Free Tickets!!

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Coach Muller

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Free tickets!! Who wouldn’t want free tickets to a sporting event? An amusement park? A Concert? The following is great “food for thought” for all of us. It was written by a fellow coach.

Super Bowl 39 featured a classic first half defensive battle, followed by a second half offensive shootout between the explosive New England Patriots and the gritty Philadelphia Eagles. New England claimed the Super Bowl title by only 3 points, 24-21. The game lived up to its expectation as the two divisional champs clashed for the title. Two Tickets to the Super Bowl cost between $3,000 and $10,000. With that in mind, if someone offered you two free tickets to the Super Bowl would you take them?

There was an interesting story several years ago about a guy named Greg Laurie who tried to give away an extra ticket on his way into the Magic Kingdom . As his family went into the park, he told his family, “Hold on while I find someone to take this free ticket. This shouldn’t take long!” But time after time he would approach people at the front gate only to be turned down. He was astounded! No one would take his free ticket.

Think about that…isn’t it hard to believe? Who would turn down free tickets to the Magic Kingdom? Well, shortly after moving to Orlando I got a job at the Magic Kingdom, and along with it an employee pass that could sign in 3 people per day to the theme parks for free.

One time a friend visited me and we went to go into EPCOT. As we were about to go in I said, “Wait… let’s see if we can grab two people to come into the EPCOT for free with us!” I approached several couples who looked like they hadn’t purchased tickets yet. I asked them if they’d like to come into EPCOT for free. I was shocked when time after time they would turn me down, often to walk right up to the ticket counter to buy tickets. Can you believe it? It was just like what Greg Laurie described. I was amazed. People just could not accept what seemed like was too good to be true.

It’s the same thing with the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible says that the Lord has prepared a special place in His Kingdom just for you. All it takes is a “free ticket” to get into the gates. But most people can’t accept that anything that good would be so easy to get. Most people try to get into the Kingdom by being good, or acting a certain way or by living a “good life”. But it’s much easier than that:

To claim your ticket into God’s Kingdom you only have to do two things: 1) Admit that you have sinned in your life and need to be forgiven, and 2) to pray and ask the Lord to forgive your sins and to bring you into His Kingdom. It is just that easy and there is no catch.

Once you have your ticket into the Kingdom, all of your sins past, present and future are washed away and you have a guaranteed spot in a celebration infinitely better than the Super Bowl.

Consider these words from the Bible:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

Your tickets to the Kingdom of Heaven are waiting for you. All you have to do is pick them up. Will you pick up your tickets today?

Church is Hard

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Coach Muller

photo of sacred heart cathedral in bendigo australia

Photo by Robert Stokoe on Pexels.com

Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgment.

Church is hard for the pastor’s family, under the microscope of an entire body.

Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world.

Church is hard for the girl who looks like she has it all together but doesn’t.

Church is hard for the couple who fought the entire ride to service.

Church is hard for the single mom, surrounded by couples holding hands, and seemingly perfect families.

Church is hard for the widow and widower with no invitation to lunch after service.

Church is hard for the deacon with an estranged child.

Church is hard for the person singing worship songs, overwhelmed by the weight of the lyrics.

Church is hard for the man who is insecure in his role as a leader.

Church is hard for the wife who longs to be led by a righteous man.

Church is hard for the nursery volunteer who desperately longs for a baby to love.

Church is hard for the single woman and single man, praying God brings them a mate.

Church is hard for the teenage girl, wearing a scarlet letter, ashamed of her mistakes.

Church is hard for the sinners.

Church is hard for me.

It’s hard because on the outside it all looks shiny and perfect. Sunday best in behavior and dress.

However, underneath those layers, you find a body of imperfect people, carnal souls, selfish motives.

But, here is the beauty of church—

Church isn’t a building, mentality, or expectation.

Church is a body.

Church is a group of sinners, saved by grace, living in fellowship as saints.

Church is a body of believers bound as brothers and sisters by eternal love.

Church is a holy ground where sinners stand as equals before the Throne of Grace.

Church is a refuge for broken hearts and a training ground for mighty warriors.

Church is a converging of confrontation and invitation. Where sin is confronted and hearts are invited to seek restoration.

Church is a lesson in faith and trust.

Church is a bearer of burdens and a giver of hope.

Church is a family. A family coming together, setting aside differences, forgetting past mistakes, rejoicing in the smallest of victories.

Church, the body, and the circle of sinners-turned-saints are where He resides, and if we ask, He is faithful to come.

So even on the hard days at church—

The days when I am at odds with a friend when I’ve fought with my husband because we’re late once again. When I’ve walked in bearing burdens heavier than my heart can handle, yet masking the pain with a smile on my face. When I’ve worn a scarlet letter, under the microscope. When I’ve longed for a baby to hold, or fought tears as the lyrics were sung. When I’ve walked back in, afraid and broken, after walking away.

I’ll remember, He has never failed to meet me there.

Can Prayer Save America?

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Coach Muller

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During the Civil War, a friend of Abraham Lincoln was a visitor in the White House. “One night I was restless and could not sleep… From the private room where the President slept, I heard low tones. Instinctively I wandered in, and there was a sight which I have never forgotten, It was the President, kneeling before an open Bible. His back was towards me. I shall never forget his prayer: “Oh, Thou God that heard Solomon when he prayed and cried for wisdom, hear me…I cannot guide the affairs of this nation without Thy help. Hear me and save this nation.”

When the leaders of our country assembled to write the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin proposed that each session be opened in prayer. Franklin said, “I have lived a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth – that God governs the affairs of men.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay are all names synonymous with the spirit of our country and some of the Founding Fathers of the U.S.A. Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain by divine call. Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence
with liberty and justice for all.

But something happened since Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone for American liberty then put it in our schools as a light or since “Give me liberty or give me death”, Patrick Henry said Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have eliminated God from the equation of American life thus eliminating the reason this nation first began.

Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution, fifty-two were active members of their church…founding fathers such as Noah Webster, who wrote the first dictionary
could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said, “We’ve staked our future on our ability to fallow the Ten Commandments with all our heart.” These men believed you couldn’t even call yourself an American if you subverted the Word of God

In his farewell address, Washington said, “You can’t have national morality apart from religious principle, ” and it’s true. Abe Lincoln said, “The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of the government of the next.”
So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics, you eliminate the nation that Word protects.

Our nation is great because it was founded upon God’s Word and prayer. But today, prayer has been replaced by political intrigue, materialism, and a mistaken notion that our private and national affairs can be run without God.

But here and there throughout America, voices are heard as individuals and groups begin to call on God in prayer. But this whole nation must be moved to prayer. So great are the dangers, so grave the perils, so tremendous the problems, that it is imperative that we lay hold upon the Lord God in prayer for His will.

Prayer CAN save America! There is only one way to go…and that is up! If we do not turn to God, our country will soon disappear like many of the great empires in history have done. It is either revival or ruin. It is now or never. The answer will not be found in the UN or NATO. The answer will only be found when we call upon the Lord God. Spiritual values need to be restored and we must return to the faith of our fathers, to family prayer, and the Bible. If we continue to ignore God and focus on the inadequate philosophies of the world…America will continue its tailspin.

We need to remember the promises that God gave us to keep our nation strong:

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” – Psalm 33:12a

God blesses nations who humbly seek Him. “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

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Special Note: some of the information in the post is from the song, “God in America Again” ~ Carman

When to Keep Your Mouth Shut

Posted on July 21, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo by Ivandrei Pretorius on Pexels.com

There are times throughout our lives when we are faced with situations that make us angry, upset or annoyed with other people. We might then begin to spread yell, argue, gossip, spread rumors, tear down the individuals that we may disagree with…the list can go on and on. The sad reality is, that many times, we are the ones that look foolish and end up “eating our words.”

Today’s post is a great reminder of what we should do when these circumstances come our way. The following is a list is a compilation of helpful advice…I have included a Scripture verse (that you can click on) with each point.

DON’T OPEN YOUR MOUTH:

In the heat of anger – Proverbs 14:17
When you don’t have all the facts – Proverbs 18:13
When you haven’t verified the story – Deuteronomy 17:6
If your words will offend a weaker brother – 1 Corinthians 8:11
If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your friends and family – 1 Peter 2:21-23
When you are tempted to joke about sin – Proverbs 14:9
When you would be ashamed of your words later – Proverbs 8:5
When you’re tempted to make light of Holy things – Ecclesiastes 5:2
If your words convey a wrong impression – Proverbs 17:27
If the issue is none of your business – Proverbs 14:10
When you are tempted to tell an outright lie – Proverbs 4:24
If your words will damage someone’s reputation – Proverbs 16:27
If your words will destroy a friendship – Proverbs 25:28
When you are feeling critical – James 3:9
If you cannot speak without yelling – Proverbs 25:28
When it is time to listen – Proverbs 13:1
If you have to eat your words later – Proverbs 18:21
When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person – Proverbs 24:24
If you have already said it more than one time (then it becomes nagging) – Proverbs 19:13
When you are supposed to be working instead – Proverbs 14:23

“Whosoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from trouble.”

It Makes You Think…What If?

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Marina del Castell via CC Flickr

Millions of people around the world believe in a greater, powerful being. For the individuals that don’t share that belief, then, unfortunately, today’s poem is not for you…or is it? There are many things that we don’t know about God but we do believe that He takes care and loves us unconditionally. The following poem is meant to give you something to think about and well as be thankful for the blessings that have.

What if, GOD couldn’t take the time to bless us today because
we couldn’t take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if, GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because
we didn’t follow Him today?

What if, we never saw another flower bloom because
we grumbled when GOD sent the rain.

What if, GOD didn’t walk with us today because
we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if, GOD took away the Bible tomorrow because
we would not read it today?

What if, GOD took away His message because
we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if, GOD didn’t send His only begotten Son because
He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.

What if, the door of the church was closed because
we did not open the door of our heart?

What if, GOD stopped loving and caring for us because
we failed to love and care for others?

What if, GOD would not hear us today because
we would not listen to Him yesterday?

What if, GOD answered our prayers
the way we answer His call to service?

What if, GOD met our needs
the way we give Him our lives???

It makes you think doesn’t it?

A Second Chance at Life

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Have you ever thought to yourself how “good” your life REALLY is? What if the direction of your life suddenly changed and you found yourself in a situation that you had never thought that you would be in? One minute you think your life is great, you are healthy and everything is “smooth sailing?” then you find out that something in your body or mind wasn’t as good as you thought and that you were “very close” to experiencing a life-changing event?

Such was the case with me…

I have always enjoyed my life: talking with other people, spending time with my family and friends, enjoying the taste of delicious food, taking in the pleasures of seeing the beautiful things in the world, generally speaking, loving the life that I have been given.

But a little over a week ago, my life drastically took an unexpected turn. What was supposed to be a simple two hour screening procedure turned into a four day stay in the hospital.

It was during those four days that I discovered that my heart had been beating at an outstanding rate (150 beats per minute) and because of that high tempo, my heart had weakened to a dangerous level. Unbeknownst to me, I had had this condition for the past couple of years!

After leaving the hospital and meeting with the doctor the next day, I was told that the doctor was surprised that I hadn’t had either a stroke or a heart attack. YIKES!! What a shocking, wake up piece of news. I had NEVER KNOWN that my heart was 1) beating at such a high rate, and 2) that my heart had weakened to such a bad state.

So, imagine my thoughts today, when the doctor told me that despite the condition of my heart, everything would be ok. The doctors found out what was causing my elevated heart rate, the proper medicine to take to control my heart rate, and that my condition was totally correctable and curable!

The doctor simply said, “look at it this way…you have a second chance at life.”

Needless to say, I am ecstatic for a couple of reasons…1) I feel great. I feel like I did 10-20 years ago, 2) I feel excited that now that I know that the doctors diagnosed the problem, everything will be OK, and 3) I have a new lease on life and I am going to take full advantage of it and take care of myself and love life even more than I did before.

Just thinking of “what could have happened” has left me feeling very humble and aware of my mortality more than it ever was. And it has taught me a lesson. It has taught me to live my life to its fullest. I shouldn’t be afraid to fail because, many times, it is when we fail that we grow and learn lessons that will benefit us in our lives.

It has made me value and love my friends, loved ones and family more so now than ever. I has allowed me to REALLY appreciate the things around me that I have taken for granted every day. But more importantly, it has strengthened my faith and assurance that my Lord and God never once abandoned or left me. He has always been there by my side throughout my life when things were going well and He was guiding the doctors and comforting me during my stay in the hospital.

You see, that’s the beauty of true FAITH. Faith is that knowledge of believing in someone or something when you cannot see it but you KNOW it is there. When you sit on a chair, do you bend down and test it first to make sure that it will hold you? Or do you simply just sit on the chair without closely inspecting its durability and strength? Having faith in the Lord is exactly the same thing. I KNOW that He will take care of me and I KNOW that He is there to hold me up and to strengthen me. I don’t have to question or test anything that He does for me..My life is in His hands and if my time on earth is done, He will hold me close to himself and take me home. I have total peace and total fulfillment in my life knowing that He is always there with me.

So, how has your life treated you? How much do you appreciate the ways that you have been blessed? How well do you REALLY love and appreciate your loved ones? How strong is your faith? How secure are you if things were to suddenly go in a negative direction in your life?

Take the time everyday to truly be thankful for the good things in life. Find the moments in your daily routine to be grateful for your family and friends and show them how you feel. Discover the paths that you can follow and explore to give yourself a second chance in life.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ~ Colossians 3:17

Bible Verses for The Difficulties of Life

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Les Chatfield via CC Flickr

I recently read a short article written by Catherine Marshall of Guideposts Magazine in which she listed 10 Bible verses that we can all use when we really need God’s comfort, peace and assurance. There are many, many other promises and assurances that we can find in Scripture but here is the list that Ms. Marshall created. It is my hope and prayer that some of these passages from the Bible will comfort and help you in some way.

When I need guidance:
“Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight” (Proverbs 3:6,The Daily Life Bible).
When the answer to prayer seems slow in coming:
“Steady patience is what you need, so that after doing the will of God you may receive what you were promised” (Hebrews 10:36).
When I have sinned and need forgiveness:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
When I’m lonely and long to feel Christ’s presence:
“Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and will have dinner with them, and they will have dinner with me” (Revelation 3:20).
When I do not feel good enough to be acceptable to God:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).
When I am tempted:
“…God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it” (I Corinthians 10:13).
When I need physical strength and good health:
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you… he will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit which dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).
When I wonder if God understands what I’m up against:
“But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting Him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way to them and sinned” (Hebrews 4:14, 15).
When troubles multiply:
“… we triumph even in our troubles, knowing that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope which never disappoints us, since God’s love floods our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Romans 5:3, 5).
How I know there is life after death:
“… I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again. He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish” (John 11:25, 26).