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Sunday, 26 October 2008
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"For Those who are Struggling"
Devotion by: Dr. Joe Savage, President, Winners Influence
October 26, 2008
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Guys it's that time of year. You and your team might be in hot water. Your team is not doing as well as expected. Fans have verbally shown their displeasure and become critical when most don't have a real understanding of the intricacies of the game. Certain members of the media, who ordain themselves as all-knowing, are using their persuasive pens to influence fans toward displeasure when the reality is they don't have a clue (and would be much better as writers of novels and daytime soaps than as a legitimate sports columnists). Players are bickering and wanting more limelight. Agents are masterfully spinning half truths not caring if their deceitful ways hurt others or not.
Yes guys. It's that time of year. You hope desperately that everything will turn around. Every time you think things are getting better, someone gets hurt, or spews ignorance, or creates dissension causing the team to step more into darkness.
Let's face it - losing brings out the worst in people.
Now you find yourself in a place of uncertainty. Your fellow staff finds themselves on the bubble. All of you have family's that are worried, anxious, and concerned.
So what do you do? How do you respond? Where do you turn?
While I confess I don't have any idea on how to help you with the details of your career, I can tell you a few things that you need to remember. I hope they will help.
1) Remember things aren't near as bad as they may seem.
This is not to minimize your situation, but I just know that things are never as bad as they seem when you are in the heat of battle.
2) Remember you can't control other people.
People are often ignorant (myself included). Accept this fact. The more you try to control others the more you lose control. Think that through.
3) Remember adversity is the tool God uses to make us more like Him.
James says, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3).
4) Remember most people's opinions really don't matter.
Are you working to please the fan? Are you working to find admiration from the media? Are you working for reputation? Don't' get me wrong. We all want to be liked and desire to be "good." However, if you are working for the admiration of others, you will never find it. It's fleeting. We live in a conditional world.
5) Remember to find your focus, strength, hope, and worth from one source - God!
God is the only consistent source for anything that has real value. He is the only One whom you really give account. He is the only one that really matters. Believe me . . . hear me . . . are you listening? I personally have been fired. I have been misunderstood. I have lost everything. I have had negative things said about my character when they were lies. I have had ego maniacs play God with my life when they were simply idiots.
What can one do? CHOOSE to lean on God and not your own understanding; pray; forgive daily; speak the truth in love; trust God to reveal truth; love your family; love those around you; and operate from the source of wisdom (God) instead of a source of emotion and vengefulness. Only One matters - Jesus.
Easier said than done I know. But, YOU can do it. God is with you. You will rise up. You will make it. Your family will be fine. Truth will surface. You will be fine! Why? Because God is with you and says. "'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may say, 'The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?' . . . Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:5b-6, 8 ).
I'm here for you if you need someone to pray for you or to simply vent to. All will work out! God says so!
Today's Prayer
"Lord, please help my friends who are reading this devotion. Many of them are facing difficult challenges in life. They have foolish people being know it alls; they have negativity that has encircled; they have pressures that are squeezing them. God, bless them. Keep them. Help them to be strong and mighty. Lord help them to become all that you desire so that you will be glorified in their life and in their circumstance. I thank you for giving them this opportunity. In Jesus' name. Amen."
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Saturday, 18 October 2008
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"My Encounter with Michael Phelps"
Devotion by: Dr. Joe Savage, President, Winners Influence
October 18, 2008
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Often at Cleveland Browns' games I will go down on the sideline prior to the game. I like to see players up close and in person, especially from the opposing team. I like to see their size, speed, quickness, demeanor, and leadership in person.
A few weeks ago, the Browns were playing the Pittsburg Steelers. Some family friends (the Hardees) and I were having fun watching Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu (one of my favorite players; forgive me Browns' staff), Braylon Edwards, Joe Thomas, and others.
Suddenly, one of the Browns' staff came by and told me that Michael Phelps was down on the field watching the players as well. Yes, that Michael Phelps. The American swimmer who has won more gold medals then anyone in the history of the Olympics. Yes, that Micheal Phelps, who I stayed up to watch break record after record every night last August. Yes. That Micheal Phelps who is the fastest man to ever swim through H2O on the planet!
Suddenly I was jacked!
I was like "Forget Roethlisberger, Polamalu, and Edwards. I want to see the man who is allegedly part man, part tarpon."
On our way to see Phelps, we ran into my brother Phil (the General Manager of the Browns). Fans who were standing around were taking Phil's picture and some were trying to meet him. Not me.
I obviously know Phil and can tell you what kind of underwear he wore at age ten and can certainly tell you that he hasn't won any kind of swimming medal. (Although according to our parents, he did save my life once by carrying me on his back in a swimming lake in Florida when I was age five.)
I said hello to Phil but my true sights were set on the man fish.
So one of the Hardee boys positioned himself with his camera and I went in to meet Michael Phelps. We talked, got to be friends (okay as much as two people can become friends in 60 seconds), and had my picture taken.
It was a great experience.
Now let me ask you. Do I really know Michael Phelps? Of course not.
I know about him, watched him perform night after night, met him, even had my picture taken with him, but I don't really know him.
The same is often true with individual people and God. Most people believe there is a God. They may even pray to Him. In fact, they may even confess they are followers of Christ. But, do they really know Jesus? I mean really have a personal relationship with Him?
Jesus once told a group of people this story: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matthew 7:21-23).
Friend, do you know Jesus? More importantly, does Jesus know you?
If not, then get to know Him today! There is absolutely nothing more important. He is the one person that you need to know in order to have eternal life in heaven and joy on this earth.
For more information about how to have a personal relationship with Christ, simply click here. Billy Graham will tell you how to personally know Christ just as he has helped thousands of others make that same decision.
Let me know if you have any questions and let me know too if you make a decision to follow Christ. I would really like to know and be able to pray for you.
Joe Savage
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Monday, 13 October 2008
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"More Lessons from an Old Man and his Onion Straws"
Devotion by: Dr. Joe Savage, President, Winners Influence & Phil "Big Sav" Savage, Sr.
October 13, 2008
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Last week I wrote a story entitled "The old man and his onion straws." It received quite a positive response from readers as it basically talked about enjoying God's blessings. (A copy is at bottom of page.)
Below are a few responses from various readers. I also have a response from my father (Big Sav) which seems to serve as a great second lesson that we all can think about.
Reader: My brother Phil Savage from the Cleveland Browns wrote, "Ribs in the afternoon, pizza at night + the stress of the Browns-you're going to weigh 300lbs by the end of the year!"
JS: I am heading that way Phil, but have a ways to go!
Reader: Bob Fruchter from Showtime Advertising and Public Relations in Chagrin Falls, OH wrote, "I bought and baked a blueberry pie (sugarless) early afternoon and am slowly eating it throughout the day, savoring it as I watch college games. Joy is the root of enjoy, we just need to slow down and remember God's simple blessings."
JS: Way to go Bob! Glad it was a sugarless pie . . . but the whole pie?!!!
Reader: Munch Bishop from WKNR-ESPN Radio wrote, "Marvelous - I LOVE this story, the lesson and prayer."
JS: Thanks Munch. It was a good story and I love it too.
Reader: My father, Big Sav (a man absolutely full of wisdom and common sense) wrote, "Joe, Isn't it remarkable how God shows and teaches us. When some people say or question about God speaking to us or not being seen, they do not realize if we open our ears and eyes we sometime will hear and see God through others and things around us (just as you saw and was taught without seeing or hearing God in the flesh). I do not believe you picked this restaurant and your seat by accident. Instead, God put it in your heart to be there so he could teach you and put this lesson on your heart to share with others. So in reality, God will teach many by putting you and the old gentleman together without the old man even knowing it. This shows we need to always act in ways that others will see Jesus in us (as we might be in one of God's messages for others)."
JS: The old man had no idea I was watching him and certainly no idea that he would be the primary character in two weeks worth of devotions that 1,500 people read! Big Sav is correct and here are four additional lessons we can learn (from another older gentleman who I'm sure loves onion straws!)
1. God does indeed teach us and speak to us through people all around us. Sometimes He does it through people we do not even know.
2. God consistently leads us into places and has us encounter people who God use as teaching tools in our lives. It is up to us to learn from them.
3. God consistently desires to use you as a teaching tool for others. In other words, allow Him to use you in the lives of others by serving as a Christ like example.
4. Always act in ways that represents Christ as you never know when you might be being watched (and when you might end up in a devotional story that can inspire hundreds).
I hope and pray that you will put these lessons into practice! I love and appreciate you all.
Joe Savage
COPY OF LAST WEEK'S DEVOTION
Last Sunday I spoke in a church that was more than one hundred years old in the northeast corner of Ohio. After a wonderful service I stopped in a restaurant to watch the Browns/Bengals game. While watching the game, an African-American gentleman entered and sat down directly in front of me. He was older as his hair had turned gray along each side revealing his wisdom and long life. He was all alone as he sat to watch the game. I thought to myself, "I wonder how many Browns' games he had watched through the years."
Though the game was not pretty, he pleasantly watched. He shared a laugh with someone on his cell phone, and he ordered bar-b-cue ribs, onions straws, and french fries.
As I watched the game, watched this man, and listened to fans around me becoming angry at the play on the field, I quickly was drawn to his inner peace, comfort, and joy.
The man was amazing. He ate his onion straws a few at the time, intentionally savoring every bite. He would bite into a rib while twisting it, turning it, and licking every morsel of sauce from the bone. He would wipe his fingers, drink his coca-cola, peacefully watch the game, and then go back to dipping his onion straws into the cup of ketchup that sat next to his plate. Remarkably, he ate for a full four quarters. With meticulous timing, he ate his final french fry with 30 seconds on the game clock.
While, this man knew how to eat, he more importantly knew how to enjoy life.
The old man simply had achieved what we all really long for and desire - peace and joy.
I thought about this man the remainder of the afternoon. To see him enjoying something so simple, while not having a care in the world, made me realize that I needed to savor and enjoy the many blessings that God gives me.
So that evening at 9pm I went to a local restaurant, ordered a pizza, watched the Sunday night NFL game, read the newspaper, and simply stopped to enjoy the blessings of God. I slowed down and enjoyed each bite just as the old man had done. I watched the game with pleasure, and took my time enjoying the gift of being able to read. I kicked my feet up on the chair in front of me, turned my cell phone off, and simply enjoyed life.
Yes, this man influenced me. He made me realize that most of life is really not that important. He made me realize that God gives us an inordinate amount of blessings with each day -- we simply let them pass us by without even recognizing or enjoying them.
The Bible says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). Friend, God is good. Regardless of how your season or life might be going right now, remember God is good. His blessings are in abundance.
Won't you taste and see that the Lord truly is good?
Take a lesson from an old man eating ribs and onion straws. I sure did!
Today's Prayer
"Father, teach me to rest; to relax; to savor your blessings and see how good you really are. Thank you Lord for life and all that you give to me. I am truly thankful. In Jesus' name. Amen."
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Saturday, 04 October 2008
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"Lessons from an Old Man and his Onion Straws"
Devotion by: Dr. Joe Savage, President, Winners Influence
October 4, 2008
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Last Sunday I spoke in a church that was more than one hundred years old in the northeast corner of Ohio. After a wonderful service I stopped in a restaurant to watch the Browns/Bengals game. While watching the game, an African-American gentleman entered and sat down directly in front of me. He was older as his hair had turned gray along each side revealing his wisdom and long life. He was all alone as he sat to watch the game. I thought to myself, "I wonder how many Browns' games he had watched through the years."
Though the game was not pretty, he pleasantly watched. He shared a laugh with someone on his cell phone, and he ordered bar-b-cue ribs, onions straws, and french fries.
As I watched the game, watched this man, and listened to fans around me becoming angry at the play on the field, I quickly was drawn to his inner peace, comfort, and joy.
The man was amazing. He ate his onion straws a few at the time, intentionally savoring every bite. He would bite into a rib while twisting it, turning it, and licking every morsel of sauce from the bone. He would wipe his fingers, drink his coca-cola, peacefully watch the game, and then go back to dipping his onion straws into the cup of ketchup that sat next to his plate. Remarkably, he ate for a full four quarters. With meticulous timing, he ate his final french fry with 30 seconds on the game clock.
While, this man knew how to eat, he more importantly knew how to enjoy life.
The old man simply had achieved what we all really long for and desire - peace and joy.
I thought about this man the remainder of the afternoon. To see him enjoying something so simple, while not having a care in the world, made me realize that I needed to savor and enjoy the many blessings that God gives me.
So that evening at 9pm I went to a local restaurant, ordered a pizza, watched the Sunday night NFL game, read the newspaper, and simply stopped to enjoy the blessings of God. I slowed down and enjoyed each bite just as the old man had done. I watched the game with pleasure, and took my time enjoying the gift of being able to read. I kicked my feet up on the chair in front of me, turned my cell phone off, and simply enjoyed life.
Yes, this man influenced me. He made me realize that most of life is really not that important. He made me realize that God gives us an inordinate amount of blessings with each day -- we simply let them pass us by without even recognizing or enjoying them.
The Bible says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). Friend, God is good. Regardless of how your season or life might be going right now, remember God is good. His blessings are in abundance.
Won't you taste and see that the Lord truly is good?
Take a lesson from an old man eating ribs and onion straws. I sure did!
Today's Prayer
"Father, teach me to rest; to relax; to savor your blessings and see how good you really are. Thank you Lord for life and all that you give to me. I am truly thankful. In Jesus' name. Amen."
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DR. JOE SAVAGE
AVAILABLE TO SPEAK TO YOUR CHURCH, GROUP, SCHOOL, OR COMPANY!
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Spoken more than 1,400 times!
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