She Speaks, She Writes, She Teaches/Leads

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. – Romans 1:11

I was constantly amazed by the number of women at the She Speaks conference knowing that each one of them carried a message from God to minister to others. So the 650 women shared their hearts and were blessed. One may think that with so many speakers, writers and teachers that the message is overdone, but not so. God in his wisdom created a different message for each person.

How about you? What is God’s message in you that needs to be shared for his glory? Do not worry that the story is either too plain or too colorful. It is perfect because it is God’s story. Can you imagine if everyone in the church shared their God story, how encouraged we all would be by the mercy and grace shown through his children?

Prayer: Lord, my God story is unique from other’s stories and that is how it should be. I pray that I can share my story to encourage the body of believers to be drawn closer to you. It is all about you. Amen

Faith Tip: Think about the great things God has done in your life. What valleys did you walk together that showed you his great love? Please consider sharing your story with others. You are blessed to be a blessing.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Winning

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:14

I love to play Scrabble. I have reconnected with a high school friend through Facebook who lives in Pennsylvania and happens to be a Scrabble master. Playing against him has sharpened my Scrabble skills to where I can actually be close to beating him. I press on…

Pressing on means to persevere and work towards a goal. Each of our calls differs, but they all lead us heavenward. In Jesus, we have everything we need to press on and reach the goal set before us. The prize is within our grasp. Don’t give up, but press on.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the call you have put on my life. I pray that your Spirit will refresh me on those days I don’t feel like pressing on. It’s all for you, Jesus. Amen

Faith Tip: Feeling discouraged in reaching your goal? Look to Jesus for the strength to go on and finish the race victoriously.

Written by Kathy Bruins

A Great Cloud of God's Gals

“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 

This past week, I was part of “a great cloud of witnesses” at the She Speaks conference in Concord, North Carolina. The 650 women that were there to run the race that God has marked for us grew together as we worshiped, listened to instruction, were evaluated, visited the prayer room, talked with editors and agents, encouraged one another, and served one another. In this kind of business where sin can easily trip us up, the prayers that were said for and by so many of the women and staff set the tone for the glorious presence of God during the weekend.

It doesn’t take a special conference for this to be put in place in our lives. We are today surrounded by a many witnesses as we journey through life. Sin can easily entangle us, but if we make it a priority to pray for one another, the race we run for God is smoother as we freely jump the hurdles on the track.

Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for the many women who prayed for me during the weekend from She Speaks and also the people who prayed for me from my home church. I pray that we can continue in a spirit of prayer to life one another up throughout our race in life. Amen

Faith Tip: Who does God bring to your mind today to lift up in prayer?

Written by Kathy Bruins

Walking Your Faith

“[Faith in Action] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” - Hebrews 11:1

Action is a response. When we are hungry, we eat. When we are tired, we sleep. When we are sad, we cry. When we see someone who needs help, we go to help them. We would be surprised by all the actions we have during our day.

Faith in action is responding to what we don’t see, but definitely feel. The call God gives us to act allows us to exercise our faith muscles into action. If those muscles are weak, we may not respond to the call. But taking those baby steps of faith out for a nice walk will build the muscles up and keep us in good spiritual shape.

The assurance comes out of the relationship we have with God. As we communicate with the Lord, we grow in our knowledge of who he is and what he focuses on. Following God is following hope being assured that his promises are true … even those we can’t see.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the opportunities I have to take my faith out for a walk. I am assured by your love and that gives me great hope. Amen

Faith Tip: Faith muscles feeling a little weak? Take them out for a walk and see what God will do through you.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Delays To Your Destination

“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” - Psalm 119:60

I love driving and seeing the beautiful countryside. As a friend and I traveled to North Carolina for a conference this past week, we had an idea when we were supposed to arrive and were able to enjoy the ride as we rode around mountains, across bridges and flatlands. Through communication online, I learned that some who were making their way to the conference via airplane were struggling with arriving because of flight delays and cancellations. It was so frustrating for them to sit and wait for a response from the airlines that would get them to the place they needed to go. Nothing is happening as they sit and wait knowing that there is a lot of great activity going on at their destination.

Our response to God’s call can be like that. In delaying to answer the call, we are in limbo to what God has for us and it is frustrating. Nothing happens, yet there is activity going on at the destination of where God wants us to go. We need to break through whatever is holding us back in responding to God’s call for it is a command, not a request. There is beauty in traveling the journey of our call. We see the wonders of God’s handiwork and many times wonder why we didn’t answer the call earlier.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the call you have on my life. I pray that I will not delay in responding to what you want me to do. Amen

Faith Tip: What is God calling you to do today? Trust him and respond.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Welcomed Rain

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. – Matthew 5:45

This morning we were greeted with a nice cover of clouds, a refreshing sprinkle of rain and cooler temperatures.  Rain and clouds are a welcomed sight after the scorching temperatures we have endured the past few days. 

As I was driving to the church this morning, I was thinking how rain can often be a good thing when it ushers in cooler temperatures and revives dry lawns and gardens.  And rain can also be unwanted when it cancels a golf outing, a trip to the beach, in areas that have been inundated with flooding, or accompanies a devastating storm.

This understanding can help us gain deeper insight to Jesus teaching on God’s unconditional love.  When Jesus said that God sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, he was referring to both good and bad times.  God loves us all unconditionally and what he gives us is not dependent upon anything we have done or not done.  God’s love is unconditional and so his mercy, justice, grace and loving kindness rain down on everyone.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for your unconditional love.  Thank you for the rain that falls in my life whether it be welcomed or unwanted.  You know what I need and you always provide.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Is there rain falling in your life today?  Is it a shower of blessing or stormy weather?  Whatever your circumstance, hold on to the truth that God is with you and will care for you through this time because of his unconditional love for you.  

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson    

Spiritual Temperature

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! – Revelation 3:15

This week there is a heat wave that is covering the country.  Today in Holland, the forecast is calling for another day of a triple digit heat index.  As we endure these abnormal temperatures I hear a lot of complaints about the heat.  It is the same complaints that I hear in the winter about the freezing temperatures.  When it comes to the weather we are very fickle people.  We don’t like the extreme temperatures, most of us would prefer it to be in the mid-to-upper seventies all year long.

As Christians we often don’t like to live at the extremes.  We don’t want to be too bold and outspoken in our faith for fear that we might get labeled a fanatic.  We also don’t want to be too indifferent about our faith for fear of being labeled an unbeliever.  So instead we take a stance somewhere in the middle and we become complacent, content and comfortable just being luke-warm.  But that is exactly where the Lord does not want us to be.  Jesus was never luke-warm about his beliefs.  The Lord calls us to be extreme; to not be comfortable and content with a middle-of-the-road faith.  What spiritual temperature do you have?  Are you hot, cold or just luke-warm?

Prayer:  Lord help me to have a hot spiritual temperature.  Forgive me when I become complacent and comfortable with a luke-warm faith.  Set my heart on fire that I might be a bold witness for you.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Take your spiritual temperature today.  If it seems a little low do something to warm up your spirit.  Read an encouraging Christian book, read scripture, do something for the Lord, share God’s love and live this day with a spirit that is as hot as the weather.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

God's Garden

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 17:8

This year, for the first time, our family planted a vegetable garden.  It has been exciting and fun for the kids to watch the plants grow and then begin bearing fruit.  Last night we enjoyed a salad that was made of lettuce and strawberries from our garden.  What a joy it was to actually bring the fruits of our garden to the dinner table.

Throughout scripture God is personified as a gardener and we are the plants in his beautiful garden.  He has carefully chosen the exact place and time to plant us in his garden.  He nourishes us and gives us exactly what we need to grow.  Like any gardener, he expects us to bear fruit and it brings him great joy to watch us grow, mature and begin to bear fruit.  However, what will give him the greatest pleasure will be when he takes us out of this earthly garden and brings us into his home to enjoy us forever. 

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for planting me in your garden.  Thank you that you have chosen exactly the right place and time for me to be planted.  Thank you for providing all that I need to grow.  Help me to produce the fruit that will be pleasing in your sight. Amen.

Faith Tip: Are you fruity?  That is, are you bearing fruit for the Lord?  If not, find something you can do today that will bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.        

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Sweet Fellowship

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. –Psalm 55:13-14

This past week I have enjoyed sweet fellowship with other Christians.  Last Tuesday evening I enjoyed a delicious meal and attended a band concert with the widows/widowers in our church.  On Saturday morning, I fellowshipped with those from our church, as we washed cars for free in the church parking lot.  Saturday evening the church praise team gathered together for an enjoyable time.  Sunday evening we enjoyed fellowship as a church at a picnic.  This morning I had breakfast with a good Christian friend of mine.  It is truly a blessing to fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ.

Although we are called to go out and reach those who do not know Christ, we must also be intentional about having regular times of fellowship with those who are in Christ.  It is this fellowship that encourages, builds up and strengthens us in our faith.  Without these times of fellowship our faith will falter and fade.  Like one craves the taste of sweet chocolate, as Christians we must crave the sweet fellowship with one another.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Help me to find time to spend with them so that we may enjoy sweet fellowship together.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Today put it on your calendar to attend a Bible study, a small group, or some other gathering where you can fellowship with other Christian believers.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
 

Storms of Life

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. – Psalm 61:4

Last week, as I was working in the church, a strong, violent storm rolled through Holland.  I could hear the rain, but didn’t think much of it, because I was safe and sound within the church.

It wasn’t until I left the church and went outside that I realized the great power of the storm.  Large trees had been blown down, power-outages covered the city, stop lights were not working and traffic was at a standstill.  Although all this was happening around me, I was unaware of the impact of the storm because I was sheltered within the church.

When we encounter storms in life we can take refuge in the shelter of the Lord.  Although all around us it may seem like our world is falling apart and chaos is reigning in our lives, we can run to the Lord and find comfort, peace and protection.  No matter how big the storms in your life are, when you run to the Lord he will take care of you.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for protection and comfort in the midst of the storms of life.  Help me to remember to seek you when I am scared and troubled so that I may take refuge in the shelter of your wings.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  What storm is rolling through your life today?  Is it illness, stress, finances, difficult decisions, relationship problems?  No matter what the storm is, run to God and seek shelter under his wings.   

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

There You Are!

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

There were acrobatics, face painters, musicians, singers, belly dancers, and more performing downtown. Every Thursday night, my town closes the main street downtown for this gathering and many people come out to enjoy it. Last night, a friend and I had dinner and walked around to watch the entertainers. It was a perfect summer night.

As I walked down the street, I saw a little boy who I thought looked like my great nephew from New Jersey. I then looked at the adults that were with him and recognized them too. They were visiting for the week. We were excited to see each other, hugged and talked. Afterwards, as we continued down the street, I recognized a couple of ladies from my church. We again were glad to see each other and talked.

I imagine that is what heaven will be like. As we walk around the streets of gold, we will see people we recognize and will be so happy and excited to see them. The love we share in this life will not die when we do, but multiply as we enter eternal life. What a great reunion that will be!

Prayer: God, it is so great to know that the people I love today who know you as their Lord and Savior will be with me for eternity, and I can continue to love them. Knowing you will be there in person is so exciting. Amen

Faith Tip: Pray for the people you love who don’t know Jesus as their personal savior, so that they will be part of the great reunion.

Written by Kathy Bruins

God is Fun!

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. – Psalm 68:3

What a hoot! I had so much fun “playing” with the women last night who came out to be in a commercial for an upcoming ladies conference. Fortunately, we had two very patient camera men. There truly is a joy and gladness felt when gathering with brothers and sisters in the faith for the same purpose—it’s fun!

God wants that joy to spread. He has plans for more to enter his kingdom and he uses us to work out that plan. Who do you know that needs to know the joy and gladness of the Lord? Invite them in. Show them how much God loves them.

Perhaps you are going through a struggle today. God knows and cares. He sends people into your life to help you. Knowing the joy of the Lord is your strength (Psalm 28:7). Your strength comes in knowing God is there. He hasn’t left you to fend for yourself. Rejoice in that truth.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the great love you have for me and for the times I can express my joy of you with others. I pray that I can remember your faithfulness whenever I come across a struggle. Amen

Faith Tip: Gather with other Christians and enjoy your time together. Expand the circle to those who need to know that joy.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Lavish Love

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. – 1 John 3:1

My friend who is a grandmother who does a lot of fun things with her grandkids told me today that when she took care of a neighbor’s four children, she took her eight year old grandson with her. After they left from babysitting the children, her grandson said, “Grandma, those kids loved on me so much, I felt like their father.”

God desires us to love on him. When we do, we realize that he is our father. Is there someone in your life that you have loved on? What was the reason for that? With love, there usually isn’t any other reason than the love. It feels so good to show love to someone, especially when you know they will return the love. God guarantees that his love will never fail (Psalm 89:28). He promises that nothing will separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). It is abundant. Bask in his love as the child of God that you are.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your abundant love for me. I pray that I take time daily in all I do the great love I have for you. Amen

Faith Tip: Brainstorm on ways you can love on God. 

Written by Kathy Bruins

Do I Know You?

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, - Philippians 3:10

Last night I received a call from a special person in my life, and it’s the first time we have heard each other’s voice. She is a client of mine who has become a friend and is a sister in the Lord. It was so fun to hear her cute Texas accent, although she said she liked my accent (didn’t know I had one). We have emailed messages and work back and forth for quite awhile now and shared our hearts. Through this, I feel like I know her more than many acquaintances I have in my community. My heart was filled with joy in the simple time of talking on the phone.

I believe that’s how it feels when Jesus is calling. As we send messages back and forth with Jesus through prayer and meditation of his word, we come to know him more. Although some friendships on earth are only for a season in our life, the relationship with Christ is constant. Knowing him more will bring more truth in our lives of his power and love. Knowing Jesus fills our hearts with joy and peace that is beyond our understanding.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I boldly come before your throne knowing that you welcome me. I thank you for your word that shares this truth. I pray that I can today live life in peace and joy knowing and trusting your power and love. Amen

Faith Tip: Put effort today in knowing Jesus. See the difference it makes in your life.

Written by Kathy Bruins

It's Too Hard!

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” - Jeremiah 32:17

 

I currently have a lot of projects that I am working on for upcoming events and wonder how I am going to get it all done. Anxiety comes when I focus on the “to do” list. Being busy is not a new thing to me and I have past experience in God making everything come together. Yet I once again get into the cycle of worry when I “forget” how God has worked before. I am blinded by short-sightedness when I take my eyes off the one who is able to do all things.

When God calls us to do something for him, he will make sure we have everything we need to complete the task. Trusting God with the outcome by obediently following his direction will bring us to goal time and time again. When we look back, we can see how God has supplied all of our needs and give him all the praise and glory. It is all about him and his kingdom, so we can remove the yoke of self and take his which feels a lot lighter.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling us to serve and enabling us to complete the task. I pray that I honor you with all you would have me do. Amen

Faith Tip: Today is a new day with another opportunity to serve and not worry. Let’s go for it!

Written by Kathy Bruins

Red, White and Blue

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! –Romans 5:8-9

As we bring this Fourth of July week to a close, we will look at one more symbol of the United States for our daily devotion.  The flag of the United States is one of the most recognizable national symbols with its bold red and white stripes and white stars in a field of blue.  The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen colonies and the fifty stars represent the states that currently make up the union.  The flag is proudly flown by citizens across the country to remind us of our history.

The flag of the United States can also be used as a reminder of what Christ has done for us.  The red stripes remind us that Christ shed his blood for our sins.  The white stripes remind us that we are cleansed by the blood of Christ and we have become as white as snow.  The blue reminds us of God’s justice.  In his love God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, even though we were still sinners, in order to save us from his wrath.  The stars remind us of our home in heaven and the day when Christ will return again as the bright Morning Star. 

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the many blessings we enjoy in the United States.  Thank you for sending your son, Jesus to die on the cross and shed his blood for me.  Help to always remember what Christ has die for me and look forward to the day when he will return again. Amen.

Faith Tip:  The next time you see an American Flag take time to stop and remember what Christ has done for you and say a prayer of thanksgiving.     

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Constitution

Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

– Psalm 119:43-45

The Constitution of the United States stands as the foundation for our country.  It provides the framework within which our government is organized and all citizens of the United States live.  Without the Constitution there would be chaos, rebellion, lack of freedom and our country could not stand. It is the Constitution that has provided our nation a foothold to move forward into the future.

As Christians we have another citizenship in God’s Kingdom.  God’s word is the foundation on which we stand as citizens in this Kingdom.  God’s word provides us with the laws and commands that inform us how we are to live in our relationship to our King.  Without it we would be lost to the control and vices of God’s enemy.  God’s word is a foundation that provides us with direction, peace, freedom and an understanding of who we are in God.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your word.  I thank you that it provides me with direction in how to live within your Kingdom.  Help me to always obey your law, forever and ever. Amen.

Faith Tip: We the people of God’s Kingdom have been given a wonderful gift in his word.  So let us not take this for granted, but let us use this gift by allowing it to be our guide in all that we do.     

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

     

Declarations

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. – Ephesians 6:19-20

A declaration is the act of making something known, usually through the use of words.  When the thirteen colonies wanted to inform the British king of their desire to be a separate country from Great Britain they officially declared their intent in the writing of the Declaration of Independence.  Declarations can often times be risky business.  It was not an easy thing for the colonists to take a stand and put their beliefs in writing knowing that they were speaking against a much stronger, powerful and larger nation.  When the Declaration of Independence was written those who signed it did not know if what they were declaring would actually make any difference.  But they took a step of faith and it made all the difference in the world.

In Ephesians, Paul urges the church to pray that he would have the courage to boldly declare the message of the gospel.  Paul knew well that declaring the gospel was risky business.  At the time that he wrote this letter he was under house arrest and bound by chains for preaching the gospel.  At the time Paul had no idea what might become of his preaching or if it would make any difference.  But he stepped out in faith and continued to declare the gospel wherever he went and Paul’s preaching changed the world.

As Christians we are called to declare the gospel message.  It is risky business and we might not be able to see what difference it might make.  But we must be willing to take that step of faith.  You never know when your words might just change another person’s life, or maybe even change the world.

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for the courage and faith of those who have gone before and for their willingness to declare their beliefs against strong opposition.  Help me to have that same courage and faith so that I can go and declare the gospel to others.  Use my words to make a change in this world for your kingdom.  Amen.     

Faith Tip:  The first step to making a declaration is understanding what it is that you want to declare.  Take some time to think about how you might share the gospel message with someone and what you might say.  If you prepare yourself now you will be ready when the opportunity comes along.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. –Galatians 5:1

This past week my son, Jacob and I have been watching “America the Story of Us.”  It is a TV series that tells the history of America from the settlement of Jamestown to the present.  Watching this series had made me realize how many were willing to give up their lives to fight for freedom, unite a union, win the west, stop slavery, eradicate racism and create a strong and wonderful country. Those who came before us made sacrifices in order that we might enjoy the freedoms and abundant life that we have today in the United States.  Remembering the sacrifices that were made throughout our nation’s history makes me proud to be an American.

As Christians we also should remember and celebrate the freedom from sin that we have in Christ.  Freedom is never free.  Many paid with their lives to provide freedom to our country and Jesus gave up his life to give us freedom from sin and death.  Freedom from sin is a greater freedom than any political freedom because it is eternal and brings us into the true freedom that God created us to enjoy.  When I think about the sacrifice that Christ made to give me freedom I am proud to be a follower of Jesus. I am proud to be a Christian.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the freedom we enjoy in the United States and those who gave their lives to give us this freedom.  Thank you for the freedom we have in Jesus Christ.  For I know that all freedom is a gift from you.  Be with those in other countries who do not enjoy the same freedoms and are unable to worship freely.  Amen.

Faith Tip: Celebrate your freedoms and thank God for the freedom we have as a nation and the freedom we have in Christ.

Yea, Daddy's Home!

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. – Revelation 3:20

Every day, my dog, Charlie, and I have this ritual when my husband, John, comes home from work. I first tease him by saying, “Is that daddy?” Charlie’s ears will perk up. When John drives in the driveway, I say, “Yea, daddy’s home!” The excitement begins as Charlie prances back and forth deciding which toy to bring him when he walks through the door.

When Jesus knocks on the door of our heart, what is our reaction? There is excitement in welcoming Jesus. Sometimes I don’t think we allow ourselves to express it though. We begin to take Jesus for granted, and don’t bother looking for something to bring him as our gift. Do we even put the newspaper down and acknowledge his presence?

Jesus is happy to be with you. The excitement is yours if you choose to act on it.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, your presence in my life has been wonderful. I am excited for what you will do each day. Please forgive me when I take you for granted. Amen

Faith Tip: Ask the Holy Spirit to refresh your spirit.

Written by Kathy Bruins