How do you "see" God in your life?

I've recently been asked how in the world I could believe in a God that has no "scientific" or "historical" proof of existing.  This person doesn't believe the Bible is true and wants to see some "proof" that God exists.

We've obviously had some interesting discussions, but it has also really got me thinking.  I do believe there are great answers in Lee Strobel's Case for Faith and Case for Christ books about historical and scientific backing of the Bible.  I also wholeheartedly believe that just the consistency of the Biblical writings and all the fulfilled prophecies is enough to prove the Bible on its own.

But what has really been fun to think about through this process was the personal side.  How have I seen God move in my life...not Lee Strobel...not words from the Bible...but me.

To list just a few...I am amazed by nature...God's creation.  Seeing the vastness of the ocean or the Grand Canyon, the beauty of the sunrise, the majesty of the mountains...wow!  Everytime we fly, I always pick a window seat because I'm just a big kid who loves to see out the window.  It's just remarkable.

I can also see God in a big way by His leading us to Seattle.  The timing of Edgewood looking for a worship pastor and us feeling led toward full-time ministry...the fact that the job fits so well with what I love doing...the heart that I already had for the Northwest by being born up here...and just detail after detail of how everything worked out.  I don't believe in coincidences.  Since coming here, it has been confirmed time after time that this is where He wants us.  Not only for the ministry, but also for our personal lives.  In our first year here, we heard about a marriage conference that proved to be a pivotal point in our marriage.  It so drastically changed our relationship in a positive way.  What's funny to me is that this conference is based out of Little Rock and we never heard about it until moving to Seattle =).  Also, moving away from friends and family was extremely difficult.  But, it made us focus more on each other.  Our marriage relationship has grown by LEAPS AND BOUNDS since we moved here.  There is no way that it was by our doing, but it is by what God has been doing through us when we just say "yes" and follow His direction.

And, as if Megan isn't crying already reading this =), I have just been in so much AWE over this new baby coming into our lives.  Hearing Madelyn's heartbeat when she's only a few weeks old, seeing her hands and feet move around with such joy after a few months, WOW!  It's hard for me to grasp not believing in God when we're seeing this miracle grow right in front of us.  It's absolutely amazing.  On a small note, I also think God knew exactly what He was doing by giving parents 9-months to get ready =)...we sure need it!

I give all the credit to God for these miracles and for many other things that He's done through our lives.  I know that science and Satan's deceiving ways try to steal the glory away from God.  It is a difficult world we live in and I do pray that all of us will seek out why we believe what we believe.  John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest."  I do pray for my friend regularly and for any others that they will truly find life and have it to the fullest!

PLEASE take a minute to comment on this post and share a story of how you've seen God in your life.  I'd love to hear your stories and celebrate with you.

Outlive Your Life

Last month, I read a great book by Max Lucado titled Outlive Your Life.  I thought some points of his would be particularly encouraging to share as we are beginning a new year.

The whole book is filled with amazing stories and great examples of ways to make the most out of your life. He reminds us that "life is racing by, and if we aren't careful, we will look up, and our shot at it will have passed us by."

I Corinthians 1:26-27 reminds us that we don't have to be hotshots or the best in our field to be used by God.  In fact, He wants to take the foolish to shame the wise and the powerless to shame the powerful.  He can use ANY of us if we will only let Him.

I particularly like his 3rd Chapter titled Let God Unshell You.  Max Lucado encourages us to make a careful exploration of who we are and the work we have been given. Who has God made you to be?  With whom do you feel most fluent?  When does your heart race?  We need to find those areas of passion that God has placed in our lives, realize that's who He has made us to be, and then allow Him to work through those areas in powerful ways.

He also has a good chapter about persecution.  If we are using our lives for God's glory, we better expect to be criticized, mocked, and persecuted.  His suggestion for preparing ourselves was to imitate the disciples.  We must linger long in the presence of Christ.  Meditate on His grace, ponder His love, memorize His words, and constantly talk to Him.  Be in His presence.  I love this quote too..

 "If you want to be bold tomorrow, then you need to be with Jesus today."

Max Lucado also dedicated an entire chapter to the importance of prayer.  He reminds us that God didn't call us to preach without ceasing, sing without ceasing, or attending meetings without ceasing.  He called us to pray without ceasing.

I found these points and the rest of the book to be very motivating.  Our lives are so short and too many times we waste the days away with things of little or no eternal value.  As we're into a brand new year, let's start fresh wanting to "outlive our lives" by making the most of every day God has blessed us with.