This truth has been changing my life over the past few months. There is always more to God than what I am currently experiencing. He is asking me, “Do you want me, Eric?”

It’s a simple question, and He’s asking you the same thing. Do you want more of God?

Do you want more God in hard times? If times are hard for you, God is there, able to catch, hold and comfort you. We can’t fall too low for He sank to the deepest depths and knows every temptation. (Hebrews 4:15) His Spirit is our Comforter. Do you want Him?

Do you want more God in good times? If times are good, God is even better that you dream Him to be. In our moments of greatest revelation we only see a slice of God. We can never encapsulate His goodness in a word, song, or even a lifetime. (Job 11:7 and 1 Cor. 13:12) God is better than we know.

In hard times, He is good and He is working things out for the good of those who love Him.

In good times, He is even better than we think He is, and infinitely more so.

The desire to know God should compel us into every Christian virtue, from the private practice of humble meditation to the public expression of bold evangelism.

There’s always more God. Do you want Him?

Father, I want to know You and the power of Your resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in Your sufferings. Teach me to press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, help me to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Amen  (Adapted from Phil 3:10-14)

Question: How do you get to know God better?

Learn to better manage your time

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephasor the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)

In 1956, a small group of missionaries formed a plan to reach a tribe of people who called themselves the ‘Huaorani’ in the forests of Ecuador. This tribe was extremely hostile to outsiders, and the missionaries’ only contact from the tribe warned them not to trust the Huaroani: “To you the might seem friendly for a while, but they will not stop short of killing.” Nevertheless, the missionaries knew they had to try to reach these people.

Their plan involved air-dropping small gifts to the tribe, then setting up camp nearby and gradually gaining the tribespeoples’ trust. Everything seemed to be working according to plan … until one day all five missionaries were suddenly killed by the Huaorani. Due to their previous contact with outsiders, the Huaorani were intensely distrustful of the missionaries, and instinctively feared a trap.

Newspapers around the world reported the story, and some called the men foolish for trying to make contact with the tribe. A “waste of lives”, some called it. But their work not only laid the foundation upon which later missionaries would be able to successfully share the gospel with the Huaorani, it also inspired hundreds of young people to volunteer to become missionaries themselves. (Adapted from Jesus Freaks Volume II, by DC Talk)

Paul writes that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight” (1 Corinthians 3:19) The world will not understand the selfless devotion felt toward the God who has saved us, and may even call us foolish or persecute us for living first and foremost for God. Jesus explains that “They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” (John 15:21) When the world thinks it is wise, it is really foolish for ignoring God who is the source of all wisdom.

Today, let’s renew our commitment to knowing and living the gospel so that we can more winsomely witness to others, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Question: In what way(s) could you ask God to make you a more winsome witness?

About this Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalformen/authors/darren-hewer/

I flew all night from Los Angeles to New York for a very important meeting with the president of one of the major television networks, and after only three hours in New York flew back across the continent to Portland, Oregon, to speak that night at a conference of several hundred pastors.

Every fiber of my being ached with fatigue as I waited for my luggage in the Portland airport. In only 30 minutes I would be speaking to the pastors, yet I felt about as spiritual as a head of cabbage. Suddenly I felt impressed to pray, “Lord, do You have something You would like to share with me?”

Immediately I felt a leading to turn to the 40th chapter of Isaiah. As I read those familiar words, which at that instant had new, inspiring meaning for me, I sensed a surge of strength, energy, and power flow into and through my body. I suddenly felt that I could have thrown my luggage over the building and run to the meeting several miles away.

I could hardly wait to stand before those servants of God and proclaim to them the wonder and majesty, the glory and power, the faithfulness and love of our God. Within a half hour or so, I did have that privilege and God empowered and anointed me for the occasion in a most unusual and marvelous way.

Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:25-29

Today’s Action Point:
As I discover a need for renewed strength today, I will say with the psalmist, “I will go in the strength of the Lord God” (Psalm 71:16a, KJV). I will repeat that solemn declaration throughout the day, and by faith will claim His supernatural strength for my every physical and spiritual need.

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If someone should pose the question, “How can I pray for you?” would you be able to give a clear answer? Oftentimes we simply do not know what to say. The same thing can happen with our friends – when we ask them that question, we frequently get a vague answer. Learning to pray for one another does not come naturally; we have to be taught. That is why the Bible contains many patterns for effective prayer.

One such pattern is found in Paul’s epistle to the saints at Colossae. He asks that they may be “filled with the knowledge of His will” (Colossians 1:9). This means that we can come to know what God is up to in our lives. When we understand His will, that knowledge is most satisfying and precious.

Paul’s prayer also includes a second request on behalf of the Colossians. He asks that they will have more than just an understanding of what is right; he prays that they may walk in a manner worthy of Christ and that they should be strengthened with all power. (verses 10-11)

Such a transformed walk can be so attractive that onlookers will come to recognize God at work in the lives of His children. Believers can display the heavenly Father’s power to forgive sins, and they can walk before Him in holiness.

These are the specific requests we should make when praying for others. To effect a double blessing, we can ask the same things for ourselves. And this powerful prayer will always be answered because it is in full accordance with the will of God.

Are you struggling in an area of your life? We are here to talk and pray with you.

“For God so loved the world that he  gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but  have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only  Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John  3:16

Just about the time I think I am getting “tech savvy,” I get some new electronic device to figure out. It is incredible what these things can do, but the challenge is in getting them to do it.

Toyota recently announced that two new positions are being created in every dealership across the land to assist new car buyers in figuring out how to use the electronics in their new cars. I think they are called Electronic Usability Specialists or something like that.

New gadgets are designed to make life easier, but somehow they tend to make it more complicated. I have a hard time just remembering all of my passwords, much less how to use them.

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the simplicity of the Gospel. It is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and will be for evermore. It isn’t complicated and doesn’t have to be.

Here’s how one of the greatest theologians of all time, Charles Haddon Spurgeon expressed it:

“God be thanked for the simplicity of the gospel. The longer I live, the more I bless God that we have not received a classical gospel, nor a mathematical gospel, nor a metaphysical gospel; it is not a gospel confined to scholars and men of genius, but a poor man s gospel, a ploughman’s gospel; for that is the kind of gospel which we can live upon and die upon. It is to us not the luxury of refinement, but the staple food of life. We want no fine words when the heart is heavy, neither do we need deep problems when we are lying upon the verge of eternity, weak in body and tempted in mind. At such times we magnify the blessed simplicity of the gospel. Jesus in the flesh made manifest becomes our soul’s bread. Jesus bleeding on the cross, a substitute for sinners, is our soul’s drink. This is the gospel for babes, and strong men want no more.”

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9). It doesn’t get much more simple than that and  doesn’t have to be.

Questions: Have you confessed your sins lately to God? What can you bring to Him today? He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

How can we pray for you today?

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)

Food. It tastes good, it allows my body to function, and it teaches me things about God. The other day I was looking at a pineapple thinking, “God hides himself in things and waits eagerly for us to seek Him out.” A pineapple looks so unappetizing: same with a coconut or a kiwi. Seriously God? You make these prickly, hairy fruits with the most delicious nectars and juices. You must want to be found.

I find the same characteristic of God in cooking. Spices in creative combinations, sweet, spicy, and salty, all working together in tantalizing unison. But again, I can’t help but think, He wants us to seek the full potential of the situation. And it’s not just in the 21^st century cuisine either. God wants us to investigate the normal, mundane, or even painful, and uncover the supernatural within. For example:

- The shepherd boy David found a deep faith in God while tending sheep.
- King David rediscovered God’s faithfulness while being pursued by Saul.
- Elijah found God’s presence in the stillness: a gentle whisper.
- Job found God in the midst of incredible suffering.
- Joseph was sold into slavery, but found God’s favor.
- And Jesus bought salvation for every person on a rugged, wooden cross.

All these events arrive in unpredictable and ugly packaging, like a pineapple. And while most of the Bible is filled with the dramatic moments of God revealing Himself to mankind, the Bible also tells us to seek Him. Yes, sometimes God hides Himself and wants us to dig deeper in order to find Him. Hosea 5:15 says “they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.” Why would we have to seek God unless He was hiding? Whether in misery or in the mundane, may we always seek God.

And when we seek, we will find. Deuteronomy 4:29 promises, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Life’s like a pineapple: find God in it today.

Lord, help me to never stop seeking You. Thank You that you promise to reveal Yourself to me.

Question: Where have you seen God reveal Himself to you lately?

We would all agree life can be difficult. Pressures of daily living sometimes overwhelm us, relationships can disappoint us and our own expectations may go unmet. How do we reconcile our experiences with the idea that God wants us to be successful? Consider the evidence confirming that He desires us to succeed.

A Plan and a Purpose

God has a plan for our lives. There is a general purpose revealed in Scripture that applies to all believers as well as a specific design for each individual. (Ephesians 2:10)

His Presence

God does not ask us to work out our own success; He sent the Holy Spirit to answer our questions and to guide us in our decision-making process. (John 16:13)

Special Gifts

The Lord has provided each of us with spiritual gifts selected to fit with what He wants us to do in life. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) Our part is to learn what our gifts are and to use them as God directs.

24-Hour Communication

God, who has given us the privilege of prayer, has much to tell us. He invites – and urges – us to stay in touch with Him and talk things over. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

God has given each of us inborn desires to achieve the purpose He has in mind. He plans to fulfill those desires by transforming us into Christ’s image. Regardless of our difficulties, we are to believe the evidence that He wants us to succeed, and we should respond in obedience. Real success occurs when we act more and more like Jesus.

If you need prayer, we would like to pray with you.

“They all met together continually for prayer.” Mark uses the same Greek word here translated “continually” to describe a boat floating in the water, waiting on Jesus. The Master, speaking on the beach of Galilee, told the disciples to have a boat ready and waiting (Mark 3:9). The boat was “continually” in the presence of Christ. So are the Upper Room disciples. One day passes. Then two. Then a week. For all they know a hundred more will come and go. But they aren’t leaving. They persist in the presence of Christ.

The followers were willing to do one thing: wait in the right place for power.

We’re so reluctant to do what they did. Who has time to wait? We groan at such a thought. But waiting doesn’t mean inactivity—rather inHIMactivity. Waiting means watching for him. If you are waiting on a bus, you are watching for the bus. If you are waiting on God, you are watching for God, searching for God, hoping in God. Great promises come to those who do. “But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).

To those who still struggle, God says, “Wait on me.” And wait in the right place. Jesus doesn’t tell us to stay in Jerusalem, but he does tell us to stay honest, stay faithful, stay true.

Desire power for your life?

It will come as you pray. For ten days the disciples prayed. Ten days of prayer plus a few minutes of preaching led to three thousand saved souls. Perhaps we invert the numbers. We’re prone to pray for a few minutes and preach for ten days. Not the apostles. Like the boat waiting for Christ, they lingered in his presence. They never left the place of prayer.

Question: Do you pray only for the “big things”? Do you think God cares about the “small things” too?

The Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City, Colorado was completed in 1929 at a cost of $350,000. (The relative cost today would be approximately $15 million dollars.) The bridge spans 1,260 feet and stands 150 feet above the ground below.

As the bridge just passed it’s 100 year anniversary, it seems to be holding up quite well: There are no signs of it collapsing. The bridge is held together by 2,100 strands of galvanized wire. Individually, each wire could easily be snapped. But working together in tandem with each other, they are able to support the entire weight of the bridge, plus much more. This allows the bridge to remain a significant tourist attraction for hundreds of tourists every year, even though it is nearly a century old.

By working together, we can achieve much more than we can on our own. The author of Hebrews exhorts us to “not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). In Acts we read about the early church, and how they would meet together in order to encourage each other (Acts 2:42-48).

This often will be difficult, since our churches are sadly sometimes filled with strife and argument instead of encouragement and fellowship. This is why Paul teaches us to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

Our work with our fellow Christians is too important to ignore. We as frail individuals are like thin strands of wire: Weak individually, but when mutually supporting one another, enabled to do so and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are strong.

Question: Do you sometimes find it uncomfortable when meeting with other believers? Why or why not?

Are you struggling with anxiety? Talk to us.

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22

Of all the phrases bestowed to us by the Founding Fathers, few come up more than pursuit of happiness. Yet who knows where the nation really stands on that score. Now an answer may be forthcoming. Amid a wave of research on the subject, the federal government is seeking ways to measure what some have called Gross National Happiness (GNH).

A panel of experts in psychology and economics began convening in December to try to define reliable measures of subjective well-being. If successful, these could become official statistics.

The idea of the government tallying personal feelings might seem frivolous or impossibly difficult. For decades, after all, the world has gotten by with gauging a nation’s quality of life on the basis of its GDP, or gross domestic product, the sum of its economic output. But economists and others have long recognized that GDP, a dollars and cents measure, doesn’t count everything that might be considered important when assessing living conditions. Our gross national product accepts that which makes life worthwhile.

But as the government ventures into the squishy realm of feelings, statisticians will first have to define happiness and then how to measure it. Neither is a trivial matter. There is even some doubt whether people, when polled, can accurately say whether they are happy. Personally I think they are on the wrong track.

Well, I have a suggestion. First they have to differentiate between happiness and joy. Happiness comes from without; joy comes from within. Happiness is often determined by our economic station in life. Joy comes from inner peace in our soul. Happiness focuses on the now; joy looks to eternity. Happiness comes on the mountain tops; joy is peace in the valleys of life.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentation 3:22-23). Now that is the wellspring of true joy and the measuring stick for us all.

How to you define happiness? You spell it joy and it’s not something capable of external numerical evaluation since it comes from within and when you have it, no one needs to measure it because it becomes an obvious part of your daily life.

Questions: Are you living a life of happiness and joy? If not, what steps can you take today to move towards having joy?