Ego in the Church Part 2: The Other Side of Ego

In 1 Peter 5:5 & 6 (NIV) scripture says, "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time".

Last week I wrote on the issue of ego in the church as it came to the forefront of my thoughts due to some things that I have seen in the church throughout the years and more recently in a circumstance that I had to deal with. I made no bones about my feelings of it and I wrote on what I think leaders and followers need to do to avoid becoming egotistical in their positions and how to deal with it appropriately when others do. This week was a different story, however, as I saw the other side of ego: humility.

First of all, I want to make it clear that I love the church and believe that Christ has set her up as His bride. He has placed those in leadership into their positions. Despite the fact that the individuals in these positions carry within them the possibility of making mistakes or misusing their authority they are in authority none-the-less. If Christ has put in them the ability to lead then neither I nor anyone else should ever stand in or operate in an attitude or spirit of rebellion. Even King David, knowing his role as the future King of Israel, refused to rebel against King Saul despite the knowledge that God had rejected Saul and was moving David toward the throne in Israel. David worked diligently to honor God by honoring King Saul even though the King was, in effect, operating with a massive ego that ultimately led to his downfall and disapproval. King David stayed humble and patient as he waited for God to remove Saul from his position. With that said I will never allow my distain for a bad character trait to keep me from honoring those God has placed above me in authority even if I dislike their attitude or persona. I will try and keep the story of King David and Saul in close proximity to my heart so that through the story's example I remain pure in my thoughts, attitudes and actions.

Now, onto this week. There is also plenty of humility flying around in today’s church with instances of ego on display from time to time. In fact, there was one particular person that seemed to model this in front of me this week. This individual is a pastor and leader in my church and we have been aquainted with one another for some time. However, we have never become close friends due to the fact that we do not work close to each other and thus our paths have simply not crossed with any regularity throughout our time at New Life Church. However, we came into contact on more that one occasion this past week and as a result were able to speak personably and build on our aquaitance. I was struck by his kindness and openness and even more by his humble approach to people. This is an individual, who if anyone ever has had reason to gloat should be able to do so as he has been very successful in life. However, despite his success this individual’s persona has remained very humble, friendly and open throughout his life.

This is what I love to see in the church and ultimately it’s what I do see most readily throughout the church. Though there are times that egos are in control the church is actually full of leaders like this person who are humble and loving and I love it. It is what makes the church so inviting and enjoyable. It is what I love about working in the church. I couldn't imagine working in an atmosphere any different.

I can remember when I was first hired at New Life almost 12 years ago. I wanted so bad to work in the ministry. I wanted to be in a place where the people were kind and I could learn more about God on a daily basis. During my first days of employment at New Life I got just that. I loved being a part of what God was doing at the church and through the many that served there. Though I found out quickly that the church is still full of human beings that make mistakes or do things that can rub you the wrong way I still saw exactly what I wanted to see: good people, a peaceful atmosphere and a very present God.

The world can look at humility as weakness and thus look upon the church in like manner. However, in my experience in the church true power comes when humility is in play. James 4:10 (NIV) says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up". Who else in all the universe would you want to be lifted up by? God is the most powerful force in the universe. Scripture say that God measured the waters in his hand and marked off the heavens with the breadth of his hand (Isaiah 40:12). He is massive in power and great in wisdom. To many in our world, whether secular or spiritual, see true wisdom as one of the greatest strengths anyone could have. To gain true wisdom one must be humble. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) says, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom." This scripture not only provides direction to wisdom but it also expresses again why ego can be so destructive.

I love the church and I love the Lord Jesus. I desire to lead for Him and in His church and thus I must learn to be humble. I am a human and therefore I am subject to the things all humans are subject to. If I do not maintain a healthy attitude toward true biblical leadership my ego will get the best of me and I will quickly become a hypocrite. No one is perfect and no one should ever expect another to be perfect. However, we should all work to be humble and to love people the way my pastor friend showed humility and love toward me this week.

May the spirit of humility be upon you this week!

Ego in the Church

Aaaa what a week. Work, family, play, relaxation, conversation, down time, mean people and nice people. My week had it all. The problem was that it was highlighted by something that simply drives me crazy; ego in the church.

Since time began people have disappointed each other, leaders have mistreated followers and corrupt humans have disrespected life. It’s part of who we are as fallen beings and it never feels good when having to deal with it. We make mistakes, hurt others and operate as hypocrites. It just happens. When it happens in the church, however, it stings a little differently. It stings the soul and causes hurt to sink straight to the deepest most vulnerable places of our heart. It’s a hurt that can drive people away from the Lord and ruin faith. Those who we are supposed to trust the most can suddenly and without warning cast us aside as if we were worthless and unnecessary.

One of my biggest pet-peeves is watching people in the church operate this way; especially leaders. One of the ways it happens the most within the church is through inflated ego. Ego is such an ugly thing as it ultimately brings hurt to those under it. Ego is everywhere; in and out of the church. Almost every leader and influential person seems to carry a bit of ego. There is nothing more disgusting than watching someone so full of themselves blatantly spew arrogance through their actions and words. Egotistical leaders in the church can be even more nauseating as their egos are tied to some special “holy hierarchy”, which obviously doesn't mix well and can make them very dangerous in their actions, subsequently pushing people away or disconnecting themselves from others as they get lost in their special clicks with others that “fit in”.

Why is it that people with a church title can begin to operate as though their title entitles them? What brings them to the place where they begin to think they are more than a commoner unlike the “rest of us”? I actually believe that most leaders dealing with an inflated ego love the Lord with all their heart and simply do not realize they are acting in this manner. Therefore, as I learned this week we must keep from being offended and becoming bitter toward the church when a leaders ego gets the best of them.

Though I did not necessarily deal with someone’s personal arrogance this week my disdain for inflated ego was brought back to the forefront of my mind as I dealt with the situation. I was disappointed by someone’s response to me and though they did not commit some unforgivable sin I became increasingly frustrated. I know this person to be a very good and Godly individual and thus I should have given them the benefit of the doubt before allowing my feelings to be hurt. However, the more I tried to push it aside the more I became trapped in my thoughts. Thankfully we serve a graceful God that desires our growth and maturity and thankfully He gave me a wife that prays for me and humbles me ever so gently with her words of wisdom.

Let me explain. First of all, God reminded me that I am far from perfect. I realized that I will be the disappointment for someone at some point and have been plenty of times in the past. Therefore, if I want people to be graceful with me when I become an egotistical problem then I must learn to always be graceful with others. Secondly, I was reminded that God is still God no matter how disappointed I become with someone. He still loves me and He loves those I am upset with. If I do not keep my focus on these facts I will open a door to the enemy who wants to kill, steel and destroy (John 10:10). Scripture says in 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) that "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour". He waits for his opportunity to make a mess of our lives. He can do this by manipulating our emotions so that we become bitter, angry and offended; leading us to unforgiveness and ultimately to separation in the church; something not on Jesus’ heart (read John 17).

The plain and simple fact is that we will be hurt by people. There are leaders with big egos and they will make us want to walk away. Yet to do so would be a bigger crime than what has already been committed. We become part of the problem if in the end we walk away and allow their disappointing action to control our thoughts and emotions.

This is where my wife really helped me. She brought to my attention 2 Corinthians 10:5. It reads in the NIV, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ". Couple this with the words of Philippians 4:8 & 9 and one can easily see that God foreknew that we would be offended by people and our minds and emotions would come under attack during our lives. We must protect ourselves and guard against those things that can become inroads for the enemy to use against our hearts. To do so by running from the church in anger, however, is not the answer. There may be legitimate times to distance ourselves from destructive people but to leave or to stop trusting the church is not the answer. The church is the Bride of Christ and He loves her dearly. He believes in her and desires her company. He has a plan for her and expects her to fulfill that plan. It can only do so, though, if she stays intact and her members remain unified.

James 2:1-13 speaks of favoritism. To me it addresses the issue of ego in the church and its destructive nature. Ultimately, despites some bad experiences, I do trust the church and its leaders. However, to me many leaders (including myself) need to take a step back and read this again and again, praying its words and asking the Lord to show them where they have mistreated people because of a lack of true humility. Non-leaders or church followers must keep praying for them as well and ultimately trust that what the Lord is doing in them is good and will be complete as they grow and mature through their lives. They must also be willing, as the Lord leads, to respectfully speak up when appropriate and necessary. As a good friend recently reminded me, Jesus did not "...come to bring peace to the earth...but a sword" (Matt. 10:34, NIV). Therefore, we must be willing, as Jesus was, to cut through the muck and mire no matter how uncomfortable it can be. A good leader and true man or woman of God will receive it in due time. They are in their positions because the Lord placed them their. They will recognize Him when He speaks.

As members of the Bride of Christ we must not get consumed with the things that worldly institutions and even religion gets consumed with. We must look and live differently. Authority and popularity can never lead to an inflated ego that keeps one from being an effective Sheppard. Nor can we allow the ego of a leader cause us to move away from the lover of our souls or the Bride He so cares for. If ego is allowed to run our lives, whether as a part of who we are or as a result of someone else’s actions we will miss the point and people in need of help will be left unloved and uncared for. If we allow the results of ego to separate us from our leaders we will cease becoming the beautiful, united bride of Christ. We must as Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) says, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all".

5!!!!

Around 10 weeks ago I learned that I was going to be a dad for the 5th time. How amazing is that. I can't believe that over 10 years ago I walked out of the delivery room holding my very first child and now in just a few short months I will do this for the 5th (and yes probably the last) time.

We do not know yet what it will be but the easy guess at this point will be another boy. You know, being that we have already had four of them. (On a side note if I begin losing weight over the next few years it is because those boys aren’t little anymore and are successfully beating me to the dinner table on a consistent basis. I am going to have to go into training just to ward them off. It is my kitchen you know). Anyway, Mandy and I would be ecstatic if we are told a little girl is swimming around in there. Another boy would be great. We love raising boys and are truly blessed to have the four that we have. A 5th (wow!!) would be an even greater blessing. However, there is something different about the thought of having a girl.

Having a girl would be like having the a first baby all over again. That would just be sweet. Besides, girls are different. As time moves on in life a Mom and Dad handle their girls differently than they do their boys. There are some obvious reasons as to why but there are also many not so obvious reasons as well.

As the Dad of a new little girl I know I will turn into mush. My boys make me proud and as I see them become men I will sit back in a chair on my front porch, look at the sky, watch the sun go down and simply smile the proudest smile a man can muster. With a girl, as she becomes a woman I will do the same but with a tear or two rolling down my cheek (if you ask my wife she will tell you I do not cry but in this case I think I would have to). I cannot really explain it with words but there just seems to be something different about having a little girl - daddies little girl. Its not that girls are more special than boys. I wouldn't trade in one of my boys for a girl but if a girl could be added to them I'll take her with open arms, a huge smile and a heart beating faster than a humming bird flaps its wings. She'll have me rapped around her finger before they cut the cord.

Not sure how else to explain it but maybe you Dad's out there understand what I'm talking about. Dad, how did you feel? How do you feel today now that she is all grown up with her own little one calling her mommy? I hope to find out. If not, that’s ok because a 5th boy will bless me just the same. Come April we will know. :)

Having children is great. I love looking at my kids. Holding a new born again is going to be sweet. Boy or girl it is going to be fun. Mandy, have fun with this, your 5th time. I know you love this; you are so amazing. You are a great mom and wife. I don't know how you put up with me and our full quiver.

Fullness of God

"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:9 & 10 (NIV)

Recently my wife and I have had conversations regarding healing. At the same time our Pastor has been doing a sermon series on the supernatural (miracles, healing). Basically God has been messing up my head. I have always believed in miracles, believed they were for our day and that God can do anything he wants. However, much like many people in our society/culture I made a lot of excuses so as to protect myself from being discouraged or disappointed if healing or the supernatural did not take place in my life. Then, yesterday, I had a very good conversation with friends from work which led me to take a look at some scripture that the Lord brought to my memory.

The word/phrase that stuck out to me was "fullness" as in the "fullness of God". What is the fullness of God? Well, what is the fullness of anything? The fullness of something is simply everything that it is, carries, holds. The fullness of something is its character, personality, energy, power or simply everything that makes it what it is. So then, what makes God God? Well, that is probably not a question any person can answer as God is infinite. Our finite minds could never grasp everything that God is. However, we can make a run at it. He is all power, all grace, all love. He is the creator, the healer, the provider. He is the most powerful force in the universe. Deuteronomy 10:17 (NIV) says, "For the LORD your God is God of gods and LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." No one can tempt God (James 1:13). No one can force God's hand (Isa. 14:27 & Isa. 43:13). God can do anything he likes. One way I like to describe God is the way Aslan is described in the Chronicles of Narnia movies; (paraphrased) He is dangerous but He is good. To me, that is God. He has all power at His fingertips which makes him the most dangerous force in all the universe. Yet He is good and uses His power for good.

So, let me now bring in another scripture. Romans 8:14-17 (NIV) says, "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba Father'. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory."

If we are sons and daughters of God and we are co-heirs with and are given fullness in Christ then we as His children have access to all that God is. As children of the King we have access to all the riches and spoils of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is within us. It is not something we must ask or beg God for. He has already given it to us. All we have to do is learn to operate in it. Ephesians 4:11-3 (NIV) says, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Italics addes) It is a process of growth and maturity to operate in it fully; but it is in us.

People of our culture love to make excuses and to talk themselves out of the truth written in scripture. It is easier to avoid the topic and risk of failure than it is to simply believe and walk in faith. We have access to the most powerful force in the universe. If we give Him our lives, live obediently and follow His ways we will be able to operate in Him in every situation and stand in the confidence of His Fatherhood over our lives in everything we do.

Its time to believe. Its time to stop making excuses and to start walking in the fullness of God. It is in us to do but it requires us to give in, to take a risk, to surrender our hearts our thoughts and our doubts and to share in His sufferings. It is not easy but if you get at the feet of God you will find the fullness of God in your hands and available to you.

Be blessed today and walk in His fullness!

What a Week!

This was an incredible week. At New Life Church we decided to do a prayer week to kick off the new year. We called it World Prayer Week in which we had two major prayer meetings each day; one in the early morning and one in the evening. Though I had desire to participate at some level I really didn't expect to attend a prayer meeting every day. In fact Sunday night, the night before World Prayer Week was set to kick off I still hadn't decided what I was going to do. I had thought about attending the first meeting at 6:30am Monday morning but, well you know, I love my sleep and had absolutely no desire to wake up early. However, God changed that. I felt His leading me to go. So I went.

The first meet was great. The meeting itself had nothing to do with it. It was good. Great praise and worship, incredible scripture reading and wonderfully led prayers. It was a typical good New Life Church prayer meeting. However, there was something to the idea of doing what God wanted you to do and then reaping the reward for it.

I knew coming into the week that I wanted to connect with God on a deep level, to gain some insight and wisdom regarding some decisions that needed to be made and to see and hear God in a very clear manner regarding His thoughts, desires and will for my life in general. From day one I felt His presence and was able to begin working through some thoughts, issues, concerns and questions.

It is now Thursday and there is one more day and three more meetings left before World Prayer Week concludes but I am now seriously thinking of continuing on my own. Though I am not a fan of waking up extra early there has been something special about getting up, driving peacefully to the World Prayer Center before the sun comes up, walking into a peaceful environment away from my normal distractions and just getting alone with my Father. This has been a great week as a result of doing just that. It wasn't so much about any answers I received or great insight that I gained regarding some of my requests. It had more to do with just being with Him. He loves spending time with His children. He loves speaking to us and edifying us. He loves connecting with us because He knows we are blessed as a result. I certainly have been all week.

Its strange really. I have always loved prayer and understood the reasons behind praying on a regular and consistent basis. I have even worked for the better part of the past 11 1/2 years in the World Prayer Center. However, this week brought a more clear understanding of the why and a longing to fulfil that why. I have refreshed my love for the Lord this week and have seen why it was God wanted me to get up early on Monday and come in. He knows I benefit from being with Him, from me sacrificing something I love in order to be with Him and from the connection I gain from putting myself in a place where He does not have to compete for my attention. I realized this week a bit more how much He loves me. He truly does. He is in love with me as He is with the rest of humanity. He is incredible. It is true, words cannot truly convey how incredible, how awesome and how utterly amazing He is. He is truly the Almighty.

Jesus, I love you! Thank you for loving me. Thank you for coming to me and working through my heart. Thank you for dragging me out of bed to share a conversation with You. Thank you for being the Almighty God, the Healer, the Provider, the Shelter, the Refuge, the courage and the Strength I need. You have built me up this week and I am looking forward to spending more time with you and growing in everything you want me to grow in. You are incredible. I love you! Amen!

I encourage anyone who ever reads this to listen to the wooing of the Lord and to get alone with Him. Read His word, pray, worship, sit in His presence meditating on His still small voice. Allow Him to connect with you. He never ceases to amaze and you will be blessed in doing so.

Broncos Dec. 20, 2009

Here is my take on the Broncos losing to the Raiders Sunday.

Denver is a good team. I truly believe that. At the beginning of the year I predicted them to finish anywhere from 7-9 to 9-7 while most others had them doing much worse. By no means do I think of them as a great team, a Super Bowl contender. They have a little ways to go before they get to that level; maybe next year. However, they are a good team. Yet, when the playoffs are on the line, you are playing a division rival that you happened to beat on the road by a large margin earlier in the season and you are playing at home YOU SHOULD NOT LOSE.

Generally I can look at a few missed plays, a poor player performance or simple mistakes that led to a loss but in this game I have to look solely at the coach, Josh McDaniels.

Coach McDaniels is a good coach and I believe he has a bright future. However, right now he is being out-coached by more seasoned professionals. He was good as a young Offensive Coordinator on a great football team with a very good and savvy Head Coach overseeing his work. But now, on his own as the head man he simply is getting beat by coaches far better and more experienced than he is. It probably was a good time to make a change when Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen fired Make Shannahan and hired McDaniels but in doing so he let go of a proven mature coach who knew how to correct mistakes and brought in a guy who will have to spend a few years learning what Shannahan already knew.

I hate to say it but McDaniels, at this point, is predictable. I am a J.V. High school Defensive Coordinator and I know what he is generally going to do in short yardage situations before he does it. If I can figure him out, and I admit I am nowhere near his level of expertise, then what can seasoned NFL Defensive Coordinators see? Shannahan was more creative and knew how to utilize every player on the field. He understood talent and how to use it. Sometimes I question if McDaniels does. I like McDaniels, I really do, but as a rookie Head Coach he is getting his tail whipped.

Here is a couple of thoughts. Why in the world is McDaniels so against putting Peyton Hillis in the game. I hope it is not to prove he is better than Shannahan or to prove some point to Hillis because it should never be about those sorts of things. It should be about winning games and if it is Hillis should find himself on the field far more than he is now. Why was a slow, past his prime running back, in Lamont Jordan, playing in front of what I would consider one of the best 3rd down, up field power running and blocking backs in the NFL? Nothing truly against Jordan but he is not where Peyton Hillis is right now and probably never has been. In my mind Peyton Hillis is a great football player waiting on his time to shine. Also, why in the world does McDaniels insist on running Knowshon Moreno up the middle in short yardage situations. He is not a short yardage back (another something Hillis should be doing). McDaniels does it every time and it never works. Knowshon never gets it. One side note, Knowshon is as a player what McDaniels is as a coach. He is good and has a great future ahead of him but he is not a feature back right now.

This team must grow up if they are to ever truly compete with the Chargers or the Colts or any number of other great NFL teams. They will need more than Brian Dawkins to wake them up; this and next year. It starts with the coach and then moves to the players. As a rookie coach he is simply not getting it done. As a Bronco fan I am a fan of Coach McDaniels now and thus I hope he learns quick. The Broncos can be scary good if he does but right now they are not. Losing to the Raiders this week put an exclamation mark on that point.

Come on Broncos, Coach McDaniels, lets go!

Consider Him

Recently in my scripture reading I came across two small words..."Consider him". Hebrews 12:2 & 3(NIV) says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (bold added). When I read those words I immediately began recalling all He has done in my life; especially since the beginning of this year. Since January (2009) He has dealt with three major issues in my life. First he dealt with my finances as my wife and I began to make some changes in the way we have done things in the past. With that then came faith. He began to open my eyes to the idea of truly trusting Him in all things and leaning upon the promises He has given. That then led into dealing with the various fears of my life. Today, as a result of what He has been doing I am beginning to see how big our God is, how wonderful His love is for us and how truly amazing He is in everything. It excites me to think of it, to consider Him and all that He does and has done.

One of my new favorite worship songs is "How He Loves Us" written by John Mark McMillian. The words to the song grip me and entice me to dive into the deep waters of His love and personality. The chorus, though very simple in its wording, says it all, "Yeah, He loves us, Oh how He loves us, Oh how He loves us, Oh how He Loves". Think about it. The God of the universe, who made the stars and every living creature, the God who has everything and can do anything somehow for some reason loves us. To prove it He sacrificed His own Son so that we would not die and spend eternity separated from Him. To prove it He puts up with our inconsistent hearts day in and day out through grace and mercy. Oh yes, He will judge us and we will be held accountable for our lives but He loves us and gives us every opportunity to turn to Him, to be rescued, to dwell in His presence, to experience all that He is and has, to spend enternity with Him.

It takes time to consider Him. It is not something you can do quickly or nonchalantly. He is too massive, powerful, all encompassing to do so. God is great. He is amazing. But these are human words that cannot truly capture Him. To truly consider Him one must go beyond their words, their simple mortal expressions of who their mind says He is. One must take time, away from all distraction, to think upon Him, to meditate on His ways and His activity in their life. When done so it will put a smile on the face and a supernatural glow within the heart.

When we read His word and understand what it is telling us, all we can do is consider Him, His ways, His truths, His glory. Think. Search. Contemplate. He loves us! He died for us. Nothing can thwart His plans. No one is more powerful. What can come against Him? He provides. He protects. He saves. He heals. He disciplines for maturity sake. He loves us!

As I have considered Him a few verses have begun to stick out to me. Consider the truths within these verses and then search the scriptures for more. You will find so much that God wants to speak to you and you won't be able to contain yourself. You will automatically begin to consider Him.

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8 & 9(NIV)

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4(NIV)

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31b(NIV)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8 35, 37 - 39.(NIV)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," Ephesians 3:20(NIV)

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD...victory rests with the LORD." Proverbs 21: 30 & 32(NIV)

"'...Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" Hebrews 13:5 & 6(NIV)

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us the very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1:3 & 4(NIV)

CONSIDER HIM!

Be blessed today.