I had this whole Blog ready to write about – it was going to be about what has been in my heart from a couple of books I have been reading…  One book is a fictional book about COIL – a group of special OPS Christians fighting for Christians who are being persecuted.  They go into the world of danger with their faith in God getting them through all the trials they are going to encounter (I wish I had their faith and relationship with Christ).   The other Book is “Life with a Capital L” from Matt Heard….. And is a great read on what Life is truly about.  
         
        My friend Nick texted me today (Sunday) about Erwin McManus – he is one of the Authors that has impacted me the most on where I am today.   Erwin’s Sermon today at his church “Mosaic in Los Angeles” was on “Battle Ready” and it was one of the most Powerful Messages I have heard from Erwin.   During his sermon he announced that he has Cancer and this will be his last sermon for a little while since he is going into surgery on Tuesday.  
          I knew 2017 was going to be a year for Christians to step up and be bold about their faith – this message was just about that.   I am heartbroken about Erwin’s sickness but at the same time I am extremely encouraged about the message he gave today…   it has me fired up for what has been in my heart for 2017.
        
  I am not going to write much more about this – but I want you to listen to his message………   it will change your life…
 Message by Erwin McManus “Battle Ready”   enjoy and be encouraged and ready to engage. (Please click on the button)  [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx-8vmcUVBA” newwindow=”yes”] about 30 minutes into the YouTube is when his message starts but it is all good… 
Bobbyg
 
PS – his new book “The Last Arrow” I cannot wait for it to come out.   [button link=”https://www.amazon.com/Last-Arrow-Save-Nothing-Next/dp/1601429533″ newwindow=”yes”]

      I know that this year (2017) is going to be a new season in my life and God is going to be asking me to do more…   I am looking forward to an exciting year of challenges and an adventure with my wife.   But the big Question is:  “What am I going to be asked to do?”
          Pastor Shaun shared a verse yesterday that had me thinking about this question:

Luke 19:28-31.  After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.   As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,   “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.  If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”

     I had to think about Jesus request and if He asked me to do the same thing today:  “Would I go and get the colt?”    It probably would not be to go and get a colt but it could be.   But in Matthew:  the great commission is a request similar to the one that he gave the disciples.  (Preparing for Jesus coming). 

Matthew 28:18-20.  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 
          So Jesus has given me an instruction and I am to be obedient to what he has asked me to do.   I just finished a Men’s Study with Pastor Jason and at the end of each study we would stand up and make this Oath (The Great Commission).   In doing this it is extremely important that I am obedient to the Oath that I have made.   I can see Jesus opening up doors for me do keep my promise and I must be attentive to those opportunities when they come and not fail. 

It is going to be an exciting year.

 
So what does your 2017 look like?

Have you been asked by Jesus to something?

Are you looking for opportunities to be obedient to His Calling?

Make 2017 a great year of fulfilling His call!

 
Bobbyg
 
         

     I was thinking about what 2017 is going to look like for Christians…    and I believe it is going to be a year that Christians need to speak out.  Franklin Graham traveled to every state in the USA this year because he knew that it was extremely important for Christians to ENGAGE.   The enemy is strong and as my friend Chaplain BK said…   the opposition is organized, energized, and persistent in making sure that their view is: “The Main View that is present today”.    I have to tell you that it is not a view that I am going to like. 
 
 My wife shared her insight on what 2017 should look like for us and it came from a couple of books.  

1. Tim Lahaye’s (Daily devotional):  “Perhaps Today”  “”Living every day in the light of Christ’s return”
2. Max Lucado’s (Because of Bethlehem): “If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, what would you do today?  Then do it!  Live in such a way that you would not have to change your plans.”

      I am in agreement with her wisdom:   We need to be living as if Christ is coming tomorrow and we need to start speaking out.   Our Christian views should be “The Main View that is present today” and we need to not sit back and be quiet.  As Franklin Graham stated we need to start being engaged to get the Good News of Jesus Christ out as the main topic. 
 
So how does “Perhaps Today” look like for me personally? 

1. Do I need to make Changes in my Daily Life?
2. Do those around me see Jesus in Me?
3. Do I need to speak out more on issues that I know are not Biblical?
4. Do I need to be bolder in sharing Jesus with those around me?

I have several more questions for myself, but I can already see that I am still in need of being molded and transformed.   I cannot wait until 2017 comes in a few days from now, but I need to do as Max Lucado said:   “Then do it!    Starting today!!!!!
 

So as 2017 approaches for you – what are your questions to yourself about “Perhaps Today” do they look mine?

Remember what ever you come up with “Then do it!

 
Bobbyg

     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”

 

 
 
 
 [

      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