Dealing With The Numbers

If you have watched the news this past week your ears have been bombarded with numbers and stats about the state of our ecomony. We hear about budget numbers, stock numbers, and the word "trillion" used like it is pocket change. Well, in the current state of our economy numbers have consumed our news networks and businesses all over the globe. Personally, I wish I knew more on how it all worked. But I don't, so I try to sort through who you can trust and who you can't. Our country has placed significant hope in our government's efforts to get our nation back on the right path and provide us with hope that this will get better.

Recently, I was walking through the process of refinancing our home. With interest rates so low we wanted to see if it was a good step for our family. My hopes were high on how we could save some extra money on our home mortgage, etc. As we explored the possibility, the bank began asking all sorts of questions about numbers. Yikes! Then, they began throwing numbers back at me and I was slightly overwhelmed... Money and numbers do funny things in my head. As the bank rep walked us through, I realized that she was simply doing her job to show me the process and provide me with much needed direction.

In my reading this week, I came across Psalm 25, the Psalmist writes, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."


Just as the bank staff member and our government hope to give us direction through this fiscal crisis, I am finding hope in a God who desires to lead us in His truth. Yes, the Creator of all that is wants to teach me, spend time with me, and loves me unconditionally. What is your hope in today? What is giving your life direction? Even in the midst of a tough economy and fiscal crisis we can find direction and truth in our Savior. I am certain that He outweighs all the numbers and gives us hope all day long. I hope you know Him today.

A Different Kind of Throne

I enjoy history. Actually, one of the areas I enjoy most is the history of the Royal Family. Yes, for some reason I am captured by the roles they serve in England and the process in which it all takes place. What about the Prime Minister? What is a Duke? How many Dukes are there...? You get the point. These are questions that stir within me, so I tend to watch those PBS documanetaires on the Royal family. As I have watched and observed (albeit from a distance) it appears that the media still wants to display the importance of the throne of England. Today it is still held by the Queen and perhaps someday her son Charles may take it over. The throne is a symbol for the Royal family. It provides them with a sense of power in their world.

We have many thrones in our culture today as well. For sure it may not be the throne of England, but we have some significant thrones that we place high importance on in our lives. Perhaps it is success, wealth, career, family, material possessions, etc. Each of us battle the balance of this in our daily lives. The writer of Hebrews offers some insights about the thone of God. In chapter 4:16 we find the following, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." We are referred back to the previous verses and it reminds us that our High Priest (Jesus) is able to sympathize in our weakness because He was tempted in every way, just like us. Yet he did not sin. Therefore, as we walk through life and battle the issues in our flesh, we can find hope in a different kind of throne. This is a throne filled with power, holiness, and majesty. And yet, it is a throne of grace and mercy to help us in our time of need. This is a different kind of throne.

I am not sure what throne or needs you carry with you today. What I do know is this...God has welcomed us to come to the throne of grace, to approach it with confidence and allow our Savior to wash us with His mercy, love, and grace. I hope you know him today! Ask yourself if there is an area in your life that you need to bring to the throne of Jesus. Be encouraged that He welcomes you there today.

Encouraging, Equipping, and Community

Sports Impact is a ministry of the Hudson Community Chapel in Hudson, Ohio. Each week our team uses the language of sports to communicate the Good News found in the Gospel. Many of the important life lessons are often learned through sports and recreation. If you are not familiar with this ministry, then you are missing out on the exciting things God is doing. Our hope is to use sports as a way to Find and Experience Life Beyond The Game.

This blog will be used as a means to encourage, equip and continue to build community through sports. My prayer is that the lessons shared through this communication will be an encouragement for our champions, coaches, and volunteers who faithfully serve in our ministry.

I am constantly reminded of the truth found in Galatians 6:9-10. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." I am not sure where you find yourself today, but be strong, stay faithful and do not give up in serving the Lord!