Sometimes past hurts and negative life experiences can cause our hearts to harden. Tormented memories can sometimes cause us to regress or it could subconsciously cause us to fill our lives with a flurry of things and activities to distract our attention.  Mike Woodard, Associate Director of FamilyLife Canada, has had a rough ride through life. He grew up in a turbulent home with alcoholic parents. Listen as he shares his life-changing realization that helped him recognize the primacy of foundational relationships in his life. He discusses renewed relationship with God and with his father. Watch the video

Take the next step:
Letting go of hurt and resentment
How can forgiveness bring freedom? Take our online lesson.
Are you suffering in a turbulent home? Talk to a us.

A Cosmic Exclamation Point by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

Is our universe the result of impersonal, unguided chance or an intelligent mind? In recent decades scientists have been stunned by the remarkable discovery that our universe appears to have been fine-tuned for the existence of intelligent life with incredible precision. It appears that our universe is balanced on a razor’s edge. For example, if the force of gravity or the atomic weak force had been altered by as little as 1 part out of 10¹⁰⁰ the universe would not have been life permitting.

Stephen Hawking estimates that a decrease in the expansion rate of the universe by even one part in a hundred thousand million million one second after the Big Bang would have resulted in the universe re-collapsing long ago. A similar increase in the speed of expansion would have stopped galaxies from forming. No galaxies – no life!

Roger Penrose, an Oxford Mathematical Physicist, calculates the odds of the special low entropy condition of our early universe having arisen by sheer chance as being at least as small as one part in 10^10(123).  How can dozens of values like these be explained? There are only 3 possible explanations:

1. Physical Necessity
2. Chance
3. Design

1. Physical Necessity – it had to be those values – it was physically impossible to be other than what they are
However, it can’t be due to physical necessity because the constants and quantities in question are independent of the laws of nature. In fact, string theory predicts that there are 10⁵⁰⁰ different possible universes compatible with nature’s laws.

Even Hawking and Mlodinow in their recent book, The Grand Design, reject the hypothesis of physical necessity: “It appears that the fundamental numbers, and even the form, of the apparent laws of nature are not demanded by logic or physical principle” (p. 143).

So could the fine tuning be due to chance?

2. Chance
The problem with this alternative is the possibility that all the constants and quantities would, by chance alone, fall into the life-permitting range is inconceivably minute.

We now know that life prohibiting universes are incomprehensibly more probable than any life permitting universe. So if the universe were the product of chance the odds are overwhelming that the universe would be life-prohibiting.

In order to rescue the alternative of chance, atheists have therefore been forced to an extraordinary hypothesis. They’ve had to posit the existence of an infinite number of randomly ordered universes. These universes compose a sort of world ensemble or multiverse of which our universe is but a part. Somewhere in this infinite world ensemble, finely tuned universes will appear by chance alone and we happen to be one such world. The very fact that scientists must resort to such a remarkable hypothesis shows that the fine-tuning does cry out for an explanation.
There are however at least two major failings with the multiverse hypothesis:

• There is no evidence that there are any other universes, much less an infinite number of them, and that they are randomly ordered.
• If our universe is just a random member of a world ensemble then it is overwhelmingly more probable that we should be observing a much smaller universe.

Roger Penrose has calculated that it is unbelievably more probable that our solar system should form suddenly by random collisions of particles than our finely tuned universe should exist by chance. Penrose calls it “utter chicken feed” by comparison.

So if our universe is just a random member of a world ensemble it is inconceivably more probable that we should be observing a universe no larger than our solar system. Observable universes like that would just be much more abundant in an ensemble of universes than massive universes like ours and, therefore, ought to be observed by us. Since we are not observing a small universe, that fact strongly disconfirms the multiverse hypothesis. On atheism, at least, it is therefore highly probable that there is no multiverse.

Moreover, even if there is a multiverse, does the multiverse itself exhibit fine-tuning? Hawking and Mlodinow appeal to superstring or M-Theory to explain the generation of the multiverse. But M-Theory requires precisely eleven dimensions if it is to be viable. So this only pushes the problem back a notch. M-Theory cannot account for why just that number of dimensions should exist. The fine-tuning that cries out for an explanation just increases in scope.

3. Design
The fine-tuning argument can then be summarized logically by the following syllogism:

1. The fine tuning of the universe is due to physical necessity, chance or design.
2. It is not due to physical necessity, or chance.
3. Therefore, it is due to design.

This fine-tuning argument, taken together with the arguments for the beginning of the universe, and for the existence of objective moral values & obligations, tells us that the cause and designer of the universe is an intelligent, personal, good, immaterial, changeless, space-less, uncaused and enormously powerful being that existed in a timeless eternal state beyond the beginning of the universe.

This is consistent with the Christian concept of God, and therefore belief in God need not be a matter of blind faith. It can be a reasonable belief.

I find these arguments from cosmology fascinating! What do you think? Does this fine-tuning argument help you in your search for the truth about God’s existence?

I hear voices.  Sometimes it sounds like my own voice, second-guessing my decisions.  Questioning, doubting, nagging at me.  Rehearsing what happened that day, cycling around the same thoughts over and over.  “You should have done that differently.  What if you made the wrong call?”  Sometimes it’s the voices of other people.  Critical, skeptical, disapproving voices.  “Are you sure this is possible?  I disagree with that.  You’re on the wrong track.”

If you’re a leader, you probably hear those voices too.  Because leaders – if they’re really leading – live out on the edge.  Leaders have to make hard choices.  They take risks.  They’re always moving beyond what is and what seems possible to what seems unlikely at best, laughable at its worst.  This is especially true of ministry leaders – the whole point is to set impossible goals that only God can accomplish.

So if you’re a leader, you’re going to be criticized.  You’re going to question yourself.  How do you silence the voices?  How do you get a good night’s sleep?

What I’ve learned is that prayer is the only way.  When I’m lying awake at 2 AM with the same negative thoughts rolling around and around my head, I pray:  “God, please stop my mind.  Stop these lies and doubts.  Give me peace.” “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^” (Colossians 3:1-2)  I’m usually in a deep sleep within minutes.  And I wake up, refreshed and thankful, realizing that God has answered my prayer yet again.  When I’m feeling discouraged at the end of the day, I’ll pray, “God, could you show me your hand with me?”  And He does.

Of course, you could pray a thousand times and it might not help.  You can’t just pray a quick prayer in the middle of the night and expect that to be the answer.  Prayer won’t work unless it’s rooted in trust and surrender.  When I pray, it’s because I know that I am not the one with power or strength, God is.  When I pray, it’s because I know that I can only see a little way into the future, but God is already working things out far beyond what I can see or imagine.  When I pray, it’s because I know that even if I fail, or make a huge mistake, God will present me to Himself holy and pure, blameless in His eyes… “as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25b-27)

When I pray, it’s because I know that without God, I would fall off the edge.

If I weren’t a leader, I would probably sleep better.  I wouldn’t hear voices as often.  But I also wouldn’t be forced to depend on God so completely.  And I wouldn’t have the enormous joy of answered prayers – during the day, and at 2 AM.

When you make a mistake, how do you take care of it?

“That’s right. We grew potatoes for McCain foods.”

“Have you ever been in a McCain’s commercial? No? That’s sad, you’re very photogenic.” It was the beginning of an interview filled with gushing compliments from Drew. Well-deserved? We think so.

The Drew Marshall Show is Canada’s most listened to spiritual talk show. Most of Drew’s audience would be familiar with the name Campus Crusade for Christ, but the seven year-old name Power to Change is foreign to most.

“What happened with the name change?”

“I didn’t really like the name,” replied Leonard – and he wasn’t alone. “One time on the plane, someone asked me who I worked for. I showed him my business card and he was immediately put off. It wasn’t working so we began the search for a new name.”

The Power to Change rebrand, among other initiatives, are a result of the reality that traditional methods of evangelism are relatively ineffective in Canada.

One example of modernization at Power to Change is their fastest growing ministry, TruthMedia, who connects with people online.

Drew had done some homework. “Your website. It reeks of being in touch with the culture. Most ministry websites look like an eighty year-old librarian put them together.”

“We call it a CCRG website,” continued Leonard. “Connecting current realities to God. We’ve often debated, should our website be about us or people? I’ve fought for it to be about the people. Over the last 18 months, we’ve switched to video based ministry – about 2000 videos. Short messages, with text, that engages people.”

Another successful CCRG initiative was formed in a partnership between Leonard and Erwin McManus: author, lecturer and pastor at Mosaic Church in LA.

“We became friends five or six years ago. I liked his book Crave. I said to him, ‘I’ll take 60,000 to start with.’ We used them on the university campuses and they were very effective. It gave us a different angle of approach to start talking about God. Previous messages started at the wrong place. The idea of the book and the reference to ‘cravings’ is that seven billion people all have the same meaning.”

It was in line with Drew’s agenda-less personal policy. “It’s a smart move, when you’re starting a conversation, to not come at it by agenda. People are already trying to sniff out agenda. But if you can just keep it focused on our needs as people…”

“Right. It puts us as equals.” You would think they were reading a script, these two.

“You have the ability to see big picture and details as well. With those gifts, how do you see the big picture of the Christian world?” asked Drew. As per usual, he dug for some dirt: “I’m sure there are a few things that frustrate you?”

“Of course. As you look across the evangelical world in Canada, there is a lot more grey hair than young hair and you wonder, why is that? Most Christians struggle with how to even talk about God.” Leonard’s frustrations could be boiled down to a lack of evangelism – a hoarding of hope. But instead of lamenting, he’s busy doing something about it. “What’s frustrating is that so many Christians want to talk about God in a meaningful way. One of the goals I have is to help people along that journey.”

Leonard discussed the amazing relationship he had with his father – a man who always put God first. It was clear to Drew, as well as listeners, that to Mr. Buhler Sr., caring about God meant caring for people.

“I get the distinct impression that you guys put others before yourselves.”

Leonard grouped all Christians into the compliment intended for him. “When we understand what Jesus has done for us and the freedom we have in him, the best way to respond is to care about others.”

Things eventually turned to current events. “There is a little project that’s happening. 35 Day Challenge? Help us wrap our heads around that.”

“Sure. Over 35 days we’ll train you to change the lives of three people, offering them redemption and hope. It will give you a whole new scope of life. Every day you’ll get an email with an action point. For example, the first week will teach you to cultivate a redemptive vision. We have people around us every day – they are hurting and struggling, but do we actually care enough to care about them?

“Leonard, I don’t care.” He played the devil’s advocate to represent a portion of his more cynical listeners, and perhaps even himself.

“We’re going to try to help you care.”

“But what is going to make me sign up?”

“I think deep down inside, most people do care, but no one is actually challenging them, setting the bar high enough. Intuitively, people want to make a difference.”

It was enough for Drew. “I like Leonard Buhler because he’s a meat and potatoes kind of guy.” Thankfully, the compliment was expanded. “He’s down-to-earth; you can hear it in his voice. The guy actually cares. It’s about God, and what does that mean? If it’s about God then it’s about people.”

Well said.

“My sheep listen to my voice…” (John 10:27a)

 God speaks. That could be the end of this devotional.

The gravity of that statement is enough to meditate on for a long, long time. God is actively engaging with his people in a personal and loving way. He is communicating. Amen!

 What does that mean for us? One of the simplest conclusions that can be made about such a vast truth is that we must listen.

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

How do we come to know the Lord’s voice? First of all, we must listen. We must be patient and still as we wait upon the Lord.

But coming to know the Lord’s voice is a learning process as well. As we learn to listen we will inevitably make mistakes, but there are checks and balances along the way that can help us.

• Is the voice consistent with scripture and the character of God?
• Is the voice confirmed by wise guides?
• Is the voice aligned with inexplicably coordinating circumstances?

We listen, we learn, and we discern, but may we always come back to the fact that the God who created the whole world is speaking to you and me.

God, thank you for speaking. Thank you for your words and their life-giving presence. Holy Spirit, help me discern the one true voice amidst the many false ones. Amen.

 Question: Does the thought of God speaking to you on a personal level amaze you? How could you be a better listener?

I wake up. The cold dampness drips down the wall and pools on the hewn rock that serves as my bed tonight. It was a horrible dream.

Or am I still dreaming? My eyes blurrily take in a huge man… it’s so bright – or he is bright – or something… Will these visions never cease to torment me?

“Get up.”

God, why? Why do you plague me with visions of my death and then bring before me false hope in yet another dream? I have tried to serve you and this is what I get: agony of the mind.

Louder: “Get up!”

Upon this rock you will build your church? What rock? The condemned’s refuse and dank mold is all that grows upon this chamber of death.

The man kicks me – hard. “I SAID GET UP!” Instantly, locks click and both sets of chains fall off my ankles. “Let’s go. We’ve got about two minutes.”

This dream feels real, but then again, don’t all dreams? After all, my chains simply fell off of their own accord. Definitely a dream. The man looks like he will kick me again so I sleepily stumble to the stairs to avoid another blow to the ribs. “Put on your shoes and jacket Peter. It’s cold outside and you’ve got a long walk ahead of you. Move!”

How does he know my name? I don’t really believe what he says. There are four rotating shifts of four guards each, and the gate? But he got in here somehow, and my chains… It was worth a shot.

“Hurry!”

We walk up the shoulder-width staircase and into the twilight. The wind blows my hair and I feel it on my face. We pass one set of guards before I realize what is happening. We come upon the second. Can they see us? The guards stand like oblivious, well-trained statues as we pass by. I know that I am dreaming but this time it feels too real.

The gate. It swings open? It should take two men to open that gate and there is not even one. What’s happening? Then I hear those dreaded words.

“Hey! Who goes there?” Just as I’m passing through to freedom I freeze and turn my head at the inquisition. The guards look fearfully in our direction. Are they afraid of what they see – or what they don’t see? I don’t wait long enough to find out. I round the corner and run down Capitoline Hill as fast as I can. I’m glad that man told me to wear shoes. Wait… where is he? I turn full circle. The white marble of the Forum is all around, bright even at night, but the man that was just a few paces ahead of me is gone. There’s something on the ground. I pick it up and inspect a coin, but this time it’s not my face engraved upon it. Not my face means not my dream! It’s the Gaulish chieftain Vercingetorix who died in the cell I just escaped from not 100 years ago. The cell I just escaped from. The cell I just escaped from!

The sun is rising and I can practically hear Herod’s company on their way.

“Mary’s house is closest. I’ll go there first. Thank you LORD! I’m free!”

Acts 12:6-12

In our minds, open doors and opposition do not belong together.  Have you ever heard that phrase, “God is opening a door?”  We often take it to mean that God is putting an opportunity in front of us, lining up all the circumstances just right.  All we have to do is open the door and walk through it. Whatever’s on the other side – a conversation about Jesus, a new job, an exciting project – will work out perfectly.  Nothing will stand in our way.

I’m standing in front of a door of my own.  My team is getting ready to launch a strategy that aims to begin a nation-wide movement of one million Christians committed to surrendering their lives and to reach their world for Jesus (see TheLife.com). Enormous amounts of time, energy, and money are being poured into this project.  Many people are making the commitment while other struggle with challenge. With the potential to impact the spiritual direction of our nation the stakes are high.

My prayer partner called me up a while back.  “I have some bad news,” she said.  “I have a strong sense that there is great opposition heading for you.”  She continued: “This is the verse that came to my mind.  ‘… a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.’”

In life with God, open doors and opposition often go hand in hand.  The apostle Paul could see God opening a “great door for effective work” right in front of him.  But he could also see obstacles and enemies up ahead, ready to oppose him.  Paul recognized that great opportunities often lead us right into fierce battles.  When we venture into work that threatens our greatest Enemy, we should not be surprised when he takes notice.

If you prayerfully stepped through an open door and now you’re experiencing opposition, be encouraged.  You didn’t misread the situation.  You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.  Remember that God never sends us into battle unprotected.  He sends us with full-body spiritual armor.  (Ephesians 6:10-17) When we put that on, we can walk through any open door – opposition or no.

Prayer:  God, when a door from you opens up, help me to remember that I can be right in the middle of your will for my life and still be facing opposition.  Help me to trust you even when circumstances aren’t perfect.  Please give me the courage to fight for You, and protect me with your armor.  Amen.

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?  But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it’.” (Genesis 4:7, KJV)

One evening I was especially tired and my son decided to be my helper. Everything that needed to be done, he was right there to do it.  After about a half hour of this his sister could not take it anymore and lashed out at him.  “You are only doing those things so that you will get what you want!!!!”

Her anger was apparent and if she could, she would have been breathing fire.  Why was she so mad?  She could have been helping just as well, right?  She could have been doing things to gain my favor that evening, but she chose not to, she chose to do what she wanted.  However, she was unhappy that he was receiving the favor.

Sounds like the story of Cain and Abel, doesn’t it? Abel did as God asked and Cain did not, however, Cain was angry with Abel!  That is a classic case of misplaced anger, but how many times do we do it?  How many times do we say, here Lord, look what I did?  In reality, we did what we wanted and then hoped for God’s blessing instead of doing what God asks and then receiving his blessing.

“The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.  So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.  Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry?  Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?  But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it DESIRES to HAVE you, but you must master it’.  (Gen. 4: 5-7)

Next time you feel angry that God did not bless you for what you have done, be careful and consider this:  What sin is crouching at your door?

What can we do to master sin?  I suggest you prayerfully open your Bible and search for the answer.  It’s in there, it’s also been placed in your heart. Remember also, in order to become a master of something, one must put in A LOT of practice.  Pray for guidance and patience as you master sin and learn do to what is right in God’s eyes.

“Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants” (Matthew 13:7).

I love the look of a freshly weeded garden.  Once in a while, after a good, long rain, I head out to my small garden to do some weeding.  See, after a long rain, the soil is soaked and gives up the weeds much easier.  I like the weeds that give up easily.

It makes for a nice perfect looking garden with far less effort.  The problem is the weeds that seem to give up easily are the ones whose roots stay put.  Those weeds rip right off without pulling the roots with it.  I am so happy to see the clean, perfect garden until a couple of days later, when all the weeds are back again.

That great pride in the perfect garden is ruined because I didn’t dig deep enough.  I never got to the root of the weed.  If I took the extra effort to dig deeply to the bottom of the deepest root, the weed can never come back again.

The same is true in my life.  I can pick off the surface and make it look perfect and neat.  But those weeds just grow right back again, sometimes even stronger.  It takes the love of Jesus to see to the deepest part and rip out the parts that are not of his nature.  “Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants” (Matthew 13: 7).

Getting rid of the weeds allows the plants to grow to their fullest.  The same is true of our hearts; if we pull out the weeds, all the way to the roots, it allows our hearts to grow.

Questions: When God reveals sin in our lives how do we get to the root of the problem?