Believe in a Miracle Mindset

Believe in a Miracle Mindset

by | Oct 14, 2025

 

 

We use the word “miracle” a lot. But what is a miracle, exactly? The dictionary defines it as a surprising and welcome event that can’t be explained by natural or scientific laws and, therefore, must be considered the work of divine agency.

Do you know who is pretty good at miracles? Jesus—and his apostles. That is their superpower. No, they don’t have a “Spidey” sense, superhuman strength, or the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Rather, their superpower is a miracle mindset. They know that, given their divine partnership with God and the power of their prayers, they can operate in the realm of the miraculous, opening the way for the unexpected to happen. They believe—they know—they can co-create miracles with God.

And you can tap into that superpower, also. If you rise from having faith in Jesus to having the faith of Jesus, you, too, can co-create miracles with God.

Given the distress much of the world is experiencing today, there is no better time to take this step—to believe like Jesus, to develop the kind of faith Jesus had—so you can actively participate in creating the miracles the world so desperately need right now—at the personal, communal, and societal levels. And let’s not forget about the needs of the natural world, and all that impacts it.

To do so, you need to shift the way you see the world. Instead of seeing it as a fixed reality that is simply moving inexorably toward destruction—whether environmental crisis, the breakdown of democracy, the loss of morality, the disappearance of freedoms, the expanding chaos of rapid change, or the breakdown of all that is familiar—it’s time to see the world as one string of miracles away from redemption and salvation. This will require a new set of lenses and a literal change of heart. We live in a world that prioritizes head over the heart, the left brain over the right brain, and self-will over God’s will. But I say embrace your superpower, believe like Jesus, and welcome a miracle mindset into your life. That will empower you to act with creativity and courage, to not give up in quiet resignation. It will change everything.

 

Embrace the Belief: Use the Miracle Mindset to Activate Your Superpower

Jesus and his apostles aren’t the only ones to possess this superpower. God has also given it to you, as shown for example in the New Testament passages Romans 12:2 and 2 Timothy 1:7.

These passages confirm the importance of the right mindset—a miracle mindset built on unity and communication with God—in carrying out God’s will. God gives us this mindset as a gift of grace, but at the same time, we have to accept it so that we may “be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind.” God can give us the mindset to pursue miracles, but we must first believe we can and then go out and do it.

Like Jesus, you, too, have the capacity in every moment to choose your mindset so you can pursue miracles. Don’t get me wrong. You’ll probably not walk on water the first time out—or ever. But who knows what you can accomplish? After all, in John 14:12-14 Jesus said:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Cultivating the superpower of a miracle mindset requires a great deal of practice. The scriptures remind us that even Jesus himself has to grow into wisdom before he can set out into the world. Luke tells the story of Jesus leaving his parents at twelve to learn and teach in the temple. The people are amazed. But when Mary and Joseph frantically track him down, he agrees to go home with them; he isn’t ready yet. He still has to grow into his full power. Luke goes on to record the ending of the story: “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:51-52). This maturation process took another eighteen years. According to tradition, he didn’t even begin his public ministry until the age of thirty.

Though we call it “mindset,” transforming the way you look at the world begins as much in your heart and soul as it does in your mind. To take this step, begin to notice the pattern of your thoughts. Do you tend to paint yourself and the world in a negative or positive light? Ask yourself: Do my thoughts build my faith? Do they make me feel hopeful? Or do they tear me down, turn me toward hopelessness? Only thoughts that build the faith in your heart can lead you to embrace a miracle mindset.

Beliefs shape your thoughts; thoughts fuel your actions; actions demonstrate your faith, and your faith reinforces your beliefs. So, as you begin to believe like Jesus, you will find that you are now able to think new thoughts, take new actions, and develop new faith. Mountains and mulberry trees start to move. The people around you begin to respond in new ways. And the world becomes a brighter place.

Miracles—and a miracle mindset—are as much about perceiving in a different way as they are about some sort of conversion of physical properties. It’s about recognizing what’s already there in a new way. It’s about being “the eyes with which he [Christ] looks / Compassion on this world.” You may think God doesn’t really need you. That God is all-powerful without you. Not true. God does need you—your energy, your creativity, your willingness. God is waiting to co-create miracles with you.

Even now, you may think you don’t have superpowers. Or that something or someone is missing in your life before you can activate your superpowers. Again, not true. The soul within you is all the proof you need of your inner divinity. That soul, that inner divinity, makes possible everything you are called to do and be and believe. Cultivating an awareness of your inner divinity will actually open up the space for you to see the people God has brought into your life to co-create miracles with you and help you adopt the miracle mindset.

 

Next Steps

I encourage you to visit my new Online Store and purchase your copy of Believe Like Jesus. Or take advantage of our discount on multiple copies for your next Lenten book study. Further your expansion into the miracle mindset with my one-of-a-kind Miracle cards! These high-quality inspirational visual devotionals can be purchased only through Rebekah Simon-Peter Coaching and Consulting Inc, and create a truly unique experience as you co-create miracles with God.

 

Excerpted and adapted from Rebekah Simon-Peter’s latest book, Believe Like Jesus: Rising from Faith in Jesus to the Faith of Jesus, November 2024 & October 2025.

Copyright © 2025 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

3 Tips to Becoming an Environmental Steward

3 Tips to Becoming an Environmental Steward

by | Aug 12, 2024

Is your church an Environmental Steward?  “Of course”, you say, “we recycle!” You’ve changed the paper plates, napkins, Styrofoam coffee cups, and plastic cutlery to reusable ones.  Your bulbs are LED and you have bike racks to encourage riding to church instead of driving for those able.

But it’s time to move into our communities and for churches to lead the way in change. In this week’s blog, I offer 3 tips on how to do just that with the added benefit of creating closer connections with your community.

But first, let me dispel a common myth. The myth that your community isn’t ready, or open, to environmental stewardship.

 

Myth: Your Church Isn’t Ready for Environmental Stewardship

Who doesn’t want to live in a cleaner, healthier environment? Everyone, right? From the folks worried about their kids playing in a toxic playground to the grandmas concerned about clean air, we all have a stake in this.

You might be thinking. “But what about those people who don’t care?” Here’s the thing: most people do care. They might not be shouting it from the rooftops, but deep down, they want a better world for themselves and future generations.

And guess what? Churches are in a perfect position to tap into this desire. You’re already a cornerstone of the community, a place where people come together to share values and support each other. So why not expand that to include caring for our planet?

 

Environmental Stewardship and the Christian

Is being earth-friendly just a secular movement or a political agenda, or does environmental stewardship have a place in our life with God?

As it turns out, paying attention to the health of the planet is deeply grounded in the Bible. You could say it is a core biblical value. While the Bible has some 490 references about heaven and 530 about love, it contains over 1,000 references to the earth.

When I published “Green Church” in 2010, I couldn’t have imagined the level that the effects of climate change would have fourteen years later. I recently read about how emergency personnel in Phoenix have been working to keep the death count down from the heat; all ambulances and fire trucks there now being stocked with ice-filled body bags.  Of course, everything mentioned in “Green Church” is more essential now than ever.

 

Environmental Stewardship and the Community Connection

1) Sustainable Solutions – Start with a Community Garden if you’ve got the room for it. Encourage your community to help plant the garden, then to pick the fresh produce.

Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for water and pesticides.

Install rain barrels to collect rainwater for irrigation.

And make the entire area an educational experience with signs about the garden, healthy eating, native vegetation, and the dangers of pesticides. The signs can be color-coded for multiple grade levels for children.

You can even add signs in Braille and raised the garden beds so those in wheelchairs can also plant and pick.

2) Invite the Community IN –Form a Green Team or committee of volunteers within the church to plan environmental initiatives and ensure ongoing attention to sustainability. Your Green Team can be in charge of welcoming the community to join you for workshops and events, film screenings, and guest speakers focused on environmental and sustainability practices.

As I wrote about in a recent blog, your church is the perfect place to help the community during heat waves. It can also be a welcoming place during extreme weather events like tornados, hurricanes, and wildfires. Connecting with the community on issues that affect all of us can help build strong and lasting relationships.

And don’t forget the children!  Have childcare, if possible, and environmentally focused projects for older kids.

 

3) Go OUT into the Community – To become a part of the community, don’t just invite them to come to you! Acknowledge what your community is already doing in the areas of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

As a clergy leader, encourage your congregation to join you in helping with already-established local clean-up projects. Take part in climate action events. Become visibly active in interfaith environmental coalitions.

 

When it comes to environmental stewardship, it takes each and every one of us to protect the planet with which we’ve been blessed. As Environmental Leaders who are also church leaders in our communities, we have a responsibility to lead by example.

Church leadership extends into all areas of life and living. I hope you’ll join me in my free seminar, “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success” which delves into the many aspects of clergy leadership and the renewal that leadership can generate. Register today as my August sessions are filling up fast.

 

Copyright © 2024 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Get Kids Out of Church

by | Jul 13, 2015

We spend lots of time trying to get children in to church to develop their faith.  But there’s an even better venue outdoors for that.
Spending time outside in unstructured play is critical to children’s growth and development.  Including their faith development.  Playing outdoors increases confidence, inner peace, and a sense of wonder and awe.  All the stuff we want them to get from church.  Not only that, it reduces depression, obesity, and ADHD. Despite the spiritual benefits of being outdoors, many Millennials and Digitals now experience “Nature Deficit Disorder.” (Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods describes this modern day neurosis.)  And with it, comes Spiritual Deficit Disorder.

Here are some solutions for Christian Educators that engage younger generations, inspire fun, and bring out the kid in everyone.
It’s no longer a given that young people will play outside or spend much time outdoors.  Returning children to nature, to cultivate a sense of awe and wonder, is a crucial part of Christian education.  Connecting the creation to the Creator magnifies the learning experiences of children.  Yes, there’s a time and a place for attending Sunday School, church, and other building-based activities.  But here are some nature-oriented activities you can do this summer:
The Basics

Get Creative

  • Design a Vacation Bible School that takes children outside. Give them time for play, reflection, and outdoor exploration.
  • Tell a Bible story or parable outside. Help young people make a connection between the words of scripture and the world around them.
  • Take children on nature walks. Focus on streams, birds, trees, flowers, clouds, bugs, animals, or other nearby natural features.

 Go All Out

  • Create an outdoor play environment on church grounds for use by Sunday school classes and the surrounding neighborhood.  Incorporate trees, sandboxes and birdhouses to observe wildlife, and paths and bridges to explore interesting natural features.
  • Clean up and green up an unused or abandoned area in your neighborhood as a child-to-child outreach from your church. Engage the children in your church to create a green play area for other neighborhood children.
  • Put together a church camping weekend. Design a worship service that incorporates readings from Genesis and the Psalms as well as silent meditation time. Focus on caring for the creation as a way of loving God.
  • Design a summer retreat in which adults mentor young people in the vital connection between spirituality and nature.

At Home
Take a Sabbath from the computer and the television.  Spend time outdoors. Garden, hike, fish, camp, hunt, go bird-watching, enjoy nature walks. Take children, grandchildren, and other children with you. Introduce them to the wonders of nature. Breathe deeply. Relax. Enjoy!

Step Away From the Screen
It’s not only children who develop Nature Deficit Disorder.  Adults get it too.  We have traded green time for screen time.  So here’s an idea.  Put down your phone or turn off your computer and step outside right now for a much needed breath of fresh air.  Yes, right now.  Feel your spirit begin to fill up again.  And your sense of awe and wonder begin to return. Now, isn’t that better?
Adapted from 7 Simple Steps to Green Your Church by Rebekah Simon-Peter, (C) Copyright 2010.
Photo of boys running courtesy of chrisroll at freedigitalphotos.net.
Photo of girl blowing bubbles courtesy of pat138241 at freedigitalphotos.net.

Green is the New Red

by | Feb 9, 2015

‘Tis the season of red:  red hearts, red candy, red cards, red bows, red boxes of chocolates…all for Valentine’s Day.  I love red as much as the next person, but when it comes to how followers of Jesus show love, I believe green is the new red.

In the church we know green as the color of growing in Christ, of maturing in faith.  It’s the color of Ordinary Season–the weeks between Advent and Lent, and between Easter and Advent.

Green has another meaning as well.  It’s also the color of sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and environmental awareness.  Both the ecclesiastical and the ecological meanings are deeply intertwined.

They’re so deeply intertwined that I don’t think we can grow in Christ and mature in our faith without taking an active interest in the health and vibrancy of the Creation too.  Why do I say this?  The Creation is the general revelation of God, revealing God’s own nature.  (Romans 1:20)  We have been given dominion over it and asked to be caretakers of it.  (Genesis 1-2).  So wiping it out is like erasing God’s own imprint on the planet.  Not a good idea.  Christ himself is the firstborn of all Creation, through whom all Creation has been made.  (Colossians 1:15).  We have a responsibility toward it, as much as toward one another.  That’s why I say green is the new red.

I want to share with you five things to start doing to green your love of God and one important thing to stop doing immediately.

Start Doing:  Incorporate awareness of the Creation in Worship 

When we gather to worship God we are joining our voices with the majestic choir of creation.  Just as we humans gather to praise God through song, liturgy, sermon and communion, so the creation offers its praise to God, too.  The psalmists write that the earth rejoices, the coastlands are glad, the trees clap their hands, and the heavens and earth praise God.
Sing:  So many of the traditional songs of the church lift up creation.  Sing them!
Pray: Ask for God’s wisdom in how to fulfill our role as stewards of the Creation.  Focus on different aspects of the earth weekly such as different animals, rivers, forests, oceans, beaches, soil, and sky.  Use your prayers to affirm positive advances being made.
Children’s sermon: Teach children about our interconnectedness with nature. Jesus told stories incorporating sky, sheep, goats, birds, flowers, mountains, and fields. So can we!
Sermon: Develop a yearly series on our deep relationship to the Creation. Incorporate the new four-week Season of Creation into your liturgical calendar. It highlights the work of God the Creator and the wonders of creation.
Observe Earth Sabbath or Environmental Sabbath, a worldwide ecumenical day of reverence for the earth around June 5, World Environment Day. Gather with other congregations in your area to hold an interfaith service. Consider patterning your service after the United Nation’s Environmental Sabbath Programme.
Holy Communion: Recognize Christ as the firstborn of all creation, our oneness with him, and by extension, our unity with creation.

Stop Doing:  Thinking It’s Too Hard  

All of us live on one planet.  We all share the same water, air, earth, and sky.  God would not give us something to do that we are not capable of.  Read the Green Bible (NRSV) to get grounded in the Word in a new way.  Start a Green Team.  Read Green Church with your friends.  Or simply begin with a prayer for courage.  Just don’t say it’s too hard!  Love always wins.  Especially if it’s green.

Adapted in part from 7 Simple Steps to Green Your Church, by Rebekah Simon-Peter, (c) copyright 2010.

The Earth is My Parish

by | Mar 7, 2012

John Wesley famously said, “The world is my parish.”
I believe this generation of Christians is called to claim the whole Creation as ours.
Even as people are suffering from hunger, thirst, the effects of war, unemployment, and a dizzying array of natural disasters, the Earth is suffering too. Climate change, polluted oceans, disappearing species, melting poles, and deforestation are taking their toll on the interdependent web of life God created.
Our fates are tied. We are seeing with greater clarity that what we do to the Earth, we do to each other. And what we do to each other ripples out throughout Creation.
Resurrection Sunday and Earth Day are just around the corner. Both focus on fresh, new life. This is a perfect time to start a green ministry in your church!
But don’t worry about biting off more than you can chew or gulping more than you can swallow. Instead take the “S.I.P.” approach.
1. Start! Even if it means starting small. Many churches recycle. Now take the next step and close the recycling loop. Stock the restrooms with 100% recycled paper products. I like Marcal’s Small Steps toilet paper. Or switch from regular coffee and tea to Fair Trade. Or make sure lights and equipment are turned off when not in use. Small steps build consciousness and momentum.
2. Make it Intergenerational. A recent Barna poll shows that young Christians leave the church in part because the church seems anti-science, and doesn’t deal with the problems of the real world. You can address that. Take a Mother Earth Mission trip and connect with the youth and young adults in your church and community. Clean up a local river or waterway. Pick up trash. Plant trees. Include boomers and seniors, too. This is a concrete way to reach out beyond the walls of your church while making a statement that Christians care about the environment.
3. Preach! Pastor, your impact is larger than you know. Fossil fuels create a sizable carbon footprint. But you have an even larger spiritual footprint in people’s lives. When you preach or pray something it becomes REAL. Check out Green Church: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice! for sermon ideas. Or try incorporating a simple refrain,in your weekly prayer concerns like, “For the gifts of earth and heaven we are grateful. Help us hear the cries of creation, and teach us to be wise stewards of this good gift.”
Six years ago I preached a sermon on recycling. It was summer and most folks were gone. As far as I could tell it was a big fat dud. But one person was listening and it touched something in him. He started a little recycling ministry. That grew into a small business. One that is continuing to this day. It has changed the consciousness of that town. You never know the power of your words!
Here’s to the Resurrection and Renewal of all Creation! Including your congregation. 🙂