Don't Give Up

It may seem hard to keep going these days...doom and gloom are everywhere we turn! People are either "broke" or going "broke" or acting as if they are "broke." Unemployment, debt, foreclosures.... are common words in our communities. We wonder: "WHAT IS GOING ON?"

What is going on is -- GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE! There are no "broke" people in HIS kingdom. Even though our road may be rocky we have to hold on and be thankful for daily blessings.

Don't give up... remember:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1:2-4

Being Thankful for Difficult People

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:46-48


It is easy to appreciate those who make us joyful. The child who is never in trouble and gets good grades, the friend who is always positive and supporting, the loving parent....

But what about those who irk us or rub us the wrong way? The gossipy neighbor, the demanding boss, or the jealous in-law? How can we be thankful for people that bring us distress?

God loves us ALL and tells us to "love our enemies." Easier said than done...however, something to strive for!

Are there difficult people you are thankful for?

Hallelujah Anyway

Lesson One: “Hallelujah Anyway”

"....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "

Philippians 4:11-13

Paul tells us we can find joy regardless of the circumstances. We learn thankfulness by holding on to Christ.

Whatever challenges or concerns we may have, if we examine our circumstance we will find related blessings. Use the Hallelujah Anyway chart (pdf) below to document your blessings.

For example....perhaps you are having problems on the job. Of course, given today's economic turmoil, a related blessing is that you HAVE a job.

Hallelujah Anyway Chart

Feeling Peaceful in Troubling Times

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4: 6-7

The Peace of God -- a serenity that comes from knowing God is with us always -- through good times and bad. Years ago, when I lived in Northern Virginia, I would awaken to a song played daily at 6:30am on the station I listened to. The lyrics were "Baby don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright." I believe it was by Reggae singer Bob Marley. For me it was the perfect song to wake to.

There is much to worry about these days...however, Paul reminds us to take our problems to the Lord. He doesn't say how God will solve our problems...and we cannot know this either...but, we CAN feel the peace of turning our concerns over to the Lord and leaving them there!

Return to Faith

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

In these uncertain times we have no choice but to return to faith in God. For too long we've put our faith in other areas, such as:

• our savings or stock portfolio;
• the equity in our home, or the house itself;
• our job or the company we work for;
• our political or community leaders;
• our education and earning potential;
• the government;
• pundits and the media;
  
• our friends and family;

The truth of the matter is: ALL we have is God. Others may love us and care for us, but in tough times they may not be able to help us. The Lord gives us the assurance that whatever we are going through...He is there with us.

Grab hold to God and the Word as you struggle through difficult times....and have faith that "this too shall pass."

What Do You Believe?

The Book of Colossians is a letter Paul writes to his friends at the church in Colosse. Instead of attacking their ‘deceptive philosophy’ point by point, Paul declares the supremacy of Christ in ALL matters. He demystifies their ‘New Age’ spirituality by declaring Christ as the center of all things. He is God, He is the Creator, and He is the Savior of man. No need to look elsewhere.

In today’s world, there are still those who are ‘shopping for God,’ or, elevating man to a godly state. The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators reports recent surveys of US adults indicate that many Americans hold at least some new age beliefs:

8% believe in astrology as a method of foretelling the future

7% believe that crystals are a source of healing or energizing power

9% believe that Tarot Cards are a reliable base for life decisions

25% believe in a non-traditional concept of the nature of God

11% believe that God is ‘a state of higher consciousness that a person may reach’

8% define God as ‘the total realization of personal, human potential’

3% believe that each person is God.

Futurist John Naisbitt stated: “With no membership lists or even a coherent philosophy or dogma, it is difficult to define or measure the unorganized New Age movement. But in every major U.S. and European city, thousands who seek insight and personal growth, cluster around a metaphysical bookstore, a spiritual teacher, or an education center.”

What do you believe? Do you look to your horoscope, a good luck charm, or a psychic... instead of Christ? Do you think there is some kind of 'secret' to daily living and you can attract everything you want with your own power? We will discuss these topics the next few weeks.

Paul’s warnings to the Church in Colosse are relevant today: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy…” (2:8) Christ is all we need. Keep Him the center of your life! No need to look elsewhere.