Kingdom Motivated

Trog Turns 40

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 18:16:00 +0000

“... learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)

As you know, every year I use my birthday to raise money for those in need around the world. And just last year, we were fortunate enough to raise over $3,000 for families in need in Guatemala installing 21 stoves & water filters making a significant impact on the health & future of a dozen families.

And this year, I want to double this!

For my 40th Birthday (March 8th,) I want to fund 4 Seed Effect Savings & Loan Groups by raising $6,000!

Seed Effect is a Christ-centered, nonprofit, micro-finance organization that is using innovative savings & loan strategies to empower Sudanese refugees.

In fact, they have already helped 15,000 people & better yet, ALL of them have now heard the gospel! Together, we can help impoverished people overcome physical & spiritual poverty by providing access to micro-loans, education, and spiritual discipleship.

Will you join me in empowering 100 new Seed Effect members to build Christian community & provide for their families with dignity? Any amount will help to transform lives!!

Click here to DONATE & make my birthday wish come true!

#TrogTurns40

Please pray, donate & share on social media. Below is a great video about their mission!

One Life to Live... One Life to Give

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 23:12:00 +0000

"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." - 2 Tim 2:3

I have been greatly encouraged this week by the life & witness of the famous missionary Sahdu Sundar Singh. His selfless sacrifice & single focus on proclaiming the good news of Christ should inspire us all. Abandoned by his family, poisoned & left for dead, tortured for Christ & tempted to renounce his faith numerous times for the pleasures of this world, he continually denied himself and took up his cross for the glory of Christ & the proclamation of the gospel.

In one of his speeches he talked of a sobering reality with heart piercing clarity...

"Oh young men, arise & see how many souls are daily perishing around you. Is it not your duty to save them? Be brave soldiers of Christ. Go forward in full armor, crush Satans work, & victory shall be yours. Christ has give you a precious opportunity be saved & to save others. If you are careless now, you will never get anther chance for you will never pass through the field of battle again. The day is fast approaching where we shall see the martyrs in their glory, who gave their health, wealth & lives to win souls for Christ. Oh may we not blush in that day."

Oh, may this truth not fall on deaf ears, but on humble hearts. Lord, burn this kind of passion deep within our souls & give us no rest until we find our rest in You alone.

All Things for Life & Godliness

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 02:41:00 +0000

2 Peter 1:3 says... "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence"

Think with me about all the things God has given us to accomplish His mission on earth. Here are a few things off the top of my head...

- His Word: 2 Tim 3:16-17 | Heb 4:12 | Matt 4:4, 24:35

- His People: - Psalm 133:1

- His Spirit: - John 16:7

- His Son (who lives to intercede for us) - Heb 7:25

- His power: - Eph 1, Luke 24:49

- His authority: - Matt 28:18

- & even His Angels (who are ministering spirits to us) - Heb 1:14

I think we are well equipped to push back the darkness on this earth! It's time we rise up church and light up the world!

Modern Day Humphrey MonMouths

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 22:39:00 +0000

Photo by Martyn E. Jones

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

- Mt 6:33

Have you heard of Chieh Huang or Dan Price or Humphrey Monmouth?

Both Huang and Price made the news recently for their amazing, creative and generous approach to the companies they lead.

Huang is the founder and CEO of Boxed. He just announced that he is putting up his own money and stock in the company to pay all of the college tuition for all his employees children.

Price, in a similar act of selflessness, announced that he was going to reduce his $1M salary to $70,000, so that he can pay all his 120 employees at least that amount.

Interestingly enough, neither Huang or Price are Christians.

Humphrey Monmouth, on the other hand, was a devout Christian who made William Tyndale’s ministry possible by financing his efforts using his own merchant ships to smuggle New Testaments throughout England. He is what we call a “Gospel Patron” (Find out more about his story in this great book - Gospel Patrons by John Rinhart.)

So why do I bring these stories to mind? Because I know a lot of modern day Christians that are businessmen and women. I have had many conversations about God calling people to the “marketplace” and not to the “ministry,” so to speak. I have had many people tell me that God needs dentists and doctors, lawyers and teachers... And they are right.

BUT - I don’t know a single Christian with a “marketplace calling” that has capped his income like Price or paid for their employees college like Huang.

And, I long for the day that an army of Marketplace Missionaries rise up and work hard for our King, building His Kingdom with His resources. Men of women full of courage and strength that are willing to live well below their means, even cap their incomes, while earning massive amounts of money for one specific purpose - the advancement of the gospel!

I pray that God raise up a harvest of modern-day Monmouths, that despise the world and it’s ways, the trappings of wealth & earthly treasure and love Christ and His Kingdom more than their own lives and comfort and bank accounts. It is inescapable, where we put our treasures, our hearts will follow (Mt 6:21!) May God help us to put our hearts in heaven by sending our resources ahead.

Lord, it is Your Kingdom that we are called to advance, not our own. May we live simply, give generously and love lavishly while we are here on earth. For Your glory God, make us Gospel Patrons!

A special thanks to Daron Babcock for his contribution on this post.

The Crown & The Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Mon, 04 May 2015 01:58:00 +0000

I recently found this picture on the front of my church bulletin. I don't know where it originally came from but it has been on my mind since I first saw it. Here is why…

To drink from the cup of Christ means that we will suffer for Him and with Him. It is something that the Scriptures are clear about but our Christian culture often overlooks. Take a look at these passages for instance...

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

- 2 Tim 3:12

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

- Matt 16:24

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

- Mark 13:13

The incredible thing however, is that suffering is not something to be feared. Paul actually says that it is his "goal to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death," - Phil 3:10

I pray that all of us that call on the name of Jesus may begin to understand the depths of these passages and the truth found within them. That we may enter the Kingdom where the last are first, the poor are rich, the humble are honored and dying is gain. After all, it's in losing our lives for His sake that we actually find them and where the abundant life truly begins.

A Walk to Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 19:49:00 +0000

A few months ago the Lord led me to compile the book of Proverbs into a monthly format for Bible study and reflection. After searching for 12 years for this very tool (to no avail) and seeing the great need for wisdom in the community that I serve, He connected the dots for me to produce it.

In short, it's a devotional, journal, legacy book for families and a witnessing tool. Once we pay off the cost of production, 100% of the profits are going to support our farming/discipleship initiative in Bonton and our Bridgebuilders benevolence fund.

I would like you to join me in prayer over the next 6-8 weeks (as it is being printed.)

Please pray that the Lord would use this book…

1. To lead many people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. To become a great source of added revenue for Bonton Farms & HIS Bridgebuilders.

3. As a great tool for parents, businessmen, ministers, disciple-makers and missionaries etc. to get the wisdom of God into the hands of the people they serve.

4. That chain bookstores such as Mardels, Lifeway, Family Christian (and specifically CPO in Springfield) will buy the book for their inventory.

5. That pastors, churches and ministry friends will purchase many copies for their people to use and study.

6. That blogs, social media sites, Christian websites etc. will pick up on it and promote it heavily.

7. That friends, family etc. etc. will go crazy promoting it on social media.

The website is 99% finished and you can pre-order copies today at www.awalktowisdom.com

Love you guys and thank you in advance.

Jesus Would Drive a Jag?

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 04:10:00 +0000

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” - Luke 8:20

I live in an area where there are many fancy cars. I pass BMW's, Mercedes and high priced vehicles every single day that I get on the road. Just a few months ago this thought came to my mind… "would Jesus drive a Jaguar?" As I began to think deeper about this, here is what I came up with.

- A widow gives two small coins and Jesus praises her for giving more than all the others.

- He tells the rich young ruler to sell EVERYTHING and follow Him.

- He says that the deceitfulness of riches and the desire for other things choke out the word of God sown in our hearts.

- He calls the man wanting to build bigger barns and storehouses for his worldly goods a "FOOL."

- He tells us NOT to store up treasures for ourselves here on earth, where moth and rust destroy.

- He tells us NOT to seek after food, drink or clothing, saying that is what the pagans seek after.

- He tells us that in saving our lives we are losing them, but in losing our lives for His sake we are actually finding them.

- He says that we CAN'T serve two masters that we CANNOT serve both God and money.

- He questions our love for God if we have the worlds goods, see a brother in need and close our hearts to him.

- He tells us that friendship with the world is ENMITY toward God.

- He tells men of God to FLEE from the love of money.

- He talks about the problems of wealth more than heaven and hell combined, nearly 1/3 of all His sermons deal with money.

- He modeled poverty for us, having no place to lay down His head to rest.

- And lastly, The King of Kings, The Creator of the universe didn't ride in on a white horse or chariot when He came into Jerusalem but rather… He rode in on a donkey!

Therefore, I'm convinced, that if Jesus walked among us today… He most definitely would NOT drive a Jaguar!

Two Masters...

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 03:29:00 +0000

"You shall have no other gods before me."

- Exodus 20:3

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

- Matthew 6:24

As I was driving in downtown Dallas last week, this image struck a deep cord within me so I had to get a picture of it. What you're looking at is The Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe built in 1898. In its day, I can only assume that it was one of the biggest & most beautiful buildings downtown. Now it is surrounded by business, money & industry. The skyscrapers beside it are so big that it makes this beautiful building & its towering cross look minuscule & almost insignificant. Where once, the cross of Christ stood tall over the city, now it can barely be seen among the towers signifying the riches of man.

A god is something or someone (as Christians believe) that we put our trust in, that we rely upon, that gives us comfort, security, peace & joy. Is there any wonder why the Lord tells us that we can't serve both God & money? Is there any wonder why He tells us not to have any other "gods" before Him? And… is there any wonder why we live such empty, stressed-out & unfulfilled lives? Could the answer be in the picture above? We have made money (& the pursuit of it) the most important thing in our country, in our cities & all too often in our own hearts.

God tear down the idol of money in our lives! Teach us to trust in You & You alone & to seek first Your Kingdom & Your righteousness. In Jesus name, Amen.

Open Hearts & Open Wallets

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 04:09:00 +0000

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. - 1 John 3:16-18

In a great conversation with one of my best friends this thought hit me…

Based on the verse above… the only way a believer in Jesus can be rich in this world is to not have poor friends! And, if we don't have poor friends, how in the world are we being salt and light in a dying world?

New Year's Resolutions with Scriptures

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:43:00 +0000

Since it's time to set New Year's resolutions, I thought that I would share mine for 2014…

To delight in the Lord each day by getting into the Word and finding a verse that brings joy to my heart.

Neh 8:10 & Psalm 37:4

To seek Christ like never before, walking and talking with Him continuously throughout each day, sincerely listening and paying attention to His voice.

Is 30:21 - Psalm 16:11, 27:4 - Acts 3:18-20

To walk in truth & in simple faith like that of a child, never allowing any doubts, fears or worries to hold me back.

2 Tim 1:7 & Luke 18:17

To walk boldly as a lion in His power & presence within me through every circumstance of life. And, to embrace & use the spiritual gifts He has given me in powerful ways for His glory.

Prov 28:1 - Rom 8:11 - 1 Cor 2:12

To be Kingdom Focused and eternally minded, seeing the world through spiritual eyes.

Matt 6:33 & Col 3:22

To fully understand my identity in Christ & boldly approach His throne of grace regularly.

Heb 4:15-16, 10:19-24 - Eph 1

To love like Jesus loves, serve like He serves and forgive like He forgives.

Mark 10:45 - John 13:34-35 - Eph 4:32

Faith & Phil Mickelson

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 03:06:00 +0000

1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -NIV

I love Phil Mickelson. For some reason, I've always been drawn to his style of play, his charisma and his attitude on and off the golf course. He is a true gentleman of the game and a role model for the next generation.

As I was chatting with a friend about Phil winning The Open this weekend (of which I'm ecstatic), a whole new reason dawned on me as to why I connect with him so much. I love him for being such a great champion and I love him for being so human. How many times has he been in the last stretch of a Major Championship only to launch a drive way off course, miss a simple wedge shot or push a "gimmie" putt and watch it all come tumbling down.

And, how many times do we do this very thing in our own walks with Christ. Sometimes, we make decisions like Billy Graham or pray like George Mueller and feel like we are on top of the world. And other days, we just crumble in the easiest of circumstances. We lie like Jacob for no real reason, we lose our faith like Abraham or we try to manufacture our own answers to God's promises and just make a mess of things. This is why watching Phil play golf, reminds me so much of our walks of faith.

In all of our wins and losses, in all of our highest highs and our lowest lows, like Phil, we are truly champions. The victory has already been won and we will forever reign with Him. Not because of what we've done or who we are, as in the game of golf, but because of who Christ is and what He has done for us. We are His children, co-heirs with Christ and heaven bound. No matter how many mistakes Phil makes from here on out, nobody can ever take away his 5 Majors, 50 professional wins or Hall of Fame status. And, nobody can ever take away the gift that God has given us in Christ.

May we rejoice today because we are His champions!

Togo Water Well Campaign Results

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:32:00 +0000

(Matt Hangen & his initial reaction to the worst water source he has ever seen.)

The Lord answered our prayers above and beyond what we dreamed was possible for our birthday water well campaign. In sum, we raised over $11,000 and will be digging 8 water wells in some of the toughest places in Togo Africa. The picture above is just one of the spots that we will be bringing fresh water and the "living water" of Jesus Christ. I don't think that I can say it any better than J.T. already has, so please read what the co-founder of Project 25:40 wrote below...

"I can't tell you how awed I am with what God did with this campaign. $11,018 was RAISED for water wells in Togo, Africa when $3400 was our original goal. We will be digging a well for an orphanage of blind and deaf children, another well for a place that has some of the worst water the missionaries have ever seen (see above picture), and 6 more wells in other places desperate for clean water... Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who were apart of this! I love serving such an incredible God!"

Great work friends!!!!!! We could not have done this without each of your prayers and support! I'm so grateful to get to advance the Kingdom and serve Christ with each of you bringing both fresh & living water to those in need. Let's do this again next year, mark your calendars for March. :)

And, a special thanks to Water 4 Foundation who have made this whole project possible! Thanks guys.

World Water Day & Truth Zadok!

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Two amazing things happened this past Friday 3/22/13...

1. My son Truth Zadok Trogdon was born!

2. It was World Water Day.

Why are these two things in combination so cool... my son Truth Zadok (which means "righteous") was born not only in the month of my own birthday (which I traditionally use to raise money for the poor), but also in the year of our most successful campaign of digging water wells for the Togolese people. And, he was born on the very day that the world has deemed a day of advocacy for all those in need of this vital resource. How cool is that!

This is incredible to me for many reasons but above all I thank the Lord for giving me the desires of my heart and for orchestrating this wonderful day! I so look forward to my son and I celebrating our birthdays together each year in the future advancing the gospel and helping "the least of these" in Jesus' name.

If you would like to celebrate Truth Zadok's birth with us, instead of giving us diapers will you please pray about donating to this wonderful cause... http://bit.ly/11BetQU

Prov 29:7a The righteous care about justice for the poor...

National Water 4 Togo Day (unofficially)

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:15:00 +0000

Did you know that it's national... Well, maybe just regional... Okay, okay, local (and most unofficial) but still "WATER 4 TOGO -because it's my birthday & I said so- DAY?" :)

Join the party, 73 others already have and we're working on our 9th water well so far! - http://bit.ly/11BetQU

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:40

Living Water

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:22:00 +0000

When the poor and needy are dying of thirst and cannot find water, I, the Lord God of Israel, will come to their rescue. I won’t forget them. - Isaiah 41:17

Each year a dear friend and I use our birthday's to raise money for different charities. We call this effort Project 25:40. The title is based off of Matthew 25:40 when Jesus says that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

This year we have partnered with Water 4 Foundation based out of Oklahoma City in hopes to dig a few water wells with the money we raise. Since we are each turning 34, we thought that we should try and raise $3400.

Please watch this 3 min video to see the heart behind this effort. We desire to not only give people water but the true living water of Jesus Christ... http://bit.ly/11BetQU

Also, if you would like to subscribe to our newsletters and campaign updates please sign up here... http://bit.ly/Yevuyu

Thank you so much for your support! We also appreciate all the Facebook "shares" and tweets that you can give. :)

"And You Will Be My Witnesses" - Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 23:42:00 +0000

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matt 9:37

53% of all who come to Christ worldwide come through the use of printed gospel literature (stat from American Tract Society). It is absolutely true that God's word will not return to Him empty and that it will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purposes for which He sends it. -Is 55:11

Will you engage with me it sending His word? As I have been using tracts more and more, I find it to be quite fun. I will leave them at gas stations, in shopping carts, in books at bookstores and countless other places. Tracts can speak for you when you don't know what to say and can even find their way into people's hearts and homes that we'll never be invited into.

Why should we use Gospel tracts? Simply put, because God uses them to change the hearts of men... Hudson Taylor & George Whitefield's lives were transformed through the impact of a gospel tract. Charles Spurgeon once said, "Tracts are adapted to those persons who have but little power and little ability, but nevertheless, wish to do something for Christ. That sounds like me, how about you?

R.A. Torrey, Oswald J. Smith and Billy Graham all knew the power of the printed page. Listen to what Billy once said..."nothing surpasses a tract for sowing the seed of the Good News."

So... I'll ask again, will you join me in planting the seed of God's Word by using Gospel tracts? It's fun, it's easy and it's FREE... eternity is to gain and we have nothing to lose.

If you would like to begin sharing your faith more often and to start planting seeds by the way of using Gospel tracts (silent preachers), I would highly recommend Bezeugen Ministries www.bezeugen.org. If you sign up with their "tract club" they will send you 30 FREE gospel tracts each month to use. You can sign up here... http://bit.ly/TRW9Bz

I'll leave you with a thought that Spurgeon once penned. "There is a real service of Christ in the distribution of the gospel in its printed form, a service the result of which heaven alone shall disclose, and the judgment day alone discover. How many thousands have been carried to heaven instrumentally upon the wings of these tracts, none can tell."

(Content inspired & adapted from The School of Biblical Evangelism by Kirk Cameron & Ray Comfort.)

Eighteen Dollars Is All It Takes...

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 06:21:00 +0000

This is the amount of money that it takes to change a life of poverty, forever.

Eighteen dollars purchases 3 ducks through World Vision's Gift Catalog. In their own words... "Giving three ducks to a hungry family allows them to benefit from hundreds of large, protein-rich eggs throughout the year. Extra eggs and hatched ducklings can be sold to buy medicine or help pay for children’s school tuition."

The wise men travelled long distances to give gifts to our King in honor of His birth. We can honor His birth in the same way today. It is Jesus who told us that whenever we give to those in need, we are actually giving to Him (Matthew 25:40)

Please donate by clicking here... http://bit.ly/XeiB7p and spread the word.

Knowing is the first step. The second step is up to you.

Christmas: Better Giving than Receiving...

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 06:13:00 +0000

I love Christmas because I am reminded of the greatest gift of all... God sending His Son to redeem the world. And, I'm always reminded at this time of year the importance of giving back to those in need.

Will you join me?

Click this link to donate some animals... goats, chickens, ducks etc. through the World Vision Gift Catalog: http://bit.ly/XeiB7p

Check out this 45 second video on the true spirit of Christmas... http://bit.ly/VBEk86

May the Lord bless and keep you as you celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Statistics EVERY Christian Should Know!

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 02:28:00 +0000

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11

According to a recent *study from The Center for Biblical Engagement, people that read or listen to the Bible at least 4 times a week are...

- 228% more likely to share their faith with others

- 231% more likely to disciple others

- 407% more likely to memorize Scripture

And are...

- 57% less likely to get drunk

- 68% less likely to have sex outside of marriage

- 61% less likely to view pornography

- 74% less likely to gamble

Steve Arterburn also said it this way... "listening to or reading the Bible at least 4 times a week changes our character, relationships, behavior and choices that we make each day."

Will you help me get this news out? Please tweet, Facebook, forward etc. this information. It's truly transformational!

-----

*Here is a link to the article referenced: http://bit.ly/9oI1ZE

Commissioned Christians

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:42:00 +0000

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20

Robert Coleman once said it best...

“Christian disciples are sent men and women—sent out in the same work of world evangelism to which the Lord was sent, and for which He gave His life. Evangelism is not an optional accessory of our life. It is the heartbeat of all that we are called to be and do. It is the commission of the church which gives meaning to all else that is undertaken in the name of Christ.

With this purpose clearly in focus, everything which is done and said has glorious fulfillment of God’s redemptive purpose - educational institutions, social programs, hospitals, church meetings of any kind-everything done in the name of Christ has its justification in fulfilling this mission.” (The Master Plan of Evangelism, p 79)

Perishable Crowns & Olympic Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:21:00 +0000

Every Olympics I think of this verse...

1 Cor 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

I’m amazed as I watch all of these athletes perform. Realizing that they have trained all their lives, sacrificed so much, literally poured out blood, sweat and tears for this moment. This once in a lifetime opportunity. And yet, this moment of glory, these gold, silver and bronze medals are still just perishable crowns.

And then I think about my own life. Am I seeking the Kingdom as hard as they seek a medal? Am I “training” my mind, my body, my soul for the cause of Christ like they do for a brief moment in history? Do I eat, sleep and think about God all day like they do their sport? Am I willing to put my life under a Christian mentor like they do a coach in order to use all of my God given gifts, talents and abilities to the fullest?

Hats off to you, our Olympic athletes, for showing all of us as disciples of Christ what it means to truly seek something with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. May we as His followers, live lives worthy of the calling that we have received with the same amount of discipline, determination and diligence of an Olympic athlete.

Chick-fil-A, Gross Sales & Poverty... what is possible for the poor.

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 06:31:00 +0000

Note: This post is not about what could have been done this past week but rather, what can be done in the future.

After all that I have read and heard over the past few days regarding the Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, I thought that I would share some tangible numbers. Maybe it’s the business man in me or just the analytical side of my brain, I’m not quite sure, but this is what surfaced in my mind after the “social media storm” on Wednesday.

Let me start off by saying that I'm a man of simple faith, I fall on the conservative side of most issues and yes, I ate a chicken sandwich or two this past week (insert your label for me here.) With that said here we go...

There are hundreds of verses throughout the entire Bible that talk about the poor and the needy and God’s concern for them. It is absolutely crystal clear that God cares very much for the poor and the needy and we are called and commanded to do something for them, especially if we know the Lord! One of my favorite passages regarding this very issue is Jeremiah 22:15b-16

Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the Lord. (emphasis added.)

So, how does this apply to Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day? Based on very conservative numbers (see below for details) this is what “America” can do for the poor and needy around the world with the same amount of financial backing that is given to Chick-fil-A in just one NORMAL business day (not including the record setting sales of this past Wednesday!)

*Dig 3,742 water wells through Water Harvest International or Water 4 (www.whiwater.org / www.water4.org)

*Or, fund 87,326 micro-loans through Seed Effect (www.seedeffect.org)

*Or, send 174,653 goats overseas through the World Vision Catalog (www.worldvision.org)

*Or, plant 130,990 forests through Plant with Purpose (www.plantwithpurpose.org)

*Or, sponsor 1,819 children through Compassion International (www.compassion.com)

Here is my point...a large group of people stood up for something they believed in this past week and the impact was overwhelming. Tens of millions of dollars were spent, countless hours of tweeting and facebooking were logged and an incalculable amount of energy was expended. Well, what if this same amount of focus, energy and finances can be directed toward life savings causes and gospel centered missions!? Think about all the good that could be done around the world for the Kingdom!

Now, I'm not saying that supporting a biblical view of marriage, freedom of speech, small business rights (or any of the other reasons chicken biscuits were gobbled up) is negative in any way. At the same time though, people all over the world are dying for the lack of the basic necessities of life like food, shelter and water and yet I have not seen (in my lifetime) this kind of passion, support or effort given to them in a single 24 hour period. The Scriptures are chalked full of God's heart for the oppressed and our hearts and pocketbooks should break for them too. Among all the things to stand up for, we cannot forget that the Lord has commanded us to defend the cause of the poor and the needy multiple times throughout the Scriptures. Jesus even said that what we do for them, we are doing for Him (Matt 25:40!)

So here is my challenge for all those up for it...Will you, will I, do the same thing for the destitute and the dying this week that so many of us did for Chick-fil-A?

The links are above, just a click away and thousands of lives can be saved and the gospel can be advanced even further. And, I can almost guarantee you that there will be no controversy over anyone helping the poor. :)

Who knows, maybe we could even get Mike Huckabee to join us and call for a national day of digging wells!

-----

These numbers were based on the following...

Chik-fil-a’s gross sales were 4.1 billion dollars in 2011. This equals $13,099,041in gross sales on an average business day (Sunday’s not included.) Note: this is just an average day. August 1st 2012 was the largest gross sales day of Chik-fil-a’s history!
Water wells are roughly $3500 through both organizations mentioned above.
The average micro-loan through Seed Effect is $150.
Goats are $75 through World Visions gift catalog.
Trees are $1 each and a forest is $100 through Plant with Purpose.
Child sponsorship numbers are estimated at $40 a month for 15 years or $7200 total.

Trusting in God...

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 21:56:00 +0000

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." - Jesus

(Jn 14:1)

Here is a story from Brennan Manning's book, Ruthless Trust...

"When our children were young I would sometimes rise early on a Saturday morning and fix them pancakes for breakfast. It was great fun... They loved the pancakes - even mine - and would wolf them down quickly. I would often watch in astonishment at their greedy eating. Yet, not once did I see either of them slipping a few pancakes under the table, stuffing them in their pockets thinking, "I don't know about Dad. Maybe there won't be any pancakes tomorrow and so I'd better get myself a little stash just in case." Not once did they ask me about the price of eggs or my ability to secure enough milk for tomorrow. No, as far as they were concerned there was an endless supply of pancakes. They lived, you see, in trust."

I love this example of a child-like trust in a father. We worry about so many things, specifically financial things... Will I have enough money to retire? What about my health insurance deductibles if I get sick? Can our family live on one income and still pay the bills? What if America itself goes bankrupt? And on, and on, and on...

Then I am reminded of Matthew 6, where Jesus tells us not to worry about what we will wear, what we will eat or even what we will drink! Saying things like, "is life not more important than this? If God feeds and clothes the lilies of the valley and the birds of the air, will He not provide for you? You are more important than they are. Stop worrying, stop fretting about tomorrow, today has enough trouble of its own." (my paraphrase)

It boggles my mind that Jesus tells us not to worry about the absolute essentials that we need to survive... food, clothes & water! That life itself is more important than what actually keeps us alive... What then do you think He would say about us agonizing over our retirement funds!!?

Why is it easier to trust Him for our salvation and not for our provision? Oh, when will we trust Him fully as a child trusts his father!?

May we begin to rest in the unrelenting promises of His word! "And my God will meet all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus."- Phil 4:19 NIV84

The LORD Who Heals...

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 02:26:00 +0000

This passage is in response to the Lord's gracious healing and restoration of health in the lives of 3 of my dear friends & family. All are in remission and I praise the LORD who hears all our prayers!

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.

(Emphasis added)

Goers & Senders

noreply@blogger.com (Kingdom Motivated) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 03:48:00 +0000

I took a missions class at my church a while back and in one of the sessions they talked about "goers" and "senders." In short, all of us as Christians are called to be a part of sharing the gospel all over the world. Some go, some send and some have seasons of both in their lives.

I love the example of the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians...

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints... - But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving. - 2 Cor 8:2-7 (emphasis added)

If you are in the "sending" season in your life, I would like to introduce you to my dear friends Kyle and Amy. They are missionaries in New York City doing some wonderful things among unreached people groups.

They are currently in need of support from financial partners who will come alongside them in this endeavor. East West Ministries is who they work for and has made it easy to support them by providing a way to give online. Donors are able to give monthly through an automatic draft or a one time gift. Please visit www.eastwest.org/PiersonDonate to reach their page. Note: You will not see a picture of them on the main page for safety purposes.

If you would like to serve as prayer partners, please send me your email address and I will get you added to their "ministry updates" list.

Kyle, Amy and Eva are so thankful for your partnership in prayer and resources. They could not serve in New York without you.