Myron Speaks

“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

“Hey Myron this is _, i’m apart of Level 10 and kelli let me know you said you were proud i got baptized and i wanted to thank you because you played a big role in my decision after listening to what you had to say because i have struggled respecting women in my mind and when you said when you have those thoughts think of them as gods daughter it clicked in me and when i have negative thoughts about just people it makes me think how they are gods children just like me and that’s my journey isn’t all about me it’s about the Lord and helping spread the gospel to others and i wanna just thank you for speaking your circumstances into me because it just had an amazing impact .”

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

I received this text last night from a young man that I had the privilege to speak to as part of a larger group. God knew that I needed encouragement after a day of identity crisis and attacks by the enemy causing questions of value, purpose and impact. This young man’s text righted my thinking and again confirmed my purpose for the Kingdom.

I am led to share with most groups that I speak with or meet with individually that their identity is in Christ Jesus. I share with them the truth that we are God’s chosen children whose value and purpose lies within Him. I often discuss my 35 year imprisonment as a slave to addiction, when Jesus said that just like the Israelites 40-year wandering because of lack of faith, freedom, identity and purpose was a 14 day walk. Imagine, the Israelites wandered for 40 years of what was a 14 day walk from Egypt to the Promise Land. What are you trapped in that Jesus can free in moments?

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV

Never underestimate the patience, cunning and evil that Satan desires to unleash on you. He hates that he has lost you for eternity. So now his plan is to minimize your impact for Christ by causing you to question who God says you are and the purposes of your life. Many Christians that I meet and meet with struggle with accepting the freedom from sin assured when surrendering their lives to Jesus.

You are free. You are free from the past. Your future is given through those difficult to accept gifts called Grace and Mercy. You are a child of the most high God who forgot your sins and past the second you asked for forgiveness and invited Him as the Author and King of your life. He plans a wonderful story that is you and your life reflecting him.

Oftentimes freedom comes from a different life lenses. Seek and allow God to change your perspective from guilt and shame to experience and purpose. Our past is only a ball and chain around our ankle if we don’t accept that we have been freed from the past through Christ. You have been freed.

To my young brother, ‘thank you for your encouraging text.’ Thank you for sharpening me. Thank you for your courageous example. Your life of purpose is coming into focus and it is beautifully marvelous. Too marvelous to understand, so simply accept, trust and obey.

To my brothers and sister in Christ. The past is forgotten by our Heavenly Father. He awaits your willingness to accept the future that He has created you to live. You are His beloved daughter or son. That is enough.

You’ve got this!

“I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.” 1 John 2:26-27

There is a paradox unfolding where we are disgusted by a man who will choose to fight a woman in Olympic boxing, yet the ratings for this Olympics are soaring. Soaring so much that NBC is selling supplemental ads at higher costs because viewership is up so significantly.

In the movie Gladiator, Maximus, the main character portrayed as a Roman general, yells at the crowd watching men kill one another “are you not entertained?” The context being a society that places pleasure over human life. A society that values the event more than the soul of the entertainer. A culture devoid values and morals.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV

My comment and encouragement to you during these times is “why are you surprised?” We have a God who knew of the coming perversions of the World. The coming lies and denials of the World. Antichrist hidden as entertainers, politicians, ‘influencers,’ information networks, education union leaders, the god of sports and on and on and on.

I heard a great analogy that said our god is what occupies our minds. I would expand on that to include what captures our time. Seduces the surrender of our finances. Desensitizes our hearts and minds. Causes rationalization cloaked as “inclusion” to erode the Biblical values that too many lack knowledge of because the aforementioned life seductions, minimize the desire to seek the truth from the only source of the truth. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. God through His Word.

Quite simply, we cannot have it both ways. We cannot jump into the pool of the World and not get wet. The battle lines between good and evil are drawn more distinctly every day. Evil exists and the Bible tells us to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Believe it! We are here at this moment after decades of life and values erosion. Satan never comes through the front door but through those things that occupy our minds daily.

I recently spoke to a group and asked them about junk in and junk out. To my surprise, well over 90% had never heard this term. I wonder why we are surprised that what is flooding our information networks is not met with disgust and rejection? Could it be that we are failing our children and allowing the erosion of our values because we fear rejection and a label that causes us to be ostracized by those needing our guidance? Words fall meaninglessly to the side as actions exhibit contradictory truths of who we are. Do as I do always trumps as I say.

The battle is real. The lines are clearly drawn. The time of hard, difficult decisions of not being unequally yoked is here. The World intends to capture our children’s minds and lead them to an eternity in Hell one song, one meme, one Snap, one influencer, one eroding drip of lies at a time. The only thing standing between our kids and our families are parents rooted in the knowledge of the Bible and accepting without rationalization that the only foundational truths come from the Word of God.

So the Olympics will continue to entertain and disgust. The question becomes, what occupies your time and your mind? Are you not entertained?

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8-9 MSG