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.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
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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