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Living Out the Process: Trusting God's Plan in Our Lives

I want to pause and reflect on the song, "Too Good to Not Believe." The lyrics are so powerful and timely:  "We've seen cancer disappear   We've seen broken bodies healed   We've seen real-life resurrection   We've seen mental health restored   We've seen families reunited   We've seen prodigals return   We've seen troubled souls delivered   We've seen addicts finally free." And it continues with, "Don't tell me that He can't do it."        However, not every story ends with healing on this side of eternity. Sometimes cancer doesn't disappear, broken bodies remain unhealed, and addicts struggle. Yet, even in those moments, we serve a God who is faithful, trustworthy, and loves us unconditionally. When life doesn't turn out how we hope, God remains good. If we have put our trust in Jesus, we know that ultimate healing and restoration await us beyond this life.      With that truth as a foundation, let's di

Enjoy The Process

     I want to talk about something we don't often discuss but holds immense significance in our spiritual lives—our theology. Theology, simply put, is how we understand God, His workings, and His purpose for us. While the term might evoke images of dry, academic discussions, its implications in our lives are anything but.      The importance of theology lies not just in intellectual understanding but in shaping our very approach to life and faith. If you've ever sat through a theology class you might recall the struggle to stay engaged with what seemed like abstract concepts. However, theology is far from being merely academic—it's about having an accurate biblical understanding of how God operates and how His world works.      Today, I felt a strong prompting to share a perspective that’s both personal and deeply connected to the reality of our lives. Often, we envision following God as a beautiful narrative—akin to a fairy tale where everything concludes with 'happil

Process > Circumstances

     Recently, I was profoundly moved during one of our Families4Families date nights—a regular event we host for foster families to give them a night out. This particular evening, I witnessed something extraordinary in the behavior of Macie Porter, who went beyond just playing with a younger child. She cared for her, ensuring she was fed and felt included, displaying a maturity and kindness that spoke volumes. This experience served as a poignant reminder of how crucial our roles as parents and community leaders are in nurturing our children's ability to minister compassionately to others.      Reflecting on this, I've been contemplating the essence of spiritual growth, especially the concept of "trusting the process." It's easy to become impatient, to desire immediate solutions to our challenges or rapid progression in our spiritual lives. Yet, true growth is often slow and, at times, imperceptible at the moment.      Sanctification, a term we don't often ex

Because He Lives

     In the heart of life’s tempests and trials, the steadfastness of God's goodness becomes most evident. It's simple to extol His virtues from the peaks of joy, yet it’s in our valleys of challenge where His presence truly manifests its depth. This profound truth resonates through my spirit as I reflect on the essence of our faith, particularly in the light of Easter—a celebrated day, yet only a single day amongst the myriad where He continually lives and reigns.      Our journey through the book of Hebrews, especially chapter 7, reinforces this conviction. Hebrews isn’t just a narrative; it’s a testament to Jesus being superior, contrasting the old covenant with the new covenant He established.      Today, I'm reminded that our lives are a sequence of mountaintops and valleys. We either emerge from a storm or brace ourselves to weather a new one. Yet, amidst these fluctuations, a constant remains: Jesus. He is not just a historical figure; He is alive, and His resurrecti

Embracing Easter

     As we gathered this Easter Sunday, the message from our church family at Multiply was both a heartfelt invitation and a profound reflection on the true essence of Easter. For many of us, especially those not already part of our church community, the day was an opportunity to explore what Easter and, more broadly, what faith in Jesus could mean in our lives.      Our church is founded on a simple yet powerful principle: we are interested in people, not masses. Each individual's story, background, and spiritual journey matter to us deeply. Easter, a day of victory and celebration for followers of Jesus, offers a perfect moment to share this principle.      The significance of Easter cannot be overstated—it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. For believers, this day reaffirms the victory over sin and death, made possible through Jesus's sacrifice and triumph.      Yet, the

Disruption

     I want to explore a theme that resonates deeply within the tapestry of our lives—disruptions. Disruptions, by their very nature, are unexpected and often uninvited changes that challenge the status quo of our existence. They come in various forms, sizes, and impacts, each with its unique set of consequences and lessons.      Reflecting on personal experiences, I'm reminded of dear friends who, after nearly completing the journey of raising their sons, were surprised by the news of a new addition to their family. At 40, they discovered they were expecting another child—a situation that, to my younger self, seemed almost bewildering. Yet, as I stand closer to the milestone of turning 50, the perspective shifts, underscoring the unpredictability and grace embedded within life's journey.      This story of unexpected change serves as a poignant reminder that disruptions are not anomalies; they are a part of the human experience. Whether it's a change in family dynamics, a

Crucified With Christ

     I have felt the urge to share something deeply personal, something that's been stirring in my heart and reshaping my perspective in profound ways. This isn't just another post; it's a confession, a revelation, and a plea rolled into one. I've titled this entry "Crucified in Christ?" and I hope, as you read through, you'll sense the earnestness with which I write and the journey I've been on.      This past week has been unlike any other. It's one of those times when you encounter God so vividly that it cuts right to the core of who you are. This encounter has led me to a message I feel compelled to share, one that I've been wrestling with, and one that has challenged me deeply. It's about truth—speaking it and living it, especially when it's hard. It's about love—the kind of love that compels us to speak the hard truths, first to ourselves and then to others.      A few weeks back, a friend recommended a book to me, one that he