Outside the Box

One glance at the Grand Canyon, a laughing hyena and Niagara Falls shows that we serve a God of creativity. And because HE is creative, He loves to pour His creativity into His children.

Check out one of my favorite Scriptures from the Message:

“Live creatively, friends.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.

Don’t be impressed with yourself.

Don’t compare yourself with others.

Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Galatians 6: 1; 4-5).

 

What happens when we allow God to lead us outside the box?

“Promise Keepers” happens.

“Women of Faith” is launched.

“Passion” conferences” explode.

Hillsong goes global.

Revival sweeps through churches.

 

If we become spiritually comfortable, we grow stale. In fact, we can get so comfortable that we stop stepping out in faith to take risks that we easily took in earlier days.

God wants to use us!

But if we aren’t living in obedience to Him,

He’ll easily find someone else to do the job.

He’ll find someone who’s willing to step out in faith.

One who believes faith and risk often go hand-in-hand.

He’ll use someone who’s willing to think outside the box that we’ve become trapped in.

Yellow Cab could have created Uber.

Hilton could have created Airbnb.

ESPN could have created Bleacher Report.

Wal-Mart could have created Amazon.

So why didn’t they?

They became comfortable where they were.

And now—those who were willing to think outside of the box—are giving them a run for their money!

Let’s not make the mistake of becoming too comfortable.

“Live creatively, friends. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Galatians).

 

Thoughts?

 

I’ll be speaking seven times in Leesburg, VA, this weekend and would appreciate your prayers.

Let’s Cry About It

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah

demonstrated

exemplified

and

illustrated

Christ.

Both were rejected and mistreated.

Though Jeremiah’s story can be depressing,

it CAN encourage us.

 

He was called a liar, (Jeremiah 43:2) . . .

was left in the mud at the bottom of a well to die . . . (Jeremiah 38:6), his Bible was burned (Jeremiah 36:23) . . .

he received a death sentence (Jeremiah 26:11) . . .

and he was beaten and put in stocks (Jeremiah 20:1-2).

 

No wonder he was called the “weeping prophet!”

I’d blubber like a baby if I were in his shoes.

But Jeremiah wasn’t weeping for himself!

He was weeping for those who had rejected Christ.

He was broken-hearted for the lost.

 

When was the last time you wept for someone who doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

 

Let’s ask God to break our hearts for the lost.

Jeremiah experienced rejection and a lot of suffering.

But he kept preaching to those who refused to listen.

We can, too!

 

Thoughts?

 

 

I’m speaking in Naperville, IL this weekend.

Will you pray for me?

He Is With You

Has it been a rough week?

Do you need some encouragement?

 

“The One who formed you says,

‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are Mine.

When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Do not me afraid, for I am with you’”

(Isaiah 43:1-3; 5 NLT).

 

My precious Dad entered heaven this week. We had his funeral
service today. He was ready for heaven! And I’m so grateful for the
wonderful spiritual heritage he left me.

 

I’m speaking in Salem, OR this weekend and would appreciate your prayers.