Posts made in January 2016

A Christmas Message: “Bending Our Knees”

Posted on Jan 8, 2016 in Faith | 0 comments

Happy New Year, Readers!  Following is a copy of my Christmas 2015 Newsletter… its content to be enjoyed any day, all year long!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end….The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

This past September I had the pleasure of attending the U.S. Open and watching some of the best tennis players in the world.  A lover of sports competition and a tennis player since my youth, beholding a fantastic Grand Slam tennis match is for me a slice of heaven.  The norm, of course, is watching these gifted men and women on television, so to be up close and personal–witnessing how hard and how beautifully they smack the ball–was truly a treat.

But even more than the thrill, God surprised me by using these professional athletes to speak to my heart.  The late Yogi Berra’s statement, “You can observe a lot by just watching,” proved true.  For three days I watched the best of the best.  While my mind absorbed common traits of world-class tennis players, God showed me ways we can live the best in relationship with Him.  Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  On Christmas Day we celebrate God’s most precious gift to us of Jesus, but I think having life “to the full” means unwrapping and cherishing that gift all year long.  Getting to know “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” each and every day (Ephesians 3:18).  Even if you’re not a tennis fan, I encourage you to read on; our Creator’s “coaching” is for us all, and because His “tips” are founded on love and truth, they always lead to victory.