Friday, December 30, 2011

Good Article about Urban Meyer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Back in 1986, when Urban Meyer was a graduate assistant at Ohio State, he shared an office the size of “a little furnace room” with five of his peers, his primary duty the cutting and splicing of 16-millimeter film.
Meyer made about $100 per month and worked 18-hour days, and his wardrobe consisted almost entirely of team-issued apparel. He lived in an off-campus apartment so dilapidated that his wife, Shelley, who was then his girlfriend, still recalls the dirty carpet and crooked shades. His only sources of food were team meals and the free egg rolls available at happy hours around Columbus.
“If it wasn’t training table or happy hour, I didn’t eat,” Meyer said. “That’s serious.”
Nearly three decades later, Meyer has returned to Columbus with a salary that pays him $4 million a year, a palatial office and a much more complicated task than finding free egg rolls. As his career comes full circle, Meyer’s ability to turn the Ohio State football program around will be tied directly to his being able to find the balance between being a relentless coach and a healthy father.
Health problems, burnout and the desire to spend more time with his family prompted Meyer to step down as the coach of Florida temporarily after the 2009 season and permanently after the 2010 season.
“Without getting too overdramatic, you have to go somewhere you don’t like so you don’t want to go back,” Meyer said. “I’ve talked to many people about that. I’ve been so fortunate, and you keep skimming along and moving so fast it’s, ‘What’s next? What’s next?’ instead of enjoying the day. I need to quit looking so hard forward and enjoy moments and days. I have to do that. I will do that.”
Meyer is 37 pounds heavier than he was during his darkest days at Florida, when stress, esophageal spasms and an inability to disconnect from his job led to a gaunt frame. Doctors identified the cause of the esophageal pain, which has gone away, and with that has come a clean bill of health. Meyer said he now felt the best he had since the beginning of his tenure at Florida, where his teams went 65-15 and won two national championships in six seasons.
After a year in which he worked as an analyst for ESPN and spent time with his children, Meyer, according to those who know him best, appears to have regained his health, his energy and, most important, his perspective.
But for all of the assurances and confidence, there is still a sense of trepidation from Meyer’s friends and family. They remember the extreme weight loss, the 911 call and the night spent in the hospital after Florida’s loss to Alabama in the 2009 Southeastern Conference title game. They recall the emotional depths he plunged to after defeats.
“I think he learned that some of the things about coaching college football that he thought were desperate and dire maybe weren’t that important,” said Shelley Meyer, who has worked as a psychiatric nurse. She added that she was still not certain how her husband would handle losses.
“I really don’t know how he’s going to react,” she said. “I feel hopeful and confident that he’s not going to react the way he has before.”
Meyer’s oldest daughter, Nicki, listed on a pink piece of loose leaf paper exactly what changes he needed to make before he became Ohio State’s coach. Meyer keeps the piece of paper in a red Ohio State folder on his desk, a temporary home until he gets it framed.
Nicki Meyer drew up an 11-rule contract that she forced her father to sign Nov. 15 when he broached the idea of returning to coaching with his family.
“Failure to comply with all of the following will result in no more coaching,” Nicki, 21, wrote, underlining the final three words for emphasis. Some of the rules are lighthearted, like buying her an iPad. Mostly, though, they hint at Meyer’s past struggles with balancing his job and his family; the contract demands that Meyer silence his cellphone when he sleeps, eat three meals a day and communicate daily with his three children.
Meyer’s voice caught during a recent interview in his office when he pointed out that last rule.
“I will continue to communicate daily with my kids,” Meyer said, shaking his head. “I lost that.”

READ THE REST OF THE STORY

From John

An Unholy Alliance
Over the years we've come to see that the only thing more tragic than the things that have happened to us is what we have done with them.

Words were said, painful words. Things were done, awful things. And they shaped us. Something inside us shifted. We embraced the messages of our wounds. We accepted a twisted view of ourselves. And from that we chose a way of relating to our world. We made a vow never to be in that place again. We adopted strategies to protect ourselves from being hurt again. A woman that is living out of a broken, wounded heart is a woman who is living a self-protective life. She may not be aware of it, but it is true. It's our way of trying to "save ourselves."

We also developed ways of trying to get something of the love our hearts cried out for. The ache is there. Our desperate need for love and affirmation, our thirst for some taste of romance and adventure and beauty is there. So we turned to boys or to food or to romance novels; we lost ourselves in our work or at church or in some sort of service. All this adds up to the woman we are today. Much of what we call our "personalities" is actually the mosaic of our choices for self-protection plus our plan to get something of the love we were created for.

The problem is, our plan has nothing to do with God.

The wounds we received and the messages they brought formed a sort of unholy alliance with our fallen nature as women. From Eve we received a deep mistrust in the heart of God toward us. Clearly, he's holding out on us. We'll just have to arrange for the life we want. We will control our world. But there is also an ache deep within, an ache for intimacy and for life. We'll have to find a way to fill it. A way that does not require us to trust anyone, especially God. A way that will not require vulnerability.

For the ladies

Motherhood is a Special Task
QUESTION:
More than anything in the world I want to be a good mom to my kids. How can I be the mom God wants me to be?

ANSWER FROM MAX:
The virgin birth is more, much more, than a Christmas story. It is a picture of how close Christ will come to you, a mom, as you also bring a child into the world.

Imagine yourself in that story found in Luke 1.

God comes to you and says, “I have a special task for you. A child. A special child that I want to entrust to you. Are you willing to raise this one?”

You stammer, take a breath. “This sounds scary.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be there with you. This child is special to me. He will be a great child.”

You shake your head. “Such an awesome responsibility. I don’t know if I can do it.”

“Nothing is impossible with me.”

You smile. “I am your servant. I’ll do it.”

Do we think only one child received God’s special attention? Sure, only one was his Son, and an angel sent out those special birth announcements, accompanied by an angelic choir singing “Happy Birthday.” Of course God pulled out all the stops for Jesus’ birth.

But children aren’t randomly born to parents. God orchestrates the right children to be born to the right parents.

Being the mom God wants you to be starts with the understanding of how important your job is in God’s eyes. He entrusts you with one of his own children. He chose you out of all the moms in the world for this one child.

Remember, you, too, are highly favored by God himself to receive such a special gift.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Living Word Book Store

YEAR END INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE
(And take this opportunity to say "farewell" to Jesse, and wish him well, as he leaves us to embark on new ministry opportunities . . . we will all miss him.)
Everything In the Store On Sale
30% OFF ALL regular priced items
and an additonal
10% OFF ALL Sale Items
This is a End-of-the-Year Pre-Inventory Sale and Runs 3 Days Only

From John

Our Situation
Let me say this again: the story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it. I hope you are beginning to see that more clearly now. Otherwise, much of the Bible will not make sense to you. Much of your life will not make sense to you.

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isa. 45:2-3)

Doesn't the language of the Bible sometimes sound . . . overblown? Really now-God is going to level mountains for us? We'd be happy if he just helped us get through the week. What's all that about breaking down gates of bronze and cutting through bars of iron? I mean, it sounds heroic, but, well, who's really in need of that? This isn't ancient Samaria. We'd settle for a parking place at the mall.

If we are in an epic battle, then the language of the Bible fits perfectly. Things are not what they seem. We are at war. That war is against your heart, your glory. Once more, look at Isaiah 61:1:

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

From Frank

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Death is deep and dark.
Life is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Principalities and powers are immovable,

Things present are uncertain:
Things to come unknown.
There are mysteries in the height and depth

Of this universe, Yet none of these can separate us From the love of God, Which is in Christ the Lord.

Who shall separate us from His love?
Shall tribulation or distress?
Persecution or famine?
Nakedness, peril or sword?
No! For God is love.
This love passeth all understanding—
A bond of perfectness—

So walk in His love.
He that dwelleth in love
Dwelleth in God—
And God in him.

Have a Christ filled week as we consider what His coming has done as He has revealed Himself to us.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

John

1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Armor

Full Armor of God

How do we view the Spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:12?

Do we place such a high priority on it that we put it on daily?

How do we put it on?

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 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.

Let’s take a look at each piece.

Ephesians 6:14-18
{14} Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…
“Please let me see where I have been believing a lie and let me live in truth.”
 John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
 John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

…with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
“My rightness with God is what Jesus did on the cross, not whether I sinned today. My position with him is no different after my sin than before. I confess and continue to proceed. There is no “two steps backward and one step forward”. My righteousness IS Christ abiding and living in me.”
 Rom 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

{15}…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
“Lord use me today somehow, some way whether to encourage, exhort or share Christ. Put nails through the bottom of my shoes so that I am immovable.”
 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

{16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
“I step behind the shield of faith the size of a door…my increased faith is making it a wall around me. I will exhibit great faith as the Holy Spirit grants this.”
 1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…9 to another faith by the same Spirit…
 Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
 2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

{17} Take the helmet of salvation
“I pray that I would capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ. That I would speak statements full of faith, and trust in what God has spoken to me that He will give and provide.”
 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
 Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
“This sword reaches up to heaven, in the heavenly places and I use it to do battle with the enemy and the kingdom of darkness advancing the Kingdom of Light.”
 Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
 Matthew 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
 Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ...
 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

{18} 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.
“Holy Spirit pray through me now and throughout today.”
 Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
James 5:16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

When coming into spiritual warfare, fighting by prayer for a loved one, a missionary trip, a ministry in the church, a prayer burden...you will have backlash. This is GOOD. When the enemy fights back and all hell breaks loose around you know you are doing good for the Lord. You are right where you are supposed to be...on your knees standing in the gap for your loved ones, friend, missionary members, ministry, church, pastor...

This is a validation that the kingdom of light is battling the kingdom of darkness and if the enemy can re-assign demons to your life, your walk, your situations and get you to GIVE UP PRAYING, then he will have succeeded.

Once you have pleaded the blood of Jesus over you and your family and have asked the Lord to cover you in Jesus, you have used your "Shield of Faith". You are standing in faith.

But notice in this text we are to put on "the FULL armor". Now it is time to offensively approach this attack while remaining steadfast in our prayer for the recipient. We do this by openly speaking God's word..." the sword of the Spirit, which is THE WORD OF GOD.".

The devil is a defeated foe and he only gains ground in our life through fear and intimidation. This is what causes us to stop praying, to stop sharing, and to stop ministering. So as he begins his assault on you, pick up your sword and use it. Speak it out loud so he can hear it. Here are scriptures that we can write on a 3x5 card and use on his next assault.

Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Psalms 91:9-13 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge— 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Isaiah 54:14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.
Psalms 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Galatians 1:4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

Let's aggressively approach the assignment God gives us to pray for, a prayer burden, or someone that is going on a mission trip that asks us to pray for them and their team, a lost relative or co-worker, ministries, our pastors or whoever and whatever the Lord lays on our heart. When we are faithful to do so and the enemy validates your effectiveness of your prayers by his backlash let’s keep standing pleading the blood of Christ and using God's word, His word, to fight him so you can stand in the gap and pray and bring glory to your savior Jesus Christ by advancing the Kingdom of Light!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Free Seminar this weekend

Have you ever wished you could sit down and have a long talk with God? You can hear the voice of God, attend a free seminar with Mark Virkler to learn more.

The 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice will teach you how to discern His voice from all other voices that clamor for your attention.
This interactive seminar:
Gives vital keys to increase the intimacy of your prayer time,
Teaches you how to be still before the Lord,
Helps you recognize His speech as spontaneous thoughts,
Encourages you to seek vision while praying and use a journal to record revelation.

Your communion with God will become a flow of His words springing forth from your heart. You will experience a depth of relationship you never thought possible!
“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.” Matthew 13:16

Seminar Schedule
December 2nd & 3rd - 2011
Friday Evening 7:00PM – 10:00PM
Saturday Morning 9:00AM – 12:30PM
Lunch Provided: REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Saturday Afternoon 2:00PM – 5:00PM

Ticket Prices
Free! Offerings and donations will be accepted.
Pre-Registration required. Lunch will be provided.
Cost for Seminar Guide is $5.00.

Listen to an 8 Minute Interview with the seminar host and testimonies from those who have attended -FREE NOW and REGISTER.
www.HearingGodsVoice.info
For information call Vicki at (941) 812-6856
Or email: HearingGodsVoice2@gmail.com

Location of Seminar:
Church On The Rock 8200 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, Florida 34241

wisdom

We Need Wisdom
When the apostles needed the help of some good men to shepherd the exploding new church, they chose men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). The two go together; we need them both. We need to walk by the inspiration of the Spirit, and we need wisdom as well. Wisdom and Revelation. Early on in our journey, I think we should lean more into wisdom. It takes time to learn to walk with God in a deeply intimate way, and many challenges face us before we are accustomed to the way of the heart. We must practice our chords; we must do our drills.

For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.

Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair - every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
Proverbs 1:32-33; 2:9-11

We seek wisdom because the trail is narrow and hard to find. It is a cruel thing to tell someone to follow their dreams without also warning them what hell will come against them.

5 Tuesday

AWESOME 5th Tuesday!

WOW-The entire evening was authentic, practical and anointed. God was glorified! Men from all over Tampa Bay attended! What beautiful unity. Looking forward to what more God is doing with his Wild-men.

Great first outdoor Wildmen event at First Christian Church. Couldn't have been any better! Every man was "all-in" the entire evening. The enthusiasm and presence of Holy Spirit was tangible. THANK YOU MEN FOR YOUR GREAT SERVICE AND OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD...THE LORD OBVIOUSLY BLESSED! The spirit of all the men who served this evening is good and true witness of Jesus Christ, way to go men! One man rededicated his life to Christ tonight, now that's getting real with the Lord! Next up, Shepherd's Village dinner 12/09/11 at the Lyceum in St Pete (Wildmen has a large table) then car-oil-changes for their residents, looks like gift certificates at Jiffy or Pennzoil this year (for low income single parent resident families-mostly mom's with children). Let me know this week if you and your a guest can attend the Shepherd's Village dinner.

Love Always,
Mark Woods
...I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

PS If you missed this 5th Tuesday event, well you missed a great one. One person said, "the anointing is all over the music this evening", and it was! Below is tonight's video for you catch-up on. You will want to share this video too! Stay tuned as the men from two new potential Wildmen sites attended tonight's 5th Tuesday from Tampa and Port Richey, there really is so much more the Lord is doing!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Forgive

Forgive
We must forgive those who hurt us. The reason is simple: Bitterness and unforgiveness are claws that set their hooks deep in our hearts; they are chains that keep us held captive to the wounds and the messages of those wounds. Until you forgive, you remain their prisoner.
Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling - don't try and feel forgiving. It is an act of the will. Don't wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving, You will never get there. Feelings take time to heal after the choice to forgive is made . . .
Today, Forgive those who have hurt you, it is the first step to a happier and more successful life.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Forgive

Forgive
We must forgive those who hurt us. The reason is simple: Bitterness and unforgiveness are claws that set their hooks deep in our hearts; they are chains that keep us held captive to the wounds and the messages of those wounds. Until you forgive, you remain their prisoner. Paul warns us that unforgiveness and bitterness can wreck our lives and the lives of others (Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15). We have to let them go.

Forgive as Christ has forgiven you. (Col 3:13)

Now - listen carefully. Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling - don't try and feel forgiving. It is an act of the will. "Don't wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving," wrote Neil Anderson. "You will never get there. Feelings take time to heal after the choice to forgive is made . . ." We allow God to bring the hurt up from our past, for "if your forgiveness doesn't visit the emotional core of your life, it will be incomplete." We acknowledge that it hurt, that it mattered, and we choose to extend forgiveness to our father, our mother, those who hurt us. This is not saying, "It didn't really matter"; it is not saying, "I probably deserved part of it anyway." Forgiveness says, "It was wrong. Very wrong. It mattered, hurt me deeply. And I release you. I give you to God."

It might help to remember that those who hurt you were also deeply wounded themselves. They were broken hearts, broken when they were young, and they fell captive to the Enemy. They were in fact pawns in his hands. This doesn't absolve them of the choices they made, the things they did. It just helps us to let them go - to realize that they were shattered souls themselves, used by our true Enemy in his war against femininity.

Friday, November 11, 2011

what do you think

Someone emails me this today, any thoughts?



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Announcing the 2011 GotQuestions.org Video Contest


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Question: "What happens to those who have never heard about Jesus?"

Answer: All people are accountable to God whether or not they have “heard about Him.” The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). If it were not for God's grace, we would be given over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. He does this for those who continually reject Him (Romans 1:24-32).

In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. Rather, the problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is readily seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 proclaims, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This verse teaches an important principle—everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known.

The problem is “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11). People reject the knowledge of God that is present in nature and in their own hearts, and instead decide to worship a “god” of their own creation. It is foolish to debate the fairness of God sending someone to hell who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ. People are responsible to God for what God has already revealed to them. The Bible says that people reject this knowledge, and therefore God is just in condemning them to hell.

Instead of debating the fate of those who have never heard, we, as Christians, should be doing our best to make sure they do hear. We are called to spread the gospel throughout the nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). We know people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature, and that must motivate us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only by accepting God’s grace through the Lord Jesus Christ can people be saved from their sins and rescued from an eternity apart from God.

If we assume that those who never hear the gospel are granted mercy from God, we will run into a terrible problem. If people who never hear the gospel are saved, it is logical that we should make sure no one ever hears the gospel. The worst thing we could do would be to share the gospel with a person and have him or her reject it. If that were to happen, he or she would be condemned. People who do not hear the gospel must be condemned, or else there is no motivation for evangelism. Why run the risk of people possibly rejecting the gospel and condemning themselves when they were previously saved because they had never heard the gospel?

Gator

Hi men, We are car pooling from Woodland on Sat 11/19 to enjoy a meal, Turkey in the Hole" at Gator Camp and to support and learn about this wonderful ministry. Please RSVP by Tomorrow to 941-639-7722 if you can come. We will leave the Woodland lot promptly at 8AM on the 19th. This is a fund raising event and they also need liquid laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels and bug spray. The event is over mid-afternoon. Gator Wilderness Camp is located at 44939 Farabee Road, Punta Gorda.

God bless, Billy

Thursday, November 3, 2011

From Wild at Heart

It Will Be Messy


The family is…like a little kingdom, and, like most other little kingdoms, is generally in a state of something resembling anarchy.

Chesterton could have been talking about a little fellowship (our true family, because it is the Family of God). It is a royal mess. I will not whitewash this. It is disruptive. Going to church with hundreds of other people to sit and hear a sermon doesn't ask much of you. It certainly will never expose you. That's why most folks prefer it. Because community will. It will reveal where you have yet to become holy, right at the very moment you are so keenly aware of how they have yet to become holy. It will bring you close and you will be seen and you will be known and therein lies the power and therein lies the danger. Aren't there moments when all those little companies, in all those stories, hang by a thread? Galadriel says to Frodo, "Your quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true."

We've experienced incredible disappointments in our fellowship. We have, every last one of us, hurt one another. Sometimes deeply. Last year there was a night when Stasi and I laid out a vision for where we thought things should be going - our life-long dream for redemptive community. We hoped the Company would leap to it with loud "Hurrahs! Hurrah for John and Stasi!" Far from it. Their response was more on the level of blank stares. Our dream was mishandled - badly. Stasi was sick to her stomach; she wanted to leave the room and throw up. I was…stunned. Disappointed. I felt the dive towards a total loss of heart. The following day I could feel my heart being pulled towards resentment. It's moments like that which usually toll the beginning of the end for most attempts at community.

Monday, October 31, 2011

November Challange and Partnership

For the month of November I am going to focus on the Prayer of Jabez and follow the prayer plan by Bruce Wilkerson the author of the book the Prayer of Jabez and I invite anyone who wants to take this journey with me to do the same. If you are tired of where you are then step up and be bold like Jabez and ask God to Bless You. I know he will. Check out the website
the prayer:

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested.
I Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

I am going to pray this every day and watch what God can do, if you want to join me please comment below and we can share what is going on in our lives as God takes an active role.

Powerful Message

Life is not always easy and sometimes when things go wrong you find yourself asking Why? For me that happend recently and I woke up and was led to read this from Oswald Chambers:

Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been. You have had the vision, but you are not yet to the reality of it by any means. For me this hit home because the adoption we were working on did not work out It is when we are in the valley, where we prove whether we will be the choice ones, that most of us turn back. We are not quite prepared for the bumps and bruises that must come if we are going to be turned into the shape of the vision. We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to be battered into the shape of the vision to be used by God? The beatings will always come in the most common, everyday ways and through common, everyday people. WOW did this hit home as well, I have never been through such a challange and been taken to such a low point. When I read this it made me realize just how great our God is that he loves us enought to correct us because he has a greater plan for us, the question is: are you willing to do what it takes to get there?There are times when we do know what God’s purpose is; whether we will let the vision be turned into actual character depends on us, not on God. If we prefer to relax on the mountaintop and live in the memory of the vision, then we will be of no real use in the ordinary things of which human life is made. We have to learn to live in reliance upon what we saw in the vision, not simply live in ecstatic delight and conscious reflection upon God. This means living the realities of our lives in the light of the vision until the truth of the vision is actually realized in us. Every bit of our training is in that direction. Learn to thank God for making His demands known.
Our little “I am” always sulks and pouts when God says do. Let your little “I am” be shriveled up in God’s wrath and indignation–”I AM WHO I AM . . . has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14). He must dominate. Isn’t it piercing to realize that God not only knows where we live, but also knows the gutters into which we crawl! He will hunt us down as fast as a flash of lightning. No human being knows human beings as God does.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Resignation

Resignation is not just the sigh that groans with something gone wrong. Such a sigh can be redemptive if it does not let go of the Haunting we have all experienced of something presently lost. Resignation is the acceptance of the loss as final. It is the condition in which we choose to see good as no longer startling in its beauty and boldness, but simply as "nice." Evil is no longer surprising; it is normal.

It is from this place of heart resignation where many of us, perhaps all of us at one time or another, having suffered under the storm of life's Arrows, give up on the Sacred Romance. But our heart will not totally forsake the intimacy and adventure we were made for and so we compromise. We both become, and take to ourselves, lovers that are less dangerous in their passion for life and the possible pain that comes with it-in short, lovers that are less wild.

Those of us who have been drawn to understand that God is our Father through conversion in Christ recapture the Romance again-for a while. We find ourselves again in the throes of first love. The Romance we thought we had left behind once more appears out on the road ahead of us as a possible destination. God is in his heaven and all seems right in the universe.

But this side of Eden, even relationship with God brings us to a place where a deeper work in our heart is called for if we are to be able to continue our spiritual journey. It is in this desert experience of the heart, where we are stripped of the protective clothing of the roles we have played in our smaller stories, that the Message of the Arrows reasserts itself. Healing, repentance, and faith are called for in ways we have not known previously. At this place on our journey, we face a wide and deep chasm that refuses us passage through self-effort. And it is God's intention to use this place to eradicate the final heart walls and obstacles that separate us from him.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Cab Ride

The Cab Ride

I arrived at the address and honked the horn.
after waiting a few minutes
I walked to the
door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a
frail, elderly voice. I could hear something
being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in
her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a
print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned
on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase..
The apartment looked as if no one had
lived in it for years. All the furniture was
covered with sheets.

There were no
clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils
on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard
box filled with photos and
glassware.

'Would you carry my bag
out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase
to the cab, then returned to assist the
woman.

She took my arm and we walked
slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I
told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers
the way I would want my mother to be
treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave
me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive
through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly...

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a
hospice.

I looked in the rear-view
mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have
any family left,' she continued in a soft
voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very
long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the
meter.

'What route would you like me
to take?' I asked.

For the next two
hours, we drove through the city. She showed me
the building where she had once worked as an
elevator operator.

We drove through the
neighborhood where she and her husband had lived
when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in
front of a furniture warehouse that had once
been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a
girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow
in front of a particular building or corner and
would sit staring into the darkness, saying
nothing.

As the first hint of sun was
creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm
tired. Let's go now'.

We drove in
silence to the address she had given me. It was
a low building, like a small convalescent home,
with a driveway that passed under a
portico.

Two orderlies came out to
the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were
Solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.
I opened
the trunk and took the small suitcase to
the door. The woman was already seated in a
wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?'
She asked, reaching into her
purse.

'Nothing,' I
said

'You have to make a living,' she
answered..

'There are other
passengers,' I responded.

Almost
without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She
held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she
said.'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning
light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound
of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove
aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that
day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had
gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient
to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked
once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything
more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve
around great moments. But great
moments often catch us unaware-beautifully
wrapped in what others may consider a small
one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY
WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT

THEY WILL
ALWAYS REMEMBER
HOW YOU MADE THEM
FEEL.

Read this from my Nigeria Brother

To Mr. Peter Martin;


Thanks for your email. I am so confused now, I was left alone at the age of 11 years to face my life, that is what brought me to this Game.

Now am married with 2 Children. Due to the lack of proper Education, that is to say the mistake from my parent, i was unemployed for over 20 years. Now that i married i need to give my Children the best in life that is why i engage my self in this.

I assure you that since you have spoke to me, i will try and STOP this. Now i am like sheep without Shepard. I will appreciate it if you can help me, start up a New Life.

The Name of my Church is: CHRISTIAN PENTECOSTAL MISSION (CPM)
I am presently in Nigeria.

You are like my brother now, Please is its any way you can volontier your self and help me to start a new life, the LORD GOD will help you. God bless you my brother.

Phone call from Nigeria

Today, I received yet another call from the Nigerian Scam the one you hear about where they tell you that you have been willed $5 Million Dollars and you need to pay them $500 so that they can get the paperwork and give you the money. It is sad to think that there are people that desperate that they will actually beleive something like that but it happens. What someone has done to harras me and attack my business was to send and email to them and tell them in the email that I wanted to do it and he gave the Nigerians my office and cell number. In the past 2 days they have called me 35 times on my cell and tons of calls to my office.

I was in the office early today and took the call and a different apporach, I asked him if he knew Jesus and it started a conversation with him telling me that this was the only thing that he could do to support his family and that he knew what he was doing was wrong.

If you know of any missionaries or churches in Nigeria that I can hook him up with please let me know, we are now communicating via email and he wants to find something eles to do to support his family.

Thanks,


Peter

a must read

Anything that you do because of pressures or opportunities, will only lead you to the end of your true ministry. The things that are done in an effort to make history will at best confine your accomplishments to history, and you will fail to impact eternity. If you do not live what you preach to others you disqualify yourself from the high calling of GOD.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
If we truly love, we will truly forgive. The harder it is for us to forgive, the further we are from true love. Forgiveness is essential, or we will stumble, and in many ways will stray from the course chosen for us.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Captivating

He is my refuge and my fortress; God, in Him I will trust. Psalm 91:1-2

This weekend's Captivating event in North Florida just outside of Gainesville was incredible. The profound effect of the intimate counsel of God from this weekend's Captivating is being retold over and over. It was expressed on each person's countenance like they had stood near the "burning bush". Thank your for paving the way through your prayers. The angels removed the strongmen and then stood guard. Not even the birds of prey overhead would dare come near the consecrated grounds this weekend. I have a new found respect for the on-site-intercessors for Captivating events. "Opposed" only begins to address the level of spiritual warfare against God's beauty. At the beginning of the event several attendees were being shut down with despair to such an extent it had to be continually addressed. But thankfully it also made Jesus' rescue all the more beautiful....for each person!

We witnessed God move so much that all of Isaiah 61 took place;
God, ... intimately healed the broken hearted, set the captive free,
bestowed on the each person a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. . .

God moved beyond all expectations at this Captivating event. Many of the sisters now want to walk together and reach out as part of their calling. As they walk together they are truly a planting of "oaks of righteousness" to display His splendor. In prayer while finishing on Sunday and praying for one of the local churches, we have learned of a movement upon their congregation at the end of their Sunday service to cast off the old-dead life and walk with Christ anew. Sounds like a chapter from "Waking The Dead". Iona and their warrior-hearts bringing the light into the darkness. Its the grassroots movement Jesus Christ used to describe His Kingdom in Matthew 13. Now this is life to the full ! One intercessor said, "This is what we all signed up for...". Yes our God is able to do exceeding more than we expect or imagine. What a weekend!

What Jesus did this weekend is still being unpacked. All of this could not have occurred without your prayer. Irreversible change and our vital roles that we each contribute to the Kindgom of God are now part of each heart brought closer to the heart of Jesus Christ.

Please continue to pray for the women and for the leaders against retaliation in the coming week. Thank you intercessors. May you each receive a double portion of blessing from God for your honorable service to the one we love to serve, Jesus Christ.

Thankful for His beautiful rescue...

All for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ,
Mark Woods
www.wildmenministry.com

from Big Brian

It is from Ephesians 4:29 that we get our marching orders today;
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification (lifting up) according to the need of the moment that it may give grace (unmerited favor) to those who hear."
Speak in a way that always lifts up, instead of tear down, an individual/a situation so that the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ can be experienced on this side of heaven for all that so desperately need/require it. This includes the one speaking it, too.
I sometimes get caught up in the coarse jesting that tends to go on between brethren, family, friends, acquaintances and co-workers. I forget that many are just a word away from embracing the brunt of the joke given, taking it to heart allowing them to travel down a loathsome path away from God. I, We, must be more careful in this area.
Scripture says in Ephesians 5:4 - "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
"Lord, provide for me the awareness to heed Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4 as I go about the purpose of why You chose me this day. In Jesus' name. Amen"
Be blessed this glorious day!
Brian K. Palmer

Saturday, October 22, 2011

From Mark

On the intimacy of Jesus...

The valuable things that we learn and we put into practice really show our changed attitude and new direction. Many men have had these changes through a commitment to daily Bible reading, prayer with their family both a result of a man receiving the power of a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. And their families see it!

In Mark 7:31-37 Jesus took a man who could not hear nor speak aside personally and healed him... One to one with Christ. There are times when I too need to get away from the crowd with Jesus one to one, personally. That personal time with God is so important. Mark 8:22-26 says after Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida, Jesus asks him to change his direction giving him a personal message. Jesus tells him don't go back into the village on your way home. As if to say, "don't return to your old life or routine". Jesus just made all things new so walk with new vision. Walk in a new and different path all the way home. How about you? Are you walking home a different way today with your family? Are you putting into practice what you have learned? Ever wondered what kind of a different life you would have praying with your family or reading the Bible with your family. The surprise might be too great. You might need a defibrillator for the in-laws and relatives but maybe that's an up side too? All kidding aside if you can't see, or can't hear or just can't find the right words to speak just take some personal time with Jesus Christ. He is there waiting and wanting the personal time with you. Try today to go all the way home with Jesus Christ. It may take a little longer but the view is certainly worth it. Jesus can intimately give you what you need to change an attitude, give new vision and new direction. Besides at least you'll have pretty good company, even if he hangs out with some Wildmen. Afterall if Jesus can change their lives for good, well you get the pciture.... Thankful to have some personal time with Him today, how about you...Mark

Friday, October 21, 2011

Job Opening

We have a position open for a Project Manager

They need to be well organized and able to multi task. They will be responsible for the scheduling and coordinating the email marketing campaigns for our clients. They will also be responsible for communicating and acting as the go between the client and our design team. Requirements: great communications skills, both verbal and written. Knowledge of excel and word. Experience with Facebook and Twitter a plus but not required.
Send Resume to
natalie@getdirectemail.com

Tomorrow

This weekend is the Captivating event led by many of our wives just outside of Gainesville (Interlachen, FL). The women begin to arrive Thursday and the event ends Sunday. The leaders are ready but now some unusual things have begun to occur that are not as easy to remedy as a lost or disappearing email. My wife, Lisa is coming down with a sore throat. Please pray for her good health so she may contribute. Another leader is having an employee quit. Timing- another way to take a person out. Please stand with us with your prayers. Asking Jesus Christ to be the light of this event and over each heart attending so that He rids the darkness from interfering in this weekend's mission without further distraction. Thank you for joining with us to ask that the blood of Christ covers this event, covers the leaders and attendees. Please pray with us against distractions, disdain, discouragement, against fear and retailation. Pray for the women who are attending as they need the intimate counsel of God. For many this weekend is as important as oxygen. We are praying for Jesus Christ to pave the way for a great and needed rescue. Pray against our enemy and his foul spirits that would attempt to kill, steal, destroy all that is good as Jesus Christ brings healing, forgiveness and grace. Grace to draw each person closer to the heart of God. May the Holy Spirit regin in power to bring Jesus Christ's rescue, His reconciliation, restoration and freedom to love God and live to the full. May all things become new for every person to trust God to be their everything this weekend!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, Proverbs 3:5

As you pray for the Leaders and the women attending the Captivating event in Gainesville, FL this weekend, please also pray about having your own Intercessor's home fellowship, church and ministry join with the grassroots movement along with our Wildmen friends to participate with Ransomed Heart Ministries' free "Outlawcast" Monday November 14, 2011 at 7pm EST.

Thank you for your prayer covering! As always if you receive something for us, please let us know. Thank you so much!

All for the honor and glory of God.

Love you guys,
Mark Woods
www.wildmenministry.com


PS Pinellas Wildmen are doing the Outlawcast in Seminole, FL and so our friends in St. Petersburg at Suncoast Cathedral. So far we know someone at each of the Florida sites. The unabridged Gospel of Jesus Christ is getting out to glorify God! Join this incredibly beautiful free event. It truly is a gift. Please read the attached as you consider offering Ransomed Heart's… OutlawCast to your community.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Tony Dungee event

Tuesday night Kick off for the Wildmen Tampa at Grace Family Church of their new Umbrella ministry with Tony speaking is $5.00. Jerry Batista (Men's Director at Grace) said Wildmen will still be on Tuesday nights but the rest of their now ever-growing numerous men's ministries will be under their banner name of Courageous Men. They just had too many men's groups. I remember when there was just one - Wildmen. This is what happens when men get their hearts back and follow Christ with all of their heart! They get excited and keep going beyond all expectations to please God with exactly what God has written on their hearts. Love what God has done with His Wildmen at Grace as a foundation to equip and encourage their growing ministries!

All the praise and honor to God!

Love Always,
Mark Woods
www.wildmenministry.com

Morning with God

Do you desire to hear from God about issues or direction in your life? Have you ever experienced letting the scriptures speak to you in a practical personal way? Do you want to grow in the depth of your walk with Christ? On Saturday morning we will go outdoors in a beautiful setting and take some time to hear from God as we interact with His Word. There will be some group and some individual time. It will provide a time of encouragement and fellowship with other men seeking God’s best for them We will walk you through how to spend a time of reflection and listening for God as we approach some men issues. This will be an accepting, non-threatening environment as we all assess our Spiritual journey and where God has us. It will be the best 3 hours you will spend all month! You will be home with your wives and children before noon.
What: Morning with the Lord
When: Saturday November, 5th 2011 7:30-10:30 am
Where: The Frye Farm – 24051 Jennings Road Highway 64 - Go 11 miles east of I-75 (Bradenton, FL) to County road 675 - turn right go one mile, turn left on Jennings road, go 1/2 mile on left. Highway 70 - Go 11 miles east of I-75 (Bradenton, FL) to County road 675 - turn left go five miles, turn right on Jennings road, go 1/2 mile on left. Why: Because we all need some reflection time with God to hear from Him and clear the confusion out of our lives to maintain perspective. God has also challenged us to do this in the scripture. We need to hear from other men and what God is doing in and through them as well.
Bring: Bible, notebook, lawn chair To join us call or reply back to this e-mail (fcfrye@gmail.com) so we may plan for drinks and light snacks. Look forward expectantly to what God will do! In His Service with You, Frank
Frank Frye Priority Associates 941-322-2931(h) 941-725-4982 (c

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

this touched me

Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been. You have had the vision, but you are not yet to the reality of it by any means. It is when we are in the valley, where we prove whether we will be the choice ones, that most of us turn back. We are not quite prepared for the bumps and bruises that must come if we are going to be turned into the shape of the vision. We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to be battered into the shape of the vision to be used by God? The beatings will always come in the most common, everyday ways and through common, everyday people.

There are times when we do know what God’s purpose is; whether we will let the vision be turned into actual character depends on us, not on God. If we prefer to relax on the mountaintop and live in the memory of the vision, then we will be of no real use in the ordinary things of which human life is made. We have to learn to live in reliance upon what we saw in the vision, not simply live in ecstatic delight and conscious reflection upon God. This means living the realities of our lives in the light of the vision until the truth of the vision is actually realized in us. Every bit of our training is in that direction. Learn to thank God for making His demands known.

Our little “I am” always sulks and pouts when God says do. Let your little “I am” be shriveled up in God’s wrath and indignation–”I AM WHO I AM . . . has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14). He must dominate. Isn’t it piercing to realize that God not only knows where we live, but also knows the gutters into which we crawl! He will hunt us down as fast as a flash of lightning. No human being knows human beings as God does.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

WOW check this out

Boot Camp was great and this is a 5 minute reviews of it.

Play video

Courageous

Last week’s Boot Camp was a life changing experience. Next week you are invited to join us for Movie night, we will be watching the Movie Courageous which was produced by the same people that brought us Facing The Giants and Fire Proof.

On Monday, in Tampa/St Pete we will be meeting at the Regal Parkside Theater at 7:00. the address is Park Blvd and US 19 North. The movie starts at 7:20.

On Tuesday, in Sarasota/Bradenton we will be meeting at Dawson’s Restaurant on St Road 70 behind Chick Filet at 5:15 for dinner and then heading to the Carmike Royal Palm 20 on St Rd 70 for the 7:00 showing. If you can not make dinner we will see you at the theater.

Wives or Lady Friends are invited.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

another report

Not only was it a pleasure praying for this event. Being there was a special treat. If I had to give this weekend a title, I'd call it Manna from Heaven.
God showed up on all levels, and men from 1st timers, to leadership hearts were transformed . You couldnt possible have been there and not have your heart changed.
The tangible presence of the living God was all over us till the last moment.
Just when you thought you couldnt experience anything more" GOD", blew you away with another life changing moment.
The finally on sunday, of a woman who just lost her wildman, spoke with power on high, about a man who not only was an original wildman, but lived a life well done.
The legacy travis left, not only pushed you over the edge. It rained down hope,freedom, transference of faith, to his children, and all whom was in the room.
As I scanned the room, during this testimony, men were totally hanging in awe of what God could do threw a surrendered consecrated life, of rescuing his beauty,
protecting his family, and passing on the torch of greatness.
Gentlemen; WELL DONE.
If youve never experienced a Wildmen Bootcamp, Do not miss the next one. God will change your life. Mine will never be the same

another great story

Dear Mark and Wildmen,
I would like you to know how excited I was to be able to reserve a slot at this years bootcamp. Although, I had been the year before, i was sure it was going to be the same. I fought several battles the week of bootcamp, and I almost didn't go. The devil was working on me. Much to my surprise, I was wrong. The presentations were amazing and the time to process what we heard was a great touch. I didn't feel I was actually recieving anything, until I left. The Lord, open my heart to some amazing discoveries. I need to start consolidating the bags,(aka the baggage), in my life. It seems that not only am I carrying my baggage, but the baggage from others as well. Its amazing what things you find in your bags, health problems, relationships, grief, emotional scars, and so much more. I have to say as the days go by, after bootcamp, more and more things are coming clearer. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and to be touched by what was clearly a sucessful bootcamp. Pastor Rob

Message to our Intercessors

Where do I begin to tell you of all of the incredible stories of how you and your prayers impacted the Wildmen Boot Camp this weekend. It was sold out and men still wanted to just show up at the last minute. I hear that one man even slept on the floor. The Spirit of God spoke deeply into men's hearts. We witnessed the Father intimately draw men to himself during the sessions and in times of quiet reflection. Hearts where changed, relationships restored, brokenness healed, hope revived, families reconciled, warriors returned to their battle field to fight with all of their amour. Men who had checked-out of their relationships at home declared their reclaimed vision to rescue their beauty and have their household restored under Christ's banner of love. Seven men came to faith in Christ while at this event. Many more men even told of their wounded hearts being healed and of their breaking agreements. All bringing tears of joy because of your prayers.

One man said that he could not explain all that took place in his life this weekend. "It will take a lifetime". He wanted the team to know, that from the moment he arrived he felt as if he was in the middle of Ft. Knox so that he knew he was completely safe. He enjoyed all the sessions, the journaling and the fellowship of men. But nothing prepared him for what he experienced Saturday night and all Sunday morning. Sunday was the most powerful teaching of his life that has impacted his heart forever. He said, "it was as if an atom bomb went off in the room and there wasn't a man who wasn't effected in the same way". He went home and talked with his wife, crying, and then told me he still hasn't scratched the surface of what has happened in him!

Intercessors, I pray that you are richly rewarded by God for your prayer support and service for the Kingdom of God and the men of this Boot Camp weekend. There are so many reports and stories still coming, please continue to pray for the men through the next weekend.

As you know, it was extremely difficult to get to this Boot Camp weekend. This weekend was more round the clock work than other Boot Camps, however the result was in a word, a "privilege" to be there and to be His servant for this 66 hour expedition of heart, thank you for your faithful prayer support. The work of Christ and His Gospel is well worth the effort, please always remember this, may it be your Ebenezer. All for the honor and glory of God.

Love,
Mark

On behalf of the Wildmen Team
... seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:8

PS We’re still in awe over all that transpired this weekend and are still processing it all. As we get more reports and media we’ll post them on our web site http://WildmenMinistry.com and on our Facebook page

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Bootcamp starts tomorrow

Please keep all the men invovled in the bootcamp covered in prayer for the next 4 days.

Thanks

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Communion on the Moon: July 20, 1969

Communion on the Moon: July 20, 1969

(This is an article by Eric Metaxas)

Forty years ago two human beings changed history by walking on the surface of the moon. But what happened before Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong exited the Lunar Module is perhaps even more amazing, if only because so few people know about it. "I'm talking about the fact that Buzz Aldrin took communion on the surface of the moon. Some months after his return, he wrote about it in Guideposts magazine.

And a few years ago I had the privilege of meeting him myself. I asked him about it and he confirmed the story to me, and I wrote about it in my book Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (But Were Afraid to Ask).

The background to the story is that Aldrin was an elder at his Presbyterian Church in Texas during this period in his life, and knowing that he would soon be doing something unprecedented in human history, he felt he should mark the occasion somehow, and he asked his minister to help him. And so the minister consecrated a communion wafer and a small vial of communion wine. And Buzz Aldrin took them with him out of the Earth's orbit and on to the surface of the moon.

He and Armstrong had only been on the lunar surface for a few minutes when Aldrin made the following public statement: "This is the LM pilot. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way." He then ended radio communication and there, on the silent surface of the moon, 250,000 miles from home, he read a verse from the Gospel of John, and he took communion. Here is his own account of what happened:

"In the radio blackout, I opened the little plastic packages which contained the bread and the wine. I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine slowly curled and gracefully came up the side of the cup.
Then I read the scripture, 'I am the vine, you are the branches. Whosoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.

I had intended to read my communion passage back to earth, but at the last minute [they] had requested that I not do this. NASA was already embroiled in a legal battle with Madelyn Murray O'Hare, the celebrated opponent of religion, over the Apollo 8 crew reading from Genesis while orbiting the moon at
Christmas. I agreed reluctantly.

I ate the tiny Host and swallowed the wine. I gave thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to the Sea of Tranquility . It was interesting for me to think: the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were the communion elements.

And of course, it's interesting to think that some of the first words spoken on the moon were the words of Jesus Christ, who made the Earth and the moon - and Who, in the immortal words of Dante, is Himself the "Love that moves the Sun and other stars."

Be stong in the Lord

Ephesians 5
1 Follow God�s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God... �Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.� 15 Be very careful, then, how you live�not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord�s will is.
Ephesians 6 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil�s schemes. 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 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 Lord�s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

We desire to be alert, fully and completely submitted to God and his mission. This is where we are most dangerous for good.

Are you strong enough

Monday, September 19, 2011

Health update and Prayer Request

Brothers,
As many of you may know, I suffered a serious injury Friday night. I ruptured (tore completely in two) the Achilles tendon in my left leg. Immediately after suffering the injury, while still on the field, I knew that this was from the enemy in an attempt to take me out. That isn't going to happen!

You see, 23 years ago, I suffered the same injury to my right leg. I was immobilized from the waist down for 6-months and spent another six months getting my strength back. There was three feet of snow on the ground, we lived in a three-story condo, both kids were toddlers, and I had a dog that ran away everytime you let it outside. Needless to say, it was a terrible year for Jeen and I. Satan meant for all of that to come back to my wife and I with this injury as well - the discouragement, the fights, being physically exhausted, financially strapped, all of it...

That is not the case this time however. Yes, the injury is the same, but our hearts are not. Yes, it will require surgery and long months of rehab. Yes, I won't be able to run again until after Easter and will be greatly limited physically. Praise God! The victory is mine says the Lord!

Men, this Boot Camp is going to be special in a way and manner that we haven't even dreamed of. Somebody is going to come to know Jesus. Somebody will be set free. Somebody's marriage will be restored. There will be reconciliation and forgiveness asked for and given among the brothers. That's just the tip of the iceberg - that is just what I know God has shown me. Wow!

The opportunity we have been given to share the love of God with these men is both priceless and a privilege -we must not, we cannot, take our responsibility lightly. Lives literally hang in the balance...

I have elected to postpone surgery on my leg until after the camp so that I might be there with you all. That decision brings with it some additional consequences: due to the possibility of DVT (deep vein thombosis) and embolisms, the doctor has advised me not to travel - but I believe God has called me to drive the 1600 miles RT so that I may share what has been placed upon my heart, and that He will protect me as I travel. Additionally, to stay fully alert and attentive, I do not want to take my pain meds while I am driving. That is a problem because this injury has been very painful (morphine,etc.). I am trusting that God will control the pain until I get to Mark's house tomorrow night and can take my meds.

Please pray for a journey tomorrow where God will protect me physically from any medical emergency as I travel and that He will control the pain. Also, please pray that the decision to wait on surgery will not cause any further damage to my leg. Lastly, please pray for comfort and peace for my lovely wife Jeen.

I cannot wait to look into the eyes of the men God has brought to this camp and share with them the precious love He has shown to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. See you Thursday!

I Love You,
Scott

Scott Ptak -

Saturday, September 17, 2011

The effect that a father has

This is a great video about the effect that you as a father have on your children.

Play Video

Boot Camp

Today as we are meeting getting ready to the upcoming Boot Camp it is clear to me that this is going to be a great event. The devil is not happy and is attacking on every frount. He know how to exploit the weekness in our lives and the people in our lives. May God Bless and protect all the men.

If your are looking to get closer to your Heavenly Father this is an opportunity for you to get closer to him.

Marrage Restoration Prayer

Our Marriage Restoration Prayer
Dear Lord, we pray for your very special blessings on every visitor to this site, because we know it’s a broken heart, a troubled spirit, or a longing for the comfort and answers so desperately needed in a time of marital despair that brings them here. Your word tells us that from the very beginning, You created marriage as a one flesh covenant relationship; that what You joined together, no man should separate or put asunder, and that You hate divorce. It also promises us that You will heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds, that You will comfort all who mourn, and that You will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. So we thank You that instead of shame or disgrace, they will rejoice in their inheritance, that they will inherit a double portion in their lives, and that everlasting joy will be theirs, as You restore the marriages Satan came to destroy. Teach them to approach your throne of grace with confidence, so they will receive the mercy and find the grace to help them in their time of need.

We thank You that all things are possible with You, Lord Jesus, and that You, and You alone, give us peace that transcends all understanding. And we thank You for your promise that no wisdom, no insight and no plan can succeed against You, that the gates of hell will not prevail against us, and that NO weapon formed against our marriages will prosper, because we are your servants. And since your word assures us that the hearts of our beloved spouses are in your hand, and that You will direct their hearts like a watercourse wherever You please, we know they can’t plan or understand their own way, because it is You who will determine and direct their steps. Therefore, we ask You to teach us how to express our faith with love, because your word tells us that unfailing love is what everyone desires.

Lord, we ask You to work in us to will and act according to your good purpose. We believe You and are your disciples, and we want to understand and hold to your teachings so we will know the truth and let it set us free. Thank You for your word, because it is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. You are our refuge and our shield, so we put our hope in your word.

Since faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, please help us to live by faith and not shrink back so You will be pleased with us, because we know it’s impossible to please You without faith. And your word teaches us that whatever we ask in prayer, and believe, we will receive, and that we are to walk by faith and not by sight. Jesus, You even said that according to our faith it will be done to us. So, Lord, we ask You to please give us the faith and patience necessary to inherit what You have promised.

And never let us forget that we don’t live by the standards of this world. We live in the world, but we don’t wage war as the world does. So we thank You that the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. They are mighty weapons to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of You, our God, and the covenant of our marriages, so we must take captive every thought and make them obedient to Christ.

Always remind us that we need not be afraid, for You are with us. We need not be dismayed, for You are our God. You will strengthen us. You will help us. You will uphold us and our marriages with your righteous right hand. And all those who are incensed against us and the sanctity of our marriages will be as nothing, they will be ashamed and disgraced. Those who contend with us and those who war with us, will be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing, for You, the Lord our God, will hold our right hand, saying to us “Fear not, I will help you.”

So teach us to always rest in the confidence we have in You, because your word tells us that it will be richly rewarded. And give us the strength and grace to persevere so that when we have done your will, we will receive what You have promised. And help us keep your commandments and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight, so that whatever we ask we will receive from You, including the restoration of our marriages.

Please give us the faith that enables us to speak to our mountains and make them move, and the confidence assuring us that all things are possible in Christ Jesus. We thank You, Lord, for your promise that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, and That with You, nothing is impossible, including living our lives full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, even during this time of trouble, which your word assures us You will turn into a gateway of hope. And we thank You that your Spirit intercedes for us, your saints, in accordance with your will, and that You cause all things to work together for good to those who love You, and who are called according to your purpose. So we thank You for your promise that your thoughts and plans for us are thoughts and plans for our welfare and peace and not for evil, and to give us hope in our final outcome. And we thank You, Lord, that when we are still, we will know that You are God and that You will be exalted in all the earth.

And we thank You for the comfort we have in knowing that to our spouses belong the plans of the heart, but from You comes the reply of the tongue, and that the words of your mouth will not return to You empty; that they will accomplish what You desire and the purpose for which You sent them! And we thank You for the assurance that You honor and uphold the covenant of marriage made when You witnessed our marriage vows, and that YOU will defend them against the treachery of unfaithfulness, divorce and remarriage.

For all of this, we ask and give thanks in the most precious and powerful name and authority in all of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Click here to read the Bible Verses used for the above prayer.




A Prayer For Today

Dear Lord, You know better than anyone else that this might be a difficult day for some visiting our website today, and for many others who are experiencing challenging times in their marriages, so we pray that they will feel Your love in a very special way. May they be rooted and grounded in your love today, Lord, May the experience and feel the wonder and power of your amazing grace and love. May this not be a day of sadness or despair; but a day of rejoicing, because we KNOW You LOVE us and YOU have ALL things that concern us in the control of Your Almighty hand.

Lord, we pray that on this day which might otherwise tend to be discouraging, that You will bring some special incident of hope and encouragement to each man and woman reading this prayer. We know You care about us in every detail of our lives and many of us have experienced that down to even the smallest of details, so bless us with Your presence and encouragement today. Fill each of us with an extra measure of faith this day, Lord. Help us to keep our eyes on you and not on our circumstances. Help us enjoy the many things You bless us with every day of our lives instead of dwelling on that one thing we don’t have or enjoy at this time. Show us how to express Your love by loving others, especially those who are not treating us with love. Let us be even more focused on the love we demonstrate and give to others rather than concerning ourselves with how others may or may not love us. Let us walk in love today and always that You might be glorified in us.

And Lord, please touch the hearts of our spouses who are not walking in right relationship with You today. It is the greatest desire of our hearts that they know You as Lord and Savior, and there are many of us who don’t have the comfort of knowing that our spouses are saved, so our prayer for them is that Your Holy spirit will move in their hearts and lives today in a most powerful, supernatural way and bring them to the saving knowledge of You, Lord Jesus. We know You came to set the captives free, and many of our spouses live in bondage of some kind today, so we come against all manner of sin, bondage, strongholds, deception, adultery, disobedience and unbelief in the name of Jesus Christ, from which we know Satan must flee. We cover our loved ones with the blood of the Lamb today and it is the word of our testimony that they will be saved and that they will walk in right relationship with You, Lord, which we know is the only way they will ever walk in right relationship with us and others. We pray that they will se You in us, Lord Jesus, and that all of our interaction with them will glorify You. Let us always remember that our interaction with them will either lead them to You or away from you because we are Your representatives here on earth.

Be Thou glorified in this day that You have made Lord, Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let Your love shine in and through us today! We love and adore You, Lord Jesus, and it is in Your most precious name and powerful authority that we pray. Amen.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Why does god Bless Us

Why God Blesses
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, September 16 2011

"And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel." 1 Chronicles 14:2

King David learned an important lesson every leader must learn if he is to ensure God's continual blessing. He knew why God blessed him. It wasn't because he deserved it, though he was a man who sought God with his whole heart. It wasn't because of his great skill, though he was a great military strategist. It wasn't because he was perfect, for he committed some horrible sins during his reign as king. No, it was for none of these reasons. God blessed David for the "sake of His people Israel." God never blesses an individual just for that person's exclusive benefit. God calls each of us to be a blessing to others. So often we forget this last part. R.G. LeTourneau, a businessman who built heavy construction equipment, came to realize this only after God took him through many trials. Once the Lord had all of LeTourneau, he came to realize that the question wasn't whether he gave 10 percent of what the Lord gave him. Rather, the question was, "What amount does He want me to keep?" LeTourneau was known for giving 90 percent of his income toward the end of his career and was a great supporter of world missions. But the Lord doesn't bless workplace believers just for the ability to give financially. God has given workplace believers many more gifts beyond the financial.

What is happening with the spiritual fruit of God's blessing on your life? Is it clogged, or is it freely flowing to others? Ask the Lord to free you to be a blessing to those in your circle of influence.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Prayer Request

Hi:

Please pray for my wife Angie, we have been in the ER since 3AM this morning and she has just been released. She is still in pain and has a bad intestianl infection.

Thanks,

Peter

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Boot camp

The wild men bootcamp is less than 2 weeks away are you in the battle.... Are you asking why me??
Now is the time to make a change. Boot camp is a time for restoration where you can clear your head and get close to God and find the voice to listen to.

God is ready are you?

Visit the link to the left and sign up.

Friday, September 9, 2011

be and overcomer

Being An Overcomer
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, July 26 2011

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"Why does it seem that those involved in Christian enterprise find the way so hard? It seems as though it is harder for those who are committed Christians in business. Have you found this to be true?" This was the comment from a business associate recently. My answer was a definite yes. In fact, if you were not a Christian and sought to do a similar business without regard to maintaining a biblical philosophy, the way would be much smoother sailing. It makes us think of the prophet who asked, "Why do the wicked prosper?" (see Jer. 12:1)
It is a spiritual principle of which we speak. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan before they entered the Promised Land, they fought only two battles. Then after they entered the Promised Land, they fought 39 battles. The way of the cross is not paved with lilies; it is paved with grace. When we seek to honor God in our business life, we will be met with opposition from the spiritual forces of this world. This is why each of us must commit ourselves to walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and to be as gentle as doves but as wise as serpents.
Do not be surprised when you find the way harder as a believer than when you were a non-believer. You now have more at stake among the spiritual forces that desire you to be defeated and ineffective.
Stand firm against the evil forces that desire to keep you from walking in freedom in the Promised Land. Jesus is your victory for every battle you will encounter. Call on His name.

Daily Prayer

This just in from Ransomed Heart, it is a great Daily Prayer.

Listen NOW

Thursday, September 1, 2011

This is a video that you need to see

I saw this the other day and it is worth watching.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bullying in school

The other night I was talking to my son and he was upset because he was being bullied at school and he asked me what to do. Well the PJ Peter (Pre Jesus) would have told him to kick his ass because that is what I did in school. But I had to hold my toung even though my blood was boiling. I asked what would God what us to do? I struggled with that as well and we then said he would want us to pray for the bully.

Last night, when I spoke to Dylan he told me that he had prayed for the boy and that today he was totally different and nice.

God you are the best, I told Dylan that many times God wants us to do things that do not make sence or feel good or right but if we listen to him and trust him he will make thing all work out.

Just wanted to share,

Peter

Saturday, August 27, 2011

my first week as a father of a little girl

Well,

as many of you know we have been trying to adopt for several years and we are currently fostering to adopt a little girl and this has been a great week. the court gave us custody last Monday and we enrolled her in school on Wednesday and thank God that all went well and on Thursday we found out what class she would be in . That was a Big God thing because we did not have half of the stuff we needed to get her enrolled but as I have come to know that when God is in charge things get done.

today they painted her room pink, not sure if I am ready for a pink room in my house but I will get to see it tonight.

Just a few thoughts for now, they are picking me up to go to a football game, got to run.

Peter

Our Plans and God's Plans

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, August 26 2011

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever heard of someone who spent years of preparation for one vocation only to end up doing something completely different? Perhaps this could be said of you. Quite often we have in our minds what we believe we want to do only to have a course correction. Often the course correction comes through a major crisis that forces us into an area that we would never have considered.

Such was the case for Samuel Morse. Born in 1791, Morse grew up desiring to be an artist, and he eventually became very talented and internationally known. However, it was difficult to make a living as an artist in America during that time. A series of crises further complicated his vocational desire when his wife died; then his mother and father also died soon after. He went to Europe to paint and reflect on his life. On his return trip aboard a ship, he was captivated by discussions at dinner about new experiments in electromagnetism. During that important occasion, Morse made the following comment, "If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any part of the circuit, I see no reason why intelligence may not be transmitted by electricity." In the face of many difficulties and disappointments, he determinedly perfected a new invention, and, in 1837, applied for a patent that became what we know today as the telegraph. He also created Morse code. It was only later, after many more setbacks and disappointments, that his projects received funding.

Samuel Morse later commented, "The only gleam of hope, and I cannot underrate it, is from confidence in God. When I look upward it calms any apprehension for the future, and I seem to hear a voice saying: 'If I clothe the lilies of the field, shall I not also clothe you?' Here is my strong confidence, and I will wait patiently for the direction of Providence." Morse went on to create several other inventions and can be recognized today as the father of faxes, modems, e-mail, the internet and other electronic communication. ["Glimpses," Issue #99 (Worcester, Pennsylvania: Christian History Institute, 1998).]

God's plans may not always seem to follow our natural inclination. Perhaps God has you taking a path that may not lead to His ultimate destination for you. Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all you do, and He shall direct your path (see Prov. 3:5-6).


Thursday, August 25, 2011

BootCamp

The upcoming bootcamp is almost all full, are you looking for some answers, a change or simply want to get to know God better. Join us for this life changing event.

Use the link on this page to learn more.

Denial are you in it?

Denial
Denial is a favorite method of coping for many Christians. But not with Jesus. He wants truth in the inmost being, and to get it there he's got to take us into our inmost being. One way he'll do this is by bringing up an old memory. You'll be driving down the road and suddenly remember something from your childhood. Or maybe you'll have a dream about a long-forgotten person, event, or place. However he brings it up, go with him there. He has something to say to you.

The lessons that have been laid down in pain can be accessed only in pain. Christ must open the wound, not just bandage it over. Sometimes he'll take us there by having an event repeat itself years later, only with new characters in the current situation. We find ourselves overlooked for a job, just as we were overlooked by our parents. Or we experience fear again, just as we felt those lonely nights in our room upstairs. These are all invitations to go with him into the deep waters of the heart, uncover the lies buried down there, and bring in the truth that will set us free. Don't just bury it quickly; ask God what he is wanting to speak to.


from a brother

As I rise
I realize
All that it took for me to be here

The Lord chose
Then I arose
I can face the day without fear

Even if I stumble
Life does not have to crumble
As long as I keep this in view

God is my Dad
The best I've never had
Cause' He loves me, too

8/25/11
Psalm 27:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Are you listening to God or NOT

Sometimes we get so busy that we pray fast and dont take the time to listen. The other day I was able to slow down and pray but more importantly listen. In my life God speaks in a number of ways, through the bible, the holy spirit, songs of praise, through good christian friends but most importanly my wife.

When I was praying I asked God why did he allow me to make a big mistake with one of our employees, and what was he trying to teach me. The answer was that he did not allow me to make the mistake and that he was trying to guide me, I just was not listening. I would wake up every day upset about the situation and never had peace and I never took the time to look deeper and now I am dealing with the consequences.

My advice for you today is that when you are in a situation and you do not have "Peace" be careful and take the time to slow down and pray. God is not the author of confusion and he has a plan for you and that is a good plan.

Peter

TGIF Today

God's Recruitment Strategy for Leaders
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, August 24 2011

"Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing." Acts 9:8a
When God calls one of His servants into service, there is often much travail. There are many examples where God makes His presence known through circumstances that tax the individual to his very soul.

Consider Paul, who was stricken blind on the Damascus road.

Consider Peter; when he denied Jesus after the crucifixion, he was in total despair.

Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Consider Daniel, who was thrown into the lions' den.

Consider David, who was forced to flee his former employer for many years and lived as a fugitive.

It may seem strange to us that God uses such incredible adversity to prepare His servants for greater service, but this is God's way. God knows that the human heart is incapable of voluntarily stepping into situations that take us beyond our comfort zone. He intentionally brings us into hard places to prove us and to drive us deeper into the soil of His grace.

In arid regions of the world, trees cannot survive unless their roots grow deeper to where the water table can be found. Once they reach the water, these trees become stronger than any tree that can be found in tropical climates. Their root systems ensure that they can withstand any storm. In the same way, God brings us into extremely difficult situations in order to prove His power and drive our spiritual roots deeper.

Friend, God may take you through times when you will question His love for you. In such times, you must cling to His coattail so that you see His purposes in it. Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him'" (Hebrews 10:36-38).



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Bible Verse for the day

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." The disciples said to him, "Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" Jesus asked them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

-Matthew 15:29-39 (NRSV)