Tag Archive for: Encouragement

A Thank You List to Dad | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

Thank You List to Dad

“Gratitude is getting a great deal of attention as a facet of positive psychology: Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude, and can increase our well-being and happiness by doing so. In addition, gratefulness—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased energy, optimism, and empathy.” (Psychologytoday.com)

Game Plan: 

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12, NLT

Time Out:

If you knew you’d only see your mom or dad, grandparent or mentor one last time, what would you want to thank them for? Gratitude is a central life principle throughout the Bible and in current psychology research. Expressing gratitude is beneficial both for you and the person you thank.

If you knew you’d only see your mom or dad, grandparent or mentor one last time, what would you want to thank them for?

Go Deep:

Yep, your dad or mom is imperfect. They’ve fallen short or let you down. I get it. But, remember the back-story in their life and don’t dwell on their faults. Dwell on their positives. To honor and thank them is God’s calling…His good guidance, and He is never wrong.

Father’s Day is approaching. Start your list. Write down everything you can thank your father for. Dig deep. Little things count. Plan to sit down or call him to share your gratitude, item-by-item. It’s powerful.

You’ll want to make a list for other people, too. Be sure to share it.

For inspiration, go to HonorYourFathertoday.com for stories about fatherhood, healing, and growth. You may even want to post your own video honoring your father.

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

Pass On a Blessing | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” Jim Valvano

Game Plan: 

“To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God…as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline…He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus …our Savior…” 2 Tim 1:2-9 NIV

Time Out:

Think about the blessing you wished you’d gotten from your father or mother. Remember how God the Father said of Jesus, “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Who is God asking you to bless? A child or grandchild? Spouse? Someone without a parent in his or her life?

Pray about the persons you want to affirm and bless by asking for God’s very best in their heart and life.

Think about the blessing you wished you’d gotten from your father or mother.Pray about a person you want to affirm and bless by asking for God’s very best in their heart and life.

Go Deep:

Talk to God about this. Do the following for the person you want to bless:

  • Write down one sentence about how you love and are pleased with him or her.
  • One sentence about their identity.
  • One sentence about their mission.
  • One sentence about God’s control and benevolence in their life.
  • Pray that blessing for them privately for a period.
  • Let God tell you when you should create a special time to bless them by putting your hand on them and praying the blessing out loud. Or, write it in a letter and send it to them.

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

Dream Lost, Dream Gained | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Abraham Lincoln

Game Plan: 

“When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the LORD was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property…

But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the LORD made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.” Genesis 39:1-5,21-23, NLV

Time Out:

Do you judge whether God is with you by whether your circumstances are going well or poorly? Joseph didn’t. God is always with you. God always cares. God has a bigger story for good in play that we often can’t see. That played out in the tough chapters of Bart Millard’s life as well.

If you fully knew that the Lord is with you in every situation, how would your outlook and attitude change.

Decide to remind yourself every day, in every situation, that “God is with me.” Life depends upon God, not us. God has control, not us.

Go Deep:

Read the full story of Joseph in Genesis 37 -50. What a biography! It’s an epic story of blitzes, God’s grace and God’s triumphs. Decide to remind yourself every day, in every situation, that “God is with me”. Life depends upon God, not us. God has control, not us.

When dreams die, when people hurt you, when trials hit you…remind yourself that God is with you. He’s writing a larger story that the snapshot you can see at the moment.

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

Mourn Early, Love Fully | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

Mother’s Day is a day to take nothing for granted, especially your parents. Do better than a card one day a year…grow the connection and conversation.

Game Plan: 

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12, ESV “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4, ESV

Time Out:

If your mom or dad, grandmother or grandfather, is still alive…choose to imagine that they are gone. What would you miss?

What do you want to express or experience with them before they pass? A list of things to thank them for? A couple things to apologize for? A few stories of their life that you’d like to hear.

Go Deep:

Focus on the treasure in your parent or grandparent. Imagine them gone and mourn that loss.

Pray for your relationship to be closer and enriching for the final chapter of their lives.

Choose to steward their remaining days by appreciating, affirming, listening to and caring for them.

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

Good PDA…Parental Displays of Affection | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

Want to make your kids giggle or blush…in a good way.

Game Plan: 

“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 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 2:1-4, ESV

Time Out:

Looking to meet the best interests of our spouse and children includes showing affection and tenderness.

God’s word honors affection, sympathy, comfort, encouragement and physical expression. Imagine how Jesus smiled, hugged and embraced people. I’m betting there will be a lot of affection in heaven.

Does your personality, upbringing or laziness stop you from looking out for the interests of your spouse and kids by demonstrating your affection, gratitude and love?

Do your kids hear you say, “I love you”, to your spouse? And do they get to see hugs, kisses and embrace.

Looking to meet the best interests of our spouse and children includes showing affection and tenderness.

Go Deep:

Talk to God this week about how you can show gratitude and affection for those you love. Ask Him to help you “shower the people you love with love” (assist from James Taylor).

Hug your husband…a lot. Hold her hand…frequently. Kiss each other…every day. Let your kids see and feel your embraces, hugs and kisses.

Don’t be afraid to put the sparkle back in your spouse’s and your eyes. Deep down, the kids will love it too.

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

Holding Hands While Arguing? | Facing Your Blitz Jeff Kemp Weekly Video Devotion

,

Guess what couple can argue while holding hands. Could this be a new therapy? Watch to find out.

Game Plan: 

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, ESV

Time Out:

Perseverance is a proven path to positive outcomes.

Consider what “doing good” in marriage looks like:

  • Commitment when it’s hardest.
  • Kindness when you disagree.
  • Being safe when your spouse is emotional or vulnerable with you.
  • Apologizing first.
  • Forgiving generously.
  • Getting help.
  • Working to change yourself, not your spouse.

Perseverance is a proven path to positive outcomes…especially in marriage

Go Deep:

God doesn’t grow weary of doing good for us, even though we don’t deserve it.

Let’s take His advice and do good to our spouse, every day and in many ways.

Ask God for help and choose to persevere.

Maybe it will even help to hold hands next time you get in an argument.

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

How “Beeping” Your Spouse Can Sweeten Your Marriage | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

How do you bug your spouse? Learn how a change, even a beep, can make marriage sweet.

Game Plan: 

“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered” I Peter 3:7, NLT

Time Out:

We tend to think of things our spouse does to bug us, not vice versa. In my case, there are many more things I do to bug her. What do you do that bugs your wife? What do you do that makes her stress or feel unsafe? For me it was, and still can be, how I drive. To figure it out, ask her?

Your wife’s happiness is your happiness. Give her honor. Treat her with understanding, not carelessness.

Go Deep:

Your wife’s happiness is your happiness. Give her honor. Treat her with understanding, not carelessness. Find an area that she’d love to see you change and change it. Maybe it’s giving her a quick, sweet way to warn or ask you.

A “beep” can be way better than a nag or a scolding.

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

Treat Her Like a Treasure | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

If you had just lost your wife or husband, would you concern yourself with revitalizing other people’s marriages? Watch and see a man invest in others while he faces his deepest blitz

Game Plan: 

“Behold, you are beautiful, my love;

behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves.

My dove, my perfect one, is the only one.” Song of Solomon 1:15, 6:9, ESV

 

Time Out:

Have other interests, activities or images of women taken away first place from your bride? What can you do to treasure your wife? What would make her feel cherished? What apology, appreciation and affirmation will you deliver to her?

Thank God for your wife. Refocus your life on cherishing her and making sure she feels treasured.

Go Deep:

Thank God for your wife. Refocus your life on cherishing her and making sure she feels treasured. Make a list of your wife’s beautiful attributes and write her a letter to praise, admire and thank her. Present her your note or letter this week.

(If you are single, ask God to make you ready to truly treasure and cherish a wife.)

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

Husband Advice from a Son to a Dad | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

Have your kids called you out? Mine have. Check out the killer husband advice my 13-year old gave me.

Game Plan: 

“A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Luke 8:43-48, NLT

 

Time Out:

Like me, have you missed some moments to really notice and hear your wife? Those are missed opportunities to value, validate and affirm her. To love her.

Jesus was mega tuned-in to people. He could tell when someone touched his robe and healing power flowed from Him. You and I are not Jesus, but He wants us to be like Him, and He gave us His Spirit. Noticing, hearing and loving well takes caring. It takes focus. It takes a desire to cherish.

Like me, have you missed some moments to really notice and hear your wife? Those are missed opportunities to value, validate and affirm her. To love her.

 

Go Deep:

Ask God to help you pay attention, focus and really listen to your wife… and your kids. Give yourself a goal to hear, validate, and cherish the ones you love. Jesus noticed every need and every nuance. Imagine what it will mean to notice and cherish her. Seize your opportunities.

 

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

Arrogant Boss No More | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

,

As a leader, could you hear someone label you “arrogant” and agree to change? Watch and see what happened to a leader who heard those words.

Game Plan: (hear these words directly from Jesus to you)

“Sitting down [to teach], Jesus called the twelve [disciples] and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all [in importance] and a servant of all.” Mark 9:35, AMP

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. 4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.5 Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility].” Philippians 2:3-5, AMP

 

Time Out:

Jesus of Nazareth was the greatest and most influential leader in history. Do you trust what He said about leadership?

In what ways and places are you arrogant? Where do you seek the credit and want to be “first”?

Wouldn’t it be cool if leaders were humble and kind…if they served and helped everyone on their team succeed? That starts with you and me.

 

Go Deep:

Jesus washed dirty feet. A business executive washed dishes and took out the trash. Take action. Assess yourself. Ask God to forgive your arrogance, pride and failure to serve others.

Get intentional. Talk to all people as equals and make them feel respected. Let someone cut you off on the freeway without an outburst. Look for ways to serve and make life easier for your family and people at work.

Humility grows wisdom and influence. To lead, serve. To be elevated in heaven, step down on earth.

 

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