Ever had a crash and burn kinda day? By 10am today I found myself needing to repent of my mouth and bad attitude…for the third time. // All I can say is, sometimes we just need more God and less us in the mix. I can't live without Jesus. He puts the sane in my sanity. // As I explore Step 3 for the recovery process, don't miss this post...because there's a SAMPLE from the Freedom Soundtrack's NEW SONG, "TURN IT OVER" Check it out! // See ya over on the blog...
Step 2: Choose To Believe
Ever feel like the Queen or King of "not quite enough?" I do. It's like I try my darndest…only to not make the cut. Or I simply have nagging thoughts adding the word "enough" to the end of everything I do. For instance:
- You prayed…but you didn't pray enough.
- You studied your Bible…but you didn't study enough.
- You worked out…but you didn't work out enough.
- You taught clearly…but not clearly enough.
Today, I walk through Step 2 of the Freedom Soundtrack. If you find it hard to call yourself beloved...this is for you!
Step 1: Powerless
Woo Hoo! It's time. We are hitting the recording studio today for the Freedom Soundtrack. If you would be praying for Jill and I, we would be grateful! Also, as we start the recording, I thought it would be kinda cool to dive into these rich truths found in the 12-steps and the lyrics of these songs. So join me on the journey today as we discover step 1: Powerless. // Here's a nugget to wet your appetite: "We can't hold onto the pride of self-sufficiency & experience God's sufficient grace at the same time." // See you over on the blog...
Do We Have to Agree to Be United?
I've been overwhelmed with this thought lately. Somewhere along the line we bought the lie that uniformity equals unity. That loving one another means we have to agree on everything. That if we disagree on things, (let's say, I don't approve of your lifestyle) then I don't really love you. // It's ironic. Our culture talks of tolerance. But the moment someone disagrees with someone else, they are de-friended, belittled or publicly criticized. Am I right? I don't quite understand this mentality. If everybody agreed with my opinions, then you'd be smart (wink), and we wouldn't need tolerance. I'd just be demanding uniformity…"my way or else!" // There are times, for the sake of peace and friendship, we need to kindly agree to disagree.
3 Ways to Know God's Secrets
Did you know God has deep secrets? Ever wonder what they are? Do you have goals for this year...but you're not sure how to make them happen? Spiritual care is critical. So much of life stems from the soul. Diving into the secrets of God will give your soul what it needs to be fully alive and fruitful this year. HOLY-SPIRIT-RESURRECTION-POWER...that's what's waiting for us if we will do these 3 things.
Counterintuitive Kindness
A $15,000 Miracle
A Prayer for a New Year
Usually I set goals for a new year. But I have to say, this year...I'm not in the mood. That's not a good reason. At the heart of the mood, is a sense of not wanting to go one more year trying to "make it happen." Whatever "it" is. Sometimes, "it" is just exhausting. So tonight as I write this, rather than adding pressure on myself (and you, since I assume you're reading this...because you are...) I thought I'd just share a prayer with you to kick off this New Year. After all, this is the day the Lord has made. And days eventually makes years.
Therefore, this is the year the Lord has made. Let us rejoice!
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Father,
A new year is before me.
I don't know what to expect, or what to hope for.
But all my days lie before You perfectly, patiently, peacefully.
"Sic 'Em Jesus" and 5 Truths You Need for Spiritual Warfare
Last week I visited a Catholic shrine up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I drove through rain, sleet, and snow to get there. It was a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts. I'm not Catholic. I don't understand a lot of things they do. I’m the odd looking one at mass who doesn't know when to sit, stand, kneel or how to cross myself. But, I think there are strengths in every denomination. Someone told me about this place, and I was compelled to go and pray; to meet with Jesus; to experience God in a new way...