Moving the ball forward

No matter what I do in life, it’s important that I’m constantly moving forward.  The object in the game of football, is to constantly advance the ball down the field; until we score a touchdown.

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The game of football, serves as a perfect model for our lives as well.

Whether it’s our family, our career, our marriage, or most importantly; our walk with God.  If we want to go anywhere in life, we have to step out of our comfort zone and start taking steps to get us where we want to be.

We advance in life, by adopting these simple little disciplines.   These disciplines serve as stepping-stones that are designed to take us to our goal.

A person crossing three stepping stones on a river

If we repeat these disciplines over and over, we’re rewarded at the end.

Inch by inch, life’s a cinch!  Yard by yard, life’s hard!  Mile by mile life’s a trial!

Football Field

What are your goals?  What disciplines can YOU adopt now, to drive you towards them?

I’ve always tried to learn as much as I can about different areas and aspects of the industry that I work in.  This day in age, there’s so many resources, right at my fingertips.

I try to take advantage of the these resources and use them for my benefit.  One of the best resources available is the internet.  Everything pertaining to my industry, is right here; for my benefit.

A life goal of mine, is to be the leader in my industry.  I want to be the guy they call when they have questions pertaining to the industry.   The last thing I want, is for my client to call the competition.

You’ve heard it said that:  “Time is of the essence!”  Isn’t that true!  There’s only so many hours in each day, so it’s important that we spend our time wisely.

There’s a saying that says “If you wait for all the street lights to turn green, you’ll never go to town!” How true is that?   Often times in life, we wait for everything to be perfect, before we move ahead.   When we delay in making a decision, we miss the opportunity.

Occasionally in life, we throw a “Hail Mary” pass and reach a goal!  But most of the touchdown’s in life are scored by advancing the ball, one play at a time.

In addition to adapting these disciplines, it’s so important to have the right mental attitude.  You’ve got to be focus-driven and keep your eyes on what’s ahead; instead of what’s behind you!

Work harder on yourself, than you do on your job.-Jim Rohn

I treat my walk with Christ the same way.   I want to learn as much as I can about Christ and the best way to do that is by reading  the Bible.

Bible StudyA chapter or two per day is all it takes!   Just like in my career, I need to take what I read and apply it to my life.   If all I do is read it, without applying it, then it’s just head knowledge.

God’s not looking for religious people; he’s after a relationship with you!  Think of him as your best friend.  As problems arise, reach out to the one that created you.  He knows you better than anyone, because he created you!  His word will get you through ANY situation that life throws at you!

I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will harvest a crop of love.  Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’-Hosea 10:12

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.  And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. -2 Timothy 4:7-8

Are you looking forward to his appearing?

Love to read your comments…

Fitz

Food vs. Sin

One of the most difficult addictions to overcome in our lives, is the addiction of food.  I have always been a sucker for sweets!   One of my fondest memories growing up, was Mom’s homemade pies!   At an early age, I developed an addiction to these babies!  Some of my all-time favorites include: cinnamon rolls, pies, donuts, sweet rolls, etc.   All in all if it’s sweet and made with flour, I love it!

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If I allow these cravings to take over, than it’s just a matter of time before I’m having issues buttoning my pants.  In addition, the likelihood of developing obesity and diabetes, is increased.   A few Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies can’t be all that bad, but when I eat the entire sleeve; it’s problematic!  Oh how I miss the days of my youth, when I could eat a half a pie and not gain an ounce of weight!

Everyone of us knows what foods we need to eat, to maintain optimum health.

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Unfortunately for us, the nutritious foods don’t taste as good as the healthy ones do.  Let’s see, an apple or a Pop Tart.  I think the choice is obvious!

Sin in our lives, has the same effect.  Often times, we think what’s the big deal, it’s only one little sin.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions.  And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. -James 1:14-15

When you’re in the middle of sin, it’s super easy to indulge in even more sin.  It’s kind of like eating the entire sleeve of Thin Mints, right?

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have recieved knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.-Hebrews 10:26

We think that we can continue to sin and that there will never be a consequence.  I can remember thinking that as long as I repent before I die, then I’ll be fine.  The problem with that, is that none of us know when we’ll take our last breath here.

This verse pretty well sums it up:

Do not let sin control your puny body any longer; do not give in to its sinful desires.  Do not let any part of your bodies become tools of wickedness, to be used for sinning; but give yourselves completely to God-every part of you-for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes.  Sin need never again be your master, for now you are no longer tied to the law where sin enslaves you, but you are free under God’s favor and mercy. -Romans 6:12-14

As always, comments are encouraged…

Fitz