Sometimes my brain is bored, and today is one of those days.
However, here is a great little story to break the boredom and maybe it will encourage you. My seventh grader told me last night that they were painting their favorite bible verses on canvas in his art class. I asked him which verse he was going to use and he replied either
9 Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NCV)
or Phillipians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NCV)
That’s pretty awesome!
Well, the truth be told, I told him, maybe he should use Genesis 2:25. Now, that’s being a great parent! 🙂
Oh yeah, its National Signing Day! All those rock star high schooler pick their school and set their allegiance for the next four years.
Where are you placing your allegiance today? Don’t forget the words of our good buddy Josh.
15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Next week, a friend of mine and her family are heading off to China – for the week. It’s a quick trip to visit and encourage friends. That’s a risk and a challenge for anyone and she is taking her entire family and making a really really short trip.
Throughout this week when I have seen her, I have not said to her “Be careful” or “Be safe”, but “Be Risky”.
It’s sound ridiculous, but I think the purpose of her trip, and really the purpose of most of our days, is not to make it to the end safely, but to take the appropriate risks to encourage and build up others, and to make ourselves better!
So one simple thought on this Friday – get out there – enjoy the day – and Be Risky!
9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
I saw on TV last night that it’s Transformer’s Friday. I like that. They said it is because that ridiculous movie is being release on DVD, I say, it is because I have another great example from a cross country runner to share, and I think it will create some transformation in you!
I was actually shown this clip on Wednesday night. The group of men that I met with on Wednesdays are planning to spend the month of October talking about fatherhood, and more importantly being courageous as a father. This study actually coincides with today’s release of the new movie “Courageous“, which I urge all of you to find some time to go see. ( if you are in the Chattanooga area – there is a large group of men going to view this movie Monday night – please join us!)
So, back to the point. during our time on Wednesday, we reviewed this video about Ben Comen, a high school cross country runner with Cerebral Palsy.
Really, you need to check out this video. It’s an ESPN piece from a few years ago. This dude has a lot of courage and a lot of strength to push himself despite his physical disadvantage. If you don’t have time today, please take the 8 minutes this weekend to watch this little clip, I think you will be glad you did.
And then you can take encouragement from Ben, as you fight against whatever uphill, unbalanced, and rocky challenge you are dealing with as you run through your life. Hopefully, you will be able to look at whatever is knocking you down with a little more courage and strength – after all, we have Him on our side.
9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 New International Version (NIV)
March Madness is continuing along with an edict on the calendar this Friday! Today is March FOuRTH. I day that in its very name encourages us to get up and go! It encourages us to leave our fears behind and to do it! And remember the Lord and Creator is right there with you!