The Breedlove Blog

Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:43:00 PST

In the movie, Shawshank Redemption, Andy, the character who was serving a life sentence for a murder he didn't commit, came to a point in his life while in jail where he said, "Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying."

We are all sentenced with the same judgment - death. However, because of the death of Christ on the cross, we have been released from that judgement and can have hope in eternal life. So... We have a choice, "Get Busy Living, or Get Busy Dying."

Jesus said that He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. Listen to what the Psalmist says: "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him (Psalms 18:30 NIV84)."

His Way - Perfect! Follow Him
His Word - Flawless...it is truth. Trust & Obey!
His Shield - a Refuge! This is where we find life in the battle!

To be out from this protection is to face death all day long. So...Get Busy Living by following God, trusting in His Word and seeking refuge behind His shield!

No Other

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:33:00 PST

Our God is an amazing God! There is NO ONE like Him! What makes Him so amazing is how He deals with sin.

Sin brings death 100% of the time. It always results in a physical death, but it can cause death in other areas of our lives as well...especially in our relationships with others. Sin brings conflict and brokenness into our lives and unless it is handled correctly (biblically), death of relationships will occur.

The most important relationship that sin affects is with God. Sin separates us from Him. Sin orphans us and sin causes us to become enemies of God. That's a hopeless position to be in... alone, homeless and at conflict with our creator.

However, God loves us too much to leave us in this condition. Because God is glorified in demonstrating and displaying His unfailing and never-ending love, God pardons our sin and guilt through the work of Christ on the Cross. Micah 7:18 says, "Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. (Micah 7:18 NLT)"

My takeaways:
There is NO ONE like God!
He sets us free from our sin and our guilt through the work done on the cross.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve! He is patient with us.
God hates sin and it angers Him...but...
He is glorified through the demonstration of His PERFECT love for us!
We are to live by grace, because God could have unloaded all of His wrath on us...which would have been the "fair" thing to do.

Do you believe this?

Write it down!

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:33:00 PST

There are times in your life when you need to write out the prayers that are on your heart. Why?

First, because the Spirit prays for us in our weakness. Therefore, I believe that what prayers are on our hearts are directly from the Spirit of God!

Second, because the Bible says "I lay my requests before you." I envision this as a letter to my Heavenly Father, listing out all the concerns of my heart for Him to ponder and answer.

Third, because many times we forget what or whom we prayed for. Something written helps us to not only jog our memory, but also see the hand of God moving in our lives.

Therefore... Take some time today and write down your prayers and offer them to The Lord and then watch Him work!

Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Need a Pep Talk... Watch This Pep Talk from a Kid

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 PST

Barrow FCA Update

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:19:00 PST

Recently, I was asked to come on staff as the Barrow Co. Area Rep for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I am pumped about this new role and look forward to seeing lives transformed because of impact FCA has on the lives of coaches and students/athletes in our community.

Here's part of the Challenge:

There are over 7 million students who participate in school sports
There are 44 million youth who participate in youth sports
The majority of high school students consume alcohol
Nearly 50% of high school students are sexually active
4400 young lives are lost to suicide each year
65% never attend a worship service or Bible study
67% don't read the Bible

The bottom line is this... coaches and athletes need Jesus!

Barrow FCA exists to be a catalyst for transformation and a conduit for ministry! We desire to see the world IMPACTED for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

We would love for you to be a part of the Barrow FCA Home Team! All FCA Field Staff are faith-financed through the generous support of others either by one-time gifts or monthly/recurring donations to the ministry. If you would like to support Barrow FCA, click "donate now" and follow the prompts to donate online or setup monthly gifts! DONATE NOW (be sure to select "Specific Staff Person" and select Spencer Breedlove)

Integrity... use it or lose it

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:51:00 PST

Which is greater? Integrity or wealth?

Poverty with integrity is greater than riches without character. The Bible says, "Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich (Prov. 28:6 NLT)." Poverty with integrity demonstrates a strong moral foundation and a respect for the law of God written on our hearts. Riches without character indicate a weak moral foundation with many fissures throughout; and there is no regard for wisdom and instruction. Wealth is a great thing... I highly recommend that you build it.... however, you must have integrity to be a good steward of what you've been given, or else you risk not only losing it all, but losing your influence as well.

Integrity takes a LIFETIME to develop, but only a SECOND to lose it.

Therefore, "...be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is (Eph. 5:15-17 NIV)."

God Causes

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 05:05:00 PST

God is in control. He is never out of control, haphazard, nor does He fly by the seat of His pants. Every move God makes is deliberate, purposeful and transformational. Nothing surprises God or catches Him off guard. He is always at work...He never sleeps. God causes things to happen!

There is no one greater, or higher or more powerful than Him. He is Almighty God...the Sovereign Lord. God works for one reason and one reason alone; and while we are the benefactors of His unbelievable goodness and grace, and stand as co-heirs with Christ, God works for His glory.

The Bible is clear... "God works so people will be in AWE!" (Ecc 3:14) Therefore, pray and watch God move...be expectant and stand in awe.

Never Forget

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 04:53:00 PST

Do you remember when Kennedy was shot?
Do you remember when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after launch?
Do you remember the Gulf War?
Do you remember 9/11?

Those are all images and events that have been deeply etched in our hearts and minds as individuals and as a nation.

But do you remember the good things The Lord does for you? Are they etched into your life that results in symphonic praise to the Lord along with the angels?

The writer of Psalms says, "...may I never forget the good things He does for me (Ps 103:2)!"

So what are those "good things" God does for us?

Pull out your Bible and open to Psalm 103 - commence reading!

You will discover that YOU ARE...
Forgiven & Healed
Redeemed (aka adopted or chosen)
Crowned with LOVE & MERCY
Blessed
Renewed
Defended

You will also know that GOD...
...is revealing - He reveals his character & His work TO YOU!
...is compassionate & merciful
...is SLOW to anger & QUICK to love
...not ACCUSATORY or forever angry
...not HARSH nor does He punish us for ALL our sins
...has REMOVED our sin
...is tender & compassionate to us because we are mortal ("we bloom and we die")
...is the BOSS over all things!

I am a GREAT SINNER. My attitude often does not resemble the attitude of Christ. I am a terrible son, challenging husband, a harsh father, selfish friend and moody employee. I can be quick tempered and easily angered with my children. I wear my emotions and feelings on my sleeve... It's hard for me to act "as if..." I question everything. I lack tact. I am imperfect.

However...

God's grace is GREATER than my sin and I am forgiven. The things above have been removed from me as far as the east is from the west. Now...I must not only receive the grace afforded to me, I must walk and live in grace as well. God is sovereign and ruler of all. Therefore, I will join the angels and sing praises to The Lord...I AM FREE!

Bar Stools

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 04:34:00 PST

Recently my brother (West Breedlove) was teaching my niece about how to hear the voice of God. See his email to his daughter:

Abby was really distressed recently about how to hear God's voice. So I emailed her some fatherly advice....
_______

What I said:
"Hey darling. . . I have been praying for you lately about hearing God's voice, and was reading this morning in 1chronicles where it says, "And the LORD spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, "Go and say to David, ‘Thus says theLord,'..."

1 Samuel 9:9 says, "Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today's “prophet” was formerly called a seer."

So historically, when someone wanted to hear from The Lord, God chose to use other people to tell them things. I think this is really important and helpful to us today. It tells us that God's method for talking to us is often through other people.

I think this means you can relax when trying to hear God's voice on your own. But it also means you have to work by inviting and giving permission to people to speak into your life what they believe God might be saying.

This doesn't mean we have prophets and seers who hear perfectly and communicate ver batim what God has said. Instead, God has given us his Spirit, his Word, and our Christian community to talk to us. Which means we need, every day, to read God's word, say our prayers, and fellowship with believers.

It's like the bar stools in our kitchen. They each have three legs to hold them up. Imagine that the three legs that God will use to hold you up are his Spirit, his Word, and his Church (the community of faith, your Christian friends).

I love you, baby. And am praying that you will grow more and more familiar with his voice every day.

Daddy"

What she said:
"thank you daddy! but the stools have 4 legs."

Piper Delivers Final Sermon as Preaching Pastor at Bethlehem

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:06:00 PST

Piper Delivers Final Sermon as Preaching Pastor at Bethlehem: In his last message as Preaching and Vision pastor for Bethlehem Baptist Church, John Piper condemned prosperity preaching.

Hobby Lobby Bucks Obamacare; Faces Millions in Fines

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:04:00 PST

Hobby Lobby Bucks Obamacare; Faces Millions in Fines: The craft store giant will be expected to pay $1.3 million in fines per day of noncompliance with Obamacare regulations regarding contraceptives.

Johnny Isakson Calls Out President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:31:00 PST

Leader... or Dunce?

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 05:17:00 PST

Learning is a lifelong process of gaining wisdom and understanding. Knowledge is also gained, but it is only a small part of the learning process. Unless you apply the knowledge you've gained, you will become nothing more than a know-it-all who rubs people the wrong way because your life is filled with pride and arrogance.

Anyone committed to LEARNING understands that learning never ceases AND... the more understanding and applied knowledge one gains will only increase his capacity to be a great leader.

Learning is hard and it takes discipline to apply oneself to the process. Failure to do so categorizes you as a "dunce" and a fool. The Bible says, "To learn, you must LOVE discipline; it is stupid to hate correction (Prov 12:1)."

DON'T MISS OUT!!

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 05:42:00 PST

The #1 barrier to God's plan is your plan!

When it is our practice to trust God, delight ourselves in Him, yield to His leadership, and wait on Him, we become a part of God's story. However, if it is our practice to depend solely upon ourselves, we miss out on some incredible promises from God!

Read Psalm 37

When we trust him...we live securely.
When we delight in him...he gives us the desires of our hearts.
When we commit our way to him...he ACTS!
When we are silent before him and wait expectantly for Him...we will stand in awe!
When you put your hope in him...you will inherit the land!

WOW!!!!!!!!! Don't miss out on what God has in store for your life!

What it takes to be a successful coach

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 04:10:00 PST

Today, my son's high school football team - Prince Avenue Christian School - will be playing for the GHSA 1A Private State Championship at the Georgia Dome. This is a historic event in the life of the school and of these players and coaches.

Last night, on the way home from Tyler's last practice for the season, I asked the proverbial question... "How was practice?" but I did not get the same response. Rather than say, "it was good", he said, "it was cool dad" and he began to tell me how Coach Farriba honored the seniors on the playing field at the end of practice.

Then I asked him, "Son, what do you think it takes to be a successful coach?" My 15 yr old's response blew me away!

First, he said, "a coach must be respected." Second, he said, "a coach must have the right people around him!"

It is true..."everything RISES and FALLS on leadership! I am grateful for Coach Farriba and his coaching staff for the influence they have had on my son's life. They are ALL respected and they have the RIGHT people on the team!

Tyler may never play a snap... however, the lessons he is learning from his coaches are of far greater importance to me than any "glory" he would receive on the field.

Go PRINCE! Beat ELCA!
It's a great day to be a wolverine!

In Awe!

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:40:00 PST

There are two verses of Scripture that have become very important in my spiritual journey:

Ps. 5:3 says, "In the morning, O Lord, you will hear my voice; in the morning, I will order my prayer to you and eagerly watch."

AND

Eccl. 3:14 says, "...God works so that people will be in AWE of Him."

Get ready to be in AWE!

Yesterday, I shared about my new role as the Barrow Co. Area Rep for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes!

I have some great news to share with you! Today... I received a call from my teammate, Jack Murray, to inform me that someone, after hearing about how FCA was expanding to Barrow Co., anonymously gave not one but TWO $5000 gifts to FCA... one of those $5000 gifts was designated to Barrow FCA... the other towards NEGA FCA.

Praise the Lord! I'm in AWE!

If you would like to know more about FCA, or you would like to support the local ministry of FCA, please contact me at 678-227-9947 or email me at sbbdawg@gmail.com (I will have a new email address soon and will communicate that asap!)

My New Role with Fellowship of Christian Athletes

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 07:27:00 PST

Over a year ago, Dicky Clark, who is a regional representative with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), shared with me the vision to have an Area Representative for FCA in the Barrow Co. area. I shared my excitement with him that an FCA Representative would be great to have in our area, and that I would be praying with him and other FCA field staff as to whom would serve in that capacity. Little did I know....

On the last Monday morning in October of this year, during my prayer time, God nudged my heart to pray about two specific things: 1) To go part-time at River Hills Church, and 2) To go on staff as the Area Representative with FCA.

Since that prayer time on that early October morning, I have seen God move in tremendous ways as he has answered both of those prayers. I have now moved to a part-time basis as Executive Pastor at River Hills, and last week, after going through some extensive pre-staff training with FCA, I was extended an invitation to join FCA as the Area Representative for Barrow Co.

WHAT NEXT?
Barrow Co. is loaded with athletes and coaches at the recreational, middle school and high school levels! The sports culture in our community is an untapped area where the Gospel of Jesus Christ can impact the life of a coach who can then influence his/her athletes! My vision is "to see Barrow County impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches."

However, before this ministry can begin, support (spiritual, personnel and financial) must be in place. All FCA field staff/ministries are supported through the generosity of ministry partners, and are not officially on staff until 100% of their funding is raised. Therefore, over the next few months, I will be communicating with friends and family to ask for their support in prayer, ministry participation and financial support of the FCA ministry in Barrow Co.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
First... Will you join me in prayer for all our coaches and student athletes?
Second... Pray for the FCA Ministry in Barrow Co. to be a strong influence in the community!
Third... Pray about supporting the ministry financially on a regular basis! (I will share more information about this soon!)
Fourth... talk it up! Get involved with FCA! If you have questions, please call me or email me!

If you are not familiar with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, here is a video to preview: (if you receive my blog via email and cannot see this video, click on the post title in your email to go to my website to see video)

The Deafening Effect of Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 06:33:00 PST

Pride "deafens" our ears to wisdom! It stuns us with the noise created by an "I, me, my, mine" attitude and leads to FOOLISH, STUPID, UNWISE decisions!

Pride is like a cancer that sends a life spiraling out of control towards destruction. Its shrapnel not only injures the prideful man, but also those closest to him, creating great conflict.

Therefore, before any decision you make... seek advice! Be wise! Listen to the counsel of others and check your pride at the door.

"Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise."

Proverbs 13:10

4 Critical Lessons to Doing God's Will

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:33:00 PST

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalms 143:10 NLT)"

God has a plan for your life! It is called his "will". However, we think our plans are more important and that we know best. the truth is, the number 1 barrier to God's plan for your life is your plan (Rick Warren)! Therefore, we must be taught to do God's will!

So...what lessons do we need to learn to do God's will?

1. Be teachable! If you're not teachable, you'll never learn. Key: humility!
2. Be a good follower. The best leaders know how to follow. Key: serving!
3. Know God! The relationship with God is personal... Intimate... Not distant. Key: love!
4. Stand Firm through trials. Key: perseverance!

Christmas Confusion - guest blogger, Linda Zeagler

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:12:00 PST

This year I have been experiencing the complex American cultural phenomenon called Christmas through the eyes and ears of the Chinese exchange student who is living with us.

Our holiday messages are so very loud—with tales and songs of traveling over the river and through the woods to the North Pole by way of Bethlehem led by three wise men who are following the little drummer boy while Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer rescues the Christmas that the Grinch stole from Frosty the Snowman on a silent night, while the shepherds watched their flocks in the fields, as they followed the star to the manager where the angels were singing Santa Claus is coming to town… We deck our halls with lights and trees, create mischief with the elves that sit on our shelves, we shop ‘til we drop…

I have discovered that I just want to push a button and STOP ALL THE NOISE…

And reflect on the simplicity of the truth of the Gospel -- “The Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us.”

Today I was reminded of the old hymn that says it all so well:

Come thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a Child and yet a King.
Born to reign in us for ever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Multiply

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:23:00 PST

Francis Chan's book, "Multiply," is a book written for those who are committed to following Christ and making disciples. I'm looking forward to learning how to become a more effective disciple-maker and Christ-follower!

God Works

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:35:00 PST

Does God work?

If so... How? When? Why?

God works in ways that cannot be understood so that our faith may be strengthened! He says, "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts...And My ways are far beyond anything you can imagine (Is 55:8)."

God is ALWAYS at work... We must join Him where He is working! The Bible says, "...He Who watches over Israel NEVER slumbers or sleeps. The Lord Himself WATCHES over you! The Lord STANDS beside you as your protective shade...the Lord watches over your life (Ps 121:4-5, 7)."

God works to be worshipped! The Bible says, "God works so that people will be in AWE of Him (Eccl. 3:14)."

In one sentence: God is ALWAYS at work in WAYS we cannot fathom SO THAT He will be worshipped.

Is God moving in your life? Yes He is! Open your eyes! Watch Him Work! Give Him thanks!

What's Wrong With Me?

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:24:00 PST

There are days when, like King Solomon, I feel like saying "everything is meaningless...a pursuit of the wind." Wisdom is limited. Pleasure and Possessions are like a black hole...completely empty. Work is a pursuit of the wind.

What wells up in my spirit is the question, "what's wrong with me?"

While that may be a normal question to ask, we must not dwell on what's wrong. Rather, we must dwell on the CROSS and how we have been made RIGHT. The blood of Jesus has REDEEMED our souls, REPAIRED our brokeness, REVIVED our lives, and RESTORED our relationship with God.

You may feel as if everything is meaningless. Without Christ...it is! But with Christ...we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. In Him, we have MEANING and PURPOSE. This is nothing short of the Work of God in our lives for which we should be in AWE!

"God works so that people will be in awe of Him."

Ecclesiastes 3:14

Who Do You Count On?

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 06:02:00 PST

I count on my wife to be my partner in this life!
I count on my kids to add value to our home!
I count on the people I work with to communicate and do their jobs.
I count on volunteers to serve.
I count on Chick-fil-a to serve the best chicken sandwich!
I count on the postman to deliver the mail.
I count on close friends for prayer and encouragement.
I count on my momma to fix my grandmother's dressing at Thanksgiving.
I count on a vacation to recharge my batteries.

But here's the truth about counting on others... They will ALL let you down and disappoint you.

But...as for God and His Word... NEVER will He disappoint! He can always be COUNTED on! Scripture says: "I am counting on the Lord; YES, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His Word (Ps 130:5 NLT)."

Prayer:
"Lord...help me to constantly count on Your Word. When others disappoint me, help me to be gracious, compassionate, and understanding. I am counting on You, Lord, for Your provision, protection, wisdom, love, truth, counsel, courage, faith and perseverance. My hope is in You!"

Tim Hawkins - Pretty Pink Tractor (video)

noreply@blogger.com (Spencer Breedlove) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:58:00 PST

Tim Hawkins has got to be the funniest guy on the planet! Check out his video: Pretty Pink Tractor