I have really been enjoying the book my wife gave me to read – and the story line throughout the Book has been about Joseph (Joseph and the coat of many colors).   This last few chapters have been talking about Joseph’s encounter with his brother after @ 20 years and how he responds.
          Joseph had every right to respond with Revenge – look at what he has been through in the last 20 years and why he got there.  His brothers had thrown him in a pit to die and then eventually sold him into Slavery.   You would have expected him to do as Christ did in Luke 23:34:   “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  — But at first Joseph could not.   As the Book says “He didn’t because Forgiving Jerks is the hardest trick in the bag.”
          When you read the rest of the story you will find out that Joseph did enjoy some Pay Back as it would be called today – but in the end (as Nick would say) Love Wins.   Did it make it any easier for Joseph to forgive – No – It is seldom Quick, Painless and for Joseph it was not…   He ended up in Tears several Times.
          In the end Joseph could look back and see GOD’s work and the Evil deeds of his brothers was turned into GOOD.   So in the end Joseph enjoyed Praising and Giving Thanks with his whole family…
           Today I was listening to Joel Osteen on the Radio and he was giving several Examples of what we should be giving Praise and Thanks Giving for – even when it is hard:   A Couple of them hit home:

1.  We should be thankful for our Jobs – if they are New – Old or one of those Hard ones that we seem stuck in…
2. Our favorite Neighbor who has that DOG that Barks REALLY loud and will not quit.
3. Our Homes – Our Families:   We are all at different levels with our surroundings and relationships.

We need to focus on the Now and be thankful for How God is working through us…   Sometimes we do not see it until the end of our circumstances – but we must remember – God is at work.

So Today – Be Giving Thanks and Praise – Not Revenge.

 Bobbyg

     My Last blog was on Changing Direction and one of the Hardest things to do in this process is – WAITING.   Waiting can be extremely Hard – but sometimes it is what God is requiring of us so that he can do His work.   The Book my wife has asked me to read has this Chapter on just this topic – WAITING. 
          I had written in the last Blog that if you are comfortable – then you might be in the wrong spot.  Then I thought about that – waiting can make you extremely uncomfortable – so that may be the spot you need to be at.
Quote from the book – “Are you in God’s Waiting room?? If so, here is what you need to know:  While you wait, God Works.” 
   “To wait, biblically speaking is not to assume the worst, worry, fret, make demands, or take control.  Nor is waiting inactivity….  Waiting is a sustained effort to stay focused on God through prayer and belief.  To wait is to “rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…   Not fret (Ps. 37:7).”
     This Chapter shared this story of Daniel in Prayer for 21 days and was getting inpatient on the result…   It just so happens that while he was in Prayer the Angel Michael had been at work the whole time battling the enemy…   So remember if the answer does not come right away – that just means God is at work for you and there may be this extremely important waiting period.
 Here are a couple of great questions that the Chapter finished with…   What if you give up?  Lose Faith?  Walk away?
    “Don’t.  For heaven’s sake, don’t.  All of heaven is warring on your behalf.  Above and around you at this very instant, God’s Messengers are at work.”

 It finished with this great scripture:   Isaiah 40:31

Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Just remember this and God will do his mighty works through you…

 Bobbyg

     I have really enjoyed reading the Book that my wife gave me – and looking at all the references back to Joseph (You’ll Get through this – by Max Lucado)…    Let me share with you some great insights.
        Let me be clear.  You are a version of Joseph in your generation.  You represent a challenge to Satan’s plan.  You carry something of God within you, something noble and holy, something the world needs – wisdom, kindness, mercy, skill.  If Satan can neutralize you, he can mute your influence.        The story of Joseph is in the Bible for this reason:  to teach you to trust God to trump evil.  What Satan intends for evil, God, the Master Weaver and Master Builder, redeems for good.

1.  Let me be clear.  You are a version of Joseph in your generation.  You represent a challenge to Satan’s plan.  You carry something of God within you, something noble and holy, something the world needs – wisdom, kindness, mercy, skill.  If Satan can neutralize you, he can mute your influence.        The story of Joseph is in the Bible for this reason:  to teach you to trust God to trump evil.  What Satan intends for evil, God, the Master Weaver and Master Builder, redeems for good.
2. Joseph had lost everything, with one exception.  His Destiny.   JJ…
   1. This is when God does his best work – in our brokenness.
3. Here is what is said about Joseph – my question:  Can this be said of us?
   1. The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man.  (v2)
   2. His master saw that the Lord was with him. (v3)
   3. The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake.  (v5)
   4. The blessing of the Lord was on all the he had.  (v5)
4. Joseph’s story points elsewhere (“Look Higher”).  He succeeded because God was present.  God was to Joseph what a blanket is to a baby – he was all over him.  
   1. Any Chance he’d be the same for you?????
5. Joseph had a yearning for God’s presence:
   1. Ex: 33:15 –   “If you Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.
   2. David also –  Ps. 51:11 – “Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me”

 

If you have not read the story of Joseph recently – please pick up your Bible and read it once more in a different sense of urgency.   Make sure God is walking with you as he did with Joseph…

 

Bobbyg

My wife handed me a book recently and stated that I would enjoying reading this one – normally my wife and I do not read the same stuff – she is into romance and fixer uppers and I prefer a good of who done it or action.  But as a great husband would do – I took the book and assured her I would read it…   It is a Max Lucado book (You’ll get through this) and I believed him – I will get through this book.   The very first chapter is talking about a woman whose husband left her for a younger version after several years of marriage (my wife and I have been married almost 40 years)…   So I knew where this one was going………………..
To my surprise it was not going there…  Max was writing about people who are in hard times and giving them encouragement that they will need to get through it….  In the first couple of pages as he is describing people’s troubles he gives them these words of wisdom..

            “You’ll get through this.  It won’t be painless.  It won’t be quick.   But God will use this mess for good.  In the meantime don’t be foolish or naïve.  But don’t despair either.  With God’s help you will get through this.”

      Allot of the first chapter he references back to Joseph and what his brothers did to him – but explains how God used it for Good.  This was used as an example to explain how God might be working through our current situation…   Here is a paragraph that was encouraging to me:
How?  How did he flourish in the midst of tragedy?  We don’t have to speculate. Some twenty years later the roles were reversed, Joseph as the strong one and his brothers the week ones.  They came to him in the dread.  They feared he would settle the score and throw them into a pit of his own making.  But Joseph didn’t.  And in his explanation we find his inspiration.     Genesis:  50:20 – As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
     One other thought that was brought out in the first chapter was that you need to be patient while God is at work.  Sometimes God’s work takes time – he uses Moses and Noah as examples of how he worked through their circumstances.
I have always wondered why it took me so long to take the direction that I believe God wanted me to take….  He had to do allllllottt of molding to get me where I am today.  I would have preferred to be one of those Old Retired Christians that sit in the congregation doing nothing because I have put my time in.   But as I look back – I see the Wisdom in what God did for me and today I have a much better understanding of what his will may be for me.

 But remember as you go through your circumstance at the present time:

“You’ll get through this.  It won’t be painless.  It won’t be quick.   But God will use this mess for good.  In the meantime don’t be foolish or naïve.  But don’t despair either.  With God’s help you will get through this.”

 Bobbyg
**This is looking like a great book that my wife has given me and I will enjoy reading it – you may want to get you a copy of it – or email me and I will let you have this one when I am finished….

         On my #2 Blog on this topic I explained what my Study Bible had written about the Spiritual Battle – but it also referenced Ephesians 6:10-19….   This is the part about putting on the Armor of God….  This is the only way to fight the Battle and to overcome the enemy…   Enjoy reading this scripture…
 Ephesians 6:10-19
The Whole Armor of God

• 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 
•  11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
• 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.    
•  13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
• 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
• 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
• 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
• 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.       
• 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.      
• 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

       Verse 18 is one that I cherish and is essential as we go forward in the Battle –  We must be in constant Prayer….  and always Alert….    and as verse 19 states we must ask for others to help us in prayer also…

    This is my final Blog on the topic of the Spiritual Battle – but remember the Battle is real and we must succeed in overcoming the enemy.   Use the weapons that have been given to you as you go forward….

 Bobbyg
 

      A pastor friend of mine does a News Letter (Pastor Velcro) and recently one of his articles tweaked my interest in the Spiritual Battle Series I have been writing…   Please read this then I will comment.
From Pastor Velcro:
What’s your focus? The journey or the destination?
                     There are people who just love to travel. Some love to travel by car, others by motorcycle; others love to travel by boat or airplane or hot air balloon or even by walking/hiking.
                      One thing most of them have in common is that they enjoy the journey as much as or more than the destination. And what is really strange is that the stories they seem to enjoy the most are those where they encounter difficulties. What’s even crazier is that it appears the worse the difficult was, the greater the enjoyment (at least when looking back upon it).
                       It sure seems like Christians complain about their difficulties a lot. “Please God, help.” Why not embrace the difficulties? James said we should “consider it pure joy – whenever you face trials of many kinds …” He continues by showing how we grow through that process. That’s what those who love to travel understand.
                         As a Christian, do you enjoy your journey through this life? Sure, we want the destination, but we can enjoy this life that God has given us and we can look back and enjoy overcoming difficulties.

It’s your choice!

 
     You know he is right – we should see it as pure joy when we are going through the Battle – but most of us cannot see any Joy as we are in the midst of it.   Sometimes after we have gotten to the destination we can look back and see God’s Hand at work through the process and possibly then we can be joyful for being successful.     I was talking to one of my 2am guys (Ryan) about the Battle and he had stated that we must being doing something really right if Satan has chosen us… 

 My question to you is –  Are seeing any Joy as you go through Your Battle – if not – Rethink what the end result will be and try to see some joy while being in the Midst of it – Satan has chosen you because you are doing something he is afraid of. 

This is extremely hard to do – but the end result has a much better impact.

 

Bobbyg

     My Pastor Shaun recently did a Sermon about Paul’s request for Prayer on the battle that he was going through.  He like the rest of us had a Spiritual Battle to fight and he often sent letters to different people asking them to pray for him as he endured the Path that he was going down. 
     The scripture Shaun used was from    2 Thessalonians 3:1-5:
Paul’s Request for Prayer    1.  Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
    How many of us are asking for Prayer from someone else to help us get through the Battle – rarely does this happen.    Our Battles are just like Paul’s and we should be seeking out Prayer Warriors to help us through the Battle… they will make a difference. 
           At the bottom of my Study Bible was this reference to the Scriptures above:    Beneath the surface of the routine of daily life, a fierce struggle among invisible spiritual powers is being waged.  Our main defense is prayer that God will protect us from the evil one and that he will strengthen us.   The following guidelines can help you prepare for and survive satanic attacks.

1.  Take the threat of spiritual attack seriously.
2. Pray for strength and help from God.
3. Study the Bible to recognize Satan’s style and tactics.
4. Memorize Scripture so it will be a source of help no matter where you are.
5. Associate with those who speak the truth
6. Practice what you are taught by spiritual leaders.

 Guys the Battle is real – what are you doing to help yourselves to make it through it successful. 

Do you have that Prayer coverage – this is a must?

Do you have that person you can talk with?

Engage the Battle with your Armor!!

Bobbyg
 

        I had taken time off from by blogging but also from several other areas of my ministry for about 3 weeks.  I felt that I needed to focus on Prayer and do some Fasting (for me fasting is withholding from some food – but more from outside influences like TV – Radio) – there is a Spiritual Battle that is happening and I wanted to get prepared.   I have several of my close friends that are going through some major conflicts at the present time and I wanted to step back:  Pray – Focus and Evaluate. 
        I have the pleasure of getting to travel in my job at times and the last three weeks I have been on the road allot – to I have had some great quality Prayer time.
My problem has been:   How do I pray for me and those around me in The Spiritual Battle and I have come up with 3 ways on how I would like to pray:

1.  Frank Pretti has a book “This Present Darkness” and it is a Fictional about the Spiritual War and the necessity of Prayer.  There are these Demons causing havoc on this town and the Angels are waiting for the people to Pray for their Help.
   1. So like the book – My first prayer is for the protection of 10,000 Angels to come and protect us.
2. My second Prayer is Like the one that Jesus did – “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”  I want to make sure that I am not doing my will but God’s will – Jesus could have called upon those 10,000 Angels but chose not to.
3. My Third Prayer is:  are we being tested as Job was – and if so, I would hope that I could be successful and have Job’s Character and make it to the end…  and be told “well done good and faithful servant”.

 So my question is which one should I be praying and I have had to seek the advice from 3 of my pastor friends.
          Pastor Grant:   He agreed that there is a Spiritual War and that we may have to search out a reason at the present time that would let us know — Why it is that we are in the midst of this specific Battle – Look for the Root of the issue.
          Pastor Wes:   He also agrees that there is a Big Battle and that we have to look at each day different – So search each day and see where the Battle is taking you.
          Pastor Bill:  He also sees that Battle as being real and shared a scripture with me:  He stated that God will be with us through the Battle and give us what we need…    Isaiah 11:2 – The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord. 

 So where are you in this Spiritual Battle and How are you Praying????

Bobbyg                               I like praying the First one… but the other 2 are extremely important and have to be included…

 
This will be a 4 part Series….
 

It has been a few weeks since I blogged – but I have been blessed with a lot of road miles and some great prayer time…  so I am back… 
          I recently had the pleasure of visiting a Pastor Friend who was in the Hospital and I came home truly blessed.   Pastor Bill went in to get something checked out and before the visit was over – they told him he needed double bypass surgery (he did not go in for his Heart).  Bill did not even know he had a problem with his heart – at the age of (I have been told @ 86) – he just figured after working in the yard all day that he was getting tired because he was one of us that are a little seasoned. 
          Bill was a great inspiration for me after I walked away from our visit at the Hospital  –  he had been there for Three days and was not having surgery until Monday (I visited with him on Friday).    The people at the hospital were able to experience Jesus when they came in contact with Bill.   Here is what really inspired me – even though he was in the Hospital, he still may a List of what he needed to accomplish during the day…    He had to be a little more creative since he could not work in the yard or do chores.   Here is his List for Friday August 8^th – I asked if I could take it his list – it will be framed….  
Do it Now:
             Give of myself
             Pray for 2 Young Women in ICU
             Pray for M.P.
             Find ways to thank God and Praise Him
             Smile a lot
              **Dare to become a Great Writer and Inventor
        ***** THINK BIGGER
 WOW – His first thoughts are for others and not his situation….   and to make sure he did what he wrote down.   Can we do the same – come up with a Daily Plan and Do IT…     Bill does this every day.          
          He blessed me with some scripture that I will be sharing in another Blog – I had asked him how to pray about Spiritual Warfare and He truly has some great Wisdom.

 So Today as you go forward….   come up with a list of ways that people can see Jesus in you and Do It…..

Bobbyg

**PS — just a follow up – Bill got of the Hospital on Saturday (Aug 16th) – they had to do the 2 by passes and also one stint…

 
         

One of my Daily Devotions recently had this Scripture:  Proverbs 20:5   The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.   Now my question is:  What does Deep Waters Mean?
               The Devotion talked about a person who was taken home at an early age – but his life was one of Challenging others and living a life for God.   “God has things He wants us to do, but without focus and purpose, we can easily miss what those are”.                  
                When I Googled:              “deep waters — what does this mean”  –  here is one of the explanations that I got. 
I think a good analogy would be the Samaritan woman who spoke with Jesus Christ.
 Most people live their lives without telling anyone what their deepest spiritual desire is. Only God knows what it is. And for most who have fallen away or strayed away or drifted away from the faith of their youth or maybe not even their faith, but have lost the innocence of youth.
 Their inner spirit cries out for that something lost. And she did that day when she met Jesus. And Jesus told her what her inner need was. She needed water that would never run out and Jesus told her all that she was. And this woman believed Jesus and became the first missionary to Samaria and they came to listen to Jesus and many were saved.
 Now Jesus was able to draw out what was in the Deepest part of a person’s Heart and then they went forward with understanding the purpose of what He has is store for them to do.   This happens today when we are in His Word and are in tune to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.   When this happens then we are like the Person in my Devotion or the Samaritan Woman –   We live a life that is “Out Loud and On Purpose”. 
                I have a Pastor Friend (Ron Frost) that has taken the next step into Deep Waters –  He has a vision of taking his ministry to the Truck Drivers on the Road….   God Touched his heart in the Deepest way several years back and he has been Obedient to the calling.   If you were to set down and visit with him – he would be one who could draw out your Hearts Deepest Yearnings…     
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deep-Water-Ministries-My-Place-Truckers-Chapel/371664156179110
 
              

So Today –  “LIVE OUT LOUD AND ON PURPOSE FOR CHRIST”

 Bobbyg