Miracle Mindset

 Written By Ken Hulsey In 2021, I experienced a harrowing incident on my drive home from work. While navigating the highway in heavy rain, I hydroplaned and lost control of my car. However, I can say without hesitation that Jesus protected me through the entire ordeal. In the days that followed, many people remarked on how 'lucky' I was to have emerged unharmed. But I am here to profess that it was not mere luck - it was divine intervention.

 Trust, desire, and rest are three powerful concepts that can significantly impact our lives when approached with the right mindset and perspective.  When it comes to trust, it's natural to want to place our faith in those around us, relying on their strength and support. However, as much as we care for others, the reality is that humans are fallible and will inevitably let us down at times, even with the best intentions. That’s why the Bible wisely advises us to place our ultimate trust in God, who is steadfast, reliable, and never disappoints us. By anchoring our trust in the Lord, we can navigate life's storms with greater resilience and peace of mind. Similarly, when it comes to our desires and aspirations, dreaming big and working diligently towards our goals is admirable and can bring immense satisfaction. However, we must be careful not to become so consumed by these pursuits that we lose sight of what truly matters—our faith and connection with God. When we become over...

 From Pastor Steve Smothermon Think about the Pledge of Allegiance, especially where it says, One nation under God. A beacon of light: Scripture teaches in Amos 3:3 How can two walk together unless they be agreed? God brought people from every nation of the world to make and create America — a place that would be a beacon of light to the world that God is real and that He sent Jesus to save us; a light that other nations would envy; a light that when a nation honors God, He will cause it, them to prosper; a nation like no other nation; one nation under God; “one nation.”

JUST A THOUGHT FROM PASTOR STEVE Contending for the Faith We must all contend for the faith, defend the faith (Jude 3-4). If we don’t, we will lose the freedom to worship our God the way He desires to be worshipped.

Written by Tina Martin I once read that the only person you should compete with is yourself—striving to be better and do better every day. This idea took some reflection because "competition" is a strong word and can stir up negative emotions. Instead, I believe that aiming to improve and make the most of our blessings should simply be our goal. If you don’t feel blessed, you might need help changing your perspective!

  True Freedom  Jesus said in John 8:32 NLT — And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. This is an incredible promise, especially if you need healing —whether the difficulty is an injury, illness, a financial hardship, a troubled relationship, or anything else.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Since Monday was Memorial Day and I had some free time, I decided to head to the Fort Buhlow Recreation Area for a morning hike. I have been working on taking better care of myself and getting more exercise lately, so the cool morning air—without the usual humidity—provided a great opportunity to enjoy some of Louisiana's beautiful scenery.

Imagine you’ve just discovered the best sandwich shop in town. You can’t help but tell your friends about it! Sharing your excitement about a yummy sandwich is a lot like sharing the Good News of the Gospel: it’s all about spreading joy and great news to others. Everyone has something to say, and in this case, what we have to share is truly life-altering.

Photo & Story by Ken Hulsey As human beings, we weren't designed to keep all of our love, talents, and blessings to ourselves. There is a real sense of purpose in spreading all of those things around. As a Christian, are you required to be perfect? No, of course not. It also doesn't give you an excuse to indulge in unhealthy behavior either. How do you get the balance right? Life will throw you curve balls, place hurdles and pitfalls in your path. There is a way to navigate around and over these issues that can strengthen you and ultimately lead you to a purpose for your life that will be better than you could ever imagine!  

Not My Will, But Thine When someone surrenders to someone or something, it means they have ceased resisting an enemy or opponent and have submitted to their authority. That is what God requires of us.

Understanding Anger Uncontrolled, persistent anger will ultimately damage your precious relationships. To truly change the negative outcomes (the fruit), we must address the underlying causes (the root). The journey to managing anger begins with humility—simply asking for help when we need it. As James 4:10 reminds us, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up," and James 5:16 encourages us to "confess your trespasses to one another... that you may be healed" (NKJV).

Photo and Story by Ken Hulsey My spiritual journey took me from the lush and beautiful California coast to the desert region of the state. Initially, I struggled to adjust to life there. The landscape was stark, filled with brush, rocks, and miles of sand—an entirely different scene from the scenic vistas along the Pacific Ocean. A friend on Facebook once commented on how lucky I was to be in such a beautiful place, and I responded rather negatively. I found it hard to see any beauty in the vast expanse of the California desert.

Written by Ken Hulsey  A relationship with God can be an amazing journey filled with incredible experiences. However, it can also involve hardships and trials meant to foster spiritual growth. I took the image above back in 2011, and it’s hard to believe that it's been 15 years since then. I snapped it with my phone while crossing over the 405 Freeway in Irvine on my journey home from work. At that time, I was working the late shift at a nearby environmental laboratory and didn’t have a car, so I walked everywhere I needed to go.

  Finding Your Spiritual Path: Embracing Purpose and Faith In today's fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to feel lost or disconnected, wondering which path to take or if our lives hold any true purpose . Many of us might grapple with questions like, "Which way is the right way?" or "How can I align with my divine purpose?" When feeling overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties, it’s essential to remember that immersing ourselves in God’s word can illuminate our paths.  

Is Your Dream Aligned with God’s Purpose? In the journey of life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, grappling with the dreams we harbor within our hearts. Have you ever paused to question if your dreams are truly in alignment with God’s purpose for you? It’s a profound inquiry that can define the trajectory of your life. Are you chasing your own aspirations, or are you pursuing the divine plan that God has uniquely crafted for you? This contemplation can evoke both excitement and fear. The idea that God has a specific design for each of us can be both invigorating and daunting.  

Fear can cause us to do and think the craziest stuff. It can cause us to doubt God and ourselves, to think the worst instead of the best, to see only the negative instead of what is going on in our lives that is positive, and to be overly hard on ourselves.

 You Have a Calling: Embracing Your Purpose Every individual on this planet possesses a unique purpose, a calling from God that is significant and worthy. It’s a reminder that we are all important in the tapestry of life, woven together by divine design. Whether you find yourself in the spotlight or quietly working behind the scenes, you hold a vital role, and God acknowledges everyone equally, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:15-22. It’s through recognizing this truth that we can begin to comprehend our individual potential to make a difference.

Life can sometimes feel overwhelmingly challenging, as if every obstacle is stacked high against you. In moments like these, it’s essential to remember that no challenge is too great for God to overcome. He knows you intimately, even better than you know yourself . Have you tapped into the immense power of God in your life? Do you even realize that you hold this divine power within you?

  Facing Impossible Odds: Trusting in God's Strength Have you ever found yourself in a situation that felt overwhelming, where the challenges seemed insurmountable? It's one of those moments when you're backed against the wall, wondering if there's a way out at all. Yet, for those who believe, even the most daunting circumstances are not too big for God to handle. In fact, it's often in these moments of difficulty that we learn to rely not on our own strength but on His divine power.

Designed by God Psalm 139 is a profound reminder of God's intimate knowledge and omnipresence in our lives. The psalm opens with a declaration of God's deep knowledge of the individual: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me." This knowledge is not just superficial awareness, but a profound, penetrating understanding of all our ways. The psalmist acknowledges that before a word is on our tongues, God knows it completely. This reveals a God who is not distant or disinterested but is deeply engaged with the intricacies of our lives, understanding our thoughts and actions better than we understand them ourselves.