master

DEAR GOD: We’re Keeping YOU as Our Ultimate Champion!”

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God in Everything

The Super Bowl and Our Love of Sports: A Personal Reflection

As the Super Bowl approaches, the nation gears up for one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Fans don their team colors, prepare lavish spreads, and gather with friends and family to cheer on their favorite teams. The excitement is palpable, and the devotion to the game and its players is awe-inspiring.

There’s something uniquely compelling about the world of sports. It unites people across cultures and backgrounds, providing a common ground where differences melt away. Athletes become heroes, their feats of strength and skill leaving us in awe. The Super Bowl, in particular, has grown into more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, an event that captures the collective attention of millions.

However, amidst this fervor, it’s essential to reflect on the place sports occupy in our lives. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying sports and celebrating the achievements of athletes. Yet, it becomes a problem when these passions overshadow our devotion to God and when the game and its stars are placed above our Creator in our hearts.

Imagine if we channeled just a tenth of the passion we have for sports into our spiritual lives. Imagine if the energy spent memorizing player stats was instead dedicated to studying the Word. Our souls would thrive, and our relationship with God would deepen.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of keeping God first in our lives. In Matthew 6:33 (KJV), we are told, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This verse highlights the need to prioritize our spiritual journey above all else.

Another scripture that speaks to this balance is 1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV), which says, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” While physical pursuits have their place, it is our pursuit of godliness that holds eternal value.

As we cheer for our favorite teams and revel in the excitement of the Super Bowl, let us also take time to reflect on our spiritual priorities. Are we giving God the attention and devotion He deserves? Are we allowing our love for sports to eclipse our love for Him?

Reflective questions to ponder:

  • Do I spend more time following sports than I do in prayer and reading the Bible?
  • Is my enthusiasm for the game greater than my enthusiasm for sharing God’s love with others?
  • How can I better balance my love for sports with my commitment to my faith?

Moral thoughts and attitudes to consider:

  • Enjoying sports is not inherently wrong, but it should never take precedence over our relationship with God.
  • We can admire athletes and celebrate their accomplishments, but our ultimate hero and guide should always be Jesus Christ.
  • By keeping our focus on God, we can find true fulfillment and purpose that transcends the temporary excitement of any game.

In closing, let us remember that God is our quarterback, our team captain, and our star athlete every day. He leads us, guides us, and strengthens us in ways no human can. Let us prioritize our relationship with Him and find joy in His presence. Remember that God is our “everything” and the only One that sustains, maintains, and loves us fully beyond our human comprehension. He is essentially all things to all people. He is our star Quarterback, He is our team Captain, He is our Coach, He is our Manager, He is our Boss, and He is our Father and LORD of lords, King of kings!

“LORD-we thank You for the joy and excitement that sports bring into our lives. Help us to keep our priorities in order and to seek You first in all things. Bless the athletes and teams participating in the Super Bowl, and may they compete with integrity and respect. Guide us to balance our love for sports with our love for You, and may our lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Blessings and good wishes to both teams in the Super Bowl. May the best team win, and may we all keep our hearts focused on what truly matters- Our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ!

God Bless you All~

God in Everything

 

DEAR GOD: We Are All Wonderfully Made By Your Hands~

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Creation | La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: A Reflection on Psalm 139:13-14

Introduction

The verses from Psalm 139:13-14 express a profound recognition of the LORD’s Divine craftsmanship in the creation of human life. The psalmist acknowledges that God’s involvement in our formation is not distant or detached but intimate and personal. This post will explore the moral implications of these verses, supported by additional scripture, with reflective questions and a moral takeaway.

Body

The phrase “thou hast possessed my reins” signifies God’s deep knowledge and control over our innermost being. The term “reins” in the Hebrew context refers to the kidneys, which were thought to be the seat of emotions and desires. This metaphor suggests that God understands our feelings and inclinations fully.

“You knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13) further emphasizes the individual care God takes in shaping each person. This imagery of knitting conveys a sense of purpose and intentionality. Every thread of our being, every strand of DNA, is woven with precision and care.

The moral dimension of these verses is clear: if we are intricately created by God, then every life has inherent value and purpose. This belief is echoed in Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The image of God, within us bestows a dignity that demands respect and love for oneself and others.

Reflective Questions

  • How does the knowledge that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” affect your self-esteem and the way you treat others?
  • In what ways can you honor the LORD’s craftsmanship in your life?
  • How does recognizing the value of every human life influence your views on social issues?

Supporting Scripture

Jeremiah 1:5 states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” This preordained purpose highlights that our existence is not accidental but part of a greater overall Divine plan.

Ephesians 2:10 also supports this notion: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our lives are meant for good works, actions that reflect the goodness of our Creator.

Conclusion

The recognition that we are fearfully and wonderfully made should lead us to a life of gratitude and purpose. Understanding our worth in God’s eyes can transform our perspective, inspiring us to live in a way that honors our the LORD’s Divine craftsmanship.

Closing Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with such care and detail. Help me to see myself and others through Your eyes, recognizing the worth and purpose You have placed in every life. Guide me to live out the good works You have prepared for me and do all according to Your will and purpose in my life, today, tomorrow and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Takeaway Moral Thought

We are not random products of chance but masterpieces of our Divine and Master Artist and Creator, the LORD of lords and King of kings. Let us live with the dignity and purpose befitting such a work of art, treating ourselves and others with the love and respect that our Creator has shown us.

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May these verses from Psalm 139:13-14 invite us to consider our own lives and the lives of those around us with renewed reverence and responsibility, recognizing the LORD’s touch and creation in every human soul.