Author: Scott

Every now and then, I ask a question of you and I ask you to raise your hand if it pertains to you. Obviously I don’t see your hands go up. But the point is, I asked a question before we get going because if it does pertain to you, then maybe the devotion will hit home more. Believe me…it hits me every time because the questions I ask pertain especially to me. So the question for today’s devotion is this: “Have you ever been spiritually attacked?” Once again, I bet everyone raised a hand. If you did not, then I’m happy you haven’t been attacked. Or maybe you need to rethink it. Either way, attacks come. They’re going to always come.

What’s important is knowing that. And also knowing how to react. Or not react. I have a personal example for you. In 2016, I was attacked by someone I was very close to you. Someone that I worked hand-in-hand with. Practically on a daily basis. I don’t know if it was jealousy. I don’t know if it was spite. I don’t know if it was out of hate. But he disguised it as something that I had done. It floored me.  So I walked away. That bridge had been burnt. Walking away was a very difficult thing to do. Because I knew the fire was coming. And it did. I was accused of this and accused of that. Some people I was close to turned their backs on me. Barbara and I were even questioned about our marriage. It was really an interesting time.

When an attack comes, let’s remember that there is a very real battle going on spiritually. So try not to be shocked. Know that the enemy is the devil. Satan is the enemy of our souls. And he uses others in his sneaky ways. Even those that we are close to. Or we thought we were close to. Turning friends and family into enemies. Isn’t that crazy. He comes at us from all directions. Even though he’s already lost, he still attacks. But his attacks are incredible opportunities for us to do amazing things for God. His attacks are opportunities for us to show others God‘s grace. We can even show grace to the one who attacked us. Is there anything more powerful than that? I’m not sure there is in that type of situation. So today, remember they’re coming. The attack may already be happening. But more importantly, remember that God has you. He will get you through. And on the other side of it, you’re going to be stronger than ever were.

When our daughter, Anna, was 14 years old, she was a freshman in high school. She got her first job that year. Shakes Frozen Custard in Webb City, Missouri. I remember her interviewing over the phone when we were in Arkansas. She was with me that day when I was coaching basketball. We had to get a special provision signed by the school superintendent saying that she was capable of working. Missouri has a law in place that’s protecting children from child labor issues. She was only allowed to work a certain amount of hours per week and also to a certain time in the evening. I think it was 20 hours a week and to 7 PM. I also remember her not wanting to get a job. But she had a choice, school activity or job. So she chose to go to work. Track season was over and volleyball had not started yet.

Obviously, she wasn’t driving then. So her mother or I took turns taking her to work and then picking her up. We were together when we picked her up one day. It was the day that she received her first paycheck. She was in the backseat of the van. Barbara and I both were concerned that she was going to be upset about not making much money for working as much as she had. But just the opposite happened. It was actually pretty awesome. She’s in the backseat opening her check up with us anticipating frustration. And what we heard was…”$115! I GOT $115!!!!” She was so excited. We were excited for her. In her eyes she was rich. She was learning the rewards of hard work. She thought she had hit the jackpot. She really was thrilled. Makes me question us as adults. What is it that we view as wealth? What do we consider valuable?

I’m sure we have different definitions of what wealth is. I think that probably depends on who you ask. Obvious answers here would include someone that is wealthy, being someone that has financial wealth. But I wonder if someone that has large amounts of financial wealth, would consider themselves wealthy. See what I mean? I think it depends on who you ask. I’m sure if you would’ve asked Anna on that paycheck day, she would’ve thought she was wealthy. And what about things of value? What do you consider valuable? Land? Automobiles? Houses? Think about it. Once again, I think it depends on who you ask. We probably all have different definitions what is valuable. But no matter what we consider wealth to be, or what is of value, there really is one thing we should believe across the board. We should consider that whatever God blesses us with, that those blessings are considerable wealth and value. Doesn’t have to be money. Doesn’t have to be property. But his blessings are exactly what we need. And therefore, we should consider ourselves wealthy in that sense. 

As we continue trying to work on our attitudes and expecting God to work in our lives, there is something very important that we must remember. We must make sure that we are not just expecting God to work in our lives. We must also expect ourselves to do God’s work. And there is something that we can do to make sure this happens. Actually several things. But one of those is to stay in the word of God. To read the Bible. And I don’t mean just read it. Let’s learn while we read. This is something that I personally struggle with. I can read to three pages of something and not remember any of it. So I work daily on trying to absorb what it is that I am reading.

In the Bible we read about David. He is a great example for us. He knew he was successful because he kept God first. He even prayed to God asking him to listen to his prayers. He made it a habit of talking to our Lord and Savior each morning. This set the tone for his day. He knew that he could expect God to work in his life that day. And he also expected himself to do what God wanted him to do. It’s easy for us to let our feelings dictate our paths. It’s human for us to not do something because we don’t feel like it. If you recall yesterday, we talked about being tougher during the tough times. And as simple as this may be, we must be tougher than our feelings to make sure that we seek God and all that we do.

So what is today’s challenge for us? This is a challenge for myself as well. Today…let’s start to strive to make each morning time with God. Let’s expect him to hear our prayers. Let’s expect him to love us and guide us. Let’s expect him to work in our lives. And then, let’s work on making sure our attitudes are in line with what he wants them to be. This will allow us to better serve him. Which means we can better serve others. And that leads to more people coming to know Jesus. How awesome is that! I know most of you have heard this already. But be careful what you pray for. What I mean by that is, be ready for what you pray for. Because if you ask God to work in your life, he’s going to. It may not come the way you think it supposed to. But it will happen. And it will be amazing.

Yesterday, Barbara and I made a quick trip to Silver Dollar City. Nick Wallenda was there. His show comes and goes every few years. We try to make it down there to see him whenever he is in town. Incredible human feats like what they put on in the show really get my attention. I’m blown away sometimes. The talent that God has blessed people with is truly amazing. Nick’s included. He is known for the high wire act. But yesterday, he did an act on a 30 foot tall pole. With no netting or harness. And he concluded the show with his wife on the high wire. 

During his show, he always talks about his faith. He’s not embarrassed to discuss it. Actually, just the opposite. He makes it very clear that he believes that God will bless you in ways that you can never imagine. He’s made trips across the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and many other places around the world. all while walking on a cable balancing with a pole. If you have seen his performances on TV, you can hear him talk to God while he is walking across the wire. He talks about how God will get you through anything. Yesterday was no different.

A couple of things stuck out to me. I want to mention one to you. He talked about tough times coming. How we all go through those. His personal struggles with anxiety and depression. Other mental issues. And God has brought him through every one of them. He said when the tough times come…get tougher. Oh how he was spot on with that one. Because we can choose to be defeated. Or we can choose to battle what we are facing. And praise God the entire time. Something that my family has done many times. So the challenge today is to battle what we are facing. What comes at us daily. Weekly. Monthly. Maybe even more often than that. But don’t give in. Don’t let doubt win. Don’t let uncertainty win. Don’t let Satan win. Seek God in the battle, and you’ll be victorious no matter what happens. Because he is here for us. No matter what we are facing. So today be tougher than what you’re going through.

I heard a joke one time. Not sure where I heard it. But it has a pretty good point. I’m not the greatest at telling jokes. So bear with me. There was a woman who is in desperate need of financial help. So she prayed to God for him to help her win the lottery. The drawing came up the next week, she didn’t win. So she prayed again. This time she was more adamant about needing help. She really needed a God to help her with the lottery. The drawing came up again. She didn’t win. So this time she begged and begged. She really, really, really needed God to help her win the lottery. And God told her: “I can help you win, but you need to buy a ticket first.“ Do you get the point?

We’ve been talking a lot lately about attitude and expecting God to work in our lives. Also, about waiting for God to tell us what to do. But I think we need to go a little further with this. As we stated, having a good attitude is a result of expecting God to work in our lives. Knowing that he’s there for us. Knowing that he will guide us. These are things that we should do. Look to him and all that we do. But I also believe that we must “act” on what we are being told to do. Not just sit back. The other day, we talked about being lazy. And that’s dangerous. And that’s what just sitting back and do. Lead us to being lazy.

So today, don’t just sit back and wish on God. Don’t be lazy. Yes, continue having a good attitude and expect him to work in your life. Put time and effort into what he is doing in your life. Do what is necessary. Do whatever it takes. God makes promises. He keeps them. He will change our hearts. He will work in us. But we must do our part as well. Let’s go to work serving others. Just as he has served us. Let’s continue to expect him to work in our lives. Let’s continue striving to have a good attitude. And let’s continue doing what’s necessary to show the glory that comes from God. To show his grace. 

Years ago, when I was playing basketball, I remember the excitement that I felt before each game. The anticipation was fantastic. Yes there was some anxiousness. Some nervousness. But they were paired with excitement. That feeling continued on later when I was coaching. I could feel it in my stomach. Realizing that all the hard work was getting ready to be rewarded. Hopefully with a win as well. Although I don’t play or coach anymore, I still get feelings of excitement from other activities. Hunting for instance. It’s exciting to go out the opening morning of the season. Deer season. Or turkey season. The anticipation hoping to be successful after the preparation that I have gone through. Very exciting.

Now let’s talk about you. What is it that gets you excited? Is it an event? Maybe a wedding. Is it something else? Being with family for instance. Or going someplace new. What is it? Think about that. What is exciting to you to the point that you expect to feel joy when you get to do it? Now think about your attitude during those moments. Are you a joy be around? Do you have a good attitude? Most likely, I’m guessing you can say yes to those questions. I hope you can anyway.

There is something that I read about this topic I find very interesting. Our attitude of expectancy begins with Jesus. And that should be joyful. If we focus on him, that should bring us joy. Because he’s never let us down. He never will. Even when he left earth, he told us the Holy Spirit was coming. That definitely does not let us down. We can look at what God promises us and then expect it to happen. Because he keeps his promises. And that’s incredible. We’ve all been let down by people. We’ve all been let down by broken promises. But we will never be let down by our Lord and Savior. And if we believe that, then we should be feeling excitement about what lies ahead. Expecting what lies ahead. Knowing what lies ahead.

There’s an intersection not too far from where we live that is ran by stoplights. Those of you who live in Webb City know which one I’m talking about. By the McDonald’s. Anyways, if you get there at the point where your light is turning red, you might as well put your vehicle in park. Because it’s going to take a little while for yours to turn green again. Especially if you’re getting there with the traffic being heavy. I think that each light will stay green for two minutes during rush hour. I’ve been there before where I have made a complete phone call with my van in the park waiting for my turn to come. And waiting is not something that I particularly like. Actually…it’s just the opposite. 

I don’t think any of us enjoy waiting. When we’re trying to get some place by a certain time, and we have to wait, it’s frustrating. When we’re waiting for someone to return a phone call, about an important topic, it’s frustrating. Or how about waiting for the all the previews to finish before your movie starts at the theater. Talk about frustrating. I kid you not, Barbara and I watched over 20 minutes of previews Saturday before the new Indiana Jones movie. And finally, what about waiting on God? Ever find yourself doing that? I know I have. 

Waiting on God can make us anxious. Think about yourself for a moment. I’m sure there have been prayers that you prayed over and over, waiting for God to answer. I bet you found yourself frustrated or anxious. That’s easy for us to do. Because we’re human. But sometimes God makes us wait for a reason. And I know this, getting anxious or frustrated it’s not going to make him answer us any quicker. As a matter of fact, I bet he makes us wait longer whenever we do get anxious or frustrated. We must remember, God‘s timing is always perfect. Even when he makes us wait. He will act when he knows it’s best for us. I think if we sit and wait patiently, that shows God that we trust him. That we have hope in him. And waiting also shows God that we expect him to do what’s best for us. I know that this is easier to say than it is to do. But today, let’s start practicing waiting on God. Letting him know that we fully trust him to act whenever he sees fits. Let’s also practice waiting letting him know that we trust him even if he chooses not to act. Let’s do this, because we know that he loves us. And his plan for us is the “best” plan for us. Because he loves us. He always has. He always will.

Bruno Sammartino was the most famous WWF wrestler in the world at one time. He was from Italy. Lived in a small town called Pizzoferrato. Before coming to America, his family had to endure the invasion by the Nazis during World War II. His father was already in the United States working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had immigrated there before the war not knowing it was coming. So it was basically Bruno‘s mother and four children when the invasion happened. Truly an amazing tale of survival. You should look it up and watch it.

His mother took the four children and escaped to the mountains above the town. Living without shelter or food. Every now and then, she would sneak back into the town to find food. And then return to the top with the provisions for the family to live on until they ran out. Then she would make the trek again. Over, and over, and over. One time, she was actually captured but was able to escape. Another time, as she was leaving the town she was shot. But was still able to make it back to the top of the mountain with the children. And then there was a moment where they had been located by two Nazis. They were lined up in front of the two soldiers who had a machine gun ready to fire upon them. And literally in the last few seconds before it happened, two of the townsmen were able save Bruno‘s family. All in all, Bruno‘s family lived for 14 months at the top of the mountain.

One thing that stuck out to me about the story was his mother comforting the children in what they believed were the last few moments of their lives. She told them to not be scared. To not be worried. Because it’s only going to last a few moments and they are going to be in paradise with Jesus. No suffering. No pain. Could you imagine? Staring down the barrel of a machine gun pointed out to you and your children. Knowing what’s getting ready to happen. That is the power of our God. That is the power of our Lord and Savior. He can give you a piece and a calm like no other. He provides a hope like no other. And his mother knew that. She had done all that she could do for 14 months. To keep the family alive. And now she knew she had to turn it over to Jesus. She knew that he had them covered. We should all know this. Jesus has us all covered. We just need to put our faith in him.

July 5 is a very important date to me. It’s not simply the day after July 4. And it’s not simply the day before Barbara and I celebrate our marriage anniversary. Today symbolizes the beginning of figuring out what was happening in my body. Figuring out what it was that we were going to face. What I was dealing with. Six years ago I had a CAT scan done to get some results to take to my first meeting with a neurologist on July 12. I never met that neurologist. The CAT scan showed other things.

On July 6 of every year, Barbara and I celebrate our marriage in 2002. She’s been putting up with me for 21 years now. God bless her. In 2017, we put our trip on hold because of the CAT scan. We decided to just do some day trips throughout that week. Thank goodness we stayed home. I might not have made it back from vacation according to what we found out. Without going in the great detail, the CAT scan revealed a mass infection that was killing me. Chances are it would’ve taken over my body on vacation. After being admitted to the hospital that day, we spent five days trying to figure out a plan of attack. But we had to fight the infection off first. And that was at eight week ordeal alone. Which  included IV anabiotic‘s twice a day at home. With the infection being gone, on September 5 we had surgery where my right kidney and my gallbladder were both removed. But the main concern was the aorta and vena cava. Both of them were calcifying. It took robotics under the control of a brilliant surgeon to remove The calcification. Penetrating to deep would have led to me bleeding out within seconds. I learned about this after I woke up in recovery. Talk about shocking.

Although the whole time it was very serious, I never felt anxious. God gave me a calm and a peace throughout the whole timeframe. But I cannot imagine what Barbara must’ve been going through. I would never want to face but she was facing. Her attitude was incredible. She really is amazing. God had us in his hands. And we expected nothing less than to be blessed. Whether that meant me being here with her, or being there with him, we were blessed. We knew we were facing difficulties. We knew we were facing a tough situation and hard circumstances. But negativity never entered our minds. We tried to stay focused on what his plan was for us. We didn’t know where we’re going, but we tried to see him in everything. And that’s the point of this devotion. Let’s keep our attitudes positive. No matter what it is we are facing. Let’s let God use us through the hardships to show others who he is. To show others his glory. Let’s be his tool. Because his plan is much bigger than we could ever imagine. And if you let him take control, his plan will be revealed.

July 4. Independence Day. Such a blessing living in a country that celebrates because of what our forefathers did for us over 200 years ago. Just think about that for a moment. They knew signing that declaration was going to lead to war with the most powerful country in the world at that time. They knew King George was going to send all he had to put down the rebellion. Yet they still signed it. For that we need to be thankful.

One of the reasons the Declaration of Independence even became a document was for religious freedom. For those of you that don’t know, the Church of England was law at one point. And the leader of that church was the king. So not only was the declaration declaring that we were going to be a separate country, we were pulling away from religious law. And that is something that we can now cling to. Religious freedom. I’m not sure the forefathers saw just how far religious freedom has went. But, we have that right. And it is a constitutional right. One that we should not take lightly. Now let’s talk a little bit about our responsibilities. 

A few years ago, our preacher made a comment in his message that has always stuck with me. Basically, he told us that as Christians, we have become comfortable over the last 30, 40, 50 years. Almost taking our belief for granted. Not really standing up to anything because it didn’t affect us personally. And oh how right he was. How right he is now. We have become comfortable. And that can lead to laziness. And in certain situations, laziness can lead to our fall. Because laziness is dangerous. So today, I challenge you to not only celebrate July 4. I challenge you to seek for ways to show others your belief. Show others who Jesus Christ is. Today I challenge you to honor what was signed for us 200+ years ago. Remember those who have served. Who have died. And who are still serving to  protect that document. Let’s be strong as Christians. Let others see the Love and Hope that only comes from Jesus Christ. Let others see the peace that he gives you. I can think of no greater way to honor our Lord and Savior then by being bold.