“If God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise, it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.” (C.S. Lewis) “…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians …
Responsibilities, time demands and even our personal lives become almost overwhelming at times… “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 1. …
It’s always more fun and more meaningful to watch a team compete who gets along well, and seem to truly respect and care for one another. We recognize that it’s a true team when players enjoy seeing their teammates have success. This translates to our faith, as well. James McDonald once said, “The most powerful …
Ten years in to my coaching career at the University of Kentucky and while our sons were in elementary school, my wife,Sharon, was diagnosed with breast cancer. A few weeks after surgery, while she was receiving chemo-therapy, she shared this verse with me: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members …
People who pursue a career in baseball understand failure, perhaps, more than almost anyone else. It has often been said, “To hit the magical .300, you must fail 7 out of 10 times.” Successful baseball players learn that they can’t let their failures define them. Instead, they let their failures teach them. As followers of …
I confess to you that I am a creature of habit. I enjoy my routine each day. I won’t bore you with my routine because, well, it’s boring. Yet, I enjoy it. The problem is this; sometimes my routine prohibits me from allowing God to use me for something adventurous. Sometimes, perhaps often, we need …
This verse I carry in my mind and heart with thanksgiving. It reminds me of the incredible grace that is available to each of us. None of us deserve it. It’s a gift from God. He loves us this much! 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, …
Everyone has a gift or gifts. We may envy the gifts God had given to others, but the gift or gifts He has given to each one of us may be used by God in a significant way. God sees the gift He has given to you as “good” and “perfect.” “Every good and perfect …
Each one of us will likely make decisions today. Some will seem minuscule and others will loom large. Many of them will affect the lives of others. My “go to” verse when making decisions: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will …
It’s very hard to grow and improve if we don’t recognize our need for improvement. Not many pastors or Christian authors want to talk about sin in fear they will be viewed as narrow and self righteous. Repentance and growth only come from conviction of sin. Christ wants to forgive us and place us on …