Thursday, February 23, 2017

Weakness

“Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.””
‭‭John‬ ‭1:45‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/jhn.1.45.nlt

Sometimes I just get disappointed in myself. I don't take advantage of opportunities to share Jesus. I also think my actions don't always point people to him. Philip went right to his friend and proclaimed Jesus. I want to be like Philip.

This weekend I had the honor of praying for a young biker and his family. The biker was in a motorcycle accident and had severe brain trauma. The family chose to turn his life over to God as they disconnected life support. Such a tough decision to make about an 18 year old family member. It's in moments like these when people are vulnerable, open to the power of God, that I love to share. But, do I truly know my impact. No way! I really am honored to be there to support the family. These times could occur more. Do I have to wait for tragedy to be forced into action? Why do I not feel as comfortable witnessing outside of tragedy. Lord help me to recognize the opportunities. Help me to step forward at your will. Fill me with your strength to share you at the right moment. I love you Lord. Forgive me for my weakness in serving you.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

What a team!

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:1, 3-5, 12‬ ‭NLT‬‬.  http://bible.com/116/jhn.1.1,3-5,12.nlt

I am starting a new six week study of Jesus through John's eyes. I love this start to the book of John. It is such a wonderfully complete description of Jesus. It also reveals much about our Heavenly Father. I can't help but view God the Father and his Son, Jesus, as the perfect team. I have had the joy to coach some wonderful teams in both cross country and basketball at my high school. I've witnessed some great teams in all level of sports. I have also seen some pretty dynamic duos in business and family life. A team of people that complement each other, that push each other, and support each other is rare and special. God and Jesus are the ultimate team. They worked side by side on everything. I can visualize them as "Giddy" over their creation. It is amazing to know that the Father and Son, with their infinite power, care so deeply about me. Together they bring life to an otherwise dark world. I am blessed through that light, their love, and their joy to be a part of my life. I can't express the overwhelming excitement I feel as I grow in my faith in the Father and Son. I am humbled to be one of the children of God. They are the greatest team of all time.

Believe in them. Accept them. Ask them to guide your life and you will be transformed forever!

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

I'm draggin'

“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/php.1.21.nlt

This is the ultimate place for us to be. If we can get to the point where we love life, but are looking forward to dying even more, that is where God wants us to be.

Our greatest life is living for Christ. I need to focus on this more and more. This time of the year I suffer from the winter blahs in a big way. You would think with the wonderful weather yesterday, (it was 65 degrees and sunny), that I would be instantly cured. It's not just the weather that's got me down, it's the idea that two weeks of rest and relaxation is still over three weeks away. It's not that I hate what I'm doing, I love my life and my job. I give it all I have and when we are over half way through the year, I get tired. I know I still need to give 110%, but my energy level is down. My butt is dragging and I need a break. 

Lord help me to rest.

 Give me rest at home and joy every day. I am truly blessed and if I just look around me, I will clearly view those blessings. Help me to see the joy I have in living for you. Help me to focus more on living for you than the stresses of my daily routine. Bring me back to a daily life completely filled with your love and grace. The best is yet to come. I know that to be true and know you are here to see me through.

Praise God!

Monday, February 20, 2017

Study

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬. http://bible.com/116/heb.4.12.nlt

I really love reading the Bible. Each year I chose a method of study. I have, on many occasions, read through the entire bible. I have used different translations and enjoyed them all. Sometimes I attack, deeper, books instead of the entire Bible. sometimes I use devotionals, following the thoughts of bible scholars. It doesn't really matter! We just need to study the word of God. This is what it means to seek the Lord!

Prayer and study!

How does it change me! Why is it so valuable?

The word of a God has changed me. As I study, contemplate, and apply the principles, I have grown as a follower of Christ. I find decisions make more sense, relationships improve, and my life improves. It's not just about reading the words, it's about taking those words and meshing them within my life.

I praise God for the guidance I receive from his marvelous word!

Friday, February 17, 2017

Positive Pete or Negative Nelly!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬http://bible.com/111/jhn.14.27

I have stayed away from the political fray on social media lately. I still read my news feed and try to stay up on both sides of the issues. But, I have to say I am missing something. Most of the media, posts on social media, and attitudes of those I see, are so pessimistic. I feel the negativity rising across our country and the world. I just don't get it. Cmon people! 

I get to spend every day with the next generation. There is hope, there is passion, there is creativity. I spend time with a great group of people every day that have a wonderful passion for life and teaching kids. We laugh, we push each other, and we are a family. I also get to spend time with a great group of Christian brothers and sisters with my CMA family. My church is amazing. My family is wonderful. Life is good!

If your one of those negative people that can't get past the news of the day, if you are one of those people that have a cloud over your head every day and can't help but spread gloom and doom, you better turn to Jesus. My hope is in him. My peace is through him. There is nothing in this world to fear, NOTHING! 

Praise God!