Author: Scott

Every morning, Barbara and I pray together. We pray for wisdom. We pray prayers of thanks. We pray for opportunities to be the light to those who don’t know Jesus. And I try to pray over her safety for the day. One of the most amazing blessings that I believe we have, is the ability to pray to our God. Our ability to communicate with him our needs. Our desires. Even though he knows our hearts, he wants to hear from us. I think it is because when we express these things to him, it’s our way of showing to him our desire to have him lead us. 

The Bible tells us that we will receive if we just ask. That we will find what we seek. That the door will open if we knock. Basically, this tells us that our God will provide if we believe. It’s not telling us that we will have all of our hearts desires if we ask God for those. That is not how he works. But he will provide what we need. Even though we may not agree with it. Or look at it like we need it. But we must trust that he knows what is best for us.

So don’t just pray casually. Don’t just pray to pray. Be sure to pray wholeheartedly. And be sure to pray trusting that God hears you. Because he does. But let me warn you this, be careful what you pray for. Because the answer may not be what you want or expect. I remember a time when I prayed that I could suffer for my son so he could thrive. He was just a young boy then. And let me tell you, for about two months I was in constant pain. Didn’t realize why. And then I remembered my prayers. While my son was recovering and doing very well. I was suffering. God had answered my prayers. Because he loves me. Just as he loves you. He always has. Always will.

Our salvation is an incredible gift that our God gives us. It really is. With that comes an identity. A new identity that’s in Christ. The Bible tells us ways that our identity changes. We are forgiven, treasured, righteous, precious, loved, free, and many more. Including, God‘s children. That’s pretty cool.

When we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we take him into our hearts. Therefore, Christ is in us. And as long as we keep him in our hearts, we will never lose this new identity. It won’t be taken away or changed. He has taken our sin. He has given us grace. He has shown us love, and he will continue doing so. He has given us peace and hope. And he is providing us eternity with him. All of these are gifts from him. And that is why our identity changes when we accept him as our Lord and Savior. 

But we should not take this lightly. We should honor Jesus by learning more about who he is. By strengthening our relationship with him. We need to make sure to not accept what the world tells us who we are. Or what the world tells us who we should be. And we must continue striving to be like Christ. To be a light to those that don’t know him. If we do these things, we will put the focus on Jesus. We will let him lead us. And others will see that. And hopefully they will also accept him. Changing their identities as well. He will do this because he loves them. Just as he loves you and me. He always has. He always will.

It’s that time of year when we’re beginning to celebrate Christmas. Parades, parties at work, shopping, cooking, etc. We ask our loved ones what is they would like to have for Christmas. We try to get them that perfect gift. Sometimes even have an unofficial contest seeing who buys the best gift. I admit, I like to watch my family open their presents. Especially the ones that I know they are going to truly be thankful for.

I don’t want to take anything away from the festivities of this time of year. I think they play a big role in making it special. After all, we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. We should be doing special things. But I would like to suggest that we keep things in focus. The things that are really important. Let’s not forget that before Jesus, the world was enslaved to sin. Let’s not forget why he came to be human. Let’s not forget that our salvation should influence how we live. 

God will provide. The Bible tells us that he will give us all that we need. This Christmas, let’s remember that through Jesus we have already received the greatest gift: Salvation! And that gives us hope, peace, and joy. That gives us the promise of eternal life. Awesome! As we celebrate, let’s remember those things. To seek him first, and we will receive all we need. So enjoy the season. Have those parties. Cook those fabulous meals. Exchange gifts. See the lights. Spend time with family and friends. Go to parades. Do all of these things. But let’s remember this so very important point of this time of year…Be thankful to have Christ’s love. And let’s let that guide us through this holiday.

Today’s devotion is difficult for me to explain. Please bear with me as I type out my thoughts. I find it interesting, that two different people can experience the exact same thing, even at the exact same time, but have a total different view of what it was. They can see things completely opposite of each other. How we see and view the world is very important. And that could actually impact our lives as Christians. As Christians, we should walk daily seeing the truth, hope, peace, and joy, that comes from the Lord. We should live day to day, having a clear view of our lives. Because we know that God is in control. Even in circumstances that we do not understand, we should see clearly that God is in control. Then we have the clear vision of the truth, hope, peace, and joy that I was talking about a minute ago. 

A dear friend of mine told me one time about watching his wife go through cancer. She battled it fiercely. Faced it head on. But in the end, she lost the battle. Cancer took her. At a young age. Here’s what’s interesting. She praised God the entire time. She grew closer to him the entire time. Thanking him for the suffering. Thanking him for the chance to witness to others. Talk about a powerful testimony. But all the while, my friend was angry with God. Asking why? Why would he allow this to happen? Even to the point that he yelled at God. Saying he wouldn’t serve him anymore. Had no desire to praise him. 

Something amazing happened though. As he watched his wife grow stronger in her faith, it led him to do the same. He began to praise God with her while she was struggling. He prayed with her. Worshiped with her. Grew closer to our Lord and Savior. Serving him daily then, and serving him daily now. Even after ultimately losing her in the end, he saw truth, hope, peace, and joy that comes from Jesus. He saw clearly. Another powerful testimony. Two people living through the same nightmare. The same trial. And although initially they handled it differently, in then the end they both came out stronger. If we can do the same, we can be a light to those that don’t see clearly. To those that have on blinders. And maybe that will lead them to Jesus. Another powerful testimony.

Psalms 18:2-3 is the verse that I’m going to focus on this morning. It’s short. It’s clear. And it is spot on. Because it’s direct. And it has great wisdom in it. While I was reading it, I was trying to relate it to my life. As I try to do with all of my morning readings. Here are a couple of my thoughts on it. 

I have often said that the Lord is my rock. He is the foundation of my life. He should be the foundation of all of our lives. And I have also often said that he is my savior. He is my Lord and Savior. And there is no doubt in my mind that he is everyone’s Lord and Savior. Whether people believe it or not, he is the one way to eternal salvation. The only way. Therefore, he is everyone’s Lord and Savior.

The final part of the second verse stands out to me: “He saved me from my enemies.” There is so much truth to this. It’s hard to narrow it down for this short devotion. But I can say this, he has saved me from my enemies. I’m talking about my internal enemies. The things I have struggled with throughout my life. Often more than once. Things that I’m sure I will struggle with in the future. Anger, hatred, anxiety, and others. They are my enemies because they can lead to personal destruction. And they can do the same to you. But with Jesus as my rock, in whom I find protection, those things have no control over my life. And he will do the same for you. Because he is your Lord and Savior. He loves you. Always has. Always will.

The movie Jaws came out when I was a kid. I recall being so scared that I would keep my arms and legs in the middle of my bed at night. I was afraid the shark was going to get me in my bedroom. Funny to think about. But back then, I was truly scared. Here are a couple of questions for you. First, what is it that causes you fear? Think about that for a minute. Secondly, how do you overcome fear? Think about that too. Here’s why: One of Satan‘s greatest weapons is fear. The snake that he is, he uses it every time he can to bring us down. To make us feel unworthy. On the other hand, probably the greatest weapon that God has is love. And that’s awesome. Because we can use God’s love to overcome our fears.

Here is something that I have read. “Love is something everyone wants. Fear is something everybody wants to get rid of. And there are four keys to overcome unhealthy fear in your life. Understand God’s Love. Experience God’s love. Believe God’s love. Complete God’s love.” When we understand that God’s love is limitless, we know fear has no power over us. When we truly experience God’s love, we feel the power it has over fear. When we believe in God’s love, we have the confidence to show others it’s power over fear. And completing God’s love is when we show others that fear can’t control us. 

Today let’s thank God for his love for us. Let’s live knowing that when fear comes after us, God’s love has us covered. And the victory has already been declared. The cross did that for us. And if you don’t know God’s love, maybe today is the day for you to receive it into your hearts. He’s waiting. He’s willing. Actually, he’s wanting you too. He wants us to live lives without fear. Because he loves us. Always has. Always will.

Our thoughts directly affect how we live. So it is important for us to know how to take control of our thoughts. Because like dominoes falling over, one thought can affect the next one, then the next one, and so on. When we look at it like this, and we understand that we can choose what we are thinking, that means we know we can be in control. 

I know I’ve had times where I could feel my mind going the wrong way. Drifting the wrong way. I’m sure most of us have. Probably all of us. Recently, I had a time where I felt intense anger towards someone who had wronged my daughter. Even now, when I think about it I can feel myself getting “riled-up” over it. When I do I shift my focus to something else. And then I feel a peace. The peace that only comes from God. 

What an awesome gift God has given us. Control. We have control because we can shift our thoughts to Jesus. When distracted, we can shift to Jesus. When upset, we can shift to Jesus. When anxious or depressed, we can shift to Jesus. Trusting him, we have a peace and hope that surpasses all that we are facing. And that means that we do not need to be controlled by our thoughts. Actually, it’s the exact opposite. That’s incredible. So whenever you feel your thoughts going astray, work to shift them back to Jesus. Let him help you. And know that he loves you. Always has. Always will.

Everyone has some type of label to them. I have had a few. And these labels can change as we grow. As we age. As we learn. Some labels are carried like a badges of honor. Mine might include coach, teacher, husband, father, grandfather, etc. Others not so much. I’m sure I have had some here as well. I’m not proud of them. Some we give ourselves. Others are given to us. Labels can, and often do, shape our identities.

If we don’t label ourselves, who is it that has the right to do this? Who do we allow to do this? Who is it that can shape our identities like this? Pretty powerful questions if you think about it. And I know that it’s easy for me to say this, but the only identity that should matter is the one we have with God. I’m going to quote something that I read earlier. “God created us, designed us, and knit us together from the innermost to the outermost part of us. God knows us more deeply, intimately, and completely, more than we know ourselves. If anyone is qualified to properly label us and shape our identity, it’s God.” Go ahead and read that again. Let that sink in.

If we truly believe this, then only God is qualified or entitled to shape our identities. That means that society, people, not even ourselves, are qualified to do this. Only God is. So today, tomorrow, and in the future days, be sure to wear your labels with pride. Manager, father, mother, coach, etc. Wear them with pride. But be sure to prioritize. Because being in God’s grace is the label that we should all strive for. Do that, and people will see his light through you. And then maybe, they will accept his grace as well. And just think about the label that they will then have. And that is awesome.

My accident was 34 years ago. November 28, 1990. I look back at the time of my life, and I remember how much I was living for myself. I was 19. Scholarship athlete. Had everything that a young man could want. Or thought he wanted. All the excesses that the world provides. Women, parties, popularity, etc. The things that I thought were important. The things that would ultimately lead to me being paralyzed.

Then I think about the first few days after my accident. Not sure whether I was going to live or not. Laying there while my neck swelled up. As it caused more paralysis. Then on the fourth day, my body stabilized to the point that they could perform surgery. Didn’t know it then, but God was stepping in. He knew my heart was turning towards him. He knew he could use me in my chair in ways he could never use me out of it. He showed me a grace that I never deserved. Never knew I wanted. Never knew I needed.

How fitting all this is today. Because the verse I read discusses this very thing. “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,” 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬. 33 years ago, God took a life altering accident, and he altered my life forever by showing me grace. He came into my life even though I was undeserving. It still took me a little while to realize it. Now I live day-to-day, fully expecting God to work in my life. And you can too. You can live born again. And live knowing he is in control. Because he loves you. He loves me. Always has. Always will.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt like there was no hope? There was no chance of things turning better? No matter where you turned, what you did, nothing was going to help fix the situation? Basically, it was hopeless! I bet that most of us, if not all of us, have felt that way. A few months ago, a veteran responded to one of our devotions that we did. He told me there was no heaven, no hell, no God. We just die and that is it. My response to him was pretty simple. I don’t remember it Word for Word. But it was along the lines of: “I’m not sure I agree. Jesus loves you. And so do I.”

The door opened up. We began regular dialogue through texting and email. Found out that he was in a tough spot. Going through divorce. Dealing with PTSD. Anxiety. Financial issues. And other things. He told me he was struggling with his faith. I just kept reassuring him. Letting him know that Jesus loves him. Jesus is our hope. He has our peace. If we follow him and trust him, he will show us the way. He will provide.

Since our conversation, he has attended a couple of our events. He has moved into a new home. This place is close to his family. Trying to find a church home. Told me that for the first time in a long time, he feels there is hope. How right he is. There’s always hope in Jesus. No matter what we are going through. No matter how dark it looks. No matter what the devil is telling us. There is always hope in Jesus. I always say, things may not end the way that we hope that they do. But Jesus will see us through. All of us. Including you. If you find yourself thinking that there is no hope, turn your eyes on Jesus and you will find that there is. There always has been. There always will be. Because he loves you.