Have you watched a bodybuilding contest lately? Have you been a participant in a bodybuilding competition recently? Probably not. But surely, you’ve seen a bodybuilder or at least a picture of one. A scantily clad, oiled up, tanned figure showing off bulging biceps and thighs the size of tree trunks that make them look like comic book superheroes who can crush even the vilest of villains?

We tend to equate those with big muscles with being strong and powerful. But are they really? Do bodybuilders really use those things? New research has found that – at a cellular level – the large, defined muscles seen on bodybuilders don’t fare well against those of power athletes (such as weight lifters or sprinters) or even those who don’t train at all.

Christians can be like bodybuilders. All show and no power. We can flex our muscles, but have no power in our life. Paul tells us that Christ followers have the same power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20), that the kingdom of God is not about talk but about power (1 Corinthians 4:20) and that we can have the form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). If we profess to be Christ followers, yet live our lives without tapping into God’s power, we are merely imposters! All show and no power.

So how do we plug into the power that is available to us?

1. Ask

You don’t have because you don’t ask (James 4:2). Where do you need to tap into God’s power? Where do you need to see His strength at work? Ask for it!

2. Seek

Any appliance in your home needs to be plugged into the power outlet to work. If you want power, you must stay plugged into the source. Chase after God with everything you’ve got (Psalm 105:4). Spend time reading the Bible. Pray and listen for God to speak. Get connected to community through church and a small group. Seek God!

3. Give

If God answered everything you’ve been praying for today would it change anyone’s life but yours? There’s a principle that runs through Scripture: give away what you have and it will be given back to you (Luke 6:38). You can stand in the gap for others who need God’s power in their life. Ask God for it. Seek God on their behalf. Give it away!

So go ahead. Don’t just flex. Use the power that God had made available to you!

 

 

 

Has a song on the radio, in a store, or on your playlist recently caught you off guard and brought back a tidal wave of memories? You haven’t heard the song in years but you are suddenly overcome by flashbacks of people, places and strong emotions linked to a different time and place?

I’m an 80’s kid. If you missed it, I’m sorry because it was the best decade of music ever! Name almost any song from the 80’s and I can associate a memory with it.

Higher Love…a summer day spent at Texas Water Rampage

Welcome to the Jungle…dragging main (it’s a small-town thing)

I’ve Had the Time of my Life… “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

Never Say Goodbye…Junior Prom

Look Away…high school break-up

I Can’t Get Close Enough…high school connection (she’s now my wife!)

Blame it on the Rain…fake news…ha!

The connection that music has to people, seasons, and locations throughout our lifespan is a universal phenomenon. Imagine a playlist that can not only conjure up memories but bring hope to any situation or circumstance in life. It’s possible. Here are part of the lyrics:

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope…

Lamentations 3:21

When stuck in the hard times of life, the overwhelming circumstances, and hopeless situations play this soundtrack in your mind:

1. Call to mind previous hard times of life

Remember other times in your life that have been difficult seasons, trying circumstances and daunting situations.

2. Call to mind how God has been faithful during those times

Remember how God was present in those situations even though you couldn’t see it at the time. Looking back, realize how God was good to you during those times.

3. Call to mind how God has blessed you

Think about all the ways God has provided for you. Make a list of the things you have to be thankful for.

Put that playlist on repeat and see if it doesn’t bring you some hope!

 

 

 

Over the past few years, I’ve tried to move beyond the litany of New Year’s resolutions. Instead of making a list, I’ve asked God to give me one word for the upcoming year. One word that I can study. One word that will perk my ears every time it appears. One word that will lead me closer to Christ. Previous years’ words include present, power and abide. Each word has drawn me deeper into Scripture, closer to God, and helped me grow in my faith.

My word for 2018? RESTORE. I’m praying for a return of my health, a rebuilding of relationships, a reestablishment of promises, and a good reconditioning in several areas of my life.  In short, restoration. Can’t wait to see what God does!

I hope you’ve been listening for your word in 2018. Once you get it, here are some ways to incorporate your word into your daily life:

• Begin each day inviting God to speak to you about your one word.
• Post your one word in places you see often. A sticky note on your bathroom mirror or desk, your cell phone or computer background. Use each time you see it as a reminder to pray for transformation in your heart and life.
• Study your one word. Use an online tool like biblegateway.com to find how your word is used in the Bible. Discover how the Bible uses your word and what it reveals about it.
• Share your word with others and invite them to identify their one word. Pray for each other to grow in this area of your lives.
• Keep a journal and record the times you encounter your one word through interactions, conversations and readings.
• Share what you’re learning with others.

I’d love to know what your one word is for 2018. Snap a picture of your word on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and tag me or Aldersgate Church. My hope and prayer is that this upcoming year God will use your one word to make you more like Christ.

 

 

Welcome to 2018! The beginning of a new year provides an opportunity for reflection and goal setting. It’s a season to both look back and press forward. If you’re like most people, your January begins with a litany of shortcomings to be perfected commonly known as “New Year’s Resolutions.” All of which are typically off your radar by February.

Over the past few years, I’ve tried to move beyond this cycle. Instead of making the list of resolutions, I’ve asked God to give me one word for the upcoming year. One word that I can study. One word that will perk my ears every time it appears. One word that will lead me closer to Christ. Previous years’ words include power and abide. Each word has drawn me deeper into Scripture, closer to others, and helped me grow in my faith.

As I write this post, I’ve yet to hear clearly what my one word is for 2018. I could create a word or two but I want to make sure it’s not my word but God’s word for me. I’m not anxious about it. I know it will come in time. Probably when I’m least expecting it.

And this year, I’m inviting you to ask God for your one word. The word He wants to use to transform you and help you grow in Christ. May this one word awaken you to the work that God will be doing in and through you during the upcoming year.

Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
 It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?

Isaiah 43:18-19 (The Message)