"The eye in the sky does not lie!" This simple phrase was used often on our coaching staff to our young football players. Each week they would be reminded of the events that took place on the field. Following each game (and sometimes practices) the coaches would review the film prior to going over the contest with the players. As the players would revisit each play it was obvious to see what occurred. Although there were times where they thought they had recalled the situation, when they viewed it on film, it showed how it actually played out. Therefore, our coaching phrase would always stand true. We could see clearly what took place and the camera told the truth.
As I have watched some sporting events recently, I have noticed a few athletes who might need to hear this phrase a few times in their locker rooms. Have you watched a sporting event recently where one of the players just began using words that are inappropriate to use? I have been amazed at how quickly they express themselves in words and actions that are clearly on display by the media cameras. Again, the eye in the sky does not lie... I often wonder if they forget that people are watching? Regardless, the power of the spoken word strikes again.
Through my observations, I am reminded of the power of our words, thoughts, and actions. Perhaps no cameras are there to catch our every move, but I believe there are eyes and ears all around us that keep watch. Perhaps it is our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Eyes are on us daily!
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
The Psalmist understood the power of our words and thoughts. I am far from perfect, but I am making this verse my prayer today. "Lord, help my words and thoughts be acceptable to you." I know that God sees my every move, I know those around me hear my words and see my actions, I am working to keep them pure and acceptable in the sight of my God.
Most likely there is no camera on you or me today, but let me encourage you to keep guard over your words, thoughts, and actions. I hope you know the Savior today!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Satisfied
John Ortberg is a Pastor in California. Over the years, I have enjoyed his writings as an author. Personally, he seems to write in a way that is easy for me to connect and resonate as a reader. In one of his texts he writes the following, "We are invited to rejoice in every moment of life because every moment of life is a gift. We don't earn it, can't control it, can't take a moment of it for granted. Every tick of the clock is a gift from God. Every day is a Dee Dah Day."
- John Ortberg
Well, the last week or so has not been filled with Dee Dah Days at my house. As I recover from foot surgery and the flu (a lethal combination), things have been rather gloom. (A special thanks to my lovely wife for her care...) However, as I have had the time to lay and think about life, I was reminded of how blessed I really am. In reality, despite the outward circumstances of health, I've had some Dee Dah Days. Rather than commiserate in my "pain", I looked for ways to rejoice in my Savior.
The Psalmist writes, "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (90:14) What satisfies you in the morning? What are you rejoicing in today?
Not sure what your days have looked like recently but I am working hard to be satisfied in our Savior. To be reminded of His love for me and to find some time to rejoice in the Dee Dah Day He has given to me.
At our church over the last two weeks we have had five families experience a loss of a loved one in their family. A vivid reminder of the fragility of life and the reality that each day is a gift. As we have mourned with our brothers and sisters, let it serve as a reminder for all of us that each day is gift from our Creator. He is the giver of life and breath. Have you taken time to rejoice and be satisfied in Him today?
- John Ortberg
Well, the last week or so has not been filled with Dee Dah Days at my house. As I recover from foot surgery and the flu (a lethal combination), things have been rather gloom. (A special thanks to my lovely wife for her care...) However, as I have had the time to lay and think about life, I was reminded of how blessed I really am. In reality, despite the outward circumstances of health, I've had some Dee Dah Days. Rather than commiserate in my "pain", I looked for ways to rejoice in my Savior.
The Psalmist writes, "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (90:14) What satisfies you in the morning? What are you rejoicing in today?
Not sure what your days have looked like recently but I am working hard to be satisfied in our Savior. To be reminded of His love for me and to find some time to rejoice in the Dee Dah Day He has given to me.
At our church over the last two weeks we have had five families experience a loss of a loved one in their family. A vivid reminder of the fragility of life and the reality that each day is a gift. As we have mourned with our brothers and sisters, let it serve as a reminder for all of us that each day is gift from our Creator. He is the giver of life and breath. Have you taken time to rejoice and be satisfied in Him today?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Update
Friends,
I apologize for the delays in Sports Impact Chalk Talk postings, I have been out of the office this week. All is well and new posts will begin again on Monday, April 20, 2009.
Thanks for your patience.
I apologize for the delays in Sports Impact Chalk Talk postings, I have been out of the office this week. All is well and new posts will begin again on Monday, April 20, 2009.
Thanks for your patience.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
As we prepare to celebrate Resurrection Weekend, I could not help but recall the sacrifice our Savior went through for us. As I was reading Matthew's account today, I am always awe struck by the following passage:
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
Matthew 27:27-31
"... the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him."
I am reminded of our Savior who endured much for me this day. I am grateful for each of you and I pray that today you feel the love of God through the gift of the Cross.
Grateful for Calvary.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
Matthew 27:27-31
"... the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him."
I am reminded of our Savior who endured much for me this day. I am grateful for each of you and I pray that today you feel the love of God through the gift of the Cross.
Grateful for Calvary.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Power of the Spoken Word
In the twelfth chapter of Matthew, Jesus says "...For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." A few verses later,”But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Scripture is clear that we are justified through Christ. This is a gift we do not deserve but is given by our Amazing God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) So our actions do not earn us salvation. Therefore, when I read the words of Jesus I am convicted by the power of the spoken word. Have you ever experienced its power? Sometimes words are spoken and carry great joy and excitement. Other times they are spoken with great encouragement and yet there are those times when they carry hurt and pain. Sarcasm is one form of verbal communication that I have realized carries such power. At times it can bring laughter, but more often than not, it can result in confusion and pain towards the one we are communicating too.
Have you watched the words you use? Have you ever thought about how powerful your words can be to your family, friends and co-workers? I am going to work hard on using words to encourage and build up those I come in contact with... as our Lead Pastor once said, "I am going to stop snacking on people." What does the overflow of your heart communicate? Take a moment and read through the Aug. 2007 blog written by Pastor Joe Coffey. I trust it will be an encouragement for us all. Thanks for your support and I pray together we can use our words to encourage, to equip and to honor our King. (Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:8-9)
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Snacking on You (Pastor Joe Coffey)
I decided about 3 weeks ago I would stop talking about people. I mean mostly little things like "did you ever notice how he drives? He accelerates and then takes his foot off, then he accelerates and backs off again. My head kept hitting the head rest." I was a little like Jerry Seinfeld finding the humor in every day but it always or nearly always was in the way other people behaved every day. The thing that struck me is that almost no matter what I said or noticed I was comparing. In a maybe not so subtle way I was saying, " I don't drive like that. I am a smooth driver." I know I blogged earlier that I eat food. If I eat food then I snack on people. It is like a junk food that tastes good for a moment but never fills me up. So, I have gone on a no junk food diet. I quit talking about people. Within a couple of days I was really hungry and I all kinds of great observations about other people I could share with my wife. I found as long as I don't say anything out loud I don't really eat. So, I kept all my witty comments inside. I got hungry. The psalmist says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." In my life I almost always have to quit eating junk in order to be hungry enough to eat what is really good, The God who made my body made my soul.
Scripture is clear that we are justified through Christ. This is a gift we do not deserve but is given by our Amazing God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) So our actions do not earn us salvation. Therefore, when I read the words of Jesus I am convicted by the power of the spoken word. Have you ever experienced its power? Sometimes words are spoken and carry great joy and excitement. Other times they are spoken with great encouragement and yet there are those times when they carry hurt and pain. Sarcasm is one form of verbal communication that I have realized carries such power. At times it can bring laughter, but more often than not, it can result in confusion and pain towards the one we are communicating too.
Have you watched the words you use? Have you ever thought about how powerful your words can be to your family, friends and co-workers? I am going to work hard on using words to encourage and build up those I come in contact with... as our Lead Pastor once said, "I am going to stop snacking on people." What does the overflow of your heart communicate? Take a moment and read through the Aug. 2007 blog written by Pastor Joe Coffey. I trust it will be an encouragement for us all. Thanks for your support and I pray together we can use our words to encourage, to equip and to honor our King. (Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:8-9)
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Snacking on You (Pastor Joe Coffey)
I decided about 3 weeks ago I would stop talking about people. I mean mostly little things like "did you ever notice how he drives? He accelerates and then takes his foot off, then he accelerates and backs off again. My head kept hitting the head rest." I was a little like Jerry Seinfeld finding the humor in every day but it always or nearly always was in the way other people behaved every day. The thing that struck me is that almost no matter what I said or noticed I was comparing. In a maybe not so subtle way I was saying, " I don't drive like that. I am a smooth driver." I know I blogged earlier that I eat food. If I eat food then I snack on people. It is like a junk food that tastes good for a moment but never fills me up. So, I have gone on a no junk food diet. I quit talking about people. Within a couple of days I was really hungry and I all kinds of great observations about other people I could share with my wife. I found as long as I don't say anything out loud I don't really eat. So, I kept all my witty comments inside. I got hungry. The psalmist says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." In my life I almost always have to quit eating junk in order to be hungry enough to eat what is really good, The God who made my body made my soul.
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