Maybe Solomon said it better:

The mind of man plans his way; But the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

I want to know everything, so I’m told. That not to be confuse with being a “know it all”. I wanted you to know that.

Like many many young people I made many plans for my life. I knew a lot more then than I do now. If you are older, hopefully you understand that statement. I am thankful for what Solomon said. And the older I get, the more comfortable I become with it. Not knowing everything that is. I however, still have moments, seasons of life where I am caught unsuspectedly by circumstances that shake my security, sending me into a downward spiral groping for answers that seem to elude my every grasp.

I found myself in one of those seasons a few years back. After many years in ministry and more than a decade pastoring a church my wife and I had planted, I was watching our church die while every attempt to revive her was a despirate act of futility. It felt as if I were standing on the shore watching my family drown and they were too far out for me to rescue. And with every crashing wave I felt the loss of life, identity and purpose.

I didn’t then, but I know now that there are many out there that know what I just described.

Let me just say, the destination has never changed and all is not lost. There are more and greater thing ahead.

In 1993, my wife and I left ministry to go back to school. We had decide to attend Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY. It was an incredible and hopeful time in the Lord for us. Many dreams and plans were made.

It was during our time at Elim that I met a fellow student named Jason Clark. I remember Jason from class and  a few times of worship, but he was about 9 years younger than me and I was a married student. So we didn’t have a lot of personal interaction. Just a note, don’t overlook the people that pass through your life.

Fast forward to my season of death, I happened to be on Facebook and was looking for people from Elim. I came across Jason Clark’s page and sent a friend request. We reconnected a little and I found out he was writing a book, Surrendered and Untamed. When It was released, I bought a copy.

I began to read and with each page, each story, each word, God began to open my heart. It was a new resurrection. God began to restore hope and bring dead dreams to life. Jason’s words created a path for me back to the Father and His plan for my life. It stirred things in me I thought were long gone. There was also something in Jason’s book that began a journey for me back to my Father’s heart – a new discovery of sonship, a discovery of a Father’s always good love.

As deep calls to deep…

Jason wrote a second book “Prone To Love”, that expounds on our identity as sons and daughters of a Father who loves us and whose love is always good. There are only a handfull of books I have reread and this is one of them – over and over. Jason has tapped into something that is always fresh and never gets old. He has discovered something that calls from deep to the deep in us. It is that place in us created by our Father that was meant to be a well whose waters are eternal and spring forth with life.

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a Men’s Retreat being held at my brother’s church by another friend of mine. The main speaker for the weekend was Jason Clark. Over the last few years we have joked about getting a cup of coffee together. Something we have not been able to do. However, 19 years after Elim we finally got to reconnect face to face and share a cup. More than that we got to see where the journey has brought us.

The journey can be hard, but the journey is beautiful. It can be painful, but it is hopeful. The journey is into our Father’s always good love.

So let me get to my point:

The  journey continues….. Jason has a new book coming out. It’s entitled “UNTAMED: A Fool’s Guide To Unsurrendered Faith.” It is an updated and expanded release of his first book under a new publisher (Destiny Image). Go buy it. It should hit stores online and at your local bookstore around October 20th. You can reserve copies now at Amazon, B&N, BooksAMillion and anywhere else christian books are sold.

Check Jason out at www.jasonclarkis.com

Send him a note and tell him to throw some book royalties my way!

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Men’s Retreat in Milford, Delaware

We continue to be blessed by the love and support for Transforming Life Ministries and excited about all of you who have expressed your support for our vision of a camp and retreat center. Most of you have probably been impacted by camp and retreat ministry through your local churches and you know the value of getting away with God to encounter Him.

This is the mission of Transforming Life, to always present the opportunity and an environment to encounter the love of the Father, the life of the Son Jesus and the liberty of the Holy Spirit. With encounters through faith comes transformation.

This is our dream for The Fountain Camp and Retreat Center, to build a place to come away with God, to encounter Him and be transformed by Him.

Our efforts to raise the capital needed is slow but God always knows what He’s doing. Our job is to continue to share Jesus, and share the vision and give you an opportunity to invest. So, let me encourage you to catch the vision and help The Fountain by making your investment in its future. We would also like for you to consider taking Transforming Life on as a mission by giving monthly over the next year. We are donor supported. Most of the ministry we do is free or only covers travel, so your support is important to us.

Thank you for your love and

support.

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Traditionally, Lent is the penitential preparation of the believer—through prayer, repentance, penance, alms-giving, and self-denial. For many orthodox churches and denominations it is the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday, which then culminates in the celebration on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent lasts approximately six weeks leading up to Easter. In most Western denominations Lent is taken to run from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) or to Easter Eve.

Though many churches emphasize Lent leading up to Easter, I find that the beauty and power of this season is mostly lost to the average believer. Most believers today in western culture do not practice things associated with self-denial. The understanding of meditation, solitude, reflection, repentance, prayer and fasting are not regular habits. These things were a part of the early church life. I believe we need to find our way back to some of these, not as a religious or legalistic practice, but rather a way of seeking God and a way of relational engagement with God.

For the last several years during the Lenten Season I have chosen to read short chronological portion a scripture leading up to Easter.  This has proven to be so rewarding to me. Much of my time in the scripture is for study related to my teaching and preaching. This has been an awesome break to focus on Jesus and my relationship with Him and His journey to the cross through a short daily meditation.

I love to find simple tools to use in my daily life. One of these is www.youversion.com. You can find more information about Youversion and other helpful tools on the Resource Page. Youversion is a free Bible application for your PC/Mac or Mobile Device. It is unique in that while you can read scripture in most any version or language, you can also contribute your own thoughts in the form of text notes, links and videos as a part of a community commentary on verses, and passages. Its like asking everybody, “So what do you think?” and then sharing your thought on the subject.

Youversion has an awesome feature for daily scripture reading with a variety of reading plans to choose from. The one I am currently following is the Lent Reading Plan.  There are many others that would suit whatever you might be looking for.

I use this app every day and highly recommend you take a look at it.

(post updated)

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We have hit the ground running. Many of you have already received our first E-Newsletter of the year and our main postal Newsletter will be getting to you in a few days. This month’s newsletter focuses on The Fountain’s main goal for this year. So if you haven’t signed up for our Blog Updates or our Newsletter, go ahead and do it now. We want to keep you up to date with the latest details about Transforming Life Ministries and The Fountain Camp and Retreat Center.

We are looking for God to expand us in many ways. Our opportunities to share about The Fountain continue to grow. God is opening up doors to preach and teach which also gives us a chance to talk about The Fountain and vision for ministry. Our hope is for The Fountain to be a facility built by the Church; the body of Christ. As we get to travel a cast the vision with churches and people we encounter in ministry, we get to plant the seeds of partnership and personal connection. We hope to have many people come to The Fountain and be able to say “I was a part of building this. God used me to make this happen.”

We hope you will partner with us.

The post Hitting The Ground Running appeared first on TRANSFORMING LIFE MINISTRIES.

Then Jesus took some bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to the apostles, saying, “This is my body, which I am giving for you. Do this to remember me.” In the same way, after supper, Jesus took the cup and said,”This cup is the new agreement that God makes with his people. This new agreement begins with my blood which is poured out for you.”   Luke 22:19-20

Do you remember Christmas as a kid? I was so excited, getting up early on Christmas morning and running into my parents room to wake them up so we could see what Santa brought us. Those days were magical.

How often do we remember nostalgically the things of our past that make us long to recapture some part of it? It’s easy to live life letting things pass by as we grow older and find ourselves missing things of our past we think are lost.

It’s not too late to recapture the joy of Christmas past or the things of our life that seem to be lost. Our first step on that path is to remember.

The disciples were so overwhelmed by their circumstances and the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. Blinded by their fear and grief, they were unable to see Jesus right in front of them. They didn’t realize it was Jesus speaking to them. But when Jesus sat down at the table and began to share the passover with them as He had done in the past, they suddenly remembered, their eyes were opened and their faith was restored.

Remember this Christmas that Jesus has come, He is with you. No matter what your circumstances are, all things are possible. God is bigger than your fear, your past, your lost hope. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. He is our peace, He is our hope and the Lord of our future. Joy to the world and joy to you! Just remember…

Suggested Longer Reading:  Ephesians 2:4-10

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Just in case you missed something: Advent Series

The post A25: Advent Meditation – Day 20 appeared first on TRANSFORMING LIFE MINISTRIES.

Heal the sick, raise the dead to life again, heal those who have skin diseases, and force demons out of people. I give you these powers freely, so help other people freely.  Matthew 10:8

When I think of my Grandmother Hobbs, affectionately known to everyone as Granny Hobbs, I think of the widow who gave just one mite. If you recall Jesus said she gave the most because she gave all she possessed. Granny Hobbs is one of the most generous people I know. She is always thinking of little things to give, especially to children. She has never had much, but gives everything she has. It is her greatest joy to give to others.

When you realize everything in life is a gift from God, it makes it a joy to share it with others. If you have not yet discovered, there is a greater joy in giving than receiving. Don’t get me wrong, you can’t give what you don’t have and I love to receive. However, that joy becomes exponential when you share what you have with others.

The reason for this greater joy is found in God’s heart. Love’s greatest expression is in sharing with others what you value most. Valuing people over things makes sharing things so much greater. Everything is better when shared.

God the Father shared the most valuable thing He possessed with us, His precious Son – Jesus. In Acts 20:35 Jesus says “It’s more blessed to give than receive”, something He learned from His Father. I want to be like my Granny Hobbs, who also showed my father, that it is much better to give.

Today, look for opportunities to give. Don’t focus on what you have, because you will never think its enough. God has given each of us enough. If you open your eyes as you go through your day, you will find God has graced you with enough and the opportunity to share. Many times the gifts we want to give are not what we need to give. Even the widow’s mite was enough. Sometimes the smallest thing is the greatest gift. Today, discover the great joy of giving.

Suggested Longer Reading: Acts 20:35

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Just in case you missed something: Advent Series

The post A25: Advent Meditation – Day 19 appeared first on TRANSFORMING LIFE MINISTRIES.

The earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it – the world and all its people.  Psalm 24:1

I remember the day my first child was born. I took one look at this beautiful little girl and realized I had no idea what I was doing. That beautiful little girl is now 21 and I have spent every moment trying to love, protect and guide her. She now lives on her own 2 hours away and I still don’t have a clue.

I know there are many parents out there that know my pain. It’s hard to let go and watch your children grow up. There are so many times where life shows us that we are not in control and we can’t see everything that is going to happen.

Now imaging that you are Mary and Joseph; you are now the parent of the Messiah, the Savior, the King of Glory.

There is comfort in knowing that everything I can’t control, everything I can’t see, belongs to God. Each one of my children and every circumstance belongs to Him. Where I am limited, He is limitless. Where I am weak, He is strong. When I am clueless, He knows everything.

Right now, thank God for giving us everything we need in His Son. Take comfort that He sees everything in your family’s lives and it all rests on His shoulders. Thank Him for being Emmanuel, God with us.

Suggested Longer Reading:  Psalm 24:1-10

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Just in case you missed something: Advent Series

The post A25: Advent Meditation – Day 18 appeared first on TRANSFORMING LIFE MINISTRIES.

When Herod saw that the wise men had tricked him, he was furious. So he  gave an order to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem and in the surrounding area who were two years old or younger. This was in keeping with the time he learned from the wise men.   Matthew 2:16

Growing up I became used to making new friends, new schools, new towns and new homes. This was the life of a preacher’s kid in the Methodist church. Every June, each minister was faced with the possibility of moving to a new church assignment.

When I was preparing to graduate from seminary, my wife and I had been praying about where we were to go and what God’s plan was for our life. As we sought the Lord about what was one of our biggest life decisions, we both heard Him say to us “Go home.” For many people, that statement would have made perfect sense. But for someone who had lived in 16 place by the time they graduated college, it was hard to pinpoint home.

Home is where the heart is.   Gaius Plinius Secundas – Pliny the Elder – (AD 23 –  AD 79)

As graduation day approached it had become clear to us where home was. Though it might have been easier for God to say, “Move to New York City or even Africa”, we discovered something far more valuable than a destination. Home is where family is, home is where you are known and loved. The location is not as important as the people who love you, something I thank my family and the Methodist Church for.

The Christmas season is the time of  hope. The Father loved us so much that He sent His Son into the world to reveal His love and bring us home to Him.  To know the Father’s love is to find home. It doesn’t matter where you go, where you live, what you do, or even what happens in life; you can always be at home in the Father’s love.

The Christmas season is also a time of great loneliness and despair. There are people all around you during Advent that need to come home. They need to know they are loved.

Do you know how much the Father loves you? Make time during this holiday to see those who are homeless, those who need to be loved.  “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” – 1 John 4:16

We love, because He first loved us.   1 John 4:19

Suggested Longer Reading:  Matthew 2:12-23

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Just in case you missed something: Advent Series

The post A25: Advent Meditation – Day 17 appeared first on TRANSFORMING LIFE MINISTRIES.

Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.   Psalm 90:12

It was George Bernard Shaw who said “Youth is wasted on the young.” When I was young I had many dreams about my future, but no real sense of urgency to see them fulfilled. I had dreams but no plan. When you are young you seem to have your whole life ahead of you.

At what moment does a person begin to “number their days”, to value the time they have left to accomplish their dreams? For many, this kind of clarity only comes later in life or at a moment when faced with their mortality.  Many people end up feeling like time has overtaken their dreams and the moment has passed them by.

…for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.    Luke 2:11

The Psalmist tells us that seeing how short life can be will enable to us value our days and live wisely. From the moment He was born, Jesus lived each day with purpose, making the most of every day. He was never anxious or rushed, but rather wise and purposeful. He lived each day doing the Father’s will.

What if you began living today with purpose? What dreams do you have? What are you waiting for? Live wisely with the time you have. The time to begin is now.

So, what will you do today?

Suggested Longer Reading: Luke 24: 13-35

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Just in case you missed something: Advent Series

The post A25: Advent Meditation – Day 16 appeared first on TRANSFORMING LIFE MINISTRIES.

“When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.”  ~ Erasmus

You can read the book’s summary or purchase it at a discount by just clicking the cover. The Kindle versions of many of these books can be found on the Amazon page once you click the cover.

Subscribe for free to Transforming Life and Get the Latest Updates, Articles and Event information sent to your inbox monthly.

Disclaimer: These books are not listed in any particular order. I don’t agree with every word of every book nor do I agree with everything the authors have ever said, done, or written elsewhere. I’m a participant in the Amazon Associate’s program, so purchasing a book from this page will benefit our ministry and will be greatly appreciated.

The post 10 Personally Influential Books appeared first on TRANSFORMING LIFE MINISTRIES.