How to See Spiritual Super Power in Your Life

Do you ever listen to a preacher or read a spiritual blog and think, “Wow, I wish I had that kind of faith. I’d love to see that kind of power.”

Yeah, I do too. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought, “Man, if I just had more faith. I could use a miracle right about now. What’s wrong with me?”

But the problem is at that point we can kind of give up. I mean I feel sometimes like the bar is set way too high and I can never clear it so why try.

 

Photo Credit:  Library & Archives Canada

Photo Credit: Library & Archives Canada

 

Kind of like elementary school when we did the high jump. It was not my strong suit. My legs just don’t spring. So when I lined up they’d say, “Lower the bar. Here he comes.” And they’d put it down so I could almost hop over it.

 

Yet, when we stop expecting God to act in our lives we stop seeing him act.

 

Oh, he’s still blessing us but we aren’t looking for miracles so we don’t see them.

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Discovering Intimacy with God Apart from Religion

Religion can’t give us an intimate relationship with God. It just isn’t wired that way.

I know you’re probably wondering, “But I thought that’s what religion is for?”

Or you may be thinking, “I think this guy’s lost it.” Which would not be the first time someone’s said that.

But religion is simply incapable of much more than introducing us to God.

 

Photo Credit: Max Boschini

Photo Credit: Max Boschini

 

Now I’m not saying a person can’t have a saving relationship with God through religion. But I am saying a person dedicated to religion often won’t have the intimacy with God we may desire.

Because when you think about it, religion is dedicated to finding our way to God through strict observance of rituals and stringent belief in doctrines.

Even many evangelical churches I’ve attended, who would claim they’re not that way, have their own set of rituals and doctrines that are just as sacrosanct as orthodox churches.

 

And let’s face it, we simply can’t follow all the rules perfectly enough to qualify for an intimate relationship with God.

 

As well as intimacy just doesn’t work that way in human relationships either.

Can you imagine a marriage built on following rules and rituals? Yeah, you may be married and function but it’s going to feel a little icy. Intimacy is emotional connection not obedience.

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Sunday Music: “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot

Something for my more hard rock friends.  These guys are Christians and when you listen to the words it is a great message to each of us.

We’re given life by God to “move.”  Experience life.  Make a difference.

So have some fun with this song on your Sunday.  And if no one is looking it’s ok to get up and move a little.

Enjoy!

 

 

Do you have a favorite music video?

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How to Discover the Real Life You’ve Been Looking For

I find life often a paradox. Discovering a truly fulfilling life can be at times counter-intuitive.

I have friends, who by the world’s standards, have made it. They own businesses, have investments, live in big houses and drive expensive cars.

Yet, their lives are messy. Multiple marriages, health struggles, scant real friends and surprising insecurities.

 

Photo Credit: Gavin Clarke

Photo Credit: Gavin Clarke

 

I have other friends who would be considered perhaps less than the elite. They have middle class jobs, moderate IRA’s, live in tract homes and drive older mid-level cars.

Yet, they have a richness of life. Long time marriages, loving families, good friends and reasonable health.

 

So, sometimes I ask myself why, because frankly I’ve experienced both.

 

And sometimes I even find myself slipping back into a less than productive lifestyle.

Oh, thankfully not the divorce part. I’ve said, “I couldn’t ever imagine marrying someone else because I just can’t go through the training up period again.”

But what makes the difference?

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Sunday Music: “I Need a Miracle” by Third Day

Yep, there are simply times we all need a miracle.  Sometimes life just spins out of control.

I’m so glad I have a relationship with the God of miracles.

Hope this song encourages you on your Sunday.

 

I you can’t see the video you can watch it here.

 

Do you have a favorite music video?

Please share it on Facebook, Twitter or email me.  Thanks.

How to Connect With God in a Way That Changes Everything

I’m often puzzled by those who seem to make a commitment to God yet somehow it doesn’t exactly stick.

They go forward in a church service or pray at a retreat. Then drift back to the old ways.

I mean seems like it should work. They did all the right things.

Yet, soon they’re back in their previous life. Or are they?

 

Photo Credit: Tommy Clark

Photo Credit: Tommy Clark

 

I think often it’s worse. Something caused them to want a change. Some crisis or just being tired of it all.

So when they drift back the old ways don’t exactly work anymore. And now they’ve tried the “God thing” and that didn’t work either.

 

 

So often they feel worse off than before.

 

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Finding Peace When You Feel Rejected by a Loved One

One of the hardest issues when we enter into a relationship with God is the rejection we’ll be surprised by. Especially sometimes from people we feel closest to.

 

Photo Credit: Edd Sowden

Photo Credit: Edd Sowden

 

I’ve seen it and experienced it several times. Of course it might be my personality that’s less than stellar on occasion also.

Yet, often it comes from ones we think will rejoice in the change that’s taken place.

But think about a wife who suddenly changes and her husband feels excluded.

Or a son and his parents feel somehow like they weren’t good enough.

Or a friend who now doesn’t enjoy some of the previous partying so she feels excluded.

What’s frustrating is when we’re trapped in that position we can’t go back because, well, we’ve changed. And we feel hurt going forward.

Now I’ll be the first to say some Christians can be really obnoxious. I’ve met more than a couple. And I don’t like hanging out with them either.

 

But I’m talking here about those who’ve been positively transformed yet find themselves feeling rejected.

 

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How to Overcome Doubts to be Sure of Heaven

When I first entered into a relationship with God my life radically changed. It felt new, positive, uplifting. I looked forward to the adventure of this life and the one to come.

Yet, by the time I’d finished seminary it’d gone south. Sounds strange I know, but I was filled with doubts and worries. My spiritual life had become a nightmare.

 

Photo Credit: Tommy Clark

Photo Credit: Tommy Clark

 

One incident epitomizes this.

While having lunch with another student one afternoon, I asked him, “So do you believe a person can lose his salvation?”

“Absolutely,” he responded. “If he sins and hasn’t asked for forgiveness he would lose it.”

“Really,” I asked. “So let’s say I’m driving home after classes and a hot looking girl is walking down the sidewalk wearing a tight miniskirt and I have just the smallest lustful thought about her.”

I know you’re shocked thinking that could never possibly happen to someone in seminary.

“So I’m distracted, run a red light and get broadsided killing me instantly. Am I going to Heaven?”

“Nope.”

Yikes, no wonder I felt depressed and frankly couldn’t wait to graduate.

 

I felt trapped. I couldn’t go back to my old way of life and I was suffocating in the new.

 

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Finding Courage in the Midst of Fearful Challenges

Number 55 in the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” The miracles and promises of Jesus that show us the awesome blessings we can experience each day. I hope it encourages you!

 

I don’t think a day goes by that we’re not bombarded by things to be afraid of. It’s one of the benefits of being totally connected isn’t it?

 

Photo Credit: Alon

Photo Credit: Alon

 

I mean the stock market tanks and we fret about our financial future.

Some nut job sets off a bomb in a city and we fear for our safety.

An egomaniac with a nuke starts threatening World War 3 and we worry about our future and the future of our kids.

Add on top worrying about cancer, the latest resistant disease, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s.

Or how about just keeping our job in the next recession? Yikes!

I’ve said before, “I’m not surprised by all the people who go crazy. I’m only surprised there aren’t more.”

Then how we deal with it is often perhaps less than helpful? Maybe a little too much TV? Or a wee small dram too much alcohol? Or an extra dessert a little too often?

 

Yet, the fear doesn’t leave does it? Oh, maybe for a moment but it always comes sneaking back.

 

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Sunday Music: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Celtic Woman

What a heart warming rendition of this favorite Simon & Garfunkel song.

When you listen to the words carefully there is a message behind them which is so encouraging.

We are not alone.

I hope you enjoy this on your Sunday.

 

If you have trouble viewing this you can watch it here.

 

Do you have a favorite music video?

Please share it on Facebook, Twitter or email me.  Thanks.