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God’s Hand

August 16, 2012

Have you ever shown up somewhere at “just the right time”? When you think back on your life, can you remember a person who briefly entered your life, saying something or doing something that impacted your life out of proportion to what they actually said or did? What were the circumstances that brought you together with your spouse or the detailed circumstances of other such notable events in your life? Have you ever been randomly thinking of someone who then unexpectedly shows up or contacts you? Has something ever happened that left you thinking “That’s weird”? Consider whether these are sets of “coincidences” or whether they might be orchestrated events; evidence of God’s hand in our lives.

Excerpted from To Heaven and Back by Mary C. Neal, MD

Daily Reflection:
When have you been most aware of God’s [ … ]

Choosing an Outlook

August 15, 2012

One night, when tempted to wallow in my misery, I wrote these words in a sporadic diary:

Lately God seems to be filling my pool an inch deeper than I am tall. But I’ve made a startling discovery while treading water: This storm raging across my bow has the power to push me out of the pool and into uncharted territory. It can strip away my comfort, ground my best-laid plans, and capsize my flimsy little boat. But it does not have the power to capsize me. The Rock I am clinging to does not shift when the winds blow. And, thank God, I’m still able to choose my outlook. My outlook can determine whether this experience is painful or profitable. My attitude can help me see that my problem isn’t really the problem. It’s the way I look at [ … ]

SNEAK PEEK: More from the best-selling book TO HEAVEN AND BACK

August 14, 2012

Click here to read Chapter 9 from Dr. Mary Neal’s best-selling book To Heaven and Back.

Dr. Neal’s incredible story has become a #1 New York Times bestseller. Read more of Mary remarkable book here in the special sneak peek of chapter 9, in which Mary talks about the kayaak adventure in Chile, which ultimately led to her death.

Click here to read Chapter 9 from Dr. Mary Neal’s best-selling book To Heaven and Back.

SNEAK PEEK: Future Grace DVD Study Guide by John Piper

August 14, 2012

Freedom from Sin Through the Promises of God

Click here to download chapter one of the Future Grace DVD Study Guide.

This study guide companion to the DVD version of Future Grace—the foundational book by John Piper on the expansive reach of God’s grace—will help individuals and groups understand that victory over sin comes not from a herculean effort to avoid worldly pleasures, but through fixing one’s focus on the reality that God is far more desirable than even life itself. Delighting in the bounty of God’s promises frees us from sinful patterns, to the glory of Christ!

The DVD and this guide create an ideal package for adult and youth Sunday school classes, small groups, retreats, classrooms, families, [ … ]

Being Passed Over

August 14, 2012

No one likes to be passed over. Something within each of us cries out to be noticed. Someone has suggested that most Americans suffer from a severe case of attention deprivation; we don’t know if anybody really cares about us. Some of the Bible’s saddest words are found in one of the Old Testament psalms when David cries out in a moment of extreme loneliness, “No one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4).

In a cold world that refuses to recognize a loving God, words such as the psalmist’s might be expected. But why do we hear these cries so often among believers? Is it possible that we have so focused our attention on those outside the church that we have neglected our responsibility to each other? God has given to us, His children, the solution to the lonely, hopeless [ … ]

Walking a New Path

August 13, 2012

Where he was, who he was with, and the circumstances of the request all combined to help determine the path Jesus would take. Do we expect any less of Christ today? How open are you to surprises? Are you willing to take paths that Jesus is blazing and follow him as he hacks a way in the wilderness?

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with Paul and brought the Gentiles into the body of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with Saint Francis and brought all of creation into the body of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with Martin Luther and turned the altar toward the people, who are the body of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ walked a new path with John Wesley and strolled out into the streets and [ … ]

Deeds vs. Relationship

August 10, 2012

Many believers push hard to accomplish good things for Christ. They could rightfully claim hard work and perseverance as their strengths. They could get credit for refusing to tolerate evil. They could receive commendation for enduring hardships without quitting or even growing weary.

If that describes you, you are to be applauded. Jesus is pleased with you.

I can say that on the authority of God’s Word, for the Lord Jesus, through his Spirit, commended the church at Ephesus for these very things (Revelation 2:1–3).

But you know where I’m going with this discussion because you know what Jesus added to his words of approval: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:4–5).

He says (if I [ … ]