I’ll never forget my first tandem jump from a plane at eighteen thousand feet. My initial thought: “What if the parachute doesn’t open”. But that didn’t last long as I began to realize that there was only one thing to do – trust. It doesn’t feel right when we’re not in control but sometimes we’re just not. During those times we just have to trust in a power greater than ours. Cease striving. God has you.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

At 15,000 feet my backpack was unmanageable and Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak was still another 1,200 meters straight up. Though exhausted, I refused numerous offers from my porter to carry something. Finally, his request became an instruction. “I’m here for you, Chad. Please, give me your pack”. Living a life of worship sometimes means surrendering pride and handing  God the stuff that makes our journey onerous, even impossible. Today, in faith, let God carry something.

Isaiah 55:12
For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace.

It’s rare that we understand what God’s tomorrow for us looks like. Even when we catch only the fringes of His ways, hear only His small whispers and can’t understand Him, He is the best! And when He seems to have withdrawn from us, He still promises that “we will go out with joy and be led forth with peace.” Be encouraged. God is for you and all of creation is shouting, “He is faithful!”

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

When athletes quit an exercise test in exhaustion, their muscles usually remain physically capable of continuing. It’s the mind overwhelmed with suffering that often precipitates a decision to stop. When trying to achieve our life’s goals, our own thoughts can stop us quick. Too many “what-ifs” alone can keep us from moving forward. Try not to get overwhelmed. Stay in the moment. Take one step at a time and before you know it – FINISH LINE!

1 Samuel 14:6

Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over.”

In this Bible story, (read all of chapter fourteen if you like), Saul remains frozen in fear of the Philistine army before him, while Jonathan moves forward with confidence. Jonathan knew two things: God’s blessing wouldn’t come from him doing nothing at all and nothing could hinder God, no matter what the odds. Is fear holding you back from moving forward on that which you know to be right? Be bold. With God, you’re unstoppable.

Psalm 139: 14

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

Worship begins with being grateful for what God has already given. Do you know that you are a result of His divine creation? Do you know how special you really are; how uniquely made; how gifted? Are you aware of how much potential you have; how much you can love; what you can do; who you can touch; what a difference you can make? It’s far beyond what you can imagine … but try.  Then – worship

John 4:23

But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.

The kind of worship our heavenly Father seeks isn’t subject to a location, tradition or time of day. It comes from a heart that’s genuine, desperately driven to reach for the Savior and proclaiming truth over what He’s doing in our lives; what He’s done for us at Calvary’s cross. Even at this very moment, in the deepest part of our souls, He whispers an invitation for us to visit with Him. “Anywhere, anytime … now”.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The song “I’VE BEEN MADE ALIVE” was written in Nashville in the Spring of 2017. This demo was recorded at Watershed Studio just a few hours later. You’ll find the EP version on iTunes, end of May, 2018.

And now I truly live

In the power of the cross

In the power of the grave

Chains are broken gone

I lift my hands to Heaven

Ransom fully paid

Freedom truly mine

I’ve been made alive

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

In the desert mountains dying of thirst, you come across a well with a note that says, “Pump works – needs priming. Under rock, there’s a jar of water – just enough to prime the pump, but not if you drink any first. When finished, please fill jar and leave it for the next person.”  Each day we’re faced with the question of how much of ourselves we should give away. A tenth? Half? Do we dare to give everything? Whatever amount you’re called to give, get ready to be blessed by God’s provision.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get (thanks, Forrest Gump). As we make life choices we often end up with something different than expected. But don’t let the fear of not getting exactly what you want keep you from setting goals, dreaming dreams and making a difference. Trust in the work God does that you can’t see. He is working for your good and He is for you!