Ephesians 6:11-13: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
In a world that’s constantly pushing you toward shortcuts, compromise, and instant gratification, holding onto your character is like holding onto a lifeline.
It’s not just about being a good person; it’s about standing firm in your beliefs when everything around you seems to be pulling you in the opposite direction.
Character is your armor against a world that wants to seduce you, buy you, tempt you, and change you into someone you’re not. It’s the inner compass that guides you when you’re faced with difficult choices.
It’s what keeps you true to your word, even when it would be easier to break it. It’s what compels you to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
In the short term, it might seem like character doesn’t pay off. You might find others advancing faster because they took the easier route or bent the rules.
But character is about thinking long-term. It’s about understanding that the choices you make today will define who you become tomorrow. It’s about building a foundation of trust, integrity, and respect that will stand the test of time.
So, when you’re faced with temptation, remember that your character is what sets you apart. It’s what gives you strength when the world wants you to bend. It’s what allows you to walk away from what doesn’t align with your values, even if it costs you in the moment.
Because in the end, it’s not about what you gain or lose; it’s about who you become.
Stand firm. Hold on to your principles. Let your character be your guide. Because the world needs people who can’t be bought, who won’t be swayed, and who will stay true to themselves no matter the cost.
Be that person. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Put on the armor.
[11] For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
In 1999, I found myself at a crossroads, feeling uneasy and burnt out from my job in K-12 Physical Education. There was a sense that I was meant for something more, but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what that was. I knew I needed a new challenge, but the path ahead seemed unclear.
The thought of taking on more responsibility, perhaps as an athletic director, seemed like a distant dream, especially with my friend holding that role in Manning. Opportunities for advancement were slim.
One day, I came across a job posting for a coaching position at Nebraska Christian College in Norfolk, NE. This opportunity was intriguing for several reasons—it was where my parents had graduated, my sister had attended, and it was located in the city where I was born.
Coaching college basketball and taking on the role of athletic director were not just any positions; they were dream jobs that combined my passion for sports with my desire to lead and make a difference.
Despite the excitement, I was hesitant. Should I uproot my family, leave behind our close-knit community, and pursue a dream that could turn out differently from what I imagined?
I remember sitting at the dining room table on a Saturday morning, reading a devotional, when I came across Jeremiah 29:11—”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This scripture spoke to my heart, giving me the reassurance I needed to pursue my dream. It was the nudge I needed to move forward, knowing that God was leading the way.With newfound clarity, my family and I decided to take the leap, and we moved to Norfolk in the summer of 1999.
Those two years at Nebraska Christian College turned out to be more than I could have hoped for—they became a defining chapter in my journey, impacting not only my career but also my family’s future.
Here’s how our dreams intertwined with God’s plans:
A Family Connection:
My oldest daughter got to know the college during our time in Norfolk and later decided to attend there. It’s also where she met her future husband. This connection felt like part of God’s plan, a dream that He orchestrated in ways we couldn’t have anticipated.
Spiritual Growth and Mentorship:
My friend Shane Coop, the worship pastor at First Christian Church, introduced me to contemporary worship music and showed me what authentic worship looks like. His mentorship was a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey, expanding my understanding of faith and worship. It felt like a dream to work with someone who could guide me in such a meaningful way.
Coaching and Impact:
Coaching college basketball was a long-held dream that I was able to realize at Nebraska Christian College. Despite being a smaller college, it was still a significant opportunity to mentor and guide young athletes. I was able to witness these young men grow, mature, and find success in their careers and personal lives. It’s humbling to see how God used our time there to shape the lives of others.
The Gift of Experience:
The role of Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and a college basketball coach allowed me to gain valuable administrative experience, setting the foundation for future leadership roles. It was a dream come true to be in a position where I could make a difference and not have to ask “What if?” for the rest of my career.
Our time in Norfolk may have been brief, but the impact was lasting. Jeremiah 29:11 became a life verse for me, a constant reminder that God’s plans are filled with hope and a future.
The dream of coaching college basketball, beginning my journey as an athletic director, and leading a team became a reality, all because I took a step of faith and trusted in God’s guidance.
Dreams can sometimes feel distant or out of reach, but when we align our dreams with God’s will, we can see the beauty of His perfect plan.
As you pursue your own dreams, remember that God’s timing is always perfect, and even the briefest moments can have a profound impact on the rest of your life.
Trust in Him, embrace the journey, and be blessed as you follow the path He has set for you.
Be Blessed!
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How have seemingly brief or unexpected experiences in your life contributed to the fulfillment of your dreams, and how did you recognize God’s guidance in those moments?
2. Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:11, what steps can you take to align your dreams with God’s plans, and how can you find reassurance during times of uncertainty or transition?
Many dreams don’t make it out of the “thinking about it” stage.
Why?
You tell yourself:
It’s too risky.
It’s not the right time.
It will be uncomfortable.
I probably couldn’t do it anyway.
I’m too old to dream.
I don’t have enough experience.
Excuses derail more dreams than the consequences of the dreams.
If you dream about it, if you’re willing to put work into your dreams, then you have a chance of living life with your dream.
There are no guarantees except that if you don’t dream, and if you fill your life with excuses, then you will have no chance of doing anything but watching others make their dreams come true.
Don’t be a spectator to other people’s dreams. Have your own dreams, have a plan, and then work the plan toward your dreams, but it all starts with your dream.
You have another choice to make. You can keep thinking about your dream or you can start pursuing, and then living, your dream.
I’m cheering for you.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can you overcome the excuses that prevent you from pursuing your dreams, and what specific steps can you take to move from “thinking about it” to “living it”?
2. What are some of the potential risks and rewards of pursuing a dream, and how can you find the courage to embrace uncertainty in order to pursue your goals?
Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on why you do what you do? I mean really thought about it. We often get caught up in the routines and craziness of life, moving from one task to the next without a second thought.
But when we step back and ask ourselves, “What’s driving me?” we can find a deeper sense of purpose that guides us through even the most challenging times.
For me, writing isn’t just a hobby or a way to make a living—though earning some money from it would be pretty cool, I’m not going to lie. But that’s not the core reason I write.
I write to express myself, to share my feelings, my experiences, and my journey through this crazy, beautiful life.
It’s my way of making sense of the world and inviting others to join me in the process. At the heart of my writing is something much bigger than myself—it’s the desire to lift up the name of Jesus.
I’ve tried it on my own and failed. He’s my one true hope, the rock that keeps me grounded when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
I know not everyone believes in the same things I do, but I hope my words can offer a glimpse of the peace and strength that I find in my faith.
Every time I sit down to write, I think about that one person. You know, the one who might be having a rough day, feeling lost, or just needing a bit of encouragement.
If I can make a difference for just one person, if I can bring a little light into their day, then I know I’m doing something worthwhile.
So, why do I do what I do? Because words have power. They can heal, inspire, and connect us in ways nothing else can.
Because life is too short not to share our stories, our truths, and our hope.
Because there’s someone out there who needs to hear what I have to say, and I don’t want to miss that chance. Not because I’m wise,but because God can use everything we do for good if we let him.
If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you matter. Your story matters. Whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone.
Keep searching for what drives you, what gives you purpose, and don’t be afraid to share it with the world. You never know who might be inspired by your journey.
As believers, we’re surrounded by a world that prioritizes the visible, the tangible, the fleeting.
We are bombarded daily with messages that encourage us to chase after material success, social status, and instant gratification. Yet, in the midst of this, God’s word calls us to a higher perspective—a view that goes beyond what our eyes can see and our hands can touch.
In 2 Corinthians 4:18, the Apostle Paul reminds us that “we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
This verse calls us to lift our eyes above the temporary and focus on the eternal.
When we seek the unseen, we shift our priorities. We begin to see that relationships, faith, love, and spiritual growth are more valuable than any material possession or fleeting moment of fame.
We understand that our identity in Christ is more important than any title or achievement. We recognize that the unseen Kingdom of God has greater significance than the visible structures of this world.
To seek the unseen means to live with eternal vision.
It means investing in people, not just things.
It means sowing seeds of faith, hope, and love, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.
It means trusting that God’s work in us and through us has lasting impact, even when we don’t always see it.
Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).
When we seek the unseen, we are laying up heavenly treasures—building a legacy of faith that will outlast any earthly accomplishment.
Today, I encourage you to seek the unseen in your life.
Look beyond the distractions and the noise of this world.
Find the beauty in simple acts of kindness.
Embrace the peace that comes from a deep relationship with God.
Pursue the joy that comes from knowing you are part of a story that is much larger than yourself.
When we live with eternal vision, we find strength in trials, hope in uncertainty, and purpose in our daily lives.
We realize that our journey is not just about the here and now, but about the greater story that God is weaving through us.
Let us seek and pursue the unseen together, trusting that God’s unseen hand is guiding us, His unseen love is sustaining us, and His unseen promises are the true treasures worth pursuing.
Made For This Moment 