“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:12-13).
Here it is the end of another year. The time has passed quickly and has been described as a blink of an eye timeframe for God. It almost feels like that to me, too. God has journeyed with me through this past year in all the ups and downs that life brings. The only constant thing that can be trusted is God. Nothing that happened this past year was a surprise to him. It’s difficult for us to imagine how God knows everything from the beginning all the way to the end, but he does.
His promise to us is that he is coming soon. We can rejoice in this fact knowing a new heaven and earth will be created and it will be perfect. What does a perfect world look like? I can only imagine.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for all that happened during the year. Although there were challenges and times of pain, you were there in the midst of it never letting go. You always have a purpose. I pray into next year that your glory will be experienced by all. Amen
Faith Tip: Begin praying into the next year for God’s glory to be experienced by all.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Making Everything New
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5)
As the year comes to an end, we reflect on all that has happened. There were times of amazing joy along with the times of difficult struggle. Hopefully, we have grown from these experiences and learned more about God and his purposes.
As the New Year begins, there is a sense of newness. Resolutions are made to try new things, or to try to make ourselves new through the application of disciplines in our life. While these are good things to do, God has a promise for us. He is going to make everything new. While this specific promise is for the new world, doesn’t God give us opportunities every day to be recreated in some way? Each day holds a promise of hope. God has the power to make us new and, if we submit to him, he will do it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as the New Year begins, I pray that I can not only reflect on our journey together, but look forward to the new experiences we will have and submit myself to your will which is perfect. Amen
Faith tip: Make a list of the highlights of the last year and give thanks to God.
Written By Kathy Bruins
As the year comes to an end, we reflect on all that has happened. There were times of amazing joy along with the times of difficult struggle. Hopefully, we have grown from these experiences and learned more about God and his purposes.
As the New Year begins, there is a sense of newness. Resolutions are made to try new things, or to try to make ourselves new through the application of disciplines in our life. While these are good things to do, God has a promise for us. He is going to make everything new. While this specific promise is for the new world, doesn’t God give us opportunities every day to be recreated in some way? Each day holds a promise of hope. God has the power to make us new and, if we submit to him, he will do it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as the New Year begins, I pray that I can not only reflect on our journey together, but look forward to the new experiences we will have and submit myself to your will which is perfect. Amen
Faith tip: Make a list of the highlights of the last year and give thanks to God.
Written By Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Confidence In Christ
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).
I’m going…I know I don’t know anyone there, but I know this will be good for me. These are some of the thoughts I had going to my first writer’s conference years ago. It’s frightening to go to an unfamiliar place and not know anyone. I would have been a lot more confident having a friend with me. But I went and I am glad I did. It opened up a whole new world in writing for me. The resources and networking were invaluable to my growth as a writer.
Jesus wants us to be confident in our daily walk…even when he leads us to places unfamiliar and where we feel we are alone. Our lives are filled with so many chapters; each one seems to be in a new area of our lives and that can be scary at first. The truth is that Jesus is always there with us. Through our life’s journey, Jesus is there. Even at the end when our eternal life begins, Jesus is there and will be forever. Doesn’t it feel good to know that Jesus wants us with him all the time?
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises. I pray my confidence will grow as I journey with you in this life and the next. Amen
Faith tip: Is there an area of your life where you don’t feel confident? Look to Jesus to help you be confident.
Written by Kathy Bruins
I’m going…I know I don’t know anyone there, but I know this will be good for me. These are some of the thoughts I had going to my first writer’s conference years ago. It’s frightening to go to an unfamiliar place and not know anyone. I would have been a lot more confident having a friend with me. But I went and I am glad I did. It opened up a whole new world in writing for me. The resources and networking were invaluable to my growth as a writer.
Jesus wants us to be confident in our daily walk…even when he leads us to places unfamiliar and where we feel we are alone. Our lives are filled with so many chapters; each one seems to be in a new area of our lives and that can be scary at first. The truth is that Jesus is always there with us. Through our life’s journey, Jesus is there. Even at the end when our eternal life begins, Jesus is there and will be forever. Doesn’t it feel good to know that Jesus wants us with him all the time?
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises. I pray my confidence will grow as I journey with you in this life and the next. Amen
Faith tip: Is there an area of your life where you don’t feel confident? Look to Jesus to help you be confident.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A New Yoke
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
For me, the month of December fills up the quickest on my calendar. There are Christmas parties, church programs, and special luncheons and coffees sprinkled throughout the month. These are all wonderful things, but at the end of the month, there is a desire for some quiet days. Reflecting on the goodness of God is one way I experience peace.
As the New Year approaches, we are guaranteed that it will not be a smooth ride. In John 16:33, Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this world. This is evidenced in the year end clips of the past year of events that happened in our world. There were disasters, losses, and struggles. Individually we also have struggles, but I believe we see God’s best through our problems. It is through the challenges that we learn more about God, grow in relationship with him, and learn to trust him more. God calls for us to come to him as the world weighs heavy on us. Jesus has a new yoke for us and it’s so much lighter.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your promises of rest. I pray that I will continually come to you to give you the yoke of the world in exchange for your much lighter one. Amen
Faith tip: Take time to reflect and be thankful for all that God has done for you. Remember the times you worried and how God carried you through. Remember the lessons learned and the growth experienced. Look forward to a richer relationship with God in the coming year.
Written by Kathy Bruins
For me, the month of December fills up the quickest on my calendar. There are Christmas parties, church programs, and special luncheons and coffees sprinkled throughout the month. These are all wonderful things, but at the end of the month, there is a desire for some quiet days. Reflecting on the goodness of God is one way I experience peace.
As the New Year approaches, we are guaranteed that it will not be a smooth ride. In John 16:33, Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this world. This is evidenced in the year end clips of the past year of events that happened in our world. There were disasters, losses, and struggles. Individually we also have struggles, but I believe we see God’s best through our problems. It is through the challenges that we learn more about God, grow in relationship with him, and learn to trust him more. God calls for us to come to him as the world weighs heavy on us. Jesus has a new yoke for us and it’s so much lighter.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your promises of rest. I pray that I will continually come to you to give you the yoke of the world in exchange for your much lighter one. Amen
Faith tip: Take time to reflect and be thankful for all that God has done for you. Remember the times you worried and how God carried you through. Remember the lessons learned and the growth experienced. Look forward to a richer relationship with God in the coming year.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Returning To God
Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ (Zechariah 1:3).
The dancing ballerina doll! I remember the thrill of opening this gift as a child on Christmas. She had beautiful blond hair and a pretty pink ballerina outfit. She danced when I would lift up the knob in her crown. If I moved the knob to another position, she would tip toe.
Lots of family came for dinner that day. There would be tons of food, fun and laughter. I remember this day fondly knowing that I can never relive that moment. I can’t go back.
With God, we can always go back. No matter what we have done in life that was displeasing, we can always return to God and have our relationship with him restored. God promises to return to us when we are ready to let go of the things that are blocking our relationship with him. God is forever faithful.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises. I pray that I can release any strongholds in my life that block our relationship in any way. Holy Spirit, I pray that you enlighten me. Amen
Faith tip: Ask God to show you what is blocking your relationship with him. Make the choice in ridding of it knowing there is something so much better with God.
Written by Kathy Bruins
The dancing ballerina doll! I remember the thrill of opening this gift as a child on Christmas. She had beautiful blond hair and a pretty pink ballerina outfit. She danced when I would lift up the knob in her crown. If I moved the knob to another position, she would tip toe.
Lots of family came for dinner that day. There would be tons of food, fun and laughter. I remember this day fondly knowing that I can never relive that moment. I can’t go back.
With God, we can always go back. No matter what we have done in life that was displeasing, we can always return to God and have our relationship with him restored. God promises to return to us when we are ready to let go of the things that are blocking our relationship with him. God is forever faithful.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises. I pray that I can release any strongholds in my life that block our relationship in any way. Holy Spirit, I pray that you enlighten me. Amen
Faith tip: Ask God to show you what is blocking your relationship with him. Make the choice in ridding of it knowing there is something so much better with God.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Friday, December 24, 2010
Jesus Came to Redeem
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. – Luke 1:68
For all you procrastinators, there is only one day left to get your Christmas shopping done. Because tomorrow the stores will close their doors, the parking lots will be empty and the streets, that have been packed with shoppers, will finally be still. But the stillness will not last long because soon the stores will be filled again with people exchanging broken or unwanted presents for something different and redeeming their gifts cards for something new.
When Jesus came to earth, he came to redeem his people. One of the definitions of redeem is “to change for the better.” That is what we do when we exchange broken or unwanted gifts and redeem our gift cards. We change them for something better. And that is exactly what Jesus did for us, he came to change us for the better. He came to take away our sin; to take what is broken and unwanted within us and redeem it for something new and better. Jesus came to redeem us! Hallelujah!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for coming to take away my sinfulness and making me a new creation. I celebrate Christmas because you came to redeem me! Amen.
Faith Tip: As you redeem your gift cards and exchange your presents for something new and better, use that time to remember and reflect on how Jesus redeemed you for something new and better.
HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
For all you procrastinators, there is only one day left to get your Christmas shopping done. Because tomorrow the stores will close their doors, the parking lots will be empty and the streets, that have been packed with shoppers, will finally be still. But the stillness will not last long because soon the stores will be filled again with people exchanging broken or unwanted presents for something different and redeeming their gifts cards for something new.
When Jesus came to earth, he came to redeem his people. One of the definitions of redeem is “to change for the better.” That is what we do when we exchange broken or unwanted gifts and redeem our gift cards. We change them for something better. And that is exactly what Jesus did for us, he came to change us for the better. He came to take away our sin; to take what is broken and unwanted within us and redeem it for something new and better. Jesus came to redeem us! Hallelujah!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for coming to take away my sinfulness and making me a new creation. I celebrate Christmas because you came to redeem me! Amen.
Faith Tip: As you redeem your gift cards and exchange your presents for something new and better, use that time to remember and reflect on how Jesus redeemed you for something new and better.
HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A Birthday Celebration
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. – Luke 2:6-7a
Today is my birthday. This evening I look forward to celebrating with my family by eating cake, opening presents and going out for dinner. Spending the evening with my family will be the best birthday gift of all, without my family the cake, presents and dinner would be nothing. But just think what it would be like without me! Imagine how I would feel if I came home to find that my family ate the birthday cake, opened the presents and went out to eat without me. The birthday celebration would seem meaningless without the birthday boy.
Celebrating a birthday without the birthday boy sounds ridiculous, but in two days we will celebrate the birthday of Jesus and many will celebrate and leave Jesus out of the celebration. They will gather with family and friends, open presents and eat wonderful meals, but they will forget why they are celebrating. Imagine how that must make Jesus feel to see so many people celebrating his birthday and not inviting the birthday boy to the celebration. This Christmas remember to make Jesus the center of your celebration.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we are able to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Forgive us when we forget to invite you to the party. Help us to remember why we celebrate. Amen.
Faith Tip: As part of your Christmas celebration do something to bring Jesus to the center of your celebration. Maybe read the Christmas story, sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, before opening presents go around and share what you feel is the best gift that Jesus has given to you in this year, etc…. There are many ways to remember Jesus at Christmas.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Today is my birthday. This evening I look forward to celebrating with my family by eating cake, opening presents and going out for dinner. Spending the evening with my family will be the best birthday gift of all, without my family the cake, presents and dinner would be nothing. But just think what it would be like without me! Imagine how I would feel if I came home to find that my family ate the birthday cake, opened the presents and went out to eat without me. The birthday celebration would seem meaningless without the birthday boy.
Celebrating a birthday without the birthday boy sounds ridiculous, but in two days we will celebrate the birthday of Jesus and many will celebrate and leave Jesus out of the celebration. They will gather with family and friends, open presents and eat wonderful meals, but they will forget why they are celebrating. Imagine how that must make Jesus feel to see so many people celebrating his birthday and not inviting the birthday boy to the celebration. This Christmas remember to make Jesus the center of your celebration.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we are able to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Forgive us when we forget to invite you to the party. Help us to remember why we celebrate. Amen.
Faith Tip: As part of your Christmas celebration do something to bring Jesus to the center of your celebration. Maybe read the Christmas story, sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, before opening presents go around and share what you feel is the best gift that Jesus has given to you in this year, etc…. There are many ways to remember Jesus at Christmas.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
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