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Mid January 2020 already
During 2019 I enjoyed reading a daily Leadership commentary by John C. Maxwell and perhaps it influenced me to write the October and November BLOGS in this series.
His October 31st topic is great for us as we implement the plans, the goals we have set for this year 2020.
His October 31st topic is great for us as we implement the plans, the goals we have set for this year 2020.
From The Maxwell Leadership Bible
THE DANGER DANGER OF TOO MANY PURSUITS
Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.
I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure.
For my heart rejoiced in all y labor;
And this was my reward from all my labor.
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had
Done and on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping
For the wind. There was no profit under the sun.
THE DANGER DANGER OF TOO MANY PURSUITS
Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.
I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure.
For my heart rejoiced in all y labor;
And this was my reward from all my labor.
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had
Done and on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping
For the wind. There was no profit under the sun.
We can learn from Solomon’s costly mistakes. The king of Israel fervently pursued several unrelated goals in a vain attempt to satisfy himself. And by the time Solomon wrote these words, he had reached a high level of success-but still felt empty. The axiom remains true: If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.
How about you? Do you have a way of deterring your focus, based on what really matters or what really counts? Consider the following checklist as you make decisions about where to invest your time and energy. When faced with a decision, ask yourself:
How about you? Do you have a way of deterring your focus, based on what really matters or what really counts? Consider the following checklist as you make decisions about where to invest your time and energy. When faced with a decision, ask yourself:
- Is this consistent with my priorities?
- Is this within my area of competence?
- Can someone else do it better?
- What do my trusted friends say?
- Do I have the time?
How about you?
Did you enjoy 2019? Did you plan to do better this year? Do better in your relationships with your family, co workers, neighbors, etc?
Take another peek at the setting of PRIORITIES above. Ask yourself these questions to help guide you to enjoy an incredible year.
Take another peek at the setting of PRIORITIES above. Ask yourself these questions to help guide you to enjoy an incredible year.
February cometh so finish STRONG.
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This is the insert we sent with our Christmas cards this year
It reveals the simple truth about Christmas and why it still rings true to us even thousands of years after the birth and ministry years of Jesus.
David and Sharon Kealy
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PART TWO
Execution of the plan
Execution of the plan
Plan and implement a BALANCED GIVING PORTFOLIO
When you give even a dollar to Reaching People far from God you are giving to support training programs for women and children, fresh water wells and water systems, evangelism, recording of the Bible for illiterate listeners, Christian radio station design, development along with program production and broadcasting. Our global partners do these things all with a church planting DNA. Our partners represent a balanced portfolio of how we provide the gifts you provide.
Planning is not difficult. You do it every day. Some early thoughts of mine include riding in the front seat of a small electric boat with my Uncle Ray on a little lake in Riverside, California. He new I wanted to steer the boat like he was. So he told me to take over. I was thrilled and after a few minutes he asked me a question and offered a suggestion; actually a requirement. He observed me turning the wheel back and forth too much, like all kids tend to do. The question was, “where do you want to go?” I pointed to the opposite shore. He said good! Pick a point over there and just steer to that point. He helped me create a down course vision. That is planning. Things smoothed out for all of the family in the boat.
Another memory some years later was the year before my older brother Paul was going to be old enough to get his drivers license. As we sat in the back seat of the family car while going places in the city he called out the name of the streets we were passing and the streets that would come up next. He was memorizing the city street locations. I was amazed he knew so much. He told me he was going to need to know this when he started to drive. That is thinking ahead, planning for the future.
Planning is not difficult. You do it every day. Some early thoughts of mine include riding in the front seat of a small electric boat with my Uncle Ray on a little lake in Riverside, California. He new I wanted to steer the boat like he was. So he told me to take over. I was thrilled and after a few minutes he asked me a question and offered a suggestion; actually a requirement. He observed me turning the wheel back and forth too much, like all kids tend to do. The question was, “where do you want to go?” I pointed to the opposite shore. He said good! Pick a point over there and just steer to that point. He helped me create a down course vision. That is planning. Things smoothed out for all of the family in the boat.
Another memory some years later was the year before my older brother Paul was going to be old enough to get his drivers license. As we sat in the back seat of the family car while going places in the city he called out the name of the streets we were passing and the streets that would come up next. He was memorizing the city street locations. I was amazed he knew so much. He told me he was going to need to know this when he started to drive. That is thinking ahead, planning for the future.
Think of things like this that you see or do every day.
Everyone earns, everyone spends, everyone should provide for themselves and family, everyone should save, everyone should spend less than they make and invest for financial stability. RULE ONE: spend less than you make. RULE TWO: you should give to help those in need.
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of Jesus, that he Himself said, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
It must have been just as hard for people to give in that day, thousands of years ago like it is today. Perhaps it is even harder today because we live in a very consumptive society in America.
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of Jesus, that he Himself said, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
It must have been just as hard for people to give in that day, thousands of years ago like it is today. Perhaps it is even harder today because we live in a very consumptive society in America.
As Phil Wiegand in his book KINGDOMNOMICS reminds us we need to live sensibly: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and do dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9.
To really do a good job at balancing all of life’s demands takes planning. As we assail through the seasons we need to keep in mind the importance of our focus on the eternal.
Centuries ago the Apostle Paul penned;
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
I think he is saying we are not alone. He even shared his personal financial situation;
“. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phillippians 4:11-13
To really do a good job at balancing all of life’s demands takes planning. As we assail through the seasons we need to keep in mind the importance of our focus on the eternal.
Centuries ago the Apostle Paul penned;
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
I think he is saying we are not alone. He even shared his personal financial situation;
“. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phillippians 4:11-13
Let’s consider evaluating just one of life’s financial considerations or demands or opportunities; GIVING.
When we spend less than we earn we can save. In this financial condition we are free to allow God through the power and direction of the Holy Spirit to guide our GIVING. When we save and invest it is important to understand the importance of having a balanced investment portfolio. A portfolio that includes a strategy of combining investments in a portfolio that aims to balance risk and return. Typically, balanced financial portfolios are divided equally between stocks and bonds and larger estates include real estate and artwork.
How about considering a planned GIVING portfolio? Years in the planning my wife and I created this ministry to support the variety of partner ministries we had worked with for over 25 years internationally. We operate with minimal administrative costs because we volunteer and do not have any paid staff. When you GIVE you are supporting a variety of ministries using culturally relevant methods to reach and teach their countrymen, women and children the good news of God’s love.
When we spend less than we earn we can save. In this financial condition we are free to allow God through the power and direction of the Holy Spirit to guide our GIVING. When we save and invest it is important to understand the importance of having a balanced investment portfolio. A portfolio that includes a strategy of combining investments in a portfolio that aims to balance risk and return. Typically, balanced financial portfolios are divided equally between stocks and bonds and larger estates include real estate and artwork.
How about considering a planned GIVING portfolio? Years in the planning my wife and I created this ministry to support the variety of partner ministries we had worked with for over 25 years internationally. We operate with minimal administrative costs because we volunteer and do not have any paid staff. When you GIVE you are supporting a variety of ministries using culturally relevant methods to reach and teach their countrymen, women and children the good news of God’s love.
As a career missionary with extensive experience in helping establish and monitor and consult with numerous indigenous ministries in a number of countries, we see opportunity to help them financially. As people GIVE we distribute it in a balanced portfolio of ways. Here are some highlights:
Nepal Partner YWAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoZeyTJScUM
Morning Star Development - Operating medical clinics, training programs for women and leadership training schools, agriculture training programs and media outlets in a restricted third world country.
Utah - Camp Utibaca - A year round camp focused on sharing the impact the life of Jesus can have on campers gathered to have an exciting and fun time away from the stressful routine of their daily lives.
Nepal Partner YWAM
- XULON Project is an after school program for children.
- Church planters use installing a fresh water system; sometimes a new water well as a wonderful outreach tool.
- The Story of the Messiah is a Nepalese rewrite of all the facts about Jesus Christ and his life woven into a story that is rich in description from the four Gospels in the Holy Bible.
- Providing relief gift packages for families who were hit hard by storm and lost everything last March.
- Christmas Children's Gospel outreach that is coming soon we would like to reach out to kids with Gospel and also people in disaster-hit area with compassion and care from God so the gospel expands and his kingdom grows.
- Recording in hundreds of African languages a dramatized New Testament to be shared for use at Bible studies in villages where most people do not read or write.
- We have funded new village water wells, train women job skills at a one-year Bible course.
- Support village Bible study leaders and village pastors.
- Operates several divisions including VOX RADIO a local radio station with emphasis on reaching the youth who are traumatized from civil war during their youth.
- HUMANITARIAN distribution by VOX SHARE helps ease the stress of daily living. Multi-agency coordination helps make the distributions successful.
- Meeting the needs of women, running a Bible school, orphanages, and starting village Bible studies and churches.
- Fresh water wells are being placed at their Orphanages.
- We funded the outreach to provide water, a school for children and a place to worship. This is where you can visit the village:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoZeyTJScUM
Morning Star Development - Operating medical clinics, training programs for women and leadership training schools, agriculture training programs and media outlets in a restricted third world country.
Utah - Camp Utibaca - A year round camp focused on sharing the impact the life of Jesus can have on campers gathered to have an exciting and fun time away from the stressful routine of their daily lives.
Prayerfully consider making a GIFT that will help you support a portfolio of valid internationally run ministries doing all they can to help build and strengthen the Kingdom of God each and every day in their countries.
- Contributions are tax deductible within the guidelines of the IRS because this is a 501(c)(3) established Charitable ministry.
- You can send a check to PO Box 113 Banning CA 92220 or make a donation on this site.
- Being good stewards we save credit card costs using ACH (bank transfers) you can access on our Donate Buttons on this site.
Consider your RMD and give some away
Perhaps you might pray about the giving you plan to do this year. If you are over 70 1/2 years old, you can roll over your required distribution (RMD) from your IRA before the end of the year to help reduce your tax bill while advancing the Kingdom of God in places like the POGUWATU Village, Sumba, Indonesia. You can’t give to much the need is great.
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It has long been a guiding principal of mine to first plan, then execute the plan. It comes from the training I received in the undergraduate School of Architecture. There are lot of pieces to the planning process as well as the implementation of that plan. So this BLOG includes two parts. First is about planning and then execution.
PART ONE ~ Planning
Leading a balanced life requires attention to how we spend our time. Planning is a big part of this every day. For our joy to be full and our days led as a blessing to others and enjoyable to us we need to maintain a healthy attitude. One way I start the day is to recite what a plaque on our refrigerator states, “GOOD MORNING GOD, WHAT EVER YOU’RE UP TO TODAY, COUNT ME IN!”
It is a reminder for me to spend my day in concert with God’s plan not just mine.
The Bible illustrates a lot about Planning. The LORD said, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
This indicates God has a plan; actually, many of them for you and me. It takes practice but it is a very good idea to keep in close and regular contact with God so we can know His plan, His plans for us. One way to do that is to practice what we read in Proverbs.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
It is a reminder for me to spend my day in concert with God’s plan not just mine.
The Bible illustrates a lot about Planning. The LORD said, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
This indicates God has a plan; actually, many of them for you and me. It takes practice but it is a very good idea to keep in close and regular contact with God so we can know His plan, His plans for us. One way to do that is to practice what we read in Proverbs.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
Driven and strong willed people want to do things their own way and that is not always the best way to proceed. When we are facing an effort that demands some planning do we consider how the LORD’s purpose might guide our thinking?
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
Phil Wiegand in his KingdomNomics book that shares how to "enjoy a life that will echo into eternity” reveals four plans he sees in the historical chronicle about Jesus, Paul, Abraham and Moses.
The Jesus Plan: To seek and to save the lost.
Jesus said to him, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
The Paul Plan: To preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” Acts: 9:15
The Abraham Plan: To found a great nation to bless the earth.
“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;” Genesis 12:1-2
The Mosses Plan: To bring the Israelites to the Land of Promise.
The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:8-10
Wiegand sees how, “God’s kingdom is increased by men and women who tap into the purpose that God has for them. They understand that their story is part of a much bigger story, His story, and this great insight becomes their guiding light.”
Is it possible YOUR STORY is not in concert with the bigger story, His story? Pause and give it some thought!
We know we are a part of a bigger plan and need to act effectively with the tools that God endowed to us to do His work. To do that we do need to seek God’s guidance as we plan our activities.
The Apostle Paul realized this as reported in Ephesians 2:10;
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
All this to say that I include what I believe God has in store for what He wants me to do when I engage in any planning.
Next BLOG will focus on an example to execute that follows planning.
The Jesus Plan: To seek and to save the lost.
Jesus said to him, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
The Paul Plan: To preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” Acts: 9:15
The Abraham Plan: To found a great nation to bless the earth.
“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;” Genesis 12:1-2
The Mosses Plan: To bring the Israelites to the Land of Promise.
The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:8-10
Wiegand sees how, “God’s kingdom is increased by men and women who tap into the purpose that God has for them. They understand that their story is part of a much bigger story, His story, and this great insight becomes their guiding light.”
Is it possible YOUR STORY is not in concert with the bigger story, His story? Pause and give it some thought!
We know we are a part of a bigger plan and need to act effectively with the tools that God endowed to us to do His work. To do that we do need to seek God’s guidance as we plan our activities.
The Apostle Paul realized this as reported in Ephesians 2:10;
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
All this to say that I include what I believe God has in store for what He wants me to do when I engage in any planning.
Next BLOG will focus on an example to execute that follows planning.
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“God hates cheating in the marketplace; He loves when business is aboveboard.” Proverbs 11:1
Years ago I read an interesting thing about the Reverend Billy Graham. It was reported that he read one chapter of Proverbs every day. And he read 5 chapters of Psalms. So, each month he refreshed his memory of both books of the Bible. I like that and for years and years I read a chapter-a-day of the book of Proverbs.
It is full of wisdom and provides a wonderful guide about how we are to live. When three wonderful grandchildren joined our son’s family at ages 11 and 12 we were thrilled and realized a new responsibility to share important life long disciplines. One of them I remember is to encourage them to read the book of Proverbs. It’s something that I encourage you to do.
READ THE BOOK OF PROVERBS. Perhaps you might want to think about reading it through in one month, a month that has 31 days; that way you will easily read the whole book in one single month. Just reading chapters one and two might be a stimulant for you to continue reading even the next day to see what gems might be waiting for you to ponder. You will find that most of the first week of your reading deal with wisdom and knowledge. As I took a break just now with a cup of coffee at the fountain outside; I while pondering these things opened my phone and was able to read Proverbs 8:1-12. As I did I was refreshed.
“Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
‘Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.’
Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
So don’t bother correcting mockers;
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.
Instruct the wise,
and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous,
and they will learn even more.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.”
Wisdom and knowledge are foundational; guiding us to live a life with integrity. John C. Maxwell says, “integrity is not what we do, so much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do. We are all faced with conflicting desires. No one, no matter how ‘spiritual,’ can avoid this battle. Integrity is the factor that determines which desire will prevail. We struggle daily with situations that demand decisions between what we want to do and what we ought to do. Integrity establishes the ground rules for resolving these tensions. It allows us to predetermine what we will be regardless of circumstances, persons involved, or the places of our testing. It frees us to be whole persons no matter what comes our way.”
Most of the 1990’s we lived in Ukraine during incredible years of transition from 72 years of Communistic rule to what has become a society of free choice. That is a drastic change. And if you have followed the news these past years it is not an easy transition for them or the other countries of the former USSR, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
We encouraged governments to open the airwaves for private radio broadcasting and at the same time encouraged Christians to apply for and obtain licenses to provide the opportunity to share their faith in this new paradigm. We stressed their message should include a foundation of honesty, integrity, morals and ethics. These Biblical themes were foundational to us, yet new thinking to them.
Author V. Gilbert Beers has authored 125 books for children alone. It is significant that he says of integrity, “A person of integrity is one who has established a system of values against which all of life is judged.”
Consider the values you use for how you live day by day. Be or become a person of integrity. As Mr. Beers says, “all of life is judged” by this.
“Look me in the eyes! Do you think I’d lie to your face? Think it over—no double-talk! Think carefully—my integrity is on the line! Can you detect anything false in what I say? Don’t you trust me to discern good from evil?” Job 6:28-30 The Message
“This is the story of Noah: Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” Genesis 6:9-10 The Message
Years ago I read an interesting thing about the Reverend Billy Graham. It was reported that he read one chapter of Proverbs every day. And he read 5 chapters of Psalms. So, each month he refreshed his memory of both books of the Bible. I like that and for years and years I read a chapter-a-day of the book of Proverbs.
It is full of wisdom and provides a wonderful guide about how we are to live. When three wonderful grandchildren joined our son’s family at ages 11 and 12 we were thrilled and realized a new responsibility to share important life long disciplines. One of them I remember is to encourage them to read the book of Proverbs. It’s something that I encourage you to do.
READ THE BOOK OF PROVERBS. Perhaps you might want to think about reading it through in one month, a month that has 31 days; that way you will easily read the whole book in one single month. Just reading chapters one and two might be a stimulant for you to continue reading even the next day to see what gems might be waiting for you to ponder. You will find that most of the first week of your reading deal with wisdom and knowledge. As I took a break just now with a cup of coffee at the fountain outside; I while pondering these things opened my phone and was able to read Proverbs 8:1-12. As I did I was refreshed.
“Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
‘Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.’
Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
So don’t bother correcting mockers;
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.
Instruct the wise,
and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous,
and they will learn even more.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.”
Wisdom and knowledge are foundational; guiding us to live a life with integrity. John C. Maxwell says, “integrity is not what we do, so much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do. We are all faced with conflicting desires. No one, no matter how ‘spiritual,’ can avoid this battle. Integrity is the factor that determines which desire will prevail. We struggle daily with situations that demand decisions between what we want to do and what we ought to do. Integrity establishes the ground rules for resolving these tensions. It allows us to predetermine what we will be regardless of circumstances, persons involved, or the places of our testing. It frees us to be whole persons no matter what comes our way.”
Most of the 1990’s we lived in Ukraine during incredible years of transition from 72 years of Communistic rule to what has become a society of free choice. That is a drastic change. And if you have followed the news these past years it is not an easy transition for them or the other countries of the former USSR, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
We encouraged governments to open the airwaves for private radio broadcasting and at the same time encouraged Christians to apply for and obtain licenses to provide the opportunity to share their faith in this new paradigm. We stressed their message should include a foundation of honesty, integrity, morals and ethics. These Biblical themes were foundational to us, yet new thinking to them.
Author V. Gilbert Beers has authored 125 books for children alone. It is significant that he says of integrity, “A person of integrity is one who has established a system of values against which all of life is judged.”
Consider the values you use for how you live day by day. Be or become a person of integrity. As Mr. Beers says, “all of life is judged” by this.
“Look me in the eyes! Do you think I’d lie to your face? Think it over—no double-talk! Think carefully—my integrity is on the line! Can you detect anything false in what I say? Don’t you trust me to discern good from evil?” Job 6:28-30 The Message
“This is the story of Noah: Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” Genesis 6:9-10 The Message
- Published on
Grateful and thankful
Last month I ended with the following note about where I live, surrounded by thousands of seniors, yes senior citizens.
“In the community where we live we are surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of people who volunteer. They do it because they want to not because the have too. They give their time and talents to help people in need. It is not necessarily because they have more, it's because they have the right attitude.”
If you have followed my BLOG’S or ministry you probably realize my spring chicken days are in the past; yes, we even live in a senior community. Because of the internet of things with teleconferencing and messaging we can still impact the world through ministry partners, a significant ministry, and forgo the extensive international travel that encompassed our first 30 years of ministry. We are surrounded with thousands and thousands of senior citizens of many nationalities and colors. What a joy - God is certainly as reported; GOOD!
It has been often recognized as we age many times we become more like children, like the days of our youth. We forget the current things and remember vividly the things of the past.
Demographics are impacted by age! It is rather easy to figure my age because I am of the “silent generation”. Following me are the post WWII Baby Boomers born between 1945 and 1964 followed by the generation X (1965-1976).
Following are the generation Y and now even the generation Z the current name for the cohort born from the mid-1990s, through iGen. Are you confused yet? It is stated that a “new silent generation “ is emerging for those born during the early 2000's, since like their great grandparents in the silent generation, their childhood is also deemed to be marked by war and economic recession.
Whew!
“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13: 11-13 New Living Translation (NLT)
I will end this month with the following: A senior woman that lives nearby told me what she says every morning.
“I am thankful for who I am and I am thankful for who I am not.”
“I am thankful for what I have and for what I do not have.”
Are you thankful for what you do not have? Give it some thought.
Last month I ended with the following note about where I live, surrounded by thousands of seniors, yes senior citizens.
“In the community where we live we are surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of people who volunteer. They do it because they want to not because the have too. They give their time and talents to help people in need. It is not necessarily because they have more, it's because they have the right attitude.”
If you have followed my BLOG’S or ministry you probably realize my spring chicken days are in the past; yes, we even live in a senior community. Because of the internet of things with teleconferencing and messaging we can still impact the world through ministry partners, a significant ministry, and forgo the extensive international travel that encompassed our first 30 years of ministry. We are surrounded with thousands and thousands of senior citizens of many nationalities and colors. What a joy - God is certainly as reported; GOOD!
It has been often recognized as we age many times we become more like children, like the days of our youth. We forget the current things and remember vividly the things of the past.
Demographics are impacted by age! It is rather easy to figure my age because I am of the “silent generation”. Following me are the post WWII Baby Boomers born between 1945 and 1964 followed by the generation X (1965-1976).
Following are the generation Y and now even the generation Z the current name for the cohort born from the mid-1990s, through iGen. Are you confused yet? It is stated that a “new silent generation “ is emerging for those born during the early 2000's, since like their great grandparents in the silent generation, their childhood is also deemed to be marked by war and economic recession.
Whew!
“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13: 11-13 New Living Translation (NLT)
I will end this month with the following: A senior woman that lives nearby told me what she says every morning.
“I am thankful for who I am and I am thankful for who I am not.”
“I am thankful for what I have and for what I do not have.”
Are you thankful for what you do not have? Give it some thought.
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"Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (The Message)
“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice!
Stand up for the poor and destitute!”
Proverbs 31: 8-9 (The Message)
Stand up for the poor and destitute!”
Proverbs 31: 8-9 (The Message)
The above passages are about giving. We find a lot about giving in the Bible, the Word of God. I selected these two after reading a daily devotional today by John C. Maxwell. In his Leadership ~ Promises for Every Day he quotes from Your Road Map for Success.
"Nothing has such a positive impact on a person as giving to others. And people who have a giving spirit are some of the most positive people I know. That's because giving is the highest level of living. They focus their time and energy on what they can give to others rather than what they can get from them. And the more a person gives, the better his attitude.
Most unsuccessful people don't understand this concept. They believe that how much people give and their attitude about it are based on how much they have. But, that is not true. I know many people who have very little but are tremendous givers. And I know people who have been blessed with money, good families, and wonderful careers who are stingy and suspicious of others. In life, it's not what you have that makes a difference. It's what you do with what you have and the is based completely on attitude."
In the community where we live we are surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of people who volunteer. They do it because they want to not because the have too. They give of their time and talents to help. people in need. It is not necessarily because they have more, it's because they have the right attitude.
"Nothing has such a positive impact on a person as giving to others. And people who have a giving spirit are some of the most positive people I know. That's because giving is the highest level of living. They focus their time and energy on what they can give to others rather than what they can get from them. And the more a person gives, the better his attitude.
Most unsuccessful people don't understand this concept. They believe that how much people give and their attitude about it are based on how much they have. But, that is not true. I know many people who have very little but are tremendous givers. And I know people who have been blessed with money, good families, and wonderful careers who are stingy and suspicious of others. In life, it's not what you have that makes a difference. It's what you do with what you have and the is based completely on attitude."
In the community where we live we are surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of people who volunteer. They do it because they want to not because the have too. They give of their time and talents to help. people in need. It is not necessarily because they have more, it's because they have the right attitude.
Think and plan on ways how you can improve your "giving spirit".
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I do a lot of walking and hiking. Years ago I heard when people are lost and walk in the desert, they walk in circles, not in a straight line. This has fascinated me so thinking about this it came to my mind to look it up.
GOOGLE it. Sure enough here is what I found in nano seconds:
GOOGLE it. Sure enough here is what I found in nano seconds:
When lost in the desert or a thick forest terrains devoid of landmarks people tend to walk in circles. Blindfolded people show the same tendency; lacking external reference points, they curve around in loops as tight as 66 feet (20 meters) in diameter, all the while believing they are walking in straight lines.
Scientists have put forward many explanations for the circular rambles of lost walkers. Some say that most people have one leg that’s longer or stronger than the other and over time, these differences add up to a curving course. Others say that asymmetries in our very brains set up a tendency to turn in one direction. Without a guiding light or landmark, these small biases would make their presence felt.
Scientists have put forward many explanations for the circular rambles of lost walkers. Some say that most people have one leg that’s longer or stronger than the other and over time, these differences add up to a curving course. Others say that asymmetries in our very brains set up a tendency to turn in one direction. Without a guiding light or landmark, these small biases would make their presence felt.
There is a lot to take away from this information. First, something that seems insignificant, one leg being shorter than the other, makes a huge difference when we need to walk straight. Second, a guiding light, a landmark is important when we need to get where we’re going.
Some perspective from The Message helps us to walk right so we can lead right.
“So be very careful to act exactly as God commands you. Don’t veer off to the right or the left. Walk straight down the road God commands so that you’ll have a good life and live a long time in the land that you’re about to possess.” Deuteronomy 5:32-33
“in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6
[ from a David Psalm 101 ] “I can’t stand arrogance. But I have my eye on salt-of-the-earth people— they’re the ones I want working with me; Men and women on the straight and narrow— these are the ones I want at my side.“
“Train me, God, to walk straight; then I’ll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord; I’ve never kept secret what you’re up to. You’ve always been great toward me—what love!” Psalm 86:11-17
The Bible, God’s word, provides the instruction, the perspective we need to do right. To walk straight. To walk in the light, not darkness. If we walk in the light our light will shine. Take a look at this, it’s less than a minute.
Let your light shine!
https://www.rpffg.org/liberia.html
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Who ever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
David Marshall Kealy
Some perspective from The Message helps us to walk right so we can lead right.
“So be very careful to act exactly as God commands you. Don’t veer off to the right or the left. Walk straight down the road God commands so that you’ll have a good life and live a long time in the land that you’re about to possess.” Deuteronomy 5:32-33
“in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6
[ from a David Psalm 101 ] “I can’t stand arrogance. But I have my eye on salt-of-the-earth people— they’re the ones I want working with me; Men and women on the straight and narrow— these are the ones I want at my side.“
“Train me, God, to walk straight; then I’ll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord; I’ve never kept secret what you’re up to. You’ve always been great toward me—what love!” Psalm 86:11-17
The Bible, God’s word, provides the instruction, the perspective we need to do right. To walk straight. To walk in the light, not darkness. If we walk in the light our light will shine. Take a look at this, it’s less than a minute.
Let your light shine!
https://www.rpffg.org/liberia.html
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Who ever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
David Marshall Kealy
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This is third in a three part series by Harold Goerzen
Radio School of Mission
In 2004 the Kealys helped form the regional office in Singapore, making that city their home base. A year later David was instrumental in launching the first Radio School of Mission, inviting partners from across the vast region for a week of training.
That led to the Global Voice Leadership Institute, a radio training course that continues to be held in the Asia Pacific Region nearly every year, gathering promising young radio producers from across Indonesia and beyond.
In 2007 David and Sharon relocated to their present home in California, helping various regions and country offices with a variety of administrative tasks. That fall found David in Ghana presenting a Leadership Development Institute (LDI) for the Bob Neff National Leadership Fund that he directed—yet another first.
That led to the Global Voice Leadership Institute, a radio training course that continues to be held in the Asia Pacific Region nearly every year, gathering promising young radio producers from across Indonesia and beyond.
In 2007 David and Sharon relocated to their present home in California, helping various regions and country offices with a variety of administrative tasks. That fall found David in Ghana presenting a Leadership Development Institute (LDI) for the Bob Neff National Leadership Fund that he directed—yet another first.
The three-day event was held at Theovision International in Accra, Ghana, which would become one of Reach Beyond’s key partners in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region. Following the Institute David started the design process for Theovision’s new media compound.
Sub-Sharan Africa
“Ghana captured our hearts, and we gladly accepted an official invitation to join the Sub-Saharan Africa team,” David continued. His primary focus was to work with Lee Sonius, the regional director and Rev. Theo Asare, founding director of Theovision. The assignment included project planning, designing and developing property for the partner while Sharon helped in accounting and/bookkeeping, becoming the region’s financial officer.
In 2010 David designed and named the Tree of Life Health Post, Theovison’s medical clinic on the same compound as their radio production studios. Two years later he oversaw construction of the clinic, coordinating a work team from Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs.
In 2010 David designed and named the Tree of Life Health Post, Theovison’s medical clinic on the same compound as their radio production studios. Two years later he oversaw construction of the clinic, coordinating a work team from Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs.
In the next three years, David and Sharon continued to support the Sub-Saharan Africa Region in a myriad of ways. David designed four radio stations for Theovision in Ghana and the Media Center for the African Bible College in Yekepa, Liberia. The center includes a radio station and TV and radio production studios. Another design project was a complete radio station building for a partner in South Sudan. He stated, “this building is perhaps the best radio station I ever designed.”
New Challenges
In 2013 the Kealys officially “retired” from Reach Beyond, but this didn’t mean they were any less busy.
“We live in a senior community of over 5,000 people,” Sharon explained. “We’re involved in LifePoint church downtown. I’m chairman of the mission program that has blossomed into an active mission team that supports local and international missions. She and the team plan and host a Missions Conference every two years, a first for the 136 year old church.”
“We live in a senior community of over 5,000 people,” Sharon explained. “We’re involved in LifePoint church downtown. I’m chairman of the mission program that has blossomed into an active mission team that supports local and international missions. She and the team plan and host a Missions Conference every two years, a first for the 136 year old church.”
In 2010 at a meeting in Ghana, West Africa with then president Wayne Peterson they discussed forming a ministry called Reaching People Far from God (www.rpffg.org). They volunteer using the website portal as a funding vehicle to raise and provide money for partner ministries they met during their service with Reach Beyond.
RPFFG has supported the drilling of water wells and water systems in Ghana, Liberia, Nepal and Indonesia, the establishment of media outreaches in closed countries, relief work in Nepal and Indonesia following devastating earthquakes, a Christian radio station in Liberia, and orphanages in Haiti—to name a few,
RPFFG has supported the drilling of water wells and water systems in Ghana, Liberia, Nepal and Indonesia, the establishment of media outreaches in closed countries, relief work in Nepal and Indonesia following devastating earthquakes, a Christian radio station in Liberia, and orphanages in Haiti—to name a few,
The first INTERN program provided support for a fourth year college student from LifePoint Church in Banning, CA to attend the University of Ghana. During his year he volunteered at Theovision’s Tree of Life Health Post and worked with youth at the Christian Life Mission Church.
“All these efforts help our global partner ministries share God’s love in culturally relevant ways that we could never do in a lifetime do,” David concluded. “We feel God led us to meet them; each and every one and are blessed to have met them over the past 30 years and continue to have a small part in their ministries. They are reaching out to people living in spiritual darkness. They need God’s mercy and through various outreach ministries, lives are being changed for all eternity. This is God’s heartbeat.”
“All these efforts help our global partner ministries share God’s love in culturally relevant ways that we could never do in a lifetime do,” David concluded. “We feel God led us to meet them; each and every one and are blessed to have met them over the past 30 years and continue to have a small part in their ministries. They are reaching out to people living in spiritual darkness. They need God’s mercy and through various outreach ministries, lives are being changed for all eternity. This is God’s heartbeat.”
What advice do the Kealys have for hundreds of alumni around the world?
“There’s no reason for any alumni to hang it up!” David exclaimed.
“There’s no reason for any alumni to hang it up!” David exclaimed.
