As Christians, We Should Be Known By Our Love
This week in the Dispatch:
2020 Trivia!
A great book for men
A YouVersion plan that allows you to redefine love God’s way
The Awesome Marriage Podcast looks at being really connected
Some of my “Random Thoughts” in Insights
Three diverse Challenges!
A big Next Step!
This Week’s Quick Hits:
It just ended but can you answer these 2020 Trivia Questions?
Which country legend known for “Island in the Stream” and “The Gambler” sadly died in March 2020?
Which 2020 film starring Robert Downey, Jr. tells the story of a physician who can talk to animals?
What was the name of the Netflix documentary about Joe Exotic that got everyone talking?
“Stupid Love” was the debut single from the album “Chromatica” by which US superstar?
a) Lady Gaga
b) Britney Spears
c) Madonna
Best known for the song “Stay With Me,” which English singer released “To Die For” in 2020?
Book:
Let the World See You by Sam Acho
Sam Acho played football at the University of Texas and has had an amazing NFL career with the Cardinals, the Bears, The Bills, and the Buccaneers. Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Sam as we recorded a podcast together. We talked about Sam’s new book “Let the World See You.” I love this book. I think every man can benefit from it. Sam is completely honest, open and transparent. He talks of the years he hid behind being an NFL tough guy and the freedom he has discovered by being who God created him to be. If you have fears, this book can help you rise above them. It explores the difference “taking off your mask” can make in your life. Two weeks ago I just knew Sam as another NFL player. Today, I consider him a good friend. Guys, don’t miss this one! Read it or listen to it, just don’t miss it!
YouVersion Plan:
This week’s featured Awesome Marriage YouVersion plan is “Redefining Love.” In this seven-day plan, I explore God’s definition of love and how that relates to us and our marriage. Each day has a short video, a challenge for you, and the opportunity to go deeper if you choose to.
Podcasts:
Next Tuesday on the Awesome Marriage podcast Christina and I will talk about “Moving Past Superficial Connection.” Communication and connection are key in marriage but it’s easy to settle for a superficial connection. Don't settle for that! Join us as we explore ideas to better connect to your spouse!
Insights
Random Thoughts
I was talking to my friend Allen yesterday about this new year and what we thought about it so far. Allen made an interesting observation. He asked, “Do you remember when we bought so many minutes per month on our cell phones.” Then he asked me, “Do you remember that if you didn’t use all your minutes in a month, they ‘rolled over’ to the next month?” He said, “I feel like some 2020 minutes have rolled over into 2021!” I thought that was a pretty accurate picture of 2021 so far. Hopefully, we are about through with those 2020 “rollover minutes.”
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Do you ever get stuck wondering what you are supposed to do and what God is supposed to do in your life? If I want to be a better husband do I just sit back and let God do it? Or am I to be intentional and do my best every day? Can I do it on my own? Will God do it on His own? Here are my thoughts. It takes both. Could I just sit there and let God make me into this most amazing husband in the world? Actually, yes. If I ask God in, He can do anything. So on one hand I believe God can. But will He? Is that what is really best for me? My experience is that God wants me to include Him and me to take action. I pray and seek His guidance and help. Then He answers prayer and keeps me on the right path. It is like I pray and work as hard as I can while God is doing His part. For me, that works the best. What I want gets accomplished and God teaches me along the way!
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Black History Month was first celebrated in 1970 at Kent State University in the United States. Since then Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have joined in the celebration. This year it begins on Monday, February 1st and ends Sunday, February 28th. It is a time to pause and celebrate what has been achieved and to focus on what still needs to be accomplished. 2020 was full of racial tension. I think through this difficult time, we have been able to see the depth of the problem. Today we need to seek answers and to seek change. What a great time for us to unite and fight for rights together instead of apart. I cherish my Black friends and I think they cherish me. I know God loves each of us equally. Simply, I think that is the answer. Love. Jesus said, “Show you are Christians by your love.
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If there ever was a time to focus on your marriage, I believe the time is now! It is not like marriage in our culture was doing great before COVID, but COVID has taken a toll on marriages. As humans we do interesting things when stressed. Unfortunately, many of the things we do are destructive and sometimes deadly to our marriages. Choosing porn, affairs, abusing drugs and/or alcohol, rage and abuse will never end well. This would be a great time for you and your spouse to rate your marriage. Use a one to ten scale, with 10 being the best. What’s your score? What would be a logical next step for the two of you? Counseling, a mentor couple, get back in church, get in church for the first time, be part of a small group, pray together, read the Bible together, read YouVersion plans together, plan and take a weekend getaway, have a date night, work on communication, work on conflict resolution, work on your sex life, or make and implement a budget. There are a lot of options. Pick one that fits you and commit to building your marriage. Why not start this weekend?
Challenge:
Share with each other your hopes, dreams, and fears of 2021.
What does God want you to do that you are not doing? What is the barrier? Pray and begin to remove that barrier today.
How can you join the celebration of Black History Month?
Next Step:
If you did a random poll of all the people in your life - spouse, family, friends, coworkers - asking them if they ever saw Jesus in you, what do you think they would say? By “seeing Jesus in you,” I mean, do they see the lifestyle Jesus taught and lived carried out in your life? I don’t mean you have to be perfect because you could not anyway. It means it is the filter you put everything “you” through.
Make one change this week that would get you closer to a Jesus way of life!
Trivia Answers:
Kenny Rogers
Dr. Dolittle
Tiger King
Lady Gaga
Sam Smith
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