Blog Archives - COACH Toby Schwarz

COACH Toby Schwarz

Better To Be Chosen!

7/31/2020

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last" John 15:16

I would argue that it is better to be chosen than to choose. When we are chosen, the other obviously feels that we have some sort of value. When we choose, we hope that the other finds value in us as we found in them.

Lord, thank You for choosing me.

Above All!

7/29/2020

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1

There is a difference between "up" and "above". Up is relative. Above is absolute. When we find ourselves down, up seems enough because we are at least above some, so we fall short of our capacity and potential. But when above is the goal, we have a higher standard.

Lord, you are above and you want me to be above as well so help me to not limit myself and think "more" or "better" or "ok" is good enough.

Valuable Equipment!

7/28/2020

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Athletes need equipment. Construction workers need equipment. Business people need equipment. We all need equipment. God has provided us with equipment. God has given us a book that provides us the tools we need to finish the work He has begun in us.

Lord, help me to equip myself with the tools you have provided.

Be A Stud!

7/27/2020

"The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock." Matthew 7:25

Paint on a house is aesthetically pleasing but it provides zero support to the house. Studs are not very aesthetically pleasing and that is why we cover them with drywall and mud and ... paint. We often spend more time on the outside of our "house" and we don't spend enough time on the things that provide support, like a stud.

Lord, help me to have a firm foundation by spending more time on the things that matter to you and less on what matters to the world.

Sharing Is Caring!

7/20/2020

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

If we truly care about those around us and if we truly care about Jesus, then we will be more intentional about helping others with their burdens.

Lord, give me the awareness and compassion required to help others with their issues.

Word Habits!

7/17/2020

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

We need to think carefully about the words we use. We all have habits and use words over and over again and fail to think about why we use certain words or phrases. Words can be helpful and uplifting but words can also unintentionally hurt and harm.

Lord, help me to stop and think and to use words intentionally.

Christian Life Together!

7/16/2020

“We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8

We tend to spend a lot of time focusing on our own lives and how we are doing and what we need to do. It is natural. We spend more time with ourselves than anyone else. However, that is the problem. We spend too much time with ourselves and not enough time with others and with God.

Lord, help me to spend more time with others and You so that I may grow more myself and help others.

It Is OK That Life Is A Mess!

7/15/2020

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us…” 2 Corinthians 5:20a

We act as if life is supposed to be normal. We are easily upset when things interrupt our expected existence. The truth is that we are ambassadors to this world and it isn't our real home. When ambassadors are in a foreign land, it is ... foreign, strange, unusual. If we become too comfortable here, we are no longer ambassadors. We become citizens.

Lord, help me to be OK when life is messed up and realize it is because I am not supposed to be home here.

Attitude Has Always Been a Choice!

7/14/2020

"Make your own attitude that of Jesus Christ." Philippians 2:5

We all admire those with a "good" attitude because deep down, we know that attitude is a choice and not a result of our situation or circumstances.

Lord, help me to have a "good" attitude.

Relationships Are More Than Texts and Posts!

7/13/2020

“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27

Unfortunately, we can be fooled to think that a text, email, post or similar completely "technical' communication between two people will constitute a relationship. We need to truly get to know each other if we want to have a relationship. The same is true with Jesus. We need to spend quality time and truly get to know Jesus so that He will know us.

Lord, help me to be intentional in my relationships, especially with You!