THANKFUL

You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks. We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. (2 THES 1:3-4 MSG) 

The sum of my heart this morning. I am so thankful for everything. I have some obstacles to overcome, as I’m sure you do, but with God all things are possible. …Only Believe.

Today is my oldest granddaughters birthday. She is rapidly becoming a beautiful lady. I am so thankful for her and all my family. So many people and things to be thankful for.

Being thankful is a choice! Give it a chance; it will make a difference in you day and in your life.

Blessings

Sitting at Starbucks, taking some time to reflect. More convinced than ever that I (can't really speak for anyone else) need to reflect and respond more and react less. Life is precious it's value immeasurable. What impact can one person’s life make? Positive or negative, we have the opportunity each and every day to make a difference. My prayer and desire is to stay on focus with what Jesus (good person to take advice from) said was important. I think he had "inside information". His "center of it all" focus point was Love God and Love Others. May I pursue that with a passion. Make a difference today! May His Love flow in you and through you. May His Peace be recognized in you and His Joy be seen by others. Shine - Smile - Relax - Slow Down - Enjoy! 

Blessings

PMT

What a blessing to have a phone call from my wife this morning (from the Belgrade airport). I miss her so much and yet I am at such a peace about her missions travel. It is her destiny! She shared with me that one of the American missionaries she worked with this past week was from a church in Michigan that is pastored by a member of her former youth group.

The youth group that Linda grew up in is amazing. There are many pastors and missionaries that came out of that group. It is a tremendous tribute to a wonderful man of God. Bond Bowman, Linda’s pastor at Brightmoor Tabernacle in Detroit, was a great pastor. He built a wonderful church and was ahead of his times in many ways. What a legacy he left. Generations of dedicated Christ Followers.

My prayer for me and for you today is that we would be the men and women that God has planed for us to be. May we be attentive to the Holy Spirit, may we use our time, gifts and talents to further God’s kingdom. May we give ourselves to those things that have eternal value and may we leave a legacy of Christ Followers. We all have spheres of influence, may we use that influence in being and doing what God has ordained for us. May we not be distracted by the “issues of life”. May you be everything God has called you to be – Today!

Blessings

PMT 

Waking up this morning, I find myself at the same place where my ministry life started 31 years ago. I am at 81^st and Lewis in Tulsa OK. My thoughts are that of appreciation. Thankful for what God has done in and through me. Thankful for the men and women of God who have helped me develop.

I sense more than ever, that this is a season for me to do my best to help others develop. In general, helping wherever and whenever I can, and then in specific with the wonderful young ministry gifts that God has brought into my life. There have been a great number of amazing memories, and yet I know the best is yet to come.

May I encourage you today to reflect on where you have been, and how good God has been to you. May you give thanks to God for the wonderful people who have helped you along the way, and may you purpose today to be a help to others.

Ps 84:11 states, “No good thing will He withhold from those who do what is right”. Purpose today to be right and do right. Purpose today to be a blessing to someone else. Look for opportunities to be used of God to advance His kingdom. It may not be in a dramatic “ministry” role, but it is all about our obedience to what the Holy Spirit speaks to us to do.

Enjoy the day, be thankful and look for opportunities to bless others.

PMT

I was walking my “granddog” around the lake near my Son’s home. After we “took care of business” (why are those little bags blue?). It makes it look like a nice little package, but we know better. Then after a few “sniff-stops”, this nice couple with a video camera and microphone asked me if I would mind being interviewed for Japanese Television. I’m not sure they were legit, but anyway they asked me who my favorite celebrity was? I told them before I could answer, I had to call my agent and make sure the fee was suitable. I told them I’m not much of a movie fan, so my favorite celebrity was Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings Quarterback).

Then they asked me if I wanted to be a celebrity? I seized the moment and began a brief "message" based on Jer 29:11. I told them I was more interested in fulfilling my destiny than the popularity of man. It was a nice moment to share and they seamed pleased with the answer.

You never know when an opportunity will present itself. I want to encourage you to be attentive to moments in time when we can speak the Truth. Not “preachy”, but just sharing from your heart.

Remember none of us can or should try to bring “conviction” upon anyone. We will only bring guilt and condemnation. Let the Holy Spirit do what He only can do, and He does it well. Our part is to speak the Truth in Love. It’s the goodness of God that will bring people to Him. Keep looking for opportunities to tell people how good He is and how good He has been to you.

 This is Mac (my "granddog")

Blessings

PMT

WOW! This is the way to have your "Devo" time. Head to Balboa Peninsula and find
a life guard stand on a beautiful Sunday morning with a Surf's up cry from
the locals. How do you deny a Creator God on a morning like this? It helps
to have a multiple translation Bible on your I-Phone as well. The flow - The
Thoughts - The Worship - So Wonderful.

God is so amazing, and to think that He wants to spend time with me and you.
I want to encourage you today to consider making "time with Him" a higher
priority in your life. While today was extra special because of the
surroundings, it is always special.

I had this thought as well today. You've heard of people debating over
whether the glass is 1/2 empty or 1/2 full. I really don't believe it
matters that much if you consider this. If the glass is completely dry, I
believe He will fill it to overflow again for those who believe. What a
great God. His plan is wonderful and His provision is abundant. Enjoy your
discovery of an altogether good God who will always provide in abundance.

Be Encouraged Today and Be Sure To Encourage Others.

PMT