Love God more than you love sports or being admired by others because of your kids success in sports | Matthew 22:37-39
Remember your greatest victory is in Jesus. And your greatest competition is against sin, worldliness and the devil | 2 Corinthians 2:14 | Romans 8:13
Keep a heavenly focus. Go into every sports season, game, and conversation knowing this is not your home and Heaven is | 2 Corinthians 4:18
If you feel it’s necessary to give critique (it’s usually not) focus on attitude and effect and reminding how to glorify God with their play | 1 Corinthians 10:31
Tell your kids how much love watching them play | Proverbs 16:24
Tell your kids you love them even when they don’t play | Pslam 127:3
Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry | James 1:19
Being hypercritical and negative doesn’t glorify God and gives us social body odor. Here’s 7 ways to help us quit being captain cranky pants 🦸♂️😖👖 :
🙌🏼 1. Praise God for the gospel — our past is forgiven and our future is secure. We are called, loved, and kept in Christ Jesus. We have A LOT to be joyful about.
🧂💡2. Re-commit to being salt and light. The light of love and the salt that brings flavor and preservation to those around us. Can’t do that if people are avoiding us like the plague because we’re saddy dumpington all the time.
🤔 3. Remember that the sources of chaos around us are also sources of great joy! Messes are a part of life that represent blessing. The mess in your living room? Comes from the blessing of wonderful children. The headache from work? Comes from the blessing of having a job that pays bills and provides. Conflict in marriage? You’re blessed to have someone worth fighting for and working toward reconciliation.
📝 4. Count blessings. Name all the things you have that you don’t deserve. Hint: it’s all of them.
🤯 5. Think eternal. Don’t let “right now” own you because there’s a lot more than right now ahead of you. Most of what we let tick us off won’t matter 5 or 10000 years from now.
📺 📱6. Turn off the news and social media and read the Bible. Start with Psalm 23.
🧐 7. Look for and point out the good in others. Chances are if you’re only committed to criticisms you won’t add much to the conversation because almost everybody is being negative and critical. Wanna stand out and be a blessing? Encourage someone. Say something nice. It will bless them and keep yourself out of the gutter of negativity.
Hope this helps! Here’s some supporting Bible references. Check ‘em out! 📖 Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 5:14, Proverbs 14:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:8, Proverbs 16:24, Psalm 27:7, Proverbs 17:22
As our culture trends more and more self-centered and less and less God-centered, personal desires and feelings rule the day. What makes me happiest in the moment is the new legalism — getting my way CAN NOT be compromised.
A strong indicator of a self-centered existence is being led by FEAR and COMFORT. The comfort piece is pretty obvious (whatever’s easiest, convenient and most pleasurable for me) but FEAR, can be a little more subtle. It’s not like fear of the boogie man, but rather fear of losing my place of significance, fear of what others think of me, fear of my kid(s) not getting attention or getting me attention, fear of being slighted, fear of my dreams not coming true. The Bible puts all these types of fears into a big bucket and calls it “the fear of man.” The fear of man lays a snare… Prov 29:25 We’ve taken the enemy’s bait when we’re ruled by fear and comfort.
An opposite, God-centered way of living, would be by FAITH and for GOD’S GLORY. Here, the trajectory of life is set by 2 things: 1. what’s most faithful to God? (prizing and praising the love of God and others as first priority) and 2. what’s most glorifying to God? What would magnify and make the most of Jesus? His name, not mine. His ways, not mine. We have His righteousness that comes to us through faith Jesus in mind and heart, rather than trying to maintain a righteousness of our own to look good for others.
What are we living for? Fear and comfort or faith and His glory? We can’t suppose it’s just the latter just because we know the right Christian answer. We’re fools if we think an increasingly non-believing world around us can’t distract, erode and derail our devotion.
We may need to repent, and that’s ok. Repentance is normal in the Christian life. Or at least it should be. God’s a God of forgiveness, mercy, and will help us change. He’s not like the world that keeps beating us up even after we’re grieved over our shortcomings. He still loves us and wants to use us. We’re still useful in His sight. He’s always saying “come home” no matter how far we’ve wondered. But what we can’t do is relabel fear and comfort and call it faith and glory. God’s full of grace, but He’s not dumb. At all.
The crazy twist in all this is that the satisfaction and soul level “happiness” everyone is frantically wasting their lives searching for and not finding is available for free and in unlimited supply in Jesus. He says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”Matthew 11:28-30
Hey, thanks for reading. I know you’re probably just trying to enjoy the weekend and I’m throwing out all this trajectory of life stuff 😆. If you made it this far, I appreciate your time and my sincere hope is that these thoughts put to words made you think bigger thoughts about God that translate into heart level love for Him. For the BEST writing, go to His Word. Here’s some references I had in mind for this post:
📖 Proverbs 29:25 | Matthew 22:37-39 | 1st Corinthians 10:31 | Psalm 16:11 | Psalm 1 | John 12:25
Albert Einstein said LOVE is the most powerful force in all the Universe. Carabiners are a good illustration for love. Carabiners are used for lots of things but their main purpose is for mountains climbing or rapelling. Years ago I went through fire academy. We had climb down the side of walls hanging by a rope attached to a body harness. And the thing that held the rope and the harness together was a carabiner. I’ve leaned back with my feet on the side of a wall, my back to the ground 40-50 feet in the air, with my life depending on a carabiner. I never was a great rapeller but after a few times I knew that little carabiner clip was dependable. I could trust it. It would keep me from falling. I knew it wasn’t gonna break.
So what about you? Can the guys on your team count on you like that? Can they trust you with their life? Are you committed? Are you dependable? Or will you break when it get’s hard. Can the the guy next to you put his safety and wellbeing on your hands and knowing you’re gonna lock in go through pain for him. That’s love.
So what I’m really asking is: Do you love this team. Not the idea of a team or the idea of holding up a trophy, or personal recognition. And I’m not asking about how you feel. Real love is less about feelings and more about personal commitment. Real love can put personal feelings aside when it has to and put the needs of your brothers first.
If you love each other, commit to selfless sacrifice, commit to bleed for each other, I believe you’ll be unstoppable. But if it’s just 56 selfish guys wearing the same color, this season is gonna be really frustrating, and eventually, you’ll run into a team that does love each other. And selfishness is no match for love.
I’ve said before, football is the closest thing to combat without joining the military. This is an excerpt from Band of Brothers, a book about a remarkable group of WWII paratroopers.
“They found in combat the closest brotherhood they ever knew. They found selflessness. They found they could love the other guy in their foxhole more than themselves. They found that in war, men who loved life would give their lives for them.” Brotherhood. Selflessness. Love — That’s what life is really all about gentleman.
Einstein said love is the most powerful force in the Universe. He’s right. But do you know who created the Universe? God. And all real love flows from God. And if you’re gonna love sacrificially for any amount of time, you need love in your life that never runs out. That’s God’s love. God’s love isn’t just feelings. He proved it. God in human form in Jesus Christ displayed the ultimate expression of sacrificial love when he laid down his life for our sins on the cross.
In John 15:13 Jesus said — “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” And then he did it. For us. And if you’ll put your trust in him, you’ll begin to truly understand love, and begin to love like he loved.
Today, in Chirst, commit to love this team in a sacrificial way. Be a carabiner, somebody others can count on. Don’t wait on everyone else. You make the commitment to put yourself on the line for your brothers right now. And let’s have some fun.
I’m no expert parent but I know this — Parenting teenagers is TOUGH. They’re growing, changing, confused, emotional and moody. And that’s putting it lightly. At times they’re downright disrespectful. Rebellious, rolling eyes, and all that. But here’s what ya gotta do — you just love the daylights out of ‘em no matter what. Forgive everything, quick. Never go to bed mad at a teenage kid. Hug ‘em even when they’re acting like turds. And even when you have to correct ’em make sure they know you’re doing it outta love. Because here’s what’s gonna happen — that cranky teen is gonna get seriously hurt, bad sick, or in a little car accident or something like that and all of sudden you’re gonna get perspective. Scared to death of the thought of life without them. And you’re gonna wonder why in the world you would ever let there be any unnecessary tension between you and that kiddo. Fact is you love that cantankerous kid more than anything on this planet. That’s why they drive you so crazy. And even when they don’t say it, they love you too. The key to parenting teens the right way (and y’all feel free to remind of this too) is keeping that hardship perspective without the hardship happening. Remembering that hormonal youngster was a 5 year old in footy pajamas at Christmas time just the other day. And they’ll be an adult soon enough. Parenting teens is a season of grace and relentless love, regardless of it’s received or reciprocated. Kinda like how God loves each of us!
🚨🏈🙏🏼 FIRST DAY OF TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: SIX THINGS TO PRAY
High school football started bright and early 🌅 this morning! My favorite time of year. I’m a big fan, but also love how it brings communities together and all the good things football uniquely affords young men. If you love HS football and love the Lord, consider praying these 6 things, and more.
🙏🏼 God’s glory — We’re all gifted in differently. Football players have the ability to glorify God through the way they play and who they play for. Pray they play for His glory. 🙌🏼
🙏🏼 Relationships — Scripture teaches that we need each other and football can forge friendships like no other. Pray these young men form a team, a bond and a brotherhood. 🤝
🙏🏼 Life lessons — Hard work, sacrifice, selflessness, courage, commitment and the list goes on and on of the values and character building that football can bring. Pray they don’t miss the opportunity to learn things they can apply well beyond the playing field. 📓
🙏🏼 Gospel conversations — Football, especially in small town Texas, brings a whole lot of people together, a lot more than just players and parents. Pray that we make use of our time together to go beyond causal conversations and talk life, the Lord, eternity and Salvation. ✝️
🙏🏼 Coaches — Coaches go above and beyond in every sport, but football season can be especially taxing on coaches and their families. Pray for an extra measure of God’s grace in sustaining them, that families stay unified, and for a healthy balance that affords both the joy of a job well done, and rest when needed. Also, pray they not get worn out by parents and fans, like us 😅
🙏🏼 Safety — It’s a contact sport! Pray for a season free from injury. And especially in these hot months, pray for overall health of everyone involved. 🏥
I’m so ready and I know a lot of y’all are too! It’s gonna be a great season! All glory to Him!
💍🤵♂️👰♀️ June 20th marked 25 years of marriage for Casey and I. We had no clue what we were doing when we got married and still have A LOT to learn but here’s 25 pieces of advice from 25 years of marriage.
Marriages that last are made up of 2 people who get really good at forgiving.
Marriages move forward over bridges of trust.
Marriage is about giving, not taking. God has to be at the center, supplying you with love. Otherwise you’ll have the relational equivalent of 2 ticks and no dog.
When she wants to dance in the kitchen, dance.
Marriage is meant to put the love of Jesus on display, not your ego.
If you pray together you’ll stay together.
Love isn’t always a feeling but it’s always an act of your will.
If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.
Serving others together in Jesus’ name is often a better “date night” than more overpriced food and bad entertainment.
When you don’t feel romantic, just be romantic anyway, and then you’ll feel romantic.
She’s your wife not your buddy. Treat her like a lady. This ain’t Gus and Woodrow.
Assume the best motives in each other, especially when you disagree.
Compliment each other daily, and often publicly.
The best thing you can do for your kids is love their momma.
If you won’t work your marriage won’t either.
Your house is not a castle and nobody here has a thrown. Now get the trash out and start peeling potatoes.
Many times a wife just wants sympathy, not a solution. Just listen attentively. Don’t try to fix it.
If you wanna be married to a different person, just stay married to the same person for about 10 years. People change. Love ‘em anyway.
Be the first to apologize and the first to forgive.
Marriage is more likely to make you holy (set apart to God) than happy. You wanna be happy join the carnival. Wanna be holy, get married.
When a coworker compliments her let her be able to say “Thanks my husband says the same thing all the time.”
Money: give, pay bills, save a little, enjoy it — TOGETHER
There’s no such thing as quality time. Time is just time. Spend it together. Be consistent. No hail-Mary trips or gifts because I neglected you for 6 months.
Support her dreams. Don’t ever let her wonder what she could have been if she hadn’t married me.
The closer you get to God the closer you get to each other.
Hope these helped someone or made you chuckle. Married folks, please comment with any marriage advice you might have or let me know which of the 25 above is your favorite!
Part of our GBF Men’s Bible study this week was talking about things that bring us joy. Among other things, I listed THIS GROUP OF MEN AND TUESDAY MORNINGS. I love these guys. Every last one of them. I’m thankful they love the Lord and thankful they put up with me. Something pretty cool — I can go back and look at this picture and 1. Just smile. And 2. Pray for these men, knowing they’re committed to following hard after the Lord. And for many, I know their personal struggles and they know mine. Friendship in the Lord is a gift. Get some!
The Hebrew word pronounced “hesed” (חֶסֶד) occurs around 250 times in the Old Testament. It’s a loaded word used mainly to describe the powerful unconditional love of God. It’s translated “love and faithfulness,” “unfailing love,” “faithful love,” “steadfast love,” and “loyal love”. Hesed captured the essence of “amazing grace.”
While only God’s hesed is perfect and limitless, people can express a measure of it too. But hesed goes deeper than social expectations, emotions, or what is others deserve. By their very nature, acts of hesed are performed freely, expecting nothing in return. The moment we start loving to get something out of it, it’s no longer hesed.
We need to practice more hesed. Especially me. The best way to learn hesed is by receiving it from God, which I do, every moment of every day. I just often fail to acknowledge it. Another way is by acknowledging it when we see it in others. I see it in my wife in this picture. This baby boy is 8 months old and has never once lacked hesed from his foster momma.
I snuck this sweet hesed pic during an assembly at the school the other day.
1. It’s not right or left decisions that make or break us. It’s right or wrong. College, trade school or military? Arkansas or UNT? Whataburger or Chipotle? These are right or left decisions. Lying, stealing, murder/Treating others like they’re garbage, adultery, methamphetamine. These are RIGHT or WRONG decisions. You wanna break yourself? Go against the clearly stated wisdom of the God of the Universe. Commandments aren’t suggestions. They’re there for your own good and protection.
2. When you royally blow it on a right or wrong decision. And you will. There’s grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Don’t sit in it. Confess it and get back on the path as quick as you can. Your Heavenly Father will welcome you back with open arms. Trust Him.
3. You’re setting the trajectory for your life right now. Do you wanna be lazy when you’re a dad or mom? Don’t be lazy now. Don’t wanna grow up to be a dirty old man? Don’t be a dirty young man. Do you wanna have to buy alcohol for the rest of your life to qualify it as a good time? If not, don’t do that now.
4. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” is a load of crap. What you do matters, regardless of where you are geographically. You only get one heart, don’t buy the lie that what you do wont have an impact on it.
5. Yes, God loves you just as you are but he’s also calling you to be and do more. Life is a stewardship of the gifts God has given us. Do hard stuff for other people. Strive, try, work, get in the arena and get some. Get use to having a tired body and a full heart. No better feeling.
6. Relationships are more important than money. I’m not even gonna elaborate.
7. Don’t ever disrespect your momma and listen when she has concerns. I’m serious.
8. Don’t try to follow Jesus alone. There’s a reason theres over 35 “one another” commandments in the Bible that apply to the way believers treat each other. Our faith is a family. Not sure how that ever got misunderstood, but don’t try and think you’re gonna live faithful running solo. Belong to a church, belong to a Bible study, talk about your struggles and faith with friends.
9. Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future. Sorry I know that sounds lame but it is 100% true. You are becoming who you share time with. Choose wisely. And better to be temporarily alone than temporarily idiotic.
10. Attention + Direction = Destination. You will end up going where you give your attention. Every direction has a destination. You’re in charge of yours.
Grads I didn’t mean for this post to sound preachy. I genuinely love you and am in your corner. I love you. We love you. Most importantly God loves you so much that He sent His son to die for you. Congratulations and keep lookin up!
Pastor Roy Layman 