Mother’s day is quickly approaching and I thought I would share some memories, thoughts and a few quotes that I found for Mothers day. I hope that perhaps some of what is written below will cause you to pause and reflect on your own Mother and give thanks to God for her life.
Let me start by saying that anything I write on here will be an insufficient and futile effort to show the amount of love and respect I have for my Mother. It is hard to put into words all the things that my Mother has meant to me, but I will give it a try.
When we reflect on our childhood we all have memories we can think about and smile. In my case, I chuckle rather loudly at a several of them. I can remember several times growing up that I faked being sick so I didn’t have to get on the bus, only to have Mom put me in the car and chase down the bus when she realized I wasn’t really sick after all.
I remember in kindergarten, the one and only time I ever won anything, when I got to bring home the class hamster at the end of the school year. Mom was so happy for me too!! In fact, she was so happy that she referred to it as “the rat” after it got out of its cage during the first week.
There were the times being sprayed down with the garden hose to get the mud off before we could come in the house. Of course, there are the many times when she took care of us when we were sick or hurt too. Mom was always a great sport and she always knew just what to say at just the right time to make things feel better.
I know that I have made my Mom proud many times in my life because she has told me so. I also know that I have disappointed her many times as well, of which she has never told me. Although she never said so, I know that I hurt her with words that cut like a knife and with actions that went against everything she ever taught me, but my Mother never wavered in her love for me. A Mother’s love knows no boundaries and I am sure I am not the only one with this kind of story.
These motherly traits are God-given and the Bible gives us many instructions in regards to Mothers. This one in Proverbs 6:20-22 (ESV) sums it up for me. It reads; My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.
Thank you Mom for raising me in the way of our Lord. Although I strayed away from Christ for a season or two, your example and your teaching were where I found my bearings when Christ began drawing me back to Him. Thank you for being that godly example to not only your three children, but to your grandchildren and all of those that know you.
I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to my wife Katie as well for her godly example to our children. The example you are setting, and the teaching you are giving our daughters, will serve them well long after you and I have reached our heavenly home. Thank you for being a great Mother!
To all the Mothers out there and I wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day! What you do every single day for your families is priceless and often goes unnoticed but you make a difference! God bless each and every one of you!
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving
A mom forgives us all our faults, not to mention one or two we don't even have. ~Robert Brault
A Prodigal's Journey
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Everyday should be an Easter Celebration
I have thought about Easter this week more than I can remember. I know I should think about it all the time, but I would be lying if I said that in the past I always have. I woke up this past Monday and went to work like any other week. We had ball practices, and Life group and other things to attend as well. It was a busy week like it always is at our house. All I know, is that seems like it’s real easy for us to fall back into the routine of life and forget about what we celebrated last week on Easter Sunday. If we are not careful, Easter becomes just another "holiday" in our life.
This week was different for me though and I found myself asking; What now? What needs to change? What should I do different in my own life? I tried to put myself into the shoes of those that followed Christ when He was crucified. I am sure they were asking the same types of questions. What now? Do we return to fishing and tax collecting? Do we stay together or do we go back to our home towns and live like everyone else? Every thing these Christ followers knew was turned upside down in the course of just a few days. Now for us, we have the luxury of history so we understand that Christ died and was resurrected, but for those early Christians they didn’t have the comfort of knowing that. It was a time of chaos and soul searching.
On a week just like this past week, Jesus met two guys on the road to Emmaus who needed Him to bear His“resurrection power” on them so they could overcome one of the saddest weekends of their lives. They were traveling home from Jerusalem, trying to comprehend the events they had just witnessed. They had to be asking themselves....what now? Jesus knew their hearts were aching and He wanted to bring His resurrection power to bear upon them and in Luke chapter 24 we see this story starting in Verse 17.
Jesus asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 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?”
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
So the question for all Christ followers is; What now? Jesus has revealed Himself to us too and He has given us His resurrection power as well. We know and understand what He did for us on the cross. So what are we going to do with this ressurection power we have? The scripture says these two men “got up and returned to Jerusalem at once” to tell the others that Christ has risen!! They didn’t make any excuses as to why they couldn’t tell their friends. They didn't hesitate to return; they went at once to tell the others about Jesus.
You and I should be doing the same thing. We have resurrection power every day of the year, not just on Easter. We cannot treat the ressurection of Jesus as an event that we celebrate only once a year! It should be celebrated in the life of a Christian every single day in our speech and in our actions. See we know that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most powerful event in history. Everything that we believe, all that our life and worship is all about, is based upon the foundational truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. That is something to be thankful for everyday, that is something for Christ followers to claim, and that is something to share with the world every single day. Be bold and courageous for we serve a Risen Christ!
In Christ,
Greg
This week was different for me though and I found myself asking; What now? What needs to change? What should I do different in my own life? I tried to put myself into the shoes of those that followed Christ when He was crucified. I am sure they were asking the same types of questions. What now? Do we return to fishing and tax collecting? Do we stay together or do we go back to our home towns and live like everyone else? Every thing these Christ followers knew was turned upside down in the course of just a few days. Now for us, we have the luxury of history so we understand that Christ died and was resurrected, but for those early Christians they didn’t have the comfort of knowing that. It was a time of chaos and soul searching.
On a week just like this past week, Jesus met two guys on the road to Emmaus who needed Him to bear His“resurrection power” on them so they could overcome one of the saddest weekends of their lives. They were traveling home from Jerusalem, trying to comprehend the events they had just witnessed. They had to be asking themselves....what now? Jesus knew their hearts were aching and He wanted to bring His resurrection power to bear upon them and in Luke chapter 24 we see this story starting in Verse 17.
Jesus asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 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?”
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
So the question for all Christ followers is; What now? Jesus has revealed Himself to us too and He has given us His resurrection power as well. We know and understand what He did for us on the cross. So what are we going to do with this ressurection power we have? The scripture says these two men “got up and returned to Jerusalem at once” to tell the others that Christ has risen!! They didn’t make any excuses as to why they couldn’t tell their friends. They didn't hesitate to return; they went at once to tell the others about Jesus.
You and I should be doing the same thing. We have resurrection power every day of the year, not just on Easter. We cannot treat the ressurection of Jesus as an event that we celebrate only once a year! It should be celebrated in the life of a Christian every single day in our speech and in our actions. See we know that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most powerful event in history. Everything that we believe, all that our life and worship is all about, is based upon the foundational truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. That is something to be thankful for everyday, that is something for Christ followers to claim, and that is something to share with the world every single day. Be bold and courageous for we serve a Risen Christ!
In Christ,
Greg
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What does it mean to be Content?
What does it mean to be content? The dictionary defines it as, "being contented or satisfied or accepting one's situation or life with equanamity and satisfaction". Synonyms are "satisfied, happy and joyous". For me contentment used to be when I had all of my family together, or after a nice meal and a nap, or generally any time when my life wasn't particularly stressful. Contentment in my life centered around good health and good things.
After a recent mission trip to Belize I really had to evaluate and study this word content, because God's idea of content and mine were two different things. I had to start asking myself, "Am I really content with my life"? I live in a country that is not content with anything. We want the newest, biggest, fastest, shiniest, next best thing. When what we possess or wear is considered out of date by our society we get rid of it and get something "newer or better". Unfortunately, we take this approach with everything in our life and I am as guilty of that as anyone.
Americans are the opposite of content. As a society we are overwhelmingly discontent. We zealously pursue earthly things only to find that when we reach our goal it offers no long term satisfaction. So we pursue the next thing, and the next thing, and we chase after these mirages of happiness only to find that the cycle of discontent continues to repeat itself.
We chase after the next greatest exercise program, diet fad or health care product guaranteed to add years to our lives. It's the world of biggie size, super size, no interest, 90 days same as cash. We work long hours to chase the promotion that we believe will change our life.....and then it doesn't. See the point? We are discontent and we live in a world that throws a million things at us telling us that what we have isn't big enough, new enough or good enough to make us happy.
I have wanted to go on a mission trip for several years and was blessed recently with the opportunity to go to Belize. I thought I was going on this trip so I could help people. After all isn't that what God calls us to do; to serve and love our neighbors? This is true, but God also knows what we need as well and He knows exactly how to deliver the goods. The team I was with did some wonderful things to help others, but the people we came in contact with helped me more than they will ever know. To say this was a life changing trip for me is a huge understatement.
In Belize, there is an open love for Jesus Christ that is much less obvious in the States. There are two things we don't publicly talk much about in America; God and politics. If you choose to talk about them you can be sure a debate will follow. In Belize they talked openly about God, and we saw signs promoting Jesus Christ many times. This led me to ask myself why at times I can be so reluctant to profess my own faith. Matthew 10:32-33 reads, "Whoever acknowledges me before others , I will acknowledge you before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven". We are not called lead a quiet life with a quiet faith. We can't hide our light under a bushel! We are called to be bold and profess Jesus Christ before men!
Extreme poverty was apparent in Belize too, but even though a little more money would make their daily lives easier, the people were content with what they had. They found their joy in Christ and their family units. They didn't find it in the possessions that we accumulate. Their daily life was not consumed with running kids all over the place to do all the extracurricular activities that American kids are involved in today. Their priority list was God, family, education, and then all the other stuff. This is the order that all Christians need to have, yet we mess the order up so easily when we get focused on worldly things.
Being content with our lives depends on where we have God on our list. Accumulating more stuff will not lead to contentment. Serving Him with what He gives us is our call. Whether we have a little or a lot, we can serve Christ! The people of Belize opened my eyes to that. There are no more excuses for why I cannot serve Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. Being content with our life comes through a sincere relationship with Jesus. Matthew 6:20 reads, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." I challenge you to take a look at your own life. If you are ahead of me on this journey of faith, God bless you! I will look to you for encouragement. If you are struggling with taking this next step of service and submission to our Savior please know that I am right there pushing upstream with you. We serve a risen Christ! Let's be content and serve Him together!
Blessings!
Greg
After a recent mission trip to Belize I really had to evaluate and study this word content, because God's idea of content and mine were two different things. I had to start asking myself, "Am I really content with my life"? I live in a country that is not content with anything. We want the newest, biggest, fastest, shiniest, next best thing. When what we possess or wear is considered out of date by our society we get rid of it and get something "newer or better". Unfortunately, we take this approach with everything in our life and I am as guilty of that as anyone.
Americans are the opposite of content. As a society we are overwhelmingly discontent. We zealously pursue earthly things only to find that when we reach our goal it offers no long term satisfaction. So we pursue the next thing, and the next thing, and we chase after these mirages of happiness only to find that the cycle of discontent continues to repeat itself.
We chase after the next greatest exercise program, diet fad or health care product guaranteed to add years to our lives. It's the world of biggie size, super size, no interest, 90 days same as cash. We work long hours to chase the promotion that we believe will change our life.....and then it doesn't. See the point? We are discontent and we live in a world that throws a million things at us telling us that what we have isn't big enough, new enough or good enough to make us happy.
I have wanted to go on a mission trip for several years and was blessed recently with the opportunity to go to Belize. I thought I was going on this trip so I could help people. After all isn't that what God calls us to do; to serve and love our neighbors? This is true, but God also knows what we need as well and He knows exactly how to deliver the goods. The team I was with did some wonderful things to help others, but the people we came in contact with helped me more than they will ever know. To say this was a life changing trip for me is a huge understatement.
In Belize, there is an open love for Jesus Christ that is much less obvious in the States. There are two things we don't publicly talk much about in America; God and politics. If you choose to talk about them you can be sure a debate will follow. In Belize they talked openly about God, and we saw signs promoting Jesus Christ many times. This led me to ask myself why at times I can be so reluctant to profess my own faith. Matthew 10:32-33 reads, "Whoever acknowledges me before others , I will acknowledge you before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven". We are not called lead a quiet life with a quiet faith. We can't hide our light under a bushel! We are called to be bold and profess Jesus Christ before men!
Extreme poverty was apparent in Belize too, but even though a little more money would make their daily lives easier, the people were content with what they had. They found their joy in Christ and their family units. They didn't find it in the possessions that we accumulate. Their daily life was not consumed with running kids all over the place to do all the extracurricular activities that American kids are involved in today. Their priority list was God, family, education, and then all the other stuff. This is the order that all Christians need to have, yet we mess the order up so easily when we get focused on worldly things.
Being content with our lives depends on where we have God on our list. Accumulating more stuff will not lead to contentment. Serving Him with what He gives us is our call. Whether we have a little or a lot, we can serve Christ! The people of Belize opened my eyes to that. There are no more excuses for why I cannot serve Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. Being content with our life comes through a sincere relationship with Jesus. Matthew 6:20 reads, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." I challenge you to take a look at your own life. If you are ahead of me on this journey of faith, God bless you! I will look to you for encouragement. If you are struggling with taking this next step of service and submission to our Savior please know that I am right there pushing upstream with you. We serve a risen Christ! Let's be content and serve Him together!
Blessings!
Greg
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I'm Baaacckkk! Not sure if that is a good thing or not but I have missed writing. Writing my thoughts down is quite a release for me. Sometimes we have all these thoughts and feelings floating around in this space between our ears and writing it down helps to get it out. Writing it down helps me process things, and there is a lot to process right now. I will share some of these things in the next several days and weeks as I get back into blogging again. A mission trip to Belize as well as a youth event built around service will be part of that. I will also share some of the struggles that Katie and I are going through right now as we seek out what God is calling us to do with our lives and how we serve Him. It is a scary process when you say to God, "here is my life and I will follow you" but we are growing every day in our faith and we welcome God's continued molding of our life. Till next time.....Blessings!! In his Grip, Greg
Friday, July 2, 2010
God at work here!
There is a little saying that we say sometimes in our church where one person says, "God is good all the time". The response is "All the time God is good!" It's an easy thing to forget because we get so focused on our own needs, but God is good all the time and He is working even when we can't see the immediate results. This past week God has shown my family once again just how good He is. Sometimes it is really easy to see God working in our lives, and other times it seems like nothing is happening, but recently my family witnessed it from both perspectives.
My brother and his wife have been trying to have children for a decade now. First they tried with all the normal things that doctors try; shots, invitro and the likes. Then the last seven years have been the emotional roller coaster that is called adoption in this country. I have watched Mark and Stacy endure the ups and downs that only someone suffering the same heartaches and disappointments can understand. My heart ached for them and I never seemed to have the right words to say either.
Life isn't fair and I don't understand why God seemingly allows kids to be born into families that don't want them, when there are families in this country that would love to have them. What I do know is that God is painting a bigger picture than what I can fathom and He is in control and knows what is best for us.
See God was at work here in ways we never imagined. About 14 days ago Mark and Stacy received a phone call about a little baby that was ready to be adopted and three days ago they brought him home. This little baby was born on March 3rd and weighed 1 lb 11 oz. Survival rates are not high for a child born at 26 weeks, but this child came home weighing 7 lb 3 oz and is 20 1/2" long. God had a plan for this child before we ever heard of him, and God had a plan for Mark and Stacy too. He was working in a mighty way and even though we couldn't see it, God saw the future and said this is the child I want you to have! God IS good all the time!
I am so proud of my brother and sister in law because even though it was difficult season for them, and they both struggled at different times with the "whys' of the matter, they always trusted God and He delivered in His good time. All the time God is good!
Please keep them in your prayers as they start this new life as a family. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus"
Blessings to all and remember our soldiers past and present during this 4th of July weekend!
My brother and his wife have been trying to have children for a decade now. First they tried with all the normal things that doctors try; shots, invitro and the likes. Then the last seven years have been the emotional roller coaster that is called adoption in this country. I have watched Mark and Stacy endure the ups and downs that only someone suffering the same heartaches and disappointments can understand. My heart ached for them and I never seemed to have the right words to say either.
Life isn't fair and I don't understand why God seemingly allows kids to be born into families that don't want them, when there are families in this country that would love to have them. What I do know is that God is painting a bigger picture than what I can fathom and He is in control and knows what is best for us.
See God was at work here in ways we never imagined. About 14 days ago Mark and Stacy received a phone call about a little baby that was ready to be adopted and three days ago they brought him home. This little baby was born on March 3rd and weighed 1 lb 11 oz. Survival rates are not high for a child born at 26 weeks, but this child came home weighing 7 lb 3 oz and is 20 1/2" long. God had a plan for this child before we ever heard of him, and God had a plan for Mark and Stacy too. He was working in a mighty way and even though we couldn't see it, God saw the future and said this is the child I want you to have! God IS good all the time!
I am so proud of my brother and sister in law because even though it was difficult season for them, and they both struggled at different times with the "whys' of the matter, they always trusted God and He delivered in His good time. All the time God is good!
Please keep them in your prayers as they start this new life as a family. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus"
Blessings to all and remember our soldiers past and present during this 4th of July weekend!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Thoughts about Resurrection Sunday!
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
As I have been out and about this week enjoying this wonderful weather, I have been reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus. You know it wasn’t that long ago that it was bitter cold and everything around us appeared to be dead. But with the onset of warmer weather nature is experiencing a rebirth. It is growing, and full of life, and the promise of summertime is here.
After they crucified Jesus they thought he was dead too, but He is not. Because of His resurrection, those that believe in Jesus have experienced a rebirth as well. The promise of eternal life in Heaven awaits us, and we should be filled with excitement knowing that our Master is preparing a place for those that believe in Him.
Resurrection Sunday is a celebration, not a funeral, because we celebrate a risen Christ! This special day should also cause us to re-examine our faith and to look back at the cross and refocus on what it means to us as believers. When we look at the Cross we are confronted with a few things, because at the cross we see a mirror that reflects back the harsh reality of who we really are.
At the Cross, we have to face our failures. For when we see the cross, it becomes very obvious, that no matter how hard we try, we can never acquire what Christ offers on our own.
At the cross we are forced to admit that our life is an absolute mess without the grace that we were freely given when Jesus died for us. There is a reason why people choose to ignore or discount the cross; because by acknowledging the cross we are also acknowledging our own failures.
At the cross we’re also confronted with futility. We can go through life living and acting in a good and moral way, but if we don’t acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and accept the gift of forgiveness, then our efforts are nothing more than a futile attempt to replace what only the cross offers.
At the cross we’re also confronted with the finality of life. 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.” Sin separates us from God. So God provided a way to overcome that separation by sending his son to die on the cross. Jesus Christ bridged the divide that our sin causes, and for those that accept the gift of Jesus we will have eternal life with Him. For those that refuse to accept him; they will spend eternal life in Hell. That is the finality that we see at the cross.
At the cross we also find hope that we can anchor to, and we find a love greater than any other love. When the world says, stop it’s not worth it, or just quit trying because life’s too hard, we need to anchor to the cross. When we are hanging on with our last bit of strength, remember the hope and the promise that we find through Jesus at the cross.
Finally, at the cross we find the love that God has for us. I would guess that all of us would say that we would die for our children, or our spouse, or somebody else important in our lives, but I would also say that none of us would freely send our innocent child to be tortured and suffer, to be sacrificed and die. And yet God’s love for us was so deep, and so true, that he freely sent his one and only son to die upon a cross for you and me.
As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, go back to the cross and examine your life. Think about what was done for you, and thank Jesus for what He did. Then as you go about your business celebrate the fact that Jesus overcame death and that he will be returning to take home those that believe in Him. Share that news with everyone you see! Blessings to all of you and praise be to God for the Risen Christ!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
As I have been out and about this week enjoying this wonderful weather, I have been reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus. You know it wasn’t that long ago that it was bitter cold and everything around us appeared to be dead. But with the onset of warmer weather nature is experiencing a rebirth. It is growing, and full of life, and the promise of summertime is here.
After they crucified Jesus they thought he was dead too, but He is not. Because of His resurrection, those that believe in Jesus have experienced a rebirth as well. The promise of eternal life in Heaven awaits us, and we should be filled with excitement knowing that our Master is preparing a place for those that believe in Him.
Resurrection Sunday is a celebration, not a funeral, because we celebrate a risen Christ! This special day should also cause us to re-examine our faith and to look back at the cross and refocus on what it means to us as believers. When we look at the Cross we are confronted with a few things, because at the cross we see a mirror that reflects back the harsh reality of who we really are.
At the Cross, we have to face our failures. For when we see the cross, it becomes very obvious, that no matter how hard we try, we can never acquire what Christ offers on our own.
At the cross we are forced to admit that our life is an absolute mess without the grace that we were freely given when Jesus died for us. There is a reason why people choose to ignore or discount the cross; because by acknowledging the cross we are also acknowledging our own failures.
At the cross we’re also confronted with futility. We can go through life living and acting in a good and moral way, but if we don’t acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and accept the gift of forgiveness, then our efforts are nothing more than a futile attempt to replace what only the cross offers.
At the cross we’re also confronted with the finality of life. 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.” Sin separates us from God. So God provided a way to overcome that separation by sending his son to die on the cross. Jesus Christ bridged the divide that our sin causes, and for those that accept the gift of Jesus we will have eternal life with Him. For those that refuse to accept him; they will spend eternal life in Hell. That is the finality that we see at the cross.
At the cross we also find hope that we can anchor to, and we find a love greater than any other love. When the world says, stop it’s not worth it, or just quit trying because life’s too hard, we need to anchor to the cross. When we are hanging on with our last bit of strength, remember the hope and the promise that we find through Jesus at the cross.
Finally, at the cross we find the love that God has for us. I would guess that all of us would say that we would die for our children, or our spouse, or somebody else important in our lives, but I would also say that none of us would freely send our innocent child to be tortured and suffer, to be sacrificed and die. And yet God’s love for us was so deep, and so true, that he freely sent his one and only son to die upon a cross for you and me.
As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, go back to the cross and examine your life. Think about what was done for you, and thank Jesus for what He did. Then as you go about your business celebrate the fact that Jesus overcame death and that he will be returning to take home those that believe in Him. Share that news with everyone you see! Blessings to all of you and praise be to God for the Risen Christ!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Praise in the Storm
The events this week in Haiti have caused me to reflect on several things. As we see the images pouring in through the internet and televisions we are confronted with a multitude of emotions. It is a catastrophic event that has caught our attention and jolted us out of our everyday routines. It has made us see how little of our lives we actually have any control over.
This event hit close to home for my family, and many that live in my area, as we awaited word on the well being of missionary that grew up here. Three days went by before finally hearing that she was safe. I cannot even imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that her family went through as they eagerly awaited word from her. God delivered this young lady from her situation and we give Him all the Praise and Glory for that.
I have not been to Haiti yet, but my faith has been strengthened as I have seen the reports of how some of the people in Haiti are singing songs of praise to God in the evenings. That has really convicted me. In their pain and suffering they are choosing to praise God! How often in our own lives, when we go through trial, do we find ourselves complaining to God about our situation instead of praising Him in all situations? It reminded me of a song by Casting Crowns called “Praise you in this Storm”.
The Haitian people are torn because of their situation. You and I are torn because we feel helpless and overwhelmed with the enormity of what they face. But we serve a God who bigger than all of this and He will draw His people together through this. It is in Him that we will find our comfort. It is in Him that we will find our rest. That doesn’t make it any easier to work through all that we face, but it does give us hope.
Another thing I thought about was what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-36 (NIV)
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
There has been an outpouring of compassion from around the world for the Haitian people, but it can’t and shouldn’t stop here. There will be needs in Haiti for years to come and we will need to help. There will be opportunities in the months to come to help, so pray that God will reveal to you the ways that you can help if that is His plans for you. Be sure to check out any organizations that you choose to financially support. Unfortunately, in times like these, there are people who will take advantage of every situation.
Continue to pray for the Haitian people and all the orphans that are in Haiti. Pray that through this, the government of Haiti will truly begin to work to help the people of Haiti. Pray for the people that are there serving our Lord and Savior and remember to praise our God who is our hope in this storm.
Greg
John 16:33
This event hit close to home for my family, and many that live in my area, as we awaited word on the well being of missionary that grew up here. Three days went by before finally hearing that she was safe. I cannot even imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that her family went through as they eagerly awaited word from her. God delivered this young lady from her situation and we give Him all the Praise and Glory for that.
I have not been to Haiti yet, but my faith has been strengthened as I have seen the reports of how some of the people in Haiti are singing songs of praise to God in the evenings. That has really convicted me. In their pain and suffering they are choosing to praise God! How often in our own lives, when we go through trial, do we find ourselves complaining to God about our situation instead of praising Him in all situations? It reminded me of a song by Casting Crowns called “Praise you in this Storm”.
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
The Haitian people are torn because of their situation. You and I are torn because we feel helpless and overwhelmed with the enormity of what they face. But we serve a God who bigger than all of this and He will draw His people together through this. It is in Him that we will find our comfort. It is in Him that we will find our rest. That doesn’t make it any easier to work through all that we face, but it does give us hope.
Another thing I thought about was what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-36 (NIV)
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
There has been an outpouring of compassion from around the world for the Haitian people, but it can’t and shouldn’t stop here. There will be needs in Haiti for years to come and we will need to help. There will be opportunities in the months to come to help, so pray that God will reveal to you the ways that you can help if that is His plans for you. Be sure to check out any organizations that you choose to financially support. Unfortunately, in times like these, there are people who will take advantage of every situation.
My hope and prayer is that this situation will also help us to focus and be aware of the needs we have around us everyday. It shouldn’t take a crisis event like this to cause us to reach out and lend a helping hand to those in need. We have people around us everyday that need us to model what Jesus said in Matthew 25:35-36.
There will be some good that will come out of something like this if it causes us to change the way we live our lives and how we see the people around us. We need to put God first and be the hands and feet of Jesus every single day, not just when there is a major event.
Continue to pray for the Haitian people and all the orphans that are in Haiti. Pray that through this, the government of Haiti will truly begin to work to help the people of Haiti. Pray for the people that are there serving our Lord and Savior and remember to praise our God who is our hope in this storm.
Greg
John 16:33
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