It is a story he has always been telling and longing for us to hear. So, what is the story? And who is he that has been telling it? The story is “life that is truly life.” It’s extravagance whether in plenty or pain; it’s real without agenda or arrogance. A “life that is truly life” has been scripted by our Father God since the beginning of time, and he invites us today to see, seek and savor all that he is and wants us to be. A picture of this extravagance came about when Paul Gibbs, leader of the Pais Project (www.paisproject.com), asked us to speak on this idea of a friendship with God. In his great British accent, he said, “You talk of God in ways most...
Read MoreToday I have been met by a load of opposition – client confrontation, vendor confrontation, and nagging issues at the office. And I know the enemy is using this opposition, these circumstances, to cause me to doubt, wring my hands and question my value or ability to accomplish God’s purposes. How many times have you felt like that? Are you in circumstances right now that cause you “to doubt, wring your hands and question your value or ability?” I had been in Micah 7 this morning (literally a random “open the Bible and read”) and now I see these verses were total preparation for the chaos that confronted me at work. “But as for me, I will watch expectantly...
Read MoreOur year began, not with the traditional making of resolutions, but with our family making a new habit. The idea came from some family friends of ours. Each year, they set family goals both collectively and individually. And we thought it was a cool idea! After talking with Father God and reflecting on the needs of our house, Ron and I decided that a great family goal for the Hagan’s this year would be: HARMONY. As we asked for it, Father God gave this word to us. And as we have studied the Bible and the idea of “Harmony,” we have some great words for you as well. “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one...
Read MoreIt’s almost here – that season called summer. Perhaps for you it is a time of fun and relaxation; perhaps it is a time of crazy and noise. Whatever it may be for you, I thought I would give you a few ideas for your summer. I believe that healing or progress is made in simple steps. If I focus too far ahead of me, I get discouraged and give up. Each day I just have to look for the one thing, the one step moved in the right direction instead of the wrong direction. You and I must celebrate these steps; otherwise, we live lives of constant dismay, doubt and depression. Just pick one or two of the ideas below. I promise that each step is a step in the right direction, a...
Read MoreI am feeling mirky today. I find it difficult to see the big picture, trapped in the mindless endeavors of dirty dishes and constant clutter, the objections to my great ideas by the little people in our house and the quiet of mind without full-time work responsibilities beyond this home. Why can’t I have one day without a load of laundry? How about a grateful, eager response when I ask to bring your dishes to the counter? And where is my important meeting to clinch the next deal? Sigh. And so the cloudiness ensues. But not too far behind is the lightning strikes of condemnation. “How could YOU be so ungrateful? It is probably just another day of not exercising...
Read MoreI feel so strongly about this endeavor, the God cards that is. It is just crucial that we flood our children with the person of God. If in fact we believe in him and if we feel as though we have need, then we are desperate for ways to know him and to invite our kids to his story, one that we have been reading and experiencing already. And something I have experienced as well – these truths about Father God sustain me, strengthen me and catapult me into peaceful places of rest and resilience. And I need a whole bunch of that! There has been many a day when my circumstances overwhelm me, and I will remember – Father God runs to me, answers me, knows my name...
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