GOLD NUGGETS 6

GOLD NUGGETS 6

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: 0‑926044‑57‑5

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 6" to my family, friends, and all who read this book.

INTRODUCTION

Since I have been blessed so abundantly by Our Maker God, I want to again share some of these joys, pains, agonies, ecstasies, and blissful experiences with you in the next few minutes.

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. Meantime, enjoy the gift of LIFE.

First Words

In brief, you were born for GREATNESS. You are the "APPLE" of God's eye. May you always be blessed with success, good health, and healthy emotions in your every day life. This book "Gold Nuggets #6" will assist you in the areas of virtual reality and quality living.

THE TRIPLE Es TO SUCCESS (Edify, Encourage, and Embrace)

Our success in life is based upon how we integrate and communicate with others. We get out of life what we put into it. If we sow greed, discontent, and ambiguity (double talk), that is what we will receive in life. On the other hand, if we edify, encourage, and embrace others, we will also be edified, encouraged, and embraced. What we do for others will be returned to us in some measure...down the road at some juncture. You can take that to the bank.

QUESTION: Do we want to be successful in life? Are we willing to pay the price for the above TRIPLE Es? Sometimes the price is extremely high; i.e., when our friend, neighbor, or spouse has perhaps done us an injustice. It's not always easy to edify, encourage, or embrace the one who has hurt us or said something hurtful or nasty to us in some derogatory way. No one said that experiencing life would be easy. To embrace means to forgive.

You may be thinking, "Tommy, this is all well and good, but will it work for me. You just do not understand my circumstances or difficult lot in life!" Circumstances, difficulties, problems, adversities, crises, environment, social economical level, nationality, culture, race, or gender have no effect on this "unwritten law" of success. The TRIPLE Es will work for anyone, anywhere, anyplace, anytime.

If we uplift others, we will be uplifted. If we comfort others, we will be comforted. If we inspire others, we will be inspired. If we motivate others, we will be motivated. If we support others, we will be supported. If we embrace others, we will be embraced! PERIOD!

Edify, encourage, and embrace others and you will always be welcomed and treated with dignity as a very SPECIAL person. It's a universal law, principle, and precept.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO BEAT STRESS

1. Hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door.

2. Read a book.

3. Exercise more often.

4. Take a nap.

5. Visit an Art Museum.

6. Browse a book store.

7. Go to a Flea Market.

8. Try painting a picture.

9. Visit a church or cathedral.

10. Go bird watching.

11. Practice listening while someone else talks.

12. Do only one thing at a time.

13. Drop annoying acquaintances.

14. Visit a country cemetery.

15. Go camping.

16. When you are happy, let someone else know.

17. Have a good cry once in awhile.

18. Stop trying to remember everything. Write things down.

19. When traveling...allow more time to reach your destination.

20. Leave for appointments to arrive there early.

21. Be prepared to wait for everything; ie., haircuts/banking/traffic.

22. Drop some annoying activities.

23. Take long walks in the forest.

24. Listen to a stream or running brook.

25. Listen to some relaxing music.

26. Clean out your clothes closet. If it hasn't been worn in a year, get rid of it.

27. Take time to daydream.

28. Go fly a kite or perhaps bake some fresh bread.

29. Take an ocean cruise.

30. Go bowling or visit a zoo.

31. Put together a jigsaw puzzle.

32. At times...feel free to express your feelings.

33. Go fishing.

34. Take vacations that are truly "relaxing".

35. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THINGS THAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE.

36. Avoid waiting in long lines...Avoid arguments...when possible.

37. Hug someone today.

38. Go swimming.

39. Write a letter to someone that you have not seen for awhile.

40. Watch a sunrise or sunset.

41. Plant some flowers or perhaps a garden.

42. Play basketball.

43. Play golf.

44. Refinish an old piece of furniture.

I'm running out of space, but here are a few more: Go to the beach and build some sand castles; make a pot of tea; snuggle up with your spouse; watch an old romantic movie; wash and wax your car/truck; go for a horseback ride; stop watching so much violence on TV.

45. Sit down...Relax...Close your eyes....Dream a little!


MOST OF THE ROADS TO SUCCESS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

1. The best vitamin for making friends is "B1".

2. If you don't care where you're going, any road will get you there. A pint of example is worth a gallon of advice.

3. God's last Name is not "Dammit".

4. He who throws mud loses ground.

5. No one raises his own reputation by lowering others.

6. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

7. Ideas won't work unless you do.

8. The future is purchased by the present.

9. One thing you can't recycle is wasted time. Lost time is NEVER found again.

10. A hard thing about business is minding your own.

11. Triumph is just "umph" added to try.

12. Caution is not cowardly...Carelessness is not courage.

13. He who forgives ends the quarrel.

14. Children need more models than critics.

15. Frogs have it made. They can eat what bugs them!

16. The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime.

17. If the going gets too easy, you may be going downhill.

18. Dieters: People who are thick and tired of it.

19. Jumping to conclusions is a bad exercise.

20. The best labor saving device is doing it tomorrow.

21. A turtle makes progress when it sticks its neck out.

22. Failure is the path of least persistence.

23. Hard work is the yeast that raises the dough.

24. Patience is counting down without blasting off.

25. A bad conscience has a very good memory.

26. Some folks won't look up until they are flat on their backs.

27. If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.

28. Friend...one who knows you and likes you anyway.

29. Money $$ talks and often says "Hello".

30. Birds have bills too and they keep on singing.

31. Forbidden fruit is responsible for many a bad jam.

32. God's retirement plan is out of this world.

33. A good example is the best sermon.

34. Well done is better than well said.

35. Minds are like parachutes; they function only when open.

36. Live as you wish your kids would.

37. Swallowing your pride seldom leads to indigestion.

38. If you can laugh at it, then you can live with it.

39. The Ten Commandments are not multiple choice.

40. People don't fail. They give up.

41. When looking for faults, use a mirror...not a telescope.

42. A SMILE ONLY TAKES 13 MUSCLES; A FROWN TAKES 64.

43. You can't direct the wind, but you can adjust your sails (attitude).

44. We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.

45. Tact is the ability to see others as they wish to be seen.

THE PROSPECTOR'S WISDOM:
KINDNESS: A language that deaf people can hear and blind people can see. To carry a grudge is the heaviest thing in the world to carry. A smooth sea has never made a skillful sailor. A small leak can sink a large ship. SUCCESS is...more attitude than aptitude. Our favorite attitude should be gratitude.

Hug your kids at home and belt them in the car.
ONE THING THAT YOU CAN GIVE and STILL KEEP IS: YOUR WORD.
A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.
If you must cry over spilled milk, condense it.

Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.
Make friends before you need them.
It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.
The smallest good deed is better than the greatest intention.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
Having a sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
2/3's of Promotion is MOTION.
Anger is one letter short of danger.

Success comes in "cans". Failure comes in "can'ts".
Procrastination is the thief of time.
Seek joy in what you give...not in what you get.
Money $$ is a good servant, but is a terrible master.

Read the Bible. It will scare the hell out of you.
There is no right way to do a wrong thing.
Past failures are guideposts for future success.
If we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail.

Break a bad habit...Drop it.
Action speaks louder than words...but not nearly as often.
A QUITTER NEVER WINS. A WINNER NEVER QUITS.
One who lacks courage to start has already finished.

Patience carries a lot of wait.
No man knows less than the man who knows it all.
If others have sinned...you need not mention it.
It is no crime not to be perfect.

Feed your faith and doubt will starve to death.
It is much easier to be critical than to be correct.
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
EVERYONE HAS 20/20 HINDSIGHT.

Some people develop eye strain while looking for trouble.
Too many of us speak twice before we think.
The greatest of all faults is to imagine we have none.

THE GLORY OF GOD IS YOURS

JESUS said, "All Mine are Yours...I am GLORIED in and through them (you & me). They have done Me HONOR, in them (you and me) My GLORY is achieved.
The GLORY and HONOR which You (Father) gave Me, I have GIVEN them (to us...you and me)" (Jn.17:10, 22 AMP).

The word "GLORY" in the Greek and Hebrew are defined as follows:

1. Splendor, honor, copiousness (abundance)
2. Weight, dignity, self‑esteem
3. WEALTHY, rich, to have PLENTY
4. Fame, to be magnified, a celebrity
5. Radiance, brightness, brilliance

PAUL said, "We are CHANGED into HIS Image from GLORY to GLORY" (2 Cor.3:18).

PETER said, "You rejoice & leap with unspeakable joy and are FULL of GLORY and HONOR. The spirit of GLORY rests upon you...through Him that has called us to GLORY and virtue" (1 Pet.1:8, 4:14, 2 Pet.1:3).

JOHN said, "The kings of the earth do bring their GLORY and HONOR into it (Jerusalem)" (Rev.21:24).

"I am the Lord...My GLORY will I not give to another (a strange god), neither My praise to GRAVEN IMAGES...I will not give My GLORY to another (strange or hindrance) by permitting the worship of idols to triumph over you" (Literal Isa.42:8, 48:11). These scriptures deal with idol worship, strange worship, and the worship of graven images. The word "another" has absolutely nothing to do with the Believer today unless he is an idol worshipper...and if this be the case, I question his Christian validity. God has already given us His glory!

DAVID said, "You have made man (that's you and me) a little lower than God, and has CROWNED us with GLORY and HONOR (present tense). You have put ALL THINGS under our feet...Let the WHOLE EARTH be filled with HIS GLORY" (Ps.8:5‑6; Heb.2:7; Ps. 72:19).

"The Lord will give grace and GLORY...no good thing will He withhold from us...The wise shall inherit GLORY" (Ps.84:11, Pr.3:35). God said, "As truly as I LIVE, ALL the EARTH shall be filled with the GLORY of the LORD" (Nu.14:21). Solomon said, "Wisdom (Jesus) shall preserve you...Wisdom shall exalt and promote you...Wisdom shall bring you to HONOR...Wisdom shall give you a CROWN of GLORY" (Pr.4:6‑9).

PLEASE DON'T TAKE OUR HOGS AWAY

"And when Jesus was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, He met two men possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with You, Jesus, Thou Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before our time? And there was a good way off from them a herd of swine feeding. So the devils begged Him, saying, If You cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of hogs. And He said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of hogs: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept the hogs fled, and went their way into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought (exhorted) him that he would depart (leave, remove Himself, go from) out of their coasts." (Mt.8:28-34).

WHY did they want Jesus to leave their village? Because they wanted to keep their hogs! "And when Jesus was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil begged Him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but said unto him, Go home to your friends, and tell them how great things the Lord has done for you, and has had compassion on you. And he departed, and began to publish (proclaim, preach) in Decapolis all the great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel (were filled with admiration and wonder)" (MK.5:18-20).

The people were actually saying, "Lord, You can have my problems, but not my hogs!" Some Christians want to turn over their problems to God, but not their hogs or little PIGS...That's right...PIGS (Mk.5:1‑17, Mt.8:34). The Gadarenes wanted their problem resolved (the mad man to leave them alone), but wanted to keep their filthy little pigs.

Some Christians today want to be used of God...have prosperity, peace of mind, family unity...but want to hang on to their hogs of envy, lusts, jealousy, hatred, rebellion, pride, stubbornness, letter of the law, pornography, greed, selfishness (not paying tithes), gossip, over‑eating...and the hogs go on.

This may sound pretty strong, but we need to let these types of hogs go...They are non-productive in our lives! Hog pens are not for the children of God. As we commit ourselves to God, no good gift on this green earth will God withhold from us. He has given us TALENT, ABILITY, COURAGE for HARD WORK, EDUCATION, and all kinds of resources to accomplish our mission and tasks. The key is: COMMITMENT!

We are not hogs, but Sheep who follow the Good Shepherd. Sheep are: FLEXIBLE. READY. And ready for CHANGE. No imp or demon in hell can stop you. General JESUS is in command. We FOLLOW Him. General Paraclete (the Holy Spirit) will be with us every step of the way. With our Father God, we will NOT lose. Some Christians have said, "I don't think I need to follow any man. I hear from God, myself. He is all I need. After all, who does that Priest or Pastor think he is? I'm not going to follow any man. I'm ONLY going to follow Jesus! That Priest only wants my money anyway." This type of mind-set will get us into dire straights (trouble) with God. It will also keep us from God's best in our lives!

Question? How did we get saved? How did we hear the Gospel? Did we not listen to someone talk about Jesus? Did we not believe him and follow him into a confession of Jesus? Yes, we did! We listened. We followed. We became Christians.

How do we grow in Christ? Don't we listen to good teachers, priests, pastors, and ministers of the Gospel? Paul describes these ministers as gifts of Jesus to the Body. We learn from the Five‑fold ministers. In any event, we will have to be a follower until...we not only learn the basics of Christianity, but until God calls us into a leadership position in His Army...and even then we will have another person over us in the Lord because God's Army has a Chain of Command. In fact, His Chain of Command is the only ordained and recognized echelon in the Kingdom of God.

How long will we have these gifts (Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists) in the Army of God? Have we all come into the UNITY of the faith yet (Eph.4:13)? Are we a perfect man yet? Have we grown to the stature of the FULLNESS of Christ yet? Then, we need to submit to these precious gifts! Yes, we can talk to the Commander (General Jesus) anytime we desire? ABSOLUTELY! But we must function in His Body where He places us for He has a historical Godly habit of placing you and me under someone's care and tutelage. No man is an island. Even Jesus submitted Himself to authority. "He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was habitually obedient to them..." (Amp. Lk.2:51). Let's follow in order to also lead!

BOTTOMLINE: We are NOW on a Godly MISSION for the King. We have been given a Divine Assignment. "You GO into ALL the world and preach (tell) the Gospel (Good News of the Kingdom) to EVERY creation" (Mk.16:15). As we carry out our assignment, signs and miracles will follow the WORDS that we speak (Mk.16:20).

WHAT ABOUT FEAR?
Have I ever known fear? Of course I have! Let me tell you about some fear in my life as a young lad:

When I was in elementary school as a small child, there was a school teacher who I will call "Miss Smith" for the sake of anonymity. All the children (including me) FEARED this woman with an unnatural passion. She was an unholy TERROR. She screamed. She intimidated. She dominated. She embarrassed. She paddled. She would physically and mentally hurt you. Little children would tremble in her presence. Some would even urinate on themselves in her presence! YES, I'm serious.

One time I flushed the commode in the toilet and it over‑flowed. She paddled me. Another time in the classroom, one of my classmates asked her for permission to go to the bathroom, but Miss Smith said, "NO." A few minutes later, my classmate urinated on herself and the urine ran all the way across the classroom in front of two dozen other students. The little girl, now humiliated, put her head down on her desk, and cried and cried!

In the lunch line, if you talked or did not stand the way that Miss Smith thought you should, you were jerked out of line and paddled immediately (normally three licks with the long paddle that she carried all the time). Pupil after pupil fell prey to her large, wide paddle. You talk about FEAR; there was FEAR in the camp among the little impressionable minds. Miss Smith had become a tyrant! FEAR has torment!

As a rambunctious, normal little boy, one day I decided to buy a beautiful pearl handled knife. Unfortunately, I then decided to take it to school and show it off. Therefore, as I was taking great pride in showing off this pretty little knife, another little boy decided that he just had to have this knife for himself. He couldn't live without it. So, I sold it to him and made myself a small profit.

Hence, I was proud of myself for being a shrewd little businessman. I felt so GOOD inside. I wanted to share part of the profit from this sale with my special friends. Hence, I bought them candy and sodas.

While we were on the playground still celebrating this small business venture, another friend brought me a verbal message from (GUESS WHO?) Miss Smith. He said, "Tommy, Miss Smith would like to talk to you!" Suddenly, my stomach began to roll and churn. My heart began to dramatically increase in beats. FEAR grabbed my soul and spirit. This tyrant wanted to see me. What had I done? Who had I offended? Who died? Who was going to die? What was wrong? Would she intimidate me again?

As I approached her, she shouted, "Where did you get the money to buy candy and Cokes?"

My little voice was trembling. I tried to speak, but the words were only a whisper. Again, I attempted to answer. Finally, my squeaky little voice responded, "Miss Smith, I brought a knife to school and sold it."

"You did what?" she asked?

Again, I responded as before. She looked at me and said COLDLY, "Well, we'll see about this. I don't think you are telling me the truth. I believe you are lying. We'll see. Right now, we will go talk to the person in which you sold the knife and find out if you are lying. Personally, I believe you either stole the money or found it on the school premises. If you found it, you were supposed to turn it in. We'll see!"

Fear has torment! I was scared out of my gourd! I wanted to throw up. My legs were like rubber...weak. My voice was only a whisper! I thought, "If I could only die right now..."

Off we went to find the current owner who had bought the knife. Let me preface the next part of this tragic true story with the following: Now remember, this teacher was FEARED by all. She would cut you to pieces with just mere words or an ugly look. She was fearfully awesome! She was not only loud, boisterous, and feared, but also carried a large wide paddle and a string of confiscated knives. If you were caught with a knife at school, you were in BIG trouble. The knife was always confiscated, impounded, and seized. Miss Smith was an expert interrogator. If you did not commit the offense, by the time she got through with you, you either confessed or wished you had...just to get her out of your face.

We found the little first grader that purchased the pearl handled knife from me. He was so afraid! He knew that if he got caught with the knife, it would be confiscated. Likewise, he would be in deep trouble with the "tyrant".
Consequently, in front of 29 other pupils, he denied the whole thing. At this point, I felt betrayed, confused, angry, hurt, violated, tormented, and even more fearful. I wanted to crawl under the school house and just die.

The saga continues...Picture this for a moment. My home town was a very small village (population 300). I was a poor lad reared in a poor neighborhood in a poor village from a poor family of seven children. My parents constantly emphasized high morals and standards of honesty and integrity. My father (Tony Franks) would often say, "We may be poor, but we have a good name and reputation. It is better to have a good name than to have dishonest gain."

After the little boy's denial in front of the whole class, Miss Smith took me to her room where she continued to humiliate and mortify me. She confiscated what she thought was the remainder of the unspent money. I was so SCARED; I did not tell her of the other dollar that was in my back pocket. As I was crying with fear, she said, "It's just like I thought. You have either stolen this money or found it on the playground. Either way, you are in big trouble and are going to repay it. Tomorrow, I want you to bring me the balance (approximately 35 cents) of what you spent on candy and sodas today. Tommy, you cannot steal from other students. Neither can you keep money that you find on the school premises. Tommy, you must see that I am only trying to help you."

Finally, after some rather strong ridicule on my character, she let me go back to my regular classroom. My face was red, my eyes were filled with tears; I felt so alone and bewildered and violated. I walked in the classroom crying and put my little head down on my wooden desk and cried and cried. I never wanted to face my classmates again! My whole world had crashed in around me. I wanted to die. I had been lied to and lied on...falsely accused...intimidated...and my name had been marred. WHAT ELSE could possibly happen on this DARK, GLOOMY, day that had scared the hell out of me for the next ten years?

The day was far from over! After school…on the way home, I became even more fearful as I thought about the other dollar in my back pocket. "I must get rid of it," I thought. With my little finite eight year old mind, I decided to throw it away and get free of it as soon as possible. Being an entrepreneur with this kind of hassle, I didn't need! So, I threw the dollar bill away in the bushes.

That night when my hard working father came home, he was extremely upset. Little did I know that the word was out in this small community that "Tommy Franks had somehow stolen some money at school and got into trouble with Miss Smith."

Before my father got home, he had stopped at a small service station and heard the news for himself. Someone there had said, "Tony, your son Tommy got into some trouble today at school. It had something to do with him taking some money."

My father went bananas. When he arrived, he immediately asked for me. He grabbed me by the hand and took me to his bedroom and said, "I'll teach you to steal. You KNOW it's wrong to steal. I have taught you better than that."

Of course before I could explain, he whipped me with his long leather belt. He laid several stripes on my small puny body. All I could do was cry and cry and cry some more...until there were no more tears. My heart was broken, but not my spirit. All I had ever wanted was to be accepted, loved, and to be treated with some tenderness and kindness. At this time in my life, I began to experience a new emotion called "hate". The fear of Miss Smith had turned to hate. I began to HATE her with every fiber of my being. Later, this hate turned to bitterness.

After the whipping, I explained to my father what had happened. He exclaimed, "But why would a teacher say that you had done something when you had not?"

Again, I reiterated to my father what had happened.

Let me explain about my father. He was a man with a seventh grade education who had the highest respect for teachers. To him, they were little demagogues, educators…and knew far more than anyone else. If they didn't, then why were they teachers? He did not understand that they were also imperfect humans.

My father asked, "How much money do you have to give to Miss Smith tomorrow?"

I replied, "Daddy, she wants 35 cents."

My dad reached deep into the pocket of his old work clothes and brought out a hand full of coins. He gave me the 35 cents.

The next day, I gave the money to Miss Smith as directed. As I gave it to her, she very COLDLY and almost victoriously gave me another dissertation on the evils of stealing and finding money without turning it in! She again assassinated my character.

This saga continues...You may think that this was the end of the story. I wish it was. That awful FEAR of her had now turned to anger, bitterness, and HATE. I hated her for over ten LONG years. I wanted to KILL her. I wanted to see her dead. Hate and murder had now replaced that fear. "Oh, if I could only kill her...that would make my soul feel so good and I would be free from this mental torment and scars of abuse," I thought.

Many times I would sit around fantasizing her death or how to KILL her. I was serious. I wanted that tyrant dead. The fear of her and the humiliation by her had driven me to murder (at least in my heart).

Years later after I had become a Christian, the Lord spoke to me about this matter. I had to forgive her. JESUS had forgiven me. Could I do any less concerning this teacher? NO! So, I made a decision...to love her and forgive her. A huge weight was lifted from my shoulders that day. Praise God. Later, I sent Miss Smith a long letter and told her that I had forgiven her and that I did, in fact, LOVE her! I told her about JESUS in my life.

Today, Miss Smith has retired from school teaching and is involved in a good solid Christian Church. I believe that she has also confessed Jesus Christ as Lord of her life. JESUS FORGIVES! Can we do any less?

The above story is true! Only the name has been changed to protect the FORGIVEN! QUESTION? Would you torment your children with fear? NO! Neither would God! God is love. The Word says, "There is NO fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect (complete) in love" (1 Jn.4:18).

We do NOT need to fear any longer! "Fear" or "fearful" means: scared, dread, terror, intimidated, trembling, cowardice, timidity, frightened, quake, put to flight.

Fear is awful. It makes people do all kinds of crazy things. The Bible says, "The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous (you and me) are as BOLD as a lion" (Pr.28:1). The sinner is the one who is suppose to fear, flee, take flight, and act like a coward, NOT the Christian.

Fear is not of God. Fear is a sin. "And sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Do not err (sin), my beloved" (Ja.1:15‑16). God has commanded us not to fear. The Bible says for us to cast ALL our cares (fears) upon Him (God) because He cares for us (1 Pet.5:7).

Believe me, when people are caught up in fear, they do stupid things because they are acting in haste and in the flesh. Fear mixed with haste makes waste! Most of the time haste cost money and sometimes even human lives. FEAR is an AWFUL THING! IT is a spirit. FEAR IS OF THE DEVIL, not of GOD! You show me a person of fear and I will show you a very un‑happy individual. Show me a fearful Christian and I will show you a miserable Christian.

NO MORE TIME FOR YOU, DEVIL
By Tommy Franks

DEVIL, GET OUT OF MY WAY, YOU HELL BENT NINCOMPOOP.
MY TIME IS TOO VALUABLE TO MESS AROUND WITH YOU.
YOUR FEAR AND SCARE TACTICS DON'T WORK HERE ANYMORE
BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN SET FREE BY JESUS AND RESTORED FOREVERMORE!

NO MORE TIME FOR YOU, DEVIL
DON'T MESS AROUND WITH ME,
IF YOU GET IN MY WAY, I'LL STEP ON YOU LIKE A FLEA,
THE KING OF KINGS TAKES VERY GOOD CARE OF ME!

DEVIL, GET OUT OF MY WAY; YOU MAY ROAR LIKE A LION,
BUT YOU ARE NOW TOOTHLESS and BALD-HEADED RUNNING OUT OF TIME.
THE GREATER ONE LIVES INSIDE ME BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN
RANSOMED BY THE MAN OF GALILEE!

NO MORE TIME FOR YOU, DEVIL
DON'T MESS AROUND WITH ME,
IF YOU GET IN MY WAY, I'LL STEP ON YOU LIKE A FLEA,
THE KING OF KINGS TAKES VERY GOOD CARE OF ME!

DEVIL, GET OUT MY WAY...BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T,
I'LL RUN OVER YOU LIKE A STEAMROLLER IN THE SCORCHING SUN.
YOU SEE, MR. STUPID, I HAVE BEEN REDEEMED BY THE HOLY ONE
WHO LOVES ME, CARES FOR ME, SET ME FREE...AND THE VICTORY WON!

NO MORE TIME FOR YOU, DEVIL
DON'T MESS AROUND WITH ME,
IF YOU GET IN MY WAY, I'LL STEP ON YOU LIKE A FLEA,
THE KING OF KINGS TAKES VERY GOOD CARE OF ME!

WINNING (GOALS)

We must make plans and have goals. Jesus said, "Which of you that intends to build a tower (structure), sits NOT down FIRST, and counts the COST, whether you have sufficient (funds, resources) to finish it" (Lk.14:28)? Ships without sails are like people without dreams, or goals. We must know our next port of call. We need a clearly defined game plan and purpose. We must set GOALS.

Every successful man/woman has goals. The subconscious mind goes to work immediately to bring these things into reality. Less than 5% of all the people have goals. WINNERS are intense goal orientated. When we program a goal into our minds, we have a self induced goal seeking function almost like a heat seeking missile toward its target. The human being is built as a goal seeking mechanism. However, most people go around in circles...with no goals. What do goals do for us?

GOALS bring us straight to the target, PURPOSE, direction, focus. They give us channeled energy; save years of time for us. They trigger the human success mechanism. Think, talk about, visualize, and write down your goals.

Sometimes, it is better not to SHARE OUR GOALS WITH OTHERS, especially if others are negative. Share them with people who want the very best for you. Some people do not want you to succeed because they think...you may make them look bad!

We need to have Intensity of Purpose (Goals). We must decide what we WANT. We must determine the price that we will have to pay to get what we want. QUESTION? Will I pay the price (commitment)?

There are different types of Goals: 5 Yr., 1 Yr., 6 MO., 30 Day; etc. IF WE FAIL TO PLAN, WE PLAN TO FAIL BY DEFAULT. Most people spend more time reading the newspaper, making a grocery list, Christmas list, planning a party than they do in planning their lives.

WINNERS make lists as to what they want to do. Be Goal achieving...not tension relieving. WINNERS ARE PEOPLE OF DISCIPLINE. Make yourself a daily "To Do List." Your goals should be SPECIFIC, not nebulous.

100 men who start even at the age of 25, ALL believe they will be successful; however, at age 65: One will be RICH, 4 will be financially independent, 5 will still be working, 54 will be BROKE. Only 5 make the grade. WHY? What happens? No predetermined goals...The opposite of courage is not cowardice, BUT CONFORMITY. Confront or conform. People that act like other people instead of having their own goals...will probably end up broke! Goal oriented people are SUCCESSFUL.

WHY do we conform? Most people do not know why. 20 men were asked why they worked or got up in the morning. 19 out of 20 had no idea. "Well everyone else is doing it." What is the key to knowing your purpose? The KEY: Set goals.

Share goals ONLY with other goal setters. Do one thing at a time. Wishy‑washy day dreaming will get you nowhere. Be motivated and enthusiastic. It's contagious. The fear of failure...will kill your goal. Failures will happen. Failure is one of the keys to SUCCESS. It is impossible to succeed without failing; i.e., walking. When you began to walk as a baby, you fell many times; however, with encouragement from your parents, you learned to walk on your own two feet. All GREAT SUCCESS was preceded by GREAT FAILURE.

We must be willing to fail or fall on our face. Every great man/woman on planet earth has failed at one time, but they learned from their failures. Great success is normally just one tiny step beyond your greatest failure. Thomas Alva Edison was the greatest failure ever in the history of inventions. He failed more times and lost more money in experiments than any other inventor in the world. However, he was also the greatest inventor in the world with 1,097 inventions and devices registered with the US Patent Office. His inventions have literally made 100's of billions of dollars throughout the past decades. Thomas failed over 10,000 times with the light bulb alone. Did he give up and quit? Are you kidding? People and journals said that he was out of his mind...crazy! People said that there was no future in the electric light bulb. One day after 5,000 failures on the light bulb, a journalist came to him and asked, "Why do you persist in wasting your time? You know that man was meant to light his way with a kerosene lantern."

Mr. Edison responded, "I have not failed. I have successfully identified 5,000 ways it will not work."

Today, most people see themselves as failures! At the Indianapolis Race Track, one of the drivers responded to the question, "What do you do when you are in a tight spot...a wall is before you...and another car is beside you?"

"If you look at the wall...you hit it. If you look at the other car...you hit the car. LOOK for the OPENING...see yourself going through the opening. Give it all you got and go through the opening. The Lord will help you. Your subconscious mind goes into action."

If we fail to plan, we plan to fail by default. The power within us MOVES us toward our dominant thoughts. WE WILL BECOME WHAT WE THINK ABOUT..."As a man thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Prov.23:7). A man's life is what his thoughts produce. A man is what he thinks about. We must have a single focus. If we think in positive terms, we will get positive results. Believe and receive. WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK ABOUT. If we think about nothing, we get nothing. Our land will return what we plant (either corn or nightshade poison). The mind works the same way. It does not care what you plant in it...Good thoughts or bad thoughts.

We need to write our goals down and rehearse them. Keep them short and real. Look at them often...at least daily. Don't wash your minds with TV soaps.

IF YOU don't STAND for SOMETHING, you'll FALL for ANYTHING. We must have a Purpose and a goal. The mind is GOAL‑SEEKING by design. Peak performance begins by establishing goals. Why do we need goals? If you had a $million dollar racehorse, would you keep him up half the night letting him drink coffee or smoke cigarettes and eat junk food? NO! NO! Feed your mind with goals!

From 1953-1973, Yale University completed a survey in reference to goals. 3% of the graduates had goals and plans of actions. 97% did not! The 3% that had a plan and goals accomplished more in all areas than the other 97% combined.

"Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I’ll give you a man who will make history...but give me a man without a goal and I will give you a stock room clerk" (J.C. Penny).

Develop a Plan of Action! What will it do for you? You will have more MONEY, PEACE of MIND, BETTER SELF‑IMAGE, SELF‑ESTEEM, and a whole lot more CONFIDENCE! As I have said many times before, sometimes, it is better not to SHARE YOUR GOALS with just anyone, especially if they are negative. Share them with people who want the very best for you. Some people do not want you to succeed because they think...you may make them look bad!

The opposite of courage is not cowardice, BUT CONFORMITY. Actively seek out people who have ALREADY SUCCEEDED. Learn what they have done. Dare to believe in yourself and you too will do it. You must have DREAMS and GOALS. These people did: Sally Ride (first woman astronaut), Answar Saddat (led Egypt into a new era of progress), Sandra Day O'Connor (1st woman judge of the US Supreme Court), Meryl Streep (great actress), Barbara Streissand (star performer), Stevie Wonder (singer), Margaret Thatcher (presided over the House of Parliament and led her country to a new high in world affairs), Billy Graham (great evangelist), Abraham Lincoln (one of our greatest presidents).

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!

I wrote this letter to my son (Tony) when he was at the US Air Force Academy:

"You are a "creation" of God. You have Divine Favor with God and man. You are on Divine Assignment. When you walk into a room, you are there not by chance, but by Divine Appointment. There is a charisma within you that you did nothing to receive. You were born with it. It is a holy "gift" from God. Use it wisely.

Your future is greater than your past. The foundation has been laid. You're on solid ground. Elvis Pressley had charisma, but did he always use it wisely? Tina Turner has charisma and has energy far beyond her age. General Powell has charisma. President Clinton has charisma. Winston Churchill had charisma. Even President Nixon had charisma, but may not always be remembered as such.

Today, Son, tell yourself: "Self, you will use your talents and gifts wisely. You will use your charisma in a way that is pleasing to God...the One Who made you! This nation needs you, self. You will not let them down. You will go forth and be the leader that you were created to be. Yes, sometimes, self, you will make mistakes, but that only proves that you are moving in a forward direction. Today, self, "TAKE CHARGE" and go forth, be productive, allow those tremendous ideas to spring forth...and change will come. Be happy. God is on your side. He is for you! You will be successful. You will overcome. You are a leader of leaders! PERIOD!"

Your Dad

PS: The battle has already been won. It's not much of a battle when you know who you are! I love you. MAKE IT HAPPEN! YOU CAN DO IT!

His response follows: "Thanks Dad, I needed that. I am going in about 10 minutes for a top NCO job in charge of 10 squadrons, maybe the entire wing. I know I can do it. I just need the confidence that only God can give me to say the things I need to say and properly. I will tell you how it goes later. Thanks a lot
for your prayers and your support…I love you…"
Tony

More on GOALS

Setting Goals is paramount to living an exciting LIFE. Otherwise, life can be dull, boring, uneventful, and even chaotic...but when you set goals, life takes on new meaning with gusto. Goals give you ENTHUSIASM. In the Greek, "enthusiasm" means "in God violently involved." It's sort of like the chicken. She was certainly involved in laying the egg...but the pig was violently involved when he became bacon.

In order to have life more abundantly, we need to set goals and get enthusiastic (violently involved). The Word says that the violent take it by force!

Recently, a survey was made of several Americans who had assets of over $150 million. They had three things in common:

1. They all had an average of an 8th Grade Education.
2. They were self‑confident with a positive attitude and believed, "There's ALWAYS a way. It can be done!”
3. They had goals and worked only on the important things that really mattered. In other words, "Don't sweat the small stuff."

Goals help you make good decisions. Did you know that 68% of the American people do not...will not...or very hesitatingly make any kind of major decision. WHY? Because they have no goals.

Goals build self‑confidence. When you have a goal (small or great), and you achieve your goal, it builds self‑confidence. You begin to see yourself as a WINNER. "As a man thinks in his/her heart, so is he/she." You become what you think about. If I think about eggheads all day long, pretty soon I'll become one. But if I think about Christian giants, heroes, great orators, statesmen, mighty men of valor, generals, men/women of worth, men/women of renown, Abraham Lincoln, etc...Some of this is bound to rub off on me! Therefore, set goals and dwell on them. Think about them daily. It will happen in a TREMENDOUS way!

What Will GOALS Do For YOU?

They help you focus and concentrate your energies into the accomplishment of your mission or tasks. They help you to harness your POTENTIAL! Once you have a goal and write it down, the force of God comes on the scene to assist you in doing it.

Someone recently told this story. The time was 1889. The man's name was Bernard Baruch. He was an orphan without a home or family. He was raised in orphanages. He graduated from The College of New York City in 1889. Before long, he had become quite wealthy as a member of the NY Stock Exchange. He was known as the "Park Bench Philosopher" because that's where he held his meetings and conferences...the park benches of NY and Washington, DC. Don't laugh. He was one of the most sought after men in America on the topic of finances. He served as the economic advisor to seven presidents.

How did he do it? His words: "I learned from the simple magnifying glass. The sun's rays fall on everyone. However, the magnifying glass captures the rays...harnesses its power...focuses its energy...and brings forth the fire."

Bernard equated this concept with goal setting. Goals do exactly the same identical thing in our lives. They capture our energy, harness our talents, develop our potential, and bring forth the end result...accomplishment of the mission or task. Happy Goaling!


YOU CAN DO IT!

Another letter to my son (Tony):

General AJ,

The words for you today are, "YOU can do it. You were created for such a time as this...to be a LEADER for this great nation. This country needs you as never before. Remember, YOU are training for reigning...schooling for ruling. YOU have an unction to function. God will put you over. He is never late or too early. And His promises are YEA and AMEN. In other words, His promises are always YES...never no or maybe. His 32,000 promises are always YES to His children... and YOU are one of His many children. Learn, look, and listen to His Spirit. His protection and care are upon your life, especially during this phase of your life. His strength is your strength. His abilities are your abilities. His knowledge is your knowledge. You are not only a soldier (airman) for America, but YOU are also a soldier in God's Army. In Jesus' Name, it will happen!" I love YOU,
Dad

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Some people blame others for who they are or are NOT. Some blame their circumstances, their environment, upbringing, parents, dead‑end jobs, their church, their forefathers, lack of money, etc. Some blame their spouses! We are living in the society of blame...blaming someone else for all of our shortcomings and lack.

Case in Point: The young man's defense was quite simple. The man he killed had made him mad. "If he would not have made me angry, he would still be alive," said the killer.

Circumstances are not our problem. Neither are people or the weather or environment. "We" are our problem. The WINNER finds a way. He makes lemonade out of the lemons. He finds a positive way to take the initiative. He uses his circumstances as stepping stones to greater things. He reaches out and makes it happen. The winner creates a way to win. He finds the GOLDEN opportunity and makes it his "golden goose." Charge on my dear ones...You are a WINNER today! With your positive attitude, who would be so silly as to try to stop you?

LAST WORDS
Let us advance with confidence toward the fullness of Christ. Let us embrace the heartbeat of our destiny…for the Lord delights in His kids…and you are one of His kids. All we will ever want…need…or desire is found in Jesus Christ. If we lack power, wisdom, or prosperity, we will find it in Him. He is all that we will ever need. He has all that we will ever need or asked. We have no lack in Him!