A NEW Beginning!

     Last Sunday night, Peyton Manning showed why he is one of the greatest QB's to ever play the game.   Despite being written off by many, after suffering a neck injury and missing the 2011 season, the QB got off to a FRESH start in 2012 by throwing his 400th TD pass, becoming only the 3rd QB in history to do so.  His incredible journey over the last year teaches us a couple of vital lessons.

     First, his story shows us that you can still be productive despite experiencing pain in the past.  After suffering the neck injury, many questioned his ability to ever play football again.  Instead of remembering all of the previous passing records that he set, many folks only focused on his pain.  Has that ever been your experience?  People overlook the positives in your life and only point to what has caused you pain.  However Peyton shows us that having painful experiences doesn't have to paralyze our productivity. Despite being 36, the headlines Monday morning read, "Peyton look like old Manning last night."  Much of this can be attributed to the hard work he has put in over the past year.  Similarly, God often uses pain not to disable us but instead to develop us for greater productivity.

     Secondly, his story illustrates that you can triumph even when you've been traded!  Despite developing the Indianpolis Colts into one of the most successful NFL teams and even helping them win a championship, Peyton was thrown under the bus by his former team.  Have you ever been kicked to the curb?  It can be difficult especially when you're dismissed by someone you've helped develop.  But from his experience we learn that even when one team sees you as useless there's another team that sees you as useful and will give you another chance! 

Today, if you've had a painful past or have been put on waivers by your former team, the Good News is that TEAM JESUS wants to give you a new beginning and help you experience true victory!

PEACE!

Fresh Start

     Well the NFL football season began with a blast last night as the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants.  In 2011, the Cowboys had a disappointing season in which they failed to make the playoffs.  Interestingly, their final game last season was a loss against the same New York Giants, who later went on to win the Super Bowl.  Although I'm not a Cowboy fan it was good to see them put the past behind and begin the new season with a fresh start.
     Have you ever needed a FRESH start?  If we are honest with ourselves, from time to time all of us need a new beginning, or the slate wiped clean. Thankfully the Bible let's us know that God in His grace, daily gives us a "do over".  Lamentations 3:23 says, "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."
     While playing one of my favorite basketball games with my son, O-U-T (Out), I was reminded about the significance of a do over.  My son had already gotten an "U" and had just missed a shot to earn a "T", which meant he would lose the game.  As he missed he hollered out, "Daddy I need a do over, give me another shot!"  Of course sympathetically, I agreed and allowed him to shoot again.  He not only hit that shot but ended up hitting the remainder of his shots and winning the game (he must take after his dad)! 
No matter how many shots you have missed,  or how disappointing or discouraging your last season has been, the Good News is that God does not want you to lose.  He is the God of another chance!

     If you are looking for a FRESH start, or are without a church home, join us at Pilgrim Rest MBC this Sunday September 9 at 11:00 a.m, as I begin a new era as Pastor.  In the coming weeks we will share a series of messages that will be tailored to teach how God gives us a "FRESH" start.  Come and be blessed!

PEACE!