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Miracles
Since I was young, I’ve loved hearing the stories of the miracles that happened through Jesus’ ministry here on earth. I am encouraged each time I hear about the miraculous events that still occur today: the sick being healed, the dead being brought back to life, etc. My heart’s cry for many years has been to be a part of such works of God. And I am.
The once lost, now found "u"
When young; I pronounced the Beatitudes the Beautitudes. (Sounds a bit like beauty and attitudes mixed together).
Illness and God's People
Sometimes it is very difficult to accept illness in our lives. When I was 22 years old I had an injury from which it took two surgeries and two years in order to recover. It was difficult to surrender and accept the situation. It was hard to see why God would want me to be in hospital beds, body casts and unable to function in the world like I thought I should. It took many months as a new Christian for me to thank God and realize that God knew best. I grew spiritually and became extremely happy in my walk with Him in spite of the circumstances.
The Romans 8:28 cake
The other day I heard someone explain a very familiar verse in a very new way. The verse is Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This verse was explained to me in the context of making a lemon cake. The ingredients for a lemon cake include things like flour, concentrated lemon juice, eggs, baking powder, salt, and sugar. If I collect all these ingredients and set them out on a counter, but instead of making a cake I decide to eat the ingredients one by one—I won’t be too happy. A handful of flour doesn’t taste very good. Neither does straight lemon juice. If I do this, I’ll probably start to doubt that I want to eat this lemon cake thing at all! Someone out there is pulling a fast one on us with this recipe for a “delicious” cake!
Rules, Relationship, and Rebellion
A couple of years ago one of our Ranch students was sitting in my office. It was one of his frequent trips there as a result of his troublesome behavior. As I was expounding on the need for him to get his act together and get with the program, he stopped me in my tracks with this question: "How come any time I am in your office it's because I'm in trouble?" After our meeting, I pondered his words and became convicted! Yes, he was immature, was often a pest, was stubborn, and was certainly not getting with the program. But, really, the bigger question was: "Am I getting with the program on his behalf?" For, you see, in my frustration with him I had forgotten about the most important thing: RELATIONSHIP.
Daffodils and Drought
Average rainfall at Christian Encounter Ranch is fifty inches per year. That’s a lot of water—especially for California! Consequently, I always look forward to February and the bright yellow-headed daffodils that dot the Ranch landscape. Some are individual, some are in little bunches. The hills and meadows are usually a bright velvety green by the beginning of March and a few native early-flowering trees burst into bloom, seemingly overnight. It’s a beautiful place! Usually.
Spiritual Answers
In the current political climate, I sometimes have a tendency to fear the worst.
Christian Encounter Ministries Sexual Morality Statement
Sexual morality as taught in Scripture, and practiced by Christians (single or married) honors Christ, strengthens society, and demonstrates love and integrity.
The Title of "Servant"
Many years ago I heard a wonderful sermon about the title, "Deacon". The occasion was the ordination of a minister who was very instrumental in my own growth as a Christian young man. Don Moore, pastor of a neighboring church at that time, provided a beautiful study of the word "diakonos", and then an analysis of what ministry is.
He giveth more grace
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercies,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.