This post was originally an email sent out Thursday, August 9th. 

Ever think about how important a simple character can be?  The character I am speaking about is the asterisk (*).  I bring this up because, for all baseball fans, Barry Bonds broke the home run record this week by hitting his 756th home run, breaking Hank Aaron’s record that stood for over 30 years.  Over the past few days one of the discussions about this record was the concern that an asterisk needed to be added to his name.  Why the asterisk? Because Bonds is being investigated for steroids use that would have greatly “helped” him have more power, in turn hitting more home runs.

My thoughts are not on the debate that will rage on about this record but it got me to think about how we, as Christians, NEED the asterisk in our daily lives as Christians.  Yes, let’s give steroids to the senior adults to see them get more work done around the church (BUMPER STICKER: Our church’s senior adults can beat up your senior adults!).  Seriously though – we need the asterisk because we need the help of the Holy Spirit in our lives daily to do what God has commanded us to do.  How many of us have, in the past or even today, chosen to do things your own way without even thinking of bringing it before God?  We have the power to do all things – only if we seek discernment and wisdom from God to do his will. 

Look at this common scripture passage:  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Phil. 4:13.  But also focus on a verse found in Philippians 4 in verse 9: Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

As you go about your daily tasks today – place your thoughts on the following question.  Do I place an asterisk by my name today because I sought God’s help and guidance today? Or is it just plain me – doing everything in my own power.  Live for God – use the knowledge and abilities he has gifted you with today to be a help to those around you.

Think about it – God Bless each of you today!

Sam