Blog Archives - COACH Toby Schwarz

COACH Toby Schwarz

Gifted!

1/29/2021

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Someone is "gifted" when the have exceptional talents or abilities. We have all been gifted by God. None of our talents or abilities are our own. God also gave us the best gift of all ... grace. Grace is the ultimate "get out of jail free" card.

Lord, help me to realize the many gifts You constantly give to me and the giftings You have given me.

Me Or You?

1/28/2021

“…For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them He has set the world.” 1 Samuel 2:8

Who would you trust more? Me or You? The bad news is that I don't trust myself and I trust you even less. That is why I am thankful that I can trust God and He is worthy to be trust.

Lord, help me to realize that You are worth putting my full trust in.

You MUST Do It!

1/27/2021

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go…We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us.” Joshua 1:9, 16

No one likes to be told what to do. Unfortunately, some times we are too dense or disobedient or simply not smart enough to do what we should so God tells us we must do it. God commands us when we won't do it on our own so we need to take God's command and be strong and courageous.

Lord, help me to choose to be strong and have courage.

Run Away AND Pursue!

1/26/2021

"Now you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have made a good confession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:11–12

There are things we need to run away from AND there are things that we need to pursue.

Lord, help me to have the wisdom to run away from the right things and to run after the right things as well.

Mercy Me!

1/25/2021

“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:13

When we show compassion and/or forgiveness to someone that we can easily punish or criticize, then that is mercy. When we make a choice to show love instead of hate, that is mercy.

Lord, help me to show mercy and thank You for your mercy because it is also Your choice toward me.

Fooling Around!

1/22/2021

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22

Going through the motions. It drives coaches nuts. Think how God feels about it when we go through the motions.

Lord, help me to do what You say I should do.

Help To Stop the Sadness!

1/21/2021

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35

And unfortunately, it is because of something we did.

Lord, help me to not intentionally add to anyone's sadness, especially Yours.

He Knows, You Don't!

1/20/2021

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6

God knows what we should do. We need to seek it and do it.

Lord, help me to understand that You understand more than I do.

Why Babies Don't Talk?

1/19/2021

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19

The reason babies don't talk may be that they don't have the words to say yet. It also may be because they don't have anything beneficial to say yet. We can learn from babies. Babies get smarter over time as they listen and watch others who are smarter than them. We can do the same.

Lord, help me to listen and observe more than jump in and speak.

Who Is Your Enemy?

1/18/2021

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:43-44

There is a distinction here. "Enemy" and "those who persecute" are different. Enemy could be someone who isn't like you or doesn't like you or you don't like them. Persecution is more extreme. Regardless, we shouldn't "hate". We need to love and pray.

Lord, help me to love and pray for others.