May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you. – Psalm 25:21 (NIV)

Good guys always finish last…a ploy used to pry the last plank of integrity out of a man’s soul.  A taunt used to prod us toward measuring a man’s worth on the “world’s” scale.

We heap burdens on our shoulders to add weight to our resume.  Working fiercely to tip the scales in our favor creates casualties in our relationships.  Integrity is often grayed to make room for gain.

When we accept the yoke of Christ, we find that His ways are opposite of burdensome.  We find that his teachings are light.

Justifying our actions against the world’s standard of “good” is where we are taught to believe that good guys always finish last – a failed system.

The world draws the finish line at death.  For the gutsy and brave who choose Christ as their measuring scale… the finish line doesn’t exist.  We simply change venues.

Integrity will protect you and living tall – above the crowd – will always prevail.  The world may draw your finish line and attempt to label you as a failure when you shrug off their rules, but remember that the world opposes Christ.

Stand tall – and watch God raise up righteous people to stand with you.

2 Minute Drill

Have you ever compromised your integrity to step up a rung on the ladder of success?

Which scale do you use at work and which scale do you use at home?

PRAY:  God, thank you for creating a new focus in my life.  Give me the strength to stand against the temptation of compromise.  Remind me of the standards You’ve given me, and dim the world’s standards.  Amen.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. – Mark 12:30 (NIV)

Faith in God isn’t a game.  Our messiah, Jesus Christ, didn’t suffer the brutality and endure the torture of the crucifixion so we could pick and choose our flavor of servitude.  The lukewarm lifestyle of believers who pick flavors of faith to enjoy while discarding the necessary denials of the world  - cheapens the cross.

We serve all, under all circumstances, without compromise, and with complete joy.  Faith requires strength and tenacity.

Grace from God may be free, but it certainly isn’t cheap.

We often celebrate the softer, easier side of faith.  The images of peace in the meadows, lambs prancing in fields, or perhaps the tender embrace of reconciliation between long, lost friends can be intoxicating and lovely.  However, the path Jesus took was filled with adversity, controversy, challenges, pain, and heartbreak in the midst of his joy, laughter, and friendships.

It takes commitment to walk in the footsteps of Christ.  It takes tenacity and focus to live in the shadow of the cross.  It takes unwavering devotion to God’s authority to experience the live in the light of the empty tomb.

Being a Christian means you will take the entire package.  Stand up for your faith, no matter the cost.  Live like Christ today.  Remember, He died for you – so you could live.  Honor Him with your strength and unwavering commitment to almighty God.

2 Minute Drill

What is the hardest part of being a Christian?

Does every part of your life consistently reflect Christ’s teachings?

PRAY:  God, I want to be consistent.  Forgive me for acting like the cross wasn’t meant for me.  Remind me to think about your commands and teachings before every decision.  Make the things that lead me away from you – taste bitter.  Amen.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

The steam that powers industry, conquest, and success is almost always fueled by components of “worry”.  A derivative of fear, the uncertainty of things just beyond the sight line of the horizon can build up pressure, anxiety, and worry.

What might happen?  What will they think? What could be said? What will I eat?  How will I pay the bill?  Will my health last?  Will war begin soon?  Will terror strike my home?

Government systems are designed around our worries.  Insurance companies thrive on our worry.  Capitalism depends on worry and dictators manipulate people through their worries.   Worry is a manipulator of life.

We are human – we manufacture worry and it’s our chief export.

Evil uses worry as a lever to pry us into undesirable action.  God wishes us to use worry as a catalyst to reach a dying world for Christ.

Spend less time worrying about your condition or what may never happen, and spend more time worrying about how to feed a hungry person.  Worry about the implications of not offering the hope of Christ to a friend or family member.  The real power of life comes from the hope of Christ.

2 Minute Drill

What do you worry about at least once per week?

Where does God fit into your weekly worry plan?

PRAY:  God, I confess that my worries often overshadow my confidence in Your grace.  I don’t want to worry about things that will fade with time, but I struggle.  Remind me, God, to have confidence in Your promises.  Give me power to overcome the fear of not knowing what may be next.  Fill me with courage to walk through this life – as a catalyst of hope.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Let’s face it, most guys like shiny objects.  We pursue experiences and materials that we can measure, compare, and collect.  From cars, computers, and coins to gadgets, grills, and galleries – we hunt and we gather.   Even the few who don’t care for objects, spend blocks of time and expending energy attempting to capture experiences.

From bustling American cities to the plains of Africa, men hunt, gather, measure, and compare – it’s in our DNA.

God never asked us to stop collecting treasure.  However, He wants to be the treasure you seek – first.  Christ went to the cross to give us the greatest treasure – unconditional love – hope – life restored to our Creator.  We seek Him first.  We quest to clean out our soul to make room for His high place in our life.

Don’t waste your life looking for meaningless objects to define your worth.  Pursue the people in your life like shiny treasure.  Chase the hearts of your children, your community, your family, and your friends with the same passion of Christ who pursued us.   Make today a pursuit of real treasure – God’s grace.

2 Minute Drill

How hard do you work for treasure?

If money was plentiful, what would you pursue every day?

PRAY:  God, my heart isn’t always lined up with Your desire for me.  I have wasted much of my time chasing things that men cherish instead of seeking You.  Remind me to treasure You and Your creation today. Amen.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

A closed door meeting.
Calm voices.
Professional attitudes.
Covert feelings.

The meeting begins with a smile, a handshake, and the sound of prepared papers shuffling back and forth across the desk.   Hardly a word is spoken as each is trying to quickly determine who is getting the upper hand in the business deal.

Lies spoken.
Nostrils flare.
Accusations made.
Voices raised.

One man pushes back from the desk, stands up, and walks out while threatening litigation.  His counterpart receives the threat and matches the accusation and sends back pride filled words and personal attacks of lying, injustices, and indecency.

Agendas exposed.
Defensive posturing.
Resentment builds.
Character revealed.

When we are treated unfairly, to the point of being offended, we should always look first at our own actions and intentions.  Our lives swing like pendulums across the meridian of truth.  Some things we do right while others we do wrong.  As examples of Christ’s love and reflectors of God’s grace, we must intentionally seek to do hold to what is truth.  Let the pendulum in all of your relationships cease to swing  -  so that –  it remains plumb and rests still and steadfast on the meridian of truth.
2 Minute Drill

Do you recall being treated unfairly in a relationship?

Have you treated someone unfairly in a relationship?

PRAY:  God, I am not perfect.  There are people in my life who deserve the best parts of me, not the worst.  Teach me to seek truth with everyone and remove hidden agendas.  Protect me from those who wish to harm me, and give me the patience to love even the most difficult people to love. Amen.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. – Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

It’s easy to give thanks to God for all that He has given to you.  It’s easy to tell others how thankful you are that God delivers blessings.  It’s easy to proudly survey your possessions and thank God for them.  But it’s hard to thank God for your burdens.  Faith rapidly gains depth when we praise God in the middle of our toughest challenges.

A thankful heart is gains intricate definition as we learn how to glorify God in the midst of our tragedies.  The foundation of joy and contentment is strengthened when we can be thankful in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Our circumstances will get ugly.  Relationships will turn sour.  Feelings and emotions are likely to be trampled.  God is in those moments… waiting for your thankfulness.

Find time to thank God in the midst of strife.  You can truly measure the depth and strength of faith by the joyful dependence on God in the midst of the hardest of times.

2 Minute Drill

What challenges your thankfulness?

What one difficulty are you now thankful for?

PRAY:  God, help me to see you in the middle of my darkness.  Show me the path of thankfulness for suffering.  Thank you for the challenges in my life… for it’s in those places that I find you most strong. Amen.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. – Matthew 6:22 (NIV)

There is a groove worn into the sofa where he spends most of his evenings.  The well worn seat is positioned perfectly close to the side table where an assortment of remote controls lay neatly in order of importance.  Channel changers, volume controls, DVD controllers –  magic wands in the hands of those who know how to orchestrate the devices.

A full day of work, long hours of stress, distrust of some, reliance upon others, and contemplations over difficult decisions are somehow pushed aside when settling into the soft seat.  The droning of news anchors, unrealistic life on display, and cleverly edited scenes become the salve on the scars of reality.

With hardly a nod of consideration, our attention, our wants, and our minds are handed over without barriers to the producers of news, directors of entertainment, and architects of television programming.  Our eyes become the portal to our soul – and information pours into life – unhindered.

We become what we think about.  We think on things we steadily observe.  We observe the world through our senses – our vision.  We emulate what we see – and we teach others by our actions.

Be careful what you set your eyes upon.  Given enough time and attention – it will shape attitudes, beliefs, and actions.  Settle into your soft spot on the sofa, but keep your filters engaged and seek to fill your soul with God’s best.

2 Minute Drill

Does your daily routine include a soft spot on the sofa?

Could you give up one 30 minute program to read God’s word?

PRAY:  God, you’ve given me eyes to see your creation and senses to experience your goodness.  Remind me to keep focused on you and resist the distractions that move me away from you.  Amen.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – Matthew 6:14 (NIV)

It was wrong.  No matter how many times it replays or how the recollection begins to twist, what they did was simply wrong.  The memory of the event begins to shape each day and eventually influences behaviors and attitudes.  Life is different now – altered by the baggage.

The small pouch of resentment once carried in the back pocket, has now become a fully packed suitcase of unforgiveness that travels through life, always within arms reach.  No matter how many times we drop off the baggage to be stored by someone else, we return to pick it up – as if the contents are life giving and valuable.

Unforgiveness can become a god.  If we expend valuable time meditating on the injustice, calculate the cost and collateral damage of the wrong , and reconstruct our life to fit around the presence of angst within our soul – we enter dangerous territory.

Jesus Christ teaches and commands us to forgive them, and do it as often as we are wronged.  Expecting people to be perfect, or requiring others to treat us fairly is a fouled and corrupt system of living.  People aren’t perfect, including you and me.  Offer forgiveness whenever possible.  Doing so, allows God to shine favor into your life.  Cleanse your heart of unforgiveness and make room for God’s complete grace to fill you up.

2 Minute Drill

What baggage of unforgiveness do you carry every day?

Name one item you can remove from your suitcase and give to God – right now.

PRAY:  God, I want your full blessing.  Help me to search my soul and purge the dark spots of unforgiveness.  You are gracious to forgive me, so teach me to be forgiving.  Amen.

 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:60 (NIV)

Jerry simply couldn’t move on.  More than a year had passed since the loss of his father, and each day brought reminders of missed opportunities and thoughts of “what could have been”.

Jerry’s father wasn’t the easiest man to be around.  He was harsh, jaded, and felt the world owed him a better life than the hand he was dealt.  As a result, Jerry spent his life trying to outlive the shadow of his “old man” – he ran in the opposite direction and sought acceptance from anyone who would offer.  He longed to hear the words – “Good job, son, I’m proud of you.”  However, his dad wasn’t capable of supporting himself, much less a son.  The words never came.

Too often, we get mired into the thick, viscous, muddy trail of needing affirmation from our parents.  Like an addiction, we can destroy our lives by hanging onto dangerous memories and unspoken words from creatures who are appointed to die.  God created within us, a desire to be wanted and affirmed.  Parents can love and affirm, but only God can fill that void and satisfy that craving.

While God, alone, is the author of hope, joy, peace, happiness, and contentment.  He accepts us and meets us where we are.  Let go of the past and avoid the temptation of stalling your life for those who reject God – regardless of who they are.  We are called to go and make disciples and to Love God first.

2 Minute Dril

Can you recall hearing affirmations from your parents or family?

Have you taken the time to tell the people in your life about Jesus Christ?

PRAY:  God, I love my family and I want them to know you.  Give me the strength necessary to step aside and allow your work to complete itself. Help me to receive your acceptance and fatherly love. Amen.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

In some circles, it’s referred to as the big “C”.  Often described and amplified with words like – afraid, selfish, or juvenile.  Numerous articles have been published with a tone of bitterness and curiosity as to the nature of this character trait in men, a failure to commit.

Television shows, movies, and pop culture have perpetuated and exaggerated the myth that men are fearful of Commitment.  It’s an easy topic with many targets, however the definition is often misapplied.

They are all dead wrong.  Men do commit to life.  We are engaged in things that match our wiring, we go “all-in” with dozens of pursuits in our life.  Commitment isn’t the issue – it’s what we choose to commit ourselves to that makes the difference.  Regardless of how we view commitment, there is a best practice we should follow.  Commit to God first.

Commit to your faith as enthusiastically as you commit to your sport, your hobby, your interest.  Don’t forfeit your life… better yet, allow God into every area and watch all aspects of your life explode with joy.  Commitment is a big “C”, but Christ is even bigger.  Let Him establish your life!

2 Minute Drill

List your favorite things that always get first attention in your life.

Where can God become first in each of your commitments?

PRAY:  God, I am willing to put you first, but a little hesitant that I’ll lose a part of who you made me to be.  Shut down that thought, remove the hesitation in my heart, and give me opportunities to place you first in all that I do. Amen.

Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. – 2 Chronicles 29:12 (NIV)

Too often we judge a man’s character based on his work ethic.  We celebrate his dedication to the job, his commitment to the work, and laud his never ending thirst to refine his craft while looking past character flaws, grey area decisions, and questionable ethical behavior.  We are blinded by his high production levels. We seek these men because they commit themselves to the pursuit.

On the other hand, we are less than thrilled to have to carry the weight of the man who doesn’t do his share of the work.  We complain to our peers of the inequality in the workplace.  The man who shows up, punches the clock, and must be constantly prodded and poked for him to barely do his part —  he is a burden and a disappointment.

Just like the job site, the boardroom, or the factory floor, Christians are called to commit every effort of excellence to almighty God and to obey the command…GO make disciples.  God provides strength to carry out this task to those who commit to His ways and submit to His kingship.

An excellent work ethic is admirable and honorable – even more so when it’s put into perspective.  Let’s apply that same tenacious dedication to the real assignment – making disciples for Jesus Christ.  Work as hard at serving God as you do at your job…and watch the blessings of wealth, honor, and strength consume you!  You can do this right in your workplace.

2 Minute Drill

What is your balance between work and family?

Do you pursue your faith as hard as you pursue your career?

PRAY:  God, I want to serve you wherever I go and honor your name with everyone I meet.  Teach me to place you first, so I can do the work you’ve given me – to build disciples for your namesake. Amen.

It [Salvation] teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, – Titus 2:11 (NIV)

There is a deep, cleansing breath, a sigh of relief, and an overwhelming sense of peace and accomplishment when Jesus Christ becomes our pursuit.  The empty promises of success and the shallow focus on status fades into darkness under the all consuming light of Christ.

No one is exempt from deciding his fate.  Christ went to the cross so we could spend our days honoring His commands as our king.  Chasing the world, abandoning self-control, and scheming new ways to smear the boundaries of right and wrong – erasing God’s truth and re-writing our own rules…are all ungodly.

Deepwater faith is intricately tied to our ability to put down our worldly passion and learn to live a God focused life.  Salvation in Christ, is our bent knee to the king.  Salvation in Christ, is our contract to live under His rule and not our own. Salvation in Christ, is recognizing that life really begins when our hearts are given back to God – the rightful owner.

Today… choose Christ Jesus.  Say “no” to wickedness and live self-controlled through the power of the Holy Spirit.  God first, you second.

2 Minute Drill

Have you experienced the salvation of Christ Jesus?

Where do you find encouragement to continue a life “not of this world”?

PRAY:  God, I have received your gift and want to honor You in all that I do.  Place reminders in my path that keep me focused on you.  Give me a decisive spirit that craves your love more than the world. Amen.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

With clinched fists, tight jaws, and locked knees – we hang on to life and work tirelessly to bend it and mold it into something we want.  Circumstances snap back against us like a recoiled rubber band, pain begins to take the place of determination, and our fists become weak from holding our grip entirely too long.

God calls us to a life that has a different posture.  We let go of the reigns, with our hands relaxed – open with palms up and our teeth unclinched.  Wearing a countenance of joy on our face.  We grow weary with our feeble attempts to manipulate life into something we choose – and it can cause us to grow bitter and distrustful.

Today, let’s wake up to realize that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can imagine.  In fact, He is working well ahead of you, making paths available for you to find and explore.  When we open our lives to the guidance of Almighty God, we find what we were seeking all along – joy.

Let go of the reigns – and let God drive.  Watch him unfold your life in ways you could have never expected.  Experience His Grace and Glory!

2 Minute Drill

What one thing are you attempting to do without a nod toward God?

How often do you pray for God’s will to be done?

PRAY:  God, I’m growing weary from trying to do your job.  Help me understand that I can’t… no matter how hard I try.  Reassure me today that you’ve got “this” and your plan is greater than I could have ever imagined! Amen.

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. – Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

He jogged behind the small bicycle while firmly gripping the back of the tiny pink seat.  She was pedaling with determination as she concentrated on keeping her front tire pointed straight ahead.

With each trip down the little grassy knoll, they celebrated every additional inch of progress.  She was learning to ride her pink princess bike, and he was teaching her how to balance, trust, and proceed with confidence.  She was growing weary from failure but he continued to encourage her.

“One more ride,” he said, “you can do this!”  Weary from failing, she agreed to try one more time.  Down the grassy knoll she rolled, and into the park she continued!  Her face beamed with excitement as she turned to celebrate with her father.  Surely he was running in stride with his hand firmly on the seat, but he wasn’t there.  She lost confidence – fell – and crashed with fear.  Instantly, her father was by her side.

She looked up with weepy eyes and said, “where were you daddy? Why did you leave me alone?”  He smiled and said, “I never left sweetheart, I was running right behind you.”  She dried her eyes, they embraced, and she was ready to try again.

God is our strength.  He empowers us to tread across the heights of life.  He rescues us from mishaps, miscues, mistakes, and the depths of despair.  Faith grows when we are willing to ride, fully confident that God has given us instruction and constantly assured that He is always near, ready to help when we stumble.

2 Minute Drill

Do you remember learning how to ride a bicycle?

Have you ever taught someone how to ride?

PRAY:  God, you’re always there for me.  I soar with eagles and you are there.  I crash with fury and you are there.  Thank you, God for giving me the freedom to live this life.  I want to bless you with my trust. Amen.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Jerry stood before a crowd of nearly 800 professionals to talk about his company’s position on global markets, emerging technology, and industrial efficiency.  Jerry was considered an industry leader among his peers.

Years of hands-on experience, intensive research, and educated opinions had led him to the front of his industry.  Without hesitation, Jerry began forecasting and offering deep convictions and warnings to his peer group – fearful that refusing to accept new technologies into their processes would surely weaken their industry as a whole.  The crowd roared with enthusiasm.

Only 4 days later, Jerry sat in the middle of his Sunday small group attempting to lead a handful of adults through a biblical study on salvation.  He stammered, seemed uncertain, and knew he was one questions away from being embarrassed…fearful of not being able to answer the questions correctly.  Jerry felt ashamed of his lack of knowledge.

Like the investment we make into our careers, we should become equally invested in the truth of Jesus Christ.  Seeking opportunities for hands-on experience, spending deep contemplation on how Christ’s truth shapes our life, and learning about God’s word so we can correctly handle truth.

We should seek boldness to stand before others, as leaders of faith – unashamed of our creator, our savior, our Father.  Pursue your career with passion, but balance your life with equal pursuit for the truth in Christ. In the end, it’s Jesus that holds the key.

2 Minute Drill

Think about the skills required for your profession and the time you spend developing those skills.

How much time do you spend developing your understanding of God’s truth?

PRAY:  God, I want to be balanced.  Place reminders in my spirit to always seek you first and never find shame in proclaiming your truth.  You hold the key to life! Amen.

He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.  - Psalm 144:2

There is no one big enough, strong enough, tough enough, or smart enough to steal your joy, peace, and contentment.  It is yours to keep and it is yours to give away.  Every warrior needs a place to retreat, a medic to tend battle wounds, and a defense system in place to protect you when in need of rest.

God is on watch, on point, and poised to stand on the neck of your enemy on your behalf.  His battle strategy is to stand in your defense, to place a barrier between you and your attackers, and provide the muscle you need to overcome the seemingly impossible giants pursuing you.

Take note: Do not step away from God’s stronghold.  Hold your position and fight from a position of strength.  Never give away your joy and happiness by fighting on the enemies terms.  Remember that there is NO ONE who can steal your joy… but you can choose to give it away anytime you like, at your discretion.

2 Minute Drill

Have you given your contentment away to something or someone?

Find one thing that is robbing you of happiness and pray for God to subdue it.

PRAY:  God, you’ve given me the weapons and the battle plan.  You’ve shown me where to fight and how to stand under your shield.  Don’t allow me to walk outside of your fortress… bring me back quickly when I do.  Amen.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. – 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)

Plan B.  A back-up plan, a side door, a back door, a hedge, an escape route.  Our best plan on paper seems to always have an additional page stapled to the back that reads, “Plan B”.  Some even choose to develop Plan C, and yes, others make it to plan D.

Life is full of unexpected outcomes.  An infinite number of “what if” scenarios can be built simply from the volume of unknown encounters conjured up in our minds.  Fear of failure or rejection creates an addictive urge to always keep a “plan B” in our back pocket.  Regardless of how well researched our Plan A seems to be, a sliver of doubt in our planning causes us to make room for a back-up plan.

Christ gave those who believe in Him a very clear plan.  It’s laden with power, authority, direction, instruction, preparation, and execution.  His plan is clear and uncompromising, and He left us with the tools to execute the plan.  Saying, “yes” to Christ means you are willing to take Plan B out of your back pocket – toss it in the fire – and live by faith for Christ – no other options.

Christ saved us and gave us a plan.  We begin living by faith when we toss “Plan B” into the trash.  Christ has supplied you with the plan, the power, and the protection to live out Plan A. Do it – today.

2 Minute Drill

Who do you know that seems to always say “yeah, but, what if…”?

What back up plan for your faith do you carry around?

PRAY:  God, I’m all in.  I have no other option in my life but to live for You.  Give me the courage to stop wonder, what if.  Show me how to live the life You designed for me, right now.  Amen.

photo courtesy: Grant Cochrane

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.  Proverbs 28:13

Ask any child, teenager, or adult to draw a picture of the devil, and it’s likely you’ll get a similar rendition.  A red dude, pointed face with slanted down eyebrows, van dyke facial hair, pitchfork, and pointed tail.  For the most part, it seems most of us are okay to have such a cartoonish depiction of evil.

How do you draw deception?  How do you put a pencil on paper and sketch out destruction?  Isn’t is less daunting to have an enemy that doesn’t appear to be threatening – like a cartoon?

God tells us that a life in Him comes with unlimited abundance, joy, and contentment.  He explains how our cups run over and life comes abundantly when we live the way He instructs us.  One of the primary cornerstones of accepting the lifestyle God has planned for you is to confess your sins.

Concealing sin is the opposite of confession.  The devil isn’t a little red guy standing on your shoulder, poking you with pitchfork.  Quite the opposite, he looks like the things you desire more than God.  And he’s very convincing.  He whispers to you constantly.  Convincing you to conceal your shortcomings with a soft….”shhhhh…..be quiet.  Don’t tell anyone about your shortcomings… it’s weak… it’s offensive… it’s damaging to your faith.”  God isn’t the author of that thought.

You have freedom.  Fight back with confession and faith.  Fight harder through the power of God’s strength – reserved just for you.

2 Minute Drill:

What are you concealing that takes you away from God?

Do you want abundant joy?

PRAY:  God, you know my heart and You know what separates me from you.  Show me the dark places that are in need of confession so my friends and family can come to my rescue.  Give me the courage to confess those things that I conceal so my faith in You grows beyond imagination.  Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Each day is dripping with God’s presence, overflowing with hope that has been specially prepared just for you.  You were created to enjoy this particular day, to capture it’s essence, and pour out every drop of joy into the work of your hands and the thoughts of your mind.

A special dose of courage is available for anyone who chooses to receive God’s hope.  The penetrating power of the holy spirit offered by God, is a mere speck of what He has in store for you.  Loving God, means you are willing to take that cup without fear, without hesitation, and drink it into your life.

The power of God lies in each day and waits on those who love Him to accept a daily meal of encouragement, conviction, and resolve.  There is no one capable of taking this gift from you.  It’s designed just for you.  Soak up God’s hope so you can offer the same to others waiting to find this fountain of power.  Don’t waste another day, hopeless.  God has more than you can handle, made just for you… take it. Drink it. No fear.

2 Minute Drill

Do you hesitate to accept God’s gift of hope each day?

Name 3 things that kill the hope in your life, and pray for God to eliminate them.

PRAY:  God, I am lost without your daily abundance of hope.  I cannot function under my own power.  I worry about things you have already solved.  Give me the hope that you made just for me… today.  I am ready to be a conqueror in your name.  Amen.

A person’s wisdom yields patience;  it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.  Proverbs 19:11

It’s interesting to watch toddlers sit in a room and play together.  For the most part, the experience is quite enjoyable.  They become completely absorbed in their task and eventually become “at one” with the little play project they are engineering.

This peaceable experience turns sour, however, when one of the toddlers reaches across the floor to extract a building block from the unused pile of toys next to his neighboring builder.  A quiet room becomes noisy.  Dry eyes become wet. Accusations begin bellowing from the offended toddler – however unintelligible.

Now refocus on us adults.  It’s amusing to see how offended we become when someone wants to use a resource we’ve been hoarding, saving, stashing – but not using.  And even more interesting is when someone offends God’s name and we become indignant toward them… removing God’s ability to work through us.  God is big enough to handle those who offend us.  He’s also big enough to give us patience and fruits of the spirit to love the offensive people around us.

It takes a stronger man to love someone who is cursing you and cursing God than it does to attack back.  God can handle the fight… be strong, stand firm, and do not let the offenses rule your life?

2 Minute Drill:

Has someone reached into your life and offended you?

Are you patient with those who commit minor offenses?

PRAY:  God, give me the patience to deal with those things that offend me.  Make plain the difference between things that offend me and things that offend you.  And help me remember that You, God, are strong enough to handle those who offend you.  Teach me to pray for those who offend me. Amen.