Manvotional: Facing the Mistakes of Life

I found an article written in 1909 by a William George Jordan, who was the managing editor for The Ladies Home Journal, after which he edited The Saturday Evening Post (1888-89), called "Facing The Mistakes in Life" and thought I would repost it for my blog buddies!!

Enjoy:

There are only two classes of people who never make mistakes—they are the dead and the unborn. Mistakes are the inevitable accompaniment of the greatest gift given to man—individual freedom of action. If he were only a pawn in the fingers of Omnipotence, with no self-moving power, man would never make a mistake, but his very immunity would degrade him to the ranks of the lower animals and the plants. An oyster never makes a mistake—it has not the mind that would permit it to forsake an instinct.

Let us be glad of the dignity of our privilege to make mistakes, glad of the wisdom that enables us to recognize them, glad of the power that permits us to turn their light as a glowing illumination along the pathway of our future.

Mistakes are the growing pains of wisdom, the assessments we pay on our stock of experience, the raw material of error to be transformed into higher living. Without them there would be no individual growth, no progress, no conquest. Mistakes are the knots, the tangles, the broken threads, the dropped stitches in the web of our living. They are the misdeals in judgment, our unwise investments in morals, the profit and loss account of wisdom. They are the misleading bypaths from the straight road of truth and truth in our highest living is but the accuracy of the soul.

Life is simply time given to man to learn how to live. Mistakes are always part of learning. The real dignity of life consists in cultivating a fine attitude towards our own mistakes and those of others. It is the fine tolerance of a fine soul. Man becomes great, not through never making mistakes, but by profiting by those he does make; by being satisfied with a single rendition of a mistake, not encoring it into a continuous performance; by getting from it the honey of new, regenerating inspiration with no irritating sting of morbid regret; by building better to-day because of his poor yesterday; and by rising with renewed strength, finer purpose and freshened courage every time he falls.

In great chain factories, power machines are specially built to test chains—to make them fail, to show their weakness, to reveal the mistakes of workmanship. Let us thank God when a mistake shows us the weak link in the chain of our living. It is a new revelation of how to live. It means the rich red blood of a new inspiration.

If we have made an error, done a wrong, been unjust to another or to ourselves, or, like the Pharisee, passed by some opportunity for good, we should have the courage to face our mistake squarely, to call it boldly by its right name, to acknowledge it frankly and to put in no flimsy alibis of excuse to protect an anemic self-esteem.

If we have been selfish, unselfishness should atone; if we have wronged, we should right; if we have hurt, we should heal; if we have taken unjustly, we should restore; if we have been unfair, we should become just. Every possible reparation should be made. If confession of regret for the wrong and for our inability to set it right be the maximum of our power let us at least do that. A quick atonement sometimes almost effaces the memory. If foolish pride stands in our way we are aggravating the first mistake by a new one. Some people’s mistakes are never born singly—they come in litters.

Those who waken to the realization of their wrong act, weeks, months or years later, sometimes feel it is better to let confession or reparation lapse, that it is too late to reopen a closed account; but men rarely feel deeply wounded if asked to accept payment on an old promissory note—outlawed for years.

Some people like to wander in the cemetery of their past errors, to reread the old epitaphs and to spend hours in mourning over the grave of a wrong. This new mistake does not antidote the old one. The remorse that paralyzes hope, corrodes purpose, and deadens energy is not moral health, it is—an indigestion of the soul that cannot assimilate an act. It is selfish, cowardly surrender to the dominance of the past. It is lost motion in morals; it does no good to the individual, to the injured, to others, or to the world. If the past be unworthy live it down; if it be worthy live up to it and—surpass it.

Omnipotence cannot change the past, so why should we try? Our duty is to compel that past to vitalize our future with new courage and purpose, making it a larger, greater future than would have been possible without the past that has so grieved us. If we can get real, fine, appetizing dividends from our mistakes they prove themselves not losses but—wise investments. They seem like old mining shares, laid aside in the lavender of memory of our optimism and now, by some sudden change in the market of speculation, proved to be of real value.

Musing over the dreams of youth, the golden hopes that have not blossomed into deeds, is a dangerous mental dissipation. In very small doses it may stimulate; in large ones it weakens effort. It over-emphasizes the past at the expense of the present; it adds weights, not wings, to purpose. “It might have been” is the lullaby of regret with which man often puts to sleep the mighty courage and confidence that should inspire him. We do not need narcotics in life so much as we need tonics. We may try sometimes, sadly and speculatively, to reconstruct our life from some date in the past when we might have taken a different course. We build on a dead “if.” This is the most unwise brand of air-castle.

The other road always looks attractive. Distant sails are always white; far-off hills always green. It may perhaps have been the poorer road after all, could our imagination, through some magic, see with perfect vision the finality of its possibility. The other road might have meant wealth but less happiness; fame might have charmed our ears with the sweet music of praise, but the little hand of love that rests so trustingly in ours might have been denied us. Death itself might have come earlier to us or his touch stilled the beatings of a heart we hold dearer than our own. What the other road might have meant no eternity of conjecture could ever reveal; no omnipotence could enable us now to walk therein even if we wished.

It is a greater mistake to err in purpose, in aim, in principle, than in our method of attaining them…Right principles are vital and primary. They bring the maximum of profit from mistakes, reduce the loss to a minimum. False pride perpetuates our mistakes, deters us from confessing them, debars us from repairing them and ceasing them.

Let us never accept mistakes as final; let us organize victory out of the broken ranks of failure and, despite all odds, fight on calmly, courageously, unflinchingly, serenely confident that, in the end, right living and right doing must triumph.

TEN BENEFITS of the Present Fiscal Crisis

I am, by nature, pretty optimistic. I am naturally a happy person. I have dealt on and off over the years with depression but for the most part, those around me will tell you I keep my head above water most of the time and can rationally figure out how to maneuver in the roughest of waters!

But I’m pretty realistic and certainly not one who blindly believes everything is going to be fine. I am certainly not one who fiddles while Rome burns either (cough- Obama). I know people are suffering, and the pastoral part of me hates to see this happening to those around me! That's why our team created the seminar series www.DebtFreeMeSeminars.com To help those who feel lost in debt and overwhelmed by financial concerns. More recently, we began a fund and coordinated support and relief for hundreds of families who's lives were destroyed by a tornado in southern Oklahoma (please give generously to www.TushkaRelief.com).

Here is what fiscal crises' and personal financial tragedies do that are actually a "positive" and make you both survive, and, thrive in these challenging times. On to the Ten Benefits:

* It causes you to be more creative.
* It forces you to make the tough decisions you have been procrastinating about.
* It thins out the competition- weak willed and poor management teams crack in this environment.
* It makes you more grateful when you realize you can’t take anything for granted.
* It reminds you that real wealth isn’t about only "stuff".
* It forces out-of-the-box thinking- although true success is always birthed outside the norm!!
* It makes it easier to abandon business-as-usual.
* It brings you back to the basics.
* It accelerates necessary change.
* It causes you to be less wasteful.

While you may not feel like you are able to control what happens with the economy (although I think we really can- watch out for my new book with Tarik El-Naggar), you can control your own mental focus. Usually, this determines whether you feel anxiety and fear or peace and hope. It's okay to fear some, don't feel guilty. Just don't let it last!! But know your heavenly Father is with you and says for you to fear not... for He is with us! He really is... I know because I have been in fear and worry and I am still standing, by G-d's Grace, and FAVOR from His Children shown to me.

Get strong. Get prayed up. Get creative. And when you are in need, find someone who is, too, and give. Your help is on it's way!!

"Easter" Or "Passover"?

We all know that the early church did not celebrate Easter with jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chickens. Their children never went on Easter egg hunts. Of course, the death and resurrection of Jesus stood above all the cultural trappings, but it was Passover not Easter, that the early Believers honored.

The word Easter actually comes from the Anglo Saxon Eastre, the goddess of spring. As Christianity spread, it became church policy not to undo pagan holidays, but instead inject Christian meaning into the celebrations. Although I enjoy eating chocolate bunnies, I recognize that the colored eggs, rabbits and chickens were originally symbols through which the locals paid homage to the "gods" that governed sexual fertility.

Although most Believers still refer to the season of Yeshua's resurrection as "Easter," in my heart I look past secular traditions and into the reality of spiritual truth. Indeed, even when I am with one who celebrates Easter with eggs, etc., I overlook these cultural traditions and call everyone's attention to the great miracle: the resurrection of Yeshua.

Church Celebrated Passover

While we can forgive and cover unbiblical traditions in love, it remains important that we steadfastly pursue the truth of G-d's Word. Thus, we should recognize that the early Believers did not celebrate "Easter" as we do in modern times. They celebrated the Feast of Passover. This annual tradition was not only commemorative; it was also prophetic in nature. Additionally, we would expect that the Jewish disciples would celebrate Passover, but so also did the Gentile believers. We see this clearly in Paul's letter to the Corinthians. He wrote, "...Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the feast" (1 Cor. 5:7-8).

These Gentile Corinthians were urged by Paul to celebrate the Hebrew Feast of Passover. True, they did not celebrate the Old Testament ritual as did the Jews with unleavened bread, etc. Rather, they approached the feast from its spiritual perspective, focusing on "the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (v. 8). Indeed, the Church kept the Passover, not only in remembrance of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, but also in remembrance of what Yeshua---their Passover---fulfilled in delivering mankind from the penalty of sin and judgment.

Listen again to the Lord's statement to His disciples. He said, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of G-d" (Luke 22:15-16).

Yeshua's desired to eat the Passover, not looking back, but looking forward in prophetic anticipation of Passover being fulfilled on a whole new level in the Kingdom of G-d. Through Christ's sacrifice, a new Passover would be established far greater than that of Israel's deliverance from Pharaoh. This Passover would affect the entire world. While it would still be a type of Passover, it would be kept "in remembrance of [Yeshua]" (v. 19).


Hebrew Passover Versus Christian Passover

The Old Testament Passover, for all its powerful intrinsic and literal value, was actually a shadow of what Yeshua would fulfill on behalf of the world. Therefore, let's look at this first Passover.

The Hebrew Passover occurred in ancient Egypt when the Israelites were slaves. We are familiar with the story: G-d had sent Moses to bring deliverance to His people. Each time Pharaoh refused, divine judgments fell upon Egypt; the last and most decisive judgment occurred the night before the Israelites left Egypt. The Lord commanded the Hebrews to kill a lamb and put its blood on the doorposts and lintels of each house. That night, as the angel of death went forth and killed every first-born male in Egypt, he "passed over" every home whose exterior door was covered by the blood of the lamb. From this "passing over" comes the term "Passover."

Yet, the Israelites were required to do more than put lamb's blood upon their doorposts. They also had to roast the lamb they'd slain and then eat it entirely; any remains were to be burnt. It was to be eaten with bitter herbs, and eaten in haste with their loins girded and a walking staff ready. They also had to remove all leaven from their dwellings and bake unleavened bread for their journey into the wilderness. The next morning the entire nation of Israel along with their sheep and cattle were victoriously delivered from their time of bondage. Every year from then on the Israelites were required to commemorate God's great deliverance. This commemoration was also known as the "Feast of Unleavened Bread." It lasted for eight days and was considered a mandatory feast for all of Israel.

When Yeshua came, one of His singular purposes was to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17). This mission to bring fulfillment included Israel's feasts; in a profound way, the Passover would become central. Remember also, the feasts were shadows of something greater than themselves. Paul said their "substance belongs to Yeshua" (Col. 2:17). It is absolutely remarkable that, of all days in the calendar year, Christ, the Lamb of G-d, died on Passover. As the high priest was offering a lamb for the sins of the Jews, on that day G-d was offering His Son for the sins of the world! It is Yeshua's blood that protects us today in the same way the blood on the doorposts symbolized G-d's protection for Israel in Egypt.

But let's take the Passover further into its great, end-time fulfillment. During this last Passover celebrated by Yeshua, I believe He not only had the forgiveness of the world on His mind, but also the great, end-time fulfillment of Passover - an event which is yet to come. Thus, as He ate that last Passover with His disciples, He said, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of G-d" (Luke 22: 15-16).

Yeshua said that the Passover will have yet another great fulfillment when He eats it with us "in the kingdom of G-d." After that last supper Yeshua did not again celebrate Passover. His statement refers to something yet to come, something that will unfold at the end of the age. When Yeshua speaks about the Passover being fulfilled in the kingdom, He is saying that there will be yet another fulfillment to the Feast of Passover, a time when those who are truly Yeshua's, who have "eaten" the Lamb's flesh and partaken of His blood covenant, are divinely protected during the time of the end. G-d has not destined us for wrath. The Kingdom Passover, fulfilled by the Lamb of G-d, positions us in the eternal protection of the Almighty.


In whatever manner Yeshua's words shall be fulfilled, let us require of ourselves to partake of the whole Lamb and not merely nibble at the comforting verses. Let us diligently apply the Lamb's blood over the doorways to our hearts, as well as over our families and loved ones. And even as the world around us continues its rush toward sin and judgment, let us instead press into G-d's kingdom. For during these very days of shaking, we shall receive a "kingdom which cannot be shaken" (Heb. 12:28).



People, let us live in holy expectation of that day when Yeshua shall return and we shall eat the Passover with Him in the Kingdom of G-d.

Living a Life So Exciting People Have to Check it Out!!!

I recently had a soul from a church do a full background check on me because they didn't believe I have been through what all I said I did... they also uncovered some "dirt"!! IMAGINE... the Profit having DIRT!!!! Surprised?? You shouldn't be if you have ever attended a meeting I have hosted! I tell all my dirt!! Oh yeah!! Why not? Why hide from anything in your past- especially when it a source of testimony?

So people, stop looking back. If YOU are supposed to be a "Kingdom" guy, then stinkin act like it and stop spreading rumors about others, or if you found such juicy stuff, go to that person and deal with them... unless you have other motives. Do you? Check your heart and be honest. G-d knows your heart and all that's in it already and we always find out what's in each others hearts, too... eventually!

By the way... no murders or anything!!! Just a false accusation, speeding tickets, resisted arrest one time and kicked the cop (long story), had a state try and get taxes out of me the year after I lived there, I am divorced (still love ya hunny!).... still like me???

Creek County Man Can Offer ‘Text While You Drive’

Here is a re-print from the SapulpaHeraldOnLine.com written by John Brock about our new company that saves lives and ends TEXTING AND DRIVING... enjoy...

"A Creek County businessman would like to add a new(ish) word to the vocabulary of Sapulpans, the nation and the world.

The word is: Vext. The word and the company it represents GetVext.com was partly conceived in Sapulpa and has a local address. Perhaps it’s biggest fan is in CEO and county resident Larry Favalora.

The company can tout the features of its’ product summed up with one sentence.

GetVext.com provides mobile phone users-subscribers with easy e-mail and text message access-composing (even on a drive behind the wheel of an auto) by voice alone using any cell phone in the United States.

It is a cell phone feature that Favalora strongly feels is both needed by the market as a stand alone product, and if implemented (used) by consumers will benefit American society as a whole, by eliminating the threat of cell phone texting and driving teens (and anybody else) while operating a motor vehicle.

“We really feel our system will elimate the dangers of texting and driving, especially among the young. The distraction the danger its in the news, some experts liken it to being as bad (driving) as alcohol intoxication.

“Teens are going to text in the car if they can. History shows us that prohibition doesn’t work. They can write as many laws as they wish (banning texting by drivers-increasing fines and penalties) but that won’t necessarily solve the problem and is probably foolish. Technology has caused the problem and we believe our technology (Vext) can solve the problem,” Favalora said.

The GetVext system is computer server based. The nuts and bolts of the system operate from a stand alone electronics company allied with GetVext.

About a minutes worth of quiet time will set up the system for the first time user with a one keypad press that speed dials the computerized server farm in Canada.

A few voice prompts later and the system is set-up and ready to convert spoken words into written text type and then send it to the proper destination.

A demonstration Wednesday in the Herald’s offices displayed a relative ease of set-up and moments later Favalora spoke into his cell phone and kazow-boom a text appeared on the Herald employee’s ordinary run of the mill mobile phone.

The software-system reproduced the company CEO’s words into text-type precisely.

“We identified a niche in the market in that most of the anti-texting technology available today is for smart-phone users. Smart phones are about 30-percent of the overall market. Our product will work with any cellphone,” he said.

“A big part of the philosophy of our company is not only to seek out small innovative products and companies, to make a profit but also to be charitable to society with a portion of the proceeds of profit,” Favalora said.

Fundraising schemes for churches, non profits, schools and sports teams is a marketers niche the company is pledging to exploit. So contact GetVext.com to get started- it's TOTALLY free to start for Non-Profit groups and generates recurring monthly income!

The entrepreneur readily admits with near certainty that the Oklahoma state legislature will at some future point, pass anti-texting while driving laws. Trendwise similar legislation has been and will be enacted by other states of the union.

“Part of our marketing is directed at kids and parents of kids. We have a program where we can get local schools involved in the safety aspect of it and as a fundraising tool. Our service costs justs $6.95 a month,” he said rather proudly.

“It would be great to go to a school assembly at Sapulpa High and showcase the safety aspect of our product and the benefit to the school itself as a fundraising tool,” Favalora said.

The company CEO is a an energetic salesman and brings an eastern seaboard accent and flair and he speaks almost as much with hand gestures as words.

Asked as to what brought a New York businessman to oil patch country. “I married a gal from Oklahoma, moved out here in the 80's with her and really liked the area and people. So I stayed. I looked around the community saw some things I thought should be addressed so I ran to be the mayor of Oilton and won the office serving in the 1990’s.

Always hands on, Favalora during his mayoral tenure he was unhappy with State law enforcement response in arresting the behavior of drug dealers who were brazenly doing their business almost in the wide open.

“I figured I was mayor and couldn’t get the response I needed, so I just hid a video camera in the bushes and recorded the transactions,” he said.

His non-traditional tactic apparently worked, State and County law enforcement apparently perked up their efforts and served his little community a bit better than before.

I Have Something CRAZYGOOD To Share...

I've been social networking now for a few years and although I wouldn't consider myself "hard core", I check FB daily and occasionally share pics and/or videos. But on a regular basis add incredibly witty comments to the crazy things that my friends post. Some are true classics! In recent days, I've become more and more concerned about what I read about social networking sites selling the information that they compile about me as I use their site. Evidently, the 500,000,000 of us sharing our likes/dislikes, talking about where we go and what we do-is really big business-and by that I mean-big MONEY business. SNS sell our personal information as well as our content to third parties-who are clamoring to find potential sales. I mean I know they have to make money, but at what price to us-the users. And it seems so easy for private information shared on these sites to become available to everyone-I mean, you read terrible stories about things that happen as a result of private information made public from these sites. A friend mentioned to me that she was using crazygood.com-a subscription-based social networking site that doesn't sell users' info or even allow ads. I still FB often but use it more as a search for friends now-because it's so massive. But if I want to SHARE info, photos, etc., I only use Crazygood. It just makes me feel more protected, and I'm back in control of my own information. If you're concerned about your cyber safety and want to be SURE your private information remains just that-PRIVATE, then check out Crazygood by clicking on the link below.

By the way I am making some pretty good money already- and that is not a bad deal either in this economy!!!!

http://www.crazygood.com/refer/Maven

"UGH, Sales are down. I'm down. People won't buy."

I get a ton of emails that start out something like, "My sales are off," or "The market is down," or "I just can't get motivated like I used to."

Times are a bit tough. What's your point?

Well, as much as I'd love to tell you to quit whining and get to work, I'd rather not sound like your boss.

HOPE: There's business out there. Just not as much of it.

REALITY: People will still be buying. Even if the quantity is lower. The question is, will they be buying from you?

When things aren't going well, you have 2.5 options:
1. Do something about it.
2. Do nothing about it.
2.5 Complain about it.

Lack of sales is NOT a problem. People's indecision is NOT a problem. Lack of motivation is NOT a problem. All three are SYMPTOMS. If you're looking to cure your ills, you'd better look deeper than complaining.

Here's where to start - look for the clues:
CLUE ONE: Plan less. Act more.
CLUE TWO: Plan for today the night before.
CLUE THREE: Plan for the week on Sunday.
CLUE FOUR: Plan six valuable or money meetings.
CLUE FIVE: Plan actions and activities that lead to completion.
CLUE SIX: Plan successes, not just actions.

CLUE SIX POINT FIVE: Now is the time. You know the old expression, "There's no time like the present." I say, "There is only the present."
ATTITUDE CLUE: If your drama factor exceeds your sales results, it's time for an extreme attitude makeover.

When sales are slow, big companies "cut" rather than "invest." They say, "I'll advertise after the recovery, I'll market after the recovery, I'll train more after the recovery" -- wondering all the while why things aren't improving, as they whip their salespeople.

They "react" rather than "proact." Sales drop even further, morale drops, and key people quit. And as a result, recovery takes longer.

As a salesperson, here's what to do. Look at who you are AND how you engage:
•Help your customers. If your business is down, it means that others are down. Give them business-building ideas or sales leads. Send an idea a week. They will remember your help after they recover.
•Get closer to your customers. Work there for a day. Get to understand WHY things are slower, and what it will take to make them better.
•Position yourself as a resource, not just a salesperson. You must communicate a value message to your customers every week.
•Get endorsements from your most loyal customers, and use them in a testimonial ad campaign. It authenticates all your claims. Your prospects will be more likely to believe you. Your customers will love you, and tell others. And your competition (who has your best customers on their "hot" list), will HATE you. Rock!
•Rededicate yourself to the present. Your ability to win is in direct proportion to your desire to remain a student and the intensity of your attitude and enthusiasm - TODAY.

And if you're a CEO or sales leader, here's what to do:
Invest in your people. Double your soft-skills training budget. Teach them attitude, goals, presentation skills, creativity, and selling skills. Now is the time for coaching, encouragement, and leadership by example.

Invest in your PRESENT customers. Market with customer testimonials and endorsements, not self-serving brags. Don't just say it. Prove it.

Improve service. I'll never understand why empty restaurants have lousy service. Now is the time to get the business community, or the community in which you live, to begin talking about you in a good way. Word-of-mouth advertising will bring more customers than traditional advertising.

CAUTION: It's not ONE thing. To get back in the game, it's a bit of all these elements. There is no pill you can swallow that will make the market better, you better, or the customer buy faster - much less make the customer buy from you, rather than the competition.

The good news is that you control your destiny. That's why you are an Entrepreneur in the first place!

** By the way to calm the "chatter" I don't always write all the entries on my blog from scratch... I collect great thoughts from the net and bring them to you!!! BTW- most Pastors preach from stuff written by guys over 2000 years ago... you have a problem with that?? I didn't think so! So stop the gossip, do what my blog says rather than being so concerned who authored it all. I make no $$ from this... sheesh!!!

It's time to Reclaim the Seven Mountains of Culture

The Great Commission is a TEACHING as well as PREACHING commission!

Mt 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all THE NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NAS) Teach them all I commanded you.

Did you know that Yashua (Jesus) gave us 50 commandments to take to the nations?

The 50 commandments of Yashua will change a nation. Notice how Yashua commands us to both preach repentance and TEACH THEM TO “OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I COMMANDED YOU”. We tend to focus on getting people saved, or born again. That is certainly the start. This however is called the “Gospel of Salvation.” He has called us, as Joseph was called in Genesis 45:8 to FATHER the Pharoh, or the world system!!! NOT JUST get people "saved" from a future of waste, depression, poor, G-dless choices here on earth and ultimately totally separated from their Father, Creator and friend for all eternity.

The “Gospel of the Kingdom” on the other hand is the Gospel we are called to preach AND LIVE OUT. It includes the call to repentance but goes much further. The Seven Mountains of Culture reaches into the world system and threatens Satan's control over the nations. It is a teaching commission along side a preaching commission. It has been neglected too long.It is where at work you stand out... not because of your hardline stand on "sin" and obnoxious bumper stickers; hateful, compassion-free attitude; and "better than you" underlying tone in all you do! You are called for the purpose OF SHOWING and LIVING out before people what you believe. It is where you see yourself called to take dominion over the area, or "MOUNTAIN" you have been called to work, not just being a "good guy" or doing "your work well". It is where you actually TAKE control by "fathering" people in the arena you are called to work!!!

To disciple, or "father" a nation you need a philosophy that governs all aspects of behavior yet is flexible enough to apply to all sectors of society. What are the sectors of society the gospel must penetrate in order to disciple nations?

There are in fact seven mountains or world kingdoms that make up the matrix in which the culture of every nation exists. These mountains are also called “mind molders” because the person who controls the tops of these mountains has leverage over the minds and lives of those beneath in every other mountain. The church has a message for each of these mountains. We need to both demonstrate the power of God and recover our confidence in the practical, life changing dynamic that is unleashed when society is built on non optional universal life principles- the commandments of Yashua! It is the absence of this moral foundation that explains why it is easier to liberate a country from dictatorship than it is to bring it into order and prosperity once the dictator is out of power.

The Seven Mountains are …

* Arts/Entertainment
* Business/Finance
* Church/Ministry
* Education
* Family
* Government
* Media

According to Steve Shultz, founder of the Elijah List, “The Seven Mountain Symphony” CD is a new sound! It�s a “Spoke and Soak” – it has the spoken word with soaking music. There is not a sound like it in the earth. It is a new sound for a new day.

Seven Mountain Symphony is a sound commissioned and inspired by Holy Spirit. It is a symphonic ensemble of some of the leading apostolic and prophetic voices of this generation – the voice of Yashua speaking through some of His chosen generals in this hour to release both revelation and impartation. It is a collection worth purchasing as you pray for wisdom seeking just what your role in this restoration really is!!

Let's determine to seek our part in what G-d is doing today- in this hour of uncertainty and failed systems, it is the hour of His Kingdom and His people to rise in love; in power; in un-worldly wisdom with THE ANSWER to true stability, peace and prosperity. Let's face it- we as believers have done a horrible job!! We have let the dominion Yashua won on the cross be handed over, for a time, to the world's system and leadership once again!! You, as a Child of The Most High, have all you need to BECOME what you are called to be in this season.

Forget the "prosperity" message you have heard (a $35 offering isn't going to get us out of our selfish habits and bring favor!); forget the 'cloister" message where you hide away and stock cans of food.... get your hands dirty... be bold and LIVE truth. He is looking for those of us to step up and "father" a fatherless generation into the wisdom of a Father who can heal, deliver, save and bring real JOY to lives lived without peace, direction and love.

You are the answer. Start living like it!!!


Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful heavenly Father, help us to know, experience and demonstrate Your power in a society that is built on Your non optional, universal life principles. May you bless us to be strong and of good courage as we battle to reclaim the Seven Mountains for Your Kingdom. Grant us wisdom to bring order and prosperity to the tribes and communties we are part of. In Yashua's name, the name above all names, we pray! Amen!

Did Jesus NOW Say "Hey, let's go get a ham sandwich!"???

DID JESUS DECLARE "ALL" FOODS CLEAN, OR JUST LEVITICAL FOODS?

Question 1:If G-d declared something an abomination/disgusting in His sight. Could Jesus be from the Father, and be ONE with the Father, and completely contradict Him???

Question 2: If Jesus declared "ALL" Foods Clean in His earthly ministry, why would Peter declare that NOTHING UNCLEAN had ever touched his lips, years after the Resurrection??

Question 3: Did you read the WHOLE Chapter Peter had the vision, and the WHOLE CHAPTER where Jesus said the mistranslated quote above?

READ THIS BIBLE CHAPTER REAL SLOW.
Mark 7
"Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash[a] their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing ofcups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches. 5And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not walk according to(H) the tradition of the elders, but eat withdefiled hands?"

JESUS AND UNWASHED HANDS:
The Disciples were NOT eating pork. They were eating Levitically Clean Food (Broma/Bromatis) in the Greek. Jesus and His Disciples were first Century Jews, they would never even refer to a pig as food at all. The problem the Pharisees has was that like their version of what is lawful on the Sabbath Yeshua, also a Rabbi, was allowing His disciples to break a TRADITION of the Church leaders. He was not letting them break the Commands of G-d by eating something G-d said was not intended for the human body.


The Pharisees had a tradition that you must WASH YOUR HANDS before you eat. This part is backed by Torah. The problem is that they invented an entire ceremony that was required before you could eat, with someone else washing your hands for you and a paragraph long prayer and the whole nine yards. If you didn't do the entire TRADITIONAL HANDWASHING CEREMONY then what you ate, was considered by the Pharisees, jsut as unclean as eating pig or bat, or a snake or scorpions. The Pharisees did not ask the Disciples why they were eatign a X-mas ham, instead they asked why they ate with "Unwashed Hands". Then "JESUS declared All BROMA clean" Broma is Greek for Levitically Clean/Kashrut food. Their is another word for unclean food that is also translated unclean spirit. He declared ALL Levitically Clean Food as Clean, IF YOU GAVE YOUR HANDS A TRADITIONAL CEREMONIAL WASHING before you ate or Not!

The Pharisees also made their disciples fast on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Jesus did not make His Disciples fast and they questioned Him about this as well.

MARK 7 Continues about the Traditions of the Pharisees, such as Hand Washing.
"6 And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

(M) "'This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as(N) doctrines the commandments of men.'

8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men."

9 And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.' 11 But you say, 'If a man tells his father or his mother, "Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban"' (that is, given to G-d)[d]— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus(R) making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do."

What Defiles a Person


14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him." 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?" Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SANITATION UNCLEAN AND SPIRITUALLY UNCLEAN IN MARK 7

The Pharisees got to a point of legalism in which they no longer distinguised between Kashrut Laws (the Sanitation code for good communal health) and the Moral Laws both given by G-d and upheld by Jesus. There are two kinds of unclean, one is that you are physically sick and most likely contagious (Koinos in Greek). The other is that you Spiritually sick and most likely contagious (Akathartos in Greek, from a root word meaning "Spiritual Death"). The Pharisees got the idea from that Greeks that the body was a reflection of the soul, and if you were sick or physically unsanitary then G-d must be upset with you and you are Spiritually Sick. Jesus said that not washing your hands thoroughly before you eat, and what goes into your mouth (like pork) can make you physically sick (Koinos), but what comes out of you is a display of your Spiritual Sickness(Akathartos).

Jesus also upheld the Levitical Diet by upholding the Torah in Matthew 5:19

A House in the Land of Shinar

"Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base." (Zechariah 5:10-11)

This prophecy of the latter days shows a woman named "wickedness" being translated rapidly in a great measuring basket (symbolizing commerce and finance "through all the earth," v. 6) to a base being built for it in the ancient land of Shinar (same as Sumeria). This was also the land of Nimrod, the leader of the post-Flood rebellion against G-d at Babel. "He began to be a mighty one in the earth. . . . And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, . . . in the land of Shinar" (Genesis 10:8, 10).

From this first Babylon in the land of Shinar, the dispersed followers of Nimrod carried their anti G-d, materialistic religion into every land through every age. Its current form is mainly a pantheistic, evolutionary humanism promoting a "new world order," featuring a world government and (supposedly) universal prosperity, without G-d, a world order such as Nimrod tried to build at Babylon long ago. This "new world order" isn't new at all, but it is trying to birth itself once again... maybe for the final stage!

In the final book of the Bible, this woman of wickedness is called "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." She is said to be sitting upon "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" (Revelation 17:5, 15). This monstrous system is evidently once again to have a house built for it in the land of Shinar. I am not being a paranoid conspiracy theorist, but isn't it a "coincidence" that we have "freed" Babylon recently??

It is interesting that Babylon (near Baghdad in Iraq) is partially rebuilt. Being very near the geographical center of the earth's land masses, this site is the ideal location for a world government. In any case, the day will come when Babylon will fall forever, and there will be "a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia" (Revelation 18:2; 19:1).

Think... don't feel as much, but THINK.

Knowing What To Do Is Often HEARD, not Always SEEN!

Just because an opportunity presents itself for which we are qualified does not necessarily mean that it is G-d’s will for us to accept it. Many times circumstances “line up” and everything looks good, yet it doesn’t seem right. In such cases we need to hear from G-d. That is why I say that divine direction is really heard not seen. We Kingdom believers should be more interested in the unseen than we are in the things that are visible.

The only safe way to decide which direction to go is by learning to distinguish between the voices we hear. There are always three sources of voices: there is G-d’s voice, our own voice (usually crafted by the experiences of our life- good and bad- and what was spoken over us like "you can't do THAT" or "NO ONE has EVER done that before")and, lastly, the Enemy's voice. We must learn to distinguish among these three.

We must choose to eliminate all foggy areas in our lives. This is the key to being able to see and think clearly. Fog is very dangerous to drive into, especially a spiritual fog.

We believers should choose to build on what we hear on the inside, not what we see on the outside.
There is a big difference between having an ability to do something, and being called and anointed to do it. As you have sat in church, you may have seen someone who has the ability to sing, but that is not the necessarily evidence that the person has been called of G-d to the life of a singer. A gift is not a call.

I am not suggesting that when we have the ability to do something that G-d isn’t directing us to use that ability. But ability should not be the only criterion for deciding whether or not we make a particular choice. Not only does the Lord give us a road map, He also provides direction signals, information signs, a vehicle, fuel, and time to get to our destination.

We need to be sensitive to what lies in the unseen. Many people have walked right over rich pools of oil or veins of gold, not realizing what lay just beneath their feet. Their vision was too limited. They only saw the ground, not the treasure hidden in it.

Look beyond what you see with your natural eyes. Listen with your spiritual ears. Keep your antenna up for G-d’s perfect direction in your life. It isn't always as it seems! He knows the outcome... will you trust Him??

Shabbat Shalom!!

The Real Roots of Our Financial Crisis

Almost all of the liberal and conservative commentators on the Great Recession and Financial Collapse/Bailout of 2008 have neglected the cultural and moral reasons for this economic mess. Unless those causes are addressed, all the finger pointing and all the proposed "solutions" will be like putting band-aids on a tumor. Let me be as specific and concrete as I can.

In the 1980s, Michael Lewis wrote a comedic book called Liar's Poker that depicted the excesses of Wall Street at the firm, Salomon Brothers. He recently updated it with an article entitled, "After the Fall, Greed, Stupidity, and Really Bad Luck: How Wall Street Did Itself In." The bottom line is Wall Street learned next to nothing, from the past, the scandals, schemes, downturns and the criminality. The materialism and culture of greed was just too addictive. To quote Lewis' last line, "Something for nothing. It never loses its charm."

Certainly macroeconomic weakness, heightened economic imbalances, over-leverage and extreme credit risks have contributed to the unbelievable levels of market volatility we have witnessed in this downturn, now become a near collapse. Almost all financial experts and many policymakers have started to cry out for financial reforms, greater financial transparency and measures to rebuild confidence. Trust is needed in the financial architecture and institutions, regulatory agencies among them, that underlie our now highly interconnected global economic system. Yet this is why the sage market advisor, David Smick spells out so explicitly in his book, The World Is Curved, "The distasteful reality, is that there are no quick fixes for the global credit system's dilemma, which is why the world has become a dangerous place with so much economic heartache."

Let's be completely honest since so much is at stake. Why did the financial giants: investment banks, hedge funds, ratings agencies, large investors for that matter, get us into this "risky business" and dangerous situation in the first place? The answer in a word, actually a deep-seated vice, is greed.

The outcries for punishment, heads rolling, massive government regulations and bureaucratic solutions are only now beginning. There will be dozens of plans and much hand wringing. Congress will over-react and yet more firms and perhaps half of all hedge funds will fail, hurting yet more people and dragging down the economy as a whole. No one can even predict what will happen to the credit default swap market, which totals just shy of a quadzillion dollars (do the math).

It is characteristic of the age in which we live to see the "moral dimension" as a matter of following yet more rules or dictated regulations. The ancients, however, seldom referred to rules or even principles. For them a moral life was not a matter of what you do but of what you are. The fundamental notion was not duty but virtue and the task of the moral person was to describe the virtues that we should emulate and teach. This is how Socrates, Plato and preeminently Aristotle conceived of the moral life. St. Thomas Aquinas synthesized it into Christianity. The words of the Roman, Cicero closely correspond, as do those of the great sage Confucius, in China. Like him, the Greeks, Romans and Christians all attempted to find a basis for moral conduct in human nature. They all believed that the core idea is virtue.

Today "virtue" is literally and figuratively missing from our public vocabulary and the idea of "the moral" has been either trivialized or totally relativized. No training session or quick executive briefing can revive ethics and morality because they are habituated over years and years not in some late afternoon consultants' PowerPoint presentation or a touchy feely weekend retreat. At the very root of our financial crisis is a moral vacuum, which can only be filled with true virtue. Virtue can be defined as "moral excellence," which is gained on the grounds or basis of reason. It is a core positive quality that advantages both individuals and society.

Capitalism, the goose that laid our golden eggs over the past decades, brings about immense transformation, particularly in its globalized form. It is in nature as Adam Smith reminded us in his first book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, written long before his better-known work, The Wealth of Nations, all about what he called "the moral sentiments." He himself distinguished between self-interest, which he promoted, and greed. Self-interest is both good and essential. Greed is always wrong and bad. The key difference is the former uses self-restraint, which obviously requires a moral code and a moral compass. There are moral preconditions in a market economy: the sentiments of sympathy, benevolence and compassion, of approval; disapproval and indignation, which underpin the social order and make it possible to engage in business in the first place. Human beings are not just profit-maximizers. They have moral scruples, personal commitments and the desire for happiness. These set limits to their plans for personal profit, and also stimulate them to pursue profit in ways that honor their higher values and generosity. Many companies, large and small, exhibit these; they live and conduct business by these values, in every industry and on every continent.

Those nations, peoples, and businesses that neglect the moral ecology of their own cultures, especially corporate cultures, and financial firms' cultures are most noteworthy, cannot enjoy the fruits of capitalism. Because that system must essentially be moral or it falters, declines and fails. What we need to rediscover and renew today at this time more than any other in modern memory is spiritual enterprise, which is capitalism in its most profound and important virtuous form.

Spiritual capital is the fund of beliefs, examples, and commitments that are transmitted from generation to generation through a religious, moral or spiritual tradition, and which attach people to the transcendental source of human happiness. Without rediscovery of the virtues we cannot understand or resolve the deepest roots of this financial and, ultimately, moral crisis.

That moral crisis cannot be dictated by governmental power or throwing money at "problems." One of the paradoxes of the "progressive movement" is that it has spawned public policies that have had as their collective consequence an end totally opposite to the one intended. Instead of offering temporary help to a needy few, we have expanded the ranks of those perpetually in need. Where communism failed to create "new socialist man" behind the former Iron Curtain we are succeeding in America. Instead of creating a society of free and responsible individuals, we have created the entitlement generation(s). Ever since we proclaimed that we should be free from fear, we have been afraid to be free.

There is, lest we forget in this era of Obamanomics, a very corrosive and morally corrupting influence of government which stimulates the "something for nothing" mentality more than anything else in our present culture. The latest episode in so-called "stimulus" is mostly a series of government giveaways or payoffs to interest groups now in power. There is nothing virtuous about such bailouts to any and every constituency that screams loudest or turns out the vote. Quite the opposite, such actions inevitably destroy freedom, cripple the market, and like drug addiction lead to a need for more and more without regard to effect. At some point we will wake up and there will be hell to pay, i.e., hyperinflation and a worthless currency.

I Can't Give Up... I Just Can't

A look at Elijah in 1 Kings 19: 4-16

Do you sometimes feel like giving up? Does it seem like the journey is too difficult and that everyone is out to get you? Do you just want to lie down somewhere and hide from your troubles? This is the way Elijah felt. He had done a mighty work for God, but it seemed like he was the only one in the nation of Israel being true to God. Now he was being pursued and hunted, and he just felt like the fight wasn’t worth all the effort. If you’ve ever felt that way, you can learn from the example of Elijah. These verses give us important instruction as to what God would have us do when we feel like quitting.

Verse 4

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree; and he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am no better than my fathers."

Elijah was so frustrated that he asked God to let him die. Have you ever felt that way? You feel like you’ve come to the end of your rope and you simply have no strength left. That is the way Elijah felt.

Snaith comments, "Elijah stops and shelters, exhausted and disillusioned, under a broom tree. ... It provides no great amount of shade against the desert sun, but it is the best shade there is. Elijah is utterly at the end of his own courage and his own strength, and dejectedly confesses that in spite of all he has done at Carmel he is no better than his fathers."

Verses 5-6

And he lay down and slept under a broom tree; and behold, an angel touched him, and said to him, "Arise and eat."

And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank, and lay down again.

Elijah was so despondent that all he felt like doing was sleeping. Many people when faced with difficult situations feel more tired and drained than usual. They just want to sleep, hoping that when they wake up all their troubles will somehow have disappeared. God cared for Elijah and sent an angel to minister to him. He cooked bread and provided water and woke him up so that he could be strengthened and nourished. But Elijah didn’t want to face another day and so retreated again into sleep.

Into what are you retreating? It may not be sleep. You could be running from your problems by retreating into drugs or alcohol or immorality or some obsession to distract your mind. Elijah didn’t want to face tomorrow.

Verses 7-8

And the angel of the Lord came again a second time, and touched him, and said, "Arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you."

And he arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.

Here we have three things the angel tells Elijah to help him get over his desire to give up. I believe God is telling us the same three things today.

First, he says, to arise. We will never overcome our feelings of frustration and despondency unless we are willing to get up and do something about it. The angel told Elijah to arise. God may be telling you to arise – you’ve been hiding for too long. It’s time to get up and face the real world once again.

Second, the angel tells Elijah to eat. Elijah needed physical nourishment. We may not need food, but we may need other forms of nourishment – emotional, mental, spiritual. Whatever we need, God has provided it for us just the same way he provided for Elijah. He told Elijah to be strengthened by the food. God is telling us to be strengthened by spiritual nourishment. This might come from the living message of the Bible, or the love and encouragement of our church family. It could come from our time in prayer and meditation or it could come from being renewed by the Holy Spirit. Whatever your need, God will provide it and is offering it to you by saying, "arise and eat."

And third, the angel tells Elijah that he must begin the journey. He could not simply stay where he was and do nothing. He must begin the journey which would end in a new calling and a new spiritual encounter with God. God is telling us we cannot stay where we are in the shade of discouragement and hopelessness. We must begin the journey out of our depression. We must allow God to strengthen us for the journey, and then by faith step out.

Remember, trying times are no time to quit trying.

Verse 9

And there he came to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

So Elijah made the journey to Mount Horeb. This was most likely the Sinai mountain where God had given Moses the ten commandments. God had sent Elijah here for a purpose. But when he arrived, instead of climbing up the mountain, he decided to hide in a cave. As Sockman remarks, "Elijah was in the cave mood. He came to a cave and lodged there. Both his mind and heart had gone into hiding. He was still free from Ahab and Jezebel, but he was a prisoner of himself. He had shut the sunlight out of his mind. He had drawn the shutters of his heart. When doors are slammed against us, we are prone to draw into ourselves and lock our hearts against others."

So God came to Elijah and asked the question, "What are you doing here?" Is God asking you that same question? Are you hiding in a cave trying to escape the turmoil and confusion out there? God does not want us to live unto ourselves. He wants us to get out of the cave and start helping others and being a blessing to them. Perhaps it’s been a long time since you’ve thought of ways you could strengthen and be a help to others. Perhaps it’s been a long time since you got out of your cave. God may be asking you, "What are you doing here?"

More to come...

Where I Have Been Lately-

Chastening... it's not fun, but it's the required process.


"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty." (Job 5:17)

One of the fascinating paradoxes of Scripture (and of human life) is the oft-repeated principle that true parental love requires appropriate chastening, and chastening rightly received generates blessing and happiness. "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (Proverbs 13:24).

We are living in a world very devoid of correction and personal discipline- it is at epidemic levels and is the reason for the demise of the moral fiber, glue and basic respect for life in general!

This practice of discipline and correction is effective child psychology, assuming that the chastening is remedial rather than vindictive and is applied in love rather than anger. But the main teaching of such passages goes beyond parental child-training methods to the grand theme of God’s spiritual training of His children for eternity.

This thought is often expressed in the Psalms (94:12, etc.), but it is especially clear in the Proverbs. "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth" (Proverbs 3:11-12).

The classic passage on this theme is Hebrews 12:5-11, which begins by quoting the above verses in Proverbs, and eventually concludes as follows: "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).

We are "sons and daughters" of "the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:18), and it is essential that we be properly trained for our glorious future as "kings and priests unto God" (Revelation 1:6). We must learn to behave in ways appropriate to our high calling as children of the King, and this requires the divine rod at appropriate times. In His closing words to the last of the seven churches, Christ reminds us again: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19).

Just grin and bear it... it drives away those who really aren't called to us anyway and makes us ready for the coming role of Kingdom leadership you were called to take. it separates the "chosen" who assume the role they are called for and those who "talk it" but aren't willing to "walk it"! I ask G-d each day that His will be done in me, so I bring it on myself...gladly!!

TRUST... that's the issue

G-d wants to be trusted.

G-d's greatest desire is to be trusted.

G-d's passion is fellowship with us, with YOU... now!

How?? Sounds "mystical" and pretty unattainable? It's not! But only certain people "hear" from Yashua... "I hear all the time" or "Jesus TOLD me..." Well, I hope they did hear from Him. I am not the judge, but that creates too broad of a brush stroke for those of us who don't get words directly everyday, who has never had words written on walls telling us what to do and where to go... so here is a devotional for the "rest of us" who don't hear G-d's audible voice all the time... but seek fellowship and direction from the King of kings and Lord of lords and made a way for us to enter the throne... enjoy and relax. TRUST Him.

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalm 37:3)

Sprinkled throughout this psalm are various pictures that provide the assurance of God’s victory--not only in His eternal plan, but also in and through the lives of His precious saints.

Trust is the most basic of the characteristics of our relationship with the Lord and sets the foundation for all the rest. The Hebrew word carries the meaning of confidence, or boldness, and is often used in such a way that it would imply that we are to "gain support" and "lean on" the One in whom we trust. The expanded definition of trust is contained in Proverbs: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones" (Proverbs 3:5-8).

But merely having great confidence in the God of creation is not enough. We must "do good" (our text). The entire New Testament book of James is devoted to this theme: "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). "O that there were such an heart in them," God told Moses, "that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!" (Deuteronomy 5:29).

If we would enjoy the blessings of God, we must embrace the plan of God. If we are to expect the promise that we will "dwell" and "be fed," then we must submit to the instructions of our Lord, who told us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

The Temple's Silent Construction

"And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building." (1 Kings 6:7)

Here is a remarkable testimony to the engineering and construction skills of the ancients. In order to erect the magnificent temple of Solomon, every portion was so carefully fabricated, far away from the construction site, that the building could be completely erected in reverent silence.

Furthermore, the stones were not small and rough. "They brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house" (1 Kings 5:17). They were quarried from limestone beds beneath the city and had to be fabricated and brought to the temple site, all ready to be laid in place. "And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers" (1 Kings 5:18).

In both its unique beauty and its silent assemblage, the temple is a striking type of the spiritual temple now being erected by the Holy Spirit. "Now therefore ye are . . . built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22).

In this spiritual temple, each new believer is a costly stone, carefully cut from the world's dark quarry, then silently placed in the growing structure by the Holy Spirit on the foundation of Jesus Christ, "to whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:4-5). "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).

I don't care what you see, feel or understand... you are being chipped away and broken for the use of the Master. As david saught G-d's face and cried out "Create in me a clean heart, Oh G-d, and restore, renew, clean up a right Spirit within me" you too must look deep inside and let Him chip away at what is costic, foul, selfish, causes doubt and fear and let Him make you into what He needs you to be to fit in where He needs you. Here is where your peace in the midst of the storm is found. It is usually through struggles we find this place and it will take a struggle of a different kind to stay there. It's worth it. Come on- let's go together and emerge ready for His Kingdom's purpose. I am with ya'!

The Economy... of this world.

If you're watching the news and scratching your head wondering what bomb hit the economy, you're certainly not alone. It's rough out there. People are losing their jobs, retirement dreams are going up in smoke and personal wealth is plummeting. Here's why it's happening and what it all means.

How did we get here?

(Scooting over my soapbox) DEBT.. debt most of us couldn't afford to have! Here is a more specific education on the condition of our situation. Read it all:

By now you likely know that the crisis in the financial markets is the culmination of years of reckless mortgage lending and Wall Street dealmaking. It's the final gasp of the burst housing bubble. But how exactly did this happen?

To find the root cause of Wall Street's woes, you have to go back to the collapse of a different bubble - tech. In 2001, after the dotcom craze ended and the bear market began, the Federal Reserve started aggressively slashing short-term interest rates to stave off recession. By eventually reducing rates to a historically low 1%, the Fed reinflated the economy. But this cheap money sparked a new wave of risk taking.

Homeowners, armed with easy credit, snapped up properties as if they were playing Monopoly. As prices soared, buyers were able to afford ever-larger properties only by taking out risky mortgages that lenders were happily approving with little documentation or money down.

At the same time, Wall Street investment banks got a brilliant idea: bundle the riskiest of these mortgages, then slice and dice these portfolios into tradable bonds to be sold to other banks and investors. Amazingly, bond-rating agencies slapped their highest ratings on the "best" of this debt.

This house of cards came down when subprime borrowers began defaulting on their mortgages. That sent housing prices tumbling, unleashing a domino effect on mortgage-backed securities. (At this point the banks should have worked with the homeowners on going to interest-only payments instead of letting these people, in droves, go into default and therefore REDUCING the value of real estate in those neighborhoods- the banks could have lessened the blow to their problems!!) Banks and brokerages that had borrowed money to boost the impact of those investments had to race to raise capital.

Some, like Merrill Lynch, were forced to sell. Others, like Lehman Brothers, weren't so lucky. "What we always tell investors is beware of too much leverage in a company," says Brian Rogers, chairman and portfolio manager for T. Rowe Price. "Leverage is the enemy of the investor."

Sure, everyone from former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan to your friends and neighbors played a role in stoking this casino culture. But troubled banks and brokerages can't pass the blame. "These firms closed their eyes and made very bad bets on risky securities that they didn't truly understand," says Jeremy Siegel, finance professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton business school. "Investments that they did not have to make led to their demise."

How bad could the economy get?
Before the meltdown, economists fell into two camps: those who thought the economy had already slipped into recession and those who thought a recession could still be avoided.

While forecasters still differ on the timing and severity of a downturn, "the consensus view is that we're headed for recession and will be in one until next year," says Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com.

Corporate profits are already on the verge of falling for a fifth straight quarter, according to Thomson Financial. The next shoe to drop will be consumer spending. "Two years ago, people were using their homes as ATMs, pumping out cash," says Robert Arnott, chairman of the investment consulting firm Research Affiliates in Pasadena. "As banks continue to tighten their lending, that spending is disappearing."

But softer profits and slower spending haven't translated into widespread layoffs yet. "This is the strongest recessionary job market in 40 years," says James Paulsen, chief investment strategist of Wells Capital Management. A jump in unemployment could still be coming, especially given bank and brokerage failures and mergers. But outside of finance and housing, much of the rest of the economy is strong, he says.

The weak dollar is boosting demand for our goods abroad, and lower gas prices are making Americans feel more flush. Add in the cash that the Fed has been hosing into the banking system and we are bound to see growth in 2009. "If all this stimulus has no effect on the economy, that would be a rarity indeed," says Paulsen.

Standard & Poor's chief economist David Wyss expects a mild recession that ends next spring. "Gradually we will regain confidence in the market. Lower oil prices and a falling trade deficit will help," he says. "This is a financial panic, not an economic one."

Of course, that could change if the financial panic doesn't abate soon. If banks remain too scared or broke to lend, would-be home buyers will be frozen out of the market. If that happens, home values could fall even more, crimping confidence and putting the brakes on the economy's greatest engine: the consumer. We at Maven Holdings are working with a Bank to create a HUGE answer to this problem. The Lord downloaded a plan to me years ago and I shelved it until about nine months ago when He started to remind me of it and I felt like the time was now we roll it out! Months before the credit crash!! G-d always has a plan for His kids! I was prophecied to be a "Joseph" and I can see it coming to pass! Hallelulia!

Does all this mean I'll pay higher taxes?
Yes. "Taxes will rise regardless of who wins the Presidency," predicts Greg Valliere, chief political strategist for Stanford Group Co.

It's impossible to say what the final bill for rescuing Wall Street will be. Even before the bill to buy $700 billion of unwanted mortgage-backed debt, the government had already signed on for nearly $365 billion in loan guarantees and other costs.

The eventual price tag will depend in part on the housing market- so banks... STOP DEFAULTING ON LOANS FOR HOUSING AND WORK WITH PEOPLE TO STAY IN THOSE HOMES AND NOT FLOOD THE MARKET WITH "DISCOUNTED_PRICED" HOMES. If it recovers by 2010, the value of mortgage-backed securities could rise, minimizing the tab for taxpayers.

"On the other hand," Bethune adds, "if the economy continues to tank into a deeper recession, dragging the housing market along with it, then the costs to the taxpayers easily could escalate to several hundred billions of dollars."

Under Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's original debt-buyback proposal, some economists predicted the federal deficit could soar to $900 billion in 2009. Even without a bailout, the federal budget was expected to hit $482 billion next year. If government aid pads that figure by $200 billion, the deficit will be back to where it stood in the 1980s - around 5% of GDP. At the very least, that will make it hard for a future President to keep tax-cut promises.

But we who live "in the Kingdom of Heaven" and not under the economies of this earth will always rise above those who choose to live in "America" and not seek Him for wisdom and solutions. Pray for us as we build the infrastructure and raise the capital for our new venture! We have been hit from all sides, as you can imagine, but we are victorious. G-d is good all the time.

A Guy Named Joseph

Imagine having your own family beat you, throw you into a pit and leave you to die. They do have a change of heart and come back but only to sell you into slavery. You spend years in prison. Wouldn't you lose heart? I would. I don't know how you wouldn't sit there and nurse resentment. But Joseph didn't- and if he did, he didn't do it for too long! His courage and faith in G-d kept him and enabled him to do great things.

Joseph was the 11th child of Jacob and the first child of Rachel, Jacob’s second wife. Joseph’s half-brothers and sister were the children of Leah, Rachel’s elder sister. Joseph was the favorite child of Jacob; something Joseph’s elder brothers resented. “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Genesis 37:4 KJV) Parent's, heed this warning as an example of the fate of your children when you show favoritism.

Joseph didn’t handle his favored position very diplomatically, either. Proving that knowledge of young men, without the wisdom of the old is potentially dangerous. But look closely and see how G-d used this narcissistic “character flaw” to thrust Joseph into the greatest story of deliverance and survival for the people of Israel. Thought- did Joseph need that character "flaw" of strength and self confidence to run the largest nation in the known world? Did G-d will for this to happen to Joseph as a way to save the people of Israel? Think about it.

When he had a series of dreams that showed in symbols his brothers and parents bowing down to him, he hastened to let them know about it. This arrogance inflamed his brothers further. (Genesis 37:11)

Joseph was sent by his father to see how his brothers who were tending flocks were doing. His brothers seized the opportunity to do away with this younger and arrogant sibling. They threw him into a pit and intended to leave him and tell their father that he was attacked by some beast and killed. However, Judah talked them out of this plan and they sold Joseph into slavery instead. (Genesis 37:18-28) Judah was being "led of G-d" and didn't even realize it!

Joseph is taken to Egypt where he is sold to a wealthy man named Potiphar. Joseph is put in charge of all of Potiphar’s holdings and increases his master’s wealth. But, Potiphar’s wife takes a liking to Joseph and tries to seduce him. Joseph tells her that to do as she suggests would be a sin against G-d. She pursues him nonetheless and finally Joseph has to run from her to get away. She accuses him of trying to rape her and he is put in jail. (Genesis 39:1-20)

By this time, I think I would be stewing with resentment. I would be angry for the turn my life had taken. Most of us would react this way, I think. Yet, Joseph takes it all in stride and even in jail finds favor with the jailer and elevates his station. Throughout this series of adventures, the Bible records that Yahweh was with Joseph. So He is with us. In our trials, Yahweh is with us. Joseph shows courage and accepts his situations gracefully and finds favor in G-d’s eyes. This is how G-d would like for us to respond to the trials of life, gracefully and with unwavering trust because of who He is and what he has done in the past! Rather than rant against the situation (guilty, your honor!), He wants us to make the best of our situations and rely on Him to care for us.

While Joseph languished in prison, two chief servants from Pharaoh’s house were imprisoned with him. These servants both had dreams that they could not understand. Joseph heard of it and told them that the interpretations of dreams belonged to G-d. They told their dreams to Joseph and G-d gave him their interpretations. One of the servants was restored to the house of Pharaoh. Joseph had asked this servant to tell Pharaoh about him but the servant did not. Joseph spends another two years in prison.

Here was another opportunity for resentment and bitterness to form, but Joseph did not let them. He continued in trusting and waited on G-d. It’s difficult to keep focused on G-d when you feel passed over, overlooked or unappreciated. Yet, it is these times in particular that we must stay focused on G-d and trust that He will provide for us. “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and G-d feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (Luke 12:24 KJV)

One night, Pharaoh has a dream he doesn’t understand and it alarms him. His servant tells him about Joseph and Joseph is brought to the palace and interprets the dream. G-d reveals to Joseph that Pharaoh’s dream is a prophecy of the next seven years. The kingdom will experience seven plentiful harvests followed by seven years of famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to store grain from the plentiful harvests to be used during the famine. Pharaoh agrees and puts Joseph in a position of power. (Genesis 42:1-36)

The storehouses are filled through the seven prosperous years and then when the famine comes, people from all around begin coming into Egypt to try and buy corn. Among those who came in search of grain were Joseph’s elder brothers. Joseph is now in a position of power and could gain revenge for the way his brothers had treated him. He does cause them some fear, but in the end is able to spare his brothers and his father from suffering the famine as a result of his position. (Genesis 43-47)

Though his brothers had meant him harm, G-d meant good things for Joseph. It probably didn’t look that way to Joseph sometimes, but he persevered through his hardships and learned humility. Joseph faced his challenges courageously.

So, what then are the elements of courage that Joseph displayed? Grace under pressure, making the best of his situation and remaining faithful to G-d despite any evidence he may have had that G-d had forgotten him. The evidence of his courage is in his behavior, doing right even when he was wronged or in danger. He learned to wait patiently on G-d and to look to G-d for everything. It takes tremendous courage to look away from circumstance and look instead to G-d. A good part of trusting G-d is having the courage to believe despite all that we see.

Joseph did retaliate, sue, get revenge, felt like he was “owed” something or hate. Oh, let’s be honest here- I am sure he was hurt, angry and resentful at times, but he knew the heart and mind of his father’s G-d well enough to move ahead. He obviously was driven and was a leader. He also was a recipient of the covenant promised to his great-grandfather Abraham! It makes a big difference when you know who you are and where you are going!

When Joseph came into power, his courage continued. The easy thing to do would be to punish his brothers for the way that they treated him. He doesn’t though. Instead, he realizes the work that G-d has done in him and the opportunity G-d has given him to spare his family from the famine. He understands through wisdom from Heaven that he has received a blessing out of the situation that his brothers put him in and he is grateful to G-d instead of resentful of his brothers. Wow, his temporary pain saved his people!

It’s seldom easy to do the right thing. It takes courage and trust in G-d to stand up when the world (and some of your brothers and sisters, including family) would beat you down. In all things, G-d is there to hold us up when we rely on Him for support. If hard times, bitterness, resentment or anger are things that you are struggling with, read Joseph’s story and learn from his courage. G-d probably has a blessing waiting for you at the end of your trials, too. As a matter of fact, I know He does. Next read Jeremiah 29:11.

Personal Note: Please write us here and let us know how you have overcome bitterness, anger and resentment when you have been hurt, stolen from, abused or used. It will help so many people who are struggling. I have been through more than most the last couple of years but my calling and purpose is secure! Be encouraged.

The Messiah in the Passover

Get your Bible and a pad- get ready to take some crazy cool notes! The Messiah of Israel isn't as "hidden" as you go through the High Holiday Celebrations the Jewish people have celebrated for centuries! Enjoy this teaching! It will strengthen your belief in who the Messiah is and will challenge you to be less "Christian" and be more "Messianic". Remember, Jesus didn't come to start "Christianity" my dear friends- He came as He promised for centuries, to save the House of Israel and then the gentiles! Enjoy:

Exodus (Sh'mot) 12:21-27 (All scriptures quoted are from the Complete Jewish Bible by Dr. David Stern)
21 Then Moshe called for all the leaders of Isra'el and said, "Select and take lambs for your families, and slaughter the Pesach lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop leaves and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame. Then, none of you is to go out the door of his house until morning. 23 For ADONAI will pass through to kill the Egyptians; but when he sees the blood on the top and on the two sides, ADONAI will pass over the door and will not allow the Slaughterer to enter your houses and kill you. 24 You are to observe this as a law, you and your descendants forever. 25 "When you come to the land which ADONAI will give you, as he has promised, you are to observe this ceremony. 26 When your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this ceremony?' 27 say, 'It is the sacrifice of ADONAI's Pesach [Passover], because [ADONAI] passed over the houses of the people of Isra'el in Egypt, when he killed the Egyptians but spared our houses.'"The people of Isra'el bowed their heads and worshipped. (CJB- Complete Jewish Bible)

The blood that was smeared on the lintel and the doorposts of the house would become very significant to the Jewish people and to all who would later call on the name of Yeshua (Jesus) to receive their redemption. We see in the Book of Leviticus that life is in the blood.

Leviticus (Vayikra) 17:11
11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for yourselves; for it is the blood that makes atonement because of the life.'

We have learned through the Word of ADONAI that without the shedding of blood there is NO forgiveness of sin.

Hebrews 9:22
22 In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

As we approach the season of Passover, we can look toward Yeshua as the one who can forgive us our sins. He IS the Passover Lamb who has taken our sins. John 1:29 describes what Yeshua did for us: “The next day, Yochanan (John) saw Yeshua coming toward him and said, ‘Look! God's Lamb! The one who is taking away the sin of the world!’”

What we learned on that first Passover night in the Book of Exodus, Rabbi Sha’ul (Paul) reminded us of in the B’rit Chadashah (Newer Covenant).

Acts 16:29-32
29 Calling for lights, the jailer ran in, began to tremble and fell down in front of Sha'ul and Sila. 30 Then, leading them outside, he said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They said, "Trust in the Lord Yeshua, and you will be saved - you and your household!" 32 Whereupon they told him and everyone in his household the message about the Lord.

One of the ways we can get a fuller understanding of what Yeshua truly did for us and how He is the Passover Lamb is by attending a Messianic Passover Seder. Through the Seder we can see how Yeshua fulfilled Exodus 12 for all of us.

Some of the things that will come alive in a Messianic Seder are: John 12:1-3, how Yeshua was anointed as the Passover Lamb. Matthew 21:1 Yeshua tells us how He will be the sacrifice. John 13 we see how Yeshua himself celebrated the Passover Seder with His talmadim (disciples). This is where we get the New Covenant Passover celebration or “The Lord’s Supper” as some of you refer to it. Still today three pieces of Matzoh are used in the Seder- but only one is broken and hidden for the children to find and celebrate over. It is a clear representation of the Messiah broken and gone for three days then celebrated over His Ressurection. It is of interest to note that as Yeshua was being crucified on the cross, the Passover Lamb (the sacrifice for the sins of the people of Israel) was being sacrificed at the same time and neither sacrifice had any bones broken! At the end of the Seder, Yeshua sang from Psalm 118 just before He went out to give His life for our sins. Isn’t it wonderful how applying the blood to the lintel and doorposts of our heart today we can have the faith to believe that we and our households shall be saved?

The Passover Seder is a time for us to reflect on all of the things that ADONAI has done for us. It is a type of Biblical “Thanksgiving” if you will. A time to see how the mighty right arm of ADONAI has freed us from bondage to sin. To understand the richness that we have in our community of believers today, one must experience a Messianic Passover Seder.

Monday in Tulsa, OK at 7PM at Victory Christian Center on Skelly Drive you can attend a full dinner and Messianic Seder lead by Sally Bianca, a Messianic Believer and an Israeli Shalak (a representative of the Israeli Government to promote unity between Jews and Messianics) will be speaking as well. Cost for the dinner and Seder is $15.00 and can be bought on line at Victory.com

Monday in Bonner Springs, KS at 7PM I will be doing a teaching on “The Messiah in Passover”. All are welcome to attend!

Ha Shem- The Name....

Our Almighty Father's Name is YHWH, or Yahweh (but no one really knows the actual pronunciation) which is spelled in the Hebrew letters Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey and literally means "I Am". That means that "God" is not a thing...He is an action.

If we are to live with His Spirit dwelling within us, we are to also be an action. His blessings surge in our lives all around us, but I feel the most amazing blessing is the capability to recognize one when we see, feel, touch, taste, or even conceptualize one. With that, we are to give credit where credit is due.

If you read this, I will ask a small favor of you. In the comment section below, list three blessings you've perceived today. After that, tell how you're planning on giving the credit where the credit is due. He dwells in the PRAISES and THANKS of His people. You see, today I needed a little bit more of His presence in my life and took action- His plan for me and its' manifestation is one of those blessings I am thankful for today!! My way of perpetuating the credit and blessings is to tell you and have you recognize blessings in your life! If you send this link to many people, the blessings to YHWH will not end!!

The name of the game is perpetuating blessings. Try it out.

The truth... will get me in trouble!!!

Okay, with this post I have officially "raised the bar" on political incorrectness (even for me!)- but I can't help speaking the truth!!!

Last week I purchased some groceries at Wild Oats in Tulsa for $21.58. The girl at the register took my $22 and typed it into the system. Then I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and was about to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?

Because of our complete failure of our "government school system" in this country based on the warm fuzzy liberal plans "not to offend" those who have learning issues (I hold the opinion that the TEACHERS have TEACHING issues) here is my documentation of the "evolution" in teaching math in the USA since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1957:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?"

2. Teaching Math In 1967:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?"

3. Teaching Math In 1977:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?"

4. Teaching Math In 1987:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20."

5. Teaching Math In 1997:
"A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok.)"

6. Teaching Math In 2007:
"Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?"


This may be a funny overexageration, but it is effective and gets my point across doesn't it! You know we have seen a HUGE reduction in individual expectation both at schools and at work, and this mindset is leading to the destruction of this country.

I am starting to sound like Neil Bortz- not that i am complaining!! That's a good thing! We have to shout the truth people!! Our future is being passed on to kids we've medicated, made excuses for and dumbed down their education. We will become uncompetitive in the world markets as an outcome. It has got to end here!! Is it a blatent "plan" to ruin America... some say it is. I don't know- all I know is that it is happening. Sin is when good people see what is happening and do nothing! Sorry, not me- I would rather die then let my children self destruct. What about you? Ideas?

Invite Larry to speak (get him out of the office, please!)

Hi blog readers! This is Linda Butler. My husband Deaven and myself have been Larry's business partners for several years! We have, together, built a series of companies dedicated to helping people become debt free and financially independent! This vision for Maven Holding Company was birthed out of a prayer meeting in Larry and Catherine's lake home over six years ago! Larry is a man of true honor and integrity- he loves his family with a passion and his friends and co-laborers as well. People have written some mean and false things about him, but he continues to love and help all God brings in his path! We have watched him carry loads that would crush most- and still smiles and seeks to encourage others. Larry has a passion and a gift to share principles and wisdom to live a successful life. If you have even heard him speak you know exactly what I mean! He is fun, engaging and wise (don't tell him I said all that! There will be NO working with him!).

Please contact us through our web site www.MavenHoldings.com to schedule a time where Larry can come speak to your group, company or Church organization. He requires no pre-set fee for speaking! He asks that any travel and lodging expenses be covered and announce that a free-will offering be taken up after his speaking engagement! No minimum amount is required! We are here to serve and bless! You will be glad you had him come- and we will be glad to get him out of the office for a few days!! :) You'll be blessed!

WWJD- Are You SURE You Mean That??

Remember the WWJD bracelet craze? It's a nice idea to think you're doing what Jesus would do — until you start to think about what Jesus actually would do — and did. Think about it, would you really “feel blessed” if your child ditched you without so much as asking in order to hang out with the religious leaders of the day? Or how about a son who says to his mother, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4)? If that's not enough, immediately after quoting Jesus saying just that, John describes a rather memorable incident in which Jesus turns up wielding a whip in the temple (I can see the WWJD bracelets being thrown in the garbage as fast as they went on wrists!).

If it's never safe or predictable to ask what Jesus would do, it may be even riskier to ask what he would undo. This maybe a good time to give you a brief history that started my journey down this thought-path; I was discussing Architecture- a specific school of thought in Architecture called “deconstructionism” with a friend in Kansas City, Bo Nelson, who is studying to be an Architect. Being an ol’ Architect myself this conversation was exciting to me- but my “wheels” started spinning as I got a vision of reformation coming to the church and maybe, sacrilegiously, looking at Jesus’ actions while here on earth as a “deconstructionist” and whala.. you are now reading this thesis.

As we REALLY read the Word of God, it continually reminds us that unpredictability is what characterizes Jesus' action throughout the Gospels. You never quite know what — or how — Jesus is going to deconstruct, since he takes on both the religious and political powers of his day- something lost in the fodder of America under the anemic banner the church hovers under called “political correctness”.

Even though, according to most people, it's the Religious Right that has championed the WWJD question, it has been theorized that if Jesus the Deconstructor were brought back to question the church today, he'd end up surprising — rather than confirming — those on the Far Right (I can here the cries of “heresy” screaming from some of you right now).

This article discusses and takes particular aim at the ecclesiastical establishment, whether Charismatic, Protestant or Roman Catholic, arguing that their claims of “following Jesus” have been all too easily assumed. Jesus constantly rebuked the religious establishment of his own day. For example, Jesus' stinging rebuke of the Pharisees was that they burdened the people by substituting their own laws for those of God: Jesus says, "For the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God. You hypocrites!" (Matt. 15:6 – 7). These are strong words of deconstruction. And Matthew's Sermon on the Mount is full of Jesus' refrain, "You have heard that it was said … but I say to you." So Jesus was constantly deconstructing prevailing views regarding the Law (NOT OF the Law), as well as expectations about what the Messiah was to accomplish.

But wait: Isn't deconstruction the problem? I remember a sermon given by a Theology Professor who proclaimed, "Deconstruction is the theory that says you can make texts mean anything you want them to mean." I admit that's a fairly standard definition of deconstruction, a French term resurrected and redefined by Jacques Derrida. Notoriously difficult to define, deconstruction is not a method or technique. Instead, insisted Derrida, it is the movement of truth coming to the surface. The movement itself is neither negative nor nihilistic; although there's no doubt that a great deal of mischief has been conducted under the banner of deconstruction, some of it simply silly and some downright evil.

But deconstruction in its simplest meaning is the breaking apart of concepts or texts that reveals their component parts and structure, and allows for reconstruction. Deconstruction questions assumed interpretations and the presumption of institutions to be the rightful arbiters of meaning. As to his own deconstructive readings, Jacques Derrida is a model — if sometimes controversial — reader, and moderate thought Christianity and the youthful rise and renewal in church today follow his example.

Applied to Scripture, deconstruction would most helpfully take the form of, "This is what we always assumed we were supposed to do and that passage was saying, but let's take another look at it to see if our assumption is right."

Appropriately enough, we’ll begin with Charles Sheldon's late nineteenth-century novel In His Steps (with the subtitle "What Would Jesus Do?"). It's the story of a well-to-do congregation visited by a vagrant who arrives at the Sunday service one morning just after some particularly pious singing ("where he leads me I will follow") and a stirring sermon, and who asks the uncomfortable question: "What do Christians mean by following the steps of Jesus?" The visitor dies a few days later, but Pastor Maxwell is so taken by the question that he assembles a group of parishioners who all agree to do nothing for an entire year that isn't preceded by the WWJD question.

Although it's hardly great literature, the novel shows the characters that agree to live by that question as they discover how much it actually demands of them. One might suspect that we are suggesting that we are going to use deconstruction as a way of lessening Jesus' demands on us, but this strategy is designed to be just the opposite. As long as we've tamed Jesus' teachings, his demands seem high but relatively attainable. But, once we submit ourselves to their full force, then all hell breaks loose.

In fact, a possible criticism of “Christian” deconstruction is that it is all too demanding, for I remind us of Jesus' most uncomfortable teachings. Following Derrida let me emphasize the "impossibility" of these demands ("for mortals, it is impossible") rather than the biblical attenuation of those demands ("but for God all things are possible," Matt. 19:26). If one is to show true hospitality, says Jesus, don't invite your friends but "the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind" (Luke 14:13) — in short, the people who can't repay you. When asked about forgiveness, Jesus suggests that there should be an endless supply. So it is Jesus who should be blamed for the hyperbole — assuming it's really meant as hyperbolic.

Of course, asking such a question and getting a firm answer are two different things. When a parishioner asks Pastor Maxwell, "How am I going to tell what He would do?" he replies, "There is no way that I know of, except as we study Jesus through the medium of the Holy Spirit."

It comes as no surprise, then, that our answers may or may not be exactly like yours or mine. For example, let’s concludes that Jesus would have supported Alabama Governor Bob Riley in his conviction that the state income tax should favor the poor over the rich, despite the fact that the Christian Coalition (evidently getting a very different answer to WWJD) vehemently opposed him. Likewise, myself, although no proponent of abortion, must question why abortion foes only seem so concerned about the 1.3 million abortions in the U.S. and considerably less moved by the 10 million children who die of hunger each year.

Asking the WWJD question (in either its "do" or "deconstruct" variants) doesn't produce uniform responses. Still, both Maxwell's question and this variant are well worth asking. For having the boldness to push deconstructive thought like we just did, is to be both carefully undertaken and commended. Whether one agrees or disagrees with this thesis is less important than that this deconstruction will force anyone who takes it seriously to think more carefully about why they've answered the WWJD question in the ways they have. And being pushed in that direction can hardly be a bad thing.

Our younger churchgoers are all too turned off with “blind-following” and “because, we’ve ALWAYS done it that way” answers. Those in “authority” find this movement troubling- and they should. Jesus questioned the religious leaders of the day because He saw a move away from the WWTFD? (What would the Father do?) And had the people doing what the Rabbi would do! If we want to see the fire of Heaven and true reformation begin, then deconstruction, I believe, is a HUGE part of the solution.

But who will be the strong catalyst; the one to risk reputation, position and wealth to begin this season of radical deconstruction of a stale lifeless state the American “church” is in? Many years ago I asked a true Man of G-d, “Why don’t I see more men and women today doing what G-d’s word says consistently and accurately?” He looked at me from under his glasses and said to me “Then BECOME it.” Thus the journey has begun- come along, I could use the help.