Could You Define Winning?

Webster’s defines winning as: having a victory. 

Victory is defined as: overcoming an enemy, or having success in a struggle against great odds or difficulties. 

Did you catch that? The victory comes when we overcome. 

Overcome what? Great odds and difficulties.  It's not a question of if, but when.    

When the trials come, Webster's isn't gonna be much help. No, this kind of help comes only from God's Word. We find great comfort in the sovereignty of God when we face trials. For example, did you know ... 

• You were chosen before the foundation of the earth. (Ephesians 1:4)

 

• Before God formed you in the womb, He knew you. (Jeremiah 1:5)

• He created you for specific good works. (Ephesians 2:10)

• You were uniquely fashioned by God to walk in those good works. (Romans 12:6)

At birth, everyone receives natural abilities and strengths but only believers receive spiritual gifts. When you accepted Christ, you received at least one spiritual gift. The spiritual gifts you received were chosen specifically for you according to the good works also chosen for you before the foundation of the earth. 

In receiving these gifts and abilities, you can choose to set them aside in disappointment and pursue something that looks better; you can neglect them because of fear or laziness; you can develop them for your own personal gain; or you can cultivate and practice them as offerings back to God. 

When you choose to acknowledge everything you have been given (your abilities, strengths, talents, health, wealth, and physical attributes) were given to you by God’s design and according to His purpose, then you will learn to trust His heart. When we learn to trust God’s heart, we learn to obey Him. 

So, to answer the question we started with, winning can be defined as: choosing to accept the sovereignty of God. With trembling knees, we fix our eyes on Jesus, and we follow Him. For His glory. That's winning. 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10  

Sunday Celebration - Forgivenesss ... Part 2

Yesterday, I posted an illustration of forgiveness. The illustration, based on the true life accounts of unexplainable forgiveness, which inspired the song "Forgiveness" by Matthew West.

Today, I will simply post the lyrics. Happy Lord's Day.


   "Forgiveness" by Matthew West

It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve

It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just too real
It takes everything you have just to say the word…

Forgiveness
Forgiveness

It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free’

Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness

Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible

Forgiveness, Forgiveness

Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness

It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it’s power can do
So, let it go and be amazed
By what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you

Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness

Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness

I want to finally set it free
So show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, Forgiveness

Forgiveness ... When It Makes No Sense

It has been said actions speak louder than words, I agree. Therefore, today will be an illustration.

The song, Forgiveness, by Mathew West, was inspired by an amazing story of a mother's forgiveness. She offered forgiveness to the person responsible for taking her child's life. This man, the one many believed she should despise, became like family to her. If that weren't enough, she also spoke on his behalf pleading mercy and had his sentence reduced to half. She wanted him to have a second chance in life. She knew he didn't deserve it. Yet, she freely offered it.

Some would call that crazy. Some would say unjust. I say, that looks like Jesus.

We, too, were once convicted. Undeserving of our freedom or even our lives. Jesus showed us compassion, mercy, and grace. He wanted us to have new life. He pardoned us. He forgave us. He set us free. Following Jesus will lead us to forgiveness. Forgiveness, even when, it makes no sense.

The Cost Of Obedience

Becoming a follower of Christ will require a steadfast determination. 

We are to follow that which, God says in His Word, will not make sense to us.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

If it doesn't make sense to us ... it sure isn't going to make sense to those around us. Your acts of obedience may bring your actions under the scrutiny of others which, in turn, will cost you something. Possibly, just being considered a nut. But possibly ... 

• a friend

• a family member

• a job

• your freedom or even your life

So, what does it look like to follow Jesus? Jesus was (and is) interested in healing and restoration.

"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Mark 2:17

Ministering to sinners was not popular when Jesus walked the earth and it is not popular today. 

It goes against everything in us ... "Friend to Sinners" .... what else you got?

It won't make you popular, especially with the 'religious' folk. But it is Biblical. 

Here are the words of a converted 'religious' folk who became a follower of Jesus. 

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them all. 1Timothy 1:15

Paul first recognized his great need for saving grace from his sin. Then, he became an instrument of that saving grace as He followed Christ. We can expect the same in our lives. It should never be enough for us to simply enjoy what we have. To follow Christ is to share the message of the Good News with those who need it. Whether we believe they deserve it or not. Whether people around us believe they deserve it or not. Lest we forget that we too are sinners and were once dead in our sin.

as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; Romans 3:10

There will be times when God prompts you to show kindness and speak words of healing and restoration to ones who have been regarded as unworthy of receiving grace by others. In those times, you must simply trust that as you abide in Him, and as His Word abides in you, you can trust and obey His promptings and leave the consequences to Him. 

Sunday Celebration - Return To Me

The questions were simple ... Can you think of a time in your life when you were closer to God than you are right now?  ...   If so, who do you think moved, you or God?

That's the way my pastor opened his message today. Honestly, I don't remember a whole lot more after that. You see, these are questions I have asked myself many times over the years. And sadly, I imagine I will come face-to-face with them again in the coming years. If there is one thing I have come to know about my heart ... it's prone to wander. Prone to leave the God I love.

Oh, the "things" have changed (most of them even very good things) but the pattern is always the same. First, these "things" begin to creep in and steal my attention, then they begin to consume my time, until finally they have stolen my heart. My heart has wandered from the God that I love. I wish I could say that we reach an age when this is no longer true ... but I can not. From what I have seen in my own heart and the examples given to us throughout the Bible of wandering hearts ... I dare say it's a life-long (this side of Heaven) struggle.   

Fortunately, God is jealous for our hearts. And so unlike me, God doesn't walk away when His heart is wounded. No, He stays and fights. He fights for His rightful place in our hearts. When our hearts wander from God...

• He woes us.
• He pursues us.
• He wins our hearts back to Him. Again and again and again ... 

The God of the Universe. The One True God. God Almighty continually draws us back to Him.
Why? Because He loves Us. Because He is faithful, even when we are not.

Perhaps you needed to hear this today. Perhaps you may not have even realized you have wandered. Perhaps God is whispering in your ear ... Return to Me.

If you hear His voice ... Run. Run to Him, not away from Him.
Allow Him to restore to you the joy of His salvation.

Takes One To Know One

Over the past few days there has been "much to do" about a certain sports celebrity. After years of denial, and after being stripped of his titles in his sport, he has chosen to confess to wrong doing.

Not being much of a fan of the sport, I had little interest in the hoopla that was spilling out in the news. Until, I heard a comment by one of the "authorities" on the subject. When asked his reaction to the admission of guilt, he said ... "Reporting Lance Armstrong has admitted to doping is like reporting the ocean is deep." This comment captured my attention because it was funny. It held my attention because it rang true.

Even I, one who tried hard to avoid the stories on this subject over the years, had heard enough to convince me he was lying when he denied any wrong doing. So, I whole-heartedly shared the "experts" sentiment of ... Oh, he confessed. Well, thank you Captain Obvious.

Sucked in by the drama, I leaned in a little closer. I began to question his motives, his heart, and his intentions. (Oh, don't you judge me ... you do it too) Now, there was nothing wrong with his words. He was saying the right things. No, it was more his attitude. I saw an attitude of ... I'm busted. Yes, I did it. And I'm even sorry. Sorry, I got caught.

That's when, I realized this was more about me than him. Actually, this was not about him at all anymore. My perceived notions of his intent, were because ... it takes one to know one. I have never lied about using performance enhancing drugs in my sport but ... I have lied and attempted to cover it up. Once you start the cover up, it's hard to come clean. You begin to reveal truth in layers. Even then, only what is necessary for damage control. You begin to rationalize your wrong didn't hurt anyone or that everyone else is doing it. Yes, I am well aware that just because there is a confession that doesn't mean there is a heart of repentance.

Confession of wrong doing, although noble and necessary, will not change your heart.

Coming face-to-face in agreement with the One True God that all sin (wrong doing) is first against Him, and then against others .... that's what changes hearts.

Father God, when I'm tempted to look at others with a critical spirit remind me ... it takes one to know one. Turn my critical spirit into a heart of prayer. Prayer of thanksgiving for Your grace in my life. Then, a prayer that the person caught in the web of deception would know the freedom found in true repentance. The joy found in a heart right with You.

Sunday Celebration - Praising God When It Hurts

If we are honest with ourselves, and before God, there are days when we are tempted to give up the fight. As we walk around bloody and bruised from the attacks on our minds, body, and our spirit ... we can begin to focus far too much on our attacker. And in our weakened state, we can even begin to accept defeat.

Ever been there? If you haven't, you will.

On days like these, when you can hardly manage to drag yourself to church. Much less, sing Hallelujah. That's when you need to be in church the most. When life hurts  ... when the last thing you want to do is worship ... this is when you must CHOOSE to worship.

God wants us to turn our hearts to Him. Not just a heart full of gladness. But (dare I say) ESPECIALLY a heart full of sadness. 

If your focus has been on your attacker ... your focus has been taken off of your God.

Choose today, to praise God even in the storm.

Guide & Pray. Then, Rinse & Repeat.

In my last post, I touched on the responsibility of guide that has been entrusted to parents & grandparents. Today, we will look at how we are to guide?

The book of Proverbs tells us, we are to guide our children in the way they should go.

Not in the way they want to go. Not along the path that brings them the most pleasure. Not to whatever makes our little angel happy. We are to guide them in the way they SHOULD go. 

This, at times, will be grueling. And if we don't have the gray hairs yet to prove it ... we will soon.

In the grueling season, we will hear things like:

• Mom, you just don't understand!

• Grandma, a lot has changed since you were my age.

• Momma, I'm just not like you. I don't want to be you, I want to be me!

• No fair! Everyone else is doing it!

Training a child in the way they should go is difficult, and it can get messy. Perhaps, you've heard things far more hurtful from your child or grandchild than the things I listed above. Things that cut so deep only a touch from God can heal. It may help to remember in this difficult season that the flesh doesn't give up without putting up a fight. Our children's flesh will put up a fight, and so will our own.

But then, when all hope is nearly gone. It happens.

Not an apology. Something far better.

Your child or grandchild suddenly finds what they thought was "outdated" is relevant for their daily lives. They choose well, not simply because it is expected. Not simply because they fear consequences. They choose well because they see the wisdom in the decision. They choose well because they now see what they were once unable to see.

Maturity is a beautiful thing! That bears repeating ... Yes, maturity is a beautiful thing.

Unfortunately, it is not a one-time thing. As we have learned from our own personal experience, maturity is a process. The process can be grueling. Especially, for the guide. But hang in there ... it's worth it.

How do we guide a child in the way he or she should go? One day at a time!
Guide & Pray. Then, Rinse & Repeat.


On this journey together,
Patty

I Didn't Know It Was That!

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Her mouth drooled with anticipation. Fork in hand, she prepared to dive into her favorite dish. Then, the unthinkable happened. She pushed away her plate and said the following ... "I didn't know it was that! How can something so delicious be so disgusting?"

• The she was my precious granddaughter. 

• The what was (delicious) fettucini alfredo.

Seems the chef had been a bit careless in his preparation that day. In his haste, he had neglected to whisk together the ingredients that make alfredo. The creamy yummyness she expected to see in her bowl was a pool of yellowish white yuck.

When she looked down and saw it ... for what it truly was ... she no longer had an appetite for it.

I will admit the "momma" in me said a little, "Thank you Jesus" at that very moment. I had often voiced my gentle guidance on the importance of making healthy choices with food. So, I was pleased. Yes, I was VERY pleased. A hundred years of guidance wouldn't have had the same impact as seeing it with her own eyes had that day. 

Mommas & Gram-mommas are to lovingly guide the little ones entrusted to us.

Even when they roll their eyes ... don't you dare stop guiding. But we are also to pray.

Pray God will open their eyes and allow them to see for themselves what might be hiding in all the pleasures of the flesh they may seek to enjoy. Pray God will bring them to a personal conviction; not just a momma or gram-momma said no conviction.

Sunday Celebration - Stirring The Fire

The tendency of the fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart. 

A fireplace needs to be stirred up occasionally. William Booth

On this first Lord's Day in January let's pause for a moment and give thanks.

Thanks be to God for the freedom of corporate worship in America.  

Let us not forget what a privilege it is to collectively "stir the fire" on the altars of our hearts. 

Let us remember that is not the case for many of our Christian sisters and brothers living out their faith in other parts of the world. These brave men and women gladly risk everything, even unto death, to experience what we (so often) take for granted in America. Our freedom to worship our Savior and our God, Jesus Chirst. 

Yes, on this first Lord's Day of 2013 it is good to remember .... 

• The tendency of the fire on the altar of our hearts is to go out
• We must watch the fire
• We must stir the fire  

Are you actively watching and stirring the fire on the altar of your heart? If not, begin today.

Happy Lord's Day.

New Year Motivation Is Never Enough

Tis the season for New Year Resolutions.

Now normally, it's about mid-February before people throw up their hands in defeat under the weight of the vows they made on December 31st. It appears, this year, the surrender came a tad bit earlier for one of my Twitter buddies. The "tweet" simply read, "It's gone. I've looked everywhere. My motivation is gone."

I must admit, that's funny. Because it is so, so, so very TRUE. New Year Motivation isn't gonna carry you very far. Nope, it's never enough.

• I am not saying we shouldn't want this year to be better than last year.
• I am not saying we shouldn't set goals.

I AM saying we need more than motivation. We need unwavering, unshakable determination. 

Unwavering, unshakable determination comes from abiding in Christ.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7)

So often, we get this backwards. We resolve to do this or that and then foolishly ask God to follow us. Is there any wonder we run out of steam?

We must begin by ... abiding in Christ.

Then, as we listen to Him guide us through His Word, we surrender our will to His Will.

Jesus leads, we follow.

Want a fool proof New Year Resolution ... Abide in Him, allow His Word to abide in you, and follow His lead. Now that's a winning "better" year resolution.


Father God, fill our hearts with a desire to abide in Christ. Show us what it means to abide in Jesus. Show us what it means to have His Word abide in us. May 2013 be the year that we can boldly say ... Jesus led the way and I followed. Amen.

A New Day

It's a new year ... It's a new day.


Isn't it wonderful to know we have a God Who knew we would need new life.


The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)


Father God, Hear our prayer. May 2013 be a year of falling chains from God's people. A year of reclaiming what the enemy has attempted to steal, kill and destroy. Breathe new life in us Father. Let us boldly proclaim the resurrection power of Your Son, Jesus. Move in us Lord. Then move through us to a watching and hurting world. Amen.