"A righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again.”(Proverbs 24:16)

It is no secret: I am a Rocky fan—a big one. I own all the movies on DVD and VHS! I can’t explain it; there is just something about an Italian with a broken down accent, low self-esteem and a dream that this hearing-impaired girl could relate to over the years. These movies inspire me. Watching Rocky get up, time and time again, after receiving one hard blow after the other is, I believe, one of the greatest and most inspiring moments in film--and in life. Over the years, I discovered that these films teach three basic principles that parallel Christian living.

Principle #1: We must TRAIN. Scripture commands us to labor, study hard and suit up with the “armor of God” for battle. When we train physically, we suit up with proper sports gear as well (i.e headgear, footgear, etc). So it is in the spirit realm. Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the whole armor of God; that is, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and most importantly, take up the sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God.

Battles in this life can not be successfully fought (and won) without knowledge of the Word of God. Do you know that Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” or that Deuteronomy 28:13 says the Lord will make you “the head and not the tail” if you follow His commandments? How can you follow His commandments if you don’t know what they are? You must train! As a Christian, you must suit up, read, and study His Word; then, you, must apply it.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Recently, I have been thinking a lot about the concept of humiliation. Reflecting on examples from my own life and the lives of others, I am convinced that there is no greater way to strengthen the faith of an individual than to strip him or her of everything they once knew—whether it is a job, house, relationship, award, or hard-earned reputation. Over the years, the media has publically exposed the fallacies of countless politicians, religious figures, sports heroes, pageant contestants, dignitaries, brokers, CEO’s and celebrities alike. How humiliating it is to be outed for a crime that you did commit, much less one you did not!

During this Passover/Resurrection season, I am reminded of one such historical incident; however, I will describe a modern day adaptation for greater illustrative purposes. Imagine with me, if you will, standing in front of the Unites States Capitol with the President of your country and the Governor of your state looking on as you are violently stripped down of all your outer garments. This, while being shamed, mocked, spat upon, and woefully struck in front of those you once called peers…brethren, to be sure. Further imagine as they, too, join in the abject ridicule, denying you, disowning you, jeering you, and condemning you… to death.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3)

During the month of February, a day has been set aside to say the words “I love you,” or at least, to buy roses and chocolates in hopes that the receiver will get the message. I have never been particularly fond of this holiday, or other man-made holidays, especially one that, in my opinion, can paint an inaccurate picture of love…

Growing up, I remember the song, “What the World Needs Now (is love sweet love)” as sung by Dionne Warwick. How I loved that song! It was one of those songs that I would often break into spontaneously. I think of all the weddings I have attended in which guests at the table had to sing a song about love before being allowed to go through the buffet line. Invariably, I would always stand up and sing this song. Meanwhile, the table next to me would somehow always be the table to start singing the theme to The Love Boat! Then there would often be a long pause. I was always surprised how many tables couldn’t think of a song with the world “love” in it—I know a ton of them! Of course, I have always loved “love songs.”