Myron Speaks

‘I stand on God’s Word.’ Great! Consider moving it from under your feet. Opening it on your lap. And filling your mind with its truth, in preparation for the battle that exists every day.

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12 NIV

Whenever I am meeting with guys, I invariably will say at some point something to the effect of “discount Satan and his patience and abilities at your own risk and the risk of your family.

I have said to our kids that words are only arrogant if they cannot be backed up with action. A little simplistic but used trying to teach them the value of practice, of learning, of preparing before the event. I have become so amazed at Satan’s arrogant confidence that when face to face with God’s son in the wilderness, he tried to tempt him through reasoning by quoting scripture to the son of the Author. Arrogance? Confidence? I’ll let you make that call. Matthew 4:1-11

I recently was meeting with someone and was discussing how Satan never comes through the front door of our lives, but through the vulnerabilities of our lives. In battle, good leaders always shore up the battle lines where weakest. They know their vulnerabilities and take action to make these areas stronger. Similarly, Satan knows and attacks us where we are weakest. Without knowing, understanding, accepting and integrating scripture into all areas of our lives, we are vulnerable to false teaching, the incessant lies, and the attacks of the enemy that are only thwarted through preparation.

2 Timothy 2:15-17 tells us to “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer…” (NLT)

I encourage you to integrate the concept of continuing education into your life…every day. I believe that fitness is a gift that we give to ourselves. Absolutely and without question, Biblical learning is the fitness of our mind that translates into the peace and understanding that builds our relationship with Jesus, his Father and the Holy Spirit. Paul expressed his frustration with the church at Corinth when he wrote, “I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready,”. (I Corinthians 3:2 NLT). Gift yourself the relationship that grows with Christ as we learn and live His Word.

I often write and always believe that you and I are built for greater purpose than we can comprehend. I also believe that we must be feeding our mind through scripture to 1) guard against the lies of the enemy, also known as this World; 2) to disciple and encourage others that God places in our path through understanding and truth that is scripture, also known as God’s Word; and 3) to seek, find and live the marvelous plans that God has created us for, to be revealed through the reading of God’s Word and the growing of our mind.

Arguably the greatest Christian to walk the earth was the Apostle Paul, who before his conversion was one of the most scripturally knowledgeable people to walk the earth. He was a Pharisee, educated in scripture from a very young age. He knew what the words said. Knowledgeable in the law. Lacking, then receiving the truth of God’s love through Jesus’ death and resurrection on that road to Damascus.

Gift yourself time daily with the Father through Bible reading and prayer. If you have invited him into your heart, now let him flood your mind with truth.

You’ve got this.

“How great are thy works, O Lord? thou hast made all things in wisdom: the earth is filled with thy riches.” Psalm 103:24 NIV

This spider web greeted Megan Mullins and me this morning on a corner of our garage after some much needed rain. I was immediately drawn to Psalm 103:24 and the awareness of God’s knitting our life together in marvelous ways that may not be apparent during the emerging.

My encouragement to you today is if the Omnipotent Creator of all things created a spider that can build things like this web overnight, think and expect of what he can and will do through you if you trust and believe in His plan for your life and the gifts he has instilled within you?

You are created for marvelous things. Seek and you will find in the pages of the most beautiful of all books, The Holy Bible.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Acts 9:6 KJV

I was having lunch with a beloved friend this week and was flooded by the awareness of how God shows his love to us by placing people in our lives who walk with us.

I have a beloved brother in Christ who is going through very difficult health issues. I was flooded by the awareness of how God loves us as he and his amazing wife posted testimonies of faithfully trusting and walking in the Savior’s arms as they navigate this hardest of seasons for them.

I was talking with a Pastor friend of mine this week and he shared with me the loss of a very close friend who elevated to Heaven much faster than he or anyone anticipated. Leaving behind a son and questions of moving forward for those left behind. We thanked the Father for healing this brother by calling him home.

I spoke with someone very close to me and had her share the joys or life and then break down in a moment of vulnerability. As she shed tears of sadness and doubt, I was so grateful that my Father in Heaven knew that in that moment, He through me was what she needed.

I watched as new grass grew in spots of our lawn where my wife, my son and I had spread dirt, sewed seed and covered with protective straw. I witnessed the results of faithfully watering these areas during a time of drought in East TN. I saw the results of our labor manifest themselves in new coverage where repair had occurred. God again showed me to trust His faithfulness through actions with expectation.

I took several walks with my amazing wife this week in the heat of late August. Watching our dogs run and play. Keenly aware of the privilege to be the husband to the most amazing woman that I have ever met. Marveling that she married me. Grateful that she walks beside me. Amazed that God loves me so much that he gave her to me as my partner.

So there was nothing exceptional about this week. There was everything incredible about this week. This week was a gift from God with reminders everywhere of his goodness and life’s purpose. Friends. Events. Sadness. Joy. Kindness. Opportunity. The variables that make up the equation that is called life. The quadratic equation of an insignificant person seeing the significance of an ever amazing God.

So my encouragement to you today is recognize that God is with you. That God is everywhere. Allow God to be reflected in all areas of your life. Just as Saul did on that road to Damascus, trust God’s plan for your insignificant life to deliver significance into the lives of all those around you.

You matter because God made you. That is more than enough.

You’ve got this.

“Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.” Proverbs 15:10 NIV

I passed what I can only assume was a young mother and was brought to laughter as I watched her sternly looking into her rearview mirror with finger straight and pointed, pushing it forward and retreating backward as she said something to her passenger(s) with great animation and intensity.

I remember those days as I look in the rearview mirror of our family’s life with fond memories and a lot of laughter. At the time, there was little fondness and no laughter. Rather statements like “don’t make me pull this car over,” or “you’ve had it when we get home,” or the ever popular “stop bothering your brother/sister, or I will separate you (with emphasis)!” I recall many, many moments or utter desperation with friends and family who had older children encouraging us to ‘stay with it. It gets better. It is worth it.’ It did and it was and it is.

I then became a little sad, a little nostalgic and a lot grateful as I realized those priceless moments of automobile anxiety were one of many scenarios that have brought our family to today. Two kids now driving, a third close behind. Few drives involving our entire family and the quiet in the car that reflects growth. I also recognized that the moments or corrective intensity were now replaced with conversation, listening, guiding, suggesting, growing. And with some stubborn resistance on my part, surrendering to the maturing and amazing abilities of our children in this next season of our lives. They are flourishing.

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6 NLT

The parallel of raising a young child to walking alongside a new Believer has many similarities. Being a born again Christian tells us “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV). The need for cautious, rigid, disciplined living and surrounding ourselves with teachers who guide us with love and stern correction are critical as new Believers so that the course of our new life is set on paths that cause us to grow in our relationship with Christ in correct and true understanding.

Ask any parent of multiple children and they will agree that they have said ‘how can these kids come from the same parents?’ There are parallel truths to raising kids and disciplining new Believers. Consistency. Truth. Discipline. Teaching. Living out what is said. Unconditionally loving. Patience. Walking alongside.

Matthew 7:13-14 in the Bible, the Message translation describes our lives in Christ so well. “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.”

As our kids have grown, we say with truth that we love every Season that our kids are in. We refuse to surrender to terms like ‘terrible teens.’ Instead we choose to approach their next season with prayer, preparation, adjustment and prayer. Did I mention prayer?

As I have made a continued effort to grow in my relationship with Christ through learning, behavioral adjustment, seeking and surrounding myself with like Believers, by observing, through understanding and on and on, the magnificence and marvel that is a true relationship with Jesus reveals itself. He has moved me from milk to more solid food that involves revelation and ever-growing faith. He has moved from leading me to walking alongside. The finger pointing of correction has become the warmth of living in his arms of love. The intense correction has become a relationship of His building and encouraging me. Just as our kids grow and develop based upon our attention and guidance, He is growing me daily into the person he created me to be. That is more than enough.

“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready.” (1 Corinthians 3:2 ESV).

You’ve got this.

This past Sunday, I had the privilege to attend a Greek Orthodox Church with my son. The joy was in the time that God allowed us to discuss scripture, the Biblical church, Christianity, orthodoxy, genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. I learned so much and grew to admire my beloved son even more during that precious time together. He is a young man pursuing genuine and authentic relationship with Jesus and his faith journey is marvelous to watch and be apart of.

It was almost overwhelming as I witnessed the beauty of this Orthodox Church and its commitment to the truth of scripture. The honoring of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Saints, and the church’s history. I am so amazed at their protection of the early church and the instructions of Jesus. I am in awe that this church existed 1400-plus years prior to the Protestant Reformation. The Nicene Creed that was adopted after several hundred years of consideration remains, leads and guides this church today. Simply marvelous.

I was struck by the commitment to salvation and a recognition that genuine change requires time, guidance, consideration, examination and then, only then life altering change in behavior and life approach.

I admired the understanding of the respect due our Savior in how we praise and worship. How we approach the altar of Grace and Mercy and zealously protect the honor due the God of all things. The Creator of all things. The Majestic Father who is and was and always will be.

Anomaly is a word that should define the Church. Anomaly is a word that should define the Church’s members, ‘Christians.’ I witnessed a 1400+ year old Church that stands strong in the understanding that those of us who profess the name of Christ and Christianity should be an anomaly that blatantly stands out in a World pursuing Hell. What joy to experience a group so strongly committed to protecting the edicts of Christianity, delivered directly by the Apostles.

I am not looking for a theological fight because I realize there are deep divides between modern day Protestants and age-old Orthodoxy. What I am trying to convey is the joy of a life long Protestant that was led to a strong force for the Kingdom that understands the difficulty and outright commitment that being the Father’s daughter or son requires.

What a privilege to hear my son say, “dad, it seems the Church is trying to attract the World by becoming more like the World, than committing itself to stand out from the World.” Wow! Such amazing insight from my beloved son in whom his Father in Heaven is pleased.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV

I love how the Father expands my horizons and narrows my focus.

Thank you, Lord.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

Father, how did the disciples families respond to their sons, brothers, husbands, fathers leaving all that was ‘normal’ to follow Jesus? What kind of fear and anger flooded their minds? Lord, were they distraught at the idea that these men had left the conventions of the day and moved into the new assurance that was Jesus?

Lord, I surrender all. Father, I surrender fear. I surrender control. I surrender agendas. I surrender my wife. I surrender my children. I surrender all desires, objectives, wants, needs.

What am I afraid of? Father, as our kids seek their own personal and intimate relationship with you, I pray and petition on their behalf. Lord, as one seeks relationship through Orthodoxy, I surrender and trust you are the good, good Father. As one holds tightly to you through worship, praise and emotion, I surrender and trust that you are the good, good Father. As one grows into the identity you have for them, I surrender and trust that you are the good, good Father.

Lord, I ask that you guide me and prevent me from messing up what you have so wonderfully made. Lord, give me the gift of understanding and release that surrenders my wife, our kids and all that I hold precious to you, Father.

God, was what you asked of the disciples families met with joy and acceptance or the sin of doubt, rejection and discouragement? Or, Father, was the calling on their family member’s life greater than personal wants?

Father, I know that all that I have are yours. I know that all that is me is held by you. I ask that you remove doubt, every desire, every agenda that distances me from you. Father, I pray that my family whom you have entrusted to me will seek, see and rest in the truth that is you.

Father, I pray for bold faith that causes me to choose identity over doubt. Surrender fear for purpose. Choose joy over agenda. Watch with wonder at the things you are doing in and through our kids. Father, cause me to honor my wife over all others because she is deserving of my respect and admiration.

To you, Father, be all glory, honor and praise this day.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

To Benton, Malia, Kensley and every kid that professes the name of Christ.

Know that God loves you exactly where and who you are.

Know that schooling is important to you, in your life as God’s child and servant.

Know that your academic successes do not define you. You are defined by the Omnipotent God who loves you regardless of achievement, academic or otherwise.

Know that standardized tests do not adequately reveal your marvelous uniqueness.

Know that God has predetermined your contribution to this World. Contribute love, generosity, kindness, compassion, care, genuineness. Contribute your unique self.

Know that your actions speak louder than the loudest words. Speak softly and with care.

Know that you are beautifully and marvelously made. That no one person or group can ever rob you of the marvelousness that is you.

Know that how you treat others speaks more about who you are than the grades on a page or social status.

Know that your life has purpose. Amazing purpose.

Know that mom and I love the journey. That we marvel at your growth and development. That we love you exactly as you are.

Know that this is the day (and year) that the Lord has made. Rejoice. Be glad. Trust. Expect.

Know that we pray and desire that you have an intimate relationship with Jesus over all World accolades. Focus on the eternal and accept that the fleeting things of this World will not last.

Know that whether a minister, a teacher, a doctor, a trash collector or any career God assigns you, you are loved and valued by the God of life.

Know that when you arrive in Heaven at the end of this life, the goal is to hear “well done thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21). Be faithful first and foremost. Be good to everyone that crosses your path.

Know without question that you are loved by mom and me and most importantly, by our Savior who laid down his life so that we can live.

Know that you matter. You do! You are marvelous.

Know that your identity is in Christ and no human or evil can ever take that from you.

Love,

Dad