Forgiveness: The Gift You Give Yourself | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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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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Facing the Blitz in the House of Pain | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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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:

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Saturday Night with Coach Bill Walsh | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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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:

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An American Sniper’s Blitz & Blessing | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Gameplan:

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Time Out:

Does your lens on life only allow you to see your misfortune and pain when things go bad for you? Do you get claustrophobic and stuck in a closet of your own emotions and situation?

It seems so unnatural and difficult, but the reality is that if you look around and consider that people all around you are also facing troubles, you’ve begun the process of recovery. Actually reaching out to other hurting people to comfort and encourage them is your best path to recovery and thriving.

If in your darkest times you light a lamp for someone else, it will also be a light for your path.

Go Deep:

When you are in a blitz or tough time (as well as when things are smooth), make a list of what you can be grateful for, and a list of people you should reach out to comfort or encourage. (Don’t overlook people in your own home!)

Send a card, text or email. Call or visit them. Simply say you are thinking about and praying for them.

Call or visit a sick friend. Visit a home for the elderly. Take flowers, cards or sparkling fruit juice to a veteran’s hospital.

Stay Connected:

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Coming Back Alive | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Gameplan:

“Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Time Out:

Life’s toughest blitzes don’t turn around quickly. The pain and grief is often intense. Even so, the reality is that God has suffered for us more than we will ever suffer. His character and purpose is to heal us so that we can help others heal. The sooner you see and join His bigger purpose, the sooner you’ll lessen the pain of your trials.

The over comers in life are not people without wounds and scars, but those who see their trials as bridges to other people’s lives. They aim to encourage and lift others, both during and after their blitzes.

“Take your bad, serve somebody else, and turn it to good.”  – Leslie Mayne, mother of a deceased young soldier, founder of Permission To Start Dreaming foundation.

Go Deep:

Consider the astounding way that Jesus reached out to comfort, forgive, and bless others while He was literally dying on a cross!

Make yourself see the long term and determine to comfort and encourage others in the very midst of the hard times of your own blitzes.

Begin to share your past blitzes as central to the stories you tell and comfort you give to people.

Stay Connected:

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Distractions, Golf Balls and Poison Ivy | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Quote:

“We always pay dearly for chasing after that which is cheap.” ~ Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

 

The Playbook:

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT

 

Time Out:

Consider how the following statements reflect ways you get distracted?:

• I often get distracted by my own version of “free golf balls in the bushes”.

• I get distracted by stupid articles and photos at the bottom of news articles luring me to click and run down a crooked path of curiosity or lust.

• I get distracted by the urgent and easy at work, instead of focusing on the difficult and crucial.

• I get distracted by the events of life and forget to focus on my wife…her feelings, her needs, and our conversations.

1. What are the false prizes you’re tempted to run after and which lead you “into the weeds”?

2. What are your sidetracks…the weeds and bushes that you get into?

3. What is the “poison ivy” rash that messes up your life, the price you pay later for chasing after what is cheap?

 

Go Deep:

What is your straight path? What is the safe and positive path for you?

Make up your mind now how you will resist the stupid path of running after junk?

Start each day with a goal and request to please God and increase your ability to love and enjoy your spouse and kids.

Stay Connected:

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Is Home Where YOUR Heart is? | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Quote:

“I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.”

~ Zig Ziglar

 

The Playbook:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

 

Time Out:

Translation (of our Playbook verse) for dads:  “Hey Stud, you worked your tail off today and since you’re so stinkin’ special, you deserve to just shut it down when you get home…NOT!  

How about this?  Dad, your job is important and certainly you should do your job heartily as unto the Lord, but keep things in perspective. Stay humble and sober about the relative importance of your job and it’s pressures compared to the surpassing importance of your family.  Don’t let your interests at work crowd out the needs of your wife and kids. Investments in them are your greatest investments!

  1. Generating energy for your wife and kids can be tough after a pressure-filled day, or stressed-out business trip.  Then again, consider how much more pleasant your life is when your wife feels prioritized and your kids’ love tanks are filled by your attention.
  2. When you come home from work, what will you need to do to keep your focus on your family, and not your problems or work issues?

 

Go Deep:

Decide today that you won’t go home until you’ve made a commitment to intentionally transition from work to home. Choose a problems drop-off point in your commute home where you say, “God, help me be the husband and father my family needs me to be tonight”.

Share your commitment with a trusted friend. Make it a mutual commitment.

Follow God’s advice for us: “Don’t be anxious about anything.  Instead, thank God that He is in control of everything and pray for Him to handle everything you face in His best way.  This is the path to God’s amazing peace.”  (my paraphrase of Phil 4:6,7)

Stay Connected:

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Be a Hugger! | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Quote:

“Winning is definitely a vital goal in it’s right place. But, I’m pretty sure it’s not the ‘only thing,’ as Vince Lombardi once declared. Doesn’t it feel good to have someone hug you, to affirm you, to love you regardless of whether you have won or lost—to value you for who you are and not for what you’ve done, for your relationship and not just for your performance.”

– Facing the Blitz, Strategy #2: Be Willing to Change

The Playbook:

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8, NLT)

 

Time Out:

  1. Imagine you’re at a party, what guides you in choosing who you want to talk to or be with?
  1. Do you think about who is impressive, attractive, or accomplished or do you think about how you can offer kindness and interest to people?
  2. Do you value the person first or the performance as it relates to your spouse, your kids, and your friends?

Go Deep:

Want to find out the 4 most popular ways we value performance? Check out chapter 5 of Facing the Blitz.

Encourage a friend by forwarding this on to them. You could help them face THEIR blitz.

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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Handling the Blitz of Life’s Curveballs | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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This week we have a treat…special guest and former Major League pitcher Jose Alvarez shares some challenges he’s faced in life and how he had to face that blitz in order to turn his trial into a triumph. 

Quote:

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

― C.S. Lewis

The Playbook:

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” … “But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

—Gen 50:15,19-21

Time Out:

  • Have you grown bitter, angry and hateful toward anyone in your life?
  • Have you fully accepted how God forgives you?

Go Deep:

Don’t miss out on the love of God by holding onto anger. Is there someone you need to forgive? Then, do it … and Live.

 

Stay Connected:

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You ARE a STARTER!! | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Quote:

I always thought like a starter, and prepared myself like a starter, although more often than not I was on the sidelines. When I was on the sidelines I understood I was a backup, but the minute I was in the game, I became the starter. In the same way, everyone is a leader because everyone has an influence on some other person. You must always operate under the impression that your actions will influence another.

~Gary Kubiak

The Playbook:

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you…”

—Judges 6:15-16

Time Out:

  • Consider Gideon and his status. Who saw him more accurately, Gideon or God?

  • Do you fall into the rut of focusing on shortcomings and forget to notice, highlight, and recall the best things? How could you change?

Go Deep:

Discover 36 Nuggets of Wisdom on how you can serve others rather than focus on your own insecurities in chapter 8 of Facing the Blitz.

All of us feel like second string in an area of our life – remind a few friends they are the starter to someone. Pass it on.

Stay Connected:

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

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And, Like us on FACEBOOK and follow Jeff on Twitter

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