Playing Within the Game Plan

Have you ever seen a player who has hurt his team by trying to do more than he has been asked to do? It winds up frustrating the player who is trying too hard, as well as his teammates, and isn’t a productive way to achieve the team’s goals.

Peter cut off the ear of a Roman soldier who came to arrest Jesus (John 18:10-11). Jesus told him “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Annanias and Sapphira wanted to look good by claiming to give the church all of the money from the sale of their property (Acts 5:1-11). They had actually held some money back for themselves. Their deceit led to both of their deaths. Moses striking the rock and David committing adultery with Bathsheba are yet other reminders in the Bible of people thinking their plan is better than God’s.

What area of your life do you think you know better than God? Jeremiah 29:11 tells us “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Won’t you trust your next decision to the God who gives you hope and a future?

Freedom Isn’t Free

Many Americans this past weekend celebrated the anniversary of our country’s Declaration of Independence. However, this isn’t the most important freedom afforded to us. Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection provide freedom from eternal death and torment in the lake of fire. We often remember our soldiers on government established holidays....how often do we remember what God has done for us?

America was not satisfied with being the only free country in the world. America has come to the aid of Europe on several occasions and even helped rebuild countries that once warred against it (e.g. Germany, Japan). Likewise, Christians are not to be simply be satisfied with gaining their own freedom....Christians are called to be shining examples to the world of what living in God’s freedom looks like. In addition, Christians are tasked with proclaiming the truth that God has made evident in their lives.

So, let us be thankful for those who fought (and are fighting) for America’s freedom. Let us also give thanks to Christ for providing our ultimate freedom. Then we need to take the actions we are called to by our American and Christian citizenships.