As you may have noticed, a few months ago, I titled my World Race blog
Courage to See & Show
because that is my vision for this next year.
I want to have the courage to see and understand more of the spiritual realm,
and I also want to share what I learn with others through my words, actions, and attitude.
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So many of us – me included – prefer to go through life
ignoring or avoiding deeply spiritual things,
because they are complicated and intimidating.
But that is naïve and not at all what God intended.
ignoring or avoiding deeply spiritual things,
because they are complicated and intimidating.
But that is naïve and not at all what God intended.
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God wants for us to SEE him and experience him.
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“I pray … that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.”
Ephesians 1:18
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I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
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Being a “good person” and doing the right thing is not enough
if we lose sight of our relationship with God.
In fact, Jesus called the religious leaders of his time “blind” (Matthew 23:13-36)
if we lose sight of our relationship with God.
In fact, Jesus called the religious leaders of his time “blind” (Matthew 23:13-36)
because they were more focused on honoring the LAW of God than the LOVE of God.
Thankfully, Jesus also says, I have come into this world, so that the blind will see. (John 9:39)
Thankfully, Jesus also says, I have come into this world, so that the blind will see. (John 9:39)
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So what are we to see?
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Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
2 Corinthians 4:18
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We are all witnesses to the miracles of everyday life.
But there is an entire spiritual realm too,
which can be both encouraging and threatening.
which can be both encouraging and threatening.
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The angel said to the women [who had come to Jesus’s tomb],
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples:
‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.'”
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples:
‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.'”
Matthew 28:5-7
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To believe this, and to do this, takes COURAGE.
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Life becomes dangerous when we realize that we are in the midst of a spiritual battle.
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Matt Peters (World Race January 2008, Team Open Road) wrote, 
Matt Peters (World Race January 2008, Team Open Road) wrote, “As we draw closer to God, the bigger the target we have on our backs. Satan is trying everything he can to hinder our morale, our attitudes, and even our motives to strive forward on this journey. I’ve personally been hit hard at times with illness and even a negative attitude toward things. I’m not perfect. I’m learning what seeking the Kingdom first is all about daily.”
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We are under attack, and our natural reaction is to employ a defense mechanism.
I often try to protect myself by pretending. It takes courage to be real.
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It takes courage because being a Christian is not popular, but
I am not ashamed of the gospel
because it is the power of God
for the salvation for everyone who believes.
because it is the power of God
for the salvation for everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16
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It takes courage to intentionally choose to surrender my own will for HIS, but
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me.
The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.
but Christ lives in me.
The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galations 2:20
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I know and have experienced God’s love, so now I must act and serve others because
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.”
Galatians 5:6
Galatians 5:6
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I must direct others to the Truth of the grace of our Lord.
Let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
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Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.
I want to see You.
I want to show You.
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Some of these ideas were inspired by John Eldridge‘s Waking the Dead.
If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend that you do!
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