true faith and true faith leaves very little room for doubt and unbelief.
Prayer: Thank you God for the faith that you have placed within me. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight, so that my faith in you will grow every day. Amen.
Faith Tip: Are you waiting on a sign from God in order to believe? If so then stop waiting and walk by faith and fully trust and believe in God.
Written By Pastor Aaron Anderson
We live in a world that is full of doubt and unbelief; a world that needs proof before we will believe. In our world we live by sight not by faith. Thomas was a man from our world, not wanting to believe in the resurrection until he could actually see and touch the living Jesus.
How much are we like Thomas. Do our doubts arise when we don’t see God at work? Does our unbelief increase when we can’t see how God is answering our prayers? Following Christ is not about following by sight, but following by faith. Jesus calls us not to believe in him because of what we have seen, but believe in him because God has given us the faith to believe what we have not seen. This is true faith and true faith leaves very little room for doubt and unbelief.
Prayer: Thank you God for the faith that you have placed within me. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight, so that my faith in you will grow every day. Amen.
Faith Tip: Are you waiting on a sign from God in order to believe? If so then stop waiting and walk by faith and fully trust and believe in God.
Written By Pastor Aaron Anderson
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