Standout!

Philippians 2: 14-16 “Do everything without complaining and arguing,15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”

MLB is upon us! It always seems the beginning and ending to be the most exciting parts of the season, at least in my mind. I was reading an article about the Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco, a 26-year-old with 31 games of Major League experience. There was one line that really caught my attention that I want to share with you.

Here it is: "Ciriaco, who was signed by the Red Sox as a Minor League free agent on Dec. 15, is making it clear this spring that he could be someone the club can count on if the need arises at some point."

I thought to myself, here is a young man that wants a statement so badly. He is doing everything he can to MAKE IT CLEAR that he is someone to be reckoned with. He's a standout so far this spring. People are noticing him!

I want to live my life like that. I want to make it clear to others that I am someone who stands out from the rest. I want to leave a great impression and make a difference. I want others to know that they can count on me!

May we all be inspired in such a way that we live to make it clear that we are above the average. With Christ in us we standout in life! People notice! We do not live our lives like everyone else. We make a statement through our actions of the power of God in us through Jesus Christ!

How do we standout?

We do not complain, argue, or criticize.
We live clean and innocent lives.
We hold firm to God’s Word and all that it teaches.

Hey...I challenge you to make a statement! Be a standout! In so doing… you will bring glory to God and lead others to knowing the hope that live in you!

Strengthen Your Marriage...Have An Affair!

I am so tired of hearing about or reading about various prominent people and their illicit affairs. Why do these guys get all of the attention in the news? Furthermore, my heart has been broken on several occasions as I learned of friends, fellow ministers, or others in the community who were going through a divorce because of an illicit affair. These choices of delusion have completely destroyed families, ruined ministries, and affected the lives of so many people who were connected to the families. It has come to the place, that I just am overwhelmed!

So I made a decision, why should I miss out on all the public attention just because I am happily married. Maybe if I plan it right, I'll make the headlines too. So one night, I leaned over to my wife and broke the news to her. I told about how frustrated I was, and that I too wanted in on this affair thing.

The definition of affair is this, "a romantic relationship or episode between lovers." Also, defined "an active enthusiasm for something." I decided that one of the best ways to guard myself against the illicit affair that has ruined and destroyed so many lives, was to plan one of my own. An intentional affair with my wife.

Hmmm? A planned romance with my wife, now that's a thought! My enthusiasm for my wife has never been greater! We'll sneak around the house and find places to have a little kiss. While we watch television, we hold hands, we snuggle on the couch. Sometimes if I am traveling in the area, I'll actually stop by my house and surprise my wife. I'll take a few moments of unplanned time to spend with her before continuing on with my day. We even try to sneak in some weekend get-ways. Some call this dating.

Now I'll be honest with you, this affair is in its early stages, but we plan to let it grow. It's an affair that I want to shout out to the world. I want my kid's to know, my church to know and I hope all my family and friends find out. I am 100% unashamed to come out of the closet on this. By the way, today I have been married for 18 wonderful years! I love you Tina!

If more husbands and wives were to plan these affairs with each other, I wonder if it could help avoid so many of the illicit ones that destroy? Are you married? Give it try. Tell your spouse that you want to have an affair, with them, and that you want the whole world to find out about! -LiveChosen

Agreeing on this: Love! It is the only fruitful way!

"Think of the church at large. What divisions! Think of the different bodies. Take the question of holiness, take the question of the cleansing blood, take the question of the baptism of the Spirit--what differences are caused among dear believers by such questions! That there are differences of opinion does not trouble me. We do not have the same constitution and temperament and mind. But how often hate, bitterness, contempt, separation, unlovingness are caused by the holiest truths of God's Word! Our doctrines, our creeds, have been more important than love. We often think we are valiant for the truth and we forget God's command to speak the truth in love. And it was so in the time of the Reformation between the Lutheran and Calvinistic churches. What bitterness there was than in regard to the Holy Supper, which was meant to be the bond of union among all believers! And so, down the ages, the very dearest truths of God have become mountains that have separated us." - Andrew Murray (1895)

Wow, if this isn't a true statement! As true today as it was over a hundred years ago. It is sad that over the years of time we haven't changed. We are still all trying to prove our doctrinal views of the Scripture as though we think God has given us the only key to Truth.

I do believe there is a correct Truth and I am not speaking of major differences. Usually the views that have completely strayed from Divine Truth we all stand in unity upon. It is the slight differences based on interpretation that normally divide the church.

Many times instead of joining forces and going out together in love to do Kingdom work, energy is wasted on trying to prove who's view is the right view. Many times these debates have been going on for centuries with no resolve, and both sides often have valid Scriptural references to back their opinions.

What ought we to do? Titus 3:9-11 says, "9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

Rather, we should all focus on this Matthew 22:34-40 "34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

God, help us to focus all our energies on these two commands. To love God and to love others! When it comes down to it, Your will is actually so much more simple than we try to make.

I can't believe what we are seeing in regard to Japan! Unbelievable! We are praying for Japan!

Only ONE God!

Maybe God established the nations and it's leaders to reveal something. When more than ONE tries to be in charge, it only leads to chaos!

There is absolutely no way that there is more than ONE God! How do we know which God is the real one? Just look at the facts (Creation, History, Science), when you don't twist the TRUTH there no comparison!

Jesus Christ... Think about Him!

Capitalizing in the Red Zone

The red zone on the football field is the area between the 20 yard line and the end-zone at both ends of the field. How well a team plays in this area of the field often determines the outcome of the game. To win, teams must offensively and defensively play well in the red zone.

A few weeks back the Missouri Tigers upset the Oklahoma Sooner’s. During the game, the Sooner’s were in the red zone one time with seven points to show for it. The Tigers on the other hand were in the red zone three times with thirteen points to show for it. The greater the performance in the red zone, the better the chance for success on the score board!

As men we all have certain marked boundaries in our lives. These boundaries and how we play life in these areas are crucial to whether or not we experience victory or defeat. What are the marked red zone area's in our lives? For me, it is the beginning and the ending of each day.

When I spend quality time with Jesus at both ends of the day, the red zone, I win! Spending time with Jesus changes me! When I begin my day with Him, He fuels me. When I end my day with Him, He calms me and gives me peace. So for me, playing strong in the red zone of my life is equal to spending quality time with Jesus. To break it down, when I spend time with Jesus, that means I am reading the Word (Bible), and spending time in prayer. When I capitalize in these disciplines at both ends of the day, I am confident that I will be at the top of my game.

Are you having a tough day? Is life right now a struggle? Is there a lack of peace, confidence, and faith? Do you seem to have little to no direction? If this is you, let me ask the question. How are you playing in the red zone?

Likewise, if things are going well and you feel like you’re winning in life, DO NOT neglect your red zone performance. If you do, sooner or later, it will come back to bite you!

To win, you must play well in the red zone! -LiveChosen

Many spend hours planning a vacation & never think about death or eternity. We're all going to die! There is one way to Heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"