Uncategorized

Fear

IMG_3923

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.” Henry Ford

My youngest son, Britton, faced his own fears this past month. It’s his first year of “big boy” football…full pads. 

His fifth grade group didn’t have enough players to make a team- so he was asked by his coach to join the seventh and eighth grade team. 

He worried about his ability to play with boys much bigger, stronger and faster…more experienced. But with the encouragement of his coach- he decided to try. 

It’s been four weeks and he’s loving it. His coach has eased him into the action and Britton is getting better with every practice. His confidence level has increased with every practice.

I can learn a lot from my 11 year old. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... Hebrews 12:1
We are called to cast aside all the obstacles that are keeping us from living lives of hope and honor. 

We need to run unincumbered toward Jesus. 

So, what’s holding you back?

Whatever it is…pride, envy, greed, addiction or fear…we need to pray for the strength-the endurance- to give it over to God. 

Please pray for me to face my own fears- fears that distract me from a closer walk with Jesus. 

And let me know how I may pray for you. 

God bless. 

Standard
Uncategorized

Cracked

Hollianne and I were recently driving back from a dinner when a semi truck threw a rock into my windshield.

The impact created a crack that was less than an inch long.  It was just a little scratch.

The scratch quickly grew.  The damage now stretches across my entire windshield and has started to splinter off in a couple of new directions.  It’s now difficult to ignore the damage when driving the truck.

Isn’t that a lot like sin?

I sometimes let anger or pride overtake me in a weak moment.  It may not be expressed outwardly, but it’s there…just beneath the surface.  And while it might not dominate my day- it stays in my head and heart…and I can dwell on it.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  1 John 1:8-10

Left unchecked, this sin can spread and grow into other aspects of my life.  It can leave me bitter, unfulfilled and angry.  It’s noticeable to others.

And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”  Mark 7:20-23

My prayer this week is to recognize the sin in my life- and to have the courage to confront it before it overtakes me.

Please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

Standard