Running in the wrong direction?

It's a good morning for Good news!

Second Corinthians 5:21 NLT reads, "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

Too often we believe that the circumstances or sins that we've entangled ourselves in are firmly outside the redemptive grace of Christ. Redemptive being a big word rooted in redeem. If we believe that anything in our life is "unredeemable," (whether that's a real word or not) we are displaying a lack of confidence in the power and majesty of Christ and his sacrifice for us.

God wants a relationship with us, not just you or I personally, but humankind. He is described often in the old testament as "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Psalm 103:8 ESV. God is good, merciful, and gracious.

The good news that Christ proclaimed while here on earth, was that the Kingdom of God is near. He didn't urge people to throw more money at problems that they see in the world, he didn't say give more money to the churches, or mission organizations. He wanted people to turn back to God, show mercy, and kindness to the people around you. If you give $50,000 to charity per year, but you treat the people who work for you unfairly, or exploit people to make profits in your business, God is not pleased with you. He is gracious though, and merciful, and he wants us to make decisions everyday that honor him first.He wants us to do what Christ taught us to, love God, and love others. If we have no regard for others, how can the love of God be in us?

Stop running from God to hide your messes. He's already proven that he wants to forgive us, by sending Jesus to make us right with him and take our penalty. Accept the truth, and start living right!

I'm so thankful that when I make mistakes as a youth pastor, dad, and husband, that Christ offers grace, mercy, forgiveness, and a fresh start. I'm so thankful that he's constantly at work in my life and heart, nudging me to turn toward him in every situation.

My Christian brothers and sisters, I want to challenge you to review your day every night before you go to sleep and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any sins you may have committed in your heart, mind, or body and ask him to enable you to stand up to those temptations when they come again. Christ is stronger.

May God's peace be with you.

What's on your mind?

Facebook often asks me, "What's on your mind?" The things that are most often on my mind lately I find, are things like lists and lists of things that I need to do, or all the things that I would like to do if I had the money or the time. It's so easy for us to become distracted and unfocused on the things that matter in light of all the tiny things that pile up. I'm learning that I'm the sort of person that likes to have everything lined up and thought out before I make a decision or do a project. I am often afraid that I will forget a detail (or ten), in the many things that seem to be bouncing around in my head. 

How often do thoughts of God dominate my day? Am I often in prayer about the stresses and situations that come up? How often do I take time in my day to focus on the needs of others rather than my own? Does concern for the needs of others (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental) show up in my life in the ways I spend my time, my money, or my energy? These are all important questions to ask ourselves regularly since life in North America can be hectic, stressful, and busy.

I've come to find that when I'm stressed I tend to become more self-focused. It is of utmost importance to keep reminding ourselves of the truth that God has declared through Jesus. It is also important that we continue to think of others before ourselves, if we continue to do this especially in the hard times we will develop endurance.

Matthew 11:28 reads, "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

If your life seems crazy, busy, and spinning out of control and you are not sure how to handle it, my advice would be to be intentional about taking time to retreat with the Lord. Spend time in his word, and let him know the things that are going on in your head and heart. He cares for you and wants to listen and speak to you.