Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2015-10-06) from his book, I f: Trading Your If Only Regrets for God's What If Possibilities (Kindle Location 3025). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I find that so true.   Like how I respond when someone at a stoplight honks at me to get going so I slow down instead of get going and then my wife calls me out for what I’m doing by saying that isn’t like me and I have to come up with a good reason for doing it.   Or other instances that come to my mind. Mark says, “Reactions are conditioned reflexes, and they must be reconditioned by the grace of God. In my experience, they are often the hardest thing and last thing to get sanctified.” Earlier he said, “…we are far more conditioned than we realize. And one dimension of spiritual growth is being reconditioned by the grace of God.   ‘You have heard that it was said . . . but I say unto you.’ Jesus uses that couplet over and o

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2015-10-06) from his book, If: Trading Your If Only Regrets for God's What If Possibilities (Kindle Location 2949). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Of course God does.   He sent his only son, Jesus to buy us back.   The Psalmist says, “In sin did my mother conceive me.”     But God still believes in us even though we had turned our back on his plan.   So if you believe that no one believes in you, God does.   That is a fact. I like what Mark says, “One of the most important and most underrated skill sets of a Christ follower is the ability to spot potential. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a GM on draft day, making a political appointment, or coaching Little League. Few things will shape your future more than the ability to see possibilities where others see impossibilities— it’s called faith.” He goes on, “I have no idea how big a mistake you’ve made or how badly you’ve

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2015-10-06) from his book, If: Trading Your If Only Regrets for God's What If Possibilities (Kindle Location 2861). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Look at this.   Mark says, “If you get into a hot tub after swimming in a cold pool, it will seem even hotter. And of course, if you get into a cold pool after chilling in a hot tub, it will seem even colder. It’s the contrast effect. If you lift a really heavy weight, then lift a lesser weight, it will seem even lighter.” He continues, “When you believe that all things work together for good,” (Romans 8:28 in the New Testament says this) “it redefines the bad things that happen in your life. The worst day of your life can turn into the best day. There is a silver lining to every storm cloud, and every downside has a potential upside. When you interpret life through the prism of 8: 28, it gives you a quiet confidence that everythin