I trust that everyone has had a wonderful Christmas break and New Year! Now it’s time to get down to business for the stretch run in this exciting 2013/14 season. It sure is nice to see that we are sitting in a better position that we were a month ago. How much of a difference four weeks makes!
As I write this, the BCHL trading deadline is two days away, and I am sure that there are a few nervous players and parents our there. It just can’t be easy to have that ‘traded’ feeling, although everyone in hockey knows that starting at the Junior level and onward, it is simply a part of the business of the game. I wish Zane Shartz all the best as I just read that he has been traded to Trail. God bless you Zane as you continue on in your Junior hockey journey.
One of my favourite passages of scripture is found in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 16:13 and 14. Here it is. “ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be a man of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”
I call it the Five Fingers of Faith. I have shared this on many occasions, because I feel that it really does capture much of where my heart is. It is my blueprint for the stability and confidence that I have found in Christ. Naming it the Five Fingers just makes it easier to remember, as I touch each finger and my thumb on one hand. Let me briefly name each one here..:
1. Be on your guard. In our house, we have said this phrase for years: “You can let down your hair, but never let down your guard.” To be on guard is not to say that we are always suspicious of situations or people, but that we simply walk through our days with due diligence, with care and attention to what is deep within our hearts.
2. Stand firm in the faith. Faith may be an ethereal concept for many, but for myself, it is the bedrock of my life. My faith in Christ Jesus fills my heart every day; it leaves me with a distinct sense of freedom me that is unshakeable.
3. Be a man of courage. Stand for truth and right, not simply for culture. Culture is subjective to place and time, but truth will last forever everywhere.
4, Be strong. Be strong in kindness and gentleness. Often these traits are thought of as weaknesses, but in reality, they are monumental strengths. On our own this is difficult, but God will give the strength to accomplish this.
5. Do everything in love. I take my cue from Jesus, who introduced love into an incredibly vicious, violent world. Like Him, love gives and sacrifices, is faithful and selfless.
Thank you for reading this latest Chaplain’s Talk post. God bless you in this New Year.
Let’s go Warriors!
Chaplain D
chaplainstalk 