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The movie Evan Almighty takes the story of Noah and gives it a bit of a modern twist. It is a controversial movie among Christians. The portrayal of God and Noah isn’t true to Biblical form; however, there are some great teachable points. One of my favorites is when Morgan Freeman, who portrayed God, poses the question, “When we pray for something, does God simply give it to us or provide opportunities to exercise that trait?” …both. God provided everything we need to be successful in our Christian life. He gave us His Son, who provided eternal life and the perfect example. His Holy Spirit dwells in us and provides us with the gift of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, long-suffering, and self-control. The problem is when we choose to live from our flesh instead of the spirit, and when we choose to give up and groan instead of persevering in

Why do bad things happen to good people? There are many valid answers to this question. One that I noticed was… Bad things happen to good people to deter good faith. This comes from John 12, after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  “Meanwhile, a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for ON ACCOUNT OF HIM (Lazarus) many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in Him.”  John 12:9-11 The Jewish population was eager to see Lazarus, which makes sense.  He and his sisters were well known in their community. I’m sure everyone was aware that Lazarus was sick to the point of death. They probably visited, offered words of hope, brought food

Abraham had a dream…sort of. It was actually a promise that became a dream…and then a longing. He trusted God for it until it took longer than he was comfortable with.  When longing turned to ache, it was almost more than Abraham could stand.  Abraham started looking into his own resources to figure out what he could do to jumpstart this legacy God promise him.  He looked at all the places I would…cultural norms and socially accepted practices, but the outcomes caused chaos and disappointment.  I can relate.  When God gives me a desire of heart, I want it now.  I don’t want to wait.  Waiting takes extra work of heart and attitude.  It also keeps me looking to Him and listening for His voice — which I desperately need.  When God gives me a glimpse of His dream, it’s not to torture me by dangling it over my head

Big Idea Camp… …believes that the greatest gift they can give the children in their community is loving neighbors who encourage them to develop values:  inward attitudes that become outward behaviors.  

In college, I had the opportunity to go to Belarus as part of a mission team. It was such a great experience. I loved being in a different culture, navigating obstacles like language barriers and cultural norms, and getting to share Christ with college students with whom I would not otherwise have crossed paths. I was reminded of this time in Belarus during my reading today. Our team boarded a trolley, heading across town to an evening event. The night lights were beautiful. I stood by the window, mesmerized when the stench of vodka-soaked breath permeated the air. I turned to see that I was cornered by an intoxicated Belarusian who was quite the close talker and really pouring his heart out to me…in Russian. About this same time, I heard a man from our team say, “Richard, Susan’s cornered by a drunk man!” From over the drunk man’s head

“What’s in it for me?” I know this question crosses my mind…often. Sometimes, the answer to this question will win as the deciding factor of whether I serve.   It is all too easy to rationalize that I need to benefit somehow, especially when I already feel pulled in every direction.  But, the hard truth is that Jesus didn’t say, help if you feel like it or aren’t otherwise feeling busy. He said, give, serve, be…love as I have loved.  TRUTH = Even knowing that Christ called me to serve, on my best day, I still need motivated.  And depending on that motivation to help and serve, and give, and be like Jesus… I often come out needing a heart-check because my motivation is clearly selfish. I don’t want to look bad, or it’s expected or… _________.  Paul tells us straight up that selfish ambition does not please Jesus.  Philippians 2:3-4