The Hope-Network

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Olympians

Team U.S.A. - Women's Gymnastics

Many of us were glued to our televisions in July and August, watching the 2012 London Olympics. What a spectacular event! After watching day after day of grueling competitions and stellar performances, you have to wonder, how did these athletes come to realize their dreams? And, what does it really take to become an Olympian?

Some qualities that come to mind are a spirit of excellence, resilience, perseverance, relentless determination, total commitment and faith in God. Ability must also be considered, but in my estimation, the difference between a gold medalist and a non-Olympic qualifier is not in ability but rather in the mind, because as a person believes in his heart, so is he. An Olympian has decided in his heart that he is one and simply does what it takes to bring it to pass. Almost any person can be taught a sport, so obviously, something more is required.
Why is it that some athletes are able to qualify for Olympic competition while others do not? Olympians possess an uncommon resolve---they accept no less than being the very best at what they do.
They refuse to compare themselves among themselves, and they compete only against themselves. They never lose sight of their goals. Their visions, (probably written down), are far beyond what they can see with their natural eyes.
We can apply these same principles and become Olympians in our own personal lives. Let's allow God to bring out the olympian in us! He did all things well, and so can we.

Scripture Links: Matthew 19:26; Proverbs 23:7; II Corinthians 10:12; Mark 7:37; Habakkuk 2:2

To Receive Jesus as Lord ad Savior:(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.

To Rededicate Your Life to the Lord (after falling away):Dear Heavenly Father: I confess to you that I have sinned. You said if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I turn away from sin and turn to you, and I ask you to forgive me. I forgive myself also. Father, thank you for forgiving me, remembering my sin no more and allowing me to have right standing with you again. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Friendly Fire

friendly fire - incidents in which members of the military deliberately fire on their allies or fellow soldiers.

I heard a minister in the Midwest share with his congregation that before he and his wife started their church several years ago they prayed it would be a place where people who have messed up in life can come for refuge--a place where they can start all over again without being judged. That is a wonderful, prayer, straight from the heart of God!
Unfortunately, there are many "walking wounded" in the church today---those who live lives of quiet desperation and shame. They've been criticized and maybe even ostracized by their own, the people of God, because of past failures. They are victims of friendly fire.

If we think for a moment, don't we, the critics, have our own set of failures, most of which the public is just unaware of? Think about how it would impact our lives if our dirty laundry was aired! It might make us a little less inclined to fire on our own when they are down.
We must realize who our real enemy is-----satan, whose only purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. He does so in the church by pitting us against each other so we can destroy ourselves.
If we would recognize our enemy, take authority over him and demonstrate the unconditional love of God toward our hurting brothers and sisters, it might cause unbelievers see that we really are different, ultimately draw them to Christ and give hope to a dying world.
Let us not kill our wounded, but help them to restore and rebuild their lives.

Scripture Links: Ephesians 4:31-32; Proverbs 8:5-8; Proverbs 10:12; John 10:10

Sunday, August 5, 2012

A Few More of Life's Instructions

In my July 8th posting I wrote about some of my favorite "life's instructions." Here are a few more, including a couple I have adopted along the way:

Geese going for a morning swim at the lake at
Limestone College in Gaffney, SC

Learn three clean jokes.
Have a firm handshake.
Keep your word. It means everything.
Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Sing in the shower.
Wear polished shoes.
Remember other people's birthdays.
Have a firm handshake.
Look other people in the eye.
Don't be afraid to say, "I was wrong," or "I don't know."
Don't make permanent decisions with temporary people.
Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
Be kind to everyone you meet. Most people are fighting some king of battle.
Obey God quickly.

Most all of these nuggets can be linked, in one way or another, to the Word of God. When I began serving the Lord years ago, I was amazed at the practical, daily wisdom I found in the Bible, particularly Proverbs. This book will tell you pretty much everything you need to know about how to live life day to day. Read it. It'll give you wisdom.......and hope!

Scripture Links: I Kings 3:6-13; Proverbs 3:13; Proverbs 4:7;

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

What's Your Dream?

You’ve had a long, hard week, and the weekend can’t get here fast enough. Friday’s here. You exhale at the end of the day, strip off the week and put on the weekend. Then, like a blur, it’s over. Monday’s staring at you-again. Ugh! “I really don’t think I can do this again,” you complain. But, somehow, you drag yourself out of bed and into the shower.....and you show up at work or school.....one more time.

You begin to wonder, “Is this what life’s gonna be like? Somewhere in the past, you began to dream. You dreamed of better days, finding a job better suited to your talents and abilities, finishing school, etc. What’s happened?

The only reason men fail is broken focus.

Every dream, once conceived, must have a written plan attached to it, or we will inevitably retreat to our old ways of thinking and before we know it, life just happens.

It's never too late, though! But, we must get in gear. We are only here on earth for a window of time, and we are all given the gift of time. What we do with our time has everything to do with how our lives will play out.
Take those dreams today that have been etched on the canvas of your heart and do something with them. Don't let them slip away! Here are some keys to setting worthwhile goals:

Fix in your mind exactly what you want;
Establish a definite date;
Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not;
Write out a clear and concise statement of your dream;
Read your written statement aloud twice daily, once when you rise in the morning and just before you retire at night.

Write your visions, make them plan and run with them!

Scripture Links: James 2:20; Habakkuk 2:2; Mark 9:23; Mark 11:22-23