Marriage At Easter

 There is so much symbolism surrounding the Easter story. Jesus entered the world and was placed in a tree (manger) and he left the world on a tree (the cross). Jesus was the perfect lamb sacrifice for our sins and we don't have to sacrifice animals ever again (praise the Lord)! But one symbol you may not know is about the cup at the Lord's supper. 

Matthew 26:27-28 gives us context for what I'm talking about. It says, "Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Of course, there is the obvious symbolism here of that not really being Jesus' blood. But there's another picture here. According to Ann Voskamp in her book The Broken Way when an engagement was happening back in Bible times, a Jewish Rabbi "said that when a man decided he wanted to marry a woman, his father would pour a cup of wine and pass it down to his son" Next the son would look at the woman, hold the cup out, and say:"this cup is a new covenant in my blood, which I offer to you." 

When I read this, it was a mind blowing moment for me. Jesus didn't just offer us his body as the perfect sacrifice, he also offered us a marriage covenant. He offered to take on the role of protector for all of us. Then he died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is an example of a good husband. He made his covenant with us and then he took action to show us that he meant that covenant. 

As Jesus is the ultimate example of whom we should try to emulate, I have a question for all of us: are we taking action as well? We have a calling while we are on this earth. If we don't know Jesus as our personal savior, then our calling is to accept him as that. Then we grow in him. If we do know him as our personal savior, then our mission is to grow in him and tell others about what he's done for them. These are our action steps as the bride of Christ. The church is his bride and he showed that through the symbol of the cup and his blood. A bride doesn't just sit around waiting for the groom to arrive. She takes action steps and prepares for his coming. That's what we are called to do as well.

So, do you know Jesus as your personal savior? Are you spreading the good news of the gospel? How can you grow closer to him?

What is True Luck?

   Do you know anyone who just seems to have all the luck? You know, that person who seems to always be picked, who wins all the things, and who finds the lucky penny? Okay, maybe that last one is a stretch but you get my gist. I'm talking about the person who gets the promotion. The person who just seems to have everything. You have someone in mind?

   New questions: that person that you are picturing, do they have joy? Are they following God? These questions may not seem connected but they are. I've talked in the past about how happiness is fleeting. It is temporary. Joy is something we can have at all times because God gives us joy and we can have joy in him. If we are following God, we have access to that joy. 

   Did that person you were thinking of strike you as someone who has joy and is following God? Maybe they are and maybe they are not. If they are following God, then that will show in their life through their actions. They will not follow the way of the world and be selfish. Instead, they will show attributes of God. They will be giving and kind. They will have joy because they are following God. 

   Whether or not you have luck or wealth, we will all be judged one day. Matthew 16:26-27 says, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." If you had all the wealth in the world but didn't know Jesus as our personal savior, none of that wealth would matter. All things in this world will pass away. The only thing that matters in eternity is our souls.

   You probably know this. But now I want to ask you a question, and I'm asking myself this question just as much as I'm asking you. What are you doing with the things you have been given? Are you using your possessions and gifts for yourself or others. Look back at those verses in Matthew 16. It says Jesus will reward each person according to what they have done. What have you done with the things you've been given? Have you told others how "lucky," and I say lucky to go along with the St. Patrick Day theme, you are to know Christ as your personal savior. Have you shown his love to others through gifts and actions as we are called to do? See, in the end, we are all blessed to have the opportunity to join God's family. We get to spend eternity with God. While here on earth we need to show God's love to others, tell others about what Jesus did for them, and grow in God. That's what true, eternal wealth is.

Thanksgiving Positivity

   Have you ever been in a place where you are surrounded by people who are being negative? I'll tell you what; I have been to many places and met many people who will never be content. These people who just find something to complain about whenever they get the chance. I'll give you some examples: "it is too rainy out to get anything done today." "These customers are so annoying." "I wish I could have gotten the red jacket instead of the blue one." And the list goes on and on.
   When I walk into a room where everyone is complaining I just feel drained. I get sick and tired of people who just say negative things. When I walk into that room and someone is complaining I normally try to put a positive spin on it. For example: if someone says "these customers are so annoying." I say "at least you have a job where you earn money." See, anything negative can be spun in a positive way.
   You may be saying "what if a friend or family member is sick?" I would say "I don't know why that is happening but I do know that God has a plan." It may seem like a cop out but everything does happen for a reason. You never know what might happen because you can't see the future. You staying home because you are sick may have saved you from getting into an accident.
   On Thanksgiving we try to be thankful for all of our blessings. Well, blessings can also come though bad things. We may not think of bad events as blessings but it is true (listen to the song "Blessings" by Laura Story if you don't believe me). 
   We have a choice. We can choose to be negative about everything, or we can choose to be positive no matter what is going on. We can choose our attitude. It may be raining but we can say, "thank you God for keeping the earth green." We may have wanted a different colored jacket but we can say, "thank you God for the jacket that I have to keep me warm." We may be sick but we can choose to say, "thank you God for this time I have with my family and that I am still alive."
   So, will you choose to be negative about everything? Will you be positive even when bad things happen? Will you thank God in all circumstances?

   Philippians 4:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 4:29

Power at Easter

    What do you think of when you hear the word power? Maybe you think of having something charge like a phone. You may think of someone or something strong like a lion. You may think of politics or money. But is that true power?

   God is the most powerful being ever. He showed his power through miracles. He showed his power through events like creation and plagues. But when it came to how God saved us at first it didn't seem that powerful.

   Looking at the Old Testament we see wonders like parting the red sea, the sun staying still, and walls falling. Jesus came as a baby. That doesn't seem to show that much power, does it? Sure, it was a virgin birth but that isn't that much of a show of power. It is more of a miracle. Amazing yes, but how many people knew that Mary was a virgin? 

   Then Jesus lived a normal life till he was 30. That's when he started performing miracles and teaching but again that didn't seem like much of a show of power. Then he died. 3 days later he rose again. That's powerful.

   But here's the thing, sometimes I think what we think of as powerful is something big, amazing, awe-inspiring, etc. What if power can be in little things? What if power is shown in little moments? Think about Jesus. He is the most powerful person ever alive. He showed his power through miracles both big and small. He touched people with small actions. He showed his love in small things too.

Power can be shown in sacrifice and surrender. We have true power when we give up things. Sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it? Jesus was able to do the greatest thing ever because he surrendered to the Father's will. He chose to sacrifice himself to show true power. 

   How do we get and show power then? You may or may not be able to perform miracles. You may not be able to use a lot of money to do great acts for others. But you can show power by giving yourself to God. You can show power by choosing to sacrifice for others each day, by showing love to others. Power can be shown in the small everyday acts we do.

   So, do you realize that power can be shown in little acts? How can you show power and love to others today?

https://youtu.be/cDYowE8B_q8

Serving Like Christ: A New Year's Blog

    Some of you may know that each year I have a spiritual focus that I try to concentrate on. Usually, I pick something that is an area I feel I need to work on. This year was the first year I focused on something that I consider to be more of a strength of mine. I chose servanthood.

   I’m not at all trying to toot my own horn here. That’s never my intention when it comes to my spiritual resolution. I just know I’ve been told by others that I have a servant’s heart. And I went through what I usually go through at the end of the year. In the last days of 2023, I prayed and asked God to give me a focus for the new year. I was surprised when I felt led to servanthood. 

   Then I sat and thought about it. I knew that in 2024 changes would be happening. I was hoping to get engaged and married. I was continuing to work in my new job of being the lead preschool teacher. And I was planning on getting more involved at church. Having the spiritual resolution of servanthood made sense. I just didn’t realize at the time how important it would become.

   At the beginning of 2024, I felt God calling me to leave my job that I had worked at for at least five years. I had just been promoted to lead teacher, so it didn’t really make sense logically to leave. But, through stirring and circumstances, I knew it was time. I began to look for other jobs, but it isn’t easy to find teaching jobs in February. I looked for those jobs, but I kept feeling like I should change careers. I investigated being a Behavioral Health Technician. A BHT is someone who works one on one with a student who has special needs. 

   Now, some of you may recall that in 2023 I focused on patience and prayer. I never in a million years thought I would be contemplating becoming a BHT. I just didn’t have the patience for it, or so I thought. But then I kept hearing God say, “make a difference to the one.” I had been a teacher for years and touched so many lives, but I felt God calling me to impact just one kid. That was strange to me, but I followed his lead. I became a BHT. Let me tell you, being a BHT is not easy, but it is rewarding. And you need a lot of patience and servanthood to do it. 

   I also ended up getting married this year. People said that the first year of marriage is hard. That it is hard to live with someone who may not have the same habits as you. It is not easy at times, but, because I had servanthood as my focus for the year, whenever I began to feel annoyed by little things I remembered to humble myself. I remembered to stop and speak in kindness. I didn’t bury things down, but I did choose to either handle the problem myself or communicate how I felt. That may not have happened if I hadn’t remembered to be a servant. 

   While being a servant isn’t easy all the time, it is so important. Even Jesus humbled himself and became a servant. That’s pretty much what his whole life on earth was. He was a servant. Whether he was healing, listening, teaching, or showing love in action he served. That’s what we are called to do as well. 

   So, have you been a servant this year? What is God calling you to focus on spiritually now?

https://youtu.be/IbcpuoJFRkw

The Gift of Grief

    Christmas is a time of year that we associate with gifts. I mean, other than Birthdays it's probably the only time of year we get gifts and give them. It's a time of year where we think about hope, peace, joy, love, and Jesus who came to bring that all. This year I was struck by something different than I was usually this season. Sure, I thought about all those things Christmas usually brings but something else happened that made me think of something new: grief.

   On Thanksgiving Day, my family went to visit my grandmother at a rehabilitation facility where she was at for physical therapy. While there, across the hall, a man died. After leaving, my husband and I both said in an odd way it made us more thankful for what we had. 

   Later, toward the middle of December, a family friend who was a part of my parent’s church for as long as I can remember, suddenly died. It was a shock to everyone. And it made me think of how hard it was for me and my family, let alone his family, to deal with his passing.

   Yes, Christmas and Thanksgiving are times we remember to be thankful, have joy, give gifts, and that Jesus came to be our Savior but sometimes it's hard for people to have those things and remember them. Grief is real and it's okay to have. Jesus even grieved over the loss of his friends. But it's also a time to remember the good. To remember the gift that life is. That God gives us this life so we can get to know him, grow in him, help others know about him, and help others grow in him. 

   This life has pain and sadness. This life isn't always easy. We have hurts and hang ups. But God is with us through it all. He sent Jesus so we could have hope in a future eternity with him. So, we could have peace in this life and the next. He came so we could have joy in knowing everything will be okay. That we can spread his love to others so they can have eternal life. Isn't that an amazing privilege and gift?

   So, yes, grief can be a gift. It is a reminder that this world is filled with sorrow, but this world is not the end. We can rest in knowing that God is with us in Spirit here and one day we will be with him in heaven. Thank Jesus that he came as a baby, with the plan in place to eventually die as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, so we could be with him forever. He is the perfect Christmas gift

https://youtu.be/Du0ZsDLwH_0

Starfish: A Thanksgiving Blog

    One morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, a little girl raced down the road. She crested the hill and, only then, began to slow down. The view of the beach was breathtaking. The sun glimmering off the calm waves of the ocean. The sound of the waves brought peace over the girl. She paused for a moment just to take it all in.

   But that was all she allowed herself, a moment. She had a task to do, and she knew it would not be an easy one. There was a storm last night. It was a big one that kept her up with how loud it was, but she stayed brave and prayed. She knew God was protecting her. She also knew that, because of the storm, other things might happen.

   Marching down the hill, she saw she was correct. Across the beach lay a sea of red and orange. This was more than she had expected! The immense weight of how many washed up on the shore hit her. How would she ever finish? The answer, she may not. For some it could be too late. But that did not matter, she would do what she could for them.

   She picked up a starfish and threw it back in the waves. One down, probably more than one hundred to go. Gently grabbing another one, she threw that back into the ocean. Then another, and another. The girl continued in this task for over an hour. 

   People began to come to the beach. Some were jogging, others were walking. They glanced at her as she continued in her task: bend, pick up, throw, bend, pick up, throw. None of them asked what she was doing, they just looked at her for a second then went about their business. 

   One couple walked down the beach. The man glanced at the girl then continued talking. The woman noticed the girl and pursed her lips. What could the girl be doing? Where were her parents? The woman let go of her partner's hand and walked up to the girl, "hello, what are you doing?"

   The girl paused for a moment, "I'm throwing the starfish back." Then she picked up another one and threw it back. The woman looked down the beach and saw that many more starfishes were laying there. She also noticed the sun was getting higher. "I can see that's what you are doing, but why?" The girl didn't stop this time, "these starfish washed out of the sea probably from the storm last night. I am throwing them back, so they don't die."

   The woman looked at the girl in disbelief, "why would you do that? There are so many of them." "I know that" the girl replied. The woman wouldn't let the matter drop, "you won't be able to save them all. Why don't you just stop and go play? Look at how many are left; you won't be able to pick up enough to make a difference." The girl paused, smirked, picked up a starfish and threw it back into the ocean. Then she stared pointedly at the woman, "it made a difference to that one."

   I know it's strange to have this post be a Thanksgiving blog but think about the world today. Sometimes it feels like you try and try to do your best in the world, but it doesn't seem like you are making a difference. There is still world hunger. There is still war. And the world is still broken. But there is something important to remember: you don't have to do big things to make a difference.

   Sometimes I think we think we need to become famous or have a huge talent to make changes in the world when that isn't the case. I have found it is the little things that make a big difference. While you may not be able to solve world hunger, you can feed the hungry in your neighborhood. While you may not be able to stop war, you can love those you see each day. And, while it may not seem like a big deal to you to do one little thing for someone, it just may be the biggest deal in the world to them. In fact, it could save their life. 

   This Thanksgiving I encourage you to think back on the people who have made an impact on your life. Maybe it's someone who has been in your life forever. Or it could be someone who you don't even know their name. Think of the people who have done little things in your life that have made a lasting impact on your life and be grateful for that.

https://youtu.be/jJVHpz6bOgo

An article about how starfish may get washed up on shore:

https://hammockcoastsc.com/twinkle-twinkle-along-the-shore-starfish-by-the-thousands-continue-to-be-found/

Easter Isn't Easy

    Have you ever thought about how Jesus came to earth? It was in a very unexpected way. Most people assumed the Messiah would come like a powerful king or a mighty military man. But that’s not what happened. And, when you think about it, Jesus came in a way that wasn’t easy.

   Wouldn’t it have been a lot easier to come in the way people expected him to come? To swoop down like a hero, wipe out the enemies of Israel, and rule? But if he did that, he would not be true to one of his characteristics. He came down as a baby, as a human, to show his love for us. He chose the hard path.

   Why do I say that? He could’ve taken the easy path and showed his power to all. He could have taken the easy path and just destroyed all of us when we sinned. He could have taken the easy path and just chose to ignore us because we chose to disobey him. But he chose to become one of us so he could know what it was like to be one of us.

   He chose the hard path of growing up, hitting puberty, learning a trade, facing temptations, and having hard emotions. He chose the hard path of not truly revealing who he was till he was 30. He chose the hard path of explaining hard topics to others, he went against the religious leaders of that day, and walking away from his family to show love to all. He chose the hard path of submitting to the Father, being falsely accused, being beaten, and dying on a cross for all our sins.

   Yes friends, Easter was far from easy. But, because Jesus chose the hard path, he made a way for us. Jesus took the hard part from us. He took our sins and became the perfect sacrifice for us. Then he made it easy for us to choose him. We just need to accept him as our savior, believe he is God, and confess our sins to him. Now, that’s not to say our life suddenly gets easier. But we do get to walk through life with the one who loves us. With the one who knows our pain. With the one who loved us enough to die for us.

   So, have you thanked God lately for what he has done for you? When life gets hard, how can you remember to lean on God?

https://youtu.be/jEbLTSCDN1E

The Most Powerful Force in the World

   Love: it is a simple word and yet it is so powerful. We use the word almost every day and yet, so many people don’t know what it means. I already discussed that in last year’s Valentine’s Day post so I won’t bore you with that again.

   But, I do want to point out that love is very powerful. There are many forces in the world: gravity, inertia, The Force (Star Wars), and so many more. But, though all of these are important forces, I think the most powerful is love. Merlin and King Arthur put it best in the Disney movie The Sword and the Stone: “Merlin: ‘ah, you know, lad, that love business is a powerful thing.’ Arthur: ‘greater than gravity?’ Merlin: ‘well, yes, boy. In its way, I’d, uh… Yes, I’d say it’s the greatest force on earth.’”

   Honestly, in my opinion, love makes the world go round, literally. Think about it: why did God create everything? He created us, water, food, earth, life because he loved us before we were even created. Without God, there would be no earth. Thus, love makes the world go round. And, it is still very powerful today. God sent his Son to save us because he loves us. God’s love is unconditional. It is him showing compassion and grace even when we don’t deserve it.

   God asks nothing in return; but he wants to have a relationship with us. Because he loves us, we should love him and his creation. We need to show others love no matter how difficult it may be. Remembering that, as stated in last year’s Valentine’s Day post, love is not just a powerful emotion. It is respecting others and caring for them even when they don’t love you back. God has enemies, I have enemies, you have enemies, everyone has enemies at some point in their life; but if God can love his enemies so can we. We must forgive and love our enemies.

   I encourage you on this Valentine’s Day to think about what love is to you. Have you been loving others, or do you hate them? Do you want God to forgive you when you mess up? If so, you need to take a long look in the mirror and figure out if you are forgiving those who wrong you.

   Happy Valentine’s Day

   1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 16:14

Three P's: New Year's

   Each year I choose a spiritual resolution. This year I prayed about it and God led me to I choose patience. That was tested through work, relationships, soccer, and life in general. I would take a step back each time I felt impatience coming on and talk with God.

   As the year went on, I felt something I hadn't felt before. I felt God tugging on me to add another resolution. This one was also a difficult one for me: prayer. When you think about it, patience and prayer go hand in hand. But I had been holding off on those resolutions because I knew they would be hard for me. Yet, through God, I have been able to work on both of them. 

   When trying times would come up, not only would I pause, but I would pray. I would spend time each day with God in prayer. Then, midway through the year, something happened.

   I was tested. I was myself. I was honest. And it came back to bite me. I didn't understand. Why would God allow this to happen if I'm following him? 

   The final "p" I was asked to do this year was some pruning. I had been holding on tightly to my reputation. I prided myself on what others thought about me. I wanted others to praise me. It took that testing and reflection for me to realize what I needed to let go of.

   Now, I'm not going to lie, the pruning hurt. But, in the end, it was a good hurt because I grew in God through it. It also reminded me that I am continually growing in God; and he is going to grow me as I keep my eyes fixed on him.

   So, what is God asking you to grow in? How can you keep your eyes fixed on him? What might God be asking you to prune, or get rid of, today?

https://youtu.be/W6kv1OfUKMo?si=tItY3kvOE6f2-CaN

Thanksgiving: Being Content

   One Thanksgiving I sent out a blog that talked about how comparison is the thief of joy. That is still true. We can look at what someone else has and say "I want that. I won't be happy until I have that." This is the thief of joy.
   But, it goes beyond that. The wisest man who ever lived was telling us that we need to be content with what we have before we even said "I want that." In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon talks about how many things are meaningless. Here is the richest, wisest man in the world telling us many things are meaningless. He had all he could ever want and yet he said pretty much all of it was meaningless. Why?
   In chapter 6 Solomon talks about wealthy people. These people have much but they never have time to enjoy it. Instead, when they die, someone else enjoys their wealth. What is wrong with these wealthy people? They are not content.
   These wealthy people look around and say I need that and I'll be happy. They are not happy with what they have. They are not content. God gives us so much, and yet we never seem to be content. Let me ask you this... when you die will anything you own go with you? No! So then why are we always ungrateful for what we have?
   This Thanksgiving I encourage you to look at what you have. Take a lesson from the wisest man on earth and don't fall into the trap of wanting more. Think about all that God has blessed you with. Rather than choosing to look at what you want be thankful for what you have. Remember to enjoy the special moments in life because, when we go to heaven, it's not going to matter what you had on earth. What is going to matter is what you did to reflect God's glory.
   So, will you continue to compare your possessions to others? Will you choose to be content with what you have? Will you look around at the blessings you have and be thankful? Will you reflect God's glory in all you do?
   I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
   Philippians 4:11-13, 1 Timothy 6:6-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

   Certain ideas for this blog were pulled from the book by Jud Wilhite called The God of Yes.

https://youtu.be/Wf_aiLsRfwg

A Tale of Two Thieves

    It is a Friday. A man who people thought would be king, is now walking through the streets carrying a cross on his way to Gethsemane to die. The crowd cries out, spits on him, and yell in anger. 

   Finally, the man arrives at the hill. His body is spread out on the wooden beams. One hand is gripped firmly as a nail is pounded into his flesh. This process is continued with his other hand and his feet. Then the cross is lifted up so that all can see the man. Above the man's head is a sign that says, "This is the King of the Jews."

   Time passes as the crowd watches, waiting for him to die, waiting for some kind of miracle. The soldiers stand waiting to quicken the process to death if needed. The man hears a voice above the din. "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" This came from one of the criminals on the cross. 

   On the other side of him, he hears another voice, "Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are getting punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." The man then looked at Jesus, "Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

   Jesus, who was the man on the middle cross replied, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

 

   There were two thieves on the cross. One mocked Jesus and, in his pride, expected Jesus to save himself and him. The other, humbled himself and knew he was getting what he deserved. He asked Jesus to save him. Which thief are you?

The Thankfulness Challenge

   Nowadays we have problems remembering to be thankful for what we have. That could be for many reasons: we advertise for Christmas and skip Thanksgiving, after Halloween we want to start making wish lists, we are not happy with what we have etc.
   At the beginning of November I took it upon myself to do a challenge. Each day in November I chose one thing or event from a category and was thankful for that. I called it the thankfulness challenge.
   For this challenge I thought of different categories of things people could be thankful for. Then I organized them into 30 days. I came up with rules like: each day you had to say the thing you were thankful for to one person, you had to say why you were thankful for that thing, and you had to thank God for that thing/person.
   I'm not quite done with this challenge yet but there are a few things I discovered already. First I realized how hard it was to pick one thing or person in each category. For example, one day I had to say a hobby I was thankful for. I have many hobbies that I'm thankful for, for different reasons. I discovered when I focused on the thing I was thankful for the problems of the day didn't seem to be as big of a deal. Finally, I discovered when I told others what or who I was thankful for it got them thinking about what they are thankful for as well.
   Think about it: do you have a lot to be thankful for? If you had to choose one family member, friend, possession, etc. To be thankful for would you only be able to choose one? I encourage you to really think about what you have to be thankful for. Don't just think of tangible things or good things. I'm sure you've had problems in your life that you may not have liked at the time, but they helped change you for the better. Are you thankful for those problems? Will you give thanks to God for all you have?

   1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 106:1

   Image from here. 

Where Do You Find Hope?

   Almost any of us who know the Easter story know that one of the main themes is hope. But that is only one story that has the theme of hope. Think about any of the stories you know where hope is a theme. Some may have happy endings, while others may have sad endings. Everyone has hoped for one thing or another in their lives. But, are we hoping for the right thing?

   We all have our own story here on earth. There are ups and downs in our stories. And, there are times we may not have hope. There is only one story that gives us true hope. And, it starts with God creating the world. Then man fell into sin. There was little hope in the world, except for a promise that God would send a perfect lamb to be sacrificed on our behalf. God sent His only son to die on the cross for us. The true story of hope is found in the Bible.

   But, there is one other great thing about this story of hope found in the Bible: it’s not over yet. God gives us a chance to be a part of the story. He gives us our hope in Christ because we know he is coming back. It is our job to make sure that others have the chance to know about this hope in Jesus. But, Jesus coming back isn’t even the end of the story either. When he comes back we will get to live with him forever. See the true story of hope never ends. It’s amazing to think about isn’t it? Hope you all have a happy Easter.

   Mark 8:31, Luke 24:6-7, Revelation 21:4

Righteous: New Years

   Each year I give myself a new spiritual focus. Of course I work on everything but I have found that having one specific focus helps me improve in character areas I need to work on. This year I was trying to focus on righteousness.
  Now, you may be thinking "righteousness is not an easy thing to improve in." You are correct. But I was following many different verses. 
Matthew 5:6 says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." I don't know about you but when I am hangry it is scary. I just need something to eat or I feel like the Hulk. If I was that hungry for righteousness what would my life loom like?
   Answering that question was far from easy. I knew it was impossible to be righteous without Jesus. I mean, he is the only one who can make us pure of heart. But that does not mean we are not to try to follow him still. Following him is not easy many times.
   Throughout this year I had many challenges with this challenge. There were times where I wanted to watch something that I know God would not have approved of. There were times I made a mistake and had to fess up to it. Choosing right was not easy but it was worth it. I learned much about myself and the Lord this year.
   So, I encourage you to hunger and thirst for righteousness as well. And maybe you could also come up with a spiritual resolution for this year as well.

Verses of Thanksgiving

 The Bible is filled with verses that remind us to be thankful for many things. However, I think we sometimes forget these verses on a day to day basis. On this Thanksgiving Day I think we need a reminder of what or who we should be thankful for each day.

FOR OUR GIFTS: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:7

FOR PRAYER: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

FOR PEACE AND THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

FOR YOUR SALVATION IN CHRIST: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29

TO THE LORD: "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1

FOR GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS (we should praise him): "I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17

FOR GODS STRENGTH (we should praise him): "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7

FOR GOD'S LOVE (we should praise him): "Praise the LORD.Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

THANKFUL IN ALL THINGS: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Quoting Love

   It is finally here. The day that is either relished or reviled: Valentine's Day. If you have a significant other, you may or may not enjoy Valentine's Day. Whether you enjoy Valentine's Day or not it is a good holiday to remind us about something really important to God: love.

   Love is a word that tends to be overused in today's society. Even though it is sometimes overused, or even used incorrectly, sometimes something very profound comes from society using this word. With that in mind, I'd like to go through some quotes about love that remind us of the true meaning of love.

   Piglet: "how do you spell love?" Pooh: "you don't spell it, you feel it." I don't know if you know this but Winnie-the-Pooh is a very profound character. He has some of my most favorite quotes and I'd encourage you to check out some others. Back to my point though: this is one quote that I don't entirely agree with. Many people nowadays think that love is just a feeling. However, in Matthew 22:37-40 says: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Of course, we are called to love God, but we are also called to love our neighbors. Do you love everyone you come into contact with? Do you feel good, fuzzy, kind feelings about the person wrongs you? No? That's because love isn't a feeling. Love is a verb. Love is showing respect to someone even if it doesn't seem like they deserve it. I mean, just look at what Jesus did on the cross for us while we were sinning against him.

   Dug: "I was hiding under your porch because I love you." In this movie, Up, Carl is an older man who just wants to be alone. Even though he yells at Dug, who is a dog, Dug still stays loyal to Carl. He still loves Carl. Dug is like Jesus. He is always there for us; we just need to choose to let him in. It is just like in Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Jesus doesn't force himself on us. He gives us free will to choose Him. He loves us enough to wait until we are willing to let His love in.

   Olaf: "Some people are worth melting for." Olaf is a snowman in the movie Frozen. You and I both I know what happens to a snowman when he gets in front of heat: he melts. Olaf chose to care for Anna, who was sick, when he knew he could melt. Olaf is willing to sacrifice himself to care for someone else. Jesus gave an even greater sacrifice than Olaf. John 3:16 says, "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." Jesus died to save all of us from our sin. He died because he loves us. He died so he could be with us in heaven. We are called to follow his example, take up our crosses, and die to ourselves each day. We are called to love others as well.

   So, on Valentine's Day, I encourage you to think about love today. Are you showing love to others no matter what? Have you let Jesus' love into your heart so you can be with him forever? What can you do to show Jesus' love to others today?

   Image from here.

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Jesus is the Star

   The day is finally here. It is the day where hope entered the world. It is the day where the person who created true peace came into the world. It is the day where a baby's cry sounded so joyful to those there on that special night. It is the day where God showed his love to us by sending his Son to earth. God had many different signs happen that day. He had many different people involved in the day that his Son was born on earth.
   One group that he had involved was wise men. Now, contrary to typical manger scenes the wise men were not actually there the night Jesus was born. In Matthew 2 we find the wise men visiting King Herod asking if he knew where the King of the Jews was. Long story short they found the child, presented him with gifts, and left.
   Out of all the people involved in the Christmas story I find the Magi some of the most interesting. We don't know how many of them there were. We don't know where they came from. We don't know what religion they followed. We refer to them as kings, but they were just astrologers. Granted, they were astrologers who were rich enough to buy expensive gifts but astrologers, nonetheless. These men saw a different star in the east, knew that it was a sign of the King of the Jews, got gifts for him, dropped everything they were doing, traveled for who knows how long to find the King, went to Herod who was not the nicest man, finally found who they were looking for, gave him gifts, and left.
   It seems a bit anti-climactic doesn't it? They spent all that time and money just to spend a bit of time with Jesus. Do you think they thought it was worth it? It may be difficult for you to answer that question from their perspective so let me ask you a different question: would you have dropped everything to follow the star?
Before I continue pause and actually answer that question honestly please. Think about the fact that it is going to cost you time and money to follow a star. Think about the fact that you don't know when that star is going to go away so if you are going to follow it you had better do it soon. Think about the fact that there is no guarantee that you will actually find the King of the Jews.... Would you still follow the star?
   New question: what if that star was Jesus? Would you follow the star if it was Jesus? You still will lose time and money, but you will be giving it up for Jesus. You will get to see Jesus. I believe that's why the wise men decided to drop everything and follow that star. They wanted the chance to see Jesus, even if it was just for a day.
   Many of us have wondered what it would be like to meet Jesus face to face. Well, we may not see Jesus face to face on this earth; but, if we have accepted Jesus as our savior, we will see him in eternity. But once we accept Christ, our job isn't done. We must continually choose to follow Christ each day. Matthew 16:24 says: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"
   I must wonder if the Wise Men understood this verse even before Jesus said it. They dropped everything to follow the star. They denied themselves comfort, money, time, etc. Just to follow a star in order to see Jesus.
   Nowadays we say that Christmas is about Jesus' birth. However, I feel we tend to forget that with all the decorating, present buying, crafting, parking space issues, caroling, and general hustle and bustle of Christmas. We forget with all that going on that Jesus is the star of Christmas. He is the reason why we celebrate. He is the reason we have hope, peace, joy, and love in our lives. He is the reason why we are saved through God's grace. Why shouldn't we want to deny ourselves to follow Him?
   This Christmas day I encourage you to take some time to ponder if you are truly following Christ. Are you choosing each day to deny yourself to follow Him and show others His love? If you are not, what are you going to do to remember to follow Him each day?
   Matthew 2, Matthew 16:24

   Here is a little video to remind you about how Jesus is the Star of Christmas: https://youtu.be/WjIGPSIFEBA

Doing Your Best in the Little Things: Labor Day

   Many times when Labor Day rolls around we all say: "Yes! A three day weekend. I get to relax an extra day and not think about work." I'm not going to lie, it is nice to have an extra day off. But, I usually end up working in one way or another on Labor Day. I may do some things for school, I may do chores around the house, I may make food for myself or others, etc. That's all work. Even on Labor Day we are working.
   We don't just work when we go to work. We do little things every day that are work. And, even if we are working on the little things, we are to give our best. I was once told a story that embodies this idea.
One time a woman, let's call her Tessa, was a counselor at a camp. One of the jobs she was given was to put the kids bed sheets on the beds before the kids came. Time was short before the kids showed up so she tried to work fast. She had put on at least 70 sheets and was beginning to tire of doing the same task. She put a sheet on and realized the sheet was inside out. She looked at the time and thought, "I need to finish all these other beds. It will not be that bad if the sheet is inside out." She left the sheet as is and kept working on the other beds.
   She got about 10 more beds done then thought back to that 1 bed. She knew she had done a good job on 79 beds out of 80. But she did not do her best on that 1. She felt guilty for not giving her best on that 1. Even though she knew it would take extra time and effort she went back to the room and fixed the bed. Did anyone notice that she fixed the bed? No. Would anyone have noticed that the bed was inside out if she wouldn't have fixed it? Maybe not. But if she would not have gone back to fix the bed she wouldn't have been giving her best for God.
   See, Tessa was following Colossians 3:23-24 which says: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." That 1 bed may not have mattered to the child who slept on it, the parents who let that child come to camp, the counselor who was in that room, or the camp director. But, that 1 bed matters to God. Why does a bed matter to God? It matters because we are to give out best to God in ALL we do.
   That means that when you are at work and getting tired of doing the same tasks you still do your best, even if it's hard. That means that if you are mowing the lawn and you realize you miss a spot you go back to get it. Not because you think you will get in trouble, but because you are mowing the lawn for God. That means that if you are cleaning the bathroom and you miss a huge smudge you go back and clean it. Not because you are worried that someone will notice it, but because you are cleaning that bathroom for God.
   Will your best look the same every day? Probably not, but you can still give your best not for man, not to get glory yourself, but to reflect God's glory.
   So, are you giving your best effort for God? How can you reflect God's glory by giving your best for God today?
 Image from here.

Power of Perspective: St. Patrick's Day

   Okay ya’ll, it is getting crazy out there. People are all freaked out about the virus. Many states are in lockdown of some sort. Grocery stores are rushing to keep up with supply and demand of items. And, worst of all, there is a toilet paper crisis! Alright, that last one seems a little ridiculous but it is still a fact that paper products are becoming endangered species in America. To top it all off people are panicking for multiple reasons. Many people don’t have jobs right now, there is a national state of emergency, people are sick, and people are dying.

   With all of that going on it may be difficult to remember that today is St. Patrick’s Day. When one thinks of St. Patrick’s Day they probably think of green, leprechauns, clovers, and luck. About now, I’m pretty sure many of us are not feeling too lucky. In fact, we may be feeling unlucky. But, I think our perspective needs to change.

   You may be saying, “what does my perspective have to do with anything?” I’m glad you asked. Rather than focusing on all the things we don’t have we should focus on what we still do have. Do you have shelter? Do you have food? Do you have electricity? Do you have family, friends, health, love, etc.? If you have any of these consider yourself lucky. Actually, strike that, consider yourself blessed. Some people may not have those things. Those are the people we need to help spread our blessings to and we need to pray for them.

   God promised his people many things. His chosen people started with Abraham. Abraham was promised 3 things: land, seed, and blessing. He was told that God would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him (Gen.12.3). God kept his promise and blessed his people.

   God gives us blessings too, just as he blessed his people. James 1:17 says: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” God has given you everything you own. He gives and takes away. We don’t always know why God takes certain things away but he has a plan for our lives. He doesn’t change. He still wants good for us.

   So yes, it seems like many of us are unlucky because we don’t have jobs, are on lockdown, are running out of food, are sick, or dying; but, God gave us all of the things we have in the first place. He gave us blessings that we have. We are to share those blessings with others, even in hard times. I think we need to focus on banding together to make it through whatever is going on right now. We need to care about others, pray, and trust God.

   Image from here.