Finding the Lost

Last October, in my community, a young boy was lost for 5 days in an 80 acre park. It was constantly on the news, as thousands of volunteers came out to canvas the area where he was lost. With no food or water, and nightly temperatures in the 40s, the young boy, Robert, survived! Experts believe that because he was autistic, and had little self awareness, he didn't know he was lost. This may have helped him. Robert didn't have the fear or anxiety that most lost children or adults would have.

Robert was found by a man who said God told him where to look. The man refused to be identified in the media, because he wanted God to get the glory. Our local Sheriff commented at the press conference after Robert was found,"Whether it's appropriate or not for everyone, there is a God. He listens to prayers and prayers were answered." The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children gave an award to Sheriff's Office for their efforts this week. It  was one of only two agencies in the country receiving the award.

There are so many people in our world who are lost today and, like Robert, they do not even know it! They are lost from God, and do not believe Jesus is their savior. Sadly, their not knowing they are lost will not save their life, but actually cause them to lose it. It is our job to be like the man who found Robert.

We need to be listening for God's voice to tell us where to go find the lost. We need to obey Jesus command to "Go, and make disciples of all." And we need to give God the glory for everyone who comes to him through our efforts, because it is God and the Holy Spirit who draw people to him.

Thousands of people came out to find one lost boy. How many Christians will help find one lost soul?

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

But-Free Living

But-free living isn't a diet plan, though it is a before and after story. In my life, I am always waiting for the "but." You know, "Kelly, you did a great job, BUT ...." I am a master at deflecting the positive comments, and living in the critique. (I just couldn't say living in the "but, " however you get the idea.)

Saturday I had the opportunity to speak at a church with an amazing pastor. Pastor Jeff is gifted in encouragement, among other gifts. He wrote an ad in the local paper inviting people to hear me speak at his church. I felt like the write-up was so good that I would have a hard time living up to the "hype." I told him of my tendency to wait for the "but" comment. Yet, Pastor Jeff encouraged me to believe it was truth, not hype. I gave my talk, and pray that the ladies was moved and encouraged by what I shared. Then after I was done, Pastor Jeff had the ladies share some of their favorite parts about me and my talk, and he wrote them on a white board.

He then wrote BUT on the board, and I honestly thought for a moment he was going to write some ways I could have done better. I didn't know what would happen next. But he took a marker and put a big X on the but.  There was no "but." He encouraged us to live a life of "But-free living." A life where we encourage one another without the "but." 

God knows all about us, everything on both sides of the "but." However, he loves us anyway, and because of Jesus, he only sees the good side, forgiving everything else.  In him we can realize our value. In him, we have great worth.

Jesus loves you....no BUTS about it!

What differences can you make in your life, and in the lives of others, by implementing "but-free" living? 

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Special thanks to Dr. Jeff Scott for speaking wisdom and encouragement in my life. And I thought I was the one who was supposed to be doing the speaking and encouraging that day!

Platform: Book Review

Platform is the new book by Michael Hyatt. It is a smartly written, beneficial, and encouraging for every person who is trying to "Get Noticed in a Noisy World." 

Whether you have a product, a service, or even a ministry, Platform will give you the edge to stand out. Each chapter is packed with a wealth of information, usually written in list form.

I quickly realized I could put the highlighter down, because every word was valuable. There was no filler, like so many other books include. I could go right to the chapter I wanted to review, and get a list of tips, each one useful, without having to search for them.

Hyatt is Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishing, and one of the top bloggers in the world. This gives his book real credibility. He knows what he is talking about. Platform offers a step-by-step guide with proven strategies, practical tips and easy-to-replicate formulas. Whether you are an author, pastor, public speaker, entrepreneur, musician, or small business owner…developing your platform is critical for your success.

*But wait - there's more!* (I've always wanted to say that.)  To celebrate the launch of the book this week, Hyatt is giving away $375.98 worth of free bonus content for those who purchase the book between May 21 and May 25. Complete details are available at http://michaelhyatt.com/platform

Bonuses include: Platform Video Jumpstart Program (six sessions), How to Write a Winning Book Proposal (two e-books and two audio sessions), Why NOW is the Best Time Ever to Be an Author (hour-long video), Digital Versions of Platform (audio and eBook), and more!

Obviously I'm a Michael Hyatt fan, but I think you will be too. If you are trying to "get noticed in a noisy world," then get this book today, so you may take advantage of Hyatt’s bonus content and start building or expanding your platform right away!

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

I hope you enjoyed the book review, devotions return on Wednesday!