Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’” (Ezekiel 37:11-14)
I love to make homemade bread. There is nothing like the scent that drifts through the house of bread baking in the oven. But before it hits the oven, it needs to rise. Yeast is used in this process. It usually takes about an hour to rise, but sometimes I wait for two hours, go back and look at it, and still no sign of life. Disappointing.
Our spiritual life can sometimes be like the bread that doesn’t rise. There’s no life to be seen, our hope has faded, and it is disappointing. So what can we do when this happens? It’s not what we do, but what God does in us. As we hear the word of the Lord, we need to let it soak into our soul. We will then realize that our hope has returned and combustion has occurred in our soul. Our spiritual life has risen and we have only God to praise for it.
Prayer: My hope is in you, Lord. I pray that I continually seek the yeast of your word to give life to my soul. Amen
Faith Tip: Take some time today to mull over the word of God that you read.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Spiritual Lenses
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. (2 Peter 1:5-9)
Getting the right kind of lenses for my husband’s glasses has been a challenge since having the retina detachment in one eye and an accident causing damage to his other eye. One lens is a lot thicker than the other, plus there are prisms put in. The goal is to see as clear as possible.
Our spiritual lens also needs continual adjustment as we seek to see Jesus with clarity. The lens of faith needs the prisms of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. As we use these prisms in our life, Jesus will become more in focus. We have the choice to be spiritually nearsighted and blind, which could easily lead us down the wrong path, or we could focus in on Jesus and walk with confidence remembering what he did for us.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you give me what I need to see you clearly. That brings such encouragement to me. I pray that I may look for you using the prisms needed. Amen
Faith tip: Choose to use the prisms of faith to see Jesus clearer.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Getting the right kind of lenses for my husband’s glasses has been a challenge since having the retina detachment in one eye and an accident causing damage to his other eye. One lens is a lot thicker than the other, plus there are prisms put in. The goal is to see as clear as possible.
Our spiritual lens also needs continual adjustment as we seek to see Jesus with clarity. The lens of faith needs the prisms of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. As we use these prisms in our life, Jesus will become more in focus. We have the choice to be spiritually nearsighted and blind, which could easily lead us down the wrong path, or we could focus in on Jesus and walk with confidence remembering what he did for us.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you give me what I need to see you clearly. That brings such encouragement to me. I pray that I may look for you using the prisms needed. Amen
Faith tip: Choose to use the prisms of faith to see Jesus clearer.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Giving Thanks on Black Friday
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The other day Julie and I were explaining Black Friday to our 10-year daughter Alyssa. After our explanation she said, “It is kind of silly that people give thanks on Thanksgiving for all they have and then go right out the next day and buy more things that they want.” I guess Black Friday does typify the human condition. We are not very good at remembering to be thankful in all circumstances. It just goes against our sinful human nature.
I guess that is why Paul precedes his instruction with the words, “rejoice always, and prayer continually.” Paul understood that joy and prayer are necessary ingredients for a life of thanksgiving. If we are without joy and are not connected with God through prayer then we will never be satisfied or content with our life. Without joy and prayer everyday would be a Black Friday and we would always be searching for happiness in all the wrong places. Joy and prayer bring us to a place of Thanksgiving. On this Black Friday find that place today!
Prayer: Lord, create in me a thankful heart; a heart that rejoices in you alone. Draw me closer to you in prayer and never let me stray from you ways. Amen.
Faith Tip: On this day after Thanksgiving don’t forget to find joy in what you already have and give thanks to God in prayer.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
The other day Julie and I were explaining Black Friday to our 10-year daughter Alyssa. After our explanation she said, “It is kind of silly that people give thanks on Thanksgiving for all they have and then go right out the next day and buy more things that they want.” I guess Black Friday does typify the human condition. We are not very good at remembering to be thankful in all circumstances. It just goes against our sinful human nature.
I guess that is why Paul precedes his instruction with the words, “rejoice always, and prayer continually.” Paul understood that joy and prayer are necessary ingredients for a life of thanksgiving. If we are without joy and are not connected with God through prayer then we will never be satisfied or content with our life. Without joy and prayer everyday would be a Black Friday and we would always be searching for happiness in all the wrong places. Joy and prayer bring us to a place of Thanksgiving. On this Black Friday find that place today!
Prayer: Lord, create in me a thankful heart; a heart that rejoices in you alone. Draw me closer to you in prayer and never let me stray from you ways. Amen.
Faith Tip: On this day after Thanksgiving don’t forget to find joy in what you already have and give thanks to God in prayer.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, November 25, 2010
An Abundant Thanksgiving
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. – Psalm 65:11
Last night I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items. I discovered it is not a good idea to go to the grocery store the night before Thanksgiving. The store was packed with shoppers stocking up for the Thanksgiving Holiday. It put a new meaning to “your carts overflow with abundance.”
As we celebrate Thanksgiving today we will definitely celebrate with abundance. Many will enjoy an abundance of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Houses will be filled with an abundance of family. Football fans will watch an abundance of football. Airports will be overflowing with an abundance of travelers. Despite a down economy in the Untied States we still live in abundance compared to many others around the world.
As Americans we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. As we look back over the year we can certainly see how the Lord has crowned the year with his bounty and how his carts overflow with abundance. Today give thanks for the abundant blessings that Lord has given!
Prayer: I give you thanks, O Lord, for your abundant blessings. Let me never forget what you have done for me. I will give thanks to you and praise your name forever. Amen.
Faith Tip: As you celebrate Thanksgiving, be aware of the abundant blessings the Lord has given you and thank God for his abundant love, grace and mercy.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Last night I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items. I discovered it is not a good idea to go to the grocery store the night before Thanksgiving. The store was packed with shoppers stocking up for the Thanksgiving Holiday. It put a new meaning to “your carts overflow with abundance.”
As we celebrate Thanksgiving today we will definitely celebrate with abundance. Many will enjoy an abundance of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Houses will be filled with an abundance of family. Football fans will watch an abundance of football. Airports will be overflowing with an abundance of travelers. Despite a down economy in the Untied States we still live in abundance compared to many others around the world.
As Americans we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. As we look back over the year we can certainly see how the Lord has crowned the year with his bounty and how his carts overflow with abundance. Today give thanks for the abundant blessings that Lord has given!
Prayer: I give you thanks, O Lord, for your abundant blessings. Let me never forget what you have done for me. I will give thanks to you and praise your name forever. Amen.
Faith Tip: As you celebrate Thanksgiving, be aware of the abundant blessings the Lord has given you and thank God for his abundant love, grace and mercy.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving In Word and Deed
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17
In this passage Paul is urging the Colossians to give thanks to God in all they do and say. That is a difficult concept to grasp. It is easy for us to understand giving thanks before a meal, during our times of prayer, when we are abundantly blessed and when we are happy and content in life, but it is much more difficult for us to understand how to give thanks in all that we do and say. What does it look like to give thanks when we are shopping for groceries, driving a car, or changing a baby’s diaper? What does it look like to give thanks when we are talking to a phone salesperson, talking in a business meeting, or asking someone for directions?
To understand what Paul is talking about, we have to look at the middle part of the verse where it says, “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” When we are living our life for the Lord then everything we do and say is an act of thanksgiving in God’s eyes. When we are living our lives for ourselves than our actions and words are not giving thanks to God. Give all your life to the Lord and let every action you do and every word you speak be a gift of thanksgiving to God.
Prayer: Thank you God for sending Jesus Christ to be an example of how you want me to live my life. Forgive me when I live my life in selfish ways. May all I do and say be done in the name of Jesus as a thanksgiving to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today, as you go through your normal activities, think about how your actions and words are a thanksgiving to God.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
In this passage Paul is urging the Colossians to give thanks to God in all they do and say. That is a difficult concept to grasp. It is easy for us to understand giving thanks before a meal, during our times of prayer, when we are abundantly blessed and when we are happy and content in life, but it is much more difficult for us to understand how to give thanks in all that we do and say. What does it look like to give thanks when we are shopping for groceries, driving a car, or changing a baby’s diaper? What does it look like to give thanks when we are talking to a phone salesperson, talking in a business meeting, or asking someone for directions?
To understand what Paul is talking about, we have to look at the middle part of the verse where it says, “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” When we are living our life for the Lord then everything we do and say is an act of thanksgiving in God’s eyes. When we are living our lives for ourselves than our actions and words are not giving thanks to God. Give all your life to the Lord and let every action you do and every word you speak be a gift of thanksgiving to God.
Prayer: Thank you God for sending Jesus Christ to be an example of how you want me to live my life. Forgive me when I live my life in selfish ways. May all I do and say be done in the name of Jesus as a thanksgiving to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today, as you go through your normal activities, think about how your actions and words are a thanksgiving to God.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A Song of Thanksgiving
Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:19-20
Do you ever get a song stuck in your head that kind of goes with you throughout the day? I enjoy it when the song that goes with me is a song of praise, because it helps me focus on the Lord all day long. Maybe that is what Paul is referring to when he speaks about “songs from the Spirit.”
When we think of giving thanks we often picture our thanksgivings in the forms of prayers. However Paul tells us that we can also give thanks to the Lord when we sing and make music from our hearts. The ability to sing is a gift from the Lord and our songs, no matter how well we sing, is our gift of thanksgiving to God. So this Thanksgiving give thanks to the Lord with a song.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me the ability to praise and thank you in song. Let my heart sing for all the blessings that you have given to me. May my song be a joyful noise to you ears. Amen.
Faith Tip: Plan to come and worship on Thanksgiving morning at 9:00am where we will have the opportunity to sing many Thanksgiving songs.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Do you ever get a song stuck in your head that kind of goes with you throughout the day? I enjoy it when the song that goes with me is a song of praise, because it helps me focus on the Lord all day long. Maybe that is what Paul is referring to when he speaks about “songs from the Spirit.”
When we think of giving thanks we often picture our thanksgivings in the forms of prayers. However Paul tells us that we can also give thanks to the Lord when we sing and make music from our hearts. The ability to sing is a gift from the Lord and our songs, no matter how well we sing, is our gift of thanksgiving to God. So this Thanksgiving give thanks to the Lord with a song.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me the ability to praise and thank you in song. Let my heart sing for all the blessings that you have given to me. May my song be a joyful noise to you ears. Amen.
Faith Tip: Plan to come and worship on Thanksgiving morning at 9:00am where we will have the opportunity to sing many Thanksgiving songs.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, November 22, 2010
Enter with Thanksgiving
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. – Psalm 100:4
Psalm 100 was originally used in worship of the Lord as the worshippers entered the temple courts through the gates. It helped focus the worshippers’ hearts on thanksgiving and praise as they entered into a time of worship. Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to enter into worship!
Psalm 100 provides us with wisdom of how we should enter not only worship, but all aspects of our life. Think of how much better things would go if we entered into everything with an attitude of gratitude. All you need to do is apply the first part of verse 4 to your situations in life. For example, enter your day with thanksgiving… Enter your week with thanksgiving…Enter your meal with thanksgiving…Enter your work with thanksgiving…Enter your family with thanksgiving…Enter your leisure time with thanksgiving…Enter your bedtime with thanksgiving. When we enter into everything with thanksgiving it will invariably lead us to praise of worship of the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the life that you have given to me. May I live my life in thanksgiving to you. Help me to enter into everything I do with a heart of thanksgiving. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today as you begin a new task of go from one place to another, remember Psalm 100:4 and enter with a heart of thanksgiving.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Psalm 100 was originally used in worship of the Lord as the worshippers entered the temple courts through the gates. It helped focus the worshippers’ hearts on thanksgiving and praise as they entered into a time of worship. Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to enter into worship!
Psalm 100 provides us with wisdom of how we should enter not only worship, but all aspects of our life. Think of how much better things would go if we entered into everything with an attitude of gratitude. All you need to do is apply the first part of verse 4 to your situations in life. For example, enter your day with thanksgiving… Enter your week with thanksgiving…Enter your meal with thanksgiving…Enter your work with thanksgiving…Enter your family with thanksgiving…Enter your leisure time with thanksgiving…Enter your bedtime with thanksgiving. When we enter into everything with thanksgiving it will invariably lead us to praise of worship of the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the life that you have given to me. May I live my life in thanksgiving to you. Help me to enter into everything I do with a heart of thanksgiving. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today as you begin a new task of go from one place to another, remember Psalm 100:4 and enter with a heart of thanksgiving.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, November 19, 2010
Playdoh Hearts
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19)
I recently took some playdoh that I had sitting around to a mentoring session with a fourth grader. I had four different colors for them to choose from. The canisters were never open, so I thought they would be delighted to be the first to use it. Unfortunately, the playdoh was hard in all four canisters. It only crumbled and was not flexible at all. We were disappointed because it wasn’t any fun in this condition.
Our hearts can be like that playdoh—stiff, hard, crumbling, inflexible. We can make choices to try to be a better person and care about others more. Honestly, there is nothing we can do without seeking God. God is the one that gives us a heart of flesh that is loving, caring and obedient to him. As our relationship with God is built on, we will see things the way that God sees them and care about the things that God cares about. In true obedience and desire, we will follow God where he sends us, speak his words, and show his love. It won’t be just a practice session of “being good,” it will be who we truly are because of the transforming power of God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for changing my heart. You have been faithful from the beginning and have plans for me to use my heart of flesh for your kingdom. I pray that I will continually sit at your feet and drink in who you are. Amen.
Faith tip: Time for a heart check. Ask God if there are any areas in which transformation is needed, and then open your heart to whatever work he wants to do in you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
I recently took some playdoh that I had sitting around to a mentoring session with a fourth grader. I had four different colors for them to choose from. The canisters were never open, so I thought they would be delighted to be the first to use it. Unfortunately, the playdoh was hard in all four canisters. It only crumbled and was not flexible at all. We were disappointed because it wasn’t any fun in this condition.
Our hearts can be like that playdoh—stiff, hard, crumbling, inflexible. We can make choices to try to be a better person and care about others more. Honestly, there is nothing we can do without seeking God. God is the one that gives us a heart of flesh that is loving, caring and obedient to him. As our relationship with God is built on, we will see things the way that God sees them and care about the things that God cares about. In true obedience and desire, we will follow God where he sends us, speak his words, and show his love. It won’t be just a practice session of “being good,” it will be who we truly are because of the transforming power of God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for changing my heart. You have been faithful from the beginning and have plans for me to use my heart of flesh for your kingdom. I pray that I will continually sit at your feet and drink in who you are. Amen.
Faith tip: Time for a heart check. Ask God if there are any areas in which transformation is needed, and then open your heart to whatever work he wants to do in you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Relating is Believing
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
You’ve heard the term, “Seeing is believing.” Oh really? Think about the definition of believing:
to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully[1].
As humans, we have a tough time putting our trust in other people completely and believing in them. We seem to have more trust in inanimate objects such as money, cars, food and so on. Think about the people you do trust the most. Why do you? There must have been a pattern of trust set in development of your relationship with them.
Why do we have such a hard time trusting God and truly believing what he says? I believe it has to do with our relationship with God. The Bible shows that the things that God said he would do, he has done. He has been faithful. He is still doing wonderful things today. To increase our belief of God, we need to trust him more. One way to do this is to thank God for what he has done and to thank him ahead of his action in response to our prayers trusting and believing that he will do the right thing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for what you have planned for me today. I pray that I will believe your hand is at work in my life and I trust you with what you have set before me. Amen
Faith tip: In praying today, thank God first for what he will do in your request.
Written by Kathy Bruins
[1] believe. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved November 18, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/believe
You’ve heard the term, “Seeing is believing.” Oh really? Think about the definition of believing:
to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully[1].
As humans, we have a tough time putting our trust in other people completely and believing in them. We seem to have more trust in inanimate objects such as money, cars, food and so on. Think about the people you do trust the most. Why do you? There must have been a pattern of trust set in development of your relationship with them.
Why do we have such a hard time trusting God and truly believing what he says? I believe it has to do with our relationship with God. The Bible shows that the things that God said he would do, he has done. He has been faithful. He is still doing wonderful things today. To increase our belief of God, we need to trust him more. One way to do this is to thank God for what he has done and to thank him ahead of his action in response to our prayers trusting and believing that he will do the right thing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for what you have planned for me today. I pray that I will believe your hand is at work in my life and I trust you with what you have set before me. Amen
Faith tip: In praying today, thank God first for what he will do in your request.
Written by Kathy Bruins
[1] believe. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved November 18, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/believe
The Voice That Calls
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Traveling through life is much like how Abraham left his hometown. He didn’t know where God was taking him, but in obedience he went. The promises of God all came true for Abraham because of the relationship of obedience he had with God. If Abraham would have gone his own way and not followed where God wanted him to go, the fulfilled promises would not have been experienced.
As we journey through life not clearly seeing where we are going, but listening to a voice, we want to see results. Determining which voice to listen to is a choice we make moment by moment. Will it be the voice of the world that cries out “me first” or will the voice be a soft inner whisper that says, “I love you. Follow me.” The results will come forth in our lives as we follow a voice. Will they be eternal or temporary results?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for letting me hear your voice. I only need to listen to hear it. I pray that in obedience like Abraham that I will follow your voice and shut out the voice of the world. Amen
Faith tip: Take time today to really listen for God’s voice. He is speaking to you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Traveling through life is much like how Abraham left his hometown. He didn’t know where God was taking him, but in obedience he went. The promises of God all came true for Abraham because of the relationship of obedience he had with God. If Abraham would have gone his own way and not followed where God wanted him to go, the fulfilled promises would not have been experienced.
As we journey through life not clearly seeing where we are going, but listening to a voice, we want to see results. Determining which voice to listen to is a choice we make moment by moment. Will it be the voice of the world that cries out “me first” or will the voice be a soft inner whisper that says, “I love you. Follow me.” The results will come forth in our lives as we follow a voice. Will they be eternal or temporary results?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for letting me hear your voice. I only need to listen to hear it. I pray that in obedience like Abraham that I will follow your voice and shut out the voice of the world. Amen
Faith tip: Take time today to really listen for God’s voice. He is speaking to you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Glorifying God in All We Do
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
So what are you going to do today? I started making my list of things to do which include running errands, working on writing projects, exercising and more. It’s wonderful how God has provided for us each day just what we need. He gets all the glory for it. But we can also give God the glory in doing our daily tasks.
Whenever we eat something, is it something healthy that is good for us, or are we hitting the fast food line and becoming overwhelmed in artery clogging fat and sodium? Which choice would glorify God? It’s all about making the best choices. When we run errands, are we conscious of the contacts we make during this time? What opportunities does God give us to glorify him? Even in our daily work, we are given many opportunities to show people who we belong to and serve—a very loving God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all the opportunities you give to us that we can glorify you. If we stopped to consider how many times per day we can do this, we would be astonished. I pray that I can be conscious of these opportunities and make the right choices in glorifying you for you are so worthy. Amen
Faith tip: Consider what you are doing right now and how that can glorify God. Repeat throughout the day.
Written by Kathy Bruins
So what are you going to do today? I started making my list of things to do which include running errands, working on writing projects, exercising and more. It’s wonderful how God has provided for us each day just what we need. He gets all the glory for it. But we can also give God the glory in doing our daily tasks.
Whenever we eat something, is it something healthy that is good for us, or are we hitting the fast food line and becoming overwhelmed in artery clogging fat and sodium? Which choice would glorify God? It’s all about making the best choices. When we run errands, are we conscious of the contacts we make during this time? What opportunities does God give us to glorify him? Even in our daily work, we are given many opportunities to show people who we belong to and serve—a very loving God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all the opportunities you give to us that we can glorify you. If we stopped to consider how many times per day we can do this, we would be astonished. I pray that I can be conscious of these opportunities and make the right choices in glorifying you for you are so worthy. Amen
Faith tip: Consider what you are doing right now and how that can glorify God. Repeat throughout the day.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Getting Ahead of God
Peter… said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “…what is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:21-22)
Seeing someone struggle is tough. Many of us have a “fix it” mentality where we want to jump into the middle of the situation and make sure they don’t struggle at all. We truly need to restrain ourselves and pray about our involvement. What is God doing through their struggle? When we jump in to help, we sometimes are jumping in front of God’s will for that person and blocking his work. Sometimes we need to get to the end of ourselves through suffering to truly see what God is doing and learn to depend on him.
Please don’t mistake this for not helping others when called. That’s why it is so important to stay in connection with the Holy Spirit to discern what we are to do. There are times when it is very obvious that help is needed at the moment like if someone is outside freezing without a coat or food or someone is broke down on the highway.
Think about the times you had challenges in your life. What did God work in you through these challenges? Could you have grown as much as you did without the struggle?
Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to be thankful for the times we suffer, but your work in us through the suffering makes us thankful. You always have a purpose for us. I pray that I may discern where it is you want me to jump in. Amen
Faith tip: Pray for clear direction of where God wants you to jump in and help today.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Seeing someone struggle is tough. Many of us have a “fix it” mentality where we want to jump into the middle of the situation and make sure they don’t struggle at all. We truly need to restrain ourselves and pray about our involvement. What is God doing through their struggle? When we jump in to help, we sometimes are jumping in front of God’s will for that person and blocking his work. Sometimes we need to get to the end of ourselves through suffering to truly see what God is doing and learn to depend on him.
Please don’t mistake this for not helping others when called. That’s why it is so important to stay in connection with the Holy Spirit to discern what we are to do. There are times when it is very obvious that help is needed at the moment like if someone is outside freezing without a coat or food or someone is broke down on the highway.
Think about the times you had challenges in your life. What did God work in you through these challenges? Could you have grown as much as you did without the struggle?
Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to be thankful for the times we suffer, but your work in us through the suffering makes us thankful. You always have a purpose for us. I pray that I may discern where it is you want me to jump in. Amen
Faith tip: Pray for clear direction of where God wants you to jump in and help today.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Friday, November 12, 2010
Imitations
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. – 1 Thessalonians 1:6
In the marketplace there are many imitations trying to look like the real thing. There is imitation vanilla, imitation leather, imitation crab, imitation pearls, imitation gold, and the list goes on and on. Imitations are cheaper because they are usually not of the same quality as the real thing. The other day I was looking at an advertisement and it warned, “Beware of cheap imitations.”
However, sometime imitations can be good. It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. In the scripture today Paul encourages Christians to imitate Jesus Christ. By imitating Christ we live into the new life that we have in Christ and by our imitation our lives become pleasing to God. How are you being an imitation of Christ in your life?
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you have given us an example to live by. Help me Lord to be an imitation of you so that others will see you in my life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Think of one way that you can imitate Christ in your life today and become an imitation of Jesus.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
In the marketplace there are many imitations trying to look like the real thing. There is imitation vanilla, imitation leather, imitation crab, imitation pearls, imitation gold, and the list goes on and on. Imitations are cheaper because they are usually not of the same quality as the real thing. The other day I was looking at an advertisement and it warned, “Beware of cheap imitations.”
However, sometime imitations can be good. It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. In the scripture today Paul encourages Christians to imitate Jesus Christ. By imitating Christ we live into the new life that we have in Christ and by our imitation our lives become pleasing to God. How are you being an imitation of Christ in your life?
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you have given us an example to live by. Help me Lord to be an imitation of you so that others will see you in my life. Amen.
Faith Tip: Think of one way that you can imitate Christ in your life today and become an imitation of Jesus.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veterans Day
This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. Galatians 2:4-5
Today is Veterans Day. It is a day set aside to honor those men and women who served our country protecting our freedoms. Freedom is a wonderful blessing that we have in Jesus Christ. We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to live out our Christian faith in that freedom.
In Paul’s day there were those who infiltrated the church in order to try to take that freedom away. But the followers of Christ did not give in for a moment, so that they could protect their freedom in order to preserve the truth of the gospel. Two-thousand years later things have not changed. There are still those who are unbelievers that try to take our freedoms away. Fortunately, we have men and women who are willing to stand up and protect our freedoms and are unwilling to give in even for a moment. Today let us remember the veterans who have fought to protect our freedom in Christ.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Thank you that we live in a country that protects and preserves this freedom. Thank you for our veterans who did not give in, but stood up for our freedom. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today thank a veteran for their service to our country.
Today is Veterans Day. It is a day set aside to honor those men and women who served our country protecting our freedoms. Freedom is a wonderful blessing that we have in Jesus Christ. We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to live out our Christian faith in that freedom.
In Paul’s day there were those who infiltrated the church in order to try to take that freedom away. But the followers of Christ did not give in for a moment, so that they could protect their freedom in order to preserve the truth of the gospel. Two-thousand years later things have not changed. There are still those who are unbelievers that try to take our freedoms away. Fortunately, we have men and women who are willing to stand up and protect our freedoms and are unwilling to give in even for a moment. Today let us remember the veterans who have fought to protect our freedom in Christ.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Thank you that we live in a country that protects and preserves this freedom. Thank you for our veterans who did not give in, but stood up for our freedom. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today thank a veteran for their service to our country.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
All Creation Worships
Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds. - Psalm 148:7-10
When we think of worship our thoughts are often limited to what happens on Sunday mornings. But Psalm 148 provides a much broader understanding of worship. Our worship on Sunday mornings is just a small part of the whole worship of God. Worship flows from all parts of creation from sea creatures, lighting, hail, snow, mountains, trees, animals and birds. In one voice all of creation is worshiping the Lord.
Monday night as the praise band was practicing for Sunday morning we were distracted by a chirping sound outside the window. We stopped to listen and determined that it must be a bird that decided to come and join its voice with ours to worship the Lord. If we take the time to stop and listen, we will hear the gently breeze, the song of a bird, the rustling of trees, the sound of the waves as they break on the sand, and the sound of children, woman and man, and we can join in with all creation to worship the Lord.
Prayer: I praise you Lord for who you are and for what you have done. I join my voice with all creation to worship you. Help me to take the time to listen to the song of worship that is all around me, so I will remember to always lift my praises to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today, take a few minutes outside and listen. See what sounds of creation you can hear as worship to God?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
When we think of worship our thoughts are often limited to what happens on Sunday mornings. But Psalm 148 provides a much broader understanding of worship. Our worship on Sunday mornings is just a small part of the whole worship of God. Worship flows from all parts of creation from sea creatures, lighting, hail, snow, mountains, trees, animals and birds. In one voice all of creation is worshiping the Lord.
Monday night as the praise band was practicing for Sunday morning we were distracted by a chirping sound outside the window. We stopped to listen and determined that it must be a bird that decided to come and join its voice with ours to worship the Lord. If we take the time to stop and listen, we will hear the gently breeze, the song of a bird, the rustling of trees, the sound of the waves as they break on the sand, and the sound of children, woman and man, and we can join in with all creation to worship the Lord.
Prayer: I praise you Lord for who you are and for what you have done. I join my voice with all creation to worship you. Help me to take the time to listen to the song of worship that is all around me, so I will remember to always lift my praises to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Today, take a few minutes outside and listen. See what sounds of creation you can hear as worship to God?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Turn Back Time
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. – 2 Corinthians 6:2
This past weekend we turned our clocks back an hour and it was so nice to have that extra hour of sleep. Just think how nice it would be if we could really turn back time and have a second chance at life. We could go back an undo all the things that we regret saying or doing and reverse all the things for which we feel guilty. What a wonderful thing that would be.
Although we cannot go back in time and undo all the things that we have done, Christ has done that for us by dying on the cross. When Jesus went to the cross he undid all of our sins in the past, present and the future. He took our life and he wiped it clean. Therefore, we do not have to live with regrets or feel guilty about past mistakes. Instead we can live with the good news that “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” What a wonderful thing that is!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and wiping away all my sins. Help me to not dwell on my past sins and live with regrets and guilt. Help me to live in the good news that in you I have been redeemed! Amen.
Faith Tip: Is there a mistake in your past that you wish you could undo? Does that event continue to play over and over in your memory? If so get rid of that memory, forget about it and move on. Because of the cross God doesn’t remember it, so why should you?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
This past weekend we turned our clocks back an hour and it was so nice to have that extra hour of sleep. Just think how nice it would be if we could really turn back time and have a second chance at life. We could go back an undo all the things that we regret saying or doing and reverse all the things for which we feel guilty. What a wonderful thing that would be.
Although we cannot go back in time and undo all the things that we have done, Christ has done that for us by dying on the cross. When Jesus went to the cross he undid all of our sins in the past, present and the future. He took our life and he wiped it clean. Therefore, we do not have to live with regrets or feel guilty about past mistakes. Instead we can live with the good news that “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” What a wonderful thing that is!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and wiping away all my sins. Help me to not dwell on my past sins and live with regrets and guilt. Help me to live in the good news that in you I have been redeemed! Amen.
Faith Tip: Is there a mistake in your past that you wish you could undo? Does that event continue to play over and over in your memory? If so get rid of that memory, forget about it and move on. Because of the cross God doesn’t remember it, so why should you?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Blessing of Family
You shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. – Deuteronomy 26:11
My family was blessed this past weekend by having my parents stay a couple days at our house. Next weekend we will be blessed again with the visit of Julie’s parents. Since both sets of parents live in Iowa we treasure the time that we are able to spend with them. Their visits make us realize that our families are a blessing from God.
Now I know that some might have a difficult time believing that their family is a blessing, because they have strained relations with family members, they have been mistreated and have been burdened with unresolved issues for many years. While there are others who truly realize that their family is a blessing and find acceptance and love within their family. No matter what your family situation, they are your family and it is the family that God has blessed you with. Often we take this blessing for granted and we forget to thank God for our families.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the blessing of my family. Help me not to take them for granted. Help me to restore any brokenness within my family, so that within my family God’s love would be shared. Amen.
Faith Tip: Thank God for your family and do something today to show your family that you appreciate them.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
My family was blessed this past weekend by having my parents stay a couple days at our house. Next weekend we will be blessed again with the visit of Julie’s parents. Since both sets of parents live in Iowa we treasure the time that we are able to spend with them. Their visits make us realize that our families are a blessing from God.
Now I know that some might have a difficult time believing that their family is a blessing, because they have strained relations with family members, they have been mistreated and have been burdened with unresolved issues for many years. While there are others who truly realize that their family is a blessing and find acceptance and love within their family. No matter what your family situation, they are your family and it is the family that God has blessed you with. Often we take this blessing for granted and we forget to thank God for our families.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the blessing of my family. Help me not to take them for granted. Help me to restore any brokenness within my family, so that within my family God’s love would be shared. Amen.
Faith Tip: Thank God for your family and do something today to show your family that you appreciate them.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, November 5, 2010
Trust and Thanksgiving
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Last night, I listened to Christmas music on the radio for the first time this year. I know it seems early for some people, but there is something beautiful about getting spiritually ready for the celebration of God’s greatest gift—Jesus. In fact, it ties in with Thanksgiving because of how grateful we are for Jesus. What would we do without him?
Jesus has the ability to heal us in any way. He gives us freedom in those bondages that make us slaves. He was human and knows what it’s like to suffer and be tempted. He’s been there. Along with that full understanding, he also has the power to help us. What do we need to do? Trust him.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of Jesus! Because of him we can have freedom. I pray that I can trust you in your healing power in all things. Amen
Faith tip: Live out your trust in God by seeking him and allowing him to work through you to gain healing and freedom.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Last night, I listened to Christmas music on the radio for the first time this year. I know it seems early for some people, but there is something beautiful about getting spiritually ready for the celebration of God’s greatest gift—Jesus. In fact, it ties in with Thanksgiving because of how grateful we are for Jesus. What would we do without him?
Jesus has the ability to heal us in any way. He gives us freedom in those bondages that make us slaves. He was human and knows what it’s like to suffer and be tempted. He’s been there. Along with that full understanding, he also has the power to help us. What do we need to do? Trust him.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of Jesus! Because of him we can have freedom. I pray that I can trust you in your healing power in all things. Amen
Faith tip: Live out your trust in God by seeking him and allowing him to work through you to gain healing and freedom.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Giving in Any Circumstance
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)
Being able to give of yourself, especially during a challenging time in your life, is a real gift—not only to the recipient, but mostly to the giver. There is something strengthening about being able to give or help someone else. So no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, there is a way to be a blessing to someone else. By doing that, not only are you glorifying God, but it takes your focus off your situation and puts it on the ministry of Christ.
I like the line in the scripture above, “their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” You may look at your own circumstance and think that because you don’t have a lot of money, what can you do? I say that there is no limit to what you can do in Jesus’ name. Pray about the possibilities.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for all the blessings you have bestowed on us. I pray that I may not take any of them for granted. Please give me wisdom on how I can give for your honor and glory. Amen
Faith tip: Discern the needs God has made apparent to you, and pray about the possibilities.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Being able to give of yourself, especially during a challenging time in your life, is a real gift—not only to the recipient, but mostly to the giver. There is something strengthening about being able to give or help someone else. So no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, there is a way to be a blessing to someone else. By doing that, not only are you glorifying God, but it takes your focus off your situation and puts it on the ministry of Christ.
I like the line in the scripture above, “their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” You may look at your own circumstance and think that because you don’t have a lot of money, what can you do? I say that there is no limit to what you can do in Jesus’ name. Pray about the possibilities.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for all the blessings you have bestowed on us. I pray that I may not take any of them for granted. Please give me wisdom on how I can give for your honor and glory. Amen
Faith tip: Discern the needs God has made apparent to you, and pray about the possibilities.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Spiritually Thirsty
Blessed are the poor in spirit. (Matthew 5:3)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
We must realize that we are spiritually impoverished without Jesus. There is nothing we can do on our own power to receive the things of heaven. It takes a relationship with our God. If we can fully live in the humility of knowing our need for spiritual building in our souls, we will be blessed by the hand of God who loves us and answers our prayers. Yes, there is a condition to this blessing. We need to seek God and lay ourselves spiritually thirsty at His feet. This is done through prayer. There is no other way to communicate and build a relationship with God than to talk to Him.
Would we rather hold on to our anxious thoughts, or hand them over to God? It is a choice we make daily. Be thankful in everything for God has control and has our best in mind. We are to give “everything” over to God in prayer in which we are anxious. God will answer.
Prayer: God, you are the only one we can truly count on. Thank you for loving us and filling us with your Spirit when we are impoverished. It is all about you and your glory. Amen.
Faith tip: Come out to pray tonight at 6 p.m. and be filled with what God has especially for you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
We must realize that we are spiritually impoverished without Jesus. There is nothing we can do on our own power to receive the things of heaven. It takes a relationship with our God. If we can fully live in the humility of knowing our need for spiritual building in our souls, we will be blessed by the hand of God who loves us and answers our prayers. Yes, there is a condition to this blessing. We need to seek God and lay ourselves spiritually thirsty at His feet. This is done through prayer. There is no other way to communicate and build a relationship with God than to talk to Him.
Would we rather hold on to our anxious thoughts, or hand them over to God? It is a choice we make daily. Be thankful in everything for God has control and has our best in mind. We are to give “everything” over to God in prayer in which we are anxious. God will answer.
Prayer: God, you are the only one we can truly count on. Thank you for loving us and filling us with your Spirit when we are impoverished. It is all about you and your glory. Amen.
Faith tip: Come out to pray tonight at 6 p.m. and be filled with what God has especially for you.
Written by Kathy Bruins
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