GlobaLIFT

Can you imagine if we could somehow fast forward to the end of life, and look back? As you review life, what would be the single greatest moment? Before you read further, ponder this for a moment or two. The great moments of life may not have much to do with accomplishments, promotions, and goals met. But it may have more to do with relationships, kind words, generous actions, and acts of grace. I doubt the single greatest moment of life would be lived in the 'comfort zone'. Very possibly it could be at the point of greatest trial, when you feel weak and vulnerable. And at that moment you reach deep inside to find a strength previously unknown. I believe this is what is referred to as a walk of faith. Now rewind to the present; with that view of destiny in mind, how different would the decisions of today be? Walking with a sense of destiny may cause us to rise and make the most of every circumstance and relationship.

I have recently picked up a copy of Conversation, which is 'The Message' translation of the Bile with Eugene Peterson's comments and notes. Great stuff! In John 8, Jesus said that 'you will experience for yourself the truth, and the truth will set you free' . Powerful words to be sure. Its not just knowing the truth, it is experiencing truth that makes the difference. And once truth begins to work within us, it creates an appetite for more truth. It becomes freeing in our lives to let truth invade into more and more of our lives. We truly become free people. When I let the insanity of the world, get exposed to truth, and then apply it, I face the challenge to let truth work in me, or to continue to live under false assumptions. My choice ; but as I choose truth, I find I become free! Just prior to these awesome words of Jesus, he opens a window into his humanity. Verse 18, speaks of Jesus judgement or decision process on a matter ' I wouldn't make ...

Its been awhile since there have been any new entries; a new ministry assignment has dominated my attention in the past few months, and just now finding level ground again. Here is a great challenge from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, " Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." What would your world be like if you practiced this for one week; always joyful ; prayed continually; and gave thanks in all circumstances? Before you dismiss this entirely, perhaps it would be helpful to be reminded, that each of these practices are a choice we make. And each of these are commands from the Scripture, not recommendations. God never commands behaviour we cannot do, so this is within the reach of all of us. So try this for a week; seven days, and see the if practice of these verses create a changed environment for you.

Churches tell us to stand firm on our theology when life’s experiences are contrary. I want to go on record to say I believe the worth of our faith is proved true in the crucible of testing. After all, it really is not faith when all is figured out and settled. Recently I was asked what the difference was between trust and faith. Faith is acting on what we trust. I may have trust without faith, but I could not exercise faith without trust. Warren Wiersbe said, “Faith is not believing in spite of evidence; it is obeying in spite of consequences.” So without doubt, we must stand firm in what we believe, and when adversity tries us, grab onto the anchor of faith. But I have been challenged a great deal lately from the Gospel of Mark. In fact a sermon series is brewing called the ‘Power Series’. On two occasions Jesus disciples were in a boat during a storm. From my limited sailing experiences, I can appreciate the anxiety of the disciples in such moments. In both instances, Jesus calmed t...