Pacing Guide

It is a classic problem in education that every teacher has to attempt to solve. We all know that every child is different. They also learn at different levels and at different speeds. The problem that faces each classroom teacher is trying to decide when students have mastered a skill. Or maybe I should say when "enough" students have mastered a skill; Let's face it, for whatever reason, not all high school students are going to adequately learn every concept. So when should the teacher "move on" and when should the teacher reteach? My school system has developed a pacing guide that outlines what should be taught, how long it should take to teach the objective, and when it is time to move on to the next lesson. Obviously, in order to teach all the objectives in a particular course, a certain pace must be kept. But it is not as simple as just following the guide. We all know that not everything in our world works out the way it was designed. Maybe in a perfect world, but not in ours.

When it comes to following Christ, there is no pacing guide. It does not matter if we are as far along in our spiritual walk as Billy Graham, or if we have just started out like a thief on a Cross. In God's eyes, we are all equal. I sometimes get a little depressed when I meet someone who is farther along in their walk with the Lord than I am. But there is no reason for it to get me down. I should indeed use that person as an example for my life and allow them to motivate me to continue my walk. But I should not feel like they are any better than I am. We all walk at a different pace, and God completely understands that. He made us. There is absolutely nothing about us that He does not understand. The important thing is not how far along we are, but rather, that we are at least walking with Him. Through prayer and studying God's Word, He will bring us along at His perfect pace.

Psalm 17:5 says, "My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped."

Father, please help us to continue striving in our walk with You. Please show us the way. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tamper-Proof

Our world changed forever on this day in 1982 when at least seven people died from taking cyanide-laced capsules of Tylenol. It is hard to believe that that was 27 years ago; I still remember it like it was yesterday. I stated "at least" seven people died above because nobody really knows the exact number. Although most of the deaths occurred in Chicago, other places around the country were also plagued. Up until then, we had never heard of tamper-proof packaging. But today, it is rare that we find a product without it. Even though it is not completely fool-proof, seeing a safety seal on the things we purchase does give some peace of mind.

We can also have peace of mind by allowing Jesus to "tamper-proof" our lives. Satan is always looking for a way to poison us with his lies and influence. Walking through our day without the protection of Jesus is like eating some food that has a broken seal on the packaging. We wouldn't dare take that risk. We should also never take the risk of living without Christ. He is our Protector and our Guide. If you are not enjoying the safety of Jesus, why not ask Him for His perfect protection right now? He is more than willing and able to come to you.

Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you."

Father, please protect us from Satan. We know he is very powerful, but not as powerful as You. We can't do it alone. Help us, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Spanking Is Ok

As a public education teacher, It does not take me long to figure out which kids get disciplined with a paddle and which ones do not. I hope nobody takes offence to this devotion. I am in no way trying to tell you how to raise your child. If you decide not to paddle your kids and to use some other form of punishment, that is fine. I also realize that some parents go too far when they "spank" their children. So whatever opinions are worth, here goes mine: Our school system has set up weekly workshops on how to be a better parent. Such topics are, curfewing, ways to talk to your child, and how to motivate your child to do chores around the house. Those could be good topics for parents. But there is one topic that is scheduled that bothers me...a lot: Why you should never spank your child. Again, if you choose not to spank your child, that's your business. But to tell me I can't spank mine is wrong. First of all, spanking is accepted in the Bible. Enough said! But further, I was spanked when I was a child, and believe me, it made me do a whole lot more right than wrong. My grandparents LOVED me enough to paddle me when I got out of line. If you don't spank your child and instead, some other form of punishment works, than that is wonderful; By all means, use it. But I can tell you as a whole, many kids have missed a few needed spankings.

I get tired of hearing all that psychology junk about how we are to "reason" with our kids and to use "timeout" with our kids. If that stuff works for you and can make your child do what is right, then yes, that form of discipline is good. But more times than not, I see 10 and 11-year olds back-talking their parents while the parents are "reasoning" with them. My grandparents knew how to "reason" with me...many times, I could hardly sit down because of that reasoning. I have students today that use profanity, are disrespectful, and just down-right mean! Many times after I call their parents, I see where the kids get it from. People, If you are gonna let your child cuss you, call you names, and run all over you at home, what do you think they are going to do at school? HOME Schooling is an option...

Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who spares his rod (of discipline) hates his son, but he who loves him diligently disciplines and punishes him early."

Father, please help us to be better parents. Our prisons are full today because some parents did not discipline their kids yesterday. In Jesus name, Amen.

Snake-Bit

What an awful night! I was at the radio station doing my Jukebox Saturday Night when I read about a local man who was found dead today from 2 snake bites. He was bitten in his leg and in his neck. My heart goes out to his family at this hour. Well with all that snake-bite stuff fresh on my mind, I was heading out to my truck close to the end of my show, when guess what? You got it! I was bitten by a HUGE snake. I didn't even see it until he popped me. Let me tell you, it is a wonder I didn't pull every muscle in my body after the acrobats I performed getting away from it. I was taken to the ER to make sure it was not poisonous. Thank God is wasn't. But the doctor said that from the measurements between the fang marks, it was one big snake. I had to wait in the ER for 1 hour to see if it showed any signs of poison. It burns like crazy and is swollen, but otherwise pretty good. She gave me a prescript for an antibiotic and told me to watch where I step. Oh thanks Doc...lol

I guess we will never know why God chooses to save some but not save others. As thrilled as I am that the snake that got me was not poisonous, I am equally saddened to hear about the man who died today from his snake bite. We just never know when something tragic will happen. It does not matter how careful we are, sometimes you just can't predict what will happen. I thank God I am ok! Anybody who knows me, knows how terrified I am of snakes. I bet I don't sleep for a week. I keep seeing snakes everywhere I step now. I guess I can just add a snake haunting to my other personal haunting...especially as the time draws nearer to Halloween. My, what a weird and sad year this has been. After all that has happened, I should be in a mental ward somewhere. But through the power and strength of Jesus Christ, I am still here trying so hard to fulfil His will for my life. As hard as it can be to do that sometime, I will NEVER give up. Praise God!

Psalm 16:8 says, "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Father, thank you for watching over me tonight. Help me to be more careful next time, and please be with the family who lost their loved one today. In Jesus name, Amen.

Still Kicking

Just wanted to update you since I have not written a devotion in a couple days. I am still sick but getting better everyday. I don't get sick often, but when I do, I just can't seem to shake it. Hopefully I will be 100% on Monday and will start back sending you daily devotions. Thanks again for all your prayers. I am proud to say I serve Jesus Christ, and I am certain He will heal my sickness. I hope your weekend is the best one ever!

Believe It Or Not

Ok, here's a little quiz. Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. TV's Mr. Ed was a horse.

2. Kentucky Fried Chicken changed its name to KFC to eliminate "fried" from its title.

3. Tapping the side of a soda can will prevent it from spewing when opened.

4. Swimming less than 30 minutes after eating will cause cramps.

5. Poinsettia plants are poisonous to humans.

6. The plane in which Buddy Holly died was named American Pie.

7. Elephants are afraid of mice.

8. The Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from the moon.

9. German chocolate cake comes from Germany.

10. Eating turkey will make one sleepy.

So which statements are true? Actually, NONE of them are true; Each one is just an urban legend (Mr. Ed was in fact a zebra). These myths are spread around so much that after a while, we all start believing them. There is no telling how many "facts" we have heard over the years that we believe to be true, but actually are just myths. The only way to know if something is true or not is to investigate or research it ourselves. I used to believe some things from the Bible, not because I had read it, but because I had always heard it. But since I have started studying God's Word, I have realized that some things I have always believed were in the Bible are actually not there. To find out what is actually in the Bible, we need to spend time reading it. A friend of mine likes to say that Bible stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. God's Word is our instruction manual while we are here. In order to follow what His Word says, we must read what it says. Have you read your Bible lately? It will sure help guide your steps. And that, my friend, is no myth!

Romans 10 :17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

Father, thank-you for Your Holy Word. Help us to discern what is really in it. In Jesus name, Amen.

"He's Everywhere, He's Everywhere"

When I was a small boy, I remember a joke that used to make me laugh so hard. It is not as funny today, but back then, I would just crack up. Try it out on a small child today and see if they like it: One day a little girl was eating cookies on her way to church. She didn't finish them all before she had to go in and sit down, so she put her last cookie in her pocket. Later in church, the preacher was doing his usual shouting when he got into the message. He shouted, "The Lord is in front of you, the Lord is in back of you, the Lord is on both sides of you, the Lord is even in your pocket." Startled, the little girl replied, "Dear Lord, please don't eat my cookie!"

God is truly all around us. Back: He is the Creator and Eternal Word who was not only with God from the beginning, but who actually is God (Jn. 1 1:3). Ahead: He is our coming King and Judge who will one day rule the earth and judge every heart (Acts 1:6-11). Up: He is our Savior and Lord who alone can reach down and save us while at the same time provide a lordship that is loving and wise (Jn. 3:13-16). Down: He holds us in His hand as our Provider and Sustainer (Col. 1:16). Right: As we turn to the "right" to see what is morally correct, He becomes our Teacher and Example (1 Jn 2:6). Left: As we turn away from what is "right," and therefore to what is wrong, He becomes our Intercessor and Advocate (1 Jn 2: 1-2). Within: He is our Life, our Peace, and our Strength (Gal. 2:20). He is our all encompassing Lord. [taken from the Discovery Series "Religion or Christ" by Martin R. De Hann II]

Father, thank you for being all around us, but especially thank you for dwelling within our hearts. Help us to always put You first in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sick, But Blessed

I want to thank all of you that have checked on me during this time of sickness. I am still sick...no voice, chills, a little fever, no energy..the usual cold symptoms. I am still teaching at the high school and college, though it is sort of hard since I sound like Kermit the Frog. I will not be able to announce the football game tonight, nor will I be able to host my radio show tomorrow night, but all-in-all, I am ok. I know I am not a doctor, but I seriously don't think I have the flu. If I am no better by Monday, however, I will at least pay a visit to the doc's office.

You know, even though I have a cold and feel bad, even though some things in my personal life are still hay-wire, and even though I still yearn for some heart-healing, I know I am still blessed! As long as I have breath in my body, I will Glorify the Lord...even if it is only in words. We all have those spells when we just don't "feel" God, but deep down inside, we know He is still there. I look around and I see others that are far-worse than I am. My troubles, though big to me, probably wouldn't even fill a thimble compared to other people's problems. I thank the Lord for helping me to keep that point in perspective. Sick or not sick, I am going to have a great weekend...because God is alive, and Jesus saves!

Psalm 57:7 says, "My Heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise."

Father, How great thou art! Heal me on Your time, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

More Church Signs

Well, it's 4am and I am facing another sleepless night. I don't think I have the Flu, but all this congestion and coughing is keeping me awake. Luckily, I have not missed any work this week. A coaching buddy of mine has volunteered to announce the Northview football game for me at the stadium Friday Night. As much as I enjoy announcing, I might just have to let him. I don't think the Northview fans want to hear Kermit the Frog screaming "Touchdown Cougars!" So I decided to at least do something constructive this morning in between popping hall's cough drops and chugging NyQuil. I thought you might want to see some more church signs from around the Internet. I love these:

Do not criticize your wife's judgement: see whom she married

God, help me to be the person my dog thinks I am

There's no A/C in hell either

Stop, drop, and roll won't work in hell

Santa Claus never died for anyone

Download your worries: Get online with God

Why pay for G.P.S.? God gives direction for free

Hurricanes, floods, AIDS...Can you hear me now? -God

Who wants to be a Christianaire?

Jesus-your get-out-of-hell-free card

To prevent sinburn, use SONscreen

Don't give up. Moses was once a basket-case

The Rapture! Separation of Church and State

If you have anymore funny church signs, please Email me.

We Specialize In That

I once had a job at a shop that sold power-transmission and electric motor parts. The bulk of our customers came in for routine items such as bearings, chains, sprockets, etc. Occasionally, however, we would get a call for an out-of-the-ordinary item. Every time I would ask my boss if we carried that particular part, he would reply, "We specialize in those". He was so funny! It didn't matter what it was, from left-footed soccer balls to cordless extension cords, if he could make money off of it, and even if we had to order it from Pluto, we "specialized in it."

God specializes in a lot of things too. One thing in particular is His ability to take a seemingly bad situation and turn it into something spectacular. In the 8th chapter of Acts, we learn a little about Stephen. Through the Holy Spirit, Stephen was casting out demons and healing people in the name of Jesus Christ. Out of jealousy though, the Pharisees made up a lie saying that Stephen had blasphemed against God. This angered the council, and they immediately stoned him to death. In a panic, all the other Christians in the area fled in all directions to escape the same false judgement. Now how could God turn this into something good? Well, Instead of allowing the Pharisees to squelch the Good News about Jesus, God used them to spread that Good News far and wide. God is so good at turning situations around. Regardless of what personal situation you may be facing at this hour, never doubt that God could also turn it around for you. As a matter of fact, He "specializes" in that.

Romans 11:36 says, "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things: to whom be glory forever."

Father, thank you for turning tragedies into triumphs. Help us to keep the faith. In Jesus name, Amen.

Mom, The Kidnapper Stole My Report Card

It is 4-something in the morning, and I can't sleep. I have gotten this crud that is going around. I have lots of congestion and body aches, but luckily, no fever. My voice is completely gone which I am sure my students will enjoy later this morning. Hopefully I will regain it soon. As a teacher, P.A. announcer, and DJ, it is kind of hard to work without it. So here I am popping Hall's cough drops and scanning the news, trying to find a devotion idea. It didn't take long in our crazy world. A story out of Huntsville, AL immediately caught my attention. It seems an 11-year old boy had just received his report card from school. He had some bad grades on it and didn't want his parents to find out. So he did what any other 11-year old would do: He made up a story that a man with a gun kidnapped him. He told police he was able to get away from the kidnapper, but he was unable to grab his book bag, which just happened to contain his report card. Police were suspicious from the start because, although the boy was unable to get his book bag as he fled the kidnapper, he did manage to "escape" with his band instrument.

That story is sort of comical. But there is a message in it for all of us. How many times do we sin and let the Lord down, and then feel so guilty that we almost make up crazy excuses when we pray to Him? I have been so plagued with guilt in the past that I would all but blame God for my sin. I would reason that God made me that way. (Thank the Lord there wasn't a lightning storm close by). The fact is, we do not need to be afraid to go to the Lord when we sin, because the Bible tells us that He will forgive us every single time! The important thing is that we go to Him, and go as soon as possible. The best thing that little boy from Huntsville could have done was just gone straight to his parents and showed them his report card. We too should just go straight to the Lord and confess. God loves each and every one of us, no matter what we may get ourselves into. But before we make things worse, we should just go straight to Him and ask for His mercy, no "ifs", "ands, or "kidnapping stories".

I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Father, thank you for Your Son Jesus. We accept Him, and ask you to forgive us of all our sins. Teach us to live more like Him. In Jesus name, Amen.

What A Shocker

I was incredibly shocked this past Friday night! Not that my Dothan Tigers defeated the Opelika Bulldogs for the first time since 1972, not that those same Bulldogs were ranked in the top-10 in the state of Alabama, not that we were trailing by 11 with less than 4 minutes to play in the game, and not even that we had blown an early 1st-quarter 17-to-nothing lead, but because what I was asked to do, and not do, in the Press box. As you know, I am the PA announcer for all home games of the Dothan Tigers and Northview Cougars. Just before kick-off, one of my assistant principals came to the press box with an announcement for me to read during the game. The announcement was promoting a get-together at a local church for the fans after the game. Minutes before I was set to announce it, the principal came back up and told me not to announce it. The announcement did not mention God, praying, or anything religious other than the name of the church. Haven't we taken this "separation of church and state" thing a little too far?

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say "separation of church and state." The ambiguous phrase that is in the Constitution has been interpreted in so many ways, that nobody really knows what to do. My personal two-cents worth is that the phrase in the Constitution assures churches that the State will not make any laws prohibiting their basic religious beliefs. But Friday night, I was faced with somewhat of a delima. I did not see any reason why I couldn't read the announcement, and in my opinion, my rights were being violated. But at the same time, my principal (boss) told me not to read it. I was at an official school event and was under the rules of the school system. I believe God called me to be a teacher, and through Him, I can lead some students to Christ. But I can't do that if I am fired, not that I believe I would have actually been fired. But the Bible does remind us that we must submit to government authorities and obey the laws of the land. In hind-sight, I think I did do the right thing, although I feel like I kind of let God down. I do not blame my assistant principal at all. I think he was not really sure what to do either and just erred on the side of caution. It is amazing that our society has eroded to the point of not being allowed to announce a promo at a high school football game, but our TVs radios, and big screens are full of cussing, sexual immorality, and just down-right nastiness. God help us!

I Thessalonians 5: 21-22 says, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil."

Father, please help us to navigate through this sinful world. We need You now more than ever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Memories

Every time I hear the song Precious Memories, I think about a funeral. It seems to be the only place I ever hear that song. Everybody has memories of people, places, and things. Some of those memories are precious, but there are also some memories that are heart-breaking. They seem to well-up from deep inside our hearts more and more the closer we get to the anniversary of the tragic event. At this very minute, my family is beginning their yearly trek to our reunion in Central Florida. But I am not going. Sadly, I will be the only one not attending. My reasons are very selfish, I admit. But my memories of last year's reunion continue to haunt me...even a full-year later. It is nothing my family has done; They are incredible! But for some unknown reason, this past year's memories continue to bring huge tears to my eyes. My heart breaks all over again just about every other day.

Again, I know I am being selfish, but sometimes we can all be that way, right? But no matter how sad my memories from the past may be, and no matter how much they may still effect me today, I will never give up hope that God has it all under control. Isn't that what genuine faith is all about? In the midst of heartache and tears, I still totally believe in His ultimate plan for my life. Now I know I am no different than anyone else; We all have some bad memories that haunt us. The key is that we can't let those bad memories block us from trying to make new, better ones. I admit it has not happened for me yet, and I can honestly say it will be a long, long time before it does. But thanks to the strength that God has given me, I will keep plugging away.

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Lord, please forgive me for being so selfish at this time. I admit I am still having a year-long pity party, but You know I am trying my very best. Please be with all those who may be dealing with some sad memories. In Jesus name, Amen.

Waiting Around For Jesus

In the movie Twister, the scientists invented some electronic sensors that could record valuable information about tornadoes. The only problem was that those sensors had to be injected directly into the storm. The scientists would rush into the path of an on-coming twister, set out their instruments, and then hope the storm passed directly over so it could swoop up the gadgets. It was almost a one-in-a-million shot, and the danger to their lives was great. Most of the time they failed, but their belief was that all the failure would be worth just one success. The information that would be gathered could potentially save hundreds or even thousands of lives in the future.

We read in the Gospels that when the people heard Jesus might be coming their way, they would gather up all the sick and lame and wait for Him to come along, in hopes of His healing. Some had so much faith that they believed just touching Jesus' garment as he strolled by would heal them. One soldier even believed that Jesus could save someone from a distance; Jesus did not actually have to be there to heal. Today we have learned a lot more about the healing power of Christ. No, He does not have to physically touch us to change us. We don't even have to wait around and see if He will be coming our way. We can go to Him, and we can do it right this very minute. Do you need healing in your life? Is there a certain situation that you are facing that is driving you crazy? Is your heart broken because of a broken relationship? There is no reason to wait for Jesus to come by; He is already right here with you and me. All we have to do is ask for His help, and He will hear us immediately.

Psalm 55:17 says, "Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."

Father, I thank you that we can come to You instantly, asking for Your perfect help. You are well-aware of the battle I have been facing. Lord, I ask you to heal me. I will never give up on You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Rock-Solid

I watched a group of my students today near the end of class trying to build a house from a deck of cards. Most couldn't even get past the second level before the house of cards came tumbling down. One student did manage to build a 4-story house, but it also came crashing down when the table was slightly nudged. To build a sturdy house, one needs to use materials that are much stronger than flimsy cards. And though the materials used must be strong, the foundation on which those materials are built must be even stronger.

In Matthew chapter 7, we are told that two kinds of life-building foundations are available. One foundation is as solid as a rock-the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. The other foundation is like shifting sand-the foundation of human pride. Our life might be outwardly impressive, but if it is built on the wrong foundation, difficult circumstances will soon level what we have built. Like a fragile house of cards, our life will come crashing down. How much better to build our life on the solid foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. Then when the inevitable storms of life come, we will not be destroyed.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:24, "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock."

Father, thank you for the Solid Foundation that is Jesus Christ. Help us to always depend on Him. In Jesus name, Amen.

Dodge ball

I saw a group of kids doing something today that I have not seen in years: They were playing dodge ball. It sure brought back some memories of my elementary days in New Jersey. I still remember playing dodge ball almost everyday at P.E. Because of my small frame, I was not a very easy target back in those days. Oh Lord, I just got a funny thought: What if I played dodge ball today? Let's just say I won't be playing dodge ball today. My opponent would be able to peg me from 30 yards like a heat-seeking missile ripping through a slow-moving target. I played all kinds of sports growing up, but today I get winded just watching sports on TV. I can remember my days playing 3rd base. I can still see myself diving all over the place for the ball. But today, if the ball rolls 5 feet on either side of me...it's a home run!

You know, that dodge ball is kind of like trials and tribulations that all of us have to face sometimes. When we were younger, we seemed capable of dodging troubles a lot easier than we do as adults. Maybe the troubles are just bigger today, or we are just not as agile as we once were. If the trials I have suffered through this past year are dodge balls, I have certainly felt like the super-fat kid in the middle trying to avoid getting beamed. It has not been easy, and further, it is still very far from being over. But you know what? If God has brought me to it, He will certainly bring me through it. The Bible says we are to praise God during trials. Honestly, I can't say I have thanked Him for allowing me to be hit by those dodge balls, but I have certainly thanked Him that none of them have knocked me unconscious either. One good thing has come from all of it. With all this "exercise" I have been getting from trying to avoid being slammed by the ball, I have lost tons of weight and have gotten into much better shape spiritually. God is a lot of amazing things to me, including being an incredible trainer!

Isaiah 40:29 says, "The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases power of the weak."

Father, thank you for helping me with all my personal trials. I know I am not alone, and that there are many others out there who are also dealing with trials. We thank you that you will never abandon us, and that you will supply us with the strength we need to endure all things. In Jesus name, Amen.

"Go..Go..Go Team Go"

College football is here again! I hope your favorite team won this weekend. I am an Alabama fan and was glad to see it defeat one of the top teams in the country. I was hosting my radio show during the game and only got to see bits and pieces of it between songs. Luckily there was a TV in the production room at the station. But something major happened during the course of the game that changed it forever for me. I have always enjoyed college football, but I think I lost a great deal of passion for the game tonight. The Georgia Dome was jam-packed with thousands of screaming fans, some of which have been waiting in the parking lot since Wednesday. Sometime during the game, my mind switched from football to Jesus. What happened at that moment is very hard to explain. I don't know if I am right or if I am wrong for feeling the way that I all of a sudden felt. But I do know that something in me changed forever.

Why do we tend to get so fired-up for a college football game but not as fired-up for Jesus? Think about it for just a second. We plan months in advance to go see a big game. We spend our very hard-earned money for over-priced tickets. We take off work and head to the game many hours, and sometimes even days before kickoff. We walk into the stadium along with tens of thousands of other die-hard fans. We cheer our heads off when our team scores a touchdown, and almost cry when the other team scores. We experience so much emotion from this game. But why don't we also experience the same amount of emotion for Jesus? When was the last time we arrived at church hours before the service started and "tail-gated" in the parking lot with other die-hard Jesus fans? When was the last time we placed our hard-earned money in the offering plate? When was the last time we stood up and cheered our heads off when another person accepted Christ? Please don't get me wrong. I am not judging anyone, nor am I saying there is anything wrong with having so much passion for college football. But for me personally, tonight I felt guilty that I don't have the same amount of passion for Jesus. It hurts me to know I can sit 3 or 4 hours in front of a college football game, but after just 15 minutes at church, I begin starring a hole in my watch. Oh Lord, please forgive me.

I Peter 2:2 says, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."

My dear heavenly father, thank you so much for college football. Please forgive me, though, for being more excited about some games than I am about You. It is so hard to admit that. But You already know what is in my heart, and I beg You to please get me more fired-up for Christ. I can not do that alone. I need You for every single thing in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Drifting Off-Course

Tragedy struck on this day in 1983 when Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down by a Russian MiG Fighter over the Sea of Japan. The airliner was en route to Seoul from New York City via Anchorage, Alaska. All 269 innocent lives were lost. The pilot would later be charged with the disaster for straying off-course, and into prohibited Russian airspace. Investigations revealed that the pilot was most likely completely unaware that he had veered off-course less than 2 degrees. Although not much initially, a two-degree error really adds up over a long distance. The really sad part was that the Russian fighter jet chased the airliner for some time. When it finally fired on the "target", the airliner had already crossed back into friendly airspace. Questions still surround the incident to this day.

How many times do we drift off-course while following Jesus? We can find ourselves wandering from His "friendly airspace", and crossing into the "Evil airspace" of Satan. Just a little mistake here and there can really add up over the long-term. Before we get shot down by Satan, we need to contact the control tower of Christ and get back on His course. Jesus is the never-changing God who completely and unconditionally loves us. He is willing to keep us on-course like a train on rails. Many times we drift away when we are not completely paying attention to Him. Today, let's make sure we are following Him exactly. Pray and ask God to keep you on-course for the duration of your "flight".

Psalm 91:11 says, "For He shall give angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all ways."

Father, please forgive us for drifting off-course. Help us to get right with You before disaster strikes. In Jesus name, Amen.