If you’re mad at someone, still bitter at what they said or did to you…I know how you’re feeling. And, I want to help you handle it in a radical way that will turn out well for you…and others. This devotion is about setting yourself free from our anger over minor offenses in life. (Minor offenses are best overlooked. Major offenses likely need to be confronted in wisdom and in love.)

Gameplan:

A man’s understanding makes him slow to anger. It is to his honor to forgive and forget a wrong done to him (to overlook an offense). Proverbs 19:11 NLV

[Love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 1 Cor 13:5 NLT

Time Out:

(Reminder – we’re talking about minor issues here, not major sins and damaging wrongs.)

Perhaps you, like me, have created unnecessary emotion and complexity when you didn’t overlook an offense. Have you etched a record in your brain about being wronged and then held onto that bitter memory?

Maybe you acted out your frustration or anger. How’d that work out? Think about how much God has forgiven us, how huge His grace is toward us. Then think about how being thin-skinned and bitter poisons our own attitude and relationships.

Go Deep:

Practice the effectiveness of wisdom and brilliance of love…don’t be self-centered and irritable…overlook an offense and don’t etch a wrong in your memory. Forgive…it sets you free from bitterness and messed up relationships.

List the names of people who you are mad at or bitter about. Write “Forgiven” across the whole sheet and throw it away. Thank God for sacrificing Jesus to forgive you and ask Him to help you forgive and overlook future offenses.

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Life doesn’t often move as fast as an NFL game, but we can learn a lot about how to face our problems from the opportunities and adaptations that blitzes create. God’s long-term perspective and purpose to improve our character and fill us with His love make a huge difference in facing out blitzes.

Gameplan:

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5: 3-5, NASB

Time Out:

Is it possible that we don’t intensely focus on God’s radical love for us as well when our circumstances are easy, as when they shock us with difficulty or loss?

Do you face life’s blitzes as a victim or as an opportunist?

Envision a blitz you’ve faced or are facing…and think of a few ways you can change or mature to be a better version of yourself.

Go Deep:

Have a conversation with your spouse or another close friend about how you changed for the better through a blitz?

Would you be willing to talk to God about your blitzes and thank Him for the opportunity they represent to persevere in trusting Him, changing your character to be more like Jesus, setting your hope on heaven, and letting His love for you shine bigger than any earthly circumstances?

Stay Connected:

To get this video and devotional guide delivered to your inbox each Monday, SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

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Download FACING YOUR BLITZ Discussion Guide

Given that the NFL is kicking off it’s season this weekend beginning with last nights Patriots/Steelers game, we are replaying one of our videvo’s about a highlight from coaching legend Bill Walsh.

Quote:

“I can live for two months on a good compliment.”  – Mark Twain

Strategy #3: Reach Out to Others from Facing the Blitz

 

The Playbook:  

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.     Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

 

Time Out:

  • What holds us back from compliments, praise and credit toward others?
  • What will it take (attitudinally and practically) for you to look for and record the highlights of those you love?

 

Go Deep:

Check out the power of LIFT in chapter 8 of Facing the Blitz

Look. Decide. Pass.

Be a treasure hunter. Look for the good. Mentally (or physically) record the positives in those close to you. Playback someone’s highlights. Catch the positives in them and compliment/thank them/encourage them for one of their great traits. Pass this positive highlight idea along to a friend.

Stay Connected:

To get this video and devotional guide delivered to your inbox each Monday, SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

To get your copy of Facing the Blitz CLICK HERE

And, Like us on FACEBOOK and follow Jeff on Twitter

Download FACING YOUR BLITZ Discussion Guide