Blog Archives - COACH Toby Schwarz

COACH Toby Schwarz

Five Thumbs On One Hand!

12/30/2019

"Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another." Romans 12:4-5

It is really hard to get along with people who aren't like us.

Lord, help me to realize that we are more alike than different and there are more different people in the world than similar and that is a good thing.

Go Tell It On The Mountain ...

12/23/2019

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for
salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

If the Gospel is that powerful and that important to us, we have an obligation to tell our friends and family and coworkers, and anyone else we care about, the Good News of Jesus Birth, Death and Resurrection.

Lord, help me to be bold enough to share You with those I know and love.

Chicken Soup from Chicken ...

12/20/2019

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1, 4-5

What is inconvenient and frustrating to us is often God's perfect plan. Who are we to complain about anything when we should trust God's perfect plan.

Lord, thank you for turning what appears to me to be problems and pain for me into ultimate victory and success.

Time To Workout!

12/19/2019

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

We have all done it. We look in the mirror or step on the scale and come to the realization that it is "time to workout". Unfortunately, our faith doesn't seem to have a comparable warning system. It should. We should look in the mirror and see the look on our face and say "Man, I don't look so good. When was the last time I prayed or read my bible or went to church Maybe it is time to meet with God."

Lord, help me to value my spiritual health as much as my physical appearance.

What Should I do?!

12/18/2019

“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul?” Deuteronomy 10:12

We often get caught up with our day-to-day decisions and also our "worldly goals and aspirations" that often cause us anxiety and frustration. "What should I do?" is a common refrain. God has an answer. We need not worry about our daily questions but we should focus on our eternal priorities. Walk, Love and Worship God.

Lord, help me to remember the important things.

Bold Move!

12/17/2019

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Some commitments are a lot more important and meaningful than others.

Lord, help me to realize that following You is not a common decision to be taken lightly.

At Least You Aren't Moses!

12/16/2019

"When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:30

Some things in life take a lot longer than we would prefer. 40 years is a long time.

Lord, help me to be patient and to trust and to realize that at least you aren't asking me to wait 40 years.

Intent and Ability!

12/13/2019

He shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands. Psalm 78:72

Leading is difficult. Leading is often thankless. Leading requires a lot of time and effort. Leading also requires good intentions and a toolbox full of skills and abilities.

Lord, help me to have the right heart and help me to acquire the right skills to lead effectively.

Better Days Ahead!

12/12/2019

“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." Jeremiah 29:11

If we believe in God, we must believe that no matter how bad today may be, tomorrow will be better. And if tomorrow isn't better, then the answer is not "your life won't get better", it is simply "your life won't get better YET".

Lord, thanks for your promises and help me to be patient.

Disciplined Teaching!

12/11/2019

"Endure it as discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?" Hebrews 12:7b

The purpose of discipline is "teaching" and not "punishment". When discipline is viewed as or used for punishment, then it is not discipline. It is punishment. Punishment is a motivator but not a great motivator. Discipline includes elements of teaching and teaching is not only beneficial but it is also a positive motivator.

Lord, help me to see discipline as being a learning opportunity for me and help me to use discipline to teach others.