Made for Community, Part One

“It is not good for the man to be alone.” – Genesis 2:18a

We need one another. Ever notice how many “one another” mandates there are in the New Testament? Love one another, forgive one another, encourage one another. The New Testament was written from the assumption that we would live faith together.

Be Still!

Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

Sometimes when we encounter the things we most fear (rejection, failure, sickness…), we panic and thrash about and scream. But God calls us to have a little faith. If we will be still, we might just discover that our greatest fears are only waist deep, and that God has become a foundation we can stand upon.

Turn to the Lord for Help

The Lord says: My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours. – Isaiah 55:8-9

Scripture says that we need to remember that God is the source of all wisdom, guidance, and strength. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than any other on earth. God wants us to turn and receive divine guidance and support in our time of need.

God’s Power to Change People

They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. – Acts 1:14

Do you know someone who is not a believer? A hard-core skeptic? The kind of person that scoffs at your faith? Someone your heart aches for? Someone you’ve prayed would come to a saving faith in Jesus, but are beginning to doubt will ever believe? Maybe it’s a child. Perhaps a spouse, or a close friend. Don’t give up hope! If Jesus’ resurrection power could change his brothers’ hearts, it can change anyone’s heart!

Nothing Can Separate Us From God

I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love – not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord! – Romans 8:38-39

Life cannot separate us from God’s love. Nothing in living your life can separate you. No part of your sinful human living will cause God to withdraw the love of Jesus from you.

Looking to God When Times Get Tough

I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! – Psalm 121:1-2

When you’ve got a problem, which do you do—stare at your problem or look up to God for help? For effective Christian living you need to stop focusing on the problem, and start focusing on the power of God in your life. Things won’t look the same!

Leaving a Legacy, Part Three

After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” – John 6:14

All that you have and all that you are is a brick. Hold onto it, hoard it for yourself, chart your own course, and you might just achieve fame and fortune, but when this life is done, what will you really have to show for it? But if you are willing to place all that you are and all that you have into the hands of God, the Master Builder, God will build a legacy from your life that feeds a hungry world and points people to eternity.

Leaving a Legacy, Part Two

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” – John 6:9

What might God be able to do if you were to place all your time into his hands? What might God be able to do if you placed all your financial resources into his hands? What legacy might you leave behind? You’ll never know the power of God to multiply whatever you give if you don’t try.

Leaving a Legacy, Part One

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” – John 6:5

Jesus teaches his disciples about the real hunger of this world, and it isn’t for bread alone; it’s for the Bread of Life that only Jesus can provide.

New Hope in Jesus

Jesus said to his disciples, “God blesses you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is given to you. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for the time will come when you will laugh with joy.” – Luke 6:20-21 (NLT)

When we look to Jesus for strength and grace to live for today and tomorrow, then we will not be disappointed. Jesus can fill us with joy and light by walking with us in our depression, helping us through difficult economic times, and weeping with us in our grief.