GOLD NUGGETS 3
By
Tommy Franks, Ph.D.
Copyright © 2007 Tommy Franks
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.
International Standard Book Number: 0‑926044‑55‑9
Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the Publisher.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the KINGS JAMES VERSION of the Bible.
Due to the Author's prerogative, some words are in small letters and some are capitalized for clarity and emphasis and not necessarily in accordance with standard grammatical practice.
Whenever pronouns or gender references appear in this book, they refer to both male and female unless otherwise noted.
Second Printing 2007
DEDICATION
I dedicate this book "GOLD NUGGETS 3" to all who read it. May the “Blessings” of God overtake you. May warmth and excitement come to you and your family as you read this inspiring book "Gold Nuggets 3".
INTRODUCTION
Relax, get in a comfortable place, kick your feet back...perhaps with a cup of coffee or hot tea, and enjoy yourself with this inspiring publication. Perhaps, after reading it, you might have a story or two that you want told and placed in print. If that is the case, contact me at my Blog address. Thanks for your interest.
First Words
I believe that every single person on Planet Earth is special and has dignity and great worth. You have intelligence. You have the five senses, intellect, emotions, desires, ambitions, and initiative. You are spirit. The real person inside you is spirit. Your spirit is the only way you can communicate with God, your Creator. Even though man lives in a body, he communicates with his soul and spirit. Therefore, this book will speak to your spirit as well as your soul.
In brief, it is no accident that you are reading this book. God's will for you is that you prosper, be in good health, and have healthy emotions in every area of your life. This book "Gold Nuggets 3" will assist you in the area of virtual reality and quality living.
COULD IT BE DONE?
Hopefully, you will enjoy today's nugget: The time was 1833. Alfred was born to a hard working family in Sweden with some means of stability and wealth. As a child, young Alfred would take things apart just to see what they were made of. His father was a chemist who was consulted by many construction companies...in reference to his demolition expertise.
As young Alfred grew to manhood, he also became interested in the chemical field of explosives. Eventually, he received his college degree in chemistry while living in Paris, France. In those days, explosives were unpredictable and unstable. Explosives could not be stored or used safely. People were constantly losing their lives while working with unstable explosives.
Something had to be done to stabilize the use of explosives. People said that it could not be done because it had been tried before. After ten years of trial and error, Alfred finally arrived at a stable, secure, and safe explosive. He invented "dynamite" and subsequently become a very rich man.
Rather than throw away his money and waste it, Alfred decided to do something productive that would bring an incentive to the area of inventions. He first created a world class laboratory with every conceivable, up to date, piece of testing and technical equipment available. Secondly, he created a prize that would be given away every year to the persons who had excelled the most in the fields of: chemistry, literature, medicine, physics, and peace.
This particular prize has become, perhaps, the most prestigious of all awards. It is known as the Nobel Prize. In 1896, Alfred Bernhard Nobel left behind a legacy that has touched all of our lives in one way or another. He gave inventors initiative, incentive, and inspiration that tells them even today...that it can be done! My words to you today: "MAKE IT HAPPEN! YOU CAN DO IT TOO!"
THE EMERGENCY LANDING
The morning was lit up with the brightness of the warm sun. Everyone was moving around with anxiety because we were on our way to "Destination X" on a live military mission…dispatched by the US State Department.
As the C‑141 was flying about 28,000 feet above the ocean, the Captain came back to tell us the disturbing news. We were running low on fuel. The head winds had taken its toll on our fuel. He said, "What we are doing right now is looking for a place to land this baby. Don't worry; I'll get us down OK."
About fifteen minutes later, we looked out the windows and saw the tree tops, mountains, and some snow. The Co‑pilot came back and said, "Ok guys...get ready for a crash landing. Keep your heads down and take the necessary precautions. The Captain is going to try to set us down in some type of clear opening."
We looked at each other with sheer fear in our eyes...knowing that this could be our last time ever to be in an aircraft or any other type of craft. As a matter of fact, this could be our last few minutes between Planet Earth and Heaven!
We prepared ourselves...as best we could...for this emergency landing. I looked outside and saw the green grass just a few feet below the aircraft. It seemed like an eternity. We stayed just above the grass for a long time. Finally, we hit. The plane skidded...leaped...bumped...and made all types of unusual noises...dirt and dust flying everywhere.
Then suddenly, we stopped. Everything was quiet. We looked at ourselves. We were alive...No one was hurt. We looked outside and found that we were on the side of a huge mountain. Somehow, the plane had managed to skid in a lot of sand (real loose dirt) on the side of this mountain. Our eyes were moist with tears. We were thankful to be alive. It was a miracle!
Then I woke up. It was 4:00 AM in the morning. I had been dreaming, but it was so REAL. I began to thank God that it had only been a dream. However, it was a good dream in a way...because no one was hurt or injured in any way. We only lost the aircraft. My friends, stay calm and cool today. We have so much to be thankful for!
PSP
What is PSP? No, it is not a drug. No, it is not any mental sensory perception. And no, it is not a food. Give up? PSP is People, Service, Profit (the slogan for FedEx). First, take care of your people. People are our greatest resource. Without people, we have no companies, organizations, products, or buildings, etc.
We need people! People need us. God needs people or He would not have created them. Someone has said, "Well, we need God, but does God need us?" YES! Others have just come out and said it... "God does not need us!" That is a false statement...not truth. God is an extravagant God, but He is not wasteful. Everything that He creates or has ever created has a Divine Purpose. Period!
Years ago, man said that the peanut had no reasonable purpose except to eat occasionally and perhaps feed to a few barnyard animals. Today, we KNOW that this is not the case. The peanut has over 130 uses...to include peanut butter, a multi‑million dollar annual business. The glue that holds the US Postal Stamp to a letter was originally made from the lowly peanut and sweet potato. Therefore, every single person on Planet Earth has a Divine Purpose and is needed by God to complete His overall Divine Purposes and Plans. People are on the mind of the Father every single moment of the day. You as a person and creation of God are the BEST product that the Father ever produced. You as a person of dignity are important!
Service: If we will give service to others whether on the job, community, church, on the highway, or wherever, we will truly prosper. People and Service go hand in hand. Some companies have gone "belly up" because they decided to take short cuts in their service to people. People love good service. Think of the last time you had extraordinary service in a restaurant. You probably gave a sizable tip as an appreciation for good service rendered. And you will probably go back again as well. Service is vital to the welfare of any productive company or organization.
Profit: Profit will take care of itself if the afore mentioned concepts are placed as priority items on your list. People first...then Service...then Profit is the only viable option. Even in our churches, this is the ONLY priority that will work in building a larger congregation. Take care of the sheep and the sheep will give you their wool freely. Give them service (the Word, allow them to express themselves in their gifts and talents, and love them...as they are...not as you want them to be) and they will keep coming back again and again. Service also includes fresh food, fresh water, fresh ideas...never staleness or boredom. And then profit (growth) will come! PSP = People, Service, Profit.
WRAPPED UP IN A PIECE OF HIDE!
Mrs. Jenny Parham, use to say, "You just never know what's wrapped up in a piece of hide!" In other words, you just never know who or what a person is...just by looking on his outward appearance. You normally do not know what his potential or destiny is going to be.
Someone told this story not long ago: The time was during the 18th Century and the place was Northern Virginia. It was a bitter cold winter with snow on the ground and the wind was blowing across the snowy fields. The old man sat by the road side waiting for someone to have mercy upon him and take him across the river. His body was stiff and numb from the cold.
The first horseman went by the old man without the man saying a word or even attempting to hitch a ride across the river. Then the 2nd one approached and again the old man just sat there without saying a word...even though he was by now...dangerously cold. As the last rider drew near, the old man got up and flagged him down and said, "Sir, would you give an old man a ride across the river?"
The rider responded, "Certainly. Hop on." But the old man was half frozen and the rider had to dismount and assist the old man onto the horse. The horseman not only took the old man across the river, but several miles to the man's destination.
Upon arriving at the old man's cottage, the horseman became curious and asked, "Why didn't you try to get a ride with one of the other riders in front of me. Why me?"
The old man replied, "I've been around these parts for a long, long time. I'm a pretty good judge of character. I look into people's eyes and their eyes tell me a lot. The other two riders had no concern or compassion in their eyes for people. Their eyes were dull. It would have been useless trying to get a ride from one of them. BUT WHEN I LOOKED INTO YOUR EYES, I saw compassion, care, and concern for another human being. I also saw kindness and a gentle spirit. I knew you would help."
The horseman was touched by the old man's words and said, "May I never get too busy to help others like you. May I always respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion. Old Man, thanks for your heartwarming comments."
The horseman then got back on his horse...turned his horse around and went back to the White House. His name: President Thomas Jefferson.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is the ability of one person to influence another. It has little to do with what you do, but it's a matter of who you are as an individual. In other words, finding out who you are...then becoming the person that you were made to be. There are people that do great things, but they are not leaders! It is the ability to find out where you are going and then inspire others to go with you.
Leadership is composed of leaders who are ordinary people who accept the responsibility of extraordinary circumstances and still bring forth and develop the potential in themselves and others through confidence, trust, and character. GREAT leaders desire to serve...Leadership is a by‑product of that servitude.
Billions of dollars are spent annually on "want‑a‑be" leaders. Many of them are complete nincompoops as far as leadership. Why? Because leadership courses can only teach skills, not character or vision. Leaders are made thru character and vision. They are products of initiative, drive, wanting to serve mankind, trust, courage, and goals. Leaders are not born. They are developed, and many times through adversity, disappointment, the challenges of life, and a need to serve in order to make life easier for others.
A leader is an original...not a copy. Everyone can be a leader if he/she chooses to be. If it's to be, it's up to me!
Effective Leadership makes life increasingly more successful! Effective Leadership is not necessarily doing things right; however, it is doing the right thing. For example: Let's say, one day, I ask my son Thomas II to wash my car while I am away in the big city of Atlanta. However, he decides to mow the lawn instead. Upon my return, the lawn looks superb and beautiful. It is simply wonderful to gaze upon...freshly manicured; the sidewalk looks well trimmed; the plants and young trees look so good in the freshly mowed lawn. It took Thomas a lot of time to mow the lawn. He had done a good thing and he had done it right; nonetheless, he had not done the right thing. As his father, I had asked him to wash my car, not mow the lawn. My car still needed to be washed.
Another thing, the purpose of leadership is not followers, but to lead others into becoming leaders themselves. The ultimate goal of leadership is independence and the development of more leaders.
Everyone is born to lead; however, most people die without ever knowing what they were born to do, what their purpose in life was all about, without knowing who they were, and without knowing true victory and great accomplishments! WHY? They did not DARE to be themselves. They tried to be what others told them to be. They did not even attempt to achieve their goals...because they had none. They tried to be a copy and not an original!
A leader is above all things...himself. God created all of us to rule, govern, control, and influence the earth. We are not to dominate or control man. We are to control the earth, the animal kingdom, the elements, our environment...We are to assist others to reach their maximum potential. We are to inspire and influence others to take their place as leaders, especially in their homes, workplaces, church, community, etc. Neither you nor others were ever created to be dominated but to govern and control your circumstances and destiny. You were created by design and by the Designer to lead. And you can lead by the assistance of the Designer. After all, He manufactured you!
Leadership is the ability to inspire others to heights that they have never known before, to be the best they can be, to reach their goals, destiny, their full potential, and to be pleased with themselves.
Leadership is not necessarily a title or position. Leadership is the ability to motivate, mobilize, move, and activate the gifts and talents within others. Leadership is a vision with purpose that generates passion for accomplishment. There is no room in a leader's life for "average" or "mediocrity". To be average has killed a many of good potential leaders.
Leadership means to inspire others. Inspiration is the direct opposite of intimidation, manipulation, or domination. To motivate another human being is one of the greatest achievements in life. Leaders will draw the best out of others and inspire them to maximize their true potential, talents, gifts, and abilities.
Everyone has the capacity, potential, and raw material to become a great leader by the design of the Creator. However, most people on Planet Earth will die with the leader trapped within them in the grave of a follower. Most people die without ever knowing who they really are! Why? Because most individuals are products of their mere environment, lacking courage to change, refusing to develop their potential, failing to maximize their gifts, and rejecting who their Master created them to be. This is a tragedy! You and I and millions of others were born to lead.
Let us not become an endangered species or extinct. God made us to be leaders. Let's do it with integrity, vigor, passion, enthusiasm, zeal, and humility! Leadership is ordained by God and usually comes unsought. The person who is faithful is the person who is granted leadership ability. We can only lead others as far as we have gone ourselves. Great leaders are ordinary people who do extraordinary things because circumstances make demands upon them and their potential.
A leader is an innovator. He does things that other people refuse to do or...do not want to do. He makes old things new. His goal is never to become a great leader. His goal is to serve and maximize himself in helping others. Leaders are NOT smarter than other people. They are NOT wiser than others. They are not gifted more than other people; however, they are highly motivated with a sense of purpose, direction, goals, and sense of destiny.
A leader is calm in a crisis and resilient in adversity. As weather shapes a mountain, problems and adversities make great leaders. Leaders will control their anger. ALL LEADERS will be criticized. Period! The moment that you step forward and are counted as a man or woman, you become a target for criticism. And remember, a true leader does not follow the crowd. The crowd follows him/her. WHY? Because he knows where he is going. He knows what's ahead around the bend. He has been there before.
People will follow someone who knows where he is going. The rule is: LEAD, follow, or get out of the way...or stick your head in the sand and make believe that you are an ostrich. For you reading this book today, you only have one choice...LEAD as you were born to do!
As a leader, never be guilty of nursing resentments or unforgiveness. It will kill you and damage those around you. Remember Joseph? He forgave his brothers and even saved their lives from hunger. We do not have time as leaders to harbor resentment. We must decipher the person's behavior from his potential and self‑worth. Just remember, feelings, opinions, and perceptions are NOT facts. That's why we cannot afford to carry grudges against another person. Keep the vision before you. Pamper your dreams, not wrongdoings by others! Be optimistic. Try to believe that people will change. Even if they don't, continue to believe that every human being on this planet has potential and has been given talents & abilities.
Above all, be RESPONSIBLE! Stand up and be counted. Get excited about what you are doing. If you are digging a ditch, get excited about it. If you are building a house, get excited. If you are praying for the sick, get excited about it. Expect great things to happen to you and for you and on your behalf. And they will...
Will people do you wrong? Is there snow on MT Fiji? Is there sand in the desert? Have you eaten in five days? Did you comb your hair today? YES, YES, YES. People will do you wrong...if you are a leader. Therefore, do not get annoyed by their weaknesses. Their behavior does not determine your ultimate destiny. No amount of lying or deception can keep you from your goals & destiny. Only YOU can do that. Do not dwell on failures...whether they are yours or someone else's. Failure is only a temporary thing...temporary detour...and should never become a person's permanent address! In every seed there is a forest. In every follower, there is a leader.
WHAT MAKES A LEADER?
Please note: As a reminder, when the masculine gender is used in this book, especially on the topic of "Leadership", it applies equally to both the male and female genders. "He and she are used interchangeably.
Leaders are not born. They are made. Leaders have a sense of purpose for their lives. He has a great love for life. He inspires! He has a deep passion for helping others; ie, servitude. He strives to discover his full potential. He knows who he is and accepts himself as worthy and valuable. Great leaders have a strong spiritual commitment in life.
Today's TRUE leader has integrity. She earns the trust of the people. She is adventuresome, especially with new ideas. She is not afraid to go against the "status quo." She learns from others, but does not become a carbon copy of anyone. She thinks for herself. She becomes herself. She has VISION! A great leader is a "leader" and not a manager. Managers manage. Leaders lead. Managers sometimes let things happen. Sometimes they ask, "What happened?" Sometimes, they just sit and watch things happen! But not a LEADER. She makes things happen. Sometimes a managers become leaders, but most do not. Why? Because they get caught up in the minutiae and poppycockology of life.
A manager manages things. The leader leads people. He is innovative, original, structured, and focused. The manager has tunnel vision. The leader has long range and wide vision. The leader has declared his independence from the expectations of others. He has learned to be true to himself. He has found it necessary to challenge the opinions & ideas of others. He defies the social straight‑jacket that stifles the untapped resources of other human beings. His desire is to help others discover their latent mental resources, abilities, gifts, talents, and reach their goals.
One more thing...A leader is not "a want‑a‑be". Neither does he try to be. He just is!
PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP
As a Leader, you must know your purpose and unique identity. Your Divine purpose is to produce more leaders not followers. As you recall, Christ had many followers...but He spent most of His time developing the twelve. They in turn, became dynamic leaders and helped in the foundation of the Church.
Your purpose as a Leader is to INSPIRE every follower to become a Leader and fulfill his/her potential. As a true leader, your success and effectiveness will be measured by the diminishing degree of the dependency of your followers. The less they need you, the more effective you are! What did Jesus do? He left. He departed. He went away for awhile...even though He is coming back again. He simply developed some leaders and then departed from them (physically). The ultimate measure of His success as a Leader was: He left. Did He succeed? Absolutely! Look at the Church today!
After you have developed and inspired others to maximize their potential, gifts, talents, and abilities, you must allow them to become independent and begin using the knowledge and wisdom that you have taught them. Otherwise, you will never be successful in duplicating yourself (leadership principles) in others. In the New Testament, Paul said, "Follow me...as I follow Christ." Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow Me."
Leaders are not afraid to tell others to follow. Why? Because they know who they are...where they are going...where they've been...and their ultimate destination. No, this is not arrogance or pride. It is self‑confidence and the assurance that a true leader knows in his/her heart that the journey is going to lead to the great prize and ultimate goal. He wants others to go with him to receive equally in the rewards, bounty, and abundance.
LEADERS EMBRACE THE IMPOSSIBLE
The more ability you have, the more responsibility you should have. A true leader does not run from hopeless situations. He embraces them. Einstein did not cease and desist because someone said he was crazy as a hoot owl. NO! NO! NO! He was dealing with the impossible. He was also dealing with impossible people. Have you ever dealt with impossible people? Every leader will meet them at one time or another. They will make you grow. They will stretch your parameters of life. Sometimes they will crush you...only to find out that you are a rose in disguise...and that your aroma is sweet.
Einstein had to overcome criticism, lies, threats, harshness, and more lies. How did he do it? He had a purpose. He knew his purpose. He knew his destiny. He knew that he was indeed alone most of the time in his theories. But was he alone? I think not. Who do you think gave him his sense of direction, goals, commitment? That's right...God. You are never alone. NEVER! Einstein was willing to die for his cause. Leaders don't give a hoot about their ratings in the polls or what some empty‑headed rascal says about them. They know who they are and where they are going. Period!
Embrace the impossible. Stretch your imagination. Think BIG! Let's look at a politician for a moment. Most people dislike politicians immensely; however, there was a wonderful and highly honest politician described in the Bible. He was one of the greatest leaders that ever lived on this Planet. He was trust‑ worthy and no corruption could ever be found in him. The great king of that day loved him as a brother and promoted him to one of the highest positions in all the land. But some of the lying politicians got jealous of him and schemed to have him killed. They tried to find a way to get rid of him, but they could find no fault in him...NONE! So they cooked up a little lion eating party for him, but this great leader used the lions as pillows for his evening nap. What a leader! His name, of course, is still renown today...Daniel.
Daniel embraced the impossible. Without God, he knew he was lion food...but he knew his God would deliver him. Leaders are still embracing the impossible today...against all odds and they are winning! MAKE IT HAPPEN! YOU CAN DO IT TOO!
DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE (LEADERSHIP)
In my travels around the globe, I sometimes take time out to visit significant battlefields. A few years ago, I visited a little village just outside of Brussels, Belgium. The Village: Waterloo. The Battlefield: The Battle of Waterloo. The Time of Battle: 18 Jun 1815. The Generals: Napoleon of France and The Duke of Wellington, England. Question: What actually happened?
Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most ingenious military leaders that ever lived...and is still highly regarded today as a military genius. He came from a little obscure village of Corsica. He took a bunch of devastated and incompetent soldiers from a bankrupt country (France) and turned them into a warfighting machine that defeated the most powerful armies on earth... dominating all of Europe. Napoleon was a type of leader that only emerges every few hundred years. What made him different? Well, he was also a political genius. He set the course of history for France for the next two hundred years. Many of his military and political innovations are still with us today in 1997. He was a great leader and great manager. He knew people and he knew his military weapons and equipment (machinery).
Wellington, on the other hand, did not have the experience that Napoleon had; but he was highly intelligent and cunning as a fox. He was also tenacious as a wild dog. He never gave up! He did have some military victories in India, Portugal, and Spain ...so, he wasn't exactly a greenhorn.
Napoleon had about 74,000 troops. Wellington had 67,000 troops. It did not look good for Wellington because he had soldiers in his army that spoke different languages and were constant complainers. Even some of his generals bickered among themselves. Sound familiar?
But Napoleon suddenly got a case of arrogance. He knew he had more troops, better trained troops, better equipment, and greater velocity weapons. Everything was going his way...at least that is what he thought! Therefore, the morning of the battle, Napoleon decided to sleep late. He did not enter the battle until 11:00 AM. This was a strategic mistake that cost him the battle and great defeat. Wellington needed this time to get his troops in place and for Marshal von Blucher to arrive with his Prussian troops to reinforce and assist him against Napoleon. Remember the phrase, "Pride goes before a fall..."
Napoleon’s previous victories and successes had begun to produce arrogance. This cost him the battle! Napoleon lost 40,000 troops that day. Tragic! These people didn't have to die like that. Many of them, especially Napoleon's Old Guard, were given the option of surrendering. However, the Old Guard replied, "The Old Guard dies, but never surrenders." So they died and Napoleon's power over Europe died with them.
Wellington lost 23,000 troops. Shortly afterwards, Napoleon abdicated the throne as king of France.
What had happened? Napoleon allowed pride and arrogance to penetrate his soul. He got slothful in his leadership ability and style. Does history repeat itself? What about General Custer? General MacArthor? President Nixon? These guys were experts in so many areas. The world still remembers them and their achievements. What happened? I believe these men allowed their humility to dissipate.
Leaders must be confident, but humble. They must know their purpose through humility (submission, modesty). Treat others as you would want them to treat you.
I believe that General Robert E. Lee was such a man. Even though General Lee was defeated and turned in his sword at Appomattox Court House, VA, most all leaders today still call him a gentleman's gentleman. Even in defeat, a true leader will be remembered!
WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE!
We can achieve so much through believing and conceiving. God is using MEN/WOMEN as never before. You are a person of destiny. You are a person that believes. You have a purpose. You are valuable. You have a mission. You love God.
The remainder of this article is for Men Only; however, you women can read it, if you would like. Let me say this up front... I have asked this so many times..."Why are so many men today broke in the pocketbook?" I believe: As a whole, men have not been properly fathered by the Church. To father someone means: to be a daddy to, to be a progenitor (prototype), papa, to beget (bring about cause and effect), designer, parent, founder.
Parent means to nurture, to be a model, propagate, create, produce, and reproduce. What is the Church reproducing today in manhood or more specifically...in our men? Are we teaching them Biblical principles in finances? Are we teaching them the responsibilities of being a FATHER or DADDY? Are we teaching them that it is their responsibility to be the bread winner for their families and NOT their wives'? Are we the example of fatherhood? Are we the example of a man with Biblical principles? If we are, then good. If we are not, then why not? If not now, then when? If not us, then who or whom?
As a whole, men have been put down for the past 25 years in America. Therefore, what is the solution? We as men of faith must begin by being an example as a Christian father. Our example is God our Father and His Son...Jesus. Find out what they did...and are doing...and replicate THEM.
Did Jesus pay His bills/taxes? Did He provide for those around Him? Did He edify? Did He comfort? Did He exhort? Did He confront when it was needed? When things did not go the way He would have liked for them to have gone, especially in His dealings with the scribes and Pharisees, did He put the blame on His disciples or others? What about when He was in the Garden...just before His crucifixion? Did He blame God? NO!
Yes, the American male (and all men) have faced injustices. But the blame belongs on the devil, not people. Our real enemy (satan) has perverted the truth about men everywhere. He hates men because Jesus is a MAN as well as God. I believe the Church will once again see the potential and greatness locked up in each and every man and become the dynamic vehicle for implanting Christian manly values back into our men...especially the young ones. The only HOPE is Jesus! Let me say this without offending you... hopefully. It doesn't take too many "money problems" in a home to really have a "man problem". The man is responsible for the finances in the home. PERIOD!
We must own up to our responsibilities as Giant men of Faith. During this period of Church History, we must not be irresponsible. What is the solution? This may sound overly simple, but what we need to do is: STAND UP and BE A MAN...and stop pretending to be a man! Manhood is honorable. It is ORDAINED of God. It is to be embraced by all men. It is to be duplicated in all males. God anointed men to carry out His plans on Planet Earth. Let us not disappoint Him in fulfilling His Master Plan for us.
As I have said before, Paul talked about this almost 2000 years ago. He said the time would come when we would have an effeminate society. To be effeminate is absolutely marvelous...if you are a woman. But it is a curse...if you are a man acting effeminate. Effeminate means: ladylike, dainty, soft, delicate, fragile, petite, finicky, lacy. These are the types of attributes that we men desire to see in our wives, except maybe finicky. But masculinity is much different than the above definitions.
The Army once said, "Join the Army and we will make you a man." The Marine Corps said, "If you're not a man already, we don't want you." Therefore, since you are men already, I'm not going to define the word "masculine."
Remember this: You are the APPLE of God's eye with unlimited potential...dynamic abilities, tremendous values, great worth, goals, aspirations, and a heavenly destiny. Today, as a man of valor, you need to know who you are...a man with a mission created in the image of your Maker, God. If your MIND CAN CONCEIVE it, you can ACHIEVE it! Period!
CLARITY
1. Fine tune your goals. Do not procrastinate the fine tuning.
2. Concentrate on the essentials...your priorities.
3. Make decisions. MAKE decisions. Forward progress is absolutely essential to growth.
4. Ask yourself the question. Why am I putting things off?
5. Use your energy for ACTION...not for worrying.
6. Do not wait for inspiration. Do something. It may not
be perfect, but God will help you to balance it out. The
problem with most of us is: we continue to put things off.
7. Establish deadlines.
8. Get in the habit of taking notes. Yes, notes.
9. Start each day with a success story. Think about the thousands of men that have been successful. Think about what they did to become successful. Invest in yourself with GOOD books...Read them. Your talents are well worth
developing and fine tuning.
10. Knowing and doing are NOT the same thing!
11. Learn to say, "NO." That's right...NO.
12. Listen, especially when it comes to your wife.
13. You can do it. And you can do it right. And you can do it now. And you can get it right the first time. WHY? Because your time is important to you. It is a
precious resource. Your time is so valuable to you and to your family. Use it wisely.
14. Avoid traps. Murphy's Law is out there to confuse you, so look, listen, pray, and LIVE to your maximum potential.
15. Do not short change this generation by not developing your talents, gifts, abilities, and potential. You have so much to give. The whole world is waiting for you as a man to assist them, lighten their burdens, brighten their way, smooth the bumps from their roadway, convey some of your wisdom to them, and to approve and praise them for trying...even if they fail the first time or
the second...or even the third. Make it happen. Do not carry those magnificent ideas, undeveloped plans, or potential inventions to the grave with you. This, my friend, would be the greatest travesty of all. The cemeteries are full of undeveloped potential, ideas, technological plans, inventions, etc., because men kept procrastinating, hesitating, vacillating, wavering, oscillating, equivocating, and fluctuating.
16. DO IT NOW!
HITCH YOUR WAGON TO A STAR!
That's right. Ralph W. Emerson said this about a hundred years ago. It is still true today. We need to be a part of something that is bigger than we are. And we are indeed! We are hitched to the Body of Christ, the Nation of God's people, the Kingdom of Heaven. The main attraction is Jesus!
John D. Rockefeller once said, "Our son is indeed a Rockefeller. When we placed him in the sandbox, he started digging for OIL."
Dig for oil today in your environment. It is there. It has always been there...waiting for your discovery. Others could have dug for it, but they didn't. You did. Therefore, you will reap the benefits. And remember this: As you make discoveries and use your creativity for new ideas, you will be criticized. That comes with the territory. You will be misunderstood at times. This is the penalty for greatness...Please understand me...Greatness is locked up within you just wanting to surface. The proof is in the pudding.
God has never made any junk...only jewels. And these jewels are in different stages. Some are still diamonds in the rough. Others are bright red rubies. I believe some are now beautiful faceted illustrious shining bright diamonds of many karats. Some are still pieces of coal under pressure that will one day be as bright as the stars in the heavens. Others are sapphires, etc.
But you are a precious jewel in accordance with Scripture. REMEMBER: You are made in the direct IMAGE of God! He is your Father. You are HIS son today and forever! Nothing can change that...no man...no devil...not even taxes or death. Ain't it GREAT being alive and know that you are a living miracle filled with God's energy & spirit...and that you will live in Planet Heaven for the next trillion years...and after that forever?
God certainly made you a piece of work, didn't He? One last word: Carl Sandburg once said, "Time is the coin of life. It's the only coin you have. Only you can determine how it will be used and spent. Be careful lest you allow other people to spend it for you." Good day!
THIS TOO WILL PASS!
The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God will not keep you! Sometimes the enemy tries to make you lose it or at least lose control. This is when patience comes on the scene. Patience is the weapon that forces deception or the trial to reveal itself. You see when you can vividly see the problem, you can deal with it. The light that you have on the inside will expose the darkness on the outside and dissolve the issue. Darkness leaves when the light comes on.
Disappointments, problems, pain, nonsense, discomfort will pass away. Pain or problems are seasonal. They come. They go. However, one thing is for certain...right after they go, PROMOTION comes! WHY? Because it's the law. The law of God says, "If we suffer with Him, we will reign with Him. Endure temptation & you will receive a crown of life. Forsake brothers, sisters, lands, mother, father, wife, children, and houses for His Name's sake...and you shall receive 100 Fold now in this time on Planet Earth...and in the life to come eternal life."
Battles bring PROMOTION. As a matter of fact, they determine your promotion. Look at Moses. He was demoted from being the next heir to the throne to being a shepherd of sheep in the desert. Afterwards, he was promoted. At 80, he led 3 million Israelites to the promise land. Daniel was thrown into the lions' den. Afterwards, he was promoted. Look at Joseph. He went from the pit to prison. However, afterwards, he was promoted as second only to the king of all of Egypt.
Job was tried with all kinds of problems. Afterwards, he received twice as much as he had before. Even the great Master Teacher was crucified prior to His resurrection; afterwards, He was promoted to sit with the Father on His throne forever. Look at the great Martin Luther. A price was on his head because he would not recant on what the Lord had told him. He was criticized, ostracized, chastised, minimized, neutralized, scrutinized, polarized, etc. But today, how does the entire world view him? I would say that he was indeed promoted! Thomas Edison was branded as a lunatic, but afterwards was promoted to one of the highest levels of human genius in the world. George Washington Carver was born a slave, but look what he did for the world...300 uses for the peanut & over 100 uses of the sweet potato. He was homeless for eight long years before he got a chance to prove himself. His promotion party finally came!
Don't run from the battle. Stay around for your promotion and rewards. They always come...after the battle. An award ceremony is the next event in your life. Please put it on your calendar.
YOU ARE A WINNER!
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest
fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be so brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous, and beautiful?
Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a created child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world! There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that others won't feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is NOT just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others" (Nelson Mandela).
DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE SUCCESSFUL. THAT'S THE WAY YOU WERE MADE...TO BE GREAT...TO ALLOW THE GREATNESS WITHIN YOU TO COME FORTH AND HELP OTHER PEOPLE!
REAL LIFE: IN SEARCH OF SUCCESS!
You have heard the expression, "That's life!" Cornering people is one thing, but getting them in your corner is another. In real life, we must shoot for the moon. We may miss it, but we will still be among the stars. You want to know a secret? Success is doing the common thing extremely well...being better than average...doing things that nobody else will do.
Dr. Swearinger (that's his real name) once said, "Status is buying something you don't need...with money you don't have...to impress people you don't like. The best way I know for you to get to the top is for you (with all your talents, abilities, and gifts)...to get off your bottom."
"I like the dreams of the FUTURE better than the history of the past" (Thomas Jefferson).
"There are times when silence is golden...and other times when it is just plain YELLOW" (Ed Cole).
Success is everywhere. Some men have given up because they have believed a lie. They do not think that there are any more new ideas, inventions, or better technology to be implemented. They think that someone else has already captured the latest craze or latest methodology. They are all wrong. Currently, ideas are flowing and being energized even as I speak.
The Creator is the Source. He gives us ideas all the time; however, we must be sensitive enough to grasp them. When God speaks, the wise man listens. God is constantly creating. Why? Because He is a Designer, Architect, and Builder. God is in BIG Business! He never thinks small. Do you know how much His first temple (built by Solomon) cost? Take a guess. Solomon's Temple built and supervised by King Solomon cost in excess of $183 Billion. That's right...not millions, but 183 BILLION dollars (today's money value). The problem with too many people including
Christians is...WE think too small! There is no ministry of mediocrity or smallness.
One city in God's Kingdom is over 1500 miles long, wide, and high with different levels. That's only one city. Heaven will be filled with many glorious structures, buildings, and beautiful sights...NONE OF THEM will be CHEAP! God is an extravagant God, but He is not wasteful. He loves beauty and bright lights. And He chose us to share it all with. Ain't this a trip? If it's not now, it will be soon! I love you all and I want to see you all there some day!
WHAT IS TRUE GRIT?
What is true grit? What is hard work, sweat, and tears? Do you really know? Someone recently told the following story about Mr. Michael Stone:
The pole was set at 17 feet. Michael did not know if he could pole‑vault this height or not, but he would certainly try. Michael had always wanted to fly, even if it was only two stories off the ground. From the age of 14, he had trained for this moment.
So now the moment had come...in front of over 20 thousand people! Michael ran with all his heart & strength. Would he make it? Would he go down in defeat? As he ran, his thoughts were positive. He thought of flying through the air. Michael cleared the bar with ease, but the National Junior Olympics was far from over. He had many more jumps to make.
Finally, the time had come for his attempt at the last jump of the meet. If he made this jump at 17 feet 6 1/2 inches, he would be the winner and also set a National & International Junior Olympics record. This would also beat his personal best by 9 1/2 inches. Could he do this? He would not let his mind think of defeat or anything negative. He picked up the pole. He took some deep breaths. He heard the noise of the crowd. He thought of flying through the air as he had done before. Of course now, he knew this was no dream. This was real. He started down the runway and felt the gentle breeze in his face and the warm sun on his back. He asked himself, "Can I really do this? Is this just a dream? Am I really here?"
The pole went down. Michael went up and up and up. For Michael, this seemed like an eternity. Would he clear the bar? Would he bump it with his feet? He thought, "God help me. I have worked so hard for this. Everybody is watching. I must clear the bar." And he did!
The news media was there. His family, friends, and relatives all gathered around to hug him and congratulate him. He had done what no other junior athlete had ever done before. Why was this so special to Michael? Why? Because Michael Stone is BLIND! Good day.
LEARN, UNLEARN, AND RELEARN
I spent the first 25 years of my life learning various things from learning to walk, tying my shoes, driving a car, using correct English verbiage (most of the time), learning how to be a good military soldier, etc. I also learned a lot of religiosity, especially traditions of men. Therefore, when I went on a theological search in 1972‑82 (ten years), I discovered that I had to unlearn a bunch of things that I had learned in church as a youth.
Therefore, for about 10 to 12 years I had to unlearn many, many traditions of the elders; ie., that "hell, fire, and brimstone" was the only way to get people to make a commitment to Christ, almost everyone was going to hell except for a select group of "well versed" religious individuals, and that "holiness was hardness". I had to unlearn these "traditions" because they were not based on truth. They actually hindered my relationship with God.
Next, I had to go back to the basics of the POG (Plain Old Gospel) and relearn a multitude of simple Godly concepts. The relearning has also been a continuous and tremendous journey. I have learned that God actually loves me as His son, regardless of how I act or how often I mess up. God is my Father. He is a good God. He is not up there with a BIG hammer ready to smash me when I sin. He does something far better...He forgives me! He loves me even though I'm still under construction.
Hence, our whole lives are spent Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning. THINK ABOUT IT!
THE SPIRIT OF DEBT
DEBT is a spirit that is NOT of God, but satan. God emphatically has something to say about debt. "The borrower is SERVANT to the lender" (Pr.22:7). "Owe NO MAN any thing" (Rom.13:8). "Go...PAY thy DEBT and live" (2 Kgs.4:7).
"A GOOD man leaves an INHERITANCE to his grandchildren: and the WEALTH of the sinner is laid up for the JUST (Pr.13:22). "Be NOT one of those that pledge themselves or one that becomes a surety (security, pledge, exchange, mortgage) for another's debts" (Pr.22:26). Don't do it! DEBT is a Heavy Burden.
Debt is NOT of God. Jesus said, "My yoke is EASY (comfortable, gracious, pleasant) and My burden is LIGHT" (Mt.11: 30). Is being in debt comfortable or pleasant? NO! It brings ANXIETY, divorce, and even divides families and brings broken relationships. Remember: "The borrower is SERVANT to the lender."
Our Country (USA) is in BIG trouble, perhaps even bankrupt. The average American in 1989 had to work 124 days (34% of 1989) just to pay his taxes (federal, state, local). That was 2 hours and 43 minutes per day for every day in 1989. Social Security taxes have gone up 82% in the past eight years.
Even though the US Government collected over one trillion (10 hundred BILLION) dollars in revenue for 1990, our government still had a deficit of $155 Billion. The TOTAL indebtedness of the American public in 1989 was over $2 Trillion. Currently, the national DEBT grows at a rate of $722 million per day.
If YOU HAD ALL YOUR BILLS and ALL your debts PAID IN FULL, your personal share of the US Government's DEBT would still be over $ll,000 (Over $55,000 for a family of five). The average Christian spends 34% of his wages to pay Caesar and gives ONLY 2% (less than $3.00 per week) to God.
DEBT is a death TRAP financially. "Their minds were blinded" (2 Cor.3:14). Blind minds are filled with deception and destruction. "Having eyes, they do not see" (Mk.8:18). "We are NOT ignorant of his (the enemy's) devices" (2 Cor.2:11).
Christians are NOW being driven by the spirit of DEBT instead of being led by the Spirit of God. Any spirit that drives an individual is not of God. The Holy Spirit leads, guides, prompts, convicts, instructs, and counsels, but never drives! The world's system (anti-Christ) wants you in debt. The majority of banks want you in debt.Debt addiction is comparable to drug addiction, except far worse.
Debt is socially accepted and brings far more problems to our society than drugs!
In America, 50% of all marriages fail because of DEBT. Debt is a demonic spirit and "Now works in the children of DISOBEDIENCE" (Eph.2:2). It is in some of our churches, homes, schools, and government. Debt consolidation is not of God, but man. You can GIVE YOUR WAY OUT OF DEBT, but you can NEVER borrow your way out of debt!
THE MIRACLE OF DEBT CANCELLATION: God saves. Heals. And fills with His Holy Spirit. The Lord has given YOU the POWER to get WEALTH. Therefore, God is the God of miracles, especially in the area of FINANCES and eradicating your debt.
If you will be OBEDIENT and ask by faith, God will show you how to cancel your debt. The MIRACLE of DEBT RELEASE has already been provided in redemption for YOU. "Ask in faith, nothing wavering" (Ja.1:6). Simply "Ask and you shall receive" (Jn.16:24). "Is anything too hard for the Lord" (Gen.18:14)? YOU CAN BE DEBT FREE THROUGH THE MIRACLE POWER OF GOD!
Do you remember Elisha and the widow’s debt (2 Kgs.4:2‑7)? The creditor came to take her sons away. The widow loved the Lord. All she had was a pot of oil. The prophet spoke. She listened to the prophet. She obeyed. The oil multiplied. She sold the oil and paid her debt and had money left over in which to live!
The Secret: Cry out to God. Remind God that you have been faithful to Him. If you haven't been faithful, ask for forgiveness. Accept your forgiveness. Then listen to what He says. Do it!
Sometimes, when you find a family with a MONEY ($$) problem, you'll find that family with a "man" problem. Not too many "man problems" will bring on a marriage problem.
Whose report will you believe? Hopefully, you will believe the report of the Lord. His report says, you are healed. His report says, you are filled. His report says, you are free. His report says, you can get can get free of the spirit of debt. YES! The VICTORY is yours now!
Another SECRET of getting out of DEBT is: Deed everything over to God. Look at the following Property Deed Sample:
PROPERTY DEED
This Deed made the______ Day of_______ A.D. 1997
By:________________________________ hereinafter called the Grantor,
Whose address is___________________________________________________
TO the Grantee: THE LORD MY GOD.
Witnessed: That the Grantor, for and in consideration of CONTENTMENT in being OUT OF DEBT to include Love, Joy, Peace, ETERNAL LIFE, Divine Favor, Divine Health, Prosperity, and other GOOD things, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hereby releases, conveys, and confirms unto the Grantee, ALL the following:
All my assets, property, material goods, and ALL MY DEBTS. I even give myself to You.
I release my life and everything I own and possess to the Grantee.
In Witness Whereof, the said Grantor has hereunto set his/her hand and seal this day and year of our LORD as written above.
GRANTOR: _______________________________ (Legal Signature)
Signed, sealed, and delivered in our presence:
TO HAVE and to HOLD and to Love in Christ Forever.
Witness: ________________________________
Witness: ________________________________
JESUS IS ALIVE!
About 2000 years ago, the KING was assailed.
They nailed HIM to the cross as an ordinary male.
The earth and universe began to look dark and very pale.
For the moment...the gates of hell
Had exhaled and prevailed
Against the ONE WHO had so often travailed.
The trail of blood had told the tale.
"It is finished," cried the MASTER as the women wailed.
Suddenly, from top to bottom the temple veil
Was torn and rocks were shattered throughout the dale.
It looked as if the imps, devils, and satan would prevail
As they took HIM to their impenetrable jail.
Just hours before, the Son of man had been hailed
As the KING of Israel and even drank from the holy grail.
Now, the people had killed HIM because of false tales.
Would this JESUS ever succeed again and curtail
The wiles and trickery of the FOOL of fools who had haled
Our SWEET JESUS into the pits of hell without bail?
The PRISONER of war had been bruised with much pain.
HIS Life on planet earth had been ordained,
And now HIS Presence in satan's restrain
Would bring great gain and the Hell RAZER'S ultimate reign.
Time had now expired for lucifer's insane
Battle attack against God, His people, and the SLAIN!
The war was on with battle lines proclaimed,
Even though for three days, the PRISONER was detained.
All at once, JESUS shook HIMSELF from satan's campaign
And all hell broke loose with little diabolical brains
Running around like potheads looking for cocaine.
Quickly, the war was over and the paradise lost...REGAINED.
HE's ALIVE! HE's ALIVE! JESUS of Nazareth was sustained
By the Father and would now rule, reign, and obtain
The Kingdom of all kingdoms that would remain!
JESUS is ALIVE! The crucified ONE could NOT be contained.
Adam the first (made of dust) sold us down the drain,
ADAM the SECOND (JESUS) gave us back our rightful domain. AMEN!
WHAT IN HELL DO YOU WANT?
"The wicked shall be turned back (headlong into premature death) into hell (the place of the departed spirits of the wicked); even all nations that forget or are forgetful of god" (Amp. Ps.9:17). Sin will not require very much from you in the beginning, but in the end, it will take everything that you have...Everything, including your soul. Sin will take you further than you want to go...Take its toll upon your soul...Keep you longer than you want to stay...Charge you more than you want to pay! The price of sin still remains high.
SAY "NO" to sin. Even as I speak, there are a lot of people going to hell. In the past 15 minutes, 1488 people died on Planet Earth. How many of those individuals were saved? Good Question. How many went to hell? Therefore, tell me something, what are people looking for in hell? What's down there for them? What do they want down there? Fire and brimstone are non-productive on human beings! It's painful. It hurts. So, what would anyone want in hell? There's nothing down there for you! Absolutely nothing!
"Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied" (Pr.27:20).
Potiphar left ALL that he had in Joseph's charge. Joseph was an attractive person and fine looking. After a time, Potipfar's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph. She said, "LIE WITH ME." But he refused and said, "My master, your husband, has put ALL that he has in my care. He has kept back nothing from me except you, his wife. HOW CAN I DO THIS GREAT EVIL AND SIN AGAINST (MY) GOD?"
But she spoke to Joseph day after day...but he would NOT. (One day) She caught him by his garment and said, "Lie with me," but HE LEFT HIS GARMENT AND FLED..." (Gen.39:6‑12).
He refused to go to hell for a woman!
"THEREFORE HELL HAS ENLARGED HERSELF, AND OPENED HER MOUTH WITHOUT MEASURE..." (Isa.5:14).
I do not believe that you actually want anything in hell. In eternity, the following individuals will be there according to Scripture: satan, the beast, false prophet, the fearful (cowards), unbelieving (faithless), the abominable (depraved and defiled), and murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers (witches and warlords), idolaters, and all liars. Hell will be cast into the lake of fire accompanied with burning brimstone (sulphur). This is the second death. Its residents will be tormented, afflicted, tortured, and harassed day and night forever and ever (Rev.20:10, 21:8).
YOUR POTENTIAL
Do you truly know what your potential is? Do you know the story of the pine cone?
Even though it's only a seed, it has the POTENTIAL to be a FOREST. Potential is
dormant ability, reserved power, untapped strength, and unused SUCCESS.
Potential never retires.
Unfortunately, some of our forefathers robbed us. That's right. Some of them have robbed us blind! They died with songs, books, inventions, discoveries, sermons, medical knowledge, and talents and took them to their graves without giving them to us. They have robbed this generation of some of their latent ability. A man or woman has no right to die and go to his grave without developing those new discoveries, medical cures, or Revelation Knowledge that was given to them long before they passed away. Some of them had the potential for great service to humanity, but just simply decided not to do it. They died with great ideas, inventions, and perhaps medical cures locked up on the inside of them. How tragic it is when unused and unreleased ability and potential go to the grave without action and development.
We learn from the mistakes of others. Failure is not the absence of success. FAILURE IS THE ABSENCE OF TRYING. The person who says it can't be done is normally the person who is standing in the way of the person who is doing it. I believe you are trying to maximize your full potential. And you are doing a pretty good job of it. You have "zeal" which means: eager desire, earnest enthusiasm, heat, passion, energy, and drive. You have "fervor": heat, warmth, hot, glowing, earnest, zeal, intensity of feeling, fiery, fervent, fierce, passionate, and enthusiasm.
BELIEVE in YOUR POTENTIAL! As a human being, you were made to be great. God has never made any junk! Continue to BELIEVE. It will happen! You can be what you want to be. You can do what you want to do because you believe in God and you believe in yourself. And I BELIEVE in YOU too!
You were given POTENTIAL at birth. It is not determined by circumstances or people. Its PURPOSE is to grant you the ability to obtain the greatest quality of life possible. Nothing on this green earth can take the place of developed potential. You have great TALENTS and ABILITY. YOU WORK VERY HARD. And you are learning new things, but most of all, you have a determined commitment in developing your creative potential. This will bring you untold SUCCESS. Be encouraged!
THE NAME OF JESUS
YOU have the POWER of God within YOU to perform miracles, signs, and wonders through the Name of Jesus. "And whatsoever you shall ask (demand) in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask (demand) anything in My Name, I will do it" (Jn.14:13‑14).
JESUS did it. Now, you can do it through His NAME! If you really want to be like Jesus, learn to talk like Him...walk like Him...perform signs and wonders like Him. You have those privileges and rights through that NAME (JESUS). You have been given the most powerful and lawful Power of Attorney (the legal right to use His Name) in the universe and it is signed by Jesus. It is a general Powerful of Attorney that is backed up by the Father Himself (Almighty God) and is good for anything on or off this earth. And if the Father does not have it, He will create it for you! Most Christians do not know this.
In reality, the Power of Attorney that is signed by Jesus and has been given to us...is a signed blank check. He has signed it with His own Name and has given us the power to use His Name. What does "Power of Attorney" mean to us? The word "Power" means: "Force, Might, Authority, Ability, Permission, Jurisdiction, Strength, Dominion".
Jesus is our Attorney, Advocate, Counselor, Promoter, Lawyer, and Defender. Through the use of His Name, He has given us all rights to carry on Kingdom business until He returns to Planet Earth. All we need to do is fill in the line that says, "Pay to the order of" and then fill in the amount.
"And in that day (after Jesus is back in heaven with the Father) you shall ask (demand) of Me nothing. Verily, verily (this is of paramount importance), I (Jesus) say unto YOU, Whatsoever YOU shall ask (demand) the Father in My Name, He WILL give it YOU...Ask (demand), and YOU shall receive, that your joy may be full" (Jn.16:23‑24).
Some people (traditional and religious Christians) will say, "Just who do you think you are demanding anything from God? Boy, don't you know better than that? You are really getting bold and pushing it, aren't you? You are in no position to order God around. He is not a Santa Claus, you know. I mean, He is God and you are a mere man, a nobody. Get real, Boy...God does not take orders from anyone, especially you!"
Some of the above poppycockology (theological nonsense and gibberish) does warrant merit. It is true that God does not take
orders. This is a fact. He is God and He is Sovereign. However, the word "demand" in the above scriptures does not mean that you are ordering God around. It simply means that you are demanding all forces of hell to subside and get out of your way and bow to your request of the Father in the Name of Jesus.
You are demanding satan and all of his boneyard imps to take a hike while you ask and receive of the Father. It means that you are demanding no interference from the enemy. And as you ask (demand) this in the Name of Jesus, it will happen! You are asking the Father, yet demanding the forces of hell to be gone. Hell will not hinder your work in the Kingdom of God when you ask (demand) in the wonderful Name of Jesus.
What kind of Power is behind the Name of Jesus? Jesus said, "...All POWER is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" (Mt.28: 18). God the Father is behind that Name. The Holy Ghost is behind that Name. Jesus is behind that wonderful Name. All the power of the Godhead is behind that sacred Name. You are saved from hell through that Name. You are healed through that Name. You cast out devils in that Name. Ministers teach and preach in that Name. As you speak the Word of God in the Name of Jesus, you will drive demons out. Satan cannot touch you in that NAME!
Let me say this right now. JESUS knew Who He was. He destroyed the works of the enemy on Planet Earth. He went to hell, the devil's own living room, and did the same thing. And then He went to heaven and purified the heavenlies through His own blood. The WORD says, "Whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was NOT possible that He should be holden of it" (Acts 2:24). The enemy could not keep the Messiah Jesus in hell. Therefore, Jesus destroyed the weaselface's playpen and demolished all of the enemy's power and authority. Today, the only power that satan has...is the power that we give to him or the power that he usurps from someone on this planet. The enemy is here illegally. He is an illegal alien that has no power except what he can steal or manipulate from a human being.
Afterwards, JESUS entered into Heaven as the High Priest of the Universe and carried His own blood into the Heavenly Holy of Holies. Jesus sprinkled His blood on the Heavenly mercy seat as an eternal sacrifice to complete our blood bought redemption (Heb.9:12, 10:12, 19‑20, Rev.1:5). AT LAST THE CLAIMS OF JUSTICE WERE SATISFIED. The whole universe and the heavenlies have been purified by the PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS! The Word says that whatever you do in word or deed, do ALL in the Name of the Lord Jesus (Col.3:17).
The Bible also gives us a commandment, "That we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ" (1 Jn.3:23). Whatever we ask the Father, Jehovah Jireh, Jesus endorses, and then the Father gives it to us in that Name "Jesus". God has given Jesus a Name ABOVE ALL NAMES and at the Name of Jesus every knee (or disease) will bow in heaven, earth, and hell and will proclaim that Jesus Christ is LORD (Ph.2:9‑10). As an ACTIVE Christian, you need to familiarize yourself with Mk.16:15‑20. "...In My NAME shall they (My people) cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues...they (you and I) shall lay hands on the sick, and they SHALL (not maybe) recover." Being on ACTIVE DUTY in God's Army is so successful when you go forth in the Name of Jesus.
Where did Jesus get His Name? This is a simple question. Since I believe in keeping things simple, I will give you a simple answer. He received His Name from the Godhead. Before He came to earth and was born of a virgin (Mary), He was known as Yahweh. The Greek Name "Jesus" came from the Hebrew Name "Joshua" which means "Jehovah is Salvation or Savior". Jesus is the earthly Name of God's Son and is mentioned 979 times in the New Testament. Remember this: Jesus is all God and all man. He is God Incarnate (in the flesh). Jesus is Commander‑in‑Chief of the universe.
The Bank of Heaven which is owned by our Father is a GOOD solvent bank. It is not in arrears and it pays the highest interest rates in the universe. I do not have to fret about some shyster, unscrupulous, or unethical banker booking up with all my hard earned cash. My Father is a God of integrity and can be trusted, even with my very life. I trust him with my wife, my children, my real estate, everything. His Word is solid because He cannot lie! The benefits of banking with my Father God are "out of this world". I bank all the time in the Name of Jesus!
The Name of Jesus is greater than any king or president that has ever lived. His name is greater than any angel. His Name is certainly greater than any man who has ever lived. "For in Him (Jesus) dwells ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And YOU are COMPLETE in Him (Jesus), which is the Head of ALL principality and power" (Col.2:9‑10). You have a right to use that Name "Jesus" against the enemy and all of his diabolical imps. You have a right to use that Name in prayer and spiritual warfare. You have a right to use that Name in praise and worship. You have a right to use that Name against any force that would come against your finances. There is no greater NAME! YOU are made in the direct image of God and have certain God‑given rights afforded you by your Father. He has given you dominion over everything that creeps, crawls, swims, flies, or walks (Gen.1:28).
Through the Name of Jesus, you have the POWER and RIGHT to govern and control the circumstances around you. In the Name of Jesus, kick down those ugly gates of hell and level them to the ground. Walk in there and liberate those victims and cause them to be victors. Destroy the works of the devil. Take your spiritual armor and blow up the gates of hell and set the captives FREE. Yes, YOU can do it because greater is He that is in YOU than he that is in the world (1 Jn.4:4). You have more POWER within YOU than you will ever need or use. All power has been given to you through the Name of Jesus! YOU HAVE MORE POWER IN YOUR LITTLE FINGER NAIL THAN ALL OF satan's kingdom!
If God be for us and He is, who can be against us? Who would be so STUPID as to come against us? Every demon, imp, devil, disease, infirmity, and sickness fears that NAME JESUS. They all must bow at the lovely Name of Jesus.
Jesus fears nothing. YOU do not have to fear because you GO FORTH throughout the ends of the earth possessing what rightfully belongs to you and the Kingdom of God. YOU possess souls, health, prosperity, love, righteousness, peace, joy, and good things for the Kingdom of God. YOU subdue kingdoms for Christ. YOU go forth valiantly in the fight against the enemy. YOU stomp on the devil's head and laugh loudly at lucifer the LOSER for being so stupid. You are a child of God that has a pure spirit like Caleb. You are fearless. Sometimes, you just go out looking for a good fight because you enjoy kicking ugly devils around. Joshua and Caleb brought back a good report (report of faith). Caleb quieted the people and said, "...Let us go up at once, and possess it (the land); for we are WELL ABLE to overcome it" (Nu.13:30).
Ten of the spies saw themselves as grasshoppers or pinheads because of fear and doubt. They lied about the land because of fear. They stated that the land ate up its inhabitants...not true. It was a good land flowing with milk and honey...and what about the size of those grapes? It took two men to carry one cluster of grapes (Nu.13:23). After they lied, the ten spies almost incited a riot...all because of fear and doubt.
Caleb and Joshua were GIANT men of faith. Even though doubt was all around, they gave an honest and GOOD report about the land and people. "It is an EXCEEDING good land...flowing with milk and honey. The people are bread for us. WE ARE VICTORS! We are violent. Their defense is gone. The Lord is with us...FEAR THEM NOT. We will take their spoils. They are only wimps and cowards. Their wealth is NOW ours" (Author's version Nu. 14:7‑9). Caleb was a man of God that had another spirit and walked after the Lord FULLY (faithfully). Some great things happened to this valiant combat soldier...exciting things!
God promised General Caleb and his children the very land that he had trodden upon when he had spied out the land (De.1:36). Forty five years later on his 85th birthday, this became a reality...what a GREAT birthday present for Caleb! We need more Calebs today. We need that Caleb spirit...the spirit of faith, not fear, and the spirit of boldness. God is looking for STRONG men and women to pull down strongholds, cast down imaginations, and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Let's kick fear and the devil out of our lives forever.
The Word says, "...As He is, so are we in this world" (1 Jn.4:17). Be strong in the Lord. Be brave and courageous in Christ. You are equipped with gifts and POWER through that Name of Jesus. He has commissioned you to go forth and use His NAME to PULL DOWN the STRONGHOLDS of the enemy. Listen, the battle for the Christian is easy. It is really not much of a fight when YOU KNOW that YOU have already won (Is.54:17, Eph.1:22‑23).
Mountains, strongholds, DISEASE, and fear have to bow at the Name of Jesus. We are the MIGHTY conquerors, not the conquered. We are the MIGHTY victors, not the victims. Satan is not our master; we are his. We tell him where to go and he goes. We cast him out and he runs like a scalded dog in January. We command HIM to cease and desist and he stops dead in his tracks. The enemy must stop in the Name of Jesus! Get EXCITED...you are God's man and woman for this generation.
Goodness and mercy follow you everywhere you go. You go from glory to glory. Victorious Living has become a way of life for you through the use of that wonderful Name, JESUS! Delegation of authority is a beautiful thing when it is properly used and administrated. Jesus has delegated the use of His Name to every Believer on planet Earth. He desires for us to use His Name freely at every opportunity. All that Jesus was, is, and will be is wrapped up in that holy Name Jesus. Why was Jesus given that Name? So that He could give it to us...and so that we could use that authority to subdue kingdoms of darkness, cure diseases, sicknesses, infirmities, cast out devils, addictions... set every captive FREE.
In the Name of JESUS, we go forth and neutralize the evil plan of the adversary. We prevent the execution of his plan and implement the MASTER PLAN of Jesus. Think about it. We now shut down the puny plan of the enemy and enforce the Operational Plan of the Son of Man Whose fan is in His Hand. BE LIKE JESUS. Use His power. Proclaim the Name of Jesus. Praise His Holy Name!
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
By Gayle Franks Smith
I remember that first Christmas after my mother's death. She died at the age of 49, eight months after my wedding day. I was not looking forward to that Christmas in 1969, the first Christmas of my 21 years without my mother. I did not know how our family would be able to "celebrate" Christmas that year. Our grief was still fresh.
My sister invited all of us to her home for our family Christmas get-together. We decided that it would be easier for us if we didn't go "home" (the old home place). Plus, we didn't think Dad would want to plan for our large group (five sisters and two brothers and their families). Six of his seven children were married and there were several grandchildren.
Mama had always been the organizer of the family Christmas. She had made sure that there was a special gift under the tree for each person in the family. She was the one who pulled out the dusty old hat box from the attic closet every year and checked the small collection of tree ornaments...the tinsel star, the odd accumulation of home made trinkets mixed with new decorations.
When I was 12 years old, I remember the time when the tinsel star was replaced by a plastic star that lit up. The star also doubled as the "Star of Bethlehem" in our church play. I held it high above my head as I recited a lovely poem about the star that guided the Wise Men to Bethlehem to see the Baby Jesus. That particular year as we put the new star on our tree, I felt as though it really did represent God's Star from long ago.
Mama had always taken us to church and we were regular participants in the Christmas programs. Those are the sweetest memories of all...the church Christmas plays, the "bath robed" nativity characters, and poem recitations. The carols and music still live within my heart along with Mama's smiling face watching us from the audience.
My sister called a few days before Christmas to tell me that Dad had planned to have Christmas as usual at home. She said he "wanted our Christmas to be just like Mama would have planned it", and he "would be deeply hurt if we did not come". Of course, there was never a question of going if that was what Dad wanted. I loved my father and would never intentionally hurt him.
As we drove into the driveway of the old "home place", the first thing I noticed was the decorated Christmas Tree. Dad had put it on the screened-in front porch. He had also put up some outdoor lights. The decorated house made me feel like a troubled seaman suddenly glimpsing the lighthouse beacon with its welcoming brightness of hope.
My father had always been a man of goodwill, faith, and hospitality. That year, he tried so hard to comfort everyone and make us feel cheerful. He had planned and organized everything himself. My sister-in-law had helped him shop for presents for every member of our family. He did not forget one person! I was so touched by Daddy's efforts to ease our pain...that I could not be sad. Mt heart was too full of love to have any room for sorrow.
Today, a star tops my Christmas Tree. It reminds me not only of past Christmas holidays, but also of the True Light of the world. "Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Lk.1:78-79).
My Dad lived to share ten more wonderful, beautiful Christmas celebrations with us. I miss Mom and Dad, but I am blessed with cherished memories and the Light of Hope that springs eternally through the Christ Child...Jesus Christ.
SERENITY
By Deva Smith
The word "serenity" means tranquil, dignified, unclouded; bright. Tranquility denotes a sense of peace, free from agitation. There have been times in my life when I have felt this elusive peace and yet did not realize it until the moment passed and became a favorite memory.
Just recently, when the weather changed abruptly, and I walked outside into the surprise and delight of the cool, brisk morning, serenity surrounded me. I could sense it in my being just as I could feel the fresh, soothing, cool air on my face. That feeling is now stored within my thoughts and when it comes to my mind, I can not help but smile and relive the serenity of that moment. It also makes me look forward to other such moments in the future!
In the past, I have experienced this feeling of serenity many times. In the summer, when our family goes to the mountains, we often take nature walks. As we reach the top of a mountain and look below, the overwhelming sense of tranquility and peace can only be called serenity.
I also feel this same joy of peace while listening to birds sing as if in a grand chorus of a sacred melodious and harmonious symphony.
In the summer, there is also the serenity that I feel at the beach. The sun, the rhythmic rolling of the sea, and the clear ocean blue skies continuously whisper soft, peaceful tranquility.
Often, I feel this same sense of serenity as I walk into my peaceful home...after a long, productive day. The familiar sounds of family, the sense of security...just being me, speak quiet serenity to my heart with love.
Another place I have often sought and found serenity is a place that simply means "refuge or protection"...my church, the sanctuary for many. May you find serenity today in your life!
NOTE TO READERS: Deva Smith, my niece, is the daughter of Gayle Franks Smith. Deva is also an excellent writer!
THANK GOD FOR LITTLE GIRLS
By Gayle Franks Smith
I prayed for a little girl
With soft blue eyes and hair to curl...
A girl to dress in frilly lace
With satin ribbons to frame her face.
I prayed for a little girl
A gift to treasure, love, and adore...
I prayed, but God said, "Boys were my due."
So, He gave me not one boy, but two.
I prayed for a little girl
With sweet gentle ways to grace my world...
And God smiled for the desires of my heart He knew,
For He gave me not one little girl, but two!
THANK GOD FOR LITTLE BOYS
By Gayle Franks Smith
Joy is discovering an empty bird's nest
Or a little green frog...
Climbing a tree or just sitting on a log.
Joy is finding a snake's skin, a butterfly's wing
Or different colored rocks...
Riding a bicycle or hiding a secret treasure in a little box.
Joy is soft fluffy kittens
Or teasing a playful pup...
Backyard camping and Kool-Aid in a paper cup.
Thank God for filling this mother's life
With unexpected joys...
And for laughing eyes and the smiling faces of little boys.
A HOUSE WITH CHILDREN
By Gayle Franks Smith
A house should simply be a place to live,
But sometimes I forget...
When company is coming,
Repeated warnings are sent.
"Don't make a mess, children," I yell and scream.
"Let's tidy up the floor and keep everything clean!"
An inner voice nags me and my conscience isn't clear;
The voice speaks louder until these words I hear...
"A house should be comfortable and NOT just for show.
A little wear won't hurt, or didn't you know?
Little hands that make the prints on the walls
Are more precious to God than a castle's fine halls."
LAST WORDS
Albert Schweitzer once said, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It's the only thing." What is your example like to others? Example means: Model, standard, pattern, or prototype. Today, you and I will influence someone with our example. There have been times in my own life when I was not a good example at all, especially to my children. Those are the times that I had to go back and apologize for my actions.
Every person in our society is an influence to another person in our society...good or bad. Many individuals are in jail today because they were led astray by a bad example. They did not have an excellent standard or a good moral model in which to pattern themselves. Consequently, they are now paying their debt to society because of the lack of a good example. Some of these societal unfortunates never knew their father or mother.
Hence, we have a responsibility to those around us, especially our children, to be the example to them that will produce good fruit and high standards.
Hopefully, this book has been a good influence on your life. Read it often. Share it with others. Remember who you are...An open book being read every single day!
1 comment:
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Patrick
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