Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word – it is so practical. It is so simple – it’s just not easy, unless you have ears to hear and a heart to obey – then it’s simple. I love that God says that it will never return empty. That’s why PRISM works, and I’m so thankful for it. Those five things you can do in God’s Word every day to guarantee your success in every area of your life, and spills over into eternity. In my Praise the Word this morning. Psalms 9:1-2 - I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. I love what God reveals from those who are doing it. This is not theory, this is what David did. Just in those two verses – God gives instruction that if you can hear, and understand – you can do it. Starting right now. I just love that God’s Word always gives you something you can run with… starting right now. What simple instructions does this verse give? #1 Write it Down – what God tells you – write it down. David did, if not, we wouldn’t even know these ‘take it and run with it’ secrets of His success. Praying that you are being faithful with your Conversation Log – it’s how you like Samuel, let not one Word from the God who loves you, who has plans that are best for you… fall to the ground. #2 Say what you will do. Every statement was his verbal commitment and his real-time description of what He was doing! #3 Praise Him (with all your heart) I love that God doesn’t just tell us what to do, and give an example of someone who is doing it, He even tells us how to do it. Praise Him with all your heart. Just praise Him, even ask Him to “search my heart and see if there be…” if there is any part of your heart that is not a praise to Him, that He would clean it up – so every part of your innermost thoughts, beliefs and dreams are honoring to Him. And He will honor you. #4 Tell Somebody (all about His wonders – the crazy things He has done for you – that He’s doing right now! This is your testimony – it’s what you overcome with.) Praying that you will start or continue your Daily Call – a built in obedience track that will help you do consistently – exactly what He has instructed. Remember, “Habits prevail where motivation fails.” #5 Be glad and rejoice – Tell yourself it’s time to be glad, and take joy again – in what? – in God! What He promised, not your present circumstance, not what it looks like… We don’t live in the present circumstance, we live in His promise. What He said - will surely happen, as sure as the Sun will come up in the morning. #6 Sing Praise – to His Name (Everything that He is, and does, has done and will do) Sing praise to that Name – that is The Most High. Life is made of moments… Moments of truth, times that test you – that reveal what you will do. When you hear God’s Word – when you read something in your PRISM time – what is your response? and how quick is your response time? If it’s simple – will you do it? Simple, is it easy for you to do it immediately ? It speaks not to the size of the task, but your willingness to obey – to be instant in obedience. Praying that whatever God shows you – you would be like David – write it down, say you will do it – as you are doing it, that you will Praise with your whole heart, always tell someone the wonderful things God is doing, that you will be glad, choose to rejoice, and Sing His Praise – that you will choose worship to be the atmosphere of your life and your home. If you do the simple things, God can give you bigger things. If you are faithful with little – He’ll entrust you with much. Love you all, dad
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Love you all, praying for you…
In sports there’s something called a ‘gut-check.’ Everyone knows what it is, that time in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line, and the team that is going to win… is simply… the team that wants it the most. It didn’t really start in that moment… it happened yesterday in practice, and it’s the culmination of all the moments last week, (and maybe even the culmination of all those moments in the off-season) – that time at the end of practice where the coach says, “Everybody on the line.” And everyone does what? Do they groan? Does everybody’s heart sink? Or do you run to the battle? Everyone knows what’s coming… most people call them ‘suicides.’ We never did, no reason to put defeat in your mind… Cause remember, your words determine your mind. So it’s not really ‘mindset,’ in truth it’s ‘wordset’ that determines your mindset. I always coached my kids to be the first one on the line for line drills. Even Dana White from the UFC understands this truth. You think what you say, you believe what you say, so he stopped calling it ‘Sudden Death,’ he calls it ‘Sudden Victory.’ Something that simply puts victory in your mind, not death. So who is going to win? You! You were made for it! And what is the sudden victory, or the moment of truth in life? God says it’s faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. So what sudden victory or moment of truth are you facing right now? I love that descriptor – moment of truth. Because it really comes down to are you going to believe a lie, or are you going to believe the truth? Jesus had to several times admonish his disciples – “Oh you of little faith.” It’s not that you don’t have any – in fact you have right now every bit of faith you need – just don’t leave home without it. God said He has given every man a measure of faith. You have been given the measure of faith you need. Just like God gives you the strength to get through the end of practice, so when the moment of truth comes in the fourth quarter, you can be the one who emerges victorious. You actually were made to win. Like the cheetah was designed to run - you were made to win. You were made in the image of God, He formed you in your mother’s womb, and when you received Jesus Christ as your Savior by believing cause He said so… that He died in your place, so you could now be qualified to live forever in heaven with Him… you got that secret weapon. Christ in you the hope of glory. Not your strength, His strength, not your word, His Word! If you choose it – as your word… So what is your faith-check right now? What did God promise about what you are facing or seeking right now. I’ve found that faith gets harder the less clear it is - what He said… So the devil always tries to make it unclear – doubt-able. The first time the devil tries to make you lose faith (and choose doubt instead) is when you first considered giving your life to Christ. God would never save someone like you, you’ve rejected him too many times, or you’ve done things He could never forgive. All lies, but the devil always tries to steal, kill, and destroy. He knows what God said better than you do. And he believes - in a way… God said even the demons believe and tremble. The devil knows without faith its impossible to please God, so he’s always trying to steal your faith – by inserting thoughts in your head – that he hopes you turn into words – so your faith is blocked, and your word-set becomes your mindset. The mindset of doubt, rather than the mindset of faith. So what is your gut check right now? Something that God said that you’re finding it harder to believe. Maybe not that He said it, but does it really apply to you, did you understand it right? Or do you say you believe it, but aren’t really acting like it? Faith is simply acting like what God says is true. Do you? How? You praise Him like it’s happened already. Your faith becomes evidence to you, no matter what is happening around you – what other people say – because they don’t believe. It gets a little harder when the devil tries to get you to doubt that God really said it, or was talking to you, or really meant it. Not that God lies, but did He really mean it that way? Like the woman of whom the prophet of God said – this time next year you will have a child. The moment she heard it - was her first moment of truth… Does that mean what I think it means? Is He really a prophet of God? or is he just wearing a Kobe Jersey? Is he talking about a human physical child, or the concept of something spiritual – that’s like a child… like a new thing coming about in your life… as if giving birth to a child. You see how that works, if the devil can get your doubt set, and your word set, he can get your mindset – and trick you into leaving your faith at home. It is possible that you could put your faith in the wrong thing. God promised to meet your needs, you need a car to get to work, or transportation, or something. But you thought that Tesla that just drove by at that moment, was God saying you’re getting one of those. Not necessarily. Don’t put your faith in things God didn’t say… It’s not just faith that counts, it’s faith in the right thing – what He said, not what you said. God says you have not because you ask not, and when you do ask, you only ask to spend on your own pleasures. That’s where faith gets difficult. Did God really say that? Did He mean that? And if He did. Will you believe it? God says he give more grace… (so your faith can be strong, and your faith can be in the right thing)… So what is God calling you to believe right now? You can have faith in this… James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, (don’t know for sure) let him ask of God who gives to all liberally, without finding fault, and it will be given Him. And then don’t doubt… God said blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, not just the trial of temptation, but also the trial of faith testing. Testing produces perseverance, verse 12 – because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (Who obey him, who believe what he says – and do it). Praying that you’ll know what your gut check is – your faith-check. Praying that you will know what God said, and believe it fully (no matter what) and use your words – to set your mind and set your faith. To me, the worst thing in playing baseball, is to be out on a called strike. I’d rather go down swinging than go down looking. Same with faith – I’d rather die in faith than live in doubt. But there’s an interesting contrast… when it comes to faith, I’d also rather go down looking, than go down swinging. When we don’t use the faith we have, we sometimes can stop looking for it and believing it to happen, and instead start swinging at something else. Taking matters into our own hands or our own strength, rather than just do what God said to do, He’ll take care of the rest… and having done all to stand… Praying that God would reveal what He wants you to have faith for, that you would pray like it, speak like it, praise like it, and walk in it. That this faith-check like the line drills at the end of practice – will prepare you for the next time - the Superbowl when it will be 2 minutes left in the 4th Quarter. Praying that you’ll choose PRISM – not just a little, but that you would jump all in – because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Praying that you will praise like it’s happened, rejoice like it’s coming. This isn’t hope, this is faith – it’s just a matter of time, until you see God do, what He said He would do! Praying that no matter what you’re facing that you will know and believe what He said, and this habit of faith - becomes your DNA. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
Praying that God would give you a morning and evening habit as a part of your PRISM – M: Meditate on the Word. That God would show you your Starter Verses and Ending Verses of the day. Verses to start your day with – His Word to establish you - and verses to end your day with – His Word to settle you… so your mind will be stayed on Him. Here are some ending of your day verses, that will set and prepare your mind and heart to receive what the Holy Spirit wants to speak into your spirit in the night season. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O LORD make me dwell in safety. I will praise the LORD who counsels me, even at night my heart instructs me. So Samuel went back and lay down on his bed. And the LORD came and called as before… and Samuel replied, “Speak LORD, for your servant hears you.” On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I will sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. In the night, LORD, I remember your Name, that I may obey your instructions. If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the LORD who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because he loves me (obeys me and sets his affections on me), says the LORD, I will rescue him, I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” He will call upon me and I will answer Him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. For the end of the law is Christ – to make righteous everyone who believes. As for me I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake I will be satisfied with your presence. Praying that you will review the PRISM Topic – Starter Verses, and PRISM Topic - Ending Verses. That you will start and end your day in the Truth of God that will establish your DNA. So your mind is transformed, and your wisdom grows, so your discernment is sharp, and you can hear the voice of the LORD when He speaks, so He can lead you into all the good that He has planned. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
Everyone has heard of a blood transfusion, a replacing of tainted blood with healthy blood, an exchange of false for true. Infusion fills what is empty or lacking with not just a little, but a lot. Blood to your body is like truth to a society. God says woe to those who call good evil, and evil good. How does that happen? Anytime truth is lacking, people will deem falsehood to be truth. Why? Because innate to the human nature is the need for a standard. God said My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts, as high as the heaven is above the earth. So how do you know if the standard you use, is true or false, the truth or a lie. Praying that you will review as God leads - PRISM Topics, Relationship Topics, and PRISM Topic Packets – at hearwelldone.org - the power of God’s Word on a single subject. It’s a truth infusion! So needed, especially when the days are evil. For every person on earth, your opinions are formed by your inputs. And for most people, their inputs are not God’s Word, so they are not truth – they just seem like it. They are the words and opinions of man, fake news, friends or relatives, the crazy uncle who also based their opinions on the opinions of others, not the truth. Even believers, even Pastors and Priests exchange the truth for a lie. Someone once said, if you repeat a lie long enough, it will be considered truth. When truth is systematically suppressed, it results in the honest quote from Joe Biden – “We choose truth over facts.” That’s why God says “If a king listens to lies, all of his officials become corrupt. In America, we have no king, the people are the king. But if we listen to lies, people start to believe them - everyone becomes corrupt, facts don’t matter, opinions and group-think will shame everyone into silence that dares speak the truth. And if the truth silencers ever gain power, they will make it unlawful to speak truth, and will arrest anyone who does so. It has happened without exception in all of human history. Today in this country people insist on calling it your truth or my truth, but that by very definition cannot be truth. Truth is a standard not a sliding scale, a bar not an opinion. And there is only one truth completely separate from the varied opinions of man. God’s Word is truth. The Bible says let God be true and every man a liar. There are two kinds of liars - malicious and Ignorant. Their father is the enemy, the devil, the father of lies. Malicious and ignorant - those who intend to lie for gain of either money or power, or following, and those who repeat in ignorance the lies of the intentional. What seems true and seems wise is not, it is foolishness. God said there is a wisdom that comes from this world, but it is foolishness to God. God’s Word is right and just and true, it stands forever, long before this nation was ever in existence, and will remain the standard of truth long after the United States of America has become a footnote in human history. So what about you? Do you know the truth? Do you know how to recognize it, and recognize what is false that people claim is truth? If you know what God’s Word says – it’s the only way to discern between truth and falsehood. If you know God’s Word – you will recognize a lie instantly. You don’t learn discernment by studying different falsehoods – there are too many… You know truth only by an infusion of it. And if you know God’s Word - you won’t be - like God says… “the fool at the city gate with nothing to say.” There’s a quote not in the Bible, that says, - “Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” The real quote is “Even a fool is thought to be wise who holds his tongue. It’s God’s encouragement to the wise, to not talk to much - you learn more by listening than talking. But the difference between lies and truth, a fool and the wise, is the wise know truth. Just like they know justice. With truth comes justice, without truth justice is impossible. Proverbs 28:5 – Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. Praying that you will know truth, that PRISM Topics and your PRISM Time in the Word – those five things you can do each day in God’s Word - will be that infusion you need so you can tell a lie a mile away. So that when you stand, you can stand for the truth of God, true justice, and what God says is right. He decides, people don’t. In the end God’s Word will be proven true, what He said He will do! Praying that His Word will be the infusion that you use. So you think like He does, so you talk like He does, so you are not easily led astray, but established by God in justice and righteousness that wins His favor and always brings His blessing. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
Have you ever known someone who knew what they were supposed to do, what they were created for, what they were gifted to do? That knew with clarity the direction they should go, and everything in life became simple? God has purpose for you. First you were created in His Image – to reflect Him. Your highest success is to honor Him and reflect His glory. But He has a purpose for you, for which you were created, and get this… He said He will fulfill it. It starts with new birth – being born of the spirit, not just of the physical world. It’s what happens when you believe the Word of Truth from God, that your sins separate you from the Living God, but He took the form of a human in Jesus Christ, lived a life that you couldn’t live, so He could pay the price for you that you couldn’t pay, to qualify you by His blood to live with Him in heaven forever. Then, down here, you can hear his voice, and receive His plans, so you can walk in them. Matthew 28:18-20 - Then Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (in other words – what was more powerful than you – no longer is… what would have kept you from doing what I want you to do – no longer can… because Me in you gives you authority over the enemy). Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this I am with you always, even to the end of the age. So He is promising… 1) I have been given the authority, 2) I give it to you, 3) Go and teach them to obey everything I command them ,and 4) Don’t forget – I will never leave you – you will always have the authority to do it. First, you have a created purpose, to Praise and Honor Him, a collective purpose, to make disciples, and an individual purpose and assignment– what God created you specifically to do (the way He wants you to benefit others, and in doing so, spread the good news that they can obey too, and walk in the plans for Good that God has for them! And then, Purpose always turns into plans. God said I know the plans I have for you (aka, it will be different from your plan, better, way better, like the opposite better) plans to prosper you not to harm you, (aka– to help you succeed in what I’m calling you to do), plans to give you hope and a future. Your purpose is sure, His help for you is guaranteed, and your future is not only for later in life, but after your life is over and your real life begins, your eternal life. God said He will fulfill the purpose He has for you - Psalms 138:8 - The LORD will fill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. He will never leave you or forsake you. I pray that you will ask Him, and receive with such clarity – the purpose for which you were created, and designed and assigned, and destined. Praying that PiVAT Monthly, PiVAT Weekly, and PiVAT before dinner – would have you always changing direction from your ways to His ways for you. That you would write down what He says, that you will be transformed by His Word, and overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of your testimony. That you would take someone with you, and encourage others to the purpose He has created for them. He said He has authority for you to do it, and He will never leave you. That means your future is bright, your success is sure, and your forever is full of His faithful love for you, and His power to do what He created you to do. If you’ll humble yourself and follow His plans, His purpose for you will always prevail. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
Have you ever thought about the one thing – that if you had it, all that you didn’t have – wouldn’t really matter. And equally, no matter what you had, even if you had everything, if you didn’t have this, it wouldn’t be enough. What is that hallmark that if your life reflected it, you would be content with every stage of the journey? Joy. Joy is an anointing. If it’s the hallmark of your life, you’re OK with where God has you, because you know where He’s taking you, and it’s always someplace better, and even in the low places, you still have it. What is joy? – a deep permanent exceeding gladness – independent of circumstance. It’s deeper than happiness which comes and goes. Sin is enjoyable, but it doesn’t bring joy, temporary pleasure at best, with lingering result – sometimes for a lifetime. Sin is never worth it – it never brings joy. Money doesn’t bring joy – some of the richest people can be the most miserable, or the most famous, or accomplished. So what does God say about joy? It’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) If you’re humble, God will fill you with it (Isaiah 29:19) His presence contains the fullness of it (Psalms 16:11) Obedience produces it, the more you obey, the more joy you get. You can choose it, if you want to, and choose to remain in it. Praise and Thanksgiving triggers it, because it reminds you that God gave it. If you have it – even when facing trials, you can consider it all joy. God said it’s a future and permanent reward, a life of obedience, hearing - “Well done, good and faithful servant, you get to enter into His joy. Obeying what He tells you – brings it. Asking and receiving brings it. God fills you with it as you trust in Him. It’s what you will experience when He keeps you from falling, and presents you without fault, it’s part of the Kingdom of God – righteousness, peace and joy, and it comes from the Holy Spirit. It’s something that you can choose, again and again. Rejoice – to take joy again. It produces strength – the joy of the LORD is your strength. It comes in the morning, a fresh wave for each day. God’s Word always produces it. When your ways are pleasing to God, He gives you wisdom, knowledge and joy! The Holy Spirit gives you the words to speak, how to reply in every situation, and it brings joy. It’s how you pray, with joy, because God always finishes every work He begins. Giving always brings joy, God’s grace to give. God fills you with joy by seeing Him do crazy and impossible things. God commands us not to grieve, because the joy of the LORD is your strength. God even turns sorrow into joy, He said He increases the joy of his people, and keeps you occupied with the joy of your heart. God’s word will always have you go out with joy, and He promises everlasting joy. That means it will never end from now until forever! It’s a gift from Him, that we can walk in or put down. Praying that you will be in His presence where His joy remains, and in His Word that produces it. That you will be filled with the Holy Spirit so his fruit in you always brings joy. Praying that you will know his plans for you for today, and fully obey what He tells you to do, so it always produces joy and becomes your reward. Praying that His presence will always be the atmosphere of your home, that Thanksgiving and Praise will be your habit, so you choose joy again and again… That everything you go through, you consider it all joy, because you are looking to the joy that He has set before you. Praying that you will Review the PRISM Topic – Joy. It’s God’s Word that will make it permanent in you, reminding you of the anointing of Joy that He gives to those who will simply stay in His presence, obey completely, and choose to rejoice, to take joy again and again. What if your hallmark was joy? Everything Jesus does in your life, and in the life of those around you brings joy. Praying that you would be tied completely to Him, so you can walk in your anointing. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
Have you ever noticed the power of questions? It’s often easier to just tell someone something than ask them something. But a question can have far greater influence than a statement. It’s not what you tell someone that affects change, it’s what they tell themself - that’s what they now believe. It’s not what you hear, or what someone says to you, it’s what you put it into word yourself.. that is what you have just bequeathed your concurrence, and surrendered your belief to. Questions are powerful, because they stop you in your tracks, they force you to consider, to step back from the grind, and look from a different and perhaps higher perspective. Some questions are fun, others are almost invasive. Some are rude, “That’s none of your business,” and some are enlightening. Perhaps the most powerful are those that you can ask yourself. Here’s one, worth the consideration… What have you become comfortable with that God isn’t? (You probably haven’t noticed, it’s how it usually works). But if you just ask Him, He will tell you. Have you noticed that what would once appall you doesn’t anymore? What once you would not even consider, you find yourself doing or accepting or believing? Like the one who would never be caught listening to country music now does it all the time? What happened? What was once a standard, is not a standard anymore. That’s a poor example, millions of people love country music, that’s not the point. But what about things that are bad, or if not bad, are not beneficial? Are you comfortable with what once was uncomfortable? Like the young man who had a six-pack, that now looks like he drank one. What was once ripped, has now become rolls? Paul asked the believers in Galatia – who has bewitched you? (in other words, what are you listening to – whose philosophies and beliefs?) “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel al all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the good news of Christ.” What happened? Falsehood they once discerned and stood against, they no longer discern and reject. Or perhaps, they were so weak in their spirit they bought the first deception that came along. Lies are so easy to accept and believe, that if you lack discernment – what you were uncomfortable with before, has become comfortable to you. So is there anything that God is not comfortable with? That has become comfortable to you? (Ask Him, He’ll tell you.) Paul said to the believers in Colosse, Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the ‘good news.’ That’s why he said he was struggling so much for them in prayer. 2:4 – I tell you this so that no one may deceive you with fine sounding arguments. That’s how the devil often gets us comfortable with things God is not comfortable with – that God calls sin, or compromise. Mind you we are not talking legality of government law. That law is for evil doers – not believers. If you follow the law of Christ you will not rob banks, or steal someone’s car, you won’t even steal their newspaper, you are under a higher law that governs human behavior. The law of love for God and therefore your fellow man so you don’t harm anyone. You treat them like God loves them. Paul warns clearly – v8 – See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ… Later it explains why – because you were circumcised in him, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not by a physical circumcision of the body, but the circumcision done by Christ (in your Spirit, and mind – which controls your behavior), and then it explains how.. having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Praise God this spiritual new birth translated us from being dead in our sins (powerless against them) to newness of life in Christ – with complete victory over sin. Because His death disarmed the powers and authorities that kept you bound in sin. (that is a legal issue – legal right in the Spirit world). That’s why he says - Don’t let anyone deceive you, or judge you, or add requirements to you (or delete them from you) He said to set your mind on things above – God’s Word and His Ways… And then… Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature, sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed which is idolatry. V8 rid yourselves of all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips, and do not lie… since you have taken off your old self. Paul was saying never let yourself become comfortable with slander, or hatred, false accusation, or become so used to it that you don’t take a stand for truth. First in your own life, and then what might influence those you love… Proverbs 25:26 – Like a muddied stream or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. (One who becomes comfortable with what once made him uncomfortable). And then – stand with truth against anything that might influence falsely – those you love. (Proverbs 28:4-5 – “Those who forsake the law (who have become comfortable with what God is not comfortable with) praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.” That is a bomb right there. Evil men don’t understand what Justice is. Theirs is a false justice, in truth – injustice. Praying that you will never become comfortable with what which God is not comfortable. Praying that you will be comfortable in God’s presence, and His Word, the place of perfect peace, complete truth, full light, wisdom of God, not wisdom of earth, and where His love you that never ends, completely consumes you. That you will never become comfortable with what He is not comfortable with, that you will never be convinced to accept things that He does not accept. That your life starting with your words, thoughts and actions will be forever free from anything that would prevent you from the overflow of His blessing for your good. That you would stand for truth, and justice and righteousness in every arena of your heart and life and influence. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
Sometimes life can get busy. Have you ever noticed? One activity follows another and the days turn into weeks which turn into months and years. Sometimes it’s good to stop and ask a very basic question. (Since who you are is not what you do… what you do just reflects who you are…) The question that is good to ask is this. What kind of man am I? (Now first it goes without saying, that this question is not male or female, it’s male and female. God said, “Let us make man in our image, so He created male and female.” So inherent in creation is the truth that both male and female together reflect the image of God. That’s why God instituted marriage, and that’s why anything against what God has instituted, subverts the very purpose of what God intended in creation.) But not to digress. What kind of man or woman are you? You are a man of… something, a woman of… something. Whatever you are a man or woman “of” are those things that describe you and reflect you, your character, your belief, your thoughts, words and habits… your results, what you produce, what represents and comes from you. Are you a man of pleasure? Your life reflects the continual pursuit of what feels good? Are you a man of stature? Your life reflects the pursuit of recognition? Are you a man of means? Your life reflects the pursuit of material wealth and possessions? Are you a man of war? Your life reflects the continual pursuit of conflict in the hopes of winning? Are you a man of intellect? Your life reflects the academic pursuit of what is considered knowledge? Are you a man of accomplishment? Your life reflects the winning or building of things that impress others, by which you gain your identity? Are you a man of adventure? Your life reflects the spending of time, money and resources pursuing new experiences? Are you a man of mystery or passion? Your life reflects the pursuit of the opposite sex? And the entanglements it brings? What are you a man of? What would you want to be a man of? What does God think? Gen 2:7 – And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. First you need to know, you are a man of dust. That’s a sobering thought, but God breathed into you the breath of life, you are a living soul, separate from the body you now live in. That living soul that you are - will continue long after your current body is gone. You’ll live for eternity somewhere. It would be wise to think about that… And be sure your eternal destination, is the better of the only two options – forever with God, or forever separate from Him. The Bible says Esau was a man of the field. Exodus 15:3 – The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. The Bible speaks of a man of Israel, so you are a man of the country in which you live, or the family or tribe you are from. It speaks of a man of gray hairs, or a man of age. God called Moses, and Samuel the man of God, and other prophets that He sent, He called David, a man of war, and Solomon a man of rest, He called Gideon a mighty man of valor, Boaz a man of wealth, Kish a mighty man of power, Proverbs speaks of a man of wisdom, a man of understanding and a man of wicked devices, a man of great wrath, and a man of knowledge. Isaiah called himself a man of unclean lips, but God cleansed them, and he prophesied about a coming Messiah, who would be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. So what kind of man are you? Praying that you would be first? A Man of Praise. God said He inhabits the praises of His people, so if you are a man of Praise, God will inhabit you! The things He does will fill you! Praying that you will be a man of Prayer. James 5:17 says “Elijah has a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain of the land for three and a half years.” God said the fervent effective prayers of a righteous man accomplishes much. Elijah’s prayers were powerful because He knew what God wanted Him to pray. Praying that you will too, that a man of Prayer will describe you. Praying that you will be a man of Faith. God said without faith it is impossible to please God, and those who saw God do the greatest things in their lifetime, were those who were a man of faith! Praying that you will be a man of Peace - God said the Fear of the LORD, turn from evil, tremble in His presence, fully obey, say nothing harmful, seek peace and pursue it. Praying that you will be a man of diligence – knowing the plans God has for you and when and doing it completely. That you will be a man of punctuality, not a man of procrastination – someone trustworthy and dependable, never delaying what God told you to do now. Praying that you will be a man of THE WORD, so you will be a man of your Word. Who operates with justice, and integrity. Praying that you will be a man of purpose. Who understands and follows God’s plans for their life, but understands they are part of His far bigger plan… so like David you will accomplish your purpose in your generation. Praying that you will be a man of the Spirit – so that whenever He moves you move with Him, so God can direct you in the good that He has planned for you, and so He can use you in the good that He has planned for others. Praying that you will be a man of wisdom and understanding – like the men of Issachar who understood the times, and knew what the will of the LORD was – what His people should do. Praying that you will be a man of humility – so God can exalt you, and a man of compassion, so you will see others the way God loves them. Praying that you will be a man of God – in every way. That you would know His will, and do it completely, that you will praise Him for who He is, and what He promised, for He will surely do it. It’s how you become a man of Joy – that it would be the anointing on your life – as you walk in the peace and provision and boldness of His favor and His promise. Praying that you will be a man like that. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
I just love God’s Word. It is truth and light and love. And of all the things that it is, the most thing is perhaps – the unexpected. What you would think, is not what God thinks. He doesn’t choose the best looking or the most talented, man looks on the outward appearance He looks on the heart. He doesn’t want your money, (it’s His anyway), He said obedience is better than sacrifice. To go higher, you don’t exalt yourself, you humble yourself – unexpected... The God of all creation, took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and washed the feet of those who should have been serving him. He didn’t come to condemn, He came to save, He isn’t after effort or performance, He’s after faith. We don’t get what we deserve, He took that on himself. We get what He deserves, for all who put their faith and trust in Jesus – the only way to eternity in heaven. He honors faith, more than need, and He even makes up the difference when we’re short. “I do believe, please help me with my unbelief,” and He healed that man’s daughter anyway. He didn’t throw stones, he said the only one who should is the one without sin, and the accusers walked away. He saved her life, and set her free so she could “Go, and sin no more.” And he even gives grace to do it. (Power to do by His Spirit, what we don’t have the power to do by ourself. – live a life that is pleasing to Him. And perhaps one of the most unexpected things He did, was when they asked Him, “Teach us how to pray.” What would you say next? (First get your act together before you dare talk to God, make sure you have done something good that day, wear your best clothes, and make sure you address Him as MOST POWERFUL, FEARFUL, CREATOR WHO SENDS FIRE AND BRIMSTONE THAT CONSUMES EVERYTHING (so you better watch yourself) – and be sure you throw in at least ten of those “I’m not worthy’s.”) No, that’s not at all what He said. When they asked Him how to pray – because they saw Him doing it all the time, Jesus gave an unexpected template... Our Father – shockingly personal. Our Father, He wants us every time we pray to know who He is, our Heavenly Father who loves us. Our Father, which art in heaven… Not an earthly father with human limitations, faults and failures. This is a Father in Heaven who is sinless, and whose love for you never ends! Our Father – this is a team thing, it’s not just about you, you are a part of the called out ones, a body of Christ, where each one has such an important part to play, a family where you are valued, welcomed, encouraged and strengthened. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed is your Name. Everything you are, your power and authority wisdom and understanding, and every thing you have done and will do - Your Name. It’s Holy – completely set apart, so much higher in truth and wisdom and understanding, Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That means we are asking Him – starting in our life and marriage, and family, and circle of friends and business or school or community relationships, in our city and state and country – to show us how to operate as Heaven operates. No one does their own thing in Heaven, only His thing. These powerful angels (messengers of God) do his bidding, instantly, every time. The elders and the creatures bow before His throne. Down here, all we like sheep have gone astray everyone has turned to his own way, and the LORD has laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all.” But up there no one goes their own way, only God’s way – The only one’s who did, Satan and his demons, got ejected, kicked out, cast down. Jesus said pray that God will show you in your life – how to operate, and come into prayerful agreement with God’s will and God’s ways – so the earth you live in – that which impacts and affects you – operates like Heaven does – according to his perfect will and plan. We are to pray that – and come into obedience ourselves, just like Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, not just physically food, but the Word of God that we can live our best life by… His plans and His instructions for our own good! And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. He reminds us to love and forgive others like He loved and forgave us. And lead us not into temptation (give us a heads up when it comes) but deliver us from evil, that which comes against us. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever, Amen. What an unexpected pattern of prayer. Patterns are important. They aren’t limits, they are launching pads. Praying that you will pray like Jesus taught, that you will know how important it is to pray. Praying that you will review the Prayer Packet – from PRISM Topic Packets. That you will be fervent and effectual in prayer – the prayers He wants you to pray. It’s important, your prayers last forever, they are gathered in the bowls of heaven, like incense before God. And a good way to pray more, is to fast more. Every time you get hungry, just pray. If you fast as God directs, it cleanses your spirit from the distractions of your body, it helps you hear better. Praying that your prayer will be led by God, that you will pray what He wants you to pray, so your life on earth, reflects what happens in Heaven. So that your prayers join with His plans the things that He is about to do that will amaze everyone… Where God’s plans are carried out, where His glory is evident to everyone, and the joy of seeing what He does, has you learning to expect, the unexpected. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you,
Have you ever watched horse racing? There are perhaps few things in life that rival the pomp and circumstance of The Kentucky Derby. Usually a beautiful May Saturday, with shined shoes, crisp suits, fancy dresses, and ridiculous hats. Magnificent horses glistening in the Sun… But there are other races too, not just the grasslands of the hallowed Churchill Downs, some are at more pedestrian racetracks, where the track is dirt, and sometimes it rains, in which case it’s better by far to get a strong start... It’s not always elegant in horseracing, sometimes it gets a little messy. I saw an interesting race recently. Don’t know what race it was but what struck me when I first turned the channel to arrive just in time for the final stretch… The first thing that stood out was the leading three horses were sparkling clean, drivers in full colorful array. But the rest of the field, every other horse on the track was completely covered with mud, like they had just run through a mud waterfall, jockey’s hats and faces covered, you could barely even tell the colors of their uniforms at the starting gate. But as I watched just the final 10-15 seconds of the race – with the clean leading horses stretching for the finish line. One dirty horse somehow emerged from behind, got the inside lane, and was slowing sneaking up on the leaders with every stride. It was really in doubt at first, wondering if he could even make it a race or was just a flash to then fade… But he kept getting closer, then he started drawing even, and by the time he crossed the finish line, he managed to do it by 2-3 lengths… I noticed as the camera zoomed in on the final push of this completely filthy, now leader, through his Lone Ranger face mask that they make the horses wear. His eyes on this heroic run, were intense as a flame; running like someone was chasing him. No, even more, running like there was no way he was going to lose… It so encouraged me. God isn’t just for the pretty horses, the squeaky clean, the ones who have been leading the whole way… Sometimes you got a little dirt on you… Sometimes you’ve made some mistakes, suffered some poor choices, you got a late start, or got distracted or lost focus. Sometimes you have spent a little time, or even a long time, at the back of the pack, getting pelted with mud and dirt clods. And it takes a while to come to your senses, and get back in the race. Sometimes God uses people who aren’t perfect, they aren’t mistake free, or wrong choice-free. But God loves and forgives, He can clean up the mess, and you can still win. And I thought this picture so wonderfully portrayed not a game or a contest or even a race, it was really a picture of life. It doesn’t matter what you look like, as long as you win, as long as you keep going. And when it comes to what really matters, it’s not how hard you strive, it’s not about your grit and determination, it’s really about your willingness to repent and obey, and let God lead, so He can change your course… Then it’s about learning to persevere in the right lane, the inside lane, putting your hope and your faith and your trust in God. That horse left all his muddy friends behind! God had new places to bring Him, God can take you from the back of the back, from bringing up the rear, and put you out in front. It requires a new track, a new path, getting out from behind some things, and distancing yourself from a few others. And if you let God lead, you’ll get out of the mud, you’ll start pulling even, and you’ll start pulling ahead. And then you’ll find that the journey gains hope, and joy, and the finish line is so worth it! God is able to restore what the locusts have eaten, He can reverse your situation, even if it is a part, majority or exclusively self-inflected one. He forgives, He heals, He restores, He doesn’t have you focus on the horses ahead of you, beside you or the ones you left behind, He just leads you into the lane that’s unimpeded, so He can bring you to the front. And this race is not over, it’s not against others, it’s a race to what God has called you to be and become. It’s about what the devil has tried to keep you from, the good plans God has for you, and the places He will take you – even from here. So the wreath you get at the end, will bring glory to Him, and blessing for you! Praying that PiVAT before dinner is what God can use to get you in the lane He has for you now, that PRISM will wash the mud off, that you will only listen to His voice, and no other, so you can finish the race He has chosen for you! And receive all the reward that He has waiting. Love you all, dad |
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