So in closing let me encourage you to; be involved in something that will continue after you do, never forget to live for the long end of the rope, let Jesus flavor your entire life, not just parts of it, invest in those who will take your place of leadership, ground your identity in what God says about you not your performance…

And today, the Holy Spirit is still fueling revival across the world. That is really our great hope. A hope not just for faraway places but for nearby. For your loved one far from God, the Prodigal in your family, or your intellectual co-worker who cannot get beyond their own understanding…none are too far for the Holy Spirit to reach.

Something key to notice is that according to verse 15 there were 120 people present. Someone undoubtedly did not get their way. Certainly, there must have been passionate discussion. Some surely hoped that Joseph would be chosen. Others…

I can’t help but ask myself, is prayer is that critical to the way I do life? Are we so desperate for God that as leaders of churches, para-church organizations, parents, and spouses we acknowledge the importance of prayer to our success?

His Kingdom is the filter through which we should live every aspect of life. It sets the course for our priorities. Every significant decision we make in every aspect of our life is impacted by it. And in turn, the world is impacted.

God is above all, through all, in all and beyond all. He defies our full understanding which perhaps is what makes contemplating Him such a rich and glorious pursuit. And when we do so, gratitude cannot help but well up in our hearts and pour forth from our lips.

Isaiah, in his vision, first sees God as the high, lofty, and seated King, whose majesty cannot be described, and glory cannot be contained. He then comes face to face with the holiness of God and it shakes him to his very core.

This verse of Scripture sets the tone for something individual believers and the church in general, must capture (or perhaps, recapture), a high and lofty view of God. It not only gives us a view of God commensurate with who He truly is, but brings a wonderful, new perspective for all the He does.

If we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, then forgiveness must become a way of living not just a random act. Here is the kicker, forgiving someone not only frees them, but it frees us as well.

We don’t know how much he wrestled with this choice, but the choice to forgive is frequently difficult. It is a decision based on trust not feelings. Restoration and renewal often come after the act of forgiveness, not before. 

ut please take a lesson from the life of Peter. Nothing is beyond the forgiveness and redemptive love of God. Friend, just as Jesus had not forgotten his plans for Peter, he has not forgotten his plans for you!

From scorched earth and ashes beauty is springing forth. Where man said it can’t be done, God said yes it can, I will show you. Nothing is impossible for Him.

I want us to focus on an attitude, a mindset if you will, that marks the life of Christian supermodels.  A pattern of living that can not only carry us through challenges but stands in stark contrast to those who live without a Christ-centered hope. I am calling it a mindset for supermodels.

I wonder, in this age of heightened emotional volatility, if we need to revisit and recapture the approach of Jesus and Paul.  We would do well to remember that it is the Holy Spirit who does the real work. We are the simply the messengers, and as such

Yet, in the midst of great trial this early church served as a supermodel not only in that region but everywhere. The source and fuel for their diligence and courage was a gospel that had captured not just their minds, but their hearts, will, hope and passion.

There will always be some giants that stand in the way of you and your goals. Perhaps the first step in conquering them is simply expecting that they will be there. They come in all shapes and sizes…

As we all stand at the threshold of a new year, what goals do you have that meet the litmus test of a legitimate goal? Think carefully on this. Your core values will come into play. Your life purpose

So, when we talk about establishing goals and intentionally capturing the current days some serious consideration must be given to prioritizing where to start.

Whether you leave your decorations up or take them down, if we move on from Christmas and settle into our routines with no lingering effects, the impact of Christ’s coming has missed us.

The answer to “Why Christmas?” is Jesus. The big answer to life is Jesus. He is the fulfiller of prophesy, makes possible our adoption into God’s family, frees us from the bondage of performance and fear and rescues us from our biggest problem.