Don't Give Up ...

Many give up just short of seeing their dreams come true. Don't let this be you!

As a child Thomas Edison's teacher told him that he was "too stupid to learn anything." He was fired from his first two jobs for being "non-productive." In his efforts to perfect the light bulb, he failed more than 1,000 times. However, the reason we know his name today is not because of his failures; it is because he simply would not give up. He possessed a refuse to lose attitude!

I have been a fan of Tim Tebow for a long time. Surely you remember him. The "good boy" who led the Florida Gators football team to 2 National Championships and won 2 Heisman trophies among many other outstanding accomplishments along the way. He was the one who they said never could  accomplish these things but he surely did. Against many odds and despite the naysayers, he was a first round draft pick in the NFL. He then led the Denver Broncos from last place in their division to a division championship getting them a spot in the playoffs. He defeated the reigning Superbowl Champions, the Pittsburg Steelers, on the first play in overtime with an 80 yard touchdown pass making it the shortest overtime ever in the history of the NFL's playoffs. Oh, let's not forget that the Steelers had the number 1 defense in the NFL that year. It was this guy who said, "Hard work beats talent every time talent doesn't work hard."

Let me encourage you to consider the testimony of these two men as you seek to make your dreams a reality. Remember, anything worth having does not usually come easy. It will likely take much determination and drive from you. You will likely have to put in hours and hours of hard work to make it happen. You may not reach your goals the first time or the second time; but if you keep on keeping on you are likely to live your dreams. Do not give up. Put in the hard work. Refuse to lose. Live your dream!

Remember, if you think you can or you think you can't; you are most certainly right!

History was made on October 7, 1984 ...

History was made on October 7, 1984 by one of the most persistent players to every play in the National Football League. This is the day Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton, the one called "Sweetness", became the NFL's all-time rushing leader at Soldier Field, breaking the legendary Jim Brown's hallowed record. Rick Weinberg, a sport journalist wrote, "The record is a natural progression of years of consistency, years of greatness, years of durability." The key word in Weinberg's commentary is "years." It took Payton 9 years to reach this milestone. Most players do not last 9 years in the NFL. Nevertheless, Payton remained persistent even through the punishment that the arduous position of an NFL running back must endure. 

One commentator spoke of this incredible feet calling it an unprecedented accomplishment. He was speaking of the fact that Walter Payton had rushed for more than 9 miles in his NFL career. He argued that this was the greatest display of strength ever witnessed on the gridiron. Another commentator stepped in with a different opinion. While he acknowledged that rushing over 9 miles in the NFL was quite an accomplishment; he did not believe it to be the greatest display of strength in football. Rather, he went on to express that the greatest display of strength was the fact that Payton after getting knocked down every 4.4 yards along the way did not stay down; but got up to run after each tackle again and again. 

Persistence may be defined as continuing in the right way even in the face of the most extreme adversity and the most difficult of circumstances. It is that thing when one resolves that the price of giving up would be much greater than the pain of continuing even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This persistence is what it takes to truly maximize one's potential in life.

One of my favorite quotes of all times came from the lips of the man who saved England. On October 29, 1941 Winston Churchill delivered these powerful words to the boys at Harrow School where he once attended as a child, "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." 

Whatever you set your heart to achieve. Whatever dreams you may chase. Whatever goals you wish to accomplish. Whatever worthy cause you endeavor to move forward. Wherever the Lord may lead. I encourage you to be persistent and to never, never, never give up!

What Now ...

The events that occurred in our nation this past week have made it one of those weeks that I wish we could do over. I mean really, wouldn't it be great if we could just hit the rewind button or use a couple of mulligans? Well, you and I both know these options are not available in real life. So, what now? How are we to respond?

A quick look at one's time line on Facebook or a scroll down one's Twitter feed will surely reveal that opinions about what is next are at an all time high. Because of this, I do not wish to offer yet another opinion. Instead, I will share briefly from God's Word a few things that could help us as a nation if we truly want to see change, the kind of change that will bring both healing and hope for all Americans.

First, we need to admit our own sin as individuals and as a nation. 
God said long ago, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

Secondly, we need to realize that all lives matter. The Bible says, "From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries." (Acts 17:26) God made all people equally special. As the old song goes, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in His sight."

Thirdly, Do what is right and you do not have to worry about injustice. The Bible says, "For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you." (Romans 13:4) Again, do what is right.

Lastly,treat people the way you want to be treated. After all, this we know as the Golden Rule. For the Bible says, "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you" (Matthew 7:12)

Remember, the light shines brightest among the darkness and a miracle cannot happen if it is not needed. The landscape of America is dark and the current climate of our country is ripe for a miracle. Join me in praying for God to do a great work in us, among us, and through us.

Freedom ...

From the days of the American Revolution to the days of the 21st Century, freedom has been the strongest of our cultural bonds. It is the glue that holds us together as a nation. It is the one thing that unites our hearts as Americans no matter our color, our convictions, or our creed. From the left side to the right side, the White House to the Church House, from Hollywood to the hillsides, from the countryside to the inner cities, and from the mountains to all over "Merica" freedom unites those of us that call this great land home. 

It is freedom that our ancestors once cried for and freedom that they fought for. It was freedom that our country was founded on and freedom that our Armed Forces fight to protect and preserve. It is freedom that gives us the right to dream and freedom that gives us the right to do. Because of freedom we can choose to become whatever we desire. Freedom places no limits on our potential nor does it stand in the way of our passions. Today, may we be grateful for the freedom that we share as Americans. May we say thank you to those who once stood watch over our freedom and to those who are still standing for it today. May we not take this freedom for granted. For with such great freedom comes great responsibility. May we be found faithful with this freedom. May we be responsible with this freedom. It is a freedom that many around the world do not personally know and one that many others only dream of. As Peter Marshall once wrote, "May we think of freedom, not as the right to do what we please, but the opportunity to do what is right." 

Happy Independence Day!