Blog Archives - COACH Toby Schwarz

COACH Toby Schwarz

No Thanks!

12/29/2023

“Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

Nothing is more irritating than when someone says "Thank You" for something you have said and then their actions demonstrate the opposite. The BEST "Thank You" is obedience. Correct Action, not simply action, speaks volumes about whether some appreciates you or not.

Lord, I am sorry for my disobedience and help my actions show my gratitude.

Firm Commitment!

12/28/2023

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Resolution is defined as a "firm commitment to do something or to not do something". Lose weight. Make more money. Be a better person. All will fade at some point in the first weeks or month because we typically focus on the result and not the process. Eat less and workout more. Spend less, save more and bring a lunch to work. Spend less time complaining, judging, being bitter, whining and pointing out the problems in the world and spend more time being more positive about yourself and others by being aware of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent and praiseworthy.

Lord, help me to make a firm commitment to You.

RISAW!

12/27/2023

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

"Run in such a way to be good"? "Run in such a way to have fun"? "Run in such a way to impress others and get "likes" and "clicks" and attention"? "Run in such a way to validate your identity"? "Run in such a way to 'do your best'"? Or do everything with such devotion and commitment, including your relationship with God, that you will sacrifice and get uncomfortable at a level that forces you to rely on God and not on your own mind and gifts and talents.

Lord, help me to RISAW that I have to learn and grow and rely on You more.

Limit-Less!

12/26/2023

“‘If you want to be perfect,’ Jesus said to him, ‘go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” -- Matthew 19:21

"All In" is a common reframe in sports. "All In" rarely, if ever happens. Human nature does not allow us to easily throw aside our "self" and buy in 100%. Some are wired more than others to trust and let go and abandon limitations and sacrifice while others hold on to comfort and the labels and the limits that they place on themselves. God doesn't expect ALL of us, but He desires ALL of us because He knows that if we want ALL, we need to give ALL.

Lord, Thank You for wanting ALL of me and please help me to be more courageous and avoid limiting what I can do and also help me to avoid limiting what You can do through me.

What It Is All About!

12/22/2023

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

Happy CHRISTmas!

Amen!

Genie Plus!

12/21/2023

“'See, I am the Lord’s servant', said Mary. 'May it happen to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her." Luke 1:38

Unfortunately, we often see God as our "Magic Genie" who we call upon to grant our wishes, instead of a God who created us and yes He blesses us, but our purpose on this planet is not to fulfill our own selfish desires.

Lord, help me to remember that I am here for You and You are simply there to do my bidding.

Dealing With Failure!

12/20/2023

I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead Philippians 3:13

"You are a human, you make mistakes. There is a simple but effective way to deal with ALL losses, errors, mistakes, etc: extract the lesson, commit the lesson to memory, forgive yourself, and move forward with confidence. It is important that you do not repeat your mistakes, so you should note your shortcomings and downfalls. It is counterproductive to live in denial and suppression is almost never long term efficient. Recognize your flaw first and commit it to memory.
But after you recognize your mistake and commit it to memory you must, must, must forgive yourself. Successful people forgive themselves. Unsuccessful people do not." from zwinningminset.com

Lord, thank You for failures because they help me to learn and grown ... and help me to remember that failures have a purpose, to help me learn and grow.

Listen Up!

12/19/2023

“The angel went to her [Mary] and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’” Luke 1:28

God may never send an angel to us to speak clearly through that angel. Or maybe He will? Or maybe He has? God has a few tools in His toolbox when it comes to communicating to us and angels aren't the only one. Unfortunately, we are either too stubborn or pessimistic to listen to God, no matter what manner He speaks to us.

Lord, help me to listen when You speak to me.

pUT tHE christ IN christMAS!

12/18/2023

“…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

If Jesus was never born, He would never had died ... for us.

Lord, in all the chaos and distractions surrounding Christmas, help me to remember CHRIST!

What Do You Want?!

12/15/2023

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10

Afraid? God is there. Discouraged? God is there. Depressed? God is there. Hurt, sad, lost, confused, overwhelmed, lacking confidence, lacking direction ... GOD IS HERE!

Lord, I am sorry that I complain more than I should and that I ask You for help much less than I should.