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Thursday, August 24, 2023

Reconciliation Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Reconciliation

Four-eyes
A South American minnow-like fish is called "four eyes" because it knows how to make the best of two worlds.

God designed its large bulging eyes with an air lens on the upper half and a water lens on the lower half. As it cruises along the surface of the water, it is able to look at the world above and the world below.

APPLICATION: In a sense, Christians must be like this little fish. As we go through life, we need to look above to heaven and also below to the world around us. The heavenward look enables us to focus on what God says is true and right, and the earthward look helps us see opportunities to demonstrate Christlike compassion to people who are entangled in sin.

Reconciliation With God
Topic
Subtopic
Scripture
Predicted

Dan_9:24; Isa_53:5;
Proclaimed by angels at the birth of Christ

Luk_2:14;
Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances is necessary to

Eph_2:16; Col_2:14;



EFFECTED FOR MEN



By God in Christ
2 Co_5:19;

By Christ as High Priest
Heb_2:17;

By the death of Christ
Rom_5:10; Eph_2:16; Col_1:21; Col_1:22;

By the blood of Christ
Eph_2:13; Col_1:20;

While alienated from God
Col_1:21;

Without strength
Rom_5:6;

Yet sinners
Rom_5:8;

While enemies to God
Rom_5:10;

The ministry of committed to ministers
2Co_5:18; 2Co_5:19;

Ministers, in Christ's stead, should beseech men to seek
2Co_5:20;



EFFECTS OF



Peace of God
Rom_5:1; Eph_2:16; Eph_2:17;

Access to God
Rom_5:2; Eph_2:18;

Union of Jews and Gentiles
Eph_2:14;

Union of things in heaven and earth
Col_1:20; Eph_1:10;



A pledge of final salvation

Rom_5:10;
Necessity for-Illustrated

Mat_5:24-26;
Typified

Lev_8:15; Lev_16:20;









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#Reconciliation


The restoration of fellowship between God and humanity and the resulting restoration of human relationships. The NT affirms that the reconciliation of the world to God is only possible on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ.

reconciliation, of the world to God

On account of sin, people are alienated from God and cut off from fellowship with him. Through Jesus Christ, God reconciles the world to himself, breaking down the barriers of hostility and estrangement.

A broken relationship through sin brings alienation from God
Isa 59:2 See also Ge 3:23-24 the expulsion from Eden; Ge 4:13-14 Cain’s alienation from God; Isa 48:22; 64:7; Jer 33:5; Lk 18:13 the tax collector’s prayer for mercy; Ro 5:10; 8:7; Eph 2:1-3,12; 4:18; Col 1:21; Jas 4:4

God takes the initiative in bringing about reconciliation
2Co 5:18-19 See also Ro 5:6-8; Gal 4:4-5; Eph 2:4-5; 1Jn 4:10

The means of reconciliation is the death of Jesus Christ
Ro 5:6 See also 2Co 5:18-19,21; Eph 2:13,16; Col 1:20

The results of reconciliation are both personal and universal
Peace with God Ro 5:1 See also Ac 10:36-46; Eph 2:14-19; Col 1:21-22

Access to God Ro 5:2 See also Eph 2:18; 3:12; Heb 10:19-22

Adoption as God’s children Ro 8:15-16; Gal 3:26; 4:4-6; 1Jn 3:1-2

Peacemaking throughout the universe Col 1:20 See also Ro 11:15; Eph 1:7-10,22-23

Believers are to be the ambassadors of reconciliation
2Co 5:18-20


reconciliation, between believers

True reconciliation between people is only possible after they have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Believers are urged to settle differences among themselves in brotherly love.

The cause of the breakdown in relationships is sin
Ge 27:41
The division between Joseph and his brothers: Ge 37:4-5,18-20
1Sa 15:12-14 Samuel and Saul; 2Sa 14:28 Absalom and David; Ac 15:37-40 Paul and Barnabas; Gal 2:11 Paul opposes Peter

Believers should be reconciled to one another
Mt 5:23-24 See also Mt 5:9,25 pp Lk 12:58; Mt 5:44; 18:15-17,21-35; Jn 17:20-23; Ro 12:18-21; 2Th 3:14-15

The death of Jesus Christ should bring believers together in peace
Eph 2:14-22

The church should display reconciliation
Col 3:12-15 See also Ro 12:18-21; Eph 4:32; 2Th 3:14-15

Examples of reconciliation between people
Ge 33:4 See also Ge 45:1-5 Joseph and his brothers; Jos 22:10-34 Israel, Reuben and Gad; Lk 23:12 Herod and Pilate; Jn 21:15-17 Jesus Christ and Peter; Ac 9:26-28 Paul and the apostles; 1Co 7:11 a wife and her husband



You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Hospitality Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hospitality

“Hospitality–Open Your Circle”
In New Testament times, hospitality was an obligation of the host family and of the entire village. So when a guest arrived late at night, it was all right for the host to go next door and ask for extra loaves of bread. It was all right. But it wasn't convenient. When the host in Jesus' story pounded on his friend's door late one night, it was a pain! It was common for the whole family to sleep together in a single room, often on a common mat unrolled on the floor. (Thus, "My children are with me in bed,"  For the father to get up, and stumble over the whole family, possibly awakening them too, wasn't convenient at all. But Jesus said that such a householder would get up anyway—if the neighbor made a pest of himself and kept on knocking.

Hospitality
Acts of generosity and friendship towards strangers. God’s people are called to be hospitable as part of their duty to others and in gratitude for the salvation they have received from God. Showing hospitality includes the responsibility to protect those received as guests.

“Hospitality–Open Your Circle”
(07-12-2015)-Monte Cox-Holy Habits: Training for Godliness, Hospitality– Open Your Circle

Welcome

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#Hospitality
#Hospitable
#Hospitably
#Host
#Guests
#Fellowship
#Kindness
#foreigners

Acts 27:3 (MSG) The next day we put in at Sidon. Julius treated Paul most decently—let him get off the ship and enjoy the hospitality of his friends there.
1 Timothy 3:2 - Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Luke 10:7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Romans 12:13 (ESV)  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
1 Timothy 5:10 (ESV)  and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
1 Peter 4:9 (ESV) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Acts 28:7 - Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
Matthew 10:10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
Matthew 25:38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?

hospitality, a duty of God’s people

Hospitality is commanded by God
Heb 13:2 See also Isa 58:6-7; Jn 13:12-15; Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9

Hospitality is a responsibility of leaders
1Ti 3:2 See also 1Ti 5:9-10; Tit 1:8

Hospitality indicates true discipleship
Job 31:32 See also Mt 25:35

Hospitality crosses social barriers
Of race Lev 19:33-34 See also Ex 22:21; 23:9

Of class and status Lk 14:12-14 See also Jas 2:2-4

Hospitality is to be offered to Christian ministers
Ro 16:1-2 See also Col 4:10; 3Jn 5-10

Hospitality is to be refused to false teachers
2Jn 10-11

Hospitality as a picture of salvation
Ps 23:5-6; Rev 3:20 Jesus Christ comes as a willing guest to the repentant, as a sign of renewed fellowship. See also Isa 25:6; Mt 22:1-14; Lk 14:15-24; 19:1-10; Jn 14:2-3

Warnings against inhospitable behavior
Dt 23:3-4 See also Mt 10:14 pp Mk 6:11 pp Lk 9:5; Mt 25:41-45


Examples of hospitality

Scripture provides many examples of friendship and generosity towards strangers, and encourages believers to be hospitable in turn.

Examples of hospitality in the OT
Ge 18:2-5 See also Ge 19:1-3 Lot entertains visitors from God; Ge 24:22-25 Abraham’s servant is welcomed in Rebekah’s home; Ex 2:20 Moses is welcomed by a priest of Midian; Jdg 13:15 Manoah receives the angel of the LORD.
Shelter is given to a Levite: Jdg 19:1-4,20-21
2Sa 17:27-29 hospitality shown to David and his people; 1Ki 17:7-16 The widow of Zarephath cares for Elijah despite her poverty; 2Ki 4:8-10 a Shunammite provides for Elisha; Ne 5:17 Nehemiah shows hospitality to fellow Jews.

The hospitality showed to Jesus Christ
Mt 9:10 pp Mk 2:15 pp Lk 5:29 Jesus Christ received hospitality from people of all social backgrounds. See also Mt 8:14-15 pp Mk 1:29-31 pp Lk 4:38-39 at Peter’s house
Jesus Christ anointed at Bethany: Mt 26:6-7 pp Mk 14:3; Jn 12:1-3
Lk 7:36 at the house of Simon the Pharisee; Lk 10:38 at the home of Mary and Martha; Lk 14:1 at the house of a prominent Pharisee; Lk 19:5-7 at Zacchaeus’ house; Lk 24:29 with disciples in Emmaus; Jn 2:2 at the wedding at Cana

Hospitality assisted the mission of the apostles
The hospitality is shown to the disciples Mt 10:11-12 pp Mk 6:10 pp Lk 9:4 Jesus Christ sends out the Twelve. See also Lk 10:5-7

Hospitality was shown to Peter Ac 10:32 at the home of Simon the tanner; Ac 10:48 with Cornelius and his family

The hospitality shown to Paul and his companions Ac 16:15 at the home of Lydia; Ac 16:34 at the house of the Philippian jailer; Ac 18:2-3 with Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth; Ac 21:8 at the house of Philip; Ac 21:16 at the home of Mnason in Jerusalem; Ac 28:2 on Malta; Ac 28:7 at the home of Publius; Ro 16:23 with Gaius; Phm 22 as a guest of Philemon

Christians opened their homes for gatherings of believers
1Co 16:19 See also Ac 2:46; Ro 16:3-5; Col 4:15; Phm 2

Examples of inhospitable behavior
1Sa 25:10-11 See also Nu 20:18 Edom; Nu 21:21-23 Sihon; Dt 23:3-4 Ammonites and Moabites; Jdg 19:15 Gibeah; Lk 9:52-53 a Samaritan village




You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Friday, July 14, 2023

Nurture Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Nurture




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#Nurture
#Nurtures
#Nurtured
#Nurturing
#Well-nurtured
#Nourish
#Foster
#Sustain
#Decay

Ephesians 6:4 (MSG) Fathers, don’t frustrate your children with no-win scenarios. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
Galatians 6:6 (MSG) Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.
Luke 6:24 (MSG) But it’s trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you’ll ever get.
Psalm 144:12 May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace.
Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Nurture/sort/popular
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Nurture

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner




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Thursday, July 13, 2023

Vulnerable Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Vulnerable


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#Vulnerable
#Unguarded
#Invulnerability
#Invulnerableness
#Authentic
#Mockery
#Unvulnerable
#Vainly

Genesis 42:9 (MSG) Joseph, remembering the dreams he had dreamed of them, said, “You’re spies. You’ve come to look for our weak spots.”
2 Timothy 3:6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.
James 5:16 ESV Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner




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Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Feedback Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Feedback




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#Feedback
#Criticism
#Encouragement
#Advice

Scriptures
Proverbs 19:20 ESV Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 12:1 ESV Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 12:15 ESV The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 15:31-33 ESV The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:31 (NIV) Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 15:32 (NIV) Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Feedback/sort/popular
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Feedback

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner




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Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Fellowship Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Fellowship


*Clickable Links Are Blue with Underlines:

#Fellowship
#Together
#Communion
#Family
#Companionship
#Community
#Koinonos

Scriptures
2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
Acts 2:42 - And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
1 Corinthians 1:9 - God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Fellowship/sort/popular
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Fellowship

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner




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Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Positive Attitude Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Positive

“Positive thinking” may seem like a buzzy modern concept, but the belief that our thoughts can positively impact our well-being is nothing new. In fact, the Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus observed as far back as the first century CE that “it’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” In other words, we can free ourselves and change our reality by dreaming big and training our mind toward possibilities, rather than focusing on limitations.

Since antiquity, numerous scholars, leaders, and thinkers have helped to champion the power of positivity in their respective fields. Transcendentalist philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, for instance, is often credited as a forefather of positive thinking. In his writings, he emphasizes the role our perception plays in shaping our reality, and how we must adjust our attitude first in order to change our lot in life. “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year,” Emerson wrote in 1904. Decades later, writer and lecturer Dale Carnegie picked up this thread of thinking, touting the social advantages of positivity in his 1936 book How to Win Friends and Influence People.

​​The benefits of such optimism extend well beyond just a sunnier disposition: According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can actually enact physical changes as well. The power of the mind can lead to a better immune system, an increased life span, better cardiovascular health, and lower levels of stress and tension. These 14 quotes reveal how positive thinking can be a healthy way of approaching the rigmaroles of everyday living.


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#Positive

#Scripture




You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Thursday, March 23, 2023

Heaven Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Heaven

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#Heaven

#Scripture




You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Parenting Illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Parenting

What's the most important thing a parent can do for a child? Recently I was reading about a boy who grew up in a small farming community in Georgia. He was pretty much a loner. He wasn't a great-looking guy and he didn't have a lot of friends. He liked to write and read poetry, and that was probably because he had a speech impediment and could barely put a sentence together. His teacher didn't pay a. Lot of attention to him and his grades were poor. But his parents wouldn't let him quit on himself. They kept saying you're going to simply have to work a little harder. God loves you, and we're proud of you. So he did work hard, he started making A's in school. At 12 years old, he set a goal of 100,000 pushups and 100,000 sit-ups a year. From then on. His name was Herschel Walker. He graduated valedictorian in high school and in 1982, he won the Heisman Trophy while playing football for the University of Georgia. He joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1986, and he led the NFL in rushing. His secret of success, he says I felt loved by my parents and loved by God, so I felt good about myself and I was willing to work hard. You think about that! 

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#Parenting
#Parent
#Parents
#Parenting

Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Ephesians 6:4 ESV Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
1 Timothy 5:8 ESV But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Colossians 3:21 ESV Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Exodus 20:12 ESV “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Proverbs 29:17 ESV Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.





You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Tuesday, March 07, 2023

Hero Illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hero

In the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Chris Klug won a bronze medal in their parallel giant slalom snowboarding event. He jumped over 2 retaining fences to hug family and supporters. It was a special moment to share because 19 months before Chris was dying. He was 20 years old when doctors discovered that he had a rare liver disease. PSC, the same disease that killed football great Walter. Peyton for seven years, it wasn't too bad. Then at 27 years old, the disease became aggressive and the doctors told him without a transplant he would die and soon. Chris knew that 16 people die each day on the transplant waiting list because there is no organ available. But nineteen months ago, a 13-year-old Denver boy was accidentally but tragically shot and killed. His family made the emotional decision to donate their son's organs, and Chris was the match. Upon winning an Olympic medal, Chris said. I'm lucky to be here today. Without the gift of the donor family, I wouldn't be here. They're the real heroes. I'm just trying to get the message out. You think about that! 

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#Hero

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You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Monday, March 06, 2023

Encouragement Illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Encouragement

Years ago there was a group of very bright young men at the University of Wisconsin who, more than anything, wanted to be successful writers. So they formed a club where each person would submit an essay, and then the other members would read and critique the work. They were heartless and tough in their criticism, and they decided to name their group The Stranglers. At the same time, there was a group of women who also wanted to be writers and they wanted to be a part of the group, but "The Stranglers", had nothing to do with them. The women decided they'd form their own group, but they submitted their essays and they took a different approach than the men. Their criticism was very soft. Every attempt was praised and they always tried to find something good to say. They called their group the Wranglers. 20 years later, the university did a study and they came across an interesting comparison of The Stranglers versus the Wranglers of all the bright young men. Not one of them made their living writing of the women. Six went on to be very successful writers. The difference between the two groups. It wasn't the education, and it wasn't the ability, it's that the women felt encouraged to express themselves and to try. You think about that! 

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#Encourage
#Encouraged
#Encouragement
#Encourages
#Encouraging
#Encouragingly 
#Deter
#Discourage
#Discouraged
#Discouragement
#Discouraging

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Hebrews 3:13 ESV But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Philippians 4:13 ESV I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Romans 15:13 ESV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.




You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Sunday, March 05, 2023

Perseverance Illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Perseverance 

Jason had a great game the week before as the quarterback of his football team, he threw for 500 yards passing and four touchdowns. Everyone was talking about how great he was the next week was an important home game and the opposing team had a huge defensive lineman. Within 3 seconds after the ball was snapped, this guy was all over Jason. He was slammed so hard to the ground that his head was left divots in the field. He was on his back more than he was on his feet. Needless to say, Jason had a horrible game. No touchdowns were thrown, but four interceptions were completed. They lost by 30 points after the game. Everyone avoided talking to him except his father, he said. Jason, that's the best game I've ever seen you play, not because of the yards passing or touchdowns thrown, but because you kept getting up after you were knocked down. You played tough today and I'm. So proud of you. Sometimes our greatest victory is just getting back up. Everybody gets knocked down. The question is, what do you do then? You think about that! 

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You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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