The Israelite Circle

Pastors, we lift you up in prayer today. We know that you’re there for us, let us be there for you today as you give your message.

I don’t have a specific scripture today, just an observation of the circle the Israelites lived in and how it applies to us.

When Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, they started not listening, complaining, and doing what they wanted instead of what was expected of them. Things got really bad, then some of the leadership recognized that they needed to repent. After doing so, things were better.

For a certain amount of time, things went well for the Israelites. Then, they started not listening, complaining, and doing what they wanted instead of what was expected of them. Things got really bad, then some of the leadership recognized that they needed to repent. After doing so, things were better.

It was a circle. The scriptures about the Israelites, and truly much of the Old Testament, is filled with corruption, rape, murder, theft, etc. One difference is that the public didn’t have access to all of the bad news on their phones or by watching the news.

I say all of that to say this: we can be the leaders that recognize the need to repent of our sins as a group, as a society, and as a nation. What is keeping us from it?

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

Love,

Yancey

Have Concerns?

1 Peter 5:7
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 56:3
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalm 94:19
19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.

The strongest Christian I know worries sometimes. Everyone has concerns, whether they are big or small. It’s not about the problem, it is about the solution.

There are many more scriptures that address worries or anxieties, but these are a few good ones.

No matter what, keep praying. There isn’t usually an instantaneous happening, but simply stay the course.

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

Love,

Yancey

Family Friday 6/2: “Go The Distance”

Good morning, men!

This past weekend, the Runyan family took a trip to Iowa and visited the Field of Dreams. My oldest son’s team was in a tournament in the area and had an opportunity to play on the famous venue.

If you’ve ever seen the movie, you know that Ray Kinsella built this field against all odds and conventional wisdom, and after “going the distance”, was able to reach ultimate glory through perseverance and general stubbornness.

Our trip very much mirrored the movie both on and off the field. Met with challenges that included sickness, my daughter losing a toenail, a kid getting hit by a scooter, and a major deficit in the final game….the weekend was full of potential roadblocks.

By Tuesday, we were headed home with full hearts, healthy bodies, a victorious team, and a general thankfulness for what ended being a memory that will last a lifetime for all of us.

I couldn’t help but relate the movie and our family experience to what it is like following Jesus. The road is NOT straight and wide. We are promised that. It is narrow and bumpy. There are hills and valleys.

Ultimately, if we “go the distance”, persevere, and complete the race with our eyes on Him…we are promised final glory in Heaven at the right hand of the Lord.

I hope all of you have a great day and a restful weekend!

M.I.T.T. ~ Runyan

Fear is Not My Future