Tag: <span>mike woodard</span>

Could it be that growing up in my crazy family molded me in a way that would allow God to uniquely use my experiences to help others?


And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Having grown up in an alcoholic family, I have often looked at “normal” families and thought, “If only I could have been born into that family…,” or “Why me, why did I have to experience the madness of life with a really messed up family?” This pity party only led to sadness. I was good at keeping the doors closed about these private thoughts. Most people did not know about this lingering disappoint; it was like a shadow over my world.

This darkness lingered until it was displaced by anticipation. I finally became convinced that God had a plan and purpose for my life. A statement from the book of Romans was instrumental: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Could it be that growing up in my crazy family molded me in a way that would allow God to uniquely use my experiences to help others? I concluded that the answer was yes. It was like a switch was flipped. Instead of looking back with regret I began to look forward with anticipation. The past did not disappear or become less painful, but it was no longer my focus. I’ve realized it’s hard to walk forward when looking backwards. Each day, I trust that God has a good plan.

God thank You that You are good and wise. I trust that You can cause all things to work together for good, even the things that seem hurtful, sad and disappointing. By faith I look forward to how You will work in my life and through it according to Your good plan in the days ahead. Thank You for Your presence and power each step of the way. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

devotional on loveMy seven year old grandson asked me, “Papa, what is your most important job?” Well, I thought that’s easy, “It’s being your Papa!” His response was so simple and yet profound. He said with a bit of, you should really know this answer, in his voice… “No, Papa it’s to love everyone.” His answer has stuck with me. For some reason it has etched itself in my mind. Over and over I think… My most important job is to love everyone. Everyone includes even those people who I really do not want to love.

God agrees with my grandson! I know, maybe it’s the other way around. The Apostle John said, “For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” 1 John 3:11 (NIV) It’s clear that from the beginning, God’s most important job has not changed.

God also makes it clear that our ability to love is sourced in him. God is the source of love. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV) Experiencing his love and forgiveness on a personal level makes us able to love and forgive ourselves and  others.  Because God is perfect in his love he can give us the ability to love beyond our human limitation, to love with his kind of love, a perfect, selfless and unconditional love.

February 14th is Valentine’s Day. We often think about romantic love but how about making the effort to expand the circle, fulfill your most important job… love everyone. The beginning might be to experience God’s love and forgiveness personally. This prayer might help you express your desire…

God I want to personally experience your love and forgiveness. I know I have lived independently of you. I want to invite you to come into my life to be the one who guides me and gives me eternal life. Thank you sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you that I can trust you to direct me and to give me the strength to be the kind of person you want me to be. Amen

If you prayed this to express your desire to God, he has heard you prayer. You can be confident that he has responded to your faith and you can be confident that:

1.       God’s Spirit now lives inside you                 Revelations 3:20
2.       Your sins are forgiven                                   Colossians 1:13-14
3.       You are a child of God                                   John 1:12
4.       You received eternal life                              I John 5:11-13
5.       You will begin to experience God’s love and forgiveness in your life and relationshi

Here’s my story of how faith in God has changed my life and relationships.

By Mike Woodard


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard