Living a Life of Purpose on Purpose

Hello men, here is the outline from Thursday's lesson at the REAL Men Bible study. Enjoy and go live a purposeful life.

God bless, Billy

R.E.A.L. Men Bible Study

Living a Life of Purpose on Purpose

10/29/09

I. Living without Eternal Purpose

Ø Move from incident to incident and accident to accident

Ø Chase and sometimes catch only the wrong prizes

Ø End up bitter, angry, frustrated, depressed, unfulfilled, lonely

Ø Lose many of God’s richest blessing now and forever

1 Corinthians 3: 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

II. The Life Spent on Eternal Purposes

Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

2 Thessalonians 1: 11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. Effort is Required

1 Corinthians 9: 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize

Trust in God, good things are coming

Brothers,

This morning as I tried to spend time with God, I was interupted time and time again and finally was able to read this. I was reminded that God is always there and will answer your prayers like we saw on Tuesday with the man that Brother Charlie had meet that day and brought to Wildmen. That man cried out the lord that morning and God put Charlie in his path. I am struggling today........ Attacked on every side.... and I am feeling week and this is what was sent to me and I am sharing it with you in case any of my brothers are down today, be lifted up and know that God is with us always and we are to praise him in the good times and the bad. Jesus we Love you and Trust you. Amen

Fear Not!
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, October 30 2009

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear. Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.

The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.

David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God. When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidations, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were merely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.

Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come.

Opportunity to serve

Pastor Steve Strader of Ignited Church in Lakeland has put out a request for help with the current youth meetings called Project 99 that has had huge crowds with hundreds, yes hundreds, of teenagers asking to receive Jesus.

They need counselors to lead these young people to Jesus. Report time is 6:15. Google Project 99 and look for Lakeland event continuing through 11/1.

I may be going over Friday. Call me for info or if you want to set up a caravan.

Tom Whitaker 941.773.0991

Your Mouth

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is

helpful for building others up according to their needs." Ephesians 4:29 NIV

"Speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll every regret."

Dr. Laurence J. Peter

"Speech both conceals and reveals the thoughts of men." Latin Proverb

Prayer to Initiate "Listening Prayer"

If you are being challanged and praying for a word from God this is a nice prayer to use.


Father I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, your son, and according to James 1:5 I am seeking wisdom for _______________________

In the name of Jesus, according to Matthew 28:18 and Luke 10:19 & 20 I take authority over satan and his fallen angels and command that they be rendered deaf, dumb and blind to my prayers and removed from my presence. I place my own voice under subjection to the shed blood of Jesus and command that my own thoughts be taken captive to the obedience of Christ, according to II Corinthians 10:5 I ask that only Your Holy Spirit will speak to me as I wait on you for wisdom, insight and direction for ________________ and what You show me and direct me to d I will quickly obey.

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

Luke 10:19 & 20 “ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.”

II Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

WARNING If you read these post you can not turn back…

In the movie the Matrix, Mr. Anderson was given a choice between a Red and a Blue pill, and one would open his eyes so that he can see the truth.

If you are ready to take the pill and start to understand that we battle a very real and active enemy take the next step and read the following posts and then open your bible and ask God to revel to you the truth.

Rejoice because the enemy has been defeated and he may come and bother us in our daily lives the fact of the matter is that he has been defeated.

As we learnt last night the enemy does not want you to know THIS and that YOU have power over him and his evil sprits in Jesus name.

Be advised that with this knowledge you are now a threat to him and he will attack more viciously now than ever before.

Spiritual Warfare

Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
My wife walked out of the airport restroom. She looked as if she was going to throw up. We were about to go through the airport checkpoint when we paused.

"I feel awful. It came on suddenly. I don't know if I should go," she said.

We were going on an overnight trip to meet with a workplace ministry about a possible joint venture project. It was important for me to have her there. But she was feeling so badly and would probably be miserable traveling in her condition.

"You may be right. Perhaps you should not go."

We were both disappointed. We began to transfer my clothing into my bag. We prayed together and I proceeded to the gate. I was disappointed, perplexed, and a bit angry.

"Lord, I don't know about this. If this is not of Your hand, I pray against it in Jesus' name. I pray for Angie's healing right now and I bind this spirit of infirmity."

I got to the gate about ten minutes later. As I was waiting to check in, I looked up and there was Angie.

"I'm going. I kept asking if I should go and a voice said, 'No.' I changed my mind three times. But I finally decided that I am not dead and I should be going on this trip."

We got on the plane and within a few minutes, the symptoms of illness were completely gone. The symptoms were a counterfeit. She was fine the rest of the trip. It was critical for her to participate with me because it became a major turning point in my own spiritual pilgrimage. She needed to experience what I was going to experience.

There is the spiritual and there is the physical. The spiritual involves two forces. One is good. One is evil. We must realize that the spiritual is more real than the physical. Satan has his agents in the world to thwart God's purposes. We need to recognize when these are at work. Pray that you might have spiritual eyes and ears to discern these forces today in your work.

More info about what we learned last night

Guys:

We have a very real enemy and here is some information from the Bible:

Luke 2
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one."

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."


Mark 1
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,
"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"
"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!"
The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."

Mark 5
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them."He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man--and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Mark 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons;
James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts

Seeing What Others Cannot See

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, October 28 2009

"And Elisha prayed, 'O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." 2 Kings 6:17
Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.

This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us. First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," we should do it. It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.

Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason. It may require risk and ridicule from others. But you will see what others cannot see.

Patience, Perseverance, Prize

Patience; bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint, anger, or the like. Quietly and steadily persevering or diligent.

OUR NEED FOR PATIENCE

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 5:7-11
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door. Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Hebrews 12:4-8
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

Discussion points:
1. Personal or biblical stories of how waiting, patience, perseverance has paid off.
2. What’s happened from being impatient? (relationally, business, spiritually)

GOD'S PATIENCE TOWARDS US

1 Timothy 1:15-16
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

REWARDS FOR PATIENCE

Psalms 27:13-14
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 73:24
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

R.E.A.L. Men's bible study, 10-22-09
submitted by Charlie Pendergrass

Ego

I was on a plane yesterday and had the opportunity to share with the lady sitting next to me and she was a Christian and we were talking about Ego which is something that I have struggled with.

Her definition of EGO was great...... Ego= Edging God Out

Your Daily Bread

Proverbs 20 for the 20th of October.

We are learning that being in the word daily is what God wants because it draws us closer to him. Proverbs is a great way to start that practice. As you can see each one is short but contains a wealth of knowledge that WILL help you with your day and daily struggles. I wanted to point out some lines that hit me in my walk and I could NOT..... so I will point out the only one that doesn not impact me which is number 1.

1. Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2. A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.
3. It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4. A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
5. The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6. Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?
7. The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
8. When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9. Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?
10. Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both.
11. Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
12. Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both.
13. Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14. "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
15. Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16. Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.
17. Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18. Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19. A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
20. If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21. An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
22. Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
23. The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24. A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?
25. It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
26. A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27. The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man ; it searches out his inmost being.
28. Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
29. The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
30. Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

Are you on the right path???

Avoiding Detours
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, October 20 2009

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
I turned off the interstate to get gas for my car. I was returning from a speaking engagement and it was very late. As I turned onto the road, I looked for the entrance ramp to get back on the interstate. It was dark and I could not see any signs. I made a turn to the right that appeared to be the turn I needed to make. I could see the interstate was next to the road. As I continued down this road, the interstate was on my left. It soon became obvious it was not the entrance road but rather a frontage road. I assumed it would take me to the next interchange.

However, the road soon turned away from the interstate. It grew darker and darker. The road became a dirt road. I realized I was not going to get to the interstate on this road. Being a bit frustrated that I had made the wrong turn, I turned around and went back, losing valuable time.

It is easy to make assumptions about the path we are on. If God's Spirit has not enlightened our reasoning, we are inclined to make the wrong choices. Our choices seem right at the time, but later we discover these choices have led us away from God because they were based on our own reasoning.

Acknowledge God in all your ways today. Lean completely on Him to reveal His direction for your life. If you do so, He will direct you to the desired destination He has for you.

Pray for others

Today as I fly back home and have been reflecting on the people I meet on this trip and all their needs I got this message in my email:

"Pray much for others; plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them." 1 Timothy 2:1 TLB

"It is not only our duty to pray for others, but also to desire the prayers of others for ourselves." William Gurnall

"Be sensitive to the plight of others. You have to know about the tragedies

as well as the triumphs, the failures as well as the success." Jim Rohn

There are many people struggling today and we need to make time to remember them in our daily prayers, I have been astounded by some of the things that was shared with me on this trip and I am going to be praying for them. It is amazing what you find out when you did a little deeper with your friends and family.

Have a great day, your in my prayers......

Monday Motivational

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Message from Billy

Hello men, we have a special week ahead! Wildmen continues the Wild at Heart
series with "Healing the Wound" as this week's topic. This is usually very
meaningful to men so join us at 7:00PM for a great dinner and this powerful
message/sharing time.

Chip Powell has taken over leadership of the REAL Men Thursday morning Bible
study which meets in the Forum from 6:20-7:30AM.

The Thursday lunch Bible study meets at the New China Buffet on the NE
corner of Lockwood Ridge and Univ Pkwy from 11:45-1:00PM. This week will be
lead by Charlie Pendergrass in his first effort in leading us. Come to hear
what Charlie will say and to show him the solid support his courage and
desire to serve deserve.

Do not forget to find you a Paul to mentor you or a Timothy to mentor as we
learned at Men at the Cross.
God bless, Billy

Are you salty

Are You Salty?
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Monday, October 19 2009

"Everyone will be salted with fire." Mark 9:49
Jesus used parables to communicate principles of the Kingdom of God. He said each believer's life should have the same impact on his or her world as salt has on food. Salt gives food flavor and brings out the best, while at the same time it serves as a preservative.

What allows a Christian to become salty? Fire. God knows that each believer needs a degree of testing by fire in order for Christ's fragrance to be manifested. We cannot become salty without this deeper work of the Holy Spirit's fire in our lives. Fire purifies all that is not of Christ. It takes away all the impurities that prevent His nature from being revealed in us.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6-7). Are you a salty Christian? If not, pray a prayer that the immature are unwilling to pray. Pray that God makes you a salty Christian. It will result in praise and glory at the throne of God.

Band of Brothers

Guys,

I have been on the road since Thursday and have had the opportunity to tell people about my "band of brothers" and I want to "thank you" all and tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you.

Peter

Well said Jay Leno

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE
1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints..

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY? Because we were always outside playing...that' s why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Play stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes..

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.

Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?

A Huge God

We serve a big God with big dreams and plans for your future. Maybe some things haven't worked out the way you thought they should because those plans were too small. Maybe it's time to stretch yourself further and get a bigger vision for your life. If you're not sure how to do that, start by asking God to increase your thinking. Ask Him to increase your capacity to receive from Him. Ask Him to enlarge your tent stakes; then watch and see what He will do in your life!

MATC ON MONDAY MORNING: WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

FOR ALL THOSE WILDMEN WHO WENT TO MATC: As we were walking out of the building on Saturday, one of the men at a booth commented what could we give the men to help them on Monday morning. I offer the note I sent a young man months ago:


Most excellent, Matthew! Please consider this: whenever you present spiritual truth that requires a response for the truth to be experienced in your life, be sure to clearly outline the specific steps you take to experience that truth.That is the antidote for the Bakery Trap that religion falls in on Sundays. You know, you hear all about the bread and how good it tastes, you can smell the bread and your mouth starts watering so you can almost taste it, you look through the window of the bakery and can see the bread, BUT NO ONE TELLS YOU HOW TO COME IN TO THE BAKERY AND GET SOME BREAD!

The steps to experience what your note talks about are:1) Recognize that every night when you go to sleep, your mind resets to its default setting which is the flesh.2)After you wake up, if you do not make a conscious decision to do otherwise, you WILL walk out of the house IN THE FLESH. The result wil be you will not be a happy camper.3)ON THE OTHER HAND, if you obey Jesus" command to deny yourself, pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus by praying "Lord I reckon myself as dead in the flesh because of what you did for me on Calvary" AND4)Ask the Father in Heaven for His Spirit to fill you so that rivers of living water flow out of your innermost being, THEN you will walk out the houseIN THE SPIRIT.5)During the day, whenever you begin to experience worry, fear, anxiety, lust, pride,... let that being a red flashing light on your dashboard that you need to haul ass back to the cross and repeat the process of dying to self and asking the Father to refill you with His Spirit. Over time, instead of being a redlight on the dashboard, the redlight will be an early warning device to alert you of incoming temptation. THIS is spiritual growth.

Keep the good Word coming and be blessed!

Tom

Defibrillating a Christian Man's Heart

Hello men, the outline for the REAL Men Bible study is posted below for you to review and uses as desired. God bless, Billy

R.E.A.L. Men Bible Study

Defibrillating the Christian Man’s Heart

10/8/09

I. The Problem: A Fibrillating heart - Hyperactive but ineffective - Sound familiar?

Ø High activity with little to show for it

Ø Looking for love in all the wrong places

Ø Restlessness for more with no satisfaction – enough is never enough

Ø Sensing of “where did all the time go?” – What has my life meant?

What happens if a heart is not defibrillated? – death!

II. The Martha Dilemma

Luke 10: 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Matthew 6: 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

III. This is not “Let Go and Let God” theology

Example of Nehemiah

Ø God’s work to rebuild the work but Nehemiah and others did the work

Ø God is their protector but they posted guards and worked with a sword in one hand and a tool in the other

Ø The wall was built in record time but God received the praise and honor

IV. The Dynamic partnership Between God and Man

Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

V. How to Defibrillate the Unproductive Christian Heart

2 Peter 1: 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Facing the Giants

If you have not seen the movie Facing the Giants you NEED. It is a great movie to watch with your wife and family. If you dont have a copy of it you can borrow mine just send me an eMail peter@cactussky.com

We watched it as a family this weekend and it has a great impact this is something that is worth doing, a friend suggested it months ago and I kept putting it off... Dont make the same mistake that I did.

A good idea

Jesus performed two bread-multiplying miracles: in one he fed 5,000 people, in the other 4.000. Still his disciples, who witnessed both feast, worried about empty pantries. A frustrated Jesus rebuked them: "Are your hearts too hard to take it in?...Don't you remember anything at all?" (Mark 8:17-18 NLT).

Short memories harden he heart. Make careful note of God's blessings. Declare with David: "[I will] daily add praise to praise. I'll write the book on your righteousness, talk up your salvation the livelong day, never run out of good things to write or say" (Psalm 71:14-15 MSG).

Catalog God's goodness. Meditate on them. He has fed you, led you, and earned your trust. Remember what God has done for you.

Law Versus Liberty

Hello men, I am posting the study outline we used for the REAL Men Thursday sessions for you to read and think about. The basic message is that God wants to seek hard after becoming like Him in His character and not to just live by a powerless set of religious rules. Go get 'em tigers!

R.E.A.L. Men Bible Study

Galatians

Law versus Liberty

10/1/09

I. Choice must be made! Do we choose the apparent safety and confinement of the law?

Or, do we choose the radical freedom found only in a life of faith and love in Christ?

Galatians 2: 15 "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

II. Man tends to default to spiritual checklists/law, as did the Pharisees.

Ø Deadly consequences!

Galatians 5: You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

III. The law has its purpose

Galatians 2: 19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Galatians 3: 19 What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come…v. 23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

IV. Rules have been replaced by relationship

Galatians 2:9 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

V. What difference does the choice produce?

You receive many of the benefits of eternity now!

Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

For parents with kids in school

Guys:

For anyone who has a child in school this would be a nice way to brighten up their teachers day. Copy this and send it to them with a thank you. Teachers are the most underpaid people I know and we trust our children to them for most of the day. The impact they have is huge and we need them to be filled every day and under our prayer coverage.

Peter

Excerpt from: The Heart of a Teacher
by Paula Fox

The child arrives like a mystery box...
with puzzle pieces inside
some of the pieces are broken or missing...
and others just seem to hide

But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out...
and help the child to see
the potential for greatness he has within...
a picture of what he can be

Her goal isn't just to teach knowledge...
by filling the box with more parts
it's putting the pieces together...
and creating a work of art

The process is painfully slow at times...
some need more help than others
each child is a work in progress...
with assorted shapes and colors

First she creates a classroom...
where the child can feel safe in school
where he never feels threatened or afraid to try...
and kindness is always the rule

She knows that a child
can achieve much more
when he feels secure inside
when he's valued and loved...
and believes in himself
...and he has a sense of pride

She models and teaches good character...
and respect for one another
how to focus on strengths...not weaknesses
and how to encourage each other

She gives the child the freedom he needs...
to make choices on his own
so he learns to become more responsible...
and is able to stand alone

He's taught to be strong and think for himself...
as his soul and spirit heal
and the puzzle that's taking shape inside...
has a much more positive feel

The child discovers the joy that comes...
from learning something new...
and his vision grows as he begins
to see all the things that he can do

A picture is formed as more pieces fit...
an image of the child within
with greater strength and confidence...
and a belief that he can win!

All because a hero was there...
in the HEART of a teacher who cared
enabling the child to become much more...
than he ever imagined...or dared

A teacher with a HEART for her children...
knows what teaching is all about
she may not have all the answers...
but on this...she has no doubt

When asked which subjects she loved to teach,
she answered this way and smiled...
"It's not the subjects that matter...
It's all about teaching the CHILD."