What Matters

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For our first blog of 2020, GMM Info Tech & Social Media leader Bryant Poythress looks back at Kenny White’s Oct. 2019 “Pastor Blast” …

I’m a hero worshipper (of sorts). I think that’s why I like mysteries, westerns and of course super-hero tales. While struggling with personal issues, they are all engaged in fighting something much larger than themselves. 

And you see, this is also true of us as believers. Kenny White made the point that we all need to develop thick skin, and that’s exactly what Paul was describing when he said, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties…” and here’s the key: “for Christ’s sake” (2 Cor 12:10).

Paul’s focus was such that nothing in this world would distract him in the battle nor could deter him from his goal. He fought hard to ensure that only those things which Jesus deemed worthy were suitable to fit in his life. Kenny listed three things that God has given us to enjoy, to refresh us, to challenge us and to help guide and build us into men worthy of His service. Do you remember what those were? 

Watch this short clip from the conference
to be reminded of what can help us to have ‘thick skin’.

Watch Video

Crashing the divide … Seeking Unity

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This 2019 GMM conference theme is vital for GMM.

WHO ARE WE? God’s Mighty Men came from the recognition that throughout our region men need the support of other brothers in Christ. “What if,” we asked, “God would start a ministry in which making disciples and building unity across denominations was the priority?” God’s Mighty Men was founded in 2009 with the goal of providing a Christ-centered nondenominational forum connecting and reaching out to the men of the Front Range. We understood that Christ has a plan and special purpose for each of us. The team started work and the first GMM Conference was held at Little America in March of 2010.

The conference outline is simple: bring men together, encourage them in their faith, then send them back to their families and churches with a renewed vision of God’s directing role in their lives. In the first century, Jesus took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, soldiers and outcasts and empowered them to live out God’s plan in all of life. We are confident in his promise to do the same for us today. We’ve watched God move in amazing ways to bring together the Christian men, sponsors and other resources needed to hold our annual conferences that bless the participants, all our churches, and our various communities across the Front Range.

Families, churches, and society desperately need men who embrace all that God created us to be. During this year’s program we’re being encouraged to “CRASH THE DIVIDE”: any barrier that deters men in the body of Christ from walking together in Jesus’ will.  We are men seeking UNITY across various denominations, cultures, races, ages, and other differences on the common ground of our faith in Jesus Christ.

(Ephesians 4:13 -16, ESV)… until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

As God’s Mighty Men, let us boldly answer the call!

Mark Oct. 26, 2019 on your calendar, gather your brothers in Christ

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2019 GMM Conference – Crashing the Divide: Seeking Unity

MEN OF FAITH mark your calendars for “Crashing the Divide”! The God’s Mighty Men (GMM) Conference will be October 26th from 8:30AM to 1:00PM at Cheyenne Hills Church. Keynote speaker Scott Bloyer will encourage us as men to lead the way, as we seek unity on the common ground of our faith in Jesus Christ. Check out the intro video, gather your brothers and get your tickets under the Conference tab at godsmightymen.com.

Go Deep!

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GMM “Hub” leader Lester L. writes: We had a special guest, a month ago, and one of the encouraging things he said to us “was for us to minimize the pain and maximize the enjoyment.” We are in some form or fashion experiencing life challenges and /or difficulties. And I believe we have loved ones observing how we operate during these life experiences. I’m continuing to learn and understand it’s not about me. It’s about my Heavenly Father, and what he wants to do through me. I’m still working on self to get out of the way, so please be patient with me.
In Luke 5, after Jesus was done speaking he told Simon to throw out his net into the deep for a catch. Simon said to him, Master I have toiled all night, and caught nothing, but nevertheless, I will do as you requested.
Jesus knows we might feel broke, busted and disgusted at times in our life. At those points we want to give up! But I pray we say nevertheless: at thy word we will let down our net. “Go Deep”, so we can have deeper love, deeper forgiveness, deeper commitment to our Heavenly Father. I believe Simon, from that experience was able to minimize his pain and maximize his enjoyment! His net was so loaded down he had to ask his partners to ask to come and be blessed!
Brothers and sisters I believe our day is coming! Keep the faith! Let’s Go Deep!
–Lester L.
 

Compassion leads to ACTION!

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Pastor Shaun was teaching about Compassion and that true Compassion which leads to an Active Action. A few of the Scriptures that were mentioned are:

  1. Matthew 14:14 > When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
  2. Matthew 15:32 > Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”
  3. Mark 6:34 > When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
  4. Luke 15:20 > So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

As you see 3 of these scriptures are about Jesus having compassion with the people who are in front of him and the last one is about a Father having compassion for his son.
If we are going to be a light shining for Jesus we must put our Compassion into Action and look for those opportunities that are right in front of us. This includes our family members – this one hit me the hardest and I know that I need to improve on this one allot.   It is an area that I have failed at recently and since Pastor Shaun’s message I have taken a step back and looked for ways that I can change. If I am to have an impact in presenting Jesus to my sons or siblings I need to show some compassion in the areas that discourage me. It is helping.
 
My study Bible showed a long list of people that Jesus showed compassion to and several of these I would struggle with putting my Compassion into Action.
For Example my version for a few on the list:

  • Those on Drugs who are insane at the time.
  • Those I oppose on political issues.
  • A religious leader whose views contradict what the Bible says.
  • A really sick person who is contagious (Leprosy was the one on the list).
  • The homeless on the street begging for money or help.

These are just a few of the ones that I would struggle with. I know that I need to pray for wisdom and understanding to get past the issues I have. If I am to put my Compassion into Action I need to be able to get past my flaws and let Jesus shine through me.

What does your list look like with those you struggle in putting your Compassion into Action?

Work on letting Jesus shine through you in these tough areas! 

Let your Compassion Lead you into ACTION.

Bobbyg
 

Merry Christmas

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I just want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS —   Enjoy your families and friends – I will see/write you next year.                               Bobbyg
**This picture was shared on Facebook by Bonnie F.   and it is the reason for the season…  enjoy.

Joy!

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My wife just bought me another Joy cup, but I must explain why.   Just before I retired in 2016 my co-worker knew I was struggling during Christmas time at the post office. So he bought me a Joy cup to put on my desk to remind me that I was the only person that could let someone take away my Joy.   It worked and I made it to retirement. So Diane wanted to remind me that I needed some more Joy during this Christmas season.
This is a Season of Joy and to celebrate that birth of Jesus, when God became man (This was His gift to us).   This season also brings some challenges to those who have lost a loved one or going through a hard time. This brings me back to my Joy cup – it reminds me that I can help others get through their hard times by being there for them with a smile and understanding. My aunt passed away Sunday and even though there will be sorrow I know where she is now (HEAVEN).
This is also a time of year when there are is great Music about the reason for the season – so if you see me in my car and it looks like I am talking to myself — I am probably just singing.   I would like to share a couple of my favorite songs (These are both done with no instruments – what is the at called-  LOL).
Mary did you know? By Pentatonix….     [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Mary did you know[/button]  
Christmas with a Capital C.   By Go Fish….   [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkIj94yepfU” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Christmas with a Capital C[/button]  

I hope you have your favorite songs during this Christmas season that explain the reason for the Season and go forth with JOY>>>>>

Bobbyg
 

How would you Introduce Jesus?

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This last Sunday pastor Shaun started the Christmas series for the next four weeks on Introducing Jesus using the four Gospels.  Each Gospel has a different way of introducing Jesus starting with Matthew who explains Jesus’s family tree.
I was thinking how I would introduce Jesus and I believe I would focus on His Characteristics – here a few:   Faithful – Lord – Savior – Wise – Humble – Obedient – Patient – Forgiving – Prince of Peace – Guide – Messiah – Joyful –  .   **I keep adding to the List and probably by the end of the week it will become larger…     but Pastor Shaun shared a Video Clip from Steve Harvey that you really need to listen too.
Here it is:  [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfCLS4hmj5U” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Introducing Jesus[/button]  
If you did not clap at the end – then we need to talk.   This was a very Powerful message that would be great for to use as an Introduction for Jesus at any time.
 
**This is the start Christmas season and I believe that we need to focus on the reason for the season…   I normally could be a great Grinch during Christmas (Just ask my wife) – but this year I am trying to refocus on the Joy that Christmas brings.   My wife does a great job on making sure that if anyone was to visit our home – they would see the reason for season.  They would see Jesus…   This is the perfect time to be Joyful and not a Bah Humbug – we need to let the light of Jesus shine through us.   So let Joy of Jesus shine from us as we great those in front of us this Christmas season.

Smile!

Find a way to Introduce Jesus this Christmas season to those you meet!

Bobbyg
 

Conforming or Transforming – that is the big Question!

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I attended church this last Sunday at Grace Fellowship in Spearfish SD. Pastor Steve Miller shared a story about a Square Watermelon that were be grown in Japan. The Watermelon is conformed into a cube by its surroundings – a cube made of different types of material is used to form it. The problem is that when it is harvested you cannot eat it – the inside is not ripe so it is for decoration only. (There is more about the Square watermelon below).
Pastor Steve then shared the story about John the Baptist in Luke. You can see that he was not being conformed by his surroundings but that he had been transformed by God.  I have always liked the story about John the Baptist – the book “The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus” uses his character allot to show how we can have this intense relationship with Jesus.           After John was transformed by God – he then proceeded telling others of the Good news of Jesus and was transforming them.

Luke 3:16 – John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

          It made me look back and see how many times that I had conformed to my surroundings instead of being Transformed by Jesus and let Him guide me.   It is so easy to get caught up in the World by what is happening around me that I forget to let Jesus shine through me.  I become that square watermelon that is there for decoration only and do not have any good fruit inside of me.  I am so lucky now to have the Spirit working inside of me to help me in my transformation and then I can be like John and share the good news.

Have you conformed to your surroundings?

Are you just a square Watermelon for decoration only and no fruit inside?

Is the Spirit working inside of you?

How is your Transformation going?

Bobbyg
Let’s get one thing out of the way right up front: It doesn’t matter what shape the watermelon is, it’s what’s inside that matters.
It’s actually pretty easy (relatively speaking) to grow a square watermelon. Just about anyone can do it. While the watermelon is still small on the vine, a square, tempered glass box is placed around it. When the watermelon gets bigger, it assumes the shape of the box! You can do this too. There are even websites dedicated to teaching you how. Just remember to use a glass or transparent mold so the sunlight can reach the watermelon on all sides (except the bottom, I guess).
And why are square watermelons grown? Two reasons actually. First, the square watermelons are easier to stack, which makes them easier to ship. Second, and perhaps most ingeniously, with space being an issue in crowded areas of Japan, the square watermelon is designed to fit perfectly inside smaller Japanese refrigerators.
But, just like the heart-shaped creations, square watermelons cost a bit more than one shaped by Mother Nature. It’s a small price to pay for the ability to store it in your fridge, although I guess you could just cut up a normal watermelon and make it fit. Oh well… the square ones still look pretty darn cool.
**The cube shape of the watermelon can only be achieved at the expense of its contents. To retain the proper shape, square melons must be harvested before they are ripe, rendering them inedible.   They are for decoration only and the cost is really expensive – as high as $100.
 
 

Are you a Comfortable Christian?

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A friend of mine (Bob W.) sent me a link to an article about 8 signs your Christianity is too comfortable. I have been writing about “Crashing the Divide” and this looked like a great way to check to see if I am having an impact on those around me.
Here is the list:

8 Signs Your Christianity Is Too Comfortable!   By: Brett McCracken

**These are just the 8 items – but if you click on the link below you can see the explanation of each of them.

  1. There’s absolutely no friction between your Christianity and your partisan politics.
  2. There are no paradoxes, tensions, or unresolved questions.
  3. Your friends and coworkers are surprised to learn you’re a churchgoing Christian.
  4. You never think about or even remember the Sunday sermon on Monday.
  5. No one at your church ever annoys you.
  6. You never feel challenged, only affirmed.
  7. You’ve never had to have a ‘truth-in-love’ conversation with a fellow Christian.
  8. No one in your church could comment on any area of growth they’ve seen in you.

Click on this link to see the whole article  [button link=”https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-signs-your-christianity-is-too-comfortable/” newwindow=”yes”]
As I read through each of these, I could identify with a couple of them that I need to really work on… If we are going to have an impact on the world/people around us – then we need to be challenged in our growth as a Christian. I have always believed that if I am really comfortable, then it may mean that I am becoming stagnate as a Christian. These are just a few check and balances that can be helpful, but there others that you may have come up with that help. (Please share them with me).

So are you one of the Comfortable Christians?

If you are – What are you doing about it?

Be UN-COMFORTABLE!

 Bobbyg