You are a miracle!10 MESSAGES TO DISCOVER THAT YOU ARE A MIRACLE!

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YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!

Everyone faces trials, temptations and setbacks. Emotionally healthy people still have tough times. The Bible says, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45, NKJV).

Do you remember the song by Lynn Anderson, “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden, along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain some time.” Is this your personal philosophy?

Emotional health requires we believe this primary principle of life: bad things happen to good people and also to bad people. This may sound pretty basic, but I’ve met many

Christians who believe they should be impervious to hardship. Job’s counselors had this type of theology. They claimed that Job had sin in his life. They saw all his troubles and concluded God was punishing him.

That theology might help some people feel self-righteous for a while, but when trouble comes, they won’t be ready.

I prefer to prepare myself for tough times. I’ve often repeated my dad’s saying: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I’m sure he wasn’t the first to say it, but he said it a lot. Romans 8:37 reveals great faith: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, NKJV).

You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. You’re a warrior for God. You will overcome all obstacles and trials. You were designed by God to do great exploits. Hardship is not

a sign you have sin in your life; it’s a sign you are on the right track with God.

Be encouraged and believe that you’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

Message 1

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Message 2WHAT’S YOUR SUPERPOWER?

There seems to be a fascination with the supernatural in our media. Every time I search for a movie to watch with my wife, I see zombies, vampires, demons, aliens and superpowers. It’s so hard to find a good movie that’s inspirational or factual.

Could this trend be coming from a deep-seated need for the supernatural?

I believe this need comes from God. The book of Genesis tells us, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV).

We’re part of this amazing world of the supernatural, and every human being yearns for it. Unfortunately, many Christians have stopped believing in the supernatural world. They are believers in Jesus but not in His power or in His daily series of signs and wonders. It seems ironic to me the “secular” world is yearning for miracles, healings, superpowers and third dimension-type of activity, but many churches are moving away from it.

What about you? Do you need a miracle? Share it with God. The Bible says, “...with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27, NKJV)

Like many families, our family has faced many trials. But the Bible says, “‘...in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33, NIV).

We’ve had to lean heavily on God who still heals the sick, delivers drug addicts and blesses us beyond belief.

It would take me a few days to list all the miracles that God has done for us. When our daughter had cancer, God healed her. When our other daughter had seizures, God healed her. When our son had Guillain-barré, God healed him. When my wife almost died from an infection, God healed her. When I had two strokes, God saved my life and healed me.

God loves you as much as He loves me. He loves your friends who are lost. Your friends need to see a God who is alive and still performs miracles. I dare you to pray for them, love them and help them in super-practical ways.

Because you’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Message 3LET ME SHARE 4 SECRETS TO TOTAL HEALTH...

If there were four things to get you automatically on the right track for healing and wholeness, would you do them? I assume most people would be willing to try these four steps.

I wish I could say these are four easy steps, but they are actually quite difficult. Would you like to know what they are? Great! Here they are: “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ”” (Matthew 22:37, NIV).

Step one is love, a love that is unconditional and unrelenting.

Step two is loving with all your heart. Real love requires a full investment of your passions.

Step three is loving with all your soul, the core of who you are. Your personality and emotions must be fully engaged.

Step four is loving with all your mind. In other words, the object of your love is fully in your thought life.

Is this how you love God? This question cuts to my heart because sometimes I don’t love Him that much. But if I can love Him like this, I’ll be healed and made whole.

Another thought comes to mind: I should love others like this. Can you imagine what would happen to friendships, marriages and families if we loved like this? Think about the family of Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob came from a dysfunctional home where lying and

jealousy were the norm. His own children were trapped in the same unhealthy patterns, but at the end of his life, he changed. He changed the history of the Jewish people as well as the history of his own family and their traditions because he blessed everyone. He was driven by love. “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.” (Hebrews 11:21, NIV).

You can be driven by selfishness, anger or greed, or you can choose to love with everything you’ve got.

Because you’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Message 4GOD, IS THAT YOU?Have you ever struggled to find the will of God for your life, business or family? I certainly have. I truly wanted to please the Lord with my choices. I was even obsessed with finding His perfect will. Which school should I attend? What should my university major be? Whom should I date?

As I think back on my early days of Christianity, I sought guidance from friends and Christian leaders. Their advice was true and good, but it left me scratching my head:1. “Find a good church and go to Sunday school.”2. “Read the Bible and search for answers.” 3. “Ask God, and He’ll tell you.”

I thought to myself, “Wait a minute,

gang! I wasn’t raised in church. I don’t understand the Bible or your Christian jargon.” Honestly, it was like they were speaking Chinese to me. Although I wanted to understand, I needed so much help. I did follow their advice and tried to find the will of God, but it was hard, and I rarely felt successful.

Have you ever felt like a failure with God? I have...

Then one day, I read a Bible story that made me feel a lot better about my awkward attempts. “A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy.” (1 Samuel 3:8, NIV).

This young padawan, or apprentice, couldn’t discern the voice of God either. And yet he became one of the greatest prophets of all time. There’s hope for people like you and me.

Hallelujah!

God does want to speak to you. He’ll download thoughts and impressions in your mind. It will be up to you to discern the instructions of God. One writer describes God thoughts as this: “...after the fire a still small voice.” (I Kings 19:12, NKJV).

You’ll need to surround yourself with wise friends, counselors, coaches, teachers and pastors. They’ll help you find the will of God and live it out.

You can have the most exciting journey with God, but first you’ll need to learn how to discern His voice.

Because you’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Message 5DO YOU REALLY KNOW GOD?There is a great divide between knowing about God and knowing God. We can know about Albert Einstein, but did you ever spend time with him, eat dinner with him and listen to his heart? You can attend classes and claim to know your teachers, but you only know one of their dimensions. What are they like at home? Do they snore at night, or do they have a bad temper? You may think you know the bosses you work with 40 hours a week, but do you know their struggles and fears?

Do you really know God?

Jesus knows we all struggle with knowing a God we do not see, so He comforts us with these words: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...” (John 14:9, NIV).

Jesus also promises us this: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).

God wants to walk with you in the garden like He did with Adam. He wants to counsel you through difficult experiences. He wants to comfort you in times of grief and loss. God wants you to experience all of Him. He wants intimacy with you.

There’s an old song by American songwriter C. Austin Miles (1868-1946) called “In the Garden”. It never ceases to comfort me in tough seasons:

“And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.” God wants to walk with you, talk with you and help you through all

the trials you’re facing. I encourage you to seek Him with all your heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and empower you. He’s so real. You can know about God and His Spirit, or you can really know Him and experience Him.

You get to make this choice on a daily basis.

You’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Message 6YOU ARE CALLED BY GODThe gifts of the Holy Spirit are real and practical. In fact, they are gifts of God’s plan to help us be successful, happy and fulfilled. These gifts can make a difference in your life and in the world. In fact, when God thinks about this broken world, He chooses you to make a difference, and He offers you supernatural presents from Heaven. You are like a modern-day superhero equipped by God to bring Heaven to earth.

You have been called by God: “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32, NKJV) In fact, “...the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19, NIV).

The disciples experienced this when Jesus replied, “‘You give them something to eat.’ They answered, ‘We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.’” (Luke 9:13, NIV). I believe they suffered from a fatalistic syndrome that paralyzes most Christians. They want the world to change but are unable to see their roles or significance.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14, NIV). He believes in you and your ability to transform the world so much, He is willing to fill you with tools to accomplish the impossible. Prophecy is one of them. It can help you see the future and also into the hearts and minds of broken people. “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NKJV).

I know this might sound intimidating to you. Do you feel a little overwhelmed?

Prophecy is really a simple gift that can help you start companies, counsel the hurting or choose a mate. It’s the God-given ability to hear the voice of God in your brain. It comes in the form of thoughts, images, dreams or visions.

I’m praying you will start the journey of seeking the gifts of God because you’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Message 7YOU CAN BE FREE FROM THE ENEMY

There is an interesting verse in the Bible that reveals a life-changing secret: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, NKJV).

As a young convert to a real and vibrant Christianity, I searched for Christian music. My brain had been fueled and filled with Aerosmith, Jethro Tull, Michael Jackson, Elvis, David Bowie, Boz Scaggs and Jimmy Buffet. I loved music, and my taste in music was quite eclectic. However,

I often struggled with anger, depression and insecurity.

Have you ever filled your brain with bad lyrics and bad information?

I believe freedom can only become ours when we fill our minds with good thoughts, Bible verses and positive music. I’ve always heard it said, “garbage in and garbage out.”

One day, I discovered a song Bob Dylan included in his first album after his decision for Christ. These words rocked my mind: “Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord; But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”

I’ll never forget the impact it had on me. I burned my albums that contained demonic symbolism, hatred, rebellion and violence. I recognized I could serve God, the devil, myself or someone else. I chose to serve God with my life, finances and talents.

Have you made this dramatic decision to make Jesus your Savior and Lord? Many want a Savior, but most struggle with Christ as Lord, Master and King.

Ultimately, the Lordship of Christ in your life is critical. Will you make Him Lord today? Then you can say with confidence, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (I John 4:4, NKJV).

He’s either Lord of all or not Lord at all.

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,” (James 2:12, NIV).

You’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Chapter 8DO YOU NEED MORE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR LIFE

Have you ever found it so hard to speak in front of others? Would you like more confidence in your life? Most people I know would say yes, 100%.

I used to be one of those young adults who was terrified of walking into a crowded room. I even tried several things to help me overcome my fears.

Can you relate to this common phobia?

I’ll never forget the day that my pastor at the time had asked me to teach a Sunday school class. I wanted to say no, but he insisted. The first class that I was to lead started with 25 people signed up.

I was mortified. I knew I had to overcome my fear, but I just didn’t know how.

So, a good friend and I came up with a “Super Plan” to prepare: Buy donuts and eat a few before each class started. Worship God for thirty minutes in a small closet with an old piano.

Silly plan, wasn’t it?

Well, one day I noticed that several people were running down the corridor in front of “our small closet”. I stopped someone and asked why they were in such a hurry. They said, “We’ve got to hurry so that we can get a seat in the Sunday school class.”

At that moment, I felt angry that I had to teach my class instead of attending this “super class”. Before they ran off, I asked, “Who’s the teacher?” And to my surprise, they

said, “It’s Paul Goulet.” I thought to myself, “Hey wait a minute, I’m Paul Goulet!” Where does our confidence, or lack of it, come from? I had no confidence because I didn’t see myself the way others saw me; I had a distorted self-esteem. But God sees who we truly are.

Would you like to change your self-esteem to a God-esteem?

Paul the Apostle overcame his checkered past and boldly declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).

Will you ask the Holy Spirit to help you see yourself differently?

You’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Message 9WALKING THROUGH OPEN DOORS

Do you believe that someone or something can open doors of opportunity and breakthrough for you?

What would you say if I told you, “God will open doors that no man can close and close doors that no man can open”? Revelation 3:7 says just that: “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” (Revelation 3:7, NKJV). The Bible even promises that He will send an angel to open doors for you and block doors that could be harmful.

Where are your angels? Where are your special keys?

I can honestly confess I’ve had so many doors slammed in my face. I’ve missed so many opportunities. I could’ve lost my faith and vision. A good case in point was my dad. I tried to lead him to Christ. I prayed for him and loved him unconditionally. Year after year, nothing seemed to make a difference, until a mission trip to India rocked my world.

During one afternoon break, I stumbled upon an old antique shop. I bought a few old coins but couldn’t agree on an old, dirty pocket watch. That night, I had a vivid dream. I had placed the watch in a beautiful alabaster jar and had given it to my dad. His response was a complete surrender to Jesus Christ. I woke up in a panic. Could I find the shop? Would the watch be sold? I cried out,

“Oh Lord, please let this be the key to my dad’s heart.”

I eventually found the shop, and the watch was unsold. I purchased it at full price and bought an alabaster jar. Maybe this would help open my father’s heart?

When I returned to my room, I scrubbed the dirt off the front of the watch cover. It was pure silver, but then the miracle took another incredible turn. There was an engraving in the silver face: BG. My dad’s initials had been engraved a hundred years prior. I gave the watch in the case to my dad and told him the story. My dad accepted Christ later that year.

God is great, and He has the keys to your future. He loves you, and He will open doors for you.

You’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet

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Chapter 10WHAT ARE YOU FULL OF?You can only give what’s inside of you.

My grandkids know my pockets are always full of candies. So the moment they see me, they rush towards me with open arms and cry out, “Papa!” After a big hug and a few “I love yous,” then comes the question, “Papa, can I have a candy?” Last week was an exception. For once, I had no candies in my pockets. You should have seen the look on their faces. It was a total surprise; they’ve grown accustomed to pockets full of candy. This illustrates an important point: you can’t give what you don’t have.

Elisha was a lot like my grandkids because he loved what he saw in his mentor, Elijah. Elijah was about

to ascend to heaven, and he asked Elisha if he had one final request: “When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.” (2 Kings 2:9, NIV).

Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. He loved what was in Elijah so much that he asked for twice as much.

Have you ever admired someone so much you wanted to be like that person?

You also have a spirit that people see and feel. Your spirit is formed by God, plus your internal thoughts, preparation, feelings and actions.

That’s why the Bible admonishes us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31, NIV).

I’m praying you will make sure you are full of good things every morning. I pray you will pour out such an amazing spirit that others would want more of you and what’s inside of you.

You’re a miracle.

Paul Marc Goulet