The glamour, the money, and the fear of being ridiculed by your teammates are often barriers to living a Christian life.

Such has been the case in the professional world of hockey.

It’s not enough to just be a skilled player.

You have to be tough.

Of all the major sports, it is particularly hard to be a vocal Christian in the National Hockey League because:

• Hockey is rough and tumble and no place for “wimps.”
• There has always been a separation of “church and skate.”
• If you have a “soft game,” your Christianity will be blamed.

But a wimp?

Just the opposite is true.

Standing up for Christ takes a strong man of God and is no place for wimps.

While it has gotten easier for a Christian hockey player to talk about his faith, the “Christian isn’t tough” stigma continues.

No teammate wants a player to “turn the other cheek” when a fight breaks out.

Former Los Angeles Kings coach Barry Melrose analyzed this situation by noting, “A lot of people in hockey feel you can’t be a big, tough, physical player and be a Christian, but just the opposite is true.

“They are some of the most fierce competitors in the world.”

To really know Jesus is to “run the race to win the prize,” as the Apostle Paul so eloquently put it.

To really have a personal relationship with Jesus means competing at the top of your game to give God all the glory.

Christianity has come a long way in the once hush-hush world of hockey.

Today there is an organized group, Hockey Ministries International, that spreads the word of Jesus Christ.

10 Pro Hockey Players Who Give All Glory To God

1. Peter Budaj, who took over for injured L.A. Kings superstar goaltender Jonathan Quick for an entire season, has a strong faith in Jesus.

He says, “This is the most important thing, this life is temporary. One day we as a people will die. I believe I will go to heaven because I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I’ve done a lot of wrong things in life I am not proud of, and that’s why I need Jesus. He came to save the unrighteous, not the righteous.”

He has Joshua 1:9 printed on the back of his helmet.

Watch Peter Budaj’s wonderful salvation story in this Hockey Ministries video.

2. Laurie Boschman blazed a trail for Christians in the NHL when “religious” players were frowned upon.

A top draft pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was introduced to Jesus by teammate Ron Ellis.

After receiving Christ in his life, he said, “Just don’t tell the other players, OK?”

After a bad game, the owner of the Maple Leafs, Harold Ballard, blamed his “soft play” on his Christianity, telling him he had “too much religion.”

When he lost his wife to cancer, he credits his faith in Christ for seeing him through.

Today, Boschman is the coordinator for all the team chaplains in the NHL.

3. Stu Grimson, one of the NHL’s most feared enforcers for the Chicago Blackhawks and referred to as the Grim Reaper, is remembered for his two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks and one with the L.A. Kings.

He became a born-again Christian in the early 1990s and led the NHL’s Christian Fellowship, telling one interviewer, “Jesus is no wimp.”

4. Jarome Iginla: He made his mark with the Calgary Flames before ending his great career with the Los Angeles Kings (technically he is an unsigned free agent).

A tough scorer and a tougher player, Iginla says, “I pray daily and believe in God and do the work. When I go on the ice, I do the best I can. I believe Jesus died for us and that He is there for us.”

Iginla’s father was a Muslim who converted to Christianity.

Listen to Jarome Iginla talks about his faith in Christ.

5. Adam McQuaid. The Boston Bruins defenseman has grown more bold and outspoken about his faith in God and the role it plays in his life.

It was during the battles with various injuries that McQuaid sustained that his faith in God strengthened him.

He said, “I’ve played hockey all my life. But I know that when I’m done playing, I’ll have that relationship with Jesus for the rest of my life and the rest of eternity, and it’s something that will continue to grow.”

6. Shane Doan: The recently retired Phoenix Coyotes great was always a thorn in the side of the L.A. Kings.

He says Romans 8:28, is so special to him he writes it on his hockey sticks: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

7. Mike Fisher retired after successful stints with the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators.

As a young hockey player, he struggled with the sins of the world.

He entered the NHL at 19 fulfilling a childhood dream, but was unhappy inside.

He knew he was letting God down until he took to heart Matthew 10:39 which says, “If you give up your life for Me you will find true life.”

Fisher makes Jesus a priority, talking about his walk with the Lord in his biography, “Defender of Faith.”

He continues to be a spokesperson for the Christian community, along with his wife, country singer Carrie Underwood.

Watch Mike Fisher talk about his walk with Jesus in this 7-minute video.

8. Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion, is the winner of 6 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadians, and credited with inventing the slap shot.

He wrote these words at the end of his autobiography: “Once upon a time I used to believe hockey was everything. It isn’t. God and family come first.

“Being happy with the Lord and my family is a lot better than winning 500 Stanley Cups! When you are flat on your back, the only place to look is up — to God.

“These words come to mind: ‘What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?”

9. Mike Gartner, who played right wing with the Washington Capitals, is a member of the 700-goal club.

He was led to Jesus by Jean Pronovost, one of the game’s outstanding wingers who ended his career with the Capitals.

In the book, “Toward the Goal,” Gartner says he got on his knees in a hotel room and prayed, “Lord if You are real, come into my life now and change me. … I found a peace that profoundly impacted the rest of my life.”

Gartner says he played to glorify God, that he felt responsible to God to use the talents and abilities He had given him.

10. Dan Ellis, one-time goaltender with the Nashville Predators and the Washington Capitals, learned about Jesus at a Christian hockey camp.

His dad sent him to one when he saw his son was headed for trouble.

As he grew older, he said he realized that the more he studied the Bible, the more he realized following Jesus was the only way.

He calls God his anchor. “He is the only constant in the ups and downs of life.”

Watch this 5-minute video of goaltender Dan Ellis talk of being saved by grace.

Key Takeaway

The list of professional athletes who are sold out for Jesus Christ doesn’t end here.

These 10 current and former National Hockey League players aren’t the only ones who credit Jesus for their success and goals in life.

This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list as there are many other athletes of valor.

But those mentioned here are great examples of how God lifts up those who have a heart for Him and run after Him.

Other former or current players who are Christians include Eric Staal, Ryan Smyth, David Booth, Matt Duchene, Dan Hamhuis, and Cam Ward.

Read more about these great men of God in hockey on the Hockey Ministries International website.

Want to have a life of purpose in Jesus?

Want to make a difference in someone’s life?

Then have a heart for God and run after Him so that you, too — as the 1920’s Olympic runner Eric Liddell so wonderfully put it — “feel His pleasure.”

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath (crown), but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-26)

Following Christ is your chance to run with a purpose.

Christmas lights and decorations beautifully adorn houses that twinkle and sparkle before your eyes.

Christmas cards touch your heart as you read every last word.

And the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies makes it impossible for you to eat only one.

But what happens if you’re not able to afford presents or even a Christmas tree this year?

Maybe you’re suffering from an illness or even grieving the loss of a loved one.

Or, the only wish on your list is a miracle.

How do you avoid getting bitter and turning into Ebenezer Scrooge? 

Is it even possible to make it through this Christmas season with joy and peace in your heart?

God Keeps His Promises

“Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” – Luke 1:30-33

Could you imagine being Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story?

An angel of the Lord tells Mary, a virgin, she’s pregnant with the foretold Messiah.

Joseph finds out his fiance is pregnant from Someone other than him.

Then, as he’s about to leave her, the same angel speaks to Joseph in a dream assuring him this is all a work of God!

This story sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

From a logical standpoint, this was totally impossible.

If this happened today, both Mary and Joseph would be on the Dr. Phil show taking paternity tests, trying to find out what really happened.

But that wasn’t the case.

Mary and Joseph chose to believe. (Luke 1:45)

Not only did they take God entirely at His word, they also did exactly what He told them to do.

They would soon find out that everything prophesied to them would, in fact, come to pass.

And life, as they knew it to be, would never be the same again.

In choosing to walk by faith and trust God…

He, in turn, blessed them exceedingly, abundantly beyond all they could have ever dreamed. (Ephesians 3:20)

Anything Is Possible If You Believe

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:23-25

Do you need your own miracle this Christmas?

Then remember, your God is able!

Like Mary and Joseph, it may not always make perfect sense.

It may even seem crazy to you at the time!

But praise God they were obedient to Him regardless of the hesitations I’m sure they had.

Could you imagine what would have happened if they said no?!

Just think of all the other people in the Bible who chose to walk by faith too…

• Noah—when God asked Him to build a large boat to save his family from a flood when it never rained before. (Hebrews 11:7)
• Sarah—when God promised her a baby even though she was barren. (Hebrews 11:11-12)
• Abraham—when God called him to leave home and go to another land. He went without even knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8-10)
• Moses—when God asked Him to aid in rescuing His people from bondage to Pharoh. (Hebrews 11:23-28)
• Joshua—when God told Him to cross His people over into the Promised Land even though it was enemy territory. (Hebrews 11:30)

This list could go on forever!

So you see, there is historical evidence that God is more than capable of doing the impossible.

So why then do we tend to doubt?

Why do we refuse to walk by faith?

Our God Is A God Of Miracles

As Christians, we can trust our unknown future to our known God. (Corrie Ten Boom)

We can take Him completely at His Word.

Why?

Because time and time again, God has been faithful.

It’s not based on your own strength, resources, and abilities.

It’s based on His.

Little did Mary and Joseph know when they first met… God had a miracle in store for them.

It wasn’t logical.

It wasn’t rational.

But with God, it wasn’t impossible.

And just as God had a plan and purpose for the birth of Jesus, He has a plan and a purpose for you too.

He promises to provide for every one of your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

And absolutely nothing is too hard for Him!

Key Takeaway

No matter what mountain is before you today, choose to walk by faith, not by sight.  (Mark 11:23)

Assuredly I say to you, God will step in and melt those mountains like wax. (Psalm 97:5)

If He hasn’t let you down thus far, know that He never will.

Even though presents, cards, cookies, and caroling are fun and festive to do during the Holidays, remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Have a heart of gratitude for the most perfect gift you’ve already received.

Jesus Christ your Savior and the assurance of heaven for all eternity.

Remember the miracle God did in the little town of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.

And the promises He’s made to you in His Word.

Are you praying for a miracle is this Christmas?

Then choose to believe…that even the impossible is God’s reality.

Christmas lights and decorations beautifully adorn houses that twinkle and sparkle before your eyes.

Christmas cards touch your heart as you read every last word.

And the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies makes it impossible for you to eat only one.

But what happens if you’re not able to afford presents or even a Christmas tree this year?

Maybe you’re suffering from an illness or even grieving the loss of a loved one.

Or, the only wish on your list is a miracle.

How do you avoid getting bitter and turning into Ebenezer Scrooge? 

Is it even possible to make it through this Christmas season with joy and peace in your heart?

God Keeps His Promises

“Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” – Luke 1:30-33

Could you imagine being Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story?

An angel of the Lord tells Mary, a virgin, she’s pregnant with the foretold Messiah.

Joseph finds out his fiance is pregnant from Someone other than him.

Then, as he’s about to leave her, the same angel speaks to Joseph in a dream assuring him this is all a work of God!

This story sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

From a logical standpoint, this was totally impossible.

If this happened today, both Mary and Joseph would be on the Dr. Phil show taking paternity tests, trying to find out what really happened.

But that wasn’t the case.

Mary and Joseph chose to believe. (Luke 1:45)

Not only did they take God entirely at His word, they also did exactly what He told them to do.

They would soon find out that everything prophesied to them would, in fact, come to pass.

And life, as they knew it to be, would never be the same again.

In choosing to walk by faith and trust God…

He, in turn, blessed them exceedingly, abundantly beyond all they could have ever dreamed. (Ephesians 3:20)

Anything Is Possible If You Believe

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:23-25

Do you need your own miracle this Christmas?

Then remember, your God is able!

Like Mary and Joseph, it may not always make perfect sense.

It may even seem crazy to you at the time!

But praise God they were obedient to Him regardless of the hesitations I’m sure they had.

Could you imagine what would have happened if they said no?!

Just think of all the other people in the Bible who chose to walk by faith too…

• Noah—when God asked Him to build a large boat to save his family from a flood when it never rained before. (Hebrews 11:7)
• Sarah—when God promised her a baby even though she was barren. (Hebrews 11:11-12)
• Abraham—when God called him to leave home and go to another land. He went without even knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8-10)
• Moses—when God asked Him to aid in rescuing His people from bondage to Pharoh. (Hebrews 11:23-28)
• Joshua—when God told Him to cross His people over into the Promised Land even though it was enemy territory. (Hebrews 11:30)

This list could go on forever!

So you see, there is historical evidence that God is more than capable of doing the impossible.

So why then do we tend to doubt?

Why do we refuse to walk by faith?

Our God Is A God Of Miracles

As Christians, we can trust our unknown future to our known God. (Corrie Ten Boom)

We can take Him completely at His Word.

Why?

Because time and time again, God has been faithful.

It’s not based on your own strength, resources, and abilities.

It’s based on His.

Little did Mary and Joseph know when they first met… God had a miracle in store for them.

It wasn’t logical.

It wasn’t rational.

But with God, it wasn’t impossible.

And just as God had a plan and purpose for the birth of Jesus, He has a plan and a purpose for you too.

He promises to provide for every one of your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

And absolutely nothing is too hard for Him!

Key Takeaway

No matter what mountain is before you today, choose to walk by faith, not by sight.  (Mark 11:23)

Assuredly I say to you, God will step in and melt those mountains like wax. (Psalm 97:5)

If He hasn’t let you down thus far, know that He never will.

Even though presents, cards, cookies, and caroling are fun and festive to do during the Holidays, remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Have a heart of gratitude for the most perfect gift you’ve already received.

Jesus Christ your Savior and the assurance of heaven for all eternity.

Remember the miracle God did in the little town of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.

And the promises He’s made to you in His Word.

Are you praying for a miracle is this Christmas?

Then choose to believe…that even the impossible is God’s reality.

Slowly…

But it happens.

Your world gets busier and busier, and life speeds up.

Before you know it, your job, your family, your relationships with others, your bills, your worries … take up all your time.

Your time with God is now a distant memory.

• I don’t have time to pray, I’ll do it tomorrow.
• I don’t have time for devotions.
• I don’t have time to talk to God.

Soon, God is in your rearview mirror as you blast through life at warp speed.

That’s when you have to catch yourself.

That’s when you have to slow down.

Take your foot off the gas and quit passing God up like He’s a small town between Los Angeles and New York.

Stop And Smell The Roses

His Word in Psalm 46:10 gently reminds us …

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

You haven’t done much exalting lately because you’ve forgotten who God is.

When you begin to forget who God is, I want you to listen to this beautiful song.

It reminds us who God is, and our relationship to Him.

It says:

“You unravel me with a melody

You surround me with a song.

Of deliverance from my enemies
‘Til all my fears are gone.

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God…”

It is so easy to forget something so simple.

But, hey, we’re too busy, right?

So, I have to ask: Is God your melody?

• Do you hear His words of love singing in your heart when you wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night?
• Does the melody of God stir your soul?
• Do you feel cradled safely in the arms of God’s pure love?
• Do you embrace the fact you are no longer a slave to fear, that you are a child of God?

If not … it’s because you are speeding through life.

Don’t be so busy that you miss an awesome opportunity to grow closer to your Creator and hear the melody of love He plays daily to YOU.

Make Time For Your Creator

Zephaniah 3:17 puts it in perspective:

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves; He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

God rejoices over you in song.

It is His melody of love.

Despite my many, many imperfections, I love talking to God.

Of course, I tell Him what He already knows, but in return, I get to hear His wonderful melody play in my soul.

Enoch heard God’s melody play out in his life.

I have always admired Enoch. Oh, that I could be like him.

The Bible says that Enoch lived 365 years before he was taken by God.

Genesis 5:21-24 tells us that Enoch, “Walked with God: and he was no more; for God took him.”

One minute he is here, the next minute he is gone! Wow!

But how can I be like Enoch if my life is so busy that I don’t have time for God?

When that happens, just stop whatever you’re doing and remember:

• That day he reached down and picked you up and broke the chains that bound you in sin.
• That day He washed you in the blood of His Son, Jesus, Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
• That day He gave you a new, more abundant life and you gladly gave Him your life of despair.
• That day you first heard His melody of love in your heart.

So, slow down and take the time to listen to God’s song in your life.

It’s a beautiful melody that sings out:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

So, when you start to forget who God is…

Ask Him to unravel you like a melody and surround you with His song of love…

So that you remember you are no longer a slave to fear…

You are a child of God.

Hear that melody?

Then exalt Him…and give Him all the glory and praise due His name.

They give us an opportunity to thank God for all the blessings He’s given us.

Or…we allow them to cause us more stress, anxiety, pressure to keep up with the Joneses, credit card debt and discontentment.

In his letter to the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul says to, “Rejoice in the Lord always”. (Phil 4:4)

How is this even possible?

Especially during all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season?

Are You Choosing To Trust God?

The truth is, you’ll always have many reasons to be thankful to God.

You can purpose in your heart to rejoice and thank Him at all times!

That’s because trusting God and being thankful to Him is a choice.

Take Job for an example.

I don’t think anyone has had it worse then he did. 

Seemingly out of nowhere he loses his 10 children, all his wealth and possessions, his physical health, and the love and support of his wife.

He literally had a horrible, no good, very bad day!

But it’s how he responds to these situations that speaks volumes to us as fellow believers.

Even when his wife told him to, “curse God and die…” (Job 2:9)

Even when all his friends blamed him for everything that was happening…

Even though he lost absolutely everything…

He still chose to trust God. 

He chose to say, “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” (Job 2:10)

Sure he asked God questions and cried out to Him.

He was in anguish over all that was happening, but He never turned his back on God.

He chose to believe that God would see him through…

And that’s exactly what God did.

Check out what Jeremiah 17:7-8 says,

So again, you have to choose to trust God with all that’s within in you.

When you do, He will give you a peace that surpasses all of your own understanding. (Phil. 4:7)

He will comfort you, encourage you, and give you the grace you desperately need to keep pressing on.

Are You Choosing to Count Your Blessings, Not Your Problems?

It’s easy to count your problems.

But have you taken some time to really count your blessings?

Whenever I’m starting to feel discouraged or depressed, I take out my journal and start to list things I’m thankful for.

Once you get going, you’ll see how easy it is to fill up the entire page!

Sure, maybe your life isn’t picture perfect.

Maybe your husband will burn the turkey…again.

Maybe you’re not at your goal weight or where you wanted to be financially.

But you do have so many things to be thankful for.

How about your salvation?

Or that you’re still alive.

Or that you have a roof over your head and food on your table?

When you really stop and take an inventory of your life, you’ll be encouraged to see how blessed you truly are.

Remember, life here on earth was never meant to be forever.

Similar to the first settlers who established Thanksgiving in the 1620’s, you are but a pilgrim too.

A pilgrim passing through this life on your way to eternity in heaven.

Are You Choosing To Be Content?

“True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it…” – 1 Timothy 6:6-7

The key to being thankful is really choosing to be content.

It’s not about having the biggest house, the fastest car, the perfect family, or the smallest dress size.

It’s about being okay with your lot.

It’s about being satisfied with what God Himself has given you for this season you’re in.

It’s choosing to be grateful for what you do have right now, not what you want to have someday in the future.

Remember, the grass is only “greener” on the other side because it’s FAKE!

It doesn’t matter how much money you have either because money doesn’t buy happiness at all.

How many celebrities have you heard about who are miserable instead of joyful?

How many have sadly committed suicide?

So you see, it’s not about your external circumstances because they’re constantly changing.

Happiness comes and goes, but joy and a thankful heart can be constant.

That’s because they’re based on your relationship with God, not on your emotions and circumstances.

You may be happy driving your new car off the lot, but what happens to your mood when you hit the curb and pop your tire?

Knowing who your God is and keeping your eyes fixated on Him is the only way you’ll find true joy this holiday season.

Are You Choosing To Praise God?

As Pastor Levi Lusko has said, “We all have the choice, the choice to rejoice!”

It’s time to rejoice!

It’s time to celebrate!

It’s time to be grateful!

And it’s time to praise the Lord with all that is within you!

Choose to be thankful in all circumstances.

Choose to step out of your comfort zone and share the Gospel with your unsaved family members.

Choose to put the needs of others before your own, and show the love of Jesus Christ to those relatives who may be a little difficult to love.

For such a time as this God has chosen you to be His hands and feet in this fallen world.

So try not to sweat the small stuff.

Try not to complain or walk around with a bad attitude.

Don’t allow bitterness to take root making you unthankful to God.

Live each day to the fullest.

And make the most of your time with the ones you love. (Matthew 5:16)

You see how easy it is to find reasons to be thankful this holiday season no matter what you’re going through?

So what are you waiting for?

Count your many blessings…count them one by one!

From all of us here at CC South Bay, we want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ever felt “off” or stagnant in a specific area of your life?

If so, God may be showing you that a reform needs to take place.

It could be in the area of relationships, finances, career, discipline, or your spiritual life.

At one point or another, most people have experienced this.

I’ve come to learn that when this is going on usually the Lord is showing me that something is out of order.

We must be diligent in seeking what is causing the disorder because if you do nothing, your results will remain the same.

And you may even open the door for Satan to reek havoc in your life resulting in depression, anxiety, and irritability.

God is a God of Order Not Chaos

Think of an assembly line, when an assembly line of a particular product is being manufactured.

Everything is running smoothly, operating efficiently, and the results are great.

In other words, everything is in order.

But what if is there is a small kink, and one little detail is out of order, then all of a sudden the machine stops working.

Then products are no longer meeting their quotas and time, and money is lost as a result of the disorder.

That’s how it is in our lives.

It doesn’t always need to be a huge event to feel out of whack.

Our “machine” could run down too if we let it, all because we allowed something in…or didn’t take something out, that created disorder.

That’s where reformation must take place.

Reform is a fancy way of saying making a change in something in order to improve it.

Most of the time it’s not a one time act, you may need reformation many times.

Think of the laws of our country, hundreds of reforms on laws and bills of the same kind.

Sometimes a reform may open the door to show you another area that needs change.

Remember reform is about improving something, and sometimes that’s a long process but always necessary to grow and look more like Christ.

Change Happens From the Inside Out

True reformation must always begin with knowledge and faith in the Lord.

Once you’ve received Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, you now have the Holy Spirit as your helper and guide.

Reformation should always ultimately lead to transformation.

Reformation must begin within yourself.

It doesn’t matter how little you have, whether it be money or time.

You must always look inward to see if something is not in order, and then seek to correct that wrong.

A lot of times when something is out of order, people will naturally look externally, outside of themselves.

They may say it’s their spouse’s attitude they can’t communicate, their lack of finances why they cant save or tithe, or that they’re too busy to spend time with God.

But when you entertain these types of ideas in your mind, you automatically close the door to right those areas that are out of order…

Being in denial and making excuses for not so good choices and behavior won’t fix the problem or change anything.

Hoping or waiting for the external to change itself won’t work either.

God shows you instead, that when you reform from within, you will always find that the outward has improved too.

Romans 12:2 is a perfect example of this principle: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you may find the acceptable will of God.”

God makes His will known to you in a variety of areas in scripture.

God’s will is made known for relationships, offenses, marriage, finances, our speech, work ethic, etc.

All found in the Bible.

So to know God’s will in these areas of disorder, you must renew your mind with His Word, not the world.

Renewing takes place from within first, and only then will you see what disorder God wants to correct in your life.

For His name’s sake and His glory.

God Cleans House!

In 2 Kings 23, the Lord is kindled with wrath against the inhabitants and plans for their destruction.

But because of King Josiah’s humility and a plea to God, God had mercy, and His alternative for them was that a reform must take place.

The city was rampant in idolatry and immoral acts.

King Josiah went up to the house of the Lord and read the covenant that was found to all the inhabitants there, small and great.

And all the people joined in the hearing of the reading of the covenant.

He burned everything in the temple that was devoted to idolatry—the altars, pillars, astrologers, and priest who made offerings to idols were removed.

Even the tombs of bones were removed and burned.

It’s easier to see when you read this whole chapter that God cleaned house!

Idolatry was rampant, and God had to deal it.

A reform took place in Jerusalem which meant the removal of anything that was creating chaos and disorder in the hearts of God’s people.

It all started with God’s Word.

The people needed to know and remember their original covenant with God.

Chances are they just forgot or were too caught up in the cares and concerns of life.

So, God had King Josiah remind them of His promises and regulations.

The same is true for you today.

God wants you to use His Words to remind yourself of what He says about those areas causing disorder in your life.

Not to condemn you, but to convict you, so you’re led to repentance.

Repentance should happen sooner rather than later because God knows destruction is waiting at the door.

God Hates Sin But Loves the Sinner

God didn’t destroy the people of Israel because of disorder.

Instead, He wanted to remove those things that were creating the disorder.

This is the same with God’s people today.

He doesn’t want to condemn or destroy you because you got it wrong.

Remember, God doesn’t hate the sinner, He hates the sin.

He hates what the disorder is causing inside of you.

And He loves you so much that He allows you to go through the pain of removing things that are not good for you.

God wants to bless His people.

Delight in His people.

But knows that bad habits and choices will hinder those blessings.

In Deuteronomy 28, God exhorted His people about blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Time and time again He told them all the ways He would bless them if they only followed His commands.

God knows you won’t always get it right, but He knows you also can always right your wrongs.

Remember you are free in Christ and no longer a slave to sin. (Romans 6:20)

Key Takeaway

God is always in the business of reforming and restoring.

Sometimes you don’t recognize your need for reformation in a certain area because you may have become desensitized to it.

Seek and pray for God to show you those areas that need reform and be ready to hear it.

Not by arguing with God, but with humility as King Josiah did.

Remember, God is a God of order not chaos.

He will always try to guide you in the right direction when disorder has taken root because he hates what the disorder causes in you and those around you.

Reforming old ways may not be easy; it may be painful for a season.

But God’s will isn’t to punish you…it’s ultimately to perfect you.

That way you’ll be a better reflection of Him in your everyday life and reap the blessings He has in store for you.

Amen?

Psychologists tell us that we, as a people, love dark thrills because it’s all pretend.

We love being scared to death vicariously because we are removed from what we are watching and won’t really die.

You just walk away from it.

Or do you?

An often-quoted college expert on mass media says people watch horror and slasher movies or go to “haunted houses” NOT for the intense fear that it creates, but for the intense relief that comes after it’s over, calling this process the “excitation transfer.”

So if I follow this line of reasoning, I should bang my head against the wall because it will feel great when I stop.

No thanks :-).

Halloween Celebrates Evil in the World

Fact: Darkness is darkness and evil is evil, no matter how fun and innocent it appears.

And Halloween is the time when darkness reaches the top.

I’m not here to debate whether you should or shouldn’t watch horror movies or scary TV shows.

I am here to open your eyes to Jesus Christ so that you may discern good from evil, as it says in Acts 26:18:

“To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”

Spiritual History 101: The Simple Facts

Evil is from Satan, who was cast into hell when he wanted to exalt himself above God.

Satan offers death. Satan is the Great Deceiver.

All good is from God. God has more love than Satan has hate.

Jesus offers life. Jesus is the Light of the World. Light will always overcome darkness.

When Christ died for our sins and rose again, Satan was defeated.

God will always triumph.

Here’s A Universal Truth:

If you walk into a dark room and turn on the light, does light and darkness arm wrestle to see which one will win out?

No, because light always displaces darkness.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Jesus was sent as “the Light of the World” and will always shine into and overcome the darkness—no exceptions.

Those who say they believe in God and see Halloween as a mindless kid’s holiday, ask yourself this:

Why would you step back into darkness when Jesus has brought you into the light?

If You Are Not a Christian, Let’s Cut to the Chase

If Jesus is not the Lord of your life and you feel strongly about attending a Halloween event (not to be confused with a church alternative (Alive 2017), then you are still walking in darkness.

And know this: Satan does not want you to have a relationship with God.

Satan is after the minds of your children, and what better way to showcase the Dark Side than during a “fun time” like Halloween when it is accepted by the unwary masses.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Your children are innocent, and you owe it to them to protect them from forces bent on their destruction.

They are an inheritance from God (Psalm 127:3).

Clothe them in the Armor of God.

 If you love your children as God loves you, then take Romans 13:12 to heart:

“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

So, before you dress them up as witches and goblins and let them go door-to-door, or take them to another Halloween event…

Realize you are paying tribute to the Lord of Darkness, Satan, and not the Lord of Light, Jesus.

The History Behind Halloween

Wikipedia.com notes that Halloween, or All Hallow’s Eve, originally began as an (alleged) “Christian-inspired time for honoring the saints and praying for the recently departed souls who had yet to reach heaven.”

Be that as it may, this practice is nowhere in the Bible.

Can you find any likeness of that description with today’s sinister touch of ghouls, goblins, demons, witches, diabolical killers, satanic mayhem and occult influences on Halloween?

Even the black cats of Halloween harken to the pagan Druids who believed they were reincarnated human beings.

Halloween is nothing more than a celebration of evil played out in the open.

God Warns Us

“Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31).

God was very specific to the Hebrew people when it came to the occult:

“There shall not be found among you anyone who … practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

God is mindful of you and His love for you is deeper than the depths of the sea.

He doesn’t want you anywhere near the occult.

God’s rules are for your protection.

Just as the wages of sin brings death, so does the belief in Jesus bring life.

Key Takeaway:

There is a heaven:

   “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2)

And there is a hell:

   “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; …” (2 Peter 2:4)

And there is a choice:

   “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

God gave you a new life and with it comes new responsibilities.

It is now up to you to protect this new generation.

Shield the innocent.

Show them God’s glory and absolute love.

Let your light shine!

   “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

This Halloween, help the children stay out of the darkness by helping them walk in the light.

Mark 16:16 says:

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

I thought all I had to do was call on the name of Jesus to be saved?

True…but being baptized is in obedience to God’s Word.

Being baptized is part of “calling on the name of Jesus.”

Witness what Acts 22:16 says:

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

It not only shows your obedience to God’s Word, but it’s also a public display of your faith in Christ.

That’s great. Now you are a child of God.

Maybe people see your walk with Christ … and maybe they don’t.

This is your outward appearance.

What about your inward appearance?

The one that defines who you are as a Christian?

Nothing Is Hidden From God

We can put on a “Christian” front and address others as “brother” and “sister” all day long … but how do you REALLY appear to the Lord?

• Do you get into the Word?
• Do you get into prayer?
• Does the spirit of God’s love reside in you?
• Do you ask the Holy Spirit to renew and refresh you daily?

Yes,  you were baptized outwardly once, but it does not end there.

Are you being baptized – inside – daily in your walk with the Lord?

Is your inner being washed daily by the blood of the Lamb?

Here’s the $64,000 question.

Does your inward appearance that nobody sees but God …

… match your outward Christian appearance that everyone else sees?

There is nothing that can be hidden from God.

Hebrews 4:13 says:

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

And yet, we try to fool Him.

We try to hide our lukewarm Christianity from Him.

I speak from experience.

I try to fool God with my attitude, with my prayer life, with my “Christian excuses.”

What’s Your Favorite Christian ‘Excuse Card’?

There’s a deck of cards we believers sometimes use.

I refer to them as the “Christian Excuse Cards.”

Like a skilled card sharp, I’ve played the “I’m A Work In Progress Card” until it’s been worn out.

The “I Fall Short Card,” the “Judge Not Card,” the “I’ll Pray Tomorrow Card” and the “I’m Still Growing Card” will never beat the winning hand God holds.

His cards all say “Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

I have played the “Spirit Is Willing But the Flesh is Weak Card” more than I care to remember.

I can’t use the “God Made Me This Way Card” or the “That’s Who I Am Card” anymore since the Holy Spirit ripped them up.

I have caught myself playing the “Righteous Anger Card” in moments of unrighteous anger.

My favorites are the “Hey, Nobody’s Perfect Card” and the “Lord, I’ll Do Better Next Time Card.”

Ecclesiastes 7:20 says:

“For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.”

We are, after all, so good at fooling ourselves and others.

You don’t have to be pious like the Pharisees and Sadducees, looking all religious so people can marvel at your faith.

There are many people who profess to be Christians but are dead on the inside when it comes to a vibrant life in Christ.

Jesus says in Matthew 23:27:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”

I just hate it when He’s talking about me.

On the outside, I look like a poster child for Evangelical Living…

But on the inside, I rattle with dead men’s bones.

Key Takeaway

Many times God has had to stop me in my tracks and say, “Woe to you, Ani,” to wake me up.

I’m just a sinner saved by the mighty love, mercy, and grace of Jesus.

Yes, I play the “Forgiveness Card” a lot, too!

Fact: Jesus died on the cross in my place so that the price of my sins would be paid for in full, once and for all … forgiven for all eternity.

And yet, deep inside, I forget that sometimes.

• I forget the Father’s love for me is so great He said, Ani, my Son will take your place on the cross. And He says that to you … and you … and, well, anyone who will listen.
• I forget His magnificent sacrificial love for me and the new life He gave me.
• I forget that His love came with a price I could never repay.
• I forget that His love for me is worth every sacrifice, every moment of obedience, every prayer said and meant, every time I drop to my knees just to call on the name of Jesus.
• I forget He listens to me and is there when I cry for help.
• I forget He truly is my answer in life and mankind’s answer for all eternity.

Yes, I forget that my awesome outward appearance means nothing to God if, on the inside, I am nothing more than a whitewashed tomb full of dead men’s bones.

I forget a lot of things.

I honestly have no excuse.

So I will endeavor to make my inner appearance match my outer appearance by:

• Never forgetting what Jesus did for me.
• Never forgetting that Jesus loves me more than I can ever love another.
• Never forgetting how I need to run the race to win the prize, as Paul so eloquently and simply put our Christian walk.
• Never forgetting how to say, “Jesus, I am truly blessed You are my Lord and Savior!”

I am not happy when I sin, and I am glad for that because it means the Holy Spirit, although grieved at my sinning, has not abandoned me.

What is truly a miracle is how God continues not only to put up with me but use me for his Kingdom building.

Fact: Mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve, and grace is God blessing us despite the fact that we do not deserve it.

Grace and mercy are the twin pillars of God’s love for you.

Let us all remember that next time we dare forget what He’s done for us.

The only card in the deck of life I want to play is the “Thank you, Jesus” Card.

One of the most important meals of the day is breakfast.

This applies to your heart and mind as well.

The fuel we give our heart and mind each morning determines the outcome of the remainder of the day.

If we strive to give our bodies the best meals and the healthiest nourishment, think of what God’s word, prayer, and meditation can do for us.

Spiritual nourishment is essential for your relationship with God.

In Proverbs 8:17 scripture tells us that those that seek Him early shall find Him.

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” – Proverbs 8:17

One of the lessons that we can learn from the children of Israel is how they collected manna.

And, what the Lord was trying to teach them through the provision of manna.

1. Why did the Lord provide manna to the Children of Israel?

The Lords greatest desire was to showcase Himself as their provider through the gift of manna.

Every morning there was sufficient quantity of manna for that day and not an ounce less.

Just as He provided manna to the children of Israel, He provides wisdom and nourishment through His Word and through His son Jesus.

2. At what time of day did the Children of Israel collect Manna?

In Exodus 16 scripture tells us that manna covered the campgrounds like a thin layer of frost that settles in the dawn of the day.

“That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. and the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. When the dew evaporated,  a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground.” – Exodus 16:14-15

The Lord allowed the children of Israel to collect manna early in the morning so they would have enough time to prepare for the day.

The Lord is constantly reminding you to seek Him and set time apart from all distractions so that you can eat that daily bread He gives which is His Word.

Just as manna was to be continuously sought, so must your spiritual food be sought as well.

Don’t try to live on yesterdays manna, because God’s provision is daily!

3. Why was manna only collected in daily portions and not enough for the whole week?

The Lord gave Moses specific instructions to the Israelites to not gather more than they needed for it would spoil.

Like manna, the Word of God is to be taken in an amount that is sufficient for our daily walk.

It’s not about the quantity, but the quality of what you read.

You only need to gather the manna that you need for that day.

If you want to remember and reflect on what you read, you need to digest the manna.

Manna was always for immediate consumption.

Just as God’s word should be fresh and new daily.

Some of the Israelites were pleased with the little manna they gathered.

If all you read in the morning is a few verses or a few chapters, small bites are better than none.

4. Why did they get a double portion on the sixth day? 

Like the Israelites, sometimes you will get a double portion.

The Lord provided manna for the Israelites for six days so that they would not gather it on the Sabbath.

The food lasted because they honored Him.

Similarly, as children of God, we get our double portion on the Sabbath too.

Ours being at church on Sunday through the Pastor’s teaching.

Not only do we get our time in God’s Word through our daily devotions, but through Pastor’s and Bible teachers as well.

Let us be thankful that we can come to Him every morning for our daily bread!

5. How does the Lord provide for all of our needs?

The Lord teaches you that your supplies are dependent on Him.

Just as manna came from God, all of your supplies must come from Him.

Any resources you have, whether economically, possessions, shelter or food comes directly from Him.

He is faithful with being your provider and supplying what you need.

If the manna did not fail for 40 years, neither will the Lord fail to supply your needs.

Our Father will give us our daily rations.

He is ALWAYS sufficient.

6. Why did the children of Israel gather and prepare supplies on their own?

God was faithful to send manna from heaven, but the Israelites had to get up early in the morning to gather their portions.

Scripture tells us that they use to beat it in mortars, grind it in mills, bake it in pans and make it into cakes.

As the Lord gives you His provision, it is up to you to manage it and use it for His glory.

7. Are you content with the amount of provision God has given you?

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-9

We should be content with the provision God gives us.

The Israelites had enough for all their needs.

They had no surplus and no luxuries, but yet their daily mercies became luxuries.

Be content with what the Lord has given you.

For His grace and mercy is a luxury in itself!

Manna is a direct reflection of Christ Himself.

He is the bread of life which came down from heaven.

Make sure to feed from Him daily and set aside a few minutes somewhere in a quiet place to read God’s Word.

Have breakfast with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

“In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped. And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning, then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering.  And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.  (Isaiah 4:2-6)

God’s Purification

In your own personal walk with the Lord, you will discover the need to “do business” with God.

Part of this requirement is dealing with temptation and sin, and knowing God’s will for your life.

It’s a hard road.

The difficulty for many of us is admitting we’re sinners.

” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” –  1 John 1:9

Confession of your sin is humbling, no doubt.

But if you’re able to admit it, you’ll know that we all fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

When you do, God steps in and blesses you with forgiveness, restoration, and peace.

So to sense and know the presence of God, we first have to endure the discomforts of God’s purification.

God’s purification is the ‘cleansing’ from the world.

Malachi 3:2 says, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap.”

In Isaiah 4:2-6 we get a glimpse of the Jewish believers who survive the tribulation.

The death and destruction they come out of is horrific.

They’re able to compare firsthand the evil of Satan and the goodness of God.

And through it all, they’re able to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah.

To the extent that they are now called “holy.”

Being holy is not a phony façade of speaking in “thees” and “thous” or acting in a pretentious way.

It’s about being real with God and with people.

“Believers are not better, they are just better off.” (Pastor Greg Denham)

The hard part is getting to a state of holiness.

Which is striving to live a life that is right with God.

The Lord has to “wash away the filth.”

It’s the Lord that cleanses us.

He’s the one that gives us a heart to live right, walk by faith, and trust Him.

God’s Presence

What I love most about our Lord Jesus is His presence.

The wonderful times He makes His nearness evident and brings His peace is like nothing else the world can offer.

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Something remarkable about the Exodus story, aside from the plagues and the Red Sea parting, is how the Lord manifested His presence as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” – Exodus 13:21

So when we “see” God’s presence in our mind’s eye, what happens when we think about the behavior of the Children of Israel in the wilderness?

The murmuring and complaining, the golden calf, the crying for meat instead of manna, the threats to return to Egypt…all the while God’s presence was right there in their midst.

Then, I’ll stop and think, How could they do that? Sin so blatantly in the presence of God!

In that moment, the Holy Spirit reminds me,

“Ah Brad, hello, you all do the same thing. My presence is made known all around you, in creation…and yet you keep sinning without any fear of who I Am.”

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…” – Romans 1:20

God’s Protection

“For over all the glory, there will be a covering. And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.” – Isaiah 4:5, 6

Once you start to comprehend the dimension of God’s love and His Holy Spirit is transforming you into the Lord’s image, you learn to appreciate the “covering” we have as Christians. (Ephesians 3:18)

God’s covering keeps us from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

It keeps us walking close to our Lord and Savior. 

His covering assures us that we’re going to be okay no matter what this life throws at us.

Best of all, His covering reminds us we’re going to heaven.

 ^“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:5)

So take these truths with you today, my friend.

Your walk with the Lord is a process.

And your first step toward God is your confession of sins.

From this step of humility, God always purification to take place in the depths of your heart.

This is how you start to become more like Him.

Secondly, He makes His presence known to you.

God reveals His love in many ways.

Through blessings, spiritual gifts, by His peace, and even though suffering and correction.

God’s presence keeps us in awe and in reverence of who He is.

Third, He protects us.

We all desperately need God’s protection. 

We need to know He’s covering us.

He is our refuge…

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

So to overcome the discomfort of God’s purification process; be purified by His love.

Acknowledge His presence and rejoice in His protection.