Lifetime Guarantee's Weekly

The Enemy's Scouting Report

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

While watching ESPN SportsCenter recently, I was intrigued by the amount of time professional baseball players spend studying opposing pitchers. Every motion is examined, every twitch is analyzed, and every delivery is scrutinized. Through this type of scouting report, a good hitter can often get the advantage by picking up on subtle movements that tip him off to what pitch may be coming down the pipe next. The more they discover about their opponent the better chance they have of winning.

Safety Net

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

During the first half of construction, 26 men died building the Golden Gate Bridge. So an elaborate safety net was fashioned. Fatalities decreased to zero and work increased by 25 percent! A safe work environment makes for better workers, and being secure of your standing before God can make you a better Christian.

Grace vs. Deliverance

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Proverbs 3:34b that, "...He (God) gives grace to the afflicted." I read that and wondered why God would give grace and not deliverance. Deliverance is the easy way out. Grace refers to a divine influence upon the heart and it's reflection in life, a reflection of acknowledging benefits, favor, thankfulness, joy, and acceptance from God. Deliverance is extraction from affliction with confidence in God's favor and acceptance, joyfully and thankfully acknowledging His benefit. Many times grace is a training ground run through tear-blurred eyes and which in the end leaves your heart strong, your spiritual muscles toned, and your head clear and organized.

Releasing Your Burdens

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Managing Your Fears

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

We stand today on the brink of war, so let me ask you, my friend. How are you doing managing your fears? I was reminded recently that the first thing Adam said to God after he and Eve declared independence and sinned was, "I was afraid." It is noteworthy that the first thing God said when Christ was born was, "Fear not."

How to Motivate Godly Character

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On a recent road trip, my wife and I were listening to a novel somewhere in Mississippi. The story followed a thirteen-year-old amateur tennis player as she struggles to stay above the competition while facing the temptation to cheat. In amateur circuit matches fewer line judges are available to make calls, so the players call their own balls "in" or "out." The main character, Rosie, discovers that she can tilt the match her way on important points by calling her opponent's shots "out" when they were really "in."

Magnification and Mirrors

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400