Love you all, praying for you.
What if you had an extra day this year? The last day of the year is always a unique opportunity. Most people don’t recognize it. What does God want you to do the last day of the year. First, there are only two things you should do every day. What God wants you to do every day, and what God wants you to do today. Praying that you already know His PiVAT for you for today. Those things He has ordained for you to do today, to walk in today. But the last day of the year, December 31st is a unique opportunity. It’s a day to remember every thing God did this year, how gracious and faithful He has been. It’s a time of remembrance. It’s a day to finish. What did God tell you to do this year? Did you do it? Praying that if there is one more thing left to do, and it can be finished today, that at whatever time God has assigned you, you will do it! It’s a day to plan for next year. But in God’s Kingdom, it’s not your plans that matter, only His. Praying that you will Print out Insert #3 for this coming year. Hearwelldone.org first page, scroll down to Advanced Tools, (Insert #3) Praying That you would seek God for PiVAT Yearly – He will reveal what He has for you this year, if you will just ask Him. He will reveal as much to you as He chooses right now, but it will be enough for you to hit the ground running, with the joy of obedience. Praying that you will seek Him in the same way for PiVAT Monthly for January – It has a portion of God’s plans for you this year, that He has assigned to January… Praying that you will Print Insert #2 – for the month of January, that you seek Him for PiVAT weekly, for the first week of January, He will tell you. He won’t fill in every blank, you’ll need to walk in the Spirit each day, to fill out that… But He will reveal what your focus this week should be. Praying that this last day of the year you will do PiVAT before dinner so that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, your knees will hit the floor, and you will know exactly his first assignment for you on January 1st. New Years Day – is a Holiday, but that just means that you probably won’t go to work as usual, and you’ll probably watch some bowl games, but it’s still God’s day – and for the first day of the year to be a smashing success, it will only happen if you know and do His will, instead of yours. That’s a lot! It depends on how successful and effective you want to be? No plan, is still your plan, His plan is the best plan – by far. He can restore what the locusts have eaten, but I’m praying that this year, the locusts won’t get anything of yours, not your time, not your mind, not your heart, your hope, or your faith, not your prayer, not your PRISM time, not your relationships, your work, your family or your ministry. That everything God wants to grow in you and increase in you and bless you in - which is EVERYTHING, that you would know in this day and hour what He has chosen for you to do. That’s where the joy comes from. And one more opportunity of this last day of the year. If you have sought the LORD for His plans for you – you already know what is coming tomorrow, you already know the order of those things He wants you to do every day… What if you used today to live in the order that God revealed for you this year. Those things He wants you to do every day, at the time He has told you. Praying that your time today in Worship, in PRISM – that time in His Word where wisdom comes from, and identity comes from, and hope and faith come from… and that time in prayer – where His righteousness that He has given to you – will avail much… Praying that you will know His plans for you this coming year, month, week and day, that you will spend time with him, and that this New Year’s rhythm, you will already put into practice today. So you get an extra day to walk in the victory that God has for you this coming year. Have you ever been so excited for Christmas morning, to see the presents you have prepared for your kids. They’re gonna love it! That’s what God is feeling right now. His PiVATs for you this year – are the presents He can’t wait for you to open! You’re gonna love them! because He’s the best Dad ever… Love you all, dad
0 Comments
Love you all, praying for you.
What’s the hardest thing to do in life? PiVAT before dinner, absolutely the hardest thing to do in life. To be consistent in not eating dinner, until you spend that five minutes with Him, getting His plans for you for tomorrow. Why is that the hardest thing to do? Because it’s what the devil wants to prevent you from the most. Why? Because if you don’t get his plans, you will be left with your plans, if you don’t get his way, you’ll go your way. And that is what sent Jesus to the cross. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one of us have turn to his own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Sinning, falling short of what God wants for us, is not just doing something wrong, it’s not knowing what He wants us to do, and if we don’t know that, all we can do, is less than His best. That’s falling short of what He longs to give us. Praying that if you haven’t done your PiVAT before dinner last night, you will just take 5 minutes and do it right now. And today, before you walk in the door, before you take one bite of your evening meal, that you will ask him what you need most from Him (for tomorrow), the number one thing He wants you to do, and the exact time He wants you to do it, and then write your testimony of what He did and revealed, so you can speak it and overcome with it, what God did today, as you’re learning to obey, and what God revealed from His Word, as you’re learning to come back to it. PiVAT before dinner, the hardest thing to do in life. So what’s the second hardest thing? Responding to the Holy Spirit. When that prompting comes, that nudge inside you… to ignore it and keep going, instead of doing it without thinking, without ignoring that instant opportunity and then talking yourself out of it in your thoughts. Whether you are in bed, and the Holy Spirit prompts you to get up, and do one thing, maybe write this down – that He just revealed in your spirit, or do that last thing he told you to do, but you don’t move, and instead make an excuse. Or when He prompts you to get up when you wake up and start the day with joy – to do the first thing… and you just turn over to sleep for five more minutes. Or He prompts you to call someone, or text someone, or turn the car around and go check on that person, or stop to talk to someone. Or He prompts you to pick up the Word, or read review your PRISM Topic for today one more time, but you just finish what you’re doing first. Or He prompts you to stop talking, mid-sentence, but you finish that thought, or He prompts you to not say that, not give word to that thought of doubt, or criticism, or turn off the TV, or video game and do something else instead… but you’ll do it… as soon as this show is over, or at the next commercial. The Holy Spirit’s voice is rarely a shout, its usually a whisper, that nudge isn’t a shove, it’s a nudge, an opportunity to learn to become instant in obedience. Praying that you notice and obey that nudge immediately, that you will be ready in season and out of season, constantly coming back to His Word – that’s PRISM, and quick to obey, no matter how small, no matter when that nudge comes, to respond without delay. So how do you get better in that, if you’re track record isn’t the greatest? Ask Him, and Tell Yourself… Ask Him, prepare beforehand, ask Him to help you notice and obey that nudge when it comes… It’s coming… And declare out loud that you will look for that nudge, and do whatever He nudges you to do. Ask and Declare, and then praise Him every time you do. Rejoice in every victory. You’ll train yourself to respond quickly, and be instant in obedience. And then that principle of more – will kick in. The more you do it, the more you’ll get, the more He’ll speak to you, and the more you will see what He will do in response to your obedience. It will increase your joy. Because obedience always brings joy. Praying that you will ask Him, that you won’t miss one nudge, that you won’t even ignore one opportunity to obey quickly, so His glory shines through you. Praying that respond quickly to that nudge, so you can see the crazy things He wants to show you, and do through you today… It’s worth it! Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you.
I just love God’s Word – it gives us a standard to compare words and ideas to, commonly accepted thought, cultural norms. When children get older, they gain some liberties to make choices of their own. Many a mother gave this warning before their children ventured out for the night or weekend… Remember, Jesus is in the car with you. Remember Jesus sees whatever you do. Later that warning translates into – don’t make your plans without him. Remember to check with him first before going ahead with your plans. This is a ‘don’t leave home without him’ philosophy of life and relationship with Christ. The ‘take Jesus with you, and things will go better” kind of thinking, that sounds good, but is that what God expects? Or does He have more? He’s definitely in the car with you, He sees everything, but just because He’s in the car, doesn’t mean He’s driving. Checking with Him on your plans, is still doing your plans… It’s asking for permission and blessing, rather than getting the plans that He has for you. When you do that, you don’t need his blessing, they’re His plans. They will succeed because He directed them and will bring them to pass – you’re just obeying and walking in them. There’s a significant difference between a guest and a king, someone who is invited to come along, or someone who determines the course. Praying that you will never run your plans past Jesus first. But that you will always start with His plans. Starting with Him with a clean slate, and asking Him what plans He has, and how He wants you to pursue them. These are the plans that succeed, these are the desires your heart that He fulfills, because they are His desires for you… and they are so good! These are the victories that He gives, and the way that He blesses. His ways are always blessed, they always work, they aren’t always easy, but the result is sure. He will bring victory to every plan He has revealed for your good. He will finish what He started, give you strength for the task, and joy for the journey, He will prepare you to execute and fulfill what He has called you to. He will give you the skill and ability, and cause you to grow in it, so what He has ordained for you, becomes what you actually do. As we begin a new year. Most people make up New Years Resolutions, rather than resolve to follow His solutions. That’s why New Years Resolutions on average fail within weeks, but if you resolve to get His plans for you this year, this month, this week and today, you will be fully occupied in this hour with what He has ordained for you before you were even born. No level of detail is too small, He’s done it for billions of people throughout history. His capacity to make plans and execute them flawlessly is unlimited. Praying that you will review PiVAT Maybe – to distinguish clearly between His plans and yours. That you will spend time with Him – in PiVAT Yearly before the calendar year is up, so He can reveal the course He has set before you for this coming year. Praying that you will know each day and each week what He is calling you to. Praying that you will exhort one other daily, that your PRISM time will transform your mind with His Word, and that His Presence, His Word, and His Prayers for you – will be your hearts desire in this coming year. You will be amazed at what He will do! Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word, it shows that people are the same today as they were 2000 years ago. Matthew 17:24 – After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” People will come up to you. You didn’t ask them to, or seek them out, they will come to you because they want something. People always do what their father does… their father lies, so they do. That’s how you know who their father is… the father of lies. That same father is the accuser of the brethren. So his children will always come and accuse you. You can often tell by the question. They don’t want an answer, that’s not why they ask a question. They are not asking, they are accusing… They feign interest, or a desire to learn or know truth, but they have no interest in either, only to accuse, and steal reputation, to falsely accuse and falsely degrade. The owner of the NFL Franchise doesn’t have to buy a ticket, he owns the team, he sits in the owner’s box. How ridiculous that The One the temple was built to worship, should be asked to pay the temple tax. The wicked love taxes, they love to take, not give. Jesus explained that same truth to His disciples. He is exempt by his very Position, but go ahead and pay it anyway. One time he sent them to the sea to get an oyster or clam, and to open it up to get the pearl inside, to pay the temple tax. So even though the God of the temple is exempt from the temple tax, He also is the God who owns every drachma on the planet – so He can get one anytime He wants. One other thing to remember… Just because someone asks you a question, doesn’t mean you need to answer. Questions are power moves, the one who asks the question is in control. Don’t be controlled by the wicked and the accuser. Just cause someone asks you something doesn’t mean you owe them an answer. Ask God what to answer. If nothing else, buy yourself some time, “Why do you ask?” while they are now challenged to respond (and their response will be telling) it gives you the opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit in that moment if God wants you answer, and what, when and how to respond. It will also flush them out. They tried the same thing with Jesus. Sometimes He asked them a question… “Did John the Baptist come from God or men? Now facing their own medicine, they couldn’t answer without losing their reputation, and exposing their motive. So the religious leaders – those whose job it was to discern spiritual things for God’s people, they answered, “We don’t know.” If they said from God – Jesus would ask, “Then why didn’t you believe him, and do what He said.” If they said from man, the people would ridicule them because they all knew John the Baptist came from God, it was obvious. So the spiritual leaders of the nation - had no opinion on the most significant spiritual influence in generations… who said He came to point to the Messiah, whose sandals I’m not worthy to stoop down and untie, and there He is! Jesus Christ, the Messiah. So Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what power I do these things.” Just because someone asks you a question, doesn’t mean you have to answer. Only answer if God tells you, and with the answer He gives you to answer with. Equally – that principle of “always the other guy.” Are you the one being attacked? Or are you sometimes the attacker? Do you accuse, like the accuser of the brethren? Do your questions embarrass or accuse or condemn others? Is that a question that God would have you ask? If it’s not from God – where does it come from? Jesus asked many questions, but never to accuse, always to lead them to the truth and the love of God. He said the opposite of accusation... “ Where are you accusers now? He asked, “Since no one is left to condemn you, neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” Praying that the questions you ask will always be questions that lead to life, that build, never accuse. Praying that you will discern those who seek truth, or seek to accuse you, and praying that you will wait on the LORD, and answer what He fills your mouth to answer with. The plans of the heart and the reply of the tongue come from the LORD. If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives freely, without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Don’t just answer any question someone asks you. Ask God if He wants you to answer, or not, and ask Him to reveal to you what the answer from your Father is. So the Word from His mouth are the words that come from your mouth. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word. It is so practical, and often just the opposite of what you would think. It gives things that are spiritual, not natural. That are sense even though they don’t make sense. Proverbs 27:6 – Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Those who really love you, will love you enough to tell you the truth. Those who don’t… just say things that will make you feel good - even when what you’re doing isn’t good, or could be so much better. They say these things not because it’s good for you, it’s more about them, they want to be liked by people, but not really help people. It’s just multiplying kisses. But a friend will tell you the truth, even if its not what you want to hear. They don’t tell you things to make you feel good, they tell you things that will make you do good. Welcome wounds. Seek out friends who will tell you the truth, and give them an opportunity to do so. Ask them. Am I missing something? Is there anything you are seeing in me that is not right, or not what’s best? Or ask for specific counsel on an area of your life, a pursuit, or time commitment. Examine yourself, and get their insight to help you. The sooner you correct course, the sooner you will arrive. The sooner you correct course, the more errors and sorrows you will avoid. The sooner you correct course, the more time you get with fellow obeyers (that’s the course they are on too). Wide is the path that leads to destruction, there are many on that path. Narrow it the path that leads to life, and few there be that find it. The sooner you correct course, the closer you are to God. Walking in His plans, means He’s your companion, He goes with you and before you. Welcome wounds, always correct course – Daily. It’s why PiVAT before dinner is so important, so you stay the course, so you know the course that God has set out for you. And midpoint course correction – just ask God midday, in this hour… God is this what you want for me to do, or has the time for it passed? Praying that you will seek God with your Insert #3 for this coming year. He has plans for you, a course already prepared. Your PiVAT Yearly, and PiVAT Monthly’s each month will set you firmly on His path, and ensure you make progress daily. It’s not just what He wants you to do, it’s what He wants you to become, and who to go there, and who to become with, so you can become like Him. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
I’m just so thankful for PRISM – those five things you can do every day in God’s Word… It’s just a track to run on. It has changed my perspective on God’s Word – from a chore or an obligation to an adventure, a relationship, and a journey. It will keep you coming back throughout the day, not just read it and forget it, but soak in it and live it. It also leads to other things beyond the five things you can do every day in God’s Word. For Study the Word – just SOAPing out a verse gives the Holy Spirit a chance to reveal deeper things, things hidden, things understood by the spirit, not just the mind. SOAP isn’t you filling in the answers. SOAP is questions to ask the Holy Spirit – so He fills in God’s answers for you. But sometimes, rather than just SOAPing out a verse, God can give you an observation or application, an extract, for a whole chapter or section… Psalms 18 – is so encouraging – it gives a list of observations and takeaways… that if you put those truths personally into the affirmative, it reveals quite a picture of who God is, and what He does! Psalms 18 – What Does God Do? He shows himself faithful to the faithful, He shows himself blameless to the blameless, He shows himself pure to the pure, He saves the humble and brings low the prideful, You keep my lamp burning! He turns my darkness to light, He helps me advance against an army, He helps me scale a wall, His way is perfect, His Word is flawless, there is no God besides Him, there is no Rock except Him. He arms me with strength, He makes my way complete, He makes my feet like those of a deer, He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle, He helps me bend a bow of bronze, He gives me His shield of victory (His victory is my shield – and when has He ever lost?) His right hand sustains me, He stoops down to make me great. He broadens the path beneath me, so my ankles do not turn. He arms me with strength for battle, He makes my enemies bow at my feet, He delivers me from the attack of people, He Lives! He is Exalted! He is the God who avenges me, He saves me from my enemies, He subdues nations under me, He exalts me above my foes. He rescues me from violent men, He give me great victories, He shows unfailing kindness to His anointed, and to their descendants forever. These are physical examples of spiritual truth. We don’t fight people physically, the battle is spiritual, that’s why God said, our weapons are not carnal but mighty through God for pulling down strongholds. And these things don’t apply to just anyone, but to the anointed of God, chosen, who like David make Him their refuge, who they run to first, and serve, and who believe His Word, and follow His commands and plans for them. These things are true of David and his descendants – those who call on the Name of the LORD. Those who apply His Word, and choose His ways over the ways of the world. And how did David get that way? How were these things true of him, when they didn’t apply to everyone? Because God’s Word was his delight, and He spoke it into his own heart. That’s why His heart was a heart after God’s own heart. Praying that this coming year, your PRISM time will increase, His Word will increase in you – so everything it says, you do, you long for and run to, you operate in, so that the blessing that it brings – will increase in you. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word, it’s the lens of life. It gives truth for life, and life just gives examples of its truth. Millions of kids around the world, play soccer or basketball, football or baseball. Everyone has dreams of winning the championship – the game winning touchdown, or home run, or last second shot. Lesser thought of - is that very real possibility of blowing it when the chips are down, when the game is on the line. That missed field goal, or fumble at the goal line, or interception that blows out the candle of any last hope you had of victory. That’s why when the pressure is on, and you’re at the free throw line with the game hanging in the balance… most people fold under the pressure. Some kids who are too young and inexperienced yet to face this risk or the adversity of the aftermath, can be scarred by the failure. As if it’s their fault. That one missed free throw didn’t lose the game. Not getting back on defense, quick ill-advised shots, giving up direct lines to the basket, and failing to box-out all combined for the loss, not just the missed free throw at the end. Some kids can’t recover, it becomes a prominent memory of their life. And the devil is always there to remind them. They don’t realize the bigger picture, they don’t understand the game, nor life. So the devil will always remind them of it. Something interesting happened last night. The opening night of the NBA season. Haven’t been a big fan recently, but for years I was, and I caught the last few minutes of the game. After a back and forth down the stretch, my hometown Milwaukee Bucks were down two points with an inbounds play for a chance at the tie or win. Their coach in a slick display of gamesmanship, called an inbounds play they never planned to run. Then called timeout before the five second window expired having learned the defensive strategy of their opponent. The real out of bounds play was a perfectly executed back door alley-oop pass for Giannis to dunk at the rim to tie the game. Perfectly thrown pass, but the defender clearly fouled him. He quite rudely pushed him out of the way while he was in the air - and a sure dunk for a tie, was suddenly foiled to the chagrin of all Milwaukee fans, and the relief of the opposition. Probably the smartest move possible for the defender given the mismatch, but it was still just delaying the inevitable. We’re going to overtime, because up to the line is stepping the two-time reigning NBA MVP, and He plays for us! First free throw – nothing but net. Second free throw for the tie – to send the game into overtime, and remove all momentum from the hopeless opposing team…. And Giannis short-arms it off the front of the rim! The exact paralysis of the pressure of the moment – suffered by every inexperienced sixth or seventh grader. The pressure gets to them, they over think it, they slow down their shooting motion trying to force it in the basket, and it doinks off the front of the rim. Game over. You lose. Your whole team loses, it’s your fault. And this is the NBA MVP! With cry-baby Danny Ainge coming out of his chair his fists in the air, as if he did anything… adding insult to injury - how disappointing. Granted it’s just a season opener… not game seven of the championship… but still, that loss stings, it was right there in our hands. And immediately the aftermath begins. The blame and finger pointing (only by armchair quarterbacks, has-beens, that never even achieved an NBA jersey much less a two-time MVP.) Without Giannis, Milwaukee isn’t even close to winning that game. His response? He has to face a press conference, takes full responsibility, knows he has to do better, and says he learns from every experience. No crying, no head hanging, no pouting, no going up to his room and skipping dinner. He’s a professional, an MVP. And I’d hate to be the next team that has to face him. In life there are moments of failure, that will test you. Times you fall short of your goal. The game of basketball is just a game, it means nothing! Only 20 years later for some old guys arguing who really was the best of all time… It doesn’t matter, no one cares – they have their own lives and problems to deal with. But with every failure comes a choice, will it paralyze you or propel you? Will this moment define you? or will you determine to attack the next opportunity with even more resolve and confidence, starting tomorrow in practice, or tonight when you get home? Games mean nothing, life is far more important. Some mistakes are choices, we just call them mistakes. Choosing sin, when overcoming is just a choice away, and God’s Grace is even there for you. The way out that He promised, is right there! You don’t have to go with them, you don’t have to participate in that conversation, you don’t have to yield to that thought process… But you choose the wrong, instead of the right – the opportunity for victory is lost, and the devil is right there to remind you of it. He wants to convince you – that this is your defining moment – so that any future failure, or bad choice can drive the nail further… He is a liar. When it comes to free-throws – it’s a numbers game. No one shoots 100%, no one. Not even NBA MVPs – so why do you spend more time thinking about it, than about two full seconds? And when it comes to wrong choices that do impact your life and your relationship with God… It is important, don’t minimize the offense of your choice, God hates sin, He hates it. He paid too high a price, for you to keep sinning… But there is one thing the devil cannot do. He’s powerless. He cannot stop God from forgiving you. If you repent and turn (think differently about what you did… no, it’s not OK, it’s wrong, it disappoints and offends God, but if you confess it, turn from it, turn to Him, and let Him move you forward from here, His mercy and grace define you – infinitely more than a wrong choice you made. It doesn’t define you any more than one free throw defines Giannis – He’s a first ballot hall of famer when he hangs up his shoes, forever an MVP, and no one will remember this in the end. Just like God can erase your wrong choices. Jesus said, Go and sin no more… take the grace available to you next time, you will, and then you will again… Michael Jordan lost nine years in a row before winning an NBA championship – how did that work out for him? Lebron for eight or nine years couldn’t win, and was even getting the reputation of just can’t win the big game… Until he took his talents to South Beach… Games mean nothing, life is far more important, choices make a difference, but if you make the wrong one, you can walk in the forgiveness, and the grace of God. His Word defines you, His grace defines you – that’s power to overcome, and you surely will. Don’t let the devil lie to you. Giannis is still a Hall of Famer, its just a matter of time. God’s mercies are new every morning. Walk in the grace and the light that He gives, because God has championships waiting for you! Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word – it not only tells you what to do, it’s what’s best for you. It not only tells you what to do, it tells you why. Like the little kid that just wants to know why, we are all like that. Most don’t mind doing it, but we want to know why. God tells us. He doesn’t make the choice for us, He leaves that to us, but He makes the choice clear. Psalms 19:7 – The law of the LORD is complete, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Do you need new life in your soul, to be revived every day in your mind body soul and spirit? Do you need wisdom? Do you want to be wise instead of simple, gullible, foolish? Knowing what to do, when and how to do it, and skilled in what brings success? Do you want joy in your heart, that goes deeper and lasts longer, that’s permanent, not the temporary happiness that depends on what happens around you? Do you want light to be able to see, and see clearly, so you don’t stumble, or choose the wrong path? Do you want to be pure – so you can see God, what He’s doing… untainted, uncompromised, unmixed which endures forever? Do you want to be sure, steady, confident, convinced, immovable, in right standing with God, and respected by men? Do you want what is better than money, than silver or gold which so easily can come and go? Do you want what is sweeter than honey from the comb? Do you want to be warned, so you don’t blindly continue, and lose everything you’ve gained? Do you want the reward that obedience brings? You aren’t obeying for nothing. God says there is a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God, and those who do not, and you will see it! So how do you get all of these things – that God promises those who fear Him, who walk in His ways? Do you want something that’s complete? That is fully trustworthy, that will make your wise? That is right and radiant that gives light, that endures forever, that is sure and completely right, more valuable than riches, sweeter than honey, that warns you when you need it, and guarantees a great reward? It is His Word. The Word of God, of life and wisdom, and light, and joy. Life is choices. They make the difference, it’s not what you were born in, it’s the choices you make. That’s why the privileged can crash and burn, and the disadvantaged can rise to greatness. It happens all the time. His Word as your constant diet, is a choice. The biggest choice you face is time. The hardest choice you will ever make is PIVAT before dinner, and being consistent in it. But if you will get God’s plan for your day, and His confirmation and counsel in the night season, then you will be faithful in His Word at the time He directs you, and you’ll want to keep coming back to it, in the in-between times, the transition times. That source of all wisdom, success and joy. You will be able to walk in it, come back to it, be changed by it, become what it instructs, and receive what it promises. You are not reading God’s Word for nothing. You are not obeying His commands for nothing. God will make a distinction between those who choose His Word and those who do not. No investment will yield a bigger reward than your PRISM time in His Word. You will schedule it, before you fall in love with it. Praying that PiVAT before dinner – has you clearly understanding His plans for your good today, that those times in His Word become habit, and then your passion. So His reward will distinguish you. So that life and joy and wisdom, and true riches will be the life you lead, and the legacy you leave. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word – it not only gives truth, it gives it in context. Context is one of the most important skills in life, one of the most important characteristics of wisdom and maturity. In parenting for example, consistency is everything, but context is required. Context is not compromise… You don’t change the standard of holiness for your child. Your job is to train them in holiness, far more than it is to contribute to their happiness. Kids are happy when they get ice cream for breakfast, but that’s not what’s best for them. Context is to be considered. If they missed their nap, it may be time to redirect their attention, or shift schedules, rather than picking the wrong hill to die on. Context – the parts of a discourse which either precede or follow the sentence quoted. Like in a basketball game – a referee would be wise to consider context. It seems the one who retaliates always gets the foul, the initiator often gets away with the crime. Context is especially important in reading God’s Word. Perhaps the most famous out of context verse – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” How many ‘the most important thing is me’, self-centered, selfish ambitions, have been justified and pursued under that flag… Context is important, because it can reveal the true meaning, and inform the interpretation and the implementation. The scripture verse is correct, but the context, is who is saying it?(Paul) under what circumstance? (a variety) and what was said before or after? The verse is accurate – Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. But Paul said this not when he was pursuing Super Bowls, or Olympic Gold Medals… He was in need. He had just received a much needed gift from the church to help him. Philippians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need (although clearly this was a time of need, that’s why he was thankful for the gift), for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need… I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me. Yet it was good of you to share with me. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only. Here was the ultimate irony. It wasn’t the wealthy Christians living in Corinth that shared financially with Paul, it was a church of Macedonia – the ones who didn’t even have enough for themselves, but gave beyond their ability to share with the believers in Jerusalem, and now apparently, to share with Paul in His time of need. This – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” has I’m sure inspired many to win the big game, but the power of these words go far beyond the highs in life, it is power fully sufficient for the lows. Yes, if God has called you to go to the Olympics, go with His strength, prepare with diligence and faithfulness, in His strength that enables you to do all things... But if God has called you to something less impressive to men, but impressive to God, it doesn’t matter whether you have plenty, or just enough for today. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He will give you your daily bread, in the Spirit, and in the natural. He will never let you down. His strength is all you need for any assignment, whether the crowds are cheering you on, or nobody even sees what you are doing. Your contentment in Him – it’s where the praise and joy come from, no matter what temporary situation you are in right now. Praying that your PRISM will always bring you His truth, and the context will bring you the full truth, the encouragement you need, at the perfect time that you need it. He is faithful, He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will finish what He started in you, He always brings you to good, and He will strengthen you for every task He has put before you. You can be content, fully trusting in His power and His authority, and His victory for you. Today. You can do all things through Christ – who strengthens you. Love you all, dad Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word. It keeps you coming back. Have you ever had a verse that God told you to SOAP out in your PRISM time and a day or two later – God brought you back to do that same verse or verses again because He had something more to give you or show you or explain further? God’s Word is like a gold mine, the first pass isn’t all that’s there. You have to go through the earth pan by pan, or ton by ton in order to find all that’s there. But unlike a gold mine that runs out… the Word of God is limitless – that same pan each day will yield a new nugget of gold. Because God’s Word and His truth is inexhaustible. Psalms 18:1 and 32. I love you, O LORD, my strength. Verse 32 - It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way complete. Do you want strength? It’s in His Word, His presence, in Prayer, and Praise, and Faith, and an Obedience habit – that’s where your strength can increase. What if you had strength? Strength of Character, Strength of Discernment, Strength of Purpose, Strength of Vision, Strength of resolve, Strength of perseverance, Strength of mind and body and soul? Strength of Spirit, and the Strength of the LORD – that He arms you with? If the LORD is your strength, the more you love Him (the more your affections and obedience are on Him) the more strength you get… the more in His Presence, the more strength you get, the more you praise, the more strength you get, the more you obey, the more strength you get. The more you speak in faith, the more strength you get. Some people don’t even know what they need strength for, it’s not just for not being tired. Strength has a purpose. God gave strength to complete the task He had set before them, it was important, significant, something that was beyond just their own personal benefit. And He will give His strength to you. Exodus 15:1 – Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song; He has become my salvation. I love that, He gives strength and song, even before you see the victory. That’s why even before you can sing – I’m gonna see the victory – for the battle belongs to the LORD. When your strength is with you, giants fall, seas part, the sun stands still, water comes from the Rock, and victory over an enemy too numerous to count – is sure. It’s His strength that trains you for victory, He gives you strength, even before the victory comes. He makes you to go from strength to strength. Strength: Power and Force – the property or quality of a body by which it is enabled to move itself or other objects. Firmness, solidity or toughness, power of resisting attacks; fastness, as the strength of a castle or fort. Power of mind, intellectual force, the power of any faculty; as strength of memory, strength of reason, or strength of judgment. Force of writing; strength of words, strength of expression, the forcible exhibition of ideas by which a sensible or deep impression is made on the mind of the hearer, strength of argument, strength of conviction, exciting wonder or other strong emotion. Vividness, as strength of color, legal or moral force; strength of legal or social obligation, strength of law or strength of public opinion. Strength; that which supports, confidence. Amount of force, the strength of an army. Soundness; force; the quality that convinces, persuades or commands assent or agreement, strength of argument, strength of reason, or strength of evidence. Vehemence; force proceeding from motion, strength of wind, or current of water. Brightness or vividness; as the strength of light. Fortification, like a fortress; strength that makes one inaccessible. Support, maintenance of power. What if you had strength? What if you could go from Strength to Strength. Strength is needed for everything, strength comes from one source: God my strength. I Chron 16:11 – Look to the LORD and His strength; seek his face always. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. I Chron 29:12 – Riches and honor come from you alone, and You are the ruler of all mankind, your hand controls power and might and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength. Strength is simply the power and force you need to defend yourself, and accomplish any good thing. Nehemiah told the people, “Go your way, and do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Psalms 8:2 – Out of the mouth of babes and infants you have ordained strength (praise), to silence the foe and the avenger. Strength is in His presence, and that’s where joy comes from, and joy becomes strength, just like praise is strength spoken. Psalms 19:4 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Your Words affect your strength – If your words are weak, your strength is weak. When your words are His words, your strength is His strength. Psalms 21:1 – the King will rejoice in your strength, and in your salvation, how greatly will he rejoice! Psalms 21:13 – Be exalted O LORD in your own strength! So we will sing and praise your power. I love that – He can do it all by himself. He can get himself strong in his own strength! Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid. 28:7 – The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: There my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise him. 29:11 – The LORD will give strength to his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. 37:39 – The salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. 59:17 – Unto you, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy. That is so awesome, it’s not what you deserve, you didn’t earn it, He just gives it. Psalms 68:28 – Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before. God just shows out! He brings it, He loves to show his strength on behalf of His people. Psalms 71:16- I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: Psalms 73:26 – My flesh and my heart fails: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. 77:14 – You are the God that does wonders: you have declared your strength among the people. 81:1 – Sing aloud to God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. 84:5 – Blessed is the man whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage, when they pass through the valley of weeping, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools, they go from strength to strength til each one appears before God in Zion. Psalms 96:6 – Honor and majesty are before Him, strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ps 99:4 – The King’s strength – loves justice, you have established equity, in Jacob you have done what is just and right. Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Psalms 118:14 – The LORD is my strength and song, he has become my salvation. God is strength, so He gives you strength even before you see His salvation. Psalms 144:1 – Blessed be the LORD my strength, who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight. Part of God’s strength for you is to teach you what to do, to give you the skill to succeed in what He’s called you to do. Prov 8:14 – Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. God’s wisdom is strength for you. Get wisdom, and you’ll get strength. Prov 10:29 – The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but the ruin of those who do evil. The more you obey, the more you walk in His way, and the more you walk in his way… the more strength you get. Getting that habit of obedience, gives strength to you! Wisdom and obedience increases your strength! Proverbs 21:22 – A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. Prov 24:5 – A wise man has great power and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and many advisors make victory sure. Prov 24:10 – If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Isa 26:4 – Trust in the LORD forever for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. Isa 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… Isa 33:6 – He will be the stability of your times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD will be his treasure. Isa 40:29 – He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might, He increases strength. This is for people who recognize its not in their own strength that they prevail… Isa 40:31 – They that wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not faint. Hab 3:19 – The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to walk on the heights. Mark 12:30 – And you shall love the LORD thy God will all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength. This is the first commandment, and the second is like unto it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Acts 9:22 – Yet Saul increased more and more in strength and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. 2 Cor 12:9 – And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Take the low place, and He will increase your strength. Heb 11:11 – Through faith Sarah also received strength to conceive and giive birth when she was past age, because she considered Him faithful who promised. Grow in faith, and you’ll grow in strength. God will give you strength for it. Rev 3:8 – I know your works, see, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have little strength, but have kept my word, and have not denied my name. Praying that you will know the LORD your strength. That you will be in His presence, in Praise, in faith, and in obedience, so your strength grows – so he can train you to battle, to prevail and succeed. That His Words are your words, so His strength is your strength. That you will grow stronger, that your strength will be evidence, even before you see the victory Love you all, dad |
About This BLOG
Daily Huddle - Archives
April 2021
Categories |