Heartbeat

Is there a God?

Many Christians, when speaking to unbelievers, may get a little off track as they share specific theologies, doctrines, denominational differences. But the simplest place to start is this- Do you believe in God?
Even as believers, most of us have had periods in life where we question. Whether it’s in the wake of a tragedy or doubts in certain interpretations of scripture. If this is you or you want to know how to speak to unbelievers, I want to introduce you to a really cool website. Everystudent.com is a site where you can find answers to all kinds of questions about God and faith.
Here you can ask questions of your own or sign up to receive study packets that present the gospel and lay out a beautiful case for the existence of God.
So, check it out- https://www.everystudent.com/
 

Blessings Like Rain

I think most of us would think of rain as a negative thing. Maybe you planned a camping trip- and as soon as you begin to setup camp it starts pouring. Rain was the last thing you wanted on this trip.
But if you’re a farmer and your crops are failing- rain could be the difference between a successful year and financial failure.
The Bible says that God pours out His blessings like a gentle rain. What a fitting description of the God of the universe! It gives us a clear picture of the Creator caring for us even in the middle of difficult times.
Maybe rain isn’t so bad after all. The next time you’re caught in a storm think of God- constantly pouring out His blessings in your life.

False Summit

Mountain climbers have a concept called the “false summit”. During a climb they’ll often get to what they think is the peak, only to realize they’re at the bottom of an even larger mountain.
This is a great spiritual lesson too. I can think of the times in my life where I wasn’t listening to God. I was trying to go my own way. This is usually the way seems easier, until you realize you’ve only reached the bottom of a much larger mountain.
Are you on the right path? Are you listening to God and what He wants for your life? Make sure your peak isn’t a false summit.

Everybody can Serve

Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community. But did you know that volunteering also benefits you personally? Beyond the intangible benefits such as pride and accomplishment, there is also a strong relationship between volunteering and health. Studies have shown that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”  So consider volunteering!  Not only will it strengthen your community and improve lives; it may even transform your own.

Equilibrium

When a disaster strikes- it impacts everyone. When a hurricane makes landfall- it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from- everyone is suddenly in the same boat. It’s often during these tragedies that we see neighbors lean on each other in a way they never have prior. But what if we learned to live life as a community without the impending destruction of a storm?
Dependence tends to have a negative connotation in American society where individualism is praised above all else. But relying on one another can introduce a new concept – realizing how dependent we really are upon each other.
Begin approaching the problems of life together.  Then see how a burden that’s shared is lightened.

The Fox and the Hare

In the old fable, the rabbit wins the race against the fox. Following the race an owl asked the fox “Why didn’t you catch that rabbit?” “Well,” panted the fox, “I was running for fun, but that rabbit was running for his life!”
Why are you running the “race of life?”  Maybe you just want a good time.  Maybe your goal is prosperity or fame.  Maybe you run without knowing why.
If you’re looking for some direction in life, reach out to God. He has a plan for your life- to give you hope and a future.
We’re all in this race, but if you want to run a race worth the effort- follow God’s plan for your life.

From Bad to Good

One question I hear often is, “If God really loves me, then why am I going through such a hard time?”
Well, God never promised us that life would be without difficulty. He’s given each of us a free will. And like a rock, when thrown into the water makes ripples over the entire pond, frivolous choices made by us or others can cause problems.
But be encouraged because the Bible tells us that God “…causes all things to work together for our good.”
So the next time a problem comes your way, ask God how to handle it. Then, let Him use it to bring good into your life.

Farming Faith

Recently, I’ve gained a new hobby in gardening. We built a raised bed and planted kale, peppers, tomatoes, and peas from seeds. Through daily watering, cleaning of debris, and a ton of patience- last night we made a salad from vegetables we grew in our own backyard! That was so rewarding- and delicious.
I’ve often found that in my walk with God, patience is key. It takes time to see what He’s growing in our lives. And it takes our participation to move as His Spirit guides us.
If I planted those seeds in my garden but did nothing else, weeds would have taken over, the plants wouldn’t have received the water they needed and- no salad for us.
So, if you find yourself in a season of significant spiritual growth- think like a farmer. Work and wait. The spiritual fruit grown in your life will be your reward.

The Beauty in the Broken

I have a friend who is an incredibly talented artist. He works in wood and metal- making beautiful pieces like tables, chandeliers, and kinetic sculptures. The thing that sets him apart though, is that he only works with material that was destined to be trash. Broken wood slabs, rusted bike parts, you name it. Digging through piles of dilapidated materials, he sees the beauty in the broken.
I am so grateful that God sees the same in us. Life is hard. But He gets us. Maybe you’ve felt like scrap metal at times- pushed to the limits, ready to be discarded. But no one is ever too far gone for God. He can take the pain and turn it into life lessons. Take what the enemy meant for your demise and turn it into a testimony.
No matter where you are in life- you are God’s masterpiece.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

We live in a culture obsessed with beauty. Not long ago, an 8-year-old girl and her mother appeared on Good Morning America to explain why the girl was receiving Botox injections. The child, who was a participant in child beauty pageants, believed she had wrinkles on her face, and she wanted them gone.
The Bible says that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  God’s concern is who we are on the inside. Are we loving, caring and kind people? Or are we too self-centered to notice our neighbor in need?
Focus on character before looks. Because beauty is only skin deep.