Daniel Skognes

Many years ago when I was first starting to teach elementary school, I was subbing in a first grade classroom. When I got there the kids were already in their seats and had these black markers. They were drawing all over the desks with them. I about fainted. I asked in a panicked voice: “What are y’all doing drawing all over the desks?”

The kids looked up at me with this puzzled look and just took their hands and wiped off the desks. I dropped my jaw and looked at them wide-eyed: “May I see one of those pens?” The kid closest to me handed me one. In bold letters it said, “Erasable marker.” I had never seen one before (I’m old school). I was so relieved that the desks were not ruined…and neither was my new career. LOL.

Sin is a lot like this in our lives. The Devil tempts us to sin and then condemns us when we do. He tries to convince us that we will never be good enough. We have these black marks all over us and we might even be tempted to believe the Devil’s lies that God can never accept us now. The truth is, we can’t be good enough without Christ. He is the one that has the magic eraser to make us like new again. That is great news for all mankind. We just have to admit we are messed up and need Christ to make us new. He cleans the slate, and He is the only one who can do it for us.

It is a beautiful thing when you realize how wonderful and perfect God’s love is for us. His mercies are new every morning. Have a blessed week.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

danskognes.com

Have you ever been broken? Most people I know have been broken at least once, and some have been broken numerous times. I am one of the latter. Being broken is a terrible place to be, but I have learned that blessings can come from brokenness.

There are many reasons why a person might be broken: trauma, failed relationships, losing a loved one or a close friend, health issues, losing your job, natural disasters, poor choices, etc. Regardless of the cause of brokenness, the outcome can feel like the world is falling in on you. It is painful and begs the question: “Why is this happening to ME?”

If you have ever felt that way, or if you are in that pit of despair now, take heart. There IS hope. Tomorrow is another day and worth living. There is a purpose for your life despite being overwhelmed by the current circumstances.

When you are broken, consider these things:

1. Ask yourself, “Were there choices I made that got me in this pickle?” If so, own it and change your choices. Quit blaming other people for the storm you created if you indeed were the one who created it. You might have to change the people you hang out with, the places you go, or the things that you do. If any of those things are taking you away from God, then you need to change them.

2. Nobody is immune from bad things happening. Just realize that life is full of road blocks, detours, and dead ends. Anticipate them. Don’t let the set backs keep you from the blessings God has in store for you. When you are pressed upon, press in to Him! He is our guide, our comforter, our shield, and our strength.

3. Every problem is a test, but your test can become your testimony to help other people who are overwhelmed and going through the same thing.

4. Surround yourself with people who love God and follow His Word. Going through a devastating circumstance alone is unwise and may even be life threatening. Find people who will pray for you, speak God’s Word over you, and encourage you through the trial you are facing.

5. Remember that even in the middle of a storm, there is peace. Let the peace of God help you, sustain you, and encourage you.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9: We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

John 14:16: And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.

Psalm 94:19: When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 55:22: Cast your cares on God and He will sustain you.

Jeremiah 29:11: I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

I know this post will not sit right with some people, but I encourage you to read it to the end before you argue the point. I wish to debunk the statement: “Life is not a competition.” I am not sure where that idea originated, but there is no truth to it, and I will prove it to you.

Competition is not a bad thing, in fact, it is very positive and helps us excel in our endeavors. The race begins at conception. Normal sperm count can range from 15 million to as high as 300 million sperm per milliliter. All of those are vying to fertilize an egg.

After birth, we compete as children for the attention we need from our family. The race continues as we compete for grades, athletic competitions, music and art competitions, etc. We compete to get into certain schools, and once we have our degree, we compete to either get more degrees or a job in the workplace. Even if we are self-employed, we compete with others for our market share.

We compete for dates and for spouses. When we are not competing with others, we compete with ourselves to improve, achieve, and excel in life. It is for our own good that we compete.

I realize that some are thinking everyone should get a ribbon when they compete. If they are special needs children or adults, that argument might have some merit, but even the special needs children and adults have Special Olympics. There is something inside each of us that wants to be recognized for doing the best we can, and have others see it as well. 

The Bible even talks about competition in a positive way. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So, run that you may obtain it.”

In the movie Chariots of Fire (an amazing movie if you have not seen it), Eric Liddell was to run in the Olympics. I realize the quote may just be from a Hollywood screenwriter, but it was based upon his true life events. In the movie he said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure.”

In the race we call life, isn’t that what we all desire: to know God’s purpose, run to win, and feel God’s pleasure?”

May you run to win!

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes