Love you all, praying for you.
Numbers 22:25 – When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he struck the donkey again. Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff. Have you ever been “O" for three? You’ve tried something now three times in a row and it’s not working. Sometimes God wants us to persevere through adversity. Many people give up too easily, they quit just before the breakthrough that God has for them. But other times – there’s a reason something is not working. It’s not Gods will for you, it’s not Gods best for you, or it’s not Gods timing right now. Sometimes things aren’t working because God is trying to tell you something. After recording something three times in a row – and getting interrupted again, suddenly I decided to ask God – Is there something you want me to change or do differently? There was – I made the change and completed the project without delay. Balaam was angry – he was blinded by his own ambition, his own plans, he didn’t see destruction awaiting him. He was mad at his donkey – more concerned about being embarrassed in the site of men – than obedient in the site of God. Sometimes it’s easy to get focused on what you want to do, instead of what God has for you. Even if you think you’re doing it for Him! If something is not working right now, if something is just off. Ask God if it’s time to persevere, or are you missing something? Is this the right thing, the right way or the right time. Is it His will for you right now? Or does He have a better way or a better time for it? Praying that you don’t get too busy for PiVAT before dinner – you can never succeed outside of His plans for you. Praying that you check back with him throughout the day, making sure you are on His track – not trying yours. Praying that PRISM in His WORD – is your greatest desire, to know His love, His thoughts and His ways. God’s Word brings success – His written Word to you, and His spoken Word to you. Praying that you are obeying – and overcoming Daily with your testimony. No sense in getting your leg squished… His will, His way, His timing – won’t be uncontested, but He gives grace for it. You’ll know it. Praying that you will seek Him. If you’re off, He’ll tell you. If it’s His will, His way and His time – you will see Him bring you success. Love you all, dad
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Love you all, praying for you.
Doug Bernier wrote an article for Pro Baseball Insider about what separates great hitters. They see the ball well. Most batters focus on fundamentals – batting practice, hitting the ball off the tee, back elbow driving through the baseball, bat path as long as possible in the hitting zone. But when it comes down to it, he said, "The best hitters see the ball. You can’t hit what you can’t see." As is often the case, sports translates well to life. God’s Word always gives hints for success. Today our PiVAT Small Group was crazy – what a blessing. God just speaking! He always does. As one member shared their PiVAT Weekly, one of their P: What do you need most from God this week – was Humility. What could God do if you were just brave and selfless enough to do that one thing He told you to do. They shared God was showing them - if you are incomplete in writing down what He revealed or commanded (in PiVAT Monthly and PiVAT Yearly) then you can't see as well when He comes through. (You’re not seeing the ball well). God told her this week to go back and revisit what He said, to fill in the blanks. The reverse application is also true. Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom. The ball is coming – either the ball of God’s good, or the ball of the devil’s bad. God wants you to see the ball – the devil does not. God wants you to see His Good, His answers, His provision, His miracles, the devil does not. God wants you to see when pride comes – and it’s coming. The devil does not. Why do you want to avoid pride? Because with it comes disgrace (God’s power for you becomes missing) because He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. That’s a ball that you want to see coming. The baseball article gave several things that helped you improve your sight recognition of speed and rotation. It’s good to know pride is “trying to come” and it’s good to recognize it when it’s heading your direction – so you can hit it out of the park – not swing and miss. How does pride come? First through those closest to you – they can trigger pride quicker than anyone - a spouse, parent or sibling. We just don’t like people we know – letting us know of deficiencies or areas that need improvement in our lives. Pride can come through observation or conversation. Observation. You see something or someone doing or saying something and you think you’re better. Do you think your better? Or do you think more highly of the other? Or a conversation where someone says something that you used to think yourself, but you've matured and now know better. Pride says – I’m better than that… Humility says – God lead them to your truth, and please reveal any blind spots in me - that I don't see. Or a conversation where someone says something and you immediately take it as criticism of you. They weren’t even talking to you or about you – but you’re already defending yourself… “That’s not what I said.” No one said you said that, they’re not even talking about you. Defensiveness can be pride speaking. Comparison can be pride speaking – God says it’s not wise. Some conversations are direct confrontation. People will express to you their belief of a fault or shortcoming on your part. Is pride coming? Or do you choose humility? Sometimes these conversations come without advanced warning. One rule of thumb. Pride comes most often when the pursuit of humility is neglected. In baseball – they talk of the swing path of the bat – getting the bat as quickly as possible into the hitting zone of the baseball - the path the ball will travel. The longer it takes to get your bat off your back shoulder - it has no chance to hit the ball there, the quicker the bat can enter the hitting zone, and the longer it stays there… the better the chance of making contact with the ball. God's Word is kinda like that - keeping your bat in the hitting zone - and it helps you see the ball coming. Can I share a swing and a miss from today? My daughter (who was a part of one of the PiVAT Small Groups today) came into my office with a comment as soon as it ended. Here’s what she said. “This is my favorite PiVAT Tool… (What Tool?) PiVAT Small Group – I think I will do this the rest of my life.” And I didn’t see the ball coming. My immediate response was, "Please pray that God will…” Lost her. My desire to see more people experience what God said He would do in every PiVAT Small Group - completely threw her off track. "God’s already doing it why are you concerned?" It wasn’t that she lost her train of thought, she lost the flow of what the Holy Spirit was putting in her heart and was about to say. My error. Swing and a miss. But how was that pride coming? Pride isn't just talking about yourself - pride comes when they're talking and you say something else. Pride is self-centered more than others-centered. It doesn’t matter if it’s even a "noble prayer concern" (which can often be lack-of-faith disguised). I didn’t see the ball, I wasn’t listening, and went to talking. I squelched what the Holy Spirit was trying to say – that would have established her out of her own mouth – and probably encouraged me. When someone speaks – do you ask again, a clarifying question to let them explain further? Or do you speak, your own thought, your own opinion, your own need, changing the subject… I wish I would have seen the ball coming – not hear it hit the catcher’s glove. God reminded me, that’s not humility. Always ask more – before you speak more. Humility will draw the presence of God, and the move of God. Praying that you will see the ball well, that you will always see pride coming when it tries to, no matter what it's disguised as. That you will always see God doing what He promised to! That you would be complete in writing down what He tells you, what He reveals, so you can see it coming. Anything He promised, anything He told you, if you do it – you can know for sure… It’s coming. Praying that you will see the ball well. Praise God He said He sent the Holy Spirit for that – to lead you in to all truth, and show you things to come. That's seeing well. Praying that you will pursue humility that is the beginning of wisdom. So you will see better. God will help you! Don’t get discouraged if you screw up. Just make things right and keep moving. God is way more powerful and faithful than our mistakes. You can trust Him to complete what He started in you. He promised, He will - that ball is surely coming! Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you.
I just love word of God. It's always good - and you can't get too much. Chocolate is good - but you can get too much. Sometimes decisions made with the best intentions have unintended consequence. And speaking of... Praying that every decision you face - you'll seek God through your PiVAT Decision Tool. It will bring peace in the seeking, and God will reveal His perfect will in His perfect time. God's ways aren't only good - God's ways separate the good from the best. His decisions are always good with no negative side effects. Not that you won't ever face resistance or persecution- but His ways are always the best for you - and He adds no trouble with it. Can you imagine not having the Word of God? How would you know truth? How would you discern between good, better and best, or even good verses evil, when so many call evil good, and good evil. So thankful for God’s Word. But it is worthless – unless you are in it. Discernment that's sitting on the shelf – isn’t discernment to you. Praying that PRISM – those 5 things you can do in God’s Word every day – is the habit of your life. Give it a chance. Some people decide they want to be like John Mayer, so they pick up a guitar and try to make their fingers press down the right strings… Would you be upset that you can’t play Gravity – in the first week? Give it some time. One thing about God’s Word – its a momentum thing. You can't stop it... You start little by little – and it becomes precept upon precept. You don't lose what you had before. God said – nothing you do in my Word – will be a loss, it will always produce a profit. Whether Praise the Word, Read the Word, Insight from the Word, Study the Word, Meditate on the Word. Pray the Word, Believe the Word, Share the Word, Declare the Word. Nothing you would ever do – no matter how much in God's Word - will ever fail to yield a profit, produce a blessing, or generate a fruitful result. If only the stock market had a guarantee like that… No matter what society is experiencing, or what you go through in your life. God’s Word will always shine truth on it. Exposing the difference between truth and false, fake and real, beneficial and detrimental, "seems like" and "the way it really is"… In today’s society – much is said about Social Distance – it's almost tiresome. And like most things - there are unintended consequence. It could become protection, and it could become isolation. It is universally believed to slow the spread of germs. It hasn't been proven otherwise – and since Social Distance is the government mandate of this time and also a consideration of the feelings or fears of others – at least germ transfer might be slowed while the recession is being prolonged… Most people don't think about it - But God also says a couple things about social distancing. The good kind, and the not so good kind. First the not so good. One of the greatest dangers of Social Distancing – it plays into one of the devil’s primary strategies. Isolation. If He can isolate you – His chance of discouraging you, deceiving you, and enticing you with invitations to sin – increases exponentially. All predators use this strategy – isolate one from the herd, and they will easily fall. That’s why God said – though one may be overcome by an adversary (and we all know who that is) two can withstand him. God sent His disciples two by two for a reason. Praying that in the times that you are not going to restaurants, movie theaters, arena, concerts or stadiums, that your PiVAT time – getting His plans – and your PRISM time – getting his heart – hearing His voice – the confirmation of His plans for you - is the priority of your life. And that your Daily Call – keeps you overcoming like He commanded, back to back – so the enemy can’t isolate you. God also said there is strength in numbers - when we gather for the right purpose. If you have a Daily Call Partner – then you know the overcoming that testimony brings, and the encouragement that their testimony brings – and the crazy stuff that happens when the Holy Spirit starts praying through you – over each other, and the growth, and maturity, that comes from walking in obedience together – the reason God said – Hebrews 3:13 – Exhort One Another Daily! But there is also strength in numbers – gathering with a group of obeyers. Not neglecting to gather together. A PiVAT Small Group - to obey together. You don’t have to do it in person – Zoom works in this stay at home season. Praying that you are joined with a tight group of radical obeyers, willing to give their time, thoughts, money, testimony, and community to God’s control. So they walk in the life and joy that His plans bring! There’s another thing that Social Distancing prevents - the wide path. God said wide is the path that leads to destruction but narrow is the gate that leads to life, and few there are that find it. The good news, you only need a few to walk with. You’re not going to be friends with everybody. (You do know – that ‘friends’ on facebook – are not always your friends, nor are followers on twitter or Instagram – they are just bored, nosy, jealous, stalkers, or just waiting for you to say something that doesn’t come out right – so they can criticize you - people). God bless them, and have mercy and heal them – never wish anything bad on anybody – just the mercy and hope and love of God. But the truth about Social Distancing. There are some people that you need to put on permanent Social Distance. This is not pride, or self-righteousness, this is just wisdom speaking. If they aren’t going where you’re going – if you’re with them – you’re not getting there. You’re getting where they're going. David understood this warning well. “Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God.” He's saying That I might stay on the path You has for me! There were some that David was on permanent social distance from. While you can’t prevent people from following you – unless you block them. Kinda harsh – unless God tells you to, then do it. But what about those you view or follow. If you are following those who aren’t following God, but follow the world – whose heart isn’t set on obedience and surrender, but vanity and pleasure – your heart could get turned, it could grow cold. The first step of permanent Social Distance, "God – who do you want me to un-follow." Playboy and lil’miss’nasty’ are probably prime targets for this wisdom of social distancing. Ephesians 4:17 – So I tell you this, and insist on it in the LORD, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. And this is not just sexual lust or impurity, there are actually house-porn sites - who would ever want to name that for their greed habit? or Ted Talks of those who love money, or ambition and self-promotions, whose advice is rooted in pride, not the humility that comes from wisdom. Worldly wisdom, not God’s. God’s Word always shares truth – and reveals secrets. Stay away from those whose hearts are being hardened. God’s command to you is exactly the opposite, Hebrews 3:13 – But exhort one another daily while it is called today – so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. No one walks away from sensitivity – it gets eroded away, you lose it little by little. That’s why your Daily Call is built in protection. It’s God’s design for you to overcome. What does God say about these kinds of people (that you used to be like yourself…) There is no fear of God before their eyes. That's why they act and seek what they do? But how will we lead them to Christ? God will tell you – but He will more likely tell someone else. One truth of the mature in Christ. You are not called to everybody. Every person isn’t your mission field - the sooner you learn this truth, the free-er you will be. God loves them, He’s got it covered, but that aint for you – that's not what God is calling you to. Time to get to the next town, on the path that God has for you – it’s a highway, not a drainage ditch. David understood this. That’s why he did the opposite. He kept away from these kinds of people and their influence, instead, He chose to gather with obeyers. Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me. (This sound a lot like his PiVAT Small Group to me) Praying that God would help you discern the Social Distance that is isolation, and the Social Distance that is protection. That you will reject any creep of influence of those who aren’t seeking the things of God, and that you would always get to six-feet of those God has ordained you to walk with for your overcoming daily, and your encouragement weekly. And aren’t you so glad - that Social Distance guidelines have never applied to your Heavenly Father! James 4:8 – Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Not six-foot limit! Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. God’s not criticizing here this is just a loving warning, a word for the wise, those with ears to hear. Germs aren’t the greatest danger to you – compromise is - a hardened heart. PRISM will keep your hands washed, And PiVAT will distance you from it. His plans for you are always a different path. James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (the first step is don’t go where temptation is, and don’t hang with those who always end up getting tempted, either the clubbers – or the get rich quickers, or the wise in their own eyes-ers). Praying that there will always be zero-feet distance between you and your Heavenly Father. You can trust Him. You aren’t missing out on anything by choosing Him over everything else. He will add to you everything you need, more than you ever gave up – and it’s always the best of what’s Good. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you.
Have you ever needed something from God? Something beyond yourself, your own ability to produce or bring about? Something beyond your control or seemingly even your ability to influence? Most of what we think we accomplish with our own hard work or ingenuity – is really such a shallow, narrow and naive view – like 2D in a 3D world. Reality is we have control over very little. Our attitude - that's pretty much it - we can respond in pride and self-defense, or humility. And we even need grace for that. Not even our own health and strength. We can control our work ethic, only if we have the health and strength to do so. We can control our diet, only if we have the money to purchase it, (and the toilet paper is not already all sold out). Most things we think we create, or accomplish – we really have had less to do with - than we thought. Living a holy life – is really just God’s grace extended to us. I cringe and grieve when I hear the foolishness and arrogance of those in authority that would say – "God didn’t do that! We did." What a frightening lack of humility and vacuum of understanding. We can see it in others - can we see it in ourselves? This is a viewpoint that is disconnected with reality, one that rejects the Sovereign and merciful God, and claims credit of what God did. Things never have gone well for those who have fallen into this deception. This is truly fearful, there are so many that believe that.... completely hoodwinked by the devil himself. Who is just laughing at them, he knows who is in complete control... but we don't? God is not laughing. But He is a God of mercy! And if anyone in this world, needs mercy... It’s me. Praying that you are growing in the fear of the LORD – to Turn from Evil, to Tremble in His presence, to fully obey, to say nothing harmful, to seek peace and pursue it. What could you do right now to fear God? You could kneel, you could praise, you could say “His mercy endures forever,” your could tell somebody – give a testimony of what He has done, you could turn (from not only every evil thought word or deed, but from anything that God did not tell you to do in this hour). You could trust – put your full weight on him! Not your ability or effort – but on Him - His mercy, His grace, His power to help you – and His promise to save you if you call – and walk where He tells you. He will lead you out, He will lead you through, He will lead you over, He will be faithful. It’s time to trust. And you could obey, that is the fear of the LORD – to fully obey what He tells you. Just like Jesus did, Just like David did, and Abraham, and Moses. Don’t know what to obey? Just ask Him – Not going through the 10 commandments – but just do the next thing He tells you. Just go back to PiVAT for today – His plans for you, His timing. Get back to it. All the joy and peace, and purpose, and blessing, and meaning… are there. You could hope… You could put your hope in God. The confident expectation of the good that He promised – that flows out of His character and nature – for those who hear and obey His voice – who walk in His plans, whose mind is transformed, whose money is surrendered, who are overcoming with their testimony – and gathering with others to provoke one another to obey the things that He has ordained for them to do. Praying for you - that this day is a Joy day. It’s time to Trust – You place your trust – with your mouth. Tell your trust where to go, what to stand on, what to say. Your hope will grow, your faith will rise, His joy will overflow! Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you.
This week in my PRISM time – God showed me again the verse – the unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. God’s Word has things for you still unfolded. It would take an eternity to unfold it all. A couple verses later - Psalms 119:133 – Direct my steps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. God unfolded a little more. I’ve read this verse before multiple times in my life. When I was younger, I always thought that it meant – let no habitual sin enslave you. Those willful sins that become addictions, cursing, lying, gambling, drunkenness, or lust, etc. And while it is true – sin is always crouching at your door it wants to have mastery over you, but you must overcome it. There is a deeper truth that if understood would often if not always circumvent the poor choice, that becomes habit, that results in addiction and enslavement. The concept is simply ownership. The word 'rule' indicates this concept. Let no sin rule over me… make the decision, be the presiding influence, the determining factor of action. Sin is less than. That’s all sin is. Less than, falling short. Let no sin, anything less than, anything different than, anything other than God's Word, His command, His assignment for you, His direction – determine your steps, rule over you, control you. Sin can be known sin, or unknown sin. If your steps are according to His Word – they will be PiVAT Steps – His plans for you today, not yours - what He specifically told you to do today, that’s Rhema, and PRISM Steps – His Written Word (Logos, the Bible) will always confirm and affirm what He told you to do, Romans 12:2 - giving insight and instruction and specifics – the ‘why to’ and ‘how to’ behind the ‘what to.’ Your steps are either according to His Word, His influence, His direction and His directive, or according to another word, influence, direction or directive. Something other than Him, is always less than, it’s always falling short – which is sin. Less than, other than His best for you, His will for you, His good for you and His joy for you! So what controls your time, your mind, your money, your testimony(your words), and your community – who you gather with – who you give influence to in your life - is what rules over you. God said let nothing less than My Word, and My Will - have ruling power over your decisions. Your steps are what you do, what you think, what you spend, what you say, who you join with – the team you’re on, those you run with. Praying that PiVAT, PRISM, 4C’s, Daily Call, PiVAT Small Group – will be God presiding over what you do, think, spend, say, and join with. That it they will be the goodness of God – the good plans of God for you – gaining the highest influence – ruling in your life - so His Word for you, His Word to you - controls you, your time, your thoughts (the mind of Christ), your spending which indicates your heart, your testimony – the words from your mouth – that they would be your overcoming, and the group that you hang with would demonstrate and provoke you to continue to obey every good plan that He has for you. Praying that today will be a joy – because your steps are determined and sustained by Him. That His presence is your priority, His word is your hunger, that His praise is your thirst, that obedience is your desire, and His joy is your anointing. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
In yesterday’s huddle, we spoke of CDC guidelines and RPJ guidelines (Righteousness, Peace, and Joy – the Kingdom of God guidelines). But in times like these, God has given clear instructions from His Word. Ecclesiastes 7:14 – In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other… Yes, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, concerning you. Yes, I will bless the LORD at all times, His praise will continually be in my mouth. But in times like these – God says, “Consider.” Many have opinions of what Covid is. Some say it’s the devils attack, some say its God’s judgment, some say its China’s germ warfare, some say it’s the beginning of the end… What does God say? When times are hard, consider. Today is the day to take inventory of yourself with God. Like David said: Psalms 139:23 - Search me O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. God said Isaiah 30:15 – This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength… Now is the time to repent – no matter what the cause or origination of Covid. God warned the Israelites. Deuteronomy 30:15 – See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love(obey) the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. If you live right now in America – you are living in the most wealthy, the most benevolent, the most humane, individual freedoms protecting nation the world has ever seen. The founding Fathers and even visiting dignitaries knew it was because of Divine Providence that this nation came into existence. And that this republic "if we can keep it," is due to a constitution based on the eternal principals that come from the Word of God - The Holy Bible. Our individual freedoms are based on the respect and kindness towards one another and the justice and fairness for every individual that God’s Word requires. That which faith in the Almighty God requires – heart attitudes and behaviors impossible to be fully captured in a Constitution, nor codified in federal or state law. When children in America learned to read and write, they used McGuffy’s Reader – which was full of lessons directly from the Holy Scriptures. Our nation does not resemble these foundations today. Political Parties have removed God from their platform, they have removed God from schools. The very thing that brought the providence and favor of the Divine has been replaced by the foolishness of mankind. Will God let wickedness go unpunished forever? When the nation sinned, Moses repented for the sins of the nation, Josiah when he found the book of the law – repented for the sins of the nation. Nehemiah – repented for the sins of the nation… 9:33 - "In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly. Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our ancestors did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the statutes you warned them to keep. Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways.” What could be more descriptive of this nation right now? Today is a day to repent – for ourselves, and for a nation. In 1996 in the State Assembly in Kansas, an invited pastor – offered this prayer at the start of the legislature. It was met with venomous opposition. There will always be those who want our nation to reject that which made it possible and prosperous since, according to our founding fathers… it’s Divine inception. Here is what this Pastor Wright prayed on January 23, 1996 before the Kansas House of Representatives (augmented to reflect our current climate). “Heavenly Father, we come before You today to ask Your forgiveness and seek Your direction and guidance. Lord, we know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good," but that's exactly what we've done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it moral pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it multi-culturalism and diversity. We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have neglected the needy and called it “the job of government.” We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building esteem. We have abused power and called it our ‘oath of office.’ Our politics are overrun with slander and we call it ‘speaking truth to power.’ We fabricate complete lies and false accusation, and we call it ‘patriotism.’ We have disrespected those in places of authority allowed by God, whom God told us to give honor to. We have not honored them or the office they hold, and we call it freedom of expression. We have coveted our neighbors' possessions and called it ambition. We steal from the rich and call it equality, we stir up race and class hatred, and call it social justice. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We train our children in lasciviousness and abomination and call it education. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our fore-fathers and called it enlightenment. Search us oh God and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas (and the United States of America), and who have been ordained by You, to govern this great state,(and nation). Grant them Your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your will. I ask it in the name of Your Son, the Living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. you can imagine the reaction. There will always be those who refuse to repent, and those who try to - they will deceptively call it bigotry, or some phobia or ‘ism.’ But God’s Word will remain long after the wicked are no more. Will God let these sins continue forever? Will He do nothing? When times are hard consider. But before we repent for everyone else’s sins. Start with our own. God said, If my people, called by my Name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways. Then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. The most important of repentance – is not you, but me, not them, but us, not what they did, but what we do. Praying that you will Repent and Rest – that this is a time that we will consider. If just His people, not the godless, or the evil people, if just His people will humble themselves and pray – God will hear, forgive, heal and restore. May God have mercy on us, and forgive and restore. Praying that you would pray for revival. Praying that your peace and your rest would be in Him. Praying that you will love others – especially your enemies. They aren’t really your enemy, they don’t even know you – they are just held captive by the Enemy of their souls. God loves them and so do we. Pray that we won’t discover too late. But that God will bring a miracle and a revival in our day – in this generation. Start with yourself. Finally, know that God is a God of mercy and compassion, He longs to show mercy. Lamentations 3:31 - For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. Verse 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Praying that you will seek the LORD, repent for yourself and for this nation, turn from every evil, Seek the LORD with all your heart, choose His Word and His presence, and put your hope in God. God will bring you out stronger. He said when the storm is past, the wicked are no more, but the righteous endure forever. This is humility not pride, this is an invitation, not an exclusion. Praying that many will return to the LORD in these times. That the righteous will rule, and the people rejoice, so that we as a nation will return to Him – the God whose ways are just and compassionate and right. You O LORD reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you.
Isn’t it amazing – how God always draws us back to His truth, His perspective, no matter what situation we are in – and it’s so different that what we would think – than what others think. In these most unusual times – full of challenge, invitation to fear (that’s temptation). And invitation to trust (to put our faith in Jesus Christ) there are several things needed. CDC guidelines are basically – 1) Wash Your Hands, 2) Stay At Home, 3) Six-Foot Distance. All are good ideas to avoid the spread of germs. But God also has some guidelines for difficult times. He says the Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy (RPJ) even better than CDC. #1) Wash your Hands - Make the Holy Spirit your priority – be in His Presence, Choose His Word – be washed in the water of the Word – it will give you understanding, protection, insight, and wisdom. PRISM – those five things you can do in His Word every day is so important in these times. Under the influence of His Word – by the Holy Spirit. Do those five things in His Word every day – and your perspective will change, your faith will change, your hope will change, your wisdom and reactions will change, your peace will remain. #2) Stay at Home – doesn’t mean you’re dormant. What does God have you to do? (Righteousness Peace & Joy) Guideline of the Kingdom – Be sure to Get God’s Plan (even if you’re at home) Righteousness is right standing (having put your faith in Christ) and right doing (just like Jesus did – doing the will of your Father in Heaven). PiVAT is so important in these times – know what God wants you to do – and do it with joy! Even at home, God will use this time to advance you, to establish you, to set things in order in your home and in your life. He’s removed some things – to renew or begin some others. And Finally 3) Six Foot Distance – what is the Righteousness, Peace and Joy guideline number three. Don’t get closer than 6 feet – but get to six feet. Home Based, doesn’t mean isolated – it just means God wants do things from further than six feet. You can call someone, you can face time, you can Zoom conference with them. Reach out to others. It’s a choice, it’s an opportunity. How are they doing in their PRISM Time in God’s Word? in their PiVAT to get God’s plans? in their overcoming Daily? Ask them to do a 3-Day-Challenge with you. Maybe God has this time for you to get an Accounting Tool – So you can Give An Account - to know where God’s money is – so you can do what He tells you to do with with it. While most people are fearing financially – God is calling you to overcome financially – How? Just obey with what you have? Know where His money is – Give an Account - and do what He tells you to do with it. Call us – We’ll help you – we’ll build you your own "obey with money tool" – that will change your life forever. God might want you to sow even more than save. That job never provided for you anyway. God did! You will see Him provide again. All who put their hope in Him – which means set their mind to obey what His says – financially. Where is God telling you to sow? In money and energy. Praying that as you respect the guidelines of the CDC – Wash Your Hands, Stay At Home, and Six-Foot Distance, you will also honor and respect the guidelines of the Kingdom of God – Righteousness, Peace, and Joy. Wash in the Spirit – Worship and the Word. Know His PiVAT for you today, (His plans) and do it! And Reach out to others! – you can do it beyond 6 feet! Encourage them to righteousness, Joy and Peace in the Holy Spirit with you. Praise God – He is in control. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He wants you to come out stronger, better, mature, looking more like Him. Praying that you will start looking more and more like your Heavenly Father in these times. He has good for you. His promise is forever, He’s faithful every morning. He is one call away. And He will direct you in the way you should go. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you.
In the course of every lifetime, there come epic occurrences. Generation defining moments that change the course of thought, history, memory. Things that happen of which everyone later asks… Where were you when…? Where were you when John F. Kennedy was shot? That was just before my time. Where were you on 9-11? Or lesser in life and death but an historic moment – where were you when US Men’s Hockey won gold? We are experiencing right now - a generation defining moment – that has stretched into weeks. Covid is a society and economy interruption perhaps like the world has never seen. The San Francisco earthquake affected a region, just like Hurricane Andrew. But this crisis has affected every person and every nation on earth - personally, economically, physically. Some have lost loved ones, or are even facing their own mortality. On a lesser scale, but still life altering, some have never been busier. Their companies are called on to pick up the slack of an economy finding alternate paths to survive. Others have seen their businesses close entirely, with little hope of reopening soon - perhaps a concern if ever. If nothing else, people are getting more time alone, time to consider, time to reflect, and an opportunity to invest time differently than the way they were before. I was speaking with someone recently whose way of life has been greatly impacted. He has determined to make choices that will affect his life beyond the scope of this crisis. He said "Dad, some will come out of Covid completely changed.” And others will just wander out – pretty much the same as they were before, just wondering when life will get back to normal." What is the difference? He said God has hit a giant reset button in our nation. The idol of busyness is destroyed. The idol of sports is destroyed, for many the idol of work is destroyed, they have found themselves without the job they spend the energy of their life on. But what will be the deciding factor that determines whether a person uses this Divine Reset to completely transform their life and their future for the better, or just muddle through until they continue unchanged? He said… it’s daily disciplines. There is no time like right now to evaluate, and to reset what you do daily. No matter what you want to become – any hopes or dreams…. Do you want to be good at something, better at something? A marriage, a skill, a talent or ability, a relationship or character quality mission-critical to your purpose? It comes down this: What you do daily. If you want a good marriage, it comes down to what you do daily. If you want to be a great guitar player, or developer, or leader, or writer, if you want to be fit, physically, mentally, emotionally, you can only become what you do daily - the difference between wish and reality. I am praying for you. That you would use this time to seek the face of God in PiVAT Monthly for this unusual month. What does God want you to do with the hours of this month as Covid continues? Praying that those five steps to the life you were created for become for you – habits that define and refine you. PiVAT before dinner – so you get God’s plans (that He has for you in this season!) PRISM throughout the day – So you hear His voice, and He confirms His Will and His Ways. 4C’s – To Give an Account financially – so you know where God’s money is – so you can do what He tells you to do with it. So money is a testimony, not a worry – so you learn to love God, not money. Praying that you will overcome every day on your Daily Call – the way God designed and commanded in Hebrews 3:13. And that you would join with others – every week with consistency, in a PiVAT Small Group – where you provoke one another to fully obey what God tells you - and see what God is doing and speaking through other obeyers like you. Where you see His hand at work even in unprecedented times. Praying that you will know the joy that His Presence and Obedience brings. That you would know the One who is far above pandemics, economies, careers, or concerns. The One who loves you – who has plans for your good, that can take what the devil meant for evil – and turn it into the best season of your life. When you learned to walk in faith in the face of fear. When you learned to walk in joy in the face of despair. When you learned to walk in hope when others were losing it, where you learned to love like Jesus – those who are needing it. Praying that you will ask God what you are to do every day. Praying that PiVAT Progress might help you. Praying that you will hear God’s voice – like never before – and make choices that change the way you live – and establish you in His ways. Time, Thoughts, Money, Testimony, and Tribe – walking with those who also are being transformed by Him. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you.
What a perfect day to remember - what Easter really means. One of the two greatest holy days in Christendom, what does Easter really mean? The first – Christmas - the birth of the Christ – the promised Messiah started an eternal movement out of Judaism, the first coming of the Divinely promised, centuries-awaited Messiah. It eventually gave rise to Catholicism, Martin Luther, and Protestantism. It established the world's chronological system of reference. It has resulted in wars, and much debate. The second, Easter, those who preferred to avoid it’s significance, or capitalize on a commercial opportunity – designed a bunny with chocolates, and colored eggs with kids activities to compete with the attention... Some ignore the significance of this day altogether, or are ignorant of it’s meaning – by choice or other pursuits. But what does Easter really mean? These two holy days – are the most significant events in world history. The first – when the Creator of the Universe, the Designer and Sustainer of all life, the One who breathed all creatures into existence, and formed man from dust, and woman out of the man... It was the moment when this Almighty God entered His own creation in the human form of the man He created. It changed everything. Everything in the natural earthly realm changed, and it sent tremors through the spirit world. This event, a baby in a manger, this Christmas Day had one purpose - Easter... The day the God of all Creation rose from the dead, having willingly given his own life to remove the stain of guilt of the sins of the people He created - whom He loved with an everlasting love. That sin that made it impossible for them to live with a Holy God - forever. He had to become like them in every way – and yet without sin, so he could die in their place - receiving on himself - the penalty for their sin, for your sin, for my sin. Without that act of self-less love and extreme sacrifice – every human ever created would be hopelessly destined to an eternity apart from the God who loves them, the God who made them to spend eternity with Him. What was hopeless – became hope for us. What does Easter mean? It means hope. But only for those who will humble themselves and believe. Sadly, it does not mean hope to everyone. Some will reject it as a fairy tale, too difficult for their human intellect which clearly so limited, or their finite mind to understand. Or they will pridefully condemn it to be - a crutch for the weak, (just a centuries-old punchline parroted from the devil's own jokebook) as they lean on their own crutches, of money, greed, ambition, the illusion of invincibility (like a foolish teenager) or the crutch of having to be accepted by the crowd - too fearful to consider God's truth - and swim against the stream. Easter is hope, but only for those who – when the Spirit of God calls them and He has and He does – will listen, will humble themselves, and obey His command to: Believe on the LORD, Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Saved from what? #1 – an eternity apart from God – a place of outer darkness – prepared for the devil and his angels. And #2 – saved from the sin that once controlled you – enslaved you – a slave to sin- that the devil falsely says is "freedom." But freedom from God’s law – God’s truth – and God’s way - that brings everything that is good – is not freedom, it is deception. It is bondage – that will surely send you to the grave, to eternal separation from God. So if it's not true, why would the devil try to entice you to believe it is? Because He is a liar, and a murderer from the beginning. He hates God because He himself chose to reject Him, to rebel against Him, and now that he realizes his own ultimate fate, his only recourse of continued rebellion against the God who created Him, is to deceive those God created and loves (you) - to reject their Creator - like he did. God said - "All we (humans) have sinned and have fallen short of God’s standard of purity and holiness - required to live forever in heaven with Him. (Romans 3:23) The unchangeable result of this - is death - permanent separation from the God who made us, who loves us and created us to spend eternity with Him. Only the blood of Jesus – that He willingly offered to pay for your sin, and your healing, to cancel that which condemned you… only through putting your trust in the truth – that He died instead of us - taking our place... to cover the penalty for our sin that our sin required... this is the only way to eternity with Him, and freedom from sin in this life. Only as we believe what He said, and in believing - we also commit our entire life to His will for us, a full surrender to His plans for us, His ways, not ours - and the only way to do this is through the power He promised to give to help us - called Grace to do it! This is the only way that Easter which means hope - becomes hope to you. Hope of eternity in Heaven with God forever, and hope of complete freedom from being a slave to sin (punked by the devil into thinking that ignoring God’s commands for our good - was freedom, instead of the truth that it's bondage that only ends in death). The gift of Easter means hope. Easter means freedom. Easter means joy. Easter means you can live the life you were created for! It means you can experience all the Good that your Creator, the God who loves you - has stored up for you. It means for you complete freedom here on earth, and a home with Him forever. There is one more thing coming. There is one more significant holy day in Christendom, that is still yet to occur. That will make three. The day He returns. Jesus will return to earth in the same way He went up. It is already decided and declared by One True and Almighty God. But the next time – He will not come as a suffering Savior. Jesus will come as King of Kings and LORD of Lords - with a robe dipped in blood, and a sword in his mouth - with the overwhelming force of heavens armies at His command. Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is the LORD of all Creation, with God at the beginning, and reigning on the throne over all of existing things - for eternity without end. Those who put their trust in this Name, Jesus. Will reign over sin in this life – that once controlled them, and will reign with Him in eternity forever. Where he will wipe every tear from their eyes, where there will be no more death, no sadness or sorrow, where there will be light, and love, and life forever without end. Easter means hope. This is the hope of Easter. And this Hope is not a wish, or a possibility. This hope is a promise from the One and Only True God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – three in One – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of all Creation and all of Eternity. If you have believed in His Name, and have surrendered your entire life to His control, that means you can learn to walk in the wonderful plans He has for you! But for anyone who hasn’t. You will have to decide, before it's too late. Is Easter hope for you? Is what God says - true? Or is what the devil says - true? In your life on this earth, tomorrow is not guaranteed. This could be your last day on this earth, you number of days have already been set. And the only thing that will matter for the thousands of years that will keep coming without end… What did you do with Jesus? Did you believe in Him, and give your life to obey Him, like He obeyed His Father in Heaven? or did you reject the One who died in your place to cover the sin that keeps you separate from God? Easter means hope. We are praying that it means hope - to you. Love you all, To some of you - dad, To the rest… Love you all, Your friend… who is praying for you! - to know this hope of Easter - and all the joy that it brings. Love you all, praying for you.
I just love the Word of God – there is always hope. First, it tells the truth. Better to know the truth, than to be fooled by the false. Give to me straight up… I’d rather take it from there, than think I’m something I’m not, or believe something that’s not true. Like some of those precious people who are contestants on American Idol. Someone needs to please tell them, that singing is not their best quality, or their calling in life. They are wonderful people with huge potential, they have beautiful skills and abilities – they are so valuable, but singing just isn’t for them. Sometimes, even if the truth hurts, it’s better to have it. Better to have a Mom who will tell you, than waiting for Simon Cowell to let you know. Romans 12:3 – For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. The New Living says – Don’t think of yourself as better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. The only way to evaluate honestly – is by faith – and faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. So God’s Word – is mission-critical when it comes to accurate self-evaluation. Is there anything in your life – any part or area that is not what it should be? Out of order, or lacking? Maybe work, or school, or relationships, marriage, or parenting, effort, or stewardship, attitude, emotions, or focus… Something that just isn’t what it should be - not where it needs to be? You may have noticed that people when assessing themselves usually fall under two groups. Those who think they are doing pretty good – compared to everyone else. Or those who are always tough on themselves – constantly considering themselves a failure, never measuring up, or bemoaning past mistakes – they just can’t let go. Neither tendency – is the mind of Christ. An honest assessment of where you are – is critical. Otherwise, you might keep going from city to city – for American Idol tryouts – when God has something different and better for you. What do you think? It’s always best to think what God thinks. The best way to self assess – is through faith – and faith comes from the Word of God. There is nothing more important than Getting God’s Plans – and Hearing His Voice. PRISM – will transform your mind. So that you can accurately self-assess. It will let you know where you really are, but more importantly it will let you know God’s deep love for you – right where you are - right now. And that He sees you – not where you are, but where you will be - where He’s taking you - if you will just let Him drive – instead of you. Praying that you will SOAK in His Word. That PRISM becomes an ever-increasing priority, and desire, and longing in your life. Not only will it help you accurately assess where you are - it will tell you the very first step and steps from here! It will also result in you self assessing less. Because the Holy Spirit through the Word of God – will convict you where you fall short, and immediately invite you to the first and next step. So you can walk in the GRACE (the supernatural power) that God has for your victory! Set your mind on things above – and your life will be drawn closer to God, closer to His plans for you - they are ridiculously, and unimaginably good! So that the next time the Holy Spirit prompts you to self-assess – it will just be to encourage you to see how far you’ve come, how far He's brought you - how much you have changed, how different you are – because of His Grace! Praise God. It doesn’t matter where you are right now – what state of mess something or some things in your life are. God’s Word is the first step towards hope, life, and success. His love for you goes beyond your understanding – it’s eternal. And He loves you enough to not leave you where you are… but bring you to where He has created you to be! Praying that PiVAT before dinner – is your never miss. So He can change your plans to His! His plans for you today are the first step forward - they are so good! That PRISM throughout the day is your ‘most come back to’ – So He can change your mind to His, so that you’re overcoming with joy on every Daily Call. Seeing the miracles God is doing – in every PiVAT Small Group meeting – and praying that your 4C’s every day – is that simple step of money obedience that changes your heart daily, and brings you to freedom from financial worry, to the joy of seeing God’s abundant provision. So what do you think? Praying that you will always think like He thinks, so you become more like Him, and live the life He created you for! His Word is always hope – changing to you to fully expect the Good that He will bring! Love you all, dad |
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