Messenger International

Your Book: A Life Marked for God's Wonder

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Did you know a book has been written about you? It’s not just famous people who are featured in biographies. Your story is also in a book, and the Author is none other than God.

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16, NLT).

What a staggering thought—every moment of your life is recorded in a book.

“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]” (Ephesians 2:10, AMP).

God has planned your path, but notice that Paul writes “that we should walk in them.” It doesn’t say “that we would walk in them.” There is a huge difference. Free will comes into effect here because fulfilling these assignments isn’t automatic. First, it’s up to you to discover the plan. This happens through prayer, reading His Word, worship, and other spiritual means.

For this reason Paul prays: “We have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9–10, TEV)

Fulling God's unique plan for your life won't happen automatically. You must intimately engage Him in to discover the set plan He has for you. Then, it's by His grace (God's empowerment) that you fulfill the plan.

My friend, your life is unique, special, and by no means an accident. No one is common or menial. You were created (in God's image and likeness) for extraordinary purposes.

We believe in you!

For more information, visit www.ExtraordinaryOnline.org

You Were Expensive!

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:30:00 +0000

God’s love for us is unconditional and unchanging.

“Then the world will know that you [God the Father] sent me [Jesus Christ] and will understand that you love them as much as you love me” (John 17:23, NLT).

Did you catch that? God loves you as much as He loves Jesus! That’s almost too much to comprehend!

Scripture records that God’s love “never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]” (1 Corinthians 13:8, AMP). His love for you can never weaken. It's impossible. His love for you isn’t based on your behavior but on His faithfulness.

God’s love for us is so all-encompassing that we simply cannot comprehend its scope.

“For God so loved the world [you and me] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Why did God give Jesus? The answer is simple: to purchase us back. Our forefather Adam gave himself, and consequently all his offspring (including you and me), to a new lord when he heeded Satan. Adam disobeyed God and separated himself and his descendants from Him. But since God loved each of us so much, He wasn’t willing to assign us the same fate as Satan and his angels.

God purchased our relationship back with Him by giving Jesus in our place. Jesus paid the complete price for mankind's disobedience to God. He took our judgment.

The price of our soul is so expensive that nothing else could have bought us back besides Jesus Himself. “God bought you with a high price” (1 Corinthians 6:20, NLT). “He purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son” (Ephesians 1:7, NLT).

No person or thing is more valuable to God than Jesus. Yet, God saw our value equal to that of what He prized most.

Now here is the amazing fact: If you and I had been worth one cent less to God than the value of His Son, He wouldn't have purchased us because God would never make an unprofitable deal. (Recall the above scripture, “God bought you with a high price.”) A bad purchase is when you give something of more value for something of less value.

In God’s eyes, Jesus’ value is the same as yours! Do you see how important you are to God? This is why Jesus prays, “You love them as much as you love me” (John 17:23, NLT).

That’s extraordinary love!

Glimpse Into Extraordinary - Webisode #1

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:58:00 +0000

Extraordinary Webisode #1 from Messenger International on Vimeo.

A dream about you...

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Friends,

Did you know extraordinary is the way you're meant to live? As a son or daughter of God, you are called to rule in life. Living ordinarily does not suit one who has been positioned with Heaven's ability to rise above the norm.

I want you to know God gave me a dream . . . a dream that includes you! I see men and women of all ages awakening to the extraordinary abilities that God has placed within them. You see, the power to live exceptionally is not limited by your family, education or occupation; it's a disposition of your heart.

It doesn't matter where you find yourself today - this moment can mark a new beginning. I have no doubt that you sense a longing for so much more, which is why I'm committed to bring this message to you.

The keys that unlock this extraordinary plan of God are in His Word. I have compiled these truths in this new message, Extraordinary: The Life You're Meant to Live.

Now is your time. Allow this truth to stir your God-given desire to rise above and be all you were created to be... extraordinary.

I believe in you,
John Bevere

Written For You

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:19:00 +0000

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT.

These words paint a picture of an extraordinary existence. You might hear these words and relate them only to heaven’s glory but in actuality, they were penned for the here and now!

The apostle Paul continues, “But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit” (verse 10, NLT). Paul was divinely moved to bring into the open what had been previously hidden to our eyes, ears, and imagination.

There is One who desires an extraordinary life for you. He is a Father who delights in His children. And nothing will please Him more than seeing you reach your highest.

Compassion - it starts in the heart

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:21:00 +0000

But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? (1 John 3:17 amp)

If we see needs and do not respond, a window in our hearts closes. A little less light and fresh air are granted entrance and a little more shadow creeps in. Please understand, I know you cannot respond to every need you see in a financial way, nor should you. But there are many needs we can respond to—and it’s time to do so.

When we commit to move beyond turning away or just feeling saddened, somehow the Holy Spirit causes us to “see” or take special notice of the needs we have the power to respond to. Some of these needs will be require the giving of this world’s goods. As a portion of what is in our hands or household is transferred into theirs.

Nothing given is ever lost. It is just relocated. The “world’s goods” refers to the produce or substance of the good of this earth that we move from one place to another. Somehow this earthly transfer works a spiritual transformation. The temporal redistribution releases the human heart to experience compassion and nurture that is constructive.

With love,

Lisa Bevere

Excerpt from the book, Nurture: Give and Get What You Need to Flourish

Unlimited Access

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:24:00 +0000

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT).

God has a plan for your life! And that plan is good—not average, mediocre, or boring. It was established in the mind of God before you were ever born, before the creation of the earth itself.

This truth is made incredibly clear in Psalm 139. Look at what David writes…

“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (vs 1-4; 15-16 NIV)

God is amazing! He knows every thought before you think it, every word before you speak it. He knows when you lie down and when you get up, and He is totally aware of every day of your life before it takes place. With a heavenly Father like this, why go anywhere else for wisdom and direction for your life?

How can you tap into the infinite wisdom of the one who created the heavens and the earth? Through a close, ongoing relationship with Him. He loves you with an everlasting love and wants to be a part of every area of your life. As you read His Word and spend time with Him in prayer, He will reveal to you His general will and His specific will for your life.

Unveil your hero - watch video

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Hi friends,

We want to give you a quick glimpse into my upcoming message, Extraordinary: The Life You're Meant to Live (book - Oct 09 & curriculum - Nov 09).

In a day when so many people feel less than inspired, Extraordinary provides a roadmap for transformation and fulfillment. We are all meant for so much more, extraordinarily created and intended for a life that is anything but ordinary.

Take a look at the preview video (55-sec). We'd love to hear from you!

-John Bevere

Check the stats - you are not alone

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Incredible Hulk, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Matrix, Fantastic Four, The Incredibles, X-men, Batman, Iron Man, Indiana Jones, Zoro...

What is the common thread? E-X-T-R-A-O-R-D-I-N-A-R-Y.

17 of the top 25 blockbuster movies of all time fall under the category of the extraordinary... almost 70%!

Think of it, most of the popular movies are not love stories, murder mysteries, espionage thrillers, war movies, sports flicks, or dramas. The majority are films that center on extraordinary characters doing remarkable feats possessing amazing abilities or powers.

We must ask why?

In our fascination with adventure movies, superheroes, and tales of incredible human feats, we reveal an inherent desire for something larger and greater in life. What we think is a need to escape or be entertained is actually a God inspired longing for so much more.

Extraordinary is how we were created to live! It was God’s plan from the beginning.

Rising above the norm...

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:37:00 +0000

An amazing word in itself, extra-ordinary. Just hearing it awakens the desire to surpass the norm; to break out from the status quo.

Extraordinary is defined as, beyond what is usual, exceptional, exceeding the common measure. One-word synonyms include, remarkable, amazing, marvelous, and unimaginable.

To better understand the full meaning of this inspiring word consider its antonyms: common, normal, and usual.

Ponder this a moment; the opposite of extraordinary is normal. I think if we’re honest, we all want our lives to mean more, or be more than what we’ve known and seen. Unless it’s suppressed there is an innate, God-given desire to rise above the norm.

Aren't we all longing for this? ...for the extraordinary.

The Inside Scoop ...what's next!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Did you know in the days of the early church believers were often viewed as gods because they were so powerful and effective!?! What happened to that world-changing potential?

On April 26th & 27th, we filmed the new curriculum study for my upcoming book, Extraordinary: The Life You’re Meant to Live. In all 12-sessions the crowd was extremely receptive and responsive. I was amazed to see such energy and excitement. Why was there so much excitement? I believe it is because this message is simply illuminating what the Spirit of God is stirring within every believer right now… our days of ‘normal’ are over.

The set design for the taping required over 120 working-hours to construct. While you won’t be able to see the final result of the Extraordinary Curriculum until Fall 2009, I wanted to share some photos with you.

I need to give a huge thanks to Pastor Mark Cowart and all the staff and volunteers at Church for All Nations! I would also that to thank our staff who put so many hours into this event, I have the best team. Finally, to our Partners who made the journey to attend the taping, you are a big part of this ministry. Thank you for all of your love and support.

My prayer is that each of you would know how extraordinary our God created you to live!! YOU are love among the broken, light in a dark world, powerful beyond measure and God’s representative on Earth … the exact ingredients for a world-changer!

Godspeed,
-John Bevere

Twitter BUZZ

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Hey friends!

We'd love to connect with you on Twitter. It's fun, entertaining, and even inspirational - at times! ;-) We absolutely love people of faith and it would be our joy to stay in touch this way.

Oh, and here are some of our latest Tweets...

Awake in Australia after a good rest on the prowl for java! Love this city at sunrise. ~Lisa
Ponder this. Your Faith is only as good as the trials you withstand! ~John
Don't allow the current economic atmosphere to intimidate you! Rise up and hear your word from heaven! ~Lisa
Shot 69 today on the beach course. Thank you Jesus for golf and the grace to play it!!! ~John
Men that bring their wives coffee in bed are keepers! ~Lisa
We are coming into a new season in the church. Let's enter it correctly. Let's hear what God is saying and go to the next level of glory! ~John

http://twitter.com/JohnBevere & http://twitter.com/LisaBevere

Love to all our blog friends!
John & Lisa

Defining YOU

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:26:00 +0000

As I’ve shared the definition of daughter, mother, and grandmother from my book, Nurture, many women have requested them so I wanted to share them with you…

Daughter…
A daughter is her father’s joy and her mother’s treasure because she quickens the heart. An heiress, she was hoped for and is their hope for the future. As the potential carrier and bearer of life, she is human wealth. Her creation was God’s altogether lovely crown of creation, the one who completes. Daughters are the feminine form, which embodies love, beauty, hope, and tenderness. A daughter is smiles, hugs, and laughter. She is a seeker of truth who asks many questions, longing to know who she is. She is a friend and comfort in your latter years. A daughter is like a priceless pearl.

Mother…
I have found mothers to be those who lay down life to bring forth life—whether this is by way of natural childbirth, adoptions, or rescue. I have found mothers to be advocates for children and change, protectors, nurturers, and healers of sick children. They are the ones who respond to a child’s cry in the night. They grow into masters at multitasking. A mother is one who feeds and sustains life with warmth and what beauty she finds. She is a wiper of tears, calmer of fears, tender of injuries, instructor, teacher, friend, and confidant who gives advice whether you ask for it or not! She is a woman with answers who will tell you who she is. (“Because I am your mother, that’s why!”) A mother is likened to the interior coating of a shell called the mother of pearl. What is often painful for a mother becomes priceless in her daughter.

Grandmother…
I have found grandmothers can be the amazing ones who know and love. They are the “yes” to whatever you ask. They wear soft smiles and give even softer hugs. They are confidants and advocates for both mother and daughters. Grandmothers are the givers of both practical and unnecessary gifts. They are the guardians of perspective, secrets, and insight. They listen and pray as they watch over their children near and far. They have selective memories and give advice when asked. Grandmothers no longer ask who they are because they have discovered why they are. Grandmothers could be likened to the outer shell of the oyster that surrounds and protects what is precious within.

Daughters are growing, so they need to ask for things, such as connection, love, affirmation, and answers. The question “Why?” is often in their mouths. If questions are not asked and answers are not given, then no one grows and healthy perspective is lost. Daughters keep mothers relevant and real if we will allow them to do so.

Mothers are grown; they have answers, meet needs, give love, ask for obedience, and are often busy. The word “Because” is often in their mouths.

Grandmothers have blossomed and almost embody maternal love and life answers, but they watch and wait as they ask for hugs and kisses. The phrase “Let it go, it doesn’t matter” is in their vocabulary as they pat you.

Love to all the ladies,
Lisa Bevere

Crafting Your Story

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Movies have become a common language and love stories a favorite theme. Films are a medium with power to move this jaded world by awakening senses long dulled by years of disappointment and overstimulation. God is not afraid of this medium. He is more than happy to move through this multisensory approach to draw His children to Himself.

Under a film’s influence, the human heart can be temporarily captivated and transported to a realm beyond the reach and impact of the outside world. Movies speak directly to the mind in the fluent language of the heart. This type of interchange happens regardless of whether the message relayed is for our benefit or detriment. Movies have the power to exploit our deepest fears or quicken dreams long dead.

God can use this melding of story, beautiful cinematography, and powerful music to punctuate and expound truth. We would be foolish indeed if we did not listen to our culture’s cry for hope, love, and goodness. A movie’s story line and imagery often communicate a longing so large and painful it could not be captured or conveyed in the language of words alone.

We realize this concept is not new when we understand that each life is a story. Every scene is recorded in a Heavenly book. God has woven you into His beautiful epic. This makes the issue about so much more than a person, a culture or Christianity . . . it becomes a matter of purpose and intent.

Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16, NIV)

We are the ones who determine what stories our lives tell. What story do you want to tell?

Though we cannot determine how our stories begin, we are very much a part of how they will end. Never doubt, there is a wrestling match taking place for how your tale will close. More often than not, happy endings come only after there has been a battle waged with evil. In our world, very little good happens without some sort of fight. Each and every day could be likened to a page. We are the writers who craft the stories with our words and choices. This is but one of the reasons why stories speak so powerfully to us.

When Jesus walked the earth as a man, He was a master storyteller. He packaged timeless messages in word pictures. He used parables, natural law, and real-life experiences to teach His audiences about His Father’s kingdom. He wanted the truth to be heard within the framework of living, progressive pictures. He took the abstract and made it tangible and embraceable in the everyday.

So what about your story? Before the most exciting parts of your story can be realized, you must first discover your role. I am afraid far too often a true casting never happens. We float through life, hoping someone else will tell us what parts we are to play. There is great potential for danger when we make others responsible for our happiness.

God is the ultimate storyteller who wants to reveal His love story in you. He has written your role and scripted the desires of your heart.

Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out…The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. (Luke 12:31-32, TM)

Friends, send us your prayer requests... it would be our honor to pray for you. With love, John & Lisa

remember love

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:11:00 +0000

Everything of value in this life carries with it some form of risk. There is the threat of losing control and failing, but there is no fear in love. Why?

Love can never fail.

When love is found it should be protected at all cost. It should be the driving force behind all we do. Once we have love, it cannot be separated from us without causing great injury. I realize that I am painting a picture of what should be rather than what often is. But in this picture, I believe you will glimpse the power of what could be and move from the domain of disappointment to the realm of hope.

Once love is openly declared, there is no going back. This happens between Christ and His beloved bride. For with Him, there is no coming back from the promise of the love that propelled Him to risk it all. It is not possible for Him to fail you. Men and women love, but God is Love.

If we are to move beyond survival in our relationships, we must allow our hearts to remain open to the transforming power of love.

If I . . . have not love, I am nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:2, NIV

We can be a part of many things, but without the motive and preservation of love, they all eventually become nothing... Money without love is empty. Sex without love becomes nothing. Relationships without love are shallow and ultimately lonely.

Love transfers legacy as surely as it creates life. Fear is the enemy of love as certainly as love has the power to overcome and displace fear.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. - 1 John 4:18, NKJV

It is when we learn to love fearlessly that we will find ourselves loved perfectly. Don’t be afraid of these words. Those around you may not magically change, but you can. You can be free again. The world trembles before the people who choose to fearlessly love. Love is not only one of the weapons and forces we fight with; love is our domain to protect. Like the Word of God, it is both our sword and our promise.

Take a moment and ask yourself why you might find it hard to give your heart fully to those you are in relationship with. Our need for each other was never meant to be a weakness to be exploited, but a dynamic to be celebrated. We can love others because Christ first loved us. Let’s surrender to the power of love and let it remove all fear from our relationships.

Heavenly Father,
I come before You in the name of Jesus. I want to know the power of Your love. I want my life to exhibit this power in every aspect and relationship. I want to awaken strengths, not criticize the weaknesses in others. I want to use my words to build and plant lives, not tear them down. I receive Your life and love and believe I am chosen for You. I believe You have the power to build up my life. I give You every broken, torn-down place. Have Your way as I submit my weaknesses to You, Father. Cover them with Your strength. By the power of the Holy Spirit, reveal Your love in and through my life.
Amen.

What are you reflecting?

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:18:00 +0000

I want to address the topic of self-image...

Self-image is not something we’re born with it. It is forged through pain, pressure and praise. Pain causes us to become aware of something previously unnoticed. Pressure brings hidden things to the surface. Praise tests what we are made of.

Our self-image reflects how we perceive ourselves, thus it is so important we have a Godly perspective of who we are in Him. God wants to draw us close to captivate us with His love so our image can be fastened into His.

God invites us to come to Him just as we are. In exchange for our surrender He gives us life, an everlasting covenant and faithful, unwavering love. He is calling us to immerse in the river of baptism while He washes away all that is death. It is a rebirth available in every area of our life including our self-image, both personal and spiritual.

We need to know truth with a deeper intimacy and to a greater degree than we have known the lie. The lie only captivates us, but the truth will liberate us (John 8:32). Truth penetrates deeper and reaches further than the lie, dispelling any darkness lurking in our soul. We must become one with the truth to break our union with the lie.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He is the truth that sets us free from the confines of ourselves. He offers each of us the life we long for. He wants to be our companion as we journey from captivity of the lies to freedom in the truth.

He wants us to view ourselves in light of truth… the way He sees us.

For freedom,
Lisa

Going to prison

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:15:00 +0000

We'd love to share with you some of the testimonies that have come to our ministry this week... it is so exciting! It is encouraging to hear how the messages entrusted to us are changing lives.

One of the things we do for outreach is give the resources to people in prisons as well as to chaplains who work in prisons. We love getting reports from them!

“I used the Driven by Eternity curriculum in the largest maximum security prison in California. As a result, 1,000 people accepted the Lord or rededicated their lives because of this study.” -Chaplain, California

“I have been so blessed by your teaching. In a place like this submission is a big thing. Your teaching really opened the scriptures for me. I am no longer in the dark and I thank you for it.” -Prisoner, Illinois

An Important Question...

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000

If intimidation or fear lulls our gifts asleep, what stirs and wakes them up?

Boldness.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 says “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you… For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

The love of God casts out fear and gives us boldness. Boldness breaks the grip of intimidation and awakens the gifts in our lives.

We encourage you to be bold in the face of uncertainty. If there is a cloud of discouragement and confusion hanging over you or your family, it is time to break free.

You are a leader in your sphere of influence because you have light and truth! Step out and bring forth great victories in the strength of our God.

With faith,
John & Lisa

P.S. Check out this video about Breaking Intimidation!

The Greatest Invitation of All Time

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:50:00 +0000

There is a call coming from the heart of God and with each passing day its intensity increases...

“Why are you satisfied without My presence; why do you remain distant when you could have intimacy with Me?” This is the greatest invitation that has ever been given to you... You can have a deep, fulfilling relationship with the Creator of the Universe!

In fact, He is longing to have intimacy with you even more than you are with Him! “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Psalm 34:15

God is willing to communicate with you non-stop. The question is, are you listening? Realize that it is not always words that God is using. Communication can be more than just verbal. My wife can give me one look, and I can write multiple pages about what she just said! Why is that? I have developed a relationship with her and cultivated it for more than twenty-six years and I know how she communicates.

God wants to develop a relationship of intimacy with you. James puts it beautifully in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

This is the most profound invitation of all time—how will you respond? May you set your heart on this promise as you step into this new year.

I believe in you,
John

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:36:00 +0000

You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.
God is not a secret to be kept. Matthew 5:14, The Message

May this beautiful day remind you that there is light in you that you alone can share. You are someone this world desperately needs.

Our opportunities to be light are endless. It's time for fearless faith and God confidence. Celebrate this truth as you enjoy His peace and joy.

We love you!

Reminder for the Season of Giving...

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:07:00 +0000

In our ever-changing world, God wants us to cry out for a release of Heaven into the Earth. We must be awakened to the vast need of people around us …and we must know we are empowered to respond. Each of us can make a difference and collectively the effect will be vast.

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord – and he will repay you! Proverbs 19:17 (NLT)

Living beyond yourself gives you perspective of what really matters in life, and causes you to be thankful. Albert Einstein said “Nobody is alive until they begin to live outside of themselves.”

There are things you may regret buying during this holiday season but you will never regret giving to the widow, the orphan, or the poor. This is not the season to close your hands, but it is the time to open your heart to those in need.

John & I truly believe this is a key to having a Heavenly perspective and remaining abundantly thankful.

With love,
John & Lisa

P.S. Hey! We would love to stand with you in prayer for your loved ones who are in need. We believe that you will be a light in their lives during this holiday season! Submit a prayer request.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:03:00 +0000

Welcome to our new blog!

We know that these are uncertain times and many people are fearful of the future, but it is during this time that we wanted to begin this blog to provide a forum to encourage and uplift you.

We cannot allow fear to prevent the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives. In Psalms 27:1 David said, “The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

The root of fear is the love of self. Fear cries, ‘What will happen to me?’ But Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) With this revelation, we will become the primary solution to the vast problems we are facing. We must allow the Word of God – not the culture - to be our guide in this season.

We want you to know that you are God’s Ambassador in the earth and you are not subject to the earth’s economy or systems. You have a Father in Heaven that has thoughts for you that outnumber the stars. Think of that! God’s thoughts for you are never ending and His plans for you are good!

We believe during this Christmas season as you join together with family and friends, you will once again remember the miracle given to us. Jesus, a gift from God, who delivered a promise that humanity needs to be reminded of precisely at this moment. A message and promise of hope!

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24

With love,

John & Lisa