Daily Devotional for Friday November 26, 1999

Growing Up As A Sports Fan

(Matthew 22:29)

Growing up as a sports fan, my favorite announcer was Howard Cosell. Howard was famous for "telling it like it was," of course, according to Howard. Because he was bold enough to say what he felt, Cosell was a very controversial figure. Throughout the Bible, those who "told it like it was" in regard to God's Word, were also very controversial. Steven was stoned for telling the truth of God's Word. Paul went through many of his great trials for telling the truth of God's Word, no matter how unpopular that was. The Old Testament prophets were often killed for telling the truth of God's Word to a society that wasn't interested in the truth, but only their own pleasures. Today, many of God's spokesmen are shunned or ignored by much of society for having the courage to "tell it like it is."

10 years ago, the first 3 years of my ministry was spent in over 500 churches of all denominations doing evangelistic meetings. One thing I can say I have never done is candy-coat or hold back the truth of God's Word, no matter how difficult it may be for some people to hear. I have always been a direct person, and the last place we need political correctness is in the pulpit. Over the years I have counseled with and spent endless hours in prayer over so many of God's people in desperate trouble, simply because they were ignorant of God's Word. The Bible has direction for every facet of life and God's plan for how we can live a joyous and victorious life for Him. I am convinced that a lot of the problem stems from the "soft, warm fuzzy, feel-good, non-offensive" teachings so many are exposed to each Sunday. So many of God's people are just not prepared to deal with real life in relation to their faith in Christ.

Let me say up front that I apologize if from time to time I make statements that offend you. I try to write each morning under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and give you what God has for you that day. If I give my personal opinion I will always tell you, though I mostly try to give you what God says from His Word. Because of space I sometimes don't elaborate scripturally the way I should at certain times, and I'll try to be more diligent in that regard. What I can promise you is that each day I will share what God wants me to say, from His Word, and not only challenge you but encourage you to be all He wants you to be. Now more than ever, the Lord needs strong men and women who are capable of helping Him lead those in the darkness into His marvelous light.

I love you, I care about you, and I promise that each day I will do my best to help motivate you to give God your best each and every day. The real challenge I give you today is to understand that God's Word is not always pleasant to hear, not always pleasant to follow, not always what we want to do. But God knows us, loves us, and has put His Word there as a road map so that we can know His peace, His joy, and live a productive life of service for our Lord. Never be afraid to challenge the things I might say, or demand scriptural back-up, since that is the test of truth. Not did a man say it, but did God say it. After seeing Liveprayer off for a few days, I appreciate even more the opportunity God has given us to share His love with you each day. I am even more determined than ever to challenge and encourage you to give your life 100% to Him, to know the ultimate joy of this life.

May you have a blessed day and may His Word be forever a reminder that there is black and white, there is ultimate truth. We don't have to figure out this journey all by ourselves.