Love you all, praying for you,
I really appreciate questions. They challenge you, they make you think, they have the power to impact you for good. Jesus asked a lot of questions. Questions either expose you or draw you. They reveal your motives which can be ugly sometimes, and they invite change if you’re humble. Here’s a question that may be worth thinking about. How much impact will you have today? How much impact will you have this month? this year? What about the next three years? How much impact will you have – for good? What is impact – something that changes something, makes an impression, makes a difference. Something effective, that brings results, that bears fruit. The time will pass one way or another, and it will be over. So what impact do you want to have? You might be young, and not even thinking about time. You might be past half-way or too busy to think about it. Or you might be a lot closer to the end, than the beginning – you’re far more aware of time and how quickly it passes. So what impact will you have in the time you are in, or the time you have left? What does God want for you? What could you do that would make the largest impact, the biggest difference, the greatest good? Praying that as this month begins. You will know what God has planned for you – so you can do it! That will make an impact! Praying that you will spend time today in a conversation with God, about His PiVAT Monthly for you – and get His plans for you for this month. It will have an impact. What could you do this month to make the biggest difference? What habits does He want for you that would increase this month’s impact. Do you even know what He has assigned for you this month? It’s so good! Praying that PiVAT before dinner – you never miss. Praying that PRISM throughout the day has you coming back to His Word like moth to the flame, gaining wisdom and understanding - so you can be highly effective. Praying that you will get a Daily Call – so you overcome – so your impact grows. Praying that you will be humble, joyful and faithful with God’s money. That your 4C’s every morning – has you know where God’s money is – so you can do what He tells you to do with it. It will have an impact. Praying that you will invite someone to a 3-Day-Challenge. That will definitely have an impact - it will change you as well as them. Praying that God's impact in you this month will be great. That you will fully see what God is doing, and be fully prepared to join Him. He will lead your life this month to have great impact for good. Great joy is waiting. It’s not too late, you could have missed it, but you won’t. Just ask Him for His next instruction, soak in His Word – overcome with somebody – and you will see the impact that just a little obedience can bring. He can bring a lot from your little. And His love for you endures forever. Love you all, dad
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Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It’s truth – It’s revealing – it’s convicting - and its more about you than about them. I noticed early on in my PRISM time in God’s Word - how quickly I could think of someone ‘who really needs to hear this.” God used that as an example for me. Every time I read God’s Word – and I think about someone who really should do that… it’s usually more for me than for them. Have you noticed in life – when you’re young, your life is consumed with three things – getting an education, getting a job, and getting a spouse? An education takes a lot of time, but at least it results in a degree, certification or certificate of completion. A job requires knowledge, skill and proven ability, or you won’t get hired. Then it requires dedication and diligence. All three of these things take time – Education takes at least four years sometimes eight or twelve. A job and career takes 8 hours a day at least; to be excellent, sometime more – and in some seasons, a lot more. An education – (even with a ‘change of major’ detour) – at least results in a degree. A job at least results in a paycheck. But a spouse… that investment - is often a lot of time spent, for nothing. That’s why we have always encouraged our children and every young person we meet - to invest wisely when it comes to a spouse pursuit. And the best investment – is not in them… it’s first in you. Praying that you will review the Relationship Topic - The Five Pursuits of A Young Man or Woman. Get these first. Become who God wants you to be, and you will be ready for who God wants to bring you to. If you pursue another person instead of who God wants you to be, you can spend hours upon hours and end up with no degree, or a lot of money spent, but no money earned. Would you go to College for four years, if you had little or no chance of getting a degree? How many weeks or months would you work at a job or career if you never got a paycheck? That’s what the dating game is. A lot of investment – but little reward. Have you noticed it’s never called the marriage game… but it is referred to as ‘the dating game’ for good reason. It’s a crap shoot, kind of like Vegas. The reason that most people fail at the dating game, is they have the wrong focus. They’re trying to get one, rather than be one. Most people want to find a good husband, but think little about being a good wife. They want to find the perfect wife, but invest little in being an awesome husband – the kind that she would forsake all others for. They want someone that meets their needs, but invest little time, energy, prayer or growth, to become what their spouse needs. Praying that you will review just as a timely reminder (whether you’re married yet or not) the 11 Things you Need in a Husband, and the 11 Things you need in a wife. But rather than reading it – like everyone else does – “what I’m looking for or need” – read it to find out what they’re looking for and need. It’s just God’s promise of sowing and reaping… Become what they need, and you’ll marry the one that you need, whether you’re married yet or not. The way to find your Esther is become the one that Esther longs to marry. If you want to find that Prince Charming – become the Princess that will sweep him off his feet. It’s not what you wear, it’s who you are – that will get you the Prince. GQ isn’t what she’s after. If you want to marry the Princess, become the Knight in shining armor that she is waiting for. It’s character, conviction, and good choices, over looks. Those who pursue the external often lack the internal. Have you ever met or dated a guy like that, or a girl like that? They’re like a beautifully wrapped Christmas Present – with nothing in it. Or what’s inside, is really… unattractive. How disappointing. It’s what brings an end to every dating game. God has better for you! Not for you to get – for you to be! (See how easy it is to fall into the old way of thinking? Learn to think differently). It’s what you give, not what you get, that determines how wonderful your married life will be. If you’re already married. Stop hoping your spouse will become what you need. And work on becoming what they need. The best way to do that – is seek after God with all your heart, just do what He tells you to do, (Every Day). Learn to think like He thinks, and it will change the way you treat your spouse. You’ll begin to treat your spouse in a way that will draw them to you, like moth to a flame. Become the husband she dreams of, become the wife that He’s enthralled by. And it’s more than looks. If the best looking people had the best marriages – Hollywood wouldn’t’ be on their third and fourth marriage. Praying that you will review those 11 Things you need in a husband or wife – not to see what you need, but to see how you’re doing! And rather than looking for one – becoming one. Your spouse will so appreciate it, whether you have them already, or they are still coming. The investment is always worth the wait. Don’t think of what to get, think of what to give… Pray that you are becoming what your Spouse needs, by becoming what God has for you. If you walk in His plans for you – it’s what they need you to become. It’s worth the investment. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It tells us of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near – Matthew 3:2. Think differently, who you submit to, what controls you. Change from your own way, to God’s way. It’s a completely different way of living. It is eternity with God – starting here on earth. What is God’s Kingdom? Where the King – Jesus Christ – has dominion. That means rulership, authority. His plans become your plans. In any kingdom, there is geography or Territory, a Ruler, Taxes, Laws and Language. A person who is a part of that Kingdom or nation – follows it’s rules, pays its taxes, follows its ruler, and speaks its language. That’s why Pilate was confused by Jesus. He knew He was innocent, that the Pharisees were just jealous. But he also had the responsibility to put down any insurrection against Caesar. Jesus told him plainly. My kingdom is not of this world, if it were, my followers would fight. Jesus leads a different kingdom, an eternal kingdom, it’s territory covers the whole earth, and every earthly power is under His authority. He didn’t have to have his people fight, he had the legions of heaven at his disposal, one angel, the death angel, could have destroyed the Roman army, as easily as he could have spoken to the sea to swallow them up, just like the Egyptian army. Or the earth to open and consume them, like Korah’s rebellion. This kingdom is different, because it’s eternal. So how do you know if you are a part of this Kingdom, and you are living like it. Number 1: Start with citizenship and power - Salvation. Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and you will be saved. You will be grafted into the family of God. Granted citizenship, not just a new Kingdom, a new family! And Receive the Holy Spirit – so you will have power to live in this new Kingdom, not by the old one. Number 2: Speak it’s language – Know God’s Word – change your way of thinking – so you think like a free person, not a slave to sin anymore. He gives grace to say no to sin, that controlled you in the past. It doesn’t anymore! And Pray in the Spirit – the Heavenly Language - learn to operate by the power of the spirit, not your mind and flesh: Number 3: Submit to the authority of Jesus the King – by the Holy Spirit. He gets to run your day planner. Your life is not your own anymore, you have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus. You serve the King, just as a Roman Soldier served Caesar, your life is now directed by Him. If you trust Him, you will present your body as a living sacrifice, not living for you anymore, living for Him. Get His plans for you today, not yours. Walk in what He has planned for you to do. There is fruit there! There’s Joy there! It’s how you fulfill your purpose – the reason you were created. His plans for you are good, way better than what you could come up with – He loves you. He can’t wait to show you the good things He has just waiting for you to obey with time, transform your mind, and overcome with your testimony - so you can walk in them. Number 4: Give – The Kingdom of God is opposite of the kingdoms of earth. Give and it will be given to you. That’s just the opposite of the old kingdom. Tithe first – that’s not even yours to decide about – then give to others, those in need, as the Holy Spirit prompts you. It’s His money, He can direct it, and His supply for you never runs out. This is a different kingdom. Number 5: Love and Serve – The way people know you are a part of this kingdom – is by your love for one another. You consider others more important than yourself. If one has a need, the others share so everyone has enough. In your words, and your actions – this kingdom is not selfish people living for their own benefit, it is selfless people demonstrating the love of Jesus for each other – and to others! So they can become part of a Kingdom that has no end, that lasts forever, that is the love and joy of the King of Kings and the LORD of Lords. Praying that you will remember what Kingdom you belong to. That you will Speak the language of heaven today, that you will do exactly what He told you to do this hour, that your mind will be filled with His Word, that you will give as the Holy Spirit prompts you to give, that you would love others like Jesus loves you. So His Kingdom will grow, so others are blessed, and the Kingdom of Heaven pervades the kingdoms of earth. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It’s a portal to reality. Not the natural world that we think is reality, the real world – the supernatural world, the eternal reality that infinitely exceeds the mere blip on the radar that is our 70 years on earth. Have you ever noticed, there are two times in your life? One or the other. Isn’t it interesting how many quotes, phrases or expressions are about the value or concept of time. Time to go, what time is it, times up, out of time, in time, just in time, it’s about time, the fullness of time, waste of time, time well spent, out of time, I just don’t have the time… What is time? The passing of life. Ben Franklin’s famous quote: “Dost thou love life? Then squander not time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” “Time is money.” Have you ever heard that? No, time is time, money is money. Someone who says that reveals their value system. They would rather use time to make money, than let time pass without making money. Time is not money – and money certainly is not time. Money comes and goes. Time just goes. You might get your money back, but you will never get time back. You can buy money with time, but you cannot buy time with money. It’s given by God. So what are the two times in life? Scheduled and unscheduled… Scheduled – time assigned, and unscheduled - time unassigned (transition time, down time, unassigned time, in-between time.) Most successful people (no matter their definition of success) would say they are successful because they invest their time differently than those who lack success. The two times in life – scheduled and unscheduled are merely time that is predetermined or undetermined. The question is – who determines it? Who schedules it? And of the 100% of your time what percent should be scheduled versus unscheduled? Some people like scheduled time, it makes them feel like they are accomplishing something. Some people prefer unscheduled time, less pressure… But scheduled time that is misguided – according to a purpose that will fade, it not more valuable just because it’s scheduled. Scheduled time – is determined by your will, unscheduled time is determined by your heart. So who schedules your time? And what determines your heart? God’s Way or man’s way – one of the most important truths in life… What’s the difference between God’s use of time and man’s use of time? God uses time for fulfillment, man uses time for enjoyment. Even the ambitious that work 14 hours a day – their motive is really enjoyment – to buy a lifestyle to enjoy life – which is time. Scheduled time is subject to your will, even God’s will won’t supercede your will, He decided that. Your will – chooses your plan or God’s plan for you, when it comes to time. And your heart determines what you do with unscheduled time. You spend it on what your heart is drawn to. What your heart always comes back to. Your down times will be given to what’s in your heart. A popular belief is ten thousand hours are required to attain expert status in something. Divided by an 8 hour day, leaves 1250 of them – divided by 365 days in a year, that would leave 3.42 or three and a half years of 8 hour days to achieve expert status. What if you just spent 30 minutes a day on something you wanted to achieve? Get in shape, learn a new language. It would take years to achieve expert status – but you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the benefits of a worthwhile pursuit. Have you noticed also, that all hours are not created equal? Have you ever been at work, and heard someone say – “I’ve got nothing done today.” That’s quite possible. That hour of work, interrupted by email, three phone calls, and Tik Tok – netted you about five to ten minutes of productive work tops. Hours can slip away. So what does God want with your two times? #1 - He wants to schedule your hours – for purpose not pleasure. He’ll give you plenty of pleasure – He’s your heavenly Father – He longs to bless you. But pleasure at the expense of purpose – is not fulfilling – it’s empty. #2 He wants your heart drawn to Him, and the Good that He is and that He has for you. It’s way better than any temporal pleasure or greatest ambition that you could desire. If your heart is for Him, your unscheduled hours are drawn to His presence, His thoughts and His pleasure. Infinitely more valuable and truly enjoyable than the false reality of earth. Praying that you would remember the two times… that PRISM would draw your heart to Him, and His Good for you! So your unscheduled hours drift always to Him, not to what won’t matter. Praying that PIVAT before dinner – getting His plans for your day – will convince your will, to choose His – so you walk in the way chosen for you, the way best for you. Praying also - that every Sunday – the LORD’s day – the day to rest and gather with others… That you would also give a portion of one hour every Sunday – to get His plans for you for this week. So you understand what His will for you is, what He wants your scheduled time to be - before next Sunday. His will is a whole ‘nother level for you. Four weeks in a row with PiVAT Weekly - Getting His Plans for you – will bring you to a completely different place – than just what your natural ambition, or untrained heart will bring you. God’s plans are so much better. You will be 70 years old in just a matter of days. What you do with those two times, (scheduled and unscheduled) will determine what you fulfilled – whether it was what God had for you, or you had for you! You can trust Him with time. It is the stuff life is made of. And what you do in this life – will determine how you live in the next. Praying that your will and your heart will always be drawn to Him. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It’s truth. It’s success. It makes you different. Have you ever noticed, God gives commands, expectations of us. He’s God, we’re not. He created us - it’s His right to do. But the different thing about God. Every earthly authority – places demands on their subjects for their own benefit, God’s demands are for our benefit, as well as His glory - to draw others to the love that He has for them. I love that God’s commands are simple. “Be kind.” Not easy, but simple. Why is be kind not easy? Because it requires humility. It starts with listening, before talking. It requires you to think of the best interest of someone else, over the best interest of you. What if you were kind today? God is, will you be? Why would you want to? Because God said to. Kind doesn’t come naturally, kind is a decision, and a choice. A decision is what you decide should be done, so you will do it. It’s a mental determination – that this is right, or good, and what you should do. A choice is you doing what you decided is right to do, when the opportunity is upon you. Kind – To treat someone favorably, lovingly, pleasantly, pleasingly. To do that which promotes their welfare. Disposed to do good to others, to make them happy, to grant their requests, to supply their needs. So how do you be kind? #1) Know that He is kind – God said He is always pursuing sinners to repentance – the Kingdom of God. And He said it’s His kindness that leads us to repentance. So God is being kind to someone every day. #2) Decide that you, too will be kind #3) Ask God who He wants to show kindness to – through you. It’s really not about you being kind. It’s about God’s kindness through you. It will draw people – lead people to him. #4) Ask God what He wants you to do to show His kindness. What could you do to demonstrate kindness to someone today? And start with the ones closest to you, your spouse, siblings, parents, children. Then friends and family, then neighbors, or even strangers or passersby. It’s humility practice. And it will bear fruit. Kindness starts through prayer – so you know who God wants you to be kind to, and then what to do – to be kind to them. What could you do to be kind? Love languages is a great start. #1) Words – a kind word – will cheer someone up, make their day, encourage their success, recognize their value – a kind word could be remembered forever, you’ll never know what a word of kindness can do. Just a word of encouragement – notice something good about them that they are or did or said – and commend them for it, or tell them of it’s positive effect on others. People love to hear, not only the good that they did, but the result of what they did that was positive, successful or benefited others. Everyone wants to be appreciated, for who they are and what they did good. Not only will it reinforce good in them, it will encourage them in their value and sense of self-worth #2) Touch – just a hug – can mean the world. Especially in a social distance society where human touch has been eliminated. They did a study a few years ago of an NBA Championship team, and if there was a secret sauce that brought the team chemistry and camaraderie that led to championships. They found an interesting one. Touches – a common denominator of champions. The reviewed video for that year and the team that gave the most high fives and physical touches – were the champions that year. Coincidence? Unlikely. Touch is so important to human mental, emotional and spiritual health. That’s the tragedy of a separated society, the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Don’t let him. (Use wisdom, don’t offend people, but ask God what is the right way and the right time.) #3) Take the time – giving people time, is a kindness, and a self-sacrifice that demonstrates their worth and promotes their well-being above your own convenience. Who does God want you to share time with today? #4) Serve – also a time investment, but with physical effort expended. Doing a menial thing, a labor intensive thing, a thoughtful thing for their needs. Anticipating something that would lessen their burden or lighten their load. Cut their grass, clean their house, carry their groceries, clean their garage, cook them a meal. Serving someone else is humility practice. It’s kindness. And #5) Give – it doesn’t have to cost a fortune, buy someone their favorite cup of coffee or donut. Even a stranger, a single mom, or young kid, or elderly person, buying their meal, paying for the next person through the drive-thru, or a random flower... whether persons close to you, of maybe even a complete stranger. A gift is a kindness that will be remembered. And if you give it in Jesus Name – they will remember God, and God will remember you. Praying that you will be kind today. God said to. Praying that you will ask God who, and what to do – to demonstrate His kindness that leads them to Him. It’s humility practice, it’s God-like, it will make you a different and a better person, and it will be a live demonstration of what God does – just because He loves us. Praying that you will review the PRISM Topic – Kindness. His Word will change your life forever. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It’s powerful. What is power? Latin – Potencia – to exert force. The faculty of moving or producing a change in something; ability or strength, energy. In mechanics – that which produces motion or force, or which may be applied to produce it. The quality in any natural body which produces a change or makes an impression on another body; as the power of medicine, the power of heat, the power of sound. The power of a word. Influence; that which may move the mind; as the power of argument or persuasion. Command, the right of governing, dominion; rule, sway; authority. One invested with authority. The exertion of power proceeds from the will… no one being destitute of will or intelligence, can exert power. Power may exist without exertion. We have power to speak when we are silent. So there is active and passive, and clearly power can be used for evil, or good. What is most powerful? A flood is powerful. The wind is powerful. A locomotive is powerful. So are you powerful or powerless? How powerful are you? And whose power do you operate under. That will determine if you overcome or not. Whose power do you use? And what do you use it for? First the most powerful, period. God. He is mighty in power – all powerful. His power has no limit - there is no higher power. He is the Higher Power. Power belongs to Him. And He gives it to whomever He chooses. John1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: When it comes to you. That’s the most important power you need. The power of Salvation. It is literally the make or break for you for all of eternity. Either eternity with God in heaven, or with the devil in outer darkness. That power comes from God, the choice is yours. Actually, even the choice is His. He chose you, the only question is… will you receive Him. I Corinthians 1:18 – For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God. So what is His power to you? Foolishness? Or Salvation? How do you become powerful? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Be strengthened with His Power. Without power, you can’t do anything or change anything. You get your power from Him: And since it is derived from the will, there is the will of you, or the will of God. His power is available to you. Power to do what you were created to do with joy! Power to change when the devil says you can’t. Power to bring change for good, when the devil says it’s impossible. Jesus promised the potential to do good, and bring about good. Jesus told his disciples the second secret of power. Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Ghost is come upon you – and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth. Secret number two – be filled with the Holy Spirit – your source of power. He commands us to be powerful. Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Soak in His Word, and pray in the Spirit. It will make you powerful. What if you were powerful? What if you had the strength to do what God created you to do? To bring about the change needed in your day – in this day. Listen to what the angel told Zechariah. Luke 1: Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Wow. Did you notice what the angel said at the beginning? Do not be afraid, (aka there is no power greater than God) But he also said ‘your prayers have been answered.’ Zecharaiah prayed. The Bible says the fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man or woman – is powerful and effective. It has power. Praying that you will be powerful today. In His Word, In His Spirit, and in prayer. That God will empower you to do exactly what He called you to do today. Power proceeds from the will – not yours – His will for you. So how do you operate in power. #1 – Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. #2 Be filled with the Holy Spirit – and power #3 Know His Word – it is all powerful – not powerless, it’s the power of God unto Salvation – for anything you or anyone else will face. PRISM will help you! #4 Pray - in the Spirit – it will activate His power in you - and in the understanding – let the Holy Spirit lead you – it will be effective to bring God’s change for good! #5 – Know and Do His Will – that’s how you can walk in His power and do what His power is meant for. Praying that you are so faithful in His Presence, in PRISM – His Word – that is all powerful, In PiVAT – that lets Him reveal His will for you – in your Daily Call that He designed to give you power to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. Praying that you will be filled with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives, so you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might – so you may have great endurance and patience. He’s got power for you! All the power you need! Power for Good! Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. There’s so much more to it, than just the words contained in one verse. The deeper you dig, the more you find and the more you understand – if you ask the Holy Spirit to help you. God said He would. That’s why He sent Him. God said if your kid asks you for a piece of bread would you give him a rock? God said how much more will I give you what is good – that you ask. The world talks about ask – all the time. Ask for the sale, Ask for what you want, they will even quote – you don’t have because you don’t ask. But what does God say? Who did God say we should ask - when it comes to what we want or need? And what did God say we should ask for? Crazy when you dig a little deeper. Two principles about asking are absolutely clear - from the New Testament. Any time ask was mentioned in the New Testament (pertaining to believers - us)… it was always ask the Father. In fact Jesus made it a point to say – I’m going to leave you and then you will see me again. (They didn’t understand he was talking about crucifixion and resurrection - but they soon would). “In that day… “aka when I rise from the dead. “You will no longer ask me, and I ask the Father for you… You can ask Him directly. He loves you because you love me and believe (in me) that I came from the Father.” So the New Testament makes it clear. Ask your Heavenly Father. He will give you everything you need. So the Who is very clear… Principle number two is the what. What should you ask? What did He promise to give you? James explains directly… You want stuff, but you don’t get it. You don’t have because you don’t ask (your Heavenly Father) and even when you do ask, you ask with wrong motives, so you can spend it on your own pleasures. This is friendship with the world and makes you an enemy of God. (He even said it again). So asking for things that you want – to fulfill your own wants and desires… that’s friendship with the world - that’s why you don’t have them. God is not answering that ‘ask.’ So what does God say we should ask for? He said the one thing we can ask for – and He will give it every time. Whatever you ask in my name, in I John it explains what that means “in my name.” It means according to my will. So how do we know His will, so we know what to ask? He even gave the answer to that… “If you remain in me and I remain in you (just like I remained in my Father and He in me) you will know what to ask, and you will get it – every time. So what does remain mean? Jesus made it clear – if you obey what I command you – you will remain in me, just as I obeyed my Father and remained in Him - and got what I asked. So asking God for stuff doesn’t mean just name drop – the big “J” at the end. (in Jesus’ Name) His Name - means fully obey Him, like Jesus did, then you’ll know what to ask for in His Name, according to His will. He will reveal it to you by the Holy Spirit, and He’ll even change your desires – so you want it). And He even called it humbling yourself so He can exalt you.) Then… you can ask whatever He tells you to ask – and it’s yours. Jesus even said – I’m telling you this secret so my joy will be complete, and your joy will be full. That means the joy of answered prayer – that God drew your heart to pray. Not to benefit you – the cheap trinkets the world has to offer, but His perfect will for you to pray – for things that will impact eternity! That’s a different level of joy. And you won’t even miss the junk anymore. Crazy stuff. I’ve not mastered it yet. But God’s Word is clear. Ask God, Ask according to His Will (in His Name), remain in me by obeying (like I remained in my Father) and you will get whatever He directs you to ask. Praying that you will review the PRISM Topic – Ask – to see these verses for yourself. And that you would obey like Jesus did, so your Heavenly Father answers your prayers like He answered Jesus (every time Jesus asked for a miracle). God did it, because Jesus was always operating on God’s Schedule, only His will and His time-table.) Praying that PiVAT before dinner is your priority. It’s how you get God’s plans for you – so you can obey them – just like Jesus obeyed His Father’s plans for Him… So you remain in Him, just like Jesus did. Praying that PRISM – will transform your mind so His Word remains in you – and changes your desires – so you can ask whatever He wills and it will be done for you. Praise God He answers prayer, He reveals Himself to you, He gives you a desire for His desires instead of worldly desires. That’s humility by His grace, and friendship with Him, not the world. He tells you what to pray – cause He’s about to answer it. Praying that you will ask Him what He leads you to ask, that you will remain in Him and His Words remain in you, so that you ask what He directs (your PiVAT Prayer List can help!) so He can answer – and your joy can be full! Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It’s so practical. It saves you from going down the wrong path, and reaping a result that you don’t want. No one thinks of the end – when they start down a path. Rarely do we even view an action or reaction – or a first word… as starting down a path. God’s Word always gives truth, and good advice. Psalm 37:8-9 – Refrain from anger, and turn from wrath; do not fret – it only leads to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. So many things, God packs in one verse. Have you ever gotten angry? What are you most easily tempted to get angry about? A driver on the road – who is a complete stranger that you have never seen before in your life, and will never see again? Does that make you angry? Does what someone says about you, that is incorrect, misinformed, or even intentionally negative, does that tempt you be become angry. Something that doesn’t go your way? Or benefit you right now, the way you want… Does that tempt you to choose anger? What makes you angry? Nothing – you make you angry, nothing else. That’s like saying so and so made me do it… No, you chose to do it. Nobody can make you do anything – you do what you choose to do. It’s on you. First God says refrain from anger. Make it a point, a decision to avoid anger, refrain, neglect it, leave it, leave that first word of anger unsaid, say nothing, move on, don’t get caught in the trap. One of the commands most often used for our dogs. “Leave It” They are about to take a toy that belongs to a child, that’s not a chew toy that belongs to them, or they are about to take a pillow off of the couch, or get something out of the pantry. That one command “Leave It.” They know they are caught and they know they better turn away from what they were about to do. It is teaching them to refrain. Sometimes you need to use that dog command on yourself. When it comes to the temptation of anger or fret – leave it. Refrain, decide not to. That first word which becomes two or three or more, that would express anger, letting it take root and fester into more. Don’t say it. Chose to move on. And definitely turn away from wrath – “losing it completely.” If you are already a few steps down the anger path. God says – you better stop. Entirely. Turn 180 degrees – go the opposite way - so wrath doesn’t consuming you. Anger and wrath lead to nothing good. God says it’s not for you. It starts with the first word. Or you can stop it with the first word – that you leave unsaid. That what it means to refrain. You can establish a momentum of sin, or a momentum of righteousness. Whatever you do the first time, you’ll probably do again. Praying that you will leave that first word of anger unsaid. There’s no need to say it, God’s got better. Praise or pray or choose to use your words to seed something else. And praying that you will not choose fret, but choose to put your hope in God. Praying that you will review the PRISM Topic – Do Not Fret, and also the PRISM Topic – How to Put Your Hope In God. Another thing I love about God’s Word – He doesn’t just say what not to do, He tells you what you should do instead. His Word gives life! So just know – you might get an opportunity to get angry today. Leave it! He’s got better for you. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It protects you. Have you been struck by how much you can learn from a two-year-old? I’m learning that lately. And it’s amazing how much they resemble you. Or more accurately, I guess, how much I resemble a two-year-old. Sometimes they have incredible moments of selfless kindness, delightful inspiration, and mature conversation and responses. Other times they act like, well… a two-year-old. “But I just need it.” Whether a toy, or a show or something they want, their own way, at their own time. They don’t like naps, they prefer desert before the meal, they would watch cartoons all day if you let them, and eat all the cookies, leave every toy laying around the entire house, change their outfit as many times as you let them. I’m so much like that (not the change my outfit part, but the other parts). I tend to want something – and like a two-year-old I do everything in my power to get it, and I can pout when I don’t get my way, or get what I want. Of course I don’t call it pouting, that would be childish, but it’s really what it is. My stuff might be on a larger scale than a two-year-old but the principle and actions are the same. Have you ever got caught in a “want-something” rabbit hole? It’s so easy to fall into the black hole of facebook marketplace or Let Go, or IKEA, or the local car dealership, or Zillow. And the more you shop the more you want. And the more that toy looks better than the toy you have, and before you know it – you can’t remember where you left your contentment – it’s gone. It’s so easy to get consumed with what you don’t have – rather than being thankful for what you do have. But God doesn’t really want us thinking of either that much, not what we have or don’t have. It’s great to be thankful – but God didn’t create you to sit around all day being thankful. He wants us to be thankful on the way. He’s got a way for you! A path to take, a mission to accomplish, a vision to fulfill. His yoke is easy and His burden is light – but it’s going somewhere – He’s got something for you to do, and in doing it He’s got something for you to become. It will make His Name greater, and your joy deeper, your character stronger, and it will be more about Him and His plans, and others and their needs, than it is about our own. No matter what you want – it will soon join the “old toys pile.” It always does. Praying that God will help you catch yourself – so you don’t get distracted with what God hasn’t called you to do right now… what won’t satisfy you, and what could prevent you from doing what He told you! Which is getting to where He’s leading you, and walking in the blessing that He longs to give you. Nothing wrong with facebook marketplace if God tells you to go there to get something. But that will be occasional, not often, and the best things God has for us – aren’t the things we pursue. They’re the things He gives us – along the way. As we’re seeking Him and just doing what He tells us to do next. That’s where the blessing comes, that’s where your contentment catches up with you. Contentment is not complacent, no more than complacent is contentment. Complacent is lazy – lacking the initiative and the fire to overcome inertia. But it doesn’t mean you’re content – complacent people are miserable. Contentment is found when you delight in the right thing. Psalms 37:3-4 - Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. What do you want? Are you getting it? Have you forgotten to delight yourself in Him? If you delight in the LORD – He becomes your delight, not other things – they won’t satisfy anyway. Delight in Him and you will be truly delighted. And what you need, He will bring when the time is perfect. And He’ll give you more than you need – enough to share… He always does. If you are after things – like a two-year-old wants toys – you’re not after Him, and if you’re after Him, you’re not after things. Things don’t make you happy – God does. Praying that you will delight yourself in the LORD. Sometimes just a refocus back on Him, and the next thing He’s calling you to do will help. Set any other pursuit – especially of those things you think you need – to the side for a while. One of the things we learned a long time ago – is a 30 Day List. List the top 5 things you want to buy (beyond regular monthly expenses) and rank them in priority order. Wait 30 Days before you buy the first thing. In that time, you’ll be shocked at how God changes your desire, or provides for it in an even better way than you could have imagined. If you decide to do it on your own – you’re stuck with what you can come up with. You get what you get. – what you can do, not what God can do. You’ll never know… you get the Yugo, not the Ferrari. But if you wait on Him, by delighting in Him - not in what you need, He will give you a delight that surpasses any - thing. And He will surely give you the thing you need at the perfect time. Sometimes it will be the thing you really need most, not the thing you thought you needed. Contentment is practical. Kinda like patience – the key to getting it is not thinking about it. It’s delighting yourself in the LORD, and focusing on what He wants, and what He has for you to do. It’s how joy comes, and contentment, and patience starts to work it’s complete work in you. So what are you delighting in? What’s consuming your thoughts and time right now? Praying that you will delight yourself in Him, that you will turn from anything else, and fully do with joy what He sets your hand to do. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. Many people read it through in a year – about four chapters a day will do it. Or a two-year plan at about two chapters a day. It helps you walk in who Jesus really is – your Daily Bread. Because Jesus is God’s Word in human form. Having died in your place, God raised him to the highest place. He is enthroned forever, and advocating for you right now on your behalf before God the Father in Heaven. Praise God! Cause you need it! So do I… If you want to get closer to Jesus, if you want to know Him better - get closer to His Word. He is the Word! A One or Two Year Bible plan can be a great idea as a part of your R:Read The Word of PRISM – those five things you can do in God’s Word every day. Or just come back to where you left off and read either four or two chapters if you want to finish in two years or a year. This is steady plodding and it always brings a reward. Do what God tells you to do – be consistent in it because God told you to do it. It’s far better to do what it says, than to read the Bible through in a year. God’s yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Just do what He tells you and keep at it because He told you, not because you feel guilty. Even guilt ridden reading will reap a harvest because His Word always does. But don’t get caught up in the religion of it. This is a relationship! Not a religion, if you’re not walking in freedom and joy – ask Him if He wants you to adjust your expectations – they might not be His… Another thing – it’s also a really good idea sometimes - to get an infusion. April went through a season a couple of years ago where she felt tired and drained. A visit to the doctor revealed that she had an iron shortage – and the remedy prescribed was an iron infusion. Basically an overdose, to get her back to normal. It helped greatly! A PRISM Topic – The power of God’s Word on a single subject is for when your strength, discernment, wisdom, faith or joy is a little depleted. Or when you are facing something in your life – that requires supernatural wisdom or strength – not just the natural kind. You must learn to think like God thinks – so He can bring you to the success He wants to give you, that natural wisdom is insufficient to attain. A PRISM Topic, Relationship Topic – a perspective from God’s Word on relationships, or PRISM Topic Packet – a grouping of related PRISM and Relationship Topics - is that ‘iron infusion’ of God’s Word. It’s that PRISM M: Meditate on God’s Word – that will give you an overdose of truth, wisdom and insight – for what you are going through right now! It’s why He told us to meditate on His Word, not just read it… It’s an overdose, an infusion. Beyond just a meal for the day - an overdose of God’s truth to change how you think about an area of life that you are in the middle of. It’s so you can apply God’s truth in this area – so He can make you successful in it. If you read through the Bible this year, you will get to these verses eventually, but it will take you a while, and by then this situation will have passed. You will either have responded with God’s wisdom and enjoyed it’s result – or you will have struggled through with man’s wisdom – and suffered that result. What if you had God’s wisdom for this season of your life, or situation you now face. Not just one verse, but several verses or more – to get a better idea of how God views this – what He thinks about it, and the wisdom and instruction He gives regarding it. It will always be very different than what people would naturally think. An overdose of God’s truth in an area will change your mind, change your words, your reaction and response, and it will change the result. Praying that God will lead you each day to the PRISM Topic – He has for you today. That overdose for today – to meditate on. Just read it through a few times today, speak it and pray it over yourself. Here’s the secret. Some of your PRISM time (those five things) is for a sit-down session. Where you chose to set time aside – to give to God and His Word – giving Him your full attention at the time He assigned during PiVAT before dinner last night. But the M:Meditate on the WORD part – that PRISM Topic that God wants you to take with you today is for in-between-times. Maybe Life Purpose and Direction, or Listen, or Kindness, or Forgive, or Joy… that Meditate on the Word piece – is for throughout the day. Transition times, a constant “coming back to” in His Word. You’d be shocked at how much down time you have available - stuck in traffic, waiting on the next appointment. If you only have 30 seconds to three minutes. That PRISM Topic for today - coming back to His Word – being reminded of what God says about this area of life – will grow so deeply ingrained in you – that you will begin to operate in God’s wisdom as your first reaction when those moments of truth sneak up on you. It’s because you have put His Word in your heart. Praying that you will ask God what PRISM Topic He wants you to infuse today... So His Success becomes your habit. Love you all, dad |
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