Week 30 - #Prepare “Dare”

“How Dare You?"

Philippians 1:14 - "Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.”

Isaiah 54:2 - “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes."

Why is it that we are typically OK with “daring" to enlarge our own territories when it comes to the physical, and mental aspects, but rarely with our spiritual growth?

We often "dare" to climb the highest mountain, swim in the biggest ocean, and run the longest race but, rarely "dare" to seek a greater walk with God.

Are we more willing and apt to dare to achieve personal goals, because they are more tangible? Something visible that can be held or displayed on a shelf?

When was the last time you prepared to be transformed by daring to lean your ladder against God's wall?

DADs, when we dare to discover God's deep love for us His plan for us becomes clearer. When we truly dare to turn to Him we become more daring to“enlarge the place of our tents, and let the curtains of our habitations be stretched out;” Isaiah 54:2.

When we prepare to dare (not jumping out of airplanes or taking unhealthy risks), but daring to run with God, then only then, will He be able to fully use us for His glory.

DADs, remember some take dares for flair but let’s take dares to share and care. Let’s prepare to dare today by sharing His love and caring for His people.

Now that’s a real "truth and dare!"

To God be the glory!

DADs “get in the game”…

Today is game day…and so is every day…

God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “Share.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare to “dare."

Week 29 - #Prepare “Share”

“Netflix-tions & Hulu-cinations”

Hebrews 13:16 "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Romans 12:13 "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

I wonder why starting at a very young age it is so difficult to share with others.

Why is it that one of the very first words we learn from infancy is "mine"?

During these long months of the global pandemic, one of the peripheral non-life threatening, however life sucking symptoms, has been binge TV watching. These “Netflix-tions,” sometimes causing “Hulu-cinations,” often zap hours of precious time from us all, never to be regained.

However, even in the mindlessness of binge watching God can deliver a needed message, through a simple made for cable series.

So here is the message I heard embedded in my latest commitment to sit on the couch while staring at the screen, that is related to our topic today focusing on the preparation to share.

The scene takes place in a fictitious remote town where a group of lifelong friends have gathered in the living room of a beautiful farmhouse. The owner of the home is being showered by love and affection as the ladies all take turns reminiscing about their friendship and lives together. Eventually the ladies say their goodbyes and head to their homes. Later, the town doctor stops by and is invited to stay for dinner. The doctor agrees and enjoys a cup of coffee on the porch while the woman’s daughter prepares dinner. With the events of her day the woman decides she needs to lie down to take a nap for a while. This loving woman and single mom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. When her daughter goes to wake her up for dinner she finds her mother unresponsive and calls out for the doctor to come. The doctor finds no pulse as she has passed away in her sleep.

Needless to say, it is a very emotional setting. The daughter is distraught and through her tears and emotion cries out “I wish I spent more time. I wish I had more time.”

In those simple but poignant words, God reminded me how precious life is and of the urgency to prepare to “share” with those we particularly love, the most valuable gift we possess, our time.

What are we saving our sharing for? When "it’s convenient"? When we are "comfortable"? When "we feel like ____ (Fill in the Blank)"?

Whatever our reasons, when we withhold things like sharing our “time”, (something if we make it important we all have), keeps us from being fully “prepared.”

The phrase “Sharing is Caring” was trademarked by the Salvation Army in 1950. It’s fitting since they have spent years caring for others. Founded in 1865 in East End London, they begin providing gifts and meals for the elderly, sick, and underprivileged. This simple coined phrase can teach us all a lesson.

We are all reminded in Hebrews 13:16 to practice our sharing, "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

In this hour of preparation, do you have time to share? Time to listen? Time to mentor? Time to play? Time to love?

Sharing the gift of yourself doesn't cost anything except time. In essence we have no time to lose.

DADs, you are on the clock. There is no time NOT to share. Prepare to share today.

Let’s don’t say in the end, “I wish I had spent more time…”

To God be the glory!

DADs,

“get in the game”…

Today is game day…and so is every day…

God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “Share.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare to “dare."

Week 28- #Prepare “Grow”

"Growing Us...Growing Others"

2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

2 Corinthians 10:15: "Not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you,”

Have you taken time to consider the areas of growth thus far for you this year?

What are the areas of celebration?

What goals have you set and accomplished?

I believe we have the tendency to deny ourselves the recognition of our own milestones.

When we deny our own successes in some ways we are directly denying the opportunity to give God the credit, while missing the chance to also help motivate others as well.

Now, I am not suggesting you require a parade or party every time you experience favor, but I am suggesting that we share our struggles and triumphs with our preparation towards our own growth. Growing in the intentional walk in our faith, can serve as an example for others to follow.

Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 10:15: "not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you.”

You see as we grow we can also help others to prepare for their growth. The possibility of the replication of a growing faith in God in others, is an eternal reason to share our own growth story.

Your story of growth, your urgency to prepare for growth, can inspire others and enlarge their territory and their influence for Christ.

If, as you reflect upon the prior question posed, “have you taken time to consider your areas of growth,” then I exhort you to do so now.

Even the smallest area of growth can make a difference in the lives of those you come in contact.

If you are struggling with identifying those areas, today is the perfect time to establish your preparation for the areas needed for growth.

If you are looking for a foundation of preparation for growth, there is no better place than to start with what is written in 2 Peter 3:18: "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

DADs, celebrate and share those areas of victories and growth today, while preparing a plan for perpetual growth for your tomorrows!

To God be the glory!

DADs...“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “Grow.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to 

prepare to “share."

Week 27- #Prepare “Learn”

“Willing and Coachable"

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."- Philippians 4:9

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and instruction."- Proverbs 1:7

"My soul yearns for you in the night;in the morning my spirit longs for you.When your judgments come upon the earth,the people of the world learn righteousness."- Isaiah 26:9

So if you’re like me, you have perfected the art of "telling", but not necessarily the art of "learning."

My dad used to say that the key to success boils down to two things:
1. To be willing.
2. To be coachable.

In this week’s focus with our preparation to “learn,” I ask you to ponder, "are you willing and are you coachable?”

Many people claim to be a lifelong learner but in essence are a full blown “teller.”

There is one thing I know, (but have not mastered either), you cannot listen, and you cannot learn, if you are always talking!

True confession. Outside of a few passions of mine, I spend little time yearning for more learning. But in my preparation to acquire new knowledge, I am willing and coachable if I can just slow down long enough to realize its purpose.

Once I recognize the purpose, I am often encouraged to use this knowledge by putting my new learning into practice.

Paul shares this thought in Philippians 4:9; "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Today, what is it you need to prepare to be a willing and coachable recipient of knowledge? What can you learn today to be better tomorrow?

When we think we know it all, or already have all the answers, we stop growing and become disconnected.

A great place to start a new pathway to our preparation for learning begins with a relationship with God.

In Proverbs 1:7 it says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

DADs...what if every morning when the opportunity clock went off, you woke up every day with an attitude hungry for more knowledge, and learning for what God called you to be? Imagine the difference it would make with your wife, and your family, if you prepared to learn by modeling a willing and coachable spirit in your homes!

DADs…let us together "prepare to learn" today!

To God be the glory!

DADs

“get in the game”…

Today is game day…

and so is every day…

God gives you!

So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “Learn.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare to “Grow."

Week 26- #Prepare “Equip”

"What Needs To Be Made Ready?"

Hebrews 13:21 "Equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

I don’t know about you but I cannot believe that we have already reached the halfway point of 2022!

Today marks week #26 in our “pathway to preparation.”

So I am thinking this is a good time to take a "time out," and pause to consider two very important questions as we continue on this journey.

Question one: Are you better equipped today than you were yesterday?

Question two: Who are you equipping along the way?

One definition for “equip” is "to furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioning and to make ready!"

In spite of this pandemic, many have utilized this time to practice habits they otherwise would not have initiated, which have positively affected their physical, mental, and spiritual well being.

A personal challenge to myself, and one I asked others early on during the pandemic, “was to be better today…than we were before.”

Paul offers this religious appeal in Hebrews 13:21 to “Equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”

It’s hard to imagine actually coming out of a struggle like a pandemic better than before!

Some may ask, ”how can it even be possible?"

It can only be possible by our intentionality to "prepare to equip!”

To provide the appropriate provisions for our own growth, and to make ready enabling us to do God’s will.

In this way, I again ask, "are you better equipped today than you were yesterday?"

And in this same light let’s consider question two, “who are you equipping along the way?”

In Hebrews 10:24-25 the Jewish Christians are exhorted to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

You see my brothers, it is not enough to come out of this pandemic (or any of life’s opportunities for that matter) preparing to equip if we do it all in solitude.

Although, it is true that we must take care of ourselves, and fill our own wheelbarrows first (or we have nothing to give others) we must not deny our call for “equipping" others along the way.

DADs, what provisions do you need to appropriately provide? What do you need to “make ready?”

It’s time to prepare to equip.

First, ourselves, then anyone who will listen!

To God be the glory!

DADs, “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “Equip.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare to “Learn."

Week 25- #Prepare “Reflect”

“Relentless in Our Reflection"

Psalm 16:7- "I will praise the Lord who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn."

Hebrews 13:7- "Remember your leaders, who spoke God's message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith."

2 Corinthians 13:5- "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"

Lamentations 3:40- "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

——
In many ways this week's topic of preparing to reflect, is related to the multifaceted aspects of “acknowledgement” we examined back in week 21.

But for me, true reflection typically is more specific, and a much deeper form of acknowledgment, whether reflecting upon something you just heard, something you may have read, or even a conversation you were a part of.

It can be as recent as your last conversation or as far back as your earliest childhood memory.

Preparedness for reflection helps us learn from those experiences calling us to a more intentional discernment.

God wants us to be in relationship with Him. And refection can be a pathway leading towards that destination.

In Lamentations 3:40 - we are exhorted to, "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
It is in our deepest reflections, bringing us closer to allowing God to work inside and through us.

DADs, we must be willing to travel on this road today of reflection, testing ourselves for continuous growth with a pursuit to emulate Jesus.

In our preparation for reflection we must carry the banner found in Psalm 16:7 "I will praise the Lord who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn."

DADs, let us be relentless in our reflection today!

To God be the glory!

DADs“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “Reflect.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare to “Equip" ourselves and others.

Week 24- #Prepare “Service”

“The Greatest Example"

For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.” - Mark 10:45

Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. - Philippians 2:4

Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace. - 1 Peter 4:10

I have several theories why some people fail to share their gifts with others.

I believe one reason is many of us think we have nothing worth giving.

For some, they may not know how to share the gifts, because it’s never been modeled for them.

While still others have yet to even acknowledge the gifts they have in the first place.

Well let me just remind you, the reader, you don’t have to be exceptionally talented or “gifted” to serve. In reality all you need to do is be aware of the needs of those around you.

And then prepare to take action.

Sometimes serving simply means being present with someone who needs the comfort of an intentional and concerned listener, while other opportunities can provide a variety of actionable acts of service, filling in the gaps for others crossing our paths.

Although an extremely admirable and memorable experience, acts of service must not be evident only within the annual mission trip, or church outreach, but should be displayed in our acts of random kindness to our fellow man on a daily basis.

When our preparedness is practiced by keeping our daily walk consistent, then we will be able to see through God’s eyes, exemplifying our readiness. Even when unexpected spontaneous service opportunities appear.

And if we are to prepare for real service, we must do what Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:4 to “Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.”

If we have any desire DADs in our hearts to be like Jesus, and be the DAD God calls us to be, we can prepare to serve others by starting with our children and our wives.

DADs, you cannot hide behind the thought that you have nothing to give or gifts to share. All it takes is a desire to put your needs behind others and be alert for action.

“For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.” Mark 10:45

DADs, let us not forget we were made to serve. We have no excuse. The greatest example has gone before us.

To God be the glory!

DADs, “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we discussed preparation to “Service.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare “Reflect” along the life’s journey.

Week 23 - #Prepare “Trust”

"In God We Trust?"

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

What was the last thing you truly placed your trust in? A person? A team? A betting tip?

For some I know, trust is something that must be earned, while others seem to trust more readily?

I wonder if the reason for those finding it easier to trust in general, is they have prepared a safety net around themselves by placing first, wholeheartedly, their trust in God in all circumstances?

So why do we sometimes not choose God first?

Why is it that we reach for every self-help book on the shelf and sometimes exhaust all other options before placing our trust in God?

Do we really trust we can find the secret elsewhere? Especially when God gives each of us no matter our situations the same formula found in Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.”

So in other words, in order to fully trust in God we must prepare to give up trying to "script" our life out without first discerning God's wisdom.

To prepare to trust we must first submit.

DADs, we must go to the cross and find ourselves on our knees giving it all to Him.

Not just in the little things, but in all things!

DADs when you do this, place, practice, and prepare to fully trust in your Abba Father, you will find so much passion and relief!

DADs, your paths will be made straight, and will know as it says in Nehemiah 8:10: “the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

To God be the glory!

DADs, “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepare to “trust.” Next week we will consider how essential our preparation to serve is."

Week 22 - #Prepare “Letters”

“The Legacy of Letters"

Hebrews 13:22 -"But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly."

Proverbs 18:4 - “A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”

Romans 15:15 -"But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God,”

What in your life do you need to acknowledge?

I have his framed degree on the wall next to mine. I display his watch and college ring on my desk. I often wear the Cincinnati University Bearcat t-shirt I once gave him for Father’s Day. But the most prized possessions I have left from my dad, is the stack of handwritten letters he sent to me that I have kept, (I have them all) going all the way back to my college years; and even before.

Oh (self included) how the art of handwritten notes have been lost to emails, a quick text, tweets, Facebook posts or direct messages.

Often forgotten are the artifacts of ink to paper, cards, envelopes, and stamps!

Although most of us have fallen victim to our instant paths of connecting through various social media, and technology platforms, there is still nothing like holding a tangible piece of paper in your hands, with a hand written message by a very intentional sender.

So what hinders our letter writing to others even when, as a recipient, most know the joy it brings to us finding a letter in the mailbox with our name on it!

Can we not find the time to reciprocate the sender’s thoughtfulness? To acknowledge their intentional action. To convey our gratitude, love, encouragement or even sorrow depending on their current circumstances?

When was the last time you sat down to prepare to share your thoughts on paper and make someone’s day?

King Solomon the author of Proverbs 18:4 shared “A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”

In this world and in times like these I gain strength from the old letters my dad wrote me over the years. He may be gone but his words of encouragement and exhortation lives on.

DADs, not only speak the words (which are so valuable), but let us also regularly write down the words that are the life-giving water, full of wisdom and refreshing as a bubbling brook,” today. Words that outlive us leaving our legacy behind for the next generation to pass along.

To God be the glory!

DADs “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepared for the legacy of “letters.” Next week we will consider how to earn and prepare for “trust."

Week 21 - #Prepare "Acknowledge"

"The Power of Acknowledgement"

Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Galatians 2:16 "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Romans 12:6-8 "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

What in your life do you need to acknowledge?

Why is it so easy to acknowledge success but ignore the process and even our failures?

To acknowledge is so critical in every aspect.

In preparation for our own acknowledgments we must practice intentional transparency. Transparency in our beliefs, our practices, and our motives.

It is in our acknowledgment through transparency we can realize and utilize the gifts God has given each of us!

We all have gifts but often fail to acknowledge them! By acknowledging our unique talents we can direct them towards the area benefiting those needing what we have the most.

As Paul writes in

Romans 12:6-8 "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

When you start to acknowledge and name the ambitions that are rumbling around inside you, they open up a new vista of what life was meant to be—full of passion and purpose.

DADs, let's start preparing to engage in our purpose God has planned out for each of us by acknowledging those gifts inside us!

To God be the glory!

DADs, “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we prepared for the power of "acknowledgement.” Next week we will consider how to reflect and prepare for the reasons we need to write and send “letters”**