Shaun’s sermon this week was about Talents coming from Matthew – and if you have followed my blogs – you know that I am always talking about how are you going forward and we need to do something.     Well with the Sermon about Talents (5 or 2 or 1) it talks about each of the servant are given different amounts – and I believe that to be true for us.   We are given certain amounts of Talents depending on what God Believes that we can handle or expand on.    Read Below

Matthew:  25: 14>30 – The Parable of the Bags of Gold

¹⁴ “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. ¹⁵ To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, ^[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. ¹⁶ The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. ¹⁷ So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. ¹⁸ But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
¹⁹ “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
²¹ “His master replied, ‘well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
²² “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
²³ “His master replied, ‘well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
²⁴ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
²⁶ “His master replied, ‘you wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? ²⁷ Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
²⁸ “‘so take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. ²⁹ For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
    As you can see by this parable – God has given certain amounts of Talents/Gifts to each servant and they are expected to use them wisely – they are also required to expand with them or do something.   I was trying to figure out what Talents/Gifts God has given me and the big question is what are they and was I using them.  I think of Talents as Gifts that God has given us – it may be different – but that is how I am reading it at the moment.
So when I did an evaluation of myself – I did not come up with many – but I could see where I might not be using the one or two I have to the best of my abilities.  Now that is scary when you read what happened to the guy with the one talent and he just buried it.   I would have to say that most of us have not buried our talent – but we may not be like the other two servants who have doubled what they have been given.

So as I finish my week out – I really want to focus on what has been given to me and see how I can double my efforts in utilizing my Gifts.  I would challenge each of you to do the same….  did you notice that each servant that expanded on his Talents/Gifts — God’s response was ” ‘well done, good and faithful servant!”  That is what I am hoping to hear some day about me…. what a treasure to receive.

Faithful verses Courage – they must go together – then we will receive the full reward….

 

Bobbyg
 

Church this morning peaked a passion in me to present the 5 items we would like guys to experience at one of GMM Conferences.   I would ask that you look at each of them and pray that God would be working in each of you to achieve one or more of them.  As a GMM team we see these as being essential for each of you…..   references below.
Thanks
Bobbyg

What to expect from the GMM Conference experience

“”How big is Your GOD”  

 “Alive in Christ”

“Driven by the Power of the Holy Spirit”

“Activate Your Faith”

“Radical Truth and Grace”

1. “To stand up and      band together” – GMM would have all men of Cheyenne united in one body,      that they would break down all denominational barriers and be able to      connect with a larger body of Godly men.

 

2. “With encouragement and the power      that the Holy Spirit gives, God’s Mighty Men will stand up and band      together to win souls for Christ, while at the same time fortifying their      town and churches from Satan’s attack.” –  GMM would have all men go back as      warriors to their churches wearing the armor of GOD for the purpose of      bringing the lost in and building up their congregations to win the      battle.  They would also cover their      congregations with the power of prayer to protect them from Satan’s attacks.

 

3. “Your      Relationship with Christ would be enhanced to a new spiritual level” – GMM      would have all men experience this new relationship with Christ and have      people see Christ shining through them.      

 

4. “Your ministry would be enhanced with a greater passion”  – GMM would have all men filled with the      Holy Spirit, and want to become more active in their church and have this Passion      that would become so contagious that it would flow to all GOD’s people      with whom they come in contact.

 

5. “You would go forth and support your pastor and his vision” – GMM      would have all men go back to their church and support their Pastor and      his vision with a much higher level of enthusiasms.

  
God’s Mighty Men…..

A quick word from the GMM President from his Devotional Reading…    Enjoy…..
 
I am the Resurrection and the Life; all lasting Life emanates from Me.               
 People search for life in many wrong ways: chasing after fleeting pleasures,          
 accumulating possessions and wealth, trying to deny the inevitable effects of aging. 
 Meanwhile I offer abundant Life to everyone who turns toward Me.                     
                                                                                       
 As you come to Me and take My yoke upon you, I fill you with My very Life. This is   
 how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes. This is also how I     
 bless you with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory. The Joy is Mine, and the Glory is  
 Mine; but I bestow them on you as you live in My Presence, inviting Me to live fully 
 in you.                                                                              
 John 11:25; Matthew 11:28-29; I Peter 1:8-9                                           
                                                                                      
 Excerpt from the March 2nd devotional of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
           

Today I was reading my Daily Devotional from the Robertson Gang (Awesome Daily Devotional) and Jep was talking about when his wife would give money or food to anybody she would see on the side of the road.   He would get upset if she gave someone money with no expectations of how it was spent – he was afraid that they would spend it on Drugs or Booze.  Her response was “It’s not our place to judge, but to show them kindness just as Christ has done to us.”    WOW….   Do we give people what they do not deserve with no strings attached?   Jesus message was always about our Hearts toward other people – especially the downtrodden (response from Jep).
A really good Pastor friend of mine (Jason) has a heart for people and on one of his sermons he preached he talked about when you shovel the snow – why not get the neighbors too.  Well one day he was trying to get in touch with his Mom and it took forever.  When he finally got in touch with her – he asked where she had been…      Her response was that she was shoveling her walk and the Neighbors – another WOW moment.    As I was driving by my friend Nick’s Home today – he was a half of a block from home shoveling someone else’s driveway (He had already done his and the neighbors).
     What would it be like if all Christians had a Heart as the few people mentioned above – would it change the world???   
Pastor Jeff preached one time on giving people what they do not deserve (Radical GRACE) and used a story of tipping a Waiter/Waitress.  If you know me you have heard this story several times…   But I like to tip with $2 bills and the Wait staff who will get more is the one that his given me bad service (30% tip)  (but I tip them all well).  You know what – I have seen it change hearts… and attitudes and enjoyed seeing one of the wait staff come back with a changed heart. (Try tipping someone who does not deserve it – for most people it is hard – but it will change two hearts when you have done it)
So let’s talk about what you are going to do as the week progresses – How can you give someone what they do not deserve with no strings attached.
1.       At work – who is that employee you struggle with…???
2.      When driving – who is that person that irritates you the most????
3.      How about a good friend who has wronged you?????
4.      Forgiving someone who does not deserve it – a really hard one………….
The list can go on – but look for those moments to change your heart and give someone something they do not deserve….    Look at the Great examples Christ has given us……

 “Radical Truth and Grace” 

Bobbyg

   This is a great question:  Who is your Paul – Barnabas – Timothy?  I have a really good friend by the name of Jim S. and he has been talking about Mentoring and how important it is.   Several years back my greatest pastor Bob N. stated that as men we need a Paul-Barnabas and Timothy.  So let me try to explain what that means…   It has allot to do with the Topic of Mentoring…
 Who is your Paul:  If you had a Paul in your life: that would be someone in your life who is mentoring you – answering all of your toughest questions in life and taking you forward to be the greatest you can be.   I have had several Paul’s in my life who have inspired me to keep the faith and who have helped me through my toughest times.   They have enhanced my Marriage – My relationship with my Sons – and best of all my Relationship with Christ.  My ministry would not be where it is today without them.  You need a Pual…….

Who is your Barnabas:   Paul had a Barnabas and it was one of his greatest assets.

 Acts 9:26-27  ²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.   Acts 11:25-26    ²⁵ Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Men need a Barnabas to go beside us as we go forward in life.  There has to be someone who is your best friend and will take a bullet for you.   There has been several times in my life that I just did it on my own – but the times I had someone beside me helping – the burden so much less.  I have acquired several Barnabas’s now and it has been so great to go forward in life having someone covering my back.

 

Who is your Timothy:  Paul had a Timothy – this was a young man that he mentored.  Do you have someone you are mentoring and teaching them how to get through life answering there toughest questions.  I have a few of my Timothy’s that also fit the role of a Barnabas as we are going forward – but as we go forward – we are fighting the battle as warriors.   There are times that I feel so inadequate in trying to help a Timothy – but some of the rewards are seeing them succeed in life.   We all have something to share and there is someone out there that needs is desperately.

So the question comes back to: Who is your Paul – Barnabas – Timothy?

You will see the Topic coming up several times in GMM as we go forward….

To read more on this subject you please click on this connection.
By Paul R. Martin:   http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200702/200702_000_barnabas.cfm
“And those offering themselves in training will be further encouraged and safeguarded along the way toward “the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).”
 
 
Bobbyg
 
 

I received this Story from a Pastor Bill C.  that just made my day….   The question is – when we look at people — how do we look at them.   Do we judge them by what they are wearing?  Do we judge them by what they say?   Or – Do we judge them by the most important part?
Please read and enjoy
 Just a reminder of what really is important in life!!!
 I showered and shaved……………. I adjusted my tie.
  I got there and sat……………. In a pew just in time.
 Bowing my head in prayer………… As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me……. Touching my own. I sighed.
  With plenty of room on either side……… I thought, ‘Why must our soles touch?’
  It bothered me, his shoe touching mine.. But it didn’t bother him much. 
  A prayer began: ‘Our Father’…………. I thought, ‘This man with the shoes, has no pride. They’re dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!’
  ‘Thank You for blessings,’ the prayer went on.
  The shoe man said…………….. A quiet ‘Amen.’
  I tried to focus on the prayer……. But my thoughts were on his shoes again..
  Aren’t we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?
  ‘Well, this certainly isn’t it,’ I thought, glancing toward the floor.
  Then the prayer was ended………… And the songs of praise began.
  The shoe man was certainly loud….. Sounding proud as he sang.
  His voice lifted the rafters…….. His hands were raised high.
  The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man’s voice from the sky.
 It was time for the offering…….. And what I threw in was steep.
 I watched as the shoe man reached…. Into his pockets so deep.
 I saw what was pulled out………. What the shoe man put in.
  Then I heard a soft ‘clink’  as when silver hits tin.
 The sermon really bored me………. To tears, and that’s no lie.
  It was the same for the shoe man… For tears fell from his eyes.
  At the end of the service…….. As is the custom here.
  We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.
 But I felt moved somehow……….. And wanted to meet the shoe man.
 So after the closing prayer…….. I reached over and shook his hand.
  He was old and his skin was dark….. And his hair was truly a mess…..
 But I thanked him for coming………. For being our guest…
  He said, ‘My name’s Charlie………… I’m glad to meet you, my friend.’
  There were tears in his eyes……… But he had a large, wide grin..
  ‘Let me explain,’ he said…………. Wiping tears from his eyes.
 ‘I’ve been coming here for months…… And you’re the first to say ‘Hi.”
 ‘I know that my appearance………..Is not like all the rest.
 ‘But I really do try………………..To always look my best.’
 ‘I always clean and polish my shoes…Before my very long walk.’
 ‘But by the time I get here……..They’re dirty and dusty, like chalk.’
 My heart filled with pain………… And I swallowed to hide my tears.
 As he continued to apologize………. For daring to sit so near
 He said, ‘When I get here………… I know I must look a sight.’
 ‘But I thought if I could touch you….Then maybe our souls might unite.’
 I was silent for a moment…………. Knowing whatever was said
  Would pale in comparison…. I spoke from my heart, not my head.
  ‘Oh, you’ve touched me,’ I said…….’And taught me, in part’
  ‘That the best of any man…………..Is what is found in his heart.’
  The rest, I thought,…………… This shoe man will never know.
  Like just how thankful I really am…. That his dirty old shoe touched my soul
  Live each day as your last, for we never know our time here on earth. Love and Peace My Friends and remember that it is not how we look on the outside but how we look within.
 
 
 
 
 

I was listening to the Radio yesterday and Matthew West’s song “Do Something” came up and the last time I heard the song – it really made me think and look at what I was doing..   So please enjoy this again…
Here is a portion of the Lyrics:
I woke up this morning – Saw a world full of trouble now – Thought, how’d we ever get so far down  How’s it ever gonna turn around –  So I turned my eyes to Heaven – I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?” -Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of – People living in poverty –  Children sold into slavery – The thought disgusted me – So, I shook my fist at Heaven – Said, “God, why don’t You do something?” – He said, “I did, I created you” – If not us, then who – If not me and you – Right now, it’s time for us to do something – If not now, then when – Will we see an end –  To all this pain  It’s not enough to do nothing –  It’s time for us to do something  – Click on the connection below and listen to the song.  –  http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/matthewwest/dosomething.html  it is great.
How true:   Why are we sitting back waiting for everyone else to correct the problems of the world – why are we not Doing something about it.   I have really enjoyed being part of a couple of upcoming events that people like you and I decided to Do Something.
I have another great friend and he has a heart for encouraging people – even me…   God has been working on my Wife and me at the present time – and Mike knows about it…   He sent me an article today and within the contents of the Message it was what I needed to hear… “We are not equipped to handle all the problems we face, but God is.  That’s why He told us to give them all to Him – to “Cast your burden on the Lord” (Ps. 55:22)…    Walking with Jesus does not depend on a physical action but it depends on our Heart…        This was A WOW moment.
With the few examples above – things happen when we “Do Something” and it can be as simple as an encouragement to a friend…  God has created you to do great things – enjoy the Moment… 
Bobbyg

I would like to share an email that Jim S.  sent to one of our opening Speakers this year for the 2014 Conference –  it explains what we are about and some of the highlights of the event…     Enjoy………….
About Us (GMM)
As mentioned, God’s Mighty Men is a non-denominational Christian men’s group dedicated to improving men’s understanding our relationship with Christ and our commitment to family our churches, and communities.
 GMM was formed in 2008 to serve Cheyenne. This being our 5th year, we now have churches from S.E. Wyoming and Northern Colorado participating in our annual spring conference.
 Conference Theme – Radical Truth & Grace this year’s conference focus is on the importance “GRACE” (love & forgiveness).
 As Christian men we have opportunities daily to exhibit Christ’s love and forgiveness in our homes our churches and the workplace.
 The Radical portion of our theme is based on the understanding of what a radical truth it was when Christ delivered his message of love and forgiveness to a world mired in a philosophy of vengeance with “an eye for an eye”.
 GMM 2014 Conference
This year’s conference will again be held at the Cheyenne Civic Center.
 Saturday, May 3rd from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
 This year’s Main Speaker: Randy Gradishar (Former Denver Bronco Linebacker and member of the Mighty Orange Crush)
 This year there will be two sessions of our Famous Pastor Blasts. These are limited (three minute) slots in which local Pastors share some Great Wisdom in the allotted time.
https://godsmightymen.com/conferenc/
 
 
 

I had the pleasure of attending a FCA Breakfast yesterday and listen to some testimonies from a couple of the UW Football Players…   and the never forgotten Karsten Sween.   On their hand out was the FCA’s Vision:  “To see SE WY impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of Coaches and Athletes.”  WOW – what a vision – and when you heard the testimonies from these guys – it showed Changed lives because of how Christ is working through them.
One of the Highlights was a Web Cast giving away the Bart Starr award – which was given to Aaron Rogers for his impact outside of football in the area of Character and Integrity.   Bart Star had made a few comments that brought purpose behind what are priorities should be – 1.  God    2.  Family   3. Other people…  He had also written Aaron a letter during some tough transitional times in Green bay because of the leaving of Bret Farve.     Three main parts in his advice were:

• 1.   Character and Integrity had to be a major part in the transition:
• 2.  God had a plan for you – You must Believe it.
• 3.  We are praying for you – (Bart Starr and his wife)

This is some great advice when we are going through the tough times and making sure we have someone praying for us…
A verse that one of the athletes quoted was:      “John 10:10    ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”      We must remember that Jesus came to give us not just life – but life in its fullest – and we must be aware that there is an enemy that wants to take that from us.
At the end there were small quotes from the Super Bowl players (Broncos and Seahawks) about who was first in their life.   I am always impressed when an athlete steps forward in Boldness and says who their Savior is.
I have not always been that Bold — but as my relationship with Christ grows – it is getting much easier to share my faith.
 

Enjoy the Super Bowl – but at the same time remember the gifts that have been given to these athletes and who gave it to them.

What are you going to leave behind that people will remember you by – we all have great talents – are we using them to impact people.

 Bobbyg
**Go Chargers – whoops – the Broncos beat them….   So I guess I will have to root for the Broncos….

Pastor Shaun’s sermon this week was in the part of Matthew where Jesus is talking about the Pharisees and how much they were misleading the people.  While I was following his sermon in my Study Bible – the explanations about the verses at the bottom of my Bible really got my attention…
Here is the first one:
“The Pharisees’ converts were attracted to Pharisaism, not to God.  By getting caught up in the details of their additional laws and regulations, they completely missed God, to whom the law pointed.  A religion of deeds puts pressure on the people to surpass others in what they know and do.  Thus, a hypocritical teacher was likely to have students who were even more hypocritical.  We must make sure we are not creating Pharisees by emphasizing on the outward obedience at the expense of inner renewal.”
This was me in the past – I was focused on being involved/helping in everything that I could do at church.   I believed that my obedience was being extremely busy in Church and I wanted people to see my actions….  I was a really great Christian.   I missed it by doing that – I lost my relationship with Jesus by paying attention to the Law as I seen it.    It was something I even preached about and it was how I made sure that I was saved….   WOW did I miss the target.
Ryan wrote a blog recently about being free from the bondage of the law – it is a must read: https://godsmightymen.com/2014/01/20/from-chains-to-freedom
Then this was the second part of the explanation in my study Bible:
“It’s possible to obey the details of the laws but still be disobedient in our general behavior.  For example, we could be very precise and faithful about giving 10 percent of our money to God, but refuse to give one minute of our time in helping others.  Tithing is important, but giving a tithe does not exempt us from fulfilling God’s other directives.”
      It took me a very long time to realize that when Christ came – it changed everything.   He did not want a 10% tither – He wanted all of me…   That included all of my time – possessions – gifts – monies —- every part of me.  When I gave it all to him – then my obedience came easy and it became something I desired (Obedience to Christ)..
This verse was part of my morning devotional and the last part of it really explains what are actions should be….
1 Timothy 4:12     ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Bobbyg