You Da Man!

Given December 16, 2007
This post is for men but I suppose it applies to women who are the head of their family as well. For you women who are responsible for your family, entitle this, "You Da Gal!"

I'm realizing, more and more, that a lot of people depend on my prayers. Certainly my family; wife, four boys, two daughters-in-law, four grandkids, mother, brother, his family, etc. Then there's my church where I'm a deacon and unofficial prayer coordinator. A lot of people look to me to be faithful in prayer and many don't even realize I'm praying for them every day. If I mess up, it could affect a lot of people.

I'm reminded of some guys in the Bible who messed up. Achan, Joshua 7, who brought back some spoils from battle against God's command. Not only did Achan get stoned, but his whole family too! And what about the guys who accused Daniel and had him thrown in the lion's den? When God delivered Daniel, the accusers were thrown in...and their families, Daniel 6:24.

On the other hand, we can read of some men who did good and their families were blessed. Cornelius, Acts 10, was a devout man and so was his family. He obeyed God and called Peter to come to his house and tell them the Good News. Cornelius called his whole family and friends together and when they heard the Word, the Holy Ghost fell on all of them! Of course, Joshua said, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD". Joshua 24:15.

And finally, it's recorded in Exodus 12:21-23 how the elders of the Israelite families called their own into the house, at the direction of Moses, and applied the blood of a lamb to their door posts. They and their families were saved when the destroyer came by. What if they had not listened, were doing something else, or forgot?

Guys and gals, a lot of people are depending on us so let's stay pure, stay in the Word, and be ready to act in faith and authority when needed. Be blessed!

Our Needs - Part 2

Given November 9, 2007
Yesterday, I wrote about the most important need in God's eyes...to focus on Him. That same morning, He showed me another view of the "prayer need" exchange.

When I go to God with my list of prayer needs, it's like me as a kid going to my Daddy with all these things I need. "Daddy, I've got this need, this needs to be paid, I need help doing this, I have this pain, that needs to be taken care of, this is broken, my friend needs your help........". Then my Daddy says to me,"Son, I'll take care of it. Just turn it all over to me. I've got unlimited resources and power, I'll handle it all. I love you so just give it to me and don't worry about it!" "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matthew 6:25".

That's comforting. God is telling me to just hand it all over to Him and don't think any more about. Then we can spend quality time together just "walking in the garden in the cool of the day", Genesis 3:8. That's what He wanted all along anyway.

God's To-Do List

Given August 2, 2007
As you've prayed, has God told you anything He wants you to do? Have you gotten impressions of something you feel you need to do? Maybe someone you feel you should go see? Well, I sure have. I've begun to write these things down and describe them as, "God's to-do list". Things He wants me to do.

Now, I'm also praying for God to do some things for me. And I know He's got some wonderful things planned so why haven't they come to pass? This is how God described it to me: It's like a teenager who asks his father, "Can I have the car Dad?" And the dad replys, "Have you cleaned your room yet, like I asked? You can't have the car until you clean your room."

God won't do what He's got planned for me until I do my part and do what He's already asked me to do. It's an obedience thing. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22". Yes, I want to be a good kid and do what my Father asks and, I know, He'll be real good to me when I do. What has God asked you to do?

Willing And Obedient

Given February 22, 2007
I remember the story of an active little boy in church who wouldn't sit still. After several "requests" from his mother, which went unheeded, he got a pinch and was made to sit down. The boy glared at his mom and whispered, "I may be sitting on the outside but, on the inside, I'm standing up!"

Aren't we like that with Father God sometime? We'll do something we know we should, we're obedient, but are we willing on the inside? The Bible says, "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isaiah 1:19". Willing AND obedient. In that case, we do what God desires and we WANT to do it. Do you think that would please Him? I do.

As a father, I remember times when one of my boys would do a chore I'd asked, like pick beans or something, but they wouldn't be too happy about. They did it begrudgingly and without their best effort. On the other hand, there were times when they would say, "Sure Paw, I'd be glad to!" Now, which one do you think made me the happiest and more inclined to reward them?

I want to be like the latter with God my Father.

Listen More, Talk Less

Given March 6, 2007
I get to be around a lot of smart people in the course of the many activities I'm involved in. My work puts me in contact with important people in education and technology, sometimes I'm with state and nationally known political figures, and frequently I'm around giants in the faith. One thing they all have in common is that they know more than me. They are experts in their fields and I listen to them a lot.

Now think about prayer. In prayer, we're talking with someone who know a lot, wouldn't you say? God knows exactly what we need and wants to get that information to us for our good. But think about it; how much talking do we do in prayer and how much do we listen?

We are conversing with the one who knows everything and we spend most of the time talking! How backwards is that? "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you. Exodus 15:26." Listen!

I know, it's hard to do; to be quiet and just listen but you'll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you do. Try it the next time you pray. It will be uncomfortable for awhile but be patient and you'll hear that "still, small voice", 1 Kings 19:12.

How Ya Doin' Dad?

Given December 7, 2006
God is dealing with me from several sources lately about the time I spend with Him. We know God wants to spend time with His creation; He walked in the garden "looking" for Adam and Eve, He brought the Israelites out of Egypt to fellowship with Him in the wilderness, He wants to spend time with you and I as His children.

I've got four wonderful boys and I think how sad I'd be if all they ever did when they came around was to tell me their problems and ask me for stuff. But isn't that the way we do God much of the time? We'll run over our list of needs then say, "Goodbye, gotta go." And God is saying, "Hey Son, wait a minute. I wanted to talk to you and tell you some things." Oh man, do we ever need to repent!

He wants us to come in to Him and just say, "Good morning Father, how 'ya doin'? Oh, sorry, you're always doing good, aren't you? I just wanted to spend some time with you today. You know Dad, I love you."

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5". That comes from spending quality time with God. I want to do more of that.