Blog Archives - COACH Toby Schwarz

COACH Toby Schwarz

Wondering Why Life Isn't Going The Way You Want?!

12/31/2016

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Being Selfish? It isn't a good look. We attempt to serve and give and think about others but the truth is that we tend to lean toward "what's in it for me". Then we wonder why life is so hard and why we can't seem to "get a break". God never said life would be easy but He does promise that even when life is hard, it will work out in the end ... IF we are pursuing God's purpose for our life and not our own selfish purpose.

Lord, help me to begin each day with a renewed heart for Your purposes and not my selfishness.

Working Without a Net!

12/29/2016

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. Ezekiel 34:12

The lack of a safety net in a circus high wire act adds to the excitement and fear for both the entertainer and the spectators. Working without a net will often bring more fans to watch. Although calulated risk can open doors for success, blind stupidity does not lead to success. Having a safety net is wise when taking risks. Life is risky enough in and of itself. God has not only provided a Savior and a Counselor and a Teacher, but has also provided a protector as we navigate this dangerous world.

Lord, thank you that I don't need to live life withour a net.

Hold On For Dear Life!

12/28/2016

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

We say we want to get better. We say that we want to be healed. We say that we have had enough and we are tired of it, but we continue to hold on to whatever it is that we don't want to have anymore. God can take things from us but it is not his style. As God has proven time and time again, He would much rather us voluntarily make a choice, and in this case give things up, as a sign of our trust and devotion to Him.

Lord, please help me to recognize what I am burdened with and then give me the strength to not only let go of it but to intentionally give those things to You.

What Are You Afraid Of?!

12/27/2016

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10

We fear what we don't trust. We tend to trust our own thoughts and perceptions, while we fear things that we lack any control over. We are often given "good news" and that news is met with fear because it isn't "our good news".

Lord, you know what is best for me and you know what I need much more than I do so please allow me to trust more and fear less.

Short Attention Span!

12/26/2016

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

The day after CHRISTmas. The much anticipated gifts have been unwrapped, appreciated and in the case of most little kids, most have been dispensed with by now for the joy of playing with maybe one or two. "I need to have ..." has now been "had" so it is time to move on. How much different are we when it comes to the gift of Christ and the eternal gift of salvation.

Lord, help me to never forget and always appreciate the best gift of all by giving glory to you.

What Time Is It?!

12/23/2016

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5

Impatience is a bi-product of unrealistic expectations of time. We feel that something should happen in a certain amount of time or at a specific time. When our expectations are not met, we become impatient, frustrated, upset and even angry. Our perception of time is imperfect. Our perception of time is based on our selfish wants and desires. God's timing is perfect and is based on what is best for us.

Lord, thank you that your timing is much more based in reality than mine and help me to be more realistict in my expectations so that I may become more patient.

Making the First Move!

12/22/2016

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them." Luke 1:68

We must alway remember that God came to us first. He made the first move. He initiated the relationship. He stepped out and stepped up to redeem us. Even though He had the right to do it, God didn't sit around and wait for us to figure out that we needed His help.

Lord, thank you for initiating the relationship with me and help me to follow Your lead and step out of my comfort zone (or laziness) to initiate relationships with others.

Without Limits!

12/21/2016

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31

Mary gave birth to the Savior of the World. Mary wasn't born into a famous or wealthy family, nor did she have a wide range of skills and talents that brought her fame and fortune. Mary didn't attend the most elite academic institutions or travel the world. Mary was a woman who trusted God and God equipped her and blessed her.

Lord, help me to see what I am able to do with Your help and not be limited to what I think I can do by myself.

More Than a Savior!

12/16/2016

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Eternal life is enough. Eternal life is worth the price of admission. However, Jesus is more than the path to eternal life. A counselor. A Father. A provider of peace. A God who is in control and cares for all of our needs, both now and for eternity.

Lord, thank you that you are not limited to our ticket out of hell but you are a God that is here to help us daily.

Have You Earned It?!

12/15/2016

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior. Jeremiah 23:5-6

What do we really deserve? We often feel that we do a lot and thus, deserve a lot. Financial compensation, title and fame. The truth is that we probably get much more than we have earned. The bar for ourself is often lower than the bar we have set for others. In regard to Jesus, he has earned the title of Lord Our Righteous Savior. He has earned the title of King. He has earned it because He was wise and just and right and He saved all of mankind.

Lord, help me to rise to the standards that I hold others to and help me to earn anything that I may feel I deserve.