 Wednesday, April 25 2018
DADS... How many times in your life have you been told that you need to “get in the game”? What is this message of “getting in the game”? In business…it may mean preparation. In a relationship…it might mean spending more time with that person. With your family it means being the husband and the DAD! In your walk with Christ…it simply means to put on God’s armor! In Romans, Paul writes in chapter 13:14: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature”. So how do you clothe yourselves and “get in the game”? #1 – Identify with Christ…GET BAPTIZED…this gives you unity with other Christians; #2 – Exemplify the qualities of Jesus everyday…such as love, humility, truth & service! DADS! Do not stand on the sidelines of life…get off the bench…“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…MEN be the DAD and…Suit Up! To follow the “Suit Up” Movement…
Wednesday, April 18 2018
I Corinthians 1:26 Paul writes,
* Another of the Epistles (The word epistle in Greek means “letter” or “message.”)
…written for a different reason, different audience…but same definition for calling!
“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble.”
Paul commands the Corinthians to consider or contemplate their calling. The word “calling” refers to their position in the world when they first believed in Christ. This issue of calling is important to Paul. He believes that in order to become a Christian you must respond to God’s call. Likewise, if you are a Christian today, it is because you have answered God’s call.
DADS, have you forgotten your calling? Memory can be a blessing or a curse. In the spiritual life, it can be very healthy to remember what life was like before we met Jesus. If you remember where you started, you’ll appreciate much more the grace of God that has brought you to where you are today.
Do you remember where you came from?
Do you recall what you were doing when God saved you from yourself?
“A preacher I listened to recently told a story about how he met with an 8-year-old boy in his congregation to talk to him about his baptism. He asked him how he became a Christian. He told me that God called him. He said, “Excuse me?” The preacher was used to hearing a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them. As he probed further it became clear that, like Samuel, this little 8-year-old boy heard the Lord calling him. Because of God’s call, this young boy believed in the One who was calling him. This is exactly what God does. He calls men, women, and children to Himself.”
DADS…God is calling you to be the DAD! A DAD for the Lord!
How do we “practice” this calling?
In Ephesians 4 we receive great instructions...
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
DADS are His representatives…to be the light here on earth
How do we demonstrate this calling? Practice this calling?
What is the natural outcry or fruit of the spirit? Service.
Our acts of service that are within the calling are those things that unite us. Our acts of service that are within the calling allow us to see the different gifts we each bring to the table to further His Kingdom. What often gets in the way of acknowledging other’s gifts and keeps us from service for some is the “danger of the single story.” The single story creates stereotypes, preconceived ideas based on our premise. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Paul again was being proactive. He is saying…these are the things that we must do as Christians so that we remain united in this body.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
DADS heeding this calling can be evident in your “Daily-Active-Devotion” to your kids and family.
I Corinthians 15:58 - NIV
58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
BE THE DAD TODAY! Wednesday, April 11 2018
I want to remind you today that you are a masterpiece and you have immeasurable worth! Maybe, you don't feel that way today. I hope if you don't that will change after reading. Dads you need affirmation!
Definition of AFFIRM1a: validate, confirm, to approve! Three Affirmations that I want to share with every DAD in this room. Not just students but adults as well. God placed these in my heart to first speak them as I was writing my graduation speech for the class of 2013…There was a time that I shared these affirmations every single day… Gentlemen…here is a secret about ladies… Women need to be affirmed that they…are precious…beautiful…to be honored…to need to be wooed…I am still working on doing a better job with that after 36 years of marriage. Men we need affirmation too. We need to know that we are good enough…that we have what it takes…that we are essential!
DADS need affirmation.
Acknowledge the people today that crosses your path and offer a high five in the air and remind them that…they are a Masterpiece! Maybe it’s been awhile since you have been AFFIRMED? Today you will be. Affirmation #1: You are valuable-No one like you...He made you...precious and unique when your life challenges you to give more effort than you think is possible...in the storms...in the darkness…in the quietness…in the loneliness…. when you question your self-worth...Remember that you are PRICELESS…THAT YOU ARE valuable...because you are a child of God...that means you and you and you! Luke 12:6-7 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Ephesians 1:5-6 He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us within the Beloved. WE ARE FAVORED! “Favored” regarded or treated with preference or partiality:2.enjoying special advantages; privileged: I remember the day like it was yesterday...I was in 4th grade…at recess…kickball…the last one picked! I still remember that feeling. Why? Then something changed…5th grade…moved to Texas…new kid…got faster…became the favorite…NEVER PICKED LAST!
16 years ago, when we first moved to Magnolia…all new…new jobs…new schools…long drive every day…I was at the high school, Kay worked at the junior high…two schedules…two cars…daughter with me…son with wife…my wife came home one day and said she saw my son eating at the table at lunch by himself…broke my heart…breaks my heart every time I see kids alone even today. Here is the Good news. You are in! You are always on His team...never the last one picked...always in His starting line up...always measure up…always fast enough…always smart enough…precious and beautiful…always invited to His table! DADS You will NEVER EAT ALONE!
God knows every hair...knew you before you were even born…you are valuable! Affirmation #2 You are complete -You are not lacking anything...you are good enough...you have what it takes... So many times, over my 34 years in education…I have had students in my office that feel like they have been discarded…discounted…and unworthy of success or recognition…because they do not see their completeness… Three years ago, a college football player went missing…six foot eight, 280 pounds fun-loving young man. Everybody loved him…but because of his feeling of being inadequate…took his own life…found in a dumpster…texted mom at 1 AM…I am sorry that I am such an embarrassment…
Definition of complete…*HAVING ALL THE NECESSARY PARTS; NOT LACKING ANYTHING; NOT LIMITED IN ANY WAY! Genesis 1:31 And God, saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Colossians 2:10 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. We often measure our completeness to what the world tells us is complete…new car…new job…new wife…new family…how many friends…popularity. He has a plan...He has given you what you need. The world will tell you something else...but you were designed by Him. I have always seen my passion as a coach...teacher...principal...men’s minister, and now the Minister of Families is to help others maximize their completeness...your job is to simply accept your completeness in Christ and to utilize it! To maximize it. WE WILL NEVER MEASURE UP TO THE WORLDS STANDARDS! You are NOT an embarrassment…You are valuable...you are complete… Affirmation #3 you are loved... Romans 8:35-39 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? In all these things, we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! John 3:16 16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. I love football…in football the ball does not always bounce the right way...in life it’s the same way. However, no matter how the ball bounces...God loves you. He created you...and He loves you! I hope you have heard those words "I love you"…I hope you have shared those words with others. Speak those words into other’s lives. Live those words into other’s lives with your actions. You are Not an embarrassment… You are valuable...you are complete...you are loved Live today with confidence...knowing that God loves you and He paid the ultimate price for you and for me... My challenge today to you is that when you write your notes to your loved ones…tell them how precious they are. Let’s change lives starting today. Let’s prepare our hearts STARTING TODAY! DADS...You are a masterpiece and you have unlimited immeasurable worth… You matter and your wife and your children need you!
To God be the glory.
Suiting Up,
Jeff Springer
Wednesday, April 04 2018
James 5:12, Revelation 3:14-21 God is so good…for some reason…God made me think about the word dabble…I do not know why…guess HE wanted me to look at the things in my life that I just dabble in…I thought to myself…I’m a dabbler! Are you a Dabbler? Dabbler: 1. One who engages in an activity superficially or without serious intent, one that dabbles: 2. one not deeply engaged in or concerned with something 3. a duck (as a mallard or shoveler) that feeds by dabbling “Walks like a duck…quacks like a duck…looks like a duck…a dabbler” • Do you dabble in things? What do you dabble in? • When I was a coached…we called a dabbler…a half-stepper… • half-stepper - Somebody who doesn't quite finish his work, or tries to take a lot of shortcuts that cheapens the quality of the work. Another term for "slacker" (actually is a slang military word). e.g., You don't want Springer on your team. He's a half-stepper. • Usually what happens to a half-stepper is that he goes half speed…and when a half-stepper goes half speed…then they often get hurt! • I do not know about you but it is easier for me to identify what I do not dabble in versus what I do…ie: I am not a dabbler when it comes to my college football! I am all out…however my passion for college football is not eternal… • I wish I could say that I was always all out with my walk and my Christianity! • Son…motivated me recently! Reading Revelation. Started asking questions! • I started reading! (Apostle John…letters of warning…receives the vision of the Risen Lord…relays…to the seven churches in Asia) The churches were full of dabblers… The letters recognize their efforts…but follows up with a “yea but.” • By the way if you study the letters…we want to be like Philadelphia…still focused…still vibrant for the Lord. To the 7th church: • Revelation 3:14-21: "The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. • DABBLERS! I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. • DABBLERS! 17 Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, • Dabblers…do not even know that they are foolish…self-absorbed! 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. • NO NEED FOR DABBLERS! • Commit to Christ vs. the world! So be committed and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne. • TO THE NON-DABBLERS GOES THE SPOILS! • Biggest obstacle to Christianity is not the nonbelievers…but the Christians that are dabblers…lukewarm and passive • If you were a Weekly football picks…would they pick you to win the game? • Why do we dabble in our Humility…our Obedience…our Prayer Life…those things Eternal…being the DAD God has called us to be? James 5:12 Now above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by oath. Your yes must be your yes, and your no must be no, so that you won’t fall under judgment” SUIT UP DADS! Don’t be a dabbler in the things that matter the most! To God be the glory, Jeff Thursday, March 29 2018
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, . . . but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. —2 Peter 3:9 DADs…in all our waiting we are sometimes missing something. The present. It is great to have things to look forward to…but we need to be careful that it’s not at the expense of losing today. Because, “Today is a great day to be alive!” Psalm 118:24 You know, it’s not always a bad thing to wait. Unless you are the one other people are waiting on! A Wedding story Wedding at 6:30. Get there early at 5:20. Sit in car. Get out casually at 5:31. Look in back seat. No coat. Less than an hour to wedding. 25-30 minutes one way! No time to discuss. If I stay, I ruin every picture. If I go they may be waiting on me! I go. I’m thinking great story later. Not now. I start calling wedding planner. No answer. On way back. 6:20. Still no answer. I’m thinking aren’t they missing me? I’m ready to be the reason the whole wedding is late. Waiting on me! I make it back at 6:34. Stop in the middle of parking lot. Told parking attendant I’m the officiant. Handed him my keys. Ran up the hill thinking I was late and would be literally walking in to start the processional. Wedding planner finally calls me as I am walking up the sidewalk towards the church…I simply say “I’m here”. Wedding doesn’t start until almost 6:50 because guests still arriving. No one even knows what happened besides me! My heart still hurts from that experience that had the “possibility” of causing others to wait. Have you ever waited for something so long…and the day came finally…and all this anticipation for the event marked on your calendar comes and goes…and it was good…maybe great…but nothing like you imagined? Even in some ways disappointing? Here is the good news, the real celebration requires no waiting, no appointment, no long lines for something eternal versus some of those things that we find ourselves waiting for, like birthdays, holidays and even graduations. You know waiting for things is just part of life. We wait for things that are important to us. Those things that are worth it to us. Like waiting nine months for a grandchild to arrive. Priceless. You know who also waits? God waits . . . He waits for people to see His glory, to admit they are lost without Him, to say yes to His love, to receive His forgiveness, to turn away from sin. While we wait for His return, He waits for our repentance. What seems to us like God’s slowness in coming is instead His patience in waiting (2 Peter 3:9). The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, . . . but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. —2 Peter 3:9 In our waiting is very little peace. And your waiting has just begun. Waiting for a raise or for the promotion. Waiting for the person in front of you to pull up and quit texting. Waiting for results from a test from the doctor, waiting one day for your kids to call. And in that waiting we grow anxious and tired because waiting for something good or bad can become a burden, but the good news is that Jesus wants to wait with you and give you His peace that only He can give. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 28:11 DADs, I know that your world is a battle sometimes. Right now, today and every day you are God’s precise son. I want to remind you to seek to know the truth gain all the blessings of this life, I want you to take Jesus with you. You do not have to wait alone any longer…because you have Jesus Christ who is with you even as we speak and even in the times of loneliness and heartache. The Lord is waiting to have a relationship with those He loves. And that’s you. And that’s me. He made the first move when He came to this place as a baby and then ultimately as the sacrificial Lamb. Now He waits for us to welcome Him into our lives as Savior and Lord. DADs…graduates of DAD U, take Him with you…wait no more. No matter where you go He is with you. Jesus is someone who will always wait and wait with you, filling you with rest and peace that only He can give. The old Rocky II. “win” Rocky’s wife had a struggle with her pregnancy and Rocky, instead of training for his upcoming fight, faithfully waits by her bedside for her to awaken. When she wakes up, after many days, she tells Rocky to do one thing for her, he leans forward and she whispers says “win...win.” And immediately Rocky’s manager who also waited with Rocky says, “what are we waiting for?” So, I ask you DADs, to do one thing for me, do it for yourself…win. “what are you waiting for?” Do not wait for tomorrow to ask Him into your life. With Jesus, you are Undefeated. Thanks, be to God who gives you and me the victory. To God be the glory. Amen. Jeff Springer Wednesday, March 21 2018
What is a DAD? Daily as the morning sun Daily as the day is long Daily is what dad's do Daily as the morning star Active in his children's play Active and ready to always play ball Active in catching them when they fall Devotion to raise them up just right Devotion to always to love their mom D – AILY A – CTIVE D – EVOTION…DAD! If you want to know more about what a DAD is...join us here at the DAD U Grad blog and sign up for notifications for new posts! Let's suit up and be the DAD God has called us to be! Jeff Springer Thursday, March 08 2018
Here for all Dad University graduates. We want to continue the conversation with you begun at Dad University. This blog will be a perfect place to ask questions, gain insight and connect with other D.A.D.s to strengthen you and others as we work to be the dad God would have us to be. |
