Devotional Thought: Are you wearing Integrity! Week 3 July
Ask young people today to define “integrity” and you may get a blank look. The word integrity can be defined as the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standard. You can further define “integrity” as being complete or whole, not divided. A person with integrity is honest, reliable, and able to be trusted. They are not wishy-washy, saying one thing and doing another – they are firm and undivided. As an athlete are you full of integrity? As a parent, teacher, employee, or friend are you honest and trustworthy?
I recently read that a Texas couple was convicted of stealing from their local district attorney’s office and was sentenced to 10 years of probation with a list of conditions, including wearing signs that read "I am a thief. I stole $255,000 from a crime victim's fund." The State District Judge Kevin Fine also sentenced this couple to at least one month behind bars every year for the next six years, and gave them ten years to pay back the $255,000, the Houston Chronicle reported. Here’s the kicker! In addition to wearing the signs for five hours every weekend at a designated street corner, the couple also has to display a sign in front of their home reading, "The occupants of this residence are convicted thieves. They stole $250,000 from the Harris County Crime Victim's Fund. Signed, Judge Kevin Fine."
Can you imagine wearing a sign on a busy street corner for five hours every weekend stating you are a thief? And then you come home where your front yard displays another sign of embarrassment. Maybe we haven’t been convicted of being dishonest or stealing, but many of us have had those moments when we did lie or take something that didn’t belong to us. Something so small as a “white lie” or cutting corners, spreading false stories, or not counting a stroke on a miniature golf course – it’s dishonesty, it’s lack of integrity. I’ve seen it in little league baseball, in marriages, with media…and the list goes on.
What if we had to wear a sign every time we told a lie, were dishonest, unfaithful, or took something that didn’t belong to us, how many signs would we be wearing? I bet our behavior and our choices would drastically get better. I imagine none of us would want to wear a sign saying, “I’m a liar – I lied about the number of laps I was supposed to run.” I’m sure I would be humiliated to wear a sign that says, “I’m a thief – I kept the extra change the cashier accidently gave me.”
As a competitor for Christ, as one who believes in Jesus Christ, I don’t want to wear those kinds of signs. I want to wear integrity! I want to be honest and trustworthy because I know my God is honest and trustworthy. My actions not only reflect my faith, but also honor my God. I want to wear integrity.
Paul encourages us to wear integrity – a shining armor of right living! Paul says in Romans 13:12-13, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.”
Galatians 3:26-27 says, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” Because we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ and are united with Him, we must put on new clothes. The new clothes are new life in Him – honesty, reliable, and trustworthy.
We may not wear actual signs that identify our character – but in reality our actions reveal our spiritual clothing and our identity in Jesus Christ! Proudly wear the integrity of Jesus Christ this week. If you struggle with this, ask a friend to help you. I should know, as I typically need my wife’s help in picking out my clothes.
For a deeper thought dig into God’s Word and read Colossians 3:9-11 and Ephesians 4:23-25.
Devotional Thought: Our God is Great! Week 2 July
I’m just a little tired of our athletes being raised up and honored like kings. I enjoy watching LeBron James play basketball, but I’ve never been a fan of LeBron James being nick-named King James. Matter of fact, when LeBron James teamed up with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade they were named the “Three Kings.” Unfortunately, just like the kings in recorded history, many are bowing down to them. Millions will buy their jerseys, pay hundreds of dollars to get a ticket, and will do anything to get their autograph. We have no doubt treated superstar athletes with way too much honor. Don’t get me wrong, they are gifted and talented in the arena of basketball. BUT, they are not “Kings.”
My devotional thought today is simple and focused – we need to be devoted to only One King. He is the King of Kings – He is Jesus Christ!
Jeremiah 10:5-7 says, “Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.” 6 Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power. 7 Who would not fear you, O King of nations? That title belongs to you alone! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like you.
Did you read verse 7? “O King of Nations…that title belongs to you ALONE!”
I love seeing people succeed in life, but let’s remember that there is only ONE God, and He alone deserves the title “King.” When I keep this in mind, it helps me keep going. You see, I need to know there is a God in charge who is mighty enough to help me, strong enough to handle my daily problems, and big enough to pick me up. I need to know there is a God who in spite of His great titles is close enough to love me beyond my faults. I need a mighty God and King like this! He isn’t interested in getting a ring or signing autographs, He is interested in me.
Meditate on God’s Word…
2 Chronicles 2:5, “The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.
Job 33:12 - “But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than man.”
Psalm 77:14 - “You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.”
Habakkuk 3:4 - “His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from his hands, where his awesome power is hidden.”
Romans 8:31 - “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Silent thought…If you I was a boxer, I’d be Rocky, and God would be alongside the ring cheering me on. “Get Back Up!” Get Up!)
Please feel free to be in awe of what athletes and coaches can accomplish, but remember their gifts were given to them by God. The same goes with pastors, musicians, artists, farmers, teachers, doctors, or any talented person – their gifts come from God, our Almighty King. Too often we praise the gifted and not the “gift-giver.”
So, keeping simple and direct today – we have a Mighty King and the title belongs to God alone. For a deeper thought this week, read all the verses above! Better yet, listen to Chris Tomlin’s song, “Our God” and you will hear all the above scriptures in song! Devotional Thought: Get Back Up?! July Week 1
It’s been a long baseball season with few wins and not so many glamorous moments. The boys have learned the word “mercy” more than “victory.” Yet, their team has not given up. With a handful of wins and dozens of losses, the team made its way to a tournament many hours away. Was this trip really going to be worth it? Would we see the boys take the field with smiles, only to walk off dejected and heads down? On the first night, the boys found themselves in extra innings trying to break a tie. The other team had bases loaded with two outs. Our pitcher struck out the batter! Now we move to the bottom of the inning, same scenario of bases loaded and two outs, only this time our team was up to bat. In dramatic form, our player on third scored on a wild pitch. Victory!
Although our team lost their second game, the following night included more drama. In their third game, they were losing by two runs in the final inning. I wondered if we would lose hope and give up. We were the home team with a final chance to bat. Two outs…no one on base…it didn’t look good. Three batters later we had the bases loaded. Now with two outs and a full count, our batter (who earlier in the game hit a home run) hit the ball over the opposite field fence! A walk off grand slam!!! WOW! One of the most exciting games I’ve ever been part of!
Even today when I look at the pictures of the boys celebrating at home plate, I get a little teary eyed. Why? Because I witnessed our team defining the word “resolve.” I watched them labor through a tough season, losing hope and becoming frustrated. Near the end of the season, they could have given up and lay down. Instead they chose to “rise up” and keep playing. That is determination; that is “resolve.”
“When people fall down, don’t they get up again? When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back?” Good questions and they come right from God’s Word!
In Jeremiah 8:4, God asks those two questions. The wise person, a person with determination and resolve would reply “of course!” If you fall down, get up! If you take the wrong road, turn around and get back on track. That is pretty simple! But yet spiritually every day we choose to stay down or continue on the wrong road. Why? If we tripped outside Wal-Mart we won’t just lay there, we would get up. If we missed our exit of the highway, we won’t continue for another day or two on that same highway. So why would we do that with our relationship with God?
God continues in verse 5 to say, “Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back?” God points out that instead of being determined to get up and make the right choice, we are content with giving up and staying down. Instead of having “resolve” and choosing not to give up, people would rather self-destruct and not care.
The scripture is clear, if you fall down – get up. If you take the wrong path – turn around. Even animals have enough instinct to migrate in the right direction. They know if they are traveling the wrong direction and they will make the change to arrive at the right destination. We are created in God’s image, above any animal with instinct! Amen?! So, let’s start acting like God’s precious creation.
Just as I want to see our team, move in the right direction and never give up – God wants to see you and I move in the right direction and never give up!
We can do this! Let’s do it together as teammates for Jesus Christ! Choose today to get up, to take the right road for God! If one of your teammates is laying there or moving in the wrong direction, reach out and help them out!
For a deeper thought this week, read Jeremiah 8:4-7; Nehemiah 6:9; and Proverbs 24:16.
Devotional Thought: You Had a Bad Day?! June Week 4
Ever have one of those days? You know…nothing goes right for you. You’re excited to go to a ball game, but you drop your hot dog. Maybe you get to go shopping and you finally find what you want, but they don’t have your size? You get a day off….and you end up in bed, sick. You know what I mean? Someone calls and says “How are you?” and inside you just melt…
Today I read in Daniel chapter two an interesting story about King Nebuchadnezzar and his dream. The King had a dream and was deeply disturbed by its images, so he requested his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to tell him his dream and explain it. They couldn’t tell him his dream or explain it. The king said, “If you can’t tell me my dream and its meaning, you and all the wise men in this kingdom will die.” The threat didn’t change their knowledge, they still couldn’t explain either. It was an impossible request.
So when the soldiers arrived at Daniel’s house to execute the king’s order to kill all the wise men in the kingdom, guess what Daniel did? He gave the soldiers a ninja kick, grabbed his utility belt, jumped out the window, and escaped to a secret cave to cry. No, not really. The Bible says in verse 14 that “Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.” No fighting back. No protesting and yelling. No running or crying. He simply stood tall and with wisdom and discretion asked the soldiers to give him a little time and an opportunity to speak to the king. Daniel then told his friends to pray with him. “He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret.”
Isn’t that story an awesome picture of how to handle a bad day? In the midst of a day gone bad – he didn’t fight, yell, run or cry. I’m sure he felt all those emotions. Instead he handled the situation with wisdom and approached God for help. I’m sure we could all use that advice the next time we have a rough day – I know I did.
After reading Daniel 2, I came across a very helpful quote.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson
You see, I’m not having a bad day because of what happened or didn’t happen to me. I’m having a bad day because I didn’t plant any good seeds. I like that quote.
I’m reminded today that in the midst of a “bad” day, stand tall, gather my friends and family and pray. And before I proclaim it a “bad” day I need to ask what have I planted today in the lives of others. All good stuff….I pray it encourages you today.
For a deeper thought this week, read Psalm 13:4-6, Psalm 68:3-5, and Psalm 96:10-12
Devotional Thought: You Are The Trash Authority! - June Week 3
I recently read a story from Max Lucado, about a ship called the Pelicano. In 1986 in the city of Philadelphia, the municipal workers went on strike. Trash began to accumulate around the city; newspapers, beer bottles, fruit peelings, half eaten burgers, and trash of all sorts piled up. What do you do with all this trash? Someone made an executive decision to load the trash onto a ship called the Pelicano. The Pelicano then moved from harbor to harbor, Sri Lanka, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, and Honduras. Port after port turned this ship of trash back to the open seas. No one wanted this ship of trash. Port authorities refused it.
I want you to look over your life and investigate what is piling up in your life. You see, trash comes to our doors everyday – through media, music, magazines. You don’t have to wait long for a song to dump bad words or thoughts, or for TV to dump violence and sexual misbehavior into our lives. As I watch umpires make calls and watch the parents in the stands yell, coaches scream, and kids toss their bats on the ground – I’m tempted to complain too. Like trash - bad attitudes, crazy work hours, griping and complaining, and high expectations come our way and piles up! As these things accumulate in our life, we then experience anger, bitterness, guilt, depression, and anxiety. All this trash begins to stink and soon it affects our relationships.
After a recent birthday party, we had a lot of trash in our garage pile up. Through the hot weekend, the trash began to spoil. As soon as we stepped into the garage our noses were bombarded with a nasty scent – the spoiled garbage. The kids refused to walk through the garage! What am I saying? The negative and ungodly things of this life are being dumped into our lives and it affects not only us, but those around us.
But, we have the choice to allow or not allow negative things to be dumped on our ship. Remember, just because there is trash on the incoming ship, that doesn’t mean there must be trash on your dock. You do not have to be a victim of your thoughts, other people’s actions, or the world’s agenda. You have a voice.
Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Understand that in the above TRUE story, each port authority refused to accept the ship to dock at their port. In the same manner, we can refuse the trash of this world (media, attitude, anger, etc.) to be dumped into our lives. Through the power of the risen Lord, our Savior, we can say “no” to the things we allow into our lives. I encourage and challenge you to be the spiritual port authority today. Learn to guard and say “no” to the trash arriving at your doorstep!
By the way, ever wonder what happened to the Pelicano and its trash? According to a news press release in 2002, “The globe-trotting trash has been turned away at port after port from the Caribbean to Asia, dumped and left on a Haitian beach for 12 years, then abandoned on a rusty barge in Florida for two. With much fanfare, the ash is being trucked to Miami, loaded onto trains, hauled by rail to Hagerstown - then trucked to Franklin County, Pa., where it is expected to start arriving tomorrow.”
In the end, the trash returned home! When we say “no” to the trash that can cause us to spiritually deteriorate, it will eventually go back where it came from!
For a deeper thought this week, read Philippians 4:8 and Malachi 2:15-17. Devotional Thought: Graduation Speech From God! - June Week 2
Many of us have witnessed the graduation ceremony as we sit through the typically long speeches and the procession of graduates. Regardless of who and where, the speeches often encourage the graduate to move forward in life seeking their destiny in this world.
Destiny – what is destiny? An epic story of finding greatness from a life that seemed trivial? Is it moving beyond just being good in life, to something greater? If life was like “Hollywood” than the answer to those questions would most likely be “yes.” In sports, we often link the word destiny with winning and setting athletic records. But what if destiny has more to do with becoming great instead of achieving something great? No matter how we define “destiny” it’s a term we use to encourage those who are standing in the “crossroads” of life. I believe Jeremiah received a graduation speech from God concerning his destiny, as he was beginning a new stage in his life. Listen to God’s words of encouragement.
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
What an awesome graduation speech! I mean, short and sweet – to the point! Lot of parents and graduates wishing their commencement speech would have been that short. But notice the power of the words and what is being communicated.
First, God reminds Jeremiah that He is an eternal God who has always been around and will always be here! He knew Jeremiah, before Jeremiah’s parents knew him. To top it off, God made some incredible plans for him. God says, “I set you apart and appointed you.” God has a plan for us, before we are even thought of by any human being.
Of course that is too much to comprehend so Jeremiah makes excuses and claims that God must be talking about someone else. NO – God is talking about you Jeremiah! God basically says to Jeremiah, “Drop your excuses.” What graduate doesn’t need to hear those words? I need to hear those words. God tells us He has big plans for us and we begin to make excuses for why we can’t do it.
God says, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.” In other words, God says “I don’t want to hear your excuses; I want to hear your feet moving in obedience.” No, “buts” about it, just do it!
Is living for God easy? Is being obedient to His “do the right things” easy? No. That is why God then says, “And don’t be afraid of the people.” People have a way of intimidating us, don’t they? We know we need to do the right things, but for fear or embarrassment, we choose to go another way in life. My friends, when we die we will bow before God at judgment, not other people. We are held accountable to God, not the crowds. So God says, don’t worry about what the people say - instead listen to me.
Sound scary? Yes, and that’s why God then says, “For I will be with you and will protect you.” God reminds us that when our knees start shaking, His Spirit holds us up. God is with us and will protect us.
I’m trying to keep this short…obviously God did a much better job in just four verses. Destiny…going from good to great is all about being obedient to the God of this universe. He has a plan for you, a great plan - to be great, to walk tall, and to walk in His direction. Remember, God will be walking with you!
Great speech for all of us, as we move into new stages of life! For a deeper thought this week, read Jeremiah 29:11; Jeremiah 1:5-8; and Psalm 73:24. Devotional Thought: Championship Ring or Chumpionship Ring? - June Week 1
The spring sport season is wrapping up and we have been blessed to see area teams and individuals advance to state competition! Many great athletes have aspired all season to win and in the end the opportunity to stand on a podium and to receive some type of recognition. To all who worked hard, whether you advanced or not – thanks for all your efforts in giving your best. You were given a gift from God and hopefully you had used your gift for God’s glory.
There was one king who was given the gift of leadership and failed to recognize that his gift came from God. His name was Manasseh and you can read about his history in 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings in the Bible. From 2 Chronicles 33:10-16 we can discover a quick lesson on how to be a champion in God’s eyes. Let’s break it down in a few quick points.
It says, “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings.” First, identify that when the head coach gives you instructions. LISTEN! How many times has a coach given instruction and for some odd reason the athlete refused, ignored, or conveniently didn’t hear the coach. It’s not just the athletes, as sometimes the coaches refuse to listen to wise advice from helpful friends and colleagues. When we refuse to listen to those in authority (especially God) we are bound to fail.
In verse 11 we read, “So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.” A ring in the nose! OUCH! Talk about pain and embarrassment! When Manasseh refused to listen to God the consequence quickly followed. We have most likely witnessed this in baseball when the third base coach signals for the runner to stop at third and the runner continues to run home, eventually being tagged out. Unfortunately for Manasseh it wasn’t just an out, it was a ring through the nose and chains! Way to go Manasseh your lack of listening led to a chumpionship ring! King of the chumps! How embarrassing. Once a king, now a slave.
This is what separates the chumps from the champs, read on. In verse 12 we read, “But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.” The King realized he blew it. He humbly sought out God. He realized his head coach was right and he was wrong. As I said, not many times in leadership will people own up to their mistakes. Let’s learn from this.
Read on. “And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!” Way to go Manasseh! He humbly admitted his need for God to be his head coach. He prayed and God listened. God removed the chumpionship ring and gave him back a Championship ring, his kingdom.
Wait, it gets better! Realizing that all he had was a gift from God, he began to reign as a king who lives for God. He rebuilt the city, removed all the foreign gods and idols from the Lord’s temple. He tore down all the altars he had built on the hill where the Temple stood and all the altars that were in Jerusalem, and he dumped them outside the city. Verse 16 says, “Then he restored the altar of the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings and thanksgiving offerings on it. He also encouraged the people of Judah to worship the Lord, the God of Israel.”
He ignored God, but then He realized he was wrong, he got right with God, and THEN made things right in his life. He not only got things right between God and himself, he also let his kingdom know who was in charge – God! He took the podium, accepted the championship ring and then shared with His kingdom who should receive the glory and worship – God!
Thanks for the leadership lesson Manasseh! You were a champion in the end. For a deeper thought this week, read 2 Chronicles 33:10-16, I Samuel 15:22, and Deuteronomy 30:9-11
Devotional Thought:Taser or Not To Taser, That is The Question?! May-Week One
By now, most everyone has heard about the taser incident that took place at a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game on Monday, May 3rd. If you missed the news, let me recap this incident. During the 8th inning of the baseball game, a 17 year old fan ran onto the field and did his best to escape the security forces chasing him. This fan’s fun all ended when an officer used a taser gun to bring him to the ground. Debates have now risen concerning how much force is too much to maintain order at a sporting event.
Think this through for a moment. This teenager and every other fan that enters a stadium will get multiple warnings about what is acceptable behavior and what is not acceptable behavior. Signs are posted to stay off the field. In small print on your ticket stub there is a warning, as well as public announcements are made before and during the game. This teenager even called his dad prior to running on the field. His father told him that it wouldn’t be a good idea. Despite the warnings, the rules, and his father’s advice – he still disobeyed the law.
We may be quick to judge and say “too much” force was used or we may agree that “he got what he deserved.” Regardless of your stance – we witnessed a big spiritual principal.
Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” This teen had no excuse – the laws were posted, the rules were clear – he had no excuse.
Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Although the rules are clear and the boundaries are set, we (just like this teen) sometimes choose to break the rules.
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There is a penalty for our disobedience. This teenager broke the law and because he refused to surrender to the security officers, they had to apply force. There is a penalty for our disobedience and unless we surrender to Jesus Christ our Lord, there will be awful force applied to our life.
Boundaries and rules may seem ridiculous to some people, but could you imagine a ball game without umpires or rules? Utter chaos! Imagine driving to work with no speed limits, stop signs, or rules for the road. No doubt, someone will get hurt! The next time you visit the zoo – praise God for the boundaries (fences) otherwise you may be someone’s lunch.
God is real; He has given us boundaries because He loves us! When we choose to step outside of these boundaries, don’t be surprised if someone gets hurt. Too many people today are getting hurt because they refuse to see God’s Word as direction for staying in bounds. They refer to God’s Word as “old fashion” or “not popular.”
I encourage you today to realize how much God loves you and that He has placed boundaries in your life for a reason. The next time you feel like stepping over the line, ask God what He thinks. Do me a favor and don’t follow the example of the teenager who shrugged off his father’s advice. Listen to God, realize He knows best and enjoy the view from where you are standing.
For a deeper thought this week, read Deuteronomy 28:1-13, Deuteronomy 10:12-13, and Deuteronomy 5:31-33.
Devotional Thought: Why Me?! April 2010 - Week 5
This past fall I sat down with a friend of mine who was upset and frustrated. He had just found out the day before that his son, who plays in the National Football League, was released from his team. His son had done nothing wrong; he just wasn’t producing good enough statistics for the head coach. I could see the pain in this man’s eyes as he was frustrated with what seemed to be so unfair.
Have you ever wondered why you were cut from a team, released from your job, or told you weren’t wanted anymore? Maybe you lost a starting position. Do you ever ponder why unfortunate things happen to you or your loved ones? Did you ever wish for a moment that you could just figure out what God’s plans are for you in disappointing situations?
As I have been reading the book of Esther, I have stumbled across many eye opening truths that have given me new insight for disheartening and disappointing moments in life.
Before we ever read about Esther and her story, we are introduced to King Xerxes and Queen Vashti of Persia. King Xerxes was holding a great banquet lasting in preparation for war, which lasted over 180 days. During this banquet he had a little too much to drink which then led to a poor decision. Half drunken, he called for the Queen to come before him and all his male guests at the banquet. Queen Vashti refused to parade before the king and his all male party. Why? For one reason it was against Persian custom for a woman to appear before a public gathering of men. Other reasons may have included her disapproval of his actions and her treatment like a piece of meat dangled in front of a pack of dogs. (Respect between men and women come from mutual appreciation for each other as one created in God’s image, not from orders.) Regardless of her reasons, she refused to be placed in this situation. This led to a difficult situation for the King, as he was forced to publicly deal with the Queen’s breach of protocol.
In spite of Queen Vashti believing she was being disrespected and treated unfairly, she stood for what she believed and in the end was released. A new queen would be chosen.
But check this out – Queen Vashti’s unfortunate situation led to Esther being named the Queen and eventually led to the Jewish nation’s survival! One person’s release allowed another person to step in and save the day for a nation! WOW. I feel bad for Queen Vashti, but in the end her situation was part of God’s sovereign actions to bring about great things.
God’s sovereignty is beyond our understanding and our ability to see today’s circumstances.
As you and I face difficult situations, let’s remember that God is in charge. His sovereign plan is beyond our understanding. His sovereign plan is not about our “personal” conveniences and pleasures. His sovereign plan may not make sense to you and I. But His sovereign plan is saturated in the truth that God doesn’t want anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance!
As we wonder about our difficult situations, consider that this is part of God’s sovereign plans for greater things to happen! And then remind yourself that trusting His plan will be easier if you daily remember that God’s love for you is immeasurable…keep that in mind.
For a deeper thought this week, read 2 Peter 3:9, the book of Esther, and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Devotional Thought: Does Your Life Matter?! April 2010 - Week 4
Did you know that most Major League and College teams have bullpen catchers? Would you be satisfied with being in the major leagues and only being a bullpen catcher? Or a hitting practice pitcher?
Can you imagine being the one to warm up Zach Greinke or Tim Lincecum? Imagine warming up Albert Pujols in batting practice!
These players have only one job, to catch in the bullpen or pitch in batting practice. They are considered part of the staff and part of the team. They may never get to play in the game. All they do is catch in the bullpen. They warm up pitchers before they enter the game, they catch side sessions. A lot of their time is spent watching games from the bullpen waiting for that call to warm up the next pitcher. There one and only task is to catch in the bullpen. Could you do this?
They understand that they are part of the team, although they don’t have the recognition as the best player on the team. Yet, without them – the team would not function to its full potential.
The human body is the same way. Our faces will tend to get more attention than our big toe. Our biceps are more proudly displayed than our livers. Yet no matter which part of the body gets more attention, each body part has a function and role.
My son Collin, had surgery to repair torn tissue in his knee. The surgery was successful and his knee is fine. However, a nerve in his leg was traumatized in the surgery and now his foot won’t work. He has to walk with a boot and is unable to run. A nerve in his knee area is upset, so now his foot won’t work. How important is that nerve in disturbing my son’s ability to function? Huge! Now it’s causing my son to not only miss out in sports, but to become easily frustrated and emotionally upset. One nerve is causing more issues.
That nerve is unnoticeable and yet it plays a large role in making the body function properly. The human body is a great reminder that we must grab hold of the value of each part and work together to reach full potential.
Your role on the team may seem insignificant to you, but it is vital in allowing your team to reach its full potential. Your role at home may seem insignificant to you, but it is vital in allowing your home to flourish as a family. Your role at work may seem insignificant to you, but it is vital in the success of the business.
No matter what you think about your role in life – it matters!
A bullpen catcher has only one task, to catch. In life you are important and you have a role. You add value to your family, church, friends, school, and your workplace. Don’t underestimate how you can help your family, church, friends, school, or workplace – your role in life matters.
For a deeper thought this week, read Romans 12:3-5 and I Corinthians 12:11-27.
Inspiration for this devotional thought came from the FCA Baseball Website Devotional Page
Devotional Thought: Shining Star?! April 2010 - Week 3
So do you want to be a star? Do you want to be the Prom Queen? How many of us want a starting position on the team? We know many who want the promotion at work, right? Do you want the leading role in the school musical or the solo in the choir concert? We shop to find an outfit or that hat which will make us look good, right? Why? Because we want to shine! Truth is, we want to stick out every now and then.
Guess what!? God wants us to shine too!
God sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to not only reveal His love and plan of salvation, but also to show us how to live. And in Matthew 5:14-16 the Bible says, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Read that carefully! Jesus is speaking to you and me! Whether you are a student or adult, coach or Huddle leader, parent or business person, housewife or pastor – if you are breathing and you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ – HE IS SPEAKING TO YOU (and me!!).
Examine what Jesus is telling us about our identity. This isn’t a command – this is part of our NEW DNA as a believer in Jesus Christ. This isn’t a program or something to aim for – this is our spiritual reflection when we look into a mirror!
We ARE the light of the world. Not just our Sunday school teacher or Pastor, but you and me. “WE” are the light of the world. Not someday, today. Everyone sees how we reflect the God of this universe. We are compared to a city on the hilltop that can’t be hidden. We must understand that in spiritual terms, we are the prom queen, the starter, the star, the highly promoted, and the leading role when it comes to reflecting Jesus Christ! God picks you! No voting by classmates, no congregational vote, no drawing straws or “seniority rules.” When you surrender your life to God, He declares that on this planet, WE ARE the light of the world!
Next, realize that where you are whether it is school, at home, on a team or at work; this is God’s strategic location for you to be. Where is a lamp placed? Where it will do its best work! It is strategically positioned to help give light. My friends, God has placed you in your school and in your Huddle to make a difference. You may not think your location matters at “Wesolittle School” – but it does matter! God put you where you need to be for a reason.
So, know that you are a light in this world and you are someone incredible that has a lead role. You are strategically placed today to make a difference. The only problem is that either we don’t believe the words of Jesus or we are worried about the opinions of others. I call that “excuses.”
Jesus says, “let your good deeds shine out for all to see.” What we do, how we live our lives should be brilliantly seen by ALL. No exceptions.
What is the end result of living like a star, brilliantly shining in dark places? Everyone will praise our Heavenly Father! We don’t shine so that we look good. We shine so that many will see how awesome and incredible God is!
Know who you are, know your role on God’s team, go shine for Him! You have been strategically placed by the God of this universe to make an impact for Him!
For a deeper thought this week, read Philippians 2:14-15.
Devotional Thought: Show Me the Power?! April 2010 - Week 2
When it comes to power, you don’t have to look far in the world of sports. In baseball we love watching a major league baseball player crush a ball out of the park! In golf, it’s watching the powerful drive off the tee, as the golf ball travels hundreds of yards through the sky. In football, it’s the bone crushing tackles or the tough running back stiff-arming his opponents out of his way.
But in basketball, who can forget when Darryl Dawkins slam dunked the basketball so hard that is shattered the backboard? In 1979 Darryl Dawkins shattered two backboards in less than one month! Shaquille O’Neal broke his share of backboards, but yet credited Darryl Dawkins as being the “father of backboard busters.” Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Dwight Howard and others have shattered a few in their day as well. I love watching the video of Darryl dunking the ball and seeing the backboard shatter. The best part is watching the guys on the bench, jump over their seats as Darryl strolls their way. It was as if they thought he was coming for them next.
That’s power right? Well take a minute and check out this power in Psalm 65 – “You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength. You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.”
God’s power is beyond measurement! Do you think at any minute God looks at us and says “wow, did you see him crush the ball?” “Whoa, what a huge tackle!” I don’t believe our power and strength is any surprise, nor is it impressive to God. I’m sure He is pleased when we use those gifts for His glory – but there is no power greater than His!
I was reading in Psalm 68 and I was reminded that God’s power is impressive and must be praised. “Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Tell everyone about God’s power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!”
When it comes to power – God has it! Praise Him for it! If we are blessed with strength and power, make sure God gets the glory for it!
But most importantly, know that power and strength is not what God desires from us. He desires for us to fear Him, that is “to be in awe” of Him, place our faith in Him, and obey Him. That is what impresses God!
Psalm 147 says, “He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
For a deeper thought this week, read Psalm 147:4-6 and Jeremiah 10:11-13.
Devotional Thought: Diary of A Wimpy Christian! April 2010 - Week 1
My eleven year old son has enjoyed reading the book series, Diary of A Wimpy Kid. What I’m about to write isn’t exactly an expert from any book or movie, but it is a thought….
I was thinking about the fact that too many Christians are not living as we should. The largest “faith tribe” according to George Barna Research in America is a group called, “Casual Christians.” More than four out of every five adults in America consider themselves to be Christians. Furthermore his research shows that from that number 2/3 of that number are “Casual Christians.” (Roughly 150 million people) This group of people call themselves Christians, yet they are more concerned about their material goals than spiritual goals. They are open to all sorts of world view morals and values, not settling on God’s Word being absolute truth. Personal comfort is a major objective and life is developed around those ideals. Instead of allowing Christ to shape their lives, they have taken Christ into their life and allowed Him to fit wherever there is leftover room.
This is a dangerous place to be and the majority of those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – have not made Him their Savior!
My friends, those who are living like “Casual Christian” should go write a book called, The Diary of a Wimpy Christian!
Jesus Christ came to this earth, faced all kinds of temptations, trials, and persecution. And yet He did not give up or give in! He came with purpose and mission and did not allow people, fame, politics, or friends to influence His choices. When He spoke, He spoke with enough power to put people on their can! (Read John 18:6) He took a beating and false accusations and still chose to die for us. He tossed out demons and defeated sin and death. He is alive today, most victorious is He!
The best news is that when we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that He is Lord, the very Spirit of God moves in! His Holy Spirit lives in us!
We are not some wimpy, weak, wish-washy, spineless person that can’t make good choices. We are filled with God’s Spirit and we are NEW in Him.
The school year will come to a close in less than two months! Now is not the time to coast or give in to the ways of this world. Now is the time to pray hard for our FCA and other campus ministries. Now is the time to be committed to getting up early, sharing God’s Word, and inviting students to your FCA Huddle. Now is the time to be bold in making godly choices! Finish this school year strong!
I love the attitude of the one who wrote Psalm 119:113-115. “I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.”
That is an awesome passage! Do you hear the words of the psalmist? “I hate those with divided loyalties.” I understand “hate” is a strong word, but check out why he uses it. Divided loyalties! Too many Christians walking around bowing to this world, acting and talking like this world! Too many marriages and relationships destroyed due to immoral issues – when in fact, as Christians we should be showing the world how to live as husband and wife! I’m tired of seeing high school girls run in their sport bras at track practice! I’m tired of hearing high school students swear like drunken sailors. I’m fed up with disrespectful attitudes. Dishonesty and cheating is making me sick. And I’ve certainly had enough of hearing Christians say they love God, but could care less about living for Him.
Check out verse 115, “Get out of my life, you evil-minded people…” Get tough my brothers and sisters in Christ! Get sick of those who are evil and want nothing except for you to be wimpy like them. Anyone can live like the devil on this planet, BUT GOD has changed you! His Spirit lives in you! So with Christ living in you, give a shout and tell evil to get out of your way! Today you are choosing to live like a mighty kid of Christ.
John 20:31 – “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”
Easter…Resurrection Sunday is on the way! Let’s honor our Lord by living victoriously, living strong, and living in a way that honors our King!
For a deeper thought this week, read John chapters 16-20 – the final week and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Devotional Thought: Tough! January 2010 - Week 4
If you were to define “being tough” where would you start? To describe “being tough” would you use a word, a picture, a story, a movie, or a memory? One of the toughest things in life is to get back up after being knocked down. Maybe that is why I enjoyed movies like Rocky, Braveheart, The Gladiator, and the Last Samurai. Outside of Hollywood, when have you been inspired by someone showing the ability to be tough?
I’ve witnessed families struggle through horrible circumstances of pain, death, and financial woes in which they fought to emotionally and physically to survive. I’ve witnessed children struggle time and time again to accomplish an improbable task. Each moment brings inspiration, as they choose to be tough and fight to survive.
Just this past week I was again inspired by the toughness of Brett Favre. Although the Minnesota Vikings lost in overtime to the New Orleans Saints, Brett Favre didn’t cease to inspire me. He was never officially sacked in the game, but he was tossed and hit like a piñata at a birthday party teeming with hundreds of hungry children.
Over the past few years, he has had his aches and injuries but it has not kept him from missing one game! Even in the off season of retiring and not retiring, he returns to play the game. He holds the “most consecutive starts by a quarterback” in the NFL at 253 games! (275 - Including playoffs)
Most people don’t know that Brett suffered internal injuries in an accident on July 14, 1990, having 30 inches of his intestines surgically removed 24 days later. He shocked his coaches and teammates by returning to the starting lineup a month later (Sept. 8) and escorting the Golden Eagles to an upset over Alabama. During this same senior year, he led his team to an 8-3 record and just eight points from an undefeated season.
Brett played much of the 2003 season with a broken thumb on his right (throwing) hand. One of the defining moments of Favre's career and arguably his greatest game ever took place on December 22, 2003, in a Monday Night Football game against the Oakland Raiders. The day before, on Sunday, December 21, 2003, Brett's father, Irvin Favre, died of a sudden heart attack. Sensing his family’s wishes and his father’s wishes, he played in the Monday night game.
From individuals like Brett Favre, we learn that to survive and to succeed, you must choose to get up every day in the midst of your everyday battles.
Consider Joseph from the Old Testament. He was a slave, tossed in prison, falsely accused, abandoned, and lonely. At any time Joseph could have said, “Enough.” Instead, he was tough, he was dependable, and he chose to stand each day hoping for the best. Maybe his circumstances were dark and disappointing, he never gave up because he knew that his God never abandoned him. God’s faithfulness encourages me to get up – how about you?
If that isn’t enough, read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
For Christ’s love compels us! Because Jesus Christ loves us so much, He came to this earth to die on the cross, defeat death, and pay the price of our salvation! He did this for you and me; therefore we are compelled to live for Him. We no longer live with our own agenda in mind. We live with His agenda in mind. His love compels us!
Be tough! Keep getting back up! Never give up!
For a deeper thought, read God’s Word – 2 Timothy 2-4; 2 Corinthians 6:3-6; I Corinthians 9:23-25. Devotional Thought: Home Court Advantage! January 2010 Week 3
Ask any coach to choose between home and away games, and they would typically choose to compete on their home court. As a coach I didn’t enjoy riding the school bus, getting home later than normal, filling out bus slips, being in an unfamiliar setting, dealing with visiting locker rooms or no locker room, seeing a lack of our fans, or dealing with unforeseen issues that could arise in traveling. I would rather be on my home court where I had practiced all week and I’m familiar with me settings. There is something right about being at home.
I believe God wants us to be to experience home court advantage on a consistent basis too. I believe every day we can worship God, no matter where we are. But one day out of the week should be set aside to worship God on His Home Court. At least one day out of the week we should be gathering with our Christian brothers and sisters to worship God and God alone. Why would we choose to not gather in as a church to worship, sing, and pray together? That’s our opportunity for home court advantage! It’s the one time we can gather on familiar turf to worship God.
In the book of Hebrews there is an incredible verse that should encourage you and I to meet together on our home turf! Hebrews 10:25 says;
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
The first part of this verse, “let us not neglect”, shouts out to someone who is extremely discouraged and depressed. This may be a person who feels left out, down, and far behind everyone else. I think we would all agree that when we feel like we are failing or falling short of everyone else we don’t want to go to church. It is often during those moments when Satan whispers into our ear, “Oh, just stay home from church today. You don’t need to go there with all those people. You know that you don’t feel like being with them today, so why not just stay home by yourself? You don’t need them. You can just read the Bible at home!”
You see, that is just like our enemy to tell us in our times of need that we don’t need anyone. That’s a lie! We need our teammates – our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to gather in a familiar setting where our Heavenly Father, our coach, can instruct and encourage us.
We know the church is not just brick and mortar. The church is the body of Christ, believers who gather together under one name – Jesus Christ. In a sense, we are a team, as members of the body of Christ. It says in the book of Ephesians 2:19-21;
“You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.”
We are a team, members of God’s family, together, joined together in Him! Apart from other believers we will struggle, and apart from Christ we can do nothing.
God is our coach, whom we worship. How can we know the game plan, how can we find hope and encouragement, and how can we praise Him for all He has done if we don’t gather together as a team to worship? We must meet together. Some of us meet in a church building, some of us meet in homes, and some of us meet at our FCA Huddle. Regardless of where you meet, I encourage to you gather weekly to worship God. This is home court advantage. The rest of the week we are on the road on Satan’s turf – and it’s a battle.
For a deeper thought, read God’s Word – Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 2:19-21, and John 15:3-5 Devotional Thought: Live Loud By Talking Less! January 2010 Week 2
How many times have we seen athletes get themselves in trouble by opening their mouths?
- A coach says he loves his school, team, and the program and says great things about the team, but leaves for a better job the following year. He said one thing, but did another.
- An athlete runs down the court taunting the other team’s bench or fans when he makes a good play, but in the end his team loses the game.
- An athlete trash talks his opponent and a few minutes later his opponent beats him in a play.
- An athlete predicts his team will win in the upcoming game, but a few days later they lose.
- An athlete swears he didn’t use steroids, illegal drugs, or participate in something illegal or immoral and within time is found guilty.
It doesn’t matter what kind of game we talk, we have to prove it in the end. Recently on the TV show, “American Idol” I heard a contestant proudly boast, “I’m the next American Idol.” Yet, after standing in front of the judges, that same contestant left without a ticket to Hollywood. How many times have we said one thing, but in the end we do the opposite?
If you are a child of God and you have surrendered your life to Him, then live it! Simple. Right? However, many times people who claim to be a child of God can talk about their faith, but they don’t live out their faith. God gets tired of trash talk, boasting, and hypocritical living.
In the book of Amos, God is tired of how the people talk big about Him, but don’t live big for Him. Check out what God says through Amos to His people;
“ 21 “I hate all your show and pretense, the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. 22 I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings. 23 Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”
God hates and He rejects the way people were showing off themselves in their religious festivals. They were making a show of what was supposed to be honorable and respected. It was all about “look at me” attitudes and “look what I’m doing” instead of focusing on the actual worship of God. They were talking a fine game and they would have received an “A” for their ability to sound good. But in reality they failed in worshipping God.
God didn’t want their big talk, their showy worship, or their loud boasting and singing. God wanted to SEE them living in a just and right way. I love the description He uses; a “mighty flood” of justice, an “endless river” of righteous living. Our lifestyle of living a godly, just, and right way should be catastrophic! Our words quiet – our living loud!
How do we live loud? A New York taxi driver, Mohammad Asadujjaman, gives us a picture of how to live loud. Mohammed was raised to be honest, but he didn’t go around talking big about how honest he was, and how godly it is to be honest…instead he lived it out loud. Recently, Mohammed discovered a purse left in his car. A 72 year old left her purse in his taxi, which contained her groups traveling money, jewelry, and passports. The amount of cash was more than $21,000! He did the honest thing by tracking her down and returning the purse and all its contents. He said, “I’m broke, but I’m also honest.” He didn’t look for praise; he was just living out a godly principle. Would you have done that?
God wants us to live loud, like a mighty flood and an endless river! Let our faith in Him be evident by how we live!
For a deeper thought, read God’s Word – Luke 3:7-9; Romans 14:12-14; and I John 3:9-11. Devotional Thought: Sticking to the Game Plan! January 2010 Week 1
Doing the right thing can sometimes be the hardest thing, agree or disagree?
As a coach, you have a game plan for how you expect to practice and compete. What happens when the game plan isn’t working? What happens when things are going the way you hoped they would go? Do you change plans? Typically, as a coach, when things don’t go as planned you are criticized and blamed. Many times fans will watch a sporting event and question the coach’s decision. Although we are limited in our knowledge of the game, the players, the strategy, coaching philosophy, the opponent, etc., for some reason we think we know more than the coach. The coaches then sit under the scrutiny of the voices of critics, while wondering if their plan is the right plan.
Coaches aren’t alone. As a parent, sometimes things don’t go as we planned in raising our children. We have a game plan in how we feel God wants us to raise our children, but what happens when things don’t go the way we hoped? Do we change plans?
There is a man, Zechariah, in the Old Testament who receives only a few sentences of recognition in the Bible. He was the son of Jehoiada, a priest who helped lead reformation in Judah. Jehoiada did great things for God in helping restore faith in God and the renovation of the Temple. When Jehoiada died, the people convinced the king to abandon God’s Temple and worship Asherah poles and idols instead. God’s plan was to have Zechariah stand before the people and encourage them to obey God. Zechariah said, “Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the Lord, and now He has abandoned you!”
I’m not sure if I would have used those words. I may have chosen a few more encouraging words to give to those people. But here’s the thing – I’m not the coach making the call. I don’t have all the information. Zechariah did. God gave Zechariah a plan and the words to use. Zechariah stuck to the game plan because he trusted God.
In the end the leaders did not like Zechariah’s words and they plotted to stone him to death. Wow. Today if you don’t like the words or the game plan of a coach, the worst thing that can happen is to be fired. Zechariah was put to death.
Living for God and following His game plan for life may not always be popular and the results may not always be favorable. But it’s the right thing to do! Zechariah knew what God wanted him to do and he faithfully carried out the game plan. How about you?
Do you know God’s plan for your life? If not, spend time in God’s Word and in prayer seeking His plan for your life. Are you following God’s plan for your life? Are you doing the right things for God? If not, ask God’s Spirit to give you the courage and strength to be bold.
Maybe the outcome won’t be what we think it should be, and most likely you will be criticized by those who don’t know God; but at least we are remaining obedient to God and His game plan! Trust Him, it’s worth it!
For a deeper thought, read God’s Word – 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Romans 12:1-2; and Joshua 24:14-24.
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