We want to feel closer to God. We want our faith to grow. But when God calls us, it usually involves some sacrifice. He asks us to let go of our plans for our lives so we can take hold of his plans. What would happen if you decided that when God asks you to do something, you’ll walk through the pain and sacrifice of obedience in order to discover the promise of obedience? November 13, 2016
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We’re all tempted to think that obeying rules will put us in right relationship with God—if we do what he wants, he will accept us. But we find ourselves having to ask God for forgiveness over and over again. That’s because our heavenly Father’s rules aren’t designed to put us in good standing with God. They’re a reminder that we’re rule-breakers and we need someone we don’t deserve: a Savior. November 6, 2016
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One of the things that can keep us from living beyond average is the tension between now and later. We’re tempted to live for the moment, to satisfy our desires instantly. But when we pursue instant gratification, the problems in our lives increase. Our finances blow up because we buy things before we can afford them. Our relationships are damaged because we don’t put in the time to build solid foundations of trust and respect. Our careers suffer because we climb faster than our competence can sustain.
Jesus wants anything but average for you. But to be anything but average, you have to learn to stop living for now and begin living for later.
October 30, 2016
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No one aims to live an average life. When we were younger, we all aspired to live extraordinary lives. But somewhere along the way, we settle into an average job, average debt, average marriage, average family, and average dreams. If we were to really follow Jesus, we would not be average. Jesus calls us to give more than expected. He calls us to live for tomorrow. Jesus calls us to action because only by acting can we become anything but average. October 23, 2016
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No one wants to be average. You don’t want to be an average spouse or parent. You don’t want to be an average boss or employee. You may not want to be extraordinary, but you probably want to stand apart from the crowd. You probably want to avoid the pitfalls you see in the lives of some of the people around you. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about three behaviors that have the power to make you anything but average. October 16, 2016
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Being engaged in church is about more than merely attending Sunday services. We want to be a church unchurched people love to attend. In order to be that kind of church, we need the help of people who share our passion for leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. If you share that passion, you can fully engage in the life of the church by doing four things: Connect. Serve. Give. Invite. September 25, 2016
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When we’re in the midst of pain and suffering, it can feel like we’ll never be happy again, nothing good can come from our circumstances, and there’s no reason to continue living. But those are lies. God can redeem, use, and work through our pain. And when he does, we eventually have the opportunity to comfort others. There is a “Fellowship of Suffering.†People who’ve suffered are uniquely equipped and qualified to comfort people who are suffering. September 18, 2016
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Jesus told his followers that unavoidable trials aren’t aberrations; they are expectations. They can actually serve a beneficial purpose. Why? Because God can redeem, use, or work through the undeserved, unavoidable, circumstantial trials in our lives. But in order for that to happen, we have to believe and persevere. September 11, 2016
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What do you do when life hasn’t gone in the direction you hoped or wanted it to go and there’s nothing you can do to change your circumstances? What do you do when you’re living in “the meantime� If you’ve ever been In the meantime or if you’re currently in the meantime, you can’t help but conclude you’ll never be happy again, nothing good can come from your circumstances, and there’s no point in continuing. Can it really be true that God will make things right? September 4, 2016
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What do you do when there’s nothing you can do? Relationally, financially, professionally, physically, or academically, It just is what it is. There’s nothing you can do to change your situation. Challenging circumstances can make you jealous or resentful. They can make you angry with God. They can breed discontentment. But the problem with discontentment is that it can drive you in self-destructive directions that will eventually leave you with regret. So, what is the secret of finding contentment even when times are tough? August 28, 2016
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