Life Signs: Contemporary without Compromise “Somebody told me of the joy they had.  Somebody told me that in sorrow, they could be glad. Then they told me once they were bound but now set free. But I didn’t think it could be ’til it happened to me.” Selah lyrics from I Didn’t Think it Could Be Enough is enough “He took him outside and said, ‘"Look up at the Heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them."’   Genesis 15:5a “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3 “...perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.  You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”  Romans 5:4-6 If you were here during Hurricane Ivan, you are no stranger to power outages!  Do you remember how dark the nights were when there were no street lights or front porch lights.  It was then that you could look up into the sky and see that God has provided enough stars in the sky to make you sit in amazement!  God has supplied more than enough for each and every one of us.  Sometimes we may take for granted all that has been provided to us.  That is normal, but when you really think of it, we are blessed because He has given enough.  Below is a song called Healer and there is another called Enough.  All of us go through trials and we are supposed to “count it as pure joy?”  It may sound unusual for anyone to be joyful about things that give you hardships, but look at the outcome!  God gives us perseverance, and after that is fully grown, the situation changes our character which then, in turn, gives us hope.  Healer: You hold my every moment/You calm my raging seas/You walk with me through fire/ And heal all my disease//I trust in You/I trust in You//I believe You're my Healer/I believe You are all I need/I believe You're my Portion/I believe You're more than enough for me/Jesus You're all I need//Nothing is impossible for You/Nothing is impossible for You/Nothing is impossible for You/You hold my world in Your hands. Enough: And all of You/Is more than enough for/All of me/For every thirst and every need/You satisfy me with Your love/And all I have in you is more than enough/You are more than enough. Forty Signs of Life My words and actions evidence Christ’s indwelling. My faith is expressed through works. I am a source of light in a dark world. Every moment of my life is a living moment with God. I am conscious of influencing those around me. Those who witness my life see Jesus. The imprint of my Christian life will remain for eternity. I am willing to get my feet dusty in the streets of my community. My walk supports my Christian walk. Opportunities to share Christ are divine appointments. The most important thing I can say is “Jesus loves you.” The needs of others are as important as my own. I am a walking, living advertisement for the Lord. Every day I create incriminating evidence to prove that I am a follower of Christ. Hearing the Lord’s direction begins with prayer. I am open to listening for God’s direction. Unconditional surrender to God brings me spiritual victory. My love for God is greater than my affection for anything in this desirable but deadly world. My life is not plagued by worry because I am held tightly in God’s hands. I am willing to be pliable in the hands of God. I participate in personal ministry that impacts my community. The world sees the heart of God through the work of my hands. The major theme of my life is love. My behavior reflects the teachings of Jesus. Those who come in contact with me leave encouraged. I courageously walk through the open doors God puts before me. My life makes waves in the hearts of those around me. Nothing stands in my way of following Jesus. Humility is the hallmark of my service. I look for ways to generously give to others. I give to others because God has given richly to me. God is free to use any area of my life to do His will. I am a faithful steward of all God has given me. I take time each day to mine God’s Word. There is always more I can do for God’s kingdom. Compassion is my passion. I care…regardless. Others will know I am a Christian by my love. My love for others is not conditional on their meeting my standards. I am a channel of God’s grace to others. ~Dr. David Jeremiah, Signs of Life: Back to the Basics of Authentic Christianity.