Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27
We live in a world that is full of doubt and unbelief; a world that needs proof before we will believe. In our world we live by sight not by faith. Thomas was a man from our world, not wanting to believe in the resurrection until he could actually see and touch the living Jesus.
How much are we like Thomas? Do our doubts arise when we don’t see God at work? Does our unbelief increase when we can’t see how God is answering our prayers? Following Christ is not about following by sight, but following by faith. Jesus calls us not to believe in him because of what we have seen, but to believe in him because God has given us the faith to believe what we have not seen. This is true faith and true faith leaves very little room for doubt and unbelief.
Prayer: Thank you God for the faith that you have placed within me. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight, so that my faith in you will grow every day. Amen.
Faith Tip: Are you waiting on a sign from God in order to believe? If so then stop waiting and walk by faith and fully trust and believe in God.
Written by Pastor Aaron
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Resurrection Peace
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” – Luke 24:36
It is interesting that the message that Jesus brings to his disciples after his resurrection is one of peace. It is not exactly the message one would expect from a person who has just suffered an excruciating death, descended into the depths of hell and then brought back to life again. We would expect maybe an account of what he just experienced, what he saw, what he felt, yet Jesus says to them, “Peace be with you.”
The message of the resurrection is peace. Jesus was raised again so that we could have peace in our life. Do you have peace or are you troubled by worries, doubts and fears? If you need peace in your life look to the Risen Lord. Remember that he has not only conquered death, but he is working in your life right now to conquer those things that bring you fear, worry and trouble. Jesus’ message to you today is, “Peace be with you.”
Prayer: I thank you God, that I can proclaim, “I serve a risen Savior. He is in the world today!” Help me in my unbelief so that I may believe those words deep in my heart and soul, so that I may experience the peace of the resurrection. Amen.
Faith Tip: Take some time to search your heart and mind today and see if there is anything that is causing you to worry, doubt or fear and then give that to God and take hold of His peace that passes all understanding.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
It is interesting that the message that Jesus brings to his disciples after his resurrection is one of peace. It is not exactly the message one would expect from a person who has just suffered an excruciating death, descended into the depths of hell and then brought back to life again. We would expect maybe an account of what he just experienced, what he saw, what he felt, yet Jesus says to them, “Peace be with you.”
The message of the resurrection is peace. Jesus was raised again so that we could have peace in our life. Do you have peace or are you troubled by worries, doubts and fears? If you need peace in your life look to the Risen Lord. Remember that he has not only conquered death, but he is working in your life right now to conquer those things that bring you fear, worry and trouble. Jesus’ message to you today is, “Peace be with you.”
Prayer: I thank you God, that I can proclaim, “I serve a risen Savior. He is in the world today!” Help me in my unbelief so that I may believe those words deep in my heart and soul, so that I may experience the peace of the resurrection. Amen.
Faith Tip: Take some time to search your heart and mind today and see if there is anything that is causing you to worry, doubt or fear and then give that to God and take hold of His peace that passes all understanding.
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Lies That Blind Us to The Truth
While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” – Matthew 28:11-13
When I read this story I am amazed. Here the Jewish chief priests and elders are presented with a truthful account of the resurrection from unbiased first-hand witnesses and they still won’t believe. Instead they are so set on getting there own way that they are blinded to the truth and make up lies to explain the truth away.
When God’s ways do not align with our ways we can often fall into the same trap. People will often explain away God’s blessings as just coincidences, or God’s creation as random chaos or God’s healing as the miracle of modern medicine. Random chance, luck, and coincidences are all just lies from the deceiver to try to make us believe that God doesn’t exist. Do not be blinded by lies, but believe in the truth of God.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me, so that I may stop believing in the lies of the deceiver. Amen.
Faith Tip: Jesus is risen! He is alive! The message of Easter still rings true and gives us reason to believe in God’s truth. What lies are you making up or believing in that is keeping you from the truth of God?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
When I read this story I am amazed. Here the Jewish chief priests and elders are presented with a truthful account of the resurrection from unbiased first-hand witnesses and they still won’t believe. Instead they are so set on getting there own way that they are blinded to the truth and make up lies to explain the truth away.
When God’s ways do not align with our ways we can often fall into the same trap. People will often explain away God’s blessings as just coincidences, or God’s creation as random chaos or God’s healing as the miracle of modern medicine. Random chance, luck, and coincidences are all just lies from the deceiver to try to make us believe that God doesn’t exist. Do not be blinded by lies, but believe in the truth of God.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me, so that I may stop believing in the lies of the deceiver. Amen.
Faith Tip: Jesus is risen! He is alive! The message of Easter still rings true and gives us reason to believe in God’s truth. What lies are you making up or believing in that is keeping you from the truth of God?
Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter Celebration
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:31-32
Yesterday was a wonderful time of worship as we celebrated the resurrection. The worship began with triumphant Easter hymns, led by piano, organ and brass. Followed by the Easter choir and praise songs by the band. We opened God’s word and heard an Easter message which was followed by welcoming eight new members into the church through professions of their faith in Jesus Christ and three baptisms. We were then sent forth singing “My Redeemer Lives!”
The Easter service was a joyful experience and we could certainly feel the presence of the Lord in that place. I have a feeling that I know how the disciples felt when their eyes were opened and they realized that Jesus was alive! Their hearts were burning and certainly our hearts were also burning as we celebrated the fact that our Redeemer lives!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the resurrection. Thank you for the wonderful worship that we experienced yesterday to celebrate Easter. We pray for those who made profession of faith and for the three who were baptized. May you continue to draw all of closer to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Although Easter is over, every day we can celebrate that Jesus Christ is risen! Keep the joy of Easter burning within you heart.
Yesterday was a wonderful time of worship as we celebrated the resurrection. The worship began with triumphant Easter hymns, led by piano, organ and brass. Followed by the Easter choir and praise songs by the band. We opened God’s word and heard an Easter message which was followed by welcoming eight new members into the church through professions of their faith in Jesus Christ and three baptisms. We were then sent forth singing “My Redeemer Lives!”
The Easter service was a joyful experience and we could certainly feel the presence of the Lord in that place. I have a feeling that I know how the disciples felt when their eyes were opened and they realized that Jesus was alive! Their hearts were burning and certainly our hearts were also burning as we celebrated the fact that our Redeemer lives!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the resurrection. Thank you for the wonderful worship that we experienced yesterday to celebrate Easter. We pray for those who made profession of faith and for the three who were baptized. May you continue to draw all of closer to you. Amen.
Faith Tip: Although Easter is over, every day we can celebrate that Jesus Christ is risen! Keep the joy of Easter burning within you heart.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Blood Drive
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20
Yesterday at our church the American Red Cross was set up to take blood donations throughout the day. This blood would be used to save lives. It’s a process that has been done for many years and there is no doubt that it has helped many people.
The blood of Jesus was given willingly to save lives. It flowed from his body which hung on the cross after being brutalized. Hours before, Jesus offered the cup to his disciples to whom he said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” It is clear that the blood of Jesus had the power to clean our sins away. Do not allow the world to confuse you in this fact, but stand strong in the victory.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the great sacrifice you made for me. I cannot imagine all that you went through for me. You are my all in all. Amen
Faith Tip: With Jesus, you are clean. Believe that today and live it out.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Yesterday at our church the American Red Cross was set up to take blood donations throughout the day. This blood would be used to save lives. It’s a process that has been done for many years and there is no doubt that it has helped many people.
The blood of Jesus was given willingly to save lives. It flowed from his body which hung on the cross after being brutalized. Hours before, Jesus offered the cup to his disciples to whom he said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” It is clear that the blood of Jesus had the power to clean our sins away. Do not allow the world to confuse you in this fact, but stand strong in the victory.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the great sacrifice you made for me. I cannot imagine all that you went through for me. You are my all in all. Amen
Faith Tip: With Jesus, you are clean. Believe that today and live it out.
Written by Kathy Bruins
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Jesus Holds on Tight
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” - John 10:28-30
My dog, Charlie, loves to play a game with people where he will take a toy or a bone and come close to them giving the impression he wants them to have it. As soon as a person reaches for it, Charlie snaps his head away and prances around with his victory of holding on to the object. He does this with unsuspecting people at the dog park when he brings his Frisbee to them. They say, “Oh, how cute. He wants me to throw the Frisbee.” They soon find out it’s a different game he wants to play.
The victory is in Jesus who will allow nothing or no one to snatch us from his hand. Satan wants to play the game of temptation. If we allow Satan to grab us in temptation, there will be consequences in our life. However, when we are saved by the blood of the Lamb, there is no way Satan can take us from that—nothing will separate us from God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the promise that we have total security in you. I pray that I live in the victory of being in your hand and not in Satan’s. Amen
Faith Tip: Don’t allow any temptation to overtake you today. God always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Written by Kathy Bruins
My dog, Charlie, loves to play a game with people where he will take a toy or a bone and come close to them giving the impression he wants them to have it. As soon as a person reaches for it, Charlie snaps his head away and prances around with his victory of holding on to the object. He does this with unsuspecting people at the dog park when he brings his Frisbee to them. They say, “Oh, how cute. He wants me to throw the Frisbee.” They soon find out it’s a different game he wants to play.
The victory is in Jesus who will allow nothing or no one to snatch us from his hand. Satan wants to play the game of temptation. If we allow Satan to grab us in temptation, there will be consequences in our life. However, when we are saved by the blood of the Lamb, there is no way Satan can take us from that—nothing will separate us from God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the promise that we have total security in you. I pray that I live in the victory of being in your hand and not in Satan’s. Amen
Faith Tip: Don’t allow any temptation to overtake you today. God always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Written by Kathy Bruins
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Taking the stinger out of death
Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
When reading a good story, it will build up to a climax where action and answers come together. Our emotions ride along on this uphill climb to the thrill of reaching the summit of the tale. A good storyteller will make sure that the message they are trying to convey to the reader or listener is clear as well as worth their time to read it.
That’s kind of the way it is with Holy Week. We hear and read about the miracles of Jesus, his acts of love and compassion to people, and the troubling words he says regarding his death and resurrection. The disciples are trying to understand, but are still struggling with the thought that Jesus was going to die. Many may think the crucifixion is the climax of the story, but it actually is the resurrection.
It is through the resurrection that God acted on man’s behalf. The stone was rolled away and the Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave is the same Spirit that will raise us into the presence of God. Sin was defeated. Victory is ours! Praise God!
The message is clear. Jesus is the way to take the sting out of death. The Great Author has made his message clear. It is truly worth taking the time to read.
Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for the great sacrifice you made to save me. I pray that I will relive the Easter story throughout the year and walk in your victory over sin. Amen
Faith Tip: Take time today to read this wonderful story and live in victory knowing that the stinger was taken out of death.
Written by Kathy Bruins
When reading a good story, it will build up to a climax where action and answers come together. Our emotions ride along on this uphill climb to the thrill of reaching the summit of the tale. A good storyteller will make sure that the message they are trying to convey to the reader or listener is clear as well as worth their time to read it.
That’s kind of the way it is with Holy Week. We hear and read about the miracles of Jesus, his acts of love and compassion to people, and the troubling words he says regarding his death and resurrection. The disciples are trying to understand, but are still struggling with the thought that Jesus was going to die. Many may think the crucifixion is the climax of the story, but it actually is the resurrection.
It is through the resurrection that God acted on man’s behalf. The stone was rolled away and the Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave is the same Spirit that will raise us into the presence of God. Sin was defeated. Victory is ours! Praise God!
The message is clear. Jesus is the way to take the sting out of death. The Great Author has made his message clear. It is truly worth taking the time to read.
Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for the great sacrifice you made to save me. I pray that I will relive the Easter story throughout the year and walk in your victory over sin. Amen
Faith Tip: Take time today to read this wonderful story and live in victory knowing that the stinger was taken out of death.
Written by Kathy Bruins
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