Drawing Closer to God

May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. – Psalm 199:169

We have binoculars at our house that we use to get a closer look at the ducks that swim on the lake and for watching birds.  Last night a new use was found for these binoculars.  I saw Jacob sitting on the couch watching a tennis match with the binoculars in his lap.  I asked him why he had the binoculars.  He said he was using them to see the score on the TV.  You see, we have an old 19” television set and the scores for sporting events, which are made for the large screen TVs of today, are difficult to see on such a small screen.  The binoculars helped him gain a better understanding of what was going on in the tennis match.   

God’s word is like a pair of binoculars.  God’s word gives us a better understanding of God.  Without the word of God we would not be able to truly know him.  His word allows us to focus our sight upon him and draws us closer to the Lord.  Imagine trying to describe a duck to someone when all you can see is a dark speck out in the lake.  Then imagine how much more detailed your description would be if you had binoculars to see the duck.   The same is true when we know and understand God’s word.  We are better able to tell others about God. 

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for you word and how it gives me a better understanding of you.  Help me to be in your word daily so that I can draw closer to you.  Amen.

Faith Tip: Pick up God’s word today and allow his word to focus your thoughts on him and draw you closer to him.    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Good Old Friends

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD” – 1 Samuel 20:42

This weekend our family had an opportunity that too many people do not get.  We were able to tour the house that we lived in for three years when I was in seminary and our three older kids were little.  The house has since been moved to a different location and newly remodeled inside and out.  Although all these changes have been made, and it has been many years since we had been in the house, it still seemed like our home.  We walked through each room as memories came flooding back reminding us of the times we enjoyed together in that house.  It was as if we had never left. 

Visiting that house was like visiting a good old friend.  A good friend is one who you can be away from for many years and changes take place in your lives, but when you reunite it is as if you had never been apart.  A good friendship is an important part of Christian life.  Jonathan and David understood the importance of having a good friend in your life.  The prophet Daniel had close friends.  At the end of many of his letters, the Apostle Paul provides a list of his close friends.  Even Jesus surrounded himself with twelve very close friends.  Thomas Aquinas once said, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for blessing me with good friends.  Help me to not take my friends for granted.  Help me to strengthen my current friendships and make new ones.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Today let a friend know how much their friendship means to you.

    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Held Back by Fear

They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.” – Numbers 13:27-28

Today, I am taking our son, Jacob to visit the campus of Western Michigan.  During this visit he will catch a glimpse of the future that God has in store for him.  I am sure some of what he sees will be exciting and intimidating at the same time.   The college students will probably look like giants to him, although they are only a few years older.  As he thinks about all the hard work that will be required to graduate, he may become a little hesitant about wanting to jump into the future God has planned.  

As the Israelites escaped from Egypt, God gave them a glimpse of the land of Canaan.  It was a glimpse of what God had in store for their future.  What they saw excited them as they discovered a land flowing with milk and honey, but they also saw cities and people that intimidated them.  The saw how much work would need to be done in order to occupy this land and they became afraid and their faith faltered.  They decided that staying in the desert was better than the future God had planned for them.  Because of their fear and lack of faith, God didn’t give them the land until forty years later.

Sometimes when God gives us a glimpse of what could be, whether it is in our life, church, family, or career, it is an exciting thing.  But often we are intimidated by how much work it would take to get there, and that fear makes us want to stay where we are even though we may be in a wasteland compared to where God wants us to be.  Instead of letting fear keep us in the wilderness, we must trust God, embrace his plans for our future and in faith, boldly take hold of the exciting things that God has in store for us.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord that you always have a plan for my future and that plan is always wonderful. Forgive me when I allow fear to hold me back.  Help me to trust in you and give me the courage to be willing to put in the work and make the sacrifices to move forward into your plan for my life.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Has God given you a glimpse of what could be in your home, church, or life?  If so, put your fear and doubts aside and decide what you have to do to be a part of all the work needed to move into that future?    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Togetherness

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:4-5

I recently was the keynote speaker at a women’s event at our church. It was such a great day to gather with sisters in the Lord and talk about God while we served one another in “spa moments.” Events like this usually do not happen with one person … it takes a village. There were ladies especially gifted with food, decorating, administration, hospitality, communication, music and more that made the day so special.

It’s wonderful that we don’t have all the talents and spiritual gifts ourselves. Having a dependence on one another brings us together in unity which glorifies God. This is how the church is meant to operate. Our ultimate dependence is on God who will help us join together and complete the work he has set before us. I imagine this is the way it will be in heaven … doing things together for the glory of God.

Prayer: Lord, I love to work alongside with my brothers and sisters in projects you give us. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of the bigger picture. I pray that I will obey the call you give me. Amen

Faith Tip: Has God called you to be part of a project in the Body of Christ? Consider your talents and gifts that he has given you to bless others.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

Good Intentions to Keep From Stumbling

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. – Psalm 119:165

When caring for the physical needs of other people, such as a caregiver or physical therapist would do, there is a special tool often used called a gait belt. Gait belts help in the transfer of people who may not be steady on their feet. It keeps them from falling. Having a gait belt lying on the bed or hanging on the wall may show good intentions, but using it is the only way it works.

God’s word is the same way. The Holy Spirit works through the word to give us peace and keep us from stumbling. But if our Bible is in a drawer or lying on the table, it may show good intentions of reading it. The only way to make it work is to pick it up and drink deep of its spiritual nourishment.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your word that keeps me from stumbling. Real peace is only experienced through you. I pray that my focus remains on you throughout the day. Amen

Faith Tip: If you haven’t read God’s word in awhile, pick it up and enjoy the treasures inside.

Written by Kathy Bruins

I Love the Way You Hold Me

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. – Psalm 116:1-2

There’s a song I hear on the radio that I like called Hold Me by Jamie Grace. Not only does it have a catchy tune, but the words speak to me regarding how God loves me in such a special way. In fact, here’s the link so you can listen to it yourself.

Each day is so special because of God. Consider and take notice of the ways he shows his love to you. Does your day need “flipping around”? He can do it.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the way you love me. You are my constant companion through all the good and challenging of life. I pray that I always turn to you. Amen

Faith Tip: Love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

What's In Your Cart?

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,  your consolation brought me joy. – Psalm 94:18-19

While grocery shopping yesterday, I am always amazed at all the choices we have to put into our cart. The cereal aisle is a great example of this. If someone was to buy a different cereal each week, I bet it would take them over a year to get through them all. How about apples? How many different versions of apples are available on the market? I imagine more than the store has room to stock. It is truly a blessing to be able to put things in our carts to push around and take home with us.

In our spiritual journey, we also have a lot of choices of what we will put into our lives, push around and take home with us. While food focuses on our physical diet, the things in life focus on our spiritual diet. Not all things are good for us.

When we splurge on the unhealthy things of this world, we feel bloated and sick in our soul. The choices we make are crucial to our health. God is there to help us make better choices, or to pick us up out of the muck of our bad choices. Muck is the consequence of bad choices. Allow God to lead you away from the muck and to the green grass of life he has planned for you.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being there for me at all times. Even when I fail, you still love me and care for me. I pray that I follow you away from any muck that is positioning itself in my life. Amen

Faith Tip: Choose carefully each step of your faith journey so that you don’t slip into the muck

Written by Kathy Bruins

What Do We Really Need?

Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? – Romans 8:32

I heard yesterday of the trek of a young woman who walked across the country with the only provisions being a toothbrush and journal. She started in California and made it to the East Coast. People supplied her with what she needed during her journey. If she didn’t have a place to sleep, she would sleep on the ground. She carried with her a message of peace. This message would carry on in a book that has been written about her adventures. This woman was killed shortly after reaching her destination in a car accident while she was on her way to speak at an engagement.

Her story is a good reminder to us that we discern what our needs really are each day. The list of wants we have seems to be endless and always changing for our tastes and priorities change.

God gave us Jesus. His Son died for us to save us from our sin. That is our major need … to be saved. Because of God’s great love for us, He provided for the need. That being the largest need, why would we doubt Him in any other need we have. He knows our need and will provide.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for caring for me in a special way so that I feel extraordinary. I pray that I am always grateful for all the needs you provide me with as well as keep away the things I feel I need, but you know what is best. Amen

Faith Tip: Consider what God has provided for you already today … and thank Him profusely.

Written by Kathy Bruins

All My Children

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. – Revelation 21:6-7

In my parents house is a hallway that is filled with twelve pictures of all their grandchildren.  The hallway sits between the bedroom and the kitchen, so every morning as they make their way to breakfast they start each day remembering their grandchildren.  I am sure that it warms their hearts as they look at these pictures.  I know that when the grandchildren come and visit and see the prominent place their picture holds in their grandparents’ home, they know they are loved.

Through the victory in Christ, we as believers are all God’s children.  If God had a hallway, I am sure that each of our pictures would hold a prominent place in that big hallway. As God looks upon his children and watches over us, his heart is warmed.  We must remember how much God loves his children and what a privilege it is to be called the children of God.  If you ever feel unloved, just imagine your picture hanging in God’s hallway and know that God loves you.

Prayer:  Thank you Father for adopting me as your child.  Thank you for you wonderful unconditional love.  Help me to always remember how much you love me.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Pictures help us remember those we love.  Today take a sticky-note or a piece of paper and write on it “I am a child of God. I am loved.” Place that note somewhere where you will see it every day to remind you how much God loves you. 

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

As The World Turns

So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. – Jeremiah 18:3-6

As a potter forms a pot he sits at a wheel and turns the wheel so that the pot can more easily be shaped by his hands. In the beginning the clay is just an unformed lump in the center of the wheel.  Nothing happens to it until the potter places his hands on it and begins to form it.  Almost magically the lump of clay begins to take shape and is molded into a beautiful pot.

The world is like a pottery wheel and we are like the lumps of clay on the wheel.  As the world turns we are shaped and formed from lumps of clay into something beautiful.  Sometimes we become marred and blemished and so we are given a second chance to be reshaped into something new.  But this story is not about the wheel and it is not about the clay.  This story is all about the potter who patiently keeps the wheel turning while continually shaping his creation as seems best to him.  Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in the hands of God.  

Prayer: Thank you Lord that you continually mold me and shape me into something beautiful.  Help me to be pliable and flexible in your hands so that I can become the creation that you would like me to be.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  You are a work in progress.  God is not finished molding you until he removes you from the pottery wheel.  What is it that God is shaping in you today?  Be aware of how God is molding and shaping you in this day.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

General Hospital

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Mark 2:17

As a pastor I spend a lot of time in hospitals and health care facilities.  As I hear the stories from people who have come through surgery I am continually amazed of what hospitals can do with the advancements in technology and medicine.  Although, hospitals can do quite a bit with physical healing, they fall short in the area of spiritual healing.

Sometimes we forget that spiritual healing is just as important as physical healing and that is where the church comes in.  We should think of the church as a hospital for spiritual healing.  As Christians we are all part of this spiritual hospital helping people who have broken hearts, suffering souls and depressed spirits.  We care for them in the emergency room (i.e. Prayer Room).  In worship we bring them into the surgery room (i.e. Sanctuary) so the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, can perform open heart surgery. The church is a place for people to come to become spiritually healthy and whole.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the physical, emotional and spiritual healing that you provide.  Help me to have more compassion for those who are in need of spiritual healing.  Help me reach out to them and bring them into your healing hands.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Do you know someone who is in need of spiritual healing?  Try to contact them today or do something to help them see Jesus in their life.  Then bring them to the Spiritual Hospital, the church.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Guiding Light

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:4-5

For a few days in July, our family camped out at the Holland State Park.  One night Julie and the girls decided to make their way to the restrooms before going to bed.  Unfortunately, the batteries in the flashlight were dead so they had to stumble through the darkness to get to the restrooms and back.  When they returned to the camper, Julie pulled out her iPhone and said, “I believe there is an app for that.”  Sure enough, she was able to download an app that allowed her phone to be used as a flashlight.  So Jacob and I had a light to guide us and we encountered no problems finding our way through the darkness to the restrooms.

As we walk along the path of life we encounter many problems as we aimlessly stumble through the darkness.  The good news is that there is a Savior for that and his name is Jesus.  Jesus is the light of the world and his light is able to overcome any darkness that we might encounter.  When we have Jesus in our life, we no longer need to stumble through the darkness.  We only need to follow Jesus, our guiding light.

Prayer:  Thank you Jesus for shining light into my life.  Help me to remember that even in my darkest moments you are there ready to guide me by your light.  Amen.

Faith Tip: Is there an area in your life where you feel you are stumbling through the darkness?  If so turn to the Light of the world and let him guide you through the darkness.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Days of Our Lives

Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. – Psalm 39:3-5

“Like sands through the hour glass so are the days of our lives”, so goes the tagline of the famous soap opera.  This tagline sums up the Psalmist feelings as he discovers how fleeting his life really is.  The Psalmist asks the Lord to reveal to him the number of his days, here on earth, so that he can more appreciate the days he has been given.

Unlike the Psalmist, we often take our days for granted believing that we have many more to spare.  We don’t like to think about the end of our days and so we tend to think that we will live for many, many years.  When a person actually begins to see the end of life they tend to make better use of the days they have been given.  We need to live life like our days are numbered and never take a day for granted.  I saw a bumper sticker that said, “Today is a gift that is why it’s called the Present.”

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for this day.  Help me to receive the gift of this day and make the most of this day that you have given me.  Forgive me when I take my days for granted and let them slip away.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  What can you do in this day to make the most of it for God’s glory?    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Patterns to Follow

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. – Romans 12:2

I stepped on the scale this morning and saw a number that I hadn’t seen for a long time. The world says, “Yea, you now can fit into those jeans and breathe at the same time!” While I feel good about this achievement, and celebrate with Jesus, I know that the goal I strive for is not a number transformed by the scale, but a transformation of the mind in serving God. The goal for me is to be in good physical shape so that I can do ministry effectively. It is also a transformation of my spirit as I crave God more and more.

God is in the business of transforming his people. Our part is the choices we make in the transformation process. Do we allow the world to dictate our transformation by listening to what they believe is good for us, or do we listen and choose what God says is good for us? A choice for the world brings chains that imprison us. Don’t be fooled by the marketing that this is what success looks like. Don’t buy into the lie that you will feel so good. Choosing God’s plan of transformation will bring freedom along with peace, joy, and love.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the one who makes all things possible. I thank you for the transformation you have done in my life. I pray that I always will choose you and not be fooled by the world. Amen

Faith Tip: What are your goals for transformation? Who or what are you relying on? Pray about your ultimate goals.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Logical Prayer

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. – Exodus 17:11-12

 

Sometimes prayer just doesn’t make sense, does it? Perhaps most the time it doesn’t. When we are told that it’s the most powerful thing we can do, we really wonder if that is true. Sometimes we don’t experience clear answers to our prayers and think we may have wasted time talking to God about it. We especially feel this way when we are praying for bigger things like the economy and other nations. We can’t imagine how our little prayer will help in any way.

Praying is connecting to kingdom power. Our prayers are making a huge difference in the kingdom. Throughout Scripture, it is evident that prayer does amazing things. How about when Elijah prayed for God to accept his sacrifice when the worshipers of Baal couldn’t get a response from their god (1 Kings 18)? Moses prayed for the people repeatedly that God wouldn’t destroy them because of their sin against him (Numbers 11). People were praying for Peter in Acts 12, and an angel came and released him from prison. No one was more shocked that something happened than those who were praying.

I recently came across a sign that read “Much Prayer, Much Power, Little Prayer, Little Power, No Prayer, No Power.” It’s kind of like that saying, “If you don’t expect much, you won’t get much.” We base our actions on facts. The fact is that prayer is powerful. Why else would Satan fight it so much? He knows the power.

Pray knowing that things are happening. Not one prayer is wasted. Don’t wait until you reach heaven and then wish you would have prayed more during your life.

Prayer: Lord, you have shown us through the Bible that prayer makes a difference. I pray that I can live out that truth and stand steadfast on your promises. Amen

Faith Tip: Today make prayer an absolute in all you do. See the difference it will make in your life.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Need Refreshing Today?

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25

How do you get refreshed? Is refreshment important? I believe God thinks it is as there are many examples of his people being refreshed through the Scriptures. Not only does God do the refreshing himself as we see with the prophet Elijah, but he also refreshes through people such as Onesiphorus who refreshed Paul. People can be refreshed physically, spiritually and emotionally.

That’s the ministry I like to do … refresh people. I lead a ladies retreat to do this called Spiritual Spa Day. I truly look forward to doing this event again and again as I see God work in the lives of women. The next spa day is less than two weeks away, and then I may be doing another one in September and another in February. Women need to be refreshed by God’s Spirit to see how valuable they truly are to him. Do you need refreshment?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the opportunities to minister. I pray that you will be seen at the center of it all for you are the great refresher. Amen

Faith Tip: Look to God for your refreshment today. His living water is always flowing … drink deep.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Your Value

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 

I remember being in a team building exercise when I worked at a bank where the team you were on needed to decide who lived and who died based on a “story problem” of everyone getting a dreaded disease and only one could have the serum to cure it. Everyone on the team was given a character sketch of their age, abilities, education, career and so on. This information was meant to help us make our choice. One was given more value than the others.

That’s not how Jesus sees us. Jesus sees us with great love and value. Who we are, what we have or can do has no bearing on our value to God. Jesus would have gone to the cross for just one of us … just for you. You are the one chosen to receive the cure for sin. God has a purpose for you. You were created just for it.

Prayer: God, I thank you for the cure of sin you have given me. I pray that I can live out the purpose you have for me and not be swayed by the callings of the world. Amen

Faith Tip: Knowing the value that you have to God, how can that make you look at others differently? 

There are women that need to know their great value to God. Please invite them to Spiritual Spa Day, Aug. 20, 10-2.

Written by Kathy Bruins

New Adventures

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

She had never driven a long way from home before. She was nervous. Determination to reach her destination gave her the fortitude needed to embark on the journey. Although the weather switched from sunny to rainy, the map was confusing at times, and the stays at hotels along the way were welcome when exhaustion overcame her, she made it. God had given her all she needed to answer his call for her to go.

It doesn’t matter if your name is Moses, Joshua, Peter or Paul, doing something that is out of our box is scary. Discouragement can be felt if the road we travel on is not going as we expect. Keeping the focus of God is imperative to making the journey. Believe his promise that he will never leave you nor forsake you. He goes before you, so there is no reason to be afraid. Stand strong and encouraged.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank you for the new adventures you call me to do in your name. My knees stop shaking when I focus on you and your call and trusting it. I pray that I listen carefully to your voice and follow obediently. Amen

Faith Tip: Is God calling you to do something new today? What is your response?

Written by Kathy Bruins

Homecoming

But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. – Luke 15:22-24

My family has been traveling this week to Iowa and South Dakota, so I have been alone all week.  It has been very quiet around the house.  This is good in some ways, but in most ways it is too quiet.  I miss having Julie and the kids around to talk to, to share meals with and to enjoy one another’s company.  That is why I am very much looking forward to their homecoming this evening.

I have somewhat of a sense of what the father of the prodigal son felt when his lost son came home.  I will probably not welcome them at the door with rings for their fingers and sandals for their feet and a nicely roasted fattened calf, but I will be very happy to see them!  This must be how God feels as he waits for us to come home to him.  Homecomings are wonderful and when we all get to heaven it will be a wonderful day of rejoicing!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for waiting for me to come home.  I can’t wait to be home with you in heaven.  I look forward to that wonderful day. Amen!

Faith Tip:   Today set you mind on heaven and remind yourself that this is not your home, your true home is in heaven with Jesus. Also, please pray for safe travels for my family.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson      

"Where's God?"

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. – Psalm 27:8

When my children where younger we enjoyed looking at the “Where’s Waldo?” books.  If you are not familiar with “Where’s Waldo?”, they are picture books where each picture is filled with many people doing many different things.  The object is to find Waldo amongst all the people and details.  Waldo wears a red and white striped shirt, blue jeans, a red and white hat, and walks with a cane.  By himself Waldo is very easily noticeable, but when he is surrounded by all the other details in the picture he is difficult to find.

Sometimes life can get like a “Where’s Waldo?” picture.  The busyness and small details in life can be so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to find God in the details.  God is not difficult to find, in fact he is right by your side, but if we allow life to overwhelm us we sometimes lose sight of his face.  As the Psalmist says we need to seek God’s face each and every day.  Sometimes that can be a difficult thing to do with all that is going on, but we must continually strive to “Seek his face!”

Prayer:  Thank you Lord that you are always right there with me.  Forgive me when the details of life keep me from seeking your face.  Help me to find you in every day.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Today look for God even in the small details of your life.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Roadblock of Sin

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.  Avoid every kind of evil. – 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Yesterday, I received a new phone.  This new phone is supposed to be faster, more powerful and be able to do more things than my old phone.  However, in order to use this new phone I have to transfer my information from my old phone to my new phone.  Unfortunately, the “app for that” is not working on my old phone.  This problem is creating a roadblock for me to tap into the power of my new phone and so the new phone remains in the box until I can get the problem solved.

Sin is like that in our life.  God has given us his Holy Spirit that provides power, strength, wisdom and encouragement.  But sin in our life can be a roadblock that puts out the Spirit’s fire.  As long as that sin remains a part of our life we will never know the full power of God’s Spirit.  Is there a sin in your life that you have been struggling with for sometime?  If so remove that sin from your life and experience the full power and blessing of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for giving me your Spirit.  Forgive me of the sin in my life that keeps me from tapping into the Spirit’s power.  Help me to remove this sin from my life.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  We all have “general sin” in our life, but we also have “individual sins” that are those sins that we struggle with daily and are unique in our life experience.  Think of an individual sin in your life; ask God for forgiveness and for the strength to remove that sin from your life. 

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Jesus is the Rock

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2

My daughters have been attending a Creative Praise Day Camp this summer where they learn about music and praising God.  One of the songs they have learned goes like this, “Jesus is the Rock and he rolls my blues away, bop shoe bop, shoe bop, whoo!” It is a rocky blues song with a catchy tune that is easy and fun to sing.  So the girls come home from camp singing this throughout the day.

Because this song is so catchy it easily gets stuck in my head and I find myself humming along as I go about my daily tasks.  This morning I woke up with it stuck in my head.  Now I must admit that usually it annoys me when I get a song stuck in my head and it won’t go away.  But I don’t mind this song because it reminds me throughout the day that Jesus is my rock in whom I can take refuge and no matter what I face throughout this day, he will always be there to help me!   

Prayer:  Thank you Jesus for being my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.  Thank you that you provide me a firm foundation on which to stand.  May my feet never move from this solid rock.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  If you would like to hear this song click here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3j64xm1OBg

(Warning:  Listening to this song could lead to this song getting stuck in your head which might cause spontaneous praise and sudden outbreaks of worship.)

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson