Big Failure…Big Rejection | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Think about a when you failed big-time…or were rejected deeply. The feelings were intense. The pain was high. If you’ve been there, you’ll identify with this story about getting flattered, then benched, then rejected. Watch and remember that there is more to the equation of life than performance.

Game Plan:

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.  Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8, NLT)

Time Out:

Worldly judgment – praise and rejection – are based on the external. What’s on the surface? What’s the performance? How much have you allowed conditional and performance-based assessments to impact your identity and sense of dignity? How much have you judged and treated others through the conditional, performance-based equation? Contrast the performance of us humans…with the unconditional, relationship-based love of God as demonstrated in Christ.

Go Deep:

Set yourself free from the small, damaged, view of yourself that you’ve picked up from society’s measuring system. God made you. He made you for a purpose. God values you. He showed it through Christ.

Make a shift in how you see, speak about, speak to and treat other people. Be the antidote to a conditional, performance-based value system. See value. Speak value. Show Love.

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Tony Dungy Coaches on a Plane | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Do you keep your radar on for people that are going through tough stuff?  Or do you tend to get so busy and occupied with what you’re reading, listening to or watching that you sometimes miss connecting with people…people who you could encourage? Take the lead from Tony Dungy.

Game Plan:

“…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense [or explanation] to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Time Out:

No matter their appearance, everyone has tough stuff in their life. We’ve all got back-stories. How often do you share your story or ask about the deep and difficult stuff in other people’s lives? Remember that everyone needs encouragement. Hope is in short supply in this world, but God is a limitless source of hope.

Go Deep:

Let’s take a tip from Coach Tony Dungy who pulled back from what he was doing on an airplane to take an interest in a young man going through a blitz.  Remember that God put us here to discover his love and make it known to other people.  A great way to be open to connecting with people is to pray before you go anywhere.  “God, give me your radar and your interest in people.” 

Ask caring questions, and then get ready to give people the reason for the hope that carries you though life and its blitzes.

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A Single Dad Who Stayed Connected | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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What do you face that is a lot harder than you expected? Watch Tim’s story and remember what is crucial in life: You are the only father or mother your child will ever have. You can deliver your love no matter the barrier.

Game Plan:

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:7, NLT)

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you” (John 15:12, NLT)

Time Out:

Jesus’ love for us is infinitely more than sentiment. His love is action, pursuit and sacrifice. How creative and energetic are you in your love for your spouse? How about for your children? What are you letting stop you from loving your family all the way? Consider how you can better love your children, stepchildren or spouse.

Go Deep:

Love is action. Decide not to let anything deter the fullness of your love. Set a goal. Get creative. Date your spouse and your children. Start writing, recording and speaking your love. Study their love languages and deliver love in their language. Overcome the obstacles and be in their lives…whether you live with them or not.

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Lost Son…Friend Gained | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Did someone tick you off recently? Are you still limping from a wound by a friend or family member? This story will help you choose a path forward that is better for them, and way better for you.

Game Plan:

“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-17, ESV)

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9, NLT)

Time Out:

We’d all like for other people to be sensitive and kind to us when we mess up. But when other people hurt us, we often default to victim mode and justify our ill feelings and words toward those who harm us. God’s Word guides us to respond radically when we are treated badly, even deeply wounded. Showing grace and concern for others follows Jesus’ example, increases peace and heals our hearts much better than anger and retaliation. God actually brings us His blessing when we return good after we experience bad, even evil.

Go Deep:

If you have been deeply hurt, or have grown up with people and habits that retaliate quickly when wronged, this message may rub you the wrong way. Fairness matters to you. Getting walked on stinks…but letting it get to you deepens the stink. If kindness in the face of brutal treatment won’t work for you, it’s time to think bigger. Consider the radical forgiveness and kindness that Jesus has shown to a world that chose evil over good, selfishness over love. Try things God’s way…choose humility, sympathy and kindness. Blessing others who don’t deserve it brings a blessing to us, who also don’t deserve it.

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

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