The Great Adventure

It was early June and we packed the last bag in the van and we got in and headed on our adventure. My wife, Kat, our daughter, Missy, and her friend, Denise and I drove across Kansas heading to our goal of Colorado and then Arizona.

Our first stop was the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.

Arriving at sun down we unpacked our tents and set-up camp. The next morning after having a terrific breakfast we headed off to play on the dunes. At the base of the dunes is a stream that in the springs runs about four inches deep. It is an unusual stream because as it flows the sand builds and then breaks causing a rippling effect. We then began to ascend up the sand dunes to the highest peak. We took a step and slid back a half of a step, took a step and slid back. Three hours later we found ourselves seven hundred feet up at the top of the highest peak looking down over the dunes below.

As we were looking around Missy and Denise asked what was causing the shadows that were moving over the landscape below. Because they were being raised in the city they had never seen shadows from clouds before. Suddenly we heard a rumble and then another. We looked off toward the mountains to the north and watched as a thunderstorm moved through the peaks. After sitting for an hour and watching the marvels of nature it was time to head back down the dunes to the stream.

We moved down the side of the dune and I handed my camera to Kat and I told the girls to watch. I began to run and to the shock of the girls I leaped off the edge of one of the dunes. They stood watching as I landed about 15 feet down the side of the dune and then took another leap. It took only a second for them to join me in leaping down the dunes. What took three hours to accomplish going up took about twenty minutes coming down.

The girls laughed and played enjoying the marvelous sand dunes. That night we all slept soundly.

The next morning we loaded the van and headed to our next stop, Mesa Verde in south west Colorado. Again we arrived in late afternoon and unpacked our tents and pitched our camp. The next morning we woke for breakfast and found several deer eating the grass just beyond our camp site. After breakfast we headed off to view what remains of the cliff dwellings. At one point we had to climb a thirty foot ladder to reach our destination. Denise was somewhat afraid of heights but we encouraged her to take each and every step. Fortunately the people behind us were patient because what should have been a 30 second climb took several minutes. Once at the top of the ladder Denise was glad she took the risk because the dwellings and the view were spectacular. After a long day of hiking we retired to a nice camp fire. We all slept soundly that night too.

The next morning we again loaded the van and headed for our final destination the Grand Canyon and again we arrived in late afternoon.

I had always heard that the view would take your breath away and it certainly did. That evening we set-up our camp and roasted marsh mellows over our camp fire.

The next morning Kat and I got up early and walked down to the canyon's edge. The temperature was about 35 degrees and as we neared the edge you could feel the rush of warm air coming up out of the canyon below. At the edge of the canyon the temperature was about 50 degrees warmer. It was amazing to have the back of your head freezing while your face felt the warm breeze flowing.

Later that day we took a three mile hike down the canyon and this is were the trip got the most interesting. Remember that Denise was afraid of heights and as we descended into the canyon the trail narrowed on one side was a wall going up almost straight up and on the other side a drop off going several hundred and at times thousand of feet down. Denise wore a white top, white shorts, white socks and white tennis shoes. As we walked Missy would occasionally look over the edge while Denise was hugging the wall and at times crawled. After hiking down and then back up we headed to the nearby store where the girls each bought a t-shirt. Missy's read, "I hiked the Grand Canyon" while Denise's read, "I crawled the Grand Canyon".

To this day each of us remember this trip and of the memories we developed.

Here are the lessons I learned from this trip:
1. At each of these stops I understood even deeper why the angels sang with joy at the foundations of the earth Job 38: 4-7.

2. Children value our time more than they value what we give them.

3. What lies beyond your fear is usually so fantastic that it is well worth the struggle getting there. FEAR is always False Evidence Appearing Real.

Both Denise and Missy have talked about wanting to take their children on a great adventure like we shared together 17 years ago.

I encourage you to take the time next year to take an adventure with your spouse and children or if you are not married with your friends. I believe if you do you too will have memories that will last a life time.

Freedom

This is the last week of 2008 and Thursday marks the beginning of a new year. As we look back over the past year some of us will notice that there were times we were in bondage and some of us will notice that we had been freed.

I live in a country that values freedom. At the base of the Statue of Liberty are these words, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” The United States of America stands as a beacon of hope to those yearning for freedom. But does this country offer the best hope for freedom? As far as human governments is concerned I would say yes but there is a greater hope for freedom not found in human government.

For years I was addicted to pornography and in bondage to self-doubts but through the encouragement of others I found release in a relationship with the Savior of the world, Jesus.

In Matthew 11 Jesus made a similar call to what we read at the base of the Statue of Liberty.
28-30 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."


My country offers physical freedom but my God offers spiritual freedom which frees the whole person.



As 2008 ends and 2009 begins I invite you to move out of control of anything that holds you bondage and into the freedom. You will not find that release in a church although a church might be used, you will not find it in a government agency although a government agency might be used. You will find true freedom only in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 3: 17
And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us!

May 2009 be the year you gain your freedom and may you use your new freedom to help someone else discover the freedom found in Jesus.

Father, bless all who come to Your Son, Jesus, with freedom. In the name, power and authority of Jesus we pray. amen

The Hope of Christmas

We do not know the exact night or date that Jesus was born. But the fact is He was. His birth is important because without His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection we would have no hope of life after this physical life.

My prayer is that you will remember the reason for the birth, life and death of Jesus as our Lord.

What Christmas pictures is the relationship the Creator wants to have with His highest form of creation. Humans are created higher than angels although for now we are lacking compared to them. God's desire and our hope is that once God's plan is complete we will be the bride of the most High.

No matter what I am facing that brings me hope.

Hersey's Kisses and Niagara Falls

There are several things that I use to do with my daughter that she has introduced to her children.




When my daughter was a little girl I use to every now and then leave a Hersey's Kiss on her pillow. It was a little thing I did to tell her that I loved her and it must have been special to her because after she had her own children she introduced the idea to her kids.

When they come over they always ask for a kiss before they leave.



Last year I introduced the grandkids to the 3 Stooges. I use to do the skit they called, Niagara Falls or Slowly I Turn, with my daughter. I changed it from how the 3 Stooges did it by replacing the hitting with tickling.

She would say Niagara Falls and I would get a strange look on my face and then say, "Slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch," and then I grabbed her and tickled her.

One morning at church our minister was talking about his vacation and how much fun he and his family had at Niagara Falls. My daughter suddenly got this strange look on her face as if I were going to go tickle him.

Today I do the same thing with my grandkids and often when they are leaving our house our neighbors can hear them yelling: Niagara Falls as the drive down the street.

The reason I share these two things with you is to encourage you to do something simple that your kids or grandkids will always remember.

Every time I share something with them like the above I have a reason behind it. The candy kisses represent my love for them and the 3 Stooges skit represents my love for having fun with them.

Two other things I have shared with them: Creamed Soda and the movie "Gone Fishing."
I will share the story behind Gone Fishing in the future which I believe you will find funny.

Go ahead do something silly, do something immature and have fun.

The darkness

With this post I am going to challenge you to do something very hard and that is to forgive. All of us have been hurt by someone else and some have been hurt to the point we still suffer from it today.

It might have been a dad who was never around, a mom who controlled you, a person who stole something from you or it could be God. Actually not really God but you have blamed God for something that has happened to you.

Whether you believe in God or not the truth is a lack of forgiveness will keep you from having fullness in your life. It will always keep you from enjoying your life fully. It will always keep you from taking the risk to truly love someone else.

It will always cause you to have the darkness of sadness in your life.

I am currently reading "The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young and I want to share a couple of paragraphs with you about the darkness.

"The darkness hides the true size of fears and lies and regrets," Jesus explained. "The truth is they are more shadow than reality, so they seem bigger in the dark. When the light shines into the places they live inside you, you start to see them for what they are."

"But why do we keep all that crap inside?" Mack asked.

"Because we believe it's safer there. And, sometimes, when you're a kid trying to survive, it really is safer there. Then you grow up on the outside, but on the inside you're still that kid in the dark cave surrounded by monsters, and out of habit you keep adding to your collection. We all collect things we value, you know?"

I know that I have had darkness in my life. For example, when I was 18 a man molested me and I held that darkness inside for years and allowed it to keep me from developing deep, meaningful friendships with other men. Once I began to allow the truth in I slowly began to allow other men into my life. My first true male friend was Tom, a quadriplegic which I find humorous when I look back on it because it was a fairly safe choice since he could not use his legs or arms. I did not experience release though from the darkness until I surrendered it to God and allowed the light to penetrate my hurt and wound.

Another example is I had lived for years with the darkness I caused my son when I rejected him. When I finally surrendered my pain I caused him and me to God I was able to accept the results of my actions. I am no longer controlled by the hurt of being rejected.

You might be suffering from a wound caused by a dad who said harsh words to you, or a mom who controlled your every move or a boyfriend who left you, or a guy who raped you, or maybe someone close to you died unexpectedly and you blame God. Each of these experiences are real and they cause real pain but you do not have to continue to suffer the hurt.

You can choose to stay in the pain and suffering or choose to move out of the control of darkness and allow the light of truth to shine into that area you protect. I am not smart enough to tell you how to achieve this but I can suggest several books that helped me.

Total Forgiveness by RT Kendall
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

These books will help you begin the process of forgiving the one who has wounded you. The finishing work though will be done by you surrendering your wound to God. He through His Holy Spirit will release the hold of the darkness on your life and allow you to truly live.

One final word, if you are angry with God for something that has happened to you I must tell you that you cannot forgive Him. Only He has the power to truly forgive. Even your forgiveness of someone else comes from surrendering your anger to God and He gives you the peace that results.

Today is the day to move forward beyond the chains of your wound and begin to truly live.

REAL Men RoCK - a year end recap

Before the year ends I believe it is appropriate to revisit why I began this blog. I hope by doing so I provide some inspiration for someone else to go after their dream.

A few years ago I was doing my regular thing at church greeting people and looking for either a new person or someone who looked like they needed someone to talk with. In walked this nice looking guy who headed straight for me and as he came up to me he stuck out his hand and said, "Hi my name is Doug, I am an ex-con who has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus." At that moment I knew we were going to have an interesting relationship.

Doug and I developed a neat relationship over the next few years. We were accountability partners, team members on a mowing crew and developing plans to do ministry together. Our first experience in ministry was starting a men's small group and it was our hope that within the next two years we would plant a church either in the inner-city of Kansas City or at the Lake of the Ozarks. Two very different churches but the same goal of reaching out and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the down and out, the addicted and the rejected. Last year Doug discovered he had cancer and late this past spring he died.

What does that have to do with this blog called REAL Men? Everything because you see Doug was a Righteous, Encouraging, Accountable and Loving Man who Relied on Christ's Kindness. He was the inspiration for REAL Men RoCK.

Just what does REAL Men stand for?

R = Righteous
E = Encouraging
A = Accountable
L = Loving

Men

R = Rely
on
C = Christ's
K = Kindness

Doug and I began our small group based on REAL Men RoCK.

1st - Being Righteous does not involve the things you do, the things you know or the thing you believe. All of that leads to self-righteousness which elevates the self above others. True righteousness is found in having faith that Jesus is our righteousness.

Romans 3: 10 says: "As the scriptures say, "No one is good - not even one."

1 John 2: 1-2 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely. He is the sacrifice for our sins, He takes away not only our sin but the sins of all the world.

To be righteous means you are free of the guilt of sin. Your works, knowledge and beliefs cannot do that for you. Only God Himself can take away your guilt and replace it with righteousness.

2nd - As followers of Jesus we are to encourage those around us.

Isaiah 1: 17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of the widows.

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Our thoughts, actions and beliefs must spring from our faith in Jesus and the credit for anything good we do be given to God.

3rd - As men we need to be held accountable. I believe 100% of men who go to church have a problem in one of the following areas: Pride, Greed, Power, Lust, Life Controlling Habits, Fear, Work, Marriage, Parenting. We need other men to come around us and support and keep us moving in the right direction.

Romans 14: 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Proverbs 27: 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

4th - We are to men men who love.

Ephesians 5: 33 However, each of you also must love his wife as he does himself...

Romans 12: 9-10 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Finally - Unless we rely on Christ's kindness which leads us to repentance we cannot be righteous, be truly encouraging, be willing to be held accountable, or show unconditional love.

Romans 2: 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to

This blog sprang from a dream of Luke 4: 18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord."

Doug and I felt we were called to follow in Jesus footsteps as ministers to those who are captive to addictions, who feel rejected and to empower men and women to use their spiritual gifts in service to others.

My goal is to write each post with all of this in mind.

After each post I look forward to reading the comments made by the readers. The only way I improve this blog or know if I have touched someone is by people leaving their comments. Not only do you help me when you comment but you leave something for someone else to benefit from.

I believe each person who visits REAL Men RoCK does so because God lead them here.

I began this post saying I hope it inspires someone to move forward in their dream. If you have a dream and are ready to pursue it please share it with me. I want to encourage you along the journey.

My Father in Heaven, thank You for this blog, thank You for blessing me, may I continue to seek and do Your will. Bless all who read this and give them encouragement. In Jesus name amen

A Wonder Working God

When I first started to think of doing a blog I immediately began to feel inadequate of able to express myself clearly and in a way that men would be moved to take action. I wanted the blog to be an instrument that God would use to touch the lives of men who were struggling with life controlling issues, feelings of inadequacy or who needed the encouragement which can only come from another man who has experienced a similar situation that they find themselves in. I have faith that God can use any of us to achieve His work and what we are lacking He will supply so I stepped out. This blog is not a reflection of any talent I have but of what a Wonder Working God can do through an inadequate man who is willing to look beyond his limitations to be used.

Please listen to this song by Andy Park.

Are you struggling? Are being controlled by a habit that you just cannot break? Do you feel inadequate? God wants to do something through you, are you willing? If you are willing take the risk you, too, will find what a Wonder Working God can do.

What happens at the beginning of each new year? Many people make a New Year's Resolution and most end up giving up on it within the first month. With this post I am going to encourage you to try something different.

Let me begin by sharing something I read on page 54 of John Maxwell's book, "The Winning Attitude". A set of attitudes accompanies each personality. Generally people with certain temperaments develop specific attitudes common to that temperament. A few years ago, pastor and counselor Tim LaHaye made us aware of four basic temperaments. Through observation, I have noticed that a person with what he calls a Choleric personality often exhibits attitudes of perseverance and aggressiveness. A Sanguine person will be generally positive and look on the bright side of life. The introspective Melancholy can be negatives at times while the Phlegmatic says, "Easy come, easy go." An individuals personality is composed of a mixture of these temperaments, and there are exceptions to these examples. However, a temperament follows a track that can be identified by tracing a person's attitude.

Each of you reading this have a dominate personality type and one you operate in now and then. For example, I am a Sanguine who occasionally operates as a Choleric. My wife, my daughter and I vacationed in Miami, FL and attended a conference where we heard Dr. Robert Rohm speak on personality types. Dr. Rohn labels a Choleric "D" for Drivers or Doers, a Sanguine "I" for Inspirational, a Melancholy "S" for Steady or Stable and Phlegmatic "C" for Competent. I took, my wife and daughter to the conference when Dr. Rohm spoke and the next day we were driving to the airport and as we pulled up to the terminal my daughter said, "Mom, did you see that!", "Dad went from an "I" to a "D" just like that.

Here is my suggestion: Get one of the books listed below either at your local library or purchase it at one of the online stores listed below or at your local book store. Discover your personality type and then set a goal for next year considering your personality type. Make it a goal that moves you forward in your personal life but with steps that take into account your personality type.

For me I would set a goal of having a more consist ant exercise workout by listing the positive things about doing so and then making it something I can use to inspire other guys to do the same thing. I would also find someone to challenge me by holding me accountable to my efforts.

Personality Plus by Florence Littauer at ChristianBook.com $10.00
Positive Personality Profiles by Robert A. Rohm at Amazon.com $18.00

A caution about setting goals: "You will struggle at first in achieving your goals but I want to encourage you to get back up with the help of God and move forward in achieving your goal." I believe if you will try this you can achieve the goal you set and then use the experience to set another goal which might be a little harder.

Please share a goal you would like to accomplish in 2009 and keep us informed how you did.

What is holding you back?

I watched a movie on the Hallmark channel tonight that is stirring many old memories and feelings. The movie is called "Front of Class". The following video is of the real Brad Cohen. What do you have in your life that is keeping you from moving forward in your dream?



All of us have something in our life that is kind of like a giant that stands over you and keeps you from moving forward. It could be something a teacher did to you, it could be your own attitude or behavior, it could be a sin, it could be a life-controlling habit or it could be some type of handicap.

If you are struggling with something that is keeping you in a box or worse in a pit then I encourage you to find someone who will take the time to call, write or email you an encouraging word. You do not have to stay in bondage to a life-controlling habit or to something that someone said to or about you in your past. You can move forward but you need the help of friends and most of all from God.

If you do not have a friend then leave me a comment and I will pray for you. You can email me at lnclark1950@gmail.com. Together you, a friend and God can move forward overcoming any giant you face.

Love, Respect and Marriage

This evening I met with a young couple who are planning to get married in the near future. When I counsel couples about marriage I talk about three areas: 1. Where did the institution of marriage come from, 2. What is Love and 3. What are the Responsibilities of a husband and wife.

I point out that in Genesis 1 and 2 we find out that it is God instituted marriage. I stress how Eve was created from the rib of Adam and that is an example of where a woman's place is. She is to be at his side not behind or in front of him.

I then talk about Love. I use 1 Corinthians 13 to point some qualities of love:
Love never gives up
Love cares more for others than self
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have
Love does not strut
Love puts up with anything
Love always looks for the best in others
Love never looks back
I explain that Love is not a feeling but an action.

I talk about the importance of sex in marriage and that once married a man's body does not belong to him but to his wife and that a wife's body is not her's any more but her husband's.

Finally, I describe the responsibilities of a husband and wife. I use Ephesians 5: 33 to point out that a man is to love his wife and the woman is to respect her husband. Showing love is somewhat foreign to a man and showing respect is not understood by a woman. If you watch two women who do not know each other enter a bathroom at the same time you will most likely see them come out talking as if they knew each other. If you observe two men go into a bathroom and followed them in you would see that they respect the space of the other. Men understand respect and women completely understand love. Love is natural for a woman to express and respect is easy for a man to understand. So God is asking a man and woman to do something totally unnatural for them to do but what is necessary for a great marriage.

I usually share the following three sayings by three famous people.

David A. Seamands said this about marriage: “Marriage is an adventure, not an achievement.”

Here is something Martin Luther had to say about marriage: “Woman make your man glad to come home and man make your woman sorry to see you leave.”

Robert Browning tells us how to have a successful marriage: “Success in marriage is more than finding the right person, it is being the right person.”

I believe that if couples would remember the following three things they can have a good marriage: 1. marriage was instituted by God, 2. In 1 Corinthians 13 He showed what love is and 3. He explained in Ephesians 5 what the responsibilities of a wife and husband are.

I hope that what I have shared encourages you in your relationship with your spouse or future spouse.

If you are struggling in your relationship with your spouse here are some suggested books to read:
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman from ChristianBook.com
Love Talk by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot from ChristianBook.com
Intimacy by Dr. Douglas Weiss from Amazon.com
Man of Steel and Velvet by Aubrey Andlin from Amazon.com

How may I pray for you?

History of the Salvation Army - Please place your donation in my kettle

William Booth embarked upon his ministerial career in 1852, desiring to win the lost multitudes of England to Christ. He walked the streets of London to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute.

Booth abandoned the conventional concept of a church and a pulpit, instead taking his message to the people. His fervor led to disagreement with church leaders in London, who preferred traditional methods. As a result, he withdrew from the church and traveled throughout England, conducting evangelistic meetings. His wife, Catherine, could accurately be called a cofounder of The Salvation Army.

In 1865, William Booth was invited to hold a series of evangelistic meetings in the East End of London. He set up a tent in a Quaker graveyard, and his services became an instant success. This proved to be the end of his wanderings as an indepedent traveling evangelist. His renown as a religious leader spread thoughout London, and he attracted followers who were dedicated to fight for the souls of men and women.

Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunkards were among Booth's first converts to Christianity. To congregations who were desperately poor, he preached hope and salvation. His aim was to lead people to Christ and link them to a church for further spiritual guidance.

Many churches, however, did not accept Booth's followers because of their past. So Booth continued giving his new converts spiritual direction, challenging them to save others like themselves. Soon, they too were preaching and singing in the streets as a living testimony to the power of God. In 1867, Booth had only 10 full-time workers, but by 1874, the number had grown to 1,000 volunteers and 42 evangelists, all serving under the name "The Christian Mission." Booth assumed the title of general superintendent, with his followers calling him "General." Known as the "Hallelujah Army," the converts spread out of the East End of London into neighboring areas and then to other cities.

Booth was reading a printer's proof of the 1878 annual report when he noticed the statement "The Christian Mission is a volunteer army." Crossing out the words "volunteer army," he penned in "Salvation Army." From those words came the basis of the foundation deed of The Salvation Army.

From that point, converts became soldiers of Christ and were known then, as now, as Salvationists. They launched an offensive throughout the British Isles, in some cases facing real battles as organized gangs mocked and attacked them. In spite of violence and persecution, some 250,000 people were converted under the ministry of The Salvation Army between 1881 and 1885.

Meanwhile, the Army was gaining a foothold in the United States. Lieutenant Eliza Shirley had left England to join her parents, who had migrated to America earlier in search for work. In 1879, she held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America, in Philadelphia. The Salvationists were received enthusiastically. Shirley wrote to General Booth, begging for reinforcements. None were available at first. Glowing reports of the work in Philadelphia, however, eventually convinced Booth, in 1880, to send an official group to pioneer the work in America.

On March 10, 1880, Commissioner George Scott Raiton and seven women officers knelt on the dockside at Battery Park in New York City to give thanks for their safe arrival. At their first official street meeting, these pioneers were met with unfriendly actions, as had happened in Great Britain. They were ridiculed, arrested, and attacked. Several officers and soldiers even gave their lives.Three years later, Railton and other Salvationists had expanded their operation into California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. President Grover Cleveland received a delegation of Salvation Army officers in 1886 and gave the organization a warm personal endorsement. This was the first recognition from the White House and would be followed by similar receptions from succeeding presidents.

The Salvation Army movement expanded rapidly to Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland, and local neighborhood units. The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world.

General Booth's death in 1912 was a great loss to The Salvation Army. However, he had laid a firm foundation' even his death could not deter the ministry's onward march. His eldest son, Bramwell Booth, succeeded him.

Edward J. Higgins, served as the first elected general, beginning in 1929. The first female general was Booth's daughter, the dynamic Evangeline Booth, serving from 1934 to 1939. The Army's fifth general was George Carpenter, succeeded in 1946 by Albert Orsborn. General Wilfred Kitching was elected in 1954, succeeded by Frederick Coutts in 1963. Erik Wickberg followed in 1969; Clarence Wiseman in 1974; Arnold Brown in 1977; Jarl Wahlstrom in 1981; and Eva Burrows, the second female general, in 1986. General Bramwell Tillsley was elected in 1993 and was succeeded by General Paul Rader in 1994. General John Gowans was elected in 1999 and commands the Army from International Headquarters in London, England.

A Prayer Answered

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I began a new job this week. I am working in Asset Protection of a large retailer and I am going to be praying that God will show me someone daily to encourage. It may be someone trying to steal one of the products we carry or it could be someone who is lonely or broken hearted.

I am thankful for this new job and the opportunities I will have to look into the eyes of someone and give them a smile.

Please share with us what we may pray for you about.

Ever wish you were someone else?

Have you ever wished you were someone else or had the things someone else has? I remember watching one of my neighbors and catching myself kind of wishing I was able to do some of the things he does. Then I was reminded of this story I read in a book:

In those days, and later as a young man, I used to try to picture in my imagination the feelings and ambitions of a white boy with absolutely no limit placed upon his aspirations and activities. I used to envy the white boy who had no obstacles placed in the way of his becoming a Congressman, Governor, Bishop, or President by reason of the accident of his birth or race. I used to picture the way that I would act under such circumstances; how I would begin at the bottom and keep rising until I reached the highest round of success.

In later years, I confess that I do not envy the white boy as I once did. I have learned success is to be measured not so much by position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. Looked at from this standpoint, I almost reach the conclusion that often the Negro boy's birth and connection with an unpopular race is an advantage, so far as real life is concerned. With few exceptions, the Negro youth must work harder and must perform his tasks even better than a white youth in order to secure recognition. But out of the hard and unusual struggle through which he is compelled to pass, he gets a strength, a confidence, that one misses whose pathway is comparatively smooth by reason of birth and race.

From that point of view, I would rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favoured of any other race. -- Booker T. Washington

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ,...he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1: 11 (The Message)

When I consider what Booker T. wrote and what Paul wrote in Ephesians I must stop and thank God for what I do have and not be worried about what I don't have. Be thankful for the life God has given me and the opportunities I have because of who I belong to and not be concerned about what God has blessed others with.

I have to admit that when I finished pastoral training I fell into jealousy of what some other guys and gals were being called to do. I forgot what God called me to do and what He has made me for. I have a calling that I am adequately equipped and gifted for. I forgot to be thankful for what I He has called me to do. One day I picked up "Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington and the Holy Spirit woke me up.

My question for you is: "Are you looking at some other person's blessing instead of yours?" God has gifted you for what He wants you to do. What is that special thing about you that He wants you to use in service to others?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

What to do when everything in you wants to hold a grudge?

I find it is hard to describe the pain and fear that I felt as a young boy after my mom left except to point out how it demonstrated itself each time my dad left on Monday mornings for his out of town job. (See my post on November 22nd.)

I use to struggle when talking about the evening an Air Force Sgt., who I was suppose to trust, sexually molested me. How that one event for years would keep me from developing any close friendships with other men.

I cannot put into the words the day my first wife left me and the feelings of abandonment I felt and how I would experience those same feelings 10 years later when my second wife would kick me out of the house. How that last night I rocked my four year old daughter to sleep and after I placed her in her bed her mom would walk me to the door and tell me to get out.

In Mark 11: 25 Jesus tells us: "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions."
How do you forgive someone who has hurt you deeply? Just what is forgiveness?

Several years ago I started a men's small group and one our first studies was a book by R.T. Kendall called "Total Forgiveness". It challenged me to stretch to levels I quite frankly did not want to go to. This book helped me move beyond the bitterness I held against my mom, the Sgt. and my ex-wives. If you are struggling with forgiving someone here are some excerpts from the book that I believe will benefit you.

The first thing I believe we need to answer is: "What is total forgiveness?"

1. Being aware of what someone has done to you and choosing to forgive.
Some people choose to live in denial as a way of dealing with their pain. It is no spiritual victory to think we are forgiving people when we are only avoiding facing up to their wrong behavior. We can achieve total forgiveness only when we acknowledge what was done without any denial or cover up--and still refuse to make the offender pay for their crime.

2. Choosing to keep no record of wrong.
In 1 Corinthians 13: 5 "Love keeps no record of wrongs". Love is a choice. Total forgiveness is also a choice. It is not a feeling but is rather an act of the will. It is the choice to tear up the record of wrongs we have been keeping. When we do this all the time--as a lifestyle--we not only avoid bitterness, but we also eventually experience total forgiveness as a feeling--and it is a good feeling.

3. Refusing to punish.
Refusing to punish those who deserve it--giving up the natural desire to see them "get what's coming to the,"--is the essence of total forgiveness. If we harbor the desire to see our enemies punished, we will eventually lose the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But when perfect love--enters, the desire for our enemy to be punished leaves.

4. Not telling what they did.
There is often a need to talk to someone about how we have been hurt, and this can be therapeutic if it is done with the right heart attitude. If this is necessary, you should choose the person you tell very carefully, making sure that person is trustworthy and will never repeat your situation to those it does not concern.

Anyone who truly forgives does not gossip about their offender.

5. Be merciful.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" Matthew 5: 7 The fringe benefit for those of us who show mercy: We will also be shown mercy.

6.Graciousness.
True forgiveness show grace and mercy at the same time. Graciousness is shown by what you don't say, even if what you could say would be true. Total forgiveness sometimes means overlooking what you perceive to be the truth and not letting on about anything that could damage another person.

7. It is an inner condition.
Total forgiveness must take place in the heart or it is worthless, for "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12: 34 If we have genuine heart-experience, we will not be devastated if there is no reconciliation between us and the one who hurt us.

8. It is the absence of bitterness.
Bitterness is an inward condition. It is an excessive desire for vengeance that comes from deep resentment. In Ephesians 4: 30 it heads up the list of things that grieve the Holy Spirit.

Relinquishing bitterness is an open invitation for the Holy Spirit to give you His peace, His joy and the knowledge of His will.

9. Stop being angry with God.
Although we often do not see it at first--and for some it takes a long time--all of our bitterness is ultimately traceable to a resentment of God. We must make the effort to recognize that we are angry with God about what happened to us and accept what happened by looking for His purpose.

10. Forgive ourselves.
Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. There is no lasting joy in forgiveness if it doesn't include forgiving yourself.

"Total Forgiveness" can be purchased at ChristianBook.com by clicking total forgiveness or you can purchase it at your local Christian book store.

How can we pray for you regarding forgiveness?

The fear, joy and thankfulness of a little boy

It was bedtime and the dad pulled the covers up to the chin of his son, he ran his rough hand over the boy's crew cut hair and then turned to leave the room. "Daddy, what time are you leaving in the morning?" The father turned and replied, "early very early, good night" and he slipped out of the bedroom pulling the door shut behind him.

The young boy woke to the sound of the truck door shutting and jumped out of bed as he heard the truck start up. He ran to the front door and out onto the porch to watch as his dad drove up the street on the long trip to the town he was working in. The boy stood there in the early morning light quietly crying as the tail lights of his dad's truck disappeared. With tears streaming down his face he turned to go back in the house. His tears flowed from the fear that he would not see his dad again.

At the end of a long week the boy would jump for joy and run to greet his dad as he drove into the driveway. He was so thankful that his dad had returned.

I can still feel the pain in my heart and the warm tears that flowed down my cheeks when my dad would get in his truck and drive off to work out of town each week. I can also remember the joy of having the fear erased each Friday evening when my dad would drive into our driveway.

As I consider that time period in my life I am thankful for a dad who when he was home he was 100% ours never his own. I am thankful for a dad who expressed his love by touch but not in words.

Here in the United States we begin this week focusing on our yearly "Thanksgiving Day" celebration. I want you to help me finish this post and share one thing you are thankful for. By you and I sharing something that we are thankful for we will encourage someone else to consider what they are thankful for. Thanks for sharing and stirring a thankful heart in others by doing so. I pray that you will have a blessed week.

Different Colours

I love this song and the caribbean beat. I also love the message.

How did God, yes I said God, speak to you through this song? Listen to it again and let God speak to you.

In Genesis 1 we are told that God created everything in 6 days. At the end of each of the first five days God said, "It is good" but at the end of the sixth day as He looked at Adam and Eve He said, "It is very good".

Out of Adam and Eve came all of mankind. The different colors we see today were all within Adam's seed and Eve's egg. We are all brothers and sisters just different shades. This song speaks to me about how God must see all of mankind...one people, different colors.

I would be interested in reading about how you feel about this song and this post.

What impact are you making?

The young man rushed home with the letter he just received from his favorite mentor. He was full of excitement about what his friend would say but also a little fearful of any correction he might give. You see this young man was a leader who was under the age of what the current society thought a leader or teacher should be.

Imagine the relief and delight he felt as he read these words, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope; to "Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

With those words ringing in his head Timothy no doubt became even more interested in what his mentor, Paul, would have to say. Paul goes on to share instructions for the church, for women, for elders and personally for Timothy.

Let's focus on the personal instructions to Timothy because I believe for those of us who call ourselves, Christians or followers of Jesus, Paul's words to Timothy are for us as well.

Let's begin in 1 Timothy 4: 12 "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift, within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.
15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

Here are fie things I find Paul is telling us today through his instructions to Timothy.

Timothy was probably in his late 20's or early 30's and the tradition of society at that time was that you had to be older to be a teacher or leader. First, Paul encouraged Timothy not to let those who judged him for his age not to become a discouragement. No matter what your age you are to pursue the calling God has given you. The nature of being a leader makes you a target so do not let the arrows shot at you become your focus.

Second, Let your speech, conduct, love, faith and purity be an positive example for those who you come in contact with. These are the things people will be influenced by and remember about you.

Third, Do not neglect the spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit has brought to you. When you accepted Jesus and received the Holy Spirit you also received a spiritual gift that God wants you to use in service to others.

Fourth, We are to be obsessed with doing these things. They are to fill our lives and be evident in everything we do.

Fifth, The action of our lives and what it teaches can bring salvation not only for us but for those who observe us.

My questions for all who read this today are:
Is your life reflecting what Paul shared with Timothy in this scriptures?
Are you being a witness of Jesus through your speech, your conduct, your love, your faith and your purity?

If you answered no to those questions I encourage you to find another person you can trust and ask them to become your encouragement buddy and both of you begin to be a light to those around you through your speech, your conduct, your love, your faith and your purity.

I have to be honest and confess I do not always reflect Jesus in my speech, my conduct, my love, my faith or my purity. I have to daily examine my life to make the course corrections to move me to being a better example. I have hope though that when I rely on the Holy Spirit instead my own strength I am more likely to be the example God wants me to be.

If we will do this we will one day stand in front of the Creator of all things and hear Him say, "Well done my servant, welcome to my Kingdom." and then we will see those who came to Jesus because of our speech, our conduct, our love, our faith or our purity.

Please share your comments about how God spoke to you through this post.

Throw Rocks

Rising nearly 1,500 feet above the jungle below, Hill 488 was just 25 miles west of Chu Lai, Vietnam, and it was the perfect place for a Marine Corps recon team but for just a couple of factors...it was deep in enemy controlled territory and surrounded by massive enemy buildups.

It was June 12, 1966 and S/Sgt. Howard, 15 Marines and 2 Navy Corpsmen were let out on the top of Hill 488. Their job was to call in artillery and air strikes against the enemy below. For two days Howard and his men did their jobs well. The North Vietnamese control of the area was disrupted by the effectiveness of the American firepower. It did not take long for the enemy to figure out that there had to be someone in the area watching them. directing the fire upon their every move. By the 3rd day the enemy began to send 200-250 well trained and armed soldiers up Hill 488 and it was too late for Howard and his men to escape. Somehow they would have to survive the coming assault.

Everyone in the patrol knew it was coming. S/Sgt Howard placed his men in strategic positions around the summit of the almost barren hilltop, with orders to pull back into a tight perimeter the moment the enemy struck. That is just what the Marines did.

The enemy swarmed the hill amid gunfire, grenades, mortars and support from .50 caliber machine guns. Back-to-back Howard's men began to defend their small area of 20 yards, counting on each other to work as a team to do the impossible.

S/Sgt Howard moved among his men, encouraging them, directing their fire, shoring up the weaknesses in the perimeter. For most of the Marines it was their first major test of combat. Huddled in the darkness amid the crash of grenades and mortars, the sky filled with tracer rounds, and outnumbered more than 10 to 1; the leadership and inspiration of S/Sgt Howard was all that sustained the men.

Suddenly quiet engulfed the hill as the enemy pulled back, their fanatical human wave assault initially repulsed. S/Sgt Howard looked around him. Every one of his young Marines and both Corpsmen had been wounded in the initial attack and several were dead. Worse, he knew the enemy would return in force again at any moment. He also knew no rescue could take place until dawn.

From down below the enemy began to taunt the few survivors shouting into the darkness, "Marines, You die in an hour." Over and over the North Vietnamese yelled, "You die in an hour."

One of Howard's men asked, "Can we yell back at them?"

With nothing to lose Howard told his brave young men, "Sure yell anything you like." They did, and soon their taunts back to the enemy were met with gunfire. The enemy was preparing to swarm the hill again. The beleaguered Marines caught the enemy off guard as they joined in a "horse laugh"' The enemy suddenly stopped shooting and there was stoned silence. They could not understand how a group of men terribly outnumbered could be laughing.

S/Sgt Howard knew the silence would not last long. He surveyed what remained of his Marines and found that ammunition was running low. The grenades were gone, expended during the first wave of the assault. So he issued one of the most unusual combat orders in Marine history...

"Throw rocks!!"

As incredible as the order sounded, it worked. When the enemy soldiers began to push their way through the sparse brush and knee high grass to probe the perimeter, Howard's men threw rocks at them. Mistaking the rocks for grenades the enemy soldiers would move quickly out into the open, allowing the defenders clear shots that made every round of remaining ammunition count.

The Marines held the hill for another 5 hours and were finally rescued shortly after day break. After the 12 surviving men were safely back at Chu Lai it was discovered that among them they only had 8 rounds of ammunition remaining.

Isn't this like our personal lives? Aren't there times when you feel like all you have to defend yourself is some pebbles? Aren't there times you feel completely surrounded by the enemy?

Here are three lessons I got out of the story of S/Sgt Howard and his men.

1. Know your enemy.
In Ephesians 6: 10-12 we are told that God is strong and He wants us to be strong. We are encouraged to take everything the Master has given us. That our fight is not against people made of flesh and blood, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. Against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

S/Sgt Howard and his men knew their enemy and their tactics and we need to study our enemy and know the tactics he will use against us.

The good news about our fight against these mighty powers is found in Job 1. Their power against us is limited by what God allows them to do. In James 4: 7 we are told to submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee you.

2. Know our equipment.
Ephesians 6: 14-17 Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet.

S/Sgt Howard and his men knew their weapons and that is an example for us to get to know and use our weapons.

3. Know who has your back.
Ephesians 6: 18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

S/Sgt Howard knew that if they watched each other's back they were more likely to survive the battle and that is an example for us. If we cover each others back Satan will less likely be able to pull off an effective attack. Of course our ultimate back watcher is the Holy Spirit and we need to call upon Him when faced with overwhelming odds.

Today someone reading this is facing a giant or enemy that appears larger than Goliath. It could be cancer, unemployment, even a sin or it may be a giant so small you can't see it like discouragement, wrongs thoughts, wounds. Whatever you or a friend are facing your S/Sgt, God, wants to lead you through the battle and His Holy Spirit wants to guard your back.

If you are facing a giant and you feel like the only thing you can do is throw rocks, leave a message so that we can pray for and with you.

What do you focus on?

When I worked at Folgers Coffee Company my boss would yearly sit down individually with his team and give a very personal performance review. I can still remember Bob calling me to his office and pulling out his list and beginning my first performance review with me. My mind began to play the old tapes of when teachers, supervisors and pastors sat with me and went over the list of failures I had made.

I was shocked when the first thing he covered was how I was always on time, how I was willing to learn new things and then how I was creative in using the skills I had to overcome my weaknesses. He ended with these words, "Now, let's look at an area you and I can improve in this coming year."

What stands out to you about how Bob did his reviews? When I look at it I immediate see two things. 1. Bob was not going to have me face improving on my own and 2. Bob focused not on my weakness but on my strengths to overcome my weakness.

In their book, "Soar with Your Strengths", Donald Clifton & Paula Nelson ask this question: "What would happen if we studied what was right with people verses what's wrong with people?" Just think about that question for a moment. What would happen if you focused on what your wife does right instead of what she does wrong, or what your son 's strength is instead of what he is weakest? The author's point out that strengths are the things you do well. A strength is a pattern of behavior, thought, or feeling that produces a high degree of satisfaction and pride; generates both psychic and/or financial reward; and presents measurable progress toward excellence.

There is a story about how Larry Bird would go to the gym and practice nothing but shooting for hours and one time a reporter asked him why he didn't practice dribbling since that was his weakness. Larry something simple like, "If I focused on dribbling my shooting would suffer." A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals. Larry Bird

Again from "Soaring with Your Strengths", There is no alchemy for weakness. They can be removed but they cannot be transformed into a strength. The goal, therefore, is to manage weaknesses so the strengths can be freed to develop and become so powerful they make the weakness irrelevant.

Here are 5 Characteristics of a strength from "Soar with Your Strengths" Amazon.com

1. Listen for Yearnings: Yearnings are most often triggered when you see a performance or someone doing an activity and you say to yourself, "I'd like to do that; I'd like to try that."

2. Watch for Satisfactions: Satisfactions are those experiences where the emotional and psychic rewards are great; typically they are activities we get "a kick out of doing." Satisfactions are not merely momentary pleasures, but form our intrinsic motivation.

3. Look for Rapid Learning: If you catch on quickly to something, you are likely to be good at it. The dominant feeling with rapid learning is "Ifeel like I've always known how to do this."

4. Observe Glimpes of Excellence: You can spot a strength by glimpsing a moment of excellence within a performance. A performance is a finite activity: the singing of a song, the writing of a letter, the presenting of a speech, the greeting of people at a function, the tallying of a hotel bill, the servicing of a customer, etc.

5. Watch for Total Performance of Excellence: Total performance of excellence is a flow of behavior, when there are no conscious steps in the mind of the performer. The person is on automatic, at one with the activity.

Have you been trying to overcome a weakness by focusing on improving it? The bottom line from this books is focus on your strengths and they will become so powerful your weakness will completely be overshadowed by them.

Do You Love Me?

15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"

"Yes, Master, you know I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

16 He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"

"Yes, Master, you know I love you."

Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."

17-19 Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."

Four times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Why? It is evident from earlier actions of Peter that he loved Jesus but he had a weakness in the area of fear. Jesus wanted Peter to focus on his strength of love for others so that his weakness of being fearful would not control his life.

On a personal level here is what I have found: When I am focusing on my strength which is serving others I tend to not have my weakness control my life.

What do you focus on? Your weaknesses? The weakness in others? I encourage you to get this book, "Soar with Your Strengths", and begin to use the ideas in it to focus on building your strengths or building the strengths of those who work for you. I believe that if you do, you will find that your weakness or the weakness in your team become less of an impact in what you want to accomplish.

Center of your life

Colossians 3

He Is Your Life

1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.

9-11 Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

As you listen to and read the words of the following song consider who or what is at the center of your life. This song, "Be the Centre", can be purchased at Vineyard Music.

What one thing can you do to place Jesus in the center of your life? What one thing will be the results of you making Jesus the center of your life?

What do you want?

When I graduated from high school one of my teachers told me I would never be more than average. This was based of course on the examples I set during the four years he knew me. Because of my 2nd and 5th grade experiences I purposely choose to become a slow reader. I knew that I would not have to stand in front of the class if I had not finished the book assignment. Because of the choices I made I found it difficult to comprehend what I read and so for years I almost stopped reading.

When I was 32 years old I made some decisions about my shyness and my fear of standing in front of groups to speak. I spent 6 years of being involved with a speaking club called Spokesman Club and one of the things we had to do was read books and the Bible to back up whatever we spoke on. As a result I began to read again and I started building a library. Today I have over 200 books in my library that I have read completely or partially.

One of the books I often quote from is "Dare to Desire" by John Eldredge. The book speaks to me in many ways but one chapter inspires me the most and that is "Taking Up the Journey". The beginning of the chapter quotes Jesus, "What do you want?" This is probably from Matthew 20 when Jesus encountered two blind men 32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" I believe that is a question Jesus is asking you and me today.

Have you ever thought about and answered these questions:
1. "If you could do what you've always wanted to do, what would it be?"
2. "What keeps you from doing what you always wanted to do?"

Some of us would answer that it is too late for me to accomplish anything more than what I have. Some would say I do not have the money to do what I always wanted to do. Others would use the excuse I have for so many years, I am not smart enough, rich enough or talented enough. And some would say there are just too many problems in the world and I do not know wher eto begin.

That last reason we do not more forward in our calling is the one I want to provide a solution to and it comes on page 39 of John's book. He quotes another book, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

In Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life" he talks about how God knew you before you were conceived. He knew all of the things you would suffer, achieve and fail at. He knew that all of those things would mold you to do the Purpose He had in mind for you. He used all of the experiences you have had to place in your heart a dream or purpose for your life.

That purpose has to do with what makes you come alive. My question for you right now is: "What is it that makes you come alive?" "What makes you burn with passion when you encounter it?"

Jesus is standing before you asking, "What is it that you want?"

Your job is to be His hands and feet and His job is to make the way for you to do your purpose.

Freedom, Liberty and You!

What do these two statements mean to you?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

If you have 35 minutes listen to this message by Bob McEwen

"http://liberty.edgeboss.net/wmedia/liberty/cpo/2008/20081027_convo_bm.asx

I apologize but I could not get it to embed.

I look forward to reading your comments.

For years I feared stepping outside of the box I had allowed others to place me in. I believed it when they told me I could only achieve a certain level of success. I listened to them when they told me I was not talented enough or smart enough to be anything but average. I believed the lies that I developed about being too shy to speak in public and that I could never be a leader.

As Casting Crowns sang I lacked the faith to step out of the boat onto the crashing waves. I believed it when voices would tell me, "you will never win"!

For years my giants of insecurity, abandonment, lack of self-worth laughed at me.

Then one day I began to believe that the Creator God actually loved me and I began to listen to His Holy Spirit as He told me "do not be afraid" and "your life will be for my glory". I began to believe a different story.

Realistically I will not be a Rick Warren, a Bruce Wilkinson or a Mark Warner. I will not write and give great sermons like Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards or Billy Sunday. But I can be the best Larry Clark that I can be. I can discover and refine my gifts and my talents and use them to make the passions and dreams God has given me come alive.

What giant are you facing today? I encourage you to lay it down at Jesus feet and let Him carry it. Discover your gifts, talents, passions and dreams and then use them to bring glory to God.

Facing Giants at ChristianBooks.com
Casting Crowns at ChristianBooks.com

Are You Living The Abundant Life?

In John 10 :6-10 Jesus tells us: Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I'll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

From the Christian Life Study Outline - The Open Bible
The only way into internal life is through faith in Christ as personal Savior. But let's not stop there; to have eternal life is great -- but there is more! Christ came that we might have life abundantly. That means now while we are yet alive. All believers have life, but not all have abundant life. You are living beneath your privilege if you are a believer and not enjoying the abundant life.

What is the abundant life?
1. The abundant life is a yielded life. - Romans 6: 10-13
2. The abundant life is a service life. - Romans 12: 12
3. The abundant life is a separated life. - Romans 1: 1
4. The abundant life is a Spirit filled life. - Ephesians 5: 18-20
5. The abundant life is a mature life. - 2 Peter 3: 18

You notice nowhere in that list does it say abundant living is having great monetary wealth, an expensive chariot or a big castle. I do not believe that being wealthy, driving an expensive car or having a nice big house are wrong but I do believe they are not the indicator of abundant living. I believe abundant living has more to do with who you belong to than your status or what you have.

If you are not experiencing the abundant life I encourage you to yield your life to Jesus, find someone to serve, discover your calling, be filled with the Holy Spirit and become mature by growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus.

From this moment on, determine not to be satisfied with anything less than God's best: living life abundantly.

What one thing in the above list may I pray about for you today?

Why Sign-up with Covenant Eyes?

Listen to the following song by Casting Crowns called "Slow Fade" which can be purchased at ChristianBook.com or go to REAL Men RoCK Mall and click the link to ChristianBook.com.

Slow Fade
I believe that the video speaks for itself.

There are over 400 million pages of pornography on the Internet. It is scientifically proven to be highly addictive. It negatively affects people's relationships with:

- Community
- Ministry Calling
- Work Productivity
- Church
- Family & Marriage
- Personal Relationship with God

Pornography use is shame-based and leads to a secret life. 70% of Christian men and 21% of women struggle with Internet pornography.

One solution is Covenant Eyes. I have made a covenant with my eyes - Job 31: 1

Covenant Eyes is affordable: $7.99 per month. There are discounts for Household and Multiple users. Organization staff discounts for churches, ministry, businesses. You can add a filter for $1.50 per month.

Along with signing up with Covenant Eyes get an Accountability Partner. Accountability is an essential part of our lives. Being accountable provides safety and a sense of freedom from temptation.

I encourage you to seek out a friend who can hold you accountable for your dreams and keep you from greed, pride or lust.

I believe 100% of all men in church need to have an Accountability Partner and Covenant Eyes.

By clicking Christian Book or Covenant Eyes links I get a small commission on your purchase.

November 11th

Please take time to thank a Veteran today for risking his or her life in protection of the freedoms you and I so often take for granted.

To any Veterans reading this post today I salute you and want to say thank you for being willing to lay down your life for me.

From the Revolutionary war to the current conflicts the men and women in the United States military have fought for freedom and not as a conquering force.

About 2,000 years ago one man hung on a cross for the freedom of all mankind. Let's thank God for sending His son to live, die and be raised from death for our freedom from sin and death.

The Origins of Veterans Day
http://www1.va.gov/opa/feature/celebrate/vetday.asp

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”

Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.

Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans

The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham , Alabama , in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans Day," which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide.

On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. The remains from Vietnam were exhumed May 14, 1998 , identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, and removed for burial. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

I have corrupted my wife!!!!

My wife, Kat, had the day off today and as I was busy sending out some resumes she remarked how she would like to go to Lawrence, KS to do some shopping. We like to go flea marketing and so off we went.

We spent two hours at the Lawrence Antique Mall located at 830 Massachusetts. The store is two floors of all kinds of stuff. Kat collects carrot items and so my job is to look in every corner of every booth looking for anything with a carrot on it. I looked at old news paper prints for adds of carrots. At the end of our time we found one carrot item.

I have a routine with my grandkids based on a 3 Stooges skit. Whenever one of them says Niagara Falls I stiffen, slowly turn and as I do I say, "Niagara Falls, slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch, and I grab them and tickle them". I wanted to find something with Niagara Falls on it so I spent 45 minutes going through hundreds maybe thousands of old post cards to find only one that had Niagara Falls on it. The card was sent to someone on March 11, 1913 and I think it will make a nice gift for one of my grandkids.

One of my hero's is Abraham Lincoln and as I looked through the stacks and stacks of post cards I found an old card of a picture of Mr. Lincoln.

Another one of my hero's when I was growing up was John Paul Jones, the father of the US Navy and I found a book about his life but I am too cheap to pay $8.00 for it.

When we left the Antique Mall we went to lunch at Spangles a really good burger place.

After lunch we drove back downtown and spent another two hours walking up and down Massachusetts Street. Our final stop was a metal artist shop called "It's About Time located at 816 Massachusetts. I purchased an American flag metal art to hang either in my office or on our front porch.

It was a fun afternoon and as we got back into our Jeep, Kat turned to me and proudly proclaimed she had purchased something for me. She then clarified her statement by saying she had purchased something for me that I can give to Mark Warner, the senior pastor at the Vineyard Church in Overland Park, KS. She pulled out a coffee cup. It was a beautiful coffee cup with a beach scene, with the words Jam Session printed on it and 7 Pink Flamingos wearing swim trunks standing on the beach.

It was at this point that I realized I had corrupted my sweet wife's life with my sense of humor.

You see last year for Pastor Appreciation Month I talked a couple of people in joining me in purchasing a nice gift for Mark. It was the perfect gift for anyone who loved working in the garden and would enjoy a piece of art work among the flowers.

It as a nice 4' Pink Flamingo that would lite up at dust.

Now you know the truth, after 22 years of marriage, my wife has begun to think like me.

Oh by the way, Mark if this mug turns up on your desk, I have to confess my wife did it.