Week 22 - #Prepare “Letters”

“The Legacy of Letters"

Hebrews 13:22 -"But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly."

Proverbs 18:4 - “A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”

Romans 15:15 -"But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God,”

What in your life do you need to acknowledge?

I have his framed degree on the wall next to mine. I display his watch and college ring on my desk. I often wear the Cincinnati University Bearcat t-shirt I once gave him for Father’s Day. But the most prized possessions I have left from my dad, is the stack of handwritten letters he sent to me that I have kept, (I have them all) going all the way back to my college years; and even before.

Oh (self included) how the art of handwritten notes have been lost to emails, a quick text, tweets, Facebook posts or direct messages.

Often forgotten are the artifacts of ink to paper, cards, envelopes, and stamps!

Although most of us have fallen victim to our instant paths of connecting through various social media, and technology platforms, there is still nothing like holding a tangible piece of paper in your hands, with a hand written message by a very intentional sender.

So what hinders our letter writing to others even when, as a recipient, most know the joy it brings to us finding a letter in the mailbox with our name on it!

Can we not find the time to reciprocate the sender’s thoughtfulness? To acknowledge their intentional action. To convey our gratitude, love, encouragement or even sorrow depending on their current circumstances?

When was the last time you sat down to prepare to share your thoughts on paper and make someone’s day?

King Solomon the author of Proverbs 18:4 shared “A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”

In this world and in times like these I gain strength from the old letters my dad wrote me over the years. He may be gone but his words of encouragement and exhortation lives on.

DADs, not only speak the words (which are so valuable), but let us also regularly write down the words that are the life-giving water, full of wisdom and refreshing as a bubbling brook,” today. Words that outlive us leaving our legacy behind for the next generation to pass along.

To God be the glory!

DADs “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepared for the legacy of “letters.” Next week we will consider how to earn and prepare for “trust."

Note: *For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word...#Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

Week 21 - #Prepare "Acknowledge"

"The Power of Acknowledgement"

Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Galatians 2:16 "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Romans 12:6-8 "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

What in your life do you need to acknowledge?

Why is it so easy to acknowledge success but ignore the process and even our failures?

To acknowledge is so critical in every aspect.

In preparation for our own acknowledgments we must practice intentional transparency. Transparency in our beliefs, our practices, and our motives.

It is in our acknowledgment through transparency we can realize and utilize the gifts God has given each of us!

We all have gifts but often fail to acknowledge them! By acknowledging our unique talents we can direct them towards the area benefiting those needing what we have the most.

As Paul writes in

Romans 12:6-8 "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

When you start to acknowledge and name the ambitions that are rumbling around inside you, they open up a new vista of what life was meant to be—full of passion and purpose.

DADs, let's start preparing to engage in our purpose God has planned out for each of us by acknowledging those gifts inside us!

To God be the glory!

DADs, “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepared for the power of "acknowledgement.” Next week we will consider how to reflect and prepare for the reasons we need to write and send “letters”**

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word...#Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

Week 20 - #Prepare - “Yearn"
Are You Yearning on Empty?

Romans 1:11 For I long to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift, to strengthen and establish you;

1 Thessalonians 2:8 Thus, yearning over you, we had found our delight in having imparted to you not only the glad tidings of God, but our own lives also, because ye had become beloved of us.

James 4:5 Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, "The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning?”

One definition of yearn is “to long persistently.”

What do you yearn for? What are those things if absent from your life, even for a short period of time you miss?

Do you yearn to make a difference? Yearn to share life with others? Or maybe to create something never imagined before?

What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning when the “opportunity” clock goes off and your feet hit the ground?

Is there a persistent longing in your life "powering your purpose" and “launching" you into your mission?

Wow. I know. Many Questions. Probably too many!

DADs, the yearning in your life is the spark moving you towards action. But to fuel this yearning, you will need to prepare because like Jackson Browne’s 1977 tune, you don’t want to find yourself “Running on Empty.”

"Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive. Trying not to confuse it, with what you do to survive '69, I was 21 and I called the road my own I don't know when that road turned into the road I'm on"

"Running on empty Running blind Running into the sun But I'm running behind"

Ever feel that way? Wondering how you got down this road you are on and running behind? Your yearning must be fueled and it must also have direction.

In Romans 1:11, Paul had a yearning to be in person with the Christians in Rome. He wrote: "For I long to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift, to strengthen and establish you.”

Paul knew he had the ability to build up the Christians in Rome and he longed to fuel their spirit and to strengthen them. Like many of the gifts God instills within us, Paul’s yearning was a gift to be shared with others.

DADs it is essential to have passion and yearning in our lives. It’s what gives us each purpose, fueling our direction. But our yearning must be grounded in truth and Kingdom like.

Where we turn to and whom we place our trust in will determine the road we find ourselves on.

The yearning that truly makes us smile and most importantly makes God smile, is the yearning we have prepared for, never running blind or finding ourselves running on empty!

To God be the glory!

DADs“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepared for our “yearning.” Next week we will consider how to discern and prepare for those things we need to “Acknowledge”**

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word...#Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

Week 19 - #Prepare - “Love"
"Outdoing One Another In Love"

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showinghonor. (Romans 12:10)

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from apure heart... (1 Peter 1:22)

Finally, all of you, haveunityof mind, sympathy, brotherly love,a tender heart, and ahumblemind. (1 Peter 3:8)

One of my favorite football coaches, Lou Holtz, has been quoted before saying,“I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.”

Oh, how we all need to put these three simple rules into practice with our daily life, and infuse them into our world today!

This week of preparation we focus on love.

How do you show people you care?

Who are the people you love, and who are the people that love you?

Based on our definition of “prepare" what do you need to apply, fix, or establish with your others in regards to love?

I believe the key to prepare for love, lies in one word -intentional.

Whether we speak the words of love directly or we demonstrate through our patience, presence and promotion, we must be intentional in sharing our love for others.

Yes, there are some crossing our paths more difficult to love than others, but in our intentionality we have the opportunity to practice our humility, allowing us to see the best in those otherwise deemed unlovable.

As a human race, we have got to find the way leading to the journey, emulating what Paul exhorted in 1 Peter 1:22: “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”

As we mentioned in week one, we must prepare intentionally our “hearts" to become the vessel for loving others.

So where do we start? Wherever you are!

You may currently need reconciliation. Maybe some renewal. Or still yet, choosing to simply start with respect. None will happen without intentionality.

In Romans 12:10 we are reminded to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.”

Can you imagine if we turned our competitive spirits towards intentionally “showing” how much we care and love others? By outdoing one another in showing honor to all those God places in our lives?

In our preparation for love we must not withhold the love God has for each of us.

Like our heavenly DAD, we must share love, show love, be love.

In 1 Peter 3:8, we read these instructions "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."

DADs, let us out do each other in our preparation today, to intentionally show people we care, with brotherly affection, a humble heart and giving honor!

To God be the glory!

DADs, “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepared for love.” Next week we will consider how to discern and prepare for those things we “yearn for!”**

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 18 we talk about what it means to "prepare” for life's hurts.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

Week 18 - #Prepare - "Hurt"
"Before the Hurt"

Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I Peter 4:12 & 13 - “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Hebrews 12:1 & 2 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In this precious life God has given us, we prepare for a lot of things. We prepare for school. We prepare for a career. We prepare for a marriage and a family. We prepare for anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations, but typically we do not prepare for loss, pain and life’s hurts.

For the most part, I am a glass half full guy, and I have the tendency to look for the silver lining even in the midst of darkness. My daily practice leans towards anticipating and acknowledging the many blessings this life has to offer and they are endless!

But scripture warns us we are also to be prepared and alert to acknowledge pain and sorrow in our journeys, thus not be “surprised at the fiery ordeal” that sometimes will come upon us along the way.

Who wants to face those things? No one! The good news is we have a God that goes before us and never forsakes us, even when facing hurt. No matter the hurt.

Since we are not all Boy Scouts and “always prepared” for every scenario when life’s hurts appear, we can be prepared by finding ourselves in God’s word DAILY. We can lean on His understanding, receive His hope, and know He goes before us.

It is that precious assurance that God stays with us, providing us the will as the author of Hebrews 12 encourages us all “to run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” while “fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

So the question is…

Will preparing for hurt by maintaining a relationship with Jesus daily remove us from any future pain or sorrow?

No, BUT He will give us His eyes to see our hurts differently whatever the circumstances and whatever the hurt.

And not only will He will provide His presence through it all, He will give us His own personal GPS too! As it is written in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

DADs, by securing the foundation of your faith, by first establishing your walk with Christ today, you are preparing for your worst days. This way you can more fully enjoy your very best days.
And when hurt does come, as singer/songwriter Benjamin Rector shares in his lyrics of his song “When a Heart Breaks”,
”This isn't easy This isn't clear And you don't need Jesus til' you're here Then confusion and the doubts you had up and walk away They walk away When a heart breaks”

There are no shortcuts in this preparation! We must not wait till hurt comes our way to look squarely to God. We must prepare today as we are exhorted in I Peter 4:12, to “rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”

DADs, let us each be overjoyed! Even through our pain, our sorrow and hurts today, while sharing this preparation to your children along the way.

To God be the glory!

DADs“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepared for life’s “hurts.” Next week we will consider how we prepare to love others, and revealing Christ’s love for us**

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 18 we talk about what it means to "prepare” for life's hurts.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

Week 17 - #Prepare - "Soar"
“But they that wait…Soar!"

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Exodus 19:4 - You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Why do we sometimes delay our dreams and allow ourselves to become discouraged, while knowing all along God has a plan for us to soar?

What hinders our ability to soar as we find ourselves grounded and still in the hanger?

I think there are so many reasons why we get derailed and distracted along the way. But I think the number one reason we find ourselves forgoing the mission is we quit!

Now I'm not saying we quit easily. I’m saying we reach a point where we may have allowed the enemy to weaken our passion and we no longer see the purpose in it. Or we begin to question our own worthiness in achieving such a goal? Or perhaps we are not seeing the results after months of striving and the “other” things divert our attention?

To truly soar, we must prepare by remembering our source.

The source!

In Exodus 19:4, God reminds the Israelites through Moses of the source. His source! His strength! God said,

"You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.”

We quit because we move away from God’s strength as we rely on only ours.Time after time God provided the way for His people, moving them out of Egypt, all the way to the promised land. Even when the Israelites repeatedly forgot to rely on God’s wings to protect them, He never changed, He never wavered, His ultimate plan for His children.
Just like any great parent, God wants us to soar!

In one of the most quoted verses in the Old Testament, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah speaks of God’s strength for the weary, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
There it is! “But they that wait!”
We stop. We quit because at times we do not wait!

If we would just wait and wait on the Lord…the “Lord shall renew” our strength!”

To prepare to soar we must sometimes wait. And what we wait for can be the difference.

We wait for the source. His source. His strength.

In this intentional time of preparation, Isaiah goes on to say,

"they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

DADs, let us not quit in those areas eternal. Let us prepare to soar and persevere knowing God’s strength is our source.
Let us remember the words Paul, author of Galatians, wrote as an encouragement to the church there, in Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

DADs don't quit!

To God be the glory!

DADs “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men, Suit Up!

**This week we examined the source enabling us to soar! Next week we explore what it means to help be prepared for life's hurts, and how we can navigate through our sorrows**

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 17 we talk about what it means to "prepare” to soar."

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

Week 16 - #Prepare - “Flight" Are You Prepared for Takeoff?

2 Timothy 2:22:So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 10:23: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Ephesians 5:15: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.

OK, so I know this is going to date me but I was in high school, and college when singer Kenny Rogers was releasing hit after hit on the radio. Songs like “Coward of the County,” and “Lucille.” I was such a fan of Kenny’s music that I personally requested his 1980 song written by Lionel Richie, called “Lady” sung at my wedding! I’ll never forget looking into my brides eyes and hearing the first line of that all time great,

“Lady, I’m your knight in shining armor, and I love you.You have made me what I am, and I am yours”

But, probably the most famous of all Kenny Rogers songs, released a year earlier, topping the billboard charts as well was, “The Gambler.” This classic country tune includes a chorus that is often heard quoted today by many, and aligns well with our focus as we prepare for “flight.” Without any doubt, I’m confident anyone older than 55 will remember these words:

"You've got to know when to hold 'em Know when to fold 'em Know when to walk away And know when to run"

So on Friday I was interviewing a good friend and ministry associate for a brand new podcast and the topic discussed was “time."

Together, we discussed issues of our busyness, schedules, and the full gamut of things we find ourselves covered up with. We exhibited what Stephen Covey frequently alluded to, "allowing the little things to squeeze out what we might refer to as our "big rocks."

In other words we allow "what matters most to be sacrificed sometimes for what matters least."

In that same interview with my friend, and colleague, he shared a story including the scripture found in Ephesians 5:15, where Paul exhorts us all to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”

The question derived from Pauls’s teachings, my colleague shared, was when it comes to our time, was simply to ask, “is it wise?”

You see there are many things we all do or choose to do in our life’s journeys seen as being “good,” but,“is it wise?”

What if we put into practice regularly with our preparation, asking this one simple question of ourselves in all circumstances? Is it wise for today? Is it wise for the big picture? Is it wise for our family?

DADs, what are the things you are doing now causing you to flee and take flight? What are you doing that Kenny Rogers said in his song to literally “know when to run?”

In this year of preparation what do you need to do to “establish, fix or apply” when it comes to your “flight plan?” Do you know when to hold’em and more importantly know when to fold'em?

DADs, do not think for a single moment, what you are struggling with to let go, is unique to only you.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23, we are reminded, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

DADs, although your battle is not unique, God provides a flight plan specifically for you!

All He desires is for us is to heed the instructions found in 2 Timothy 2:22, to “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

My brothers always remember to ask the question, Is it wise?

If the answer is no, then get yourself prepared for takeoff!

To God be the glory!

DADs“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Two weeks ago we examined preparation for “fight.” Today we are reminded the need to consider as well those things to take “flight.” Next week we will consider the plans God has for you as His disciples we prepare to “soar.”**

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 16 we talk about what it means to "prepare” to fight.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

Week 15 - #Prepare - “What’s Worth Fighting For?”

Ephesians 6:13:Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

2 Timothy 4:7:I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Through my teenage years there were still cigarette commercials on TV, and there was one cigarette commercial promoting a slogan I still remember to this day.

"Us Tareyton smokers would rather fight than switch!" This enduring slogan that appeared in magazine, newspaper, and television advertisements for Tareyton cigarettes from 1963 until 1981. It was the American Tobacco Company's most visible advertising campaign in the 1960s and 1970s.

Now I have never smoked a single cigarette (cigar on occasion around the poker table) in my entire life, so I cannot empathize with those that would rather fight than switch when it comes to cigarettes. But, it does make me wonder as we reflect on this slogan today, to ask “what are those things in your life you are so passionate about that you would rather fight than switch?”

I am not in any way literally talking about, nor endorsing, physical fighting. I am speaking about standing up for those you love, those that love you, and the causes that have the potential to positively transform lives that you hold dear to your heart.

What are those things that move you? You see if we are not moved by something (s), we are essentially just existing. If we are not “moved” we become stagnant. Stagnant becomes stale, and stale renders us apathetic as we find ourselves sitting on our hands watching life pass us by.

I believe fighting is a combination of passion plus action. Action that is purposeful and guided; bringing a vision into focus and fruition.

Ok, so how did we get here? From a slogan about cigarettes to pondering a deep question about fighting for our nonnegotiables?

We got here because every day God gives us is game day. God desires us to carry His banner. To fight for His Kingdom. To fight past our differences. To fight past our daily struggles. To fight to give God the glory in both good times and bad.

In this year of preparation, what do you need to do to insert yourself in the game? To fight as a participant. To be a contributor. We prep to fight by discerning and heeding God’s calling for us to connect our passion to action.

One more thing. Put on your armor! As Paul exhorted in Ephesians 6:13: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

DADs, let's Suit Up and prepare to put on the armor of light Today!

To God be the glory!

DADs - “get in the game”… Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 15 we talk about what it means to "prepare” to fight.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

*Next week we will talk about what it means to prepare for flight. When do we, as the Hall of Fame singer Kenny Rogers once sang in his song the Gambler...“know when to hold them and know when to fold them?"

Remember to pass along our blog to those you believe would benefit from our message.**

Are You Really Listening?

James 19 - "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger"

Proverbs 18:13 - "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame."

Wouldn’t you think since God gave us one mouth and two ears that we would listen twice as much as we spoke?

I’m sure that was probably God’s intention, for us to listen more, and speak less, but as history shows throughout the Bible we often fall short of God’s instructions.

Through the years I have realized the urgency in developing my listening skills but I have not made it important.

Like the topic of prayer that we discussed last week, listening for me does not come easy. But as we continue to consider this idea to prepare in 2021, we must all become better listeners!

In the book of James, verse 19, - we are given these specific instructions...

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Do you know one thing that comes out of thoughtful and intentional listening?

Legitimacy!

Yes, legitimacy.

Legitimacy in the eyes of those we give the gift of active and focused listening.

So why then do we withhold this precious gift?

Maybe because we think we have so much to share? Or because we are just modeling what the world embraces to be heard. To voice our opinion while possessing a disregard for others ideas. To essentially be the loudest in the room.

You may be asking “How do we stop this train?”

We start with us.

You and me.

First, with impressive empathy, we begin inside our own homes with our wives and children. We do this by acknowledging the need “to establish, fix, or apply,” ways to prepare intentionally, to practice our listening with those we love the most.

Otherwise, if we do not, we will only reap what it says in

Proverbs 18:13, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

When I look in the mirror I want to see a man that has committed to becoming a better listener. I am wanting to avoid folly and shame.

I have much work to do. It’s time to prepare with both urgency and importance to better listen Today.

DADs...will you join me?

To God be the glory!

DADs - “get in the game”… Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 14 we talk about what it means to "prepare” to listen.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

*Next week we will talk about what it means to prepare to fight for those things that matter most. Remember to pass along our blog to those you believe would benefit from our message.

Week 13 - #Prepare - “Prayers”

Even Popcorn Prayers are Heard

Philippians 4:6,7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”

Psalm 18:6 "In my distress I called to the Lord;I cried to my God for help.From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears."

I’m sure you have experienced or felt before the "power of prayer,” and heard many times how prayer is our "direct line" to our Heavenly Father.

So why then, do we often find countless other avenues to travel down, while “reaching” for something always “better” before fully surrendering to prayer?

Maybe it's because we think for God to really hear us, we must literally get down on our hands and knees and who has time for that, right?

It is true that God desires our full attention. He wants a relationship with us. He does like us to be still and listen.

But whether our petitions are presented to Him in the stillness of our quiet times, (kneeling, sitting or standing), or we are in the midst of our most chaotic moments, sending up even “popcorn” requests, God hears us. He hears you!

So maybe the most important question is not about; how you pray, where you pray, or how often you pray, but simply do you pray?

In this time of preparation, what do you need to “to establish, fix, or apply” when it comes to your prayer life?

Whatever your practice for prayer is, one strategy or key to ensuring you are consistent with prayer might be to simply "calendar it!"

Stephen Covey taught his audiences over the years to never allow “what matters most to be sacrificed for what matters least.” In order to do this we must ensure what Covey referred to as the "big rocks,” to always be scheduled first.

In this year of preparation I believe there is no "bigger rock” than to spend time with God in prayer. Although the little things are truly important, they cannot displace what matters most.

In Philippians 4:6,7, we are encouraged to“not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”

True confession, I have to work at this daily, especially on the "intentional, and sitting still in quiet moments" part to pray. But, I also have a conversation with God all day, in my work and in my play.

As the scripture in Psalms 18:6 reveals, God hears our voice, and He is always near. On your knees in the temple, at home in your closet, or in the car while in the driveway God hears and He wants to hear your voice.

DADs, let’s prepare and cry out in prayer Today.

Psalm 18:6" In my distress I called to the Lord;I cried to my God for help.From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears."

*This week we talked about prayer and how God listens to our crying out.

Next week, we practice and prepare to better hear and listen to what

God is calling us to, and to become better listeners to those He places in our lives**

To God be the glory!

DADs“get in the game”
Today is game day and so is every day God gives you! 
So C’mon Men Suit Up!

Note: *For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 13 we talk about what it means to "prepare” for prayer.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.