Be The Miracle!

I was in a small group discussion and we were talking about Hebrews chapter 13. We started talking about our church and if it is giving us what we need as it pertains to leadership. We complained some and whined a little, but overall we knew that God's hand is acting in our church.

I thought about what we had said and how if something is lacking, why can't we make the change. It seems that everyone, including myself, expect others to see every need and make sure those needs are filled. But I have been feeling that if a need is seen, why not fill it yourself. It doesn't have to start out being a monumental thing but probable should be started small. It could be a loving act of kindness, a small volunteering of time, a gift of money, giving advice, or whatever.

Then the following movie scene from Bruce Almighty was placed in my mind:



So, whatever need that God reveals to me, I will pray to God, take the first step in faith, and "Be the Miracle".

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace Lyrics
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see. (end)

1 Peter 2:9-10 MSG

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.

(emphases added)

Isn't it amazing how you can read scripture and it is just words on a page and then another time you read the same passage and the Holy Spirit has the words jump off the page at you.

2 Peter 1:3-9

Making One's Calling and Election Sure

3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So, have the following within you:

1) Faith
2) Goodness
3) Knowledge
4) Self-control
5) Perseverance
6) Godliness
7) Brotherly Kindness
8) Love

Remember it is not us who does these things, but it is the Holy Spirit who does these great works in us, all we have to do is ask.

Howard Storm - Heaven and Hell Experience

Howard Storm is a guy who died and went to heaven and hell and come back to chnage his life in a radical way. He was a professor of art at Northern Kentucky University. See link for detailed information and watch the three videos below for his own words about the revelation. His book is also a good read.

It comes down to the two greatest commandments Mark 12:28 NIV:

The Greatest Commandment

28One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.[e] 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[f] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[g]There is no commandment greater than these."

32"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Remember Jesus loves us.

Howard Storm Part 1

Howard Storm Part 2

Howard Storm Part 3

1st 5K

I ran my first 5k today, it was the SEEDS Classic Rock 5k in Daphne, Alabama.

My first mile was 11:20

My second mile was 22:30

My finish was 34:50

By no means was it fast, but I did run the whole thing and stayed fairly consistent on my pace. I hope if the good Lord is willing I will do a lot more of these and even move on to bigger things.

One down, a lifetime to go.