Posted on September 9, 2008 at 8:17am.
I was talking with a friend yesterday who relayed an incredible story of grace and forgiveness. It was the story of a friendship that had been broken for over 17 years. Hurt had been inflicted by both people with the end result being lost relationship. Then by “chance” they run into each other and before my friend can ask for forgiveness the other person beats him to it and seeks his forgiveness. Absolutely amazing! As I hung up the phone with my friend it was as if I heard God say to me - “And you sometimes doubt doubt the power of the gospel?” God is a God of grace, forgiveness and redemption - the gospel is real. Don’t ever forget it.
Posted on September 8, 2008 at 8:49am.
Yesterday I announced the ServeGlobal trips that are available this coming year. For me it is another step in the exciting unfolding of God bringing renewal to our church. We are now on the beginning edge of investing in two countries. Our goal in all of our outreach is to bring resources to the nations and renewal to our people. The two focus countries of Ethiopia and China are just one part of a four pronged outreach strategy to accomplish this. I hope you will prayerfully consider if God would perhaps have you join one of these trips. I can tell you it will change your heart and open your eyes to just how big the Kingdom of God really is.
Posted on September 6, 2008 at 5:59am.
There is one truth that as a follower of Jesus I cannot ignore. The life I say I have, is the life I must be willing to live. James says it this way, “so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26) Paul in his letter to the Ephesians uses different words but they carry the same idea, “Be imitators of God…and live a life of love.” (5:1,2) To be a follower of Jesus is more than accumulating head knowledge, signing off on a creed and then living anyway we please. The beauty of the Christian life is it can be seen. The sad reality is it can be mere words and have no impact. You and I need to see each day to go and live the words of Christ.
Posted on September 5, 2008 at 6:44am.
The political race for president has once again caused me to realize that there are so many folks competing to get me to believe in them. The conventions, the speeches, the hype all for one purpose they want me to believe in their message. The truth is I’m not sure I believe in any of them, at least not to the level they would want. However there is a voice, that I do believe, it is much quieter and speaks without all the fanfare - the Bible. I know to some it is old fashioned, out of touch and really can’t be believed. To me I find it speaking to relevant issues such as justice and the oppressed, to relational challenges on how to treat others and the ultimate reality of where to find life and hope. Long after the convention speeches are forgotten and we have a new president what quietly remains is the Word of God and in that I believe and put my trust.
Posted on September 4, 2008 at 7:37am.
David wrote the majority of the Psalms. They are a rich collection of heart cries, honest questions, and relevant prayers. In Psalm 86 his prayer to the Lord is “give me an undivided heart.” The longing to have a heart that is beating in one direction, focused solely on God. It means to bring every area of my life in line with what God wants for me. I believe it is a process not a one time completed act - but it is possible. Why not make this your prayer today?
