One Playbook One Success

In today's society it's becoming more and more difficult to follow the playbook.  Many people would like to believe that they do not need to follow the playbook to cross the ultimate goal line.

How does one get from Point A to Point B?  I would argue that one has to start with Faith.  Without Faith how do you even get to Point A? Without Faith it is impossible to please God the bible tells us. John 3:16 is the start to that process. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

 We live in a world that is filled with confusion and disappointment.  What is right anymore?  We live in a world where reality shows is reality for many.  We live in a world where "shacking up" is accepted over the unity of marriage.  We live in a world where disrepecting parents is more prevalent than honoring them.  We live in a world where public use of profanity is celebrated above the name of Jesus.  We live in a world where sagging your pants is more cool than wearring them at the waist line.  We live in a world where having premarital sex and teenage sex is admired more than being a virgin.  We live in a world where children being born out of wedlock is a norm.  We live in a world of political correctness instead of Godly righteousness, I would suggest that we would be better off living in a world of "In God We Trust!"

I like to think that at forty-one years old I'm still fairly young.  In saying that, I'm still taken aback by how dilluted and polluted our world has become over the past two decades.  I believe it has much to do with society's turn from following "The Playbook" and turning to following the world.  We have taken prayer out of the school and replaced it with drugs and guns.  How is that working out for us?

Perhaps by now you have surmised what the "Playbook" is, if you haven't, it is the in errant Word of God, the Bible.  Jesus clearly tells us that the devil comes to kill, steal and destroy but that He came that we might have life and life more abundantly.  The bible also tells us in Proverbs that "There is a way that seems right to man but in the end that way leads to death".  Think about that!  Two things comes to mind, one that if we will follow God's word we will flow in peace and success and cross the ultimate goal line of eternal life. The second is that we have our own mind and we can choose to follow our own playbook or the world's and cross the goal line of destruction.

I have always found the parallels in the days of the bible and today interesting.  Destruction clearly transpired in the bible days with God being displeased in what He was seeing.  I also like the individuals that choose to take part of the bible to be true.  For instance, I hear people talking about Heaven quite often whether on television or in various circles but  the only time I hear about Hell is in church or when someone is cussing.  Chew on that for a moment.  So part of the playbook of life is okay to believe?  I leave you with this... Should bad behavior be rewarded?  Does an athlete play for the Dallas Cowboys and receive a paycheck from the Washington Redskins? Does an employee of IBM follow the employee handbook of Merrill Lynch and continue to have success at IBM? 

When is the last time you read God's playbook?

Who's Your Teammate?

Where I grew up, in Los Angeles (Watts), the population was predominantly black.  I was not exposed to diversity early on.  Then my mother moved the family back to her hometown of Palatka, Fl.  Palatka was made up of blacks and whites primarily at that time.  I can remember my first experience in school hearing and feeling the racism in elementary school.  This was expressed from both sides.  Coming from L.A., even though I grew up in a black area (Watts), I was not exposed to racism.  I did not know the difference because my mom did not teach us any different.  However, I was receiving a crash course in racism.

I discovered quickly in Palatka that black kids associated with black kids only and the same was true with whites.  It seemed to get better when I reached middle school and high school through sports.  However, there were white kids who would visit with me in school but if I ran into them in the store or mall with their parents, they would act as if they did not know me.  This perplexed me.  Eventually I did have white friends I would visit the homes of and vica versa.  We are still friends to this day.  Again, my mother did not teach us any different.  Today not much has changed at my high school. If you were to walk in my high school during lunch you would see a segregated lunch hour.

I soon learned just how segregated and full of hatred the town was.  I discovered that racism existed from both sides, however it did not come from the kids but from the parents.  People are not born racist they are taught to be racist.  Most people will not admit this but there are racist people in all races and ethnic groups. 

I had an eye-opening experience over the Fourth of July weekend 2011.  My wife's cousin's boyfriend, stay with me, suggested to me that religion is like racism.  After I pondered the thought for a minute, I had to agree with him.  Sundays in America are one of the most segregated days.  Religion and racism is of man.  Relationship and diversity is of God.  If you want to have a relationship with a man worship religion if you want to have a relationship with God worship Him.  In other words identify yourself with God not a denomination.  People throw out their religion party as more than they throw out their political party. 

Let's talk about God's team.  I was recently reminded of a quote from Martin Luther King's famous "I Have A Dream" speech.  He spoke about people of all colors being able to share and interact together in harmony.  I believe diversity is one of the greatest gifts God has given us.  It allows us an opportunity to grow as people and see the true power of God's love.  It is the great test of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves.  I am convinced that should be more evident in our churches and our lives. 

An athletic team wants to win and they find the best people to help them win, not based on color.  I believe there is a lot of value in the phrase, "Together we stand, divided we fall."  I believe our churches should represent this more than the club or bar.  Clubs and bars are more integrated than the church and this must first start at home with our youth.  I can remember a lesson discussed in one of my college courses (social work), when my professor presented a statement for the class to ponder, "I would not mind them being my neighbor but I would not want my son or daughter marrying one."  This tends to be the sentiment of many people, whether in or out the church.

I am not promoting interracial marriage but what I am promoting is loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, regardless of their skin color.  My wife is hispanic but she has a lighter skin tone.  It is funny because there were times over the years and even now from time to time that we get those looks.  You know what looks I am talking about.

I believe we can change our communities by changing the color of Sundays because genuine love should start from God's people.  We should not have to wait until a catastrophe happens for us to show God's love.  Our youth should know that God loves everyone and he commands us to love everyone.  Racism is not a trait of God nor is it in the DNA of God.  Do you need a DNA test?

The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you wil be destroyed by each other. Galations 5:14-15 NIV


Who is your neighbor?

Spring Ball and Spring Cleaning 2012

It's spring time!  It's that time of year when individuals go through the cabinets, closets, and crevaces to get rid of the things that are prohibiting them from operating a clean and winning apartment, condo or house.  It's the time when college football teams are working on getting better as a team with the goal of winning a championship!  It's that time of year when dads are working alongside moms in the yard to win the neighborhood championship! It's that time of the year when major league baseball players are in spring training working on the goal of winning the World Series!

In Spring 2010 I was preparing to hit the practice field as a newly promoted Associate Head Football Coach and Offensive Coordinator.  I should have been filled with excitement and joy, right?  Wrong!  There was something missing.  I loved football, I loved coaching football but there was something missing.  In Spring 2011 I had walked away from the game I loved, the game that truly was the instrument that changed my life but there something still missing. I was empty and searching for something to fill that void.  Then I found the missing piece that spring through the most unexpected vehicle, my oldest brother Sidney's passing.  Through all the pain and tears I was able to find peace.  That was my spring cleansing!  God met me where I was and used His Son Jesus Christ's blood to cleanse me that Spring.  In Spring 2012 I can say that I don't have football but I have a peace that surpasses all understanding.


Do you need to go to spring training? Do you need to do some spring cleaning?  Is there something missing?  Perhaps there are some things in your closet, in your yard that you have been holding onto like unforgiveness, alcohol, lust, depresssion etc. Maybe you feel like you have failed.  Been there!  Don't wait until next spring for next spring is not promised. God wants to cleanse you this spring!  You are His spring flower, His spring aroma but He needs you in full bloom this Spring to shower you with Spring blessings!  You have free will, you can decide to keep the clutter that may be keeping you from being set free like the Spring Mourning Dove!

Spring into God's Hands -

Only You Can Stop You

I get to meet people through my job who, at some point in their life, took a detour from education and at a later stage in life, realized they needed education in order to improve themselves or become self-sufficient.  I had the pleasure, over the last week, of meeting a woman named Michelle and her husband, James.

Her story is very powerful and it is shared below, as written by her.  She was just accepted to Platt College here in Dallas and received a scholarship.  It is with intent that her story may bless others to work towards achieving their goals, regardless of decisions which may have been made earlier in life.

I have chosen to study Medical Assisting/Phlebotomy and believe I will be successful in this path.  I recently obtained my GED and want to further my education.  The Medical Assisting/Phlebotomy career adds to my love of helping people.  This will also allow my children to see that you can become and do anything you set your mind to, at any age.

As a parent, education is very important to me although as I child, I was not allowed to finish school.  By my father's insistence, I quit school in order to help my family.  As an adult I helped my children as much as I could with their studies as they progressed through school.  Now, as my youngest child has grown older, I obtained my GED and thus, have fulfilled my dream of finally finishing high school.

The Medical Assisting/Phlebotomy career allows me to continue to help people.  In previous jobs I have held, I enjoyed assisting people by explaining, working with and helping them work towards a solution.  Working as a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist will help me in a personal manner by allowing me to care for my children as well as for my husband who was diagnosed in 2008 with cancer.  Helping to deal with appointments, scheduling and dealing with medicine are all aspects of the Medical Assisting/Phlebotomy job.

I was not allowed to finish school but I promised myself that I would get my GED and a college education when I could.  Several years after my youngest became older and self-sufficient, I knew it was my chance for me to fulfill my dream of obtaining a GED and college education.  I want my children to learn from me; No matter your circumstances or age, an education can always be obtained.  As a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist I will be able to financially help my children's dream of a college education become reality by sending them to college and helping them work towards their career goals.  With my spouse having been diagnosed with cancer, I know that with a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomy career I can take care of myself and my children if need be.

I chose to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist to continue my education.  Choosing this career path allows me to continue my love of helping people.  Pursuing a career in Medical Assisting/Phlebotomy will also allow me to be an example to my children to pursue a higher education and fulfill their dreams.

Michelle Wise
You are welcome to respond to this message by emailing Michelle directly at micaylawise@yahoo.com. 

Don't make excuses.  Make things happen -

The Uniform

I believe we win or lose with the uniform we put on each day.  The uniform we wear is critical to how we inspire others through our walk with God.  We should represent the goodness of God.

God wants his people to be the light to the world.  We cannot be defeated, disappointed, or discouraged as men and women of God.  Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly.  Our motivation to live for God should not be out of fear of going Hell.  It should be because of the peaceful and prosperous life Jesus shed his blood for us to have.  Jesus already paid the price for us to live in health, prosperity, salvation and love. We are winners and we should exude that attitude at all times.

We should be the spark in our workplace and family.  Consistency is the key.  We must stay the course and be obedient to God's word.  God already wrote the plan for our life.  He knows our destiny and purpose.  Once we embrace our purpose and understand the plan God has for us, we will succeed.  However, we have to work the plan God has laid out for us in His word.

In football a team has four downs to get a first down. There is no limit to how many first downs a team can earn.  However, a team can be its' biggest obstacle in getting first downs and winning the game.  I believe the same goes for Christians.  We can be our own enemy.  We can stop our success by gossip, slander, unforgiveness, not giving, etc.

God has laid the plan out for us but we will not be obedient to His word.  Then we wonder why we are in the same situation we were 10 or 20 years ago.  We have to make up our minds that something has to change.  Some of us are afraid of hell and we have been living in hell on earth.  God does not want us to barely get by.  We do not serve a God of barely getting by.  God wants the world to see his glory here on earth manifested through his people.

What uniform do you have on?
  

The mouthpiece

The Word says there is life and death in what we speak.  In sports we wear a mouthpiece for protection. An athlete is not allowed to enter the contest without a mouthpiece.  The mouthpiece is issued by the coach for that very reason; protection.

Our mouthpiece in Christ is the Word of God.  It is our protection.  How often do you speak the Word of God each day?  The Word of God is our shield from the enemy and also from ourselves.  We should speak life over our loved ones, brothers and sisters in Christ, and the sinner.  If we are not the one speaking life than who is?

So many times we allow ourselves to be influenced instead of influencing others.  Take note of the number of times in a day you are speaking the Word of God.  In other words, which mouthpiece are you wearing - the one of life or the one of death?  Make no mistake about it, you cannot wear both and get the blessings God has stored up for you.

The first step in getting your mouthpiece in, first thing in the morning, should be the Word of God.  That will equip you for a winning start to your day!  If you pay attention to what some people say, you will find that they are defeated by the mouthpiece.  They will say they are blessed and five minutes later complain about what they do not have. God said he will supply our every need. Others will say they are blessed and then start gossiping.  God said love your neighbor as you love yourself. Some will say they are blessed but then start poor mouthing others.  Which one is it?  We are either blessed or we are not.  There is no in between.

I do not know about you but I want to be around people who have a mouthpiece that speaks life at all times.  We are not only responsible for the mouthpiece we are wearring, we are also responsible for the mouthpiece of our household.   I serve a God who is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Author and the Finisher of my Faith; the Great I Am!

Do you need a new mouthpiece?  It does not matter what we have or what we do not have we should always speak as we have it all because Our Father has it all.  If we could do it ourselves we would not need God.

Get your mouthpiece right!

The Ticket

Make sure you have a valid ticket!  I recall an individual going to a game and getting to the gate only to find out he needed a ticket to get in.  I am sure it was announced that individuals will not be admitted without a ticket, that is why it is important to pay attention.  I find it interesting that individuals go about their day to day business not paying attention to what is said.

As Christians, we need to pay attention to what God is saying to us.  He is telling us each day what we need to do to get what He has for us.  Salvation is the ticket God gave us to have the opportunity to receive many more tickets in order to receive all the blessings He has for us.

Now, we can be satisfied with just the ticket of salvation to get into the kingdom of Heaven and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  However, God has so much more he wants to give us right here on earth but I believe we have to be willing to listen and understand His word to get it.  This does not happen by standing on the sidelines all week and getting in the game on Sundays.  We have to be willing to follow God's plan for our lives.  God wants us to have an abundance of success in our marriage, business, and finances because He wants the world to see His glory right here on earth through His people.

Do not let your tickets go unclaimed!  If a person had a $1 billion lottery ticket would he/she not cash it?  That is what I believe we are doing when we just go day by day being happy with the one ticket of salvation.  God has more for us right here on earth.  Eternal life is our Heavenly reward.  God has earthly rewards for us as well.  We have to seek God and discover them.  God has a financial ticket with no limit for each of us!

Wouldn't it be sad, if when you got to heaven, God mentioned all of your unclaimed tickets you had not redeemed?

Find your tickets!

Are you winning?

I read a poster just the other day that stated:

That statement resonated with me.  It does not matter what you are doing, that statement applies. 

It always amazes me that people continue to do the same old thing and wonder why they are in the same situation.  People have been hanging out with the same people for years.  People have been living in the same place for years.  People have been going through the same routine, at home, for years.  People have been saying the same prayer for years.  It is time to try something new.  I will take it a step further.  I believe God expects us to step outside the box and do something different. 

People say they want to win but they are not willing to do what it takes to get a winning outcome and sometimes that may mean doing something different.  It could be something like changing your prayer partner, changing your way of thinking, listening to someone that may not be as old or as young as you. 

A scientist has to try different formulas to find what works - essentially, what gets the win.  If you are a doctor, you have to change and keep current with the new medicine to win.  I know the patient wants the doctor to win!  A coach has to run different plays to surmise what will get the win. Simply because one is saved does not mean they know how to win and are willing to do what it takes to win. We all have to be willing to listen, embrace change and implement something new if we want to win. There are too many Christians satisfied with just being saved and just getting by.  God wants us to do more than just get by, he wants us to win and win big. 

God is the winner of all winners.  Are you willing to initiate something new?  If so, start talking like a winner!  If someone starts talking negative, in any way, I am convinced they do not want to win and remove myself from the situation.  I refuse to associate with losers; Christians or not!  You are probably thinking that is not Christian like.  You are right, it is not Christian-like to speak negatively.  There are far too many defeated Christians trapped in mental prisons.  They are only winners during their Wednesday and Sunday field trips to church. We must change the way we think if we are even going to have a chance to win and get all that God has for us.

Let me close with the Word of God!  "The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand; and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them."  We must conduct ourselves in this manner, talk in this manner and believe in this manner at all times if we are going to win big like God intends for His people.

Discipline wins!

The game clock does not stop

As we prepare to head back to the hallways and classrooms, I wanted to share my thoughts with you regarding timeouts.  There are timeouts in most organized team sports.  Timeouts are usually called by a team when things are going awry.  The coach and his staff are compelled to use a timeout to regroup or stop the clock.

To delve further into the topic of timeouts, in football each team is afforded three timeouts per half.  The topic of timeouts is given quality attention in staff meetings leading up to the game.  The head coach assigns a coach up in the box above the field to keep a record of timeouts and a staff member down on the field to do the same.  During the game the head coach is constantly asking the referee for the number of timeouts left. There are several parties responsible for keeping track of timeouts; the referees, box coaches, field coaches, and the clock operator.  If a coach uses a timeout at the wrong time or wastes a timeout, it could cost his team the game.

I believe timeouts are critical in our walk with God.  I will go even further to share that we do not get timeouts we get breakthroughs.  We get to breakthrough the busy days, routines of everyday life and the discouragement of negative people if we will make time for God.  We should give special attention to the topic of timeouts.  Keep in mind, we either get better or worse each day in our walk with God, we do not stay the same. Surround yourself with people who desire to get better in their walk with God. The devil never calls a timeout. He is ready to attack at all times. We are vulnerable when the devil sees us calling a timeout.  A timeout in this instance is that you left your prayer, praise and worship at home.  We must be focused on our game plan and be ready to praise at all times.

Time management is a  key component of game management.  You may have that one activity or class where you are the only Christian or you simply get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day.   This is important for students both at the school level and college level. You may think this is a reason to call a timeout but it is even more the reason to go find a secret place to get your praise on and speak the word of God over your life.  I believe using a timeout in our walk with God can cause us to lose our traction, slip or get tackled.  However, a praise will bring favor, healing, success, peace and blessings.

I am not saying not to enjoy school.  What I am saying is do not forget who brought you to the game. God brought you to the game so that you will lead others to the game and show them how they too can win from within. You are never too young to be a game breaker for Jesus. Get ready for your breakthrough school year.  Remember the devil does not play fair and never calls a timeout.  When you use a timeout in your walk with God, unlike in sports...the clock does not stop.

The clock is running -

Respect the locker room

No matter how old we get there will be order and protocol.  Athletes are assigned lockers; from middle school  to the professional levels.  Although the locker is assigned to the athlete, the locker room is run by the coach.

There are rules in place for what an athlete is allowed to have in his or her locker.  The athlete must also keep the locker clean and in order.  There are certain materials not allowed in the locker.  This is not optional. The coach could enter their locker at anytime and check it out to ensure it is up to code. Most athletes understand and respect the rules of the locker room. I never had an athlete say, "Well, it is my locker. I can put whatever I want in it or keep it how I want to".  There was a reason the athletes were supportive of the locker room rules and standards, in my opinion.  I believe this is because the Coach made it clear what the expectations were and what the consequences were from day one.  There was no obscurity and daily communication and reminders were given.  The "reminders" (aka consequences) could simply be after practice, group running.

I believe all parents, especially saved parents, need to have rules in place for their kids and what they are allowed to have in their locker (bedroom).  I also believe that the child should respect the rules of the locker room (home). The child must also keep the locker (bedroom) clean and in order.  There should be certain material that is not allowed in their locker (bedroom).  This should not be optional.  The child needs to understand that the locker (bedroom) is assigned to them but the locker room (home) is owned and operated by the parent.  As long as the child adheres to the rules and protocol of the locker (bedroom), the locker room will be assigned to them.  "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

A child needs to understand and respect the fact that the parent can enter their room at anytime and check it out.  I am always amazed by television shows where the parent knocks on the child's bedroom door before entering.  I never knocked on the locker room door before entering.  The players understood that a coach could walk in at anytime.  I believe the child will be supportive of the rules of the home if the parent makes it clear what the expectations are and what the consequences are from day one not in year 16.  I am convinced that children not only need discipline and structure, they want it.

It should not matter whether a child is in a locker room or a bedroom.  We have a responsibility to parent and teach.  I believe if we will teach our children that God loves them, set a standard and give them a biblical foundation - not a religous one - and not compromise, we will save them from one day following the rules of a correctional or rehab facility.

What's in your locker?