Noah

While attending a conference in Singapore, a devotional was given on Noah (Genesis 6) that challenged me. It reminded me that God will not give me a dream without a reason or a way to achieve it. The point isn't that I figure out a way to reach it.

The point is what I learn in the process...dependance on His strength and might, trusting in His love, surrendering to His purpose and desires for me...growing deeper in my walk with Him. This message reminded me that my dreams for my life are much smaller than His dreams and purposes for me. How exciting! :)

Here are the main points I got out of the message:

*God extends big dreams to us as we walk with Him. Noah found favor with God and was called righteous. (v.9)

*God’s dreams are naturally impossible for us to complete ourselves. Just like God told Noah to build an ark even when Noah had no idea what rain or a flood were or even how to build an ark himself. (v.14)

*God’s dreams demand our obedience. Even when others mocked him, Noah was faithful to the impossible dream God gave him. (v.22)

Here are the 10 tips he gave us. I thought they were cute considering the topic! :)
-We are all in the same boat
-Stay fit!
-Don’t listen to critics.
-Build your future on high ground.
-For safety’s sake, always travel in pairs.
-Speed is not always an advantage.
-If you are stressed, float along.
-The ark was built by amateurs.
-No matter the storm, you are still with God.
-There is always a rainbow waiting.

*God’s dreams are fulfilled God’s way. When God commands, you say “yes” and He will bring about the results, He will take care of us.

*God’s dreams are enjoyed by the faithful. God has made us with giftings to fit us for what He called us for. He will fulfill His dreams for our lives. As long as we continue to trust Him, He will accomplish His plans for our lives.

Super Bowl XLI

This year the Super Bowl was more than funny commercials (which were disappointing once again...) or the football game --Go Colts! :) This year two men who love the Lord revealed to the Nation that putting Jesus first in your life produces far greater worth and purpose than winning any football championship.

Here's a clip from PluggedIn magazine:

Much has been made of the fact that Super Bowl XLI was the first to pit two black coaches against one another. But after his team's victory, Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy was more interested in sharing his faith than focusing on race. He told CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz, "I'm proud to be representing African-American coaches, to be the first African-American to win this. It means an awful lot to our country. But again, more than anything, I've said it before, [Chicago Bears coach] Lovie Smith and I [are] not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches showing that you can win doing it the Lord's way. And we're even more proud of that." The previous week, Lovie Smith voiced similar sentiments when he told a different reporter, "My relationship, first, is with Jesus Christ, and He is the center of my life. I try to live a Christian life. I would like for players to know my faith based on what they see on a day-to-day basis." Prior to the big game, the two coaches appeared in a full-page ad in USA Today's sports section encouraging people to visit the evangelistic Web site beyondtheultimate.org, sponsored by Athletes in Action. The advertisement testified to their faith and put their sport in eternal perspective: "On Sunday, one of us will be a world champion. It's the ultimate goal—but we know that there is more to life than football. Even when you have achieved the ultimate, something better lies beyond. We're pro football coaches, but we're also men of faith. A faith that defines who we are. It comforts us in tough times and produces hope in the midst of adversity. It is through our common faith in Jesus Christ that we have individually experienced God's love and forgiveness."