Forgiveness is such a sweet blessing. But God does more than forgive! He cleanses and forgets. His love is not metered out or carefully rationed. He pours love upon us if we genuinely seek him as our God and Father. So let's cry out and ask for God's forgiveness and praise the mighty and holy name of The Almighty, confidently knowing that our Father longs to bless us with goodness, mercy, and love.
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on you.
— Psalm 86:5
"You mean I have to put up with that!?" There are those people in our life that seem to live by that saying. They are that piece of sand from which the pearl is formed. Our great example in this challenge is Jesus. Think of what he had to put up with in his 12 disciples. Remember how patience and gentle Jesus was with them. Let’s use Him as our example.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
— Ephesians 4:2
Dear Lord give me strength and patience, O God that we may be as loving, gentle and patient with others as Jesus was with people during His earthly ministry and you have been with us. In Jesus name, Amen.
Last? Nobody likes to be last. We have a hard enough time settling for second place, much less last place. Jesus reverses the rank. The person who is most important to him is not the person seeking the status and notoriety. The most important person is like Jesus himself: willing to give up rank and status and importance to serve. For Jesus, last means first in service and first in the eyes of God.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
— Mark 9:35
Dear Lord, you have made the world wonderful for us and have given your Son to redeem us. How can we ever thank you or repay you for your grace and kindness? Help us serve others with grace and kindness. Give us eyes to see people as you do; not judging by mere appearances, but valuing, serving, and treating people as Jesus does. I Jesus name, Amen
A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard.
Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right
thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light
by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in
frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her
cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up
into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to
exit her car with her hands up.
He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted,
photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a
policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the
booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal
effects.
He said, ''I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind
your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of
you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do'
bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life'license plate holder, the'Follow Me to
Sunday-School'bumper sticker, and thechrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the
trunk; naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car .''
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
-Matthew 5:16
Dear Lord we pray that our life would show your love in all we say and do. We pray that we won’t say or act in a manor that would make those around us question whether or not we are a Christian. In Jesus Name, Amen
Think of something that is very important to you.
On Decemeber 26 around 8:00 I was to the point of panicking. I couldn’t get a breath and found myself panting trying to get enough little breaths. Nothing seemed to work so I deceided as much as I didn’t want to I needed to go to the ER. So I sent a text to my wife letting her know when she got home from work I needed her to tak e me to the ER. She decided it would be better if Ron took me there and she would meet me there.
One of the first things they did as they took me right in was give me oxygen. Although it wasn’t the answer it sure made things better. I still couldn’t get a full breath but the little breaths I could get help settle the anxiousness of not being able to breath,
After hours of laying there and more test then I can remember the doctor said that my Kidneys had failed and my liver was failing and that I had congestive heart failure. WOW that makes you really think. After another couple of hours they put me in an ambulance and transproted me to Florida Hospital Altimonte where my cardioligist is. The first night after my wife left and I lay there I had a long talk with God. I didn’t bring my Bible with me but the Gideons had been there so I used the Bible that was in my room. It is so neat to see how God works there was a book mark in the Bible it was at
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
- Phil 4:4-8
I would love to say that I wasn’t anxious at all, I was! But in all God really gave me a peace as I lay there knowing that He was in control. I didn’t understand why this was happening but I knew He was there holding my hand along the way. One of the hardest things about being in the hospital was I had to miss Ron and Lauren’s wedding. God was gracious there also. Through friends I was able to hear the wedding in my room. I would have much rather been there but that was the next best thing. After the Wedding and reception I got a huge surprise , My wife in her pretty dress, Charlie in his suit, Ron in his tux and Lauren in her wedding gown came to the hospital to see me complete with the bird seed. What a thrill to see them.
I aske at the beginning to think of something that is important to you right now. After my adventure this past Christmas / New Years I know what is really important and that is my family and friends. I challenge each of you to NEVER take your family or friends for granted. Take time to spend with them and to let them know they are special to you.
Dear Lord we pray that we will all ways be thankful for our friends and family. Help us to never take them for granted. We pray that you will show us ways to let them know we are thankful for them and that we appreciate them. In Jesus name, Amen.
Humble yourselves. Humility is a forgotten virtue. Often confused with weakness or timidity, humility is about knowing our proper place in the world without flaunting it. Only God can exalt in a permanent way, so the key is to know our place before him and let him put us in the place he chooses.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
— James 4:10
Dear Lord when we think of all that you have done, the incredible universe you have made by your word, we are amazed you invite use into your presence. We are amazed that you even care about our choice of words. Thank you for knowing us and having a plan for our life. Help us to live each day with humility and grace before others as we seek to glorify you in all things. In Jesus name, Amen.
Our actions follow our thoughts like a heat seeking missile follows the exhaust of a jet fighter's engine. So in a day when so much around us trains us to find the negative in life, we must work hard to think and pursue the character, the qualities, and the things of God's goodness.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.
— Philippians 4:8
Dear Lord, thank you for being better than anything our world can offer us. Thank you for calling us to a higher standard than the world accepts. Thank you for giving us the promise of a better future than any human can imagine. Thank you for giving us a high calling to live up to you. In Jesus name, Amen.
As I sat in my recliner watching some football this afternoon it reminded me of an article I had read. I thought it was good day to use it in my blog. I trust you are blessed and challenged by the article and that you will take the opportunity to put your faith to work on the field of play where God has put you.
The Gospel on Offense - The Faith of Tim Tebow by Mark Earley
America 's largest church has a capacity to hold 16,000. But while Tim Tebow
may not be a preacher, when he runs into the University of Florida 's
football Stadium-affectionately known as "The Swamp" -his congregation
numbers just over 90,000. And you can bet they're hearing Tim's
message.
It's not just that this University of Florida quarterback wears Bible verses
etched into his "eye-black" on game days. Tim Tebow has been making
headlines for more than simply his Heisman Trophy win as a sophomore and his
two national championships. This summer the New York Times, GQ, and Sports
Illustrated, all covered the quarterback's strong Christian faith.
Last year, when the Florida Gators won the national championship, the
pre-game show followed Tim into a local Florida prison where he can
regularly be found sharing his testimony and preaching the Gospel.
And this top-notch athlete, who spends his spring breaks and summers
ministering to orphans in the Philippines has actually helped change the
culture of the University of Florida . According to Sports Illustrated ,
"Since Tebow's arrival on campus, and in large part because of him, the
University has launched a series of community-service initiatives." Even
coach Urban Meyer has taken his family on a "Tebow-inspired mission trip to
the Dominican Republic ."
The press seems to be fascinated with outspoken Christian quarterbacks like
Tim Tebow; Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman winner; and now USC's Matt
Barkley. Only a few decades ago, it would have been taken for granted that
these would be the kinds of fellows any father would want his daughter to
marry. Now they are put under the microscope as some kind of curious
anomaly-well-known athletes who actually exhibit character.
In our doped-up, mug-shot celebrity culture, sadly these young men do look a
little out of step. And that's to our culture's shame. Perhaps that is why
last year when the press asked Tim Tebow a rather impertinent question-they
were more embarrassed by the response than he was. It was at a Southeastern
Conference news media event where one reporter asked in front of the crowded
room, "Are you a virgin?" Tim answered with an unequivocal yes and had yet
another platform to explain how his faith impacts every area of his life.
That platform for sharing the Gospel is exactly what Tim's parents prayed
for before he was born. Tim's father, Bob, a missionary in the Philippines,
had been weeping over the millions of babies aborted in America . It
was then that he prayed, "God, if you give me a son, if you give me Timmy,
I'll raise him to be a preacher."
Soon after, when Pam Tebow learned she was expecting, the parents' faith was
put to the test. After a series of grave complications, doctors encouraged
them to abort the child. They refused. Born small and weak, Timmy struggled
from the beginning. But his dad continued to tell him, "God's got a purpose
for you, and at some point, He's going to call you to preach."
Dad was right. God's message would come through the roar of the crowd,
beamed to millions via satellite. But little did they know, Tim would don a
jersey, not robes, and use a stadium for his pulpit.
Tim's a great example of an opportunity every believer has-to put our faith
to work on the field of play where God has gifted us and called us.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
-Matthew 5:16
Dear Lord, We pray that we will take the opportunity to serve you right where you have put us. We pray that the talents we have we will use and that they will bring honor to your name. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wisdom is that quality we respect in others and find so difficult to develop in ourselves. Yet God promises it to those who really ask. But remember the secret of ASKing -- asking, seeking, and knocking. Or better yet, check out Proverbs 2. Wisdom is ours if we seek it. As I lay in the hospital earlier this month I had many long conversations with God asking Him for that very thing, WISDOM. God longs to give it to us. Let’s make our hearts ready for the Wisdom God has ready for each of us.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
— James 1:5
Dear Lord, please bless us with wisdom throughout our day. Let us reflect your will and live for your glory in all our decisions. Let your Kingdom guide our heart as we make our choices and seek to have your Spirit lead us in your ways. We confess, Father, that we cannot guide our own steps without your help, so please grant us wisdom for each day. In Jesus name. Amen
Ask! So often we're afraid to ask for help because we have to admit we don't have the answers.
Seek! Effort and interest and perseverance are necessary and that's sometimes hard.
Knock! In an era of doorbells, this is a forgotten action.
But God wants us to use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him. So let's don't just whine, complain, desire, and want. Let's A.S.K. our Father and seek his glory.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
— Matthew 7:7-8
Dear Lord, We am sorry that so often you only hear our whines and complaints and concerns. You have been so generous with your love. Help us to keep our heart set on you and your will today as we ask you to minister to the things on our heart. In Jesus name. Amen.
"Hang in there” There are few traits more important than perseverance. Most important accomplishments in life happen because of perseverance. Most "luck" occurs when we've persevered long enough for the "magical moment" to come along -- in other words, I don't believe in luck. Edison said it best: life's greatest feats, the world's greatest discoveries, his own most fantastic inventions are "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." "Hang in there!" and see the glory of God come through in you, not because of luck, but because of God's grace, love, and Providence! Once we see God’s grace lets take the time to share it with others so they can be blessed also.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
— James 1:2-3
Dear Lord, through the friends you have sent into our life and by the power of your gift, the Holy Spirit, help us to stand up under trial and prove our character true with perseverance when under fire. Give us the faith, courage and endurance so that our life shows forth your enduring strength. In Jesus name, Amen
The Golden Rule -- golden because it's genuine, lasting, and valuable. Imagine how different our world would be if we practiced this principle -- not just in our "church life," but in our daily life ... with our family, ... with our coworkers and employer, ... with the people we manage, ... with the folks on the freeway and in the neighborhoods where we drive, ... toward the waiters and waitresses who serve us. What a wonderfully different world it would be if the Golden Rule were to be practiced. I think I'll start changing my world with it today! How about you?
In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the prophets.
— Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
Dear Lord, you have blessed us with so many rich and wonderful gifts. We can never ever adequately express to you the thanks you deserve. One thing we want you to know, Lord, is that we especially appreciate the way you have treated us with grace and not with justice or judgment. Give us the power to do the same with the people our life touches this week. In Jesus' name, Amen.
TEMPTATION ... We've all been there. Satan's silver bullet designed just for us personally. "No one will ever know; besides it won't hurt anybody!" some mysterious voice sounding like our own whispers. Even if those two statements were true, and they never really are, it would matter because something inside of us caved in to what we knew was wrong. One line of defense is to simply remind ourselves we are not alone in this temptation -- others have faced it and conquered it, so we can too, by God's help and the power of his Holy Spirit.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
— 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Dear Lord, guard our heart from temptation and our life from sin. We want to serve you with wholehearted devotion. Forgive us for our past sin, and by your grace and through your word, strengthen us with your Holy Spirit so that we may overcome the temptations that Satan uses to separate us from you. In Jesus name, Amen.
