What is wrong with us? For some reason we choose to journey through life on our own, without the Lord, and bounce from one sin or train wreck to another looking for that escape from the turbulence of life. Maybe this turbulence involves a relationship, a divorce, an affair, loss of a child, pride, lust, nonforgiveness or even religion; maybe its alcoholism, a drug addiction, depression, an eating disorder, or a chronic illness where a cure seems hopeless. Whatever is at the center of your turbulence, be assured you are not alone. We must come to an understanding that no matter how desperate our circumstances are we can find our answers and our hope in Jesus. Jesus healed the paralytic despite his obvious doubt and despite the fact that he didn’t even know who Jesus was. I don’t know what you are going through or why. I don’t know the plans God has for you, but reach out to Him.
Merry Christmas 2012!
Eric Lidell
Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins. Our broken lives are not lost or useless. God comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out His wonderful plan of love.
Armor Up
The essence of this “rise up” theme is embedded in many narratives; a theme that bears an unshakable source of inspiration for those of us who dare to face evil with unwavering courage!
I love the scene from J. R. R Tolkien’s “The Return of the King” where Aragon is desperately outnumbered. He looks fear right in the eye and finds the strength to inspire his men against what seems like an almost certain defeat against the massive forces of the enemy. Standing firm and riding in front of his army, Aragon addresses these words to his men:
Kissed By The King!
How much distance is there between you and God? Do you hold back your affection due to fear or shame, or do you find yourself often sitting in His lap, leaning as close as you can…so close there is almost no distance at all?
In an article called Kiss Me (www.bobkilpatrick.com), Bob Kilpatrick described what God wants from a relationship with us: