Tag Archive for: Encouragement

God’s Take on the “Blitz” | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Stock market woes…waiting for a cancer biopsy to come back…fired by your company…life’s a blast isn’t it?  Now’s a good time to look at the bigger picture in life.  Let’s see what God says and does about blitzes.

Game Plan:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~Jesus – John 16:33 (ESV)

“And not only this, but we also rejoice 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:

Last week the Dow dropped 500 points.  My family faced a small surgery for early melanoma this month.  Marriages of several acquaintances have separated recently.  What’s your list of tribulation, trouble, and trials?  We’ve all got them.  But we don’t all have God’s perspective on them.  Jesus faced worse than us and He told us to seek Him, anchor in Him, and persevere in getting closer to Him.  Is your goal in life to have good circumstances… or great joy in God?  Are you putting trust in your situation… or your Savior?

Go Deep:

Start a conversation with God today. Ask Him to help you better grasp the magnitude of what Jesus did for you. His love is measured by the size of the blitz He took for us on the cross. He turned history’s worst injustice into our greatest victory. Thank God for your troubles and trials. Ask Him how you can know Him better and become more like Him. Use your trials as a bridge to encouraging other people.

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“Responsibility…Who, Me?” | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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We’ve all been in situations where we hope no one notices how we dropped the ball or failed other people. Here’s a story about losing a game and making things worse in the post-game interviews. Responsibility is much easier to swallow when we take it upfront, rather than when it’s pinned on us later by others

Game Plan:

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” James 5:16 (ESV)

“Then the sailors said to each other, ‘Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.’ They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. So they asked him, ‘Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?’ … ‘Pick me up and throw me into the sea,’ he replied, ‘and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.’”   Jonah 1:7-12  (NIV)

Time Out:

Jonah, the dude who jumped on a ship to escape God’s assignment and ended up in a fish, finally figured out he could not avoid responsibility. Has it been good or bad for your character to slip into the shadows or distract people from noticing your mistakes and failings? Has it been good or bad when you hid from responsibility? Taking responsibility and blame up front works out way better than hiding or waiting. Getting accused by others, losing trust, and damaging relationships isn’t worth the temporary relief that comes from deflecting blame.

Go Deep:

Are you willing to improve? Grab the responsibility and apologize immediately in the most important places – with your spouse, with your kids, with your teammates. Say What? “Hey, this is on me. This was my responsibility and I fell short. I apologize. Please forgive me.”

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The Log in Your Eye | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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A caution…I’m using an intense and extreme example. There is never a cause or justification for any person to be unfaithful to their spouse. But, the principle of examining yourself first has great power to initiate healing.

Game Plan:

“Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-4 ESV)

Time Out:

How often does blaming, complaining or criticizing someone else improve our relationship with them…especially when we ignore our faults in the relationship?

When someone you care about let’s you down, it’s easy to assume the worst about them and assume the best about yourself. We tend to ignore faults and responsibility in ourselves, when there is someone else we can point at. How has that approach of blaming, complaining or critiquing worked out for you? Would you agree that this approach actually prevents us from improving ourselves and the relationship?

Go Deep:

Want a better life? Try the radical and powerful path of humility Jesus taught – examine yourself first and apologize first…regardless of the other person’s failing. Since people respond best and relationships heal fastest when we work on our self first…let’s drop our pride and become wise. Big or little, let’s take that log out of our own eye before we dump the blame on the people we care about.

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The Power of Vision | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Do you feel shackled by some problem, disadvantage or disability?  Is it your child or spouse who feels the chains of limitation?  A friend or teammate?  Check out this story about a powerful form of encouragement…vision.

Game Plan:

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing… And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (I Corinthians 5:11, 14, ESV)

Time Out:

A dyslexic boy’s inability to read well affects his schoolwork and the opinions of classmates. But his mom sees beyond the surface problems to her son’s intelligence, his potential, and his future. She converts her vision into optimism, which becomes encouragement to her son. It creates in Him determination, overcoming and thriving.

More than 300 years earlier, Jonathan Swift also faced serious limitations, a sickly Irish boy raised by a single mom. But, in part, through his mother’s vision and encouragement, he went on to author Gulliver’s Travels. He also penned this classic secret to a life of epic encouragement:

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”

When people are weak, they lose confidence. When they are fainthearted, they often become idle. When idle, they feel even weaker.

The solution is hope, which comes through encouragement. Encouragement comes from vision—seeing the big picture, knowing someone believes in you. The best way to show belief in someone is to help him or her see God accurately. Then you can help them see themselves accurately—their value, their potential, and their future.

Go Deep:

Make today, this week, and this year about encouragement—about vision!

Read the ultimate story…God’s story.  Revel in His extravagant, overcoming and unending love. Take heart from the victorious and redemptive conclusion to His story.  Become the vision-caster for those you love, and those in need of encouragement.  Help them see their future, not just their challenge.

Speak of God’s love for your son, daughter, spouse, or grandchild.  Describe to people their gifts and talents, the value of their life and the unique impact they can have on others.  Paint the picture of trials turning into triumphs.  Pass on the power of vision.

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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.

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

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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?

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The Dungys Face the Ultimate Blitz | Facing Your Blitz Weekly Video Devotion

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Sometimes the pain in this life is so great that only an eternal perspective can heal. Today’s zeitgeist is “have it all…here and now”. But, in reality, we are not just bodies; we are souls with bodies. We will live forever with God, or live forever without Him.

Gameplan:

But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” ~Genesis 50:15-20, NLT

Time Out:

In the life of Joseph, his brothers meant evil by selling him as a slave, but Joseph transcended their evil intent to bring goodness and life to them and many others. In our lives, God’s enemy means evil, but God overcomes evil and even death. Never forget to account for eternity and God’s costly gift of eternal life.

Go Deep:

Are you chasing hard after the finances and rewards of career? Is your focus on getting your life to be comfortable and thrilling? Be aware, God designed you to never be satisfied with less than knowing Him forever. Are you facing the most painful of losses, perhaps the loss of a child or spouse? My heart goes out to you. Ask God to help you and others vibrantly see the eternal life Jesus achieved for us.

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