Tag Archive for: Dealing with pain

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

,

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.

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

by

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

,

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

by

Feeling No Pain Hurts Us | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

Wouldn’t it be great to feel no pain? Think again. Pain is an important signal. To avoid it is impossible. To ignore it is unwise. To face it as a catalyst to becoming a better person is the only way to gain from pain.

Gameplan:

“For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” ~Hebrews 12:10-11, NLT

Time Out:

If you could avoid pain, you would miss out on many improvements in your character and direction in life. Pain keeps us from more seriously injuring others or ourselves. It signals that something needs to be treated, fixed or changed. Pain can humble us, prevent pride, show our faults, reveal our misplaced expectations, declare our weakness, turn us to God, build our empathy, train our character, grow our creativity, increase our perseverance, and allow us to experience what Jesus did and comfort others as He did. Oswald Chambers wrote that, “Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness.”

Go Deep:

Decide to view pain and sorrow differently. See them as a catalyst to change, to learning, to becoming closer to a God who felt infinite pain in suffering for our sake. Look for the lessons in pain. Ask questions: What should I learn? How can I grow? Who can I better help because I have felt this pain?

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

by