Love and Prayer

Good morning men. This morning just asking for something pretty simple. Be in prayer and show love. Easter Sunday there was the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka on Christians and this last Sunday to market the end of Passover there was a shooting at a synagogue in California.

Men, God loves all of his children. Each and every last one of us. In his eyes, we are all the same. Christ gave us his greatest command to love one another just as he has loved us (John 13:34).

Be in prayer for the families of those affected and the communities in which the events have taken place. Also be in prayer for those who committed the attacks as their hearts need changing and mending with that from which can only from Christ.

Men show love this week. To a stranger. To someone you don’t particularly like. We all have people that we don’t like. It’s human nature. But we have a choice in how we get to react and treat that person regardless of how they treat us. Show love to that individual.

Have a great week in the trenches men.

Lets talk about faith

To borrow from Dustin’s definition obsession, faith is defined on google as: 1. complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
2. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

Thankfully the bible provides us the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1:
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Simply put, the biblical definition of faith is “trusting in something you cannot explicitly prove.”

This past Sunday our Pastor Orion Berridge shared about how to grow our faith and I felt it was definitely worth sharing some of the key passages. The sermon was based on Mark 9:14-29 and discusses the father who desperately pleads with Jesus to heal his sick son. Mark 9:23-24: 23And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the father of the child cried out^d and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”  The man was desperate and this drove him to Jesus.

I don’t know about you all, but I can really relate to this mans pleading to Jesus: I believe! help my unbelief!” I cry out to Jesus because in my own strength I am desperate. I believe He is my Lord yet I need His help to have faith to believe. I need his help to believe that He will accomplish everything for His glory and my good through his power and plans because he loves me despite my brokenness.

My faith is in who the Lord is. I have complete confidence that the Lord is glorious, great, gracious, and good because the Lord says He is and he fulfills his promises.

I cry out to Him to help my faith grow as right now I can’t see what He is doing and where He is leading. The Lord wants to work through my faith, to allow his glory to shine through me.

Pastor Orion shared the following principles and verses on what we need:

1. Cultivate our Faith
   • Spend time with God
   • Open your Bible
   • Capture your thoughts
   • Get serious
2. Multiply our faith – 59 “one another” verses in Scripture, go and encourage one another.
3. Anchor our faith in the person and good news of Jesus

Romans 10:17: “17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9: 8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

1 Peter 1:7: 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Romans 14:1: As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

1 Timothy 6:12: 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

Long Term Investment

Isaiah 26:3-4

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Pastors, a lot of people told themselves last week that they will give church a try this week after Easter Sunday. Use your gifts to encourage them to want to return next week.

You can see the chart above about starting with a penny and doubling the amount every day for a month. That chart came up in conversation this week and today’s message was born.

Our faith is like that chart. It’s not at $5,000,000+ until the last day of the month. Five million is a lot to me, but I can’t speak for everyone. I want you to look closer at that chart. It doesn’t break the $1,000 mark until after half of the month is gone.

As you can see, the longer the person stays with it, the more the money grows. That’s what we do each day, we grow our faith. We weren’t as strong in our faith when we were 10 as we are today. Some of us may have even had to start over, which is ok. Sometimes things are appreciated more the second time around.

No matter where we’re at, let’s invest long term in our faith and grow it day by day.

Make it a great week in the trenches. Be exceptional at being you.

Love,

Yancey

Pray for Our Leaders

1 Timothy 2:1-2

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

The inspiration behind today’s message is the 2020 election. As of today we have twenty-two people that are running for president with possibly more contemplating joining the race. Please know that this is not a political post in any way. I hope to simply shine a light on people in different areas that need our prayers.

We are leaders in all areas of life and with that comes responsibility. First, we have the freedom to vote, so please make time to do so in every election. Next, we need to make an informed and intelligent decision. What that looks like to me can look different to you and that is great. We should celebrate our differences of opinion along with our similarities in faith. In order to be informed, we have to take some time for due diligence in getting to know each candidate and what they stand for. We can pray for guidance, as well.

Finally, no matter what happens, we must pray for our leaders. I fall short here, I’ll admit. I pray about things closer to home. We need to pray for our leaders at every level of leadership … our schools, our churches, our jobs, our communities, our states and our country … everywhere. If you really want to make a difference, pray for the leaders you don’t care for. Remember anyone can love and pray for people they like.

Again, pray for our leaders. I will take my own advice and do the same. We are so fortunate to have what we have and live where we live.

Make it a great day in the trenches. Be exceptional at being you.

Love,

Yancey

Family Friday 4/26: Brotherhood

Good morning, men!

As the father of two sons, brotherhood is something I witness every day. Now, it is youthful brotherhood, but a unique pact none the less. I see my boys (9 and 6) fight, fuss, love, play, support, and talk through obstacles constantly. They truly have each other’s back like no one else.

My prayer for us here at the Message is that we will serve as a brotherhood for each other in Christ. I shared Wednesday that my family was at a crossroads. That day, Michael called me and prayed over me as I was driving down the road between Searcy and Newport, AR.

Having that support….that level of concern from other men is CRUCIAL as we continue our walk with God!

Let us be a group of brothers who find ways to support and love each other through struggles!

Have a blessed day!

M.I.T.T. ~ Runyan

True Grit

I was reading an article by the President of Fort Hays yesterday that discussed “grit” shown by FHSU students and it led to the motivation for today’s message. You know I am the definition guy, so here it is for the word GRIT: courage and resolve; strength of character.

The word grit, is obviously not used in any translation in our Bibles.  But, we still have plenty of examples: Moses, David, Noah, Daniel, Paul…. you get the point.  The most important example of grit we find in the Bible would be Jesus.  In fact, if anything, I hope you understand that there is no single display of grit in the history of mankind that is more important then what Jesus exemplified.  I also hope you remember every waking hour of every day that this was done for you!

TRUE GRIT: the courage, character and resolve of a man to push push forward in the face of adversity, toward the one TRUE prize, a place in heaven.

I made that definition up, but that’s true grit.  We know the truth, but we also know how hard life is.  I always say, that everyday I’ve gotten older life has became harder.  But, as Christians we are to consider this pure joy to face these trials, because it prepares us for eternity in a way the world cannot understand.  Where do you need to show True Grit in your life today!? This is not out of arrogance, but confidence in knowing my spiritual gift is encouraging and motivating.  There are a lot of men on this message that I talk to consistently who need encouragement as much as I do daily.  But, I feel a few of you need to be reminded of the True Grit you have already shown in the face of life’s adversities so I’m going to call it out:

Dexter- the grit and determination you have shown in your business at a young age has been incredible! Let God guide you!

Michael M.- your past year has not been the most ideal, yet everytime I talk to you it’s a positive attitude toward how good our God is. You are amazing man!

Dave L- the job has exhausted you I know,  but keep fightinng brother, it will all get back to normal soon!

Cullen B- your courage and resolve as a man over the last few years has been inspiring, you showed what a real man stands for.

Yancey- remember brother, God has a plan for you that’s bigger than your human mind can even imagine.  It may not look exactly like what you think, but it’s coming man! Stay strong!

Zach B- your grit in your daily life as a Christian husband, father and professional have been a light to me! Keep moving forward brother!

Andy- you are strong, you have wisdom, you have owned your mistakes and responsibility as a husband and father.  This sounds a lot like multiple characters in the Bible. Keep sharing Gods love, you will continue to be rewarded!

Dustin R- keep leaning into what God has in store for you. This hasn’t been easy, might continue to get harder, but God loves you and he’s right by your side! Keep sharing Gods love as much as you can, it’s your gift!

Brian W- dude it’s not easy raising 3 boys and being the father and husband you long to be. You are a great example of grit daily! Keep it up brother!

Pastor Dave- thank you for the example of longing for God’s plan in your life, hearing that call and sticking to it. Says so much about who you are.

Pastor Meyers- you show me constantly what a Godly man should look like, and I haven’t even seen you for over a year. That’s how much True Grit you have brother!

Men, I know there’s a lot more on this message that I have probably left out, but these are the most fresh in my mind.  I know all of us have been forced to show True Grit, and will have to continue to do so.  Keep the ultimate prize in mind!

With love, dlp

M.I.T.T.

Spirit Lead

Good morning, men!

Yesterday I received a text from Dustin of a link to a song by Influence Music and Michael Ketterer called “Spirit Lead Me.” As I listened to it, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the lyrics of “Oceans” by Hillsong United…..”Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.”

Men, I’m going to be honest with you. I am at a major crossroads in my life. There is so much going on with my family, profession, and faith that some days I feel absolutely overwhelmed with what is on my plate. The load is such that I know it is completely impossible to rely on my own desire and decision making.

My prayers lately have centered around exactly what those two songs get to the heart of. Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and lead me exactly where you need me. Give me an obedient heart that is willing to trust that will.

This morning, I am thankful for this Message. I am thankful for Dustin and brothers who care enough to take the time to send a text. I am thankful for a God who knows us so well that even in our most insane moments….he has a plan and it is perfect.

Have a blessed day, men!

M.I.T.T. ~ Runyan

Judas

Good morning men. I pray you all had a great Easter weekend as we got to celebrate the resurrection of our savior. He is risen!

I’m going to continue off of Michael’s message from yesterday a bit. We had a great program over the weekend that was the last supper and Sunday morning’s resurrection as well. It was a very powerful play and I hope all enjoyed it and took something away from it. A brother from our church who played Judas did an excellent job. Judas has a great role in everything as tragic as it was. Judas has to betray Christ so that his salvation for us could be fulfilled. Even though Christ KNEW Judas would betray him, he loved him anyways and attempted to save Judas from what he was doing. Wow.

CHRIST KNEW AND LOVED JUDAS ANYWAYS.

Men, this part blows me away. Certainly we would all try to save someone and love someone who was close to us. But to love someone who we knew was going to betray us into the enemies’ hands to have us killed? That’s a love that I cannot fathom. However men remember, we are all Judas. We’ve all turned our back on Christ at some point in our lives. He loves us anyways and that is one of the most beautiful points of the gospel. We serve a merciful savior and all he asks is that we turn to him and trust him.

Have a blessed week in the trenches men.

Believing without seeing

For Easter our family has a few traditions: one of them is to go to our church’s Good Friday service and the second is for us to watch the movie The Miracle Maker (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208298/). Its a claymation/animation movie about Jesus. It has some really good scenes of Jesus after he rose from the dead and appeared to the disciples. One of my favorite was when he revealed himself to doubting Thomas.

John 20:24-29

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus calls us blessed because we have not seen him yet we believe in Him. Blessed indeed!

Hebrews 11:6: 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Men we have faith not because of who we are but because of who He is; our faith is based on an amazing, loving, faithful, and sovereign God who did what we cannot do to bring us back into relationship with Him. Seek Him, worship Him, enjoy Him!