Gods to Gadgets

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I'm sure you've noticed a shift in in our culture. Most of us, ages 11 and up, are constantly connected to our phones. Wouldn't it be great if we were constantly connecting to our God instead?

The connection to our phones has become so important until what was once known as a gadget, has now become a god.

Watch people as they walk into traffic while texting. Listen as mothers curse their children for interrupting their phone calls. What's become of us?

What's on Facebook? Who's on Twitter? Where is God in all of this?

As we continue to connect with our phone and disconnect with God our relationship with Him suffers. We've placed our spiritual walk somewhere on the back burner. Subconsciously we may even think of God as there when we need Him, but unnecessary when we don't.

God is the same, yesterday today and forever (Malachi 3:6). From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible makes it clear that He desires to be close to mankind and share every detail of our lives.(Genesis 1:9, Revelation 21:3) But He also requires fist place, not second or third or last.

Back in the Old Testament, we are commanded to "Have no other gods before the Lord." (Exodus 20:3). While we phone and chat and text and watch and play - distracted - but attracted to things that deter us from our purpose - He waits. But will He wait forever?

God is a jealous God! (Exodus 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24). In love, He even sent His Son Jesus to die for you.(John 3:16) Yes Jesus died for your sins, your peace, and that you would be healed (Isaiah 53:5). But His death, burial and resurrection were also accomplished to restore you back to communication with God.(Colossians 1:19-22)

You might ask how can a mere human communicate with God Almighty. The answer is, He is simply a prayer away. Prayer involves speaking and listening. You also get to know God more by reading His word and by spending time with other believers, (church). All of this requires time, commitment, and prioritizing.

Put your phone on "silent" and focus on your connection with God. As a side affect, your communication with people will improve dramatically. In fact your life will be more blessed than you could have imagined. Return to God and He will return to you.(Malachi 3:7) Put God first! Be intentional not lackadaisical. Worship God not gadgets!

Strength Training by Louisa Guzman

Having reached a certain age, I've realized that I didn't do enough weight bearing exercises in my youth. Except for my legs since I do a lot of walking, I don't have a lot of muscle. Therefore, I don't have a lot of strength in my arms and my midsection is weak.

Building muscle and strength requires discipline, determination and perseverance. If you don't start building muscle early on and use your muscles, they weaken and break down.  

The same goes for growing stronger in the Lord. In order to do so, it's imperative to read the instruction manual (the bible) and exercise (pray) every day. It's important to ingest the right nutrients (bible study, church, fellowship with Christians).  Lucky for us, we don't have to spend on a gym membership, or purchase expensive equipment. We don't need to invest time and money on a personal trainer, because our very own personal trainer is the Holy Spirit, who will "strengthen and help you; who will uphold you with His righteous hand" [Isaiah 41:10].

Like some personal trainers, God even gives us daily inspiration to carry us through and help us reach our goals:

"Your strength will equal your days" [Deuteronomy 33:25] is a simple reminder that whatever God calls you to do, be confident that He will equip you with whatever you need in order to get it done. If you feel weak and find your strength lessening, go to this verse for encouragement to continue.

Now how many personal trainers do you know who will tell you to go out and enjoy food and drink?  But God is like that. He tells us to "go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks...the joy of the Lord is your strength" [Nehemiah 8:10]. He wants us to enjoy all the pleasures He offers us. Our personal trainer, God, wants us to "delight in the Lord, so He can give you the desires of your heart" [Psalm 37:4]. When we are filled with His joy, strength comes naturally.

Like the trainer who pushes you to get through those last few sit-ups, God also pushes and sometimes requires us to step out of our comfort zone in order to mold and shape us, and achieve a 'chiseled' new creation. What's awesome, however, is that when we've run out of gas, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" [Psalm 46:1].  Whenever God has called me to do something challenging, I remember that God is with me and that He empowers me.

Unlike the tough weight loss reality show hosts we see on TV today, God reminds us to slow down and rest. Our 'workout' gets easier when we go to God. He tells us in Matthew 11:28, to "come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". When I trust the Holy Spirit to work in me, my mind enjoys rest. When I try to do it all myself, my energy is sapped, and I'm exhausted.  Isaiah 30:15 reminds us that " in quietness and trust is Your strength". 

The good news is that this isn't a quick fix that only lasts a little while. God's strength is here to stay. God's Word says, "I am confident...that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus' coming" [Philippians 1:6].

"And this is what He promised us - eternal life" [1 John 2:25].  What a promise! Once we put our life and trust in God, He promises He will reveal our life purpose. He will provide the power needed to get it done. What are you waiting for?  Go get your workout on!

What’s the Plan? by Christina Calvache

My husband and I juggle working full time, raising 4 kids and being involved with the church as much as possible. Like many New Yorkers, we are always on the go, always busy with something, and there’s never enough time in a day. For as long as I can remember, we always start our day off by asking “what’s the plan?”

For some reason, simply talking about what to expect from the day gave us some control. One of us would go to work, one of us did “household management,” which included taking care of the kids, making dinner and other household duties. Even though the plan was pretty much a daily routine, we always asked, “What’s the plan?”

We are not the only ones who ask this question on a daily basis for our family affairs. We are not the only ones concerned about what we're going to wear that day, or concerned about our kids going off to school, or our bills being paid, etc. As much as we may go with the flow, we often forget that others have plans for us as well.

Generally speaking, God also has plans for us, He plans to prosper us, not to harm us, to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). He says not to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear (Matt 6:31). The Bible promises us that God is our provider, our shelter, our healer and more. Although we don’t always depend on him for this stuff, we are entitled to every spiritual blessing as his children (Eph 1:3). His word says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Prov 16:3). His awesome plan for us can be expected.

But I’ll tell you what is unexpected, Satan’s plan for us. Every day he’s out to steal kill and destroy.(John 10:10).

He’s out to wittingly deceive you just like he deceived Eve. 1 Peter 5:8 says to “be alert and of sober mind because your enemy the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Every morning Satan and his followers shoot fiery darts at you, your children, your home, your friends, your job, your church, everything you care about (Eph 6:16). He hates you and everything in your life that brings you joy. Each day he is out to surprise you with pain and suffering. His plan is to cause accidents, sickness, depression, insult, confusion, fear and doubt. He wants to keep you from the blessings God has for you, and strategically attempts to destroy your faith!

“For God does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone” (Lam 3:33). He wants to teach our hands to war (Psalm 144:1) , He wants us to put on the armor of God (Eph 6:10-18), and He wants us to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12).

At the cross, Jesus gave us the victory, We need to learn how to live victoriously and make it part of our daily plan.!

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