My Wife Hit My Car! Thank You God!

       A few years ago, God gave me a car.  Let me tell you the story. In 1997, I had been praying for a car.  Why?  Well the car I was driving had an 8 track tape player - the great grandfather of the IPod!    The real problem was that the car was just wearing out.

     I had been invited to teach a large Sunday School class at a well known church.  I joked with the class that I was glad I did not get my identity from my car because it had an 8 track tape player.  

      The next day, I received a phone call.  The person said he was in the class the previous day and told me that he felt like God wanted to him to give me his car.  I immediately, replied, "I think He does too"!  It was a used car but at least it had a cassette player!

      About two weeks later after I had picked up the car, my wife told me she needed to go on an errand.  About two minutes after she left, she came back in the house and sat down.  I asked, "what is wrong"?  She sadly replied, "I hit your car".  Though I was stunned, I told her to go ahead and go on her errand.  

     As I sat there, I prayed, "Lord, my wife hit YOUR car"!  I know that you tell us to give thanks for all things and in all things.  So I thank you that my wife hit the car".   Now I must admit, I did not feel like thanking God for this but I did it by faith.

      As we approach Thanksgiving, I realize that many events in our lives are not quite as humorous as that one.  And if I am honest, I don't always thank God during difficult or stressful times.  But usually afterward, maybe months or years afterwards, I am able to thank our Father because I see His love shining through that dark event.  I am able to do this because our identity in Christ is that we are thankful children of God.  That is who we are.

       Understanding our identity in Christ, has transformed me and every area of my life as it has all of our 32 staff members.  That is why we are so passionate about sharing this with others.

    You can help us keep sharing with the thousands of people God is sending our way by becoming a monthly financial partner.       At this time, we need 20 partners at $10 per month, 20 at $20 per month, 10 at $50 per month and 10 at $100 per month. Would you become one of those partners at one of those levels.   Click on the red "Donate Now" button above to get started. 

       Until next time remember, He loves us.  

Does Giving Make You a Giver?

   "I am what I do"!"  protested a very well known Christian in my office one day.  We were discussing what defines us as Christians.  We actually had quite a spirited debate that day.   We were not yelling at each other but it was certainly a passionate "discussion".
   Our culture communicates to us every day that what we do defines who we are.  We see it in the news, on reality shows, in popular books, and sadly in many churches.   We at Grace Life know how that belief causes great struggle and bondage for Christians.  We see it every day.
   Jesus himself challenged this belief by making it clear that it is not behavior which defines us but birth.  That is why he said in John 3 to a respected leader, "You must be born again".   Our birth is what Jesus says defines us.  Our first birth gave us the wrong identity.  Our new birth through our faith in Jesus Christ replaces that identity with the right one. 
   The person debating with me later came back and said, "I get it.  My identity is in Christ, not in what I do".
   As we think about Thanksgiving this year, let's understand that in Christ, we are Thankful People. So we give thanks.  Let's also understand that in Christ, we are already Givers.  So we give because that is simply who we are.
   As this year is winding down, we are asking Givers like you to become monthly financial supporters so we can start 2012 strong in getting the "grace" message out.
   We are asking God for 20 Givers at $10 per month, 20 Givers at $20 per month, 10 Givers at $50 per month, and 10 Givers at $100 per month.  Would you prayerfully consider joining us as one of those levels?  If so, just CLICK HERE and follow the instructions.
     Until next time remember, He loves us.  

 

Be Free in Christ, 

What is God's Dream for your Life?

  When I was entering college, my dream was to become a dentist. I tried to spiritualize this by saying that if I became a dentist, I could share the gospel with my captive patient while I was performing a dental procedure. The reality is that, I really just wanted to make a lot of money. I am so glad I did not become a dentist though I appreciate my friends who are.   Because of my height, I have been told I would have had a lot of back problems.
   People often talk about discovering and fulfilling their dreams. We have all heard singers, musicians and athletes speak passionately about their dreams for their lives. What they usually mean is that they had a goal in mind for their lives that they wanted to accomplish and have succeeded. In fulfilling their dream, they have typically become famous and wealthy.
   These few who fulfill their dreams, then tell all of us that we can fulfill our dreams too. To do so, we are exhorted to "believe in ourselves" and never give up on our dream. Yet, the reality is that most of us who have followed that line of thinking have not and never will fulfill our dreams.
   Maybe there is a much better dream we need to consider. What is God's dream for our lives? Ephesians 2:10 tells us we were born into this world according to God's plan to fulfill His dream. It states, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
   This means that God divinely designed us with specific abilities, aptitudes, desires and passions. When we come to faith in Christ, He also gives us spiritual gifts. All of these combined together uniquely equip each of us to fulfill God's dream. His dream for us was conceived before we were ever born.
   How do we discover God's dream for our lives? Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." This means that as we enjoy our God who lives in us, He will place desires in our hearts which He will fulfill through us.
   Have you ever noticed that you seem to be drawn to certain activities over and over? That is usually a good indication that you are discovering God's dream for your life. Get involved in what you are drawn to and see if your desire grows for that activity. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying every Christian is to be in full time ministry. One of my new friends is a business artist. Another is a construction worker.
   It is reported that the late R.G. LeTourneau, inventor of great earth moving equipment and servant of God said, "When I get to heaven, I hope there is some dirt to move!" Ask our Abba what His dream is for your life and watch Him unfold it for you.
   Until next time remenber, He loves us.  

Is Forgiving Yourself Biblical? (Part 2)

   When we ask God for forgiveness or thank Him for our forgiveness for a sin, we do it with confidence that Jesus already died for that sin.  You will never commit a sin Jesus did not already die for. You are not going to surprise your Father one day such that He says, "Oh no!  I forgot to put that sin on the cross!"  Many of us have received God's forgiveness and are at peace with Him. However, we may still be holding a sin against ourself.  In light of this, is forgiving yourself Biblical? 
   Yes!  The second greatest commandment is to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).   One of your greatest acts of love is to forgive someone.  To love someone as we love ourself would mean we may, at times, need to forgive ourself.  Many people are disappointed with themselves.  Others are angry with themselves.  Some actually hate themselves. Sometimes we need to forgive ourself for a sin God has already forgiven.  Other times, we need to forgive ourself for a mistake we made, though it was not a sin like when I wrecked my car on a father/son weekend two years ago.  Forgiving ourself may be one of the most difficult things we ever do.  
    A young married man I mentored took four weeks to forgive many people from his past and present.  He forgave himself last because he noted he was the most difficult person to forgive.  Yet, he's never been the same.  I wish you could have seen the before and after expression on his face!  God has provided our complete forgiveness in Christ but have we fully forgiven ourselves where needed?  If not, our standard for forgiveness is higher than God's. Do it today!

   Until next time remenber, He loves us.