Alive and Active Life

Well, it’s time! The last two Scripture dissections, God’s Timing and God’s Humor, we left something completely unresolved. The famine! And really – that’s an important development. We built up to it, showing how people suffered intolerably for three years. Now, Elijah introduces he’s back! And then introduces it’s God’s timing to end the famine. So, here is the amazing story – with a couple of twists and some teaching points.

First, I suggest – take a look at Tear Into It. That article explains how and why we introduce Scripture dissection exercises every few weeks in our article rotation.

To tear into “Famine,” let’s continue the story from 1 Kings 18.

FYI – Part 1 – God’s Timing and Part 2 – God’s Humor set the stage for today. So, you might want to take a look.

Look up 1 Kings 18:41-46 in your Bible for a full story. For this content’s purposes, here’s a bullet backstory of developments in my words.

With each Scripture dissection, we engage four focuses:

When Elijah tells his servant to tell Ahab to hitch his chariot, grab lunch, and ride hard for safety, what he’s really saying is –

Ready or not – God is ending the famine RIGHT NOW!

Keep in mind, Ahab tried to hunt down and kill Elijah for three years because Elijah had predicted the famine. And now – he’s obeying Elijah’s every command.

Elijah’s servant was sent to check the skies seven times. Incidentally, a very small cloud escalates into a lot of power!

Elijah must have been in great physical condition. God’s power comes upon him and, without lunch, he outruns Ahab’s horses and chariot to Jezreel.

God’s timing to end three years of famine is RIGHT NOW! And He gives His message through Elijah.

This passage strongly reinforces God has His own perfect timing to global events. In fact, He has incredible ability to superintend all history – plus every individual life. Each person’s “free will” does not impinge His perfect will. Though this world is broken, God is still in control. However, He is patient with mankind and honors the gift of free will He gave each person.

God also has a front seat in affairs of nations, communities, and individuals – including you. He wants to give you the daily heads-up you need.

Incidentally, when Elijah climbs Mt. Carmel to pray, it’s a deeply reverent prayer. He bends to the ground and puts his face between his knees. In other words, Elijah is showing respect and paying homage to God. This great prophet is great because he is also humble.

Remember – Elijah still doesn’t know exactly how or when God will answer his prayer. He just asks – worships – then waits.

When God’s answer comes, Elijah has already prepared to “kick it into gear” and dovetail with God ‘s timing! In other words, Elijah truly partnered with God.

Since seven is God’s number, symbolizing perfection, God draws attention to something interesting. It’s a “listen-up” to showcase His credibility to Elijah, who simply asks – worships – then waits as his servant checks the skies seven times.

In conclusion, “What Does It Mean” takes these ideas to heart and makes them personal: Humility, asking, worship, waiting, being prepared to jump in.

An effective way to live each day is with perspective that goes beyond what you can currently see or do. And perspective that matches God’s requires faith.

Why should your perspective match God’s? Well, Scripture says, “Just as the heavens are above the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is. 55:9)

Subsequently, the logical conclusion is – by thinking increasingly more like God, you think into the realm God already knows all about. It’s “faith-thinking.”

Here are some helpful action steps to faith-think more like God:

BTW – a fascinating principle from Mt. 10:39 says, “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” Incidentally, this is both a guarantee from Jesus and a launch platform to live life to your fullest purpose in His design. You don’t have to linger in famine. God wants to end your personal famine and bring you to a place of plenty – in Jesus Christ.

If you’re in a personal famine of soul, let God end your famine and draw you close to Himself. Your portion? Take up God’s perspective about all things and live an Alive and Active Life by “faith-thinking.”

Consider humility with me. God commands His children to humble themselves and trust Him to lift them up at the right time. (Jas. 4:10) That’s how Elijah lived.

Some additional thoughts about worship – the oldest of God’s commands. God knows He’s the best thing for you. And when you agree with Him on that, you open a portal to His interventions, blessings, goodness, power, and friendship. God dearly loves you. Elijah knew how to worship sincerely from his heart.

What about preparing for God’s timing? The best way to prepare is to continually be “faith-thinking” in everything you think, say, and do. Learn to think outside the box and prepare creative, insightful ways for action – even ahead of time. Then, when it’s God’s timing – get-going. Dovetail with God’s initiative. Elijah also did that.

Like breathing, it’s essential to pray during the course of your activities. This connects you with –

Elijah did this continually – and maybe that’s why God did miracles through him.

As you wait on God’s timing, are you patient and confident? Apparently, Elijah was quite good at this.

Reflect over this section and ask yourself – “How many of those tips am I actively doing each day?”

Knowing something and doing something are quite different. What good is it to know about these things, but not carry them out? Jas. 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Subsequently, knowing you have a personal famine and doing something about it are also two very different things. It’s in your best interests to include action in your pursuit for relationship with God. Go after Him! In fact, that proves your passion for the Lord is sincere. Action is an altar.

So, ask yourself what areas of your life are in famine. Do you believe God wants to provide for you? If so, remember action steps to dovetail with God’s intervention initiatives:

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

Have you had the joy of watching little kids when they get in front of a mirror? They have heart-warming and sometimes hilarious interactions. These little ones have such authenticity and vulnerability as they interact with “themselves” in the mirror. What about you? When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Do you value the reflection of that person? Are you authentically being “you” each day? It’s time to treasure your valuable life like God does.

As you explore your life the way God views it, I hope you also enjoy contemplating how little ones are heartwarmingly themselves. Thankfully, these young ones have not yet learned to be self-conscious – or self-condemning. They simply are the dear little people God created. We can learn a lot from them as we examine our own grown-up lives.

On your birthday, an amazing event took place years ago: you were born! If you don’t consider that a special event, you are missing important things about your life.

Scripture says God loves you very much. In fact, it says God delights in you. Zeph. 3:17 says, “The Lord your God . . . takes great delight in you; He renews you by His love; He shouts for joy over you.” 

Has anyone ever valued your life like that?

Well, God does all three –

Choose healthy. Choose balance. Accept what God establishes about your valuable life. Incidentally, that’s impossible to do unless you set aside fears, worry, arrogance, insincerities, insecurities, and self-driven agendas. These form barriers to freedom Christ offers you.

Jesus offers an amazing future to anyone who trusts and obeys Him. He accepts each individual where they are, forgives, puts a new path in front, and teaches better ways. He gives freedom from bondage because of His love. Then as a free person, you learn to love God, yourself, and others correctly.

God’s love is a safe place to discover your valuable life. Jump in front of His mirror with “child-like faith.” 

Traditionally, someone who knows what they’re talking about is considered an “expert.” They set the value of things.

You may have delved in antique furniture. Perhaps you enjoy excellent tea or coffee. Exquisite, fine fabric may catch your eye. Good art and music has unique value placed over it. The value you explore is placed by experts.

Coincidentally, God is an expert who knows what He’s talking about. And He set your life value eternally high. What God says – simply is! Even those who don’t accept it are powerless to negate it.

Tragically, many don’t discover the joy of their life and design. Instead, they become angry, skeptical, judgmental, edgy, and even grumpy. Sadly, they never become an expert of their own original design.

Your valuable life is woven into eternal values because God establishes it that way. In His image, you are valuable and delightful – like a little child – unless you believe lies about yourself.

Since your value is established eternally and cannot be changed, you have a practical launchpad for daily living. Incidentally, it doesn’t always feel this way. But feelings are more like “indicator lights” than the real process. They help define you as both “human” and “in God’s image.” And they help you navigate matters of the soul.

The need for value is so ingrained, people often try to validate themselves. They care more about what people say, think, and feel about them – and much less about what God says, thinks, and feels about them. Imagine how this focus affects their assessment of the value of their life.

Additionally, people confuse their own value by –

None of these conditions represent God’s design for you or your value. Subsequently, God made you vibrant and powerful, unique and very special.

Have you accepted your valuable life the way God intended?

That’s an odd thing to say, don’t you think? Find your value by losing yourself.

Jesus said, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for Me, you will save it.” (Mt. 10:39) What does this verse mean?

Well, let’s start with God, humanity’s expert. He knows the conditions in which your valuable life flourishes. He also knows how you begin to shrivel up and die.

A common tendency is to protect, save, exonerate, and defend self to the bitter end in daily issues. This isn’t how you function best. When you cling to your life – you lose the greatest parts of your inner person.

The person who trusts Jesus with their life discovers more about themselves. You can know God and yourself much better. Consequently, since God loves your so much, He will care for you. Why not love yourself better by giving yourself fully to Him? Paul calls this – “living sacrifice.” (Rom. 12:1) And this sincere action is the very choice that saves your life.

Have you loved and trusted God fully to lose your life to Christ? Or are you hanging onto yourself for dear life?

God created you in His image with eternity in mind. Subsequently, you should look like Him. His beauty, grace, intelligence, influence, and strength should start to show in your mirror.

God also gave you unique abilities, special skills, and amazing talents. Incidentally, God designed your heart to express precious passions only you can.

And God includes a protective force-field around your life – even when you suffer. Your life is deeper and richer than consequential circumstances that rise up against you. God protects you in ways this world cannot even touch.

When you look in your life mirror, do you see Christ’s image?

If you didn’t have purpose, you wouldn’t have been born. In other words, you are not a mistake, and your life has value to God.

Let’s list some secrets of losing and finding yourself in Christ. These action steps help navigate daily living.

These action steps in everyday scenarios give you a good (godly) look in life’s mirror. Essentially, you’ll emulate the rich authenticity and comfortable vulnerability of little children who look in the mirror and interact with themselves unashamedly. And God delights when you bear a family resemblance.

You might be going through a terrible time. Or – you may be bored with living. Regardless, your situation, losses, or sufferings do not define your value. God’s truth defines your valuable life.

As you embrace this, your behavior resembles Christ’s character. Consequently, you take on “the family look.” And others can tell you are a child of God.

Look in your mirror and strain (and train) to see more of your Father. Glory in being His dear child.

It’s Your Move: Strategies in Thinking From Romans is a resource to help you grow your relationship with God, cultivate strong thinking skills, and choose Christ-like character so you look more like Father.

Order your copy today.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

Feeling down is a common, yet challenging condition to manage. Whether over-tired, mistreated, discouraged, or even struggling with depression – being on the “down side” is real.

The first thing I want to say – “You’re not the only one!” Feeling down is a common human experience. Subsequently, you share the experience of feeling down with lots of people.

Even so, some folks struggle with this condition of the soul more than others – and it can turn into a season. Seasons can feel too long. In some cases, prolonged “feeling down” seems like a kind of death:

All these conditions, and more, can contribute to feeling down. Prolonged feeling down can seem like a threat. Coincidentally, it can sometimes lead to depression. Even small details can pile up in an overwhelming way that leaves you feeling down.

So, the key question is this: when you are down, what do you do?

Interestingly, it’s understandable to feel helpless and hopeless when you hit a bad patch of feeling down. It’s as if the wind was knocked out of you. Or the very life got sucked out of you. And you can’t shake it.

Some people are honest about this stuff. And others are not. You’re familiar with the term “denial.” Well, that’s one tactic some people engage when feeling down. Afterall, it’s too painful to embrace and too threatening to accept. Reflectively, that’s sad – because there are better ways to address feeling down.

Let’s explore excellent action steps that help when you start feeling down. They all start with “P.” So, they’re easier to remember:

That’s a lot of “P’s!”

The first “P” action step is – pause. Most people skip this step, which is unfortunate. Subsequently, it’s this very step that sets you up for success when feeling down because a pause helps you –

All that can happen in a pause – a launchpad for helpful choices. Additionally, a pause can help you pull your energies, skill sets, resources, and tools to a central place – away from the impending threat or situation. Taking inventory strengthens you. It also gives you strategies to managing feeling down.

Being present even while feeling down prevents ignoring, disregarding, pretending, or running from your feelings. In fact, these unhealthy approaches can make things worse.

When you are present, you’re more aware, more honest. So – pause.

As you engage a pause, pray. Ask God for help. Invite Him into your “feeling down” time, no matter how long it lasts. Open your heart to His presence and companionship. He wants to help.

In prayer, you may become aware of things God wants to free you from:

Prayer is about sharing your heart with God. But it’s even more about listening to His “gentle whisper.” (1 Kings 19:12) The Bible says, “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Is. 65:24)

Are you praying through each day? Are you listening more than talking when you pray?

“My peace I give to you.” (Jn. 14:27)

You might ask – “How can I make God’s peace mine with all the noise and distractions I’ve discovered in my soul?”

Have you accepted His generous gift of peace? That’s the first pro-active step. Accept it! It’s not yours until you take it, unwrap it into your life, and apply it each day. Incidentally, this is a decision not dependent on feelings.

Similarly to when you trusted Christ for salvation and forgiveness of sins, taking up the peace of Christ is a faith choice.

Have you claimed your gift of peace as a buffer for each day?

It’s time to participate in the power of Jesus. He is already working on your behalf. So, now Reach Back to partner with God. Trust Him to meet your needs.

But – how does His power become your reality?

When you’ve paused, prayed, and taken up peace, it’s time to deliberately grab onto the power God intended you to live with. There is no better place to absorb this power than to . . . Get Into God’s Word Even With A Super Busy Life.

If you try to live in your own power, you’ll fall short.

God intends you to have His power by building a strong relationship with Him. This happens as you get into His Word and get His Word into you!

Three things happen when you get into God’s Word:

These three methods introduce power into your daily life – a power that transforms you over time.

The only way God’s power will not work for you is if you are living in sin or if you don’t plug-in to His power. So –

It’s like plugging a vacuum cleaner, razor, hair dryer, phone charger, or power tool into a wall socket. The appliance simply wont start without plugging into the power source.

Plug-in to His promises, commands, and a close friendship with God. 

There is one more step: practice praise. Incidentally, this is the last thing you may want to hear when you’re feeling down. But sincere praise does powerful things:

Being thankful each day in all circumstances is the best way to practice praise. Are you practicing praise when you feel down? It’s actually a “spiritual discipline.” 

There’s nothing healthier when you’re feeling down than to practice the “P’s.” They work because they connect you directly to Jesus. He will lift you up as you put them into practice, even if “down feelings” continue and linger.

“Feelings are not the measure of faith; action is the measure of faith.” (Priscilla Shirer)

So –  resolve to practice the “P’s”.

Get rid of the noise in your life by using the 6 “P’s” action steps to manage “feeling down.”

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app, or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

What situation comes to your mind when you hear that old saying – “God has a sense of humor?” I have numerous scenarios that come to mind. Oddly, it seems God’s humor is at play more often than we realize. And it’s a brilliant sense of humor. As humans, we try to develop a sense of humor, especially in teen years. And since we are made in God’s image, the quality of humor is there to be developed. I want to look at God’s humor as we continue Part 2 of our Scripture dissection of 1 Kings 18. (See Part 1 in a recent article – God’s Timing.)

First, I suggest – take a look at Tear Into It. That article explains how and why we introduce Scripture dissection exercises every few weeks in our article rotation.

To tear into “God’s Humor,” let’s continue the story from Part 1, God’s Timing, which sets the stage for today.

Look up 1 Kings 18:20-40 in your Bible for a full story. For this content’s purposes, here’s a bullet backstory of developments in my words.

With each Scripture dissection, we engage four focuses:

This story contains precious reminders of God and His eternal principles. Incidentally, this includes not only His power and justice, but also His love – and His sense of humor.

Without any effort, God reinforces His claims. At the same time, He affirms Elijah is His faithful servant. (Both those are answers to Elijah’s prayer. First, God reinforces His claims. Second, He reinforces Elijah is His faithful servant. That was Elijah’s prayer.)

Further, He calls the people to “Come near to Me.” And ultimately, He does all this with delightful humor through a contest. Even Elijah’s words to the people engage (perhaps borrow) some of God’s humor.

Coincidentally, there’s another thread in this story. It presents an “order” to God’s involvement.

FIRST – God asks you to trust – obey – and sometimes sacrifice something.

THEN – He responds to your faith. He shows up strongly. And He helps you, honors your faith, blesses your obedience, and multiplies any sacrifice you have made on His behalf. Afterall, the truth at the root is this. “I desire mercy (steadfast love) and not sacrifice.” (Hos. 6:6) Jesus repeats this verse in Mt. 12:7.

So, God’s order of response, indeed, involves man’s decisions.

Truly, a great conclusion is this: God is real. He is present in the affairs of man. He will not sacrifice His essence just to prove something to man, even if a man dares Him to. His self-awareness and self-knowledge is intact. Incidentally, this means He doesn’t have to explain Himself to people and He doesn’t have to defend Himself. Rather, He pours Himself into strategies that help people grow in faith, know His power, trust His goodness, and relax in His love.

God is confident in His power and His mercy. He loves His people and invites them continually, “Come near to Me.” But He also holds calmly to who He is and what He is capable of doing. He has nothing to prove.

Subsequently, everything God does is careful, measured, truthful, powerful, merciful, and even engages the real stuff of every-day life, including human humor (which, incidentally, comes from God since we are made in His image).

God is in control.

I don’t know about you, but I see all kinds of ways to make these messages personal. Let’s be creative and begin with –

God is for you! He invites you to “Come near to Me.” He wants to act of your behalf – but, as we already noted, the “order” is . . .

FIRST – God asks you to trust – obey – and sometimes sacrifice something. Are you doing this?

THEN – He responds to your faith. He shows up strongly. Wait for it!

There is no limit to how God will help when you adopt His order. His deep love for you means He will use His power and resources on your behalf. Even when you suffer in this life (and you will – it’s a broken world. Our fault, not God’s.) He promises to carry you through everything. He will lift you up – if you let Him. And He will use your lovely life to bring glory to Himself.

From Part 1 – God’s Timing – we discussed three responses God wants from His children –

But now – commitment application on today’s content.

POINT – Notice we still haven’t even gotten to God’s resolution of the famine . . . yet . . . so stay tuned.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

Do you remember when you first learned how to clean up a mess? Whether it was your own mess or someone else’s, it stared you in the face, and you had to clean it up. So, what tools did you use to clean up the mess? From spills in the kitchen to oil overflows in the garage. Perhaps a pet issue or simply spilled milk. Whatever the mess to clean up – you need a sponge.

So, when do you need a sponge? We already mentioned kitchen spills – like milk and coffee, cooking on the stove, casserole overflows in the oven. Consequently, there are many times in the kitchen you need a sponge.

But move to your laundry room. When you pour detergent, bleach, or ammonia and miss your aim for a measuring container, you need a sponge. In the same manner, pouring water into that little opening on your iron for steam doesn’t always go well, either. So you need a sponge.

The garage is another sponge-eater. From garden chemicals to oils to lubricants – that stuff often migrates where it’s not supposed to. So you need a sponge to clean that up, too.

Outside when you wash your car, there are special sponges and products for the fine finish, the wheel-wells, and interior of your vehicle.

I’m sure you can think of many more times you need a sponge.

As a review of examples we just explored, here’s a list of some things sponges do:

There are so many scenarios when you need a sponge.

Incidentally, sponges are reasonably priced. You can get –

There’s good basic information on many websites or in dictionaries about sponges. And some facts are common knowledge.

Synthetic sponges don’t have natural enzymes that protect from bacteria, mold, and mildew that many sea sponges have.

Intriguingly, “natural” sponges harvested in the sea are classified as multicellular organisms full of pores and channels. They are more expensive as they are challenging to hand-harvest and difficult to find in ocean coasts.

While synthetic sponges are cut into common geometrical shapes, trimmed ocean sponges often retain their ocean shape. Additionally, they are durable and soft compared to many synthetic sponges.

Yes, a person can be a kind of sponge – which can be good or not-so-good.

People soak up all kinds of information as they live, learn, and grow. Coincidentally, this takes place all through life. The more you soak up, the more valuable you are as a human sponge.

Some folks are really good at absorbing hurt others suffer from. Counselors, good teachers, loving parents, and other community or ministry-trained persons are human sponges. Sometimes a friend or neighbor is a sponge to soak up “life-spill-overs.” Their kind, gentle, absorption pulls away your hurt and helps you get back on your feet.

Incidentally, society also needs human sponges with exceptional ability to hold information, guidelines, laws, and protocols to assist your function in a complicated world. Various professionals help with taxes, legal situations, medical interventions, consultation in business, how to make your money work for you, and so on.

Another kind of human sponge is the gifted person who knows how to “pull-away” negative, unhelpful, and even destructive forces that unhinge situations. These negotiators seems to know how to tug-and-pull. They engage problem-solving skills that develop appropriate initiatives to serve, soothe, direct, or compromise so people and organizations can find common ground and build something better together.

But there’s one more sponge that makes life good. Do you know what I’m talking about?

Of all varieties of sponges we’ve discussed, there’s only one sponge that does everything you need a sponge to do. In fact, I’d say – you really can’t live a purposeful life without this incredible sponge. It’s actually a person.

Did you know God carries out all the functions we’ve mentioned. It’s no surprise each person needs this Sponge every day, even if they don’t yet know it.

So many things happen in one day. Life overflows into spills or missed-aims. Then there’s unexpected news and resulting sorrow.

Thankfully, God – a Divine Sponge – steps in to absorb and pull-away hurt others have poured into your soul. Even your own mistakes and miscalculations are easy work for Him to produce you renewed – with the aroma of Christ.

God has many qualities a “natural sponge” has.

Let’s explore the list about daily sponge use. We can learn how to be an effective sponge as a person.

Have you learned how to soak up messes you discover in life? Yours or someone else’s?

Did you know you have capacity to pull away negative and destructive forces in your life and others’ lives?

God made you with a gentle quality. Do you practice gentleness? (Phil. 4:5)

Are you tapping into your capacity to hold lots of God’s love, grace, and power to keep rubbing out sin-stains?

Perhaps you’ve learned what I had to learn. You can handle more than you think. That means you can also absorb more than you want to. And thankfully, you have a Divine Sponge to handle and absorb what is beyond your capacity.

In what creative ways have you helped someone aim better in practicing godly qualities? How are you correcting your own aim?

Jesus (your Divine Sponge) brings daily freshness and cleanness to your soul. Do you seek Him with all your heart to receive this? He invites you. (Jer. 29:12)

How do you bring a pleasant disposition to your family, workplace, or other community organizations? In what ways will you bring cheer to friends and other relationships?

Some things you are not meant to absorb. So, ask God for wisdom to avoid those messes. If you have a toxic mess, turn to your Divine Sponge to absorb and cleanse. Jesus can absorb anything – even toxins.

Are you creatively using your skillset to bring a shine back into circumstances or relationships that have become dull? How are you adding meaning to others’ lives?

Are you applying your sponge capacity to care for others in their time of sickness or need?

There are situations you need to absorb and hold things in place until they can be fixed. This is the kind of work Jesus does. Absorb in ways that help your family, local community, or global community be in a better place until things can be fixed. 

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app – or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

Many people feel invisible today. Some work hard and long to do the right thing – often behind-the-scenes – not for recognition or glory, but because it must be done. As a result, many folks with noble commitment go unnoticed. You’ve likely felt invisible in your hard work, faithfully doing what God asks each day. And “they” don’t seem to notice. But God notices. In fact, He says – “I Am They.”

What does “I Am They” mean? It’s an odd expression I found in an interview recently and thought it accurately represents support for invisible people. Let’s look.

Think about a time you’ve identified priorities and gone after what needed to be done. Still, as you were doing that special thing (which sometimes took years, even decades) there was an empty feeling . . . like your life had no visible purpose, even though you knew you did. Perhaps you even wondered why you were throwing your best at a situation that seemed unmeasurable, even though you knew it mattered.

So, we’ve stated – even when you do the right thing for the right reasons for a long time, when no one else seems to see or care, it’s tempting to wonder if your efforts matter. You wonder if “they” simply don’t care.

When you are tempted to wonder that, Jesus says something important. “Look at Me. Hear Me. You feel invisible – like “they” don’t care about your message and work on My behalf. But – I Am they.” * (A. Stanley)

Jesus speaks into your every scenario to assure you He sees. It matters to Him. Because you are being faithful to what He’s put before you and in your heart, you are accomplishing purposes greater than what’s visible this moment. You are partnering with God as He quietly – invisibly – does His faithful work.

Subsequently, consider God. He moves in hearts, helps needy people, provides resources, heals and encourages, and even convicts of wrong-doing. He performs daily miracles most people have no eyes to see.

I’d like to take liberties to imagine what else Jesus says. If you are faithfully obeying and carrying out practical actions that seem invisible to others – things “they” don’t see – hear His amazing heart –

“I see what you are doing on My behalf. Your efforts and energy are a sweet aroma to Me, a treasured, ‘poured-out offering.’ And I thank you for loving Me so much by tirelessly, creatively sharing My message with people in your world. No one cares more about what you are doing than Me.”

Jesus is saying – “I Am They.” I see. I hear. And I care about your efforts with deep gratitude.”

I Am They = partners: Jesus and you.

I often ask myself questions. Here’s one I ask more often. Who are you living for? Perhaps it’s for family, community, or dear friends. Incidentally, you may be providing kindness, provisions, or ministries that don’t get on anyone’s radar . . . except God’s.

So, questions I often ask start with these words:  who, what, when, where, why, and how. These are excellent measuring tools. Here are some “made-up” examples:

There are many more good questions to ask yourself.

Here’s another question. Whose head do you want to turn by your efforts?

Because God –

. . . you have at least some responsibility to turn God’s head by your efforts. I suppose best answers to questions come from God’s Word. Still, God’s answers may not be exactly what you are looking for – but, really? THEY STILL COUNT! And they’re pretty decent answers.

Let’s look at each of the phrases we just mentioned, using God’s Word for context and perspective.

Acts 7:50 says, “Has not My hand made all these things?”

Jn. 1:3 says, “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”

Since God made all things, He carries responsibility to oversee and manage things. Interestingly, however, He also made people with free will. It’s incredible how God keeps His every word and timing – while all individuals also carry out their own free will (often not in cooperation with God). Yet, God confidently has everything on His radar.

Even with sin, war, rebellion, sarcasm, and smart-aleck attitudes back to God – He still loves each individual deeply. God is never surprised by anything. Amazingly, He has it all in-hand, including messes people make across the earth. I could never manage all that, and neither could you.

So, for any person who points a finger at God, first ask how you would accomplish what needs to be done in His place – everywhere. All at the same time. He’s doing that even if you don’t see. So often, God is invisible to men’s eyes. They just don’t see who He is and what He’s doing.

In this capacity, would you say of yourself – “I Am They?” I DO see what He’s doing?

Jer. 1:5 says, ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart . . .”

Read that Scripture again. Ponder it. As it lands, ponder –

God is for you. Even while others are against you. In that case, He clearly says, “I Am Not They.” I Am for you.

Jer. 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God cuts right to the chase.

Has anyone ever cared this deeply and intimately for you? God does. You may have wanted others to care more for you, but “they” didn’t. Nevertheless, God does. He says, “I Am They.”

Since God knows everything, He also knows what’s going to happen – to the detail and the minute.

Do you remember the phrase often used in Scripture when a specific thing is supposed to happen. “When the time had come.” (Sometimes – “When it was time.”)

Conclusively, God is so involved in human events – in your life events – He knows the timing of all things. He knows when you’re born, when you do superbly, when you suffer, when you choose to disobey, and when your heart bursts with joy. And He commits Himself to walk closely with you to help in each scenario, as well as to share heart-to-heart with you as you encounter each event.

Subsequently, you can say . . . Even in all events of my life, God says, “I Am They.”

God knows how to get you fully into your purpose. He made you and designed your purpose. So, each individual needs to choose how to respond back to God.

So many competitors fight for allegiance of the human heart. Sometimes, you may feel torn. Even good things can compete for your heart – like family, friends, church, providing a living, and ministry. Believe it or not, even incorrect use of Scripture can compete for the human heart. Here’s an interesting quote from the interview I mentioned earlier.

“We have married people to the Bible. We have not married people to following Jesus . . . “ (A. Stanley)

So, wow! We are back to something I’ve shared repeatedly in previous articles. Jesus needs to be your First, Most, Best, and Only! This is critical. It’s a game-changer.

God will get you where He wants you. Trust and obey Him. Follow Jesus.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

* Andy Stanley – May 11, 2022: Video Interview.

Surely you’ve wondered at least once – “what’s the deal with God’s timing?!” He seems to be on a completely different time schedule. Admit it with me: there are times you’ve wondered when God is going to answer your prayers. Whether it’s personal or global tragedies that happen without warning, waiting years for God’s intervention in a difficulty, healing a relationship, providing for a need, or personal matters of the heart – all certainly involve God’s timing.

First, I suggest – take a look at Tear Into It. That article explains how and why we introduce Scripture dissection exercises every few weeks in our article rotation.

To tear into “God’s Timing,” let’s look at 1 Kings 18. Look it up and read in your Bible. For this content’s purposes, here’s a bullet backstory of developments in my own words.

As we mentioned in Tear Into It – our introduction article to Scripture dissection, we will always engage four focuses. Again, I encourage you to go back to that material to see how we plan to tear into Scripture and bring out practical lessons for every day.

This Scripture starts with the “in-your-face” reality that God has His own timing, and it’s strategic – even brilliant.

“After many days” is a common condition people find themselves in as they cry out to God for help. Additionally, folks may not know the details and the “behind-the-scenes” issues associated with desperate requests. But God knows all this.

Some people accuse God of not caring, not being engaged – in fact, not being real. Nevertheless, their opinion does not change what is true. God is real and involved.

2 Pet. 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you . . .”  God proves continually how deeply He cares for humanity, for each individual, for you! He’s strongly concerned about those who don’t know Him yet. And even those who deny or have rejected Him. That’s pretty stunning.

God’s loving motives are intertwined in His timing. And God asks you to take RISKS.

So, where do you slice into this scenario? Identify something you are waiting for God’s timing. Now consider these ideas.

Over your years, you have opportunities to be a credible picture of God’s great heart – a rare privilege. God treasures when His children rest in His timing, love, and strategy. Here are three things you can do:

One of the best ways to understand those three commands is to drill down into the adverbs. I’m talking about the words “deeply, severely, and passionately.” Let’s get some definitions and then discuss on the other side.

So, taking those three adverbs we defined and paired with the three commands, let’s look at where you’ve parked in those three responses.

Consequently, those who fear the Lord like Obadiah and Elijah prove their trust, obedience, and love for God. Obadiah faithfully did this, taking great risks at his own expense. Hiding prophets and feeding them while Jezebel hunted them was risky. So, what risks are you taking to prove you –

Do you pass the test like Obadiah? Do you trust, obey, and love God in the face of your fears, even when you know a situation could go sideways?

It seems reasonable to believe God and obey Him FIRST . . . and then to look for His involvement NEXT. God has already proved His love for you – deeply, severely, passionately – through Christ’s cross. It’s your turn to decide what kind of adverbs you will attach to your love back to God.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

As we go into today’s content . . . Learn Well – Live Well – Love Well . . . I first want to read off a list of one-liners we’ve heard over the years. They deal with the hum-drum of life:

And on go the one-liners we’ve heard in a variety of ways. All seem to speak to an emptiness, dullness, boring repetition, and rather skeptical view of life.

But life is NOT hum-drum! Therefore, let’s explore a full, exciting, fresh-every-day, and rather hopeful view of life. Will you join me?

Well, I suppose almost every person on earth ponders in some way what life is all about. If life is such a conundrum – a kind of riddle – then it’s understandable many have so few answers. But why does life sometimes feel empty, dull, boringly repetitive, causing people to be rather skeptical?

I believe solidly people all over the world long for a life that’s full, exciting, fresh-every-day, and rather hopeful. From people in high positions of fame or leadership – to those of us that fill the ranks of “every-day-citizens.” Yet, many people live a hum-drum life.

So, what are the options? How do you embrace a rich approach each day? What can you do to leave the empty, dull, boring, skepticism and launch into something full, exciting, fresh, and hopeful?

Interestingly, this desire for something more rests on a three-prong approach to living. And every person has both capacity and opportunity to enjoy all three in any position of life. Because of this, every person can – Learn Well – Live Well – Love Well.

Why are humans insatiably curious? Why do people poke their noses into things, anyway? What makes them want to discover or change things up? And why do people sit and dream of better ways?

Learning is something God invented and hard-wired into the human design. It’s a glorious characteristic that nurtures growth into better circumstances. A person can be a better person. The world can be a better community.

Creation is a “playground” for the human race to explore, enjoy, experiment with, protect, care for, and find hidden treasure in. And to say it differently – to learn! Still, a playground requires care, safety, responsible guidelines, and tools.

The passion to learn well fills every facet of life. From better farming to game-changer inventions. From improved community systems to innovative tools. Then there’s the exhilaration of medical improvements to literally save lives. Add to all that – creatively providing for deficits in needs around the world – hunger, medicine, clean water, opportunity, education, freedom, etc. And what about enhanced ideas that open even more doors when you start to explore them. So much comes to us from the route of discovery.

Most of us need a boost – a gentle push – to engage ideas for learning well as we go through each day. Nevertheless, the world is full of opportunities to learn well.

How does a person live well? Interestingly, that’s a question with many answers. Still, there are common principles that should be applied. Here are four.

In a world that screams with activity, noise, and personal gain – it’s rare to see a quiet life. A peaceful person. And it’s the person who chooses a quiet life who often has a good life. It’s an art, really. And it’s not a reclusive existence, but more of a balanced life.

You learn to mind your own business, yet be involved in action through helpful ways. Plus, if you work hard at what matters each day, then you skip much trouble and side-step many entanglements.

Then, when trouble comes along, the quiet good life keeps inner peace and joy intact as you work to engage solutions. With resolve to trust God and rest in Him, you can navigate tangled issues. God knows how to restore balance in your inner life.

Life is most enjoyable with adequate provisions for daily needs. This is true for you and every person around our world. If you can help provide for others, it’s fulfilling to prayerfully and joyfully find options to help. That’s what community is all about.

Simultaneously, I’ve noticed people who’ve learned to live with less – know how to enjoy and provide more. And those who celebrate, even in small ways each day, find unexpected blessings and joys tucked in the most unsuspecting places. There are so many realities to celebrate: relationships, freedom, community, careers, education, and so much more. Just knowing Jesus is a reason to celebrate.

To live well means appreciating/providing provisions and celebrating even small things.

It seems everywhere you turn, there’s some kind of threat, loss, or energy-sucking issue. This provides the perfect training platform to trust Jesus. In a world filled with threats and danger, you can take up God’s promises and practice His ways. Because He loves you deeply, He will see you through difficulties.

You get to choose: worry or faith. Simultaneously, to actively make wise, careful decisions often avoids threat and danger. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Let’s face it. No one can live life alone. In case you didn’t know- you are not an island. Rather, you are part of a community. Subsequently, you need others. But most of all, you need the Lord! And incidentally, in simple ways, you can be the right kind of dependent.

Here are some helpful action steps to be dependent in a healthy way:

These four principles provide ways to live well.

At the pinnacle of this content is the call to love well. Obviously, this takes thought and deliberate life choices.

Love is the most powerful force – ever! 1 Cor. 13:8 says “Love never fails.” Verse 13 goes on to say, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

God is the best Lover. And He loves perfectly, unconditionally, and without preference. Do you remember the verse many children learn as they form their view of God? Simply – “God is love.” (1 Jn. 4:8b)

Actually, part “a” of that verse has more rich content. It says. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 Jn. 4:8) Subsequently, the person who claims to know God – yet does not love –

what does the verse say? . . . does not know God!!

Consequently, the logical question is – do you know God? Do you love?

To love well includes many facets:

Since God wants you to love well, pro-actively Reach Back in relationship with Him. If you do, then caring about others, the nations, and creation comes naturally.

Love helps everyone get through tough days. In essence, love means walking with someone through thick and thin, covering many developments with kindness and grace (even when not deserved). Sometimes, love means bringing a level of accountability.

Is the world is in a troubled state right now? A definite YES! These are troubled times. Incidentally, Jesus told us ahead of time this would happen. (Mt. 24:25) He told us not to be alarmed, but instead –

In other words –

Learn Well – Live Well – Love Well.

Since Jesus IS coming back, make each day count.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. And do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app, or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

If you were to say – “this is it!!” – when would you say it?

That’s right! This is it!!

I want you to notice something. If you go back through my introduction, you’ll notice I use two exclamation points each time I say, “this is it!!”

Why two exclamation points? I hardly ever do that as a writer. In fact, I don’t often use exclamation points very often. So what’s up with two of those punctuation marks?

I promise to answer that question . . . in a bit. But first, I want to point out – an exclamation point is used to emphasize a point or express strong emotion or even surprise. Honestly, good writing uses words to do this most of the time – because words are effective. But once-in-a-while, an exclamation point is needed.

So, when God says “this is it!!” we need to look at it. When does He say “this is it!!”?

Good question. I can’t get inside God’s mind to answer that adequately. But based on things Scripture declares, let’s take a stab at it:

I’m sure there are more situations God proclaims His strong emotion or makes a definite point. But I have a hunch God doesn’t always use an exclamation point. Like an author utilizing writing skills, God makes His point by His Written Word (Scripture) and His Living Word (Jesus). He simply says and does what is best and good.

If you’re like me, you have more questions than answers the longer you live. Then again, questions can sometimes be so piercing, they have exclamation marks following the question marks. Like this – “?!!” – essentially emphasizing what you don’t know. Sometimes those marks bookend deep hurts.

Upon considering God’s design for people, it’s blaringly definable – God is the Someone to esteem, support, and nurture each individual person. He also intends each person to esteem Him – first, most, and above all others.

Yet, the brokenness of life, losses and griefs imposed against our wishes, messes we end up in sometimes, and rejection dished out by others – these sometimes cause some people to doubt God.

Something God is faithful to repeat is His love for each individual.

God’s Word is saturated with claims of His love, actions that prove His love, and even sorrowful grieving because people have not believed Him. People reject the Love they need most in life – God’s love. So many look at Jesus and do NOT say “this is it!!” How terribly sad.

Did you catch my word? “reject.” This response people make back to a God who loves them happens thousands of times every day. And they also reject one another as many times a day. So, why all this rejection?

Perhaps for some, God doesn’t measure up to their ideals (as if it hangs on their opinion). I would venture a guess that others might reject God out of their own losses and pain. Still, others might intellectualize the whole “God-thing” and decide to reject it.

Consequently, there is a very specific time God says, “this is it!!” Let’s take a look.

I was surprised – almost stunned – one day in my quiet time when I saw a definite exclamation point after something God said. That rarely happens in Scripture. Again, good authors says what they want to say with words. And God certainly has said what He wants to say with His Written and Living Word. BUT, there it was – right in front of me on the page. “By no means!”

Here’s the back story. It’s from Romans chapter 10 and Deuteronomy chapter 32. I’m simply going to lay it out in point form for easy reference.

Paul picks up with a message for God’s people – quite like an appeal. He asks them, point-blank (and this is where that interesting exclamation point appears) . . . “Did God reject His people? By no means!” (Rom 11:1) That is God’s bold statement with an attitude. Check it out. Even the exclamation point is in Scripture.

I promised to answer the question why I’ve used two exclamation points in this content when I write “this is it!!” Simply? It’s for emphasis. I want to draw your attention to something exceptional. If this is so incredibly important to God to express with emphasis, then it should be utterly important to you and me. When God says “I have not rejected you. By no means!“ Then you immediately have hope.

No one wants to be rejected, left alone, overlooked. Each person wants to be important, valued, loved. God purposefully created people with these inner desires. In conclusion, He made all people to need to be special.

He also made people to care about making a difference. And to care about others.

Incidentally, here’s how God meets that need to be special He put inside you.

First, God has you tenderly in His heart. And He values and loves you.

Secondly, it is consequential that He is the one who gave you life, a unique person-hood, your individual looks, skill set, abilities, dreams, pursuits, etc.

Nevertheless and thirdly, since this relationship is so important to God, He wants you to value and love Him back. However, it’s not because God has needs. It’s because He knows He is the best thing for you. God completes you. Being your Designer, He knows everything you need and desire.

And finally, God has not rejected you. He says, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5) “I have loved you with an everlasting love: I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jer. 31:3) Subsequently, if there is any rejection going on, it comes from people, not God.

People rejecting God. People rejecting people. That’s when rejection takes place.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

**Alexander, W.L. Pulpit Commentary, vol. 3, edited by H.D.M. Spence and Joseph S. Exell, Eerdmans, 1950, pp. 501.

In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best!

My educational “get-a-clue” experience is one small example of many times we just need to get going. Just tear into it with best efforts and discipline. Typically, people apply this tear into approach to –

But add to all that – what about relationships? Then add in time and responsibility management for everything you stuff into the cracks of life – like most people do. What about your own spiritual development? There comes a time when you’ve just got to tear into it. And similar to the “wake-up call” in higher education, you can’t wait till the last minute and expect to do a good job.

Tearing into life takes time, discipline, perseverance, and all the imagination you have. 

Many times, life feels too BIG. Managing each daily detail is a stretch. But your daily life details dwarf slightly compared to much larger global realities – like:

Do you know about all those things? I certainly don’t. Often, we feel pleased to handle a small corner of life. And working to be whole people in a large world, you can sometimes feel quite small. Yet, your life is valuable.

The value of your life is determined by God. Subsequently, it’s His design. You’re not an accident, but rather a treasured, anticipated, expected birth God knew about before He created anything. Your life matters to God – and to His purposes.

So interestingly, your life has impact beyond your current knowledge. What will you do with that information?

Well, I have an answer to share. If you follow Alive and Active Life, you’ve heard me talk about this before. Since Scripture is the main tool God provides to –

. . . you (and I) ought to be in God’s Word every day!

Incidentally, many Jesus followers struggle to know just how to make God’s Word applicable in practical ways. They know Scripture is critical to their growth and well-being. Yet, practical application? Especially with complex Scriptural principles interfacing our current world. Then there’s the idea some have that Scripture contradicts itself (which it doesn’t).

So, the point of this whole content: I want to share how to tear into Scripture. I call this activity “Scripture Dissection.” Quite literally – how do you tear Scripture apart, make sense of it, and apply it practically to daily life in a meaningful way?

WHAT?! – on earth is hermeneutics? Well, most dictionaries define hermeneutics with ideas like:

So what’s exegesis? Again, most dictionaries define similarly to this.

That’s a lot to think about, though, when you open your Bible!

How can this be simplified?

To effectively study God’s Word simply means – tear into it!

But it also means pondering it (meditate), committing to quick access (memorize), valuing it deeply because it contains God’s ideas, principles, and His very heart.

So, in summary, it means treasuring getting into God’s Word, and getting God’s Word into you.

Incidentally, when I started doing these things, Scripture began to mean a lot to me. And I’ve been tearing into it ever since.

Well, I hope to bring a Scripture dissection into our article rotation a bit more often. So – stay tuned.

Incidentally, today we’ll dissect a short verse. Most of today’s content provides backstory of why you need to tear into Scripture. And even more specifically, to tear into life using God’s Word – if you intend to live a purposeful life.

These are four categories we will explore with each Scripture dissection:

In future publications, we’ll take more time to tear into Scripture portions and the dissection process together. I invite you to participate from your heart, and I’ll do the same. Ask God to open your understanding, creativity, and desire for more of God’s Word.

As a point of clarity, Scripture Dissection articles I’ll bring once-in-a-while are not a seminary study. If you want seminary, there are multiple schools you can apply to. This exercise is for us every-day-Jesus-followers to simply ask good questions, ponder, explore, and conclude reasonable and practical applications from the most important book on earth!

First, let’s look up various versions of this verse:

All these versions bring attention to the fact that Jesus, the God-man who created all things, looked up to acknowledge God! This shows reverence. Said another way – “the fear of the Lord.”

Each version also notes Jesus calls God – “Father.” So, He knows He’s a child of God – in fact, God’s Son!

Incidentally, gratitude is so normal for Jesus – it literally flows out of Him in His prayer even before He carries out God’s purpose.

And finally, Jesus has full confidence in His Father’s answer and interaction in His current situation. So –

Keep in mind – the next thing Jesus intends to do is raise Lazarus from the dead!

Jesus acknowledges and worships God. He “looks up” to God as a statement of reverence. His relationship as Son (child of God) to His Father is tender and deep. He is absolutely sure of the bond between them, so – no fear. The gratitude Jesus naturally overflows with is an example to others. There is no doubting His full confidence Father will always do what is best.

So what does this mean for you? Jesus’ response in this tiny verse forms standards to adopt as you approach God.

Here are some “take-aways” to apply in practical ways in your life:

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.