Author: LovingGodWithExcellence

I am a minister, speaker, and creative individual passionate about learning, experiencing and expressing God at the highest levels, and sharing the love of God with others. My devotion is expressed through my faith, family and communities of love throughout the globe. I enjoy the opportunity to explore the intersection of innovation, creativity, faith and personal transformation. I have authored two books, and working on several others including a new book on grace.
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Can We Save Them?

Junior Seau, former NFL great found dead in his home of a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound.  He is the eighth member of the 1994 Chargers team, which reached the Super Bowl, to die before age 45.  He leaves a mother, children, and former players, coaches, fans and league officials in shock.  Questions about the enormous physical toll the game takes on players, as well as how much the league does to assist former players, once their active playing days are behind them will once again be raised.  As words of sympathy roll in from all over the league, these questions while valid did not come close to an answer to this tragedy.

We can all speculate on what we believe was the real reason for his decision to take his life, but we will never know.  Or do we know? As tragic as this situation is, and my heart goes out to his mother, family, and most of all his children who will spend much of their lives negatively impacted by their father’s decision.

We all must be alert to those around us who are suffering inside, and who appear like Junior to be strong,invincible, and yet feel like there is no hope, no reason to go on when one season of life is over.

Winslow Townson/AP
http://www.bing.com Taken in 2007

What we sometimes fail to realize is, there is always another plan-a better plan waiting for us. God’s divine plan is always better.  It is filled with love, joy, peace and hope.  And there is always hope.  Not hope in what this world offers, but hope in our strong tower, in our mighty fortress, in our refuge, our Strength, our salvation and in our God.  A God who said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”  So when we come to the end of our journey, the fork in the road, God will be there leading and guiding all the way.So let us resolve to do more to share the message of hope for all those caught in the tangled of web of despair.

Let’s do it for the Junior Seaus’ of the world, their families, and others like him.

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Making A Difference

Last evening I watched several clips from NBC’s Making A Difference segment.  Story after story about various individuals who step out of their comfort zones to help others.  From a town who gave a wounded soldier and his bride a fairy tale wedding ,to a group that holds monthly potluck dinners to send funds to women in developing nations. Amazing tales of sacrifices to make life a little better for those in need.

What struck me the most was each person said, “I had to do it”, as if their very life depended upon these acts of generosity. There were no regrets or thoughts about what if I can’t do it, or should I do it? It was just a solid resignation that it had to be done.  No matter what the cost, they felt compelled to act.  As a result, not only were the recipients changed, but the givers were also transformed.

Isn’t that how Jesus felt in the garden that fateful night when he said “not my will be done”?  Although he wrestled, and drops of blood fell upon his brow he gave up himself to give the ultimate gift to the world.  And because of it he made the biggest difference in our lives.

It was a pleasure watching each story.  I was moved, and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and generosity, even by those who faced major ordeals.  Be encouraged to make a difference in the lives of others. The benefits far outweight risks. You will be transformed, and so will those around you.

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A.C.T.S. of Gratitude

Gratitude and appreciation are elusive things.  The busyness of our lives creates barriers to them.  We rush from one activity to the next, from one person to the next, from one situation to the next. Even technology robs us from hitting the pause button with its endless tweets, dings, bells, whistles, ringtones.  Before we can complete a sentence, or a thought some new piece of information, or news flash breaks in our consciousness and leads us off down the road.   Or even worst, a memory of some mistake, sin, forgotten assignment, misplaced word or a gregarious act steals our peace, and before you know it you’re drifting away.   However, when we do pause from the tyranny of things, or the focus of what should not have happened, and turn our attention to those layers upon layers of blessings, gratitude comes in.  Our heartspace opens,  and joy drives up with peace, love, and the entire fruit of the Spirit. [Galatians 5:22-23].  It is a beautiful thing.

Clipper Creative Art Service

Gratitude makes us truly appreciate the:A=actions made by Our Lord, and others on behalf of us,

C=challenges of life with faith and blessed assurance that all things work together for those who are the called, according to His purposes,

T=triumphs of the journey because of Christ’s gift of salvation,

S=sacrifices Christ made on Calvary because of His great love for us.

Our A.C.T.S. of gratitude causes us to respond in a grateful manner which demonstrates our deep appreciation for this life, and for the life to come.

 

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Power Belongs to God

Power Belongs To God

Over the weekend, we witnessed the power of a spirit yielded to God.  One of the new converts was dancing for the first time, and she was terrified.  To further complicate the situation, one of the dancers was not with us. So here we were, out-of-town, and it was her first time.  So they had to learn, within two hours new steps.   Fear had gripped them. Tears backstage.  Before the music started, the director told the audience shared they had to learn new parts in less than two hours, and asked for our prayers.  The music started, and when it came time for her part, she step boldly into the power that was within her.  The audience leaped to their feet.  It was a triumph.  We all witnessed and felt it. We became part of the Power.  And that is how it should be. We should alway step, leap, jump, walk forward, and pass our fears into the sacred place of power and appointment.

Remember being on the playground for the first time.  We wanted to try everything.  There is no fear.  The monkey bars, teeter-totter, jungle gym, swings…whatever there was we wanted to go there and try it.  And when we felt the point of mastery…we were free, and felt “I can do it all.”  That is the transforming power of God.  There is no fear in God.   There is liberty from bondage, from the shackles, the chains, the sin that so easily besets us.   He gave us power, love and a sound mind.  We feel capable, ready to use whatever talents, skills, abilities with the world to His glory. His power opens us up to our rightful place in the kingdom, where we experience what it is like to be children of the King.  It is joyous. It is glorious the shining brightness of His love and power.

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Healing the Blind

Photo credit: Ole C. Salomonsen
http://www.articlightphoto.no

Some days reading the scriptures you are just struck by the power, and the insight. I read in Isaiah 29: 17-21 that one day “the blind shall see out of obscurity and darkness…”
I read those words and saw something I had not noticed before. The light of God’s glory bring clarity to our souls, our hearts, and minds. His light reveals the truth of His promises, and when He created the Light from darkness, it was not just a physical manifestation, but also an inner one. Who but God could bring sunlight, and Son-light into our reality to show the beauty, power and majesty of Light. This light opens eyes and souls to the wonder that is God and it is always present. When the Israelites left Egypt, God used His Light – a pillar of fire- to light the way and turn away the darkness of their fears. They experienced the power of His protection, the loving warmth of His embrace and faithfulness, and the regenerating healing of His spirit while in the wilderness. They also had the pillar of cloud-His cloak of protection which gave the perfect amount of covering from enemies, and elements.
Healing the blind is not just the physical, but also spiritual healing. We come out of obscurity and darkness into His marvelous light. With every step in our personal wilderness, God slowly removes the veil from our minds, hearts, souls and we experience true lasting healing.

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Rest In Him

Good morning God. I awoke with you on my mind and in my heart-quietly and softly. Although, I sensed the pull of my “things to do list”, the urgency to dive in and get going on all those tasks and assignments was tugging, and shouting at me to come and give them attention. But an old hymn came to mind, and as moved from urgency to submission, I turned my focus to You, and the song “Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus” floated ever so softly into the clouded corners of my spirit. The words of calm, peace and trust resonated with my soul, and I looked away from tasks to YOU. It is so sweet to trust in You, and take your promises to be true. All is well with my soul and spirit because You have said it, and so it will be.
Yesterday, I spoke with one of your servants who was allowing things to to blind him to the truth of your word. I urged him to return to you. You are creator God, who shaped and molded us from the dust and clay. And only you can handle all that is before us.

I read in Jeremiah 18:2-4 [b] “But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands;so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” You shaped and are continuing to shape me despite my impurities, my sins, my mistakes. You are shaping in a way that is best for me, and for others. R.C. Sproul once said, “The Spirit brings order out of chaos and beauty out of ugliness. He [the Holy Spirit] can transform a sin-blistered man into a paragon of virtue. The Spirit changes people. The Author of life is also the Transformer of life.” You’ve taken all the tests, challenges, trials of my life in your Master Potter’s hands and remade me. The process has at times, I admit been truly painful, but I’m resting in you, and in your word.

Lord, thank you for reminding me of the sweetness of you, and the peace that passes all understanding when I rest in you.
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,

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The Space Before – Forgiveness

Yesterday, I wrote in my journal about forgiveness while praying for someone who is dealing with the lost of their mother. Grief and lost are difficult enough, but dealing with bad attitudes, misplaced emotions, and contentious behaviors in the midst of it can be too much. As I was meditating, the word forgiveness came up. It wasn’t in any of the scriptures I read, but there it was. Forgiveness. What is forgiveness? And why is it necessary to forgive? And when does it occur? I believe it is a gift-a sacred present. A grace offering. Jesus said forgive and pray for those who mistreat you. It is an expectation, a divine directive from our Savior. Life’s challenges make it difficult to forgive, and much time and energy can be lost in the space of unforgiveness.
I was intrigued, and compelled to write about it. In fact, the word returned this morning, so I had to share this thought. How does forgiveness happened?

Forgiveness takes place in the space between “for” and “give”. Yes, in the space before forgiveness is offered. There is a melting, a release, and moving away from the rock and the hard place. It is like the cold snow melting away under the warmth of the bright morning sun. Picture it! The snow and ice becoming water. This is what happens in the space before forgiveness. Transformation takes place, when the giver makes the decision to for-give. In that space hate becomes love, resistance becomes acceptance, and the past gives way to the future.

A new beginning comes into focus in that sacred space [the before]. And this is not a small space. Look at the word forgive. There does not appear to be any space between the letters. Now, look at it again. F O R G I V E. There is more space. Look at it one more time. F O R G I V E. The space is much wider. In fact it huge, because if you have ever been hurt, betrayed, rejected, abused, the space from the pain is wide. However, at the second, the very moment the decision is made to forgive the space [gap] begins to close. And during the closing of the space preparations for the delivery of the gift begins. The gift is wrapped in love with a bright ribbon of hope. Upon delivery the space is closed, and miraculously another space is opened.

Forgiveness is a wonderful gift. It restores, heals, and allows you and I the opportunity to share the greatest gift we’ve ever received, that of God’s forgiveness.

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Prayer

Designed by Denise L. White

Questions: Is the spiritual practice of prayer important? And why? When do you pray? How often do you pray? What do you gain from prayer?

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Charles Colson 1931-2012

Mr. Colson’s life was transformed from power to passion. He went from serving self to serving others, and because of it the silence of the hurting was broken.
He used everything God gave him to further the message of truth, compassion, and salvation to this generation.
My prayers are went his family, friends, and the organizations he founded and supported.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Enter into thy rest.