We are to Love others and not judge them... (Luke 6:37-38)

As I was reading my FCA Bible today, I came across a daily devotional called, "It starts early".  It really hit me at home as it is something I see daily as a coach, teacher, and human walking this earth.

37) Jesus says, "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.

• Why is Jesus, who was in human form allowed to says this to us?  The only answer is, he practiced 100% what he preached.  Jesus did not judge or criticize others.  He loved all people as God intended us to love each other.  Therefore, he was allowed to give us God's message that we should not judge nor criticize each other.  He was the only human to walk the earth and not sin.  Therefore, the rest of us are sinners and will not be allowed by God to judge or criticize without it coming back on us.  
• God intends for us to have a forgiving spirit.  However, when be become critical or condemning, we will soon receive criticism and become condemned.  

38) If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving - large or small - it will be used to measure what is given back to you. 

• Jesus, in his own words, speaks of the reward of being generous, thankful, and compassionate.  The more we add these qualities to our daily lives, the more we will receive this in full return from God himself.  

So as a Christian man, what can I do? 

1.  Keep my eyes on the cross:  The moment I begin to take my eyes off the cross and its meaning, are  the moments I struggle the most.  Keeping my eyes on the cross will allow me to think before I speak and act. 
2. Model what Christ would want of me: As stated above, Christ lived this perfect non-judgmental life.  He modeled it to his disciples and preached about it.  If I want others in this world to follow along in living a more non-judgmental, non-critical life, then I must be a leader in this and model my actions and tongue based upon how Christ would do this.  
3. Witness to others:  Without spreading the word of God, this message can't be passed along to others. Be willing to talk to others whom you see being judgmental and through Christ words, help them choose a better path.  Of course, this takes me following through with #1 and #2 to be able to do #3.  

Extra Reading: 

And be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand - even more besides.  Those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken from away from them. (Mark 4:24)

• Jesus has been revealed to us.  He is not hiding, but waiting on us. As we live our daily lives, we most likely will not understand immediately what we have in front of us.  However, as we begin to model the actions that God wants of us, more and more truth will be revealed to us! While we struggle to comprehend what we have in the gift of Jesus Christ, the more we practice living a Christ like life, the more we will grow in our knowledge and understanding of our Savior Jesus Christ and what he wants of us!

Turbulent Time! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

3. All praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  he is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. (4) He comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

• Having trouble, obstacles or trials in life is part of its experience.  However, it is a must to grow a dependence on God. 
• Just because we turn to God however, does not make our problems go away. That can't happen as people would then only turn to God when they were struggling and desperate and not have a true unconditional love as they should.  

Examples of God conforming to us:

1. Strength to deal with trials and obstacles
2. Encouragement
3. Hope

Loving God unconditionally and trusting God during all moments (Good or Bad) is showing true Love of God.

Additional Scripture: 

"You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:5). 

• Keep in mind the more we suffer or struggle, the more God will comfort us. 
• When you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to have control of your life, the situation and let him comfort you. 

When you have a life obstacle, take note on how God comforts you.  Then, be willing to comfort others the same when you see others with similiar struggles.  

Paul, in his ministry, suffered in many different ways.  However, he kept grinding because he knew he was fulfilling Gods plan for him. 

• These type of trials are a check and balance to us.  This helps us to keep our pride down and allows us to instead, "RELY ON GOD".  

Remember to Keep a Game Plan:  Gods Plan

"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord "Plans for good, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  

• We all come up with this great plan for our lives. However, at times it seems we have forgotten God in the plan.  Life will give us its own twist.  It is at these times, we have to be willing to trust God and give him the controls of our lives.  

To love Christ and follow Christ we can achieve victory that no personal game plan can achieve.  

1. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know (Psalm 139:6)
2. Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the price.  You also must run in such a way that you will win.  All athletes practice strict self-control.  They do it to win a price that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I am not like a boxer who misses  his punches.  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.  Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  

Listening to God: Hebrews 12:14-17

Studied and Written in April 2010:
Hebrews 12:14: Try to live in peace with everyone, ans seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

• We should work very hard to not let sin block our vision of God. 
• Obey God and live in peace with others
• We might no always like other believers.  However, we must pursue being more Christ like. 

15:  Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God.  Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by it poison.

• Bitterness - has the ability to show its evil face and cast a dark cloud over the deepest Christian relationship.  
• Allowing grudges to fester can severely damage our Christian foundation and cause a multitude of immorality to be exhibited. 
• BRING CHRIST INTO OUR LIVES TO HEAL THIS BITTERNESS.  

16-17:  Make sure that nobody is immoral or Godless like Esau (Genesis 25:29-34 & 27:36).  He traded is birth right as the oldest son for a meal. And afterward, when he wanted his fathers blessing he was rejected.  It was too late for repentance, even though he wept better tears.  

• Mistakes (Sins) even when repented, can still cause harm to us.  
• We should make choices based on what our vision for life (long run vision) and not what we desire now.   
• As Christians, make sure to evaluate long range effects of decisions to assure that our morals as Christians are not put in jeopardy.  

Lord, as I make this daily walk with you, I pray that I make choices that would reflect my faith in you and my beliefs as a Christian.  While I know my walk with not be perfect, I pray that as I attempt to walk a Christian path, I also model for believers and non believers, how you expect me to be.  And as I make mistakes, I ask that you give me the vision to see that mistake, learn from it, and grow as a Christ follower.  Thank you for the  sacrifice of your son Jesus Christ, who made this all possible!  In his name I pray this prayer for all of us...AMEN!

Spreading Gods Word (John 20:19-20)

Studied and Written 4/10/10 (Posted later)
The disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of Jews.  Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to you!" Having said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the father has sent Me, I send you." (John 20: 19-21)

• Here Jesus is telling us to go out and spread the word of God... "The Good News", that through the death and resurrection of Christ we are now saved from our sin.  In spreading this, we must remember:
1. The Authority to go out and spread the Gospel of Jesus comes from God.  Through your own decision to follow God's plan for you, it should now become a desire for you to let others know what you know and allow others the opportunity to make the great decision you have made.  
2. Jesus laid the foundation and instruction manual (through the way he lived his life) on how to do this.
• God sent Jesus....Jesus now sends followers and US!!!! 

Father, as I sit here and read your instruction manual on how you want our lives to be lived, I ask that you give me the insight to not only live that life according to your plan and will, but also be able to share correctly with others your word as well.  With that I also know I am a sinner who will sin until the day I die.  However, I ask that you help me improve on how I live my life and to use my actions and words to reflect you more and more as I grow in this walk with you!  Thank you again for you magnificent son Jesus Christ... AMEN!

Focusing on Christ (How important our eyes are)

Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and began to sink, he cried out, "Lord Save Me". (Matthew 14:29-30)

• There are times when we begin to doubt God.  Our faith becomes weak b/c of some challenge we are facing.  Peter showed doubt in Christ when he became afraid. For a moment, he lost trust!
• However, Peter then turned and shouted for God's help. While Jesus saved him, he questioned Peters faith. When we hit those times in our lives we must too reach out to God for answers. His answers may differ from what we want, but he will be there to "save us" and "guide us"!

We seem to at times worry about today's problems without trusting God.  Here is a weakness and a loss of focus in our lives..... but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, lure of wealth, and desire for nice things, so no crop is produced (Mark 4:19)

• These wants will make Gods word mute to us.  Stay free of this so Gods word stays "Priority #1" and does not get flooded out of our lives. 

The next morning, Jesus woke up long before daylight and went alone into the wilderness to pray (Mark 1:35)

• Just as Jesus did, finding time for God is vital.  It is what keeps our eyes and focus on him.  If we have to wake up early, stay up late, miss on time with friends we must sacrifice.... Time with God is vital! Make time, "Quiet time for God" and pray to him s much as you can.  With this added communication it's amazing what can be achieved. 

Points to Ponder:

1. Any time is Good to meet with Jesus.  Just like food and air, time with Jesus is necessary.
2. The bible is the game plan. Reading it is the same as any play book or instructional manual. It should be used to develop ones plan for a life with Christ.
3. There will be many challenges. Doubters, pressing social life, etc. Making Christ the priority (keeping our eyes and focus on him) is what will help silence those voices that doubt your walk with Christ. 

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 (a look into what happens after death)

With the recent tragedy of the loss of Regan Wheeler, I felt it necessary to dig into scripture to find out exactly what is next for a person who leaves this earth.  As Protestant Christian, I have always believed that upon death there is some immediacy to the trip to heaven after death.  However, some other branches of Christianity such as Catholicism believe that there might be a waiting stage known as Purgatory.  I decided to look hard into I Thessalonians 4:13-18 where Paul is addressing the Thessalonians about this topic in the form of a letter.  

I do want to add a side-note about the death of Regan. There is no steadfast answer as to why Regan Wheeler was killed in that horrific accident.  I am not a believer in the idea that God wanted her on that day and he chose that day.  God gave us as humans what is known as “Free Will”.  Our life is based upon decisions we make and consequences are based upon those decisions we make. 

God might of known that Regan was going to make the choice ahead of time to take the wrong path on the golf cart, but that does not mean she was not free to make that choice.  So, do I believe God knew Regan was going to come on that day?  Yes, but ultimately, he let her make that choice herself through free-will.  

  

The Hope of going to heaven and being with Christ (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

4:13 – And now dear brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. 

• Here, Paul is revealing God’s message that death is not the end, but instead the beginning. 
• People who believe in Christ will be re-united (dead or alive) and all suffering will stop.

4:14 – For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. 

• Hear the words “God will bring back with Jesus”.  Here Paul is telling us that all Christians who have died, are with Jesus and will be coming back upon his return to the earth! 
• Hope:  If you are a believer, you have hope! While we will miss Regan dearly and any others who have passed away, those people are exactly where we want to be… With God.

4:15 – I can tell you this directly from the Lord:  We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in the grave.

•  I want to revert back to 4:14 “God will bring back with Jesus all Christians who have died”. 
•  Now, when Paul says, “Those who are in the grave” he is not meaning that the person is actually in the grave.  He has already stated that believers are with God and Jesus.  He is merely stating that those who were believers, that have already died, are the first to be with God followed by those believers who are still on earth.  Therefore, believers who have died are better off than those who have not died yet. 

4:16 – For the Lord himself will come down with a commanding shout , with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.  First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.

•  Here, Paul is reinforcing the return of Christ and how it is laid out.
•  He is then emphasizing how Christians who have already died are already with God.  Here, I believe you can’t take the scripture in a literal term but instead what is intended.
• It is not important when the resurrection takes place as the actually challenge Paul is putting out to people to use God words to comfort and encourage those who have lost loved ones.

 4:17 – Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on earth will remain on earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. 

• Here, Paul is also enforcing the fact that believers will all join God in a place that he has prepared for them. 
• He is using this line to comfort anybody who has lost somebody.  Giving them hope that if they are believers, that one day all believers will be reunited together again. 

4:18 – So comfort and encourage each other with these words.

·         If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, that  he was the son of God, died for our sins on that cross and was resurrected, then you should be comforted to know that as believers you have reserved yourself the right to be with all other believers for eternity in heaven.  

5 Key Elements for Christians: Look at 1 Peter 3:8-9

(8)Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving each other with tender hearts and humble minds. (9) Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.  That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.  (1 Peter 3:8-9) 


Here, Peter list 5 key elements for Christians

1. One Mind:  Pursue the same goal (to live a life according to God's instructions)
2. Sympathy:  When others need you, be responsive to those needs they same way God is. 
3. Love:  Treat all people like they are loved brothers and sisters and love them as God loves you. 
4. Tenderness:  Be understanding and sensitive/caring to others as God is caring and sensitive to you. 
5. Humility:  Be willing to encourage each other and be happy for others success.  

Peter was a very impulsive and strong willed person (examples of his impulsiveness can be found in Mark 8:31-33 and John 13:6-9) 

When Jesus predicted his death (Mark 8:31-33) Peter pulled him aside and said he should not be saying such things.  Jesus then scolded Peter comparing him to Satan and explained to Peter this was God's word and in asking Jesus not to say anything was denying God's word.  

• Peter was reacting to Jesus how a human would when saying such things.  Jesus was upset as he wanted his followers to follow Gods word as God would and not as a human.  This should be any follower of Christ's ultimate goal to achieve.  
• Here I believe is an everyday battle for Christians.  Should I or should I not say something when I witness something going against God's word.  Of course you say something as this is the same as denying God.  

Peter also showed his human tendency to be stubborn when Jesus was wanting to wash his feet (John 13:6-9)   Peter reacted strongly against this as he did not understand somebody he called teacher and master wanting to act as a servant to him.  

• Jesus himself acting as a servant was laying the foundation of Gods word by example.  By washing the feet of his disciples, he was showing that nobody is above Gods wish for everyone to serve one another and those that do humble themselves to be servants will be blessed.  
• Here, Peter was again thinking like a human and not as God would.  

The Revenge Factor in Life

Revenge was also a major topic of 1 Peter 3:8-9.  Jesus taught that revenge is unacceptable.  When we feel we are done wrong by somebody, we should instead pray for that person and wish blessings upon them.  Revenge is equally against God's plan for us just as the initial act that caused you to be insulted is (EVIL for EVIL).  

• Instead of acting out in anger against another person, God wants us to instead pray for that person.  In doing so we are acting in accordance to Gods word and we ourselves will be blessed.  

Sacrifice, Desires and the "Dog Soldier"

Taking a daily time to spend with the Lord has been awesome.  Reading, writing, thinking and praying with the Lord has been amazing and a time I am looking forward too on a daily basis!

While reading my Coaches Bible recently I have come across a number of interesting topics.  The "Dog Soldier" has weighed on my shoulders all week though.  This is a story about the Cheyenne Indians during times of war.  One of their warriors during war would ride their horse ahead of everyone and lead the way.  When the war hit it's climax and a winner was still in question, this warrior would jump off his horse and put a stake in the ground to which he was attached by a rope.  In doing so, he let his fellow warriors know he was "in it" until the end no matter the outcome.

Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.  (Luke 9:23)

Here, Jesus wants us to put aside what we believe is good for us personally, and begin to behave and live more and more like him each day.  Jesus was willing to sacrifice his extreme pain and anguish for the good of his all people, "God's People". This being in the same manner as the Dog Soldier was willing to stay and fight for the good of his people until the very end no matter what the outcome would be!

We all must be willing to deny our selfish wants and in turn, focus that energy on being servants to all men, women and children and especially God.  There might be some cost to doing this and you may lose some parts of your life that you feel valuable.  However, an eternal life with God is far more valuable than any short term want or desire here on earth.

1. Are you willing to stand in the middle of this world with a cross stuck in the ground and be tied to it in order to defend Christ and God's word?

Being Disciplined as Athletes and People

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction (Proverbs 12:1)
*As athletes and people, we must always understand that there is somebody out there who has more wisdom than us and we can learn from.  God created this so we can all be life long learners.  If we are unwilling to learn and take criticism, than we are unable to grow as athletes and Christians.  Those who can't be willing to open up and be disciplined have a problem with pride as discipline is the key to a successful walk with Christ.
TEACHING and LEARNING
Wise Learners / Foolish Failures: (From Proverbs)
1. Wise learners humbly accept instruction (10:8, 23:12, 25:12) / Foolish Failures ignore instruction
2. Wise learners love discipline (12:1) / Foolish Failures hate correction
3. Wise Learners listen to advice (12:15, 21:11, 24:6) / Foolish Failures believe they need to advice
4. Wise Learners accept parents' discipline (13:1) / Foolish Failures mock their parents
5. Wise Learners lead other to life (10:17 / Foolish Failures lead others astray
6. Wise Learners receive honor (13:8)  / Foolish Failures end in poverty and shame
7. Wise Learners profit from constructive rebuke (15:31-32, 29:1) / Self destruct by refusing to rebuke.

As a coach and teacher I know I must do the following and others who plan on leading must do the same
1. Help People Avoid Traps (13:14)  2. Use pleasant words (16:21)  3. Speak at the right time (15:23,  18:20).