The Pointe

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.James 3:1-2

If we are honest with ourselves, most of us would have to admit that some of our biggest regrets have to do with hurtful words we have said to someone else. We may have spouted off in anger at someone. We may have said something behind someone’s back. And as much as we want to take those words back, we can’t.

On the other hand, some of our greatest joys can come from encouraging words we have heard others speak: “I love you.” “You did well.” “Thank you.”

Words are powerful indicators of our spiritual maturity. And if we could control the tongue, James says, we would be well on the way to discovering the life God has for us. We would be full of moral and spiritual growth, the kind of growth that is the theme of the Book of James.

God wants each of us to have an authentic faith, a true faith that is lived out. And that includes everything we say. And as you begin to live out that truth every day, you will discover what it means to keep your “whole body in check.”

During his days as president, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback. They came to a river which had left its banks because of a recent downpour. The swollen river had washed the bridge away. Each rider was forced to cross the river on horseback, fighting for his life against the rapid currents. The very real possibility of death threatened each rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch. After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked President Jefferson if he would carry him across the river. The president agreed without hesitation. The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter the two of them made it safely to the other side. As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, “Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor of?” The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him. “All I know,” he said, “Is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No,’ and on some of them was the answer ‘yes.’ His was a ‘Yes’ face.”
 
Do not lay down your confidence - it will take you far and not let you down in troubles.  Hebrew 10:35

During the French war, a train carrying dispatches to the headquarters was compelled to go over sixty miles of very rough road, and reach its destination within an hour. The engineer was the bearer of the dispatches, and his wife and child were in the coach. Every moment threatened to pitch the train over the embankment or over a bridge, and, as it rolled from side to side, leaping at times almost in the air, rushing past stations, the few people inside held their breath and often cried out with terror as they sped along. There was one on that train who knew nothing of their fears and that was the child of the engineer. Happy as a bird, she laughed aloud when asked if she were not afraid, and looked up and answered, “Why, my father is at the engine.” A little later, the engineer came into the car to cheer up his wife and, as he wiped the great drops of sweat from his face, the child leaped into his arms and laid her head upon his bosom, as happy and peaceful as when at home.

What a lesson for us!  Life happens in a hurry and is sometimes scary.  Our Heavenly Father brings us though the pains, discouragements, fear, bitterness, and loneliness that we feel when we think that in a bad situation, we are the only one suffering in the world.  He said He woud always be with us!  We just need to believe it!  Stay strong in HIM!  

Keith Hernandez is one of baseball’s top players. He is a lifetime .300 hitter who has won numerous Golden Glove awards for excellence in fielding. He’s won a batting championship for having the highest average, the Most Valuable Player award in his league, and even the World Series. Yet with all his accomplishments, he has missed out on something crucially important to him — his father’s acceptance and recognition that what he has accomplished is valuable. Listen to what he had to say in a very candid interview about his relationship with his father: “One day Keith asked his father, ‘Dad, I have a lifetime 300 batting average. What more do you want?’ His father replied, ‘But someday you’re going to look back and say, “I could have done more”  

Moments are small spaces of time.  People experience numerous moments everyday they breathe.  Fill those moments with life that you will not regret.  Moments of time pass quickly and they will never pass by again.  So, DO IT!  DO IT NOW!  LIVE YOUR DREAMS!  LIVE OUT LOUD!  Don’t regret the moments!    

Have you ever felt lonely in a crowded room?  Have you ever felt abandoned by the ones who are suppose to love and protect you?  Check out this true story…. 
During WWII six Navy pilots left their aircraft carrier on a mission. After searching the seas for enemy submarines, they tried to return to their ship shortly after dark. But the captain had ordered a blackout of all lights on the ship. Over and over the frantic pilots radioed, asking for just one light so they could see to land. But the pilots were told that the blackout could not be lifted. After several appeals and denials of their request, the ship’s operator turned the switch to break radio contact–and the pilots were forced to ditch in the ocean. 
There is one thing you can count on - God said he would never leave you or forsake you.  People will come and go, but God is constant and true.  Talk to him.  He has been waiting to hear from you!