Jesus

I Feel The Need. The Need for the Creed. In today’s society, we are constantly bombarded with all kinds of messages, whether they’re coming from our flat-screen TV, social media or the internet. Self-help articles and inspirational sayings are all around us. Interestingly, the constant flood of information has the opposite effect of what advertisers and gurus are trying to achieve. The intent of well-meaning individuals is lost because our minds are overloaded, so we’re actually absorbing very little.  Having said that, wouldn’t it be fantastic if there was a way you could focus on one thing a day that could change your life for the better? Well my friend, such a thing exists! It’s a short prayer that you can say every day and, in my humble opinion, will limit the need to seek and digest the multitude of messages that appear daily from every angle. You will be

Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges If your friends asked you today if you would run in a 10K race with them with only a few day’s notice, could you do it? That’s a 6.2 mile race for you non-runners, and don’t worry, I had to look it up myself! Unless you run long distances every week, most everyone would say, “Thanks, but NO thanks!” Why? Because we know that runners have to train months to prepare their bodies for such an intense race. Wouldn’t it be great if we trained our minds like runners trained their bodies, so that we could be ready to overcome any challenges that crossed our path? Most people wish they were better prepared mentally for the bigger challenges they have faced in life.  In the Bible, our spiritual journey is described as a race that has been set before us by God: “Therefore, since we

Near and Dear to Our Hearts If you’ve heard my sermons, you know that I like to shake things up from time to time. It keeps things interesting, right? I think it’s important to embrace change, otherwise, how would we grow as God intended? I met with my team at Hour of Power recently and I proposed we change one word in the Creed of the Beloved that we say in unison as a congregation. Can you guess which word? Here is the former Creed: CREED OF THE BELOVED: I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I AM THE BELOVED OF GOD. It’s who I am. No one can take it from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and  share His love with the world.  The word I changed

Food and Fellowship in Tandem I’m looking forward to a time when I don’t feel the need to mention the “P” word: “Pandemic.” But for now, I would be remiss if I didn’t continue to acknowledge that there are Godly lessons to be learned from this experience. As I reflect on the past two years, my thoughts drift to the simple pleasures in life that came to a screeching halt. One in particular was the rudimentary act of gathering with other people. The old adage, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone,” hit us square in the face, and most were not prepared to deal with this abrupt “new normal” — me included! Instead of focusing on what we lost, the Holy Spirit nudges us to think about what we gained. Most would agree that what we gained is an understanding that — in simplistic terms — we

Make a Joyful Noise I often talk about Joy. Simple and glorious, unbridled JOY! This Easter season, let’s bask in the light of the luminous joy that God intended for us to experience and was promised to us as part of the resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ! Pure joy is not just something we attain when we go to Heaven, it’s when Heaven is within us right here on earth. What I mean by this is when the Holy Spirit dwells inside our hearts and minds, we can feel Heavenly joy — right here, right now. My friend, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish in His name. When we falter and fail and are dragged down by challenging situations, please remind yourself that God will work wondrous miracles in your life. “I will do my best and forget the rest,” is a mantra I say and it’s worth repeating! If

On a Wing and a Prayer I am often amused by the fact that many common sayings people use on a daily basis have origins that we are not even aware of. Did you know that “bite the bullet” – which we say to describe the courage we muster up to get through a difficult situation – came from a time before anesthetics when soldiers would bite a bullet to cope with surgery? Another popular expression that most of us have heard of, or maybe even said is, “on a wing and a prayer.” Historians have noted that this expression originated during World War II. It was heard in a film called Flying Tigers in 1942. One of the pilots in the military lost one wing of his airplane, so he was trying with all his might to land using only one wing and a prayer. I think many of

Symbols of Strength There are many reminders in nature that show us the power and strength of our loving andall-powerful God. Two notable symbols of awe-inspiring strength we use in this ministry are soaring eagles, and sturdy, old trees. As you have often heard me share, I love taking walks in nature to connect with God. It is a great way to experience peace and open my heart to what He wants me to share with you. I always admire the majesty of God’s creations.  The eagle is an important symbol within Hour of Power, as it represents the strength and solid foundation set forth by our Eagle Partners. The Bible uses the eagle to represent God’s majesty and strength. Eagles are strong and stoic, but they fly with grace and ease. Much like our Lord and Savior, who gives us the fortitude to go on in times of despair

By Bobby Schuller I love the fall. After a few warm months, it’s exciting when the days get shorter and the air gets cooler. Despite being in the midst of Southern California’s Indian summer, I see evidence of a change in season, and my heart is happy. In fact, one of the main reasons I love this time of year is because it begins the long lead-in to Christmas. Though still a ways off, anticipating the holidays gets me excited, and while I’m tempted to rush their arrival, I’m reminded to savor each expectant moment.  Despite being difficult, waiting is a gift.  For example, if I take Haven & Cohen to Target and buy them each a toy that they begin playing with as soon as they get in the car, their experience is different than if they were to receive the same items for Christmas. When the presents have

By Bobby Schuller I love being at home with my family, and it’s an honor to be entrusted by God to provide, care for, and lead them into more of His goodness. Since I’m a Schuller, positivity is in my blood, and being intentional about the tone I set in our household is a top priority. Though the world outside can be harsh and unkind, it excites me to know that I play a part in helping my wife and children feel safe whenever they walk through our door.  World-shaking calls take root in a Christ-centered home.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that tempt me to be distracted as I try to love my family well. I’m intense, and when I’m focused on what’s in front of me, I don’t always take kindly to distractions. I have to make a consistent effort to unplug so I can bring

By Bobby Schuller KINDNESS. It’s a gift that seems to be getting rarer in the course of daily life. In fact, if we’re honest, it’s difficult to be tender in a society that’s full of division, disappointment, and strife. When people continually let us down, it’s easy to grow weary and calloused. Fragile souls become hardened without divine help. Thankfully, as Christians, we have a built-in antidote to the often cold and uncaring ways of the world. When we received Jesus as our Lord, we were given a brand new nature — one that’s grounded in unconditional love! This means we don’t have to work hard to be kind — we can yield to His power and let His care and compassion flow from us naturally.  Kindness is the fruit of love’s root, and it becomes us when we live and move in HIM.  As believers, we’re conduits of God’s