Just Do It

The Nike corporation uses the phrase "Just Do It" to market their athletic products around the globe. I love that phrase! As a coach of many sports, I too use that catchy three word phrase quit often. Often I add "don't think so much, JUST GO DO IT". Like what Nike is trying to accomplish, it's a motivator to encourage someone or a body of people to perform their best. (and to buy shoes)

What I have written about lately and STILL what I feel the Holy Spirit is inspiring me to do is encourage my fellow brother and sister. Encouragement is a simple way we as Christians can take the offense in spiritual warfare. Everyone needs to be encouraged. Philippians 2: 1-4 is a perfect example of this. In fact, if anyone is not sure where to spend time in The Word of God, please consider spending time in the book of Philippians. Paul's letter is a breath of fresh air for anyone who needs inspired in Christ.

The root word of "encouragement'' is obviously the word courage. Courage is a moral and spiritual action that defies fear. So to encourage a brother or sister would mean that one (the encourager) would aid another in courage to help that person defeat their fear. Often fear is the motivator or enabler of a self defeat. Like I have written prior, we can't truly love others if we don't know how to love ourselves. So, when we encourage others, it just makes sense that we promote love. Love, love is, well I will refer to Paul's letter of Corinthians chapter 13. Paul can better describe what love is and can do.

I encourage you brothers to use your words, gestures and even physical touch to promote brotherly love. Keep it simple. Smile to someone. Give a "high five". Tell a brother/sister that he/she is worthy in God's eye. Then if the opportunity arises in that gesture, speak to them deeper. Talk to their hearts. Listening often is the best way to show encouragement. Find what "trips their trigger" and build upon it. Most importantly, take the time for your brother/sister so he/she feels love.

My pastor posed a question awhile back and asked this. "Do you feel loved?" and "does it matter?" For some reason that struck me at the heart. You would think having a lovely wife, 9 children and working in a Christian environment I should feel loved. Honestly, there were many times I do/did not. Now that I have recognized that, it's much easier to say yes to that question. However, when I really feel loved is when I am demonstrating love to others. Encouragement goes both ways for me personally. When I give myself to my brother and see him lifted up from that.....that's when I feel encouraged.

In closing, please JUST DO IT! Go lift up someone you know needs it. Find the courage that our Lord Jesus gives freely and spread it. I promise, because God's Word is true, if we encourage one another, He, The King of kings and Lord of lords will fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we ALL can go give it away in the form of real encouragement!

Now, Just Go Do It!!!

Loving Life

There is so many thoughts that run through my mind that I struggle writing them. Often these thoughts and ideas carry a lot of passion therefore hindering my ability to effectively communicate. Because I love writing, this is most frustrating. When I attempt to "hone" in on what I feel The Holy Spirit is leading me to create in words, my personal ambitions often gets in the way. I start to jump ahead of myself. Sometimes words don't even seem to be adequate to what I want to convey. Still, with God's grace, I will attempt to press forward.

From kissing on my four month old son to watching my beautiful sixteen year old daughter dress up in a fancy formal dress, I LOVE being a dad! My "green eyed monster" Johnson David, a three year old with a IQ off the chart has discovered that when I rub/kiss his face ever so gently, he gets sleepy. We did that tonight. What a incredible boy and more so what a Awesome Father God who allows me this privilege. God Himself only knows how much He has blessed me with. Thank you Jesus!

The fact is, He, The Lord King Jesus has not only blessed me with such a wife and children but He has given me a heart for Himself. In that, He has given me "gifts" and abilities to use for His Glory. What He is teaching me as of late is "self forgiveness" and how to REALLY love my fellow man(kind). Encourage. Encourage and more encouragement is needed in the world culture today. God has opened my eyes to see that need in everyday life. The world is so full of fear that His people disguise themselves in a "fake" idea that everyone is OK. Now is the time to defeat fear with Godly encouragement. What can you do today to make a brother or a sister feel better in His love? Have the courage to encourage!

More to come!

Awaiting to see His Return

Monday

Most of the time, the day Monday gets a very bad rap. Mondays are typically the start of the work week for most people and therefore creates anxiety in some. I can usually blame any day for having a "bad day" but poor Mondays get the most. However, today, today was NOT one of those "typical" Mondays. Today I am very thankful to our Lord Jesus for the new mercies and shades of grace He freely gives!

As the day comes to an end and I ponder back upon it, the Work of The Holy Spirit was obvious! This day was filled with God's intervention creating encouragement for many and inspiration in others. When you/I are part of His Body that is in motion, seeing His glory is much easier. For me to be really encouraged means I have to work hard at seeing it. Most of the time my eyes are not focused enough on my brothers and sisters in Christ to see and listen for His Inspiration. I am just learning how much joy I get when I see God's people unifying and celebrating His blessings.

Lord Jesus, Thank you so much for this day You blessed me with! I pray that words of encouragement spreads among Your People. Keep me and my brothers actively seeking You by encouraging each other! May we ALL be vessels of Your Word. Lord Jesus, I pray for the courage needed in each man or woman who calls on You for these words! May Your Name be Glorified for it! -Amen

Awaiting Your Glorious Return!