The year was 1985 and our family was visiting my parents on the southeastern coast of Georgia. As my husband and I drove over the causeway to Sea Island, we were overwhelmed with the beauty – the huge Live Oaks, the windswept trees, the sand dunes, and the array of extraordinary vacation homes. Each home was unique, but each was manicured to perfection – and very expensive. (more…)
In looking at the ministry of Jesus, he seemed to have supporters of varying degrees. It’s not hard to see the difference between the masses and his closer, more devoted disciples. For one, the crowds were large masses of people; think upwards of 5000 people. These people wanted to hear the latest sensation and wanted to see Jesus work miracles. When I picture the crowds that came to hear Jesus speak I envision people saying things ranging from “I think I’ve heard of this guy” to “I’m his biggest fan!” I think of these people being like the crowd at a concert. They’ve come when the artist visits their town.
These people knew who Jesus was from afar, but there was no personal connection. They were his supporters, but not his friends. Their commitment was there as long as it was comfortable, but not much more than that.
On the other hand, there were the disciples. These guys had given up their careers (Matthew 4:18-20). They had left family behind (Matthew 4:21-22). They had the desire to do what it took to be close to Jesus. Their relationship with the Christ was so impactful that they knew they would never be able to turn back to the way things were before knowing Him. (more…)
I once read about a highly successful fitness expert, Bill Phillips, whose training helped many people improve their health and their stamina. Yet he was always amazed at the numbers of out-of-shape people who would approach him and thank him for his books. It’s as if they didn’t realize that he could tell at a glance that they were not implementing his ideas. He began to challenge people to “face the abyss,” that infinite chasm between knowing and doing.
Our western society has become a “spectator society.” We watch our teams win, and we think we have accomplished something. We watch news and our favorite TV series, and we trick ourselves into thinking we are in on the action. (more…)
When we look at David in the Bible, we see a man who knew many facets of life. He started out as an insignificant shepherd boy and wound up as a great king. He spent time living in caves, hiding from King Saul, who was trying to kill him. Then he spent many years in the palace ruling over the great nation of Israel.
He had many people who hated him (even his own son, Absalom, tried to steal his throne), and many who loved him dearly. He sinned horrifically, as he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. He also showed powerful character as he repented and forgave so quickly.
Through it all, God called David a “man after God’s own heart.” How did he manage to be God’s man through all of that? There were two things which stood out all the way through David’s life. (more…)
Are you ready to soar with God? Would you like to? He’s ready if you are.
So what do I mean by the word “soar?” My husband, Mickey, has used the analogy of a hotair balloon. When we focus on our Father God and His Word, and when our lives are truly committed to Him, our perspective changes. The air of His Spirit lifts us up above the circumstances. We are no longer looking around – eye-level with the problems and evils of the world. We see things through God’s eyes. We understand the hurts and frustrations of those who hurt us. We know that there is a bigger plan for us than the petty day-to-day routines of life. We have purpose and we have power – power to overcome challenges; power which can only come from our Creator. (more…)
