God Loves You

GOD LOVES YOU

April 19, 2022

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

God loves you! When you know you’re loved, you are free to spend life loving and valuing others. If you catch yourself being bitter, you have probably been giving until your tank is empty and trying to operate out of your own strength instead of relying on God. Take some time to meditate on God’s love for you and watch your attitude turn around!

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Learn from God and then do it.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Choose Faith not Fear

First, let’s remember to let faith rule our hearts and not fear. I absolutely believe we should take this pandemic seriously, use precaution and exercise wisdom. At the same time, we can do so while keeping our faith in God. 

If God took care of us before this pandemic, please know that He has not changed. Although everything is changing at rapid speed, God is not. He is the same faithful God before this outbreak that He will be once it passes. Our faith can be steady because our God is faithfully unchanging. This truth alone can strengthen us not to give in to fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 2:1-7 NKJV)

Fear can rob us of three essential gifts from God that we desperately need at this time. Power enables us to live a life of faith when it’s not easy. Love enables us to share and sacrifice when it’s not convenient. A sound mind allows us to experience peace, even when everything seems to be going wrong. 

There is too much at stake to give in to fear during this season. Now more than ever, we need power, love, and a sound mind. Fear is too costly. Choose faith. 

New Begin 2021

New Begins 

“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14 NIV).

  There is nothing quite like a clean slate, a fresh start or a new beginning. As we turn the calendar to a new year many of us will be looking for ways to improve our health, finances, or quality of life.  The verse above is so much bigger than a New Year’s resolution…our failures are not final!  Are you seeking a fresh perspective for 2021 ?  God is all about redeeming damaged things and making them new.  The correct perspective is to not to see if God will “find us” but to open our eyes that have been distracted and blinded by the enemy and see where God is at work and get in on it.  Through the cross God has already pursued us and given us provision by the blood of His perfect Son.  Want a new beginning in 2021 ?  Consider the big picture of who God is and why He created you.  A new year is certainly exciting but as Paul said to the church at Corinth if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things become new.  

October 13, 2020 God is our supplier during a pandemic

  If there is one thing that you and I can learn from this threatened pandemic and the ever-present media coverage, may it be a quickness to reflex trust in the Lord instead of anxiety or apathy. Throughout both American and world history, the Church has arisen and become a much-needed leader in times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic provides us another such opportunity to be a shining light to people and communities. Gratefully, we have seen many churches across the nation rolling up their sleeves and taking the lead in extending God’s love to others and truly helping those in need during this difficult time.

We will not fear during the time because we hold to the promises and truth found in the Word of God.

• “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

• “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

  Don’t resign yourself to helpfulness. Rather, trust in the Lord. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God…casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.”