Tag Archives: Jesus

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Overpaid


My son, JT, and I recently attended an NBA game to celebrate his birthday. We loved the pagentry of the arena and the passion of the fans as their teams made a final push for playoff spots.

We investigated team rosters to better follow the action. Interestingly enough, the online information also included their salaries. These men were all earning between $1-15 million a year to play basketball.

Ironically, it didn’t seem that all of these players were working that hard. The offenses were incredible, but the defense was non-existent. Players weren’t getting back on defense and the lack of effort to guard the offensive players was startling.

JT remarked that his youth league coaches would demand more effort.

We agreed that the coaches weren’t getting their money’s worth out of their teams.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

It’s a good thing that God isn’t so critical of my performance.

I’m flawed. I sin.

I struggle with a hardened heart.

I don’t deserve the rewards that God has promised me.

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

But Jesus died for me. You too. He died so we could be saved from sin. And while I can never repay this sacrifice, I owe it to Him to put away all my sinful habits and to try and be the man that God desires.

I’m overpaid, but grateful.

Please pray for me to be more loving and forgiving. And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

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Flat

I’m flat right now.

Tired.  Exhausted.

Maybe it’s work.  Perhaps its the weather.  Maybe my schedule has created conflict in my attempts to be a good family member and friend.

I’m just in a bit of a funk.

Life contains peaks and valleys.  If you are like me, you don’t tend to embrace or celebrate the good times enough…but really dwell in times when life’s circumstances are kicking us in the shins.  Or the seat of our pants.

I have much to be thankful for each day.  My family.  My health.  My job.  A great circle of friends.  But the trials of life can diminish the good and cause me to dwell on the negative.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

I sometimes forget that I have a loving God in my life.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.  This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him of all his troubles.  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.  Psalm 34:4-7

Pride sometimes keeps me from seeking God first.  I think that I can fix anything on my own.

Life soon reminds me that I can’t.

The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18

My prayer is to have the humility to let go…and let God lead me when my spirit is weak.  He’s always willing.

Let me know how I may pray for you this week.  God bless.

 

 

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Not making the team

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Our (not so) little guy, Britton, tried out for a highly-competitive travel basketball team last week.  So did about 35 other kids.

Unfortunately, only 10 boys could make the team- and B was one of the 25 who were left out.

He was crushed.  He’s watched our daughter, Carson, play AAU basketball his entire life.  He knows how much fun it is to travel with team members to cities all over the South and play in fun, interesting places.  On top of it all, he just loves basketball.

The truth is- basketball probably isn’t his best sport.  He’s big, strong and smart, but his feet and coordination haven’t quite caught up to his ever-growing body yet.  Give him some time…he’ll get it all figured out.  It’ll just take some maturation.

Isn’t it wonderful that there are no tryouts (or cuts) when it comes to God’s love?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:37-39

Regardless of our flaws and imperfections, we are made perfect through the grace of Jesus Christ.  Through His blood we are all made complete…and can all serve together…on the same team.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:28

Pray for me to be a good father and help my children navigate life.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

 

 

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Convenience store billionaires

IMG_6800I witnessed false hope in a convenience store two weeks ago.

A disheveled, elderly man was patiently standing in line to purchase lottery tickets.  I knew that Powerball tickets were selling in record numbers, as everyone was consumed with the lottery excitement.  Millions of Americans- just like this gentleman- bought tickets for a chance to win $1.5 billion- the largest prize ever in the history of the lottery.

In all honesty, his chances to win were slim.  Odds were 1 in 292.1 million that someone would pull the correct combination of numbers.  He had a better chance of being struck by lightening or bitten by a shark.

But he had hope.  He pulled out a crumpled mass of dollar bills and bought $100 worth of lottery tickets.  He told me that he and his wife scraped together all they could in an effort to become instant billionaires.

I wished him luck.

My heart sank as I watched him pull away in an old car with a shattered back window.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?  Psalm 56:3-4

I prayed for the elderly couple that afternoon.  I prayed that they would find peace from their financial struggles and security for their remaining years.

And I prayed that they could be filled with the hope that can only come through a relationship with Jesus.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  John 10:11

There’s no luck or chance in our walk with Christ.  He’s here for us today and tomorrow.  We have that promise.

Please let me know how I may pray for you this weekend.  God bless.

 

 

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1.98 GPA 

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I finished my first semester of college with a 1.98 GPA.

I was notified that if I didn’t pull my grades up, I would lose my academic scholarship.  I was completely embarrassed.

My poor academic performance had created self-doubt.  Could I even finish college?  For a day or two I toyed with the idea of dropping out.

Fortunately for me, someone intervened.  A senior vice president at the university, Don Carson, rescued me.  He learned about my poor grades and reached out to me.  Dr. Carson helped me formulate a plan to improve my study habits, got me involved on campus and even gave me a job in his office.  My grades improved dramatically.  His support gave me confidence and a new sense of direction- gifts that I’ll never be able to repay.

Have you ever felt like that?  Embarrassed, scared or not sure of what to do? 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

God has promised us all the support and guidance that we’ll ever need.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Whenever the trials and pressures of this world overwhelm us, we need to remember our God- who is faithful forever.

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 33:4

My prayer this week is to be grateful for God’s promise to protect me when I’m weak.

Let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

 

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Creed

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I love the cinema story of boxer Rocky Balboa.  He’s the ultimate underdog who personifies hope, grit and determination.

I took the boys to see the most recent Rocky movie, Creed, earlier this week.  It’s the story of a young fighter, Adonis Johnson Creed.  Adonis is the illegitimate child of the former heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed.  Adonis never knew his father, as Apollo died in the boxing ring just before his son was born.  His birth mother also died when Adonis was very young.

Adonis is trained by Rocky Balboa, who finally gets Adonis a shot at the boxing title.  Near the end of the title fight Balboa asks Adonis what he wants to prove.  Adonis replies, “I’m going to prove that I’m not a mistake.”

What a profound statement.  Adonis had carried that burden around with him all his life.  Angry about being an illegitimate child…unwanted.  A mistake.

Have you ever felt like a mistake?  Someone unloved or unwanted?  What burden are you carrying around?

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.  Galatians 3:26

There are no mistakes in Jesus Christ.  Everything and everyone has purpose.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Take comfort that the Creator of the entire universe loves you.  You are no mistake.  You were created for a specific purpose- and you and I need to seek it.

My prayer for this week is to let go of the self-doubt that keeps me from seeking God’s plan for my life.  Please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

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What it takes to be an All-American

It’s been an enjoyable time of year for college football fans, especially for those who are watching their teams compete for bowl wins- or better yet- a championship.

It’s a time to reflect on players who are chosen to be All-Americans. These athletes are recognized for their ability to run, throw, catch or block.  It’s the ultimate honor for players who have set themselves apart on the playing field.  It doesn’t come easy…but their skills are honed by hours and hours of practice and repetition.

This begs a question.

Am I willing to be an All-American in my walk with Christ?

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.  Colossians 3:23-24

We all have the potential to be great examples, but it takes work.  Discipline. Commitment.

I struggle with this daily.  Am I fulfilling my role as a Christian?  Am I the husband, father, son, friend and servant that Jesus calls me to be?  The answer is often “no.”  I’m not preparing myself for greatness.

I need to remember that someone is watching me at all times.  My wife.  My children.  My parents.  My co-workers.

I need to continually ask if myself if my actions are consistent with a Christ-centered life.  Most importantly,  I need to be honest with that answer and have the courage to make the changes and sacrifices that are necessary.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

My prayer this week is to have the discipline to act “as one approved.”

Let me know how I may pray for you.  God bless.

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The Ultimate Gift

IMG_4395_2Zaevion Dobson was shot and killed last week in Knoxville.

I had not met Dobson, but I’ll never forget his name or the impact of his life.

Dobson was a victim of a shooting late Thursday night.  Each day there are senseless acts of violence throughout America, but this one was different.

Dobson, a brave 15-year-old sophomore, heard shots being fired.  Without hesitation, he threw his body across three young girls walking nearby.  A bullet hit Dobson, but no one else was injured because he acted as a human shield for his friends.

Think about that.

When gunshots are fired most people duck or run…take cover.  Not Dobson.  His first instinct was to protect his friends- even when it cost him his life.  What a gift he gave to these young women.

This incident reminded me of the frailty of life.

It also made me grateful for Jesus, who died for us all.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. …  Romans 5:6-11

This time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  We also need to reflect on the gift of salvation He gave to us…and His willingness to die for you and me.

Let not your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God; believe also in me.  John 14:1

This world needs more people with courage like Zaevion Dobson.

And we also need to be grateful for the ultimate display of courage from Jesus.

Please pray for the family and friends of Zaevion Dobson.  Also pray for Fulton High School and the Knoxville community.

Also give thanks for Jesus protecting us from a death in sin.  Jesus gave us the hope of an eternal life.  What a blessing.

God bless all of you.  Merry Christmas.

 

 

 

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Skipping Thanksgiving

FullSizeRender[1]I think that we’ve skipped Thanksgiving this year.

If you’ve walked into a large retail store or shopping center since Labor Day, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

We’ve jumped from Halloween straight to Christmas.

Last year Americans spent $7.4 billion on Halloween.  That’s billion with a B.  Empty stores are rented and filled with Halloween costumes and decorations for two months following Labor Day.  It’s a big business.

And before Halloween is over, the Christmas push begins.  Holiday songs hit the radio airwaves and decorations take over as much as 25% of the space on retail shelves.

And somewhere sandwiched in-between is Thanksgiving…although you wouldn’t know it by the commercials, advertisements and store aisles.

Thanksgiving.  The holiday that’s traditionally been about friends, family and fellowship.

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year- as I’ve been blessed in many ways.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  James 1:17

I’m grateful for Hollianne and my children.  My mom and dad are both still living and available for guidance and counsel.  We’ve been blessed with good health in 2015.  I have a fulfilling job and a supportive, loving group of friends and family.

Take a minute and do an inventory of the good things in your life.  We all face difficulty and strife, but there are blessings for all of us.

I urge us to a couple of things before the Thanksgiving holiday.  First, write down three things for which you are grateful.  Then take the time to write a note (or two) to those folks who have assisted in these blessings.  Maybe it’s your aunt or a former teacher.  Perhaps it’s an old friend.  Write them a short note and let them know how much they mean to you.  Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to others for helping you along the way.

Next, think about those who need a lift this time of year.  Maybe it’s your neighbor who was widowed last year.  Or perhaps it’s a single parent from your office…or seniors who are unable to leave their homes because of health reasons.  Reach out to them and provide some cheer.  Invite them to eat with your family on Thanksgiving day.  Or perhaps they just need a phone call of encouragement or a visit to provide dinner.  We can help by lightening a burden that they are carrying inside.

I pledge to do these things in the week leading up to Thanksgiving.  I hope that you’ll join me.  Perhaps we can provide a blessing to someone- just as we’ve been blessed.

Give, and it will be given to you.  Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.  For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.  Luke 6:38

Pray for me as a husband, father, son, friend and worker.  Help me be a blessing to someone this week.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless you.  Happy Thanksgiving.

 

 

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Tennessee Whiskey

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I was participating in a marketing session at a national conference a couple of months ago.  The speaker asked us to introduce ourselves and tell what state we represented.  She then instructed everyone in the room to tell what “image” popped into their minds when the state was announced.

Georgia?  Peaches.  Florida?  Sunshine.  New York?  Broadway.  Colorado?  Rockies.

I proudly announced “Tennessee.”  I thought that the participants might describe our beautiful mountains and lakes.  Or perhaps Elvis and the blues…or the cradle of country music.

“Whiskey.”

What???  Whiskey?  But that was the overwhelming sentiment in the room.  When out-of-staters thought about Tennessee, they thought about whiskey.

I was shocked.  My thoughts and feelings about my home state were vastly different than the opinions and views of others at the session.

It made me pause and reflect on my own life.  What image do I project to others?

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.  James 1:26

Truth be told, my image needs a makeover.

If we are lucky, we have people in our lives that keep us honest.  People that will straighten us out when we wander astray.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:2

My prayer this week is to surround myself with people who will keep me from “conforming to this world.”  Those that help me stay focused on helping others…and being a better husband, father, son and friend.  People that pull me aside and whisper encouragement when they watch me struggle.

Let me know how I may pray for you. God bless.

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