January 13, 2016

Don’t Give Up

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, -- Hebrews 12:1

I love college football. Specifically, I love Alabama football. So I was delighted in the outcome of Monday night’s college playoff game. It was a hard fought battle with an Alabama win. Roll Tide!

That’s the end of the story. The beginning of the season wasn’t so wonderful. The team struggled for an identity and there was no consensus on the quarterback. Then came the loss. It’s not even as though the team got beat by a better opponent. This team, this now national championship team, defeated itself with turnovers and mistakes.

They could have given up after that loss. They could have said the season is over and we’ll just get through it. They could have pointed fingers and blamed others. They could have done a lot of things. Instead, they learned from their mistakes and came out fighting for a chance. When that chance came, they were ready.

We could learn a few lessons from that team. How often do we get so bogged down in mistakes we can’t change that we can’t learn and grow and improve? How often do we refuse to take responsibility, which is often the first step in changing our path for the better? How often do we give up when that first setback comes our way?

Keep going. Keep praying. Keep focused on the end prize: Eternal life with Jesus. Don’t get sidetracked on what was. Focus instead on what will be. And stay with it, no matter what. God is your strength. He is your guide. Hold tight to Him and believe. Anything is possible if you just keep going.

Friday, May 10, 2013

This devotional is from David Jeremiah. I read it yesterday and thought it was just so powerful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

 

The Eternal Kingdom Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Hebrews 12:28

Recommended Reading Psalm 46

The world and the people around us change every day. Just as Christ foretold, we are hearing about wars and rumors of wars; but we do not need to be afraid.
God has promised that His kingdom will never be shaken. His words are true. It's hard to imagine a world without conflict and change. Only God can promise us an unshakeable kingdom because He is unshakeable. No one can stand in the way of God. His divine kingdom is unique because it will never be conquered or divided.

Embrace this promise and trust in the One making the promise. He is our refuge and strength. We are secure in Him and will not be moved.

God doesn't make suggestions. He speaks with the full determination to see that what He has said will come to fruition.
Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

Friday, May 18, 2012

Live Today Like It Was Tomorrow

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2

What captured your attention today? Was it some gossip at work? How about the latest sports scores? Did your child have a recital? Or maybe you splurged and went shopping?

What part did Jesus play in your day? Was He an active participant in your day? Or did you even consider Him as you focused on more immediate things?

Because we tend to think that we’ve got time to spend with Jesus. We can read that extra Bible passage tomorrow. We can go visit that elderly relative over the weekend. We can donate to the food pantry next month. We can show kindness to a stranger when we have a little more time.

What happens when all those tomorrows are suddenly gone? You have today. This moment. That’s it. Maybe you’ll have the next moment. Maybe not. Because life doesn’t come with guarantees.

You know that of course. We all do. But knowing it in our heads and understanding it with our hearts is two very different things. We are fortunate if we never learn that firsthand. For most of us, that lesson came way too early.

I am forever amazed at the reckless way we sometimes treat our lives. The other day a young man sped by me on a two-lane road. And I do mean sped, as in a high rate of speed. I said a silent prayer that I wouldn’t come upon his car wrapped around a tree. I did pass him 20 or so miles down the road. A state trooper had stopped him. I wonder if he learned anything about showing more care for his life. Somehow I doubt it.

I think death really is the only thing that awakens our minds, our understanding, that today matters. A co-worker hurrying home to have lunch with his wife slams into a truck pulling out from a side road. The end. No second chances. No goodbyes. Just a life cut short by a tragic mistake.

Or a blood clot weeks after successful heart surgery. No warning. Just simple conversation followed by … nothing. Death can be as quiet as it is sudden.

So our challenge is to do today what we mean to do “someday.” Our goal is to live our lives focused on Jesus, doing what is important and taking time to live intentionally. Easy? Not at all. But necessary once we come to understand our purpose and our reality.

So pass on the gossip and spread a little kindness. Cheer on your kids and visit your relatives while you still can. Toss a football around with a friend. Collect food for the local food pantry. And give a stranger a kind word just because you can. Live today as you always intended to live tomorrow.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Follow God's Lead

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." -- Hebrews 12:2

It's so easy to get caught up in what other people think. We want to be accepted. We want to get along and go along. We want to part of the group and not an outcase because we're different.

Well, as someone who hears a different drum most of the time, that's sometimes difficult. I've been criticized numerous times by people who really don't have a clue about my life. I've been "fixed" by people who tried to change me to make me more like the person they thought I should be. And I've been rejected for just saying no. I guess that's why my current favorite song is "What It Feels Like" by FFH.

See, the only voice I care about in this journey is God's voice. I want to do His will. Period. I certainly don't always understand why I'm where I am right now. I can't even say I always agree with it. But I do believe I'm where He wants me, doing what He's called me to do. And here I'll stay until He leads me somewhere else.

It's not always an easy journey. Sometimes I question myself. I question my motives. I question the motives of those around me. And I question God. I get frustrated. I don't understand. And I am so not patient. But I've learned that in those times of doubt, when the critics chime is loudest, I turn to Him and He hears me. He reassures me. He reminds me that His opinion is all that matters.

There's a line in that song that says, "This is what it feels like to be led, to give up everything I thought kept me safe and depend on God for every meal." I know He is leading me on this journey. I have no idea where it will take me and how long it will last. But I do know that when the day is done, I'll be home. And the journey that got me there will have been just a short stroll along the way.