Miracles, Miraculous To You?

During the month of January our Sunday night lesson series in our student ministry was on 4 miracles of Jesus life. There are a lot of miracles, some eye popping miracles that we could have studied. This lesson series was focused on four of the most instructive miracles in Jesus ministry. This series titled "He Did What" was created by Doug Fields (a youth ministry guru), so I need to give credit where credit is due. These miracles had an impact at the time they happened, plus a lasting impact for us today.
The 4 lessons consisted of The Man Born Blind in John 9. Jesus Heals a Paralytic in Mark 2. Get Up and Walk in John 5. The Bleeding Woman in Mark 5. Like I mentioned earlier these are not the eye popping miracles from Jesus ministry like; turning the water into wine, walking on water, feeding the 5,000, raising Lazarus from the dead just to name some of them. Throughout the series and with each lesson we looked at what Jesus did with these individuals. Plus it was evident He wants to do the same with us. We may not have the needs each individual had, but we have needs that Jesus can meet.
Another thing that was continually brought up was the fact how do we view these miracles. Do we get excited when we read them, hear them or taught about them or are these stories mundane. Do the miracles just become another story or event in Jesus life. Aside from Jesus healing these individuals, these miracles took place so the power of Jesus can be seen, so God's glory could be revealed.
However you answer gives you an indication of where your relationship with Jesus is. If these miracles still speak to you, get you excited then I would venture to guess you are walking step in step with Jesus. If these stories are just that, stories and nothing more. I would guess Jesus is wanting you to draw yourself closer to Him. He is right there, waiting and wanting to use you. When you fully allow Him to lead your life you will see what type of miraculous things He will do. Don't take my word for it, take His, trust Him!


His Love,
patrick

2012 - A Brand New...

The new year is more than a few weeks in, like many people I have committed to resolutions. I have decided to continue to loose weight which I started last year at the end of January. I have reached my first goal since then. There is still more work to do, I have come up with some goals. I am taking that challenge month by month. There have been goals I have set up, a friend I am keeping accountable with too.
Another thing I would like to be more efficient with my time. Making the most of opportunities in every aspect of my life. Whether it is in ministry, with family and my time with God, exercise time. I don't want to look at a day and think, "man seriously, look at what I wasted!!".
I also want to do things to make life more simple. I have aways been a pack rat which I think drives Abby nuts. Recently I have found it refreshing to be able to simplify what is going on. Whether that means saying no to doing things, getting rid of things I don't use anymore. Anything to make the most of what is going on around life a little easier.
Another thing I would like to do is be more consistent on my blog. To say I haven't been consistent is a major understatement, in 2012 I want to blog more on what is going on here at church, student ministry, children's ministry, ministry in general and even what is going on in my life! Maybe you can help out, send a message, an email or text if I go months without blogging. My goal is to do at least one a week, so I can use your help.
Hopefully 2012 has been a good start for you and maybe you found yourself becoming a brand new person or working on new things, if so great! Continue the work on that, if not there is always right now, what are you waiting for? The time is now for a chance to have a brand new....


His Love,
patrick