This is a start to the Theme of the next GMM Conference in 2017.  At our last meeting we talked about mentoring – relationships (Paul, Barnabas and Timothy) and what does that look like.   We discussed mentoring our young men and giving them an example of what Godly men are to look like – but instead of leaving a legend we should be living the legend.    
 
          I attended a funeral today of a God’s Mighty Man that is one of the best examples of what “Living the Legend” looks like.   Marty had a servant’s heart and impacted/affected everyone he came into contact with.  This was evident by the amount of people that were there to celebrate his life.  The GMM Team is going to miss him – he one of a kind on our Team.  
          In is his obiturary it stated: “Marty’s love and service to the Lord was evident by all who knew him.  No doubt the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” were heard by him as he entered heaven.”        WOW —-   This is something that we should all strive to have said about us by the impact we make on those who are in front of us. 
 
       We have been studying Authentic Manhood on Saturday mornings and Pastor Jason starts us off with a scripture from Exodus 18: 21.  “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”   As we look at our lives we want to be one of those selected….  We should be the ones who are showing the example of what these look like:

1.  Fearing the Lord
2. Trustworthy
3. Hate dishonest gain

We need to be living our lives in such a way that we are not just passing on a Legend – but that we are sharing the Legend with others. 
 
          This next year needs to look different for me – I need to build those relationships and share my legend with:

1.  My Paul’s:  the men who I seek wisdom from.
2. My Barnabas:  the men who walk beside me.
3. My Timothy:  the young men I am mentoring.
4. The people I meet…………….

When I go to Heaven I also want it to be said:   “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
 

So what does your Living the Legend look like?

Are you Living the Legend or just passing it on?

Are you sharing your Legend with someone else?

 

Bobbyg

     I enjoyed watching a special moment of the President Elect Donald Trump’s talk last week at the Michigan Thank You Tour….  The special moment during the event came when a group of people off to the side had their Merry Christmas Signs and shouted “Merry Christmas” to Mr. Trump.   He smiled and looked their way:  He then stated “”We’re going to start saying ‘Merry Christmas’ again!”  and then everyone said it “MERRY CHRISTMAS”…  
          In the past if you said “Merry Christmas” you might offend someone – so the Politically Correct statement was supposed to be “Happy Holidays”.   I could never say that – even if I was ending a conversation at work in the Post Office during the Christmas season.   It offended me when someone would say Happy Holidays to me but I would politely say Merry Christmas in return. 
 
          One of my favorite songs about saying Merry Christmas is from:
                    GO Fish – Christmas with a Capital C (Push the button and enjoy the Song)   [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJxQhfeU3I0″ newwindow=”yes”]
          I hope this song made you smile….. The song makes a point – we should never be stifled from saying Merry Christmas and it is a season that is all about Christ. 
 
          I am hoping that business will encourage their employees to say Merry Christmas this year or at least give them the option to say it without being afraid of being punished.   It saddens me when employees are told that they cannot say Merry Christmas at any time and businesses will take actions to create an environment that excludes Christ during this special season.   
          This has been a year that I can see the sleeping giant of the Christian community is finally awakening and making our views apparent to the public.  This is a great opportunity for the Christian Community to Love those around us, but at the same time speak out….  MERRY CHRISTMAS!
 
So this Christmas Season:

Will your greeting be “Merry Christmas”?

Will people around us see the Love Christ shine through us this season?

Bobbyg
 
 

       I have been looking at what does the Manger mean to me…..?????   Pastor Shaun started off a Christmas series this last Sunday at church and did a great job on explaining who Jesus really is and it helped me think about the Manger.
          This was one of the Miracles that is celebrated every year and at times it can be overshadowed by all of the busy events of the season and the real reason is forgotten.   It has taken me a while to start enjoying Christmas again because of the distractions that take us away from the real reason of Christmas, but retiring from the Post Office has really helped this year…..   Go Figure… and my Wife and Grandkids help allot also.
          I have been blessed with a great attitude of Christmas this year and decorated the outside of my home but  I would still like to find a Manager to put out front…. (If anyone can help please let me know). 
           To me the Manger has a meaning:   That is when God became Man just as I am and he dwelt among us.   At this time Jesus went through everything that I have to go through everyday and he showed me how I can LIVE.   
 This is one of my favorite songs about the Birth of Christ is > Enjoy and please listen to the words – just click on the button:

“Mary did you know” – By Pentatonix:  [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE” newwindow=”yes”]

 

          This time of year I really enjoy listening to great songs about Jesus birth and the music goes full blast.   I have a couple of other favorite songs that I will share in my next few Blogs.   My wife has been giving me a hard time in the past few weeks about turning the TV to the Hallmark channel to really enjoy the stories of Christmas.   She says I am really getting soft – well maybe, but they have some really good movies. 
 
So my question to you is:

How are you dealing with Christmas – is it good or is it a struggle?

During this time of year – do you turn to all the great tools out there that bring the true meaning of Christmas?

When people greet you – do they see the reason for the Season in you?  

Enjoy saying “Merry Christmas!”

 
Bobbyg                              “Christmas is everyday”

 

 
 
 
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      A friend from the Post Office who is also retired posted this song and stated that it was not a normal Christmas Song – but it really fit the season.  I have to tell you it put me to tears listening to the song and for me it is all about Christmas.  Especially this part: 

The light you have – I pray we’ll find your light – will be in the heart – and hold it in our hearts.  To remember us that – when stars go out each night, – you are eternal star.

This is the Christ that I know and he is my eternal Light….   
Please listen to the song:  The Prayer by Celine Dion and Josh Groban Live: (click on this button)  [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbviXG_56ss” newwindow=”yes”] 
The words are below: 
      This upcoming year is going to be a year of change and leadership that we will have the pleasure of experiencing together.  But as Franklin Graham recently stated in a letter:   “America is still a sin-saturated and divided nation, and our leader himself is a leader with human flaws.  But only God can heal and restore a nation – and that comes through committed, faithful prayer”.   As the song stated let this be our prayer and when you read the words it points to Christ….   
Mike Pence stated after the election that he was “Grateful to God for His amazing Grace”.      AMEN
      As we start the Christmas season let us not forget the reason for the season – it is all about Jesus…  My prayer this Christmas season is that I am bold enough to tell people about the Light that leads me each day and keeps me safe – that is Christ.  
So this Christmas season what will be your prayer?

Who is your Light?

Who brings your wisdom and vision?

Where is your safe place?

 
Bobbyg

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we’ll be safe

La luce che tu dai
I pray we’ll find your light
Nel cuore restera
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night
L’eterna stella sei

Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.

Sogniamo un mondo senza piu violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita

La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E’il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child

Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

 

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving….    it has been a great year for me and I am extremely thankful for:

1. I have a Great wife who puts up with me.
2. I retired this year.
3. I was able to spend more time with my Grand Kids.
4. The GMM Conference was really good
5. The elections are over and we can now go forward.
6. The Franklin Graham – Decision America Tour that I helped with.

I was just getting started – so please think back on what you are Thankful for this year.
I want to share a song that I heard today:   “Angels Among Us…   This has been a year that it was really evident that I had 20,000 Angels looking out for me….  so enjoy:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_4Xfj2LRSA
Bobbyg
 

         I have experienced some situations over the years that have surprised me on when people pray at unusual circumstances (current and in the past).   I have to tell you that I am not really comfortable praying out loud in public such as Restaurants, Prayer meetings with Pastors, in front of a large crowds, and the list goes on.   I am getting better, but situations recently having me really thinking.
          Let me give you a few examples:

1.  Before I retired from the Post Office I experienced something that just really surprised me.   I called a secretary in Denver who was wanting a Gas Receipt that I could not find and she stated well let’s Pray about it.   Her Prayer was powerful over a lost receipt.
2. Just recently my wife was looking for a lost item in a dumpster behind a restaurant that was really important.  One of the employees came out to assist and then started praying to Jesus to help find the important item.   Within a few minutes the lost item was found – then the helper prayed and thanked Jesus. WOW
3. I was at a meeting recently and situations were presented before the group and the leader then asked someone to pray immediately for that situation.
4. I have a Pastor friend who will ask the waitress who is serving us if they need prayers before we to pray for the meal… (He always gets to pray).

This is something that I would not have done – but I have to tell you that I was really impressed with the people who prayed… 
 
So now back to my Question:  When is it Time to Pray?   The scripture states that we should be praying without ceasing –

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

So we should always be praying…  but after experiencing some of the situations described above – I believe that I need to be ready to be Bold in praying for people at any time (even out loud).  I know that this will take practice and Christ will be there to give me the words that are needed – “I just need to DO IT!”

So are you ready to Pray at any time?

Are you looking for those Situations where you can Pray?

Are you being Bold in your Prayer Life?

Remember the Scripture – Pray without ceasing.

 Bobbyg

     We had a great GMM Conference this last Saturday and there were great speakers – Matt Heard’s message was a Powerful message on LIFE.  But one of the Pastor Blasts that really spoke to me was from Pastor Daniel and his message about how God Works.  I have to tell you that Pastor Daniel was not able to finish his message before Lester pulled him off with the HOOK. 
          Pastor Daniel was explaining how God did his work when he created the world:

1. He created the Heavens – then he put the Stars in them.
2. He created the Seas – then he put the fish in them.
3. He created the Garden – then he put Adam and Eve in it.

He did not get to tell the rest of the story – so I get to finish it the way that I believe he was going to finish it for me.   We will have to take him off to the side and let him finish the rest of the story – then post it on the GMM Web Site. So now I get to finish the rest of the Story in my words…………
          I believe that he was going to tell me that God has created situations just for me and then placed me in them.  It may be on a daily situation or it could be on a long term situation.   My question to myself is:

1.  Can I see what He has created for me (Daily or Long Term)?
2. How am I doing – Adam and Eve failed am I doing the same?
3. Am I utilizing my Gifts to their fullest to accomplish what God has created for me?

These are going to be questions that I really need to focus and pray about.   I must be engaging if I am to be obedient to what God has placed me in.
 
Now the question for you is?

Where has God put you?

Can you see the situation that God has created for you?

How are you doing – are you utilizing your Talents to the upmost GOOD?

 
Bobbyg

         As a follow-up from last week’s blog about our GMM Conference Theme of “Relentless “ Engaging Men to be fully alive, I thought I would try to tackle what is “Relentless”.   Once again what does that mean – it is another action word that has a different meaning for each of us.  I looked up a Simple definition and here is what I came up with:

Simple Definition of relentless

1. Continuing without becoming weaker, less severe, etc.

2. remaining strict or determined.

     Well this did not help very much in trying to identify Relentless in my own personal life, so I did a further search on the meaning of Relentless.   I came across an article from Jon Bloom and this one really helped in trying to identify how I can become “Relentless” in my walk with Jesus.
          Please read and enjoy….
  Article by – Jon Bloom (he describes Relentless as Gritty)
He uses this scripture as an example of Relentless:

(1 Corinthians 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

**Then here are some great examples he gives of people in the Bible”

The Bible is replete with gritty examples:

◾Noah building a huge ship over decades as he waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise.

◾Abraham and Sarah living like strangers in the land of promise and waiting a quarter century into old age as they waited for the fulfillment of God’s promised child.

◾Jacob serving his devious uncle, Laban, for many years as he waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

◾Joseph languishing in an Egyptian prison as he waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise.

◾Moses leading the recalcitrant Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years as he waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

◾And “time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David, Samuel, and the prophets” (Hebrews 11:32), and of Mary, the disciples, and Paul.

******And Jesus. Jesus, the man of such sorrows as we’ll never know, who in the garden, facing a horror that only God could experience, said to his Father, “not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36) and moved with relentless determination to the cross. Never has more grit for the sake of love ever been seen.

    These examples have really challenged me on what I can to do achieve what God would have be do and go forward in a way that will glorify Him.   I do see that “Relentless” is a long term goal and something that will not happen in a moment – so I have to be patient. 
          ***I do have to tell you that I am excited to see what the Speakers have been enlightened with from the Holy Spirit this weekend as they explain what it means to them.    It is going to be an AWESOME SATURDAY MORNING>
 

I normally write a challenge – but the only thing I can challenge you with today is to come Saturday be BLESSED.

Bobbyg

          Part of the GMM Theme for this year’s Conference is: “Relentless” “Engaging men to be fully alive” – so the question is what does that mean.   It can mean allot of different things for each man – which includes me.   I have been struggling on how Christ would have me become fully alive – and he has given me some hints lately which I will share in a minute.
 
   For now here is what the GMM President has said about it:  (Jim S.)

We hope to challenge men to consider their role in “God’s Plan”.  God has called men to be role models and leaders in our homes, churches and communities.

 
   Our main speaker this year is Matt Heard and on his web site The Gathering is where we got the term of engaging men to be fully alive.  One of their goals is:

We exist to honor and glorify God by focusing our energies on, reaching out to our community, teaching the love and truth of the Bible, and sending as many as we can out into the world with the good news of forgiveness and life through Jesus Christ.

 
So as you see I have not really answered the question of what this means – but I can tell you at the conference it will be explained in a more meaningful way. 
 
          Now for me:  One way Christ has called me recently to be more engaged and fully alive has been with a new resolution that was put out by our City Council.   It was a non-discrimination bill that could affect Christians and what they believe in.  I have been forwarding emails about how to get engaged and how to help in trying to get this ordinance stopped, but I was not doing anything.   I was convicted while in a prayer moment to get engaged – so I did what I had been writing about.  I cannot tell you if I had any part in helping, but the City Council member I wrote to, passed an amendment to the resolution to protect Christians in their beliefs (I hope it is enough to help).
          During this process one of the Pastors (BK) stated that we may not have won, but I am praying that this will get Men to engage in presenting their Christian beliefs.   I enjoyed his saying to one of the opponents after telling them how well they did and how they were very well organized.  He stated that you may have “Awakened a Sleeping Giant”.
          My hope is that they have – it is time for Christians to speak out on what our Beliefs is Jesus are.   We cannot just sit back anymore and be doormat – we must be awakened and be engaged.  Once I became engaged I can tell you the feeling of being fully alive started to burn a little – it felt good.
 

So what does Engaging Men to be fully alive mean to you?

Are you engaging?

Christ has given us the Power to be Bold and share our Beliefs – are You?

 

Bobbyg

     About a month ago I was sitting in a waiting room at the hospital and just happen to start a conversation with the person next to me…   We ended up talking about our Faith and then the person asked me “Does God Speak to You?”  I had to pause for a second because I was not sure what I had gotten myself into.  But then the person went on to say that they had been told God only speaks to us through the Bible.   This person lives in the on a Ranch and during their prayer walk in the wilderness God will be speaking to them.  This person just wanted to reaffirm that they were hearing from God.
          I had to explain my experience when God started speaking to me.   It was not until I cleared my heart of some malice towards a person that I really wanted to be dead that He was able to speak to me.  I believe that we need to clear our Hearts before God can really reveal Himself to us.  When I started praying for the Salvation of this person I did not like – God Spoke.  I want you to know I had to look around in the Car to make sure no one else was there – I was driving north on I25.  
           So when I had breakfast with a really good Pastor Friend of mine yesterday he explained that God was speaking to him.   For two weeks I could not get in touch with him.   I asked him if he was on a Mission trip and out of the country (Not taking my call was not something that would happen – well maybe).   This Pastor has allot of wisdom when it comes to seeking God’s will in his life, so he went to God and asked Him about where he should be going.  He took two weeks off and shut everything off (including his phone) so that he could visit with God about Direction.   He now has this Glow that I believe must look like a Moses Glow when God spoke to him. 
 
          So I have learned that when you are Seeking God’s Presence and really want to visit with Him – You need some Wilderness Time.   You must clear your Heart of anything that would keep Him from being able to connect with you.  Then enjoy the conversation  He is going to reveal His will to you and it is a really great experience when you really talk to Jesus.  Then get ready for what He is going to say – When God Talks – You must listen and Obey. 
          I have to tell you that when God spoke to me – I was obedient to His call and was transformed and my relationship with Jesus was changed. 
 

So has Jesus been talking to you?

Have you cleared your heart so that you can hear His voice?

Be ready to be Obedient for what He is going to speak to you.

 

Bobbyg