All I have to say is I love how God works!  I’m in Atlanta this week at the Orange conference (a conference for Family Ministry, KidMin, StuMin) and last night we were able to experience the more amazing time of communion and worship.  There are times when God speaks to me so clearly that I’m just brought to my knees… last night was one of those nights.  I have been a believer and a follower for almost 40 years now and I understand, believe and am so thankful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me, but last night was the first time I’ve ever uttered these words:

Jesus, you shouldn’t have died for me, I’m not worth it…

Not one of us are, period.  But that’s the love He has for us.  He doesn’t care what we’ve done, what we will do, he simply loves us so much he went willingly to a brutal death on my behalf… on your behalf.  I know this, you do too, but sometimes God allows us to see and understand this with crystal clarity.

Today I was reading from Matthew 17:14-18.  The disciples tried, but failed to heal a son from demon possession… Jesus chides them for their small faith and turns around and heals the boy instantly.  The deeper part of this passage is what Jesus didn’t say~  “guys, you’ve got the engine to do this, you’re just not fueling it with the right stuff!”  Faith is the juice that empowers us to do and live a life of amazing power beyond our finite minds can comprehend.  The disciples could have healed the boy if they truly believed, but their faith was still growing and maturing.  

This week a group of us challenged each other on to pray about where God was calling us to extend compassion through serving… 1 Cor 1:5-7 says, “For in him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge – because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.  Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.”  The minute you professed Jesus as Lord and Savior you were given everything you needed to live a life of fullness and faith!  

The place I fail in this most days is that I put my faith in me and forget about the jet fuel God has placed in me.  YOU have everything you need to be all that God wants you to be; a person of compassion and serving, a generous giver worshiping your Maker through the bounty he’s given you and a loving example to everyone you lock eyes with of a Savior who died for each of us.

I’m praying big, hairy, audacious prayers for each of you this week as you “continue to”… through and with the jet fuel inside you!