It’s not a Job. It’s an Adventure.

In the 1980s the U.S. Navy made this tagline popular.  The claim was that being a part of the U.S. Navy was not a job but an adventure.  We all know that the Navy travels all around the world so they were proposing that one change their perspective on how they viewed the U.S. Navy.  As Christians sometimes we can feel like being a Christian is a job.  The pressures to be an example, to share one's faith, to give one's time, and to strive for perfection can seem as demanding has one's job. 

I would like to propose to you that being a Christian is not a job.  It's an Adventure.  It's an adventure that one takes developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  On the adventure you will learn that God is faithful, God is good, God is a comforter, God is a healer, God is love, but perhaps most importantly you will learn that God is always present!

Being a Christian is not a job but it is an adventure that allows us to go out to the uttermost parts of the earth and share/demonstrate the love that was shared with us.

Scripture Reference: 1 John 5:3

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

God's Residue

In this world where we are dependent on foreign oil we are constantly trying to find alternative fuel sources.  Recently I worked on a Statement Of Work soliciting a contract for Corn Stover and Other Crop Residues. Crop Residues are those things that are left in the field after the harvest of a crop. Research is being done to assess the viability of these residues as an alternative energy source.  This got me to thinking about the God I serve.  I know most of you are thinking of the command that God gave in Deuteronomy 24:20 amongst other places to leave what was not harvested to the widows and orphans. 

The question becomes what does God's residue look like?  God's residue is when you are blessed just by the fact you are connected to someone who is blessed!  God's residue is when you are not asking God for anything but you receive everything just because you are abiding in Him and He in you! 

I don't know about you but God I gladly accept your residue!

Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 24:20

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

We Brings Good Things To Life

General Electric has a slogan that says, "We bring good things to life."  That's an interesting saying and undoubtedly they perhaps do bring some useful things to life.  I know you are saying Trell it's just a slogan but words are powerful and if you allow slogans to fester in your Spirit you might just start to believe it.  Marketing and advertising is design for the purpose of manipulating the sub-conscious mind.   The Bible says that every good and perfect gift come from above!   This just a simple reminder to remember who is the source from which all blessings flow.  God is the source that brings good things to life.  In fact there is no life apart from God.

Scripture Reference: James 1:17

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis  

Built For The Road Ahead

Ford Motor Company made the slogan, "Built For The Road Ahead," popular. The claim Ford was making is that they had equipped these vehicles to handle whatever a perspective driver could possible put these vehicles through.  Here's a light bulb moment for you I submit to you this morning that is what God is trying to do in your life.  James declares that are trials develop patience and to let patience have her perfect work in you that would perfect lacking nothing! In other words God is saying I am just building you for the road ahead via the trials you experience!  So today don't fret over your predicaments and/or circumstances just tell yourself  I am being BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD!  Paul didn't trip off of being thrown in jail, nor did he trip off of being shipwrecked he just said, "I am BEING BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD."  Be encouraged today because God has equipped you with His Spirit which gives you what you need to overcome so that you can say, I am BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD!

Scripture Reference: James 1:3

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Don’t get mad. Get GLAD.

This morning I thought I would use one of my favorite slogans.  Don't get mad. Get GLAD.  I remember as a young boy watching these commercials. However as I am now older I can see the deeper meaning in this simple slogan.  I believe it is what Paul was getting at in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 when he was giving his final instructions to the church.  He instructed them to rejoice always!  Paul was not saying be happy about terrible things that happen but he was saying Don't Get Mad. Get GLAD.  You ask what is there to Get GLAD about when terrible things are happening? The term rejoice has a deeper meaning it means to have a joyful acknowledgment.  Joyful acknowledgment is the recognition that trouble doesn't last always.  Joyful acknowledgment is the recognition that weeping may endure for a night but JOY comes in the morning. Rejoicing depends not on your circumstances but depends on a joyful acknowledgement of who is in control of your circumstances.

P.S. Grandma said, "Dogs get mad people get angry!"  Don't get mad. Get GLAD!

Scripture Reference: 1 Thess. 5:16

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

"The Pause That Refreshes"

In 1929 Coca Cola came out with a wonderful slogan it said, "The pause that refreshes."  This simple yet profound slogan spoke to me this morning.  It is so easy to get caught up with the mundane activities that a day can bring that by noon day you are spent.  For most of us it doesn't even take that long.  We find ourselves in need of a pick me upper. What I like about the God I serve is every time I take a moment to pray I am refreshed!  Every time I take a moment to read His word I am refreshed!  Every time I take a moment to praise His name I am refreshed!  So today if you need a pick me up focus your attention on God. I promise not only is it the pause that refreshes but it is the pause that transforms as well!

Scripture Reference: Psalms 23:3

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Because I'm Worth It

L'Oréal is an international cosmetics empire but they interestingly have a slogan that I feel speaks to the heart of Christians.  Their slogan is "Because I'm Worth It."  If a survey was taken amongst those who profess faith in Jesus Christ you would be appalled at the number of people who don't know their worth.  People who feel that they have nothing to offer or who feel that they are worthless.  You may be a lot of things according to the people of this world and maybe even according to yourself or your family but that's not how God sees you.  RIGHT NOW! I need you to change the way you think!  Ask yourself a few questions.   If I am worthless would Jesus have come down from his position in glory for me?  If I am worthless would Jesus have endured the pain, agony, suffering, and humiliation of the cross for me?  Ultimately if I am worthless would Jesus had commended His Spirit to the Father and die a criminal's/sinner's death for me? The question becomes why would Jesus the Christ do those things for me? Because I'm Worth It!

As the songwriter says sometimes you have to encourage yourself in the Lord!  How do you that?  By speaking the Word over your life!  What God's says about you not what you think about yourself or what people may think about you!  The Bible says I am a joint-heir wit Christ,  the Bible says I am royalty, and the Bible says I am chosen of God and dearly loved. You are valuable in God's sight and you have a valuable contribution to make to this world!  So just know that God chose you and saved BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT.

Scripture Reference: Col. 3:12, 1 Peter 2:9, Gal.4:6-7

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis