A Letter to My Family and Friends about Prayer

Family and Friends,

Good morning. I pray this letter finds you and your family doing well.

Today I write to you asking you, as my family and friends, to spend time in prayer each day for our country. The country we live in is undergoing some troublesome times, with possibly more on the way. This is not a political statement, nor is it a prophecy. It is something which has been on my mind for a while.

Throughout this year we have seen various trails and many high roads. The overshadowing factor of 2020 is the COVID-19 virus. This one virus has changed the way we interact and move through the world. It will be a change which will influence decisions for decades to come.

However, just because the COVID-19 virus changed things does not mean it was a troubling year. Religiously, churches were challenged to take on new roles and different assemblies. These new roles and assemblies meant the church would leave the building and find its way into the world. Assemblies arose in parking lots looking like the drive-in movies of old. While this was odd, everyone driving by that church building got to see the service firsthand.

Some congregations moved to online services. These services clogged the internet and broke a few servers along the way. Who knew that so many congregations would blast their messages for the entire world to see? Overnight preachers became internet evangelists like the old televangelists. People from all over the world could hear a message from any size congregation.

Much good arose from 2020, and we still see the influence of good across our nation. There is much to be thankful for today. We persevered even through the troublesome times.

Today, I ask you to pray.

Our nation is hurting. This holiday season, combined with the COVID-19 restrictions, along with emotions already running high, is at a boiling point. The rumblings of strikes and violence across the nation is saddening. The transition of the presidential election process is troubling. The distrust of others is heartbreaking because of selfishness.

Our nation needs to find its moorings. We need genuine people of God to lift this nation up in prayer. We need God’s people to be the ones speaking. While the media covers the bad, let God’s people bring about the good. We need God’s people to speak up for the innocent, the unborn, the orphans, the elderly and the infirm. We need them to have a voice. God’s people must use their voice.

This is not a call for loudness, but for your voice to be heard from the Almighty God. This is not a call for a protest, but a supplication before God. It is not a call or empty words, but words of action to the One who knows all.

Today, I ask you to pray.

Pray for your country to find peace.

Pray for your country to find unity in good things.

Pray that our country may realize that serving others, not destruction, is the right thing to do.

Pray for the election process. The results are not official yet. Our country is seeing political turmoil that will not be good, no matter who is in office.

Pray that God may heal our country, and the world, of the COVID-19 virus and heal those infected by it.

Pray for families to find healing and peace during these emotional times.

Pray and let God know what you need during this time.

We all need to be praying, daily, for our nation. We are not and have never been a perfect nation. Instead, we are an opportunistic nation. We have opportunities in our nation that most in the world would love to enjoy, yet we might take these things for granted.

Despite the freedoms in our nation, no one is totally free without truth. The truth we need to know is the truth of God. It is His words that makes use free. (See John 8.32 and John 17.17) His truth must be our guiding light so we can see through the darkness and journey to His marvelous light.

This is not a tomorrow type action. This is a today action.

I am challenging you to pray a minimum or 10 minutes a day for our country. Divide this up whoever you will, but I challenge you to put 10 minutes into a prayer for our country.

Our country needs your prayers.

Our country’s future needs your prayers.

Will you pray?

Just a thought,

A Parent’s Influence

Every day I am amazed how far our influence in simple things can reach into the world. In a hurting world, our influence of a greater hope is needed more than ever in our lifetime. People are hurting. They are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The effects of the Covid-19 virus, many people losing or changing jobs, the current lection crisis and the added bonus of a crazy news cycle has cause many to feel discouraged and disappointed. It is during this time that we, as Christians, can become a powerful influence on people.

The radio personality Paul Harvey once said that every day we influence 150 people directly and 450 people indirectly. To think that we have the ability to influence around 450 people each day is daunting, but a great opportunity. My amazement grows even more when I see how parent’s actions flow into the lives of their children. The influence we have on others, directly and indirectly, is significant, but the influence we have upon our children is most significant.

It makes me ask the question, “What are we teaching our children?’

I can assure you if you are not teaching your children, someone or something else is.

[bctt tweet=”I can assure you if you are not teaching your children, someone or something else is.” username=”PreachersPen”]

Our duty as parents should be the same duty the Israelites were given by God – to teach our children His word. At the end of life, it will not be the ballgames they played, or the performances they had, it will be the eternity they have gracefully gained.

Take Deuteronomy 6.4-8 as an example:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-8; ESV)

Did you notice the remarkable things in those verses?

First, the word of God must be in the hearts of the parents before they can teach them to the children. Remember, if you are not teaching your children, then someone or something is. You need to be aware of the influences in your child’s life. Children need to be actively taught from their home. It is not the job of the Bible School to teach your children; the teaching must begin first in the home.

Second, the parents were to teach the children the precepts of God everywhere: inside, outside, in private, in public, simply everywhere. Are parents teaching children the word of God today? This is where your influence, as a parent will matter the most. If your children and not seeing how the Word of God is active in your life, then they may not understand the power of Christianity.

Our influence reaches to our children, no matter what we do. Let us commit today to becoming the Christ-like example our children need, not necessarily the example they might want.

Just a thought,

A Letter to My Friends

Friends,

Today I wrote out of frustration. I write because I am disappointed, discouraged and yet, challenged, by the mystery that is our country.

This year has been truly daunting. It started well, but then came the Covid-19 crisis, the murder hornets, wildfires, lockdowns, debates on mask wearing and now a volatile election. Who knows what the next few months will bring, but I see greatness ahead.

Many times, it takes much darkness to shine a light. Through the darkness there is always a beacon of hope. Hope that tomorrow will be better than the previous days. This hope, this attainable hope, is ready and willing to create a lasting impact on our lives than it has ever done so before.

Today, even though times are hard, I write as a hopeful man. I write because I know the best times still lay before us. We must have our valleys to bring about a mountaintop experience. It will be a climb. We will have to dig in our footing, examine the path ahead, adjust our holds, dig in again and all the while, keeping our focus on the pinnacle.

It will be hard. It will be scary. It will be terrifying.

But you know what, we can do this.

The hardest times of our lives are not what we let others do to us, but what we allow to happen to us. It is time now that we pick ourselves up by the bootstraps, tighten our belts and prepare for the way ahead.

I am asking you today to take a step in the right direction.

Let us be honest, the right direction will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Later this year, I will unveil a plan for 2021 and beyond. Yes, beyond. As Buzz Lightyear would say, “to infinity and beyond.” We must be forward thinking, and we can take the steps now for a greater tomorrow.

I admit, I have felt 2020 like I was stepping barefoot on a Lego but is it time to move beyond the year and get to work.

I want to surround myself with those who are willing to move in the right direction. I do not want multitudes of people milling about, but people willing to grow.

I want to surround myself with people willing to support each other based on a common bond of decency and respect. Our support will take each other through the valleys and ascending to the mountaintops.

I want to surround myself with people willing to challenge each other, but not leave each other alone. Each challenge presented with me met with the support we all need.

I want to surround myself with people who want to get better. Moving in the right direction is good, but getting better is…. better. The actions of movement in the right direction will create better days today for a better life tomorrow.

I want to surround myself with people who want others to do well. We need to compliment three times more than we criticize. We need to encourage more that we see the negative.

I want to surround myself with people willing to make a sacrifice for the good. It might be a sacrifice of time, of finances, or of self. Our desire to improve each other must rise to the occasion.

I want to surround myself with people who want to bring their families into greater success… physically, mentally, and spiritually. Not parents teaching the same things, but teaching greater things.

I want to surround myself with people who want to learn from the mistakes and create successes despite the past. The past is behind us for a reason. It is time to step up and move forward.

I want to surround myself with excellent people.

So, where do we begin and what do we do? Honestly, where do we go?

First, we must look within ourselves and see if we are ready. Are you discouraged right now? Are you ready for a change? Are you ready to move forward despite the circumstances? If so, you might be ready.

Second, be ready to get your family ready. Remember, you are leaving legacy every day as they see you walk and talk. Be the shining light of hope they need to see. Let them see their future is bright. Let us be sure we are leaving them with opportunities, desire, and hope.

Third, we need to be ready to support each other. We need to pray for each other. We need to encourage each other when you find the opportunity. We need to support each other’s business if they have one. Support one another and build one another.

Fourth, get ready to work. Take, at a minimum, 30 minutes each day to work on principles to be better. Find your strengths and begin working within your strengths to create a better you.

Remember, the greatest times are ahead. We have a bright future and a powerful hope. Let us go get it.

So, what next?

Over the next two months, I plan to focus on a few areas that I know are needed among the people. This focus will be based on Four Pillars—God, Family, Work, and Service.

Each Pillar can stand on their own, but together, they add strength and stability. With all four together, there is an unstoppable path ahead. But first, we must look to each pillar to find its meaning.

I want to build off the four pillars each week and begin creating a community of people seeking the great and not the mediocre. This will be hard, but the hardest parts can reap the greatest benefits.

Together, with whoever wants to make the journey, we can do this. We will make it successful, fun, rewarding and a way to bless others in our lives.

I am ready.

Let me know if you want to get on the journey.

Just some thoughts,

PrayfortheElection.com

In less than 40 days, Election Day will be here and millions of our country’s citizens will make their way to the polls to vote to vote for their candidate of choice. It is my prayer that all people would spend time in prayer before voting. Prayer is an important part of daily life, but especially during election times. Some will put their politics before their prayers. Let us be sure to continue in our prayers.

Last week, we began developing a website call Pray for the Election. (http://www.prayfortheelection.com) This website was developed, not as a political website, but as a website for prayer. There is no sponsoring of a candidate, political party or political agenda. It is a website dedicated to encouraging others to spend time in prayer on behalf of the upcoming elections. The Bible speaks of praying for the leaders of the nation in which we live, and we want to encourage others to pray for the upcoming elections.

Our nation is in turmoil on many fronts and we need to spend time in prayer. This is not a time to divide, but a time to unite in prayer and request that God provide us wisdom and peace. We know that God is in control and we need His blessing of strength in our lives. Let us pray.

The purpose of Pray for the Election. (http://www.prayfortheelection.com) is to encourage people everywhere to lift up Holy hands and pray for the next five weeks as we draw closer to Election Day. You can join us at the Pray for the Election. (http://www.prayfortheelection.com) website.

You can also join the Pray for the Election Facebook Page by clicking here.

Thank you for being a part of praying for our nation.

Just a thought,

Six Powers to a Powerful Message

Several times a month, I will surf through the library of YouTube videos and watch a select few from my favorite speakers. Many of the videos I have seen countless times and some I almost know every word, but each time I hear them, the message is still powerful. The words still influence my heart and my actions. They will motivate me and inspire me for greater service. But where does the power live? Is it in the speaker or the message? Take a moment and look at the six items below and see “Six Powers Behind a Powerful Message.”

The speaker believed the message—In each of my favorite speeches throughout the years, each speaker believed (believes) the message they were presenting. Their belief came through in their actions, words, emotions and gestures. The belief of the speaker was so strong, some of it, if not all of it, was transferred to the listeners on every occasion. Without believing the words you are saying, your message will not fall on the listeners with power – it will just fall.

The speaker gave the audience time to think—Each famous speaker delivered the message in a way to give people time to think. The speaker presented words and offered solutions and even got personal, all the while allowing the listeners to hear and digest the words.

The speaker used breaks and pauses in the message—While this point relies heavily on point #2 (and vice versa), the power in a pause or a break in the speech will help the listeners digest and concentrate on the message. Pauses and breaks in a message not only give the listeners time to think, they convey the serious matters of the message. Try pausing for a small amount of time and see how many people look at you, waiting for the next words.

The message challenged the listeners—Ever wonder why some people can fall asleep in a sermon or at a conference? There are many reasons, but I am convinced there is another—we do not challenge them! You can attend seminar after seminar and never be challenged, and you will have just been to “another seminar.” But challenge the people with a message that makes them move their feet, and those people will tell everyone about the “event” they attended!

The message showed the listeners the future; whether good or bad—Remember the challenge of point #4—point #5 is the thought process. Showing your audience the future, no matter good or bad, makes them act! If you are selling them a product, then show them the efficiency they will have and the great sales they can make or the grand lifestyle they will live. If you want them to take action on something that has been wrong, show them where the dangerous road will lead and challenge them to change the course because of the consequences to come. Take your audience into the future and begin changing tomorrow today!

The message was the motivation for the people—Close your message by motivating the people to take action today, not tomorrow! The great messages of the past motivated the people to change at that very moment! Even in today’s society we are feeling the effects from people who took action hundreds of years ago because of their motivation to live better. Motivate your audience to achieve the next level- Leave them motivated!

These are just six points to get your mind racing toward becoming a greater speaker. Spend time this week and listen to those famous speeches of the past and see how these six points made a difference! Remember, to achieve greatness, you must put them into practice each day. In your next meeting or sales opportunity, try two these steps and see how they work for you. It will take some practice, but practice is necessary for achievement!

Enjoy your day!

Just some thoughts,

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“You Can Do It” Video Class – Lesson #4

This is Lesson #4 in the “You Can Do It” Video Series. This lesson is about “Setting Effective Goals by Incorporating Discipline-Building Elements.”

You may watch below.

Set Effective Goals by Incorporating Discipline-Building Elements

Effective goals to not “just happen.”

When you write your goals, they do not magically become effective or useful. It will take a few extra steps to make sure your goals are effective.

What if I told you that you can set up your goals in such a way that they can be self-sustaining? In other words, they train you to become more disciplined.

The more you achieve these goals, the more disciplined you become, and you can take on more and more goals. Sounds awesome, right? Well, this is not theory. It can happen and people do make it happen. Here’s how you do it.

Prioritize Your Sub-goals

The first thing you need to do is to prioritize the sub-goals or sub-elements of your big goals. Sort them based on their likelihood to lead to big objectives. In other words, if you knock out these sub-goals, they directly take you closer to your big objectives.

Of course, not all sub-goals are the same. Sometimes, sub-goals are necessary, but they lead to an indirect path. If you’re reasonably certain that if you take that indirect path it eventually leads you to your big goals, then that sub-goal is good enough. You want your goals and sub-goals to lead you in the same direction.

Write down all these sub-goals and make it your highest priority to focus on sub-goals most directly connected to your big objectives. In other words, when you act on these sub-goals, it’s like going from Point A to Point B. The shorter and the straighter the line, the better.

Be as Clear About Your Sub-goals as Possible

While prioritizing sub-goals is important, you also need to make sure you conceptualize them correctly. Look at the sub-goals’ parts and make sure you’re clear as to what you need to do, how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it. The most important ingredient, of course, is to be clear as to why you’re doing this sub-goal.

You will find clarity to be an important part of goal and sub-goal creation.

What is its impact on your big objectives?

How does it get you there?

What kind of role does it play in helping you achieve the big things that you’re shooting for in your life?

Build Discipline by Making Your Highest Priority Sub-Goal Your Primary Focus

In every given day, make sure that you are focusing on sub-goals that lead you closer to your big objectives. Make these sub-goals and their activities your primary focus. Everything must lead to it. Keep this top of mind.

Also, make it a point to do the hardest part of these sub-goals first.

Make no mistake about it, regardless of sub-goal or set of activities, there’s always something that you’re going to struggle with. There’s always going to be a part of a project that you have a tough time starting. Maybe it’s technically easy, but you’re just emotionally intimidated by it.

On the other hand, it may be emotionally easy and very straightforward as far as your understanding of its necessity is concerned, but it’s technically challenging for you. Regardless, focus on these hardest parts and choose to do them first.

It won’t be easy. At first, it’s probably going to feel like you’re pulling teeth. It’s not going to happen overnight. However, the more you keep at it, the greater your self-discipline becomes because you’re tackling the hardest thing first. You’re not running away from it, you’re not procrastinating, you’re not trying to work around it, but you’re tackling it head on.

The first battle is probably going to be very brutal, but the more you keep attacking, the more confident you become. At the very least, you’re not intimidated.

Keep this up and this can lead to you taking consistent action that ensures your sub-goals are achieved. The more sub-goals you knock out, of course, the closer you get to your big objectives. This is not exactly rocket science or brain surgery.

You can do this!

Just some thoughts,

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