BE A POSSIBILITY THINKER
Although it wasn’t always natural for me, I’ve become a possibility thinker; the kind I heard about when I was growing up. Thanks to my grandpa, Dr. Robert H. Schuller, I have grown into a person who believes that seeing a world where anything is possible makes me smarter, more successful, and believe it or not, more moral. This is because happy, grateful, and joyful people love others well and endure suffering better than everybody else. Anything is possible in your life if you’re doing it with God.
As I was doing some research for this month’s Powerlines, I stumbled across an article my grandpa wrote in 2004, titled: “Hummingbirds are Possibility Thinkers.” I would like to share it with you today:
“Possibility thinkers — like you, who are inspired by the faith-based message of the Hour of Power — are like hummingbirds that look for and find honey, often in the most unlikely and unexpected places. Possibility thinkers perceptively probe every problem, proposal, and opportunity to discover the positive aspects present in almost every human situation.
Hummingbirds fly long distances and manage to find the sweet nectar of the flower even if the flower is hidden under a rock in a barren desert. What is the “nectar” that you are hunting for? A happy family life? A better job? A better education for your children? Possibility thinking is the equivalent of the “radar” that lets tiny hummingbirds find the hidden nectar in the middle of a desolate desert.
Christ gave us imagination to think of ways in which we can harness a handicap, profit from a problem, capitalize on a crisis, and perhaps even make sorrows serve us. God’s infinite mind visualized a universe so grandiose in scale, so immense in distance, so far-reaching in miles that no human being will ever be able to see it all in a single lifetime. That is the basic principle of possibility thinking.
What would you try to do if you knew you wouldn’t fail? Whatever it is, you will never succeed at anything until you turn your sanctified imagination loose and imagine success. There are opportunities all around you — use your God-given imagination to make the best of them!” — Dr. Robert H. Schuller
If you do life with Jesus, He can do anything with you.
My grandpa helped shape me into who I am today, and I will be forever grateful for it. When people are asked what they love most about this ministry, nine times out of ten, they say they love our positive messages. I treasure this legacy of positivity, because above all, I want you to believe one simple thing: that if you do life with Jesus, He can do anything with you. I believe that with all my heart. God loves to do impossible things with improbable people and to take imperfect individuals and accomplish amazing feats for His Kingdom. In fact, I am fully convinced that if you live by faith, He is going to do tremendous things in your life.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” — Hebrews 11:1-3
I realize that at times it may be difficult to keep pressing into faith, especially if you’ve been fighting an uphill battle for a while. Although it’s easy to get to a dark place and think God’s done with me, my life is over, or my future is bleak, I want to affirm in your heart a belief that with the Lord, something better is always ahead! His word for you right now is that new things are coming, and I believe those things are going to be good.
Friend, today I want you to harness the power of possibility thinking and faith. Whatever it is that you are searching for, you can find it with Jesus by your side. Think like the hummingbird who flies long distances and manages to find the sweet nectar of a flower, even if it’s hidden under a rock in a barren desert. I pray that Jesus will tear down your walls of fear and teach you to expect great things. May you never forget that nothing is impossible with Him!
God loves you and so do I!
Bobby Schuller
LOVE LETTERS AND PRAYERS
Have you ever been so overcome with inspiration that you feel like your motivation isn’t really within you, but the work of the Holy Spirit? You can’t explain how it got there, but you have no choice but to act on it. Such is the case with Susan Dawson, a long-time Hour of Power and SHEPHERD’SGROVE congregant,
supporter, and friend. During the crisis in Ukraine, Susan was overcome with emotion while watching the war unfold on TV in her living room. Her heart went out to the families and innocent children who perished. “I sat down and wrote a prayer. Then I wrote another prayer, and another. I honestly don’t know where they came from, so they had to come from God. I believe God dictated all these prayers.”
What resulted from her divine intervention was her ebook, Love Letters and Prayers, a compilation of 365 prayers. “I just kept writing and writing all day, every day, for two weeks. I called Pastor Chad Blake and told him I wrote 300 prayers, and he said, ‘No Susan, you have to write 365.’ I didn’t think I could write the next 65, but I did. As unworthy as I am, I feel so very thrilled and honored that God would use me to write these prayers.”
Love Letters and Prayers offers 365 prayers of hope, protection, determination, and thanksgiving. With beautiful floral illustrations and comforting words, Susan guides us through a year of loving petitions for our brothers and sisters in harm’s way.
We’re offering a digital copy of this exclusive e-book for a donation of any amount. Visit
hourofpower.org/lovelettersebook or call us today at (866) GET-HOPE (438-4673).
CREATING THANKFULNESS ACROSS THE GLOBE…
“My retired husband Rick and I enjoy Hour of Power very much and are glad to help with our Sparrow Partner contribution. May God continue to bless you and your family and Hour of Power. I have been with you, your Dad, and Grandfather for many years. I am 90 years young and am so blessed. God loves you and so do I.”
—Pauline, Email
“Your ministry has been inspiring and a ray of sunshine to our family throughout the years. From the days of your grandfather’s ministry in the impressive Crystal Cathedral through today. You are greatly appreciated by my family. Keep up the good work, keep busy.”
—Jeff, Email
“Thank you Bobby for these wonderful words from God. They uplifted me this morning. Love to you and your family for all the work you do to spread the Word of God to all of us.”
—Marjorie, California
“We enjoy (on-line) your messages and enthusiasm; and the beautiful music!”
—Grace and Rob, California
“Thank you for your teachings in the newsletter.”
—Mark, Email
BLOSSOM BEAUTIFULLY IN GOD’S LOVE
God loves to do impossible things with imperfect people. With Him, we can do the impossible. Like the hummingbird who often finds sweet nectar in the most unexpected places, possibility thinkers perceptively probe every problem, proposal, and opportunity to discover the silver linings in every cloud.
Hummingbirds fly long distances for a sugary treat and will find it even if the flower is hidden under a rock in a barren desert. This teaches us a valuable lesson about God’s Kingdom, in which we can harness the power of possibility thinking with one important ingredient: Faith. With faith, we can let go of worry and fear because we know that the Lord is fighting for us. Faith is the thing that fosters joy, possibility, and hope. It cultivates God’s calling on our lives. Faith is the thing that allows us to become who we are called to be. “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’ “ — Luke 18:27.
As we think about the special meaning of this verse, we’re so thankful that YOU have helped make it possible to share this message with millions. To show our appreciation, our team has created two very special offers for you this month.
As a reminder to think positively because Jesus is by your side, we’re offering you our:
- Hummingbird Suncatcher — For your gift of just $25 or more, this beautiful glass Hummingbird Suncatcher captures the light with its hand-painted look and stained-glass effect. The metal features are painted with a rich antique copper finish. Faceted colored beads on the chain add a glistening sparkle, and its high quality materials promote longevity amongst the elements so you can enjoy it for years to come.
- Art Glass Hummingbird Feeder and Suncatcher — For your gift of only $65 or more, you can enjoy both the Hummingbird Suncatcher and Art Glass Feeder. This beautifully styled hand-blown glass feeder will attract hummingbirds to your backyard with its vibrant colors and sparkle. Adorn your outdoor living space while giving back to nature with this captivatingly clear hummingbird feeder.
Please respond TODAY so we can continue sharing the GOOD NEWS that nurtures our souls, tears down walls, and helps people become possibility thinkers!
Request your gift by using the reply slip included in this mailing, call us today at (866) GET-HOPE (438-4673), or go online to hourofpower.org/hummingbird.
WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
I just love the goodness and faithfulness of our God. Because, while we will all have difficult moments in our lives, the truth we can always come back to is that God is faithful to His promise and we can trust Him!
In my family, we have a tradition that stirs up our faith before we go to God in prayer: We all share miracles of what He has done in our lives. Then, when we begin to pray, we remember what He’s already done and approach Him in faith, knowing that we can trust Him in all things!
We remember miracles, like when Bobby began losing his hearing and my mom went before God in prayer. The next day, he was healed!
Now, I realize not all prayers are seemingly answered that fast, but it’s so important to keep praying. God is faithful. He still does miracles. Matthew 19:26 says that “with God all things are possible.” So as you go to Him in prayer, don’t hesitate to pray big prayers, prayers that seem impossible. He wants to bring Heaven down to earth in and through you!
I hope this encourages you today. Bobby and I would love it if you’d send us a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life; just write it on the enclosed Praise & Prayer Form and send it back to us. If you have a prayer need, be sure to include that as well. We want to stand in faith with you.
God loves you and so do we!
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Many people delay making a Last Will and Testament because they think it’s going to be an arduous process that requires a lot of time and effort. In last month’s issue of Powerlines, we shared that Hour of Power offers a free service to assist you in creating your Will. Through our partnership with GiftWise, you can easily create an online Will in about 20 minutes — for free. Go to www.giftwise.com/ hourofpower for more information.
Another great tool that’s available is Christian Will, which you can access at christianwill.org/hour. This FREE service offers many inspirational resources about how to provide for your family and favorite charities when you are called home to Jesus. Here you can find:
- Christian-based attorneys in your area that work with faith-based Wills,
- Questions and answers regarding online Wills,
- The meaning behind including a ministry in your Will,
- Sample language for creating your Will,
- Other ways to give: IRAs, Stocks, or Donor Advised Funds,
- Instructions on how to create an ethical Will: Communicate your life lessons, stories, and feelings with your loved ones.
For more complex Wills due to
1) blended families;
2) children with special needs;
3) remarriage;
4) businesses;
5) real estate in different states; or 6) estate value over estate tax limits, we advise you to contact a reputable local attorney, which you can find on this helpful website. If a Living Trust suits your family best, Christian Will can also be of service to you in this manner.
Don’t put off what you can easily do today! GiftWise and Christian Will will take the guesswork and fear out of planning for your future.
4 Responses
prayer need: to be more patient with my husband and ask that he finds what he needs to enjoy his life and blessings;
to help heal my broken heart from grief; and
to be more patient and understanding of my neighbors and strangers that i meet…
thank you.
Dear 1st family,
Thank you for allowing God to use you to bless me and my family every week. Thank you for your wonderful work and always encouraging us to do better with our lives in christ Jesus who strengthened us. We love you.
Tim,Linda Colby and kadie.
My daughter has been suffering from concussion for more than a year and it has changed her life…not for the better. I want my daughter back. She is going to a neurologist, a psychologist, a physiotherapist, a optometrist and GP. All of these are trying to help in there field, but God is the creator so He does a complete job of healing the whole body, mind and spirit. I ask for healing.
Please pray for my son, he has been battling alcoholism. It breaks my heart , and at times I feel so helpless. He’s a wonderful young man who has been carrying too much hurt for too long. I believe in the power of prayer. I know first hand that the Lord still works healing miracles. He is a God of restoration. Praise God. No weapon formed against him will prosper. My son will overcome.