4GIVEN

Hey You! It’s me again. I just wanted to share a quote in scope of our current NH series entitled, ‘People of a Second Chance.’ C.S. Lewis said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” I know sometimes it’s hard to forgive others especially repeat offenders like me, but when you do the reward, yet painful, is far more greater. Remember that forgiveness is a communicable attribute that Almighty God allows us to practice and contrary to what most believe, practice doesn’t make perfect however; perfect practice makes perfect! So today know that God is not looking at how many medals, degrees, or diplomas you possess rather His acuity is laser focused on your heart!

Have you ever asked yourself, “How did I get here? Have you ever felt like you are not who you once were?
Lastly, has fear ever crippled you into believing that you fallen too far to love? Well, if you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, I got good news for you! In Christ you can rest assured that He is the Author and Perfector of you life, that He completes what He starts, and He will never leave you abandoned! Oftentimes, it’s hard to decipher and distinguished between the voices in your head not to mentioned the junk that you hear in the world. However; John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” So today, if you have ever made bad choices, if you have ever made a mistake, and if you have ever created a problem know that you are more than the choices that you’ve made, you are more than the sum total of your past mistakes, and you are more than the problems you create! You’ve been remade in Christ and there is no condemnation!

We all struggle with something in life however and perhaps the most prevalent is temptation. It’s no doubt that overcoming temptation isn’t easy but it’s doable in Christ! 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” Now look at Philippians 4:13, “I can do [endure] all things through Christ that gives me strength.” You see our challenges whether it be temptation or another sin issue can not be overtaken by an all powerful God. But we gotta know where our power source to overcome derive. It is only in Christ, in spiritual union with him, that we Christians are able to gain victory over the snares of the flesh, the enemy, and the world. His presence alone gives us strength to do and to endure all things. 2 Corinthians 22:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” So remember victory over life’s various temptations, snares, and trials can only come from the One who nailed it, conquered it, and achieved it!

Great service yields great results!!!

Nick Srader’s Reponse to my thank you email: “The honor was all ours.  We stuck around until about 8:30 debriefing and guys were adding input and encouraging each other.  Several of them went back to Colossians 3 and mentioned how impactful that was.  I really truly appreciate you taking the time to do that.  If you are ever in the Dallas area I would love to have you share this presentation with the teams there.  Likewise, if there is ever anything I can do or Benjamin Franklin can do to help you or your company don’t hesitate to speak up.

 Thank you again for the wisdom you shared and the seeds you planted in our hearts this morning.  Pray that whether we have planted or watered that God will cause growth in the hearts of these men.”

All the best,

Nick Srader

Vice President, Operations

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing – Dallas

1500 S. Central Expwy. #300

McKinney, TX  75070

(972) 562-1776 Office

(972) 542-0744 Fax

nick.srader@benfranklinplumbing.com