Sweet Sixteen

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15

The US is in a frenzy over sports once again with the NCAA Brackets and Sweet Sixteen for basketball. I thought well why not come up with a Christians sweet sixteen to coincide with the round ball sport craziness.

Savior, wellspring, encourager, eternal, truth. Supreme, I Am, X-tra ordinary, Teacher, Everlasting, Emmanuel, Nazarene. There you have it. 12 words describing our Lord and savior built upon the words Sweet Sixteen, who knew round ball  could have a Biblical connotation?

Don’t let sports be your entire center of existence whether it is football, baseball, basketball or a host of many other ones. God created the ability for these athletes to excel and  hopefully give Him the glory when they do. Don’t let any sport become your God. Enjoy then for entertainment but the sport you need is ‘running’  hard after God. Just do it!

 PRAYER: I want to follow hard after you. So much in life takes you out if the center. No matter what Lord you get first billing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sweet Sixteen

 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23(NIV)

This is time of year here in the United States when college basketball fans get very excited. Welcome to the NCAA Men's College Basketball playoffs capped off by the top 16 teams known as "The Sweet Sixteen."  What a great time for we believers in Jesus to come up with our own "sweet sixteen." It could be 16 attributes of God. Sixteen blessings. Sixteen scriptures that are your favorite. This time of year would be great time to practice this discipline.

For my 16 I chose attributes of God. Wake up each day and say "Hello Jesus" then begin reading your list. God you are mighty, great, powerful, ever present, forgiving, gracious, kind, loving, merciful, all knowing, in control, my Father, Lord of lords, compassionate, truthful, and patient. It does not have to be March to do your sweet sixteen list to God. Any month or every month will suffice.

You can be in a fever pitch over basketball and the "brackets" wondering who is going to win the whole thing. This is temporary and passing, but God's love is never a passing fad or changing crown. 

PRAYER: It is easy to come up with sixteen ways to praise you and thank you Lord for you are awesome and your love endures forever. In Jesus' name. Amen.