Character

Today’s Lyrical focus

• Nothing’s going to get in my way… Everyday
• I know no fear still standing tall
• You better stand tall when their calling you out

 Dwight Eisenhower describes Jon’s character with this quote, “The qualities of a great man are "vision, integrity, courage, understanding, the power of articulation, and profundity of character." In other words Jon has character.

Jon works really hard at not allowing adversity to compromise his character. In fact adversity made him fight even harder. Jon is pretty much known as the comeback kid in rock music (Laura Jackson). Jon had many obstacles that he had to overcome in order to be successful. If it wasn’t for his ambitious and drive I don’t think Bon Jovi would have made it after “Runaway.” 

I really believe in this saying, “When the going gets tough the tough get going.” We can’t quit every time something doesn’t go are way. When the world says, "Give up,” Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."(Author Unknown)

Jon is ambitious and envisions himself succeeding at whatever he sets his mind and heart to. He works hard and wants to keep moving up. Like he sings in “Everyday”… I’m going to touch the sky and teach the wind to fly (Have a nice day).

We to need to keep looking for ways to improve our life’s so we can benefit somebody else. Let’s make our presents known today. Let people hear your voice when you shout it out loud. How would you describe your character? How would the people who know you best describe you? Ask them.

It's Been a While

Jesus taught us the importance of letting go of hurt, disappointment and anger. I think of two situation where Jesus was hurt, when Judas betrayed him and when Peter denied him.

Look at how He handled it. He accepted it and didn't personalize their choices nor did He carry it around with Him. He let go of any anger or resentment that would keep Him stuck in the past. Like Jesus we have to let go of any empty expectations or fears about what might or might not happen someday.

  

I think we can all relate to David (at some point in time) when he said, my guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear (Ps38:4). Often times I felt miserable or unhappy and I didn't understand why. It wasn't until I took the time to see why I realized two things about myself. I either pondered or rehearsed my mistakes and failures or I was rehearing the sins and offense of others. This isn't living. I didn't have peace of mind when I would think like this. God wants us to let go of the past and move forward. Take the lesson(s) and grow from them. Help others who are going through a similar situation. Find ways to share how God exchanged beauty for ashes…. Maybe you can write a book or a song and share your story.

We need to promise ourselves that we aren't going to look in the rear view mirror. Our past doesn't’ determine our future. It time for me to realize that I can’t live my life backwards, why would I want to. You and I can need to let go of all poison created by our own hands or the hands of others.

God says, as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Based on this truth and knowing what I now know, there’s no reason to keep hanging on to hurt, guilt and disappointments. God reminds us that every mistake, every regret, every harsh word, every embarrassment is in the past. Our pain has led us to where we are now. God uses every painful experience help you and I to grow in wisdom, strength and His image.