Last night, the NFL preseason kicked off with the Hall of Fame game between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. In unison, fans everywhere shouted that football is back!
Although only an exhibition game, and most of the star players didn't even play, fans have been longing for football and we're thankful the new year has started.
I’m sure as many of us turned on the TV last night, there was a sense of joy and excitement when we heard Al Michael's voice again, and saw the action on the field taking place. There is so much anticipation with the start of the new season, and being without it since February has made us hungry for the game to return. Throughout the preseason we will get a glimpse of what’s to come, but it’s only a taste of what teams will do once they utilize their full roster and playbook. It's just preseason, but we’re thrilled to know there is much more in store. As I think about the thrilling anticipation of preseason football, in light of the regular season starting in a few weeks, I pause to consider the joyful excitement we have for God, in light of eternity with Him. Are we enthused to experience all He has in store for our future? Do we realize we’ve only seen a glimpse of His power and might...and can’t comprehend all He’s capable of doing? When following Jesus, we should be filled with such overwhelming passion and awe for even a taste of His goodness and faithfulness. Unlike football (which isn’t always available), God’s work and love is continuous...and we should long to truly experience Him. We know preseason football pales in comparison to what’s ahead when the real season starts. Likewise, we know this world is temporary and pales in comparison to eternity with God. As we wait for Jesus to return, we must embrace all we have available to us in Him right now, and enjoy even the glimpses of what’s in store. Today as we contemplate all of this, I hope we’re filled with praise and worship in knowing the BEST is yet to come! Let's powerfully proclaim Psalm 34:1-9 (NLT): "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together. "I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles.
"For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need."
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m in awe of the glimpses of what’s in store for eternity with You. I hunger to know and experience You even more - both now and forever. I know that true joy and excitement are found in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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