How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? – John 5:44
“All the world’s a stage”, so begins one of Shakespeare’s famous monologues. Tonight Jacob’s High School play opens. The cast has been rehearsing and rehearsing for many months and tonight the actors finally get to perform their play to an audience. Their hope is that all their rehearsing pays off and their performance will receive praise from the audience.
As Shakespeare tells us in his famous quote, life is kind of like a play and we live our lives for an audience. Who are you living your life for? Maybe you live your life to please yourself, or to please others, but Jesus says that we should be living our lives for an audience of one. That audience of one is God, because it is his praise that truly matters.
As Christians, we are called to live for an audience of one. In life, we will often be tempted to try to please others and they will try to steal away our attention and time. But we need to remain focused on the one we are called to live for, because on judgment day we will all stand before that one. On that day I want to hear God’s applause…and I want to know that I have lived my life for his praises!
Tonight the actors in the High School play are hoping that the house is packed, but they would still give their best performance even if one person showed up. Let us always give our best performance to the audience of one!
Prayer: Lord, help me to live my life each and every day for you. Help me to seek your praises and not be so concerned about what others think. I want to live for you and you alone. Amen.
Faith Tip: As you live in this day imagine God is your audience and think about what you can do to receive his applause.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Aliens
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Blue Man Group perform. If you have never seen this show it is three blue men who put on an entertaining show. The show is entertaining because these three blue men act like they are aliens or strangers unaware of cultural norms and their lack of understanding provides a lot of humor. It is also entertaining because these three blue men blend science and technology with musical instruments to perform some very beautiful music.
Like these three blue men, we are also aliens and strangers in this world. We might think we have it all figured out, but compared to God we a very lacking in our understanding of the world around us. I think God must sometimes look down on us and chuckle at our lack of understanding. I also think that there are times when our life produces beautiful music that pleases God very much. Let’s hope that the times of beautiful music outweigh the lack of understanding.
Prayer: Thank you God that you have created me to glorify you. Forgive me when my actions are less than glorifying because I lack understanding. Thank you that I can glorify you in those times when my life is like beautiful music to your ears. Amen
Faith Tip: Remember that no matter what you do in your life, whether you stumble in your lack of understanding or glorify God by making “beautiful music” , God always loves you and he always will.
Written by Aaron Anderson
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Blue Man Group perform. If you have never seen this show it is three blue men who put on an entertaining show. The show is entertaining because these three blue men act like they are aliens or strangers unaware of cultural norms and their lack of understanding provides a lot of humor. It is also entertaining because these three blue men blend science and technology with musical instruments to perform some very beautiful music.
Like these three blue men, we are also aliens and strangers in this world. We might think we have it all figured out, but compared to God we a very lacking in our understanding of the world around us. I think God must sometimes look down on us and chuckle at our lack of understanding. I also think that there are times when our life produces beautiful music that pleases God very much. Let’s hope that the times of beautiful music outweigh the lack of understanding.
Prayer: Thank you God that you have created me to glorify you. Forgive me when my actions are less than glorifying because I lack understanding. Thank you that I can glorify you in those times when my life is like beautiful music to your ears. Amen
Faith Tip: Remember that no matter what you do in your life, whether you stumble in your lack of understanding or glorify God by making “beautiful music” , God always loves you and he always will.
Written by Aaron Anderson
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Is Anyone Listening?
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. – Psalm 40:1
I remember one time as a boy having a rousing conversation with my brother. We were so excited about what we were talking about that we were both oblivious to the fact that we were talking at the same time. That is until my father spoke up and asked us, “Is anyone listening?”
It is a question that I often ask myself as I look at the world today. With riots in Egypt, bickering in Congress, wars in the Middle East, I wonder, “Is anyone listening?” It seems to me like most of our problems could be solved if there was more listening and less talking.
When we go through struggles in life it might seem that no one cares because no one hears our pleas for help. Often times it might even seem like God isn’t listening because he makes us wait for answers to our prayers. It is true that as people, broken by sin, we don’t listen has much as we should, but God never stops listening. God is always right there with his ears wide open ready to listen to anything you want to tell him. So take some time and talk to the Lord today, he will listen.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you care so much for me and that you are always ready and willing to listen to what I have to say. Forgive me when I become impatient and begin to doubt that you hear me. Help me to remember to talk to you more often. Amen.
Faith Tip: Make sure you set aside sometime every day to talk to God. Just knowing that God is listening can help us through difficult times. Also strive to be a better listener in all your conversations.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
I remember one time as a boy having a rousing conversation with my brother. We were so excited about what we were talking about that we were both oblivious to the fact that we were talking at the same time. That is until my father spoke up and asked us, “Is anyone listening?”
It is a question that I often ask myself as I look at the world today. With riots in Egypt, bickering in Congress, wars in the Middle East, I wonder, “Is anyone listening?” It seems to me like most of our problems could be solved if there was more listening and less talking.
When we go through struggles in life it might seem that no one cares because no one hears our pleas for help. Often times it might even seem like God isn’t listening because he makes us wait for answers to our prayers. It is true that as people, broken by sin, we don’t listen has much as we should, but God never stops listening. God is always right there with his ears wide open ready to listen to anything you want to tell him. So take some time and talk to the Lord today, he will listen.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you care so much for me and that you are always ready and willing to listen to what I have to say. Forgive me when I become impatient and begin to doubt that you hear me. Help me to remember to talk to you more often. Amen.
Faith Tip: Make sure you set aside sometime every day to talk to God. Just knowing that God is listening can help us through difficult times. Also strive to be a better listener in all your conversations.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Where Can I Find Help?
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? - Psalm 121:1
The economists say that the recession has ended. While there are signs that the economy is recovering, there are still many who continue to struggle because they have lost their jobs, income, homes, and any sense of stability in their life. They are asking the same question that the psalmist asks, “Where can I find help?”
It is usually after we suffer a loss when we ask such questions. Whether we lose our health, our security, our savings, a loved one…we seek for something or someone to help us. Where are you looking for help? Is it in the leaders of our country…a political ideology…doctors…lawyers…an employer…yourself???? There is one who can truly help you and that is the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. When you are seeking help, take your problems to the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for helping me in times of trouble. Help me to lean more on you and less on the things of this world. Please help me with the struggles I encounter today. Amen.
Faith Tip: In what area of your life do you need help today? Take this worry to the Lord and let him help you get through this problem.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
The economists say that the recession has ended. While there are signs that the economy is recovering, there are still many who continue to struggle because they have lost their jobs, income, homes, and any sense of stability in their life. They are asking the same question that the psalmist asks, “Where can I find help?”
It is usually after we suffer a loss when we ask such questions. Whether we lose our health, our security, our savings, a loved one…we seek for something or someone to help us. Where are you looking for help? Is it in the leaders of our country…a political ideology…doctors…lawyers…an employer…yourself???? There is one who can truly help you and that is the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. When you are seeking help, take your problems to the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for helping me in times of trouble. Help me to lean more on you and less on the things of this world. Please help me with the struggles I encounter today. Amen.
Faith Tip: In what area of your life do you need help today? Take this worry to the Lord and let him help you get through this problem.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Gift of Love
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
Today is Valentine’s Day. Jacob, my son, is spending Valentine’s Day with his school choir delivering singing Valentines to people throughout the Holland area. I ordered one of these singing Valentines for Julie. To say “I love you!” to my wife, I sent my one and only son to sing a love song to her. Won’t she be surprised??? (Not after she reads this.)
God sent us a message of love by sending us his one and only Son, not to sing to us, but to die for us on the cross. God’s message of love, as written in John 3:16, is probably one of the most well-known and quoted passages of scripture. It is better than any Valentine’s Card, love poem or love song. Jesus Christ is the greatest expression of love ever given! And he has been given to you and all you need to do to accept this gift of love is accept Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. Have you accepted this gift? If not, do it today on Valentine’s Day!
Prayer: Thank you God for sending your one and only Son to tell me how much you love me. May I express my love for you in all that I say and do. I love you Lord! Amen.
Faith Tip: This Valentine’s Day you might be telling someone special that you love him or her, but don’t forget to take the time to remember how much God loves you and tell God how much you love him.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Today is Valentine’s Day. Jacob, my son, is spending Valentine’s Day with his school choir delivering singing Valentines to people throughout the Holland area. I ordered one of these singing Valentines for Julie. To say “I love you!” to my wife, I sent my one and only son to sing a love song to her. Won’t she be surprised??? (Not after she reads this.)
God sent us a message of love by sending us his one and only Son, not to sing to us, but to die for us on the cross. God’s message of love, as written in John 3:16, is probably one of the most well-known and quoted passages of scripture. It is better than any Valentine’s Card, love poem or love song. Jesus Christ is the greatest expression of love ever given! And he has been given to you and all you need to do to accept this gift of love is accept Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. Have you accepted this gift? If not, do it today on Valentine’s Day!
Prayer: Thank you God for sending your one and only Son to tell me how much you love me. May I express my love for you in all that I say and do. I love you Lord! Amen.
Faith Tip: This Valentine’s Day you might be telling someone special that you love him or her, but don’t forget to take the time to remember how much God loves you and tell God how much you love him.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Season of Love
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
She slowly opened the red envelope found on the kitchen counter. Her eyes delighted in the beautiful scene of children playing in a field…carefree. Opening the card, she noticed a handwritten message saying, “I’m sorry for the pain I have caused you. Please forgive me. I want us to be free to love one another like the children on the cover of the card. I love you so much.” She found herself desiring the same thing—freedom to love one another with nothing between them to restrict it.
That’s how God wants us to love one another. Jesus modeled it on earth by showing grace and mercy to all he came in contact with. He didn’t keep a tab of the wrongs people did. He loves them completely and longs for relationship with all. Focusing on the past will keep our heart imprisoned with feelings of anger, bitterness, discouragement, and other chains that drag us down. The key to freedom is forgiveness. Offer the gift to others just as Jesus offered it to us.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the wonderful gift of grace that you offered me. I grasp onto that grace and pray that I can offer it to others as you have. Amen
Faith Tip: Discern how free you are to love. Do you want to love freely? Trust Jesus in helping you take steps today to freedom.
Written by Kathy Bruins
She slowly opened the red envelope found on the kitchen counter. Her eyes delighted in the beautiful scene of children playing in a field…carefree. Opening the card, she noticed a handwritten message saying, “I’m sorry for the pain I have caused you. Please forgive me. I want us to be free to love one another like the children on the cover of the card. I love you so much.” She found herself desiring the same thing—freedom to love one another with nothing between them to restrict it.
That’s how God wants us to love one another. Jesus modeled it on earth by showing grace and mercy to all he came in contact with. He didn’t keep a tab of the wrongs people did. He loves them completely and longs for relationship with all. Focusing on the past will keep our heart imprisoned with feelings of anger, bitterness, discouragement, and other chains that drag us down. The key to freedom is forgiveness. Offer the gift to others just as Jesus offered it to us.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the wonderful gift of grace that you offered me. I grasp onto that grace and pray that I can offer it to others as you have. Amen
Faith Tip: Discern how free you are to love. Do you want to love freely? Trust Jesus in helping you take steps today to freedom.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Who's Really Being Blessed?
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40)
Milk, bananas and beans. That’s what the mother standing in line had at the checkout. Her two lovely children, must have been 5 years and younger, were patiently waiting. The card she was using to pay wasn’t working and she didn’t have any cash on her. She was embarrassed and discouraged and apologized as she began to move out of the aisle. Another woman called out to her to wait. She paid for the items for the woman with the children. Relief washed over the face of the mother, and surprisingly, over the clerk’s face. In fact, smiles were all around by all who witnessed the King at work through one of his disciples. God showed up. Not only were the mother and children blessed, but so was everyone else.
Giving to the Lord is never about a duty to perform. It is about experiencing God in a profound way personally. Answering the call of God gives you an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus to those who are the least of these…and who are they? Take a look in the mirror.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the call you put on my life. I pray that I will never give you a busy signal when you call. I want to experience you and shine your light in areas of darkness. Amen
Faith Tip: Be alert to the call of God today and be ready to act.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Milk, bananas and beans. That’s what the mother standing in line had at the checkout. Her two lovely children, must have been 5 years and younger, were patiently waiting. The card she was using to pay wasn’t working and she didn’t have any cash on her. She was embarrassed and discouraged and apologized as she began to move out of the aisle. Another woman called out to her to wait. She paid for the items for the woman with the children. Relief washed over the face of the mother, and surprisingly, over the clerk’s face. In fact, smiles were all around by all who witnessed the King at work through one of his disciples. God showed up. Not only were the mother and children blessed, but so was everyone else.
Giving to the Lord is never about a duty to perform. It is about experiencing God in a profound way personally. Answering the call of God gives you an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus to those who are the least of these…and who are they? Take a look in the mirror.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the call you put on my life. I pray that I will never give you a busy signal when you call. I want to experience you and shine your light in areas of darkness. Amen
Faith Tip: Be alert to the call of God today and be ready to act.
Written by Kathy Bruins
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