Thank You, Jesus!

I can't keep going forward without acknowledging one of the biggest events in the Christian experience. This past weekend people around the globe stopped to remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made when He died on the cross for our sins. Reflecting on Jesus' great sacrifice, agony on the cross, and glorious resurrection helps all believers to cherish our salvation even more.

What I enjoy about this time is knowing that Jesus did all of this for us. He could easily have had angels rescue him the first moment the soldiers placed Him under arrest. Jesus could have called forth angels to stop the whip that tore into His flesh. Jesus could have stopped the hands of those that place the crown of thorns on His head.

But, He allowed it all to happen... just for us.

Jesus said Himself that no one could take His life. (John 10:17, 18) He had to literally lay His own life down in order to die. And He chose to lay it down for us.

Jesus knew sickness, He knew pain, He knew abandonment and betrayal, and He knew what it was to be apart from God in those moments when the Father turned away. Jesus subjected Himself to these things to free us from their grasp. Because He suffered, we don't have to. Because He was sick, we can be healed. Since the Father turned His back while Jesus languished on the cross, we can go boldly to the throne of grace.

And because Jesus rose up from the grave... we can experience eternal life!

Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice you made for us! Let our lives be pleasing in Your sight as we live in gratefulness for Your great work.

Verse of the Day: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:21-24

Let's DO It!

I'm still meditating on becoming God's MVP. Becoming God's best requires a hefty load of sacrifice.

Think about the MVP's of sports teams. They're usually the ones practicing longer. They always push themselves harder. They see their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. They study their craft. They eat, drink, and breathe their sport. They don't settle for second best.

How much more should we push ourselves to please God with our lives? We should be giving our all to turn into the beings He created us to be. We should be working to turn our weak areas into strong ones through His Holy Spirit. We should take the quality time to study His Word. We should eat, drink, and breathe the things of God. We shouldn't settle for second best.

Don't trick yourself into thinking that mediocre is okay. Just living is not your purpose. God has implanted you in this world for greatness! Press a little harder and be great! Don't just imagine what God can do with you... Go out and be those things that you see in your mind.

Yes, it will take some work. I'm sure it will take some time. But don't give up! Don't get tired of pressing toward the goal! There's greatness out there that you can reach. You cannot fail with God on your side!

No matter what He has called you to do, don't do it in an average way. Do it in an excellent fashion. Take it to an extraordinary level. Showcase the big God who gave you that goal, dream, and vision. Our God is awesome! Let your life reflect His awesome power in every way.

Verse of the Day: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21

Lights, Camera, Action!

I love reality shows! It's so entertaining to watch 'real people' go through crazy situations on television. It's a way for me to live vicariously without any repercussions (except for lost time, of course).

My faves are the ones where a person's skills or talents are showcased such as So You Think You Can Dance, Top Chef, and Project Runway. There's something about seeing someone enmeshed in their passion and fighting their butts off to show that they are the best at their game.

I love to watch the light in their eyes, the fire in their movements, and the skill in their submissions. It's so inspiring to see someone be the best that they can be.

You and I may never participate in a reality show, but we do have opportunities every day to shine in what God put us on this earth to accomplish. What is it that you know that you can do best? Have you done anything with that gift lately? Why not take a few moments today and be the Master You that you know you are?

In addition to having that warm fuzzy feeling of doing what you love, you can take satisfaction in knowing that you are making your Creator proud. Plus, who knows? Reveling in your passion today may get you your own 'show' tomorrow!

Let's go get our shine on, guys!

Today's Verse: A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Proverbs 18:16