Tuesday’s Verse:
From Philippians 4:11 ESV
“For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
From the end of the Jets’ game Sunday afternoon, our local sports radio stations and certain YouTube channels were lightning rods for angry fans. They screamed about everything - the coach has to go, the defense died on the field, the owner has to sell, etc. They were really worked up that there were far more Las Vegas Raiders fans than Jets fans at MetLife Stadium.
And next Sunday, of course, they'll be watching the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Love for sports and rooting for your team is never a bad thing. There are many great things about sports. You can make friends and create amazing memories. However, we can let a game of football take away from our joy.
Saint Paul knew what it was like to be disappointed. He was imprisoned, persecuted, suffered, and went through many trials. Paul came to know that he could be content regardless of his situation because he had Jesus in his life.
Something we should all remember.
As humans, we want things to always go our way. When they don't, we get upset. God is telling us that we will find joy when we put our trust in Him. Not from a team winning or how many championships you have.
By Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, He conquered death and the devil. Jesus will never leave us or fail to fulfill what He said he would do.
So root for your team. Enjoy when your team wins and shake your head when they lose. Just remember there is always another day. Another opportunity for God's mercy and forgiveness. Your salvation does not rest on your team's win-loss record.
Today’s Prayers
Lord, please forgive us for getting upset over disappointments in life. Help us enjoy what You give us in life and not place it above You. May we remember that Jesus Christ conquered sin and death and will always stand with us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Photo by Myron Mott on Unsplash