Heartbeat

Life doesn’t always work the way we think it should. High expectations slam against unwelcome surprises. At those times it’s hard to feel the presence of God.

If He is everywhere and loves us like he says he does, why does he allow the loss of a job      or home      or a loved one?

God has gone to great lengths to make himself known to us—

through the Bible, through his people, through nature, and through his only Son who died for us.

The author and speaker, Dr. Joel Muddamalle (Mood-am-AL-Lay) says that every time he asks, “Why”, God reminds him,

Who created and sustains all things? Who defeated death? Who comforts us in our pain and sorrow? To all of these questions- we answer, our Heavenly Father.

Joel goes on to say that every time someone asks the question “why do bad things happen to good people” he answers,

“God, I don’t know. But you do. And that will be good enough for me.”

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Questioning your faith or having doubts doesn’t mean your faith isn’t real- or that you’re a fake Christian. Having questions is perfectly normal, and healthy.

People who don’t take the time to ask hard questions about their faith will eventually have a serious struggle when they experience a tragedy or come across the probing questions of an intelligent skeptic.

The pastor and author, Tim Keller writes,

“It is no longer sufficient to hold beliefs just because you inherited them.”

In other words, if you grew up in a Christian home, it’s time to make your parents’ faith your own. Take time to reflect on your doubts and bring them to God. He will patiently walk with you as you work out your faith.

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A lot of us avoid reading the Old Testament because we find the God depicted there scary and remote. We look for ways to make Him more tolerant, less stern.

            But the truth is that God has always had relationship with people based on their covenant. God seeks intimacy with His people, but it must be on His terms.

            When Moses and his people reached Mount Sinai on the way to the Promised Land, God spoke to Moses. It was there that God made a covenant with Moses and the Jewish people that renewed the one he had made with Abraham. But there were a lot of terms to this relationship.

            In Christ, we too have a covenant with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Unlike anything found in the Old Testament. We now have the privilege of approaching God one on one. How is your relationship with your Heavenly Father?

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There are several research articles on the “Mystery of intuitive decision making”. In fact, some define intuition as “Knowing without knowing”.

As a believer, how many times have you been at a crossroads in your life and you just knew which way you should go? With prayer, you were probably even more confident with this choice, right?

In the Bible, James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

This ability we believers have is no mystery. As we continue to walk with God and learn His voice, more and more; your discernment, intuition, and decision making will come in line with His will for your life.

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What does the word happy mean to you? The Merriam-Webster definition is that happiness is “characterized by well-being and contentment.”

I’m sure we can all agree that usually the state of being content comes and goes depending on our circumstances. The truth that I’ve discovered is that happiness isn’t a destination but a journey. It’s not something we find, but something we create.

Every day is truly a gift. Sometimes these gifts are obvious. Other times these blessings are hidden in the trials we face. But these gifts are always there waiting to be discovered.

If you’re looking for a key to unlock more happiness in your life- start with gratitude. It helps us appreciate what we have, and therefore helps us stay content. True happiness isn’t found in material things but in the love and peace of God.

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As any parent of young kids can attest, getting your kids to clean up their room can be an absolute headache at times. You can imagine the bickering and whining. Yet, as soon as the parent begins to help them, the kids jump at the task and start to clean up.

This is what Grace does for us. It reminds us of how God jumped into the mess of our lives and started His work before we even lifted a finger. We’re then motivated by the power of His Grace to continue what He’s started.

The moment you accepted Christ into your heart He started a work- and in the Apostle Paul’s words, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

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Are you in a difficult season right now? Unfortunately, even being a new creation in Christ doesn’t grant us a trouble free life. Do you look at your to-do list and feel overwhelmed? Problems at work? Relationship troubles? I promise, that even if it feels like God has distanced Himself from you during this time nothing could be further from the truth.

So, in the midst of these hard times reach out to God and know He has not forgotten about you. In the Bible, Isaiah chapter 41 in the Message says,

“I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.”

Calm you anxieties by taking refuge in your Heavenly Father. He is right there with you.

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A friend of mine who recently got their motorcycle license was telling me of a lesson they learned early on. When riding, it’s important to keep your eyes and your head pointed in the direction you want to go. If there’s an obstacle in the road you’re trying to avoid, the last thing you need to do is stare at it. If you do, that’s inevitably where you’ll go.

This is a lesson we can apply to life. The Bible encourages us to speak words of faith, believing that if God has placed a desire on our heart, with His guidance, we will arrive at our destination.

So, believe, speak and act in faith. Keep looking ahead.

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Since the creation of the ID or driver’s license it’s been the goal of many underage troublemakers to get their hands on a fake ID. It may have their picture but someone else’s name and more importantly their age. Usually it’s to buy alcohol underage or to get into a club. However, depending on the circumstances, using a fake ID can land you in jail for up to a year!

When it comes to our faith, are we who we claim to be? Maybe we claim to be a new creation in Christ but we continue to act like our old selves. If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your savior but continue to act like you don’t know Him, the fake ID you’re carrying is that of a person who was crucified with Christ.

Toss that old ID and live out who you are in Christ.

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The Bible is full of stories of broken people who had a special encounter with God. One of those "broken people" was King David.

David on more than one occasion was forced to bury his children.

His son Absalom had committed a coup against his father David as a result of David's inability to resolve problems with his family. Tragically this story results in the death of his son. The bible tells of David's dark mourning as he cries out, wishing he had died in his place.

Obviously, David was a great king but a lousy father. Maybe this is happening to you. We’re such good executives, professionals and even ministers that sometimes we forget to be good parents too.

But today I want to give you some advice. If you want to have a real impact on this world? Go and love your family!

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