When God is the center, the possibilities are endless.

"Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you."

Jeremiah 32:17

For you and I, the scene before us may seem impossible.  However, when we change to the scene in front of us to the face of Christ within our hearts, then the challenge turns into a piece of cake, for nothing is too hard for our God.  So, don't give up, do what you can do, and then let God take care of the rest.

If you will take the first step...

The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you save and save Israel out of Midian's hand.  Am I not sending you?"

"But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest... and I am the least in my family."

The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianitesies together...

Peace! Do not be afraid.  You are not going to die."

Judges 6:14-16, 23

Like Gideon, you may be afraid, you may feel weak, you may feel like the challenge before you is impossible; yes, you may already feel defeated.  However, what you feel means nothing compared to who God is and what he can do for you.  Therefore, take that first bold step of faith, no matter how fearful you are, and from there God will carry you forward into victory.

Challenges

Challenges – face them or run? 

Run?

No WAY!!

In a challenging situation, don’t turn and run – face it head on repeating these words I’ve taken from God’s Word, James, Chapter 1:

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you.  Under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.  Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely.  If you don’t know what you are doing, pray.  God loves to help and he won’t condescend you when you do ask.  So, ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.  And remember, anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick with it is mighty fortunate.  For such persons loyally in love with God is rewarded with life and more life.

Challenge for believers in Christ

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

-Matthew25:40 (NIV)

Challenge for all believers in Christ:

Make a point to go out of your way to do at least one nice thing for someone that you normally wouldn't (words, gifts, actions, etc.).

I beleive as we do this, life as we know it now, will become more and more blessed every day.

This is the real exam

“Let us test and examine our ways, and let us return to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:40

I’ve given myself a challenge, and I ask you to join me.  Since most of us are quick to examine (judge) the ways of others, let’s do the same with ourselves.  

The challenge is:

At the very moment we begin to examine someone else’s behavior, morals, actions, beliefs, etc., STOP, and turn the examination in on ourselves first. 

Examining (judging) others is not up to us - God is the final Judge, the one and only true Judge.  

So, from here on out stay away from the pulpit and find better (more loving) things to do with your time… I know I am going to and I hope you will join me.

Strength for, and through, all things.

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me…”
Philippians 4:13 AMPC

Whatever situation we face, whatever challenge we encounter, whatever obstacle falls across our paths, we can be sure of one thing:  As God’s precious children, we will have the strength to overcome all of them.

Grab onto God, never let go, and there will be no mountains too big for you to conquer.

When God is with you

“… If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said.” Joshua 14:6-12, The MSG

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With God before you, who can stand against you? (Romans 8:31).  Not one!  No man, woman, beast, burden, mountain, or challenge, can come against you with God on your side.  So, stand tall, hold tight to our amazing God, and move forward – you can do it – God is with you!