Football Fans Rejoice (God Knew)

Exhange God for Football?Football fans (fanatics) are rejoicing. Last weekend, College Football began and the NFL kicks off this weekend.

In our house, we had four people and four teams. Dad favored the 49ers. My young brother adored the Rams (to annoy dad?). My mom loved the Dolphins. I was colored with Pittsburgh Steelers black and gold.

Towels being waved terribly on some Sundays; Mom putting pinholes in the eyes of my football cards to cast a spell on Dolphins opponents on others. Living on the West Coast, games began early in the day. Instead of church … football.

I’m sure God wasn’t pleased. Nor was he surprised. He knew this would happen. He tells us about it in Paul’s letter to the Romans, first chapter (a rare NIV citing, though here’s the KJV of Romans 1:21-23), emphasis mine:

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

Who’s your team?  The Bears or Broncos (four-footed beasts), perhaps the Ravens or Seahawks (birds of the air). Maybe you fancy the Patriots or Vikings (corruptible man). Maybe you’re more fanatic about the college game: the Gators or the Terrapins (creeping things).

I still like football (and still the Steelers), but it’s a passing thought. I learned long ago I have no input on the outcome of the game on the field.

Don’t fumble the glory of the immortal God for other images and idols. Enjoy the game, but don’t be consumed by the sport.

How Do You Know it’s from God?

Mike and Angela Bible Reading

When God says “Go” …

There have been times God has told me to go, and times He’s told me to stay put. Times I’ve been instructed to speak up, and others to shut up. To accept an offer, or turn one down.

There have been times when God guides me to take an aside to get involved or stay on the path I’m on and pray as I go by. And yes, I believe with all I can believe that it’s God.

But how do I know? How do I know this thing (e.g., action, thought, word, movement, involvement, etc) is from God?

By reading my Bible daily – and often throughout the day (Rom 13:14) –  I recognize His voice more clearly. I also am aware of my own voice and society’s voice. It’s not just in the initial hearing, but also a list of clearing, if you will:

  • Prayer precedes and is constant throughout (1 Th 5:17)
  • The thing won’t contradict Scripture, in fact …
  • It aligns with Scripture in multiple ways and verses (2 Ti 3:16)
  • No matter the outcome in my eyes, I can and will give glory to God (1 Cr 10:31, Pro 3:6)
  • It furthers the gospel, for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom (2 Cr 4:5)
  • There will be confidence of walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:25) and not quenching the Spirit (1 Th 5:19)
  • There is peace in my heart (not necessarily my head) (1 Cr 14:15)

If that which I hear passes this quick list, then I follow through full of faith and courage.  I don’t want to delay or let it become what Steven Furtick calls a 13:13 moment.

 

Practicing Spontaneous Prayer

Ready to Pray

I believe in spontaneous prayer, are you ready…?

An ambulance drives by you with lights and sirens clearing its way. Pray.

You see two cops have a car pulled over. Young driver inside, wondering what to say. Pray.

A friend tells you of a problem at home and asks if you’d pray for him and his family. Why wait? Pray.

Good news on the job front from another friend. She’s excited to get her promotion (and raise). Pray & Praise.

I believe in spontaneous prayer, are you ready…?

“Lord, thank you for the opportunity to share this practice of spontaneous prayer with others. Let these conversations draw us closer to you in both praise and requests. Thank you for always hearing and knowing our hearts. We seek your counsel and your favor in these instant moments – that our testimony of your Love and Power will be shared by us always. We do so not for our own sake, nor for those we are with, but for the sake of Christ, His Kingdom – and in His name. Amen.” – an example

Spontaneous prayer is empowering. Maybe it’s not always comfortable, but praying in an instant doesn’t need to be long-worded – and maybe it shouldn’t be if you’re leading someone else in prayer.

How many times do we tell someone we’ll pray for them or with them – and then don’t? And how is their prayer life? Practice a short, sincere prayer with them. Or silently as you stand there.

As you’re driving, walking, making a decision or choice.  Pray.

My wife, Angela Sansone, will sometimes interrupt our conversation so she can go to God in prayer. That’s spontaneous! And it’s right.

I believe in spontaneous pray, are you ready…?

photo credit: caddy_corner via photopin cc

No More Stumbling Blocks!

No More Stumbling Blocks

Oh, the hurdles the befall us. Whether it’s society throwing a curve, or a roadblock making the journey tougher, or some people throwing down a stumbling block in front of us – when life trips us up, it hurts.

No more stumbling blocks!

A few stumbling blocks to avoid:

  • A friend gossiping about another person
  • You didn’t get that job (or raise)
  • Someone criticized you
  • That tiny, but habitual, sinning thing that seems to interrupt your spiritual growth
  • Getting frustrated at yellow lights (or brake lights)
  • Dirty looks from passersby

You know what trips you up. Here’s a verse (and two versions) to recall when hurdles come your way. It’s Psalm 119:165 and I’d ask you place both the KJV and NIV into memory.

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them – KJV

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble – NIV

Catch some of the key phrases for those who love God’s Word?  Great Peace. Nothing Shall Offend Them. Nothing Can Make Them Stumble. 

Audience of One, remember? If someone looks at you sideways or starts to show their fangs, you can love them as you walk away (and pray they calm down until you can gather again).

Side step the tripping points. Have faith and patience with life’s curves. And make sure you’re not throwing down blocks in front of others. (Rom 14:13)

Remember the Dick Van Dyke Show? In one season’s opening titles, Dick’s character, Rob Petrie, trips over the ottoman as he walks in. But he learns, and in another season he side steps it.  If Rob can learn, so can you.

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By Fruits or By Fangs

Fruits or Fangs?

Who do you hang around most? Does “Peer Pressure” sometimes sway your decision?

A man I know was nicely-versed in Scripture … and used it when it benefited him. But in a moment’s notice he could easily turn to cursing, gossiping, threatening, boasting … and later apologize for his fleshly battle.

If this were an occasional occurrence, grace wins (along with loving and reproving truth). But as this proved to be consistent habit, and that he would bare his “fangs” more than “fruit” – it was best to just walk away.

Walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. In ourselves as well as others, we should be able to recognize behavior as either by the works of the flesh or by the Fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:16-26).

When it comes to who we choose to hang around or talk with most often, choose those who show Fruits consistently.

As for those who show their fangs too often? Sometimes, walking away isn’t only best for you – but for them, too. Fangs desire an audience.

Just walk away. Point up. Audience of One.

photo credit: Tambako the Jaguar via photopin cc