There are many historical athletes that get held on the pedestal of greatness. We look at them as flawless. I was too young to remember the Decade of Champions as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers took the sporting world by storm. However, I do remember as a young boy watching an old replay of Terry Bradshaw scrambling out of the pocket and fumbling the ball. I was confused after watching that video. I thought this was one of the greatest QB’s to ever play the game. I thought every time he dropped back to pass he would throw a touchdown. I truly thought he was invincible.

The reality is Bradshaw had some horrible games, in fact, Bradshaw through 210 interceptions over his NFL career. The great Babe Ruth struck out over 1,000 times. Abraham Lincoln lost numerous elections before being elected as President of the United States.

Every person that we hold in greatness was also a significant failure. What set them apart was their focused ambition. Their eyes were set on the prize and they were relentless in reaching their goals.

God calls us to greatness for His purpose. Through Him we all have the ability for greatness. However, greatness is never handed to us. We become great when we overcome the obstacles that are in our paths.

Focus your ambition. Achieve greatness.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Who is God to you? Is he someone you call upon when it seems like life is falling apart and nothing else seems to be helping? Or is He your first response.

In good times and bad, made Jesus the focus. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

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At the four entrances to the town, hollowed-out signposts painted with the words Repent, Request, and Resist each contain an official proclamation that declared, “Be it known from this day forward that Satan, ruler of darkness, giver of evil, destroyer of what is good and just, is not now, nor ever again will be, a part of this town of Inglis.”

“As blood-bought children of God, we exercise our authority over the devil in Jesus’ name. By that authority, and through His Blessed Name, we command all satanic and demonic forces to cease their activities and depart the town of Inglis.”

It ended with:

"As the mayor of Inglis, duly elected by the citizens of this town, and appointed by God to this position of leadership, I proclaim victory over Satan, freedom for our citizens, and liberty to worship our Creator and Heavenly Father, the God of Israel. I take this action in accordance with the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-18."

After much controversy and threats of lawsuits the town has since rescinded this proclamation.

This is a nice touch, but do you honestly think this kept the devil out? It may add a sense of security, but we should realize that the added sense of comfort only provides a more naïve realization of the true nature of what is happening.

We can’t hide from reality. We can’t live a naïve lifestyle. Who do you stand for?

Did you know?...The Eiffel Tower in Paris weighs over 1000 elephants.

Did you know?...13% of Americans actually believe that some parts of the moon are made of cheese...in fact that is making me a bit hungry.

Did you know?...The average chocolate bar has 8 insects' legs in it.

Did you know?... The average human eats 8 spiders in their lifetime at night.

Did you know?...An average human loses about 200 head hairs per day.

Did you know?...It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open? Go ahead and try.

Did you know…It takes one month (30 days) to create a habit.

Habits. We all have them, some good and some bad. I don't know about you, but I have a few bad habits of my own…like leaving dirty socks on the living room floor (my wife does hope that I grow out of that soon).

At times we find ourselves at the mercy of our not-so-good habits which can pull us away from the things we hold dear...or should hold dear.

The worst habit of all is finding ourselves overwhelmed with the stuff of earth causing us to miss out on the stuff of God. I realize that at times it seems like the things of God are not too attracting (at least that is what we have a tendency to perceive). But the fulfillment and satisfaction we can obtain through Jesus is definitely an attraction we simply don't want to miss out on.

Here is a challenge for you: try hanging out with Jesus for 5-minutes a day for the next 30 Days. How do you do that? It's quite simple really. Spend 5-minutes each day praying and reading the Bible.

Go ahead and try...I dare you. You may find yourself amazed at the outcome of adapting to this habit.

“Nothing’s higher than ME!” was the cry of Yertle the Turtle. Yertle was king of the pond and soon he became unhappy with what he had. Unsatisfied with the stone that stood as his throne he found himself wanting more. With his command Yertle used everyone to help give him what he wanted. The problem was that this never satisfied and in the end self-centeredness led to his downfall. 

This leads me to the question: When we try to please ourselves, are we ever truly satisfied? It just seems like it never ends as we always feel we need more. But does this really lead us to joy and satisfaction? 

As I focus inward dissatisfaction closely follows. When focused outwardly contentment becomes prominent.  

In the letter of 3 John we see an interesting contrast between two men: Diotrephes and Demetrius. I urge you to take a moment, open a Bible, and read 3 John. This letter will take less than 5 minutes to read but will provide some profound wisdom. 

Diotrephes was a man full of prideful ambition. He had a desire to be noticed. Wanting to be the “turtle on the top” he was willing to put others down for personal gain. In the end, this investment provided Diotrephes with nothing but emptiness and separation from others.

On the other hand, there was Demetrius, a man of character and integrity. Demetrius was “well spoken of by everyone” simply because his focus was on others rather than himself.  

What an amazing truth it turns out to be that as we strive to climb higher and higher on the economical ladder the less satisfied we become.  

This leads me to ponder…what truly satisfies? It seems to me that satisfaction is closely knitted with our focus. When focus goes inward the less satisfied we become. When we look outward contentment is soon to follow.

The Rams cannot mess this one up. Could this become the “greatest show on turf” part deux?

He is big and nasty. Definitely could toughen up a weakling of a defense.

Another solid pick for a young coach.

Looks like the hogs are back in town!

This is the difference maker this defense has been looking for.

The Seahawks really need a left tackle...I think they finally found their man.

Holmgren is trying to stack up the defense as the brownie rebuilding process continues.

This pick is the wildcard since Davis could very well pull another draft day classic and draft another third round prospect in the first round.

Could this be the next Jim Kelly?

The Jags have few picks and a lot of holes. They cannot miss on this one.

The Broncos need a playmaker at WR. But this pick will have people scratching their heads as McDaniels trades one off-the-field challenge for another.

This is NT stud that the Dolphins need for their 3-4 defense.

This has Singletary licking his chops as he begins to ponder all the possibilities this can bring for his new and exciting offense.

The Seahawks cannot believe he fell this far as this fills a glaring need.

With other needs present, the Giants cannot pass something up this good.

This is a risky pick because Pierre-Paul is so raw, but he has the physical traits of a premier defensive end.

The 49ers are gaining some offensive weapons, but they still need someone that can block.

Could this be the next Rod Woodson?

The Falcons are in need of someone that can get to the QB and they just found their man.

The dynamic passing attack has found their ground attack.

Carson Palmer now gets the TE he never had.

This is the beginning of a new defensive regime in New England.

Green Bay could go offensive line, but this looks like their best choice at this spot.

This pick solidifies the Eagles o-line for the post McNabb/Westbrook Era.

Will the Ravens finally be able to stop the pass?

The Cardinals have found their Lamar Woodley.

Dallas is looking for their playmaker on defense.

The Chargers could go several different ways. But this fills a need and someone to build their defense around.

The Jets need an outside linebacker and it's hard to find 6-foot-6, 277-pound men who run 4.66.

Favre is getting really old and he needs some extra protection.

Colts were really eyeing up Pouncey, but since he is gone they go with their next big need at CB.

The Saints hit a homerun with this pick and a guy that can be pretty disruptive for opposing offensives.

Do you feel like this? Maybe a break is needed. Join us April 16th-17th for our Men’s Retreat. This experience will be the boost you’ve been looking for.  

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As Wallace stood on that battlefield he challenged the thousands of men to unite as one for a single cause…their freedom. Unfortunately, the enemy of freedom was not just the English forces but also the division of walls that were built between the nobles of Scotland.

These walls of money and power provided a false sense of security that blinded these men from the reality that surrounded them.

William Wallace left a legacy simply because he saw beyond the walls to a greater significance.

I often wonder if we miss out of our greater significance simply because we are locked up in the false sense of security that this world provides like money, status, a big house, IRA's, health insurance, and so on.

If only we could look beyond those walls…what would your significance be?

Curling has come a long way from the 16th century when hardy Scots slid odd-shaped rocks called 'loafies' on the frozen lochs and marshes of Scotland. It became an Olympic medal sport in 1998 at the Nagano games in Japan and proved to be extremely popular at the Salt Lake City games in 2002. Curling in the United States dates back to the 1830s when Scottish soldiers and settlers brought the game to Michigan. From there it spread northward into Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota.

I know, I still don't get it either? "Hardy Scots on frozen marshes?" I hope you've got some underwear on beneath that kilt bro!  Now, golf…that was a good sport…but curling?  …thoughts?