BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Why am I like that? Why do we, as parents and grandparents, have such a deep-rooted desire to drench our children and grandchildren with goodness? Because we’re made in God’s image. We’re created in the likeness of our heavenly Papa, and that’s how He is. A Father who “daily loads us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19). He is a good God! Here’s the second thing I’ve found that believers everywhere need to know: God wants to be good to us, not just in the sweet by-and-by, but right here and now. If we put our faith in Him, good things can start happening in our lives today. Jesus left no doubt about it. He summed up His whole mission on earth—His reason for dying on the Cross and bearing mankind’s sins—by saying: ‘‘My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” A rich and satisfying life. It’s what we’ve all been hungry for; it’s what Jesus came to give; and it’s what the Bible promises us again and again in verses like these: • "My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord" (Jeremiah 31:14, New King James Version). • "He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness" (Psalm 107:9, NKJV). • "Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures" (Psalm 36:7-8, NKJV). • "With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:16, NKJV). More than Just Longevity God intends for our lives to be so satisfying in every way, so brimming with His bounty, that we become living illustrations of His favor and kindness. He plans for us, as believers, to be like billboards advertising His love and blessings. He wants a lost world to look at what He’s done for us and say, “I want it!” That’s why crumbs don’t satisfy us. God didn’t design us to live on such a low level. He didn’t create us to be mediocre or average. It’s not in our divine DNA. We’re ordained by God to be spectacular. As Christians, we’re part of His worldwide agenda to demonstrate the glory, greatness and goodness of Jesus. We’re meant to be on display as showpieces of God’s grace. We’re made for victory, to stand in the authority of Jesus and conquer everything the kingdom of darkness throws at us. Talk about a satisfying life! What could be better than a lifetime spent revealing the blessings of God given to mankind through the Lord Jesus Christ? Nothing! That’s as good as it gets. And it’s what we’re called by God to do. We all do it in different ways because God has a unique assignment for each one of us. Mine involves getting on an airplane every week and going somewhere to proclaim the gospel. Someone else’s might involve selling cars or practicing law or landscaping lawns. The details of God’s plan for us as individuals differ. But the purpose stays the same. We’re here to show off the goodness and salvation of God. That’s our divine assignment. When we do it, our dissatisfaction disappears. Our stomach stops growling because we’re not settling for bones anymore. We’ve gotten hold of the real thing. Jesus said it this way, ‘‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” Now that’s what I call a meal! V This article was adapted from the book by Dennis Burke titled "The Satisfied Life." Dennis Burke is internationally known as a Bible teacher and best-selling author. For more information or to order the book, see the ad below. *********ADVERTISEMENT******** The Satisfied Life Package Unfulfilled dreams can haunt you. Doubts and fears can hold you captive. Even when you find success, you can be living a life of quiet desperation. But you don’t have to let past events, circumstances or others’ opinions define you! In these two books, Dennis Burke shares the keys to a rich and satisfied life, while Vikki Burke shares her personal story of finding freedom, so you can do the same. Don’t let yourself merely exist. Gain insight and victory from God’s Word. Order today! The Satisfied Life Package “The Satisfied Life” paperback & “Some Days You Dance” paperback sale $25.99* reg $30.98 #B140101 Order online & save an additional 10% kcm.org/mag 1-800-600-7395 U.S. only +1-817-852-6000 *Plus shipping. Offer and price valid until Jan. 31, 2014 JAN '14 : BVOV : 27

• Cover