Walk Backwards

Posted on January 12, 2021 by Coach Muller

I hope people can learn how to walk backwards – starting today.

Photo Credit: Quang-Nguyen-Vinh via Pexels

A long time ago, a man got drunk and passed out naked. One of his sons found him and began telling others about his embarrassing position.

Maybe his son felt overlooked by his two brothers, maybe he was sternly corrected by his father, maybe he just like being the center of attention – and this sure got people’s attention.

His two brothers listened and were mortified. They looked at their brother and without saying a word, went to their passed-out father.

As they entered the room, they did not want to see their father disgraced, so they walked in backward.

They actually walked backward.

They carried a blanket and covered their father as he laid there naked and drunk as a skunk.

(Try walking backwards right now where you’re at – unless you’re driving : )

They wouldn’t dare mention this to anybody. No matter how strict, how selfish or how sinful their father was, they were determined to cover his sin, to sober him up and to encourage him to learn from his mistake and start living a better life.

He did. His name was Noah, and he built a pretty famous boat.

There’s an old saying: Love covers a multitude of sins.

What do you do when find out someone posted something years and years ago that is completely offensive (btw why would you even be looking for offensive material from several years ago?)

Do you “out” somebody, post it, tell your friends, tell your neighbors?

That’s a “gotcha!” mentality; why not have a ‘grace’ mentality and walk backwards?

I encourage you try to give mercy and grace to people at their weakest moments. I’m grateful many have shown me that in my life and I’ve tried to show the same.

I truly believe we will reap what we sow. Some people call it karma, call it what you want, but it’s absolutely true.

Noah’s two sons were blessed and their families; the other son and his family were not blessed.

You can hurt people or help people, break people down or build people up, you can laugh at them or love them.

Now more than ever, choose love and walk backwards.

The “Twelve Days of Christmas” Explained

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Hoejin Yang via Flickr

Millions of people know the vintage Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” It is one of the most well-known and beloved songs of the holiday season. But, do you know what each item in the song represents? Well…good news! Today you are going to discover what each “Day” represents. I think that you will find the following read VERY interesting!

Day 1: “The partridge in a pear tree” is Jesus Christ

Day 2: “Two turtle doves” are the Old and New Testaments

Day 3: “Three French Hens” stand for Faith, Hope, and Charity

Day 4: “Four Calling Birds” are the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark Luke, and John

Day 5: “Five Golden Rings” recall the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old testament.

Day 6: “Six Geese A-Laying” stand for the six days of creation

Day 7: “Seven Swans Are Swimming” represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy

Day 8: “Eight Maids A-Milking” are the eight Beatitudes

Day 9: “Nine Ladies Dancing” are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control

Day 10: “Ten Lords Are Leaping” are the Ten Commandments

Day 11: “Eleven Pipers Piping” stand for the eleven faithful disciples

Day 12: “Twelve Drummers Drumming” symbolizes the twelve points in the Apostle’s Creed.

So, there is your history lesson for today! 🙂

Can Prayer Save America?

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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

———————

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.”

Words of Wisdom…From An Angel!

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Nicolas Raymond via CC Flickr

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you had the opportunity to meet an angel? Even better…imagine if you could live with an angel? Well, I would like to tell you…I do! This past summer, I was going to leave home for 6 weeks, work a job in another state by myself, leaving her home with my son. The day I was to leave, she gave me a small “Care Package” which was full of little goodies such as snacks, mosquito repellant, toiletries, but most lovingly, a little notepad that she called, “Words of Wisdom for Rich.”

There, written on every page were simple quotes, Scripture verses, and other encouraging and inspiring words. I thought that it was such a thoughtful and loving thing to do. During that time while I was away, I looked forward each day to read my angel’s new “Words of Wisdom.” I thought to myself, that not only did these things mean a lot to me, but I decided that they would be great things to share with others.

So, without further ado, here are the “Words of Wisdom” that my wife found and gave to me during my absence from home. It is my hope, that you will find encouragement and inspiration in one or more of these nuggets of truth, and help you on your journey of life.

————————————

“I have told you these things so that in me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

“All God wants from Man is a peaceful heart.” ~ Meister Eckhart

Always Pray. Pray Always.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace…and be thankful.” ~ Colossians 3:15

What gives me the most hope every day is God’s grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.” ~ Rick Warren

When you feel like quitting, think about what you started.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is ve, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” ~ Galatians 5:22

“Peace begins with a smile.” ~ Mother Teresa”

Jesus gives us hope because He keeps us company, has a vision and knows the way we should go.” ~ Max Lucado

Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy!

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” ~ Hebrews 12:14

PEACE If does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work…it means to be amid these things and still be calm in your heart. ” Let God’s promises shine on your problems.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Your attitude determines your direction!

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:7

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase…just take the first step!

“If you can’t fly, then run.

If you can’t run, then walk.

If you can’t walk, then crawl,

But whatever you do,

You have to keep moving forward.”

~ Dr. Martin Luther King

Go the extra mile…it’s never crowded!

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is rather than what you think it should be.

“Courage is contagious. What brave person takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened. ~ Billy Graham

Don’t stop until you are proud!

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18

“Lord, if it’s not your Will, let it slip through my grasp and give me the peace not to worry about it.” ~ Tony A Gaskins Jr.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

If it doesn’t challenge you…it won’t change you!

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:7

“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Within the covers of the Bible are the answers to all the problems men face.” ~ Ronald Reagan

If you were able to believe in Santa Claus for like 8 years, you can believe in yourself for like 5 minutes!

“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.” ~ Proverbs 12:20

May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace!

“My dear child, you worry too much. I’ve got this…remember?” ~ God

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” ~ Karim Seddiki

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” ~ Psalm 29:11

Don’t let people pull you into their storm…pull them into your peace.

Everything will be okay in the end. If it is not okay, it’s not the end.

It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ~ Romans 12:18

Don’t let anyone’s ignorance, hate, drama, or negativity stop you from being the best person that you can be.

Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for

“Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.” ~ Psalm 34:14

It is possible to choose peace over worry.

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.

“Create the life that you cannot wait to wake up to!” ~ Josie Spinardi

“Great peace has those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” ~ Psalm 119:165

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” ~ Billie Jean King

Always to remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust you.” ~ Isaiah 26;3

Real peace is not the calm. Real peace is the presence of God in the storm.

“The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.” ~ Vince Lombardi

“Be so good they can’t ignore you.” ~ Steve Martin

“Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” ~ Isaiah 26:12

Patience is the key to paradise.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~ Nelson Mandela

PROVE THEM WRONG!

“Though the mountains are shaken, and the hills removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord.” ~ Isaiah 54:16

———————————–

Which one of these statements is your favorite? Are there more than one? It is my hope that you can use one of them and apply them to your life.

NEVER LOSE HOPE 😊

Why Go to Church Anyway?

Posted on November 14, 2015 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Tim Wilson via CC Flickr

If you’re spiritually alive, you’re going to love this!

If you’re spiritually dead, you won’t want to read it.

If you’re spiritually curious, there is still hope!
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. I’ve gone for 30 years now,’ he wrote, ‘and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them so, I think I’m wasting my time and the priests are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.’
This started a real controversy in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ column. Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this… They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!’

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!