From the Heart

My parents and I have not spoken in over a year. I have reached out to them to wish them a happy birthday, as well as other means, and no response. However, this fits into the scheme of things God still is alive and is working. He uses the good, the bad and the ugly to benefit His kingdom. No matter our spritual differences, I still love my parents.

I sometimes long for the recognition from them, but the older I get the more I learn from the Spirit. Sometimes we feel we do not receive the recognition we deserve. If we seek the recognition then is it self serving? What benefits can we receive from praise? Are we not to be confident and strong in Him who has called us? Our relationships with friends and family may be strained. Maybe, we can’t muster up the seed of faith and swallow the horse apple of pride. There is a reminder of what we are to do. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13 as a reminder to self. Here is my interpretation and hopefully it will help see the true nature:

If I voice my opinion and do not construct it in love, then it falls on deaf ears. I can have faith as a mustard seed, but faith will do me no good if I can not share the mountain of love.

If I share everything I have and my motivation is not out of love, then I don’t gain anything by helping others, because others will not see the sincerity behind the giving.

Love is the example of Christ. It seeks out the interests of others first no matter how strained the relationship is between two people.

Love doesn’t look at the past, but looks at the present actions and it will protect and trust and hope in the relationship preserving it for the future relationship.

True love which is from Christ will never fail. When we mature in our Christian faith and love together then our immaturity will be done away. Putting away such doctrinal and selfish issues which are not done in love will be done away with and when reaching maturity, those things won’t matter. What matters is the heart of those who I encounter in my daily walk, because it will be fully manifested. Faith, hope and love are what matters in the relationship, but love will always remain the most important. Love covers all.

The key is how we want to view the world, no matter how the world views us. If the world crucifies Christ, then don’t you think they would crucify you as well? Even if you are not a Christian or consider yourself a part of a faith based group, the world will turn its back because it doesn’t know love. Look at the murder rates, hate crimes, terrorist’s acts and then your environment.


How do you help those relationships to get back on track? LOVE. Letting Others View Edification. Look at the cup half full. Placing your trust in God knowing he will pull you through even the mud messes you have created. You have to edify Him first before you can experience LOVE of others. Love doesn’t have to be expressed on Valentines Day. It can be expressed in everyday actions. Therefore, have a heart and provide that CPR (Christ Provided Resurrection) to others around. You never know who is watching and the impact you can make on someone. If you are struggling just knowing that God loves you no matter what you do and desires to have that relationship with you. Be uplifted and spread the symbol: The heart!

Pay it Forward

How much are you willing to love God? Is there a day coming which we will have to be tested to prove our love towards Him? Could our love be merely based upon our lack of faith in knowing we need to rely upon Him for the truth? How far are we willing to prove our love? Sometimes it is a limited faith which prevents us acting out on our love towards Him. God expressed to Abraham in Genesis 22:2, "He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."

He tested Abraham's love by offering up what he mostly desired.... his only son.... Therefore, is Christian willing to give up their desires (doctrine, religion, idols or whatever prevents them to grow or to move forward) to love God as He commanded? What limits or boundaries are being placed in your life in order for you to reach your full potential? Drugs? Alcohol? Lack of self esteem?

Sometimes we believe in lies in which we tell ourselves, which limits our ability to grow. If you truly want to feel loved, so that you can obey the command which has been given to all mankind, “”love your neighbor as yourself,” then you must die to self. Difficult to die to self, and I am not speaking about picking up a gun or a knife and committing suicide.

When is the last time you gave up your last dime to feed someone who was hungry? When was the last time you gave up your favorite shirt to someone who was cold and needed something to warm them by when it was 40 degrees outside? Could you be willing to give up your favorite television show to just spend one hour visiting someone who was sick in the hospital? What about volunteering for big brother or sister and provide a healthy mentorship to a teenager just starting in their life?

Sometimes we have to give up what we want the most in order to find the true happiness only. He can provide. Pay it forward and expect something in return. For too long the feminist movement has expressed to love and expect nothing in return. God doesn’t work that way. He says to give and you will receive. Give your love to someone and sacrifice and watch how well you come alive again in love for other and a deeper love for Him.

Suffering from depression? Suffer from anxiety? Suffer from suffering? Have you had enough? Take the challenge. Pick up the challenge and run with the baton of life and hand it off to someone who needs that extra push in life. Like any race we run, we will win the reward, and you don’t have to be in the first place to reap the benefits. Pay it forward to someone in need.

A friendship was won when a person at work was suffering from a lack of water. The water line busted and flooded the front yard. She was devastated. Husband had no job and the income of $12 an hour was all they had to exist on. They already had a prior expense and talking about another blow from Satan when they were already down and out. Going on vacation I could have used that extra $100.00. Instead, I sacrificed it for her family and didn’t miss it. It was enough to know they could rest at night knowing they can take a clean shower in the morning. The lack of money on mine and their parts didn’t matter. What matters the most, was that God’s love is shared and the hearts were beating.

Sometimes it is a realization, we have to sacrifice things in our lives in order for us to feel alive again. Next time if you are in an argument with your spouse, sacrifice your desire to fight back and say a kind word and see what happens. Love is amazing. Love is the cure to depression. Pay it forward in the language the other person can understand.

Rotten Apples

We all have heard the expression one bad apple spoil the barrel. What do we say when we come across a rotten apple?


“Throw it away”

      “ That’s gross”

                  “It’s useless”

From our perception, we feel it is useless. Maybe a worm got into the apple and made it rotten? Could a worm be sin in our lives that makes us rotten? What if this rotten apple was in the kingdom of God? Do we consider people like Judas as a rotten apple?

Maybe we would from our perception. What if Judas was a baby during the time Jesus was a baby and Herod had all the male babies killed. What if Judas had been that one male baby that was killed? Would have there been a rotten apple? Would there have been one to have betrayed Jesus? Would have Jesus been crucified? We tend to act out in a reaction of something being negative and on impulse we try to shun or drive away the stench that is under our noses. There is one who has turned those rotten apples into use. Christ.

Ever felt your life was full of rotten apples? You think how I can ever turn back into a good apple. It’s impossible to do. Notice the first words in those thoughts. “HOW can I ever?” We can’t. Let’s change this negative view around. What good does a rotten apple bring?

You may not be able to make an edible apple pie. The apple brings life and it may be rotten. If you use it in your land, then it becomes like fertilization, and it becomes stimulating to the plants. The plants grow and it produces more food or apples. Sure, we may think Judas was a rotten apple, but he was used as fertilizer in the use of the kingdom to grow love for those who feel rotten.


How often do we think we are bad or people who have mistreated us as rotten apples? How many times have we misspoken and just wanted to chuck them aside? Don’t feel rotten. Sometimes we have to remove the worm (sin). We have to believe in a God, who is the God of the impossible and to make all things into the possible.

God can change your life around to a positive. Sometimes, in life things seem to be bleak. Losing a job recently seemed to forecast a shadow of the unknown. Did it seem like a barrel of rotten apples? Yes, it seemed to me, there were rotten apples. I could have sulked in the cider of it all and become bitter. However, I chose to look to God to change the situation into a positive apple pie. I have a great supportive church family, a great wife and a better job than the one I had before. Those were all the ingredients’ that I needed in my life and the limited income (oven) baked me into something better than were I was. A new person and refined into something better. 

I realized I became too comfortable in a setting that I thought God wanted me in. That’s the good part of this. What I thought was the stench of a rotten apple, He chose to pluck me out of the barrel (my comfort level) and use me somewhere else. What about the unknown? He tested me. We triumphed. The apple pie is in the oven. Salvation smells great.

At the moment, we may feel we are in a rotten or in an impossible situation and be like Judas. We can begin to think upon giving up because things are looking like the impossible (rotten) and there is no way that it could become the possible. David wrote that we need to sit patiently and wait on the Lord (Ps. 37:7). Sometimes, we have to become rotten in order for something better to blossom. Allowing it all to be possible, and it isn’t done by our hand, but by His hand. Three weeks I was unemployed. Jesus was in the grave three days and it seemed to be rotten to mankind at the time. However, God, rose His Son from what seemed to be in the barrel of impossible rotten apples into something better. I’m ready for some apple pie! Want a slice?

Word Up!

Interesting how words can either make a heart mend and feel a beat, or make a heart bleed when words penetrate through the heart. What about words which bring out the truth or words which bring out the false accusations. Joe Wilson wasn’t able to hold in what he thought was the truth. Yet, two words will go into history. You lie.


Now he stands before men being ridiculed and punished for speaking the truth. Have you ever felt this way? You know you did nothing wrong, and you stand for the truth which makes others mad. David felt this way. Want to know the remedy? A great passage can be found in Psalms 37 “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

It is difficult when you want to retaliate against those who scheme their ways against you. Things in your marriage can rather be difficult because sometimes if you do not fight in a healthy manner, attitudes can go into disarray. Want a healthy relationship in your marriage? Want a healthy relationship at work or with your family? Creating words through writing or journal through patience creates an ambiance of tender words, which is music to those who are willing to listen.

It isn’t hard to do. You have to exercise your brain like you exercise your body. David knew exactly how to react when others were bashing him. He waited patiently on God to give him the answers. What is the answer you may ask? “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. However, the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace” (Psalms 37: 5-11).

It becomes difficult when you want to do what the rest of the world says to do. Get even. People make mistakes. Kanye West made a mistake in taking the spotlight away from Taylor Swift. Sometimes in the heat of the moment we tend to lose sight of our steps, and we stumble over the words we spit out onto the floor. Yet, Mr. Wilson is demanded to make a formal apology to President Obama. There is nothing, off the record. Not even for the President. It is rather ironic in life how President Obama calls Kanye West an improper name and doesn’t apologize.

When you feel you been wronged, let it go. It isn’t worth the strife of muddling through the mess of words and exchanges of unkindness. David took it to the One, who can handle it all. “The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him” (Psalms 37:39-40).

When you feel down and out because of words take comfort and knowing this. There is one Word, which you can take to heart. There is one Word, which always will set you free. One Word: JESUS. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort, we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

If you are like Mr. Wilson, keep standing for the truth. If you are like Kayne West, apologize with sincerity, and believe that you are forgiven. If you are like President Obama be careful of your words for you don’t know who will be listening. Finally, if you are hurt by words and actions of those around you, remember to be patient and look to Him for comfort. The wicked will be like grass and wither away. Don’t try to get a word up for it may get you a word down and you don't always have to get a word up.

Playing Games

I enjoy playing family games with my family. Jon loves playing chess. Amber love playing monopoly. Daniel likes playing Star Wars on the WII. Krista loves playing scrabble. Tanya and I enjoy playing the WII.

When I was in the Army we use play games in the field. The field means out in the middle of nowhere sitting in our tents next to our Hummers with communication equipment. We would sit in our tents and play “bones” (dominos) or Spades and Hearts (card games).

If you don’t have a bible you can use a deck of cards to help you in a devotional time when you play solitary. Here is my version:

The ACE stands for God because we are to worship only ONE. (Exodus 34:14)

The TWO reminds me I can’t serve two masters. (Luke 16:13)

The THREE stands for the making disciples by the name of the Father, the Son and the Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

The FOUR stands for the gospels which recorded the events of Christ in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. (John 20:30)

The FIVE stands for the loaves and two fish as a reminder you will always be fed by Christ and the little we have can be accomplished by much through Him. (Matthew 14:19)

The SIX stands for reminding me I am just a man created in His Image. (Genesis 1:27)

The SEVEN stands for forgiveness and how often I need to forgive others when I am wronged. (Luke 17:4)

The EIGHT stands for salvation and how 8 lives were spared and how water saves me by washing away my sins (1 Peter 3:20, 21)

The NINE stands for reminding me how thankful I need to be and not be like the nine lepers who never came back to thank Christ for healing them, but to be like the only leper to be thankful. (Luke 17:17)

The TEN represents the commandments and rules to which Christ took away and gave one command to love others as myself and to love God with all my heart, soul and mind. (Matthew 22: 34-40)

The JACK represents a service and how I must serve others (1 Peter 4:10)

The QUEEN represents the willingness of Mary to bring a savior into the world. (Luke 1:38)

The KING represents Jesus Christ, since he is King of Kings. (1Timothy 6:15)

The JOKER represents Satan and how he tries to joke around with my life with his foolishness. (2 Corinthians 10:11)

The deck has four suits. A reminder of my relationship with the trinity: God as my father, Jesus as my friend and Holy Spirit as my comforter.

The deck has 13 suites as a reminder of Christ and his twelve apostles who followed suit in Christ’s steps.

Overall, life is not a game. Spirituality is not a game. I believe we are to be seeking God in everything we do and have a relationship, He desires. After all, He did give up His Son for you and that my friend, is no game!

Free At Last

It is rather difficult in this day and age in finding a belief which seems right. There are so many different faiths and religions, which makes the choices difficult. We are let down by some because what is preached is often not is. What is practiced within the community? It is granted we are human and we do make mistakes, but it is the repetitive mistakes which are costly to the cross of which Christians are called to bear. When we continue in the lifestyle, we lose sight of our faith.


I often wondered what the disciples were arguing about with the religious leaders in Mark 9:14. Maybe they argued on they didn’t lay their hands just right, or they didn’t say the right words to cast out the demon. Sometimes we go through life, and we wonder how we can get rid of our bad habits. For some maybe it is the demon of alcoholism. For some maybe it is the demon of pornography. For some maybe it is the demon of substance abuse. These are the chains which bind us to unbelief and lead to arguments of how to rid the chains.

It is interesting that Jesus had asked, “how long as the boy been like this?” First, we need to look at the conditions we are in. How long have you been in the state you have been in? How long have you been depressed? How long have you been doubtful? How long have you been drunk? How long have you been possessed in looking at pornography or substance abuse? Looking at how long can also reflect a problem to which we need to address. We try and try repeatedly to find that job and to no avail, we lose our motivation. We try and try to quit the very thing we don’t want to be in, and we lose our hope. How long have you been angry with God because you lost someone?

It is interesting how sometimes we go through life saying, “if you can”. Lord, if you can, please provide me a job quickly, so that I can feed my family. Lord, if you can, take my depressed feelings from my heart, so that I can feel joyful again. If is a word, that destroys our faith and beliefs of the possible and no action of making things happen, when action is needed to get rid of the state you are in.

Your mind is the same as your body. In order to get the best use from your body, there has to be an exercise. Exercise your mind by putting the positive thoughts and rid yourself of the negative thoughts. When Jesus said, “how long shall I stay with you”, is showing His patience to all mankind. All you have to do is seek Him to overcome your unbelief. It is easier said than done. Doing it is the hard part, living it is the easier part.

Finally, we can’t do this alone. Notice the disciples tried and they couldn’t, but in Luke 10:17 they rejoiced because they did. This is something they encountered, but this one is different. When we encounter things in our lives it serves a reminder, we can’t do things on our own. It takes prayer to move the mountain and to overcome the impossible. Exercise your faith through prayer. It is a baby step at first. Soon you’re running the race that is set before you. If you need a prayer, contact me. There are prayer warriors within my congregation who believe in a God, who can help you overcome, a Savior, who can help bring you through, and a Spirit to comfort you in your times. You are not alone in your depression. I have been in depths and snares of darkness. My chains are broken and I have been set free. Pslams 16:16

Unknowing the Fear

I had a great study last night, and it will be a four week study of the fear of the unknown. It looks at the life of Abraham and how he had the faith to endure the unknown. Leaving family and going to a place unknown to him. The question and answers in our group were interesting.

How do you classify fear? Fear could be (F)alse (E)vidence (A)ppearing (R)eal. What evidence do we see, which appear real to cause us to fear? I am not sure if it is fear of the unknown. You may disagree with me on the unknown. The unknown could be a word, we are afraid of and surely this is how prejudices start and misconceived ideas because we lack the knowledge of what we do not know. False statements we feed our minds are like wood to a fire. It stokes the fuel and feeds off of the thoughts creating a torrential flood of creativity of the what if’s and could be’s without having training or knowledge.

Fears start by the false lies we tell ourselves. We are fearful of losing a relationship. Lies such as I am not good enough for them. I am not worthy to be loved. Fears of losing a job and having to find another one could be another fear of the unknown. The false lies can set in after several weeks of rejection letters or no responses. What if I am not qualified? The economy is so bad there is no use in looking for a job.

Our thoughts control our actions. Our actions are controlled by our beliefs. What exposure have you had in your life with God? He says, don’t worry about your life (Matthew 6:25), don’t worry about clothes (v.28), what you will eat (v. 31), don’t worry about tomorrow (v. 34) and don’t worry about what to say when falsely accused (Mt. 10:19). I agree to make up your mind beforehand (Luke 21:14). This means we must take our thoughts and captivate them to make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

I know what you are thinking. I use to think the same way of this is impossible. It is too hard to do. First of all, reread this first sentence of this paragraph. It is too hard to do. This is a lie, we begin to feed ourselves that it is hard. It is only hard as one wants to make it. Sure when I lost my job, I had the negativity, and it is being human. Then I had to remember who was in control. I prayed and asked for deliverance of those thoughts. I hit the ground running applying to positions to which I felt qualified to do. I prayed before I went to each interview. You have to make baby steps to get to the big steps of just walking the path with HIM.

There are conditions in our walk with Him. The condition is making an effort to try. Peter did when he walked on the water and was he ridiculed for failing to do it? No. He had a helping hand. Jesus asked him why you doubted. Peter didn’t doubt in the power of Christ. Peter doubted himself that he could do it, but became fearful because he took his focus off of the ONE, who made it possible.

The more I walk with Him the more amazed and the less fearful of the unknown. There has to be a repetitious deliverance. Just like walking. The more we learned to walk the more stable we become. It is when we take in the negative thoughts is when we begin to stumble around. It is like drinking alcohol, and you begin to relax your composure, and you don’t know how to act and you stumble and can’t walk very well. I have lived in the unknown and have walked on water. Actually, it was frozen water. The bay in Japan was frozen. I still had to have faith on walking on something solid. To conquer the fear of the unknown is ridding your thoughts and making them captive through obedience of Christ.

It is easier to fear. It is harder to have faith. Exercising the faith builds up the strength and allows God to work through our weaknesses. Are you ready to face the unknown? What are your fears?

Wall of Life

A long time ago, in a state far, far away, well maybe not that far away, where many memories of my childhood still linger. On my twelfth birthday, we moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. We moved from San Antonio, Texas where the heat during the summer was 105 and the winters were mild. I can only remember the snow twice out of the seven years of living there.

We moved during the fall and the first snow of the winter in Rapid City was relentless. Blizzards and no not the kind you can get at Dairy Queen. Blizzards like the ones Laura Ingals Wilder experienced on The Little House on the Prairie. There was no school and the mail usually runs because of snow tires and chains they used to get around. When I was getting ready to go outside to get the mail, I opened the front door, and it was completely white. A wall of snow stared right back at me, and it looked like a huge polar bear with its back up against the door, blocking my exit.

Literally, I had to go out the back door and dig myself out of the wall of snow, which blocked my front door. I have never seen so much snow that first year and the temperature had to be at least 10 degrees. One of the benefits of being a kid is shoveling snow for your parents and at the same time taking your time to play in it.
I never really thought about the wall of snow, but life can be a wall sometimes.

Ever been faced with a wall? Walls are a reminder to stop and to reflect and not necessarily to make you go around. In 2 Samuel 22 he writes, “You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into a light. With your help, I can advance against a troop; with my God, I can scale a wall. "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Sometimes, the walls we face, serve as a reminder of One who is in command. I face a wall now in my life with a new career. It serves as a reminder, I can’t do it by myself. Walls serve not as a hindrance, but as a reminder that you can’t go through life and do things by yourself. The walls of Jericho were the first walls the Israelites encountered. They were used to doing things on their own and God was showing them to trust in Him. Balaam a prophet had his foot stuck between his donkey and a wall. There was an angel blocking his way. Balaam wanted to do things his way, but the wall served as a reminder of waiting patiently.

No matter what situation you are in and you feel you are up against the wall, walk backwards and reflect on the purpose of the wall. Walls are there to reflect and to draw closer to the one who needs you. Don’t give up because you can’t seem to get a job right away. Don’t give up. The walls can be tumbling down. Be encouraged to know there is One who can help you scale the wall or tear down those walls. Even walls in relationships can be torn down. Don’t lose heart. It is by FAITH (Heb 11:30) that your walls can fall. Are you willing for Him to help you overcome? Remember, it is a reminder you can’t go through life doing things on your own. As Samuel said, “the LORD turns my darkness into a light. With your help, I can advance against a troop; with my God, I can scale a wall. "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

Book of Life

The old saying, “Can’t judge a book by its cover,” is true. However, it raises one question to mind. What is the title of the book? Is it your birth right name? Names other people call you? Does it have a catchy title?

You are the author of your life. Your actions are the quill and the tomorrows are the blank pages ready to be written. Authors endorse other books they may like. Obituaries are those endorsements to your life at the end of the book. There are no manuscripts. Mistakes are made, but to the Editor (Christ) they are wiped out.

I had the pleasure of going to Boevers Elementary and sitting in a friend’s special education class. Vicky is a terrific school teacher. School teachers are like editors who help students write their pages of life. Connecting to children who have Down Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, Austims, Spinal Bifida, and Intellectually Delayed (ID) is challenging. This is like picking up a mystery novel, factual biography, a romance novel and reading all of them at once, without mixing the stories up, while recanting a synopsis of each book. It is like trying to speak different languages all at the same time.

How is your book coming along? It’s full of mystery. It’s full of sorrows. It’s full of romance. It’s full of comedy. I still go to the mirror and laugh at myself! Each page is unique and each chapter presents a unique happening in your life. No matter how hard you try you can’t rip the pages of the book out. It is what it makes you unique and special. I want to encourage you to get to know someone regardless of what they seem to be on the outside.

As we get older the outside cover may have some tear and wear. There could be some mishandling of the book. We all have had those days that we felt that coffee stained days or spilt milk crying days. What matters the most is the impact you have on others. You may never see it now, and it is interesting in the paths of those who choose to judge us by our cover or be in our written pages of life.

Jesus said (Matthew 19:14), "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” and I wonder why He chose children. Here is the inspiration behind His calling. Children are pure and innocent. Children are full of laughter, curiosity and can forgive in a heartbeat. We need to be like children again, and I don’t mean not taking on responsibility of foolishness, but to have a heart easy to forgive, full of exploration and having fun.

It is easier to succumb to the dark side. Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader, Star Wars) was warned like Cain (Able in Genesis) was warned about the dark side crouching at the door like a lion. We have choices to choose. When you get discouraged; pick up a book and read. Be encouraged by it. Write a page in your life of how you overcame life. Like a teacher has an impact on children, you have an impact on your readers. May this encourage you in your writing days of life.Have a heart of child. Someone is enjoying the pages of your life. Be encouraged.
May your ink never run dry!

Head games

Preseason football is done and over. It is a game to test the will and strength, but a mind challenging game. On 4 September 2009, I am happy that my team, Dallas Cowboys won. They played their second string and by the first half, they were 14 in the hole. Wow! This reminds me of my life sometimes.

Sometimes you feel like Elijah and want to crawl in a cave and bury yourself in misery. However, there has to be a team effort. I enjoy the story of Joshua defeating the Amalekites. Moses, Aaron and Hur went on top of the hill. Almost like spectators waiting for the game to begin and root the team on to win. Moses held his staff up high. As long as the staff was raised Joshua would win. When his arms grew tired, they lowered, and then Joshua would begin to lose.

What is the strategy to winning? Find a support system which will help support your arms, while reaching for God. If there are anger or issues, which are causing depression, then learn to forgive. Outstretched and nailed arms did Christ forgive those who crucified him.

Sometimes, life can deal us with terrible blows. First instinct is to run and hide. It is what we call in counseling the flight or fight. How do you get rid of the trigger to fly? Build your faith in knowing you can overcome through the strength of the Spirit to get you through anything (Phil 4:13). If you begin to feel you are second string, just know that there is a good work beginning in you. Find you a support group like Aaron or Hur, who can come and hold you up.

Prayer is the ultimate key to success. I know sometimes it feels like He doesn’t listen. Problem was I had too much noise going on while being caught up in the storm. Remove the noise. Find a place you can retreat and meditate. Sure being laid off from a job is not fun. Human tendency is to retreat into fear and thinking how in the world are you going to pay your bills. My fear was the noise. I have to have hope and confidence in the Spirit to comfort me.

If the Cowboys are playing their second string and they can receive the ball and run a 73 yard touchdown, then so can you. You have to be willing to be the receiver and be able to run with the ball when it is given to you. Don’t let life tackle you! The super bowl is already won! Christ is your Quarterback. God calls the plays. Paul says to be fit and run the race. Therefore, run with endurance and be a wide receiver making those touchdowns. Hear others cheering you on!

Get out there and make the touchdown and rejoice in knowing you are a WINNER. You only lose when you don’t try. Is your head in the game?

If you think you are second string in life, then get your head in the game, and know that you can still make a touchdown in life! Grab the ball and run! If Cowboys can win coming from a large deficit and still win... so can you! Don’t let life tackle you! Remember your Super Bowl is already won! Christ is your quarterback. Are you a receiver? Go make a touchdown! You are already a winner!