As much as I love John 3:16, I have always been struck by verse 17…
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Jn 3:17 ESV
Jesus did not put on an earth suit and move into the neighborhood to condemn, accuse or hand down a sentence. He came to save the world. Our mission must be one and the same.
Gratitude has little to do with your current circumstance and more to do with your view of God in the midst of every circumstance.
Take a moment and slowly and intentionally breathe out, “Thank you Father. You are in control. You have ordered my steps and You are delighting in the details of my life.” (see Ps 37:23 NLT)
After having my trust shattered through betrayal and deceit (several years ago), it was difficult to be open and vulnerable again… “…but God…”
Trust starts and ends with a personal ongoing relationship with Abba Father.
It has been worth the risk, worth the possibility of being crushed again. Worth the potential of pain.
Time does not always heal, but a loving Heavenly Father does.
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Is 41:13
Our lives are to orbit around the things of the Kingdom. Whatever is in the center of our lives i.e. family, career, hobbies, church, friends, etc. will occupy both your brain and spirit space.
Jesus is Lord and as followers of Jesus, only He can occupy the throne of our lives and our primary occupation is to be that which is of the Kingdom. Anything less quickly becomes idolatrous in nature.
What/Who is your life orbiting around in this season? On this day? In this hour?
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4
Humility wins the day. It may not look like it at the time. Like a slow moving river, it cuts through the rocky soil of the lives it touches and creates canyons of splendor and beauty.
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Have you ever asked God, “What adventures do you have for us today?” This simple question implies a partnership with God whereby everything you do is laced with His grace and presence.
Author Jan Johnson asks these questions throughout her day, “What would it look like to love others for the next 10 minutes? What would it look like to love God for the next 10 minutes?”
Make it your mission today to build up those around you. Allow God to use you to raise the water level in your sphere of influence. You are a difference maker. Remember, it is Christ in you that is the hope (expectation) of glory (His presence).
To follow the call means that our mentality must be “Whatever. Whenever. Wherever.” I call it the “3W’s.” I have endeavored to live by this mindset since I was 21. It has made for a wild, adventurous, unsafe and good life.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” – Clive Staples Lewis
When following after the heart of God, He will lead you into new adventures and destinations. Each leg of the journey requires departures, goodbyes and gratitude for having gone deeper in Jesus.
Last night we were privileged to be showered with love, laughter and tears as we celebrated God’s goodness after leading an amazing group of people over the last couple of years. Our Life Group is truly and authentically Life Giving.
The first two letters of the word Gospel are “Go.”
Are you open to God’s leading if He says, “Go?” It could mean “Go” and engage a hurting co-worker. Or “Go” to a friend and impart hope. Going is never about convenience, it’s about God’s heart for people.
Look for “Go” moments today during your normal daily flow and bring hope and life to those around you.
Lessons in Waiting: Atop the continental divide of your wilderness experience, it can go a couple of ways.
Diminish your dream. Cave on your calling. Give up on the vision
Or, you can fix your eyes on the “Prize.” I’m not referring to the prize of your dream. I’m speaking in terms of the prize that is Christ.
Your dream will find it’s fullest definition in Christ. It is when we see Him with clarity that courage is sustained, resolve is strengthened, hope is conferred.
Patient endurance comes as we see Him as He is.
“Looking unto Jesus…” Heb 12:2 NKJV
Through a Glass Dimly 