Stages of Motherhood

For audio file go to  Stages of Motherhood

1) Acclimation Stage

adjustment

This begins when you find out you are pregnant. You may think you can plan way ahead of that but until you have a child forming inside of you it is just book learning. Something deeper begins when you conceive a child. Something changes forever.

^{Ruth 1:3} Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. ⁴ The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, ⁵ both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.

Ruth was fully acclimated to being in Naomi's family - no turning back

Ruth 1:16  But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. ¹⁷ Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

Everything she knew was permanently altered. Ruth would not leave. Even though her husband died. She was Naomi's family.

2) Auto Pilot Stage

instinct

When women become mothers instinct kicks in. That is why it almost doesn't matter how much practice you had with other peoples kids... your baby is your baby. Unique yet a part of you. If you just trust God and listen to that inner voice you won't need a training manual or even mentors . . . Once the initial freaking out occurs a motherly instinct sets in -  "I can do this" and amazingly you just do.

Ruth 2:2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”

Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” ³ So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech

Interesting that at this point Naomi called Ruth "My daughter" not DIL.  It was Ruth's idea (not Naomi) to go out into the field to gather grain. Ruth's instinct / God's plan

It was God's plan that in that field she would meet her future.

When a new mom is on auto pilot it is just a matter of following her instincts. Instincts that God put there from the beginning. Motherhood is so much the character of God. The love and compassion He feels toward us causes Him to bring comfort, healing, and care. Not once in a blue moon - but every time we let him!


3) The Favor Stage

unconditional love

This is the stage of motherhood that is the most rewarding. Your children are young and dependant. To them you are everything and you can do anything.

The word mommy is heard a million times a day. You are their refuge and their world. This stage of motherhood is also the most crucial for your child.

It is the time you can form them into the person they will become. Remember moms being a mother is a job. And your job is to form a little person. They do not come out formed.  Your words carry weight. Your actions even more so.

This is the time to relish motherhood because you are the most important person on earth. And believe me it won't last forever.

^{Ruth 2:19} “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!”

So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.”

²⁰ “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband.^[b] That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”

²¹ Then Ruth^[c] said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.”

A mom doesn't have to work at having favor with their children. They are too young to know all you do for them. Yet they love you so unconditionally that you can speak anything into their lives and they will believe it and they will receive it. Use this stage wisely.


4) The Trusting Stage

patience

When your child becomes a teenage something awful happens - they realize they have a mind of their own and they have the power to actually use it.

This is when you need to believe that all the things you put into them will stay put. And even if it looks like they are being led in the wrong direction the promise of returning is in the Bible. All children stray from their mothers at one point. Some not very far. Some become extremely distant. Some in between. 

Cutting the cord and allowing independence is the hardest part of motherhood.

The truth is you do know what is best for them, But your advice does not fall on open ears.

This is the time to trust God that as they test the waters they will do so with the caution and wisdom that you instilled in them. One thing is certain  - no matter what, they need to know that you have not gone anywhere neither has your unconditional love.

^{Ruth 3:16} When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?”

Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, ¹⁷ and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

¹⁸ Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”

... Ruth 4:3 And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. ⁴ I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”

The man replied, “All right, I’ll redeem it.”

⁵ Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

⁶ “Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”

Thank God that the wrong choice was not the road that Ruth took. God protected His calling on her life. Patience and trust was needed to see it come to pass.


5) The Rewards Stage

fruits of your labor

They say when a child reaches 19 or 20 they realize that though you were not perfect you gave it your all and they become sincerely thankful.

Sometimes it doesn't happen until they have a family of their own but it will happen.

Rewards come to the mom who endured hardships and prayed in faith for their children. Blessings that are more rewarding than anything you felt up to this point.

The sense of accomplishment when they use your words to make hard decisions, or train their own child.

A friendship is formed that lasts a lifetime and will not be diminished or broken with time or distance.

And like Naomi who lost both her sons became family to her DIL who eventually gave her the greatest reward of all - a grandson.

^{Ruth 4:13} So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. ¹⁴ Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. ¹⁵ May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”

... 17 1/2 And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.  -

Obed was famous he was in the genealogy of the messiah!

Enjoy each stage of motherhood. You have been called to partner with God in raising up a future warrior. When it feels out of your control that is when you are on the right track.

God formed each person in the secret of the womb and knows the number of their days. He sometimes puts people in your life to open the door to your destiny.

A mother is there since day one. And even when they are gone from this earth, they are never gone from the child's heart until their own dying breath. She will always be the one person you wish was still there.

Every mom makes a permanent imprint. And sets in motion how the future will turn out.

It takes time, even a lifetime.

Moms, you have an invaluable job.

You have invaluable worth.

Happy Mother's Day




pw
5-8-16

Exposing Deception (pre-sermon)

Deception comes in all levels and degrees of effectiveness. Some deception is obvious and can be discerned even without supernatural help.

Sometimes, however, Satan uses advanced strategies meant to bring havoc and deceive even the elect. That is when yielding to the gift of discernment is needed. I want to talk about a few strategies of advanced deception. That of a Master Manipulator or Master Deceiver.

If you or someone you know has been rocked by a master manipulator in a spiritual setting it is so important not to blame God!  It is normal to feel extreme let down or even violated. If you are currently affected, you may seek hands laid on you and or a season of counseling. The Spirit of deception on a clean child of God leaves a mark, a scent. An unclean odor that feels like it needs to be washed off.

Why?

A Master Manipulator uses deception and deception is a seducing spirit.

How do we spot a master manipulator so we are not deceived again ?

Education

The better informed people are with the techniques of deception, the more they can recognize them and protect themselves against them.

Here are a few
Effective rhetorical strategies of deception
by Claudia Moscovici, in
Dangerous Liaisons: How to Identify and Escape from Psychopathic Seduction

Learn them so that you can recognize this behavior.

● Glibness and Charm.
Master manipulators lie pretty easily and in a smooth fashion. They get you mesmerized by them not by what they are saying - distracting you by their charm.

● Slander
A Deceiver often slanders others, to discredit them and invalidate their truth claims. If a person cheats on their spouse they point out the spouses faults to draw attention away from "their" sin.

● Evasion
When you ask a straightforward question that requires a straightforward answer, they usually go round and round in circles or talk about something else altogether. They may also use flattery. Such distractions are intended to cloud your reasoning and lead you to forget your original question.

● Pointing Fingers at Others.
When you accuse a master manipulator of wrongdoing, he’s likely to tell you that another person is just as bad as him or that humanity in general is bad. The first point may or may not be true. At any rate, it’s irrelevant. It is childlike - Johnny did this or that too.

● Playing upon your Emotions.
Very often, when confronted with alternative accounts of what happened, master deceivers play upon your emotions. For example, If a concerned observer attempts to warn you of certain obvious things the manipulator replies “Who are you going to believe? Me or them?”

A tangled web of lies

 
Deception constitutes a very entertaining game for the master deceiver. They use one victim to lie to another. They use both victims to lie to a third. They spin their web of mind-control upon all those around them. They encourage antagonisms or place distance among the people they deceive, so that they won’t compare notes and discover the lies. Often they blend in aspects of the truth with the lies, to focus on that small grain of truth if they’re caught. Manipulators use both truth and lies instrumentally, to persuade others to accept their false and self-serving version of reality and to get them under their control.
 
A master manipulator usually has a string of co-dependants surrounding him. Thinking they are supportive they are actually hurting by enabling an ongoing destructive pattern.

John.12.4-6. MSG - (emotional plea tactic)
Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.

Master Deceivers, like the father of deception himself, have no shame using bizarre ironic twisted analogies and metaphors. Imagine selling Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver yet right before pointing out how the so called wasted oil could have helped poor people. Finding fault with others is a deceptive tactic meant to distract. Leaving out important details is a form of lying and a major way they deceive. Master manipulators have seared consciences due to repetitive lying and therefore have tons and tons of nerve. After reading a teaching like this they would never see themselves in a negative light manipulating even themselves.


Using God's Holy Word  (Blasphemy- using God's Word in vain)
Luke 4.9-13
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’ ” When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

Using Scripture to "prove" lies is a most grievous sin. What the Spiritual manipulator is doing is tricking a child of God. Causing one of these little ones to stumble. Woah!
Mark 9:42
If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

If you were conned that is terrible. But not as terrible as the consequences to the one who does the conning.

Thinking about that fact will help you operate in mercy and intercede for the one who led you into deception.

Where does this spirit originate?
How to we practically triumph over it?

The originator of deception is Satan himself.

What is deception? Deception is a well orchestrated lie. It is used to manipulate people from the actual truth in order to obtain something.

When in doubt first check your spirit- something won't feel right.

Then remember this verse:
Proverbs 18:17
"The first person to speak always seems right until someone comes and asks the right questions." and this one:
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false teachers who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are wolves and will tear you apart."

Always verify with Scripture. Does the end result of you falling for the deception line up with scripture?

Remember your mother's advice - All that glitters is not gold. If it sounds too good to be true it probably isn't true. And the biggie: Who benefits and who hurts by you believing their lies?

Third do some checking up i.e. - resumes, previous employers, previous breakups, background checks, etc.

The best things in life are real and free. The worst are fake and (eventually) extremely costly.

God's children need not be gullible

Protect yourself and your family by learning how to expose deception. The inner voice of your spirit will show you how. The ability is in you.

1 John 4:1-21
Do not believe every spirit. Test the spirit whether it is of God.

1 Cor 12: 1-31
● Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
God wants you to use the Gift of Discernment so you will not be ignorantly deceived.
● The manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Profit withal = gain advantage over Satan. Not be fooled by a Master Deceiver

John 16:13
"And the Spirit is come, He will guide you into all...what?...truth." The Spirit of God leads you into all truth, these spirits lead you into all error. They seduce, they lure, they deceive and they are powerful.

So we have been given the gift to discern or see into the realm of the spirit (both good and bad) And to clearly tell the difference even when it is a very fine line.

Lastly, do not blame yourself if you have been fooled by a master manipulator. They are masters at it. Instead forgive yourself as well as the one who deceived you.

Nothing is impossible with God even the deliverance of such a person. God wants them set free from that satanic spirit.

Until then some good advice is to pray but stay away. Less you be tempted once again or those you introduce into the equation become additional victims.

Remember once you are saved the enemy works overtime to steal, kill, and destroy you or at least destroy your effectiveness as a believer.

He will use anything he can and unfortunately in a spiritual setting a master manipulator using advanced deceptive strategies meant to bring havoc on the church is one of his favorite choices.

Satan will use that tactic as long as Christians fall for it and it keeps working.

Be diligent in the washing of the word ask God for discernment and you will spot even the most crafty deception.

Then boldly resist it, expose it and decimate it.

pw

Holy Week

Garden of Gethsemane  -  Eastern Gate  -   Church of the Nations

When it was known that this was the area where Jesus prayed hours before the cross, the Church of the Nation's was built adjacent to it. (Actually this was the 3rd structure built in the same spot) The Olive trees in this Garden of Gethsemane are the oldest in Israel approx. 2000 yrs. And the view looks upon the place of the second coming. .. the Eastern Gate! Wow! Jesus, knowing the agony of his death, (especially the temporary separation from the Father), briefly sought another way. Yet, the Father's will was "the" way. Jesus knew that. He also knew the end result and decided to concentrate on that. He fixed his eyes on the Golden "Eastern" Gate (quite possibly) and endured willingly with a renewed comprehensive motivation of what He was born to do.

How much more can we (though we walk through difficulties) seek renewed strength through prayer, see with the eyes of faith the provision he suffered for, and fight for it?

The place of divine health, overcoming victory, family restoration, joy full of glory, inner peace, love that passes all understanding, an inheritance of souls, and tears of grief wiped away completely and permanently.

Fulfill your call. Not your way but His. Regaining strength through prayer. Fixing your eyes always on the end result. Resolute, unmovable, Christlike

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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The Last Supper

Ever experience a Judas? You are not alone! Our Lord did. (Hebrews 4:15)

He understands and can get you through.

Jesus saw that spirit on Judas long before the act of betrayal. Interesting that he told him to do it quickly, not talking Judas out of it. He knew how hard it is to win someone lost in selfishness, disloyalty, untrustworthiness, and greed. Pray for your Judas. Most never repent, however, "If" they ever realize the gravity of their sin it is almost impossible to live with that guilt.

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 Caesarea Philippi

◄ Luke 9:20 ► NIV

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah."

Amazing portion of Scripture. This picture is the actual place in the Holy Land where Jesus asked a question two different ways. Who do men say that I am? And then Jesus made it personal and specifically asked who do "you" say that I am? Too many times we look at what the Christian crowds think and join what's most popular. Do you base your faith on popular opinion, and current cool doctrine or do you possess an inner knowing that can not be shaken? Have you taken the time to allow faith to cometh? Romans 10:17

Look deep down into your heart. Are you convinced that He is the one? If so how can any trial, problem, hardship, or demonic plot ever make you hesitate or doubt him? Jesus is not a way or an answer he is the way and the answer. It is that kind of belief that causes the supernatural to take over. It is that place of restful knowing that Jesus wants to remind us is available. The place of confident unwavering trust. A faith so powerful even a tiny seed of it destroys the mountains around you. Who do you say He is?

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Pool of Bethesda

This is the Pool of Bethesda. It is located near the Sheep Gate and is associated with healing. There was a superstitious ritual that stepping into the water after angels stirred it would bring healing to the physical body. When Jesus saw a man unable to enter the water due to his infirmity, Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

John 5: 8-9

He did not need faith in the ritual, only a touch by the Son of God. Jesus is the Sheep Gate and the Living Water. All who enter, drink are made cleansed - spirit, soul, and body. After this miracle the religious of the day brought criticism that He healed on the Sabbath and that the man carried his bed on the Sabbath. Some will rather remain sick & oppressed then give up their rituals.

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Place of the Skull

Jesus was crucified just outside the walls of the city at Golgotha which means place of the skull. This picture is Skull Hill just outside of Damascus Gate in the old city quarter of Jerusalem. Early scholars believe this is where Adam's skull is buried. It is common belief this is the very place of His crucifixion just outside the camp, near a road where passers by would be reminded what happens when you challenge the authority of Rome. Also a rich man's tomb was discovered near by - yet another scriptural reference.

Public displays of devastation always have an curious audience. Just remember the last time you were in a traffic jam and figured out the reason was the horrendous car crash spectacle off the side of the road.

People stop.

People look.

People wonder what happened.

Some wonder why.

It is that place... "the place of why" where we come in!

Be ready this season to share the why when they pause to look at the cross this Easter. Remember this is not called Black Friday but Good Friday!!! Jesus took your place. He took upon him the sin of the whole world nailing it to the cross. He willingly gave his life so that you could live beyond this temporary life and have eternal life in Heaven. For the sinner (all of us) it was a good Friday.

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 The Lowest Place on Earth

The day before the resurrection is known as Holy Saturday. Very little happens on this day as far as customs or religious traditions. It is a time of quiet reflection between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. However, in reality Jesus was very busy on the first Holy Saturday!

Jesus made His descent with His soul, whereby He destroyed the gates and bars of Hades. Death was put to death, Hades was stripped of all its captives, the forefathers and all the righteous who died from the beginning of time were set free (Ephesians 4:8).

He had already sacrificed himself for our sins. Now he ripped the keys of death, hell and the grave from satan. He descended before he ascended.

Heb. 2:14 ...through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Rev. 1:18

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Here is a clear to the point description of what occurred during Holy Week which ends the close of Saturday. I recited this a gazillion times before I had a clue what it really meant. Before I was born again and my eyes were opened to its meaning.

The Apostles Creed:

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty…"

The glorious manifestation of resurrection happened on Sunday. But do not discount the devil womping, utter humiliation and taking of the spoils that was done for you on Saturday!

This picture is of The Dead Sea which is a terminus for the flow of rain and surface water. Water flows in but not out. Its water has no escape, but is trapped to evaporate. The Sea has always had a large surface area and a negative altitude – the lowest point on Earth!

Funny, you could replace the words "Dead Sea" with Hades or Hell.

Aren't you thankful that Jesus provided a way of escape 'a way out' for those in the bosom of Abraham long ago and for you and me today!

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The Empty Tomb

When you are there and you see it - it leaves an impact that can not be put into words.

 The Sea of Galilee

40

In the early morning hours of October 10th I prayed about what to say at the upcoming Men's Breakfast. One phrase after another was continuously dropped in my spirit. Below are the 40.


I will take blunt and real to fake and flowery anytime.

Sure they're doing it not as good as you would. The key word is they're doing it!

A man who swallows correction and adjusts can be trusted.

Those who eloquently defend mistakes will eventually turn on you.

Look out for gifts given out of the blue.

Mutual honor is Satan's demise.

Pride is measured by defensiveness.

Character is clarified by correction.

Not every tear is real.

One deed in secret is more valued than a thousand announced.

A successful manager adjusts tactics; production slips under a die hard.

Expecting appreciation is a guaranteed letdown.

Thomas needed to feel God. Blessed is the man who takes him at his word.

Fake can never sell the discerning.

You were born to rebellion; reborn to submission.

A hard truth is better than a feel good lie.

Flattery masks discontent.

The most sought after trait is being there.

Women prefer strength over emotion.

Priorities cannot be hidden.

Putting down others to lift yourself up is embarrassingly transparent.

You leave your mark by consistent pressing; not by impulsive change.

Being counted on is being counted.

Sheer happiness is see through; joy is thick and opaque.

Better to bridge the gap than profit from it.

No student can cram the test of time.

Sincere loyalty is quite yet profound;
shallowness is loud and deadly.

Quakes reveal faults. 10-10-15 4:21AM (earthquake felt)

You were created to sign not forge.

Authenticity is attractive.

Religion could be a front for phony.

A secure man doesn't need your approval; 
an insecure man needs nothing else.

Wisdom looks over the broad strokes to read the fine print.

Every divide begins with a strategic seed.

Men deal well with problems; women prevent problems well.

Better to believe in the shaky then doubt the proven.

Avoidants never remove obstacles for others.

Regrets are never future.

A well timed thank you comes just in time.

Rescuing someone from a ditch before they hit rock bottom is not always the right move.

 

 pw

What Month Is This?

I just read a ridiculous article that got tens of thousands of shares on facebook. It was another recycled "Bash Pastors (usually successful ones) to lift some other Pastors up" article.

Everyone knows that putting down pastors is eye candy to the offended or envious. You can add to your flock & get loads of comments to boot. The problem is those same people who were sold on some other guy's superiority, namely you, will not be fooled forever. They might be dumb sheep but they're not that dumb.

Hey here's a thought:
Let's set aside one month where we honor the men of God. Where we don't worry that they don't do church your way; instead praise God for the good they are doing, the lives they are reaching, the mouths they are feeding, the seeds they are planting. BTW - bashing Pastors is so 90's. Haven't you heard that the body of Christ figured out we are on the same team! Get current man.

Lets spend our time spreading some good news like what's right with the church and what's right with Pastors.
How about a whole month of Pastor Appreciation? Every October. Every year.
Then you can spread your recruiting materials the next month. I'm sure it will be a big hit.

Tonight we buried a young pastor, who left a sweet and amazing wife, four children and a large ministry family. So I have no patience for divisive articles written by satan using losers. "Trump-esque" but true.

Only good things were said about this Pastor at the funeral tonight.  And guess what - the Pastor wasn't even a perfect Christian like you.

How about we don't wait till the men of God are dead to say nice things, believe the best, and give honor.

For one month let's stop bashing our own. Oh, they will still be bashed but just not by us.


pw

Are You All In?

Are you all in? These four small words hold the key to a successful ministry.

I had the privilege to observe an awesome ministry who distribute goods to the less fortunate and offer spiritual guidance. It was a sight to see. The team was well equipped, well trained, and performed their mission with excellence. As a volunteer, there was no doubt what we were doing and why we were doing it. The top leaders bled the vision and their passion poured out on all who were there. Because of this unified commitment, the ministry was able to duplicate it's efforts from city to city. It operated as a fine tuned oiled machine. It was an eye opener.

Recently, our long time friend and Evangelist asked a large group of leaders at Word of Life this question, "Are you all in"?

He observed from his own experience in ministry that a team that agrees with Vision 2020 is not enough. To be truly successful, due to the magnitude of our unique vision, the carriers of our vision must operate as one. Chief promoters staying on task and steering the ship towards one specific goal. A unity so strong that we become a fine tuned oiled machine. All who come in contact with us need to fully get what we are doing and why we are doing it. As with the ministry I observed, who help the needy all over the world, our select team, like they did, must bleed the vision.

Many churches have a certain specialty that they are passionate about. It is important to realize that not every local body can do it all. It is admirable to assist others in their efforts and vice versa. That is how the Body of Christ accomplishes more for the Kingdom. However, the path to duplicate a vision is more difficult. It takes concentrated efforts on the task at hand until it is able to be successfully duplicated. Fulfilling John 17:21 is what we would like to see reproduced from city to city.

More specifically we would like to organize a team to spread the call to Vision2020 to as many as possible in the body of Christ. Thankfully one thing we can all be unified over is the great commission! There is, however, a distinction between people who support Vision 2020 and those who become part of the fine tuned oiled machine that live, eat and breath it. It will be the later working as one who will automatically spread their passion to all they come in contact with. Because what ever is on the inside of us will also get into the people we influence.

There is an all in level of commitment that is needed to fulfill the call upon this house. The call is too massive, too important, and too hated by the enemy to succeed with anything less. The team God is cultivating are leaders who are all in. We need to own it, promote it, and bleed it.  God is bringing this to pass - a unified team with a sincere and consistent focus.  As this is fine tuned, the body will observe this clarity of purpose due to our solidarity and will emulate it.

The word talks about a season of strengthening that which remains. All over the world the church is being shaken and decisions are being made. If advancing Vision 2020 were not so vital to the heart of God it would not be so serious.

But unity among believers is vital and souls are serious.

We are so excited to see what lies ahead as we let the Lord put together His team at Word of Life. Others are confirming to us how important it is to honor and protect wholeheartedly this huge responsibility given by God. Praise God so many are all in!

Think about it - How can we excite others to implement this into their church and also keep up Vision 2020 giving in our local church so that we continue to support effective soulwinning crusades oversees? How can we successfully blend churches, honor men and women of God, and add support workers into hurting ministries? How can we encourage all Christians to put the great commission a higher priority as Jesus commanded us to do? How can we be an on-track multi-site church that all speak the same thing when it comes to our vision? How can we become good enough to reproduce these efforts city to city? How can we ensure that we do not lead in a different, albeit good direction?

By being all in!

Some are needed to support this vision. Others are needed to multiply the vision.

Which one are you?



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Vision 2020 - Unity for the Sake of Souls.

What is up with folks grumbling about how much professional athletes make? Have they ever seen the sea of red from an aerial view of a Chief's game? Or the maniacal behavior of KC fans over the Royals actually playing ball in October? Do they have a clue what it takes to make it as a professional athlete or how hard it is to last on that level? Do they really believe that those who put together a winning team is something anyone can do?

Do those who feel it's unfair think the hotdog guy should share more in the profit? Or that just everyone should get a cut? Do they realize the caliber of success it takes to have people wait in lines shelling out 50 dollars a pop for the nosebleed section? Could someone explain to them the definition of capitalism or the concept of supply and demand?

Maybe we should divvy the money up among the masses or better yet let Obama handle that. I think we all agree this spreading the wealth around thing is working out real well. Under his administration there are far more gazillionaires, a ton of less middle men, and a country full of food stampers. Yeah, let the government make it more fair. It is just too bad that the doers in this country are losing their ambition because their money is being passed around to the gimmes. So much for the working man's friend.

What if the desire to succeed in sports diminishes as well? Oh the horror. Diminish enough that the crowds would get smaller, the trading less ruthless, the play less spectacular, the wins fewer, the competitive spirit less annoying to the point where no one will even care so much anymore. Sunday schedules would become wide open!

It is true that capping pro-athletes salaries makes perfect sense when it comes to overall income fairness. It makes even more sense, however, to choose who can become athletes, doctors, or laborers. Why should only a few get the best jobs? Everyone's salary should be equal or at least a lot more fair.  While we are at it, let's leave the name and mascot decisions of all athletic teams to be decided by the ACLU or the cast of msnbc. They don't offend anyone, or at least anyone who matters.

After all, who needs a bunch of grown men getting rich playing ball anyway.

It's not like America is obsessed with it.

It's not Like we're a bunch of fanatics.

 

 

 

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