Good Evening,
Hope everyone is off to a great start to the week. I apologize for taking last week off. I truly was on vacation. Tonight I want to talk about something I will call the silent few. Do you have anyone in your life that inspires you, assures you, and lifts you by their actions? If your like me you do and those around you might not even know their names. Why? Not because you don't care about them, but rather because you don't highlight their significance. Tonight I ask you to pray that all of us together can put these individuals more front and center in our lives and recognize them for the gifts from God that they are. It may seem awkward as first, but I encourage you to acknowledge them to their faces and to others in you life so they are "the best kept secret". They arte living sources of God's love. I can think of a bunch of verses, but let's consider 1 John 2:10 "Whoever loves his brother lives in the light and there is nothing in him to
make him stumble".
Love in Christ,
Steve
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Give Me the Ball
NLT Hebrews 10:35 "So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! ".
Ever wonder what the Bible says about confidence? Well study your concordance and you will find great things. I recently came across this one. I found it very applicable to my own faith walk and have prayed over it much lately. This may come as a surprise to some of you that think I'm very secure and even cocky at times. The real me has been relegated to much less than that over the past 8 months. The real me has taken many blows and if it weren't for words from you my Brothers and Sisters and THE Word I would have believed that I was meant to stay where I've landed. The good news is I believe I'm finally getting my footing and ready to get back in the game. In the movie the Replacements there is a great quote. To paraphrase it, the coach says "when the game is on the line winners want the ball in their hands". So give me the ball! I'm ready to win this one.
Anybody else with me? Are you tired of being just average? Are you tired of being less than you can be? If you are, get in the game! Make things happen and be living examples of what being a Christian is all about. Yes, you heard me right! Being a Christian affords you confidence. Jesus has already won the battle and the devil is under our feet, but we have to BELIEVE IT! So I say BELIEVE, WALK, GRAB A HAND ... time for us to march! Time for us to win!
And If your fast enough you can tackle me before I do my touchdown dance ;o)
Love and Peace through Our Risen Savior,
Steve
Ever wonder what the Bible says about confidence? Well study your concordance and you will find great things. I recently came across this one. I found it very applicable to my own faith walk and have prayed over it much lately. This may come as a surprise to some of you that think I'm very secure and even cocky at times. The real me has been relegated to much less than that over the past 8 months. The real me has taken many blows and if it weren't for words from you my Brothers and Sisters and THE Word I would have believed that I was meant to stay where I've landed. The good news is I believe I'm finally getting my footing and ready to get back in the game. In the movie the Replacements there is a great quote. To paraphrase it, the coach says "when the game is on the line winners want the ball in their hands". So give me the ball! I'm ready to win this one.
Anybody else with me? Are you tired of being just average? Are you tired of being less than you can be? If you are, get in the game! Make things happen and be living examples of what being a Christian is all about. Yes, you heard me right! Being a Christian affords you confidence. Jesus has already won the battle and the devil is under our feet, but we have to BELIEVE IT! So I say BELIEVE, WALK, GRAB A HAND ... time for us to march! Time for us to win!
And If your fast enough you can tackle me before I do my touchdown dance ;o)
Love and Peace through Our Risen Savior,
Steve
Mountain Top
Good Evening!
Tonight I'm going to write about something that came to me over the weekend as I was relaxing at Snowshoe, WV. We had the tremendous opportunity to ride on the oldest steam powered train in the U.S. at Cass RR, go hiking, paddle boating, swimming, and just relax inside our condo. Now that in itself would be enough to write about as a "Mountain Top" experience, but it certainly wasn't the only one for me. And, in case you wondered you do not have to be on a mountain to have a "mountain top" experience. Its just a moment in your life when you feel that life doesn't get any better. A time when all is right with the world. They aren't things that you don't deserve, time that you've borrowed, or dreams. They are purely a small glimpse of just a piece of what Heaven will be. When did you have your last one? What did it feel like? And, finally ... Did you take the time to recognize that all of it came from the Creator and thank God for it?
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
I used the verse above to demonstrate that wealth is not always material. And, I'm guessing that your mountain top experience had little to do with money. How rich are you? Well, take a moment and think of your mountain top moment... let it sink in. Yep, you have more than you deserve, don't you? I know that I do. I don't deserve what I have. I don't deserve half of it or a quarter of it. But, I'm slowly learning not to question the gifts and blessings that are literally laid at my feet and to cherish them as I should. Guess what? I've been able to recognize many more blessings and even notice a couple more Mountain Tops... hope you can too.
To borrow from a card that Pastor John distributed at his last sermon at UALC "Jesus is the same, yesterday... today... and, tomorrow". And, we have been so richly blessed by his ultimate gift. Now, its time for us to hold onto the others and see them for what they are.
Love and peace from Our Savior and All Praise to Him for all of our blessings! And, may a mountain top experience be in your near future!
Steve
Tonight I'm going to write about something that came to me over the weekend as I was relaxing at Snowshoe, WV. We had the tremendous opportunity to ride on the oldest steam powered train in the U.S. at Cass RR, go hiking, paddle boating, swimming, and just relax inside our condo. Now that in itself would be enough to write about as a "Mountain Top" experience, but it certainly wasn't the only one for me. And, in case you wondered you do not have to be on a mountain to have a "mountain top" experience. Its just a moment in your life when you feel that life doesn't get any better. A time when all is right with the world. They aren't things that you don't deserve, time that you've borrowed, or dreams. They are purely a small glimpse of just a piece of what Heaven will be. When did you have your last one? What did it feel like? And, finally ... Did you take the time to recognize that all of it came from the Creator and thank God for it?
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
I used the verse above to demonstrate that wealth is not always material. And, I'm guessing that your mountain top experience had little to do with money. How rich are you? Well, take a moment and think of your mountain top moment... let it sink in. Yep, you have more than you deserve, don't you? I know that I do. I don't deserve what I have. I don't deserve half of it or a quarter of it. But, I'm slowly learning not to question the gifts and blessings that are literally laid at my feet and to cherish them as I should. Guess what? I've been able to recognize many more blessings and even notice a couple more Mountain Tops... hope you can too.
To borrow from a card that Pastor John distributed at his last sermon at UALC "Jesus is the same, yesterday... today... and, tomorrow". And, we have been so richly blessed by his ultimate gift. Now, its time for us to hold onto the others and see them for what they are.
Love and peace from Our Savior and All Praise to Him for all of our blessings! And, may a mountain top experience be in your near future!
Steve
Take Courage
Good Evening. Tonight I want to start with a verse that my prayer partner shared with me shortly after Renewal and I find it coming back to me just when I need it.
Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it."
Ezra 10:4
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that most of you probably don't spend much time reading Ezra these days, right? Well, Thanks to Scott for finding this gem and helping me remember that our God is always there. As you all know I'm certainly no Biblical scholar, but I do try to read as much as possible and pray over what I read. This particular verse was one I really had to do some digging on though. I discovered from most commentary that this verse was speaking to Ezra carrying out God's Law and having the courage to do so with the support of other believers. There are many times I've found this concept repeated as I've read. Isn't it amazing how a verse or a chapter keeps coming back to you over and over? Isn't it amazing how God provides encouragement when we need it most?
Its hard being a Christian and walking the walk. I know I can't do it all the time. I struggle to do it half the time in my opinion, but I do always try. I always try to take courage and do what God would want. Why? Is it because of what I want to do? Not always, but because its what God calls me to do. I think if we all are honest we are unruly children at heart. We still do things, think about things, and talk about things that are not pure, but I'm hoping most of us are convicted by the Holy Spirit to make things right. I'm slowly learning that its not about not making mistakes. Its about trying to do better when you do. Even if that means a life long struggle with something. We will all eventually get it, right? Well, YES and its because God will make it so. We CAN hand it over to God if we just have enough faith to believe.
So tonight will you take a walk with me. Will you rise up and take courage and do it. Whatever your "it" is in the name of God, its time. Take heart. There are many of us here to support you! I know I am.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it."
Ezra 10:4
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that most of you probably don't spend much time reading Ezra these days, right? Well, Thanks to Scott for finding this gem and helping me remember that our God is always there. As you all know I'm certainly no Biblical scholar, but I do try to read as much as possible and pray over what I read. This particular verse was one I really had to do some digging on though. I discovered from most commentary that this verse was speaking to Ezra carrying out God's Law and having the courage to do so with the support of other believers. There are many times I've found this concept repeated as I've read. Isn't it amazing how a verse or a chapter keeps coming back to you over and over? Isn't it amazing how God provides encouragement when we need it most?
Its hard being a Christian and walking the walk. I know I can't do it all the time. I struggle to do it half the time in my opinion, but I do always try. I always try to take courage and do what God would want. Why? Is it because of what I want to do? Not always, but because its what God calls me to do. I think if we all are honest we are unruly children at heart. We still do things, think about things, and talk about things that are not pure, but I'm hoping most of us are convicted by the Holy Spirit to make things right. I'm slowly learning that its not about not making mistakes. Its about trying to do better when you do. Even if that means a life long struggle with something. We will all eventually get it, right? Well, YES and its because God will make it so. We CAN hand it over to God if we just have enough faith to believe.
So tonight will you take a walk with me. Will you rise up and take courage and do it. Whatever your "it" is in the name of God, its time. Take heart. There are many of us here to support you! I know I am.
Love in Christ,
Steve
The Blessed and The Broken
Good Evening,
Tonight I wasn't exactly sure where I was going to go with this subject, but it kept being laid on my heart as I prayed before I sat down to write. Tonight I want to talk a little about those in our lives that walk with us, fall with us, cry with us, laugh with us, and share almost everything you can imagine with us.
Close your eyes for a moment and picture your top 3... Do you have them? Okay, now I want you to ask yourself two questions: Where are they most blessed? and Do you know what it is that is broken in them?
Pause, Pray.... Now, were you able to answer both questions? Yes, good for you! Keep talking to them, keep sharing, keep up the conversation... you are doing something very right and God is truly Blessing you. And if the answer is No, don't be upset because you have good company. I will join hands with you and tell you that I'm not often as knowing as I should be. Is it because I don't try or is it because I live among alot of good poker players... who knows? But, I'm learning I have to be better. I have to see the blessings in my Dearest Brothers and Sisters and I also need to know them well enough to know where they are broken. I need to reach down and meet them wherever they are. I need to wake up!
The past 6 months in many ways has been a good start at a wake up call for me. I've experienced extreme heartache, extreme depression, and extreme obstacles. But, the one thing that was a constant was that every time I was close to rock bottom one of you picked me up. Is that coincidence? No, THAT IS GOD! I firmly realize this and do not take it for granted. Because as I'm climbing out of this muck I'm becoming stronger, more faithful, and more of a witness to what the healing power of the Living Water is all about. I'm learning that not only is it not about me, its about recognizing how I can give every last ounce of what I have in me to others in Christ's name.
Many will say I'm weak because I want everyone to be happy. Many will say I'm weak because I convict myself severely when I hurt those around me. Many will say I'm weak because I get so very frustrated with all of the darkness and want the light. But, I'm not weak and neither are you if you care as much as I do. Because we are called to be more than wallflowers. We are called to do more than sit the bench. We are called to serve. We are called to witness. We are called to live like Christ would have us live. Yes, I'm VERY, VERY Blessed and Yes, I'm Broken too. And at the end of the day I will give this blessed and broken life to Jesus and pray that I've done just one thing to glorify his name. Will you join me? I'm looking forward to seeing you in the trenches and grasping your hand.
Matthew 5:9 NLT "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. "
Love and Peace Through Our Risen Savior
Steve
Tonight I wasn't exactly sure where I was going to go with this subject, but it kept being laid on my heart as I prayed before I sat down to write. Tonight I want to talk a little about those in our lives that walk with us, fall with us, cry with us, laugh with us, and share almost everything you can imagine with us.
Close your eyes for a moment and picture your top 3... Do you have them? Okay, now I want you to ask yourself two questions: Where are they most blessed? and Do you know what it is that is broken in them?
Pause, Pray.... Now, were you able to answer both questions? Yes, good for you! Keep talking to them, keep sharing, keep up the conversation... you are doing something very right and God is truly Blessing you. And if the answer is No, don't be upset because you have good company. I will join hands with you and tell you that I'm not often as knowing as I should be. Is it because I don't try or is it because I live among alot of good poker players... who knows? But, I'm learning I have to be better. I have to see the blessings in my Dearest Brothers and Sisters and I also need to know them well enough to know where they are broken. I need to reach down and meet them wherever they are. I need to wake up!
The past 6 months in many ways has been a good start at a wake up call for me. I've experienced extreme heartache, extreme depression, and extreme obstacles. But, the one thing that was a constant was that every time I was close to rock bottom one of you picked me up. Is that coincidence? No, THAT IS GOD! I firmly realize this and do not take it for granted. Because as I'm climbing out of this muck I'm becoming stronger, more faithful, and more of a witness to what the healing power of the Living Water is all about. I'm learning that not only is it not about me, its about recognizing how I can give every last ounce of what I have in me to others in Christ's name.
Many will say I'm weak because I want everyone to be happy. Many will say I'm weak because I convict myself severely when I hurt those around me. Many will say I'm weak because I get so very frustrated with all of the darkness and want the light. But, I'm not weak and neither are you if you care as much as I do. Because we are called to be more than wallflowers. We are called to do more than sit the bench. We are called to serve. We are called to witness. We are called to live like Christ would have us live. Yes, I'm VERY, VERY Blessed and Yes, I'm Broken too. And at the end of the day I will give this blessed and broken life to Jesus and pray that I've done just one thing to glorify his name. Will you join me? I'm looking forward to seeing you in the trenches and grasping your hand.
Matthew 5:9 NLT "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. "
Love and Peace Through Our Risen Savior
Steve
Shackles
Good Evening!
Tonight I want to talk about shackles. You might ask what a shackle is? Well, Webster defines a shackle as something used to bind the hands and feet of prisoners. You may have even seen shackles in history books on slavery. Why do I want to talk about shackles? Because everyone of us is bound by them. Everyone of us is a slave to sin. I had the tremendous opportunity yesterday to play at my home Church in St. Clairsville, Ohio and Pastor Call delivered a wonderful, Spirit filled message about "New Life" and "There is no condemnation in Christ". Needless to say, I was inspired by it and carry it with me this evening as I type. Pastor Call made several great points in his sermon. One of these was that we are all slaves to sin and Jesus set us free!
After hearing that I wonder how many of us truly understand what that means? I wonder how many of us are willing to let go of our Shackles? I wonder how many of us are willing to truly believe we are free because we are believers in the Risen Savior? Well, I can t say that I'm always able to let go of my shackles, but I can say that its one of the things I've hoped to focus on this year. Those that know me know that I convict myself far greater than any man could. I'm probably a little hard on myself at times, but I for one am tired of being a slave to sin and its empty promises. I for one am tired of the devil dancing over my sorrow because of my failure. I for one am tired of watching those I love beat themselves over their failures when all they have to do is "Lift Up There Face" and see that Salvation is here... Salvation has come in Christ Jesus! Praise to his name!
Let's all pray together that we can give our lives fully to Christ, Lift up our faces and see the Salvation, Accept that we are broken, we will fail, but we can't stop trying. Let's pray that we truly believe there is no condemnation in Christ... Only open arms!
Now go and read Romans Chapter 8 and pray with me.
Love and peace through our Risen Savior,
Steve
Tonight I want to talk about shackles. You might ask what a shackle is? Well, Webster defines a shackle as something used to bind the hands and feet of prisoners. You may have even seen shackles in history books on slavery. Why do I want to talk about shackles? Because everyone of us is bound by them. Everyone of us is a slave to sin. I had the tremendous opportunity yesterday to play at my home Church in St. Clairsville, Ohio and Pastor Call delivered a wonderful, Spirit filled message about "New Life" and "There is no condemnation in Christ". Needless to say, I was inspired by it and carry it with me this evening as I type. Pastor Call made several great points in his sermon. One of these was that we are all slaves to sin and Jesus set us free!
After hearing that I wonder how many of us truly understand what that means? I wonder how many of us are willing to let go of our Shackles? I wonder how many of us are willing to truly believe we are free because we are believers in the Risen Savior? Well, I can t say that I'm always able to let go of my shackles, but I can say that its one of the things I've hoped to focus on this year. Those that know me know that I convict myself far greater than any man could. I'm probably a little hard on myself at times, but I for one am tired of being a slave to sin and its empty promises. I for one am tired of the devil dancing over my sorrow because of my failure. I for one am tired of watching those I love beat themselves over their failures when all they have to do is "Lift Up There Face" and see that Salvation is here... Salvation has come in Christ Jesus! Praise to his name!
Let's all pray together that we can give our lives fully to Christ, Lift up our faces and see the Salvation, Accept that we are broken, we will fail, but we can't stop trying. Let's pray that we truly believe there is no condemnation in Christ... Only open arms!
Now go and read Romans Chapter 8 and pray with me.
Love and peace through our Risen Savior,
Steve
Monday, May 30, 2011
Ever make a mistake?
Good Afternoon and Happy Memorial Day!
Hope everyone is getting to spend some time in the sun with friends and family and remembering all of those that gave so much for us. Today also brought on news of a resignation... Coach Tressel's resignation. I don't think there were many that haven't heard about it, do you? Now comes all of the talk, all the buzz. I bet the you've probably heard things like "I can't believe Tressel let that go on" or "How can he look at himself in the mirror" or "what a total lack of class". Really? Really? How many of those individuals are perfect? How many of them have never made a mistake? How many of them in the same situation wouldn't have done the exact same thing? Let me guess anyone hear said "I would have done better". Would you?
How do you know unless you have walked in that person's shoes and who are you to judge?
Remember Matthew 7: 2-5
2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Are you willing to be held up to the same measure. Be careful. If you've ever made a mistake would you ask for compassion and love or judgment. I'm not saying its not fair to help others see things from a Christian view, but I am saying that there is great hazard in passing judgment on others with your own wisdom. Why not pray and ask for wisdom for the person with lack of judgment. Why not seek to help them? Why not ask God to ease their pain? Yes, they do suffer.
I know that I'm so far from perfect that I cannot question the behavior of anyone and it deeply troubles me that so many of my Brothers and Sisters are far to quick to jump on the bandwagon to beat someone when they are already down. I actually identify with Jim Tressel... I've felt much like he probably is feeling right now. I hope this message doesn't find you in the company of fellow haters and if it does, maybe its time for a change of scenery.
Have a great week and do me a favor that will only benefit you... take a moment, pause, and pray before you begin the beating of a man that is already down.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Hope everyone is getting to spend some time in the sun with friends and family and remembering all of those that gave so much for us. Today also brought on news of a resignation... Coach Tressel's resignation. I don't think there were many that haven't heard about it, do you? Now comes all of the talk, all the buzz. I bet the you've probably heard things like "I can't believe Tressel let that go on" or "How can he look at himself in the mirror" or "what a total lack of class". Really? Really? How many of those individuals are perfect? How many of them have never made a mistake? How many of them in the same situation wouldn't have done the exact same thing? Let me guess anyone hear said "I would have done better". Would you?
How do you know unless you have walked in that person's shoes and who are you to judge?
Remember Matthew 7: 2-5
2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Are you willing to be held up to the same measure. Be careful. If you've ever made a mistake would you ask for compassion and love or judgment. I'm not saying its not fair to help others see things from a Christian view, but I am saying that there is great hazard in passing judgment on others with your own wisdom. Why not pray and ask for wisdom for the person with lack of judgment. Why not seek to help them? Why not ask God to ease their pain? Yes, they do suffer.
I know that I'm so far from perfect that I cannot question the behavior of anyone and it deeply troubles me that so many of my Brothers and Sisters are far to quick to jump on the bandwagon to beat someone when they are already down. I actually identify with Jim Tressel... I've felt much like he probably is feeling right now. I hope this message doesn't find you in the company of fellow haters and if it does, maybe its time for a change of scenery.
Have a great week and do me a favor that will only benefit you... take a moment, pause, and pray before you begin the beating of a man that is already down.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)