be fuel for others to live strong

There is power in community. I am talking about the kind of power and strength that allows us to live lives full of courage and conviction. When we walk with people and learn from people who walk with and learn from God, we will do the same.

One of our greatest examples in Scripture is the apostle Paul. Here is what I read this morning as he wrote to one of the churches he deeply loved (when I churches, I mean the people of that particular area who accepted Christ):

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (NKJV)

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.

His words were sent to encourage them. He said that his heart and his joy was with them. Paul said you are my glory or maybe better you are a reason I do what I do because your faith encourages my socks off.

Why would we like with courage? Why would we face fear head on? We would do that because we have something that backs us up and presses us on. Did you know that your faith helps us to live by faith? Did you realize that you living with courage and hope helps others to live with hope? That is the beauty of community. Our lives become fuel for others to live strong. Not only will people see God but their lives will take the shape god has for them and us living on purpose with real God given courage.

In a recent conversation a friend reminded me of the real meaning of Proverbs 25:21-22 where God says when we are good to those who don't like us we "heap coals of fire on his head". That seems to say that we can by being good to someone hurt them, but that is not what God intends for us. By doing right things we are reminded the right way to respond and also open a way for God to bring that person closer to Him. "Coals of fire" may have been a reference to the refiner who purified metal. God desires to purify His people and bring others to know Him. (for more notes you can go here)

Our actions can and will lead others to know God. Our living by faith, with courage and hope leads people to see and know God in vivid color. Are you living in such a way that your life is fuel for others to live strong? We can and we should. Be fuel for someone today!

Francis Chan's "Forgotten God" (brand new book)

One of the most powerful preachers, writers and leaders of our time, in my opinion, is Francis Chan. His first book, Crazy Love , revolutionized my thoughts about God's love as well as my interacting with God. Now it is time for a brand new book from Chan being released tomorrow, September 1st. The book is Forgotten God . This is a phenomenal book about the power that Christians and the church can and must tap into. All of it is within the Holy Spirit. Francis talks about the power that was seen in the book of Acts when the Holy Spirit began to move among people. It is true that many have avoided or maybe forgotten what the Holy Spirit is all about. And like the Savior who poured out His life and blood so we have reason to rejoice, we were made to lay down our lives and give until it hurts. We are most alive when we are loving and actively giving of ourselves because we were made to do these things. It is when we live like this that the Spirit of God moves and ac...

inspiration from C.S. Lewis

There are many people, past and present, who get our attention by what they write or say or share. For me C.S. Lewis is one of those. He was a prolific writer who continues to grab the attention of thinkers from many different points of view. Lewis first grabbed my attention when I was in 5 th grader, and our teacher, Mrs. Foy, shared The Chronicles of Narnia with our class. It was a powerful time that this dreamer opened doors to thinking like I had never lived before. He wrote of faith, of far off places and of strong figures who found their character rooted deep in God. C.S. Lewis was born in 1898 and died in 1963, 7 years before I was born. It wasn’t until his 30’s that under the influence of his friend Tolkien that he came to be a Christian. He was raised in a traditional church going home, turned away from God as an Atheist in his teen years and through trying to stay away from God and faith returned to God with...

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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