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Do You Face the Impossible? Here’s What to Do

March 13, 2017 by

We have so many friends struggling with impossible challenges right now I told Jennifer to quit answering the phone.

Several have health issues that appear out of control.  One is struggling financially because of health issues with no solution in sight.  Some are devastated by loosing loved ones and struggle to find resolution.

It makes me want to hide under our comforter and pretend I’m comatose.

Yet, in the midst of these challenges Jesus promises, “Nothing is impossible with God.”

I love that!  I’ve faced impossible challenges probably like you.  Yet, I’ve also seen God work the impossible on occasion.

I wish I could bottle the recipe that makes that work though because I’d be a billionaire.  Unfortunately, I haven’t.

I can tell you though he works miracles.  And he’ll work his greatest ones when you face the impossible.

He seems to do it most often when you just finally give in to his power and say, “Ok God.  I’m out of ideas.  I need yours.   I’ve finished my shift.  Time for you to take over.”

And then he does.  Maybe not like you expect.  Perhaps not even like you prayed.  But he brings his possible into your impossible.

Hey!  I hear the whistle.  Shift’s over.

*Luke 1:37 (NIV)

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How to Unleash an Incredible Life Everyday

March 8, 2017 by

At a friend’s Super Bowl party, he and I were chatting over a glass of wine.  I’ve known him since high school which is, shall we say, a while.  He said, “You know, this is no dress rehearsal.  So enjoy life every day.”

It perhaps seemed more philosophical because we’d both had a couple of glasses of wine, yet it caused me to think.

See, sometimes it’s easy to put off living.  We keep waiting to be happy.  Yet, today is the only day we really have.

One of the most encouraging promises to me is that God will make our lives rich and full.

David writes, “”He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers.”

I find that incredibly encouraging.  Even when I fail, which happens on occasion, and no don’t ask my wife.   Yet, even then he promises a life that’s rich and fruitful.

He says as you trust in God to bring you that life he does.  Not because you worked out all the kinks in the dress rehearsal.  But simply because you chose to walk with the one who brings that fruitfulness.

Rehearsal is over!

*Psalm 1:3 (NIV)

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How to Uncover the Miracle Life

February 8, 2017 by

I’m amazed at the miracle of my life.

I think back to the dead end road I walked in college.  Frustrated, alone, depressed, running chaotically to find elusive happiness.

Yet, out of that confusion to find my wife and be blessed with our children astounds me.  The prosperity we’ve been blessed with even after so many years of financial struggle amazes me.  And to think that after all these years the journey today is the best and keeps growing better.

The miracle began when I stopped running away from God and chose to walk to him.

The Psalmist wrote, “You have made known to me the path of life, you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”*

He offers you a clear path even when life seems confused.  Joy when it makes more sense to feel depressed.  His presence when you feel most alone.  And the comfort that all of this grows better not only now but forever.

*Psalm 16: 11 (NIV)

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What an Amazing Miracle Life Looks Like

February 19, 2016 by

So what difference does going to church make anyway? Frankly, the statistics aren’t encouraging for differentiating from those who don’t.

I’ve had people say to me, “Well, a little religion is a good thing. Just don’t overdo it.”

And I’ve responded, “I agree.” That usually causes a confused look.

But when you grasp the promises of the amazing life that God offers, in a relationship with him apart from religion, you can’t overdo it.

Proverbs gives a picture of gaining God’s wisdom.

“For she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”*

Think about why we desire riches.

We use it to buy things to bring happiness.

We use it to encourage others to like us and honor us.

We use it to keep score of success.

We hoard it for security.

Yet, God promises all of that and more in a relationship with him. He promises his wisdom will be worth far more in bringing us an unimaginable life.

And I’ve found that wisdom comes as I continually seek God’s answers on how to live in that relationship with him most effectively.

 

*Proverbs 3:14-15 (NIV)

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How to Discover the Incredible Life God Offers

February 17, 2016 by

So why is there such a wide divergence between the incredible power-filled life God promises and the struggling lives we see in so many regular church-goers?

Frankly, I don’t have a clear answer and I’m not judging. Truthfully, I’ve had more than my share of personal struggles.

But I also look back at my life journey and see over time growing closer to God and more into understanding how to live in his power.

For me it began from non-belief to believing God existed to anticipating the remarkable power-filled life he offers. And I’ve continued to seek out the answers for how to live it in that power.

Yes, I’ve chased down my share of blind alleys but never given up the dream.

From this vantage point though, I look back and see God with me through it all, the victories and the struggles.

If I could summarize it, for me it comes down to desire. Believing God’s promise is real and desiring it more than anything else.

It’s a clue I see in a parable Jesus told, “God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.”*

 

*Matthew 13:45-46 (MSG)

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What Difference Does Going to Church Really Make?

February 15, 2016 by

Study after study from Christian research organizations show an alarming trend.

Those who attend church regularly have nearly the same divorce rate as those who don’t. The percentage of people struggling with devastating emotional issues is identical. The level of addiction to prescription pain medication is about the same in the church as outside.

Something’s gone off the rails. It feels somehow like God’s power has left the building.

So what’s the response?

More sermons on, “Six steps to live effectively.” Or, “How to have the right kind of faith.” Or some deep theological thesis.

The ones struggling go to church hoping for answers. Yet, they look around and everyone else seems so happy. They think, “They’ve all got it together. What’s wrong with me?”

And the others are looking back at them thinking the same thing.

They leave feeling like a failure. Ignored by a church that has no idea what they’re going through. And perhaps feeling rejected by God because they just can’t measure up.

I know. I’ve been there at times.

But life wasn’t intended this way. We were meant to live victoriously and filled with power.

What would happen if we heard that and truly expected it?

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