Unplugged

"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones" Psalm 127:2

When was the last time that you "unplugged"? Have you stepped away from the incessant "ding" or vibration from your phone? Sometimes I get so busy working overtime, coming home tired, but sacrificing my sanity. The Lord gives rest to the weary (Jeremiah 31:25). He's a Starbucks that's open 24/7 and his services are free of charge! When you're worn out, who or what do you turn to? The Lord doesn't sleep, so cast your worries and anxieties to him... he wants them! 

"You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly." Proverbs 3:24

Steadfast Love

"Know therefore that The Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments..." Deuteronomy 7:9

In children's church and nursery this Sunday, I asked the kids to each say why they love Jesus. The common theme was the depth of God's love for use and how he'll never forsake us. From a 5 year old child's perspective, it's a simple idea, but somehow as we grow and develop, things can change. We may wonder, "How is God loving me through this situation" or  "Why am I constantly being tested?" No matter what we do or what's going on in our lives, God is right there with us. Be encouraged!

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful- for He cannot deny Himself" 2 Timothy 2:13

(Original post: October 16)

Faith and Trust

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him" Hebrews 11:6

It seems that it is so much easier to say that we have faith in God that to actually have it. When faced with difficult challenges, do you question if it's God? Usually, if it causes us to stretch our faith and trust completely in Christ, it's probably in His will. Diligently seeking Him will reveal all that He has for you!

:You keep him in perfect peace who mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

(Original post: October 15)

Plugged In

"It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2

We are a very "plugged in" society. We keep our phones on and share our lives with all of our social media "friends." This constant connection with people and little time of rest can affect us overtime. Pulling away to relax and spend quiet time with Christ is vital. Even Jesus did it!

"Then Jesus said, 'Let us go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." Mark 6:31

(Original Post: October 14)

Fear and Worry

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.What can mere mortals do to me?" Psalm 56:3-4 

It's easy to fall victim to fear and worry. We wonder if our grades are good enough, if our finances will improve, if we are on the right career path, and the list goes on. Anytime we start to feel fear and worry, we have to check our flesh and remind ourselves who is in charge. God did not give us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). As quickly as those thoughts come up, we can cast them down in the name of Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5)

"I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4 

(Original post: October 11)

Peace in Christ

"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." Colossians 3:15

With so many things going on in school and the workplace, it can be easy to take on the cares of the world. We can get wrapped up in our own issues, short comings, and struggles. But God calls us to have peace. So we don't have to worry about grades or our financial situation, if we do our best and rely on Christ. Turn to Him.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

(Original post: October 8)

Does God Hear Short Prayers?

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I may be free from pain.' And God granted his request." 1 Chronicles 9:10

Occasionally we may find ourselves in a "prayer rut" and with all of the violence in the world, we may feel that we need extra protection. The Prayer of Jabez is a short but meaningful prayer that can be said anytime or anyplace. It is obvious that God doesn't require lengthy, eloquent prayers to hear and take action. Let's challenge ourselves and increase our prayer life so that we may be abundantly blessed.

(Original Post: September 19, 2013)

Prayer and Hope

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may about in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" Romans 15:13

The Lord can provide you with peace, hope, and joy when you trust in Him. The Message translation says "...filled with life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit" This means that prayer can re-energize us when we are weak, tired, and desperate for answers from Him. The Bible also says that even when we can't pray or don't know where to start, He's got us covered! (Romans 8:26-27) Keep pushing through! You can make it!

(Original post: September 17, 2013)

Energy for Tough Times

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised" Hebrews 10:36

As believers in Christ, we will face obstacles, challenges, and hard times (1 Peter 4:12-14). But Hebrews states that if we continue on the path that God has for our lives, we receive the awesome promises that He has for us. We must continually let our light shine in every aspect of our lives. Don't quit! No matter what is going on in your life, you CAN make it through!

"As for you brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13

(Original post: September 16, 2013)