Barriers To Worship #3
A Reluctance Toward Surrender 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  
Matthew 16:24

The Greek word for worship is Proskuneo – it’s where we get our English word prostrate.  We are called to prostrate ourselves before God.  It is not groveling for acceptance—rather acknowledging His worthiness. 

The number one thing our Lord is looking for in His creatures is humility.  Tyrone Edwards says, Humility is not an abject, groveling, self-despising spirit—it is but a right estimate of our selves as God sees us.  For me this represents kind of a full circle—as we bow down in humility, He allows us to see ourselves through His eyes.     

Ever since the great fall of man, we have been insecure and looking for ways to be affirmed—without that affirmation from God, we look for it in all the wrong ways; and our pride keeps us in that mode.  It is especially difficult for us men to surrender—we do not like to admit that we need help, so we stubbornly dig in our heels.  I have found that my proximity to God is in direct proportion to my distance from Vince.  The more it’s about me—the less it is about Him! 

Read and meditate on this devotional from Oswald Chambers: 

John 1:48  When you were under the fig tree, I saw you.

We presume that we would be ready for battle if confronted with a great crisis, but it is not the crisis that builds something within us — it simply reveals what we are made of already. Do you find yourself saying, “If God calls me to battle, of course I will rise to the occasion”? Yet you won't rise to the occasion unless you have done so on God's training ground. If you are not doing the task that is closest to you now, which God has engineered into your life, when the crisis comes, instead of being fit for battle, you will be revealed as being unfit. Crises always reveal a person's true character.

A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness. The time will come, as Nathanael experienced in this passage, that a private “fig-tree” life will no longer be possible. Everything will be out in the open, and you will find yourself to be of no value there if you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions in your own home. If your worship is right in your private relationship with God, then when He sets you free, you will be ready. It is in the unseen life, which only God saw, that you have become perfectly fit. And when the strain of the crisis comes, you can be relied upon by God.

Are you saying, “But I can't be expected to live a sanctified life in my present circumstances; I have no time for prayer or Bible study right now; besides, my opportunity for battle hasn't come yet, but when it does, of course I will be ready”? No, you will not. If you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions, when you get involved in God's work, you will not only be useless yourself but also a hindrance to those around you. God's training ground, where the missionary weapons are found, is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint. 

-Oswald Chambers

I want to close with some practical ideas on starting a daily routine for worship: 

• Sanctify a place in your home or wherever you can go daily for a quiet and private time. Pray over it and ask God to bless it and let Him know you are excited to meet Him there every day.
• Build an altar—in the Bible we see Abraham building altars to His Lord everywhere he went. He used rocks, which represent the hard places in our lives.  Bring your hard places before Him.
• Determine to worship there every day.
• Begin by praising Him and giving thanks
• Put on some praise music and worship Him with words and song—Paul and Silas did that and the very foundations of their captivity was shaken.
• Spend time just being quiet and ask Him to speak.

My friend Dick Eastman writes about what he calls Intercessory Worship. He would remind us that the maximum power flow in prayer happens on the heels of our humble worship. 

My final encouragement for you is to be desperate for God.

One day a student went to his master and asked, how can I find God?  the master asked the young man to follow him and he brought him to a river.  After walking into chest deep water, he asked the student to go under the water and hold his breath for as long as he could.  He did.

About the time the student started to stand the master put his hand on his head and would not let him up.  The young man began to squirm and struggle and, at just about the time he would turn blue, the master released him.  He shot up, took a deep breath and asked, WHY DID YOU DO THAT?  The master replied, SON, WHEN YOU ARE AS DESPERATE FOR GOD AS YOU WERE FOR THAT BREATH OF AIR—YOU’LL FIND HIM!

Rediscover Worship

The teaching below from Vince D’Acchioli encapsulates our four-part series on Worship.  Please Enjoy this brief video teaching

https://youtu.be/vla3fgR1M8Q?si=oXJ9tn8zR1mV0c93

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Matthew 9:36

We are being told that church attendance the Sunday after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk was high.  In fact, since 911 I do not think we have seen anything like this.  What does that tell us?

It should tell us the same thing it did after 911.  People are confused, angry, scared and looking for something that is real and will give them hope.  Make no mistake, what we are witnessing right now could be even bigger.  Now for the sad news—six months after 911 where we experienced the biggest surge in church attendance in decades, the numbers went back to even lower than pre-911.

What that should tell us is that we failed as Jesus’ church in America.  People came searching but did not find what they needed—we did not give them the Word.  My concern is that we are already seeing signs that this time it could be worse.  In a casual pole of what came from our pulpits that first Sunday we are finding an enormous number of churches who did not even mention this catastrophic event. 

It begs the question, how is it possible that so many pastors could completely ignore the deep hurt and confusion in their flock?  Where are God’s shepherds?  Let me say this as clearly as I can, unless there is a revival in our churches there will not be a revival in our nation.

The word Pastor comes from the Latin word pastorem which means Shepherd.  Unlike a CEO, administrator, manager or other leadership roles where the main job is the oversight growth of the institution they serve, the Pastor’s focus is to shepherd his flock.  A pastor needs to love his people passionately.  A Pastor does not have all the answers but can point his people to the One who does. 

I want to pause here and say to all the Pastor’s reading this that it is not my intention to judge or insult you in any way.  Rather I want, in as loving a way as possible, to challenge you.  I would ask you to review your message to your flock on that historic Sunday and consider whether it truly reflects the spiritual definition of the role of a Pastor. 

Dear friend, I am 80 years old, been in the business world at a senior executive level, in full-time ministry to men, married couples and Pastors and leaders for over 35 years.  I have been an Executive Pastor for two of our largest mega-churches and was on numerous elder boards.  I have also had the great honor of being mentored by my dear friend, the late Pastor Jack Hayford.  I share this not to brag but to suggest I have seen it all and what I am witnessing right now regarding our pastoral response to this incredible tragedy breaks my heart.

For many years I conducted a seminar designed for Senior pastors titled, The Six Structural Elements Of Effective Churches.  During our sessions we often talked about the proper ways to address difficult situations and the Pastor’s role.  I say this a lot—Pastor, you must get this—your people are sitting under your leadership and teaching for one reason, they see you as their SPIRITUAL PAPA.   

Please let that sink in—right now your flock needs their daddy.  I also want you to consider that what just happened, as bad as that was, may be just a precursor to what is coming.  We know this is a spiritual battle and the Bible has given clear warning about the darkness that is yet before us.

I want to leave you with a few ideas to consider and suggest it is not too late to apply some of them.  I also want to say, I love you deeply—God has given me a special appreciation for you.  Because of that, I want you to know my door is open.  If any of you, (Senior Pastors please) want to call or facetime with me I will make myself available.  You can email me at vince@otm.co or find out more about my ministry at www.otm.co. 

Possible strategy for responding to this major event:

• Start by praying the Lord give you courage and great wisdom and discernment.
• Ask the question, what might the effect of this event be upon the people God has called me to serve?
• List the range of feeling and emotions that need to be addressed to begin the healing process.
• Gather your inner circle, staff and elders and make sure they are ok and minister to them first, as they go so goes your flock.
• Gain input from your team regarding how to address the church and what resources may be needed.
• Plan messages to directly and biblically meet your people where they are.
• Young men are displaying a deep desire to do something but do not know how or what it looks like.They are asking, what do I do now?  Give them some ways to find out.
• Consider there will likely be a lot of people visiting who may be just broken and confused and are looking for hope—a huge opportunity to bring them to our Lord.

We must remember that our job is all about comforting the flock, pointing them to Jesus and preparing them to take that message out into their world.

Finally, Charlie Kirk inspired millions of young people, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 35.  He told them that his faith was the most important thing in his life, to be courageous, get married and have kids and a large number of them have taken that to heart—some will no doubt show up at your church—what will you do?

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with  His own blood.

Acts 20:28

Evangelism without discipleship is cruel  
Pat Morely

Barriers To Worship #2  
A Narrow Theological Perspective 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  Psalm 51:17

The year was 1994 and I was asked to speak at a PK men’s event in Ontario, Canada.  Shortly before I arrived a spiritual revival broke out there at the Airport Vineyard Church—they called it, The Toronto Blessing.  My Pastor at the time was Jack Hayford and he encouraged me to visit and check it out.

I was amazed and confused on so many levels.  I witnessed every manifestation of worship you could possibly think of—people yelling, quacking like ducks, wreathing on the floor and others just sitting in silent reverence.  Upon my return I remember Pastor Jack asking me what I thought.  I told him I was not sure—I think I saw a whole bunch of flesh and a lot of the Holy Spirit…I am just not sure I could distinguish the difference.

I share that story as an example of the myriads of worship forms present in the church today.  If there was one thing my pastor taught me back then it was not to judge—that is God’s job.  I can also admit that even today—that is hard.  To me, form over substance has no place in our expression of worship and praise.  When our expression is performance or style driven I am convinced we grieve the Holy Spirit and can actually stifle His working.

In over 35 years speaking in literally hundreds of churches in almost every denomination, I can tell you I have seen it all.  Today, every time I am asked to speak, I insist on praying with and over the worship team before we start the service.  I always say the same thing.  I want you to know that what you are about to do is way more important than what I am about to do.  Let me tell you—that gets their attention.  We do not honor and encourage our worship teams enough.

I go on to say, If you do not help us usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit into this place…then nothing I say is going to make a difference.  As they are nodding in agreement, I go on to say: If you are successful in ushering in God’s Holy Spirit…then nothing I say is going to matter.  They think about that and usually always laugh—it is not about us it is all about focusing our hearts upon Him.   

So, a narrow theological perspective about worship can hurt us in two ways.  The first has to do with our inappropriate tendency to judge the way others choose to worship.  If I am thinking about old Charlie over there raising his hands today, I am not worshipping God.  You and I cannot know what is in the heart of those who may choose to worship God in ways we may not like.  Nor should I think less of someone who is just sitting quietly with their head bowed.  We must not be caught up in any of that thinking—it is truly between the worshipper and God.

The second way our narrow perspectives on worship hurt us has to do with our definition of what worship is.  At a recent pastor conference, I asked a room filled with a large group of pastors from many different backgrounds a question—if we took away from this platform all the accoutrements, instruments and the musicians and singers, what would worship look like?  Crickets—I mean seriously, deer-in-the-headlights looks across the room.

Then I asked another question: what if there is a table set up right here in front of all of us—and on that table there is a piece of bread and a cup of juice representing the body and blood of Jesus…is that worship?  What do you think?  The obvious answer is yes—perhaps the most profound form of worship ever to come upon planet earth. 

Dear friends, we must broaden our ideas about what God is looking for in our worship of Him.  The Bible tells us our lives need to be a continual sacrifice of worship.  It is not that 30 minutes once a week at the beginning of a church service—it is so much more.  Throughout history we see just how central to the life of a believer true worship is.  Look at this recent post from one of Pastor Jack Hayford’s daily devotionals:

Breakthrough Starts in Worship

Now when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.  2 Chronicles 20:22

In this text, Judah is about to be overwhelmed by a confederation of three opposing armies. Its armies are hopelessly outnumbered and face certain defeat, but God has a plan… Worship!  

Worship puts God in His proper place as Creator of the universe, Redeemer of our life, and Provider of everything we need. Because we know whom we worship, our worship releases the Lord to perform His purpose within us. Worship is not blissful ignorance or vain superstition in the face of present need. It is confirming God’s desire to work in the lives of His people. Spiritual power is released through praise! Here the enemies of Judah are confused and begin to slaughter each other as the people of God begin to sing and worship. Jehoshaphat, Judah’s king, never sends the army to fight, only the choir! The Lord promises that if we face each challenge with praise, He will confuse and scatter our enemies. Whatever today may bring, no matter how large the obstacle, the beginning point of breakthrough is praise and worship.  -Jack Hayford

 In a loud voice they were saying: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! Revelation 5:12

I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.  Psalm 34:1-3

Please enjoy this 12-minute powerful session from the Men On Target curriculum on Praise

https://youtu.be/xB4rU9QrkCw

Barriers To Worship #1  
A shallow or cavalier understanding of God   

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.  1 Chronicles 16:29

Did you know that a single strand of human hair is more technically complicated and advanced than any modern cellphone?  It is—in fact, at the cellular level we still do not completely understand what is going on. 

Think for a moment about how incredible our modern cellphones are—when you add in AI capabilities it is nothing short of amazing—borderline other-worldly.  Who built that?—man did.  So, this begs a very BIG question—if one single hair is so more technically advanced than that phone, then where did man come from—who built that? 

If you believe in the God of the universe than you already know the answer.  What you may not appreciate however, is the enormous distance between man and his creator.  Our tendency today is to bring God down to our level—make Him like a friend.  I like considering Jesus as my friend but must be careful to not allow that to get in the way of how BIG He is. 

The very idea of worship suggests attaching high value.  It is difficult to truly worship God if this is not foremost in the worshipper’s mind and heart.  We need to approach our worship as the psalmist does in,  I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3

Let’s look at our Lord through the eyes of Job:

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; He suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His clouds over it. He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at His rebuke. By His power he churned up the sea; by His wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. By His breath the skies became fair; His hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”  
Job 26:7-14

The New King James concludes with, the mere edges of His ways.
The Living Bible says, some of the minor things He does.
The Good News suggests, only hints of His powers, whispers. Who can know how truly great God is?

In our opening TargetPoint article we discover that worshipping God is our most primary responsibility—through that we are empowered to truly become The Man God Intended.  If you desire to truly become a worshipper, then you need to process these barriers so let me leave you with some ideas about how to see God in a most worthy way.

Begin by doing a search for all the verses that have to do with worshipping God.  List them and even print them out if that helps.  Then, make it a part of your daily devotional time to read and meditate upon them.  Sometimes I will turn the verse into a prayer… Lord, I ascribe unto You the glory that is due Your name; I Worship You in the beauty of Your holiness.  Psalm 29:2

Whenever I am tempted to become cavalier about who He is I try to imagine eternity.  Think about that—it never ends.  Then think about God—He never began—always was—and always will be.  It doesn’t get any bigger than that. 

In part 3 of this series, I will unpack the 2^nd barrier to worship, A narrow theological perspective.  Here we will discuss how our focus on worship form gets in the way of true worship substance—stay tuned. 

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.  Hebrews 12:28-29 

In closing, I’m reminded of Max Lucado’s words in his book In the Grip of His Grace. 

“The loss of mystery has led to the loss of majesty” 

The more we know the less we believe.  No wonder there is no wonder.
We think we have figured it all out. Strange, don’t you think?
Knowledge of the workings shouldn’t negate the wonder.
Knowledge should stir wonder. 
Who has more reason to worship than the astronomer who has seen the stars? 
Than the surgeon who has held a heart?
Than the oceanographer who has pondered the depths.

Announcement:  Vince’s new book The Great Exchange is now available for purchase on Amazon.  You can find it by clicking on the image or here. 

Here is a summary:

In over thirty years spent ministering to and discipling men, Vince D'Acchioli has found that the most significant stumbling block men face has to do with letting go of their past. As men, our great need is to experience significance, and our greatest fear comes from failure - not hitting the mark. While our deep desire is to ultimately discover who we are (identity) and why we are here (destiny), we become hamstrung by past negative life experiences. During this brief journey you will discover how to understand, process and overcome issues dealing with fear, anger, unforgiveness, and guilt/shame.

The Great Exchange, My Past for God's Future is a 30-day action plan. Each day offers a reflection or teaching along with corresponding Bible verses suggesting both further reading and amplification on the day’s subject. Each week ends with Growth Keys, questions for discussion, review, and space for personal journaling, plus Bonus Video Teachings for each week.

Join me for the first of four TargetPoint articles on Worship, the foundational purpose of every believer.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. -Psalm 57:5

In 1959 Coach Vince Lombardi took over a failing football team called the Green Bay Packers.  After their first and very one-sided loss he sat them down in the locker room and said what has since become famous, gentlemen, this is a football.  What coach was trying to communicate is that we are so bad that we are going to have to go back to the very fundamentals of this game to understand it and be better players on that field.

I wonder if our coach, Jesus, is wanting to say something similar to His players, you and me, today.  One only needs to examine the direction of our world to know that God’s team is not playing very well.  If Jesus were before us in our locker room today, I am convinced he would be holding up a cross and probably saying, ladies and gentlemen, this is the cross.  I am convinced that you and I, the church in our world, need to come to better understand the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

That brings me to our topic…worship.  Dear friends there is nothing more foundational to the Christian life than the practice of worshipping God, and yet this idea is often neglected in our churches today.  Please understand that we are not talking about the thirty-minute experience before most church services that some people come late to avoid—that is not worship as God intended it for the believer.  Let’s dive in:

In Exodus we see Moses asking God a question—who am I?  God answers him inExodus 3:11-12  And God said, I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.  In essence He was saying, Moses, you are a bringer of my people to the mountain. 

So, what happened at that mountain?  God’s people received two things, the law, in the form of the tablets, and worship, represented by the tabernacle.  This was the first instance where God was calling us to worship in spirit and truth.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.  
John 4:23-24

There are so many examples in the Old Testament showing how His people experienced His presence out of a posture of proper worship and praise.  Let me illustrate by sharing my favorite verse: 

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: He is good; his love endures forever. Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud…
2 Chronicles 5:13 

Let’s unpack what is happening here—the trumpeters and singers are you and me.  Yes, we have musicians to help but make no mistake—we are all to be singers as we worship Him.  Here we see people raising their voices in heart-felt worship and praise and then what happened?  We find out in the very last line—the word “then” appears.  Then becomes a transitional word that bridges what is happening to the result—the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud. 

We know that the cloud here was the actual presence of God.  Think about that—He shows up on the heels of our heart-felt worship.  What a profound truth we have here.  In the old covenant we know that His presence was in a physical place, the tent, tabernacle, or the temple.  Then Jesus came and died on the cross—the Bible says the temple curtain separating the priests from the presence of God, was torn in two, from top to bottom.  Does this mean that the temple is no longer here?  No—it means that the temple has now moved into us—we are now the temple of God.  What an incredible truth.

Please understand that there were a lot of rules and conditions in the old covenant to make sure that temple was properly built and maintained.  God would not show up if the temple was not a holy place.  The same is true today—if you and I are not keeping our temple pure we will not experience His presence.  Could this be the reason why so many of us claim to be Christians but lack any spiritual power or authority?  Is this why many of us are frustrated and not able to gain God’s perspective about life?  

You will never experience a greater understanding of My perspective until you experience a greater awareness of My presence.  
–God

The above word came to me many years ago in a time of deep worship, praise and crying out to Him for His perspective.  I know that had to be from Him—there is no way my mind would have ever been able to come up with that.

I hope this blesses you and opens the door for what I want to unpack in the next three articles.  We will be focusing on The Three Barriers To Worship. 

1. A shallow or cavalier understanding of God
2. A narrow theological perspective
3. A reluctance toward surrender 

I want to encourage you to investigate our new weekly YouTube broadcasts for our 12-minute videos dealing with becoming The Man God Intended.  Below is a sample from last week.  Please hit the subscribe button while viewing to receive notifications.
 

https://youtu.be/CfhwTBK_u3g?si=T0gIlJGCF6aDr65G

 PLEASE REPOST AND PASS THIS ON THROUGH YOUR NETWORK.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  Matthew 24:24

WARNING…This is a very important article regarding what is about to come upon us soon—I am asking you to please invest 1 ½ minutes to view this video before proceeding.

https://youtu.be/cgchnnnbyYw

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 

Recently I posted a message to about 100 of our closest relatives and friends, many were young family members.  It read, Warning, for anyone who believes they are saved—calling yourself a Christian means nothing.  There is no such thing as “your truth”, what you believe does not matter—there is only ONE Truth, and you need to double down on finding Him.  I love you all so much—STAY GROUNDED!

In over 35 years of ministry, I have never felt the sense of urgency I feel right now for helping people find Jesus.  The signs of the end times are all around us and I sense that we all need to double down on our efforts to discover real truth.  I am also mindful that the enemy of our soul also knows the season that is upon him.  He is a master at using all the tools at his disposal to trick us and AI is going to be a big one.  I am persuaded that AI may very well be what is used to bring about the great deceit that the bible says is coming.  I want to say a few things to those of you who are kicking the tires, so to speak, regarding Christianity.  This is not the time to foolishly think you’ve got it figured out.

If you are an atheist, you already know the implications for you if you are wrong.  My advice is simple—don’t take the chance—invest in some time to seriously re-consider your position and open your heart to Jesus—ask Him to make Himself known to you in child-like faith and trust that He will.

The people who concern me more are those who profess to be a Christian but are far from being saved on that final day of judgment.  They are the toughest to get to—why?—pride.  They believe they have it figured out.  If you want to know if this is you, consider some descriptions in this list: 

• You think God is happy with you because you feel you’re a good person
• Your truth, what you believe, is equivalent to what anyone else believes—its all ok
• Church is ok as long as it lines up to your version of what is true and acceptable
• Sin is tolerated in your life because after all, everyone does it
• Having sex outside of marriage is ok
• An occasional encounter with porn is just normal
• A little lying and cheating for a good cause is acceptable

If you find yourself anywhere in this list—sorry—you are not a follower of Jesus and are in serious danger.  Is this my opinion?  Sorry, no.  My opinion does not count—only Gods.  My advice, make sure you know what He thinks—not your friends, your family, the world, and especially not you.  Dear friend please hear me—God loves you more than you can possibly imagine—He is waiting for you and when you find Him your life will never be the same. 

Remember this.  Your proximity to God is in direct proportion to your distance from you!  Yes, it is going to take humility—the overcoming of self—and that is not easy in our pride-filled culture.  But it is the only way. 

The opening video is disturbing on so many levels.  It does not take great discernment to understand we are living in turbulent times and that so much of what we hear and see may not be real.  As a people we are losing confidence in literally every institution we have built, and for good reason.  Mans creations will never truly satisfy—self-interest and corruption will always creep in when we exclude God. 

Here is the good news, however.  When we do a deeper dive on Matthew 24:24 (see above) we notice the words, to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  Please note the emphasis on if possible.  What that means literally is that the elect—those who truly know the Truth, will NOT be deceived.  It will not be possible.  The writer here is simply attempting to communicate the intensity of the deceit while reminding us that true followers of Jesus will possess the wisdom and spiritual power to not succumb. 

The video was shown in a church service at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, June 2025.  It represents a clear warning of what is coming.

PLEASE REPOST AND PASS THIS ON THROUGH YOUR NETWORK.

God is real—He lives in heaven, and He has an opinion!
Guess whose opinion don't count.

Some time ago I received a phone call from a woman conducting a public opinion poll. Telling me that my opinion mattered, she suggested that it would go into a data bank where it would be taken into consideration by important people and organizations who would often make big decisions based upon the information I give them.

I asked her, what if my opinion is uninformed and not based upon any facts or knowledge about the issue at all—but based more on how I might feel about the matter, or what I may have heard?

She insisted that it was still important to collect the information.So, I said to her, let me make sure I understand what you are telling me—you are saying that my opinion, which may be totally based upon air, with no real objective knowledge about the subject, will be used to make important decisions that will affect our very future?  I went on to ask her if she understood how ridiculous this is?  She did not want to talk to me anymore.

My friend, make no mistake—this is the world we now live in.  Uninformed opinions now dominate public discourse.  I recently posted the following on my Facebook page, Too much information...too little patience = too many uninformed opinions. We have officially moved into the age of IGNORANCE.

No one cares any more about objective facts and we have evolved into a culture that lacks patience and the ability to apply critical thought.  We now go on what we feel or believe to be true driven by popular notions, spin and marketplace manipulation of the masses.  We are at a place where even the notion of objective truth is met with disdain.

Even though history teaches us that when mankind tries to make up the rules as we go it always leads to failure—we do not learn.  So, you pick the hot button subject—immigration, abortion, the death penalty, the acceptance of homosexuality and gender distortion, global warming, the list is never ending.  Decisions about these and a myriad of other important issues are being made based upon a high percentage of uninformed public opinion driven by special interest marketing strategies.

I want to suggest here that many of us who call ourselves Christian have fallen into the same trap.  Just look around and see all the new thinking out there being driven by popular opinion.  Some of our most influential Christian leaders are finding creative ways to re-interpret the Bible to line up with the more open and tolerant nature of our culture. 

In what is supposed to be the most enlightened era, with access to more information than any time in history, we are the most uninformed and ignorant generation to date.  Don’t believe it?—go on to any college campus and start asking students questions about important matters and then ask them how they reached their conclusions.  Or go to a protest and ask someone what they are protesting—follow up with asking for an example that would back up their claim. 

Before I offer some takeaways for us to consider let me suggest something many are missing—everything I am describing here is being deliberately planned and executed by dark forces bent on destroying our very way of life by pitting us against each other.  Divide and conquer is one of the oldest and still most effective strategies for destroying a culture.

I want to suggest that as of this writing we are experiencing a real-life example of what this article is unpacking.  Our world is on the brink of all-out war and people from all sides are weighing in with their opinions about what our President needs to do.  Most, if not all these opinions are uninformed and driven by personal bias.  Our job, as believers in God, is to pray for the man our country voted into office.  Pray that God gives him special wisdom and discernment for the decisions he is about to make—then trust that He will. 

OK, so what are the takeaways here?  Much of what we are experiencing is driven by the natural self-serving nature of man.  What we can do is be examples of people who do not succumb to this trap—we can be informed and not give way to cheap gimmicks and fine sounding arguments that attempt to cause doubt and divide.  Here are some practical things to consider:

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.  
Colossians 2:4

• When someone sends you something they saw on the news or read on the internet, don't believe it until you diligently check it out.
• Become an informed voter—do not just blindly follow your political leanings without researching both sides of an issue.
• When using God’s word to defend a position make sure you know all the appropriate references and how to accurately interpret them.
• Resist giving uninformed opinions or feelings about anything—at least let people know you will study the issue and get back to them.
• Display patience with people who may not have the same opinion as you.
• Pray for Godly insight when forming a position on any important issue—remember there are always two sides to consider.
• Most important, pray that the enemy’s strategy here, to divide and conquer, is exposed and overcome.

Finally, a good rule to apply here might be to avoid offering an opinion until you can adequately understand and communicate the opposing viewpoint.

The above article is a revised version of an article Vince D’Acchioli published 8 years ago.At On Target Ministries we believe this information is more relevant today than at any other time in our history—IF YOU AGREE PLEASE REPOST AND PASS THIS ON THROUGH YOUR NETWORK.

Cindy and I just returned from two weeks in Colorado Springs where I had the privilege of marrying our Grandson, Hunter to his lovely bride Kulia on June 1^st.  Hunter is the first-born son of Mark & Kristen McWilliams, and the second grandson I have been honored to marry.

A couple of years ago Kim and Jason’s first-born, Parker Butchko married Randi Johnson, and we now have our very first great grandson, Deacon—what a joy.  What makes this last wedding even more special is it also marks a significant event that happened 60 years ago almost to the month.

It was July 3^rd, 1965, when skinny Vinny married his childhood sweetheart Cindy Heiden.  What an incredible journey this has been for Cindy and me.  We have been through so much and are both feeling so very blessed in this season of our journey together. 

On June 29^th our kids are planning a family get together here in Temecula to celebrate this wonderful milestone.  I must admit that these sixty years have gone by so fast.  As we reflect upon all that our Lord has done in and through our journey we stand in awe of His wonderful provision, grace and mercy.

It all began when a beautiful, innocent and sweet young lady married a rough young man in need of a lot of work.  Little did either know how much we needed God to be our redeemer and guide.  If you have heard my testimony, you know that I tell everyone that if it were not for Cindy and her leading the way to my spiritual conversion and ultimate submission to our Lord, I am not sure where I would be.  I am so blessed and grateful for her.

Over that last 60 years It seems like our lives have had two significant seasons.  As we started out Cindy and I came to know and love Jesus, raise two beautiful daughters who married and started their own families, and I enjoyed a successful business career.  Then, in 1989 the Lord called us out to serve in ministry for the first time with Every Home For Christ.  Our current ministry assignment began in 1994 when On Target Ministries was founded.  Since then, we have been serving Him in ministry to men, couples and leaders throughout the world.

Hardly a week goes by where we do not hear from someone or couple whose lives were impacted by something God brought through our ministry.  The last 15 years have been particularly special as we have grown together and sensed an increased level of anointing following Cindy’s miraculous recovery from what was diagnosed as certain death.  If you have not heard that story you can find it in the video area of otm.co titled, Armed…Ready For Battle. 

As a special friend and contributor to our ministry you are receiving this letter, written with hearts full of love and gratitude for you and your willingness to journey with us in our battle for the souls of men.  Please know that the battle has not been won yet, however.  In fact, it is just heating up.  Cindy and I are persuaded that this is not the time for complacency.  It is time to double down on our relationship with our great Commander. 

People today, especially younger ones, are hungrier for truth than I have seen in my lifetime.  We must remain steadfast and poised to discern every opportunity to help them find Jesus.  As I close let me share a prayer I have recently brought to our Lord and encourage you to consider it for you and where you find yourself in your journey.

Lord, please help me to understand and discern all the incredible things I have experienced in my journey and the lessons you have taught me.  Show me how You have uniquely prepared me for where I am today.  And then reveal to me Your special plan for where you want me to minister in this next season of my journey here.  Lord, shine a bright light on that ONE-THING you want me to see right now!  AMEN

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.  Psalm 71:18

NOTE: THIS MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGES IN MY MINISTRY TO DATE—PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS!

When I was in my fifties I used to say, tongue and cheek, no one over 60 should be allowed to make decisions anymore.  That statement has changed for the last three decades.  So, here I am at 80 and you might ask, what do you think now, Vince?  To answer that, a little trip down memory lane is needed.  In 1990 I left a very successful business career as Vice President of a Fortune 1000 company to enter full-time ministry with an offer to become Executive Vice President of Every Home For Christ, a mission’s ministry with offices in over 150 countries.

After five years in that role the Lord, through a unique and powerful set of circumstances, led me to establish On Target Ministries.  Most of you know me as the Founder and CEO of OTM, a ministry dedicated to helping men become, the man God intended.  Over the past 30 years we have seen tens of thousands of men significantly impacted by our disciple-making messages and curriculum.  In addition, together with my wife, Cindy, we have ministered to thousands of couples both in the US and Canada through our Couples On Target seminars and retreats. 

As the years have gone by, and with so many lessons learned, I have been focusing on helping younger pastors and leaders become more effective in their disciple-making efforts by sharing my experiences and helping them understand both the history of ministry to men and many of the land mines we tripped over along the way to better prepare them for what they will encounter.

So, with that background, please let me share from my heart what I am sensing as I enter this exciting final chapter of my journey.  First, I do not look or feel 80—I tell people it is because I was born when I was 12.  Seriously though, Exodus chapter 7 reminds us that Moses was 80 when God called him to give His demands to pharaoh.  While I know in my heart there is so much more to do, I am also feeling an intense desire to get this next season of activity right.

My prayer may be like many of you who find yourself at this stage, Lord, please help me to understand all that You have built into this man—the experiences, wisdom and knowledge You have given, and to focus all of it on Your highest and best purposes at this important season.  I have been praying this way now for a few years and I want to share with you my conclusions and some exciting news.

Through prayer and input from many wise counselors I am beginning a major initiative I want you to be aware of.  It involves memorializing our full cadre of teaching sessions reflecting the essence of our message over these past three decades.  Pat McGuire, our TV producer, will be editing our two-year Men On Target video curriculum and featuring the 12-minute sessions on our new YouTube channel along with several other social media platforms.  This is also being built out in a new web app set up in a one-year devotional format.  More on that later. 

We have seen over 20,000 men give their hearts to our Lord since we began rolling this out.  In addition, the testimonies from men who have truly become disciples of Jesus from going through this material is incredible.  This effort will truly become the legacy of thirty years of ministry and live on for a very long time.   

We are launching this on Thursday May 15^th on YouTube, and it will also be posted to Substack, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and a few other platforms where we have an existing presence.  Every week there will be short teaser clips posted to drive traffic to the weekly Thursday YouTube broadcast.  Each video teaching session is 12-minutes long and builds precept upon precept to help men become The Man God Intended.

HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A MAJOR IMPACT

Can you help me share this exciting new channel with your friends?  Here are some ways you can do that:

Please watch this brief 1-minute video teaser for this new broadcast and share it with as many people as possible. 
Ask them please to like, share and subscribe.

https://youtu.be/6l6A_DxoGWE

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.  Psalm 5:3

I will never forget the scene—I was leaning against the wall in the hospital corridor just outside my wife’s critical care unit.  It was one of the lowest moments in my life as the news regarding Cindy’s recovery prospects did not look good. 

Just then a woman approached me—I did not know who she was or where she came from—she may have been an angel.  She looked at me and said, I want you to imagine that you are asleep in your bed and God is hovering over you with His face pressed upon yours—He has a big smile on His face and can’t wait for you to wake up so He can say, good morning Vince.   

My first reaction was that’s a little odd.  After she left, I thought about what she said, and it blessed me greatly at a time when I really needed it.  It has been 15 years now since that encounter and almost every morning I continue the incredible habit that I learned

back then.  When I awake, the first thing I do is utter the words good morning, Lord.  Then I always say something like this; Lord, I can’t wait to see what incredible things we are going to encounter today—lets You and I go have some fun—You go first. 

 Someone once said, if God is your co-pilot…you might want to change seats.  Such a profound, yet true, statement.  I find that if my day does not start with honoring God with my first thoughts, a time of worship and prayer, and listening for His Holy Spirit, I become the ruler of my day.  Sadly, I find most Christians find themselves here.  God is an afterthought, someone to be summoned only when they encounter an obstacle or challenge. 

My friend, this is perhaps the most compelling issue facing followers of Jesus today.  We give mental, and even verbal acknowledgment of how important our Lord is to us without  corresponding behavior that validates it.  For too many of us, we choose churches who teach the kind of doctrine, teaching and worship style we like, but fail to move the experience from life-implication to life-application.  In other words, when we leave our Sunday morning service or weekly Bible study, it is all-to-often business as usual.

This is so tragic and misses the promises of God.  It goes right to the heart of a very big issue, do I really want God to be in charge, or do I want to be lord of my day?  For me, it took a very big and serious issue in my life to teach me that I do not control much.  No matter my gifts, the people I know or the amount of money I possess, without God nothing works the right way. 

During this same trying time He taught me the secret to life.  The illustration I use to describe this secret has sort of become my hallmark. The linked 12-minute video at the end of this message will unpack the idea. I encourage you to watch it.  An abbreviated explanation is to simply place God between me and my circumstances every day.  If God is located on the other side of my challenges, I tend to see Him through the lens of whatever I am facing.  If God is in front, then I see my circumstances through Him.   

The reason for this article, is to teach and encourage you to engage in whatever it will take for you to benefit from putting God in front of your circumstances every day. Please understand that no amount of good intentions, church service attendance, or even Bible studies will achieve the result of putting God in front. It is going to take a calculated, deliberate commitment on your part for this to happen.

So, if you truly desire to have God positioned this way in your life, you are going to have to decide how to make it happen.  I cannot tell you what will work for you, but I will share what has worked for me. I pray it will inspire you to adopt some of it and see what works for you. 

I determined many years ago to go to bed earlier so that I could get up between 5-6:00 AM every day to spend 2-3 hours with God.  During this time with the Lord, I start by putting on some soft instrumental worship music and praise and thank Him for being Lord of my life.  I usually try to take some time to be quiet and hear His sweet voice.  Then, I enter a time of reading my Bible. I use a one-year bible reading schedule.  Then there are about four different daily devotionals I read. My favorite is, My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

Next, I begin an extended time of prayer starting with the big picture—our world and all that is going on there as this is how the Lord’s prayer starts, "Thy kingdom come on Earth".  After that I start my daily prayer list, lifting up my closest family first.  I have over 80 people I pray for every day and most of them do the same for me.  I conclude with prayers for the day ahead and all that I will encounter and ask the Lord to lead the way.

As I close, please let me encourage you to take this message seriously. To do the same old, is NOT an option.  God is calling you and me to a new and higher level, and we must respond if we are to truly be The Man (or woman) God Intended. 

Lord, I pray you bless and encourage all who read this brief article to raise their level of commitment to get closer to You.  Lord, meet each person in a way that uniquely presents them with a plan that works for them.  Bless and protect every person from the world, the flesh and the devil—all the forces that are designed to come against Your perfect will for their life.  AMEN

 Vince’s new book, The Great Exchange, my past for God’s future is now available in our bookstore or through Amazon

Please watch this 12-minute video where Vince shares what he calls,  The Secret To Life.

https://youtu.be/2zeJNxDZlzE

Outputs are no longer determined by inputs

 
For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead,  if possible, even the elect.  Matthew 24:24

Back in the business world I remember asking my VP of Finance what the numbers looked like for this quarter, only to get the response, what do you want them to look like.  Though that may sound funny, sadly it is representative of what happens all too often in our world today.  In an objective, common sense world, you could usually determine what your outcomes were going to be by examining the inputs…no more.

The problem…algorithms.  An algorithm can be thought of as a recipe that outlines the necessary steps to achieve a desired outcome.  So, in theory, a carefully constructed algorithm or formula can take whatever the input is and make the outcome anything it wants.  In other words, the designer of the algorithm determines the outcome or truth they desire.

In our world today this is happening all around us causing major problems and confusion.  Depending upon the news media we watch, the social media platforms we go to, and even the places we shop, algorithms track us and feed us information we want based upon our behavior.  This results in our not being exposed to anything other than our presupposed ideas, notions, likes or dislikes.   

On the purely innocent marketing side of this I do not sense any evil motive.  However, on the social and political science side I sense deliberate efforts to deceive, separate and destroy.  Take any hotly contested topic today and we all know them—the President, Supreme Court, abortion, gun rights, climate change, vaccines, sexual practices—there is not enough room here to list them all.

Take any on this list you want and depending upon where you get your output information, you will have an opinion. Because most people are not thoughtful or patient enough to go deeper on any issue, they never encounter alternative outcomes being communicated through different channels.  So, you might ask, why are we talking about this?  Let’s look at 1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

My concern is for those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ.  We are living in very deceitful times, and I am not sure we are living wisely.  I am persuaded that many people who call themselves Christian are not truly in Christ. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  2 Corinthians 5:17

For me, being in Christ means I am all in—I have an intimate relationship with my Lord.  I am spending time with Him every day without fail.  This is the only way I can live by the Spirit, and we must be living this way if we are to succeed and not be deceived.

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.  1 Corinthians 2:14

If you look again at our opening verse, it says that, if possible, even the elect will be deceived.  Note the, if possible.  What that verse is saying is that it is NOT possible for you to be deceived if you are the elect.  Who is the elect?  We should take that to mean those who are truly in Him.

Let’s have some fun with this next verse and see if it makes sense: 

For the time will come (today) when they will not endure sound doctrine (truth); but wanting to have their ears tickled (desiring the truth they want) , they will accumulate for themselves teachers (algorithms) in accordance to their own desires (outcomes), and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside (only look one way) to myths (believe the lies). 2 Timothy 4:3-4

 My friend this is where we are today, and I urge you to take this message seriously.  Some important ideas to consider ant take to prayer:

• The Bible is your best algorithm—filter everything through it
• Do not believe anything you see or experience on social media—research
• AI is creating tremendous confusion and pushing many lies—never trust it
• Pray every morning that God give you spiritual eyes to see life through Him
• Remember that common sense is what man relies on—spiritual discernment leads to ultimate truth
• Continually seek the Holy Spirit for discernment in all things to determine ultimate truth and not what appears to be logical to the world

Please watch this 12-minute video that will help you understand how to have an intimate relationship with God.
(Knowing God) 

https://youtu.be/SD45OSZ1xNo

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:18-19

 I want to thank you for your friendship, love and prayers for OTM over many years.  We had a wonderful year in 2024 and are continuing to reach and impact many men.  I think we can all agree that this past year has been intense on so many levels.  So much uncertainty as we navigated our presidential election and deep concern as we continue to experience an unprecedented moral decay in our land.

2024 was also a year where we witnessed our Lord working in very special ways through our ministry.  In addition to conducting many events around the country I was able to mentor a very special group of young leaders here in Temecula.  I am also making progress on our new book/one-year, 365-day, devotional, The Journey, and hope to be publishing that soon. 

We just published, however, a new booklet, by that same name.  It is a 30-day action plan capturing some of the highlights of the one-year Journey.  If you would like to check it out and order a copy please go to our store.  https://otm.co/store/

While the darkness pervading our world is getting thicker, we are also seeing God’s light becoming brighter. The Bible predicts all of this as it describes signs of the end times.  There is no doubt we are getting close, and this begs the big question—am I ready?

It is clear to me that we are living in serious times which calls for some strategic prayer and action as a believer.  As we enter this new year, I want to challenge you to a heightened level of awareness for where we are and especially for a better understanding of the unique role you and I have in God’s plan.  For that to happen we need to understand two critical things. 

First, let go of the past.  I know this is a lot easier said than done for many.  But it is critical.  Our lead-in verse says it best—we must forget the former things.  I have found that the best way to do that is to simply do what the next part of the verse says…do not dwell on the past.  In other words, stop going there and every time you do—stop and ask God to clear it from your mind.

If you are burdened by fear, anger, unforgiveness, guilt or shame, the enemy will use that to keep you off track.  The next booklet I am getting ready to publish is titled, The Great Exchange and deals with this very issue.  You will never be able to see God’s new plan for your life until you are able to let go of the past. 

The second, and most important next step is simply found with the next key word—see.  See, I am doing a new thing!  What an incredible statement by our Lord.  He is always doing a new thing, yet we often completely miss it.  Why?  It comes from our inability to see.  My friend, the only way you are going to see the new thing God is doing—to enter His new and living way—is to determine to get closer to Him this year.

Cindy and I have decided that we cannot do business-as-usual.  We are doubling down on our commitments to spend more time in His word and worship and to make time every day to pray together.  We are getting up earlier and seeking Him first—not the news or any other distractions—HIM!

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  James 4:8

To order additional copies of The Journey visit our store or at:  https://otm.co/store/

A Message From Vince

This brief 12-minute video is a lead-in to our module two of the Men On Target curriculum dealing with letting go of our past. 

Reactions Have Consequences

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice…  Proverbs 24-17

As I watched people’s responses to this last election, I could not help but witness such a sharp contrast.  Many who were disappointed took to social media in what could only be described as complete meltdowns.  Often, we witnessed people having yelling sessions and fits of actual rage. 

My overall reaction to this left me with a sense that most of these people did not know God.  You can tell a lot about who people are by watching the way they respond to life’s circumstances. You will know whether an inner peace is at their core and in my opinion cannot be there apart from being connected to the One and only true source of peace.

So, what should be the proper response to this same election result if you are truly a follower of Jesus?  I want to suggest that, win or lose, it should be the same.  Peace!  That can only happen when you are so connected to the Author of peace that fear and anxiety are gone.  Now here is the part I am not sure I like—I am guilty of enjoying the angry and dysfunctional reaction of others and find myself gloating.

May I suggest that my reaction, in the eyes of our Lord, is perhaps more destructive than theirs’.  If you do not have the Lord at the center of your life, then human fear will always dictate—these people are simply responding out of who they are and what they perceive.  It is driven fear.  The Bible teaches us that perfect love casts out fear—what these people need is love and where are they going to experience it if not from those of us that know our Lord?

Perhaps the best newsworthy event that recently happened might illuminate this idea.  A well-known news anchor went on the air in prime time and suggested that those people who were angry at losing the election should not invite anyone who voted the other way over to their home for Thanksgiving.  I am sorry, but I cannot think of anything more anti-God, sick and pathetic than that.  Look at what we have become.

What should have been suggested is the exact opposite and should be loudly proclaimed by every Christian and every church.  This is the time for us to examine where we have made mistakes, adjust our attitude and become the example of Christ the world so desperately needs to see.  We must not be seen as gloaters but rather as people who are kind, tender and forgiving.

I cannot tell you how many times I have blown it with my improper reactions.  Often my wife, Cindy, must remind me that it is not what you are saying so much as how you are saying it.  I can be self-righteous and maybe even right—but that does not make me a hero.  Dear one, this is a very important idea right now for all of us who are a part of  Jesus’ church.  We are standing at the precipice of what might be a powerful revival in our land…or a continuation of our moral and spiritual decay.

As a Christian we need only study how our incredible Lord modeled this for us.  No matter what He experienced He never lost His cool—always kind and tenderhearted toward people—even those who were violently against Him.

The Apostle Paul before his incredible conversion, was an angry, in-your-face persecutor of the Christians.  Yet we can see what His encounter displayed, as He expressed it in Ephesians 4:32, And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  Paul was simply reminding us to do what he experienced Jesus did for him.

Ask this question; if Jesus were here today observing these people who are so angry and upset, what would His response to them look like?  Then take the test—how do your attitude and actions stack up to His standard?

I want to leave you with a couple of thoughts and a challenge.  If you are a pastor or ministry leader, aggressively pursue ways to encourage and coach your people in extending love and grace to outsiders—the people who often dislike us.  Teach them how to reach out in love.

If you are a follower of Jesus challenge yourself to be a heat seeking missile on the lookout for the very people who are against everything you stand for and reach out to them—invite them to meet with you for coffee or a meal with no agenda other than to get to know them and love on them.  Trust me, none of us have what it takes to turn people around—but Jesus does!  He is not looking for your ability—He is looking for your obedience and compassion.

Some verses to meditate on:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness… 
Galatians 5:22

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  
1 Corinthians 13:4 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.  
Proverbs 15:1 

Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give  His life as a ransom for many.  
Matthew 20:28

 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.  
Proverbs 15:4 

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.  
Proverbs 12:25

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  
Luke 6:35

Please watch this important 12-minute message from Vince on

Advancing God’s Kingdom

https://youtu.be/clzZRInWeqI

Who sent it and for what purpose?

If I could speak to President Donald Trump this is what I would say: 

Mr. President—It began with a miracle—you know that.  This result is not just a mandate from the American people…it is a mandate from your Lord!  Your proper understanding of the this will determine your ultimate success and special place in history.

Throughout the great American story there have been many election cycles which have given our leaders loud and clear mandates.  Powerful indicators from the electorate that we are going in the wrong direction and need a significant course correction.  So, this begs that obvious question, is this what we have just seen in the results of our 2024 presidential election results?  

In many ways I think it would be hard not to see a strong message emerging that our new leaders need to make some serious changes.  I also believe that this election is far more serious than most observers are considering but not for obvious reasons.  As believers in Jesus, you and I need to see what just happened through a different lens and ask a different but more important question: where is God in all of this?

If we believe that God is at work in the affairs of man, to what extent might He be communicating something else to us here?  Could it be that this is not a mandate from the American people to their leaders so much as an extension of mercy and grace from God to you and me—His church?  

As we look back on that literal ear-splitting assassination attempt it is difficult not to see God at work.  I am persuaded that we may be witnessing one of the most profound moves of God in history—a Nineveh event unfolding before us.  There is no doubt that as a nation we are as undeserving, if not more so, than Nineveh, yet that was the first and only example of God extending His mercy and grace to a wicked nation.

My fear is that we as believers, and subsequently the church, will miss this message.  There is little doubt in my mind that a remnant in the church today who chose to reach out to God in prayer, is the reason why we are in this place today.  This however, is not the end—it is just the beginning.  It is a God-given window of opportunity for us—His chosen people, to get it right. 

He is beseeching you and me to, See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

We are guilty of creating the wilderness and wasteland we are in, yet God is at work making a new and living way.  He has set the table before us and given us one last chance.  

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds…. Hebrews 10:19-24 

Considering this let’s look at some Godly marching orders.

First and most important is to consider your relationships with those who were disappointed with this election’s outcome.  If you search social media, you will find thousands of examples of people, mostly young, completely melting down.  I have never seen anything like this—vitriol, anger, crying and yelling.  Saying things that make absolutely no sense with a total lack of any critical thinking.

These are precious people in the eyes of God who have been totally and deliberately brainwashed resulting in intense fear.  Think, who is the author of fear?  It is the devil’s most effective tool.  So, what do we need to do to respond to this?  What does the Bible have to say about casting fear away?  1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear… 

So secondly, this is what we must do—love these people and extend the same grace to them that God has extended to us.  This is critical for us personally and institutionally.  Remember that reconciliation is one of our Lord’s top priorities.  (See Matthew 5:23-24)

As I conclude with some more ideas I want to speak to two groups of people—the Pastors or ministry leaders and then committed followers of Christ.

Pastors & Leaders:

• Double down on your personal pursuit of God for that is where your spiritual power comes from.
• Recognize that you have a new four-year window to preach boldly from the pulpit minus government intrusion.  
• Quit arguing about the churches’ role in politics and do the job God put you here to do.
• Figure out the lane God has placed you in and work there resisting the temptation to do more than He called you too. 
• Take the focus off the Sunday morning gatherings and have a take-no-prisoners-mentality regarding making disciples.

Christ Followers:

• Examine your depth of intimacy with God and commit to do whatever it takes to improve it.
• Sin in your life?  STOP!  It is life or death—there is no middle ground.
• Ask God to help you see your unique sphere of influence—it is the place He has given you to make a difference for Him.
• Begin with your close family and find ways to share more about how to know God.
• Maybe consider asking some neighbors to think about coming to your home for a weekly Bible study group.  The number of people who are hungry for this will surprise you—especially now.

Please watch this powerful message from Vince on

Real Christianity In An Unreal World

https://youtu.be/w--V1jNqnJQ?si=1oSFgGsHpx4tGphM

A Line In The Sand Moment For Christians

One of the biggest problems facing Christians today stems from being frozen in place by a dark cultural drift.  We see it happening all around us but do not know how to respond.  Dear friend, we can no longer stay on the sidelines. Sexual perversion is, and always has been, at the heart of the downfall of culture.  What follows is my attempt to lessen the stigma often experienced by Christians regarding how to respond.

Before we begin a short definition of terms is necessary.  In our current vernacular, a homophobe is someone who has “homophobia”.  The word has two parts—phobia, which means fear and homo which has two possible meanings.  Homosexual,identifying a person, someone who is “same sex attracted” or homosexuality, describing the generic term for same sex attraction or behavior.

I also want to make it clear here that we must separate the attraction from the behavior.  I know several people who would admit to having same sex attractions that choose to resist them and not engage in the behavior.  Attractions to someone or thing is not the same as what God calls sin.  Most reasonable people do not define themselves by the things they are tempted by.  If they did, we would all be liars, cheaters, fornicators, adulterers and thieves.

To be clear, a same sex attracted person who resists the temptation to act out sexually is to be respected and admired as a role model in the same way that anyone who overcomes their impure sinful desires ought to be.  Are these temptations strong—to be sure—strong and evil.  However, as a believer we must hang on to the promises of the Bible.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

So, when someone accuses you of being a homophobe it is important to know what they mean.   As followers of Jesus, we need to be very careful how we approach this accusation, not because we fear offending the person making that statement, but because we love them and desire that they see something much bigger than what is suggested by the accusation.

I want to recommend what I believe is a proper response if you are a Bible believing Christian.  Begin by asking the questioner what they mean by homo.  Are you talking about a person who identifies as a homosexual or are you referring to homosexuality which is the broader definition of same sex attraction or behavior?

At this point their response is not important other than to offer you an opportunity to offer your thoughts.  Start with the assumption that they are meaning a homosexual person and let them know very clearly that you fear no one—in fact, the Bible makes it clear that we are to love every person.  It is our love of Jesus that allows us to see every precious human being through His eyes.

If you mean homosexuality, a culturally accepted and celebrated term used to define not just the attraction but the acting out or behavior, then my answer is a resounding YES.  I fear, not in the sense of cowering in a corner, but out of genuine concern for the destructive by-product that flows from this the behavior if not resisted.  People’s lives are being destroyed and their eternal soul is at great risk.  So, my fear is born out of a deep love for these people and a desire for them to see something much bigger.

I would also let the questioner know that my beliefs about this matter are not coming from basic biology as much as from my understanding about God.  They are shaped by what God has made very clear through His scriptures.  My opinions mean little and are often wrong.  The BIG idea here is if God is real, I would think it very important to discover what His opinion is.

It is at this point that you will no doubt hear a follow up question.  What if God made them that way?  I love this question as it gives us the opportunity to tell the bigger story from creation to Christ.  We can lovingly remind them that we are all born with dysfunction ever since the fall.  Everything in my human nature wants me to be my own god.  I am selfish, full of pride, a liar and cheater—it is baked in.

So, what if I am born that way is not the right question.  The right, and only question really is, God…or…no God?  If there is no God, then you can disregard everything I am suggesting here and just live your life any way you desire.  If, on the other hand, God is real, and we can discover what He desires of His creation, should we not be in search of how we can live lives that please Him?

You can explain that one of the big problems we humans face is free will.  God gave us that—He must or else we are nothing but slaves.  We are free to follow our natural inclinations no matter how good or bad they may be, or to resist the temptations in an attitude of obedience to please Him and ultimately enter into His Gates. 

The other problem we face is the enemy of our soul.  If God is real, then so is the devil.  The last thing our enemy wants is for us to obey God—he wants you and me dead, literally.  So, not only do we have to fight the very natural temptations born out of our human nature, but spiritual forces and temptations designed to take us away from God.

At this point we have an opportunity to share the answer to all of this.  The pathway not only to freedom from my condition, but to a promised eternity in Heaven.  The need to accept the Lord and appropriate His power to overcome.  It is only through the strength we receive by knowing Him that we can truly overcome—HE IS CRAZY ABOUT YOU!  (James 4:5)

Christian, remaining silent is not now, nor has it ever been, an option.  We MUST step up and boldly, yet lovingly share the truth—it is a mandate from God.  Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17

I want to close with a disclaimer and important word of instruction and encouragement here.  The disclaimer is to remember that our words and arguments are not the means by which people find our Lord.  Yes, we must speak but only if we are living a life that validates what we say.  All too often we are seen as hypocrites, not living what we preach.

Finally, I want to encourage you to pray, not only for those with whom you might be conversing, but for you to be anointed by the Holy Spirit when you speak.  Ask God to fill you with His amazing grace.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Please watch this 12-minute video that will put a meaningful exclamation point on our discussion.

(My Response) 

https://youtu.be/T89u-RApArY

Here is the next 12-minute video in this series (My Actions)

Hezekiah was as helpless against the powers arrayed against him as we are from the evil arising in this current moment.

 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.  
Isaiah 37:14

As we enter what will probably be one of the most challenging moments in our nation’s history it is time to get serious about how we are to live our lives as believers in Jesus.  I want to suggest what I believe ought to be the-way-forward for every believer by visiting the story Hezekiah and Sennacherib.

I want to suggest that Senechereb, as depicted here, is a type for our enemy.  In this story Hezekiah is being told by the great and powerful enemy of his day that he is going to be defeated—totally destroyed.  If you study the verses leading up to Isaiah 37:14 you will find Sennacherib taunting Hezekiah—what makes you think your God is going to protect you?  Look at all the other nations we conquered—none of their gods were able to help them. 

He even claimed that the Lord told him to do this.  He tried to bribe Hezekiah and even spoke over him to his people in their own language.  He warned the people not to listen to Hezekiah.  Follow me and you will eat…  Hezekiah would not be intimidated—the Lord already told him that Sennacherib would fall by his own sword.

I see an amazing likeness to what is happening today.  Sennacherib, representing our enemy—true darkness, is attempting to intimidate you and me, believers in Jesus.  He is using familiar tactics—creating doubt, what makes you think your God is going to save you.  Talking over us, in the language of the unsaved, to suggest we are not looking out for their best interest.  He even suggests socialism by saying if you follow me you will eat…have everything you want.

Hezekiah here is a powerful picture for our day of the proper response for the Christian man.  Let’s unpack Hezekiah’s response and see if God might be teaching us something very important.  The above verse, Isaiah 37:14, is one of my favorite verses to share and highlight. Here Hezekiah receives a letter outlining everything Sennacherib is threatening to do to him.  It is the clear message of what his enemy is intending to do.

What did he do?  He took it to the Temple and spread it out before the Lord.  Of course we do not know what that physically looked like but I love our picture.  It depicts the king placing his earthly crown on the ground beside him, bowing down before his Lord, and then spreading out the report from his enemy.  And here is what happened next:

 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.  Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.

It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands.  They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands.  Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.  
Isaiah 37:15-20

Wow—a lot here and a very important and timely takeaway for us during this season.  I am persuaded that we are living in a Hezekiah moment right now.  This month, October, 2024, may be the most difficult and dark month many will have ever experienced.  There is a powerful enemy attempting to take over our country and world.  I do not doubt, nor do I have anything but total respect for our duty to vote and be involved, but that is not where the battle is going to be won.  We are way beyond what man can do.

It is a spiritual battle and while many of us give intellectual ascent to that, few of us are doing what Hezekiah is modeling for us.  Here is what I am encouraging all who call upon the name of Jesus to do:

• Lay down your earthly crown—acknowledge that any fleshly confidence in your own giftings or authority is insufficient here.
• Literally find a place where you can kneel and prostrate yourself before the living God.
• Find news clippings or take your tablet or phone with information about all the ugliness going on around us and lay it on the ground floor in front of you.
• Then, pray Hezekiah’s prayer.
  • Lord Almighty, recognizing His holiness
  • God of Israel (America), acknowledging His rule in our land
  • Listen to all…the enemy is doing and saying as he ridicules You
  • Lord deliver us from his hand
  • Let the world know that You, Lord are the only God.

May I encourage you to start today—and every day throughout this election season—to do this.  God answers prayer—it is not enough to believe this—WE MUST DO IT!

Later in this story it says that the Lord added 15 years to Hezekiah’s life—is it possible that our Lord is going to add new life into our land?

Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, and those who contend with you shall perish.  
Isaiah 41:11

Also please enjoy this 12-minute teaching from Vince on What Is My Motive?   

https://youtu.be/ZEvx0qDYL78

God, You got this…so why am I so anxious?

I woke up this morning and found a note on my nightstand and did not know how it got there.  Upon further examination it was a note from God—to YOU.  Do you want me to show it to you?  Here it is:

Good morning, I’ll be taking care of ALL your problems today.  I won’t need ANY help from YOU.  So have a nice day…I love YOU.  -God

If you are like me you truly love this little note.  You also know in your heart that it is true.  The big question though is do I really believe it and does my attitude and my life reflect that belief?  For me, sadly too often than I would like to admit, the answer is no.  The culprit—a dysfunctional perspective.  This happens when I choose to see the world around me though my eyes instead of my Lord’s.  There is a great theological word for this—STUPID! 

Christian, look around.  Even a casual understanding of God’s Word suggests that we are nearing the end of days.  This is a very big deal, and the stakes are higher than they have ever been.  A Godly perspective demands that we examine our priorities.  First and foremost, are you daily bringing before the Lord, for His cleansing power, sin in your life that is preventing you from being fully used by God?  If not, get serious. 

Next, examine your relationships to make sure nothing on the order of past hurts or disappointments are getting in your way—remember God wants us to be reconciled before we come to Him in an attitude of worship (Matthew 5:23-24).  If you have rifts in your family or close circle, understand how crazy that is considering the bigger picture.  For some I know this is an issue but here again, get serious and settle this low hanging fruit now.

Another part of having God’s perspective is understanding that the world around us is ruled by the devil and he has blinded people to the point where they cannot accept the truth of the gospel.  2 Corinthians 4:3-4 says, But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 

This is very important as it is another reminder that all of this is in His hands, not ours.  Getting frustrated at people for their lack of discernment is counter-productive and usually ends in dysfunctional levels of anxiety for us.  Be patient and keep your eyes on Him.  If we are not able to do this, we can find ourselves entering battles we were never intended to enter.

In his book The Crucified Life, A.W Tozer says this about king David:

In Psalm 57:1, David says, In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpassed. Instead of going out to fight his own battles, David took refuge in God. How tempting it might have been for him to show the enemy his strength and might. To show his enemy that he was not somebody to be messed with must have been a great temptation for a man like David. Instead of engaging the enemy, however, David took refuge in the shadow of God's wings.

What a blessed truth to understand that, in the middle of all our difficulties and calamities, we have a refuge. Certainly, there is a time to go forth into battle and engage the enemy. But this should only be under the direct orders of the Captain of our salvation. Young David understood this as he faced Goliath.

If we can do these things, we will experience the promise that flows from

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 that says, We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…  This is not possible in the life of the believer unless they truly have God’s perspective.  There is no doubt that the apostle Paul had that.  You can have that too—commit today to spending more time with Him. 

Marriage struggling?  -FIX IT!

Porn habit?  -STOP!

Broken relationships?  -RECONCILE!

Watch this 2-minute video before you read further:

https://youtu.be/U_TJJu8EqM8

The enemy does not want you in the game.  Yore going to have to FIGHT.  You will never experience His presence in your life until you do.  A Word from God for me a few years ago—

Vince, you will never have a greater understanding of My perspective until you first experience a greater awareness of My presence.

Dear one, please hear me—God does not want you to be anxious.  He wants you to put all your cares into His capable hands and trust that He has this!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  
Philippians 4:6-7

Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.  For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me.  But You have saved us from our enemies and have put to shame those who hated us.  In God we boast all day long and praise Your name forever.   
Psalm 44:5-8 

Lord, You are, and always have been, our deliverer—our hope.  Help us to not focus on the advancement of the enemy but to be encouraged by the ultimate victory of our King.

If you find yourself in the evangelical church world today you will be familiar with a litany of words and slogans communicating the desire to see revival, spiritual revolution and advancing His kingdom.  If you love Jesus, of course you know that His desire indeed is for these outcries to become a reality.  It begs a very important question, however.  Why are we not seeing these things happening?  Please follow me as I attempt to answer this compelling question.

A few years ago I was asked to speak at a small pastors’ conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  This was my second time addressing this group of pastors made up of 40-50 men and women.  As I was preparing my closing message for this three-day event I found myself having difficulty crafting a message that would compliment their theme, Taking New Territory.  After some time and much prayer I was persuaded that the Lord gave me a message that would ultimately turn the theme literally inside out.

I began by suggesting that whenever you hear those words, taking new territory, it is almost always associated with an outward thrust—in other words, let’s expand God’s kingdom out there.  I went on to remind all of us that we do not take new territory—God does.  It is His great desire for us to become instruments in His hands to do that.  So, if it is not happening, could it be there is something lacking in the instrument—you and me?

One of my favorite quotes from Oswald Chambers says, God will not do any more through you then you first allow Him to do in you.  Maybe we should look at this theme in a different way—inside out.  I believe God is saying to all of us who are followers of Jesus that His great desire is for us to allow Him to take new territory in our hearts.  What might be the compartments of your and my heart that we have walled off from God?

Dear friend, there is a profound relationship between obedience and power.  I am persuaded that our inability to expand His kingdom has everything to do with our own submission and spiritual preparedness.  Until we turn from our wicked ways, He will not respond and we are left with empty rhetoric. 

A powerful reminder of this came home to me personally in 2010 when Cindy was in ICU fighting for her life.  She developed blood clots in her lungs that were threatening her life by preventing air from getting into her lower chamber.  The doctors thought she would not survive the night and brought in a special team to go into her lungs and try to remove the clots.  I will never forget the scene as I was allowed to stay and watch.

Cindy was in a coma and did not experience anything, but there was a lot of tension in that room.  The doctor went in with a long wire through her trachea.  There was a camera and small clamp on the end and we could see everything on a TV monitor.  The doctor went in 21 times.  On the screen the clots lookrd big but actually they were very small.  The clamp would close in on one and as it was being pulled out sometimes it would break off a tiny piece and everyone in the room would gasp.  Other times a huge piece would come out and the team would applaud.

It was amazing and at the end the doctor pulled her mask down with a big smile and declared, she is clear.  The room erupted in praise.  I don’t know the doctor’s name but I affectionately refer to her as D.r Grabber.  It was an amazing experience but nothing compared to what happened to me in the car during the one hour drive home.

In the middle of my prayer time giving thanks and praise to God He interrupted me and whispered, Vince you have a lot of clots.  First, I knew that had to be Him because I had no clue as to what that meant.  He went on, oh Vince, they are not physical clots, they are spiritual.  But in the same way as those physical clots were preventing air from getting into Cindy’s lower lung chamber and threatening her very life, your spiritual clots are getting in the way of my spirit flowing through your life in the ways I fully intend. 

I want to suggest what is going on in your mind right now—the same thing that went on in mine.  You know exactly what your clots are.  You are keenly aware of those places in your heart where you have compartmentalized and locked God out and the result, perhaps it may not be physical death—though in some cases that is possible, but worse, spiritual death…stagnation. 

I got this picture of God up in heaven with all the angels standing there in the operating room watching God reach down into my life in an attempt to remove my clots.  He would grab on and begin to pull and then just a small chunk would break off and all the angels would complain, almost got that one.  Then He might reach down and a great big chunk comes out and you can hear the angels rejoice, wow, that was awesome!  Can you see it?

Let me end in this way and on a very serious note.  Our world is in the most evil and desperate condition I have witnessed in my lifetime.  This is no time for half-hearted Christianity.  This is serious business and God is looking for fully prepared and equipped warriors to advance His kingdom purposes.  You either want to be a part of that or you don’t.  The choice is your’s.

If you want to live out the role God has in mind for you then the entire purpose of this article is to bring you to one simple question:  WHAT IS THE CLOT I NEED TO DEAL WITH—RIGHT NOW?

I am going to ask you to do something incredibly important—get on your knees and make a commitment to God right now regarding what you know you need to do, acknowledging that you cannot do it without His help.  In 1 Samuel 13:14 God refers to David as a man after His own Heart.  If you desire God to see you in this way, then you must pray as David did.  

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;  And see if there be any hurtful way
in me and lead me in the everlasting way.  
Psalm 139:23-24

Repeat this process every single morning and see the victory you will have.

 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. 
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

 Also please enjoy this teaching from Vince on The Key To A Life Of Power.  Also featuring a brief cameo from John Tesh.

https://vimeo.com/48772485

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  Proverbs 31:301

In a recent casual conversation with my wonderful wife, Cindy, I felt prompted to suggest something a little different for this month’s TargetPoint.  I said, honey, you know that for almost thirty years our ministry has focused on growing and preparing men for what God wants to unfold through their lives.  Because we are living in such a challenging and potentially dangerous season, if you could pick just a few things to share, what would you say to the women? 

What follows is Cindy’s prayerful and heartfelt message to all of our ladies out there.  Men, if you are reading this I want to strongly suggest you pass this on to every Christian woman within your sphere. 

From Cindy:

Ladies, I am so thankful for this opportunity to share some thoughts from my heart.  We are living in some very challenging times right now and I believe our Lord is calling all of us to a new level in our walk with Him.  His desire has always been to use His people to advance His kingdom.  Let me share three things I believe we ladies need to consider for such a time as this.

Make being in the Word a priority every day. I follow a read thru the Bible in a year program and have done that for more years than I can remember. It is important for us to know the entire Bible from beginning to end so we see the whole picture.  Praising God and being in His word is truly what the Bible is teaching us when it says we need to worship in Spirit and in truth.  Notice the order:

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
John 4:24

I have found that holiness, which is what He is looking for in all His people, is not possible apart from this. All of this is critical as it leads us to perhaps our most important responsibility as women of God.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven,
and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14

We need to understand our identity in Christ and the authority He gave to us thru His death and resurrection.  He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.  Understanding these truths will cause us to rise, stay the course and maintain a joyful heart.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.  Proverbs 31:25

NOTE:  If any of the men you are encouraging want to discover more about their unique gifts, please send them to our website and have them take the gift test.  It only takes about 20 minutes and gives them a report—it is free.  Click here.

Also please enjoy this brief teach from Vince on discovering your natural gifts.

https://youtu.be/4bpvvZOcNgg

Let me introduce you to Casey.  I have known this happy, delightful and jovial man for almost three decades.  He and his beautiful wife Sharon are dear friends.  They live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Casey has been involved at the highest levels of ministry to men in that country since the beginning of the Promise Keepers movement.  He has invited both myself and Cindy there for dozens of conferences for men and couples over the years.

Casey is a gifted man but has one peculiar handicap—he is directionally challenged.  In fact, many years ago I gave him the nickname, U-Turn.  Almost everywhere we drove he would miss turns and a woman’s voice would come out of the dashboard and say, recalculating.  On one occasion I remember being in the front seat with Casey driving and the wives were in the back.  We were headed for a large church or arena where I was to speak to a gathering.  We could see the event center but for some reason could not get there.  After four or five U-turns I remember thinking,  maybe you can’t get there from here.

It got so bad that I thought the woman in the dashboard was about to say, Casey, just go home.  I surely thought she would become exhausted at all the recalculating she had to do to get this man to his destination.  By now I am sure you can see the allegory building here.  Sadly, this is a picture of where too many Christians are on their life journey.  Before I unpack this let me begin with a disclaimer.  Someone once said that if you do not know where you are going any road will take you there.  I believe that is a true statement that should never define a follower of Christ.  We should always be aware of His purpose and destiny for us.

That said we still have a problem.  Let’s go back to Casey and study what is happening.  He knew where he needed to go but for a variety of reasons became distracted and confused along the route.  Perhaps it was the scenery—or the great conversation—whatever the reason he missed several opportunities to take the right route and get to the destination in the most effective way.  Sometimes in life this happens,  we may ultimately get where we want to go but how much did those distractions cost us by way of missed possibilities?

Sometimes I wonder how saddened I would be if I really knew the woulda-shoulda-coulda times I wasted.  I wonder how many times that still soft sweet voice of our Lord was whispering in our ear, recalculating.  The good news is God never gets impatient and will always find another course, but how sad it is that we often miss the best course.  Knowing He redeems is wonderful, but the desire of my heart is to not miss the highest and best—to make the right turn at the right time, and as the Apostle Paul says, press on toward the mark. (Phil. 3:13-14)

So, what about you?  Are there some turns in your life that you were late on or missed that you wish you could redo?  Did some of those U-Turns cause unnecessary hurt or pain to others along the way?  However, the most important question is, how can I prevent this from happening in the first place.  Well, I’m glad you asked!  It all boils down to a word and spirit issue.  Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Looking closely here there are two profound promises.  Not only will His Word illuminate my daily steps, a lamp to my feet, but also it will shine a bright light, a light to my path, on that road or path to your destination.  If  you want to make sure you are going the right way you must be in His Word every single day and intentionally praying for specific direction.  Being in His Word also brings about another incredible resource—His Holy Spirit.  The very Spirit Jesus told us He would send to guide our lives. 

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;  may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 
Psalm 143:10

I love this verse as it progresses in the appropriate pathway for the believer—as we are taught by His word we ask for and receive the leading of His spirit.  A combination that will keep us on the right route all the time.

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. 
Romans 8:11

Please enjoy this brief interview with Vince D’Acchioli on the history of ministry to men in America.

https://youtu.be/o1xsRcA-sE8?si=zU4gu0w3DGlVlyRA

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as …  Jeremiah 1:5

Often I remind my audiences that the most valuable possession we own is our story.  Everyone has a story and as long as we are alive on planet earth it is continuing.  I have found that the secret to living out my story with joy lies in my ability to see how my story lives within, and compliments, God’s story—the BIG STORY.  However, That is not often easy.

If you are anything like me, I find myself not liking the story I am watching unfold in our world right now.  In fact, I must admit I sometimes find myself getting angry and fearful.  When this happens, though I don’t want to admit it, what I am really doing is questioning the Author.  Lord, this surely cannot be Your script here.

Think of it this way: what would it be like if an actor playing their role in a movie, a violin player in an orchestra, or a role player on a sports team, all decided they did not like the script or game plan?  The truly professional people in these situations often know very little regarding the finished product and are comfortable with their unique contribution or role.

That is what God is looking for in all of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus.  Is it hard?  Amazingly so.  Why?  Because our human nature wants to control—have something to do with the trajectory of the story.  I am convinced that God is calling all of us today to take our hands off of the wheel—He has got this, and simply focus on the role He has called you and I to play. 

In our opening verse, Jeremiah 1:5, the Lord is speaking to Jeremiah and letting him in on his role.  I left you guessing regarding the ending of that verse to make a point.  If that were God talking to you or me, we would be begging here, yes Lord, can you please finish that sentence?  Of course, you know in Jeremiah’s case He did go on to say,  a prophet to the nations. 

So, at this point in the conversation you may be having some thoughts like this—sounds good Vince but what if I don’t know my purpose or role?  I know I would probably be less inclined to worry about where we are headed if I knew my part in the story.  First, I must say that last statement is not necessarily a given.  Even though we may have a good idea of our role it does not guarantee freedom from fear and anxiety.

In my case, I do know what God is calling me to do—the part I am appointed to live out.  However, for me to stay calm in the middle of the storm I find I must continually do two things.  Stay focused on going deeper in my relationship with Him, and hone the gifts He has given me to live out my call. 

Perhaps some of this might be helpful to those of you who know your purpose but I want to close by addressing many of you who would say, what if I don’t know my purpose or role?  Then it’s time for you to go on a treasure hunt!  Here are some suggestions I would ask you to pray over first and then explore:

• Seek God afresh every morning and pray He show you how He sees you—Lord, when you look at me, what do you see?
• Ask your friends and close acquaintances to weigh in with how they see you. Be prepared and open when you do this.
• Discover how God wired you uniquely by taking the Natural Gift Test on our website—click here. (if you need help understanding the results email me your questions. vince@otm.co) 
• If you sense God calling you into something, step out in faith and ask Him to shut the door if it is not the right direction. Sometimes this means getting out of your comfort zone.
• Make sure you are connected in a life-giving Christian community that meets weekly for spiritual growth, support, and accountability. (this is very important)

George Mueller, one of the most remarkable men of faith in the last two centuries, had a unique six-step plan to determine God's will:

(1)  I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own regarding a given matter.  (2)  Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression.  If I do so, I make myself liable to great delusions.  (3)  I seek the will of the Spirit through, or in connection with, the Word of God.  (4)  Next, I take into account providential circumstances.  These often plainly indicate God's will in connection with His will and Spirit.  (5)  I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.  (6)  Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge.

I have distilled this down to four things that need to line up to be confident it is God’s direction:

1. Are you reading it in the Word? (This is not a casual closing of the eye and letting the bible flip open to see what it says. Rather, as you are praying for God to reveal His will, can you see a pattern in what you are reading?)
2. Are you hearing it by His Spirit? (It will not likely be an audible voice but keep seeking His face and ask him to whisper to you—He will.  It is hard to sense His perspective until you first experience His presence.)
3. Is it being affirmed through wise, Godly counsel? (Ask trusted Godly people within your sphere to weigh in on what they are sensing about the direction you believe God might be leading you.)
4. Is it consistent with your current circumstances? (Make sure your family situation, finances and logistical needs are being considered.)

I want to leave you with our ministry’s Three Unalterable Facts:

1. God knows you and created you for a special purpose  (Jer. 1:5, Isa. 44:2, Eph. 1:11, Eph. 2:10, Prov. 23:18)

2. God has equipped you with special gifts toward the satisfaction of His purpose (1 4:14, 1 Pet. 4:10)

3. God wants you to discover what your purpose is (Eph. 1:18)

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints Ephesians 1:18

Please enjoy this 12-minute message from Vince helping men understand the importance of praying over their household and property.

https://youtu.be/kuOQPO5l0sI

Easter 2024 has given us an exclamation point on a defining moment in the history of our nation, and perhaps the world!

On the same day we celebrate the most important event in human history, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our country has decided to dedicate this precious day to recognize transgenderism.  Our President has forbidden ALL Christian symbols from celebrating this day at the White House.  In addition, the Governor of New York has ordered that Niagara Falls and some high-rise office building be lit up with rainbow colors to celebrate LGBTQ+++.

Our once great nation, founded upon Judeo Christian principles has moved from one of the most special and godly countries the world has seen to what many believe may now be the most evil nation the world has ever known.  But Vince, what about Sodom and Gomorrah, you might ask.  As bad as those evil nations were, they did not have the ability to export their evil literally to the whole world like we are doing.  We are literally polluting our entire planet with moral filth.

This place we find ourselves did not happen overnight.  It has taken many decades and careful planning by many evil people bent on our destruction.   What we call wokeness has simply accelerated this process in our culture, and sadly even in many of our churches.  As the goal of wokeness in our nation is to abandon all of our founding documents and principles, its slow acceptance within many churches will ultimately necessitate removing the Bible.

The only redeeming value of this exclamation point is its ability to help us define which team we are on.  I am sorry to say this but if your church is not speaking out in powerful godly ways about the evil that has befallen our country—you are on the wrong team.  But Vince, my church is dedicated to not speaking about politics and just get people saved and discipled.  Spare me friend—I am maybe just one person, but I am fed up with that lame and unbiblical excuse.

Jesus warned us of this in Luke 12:49-53.  Verses 51-52 say Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth?  No, I have come to divide people against each other! 52 From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.  It has never been as easy to determine who the teams are.    What team are you on?

Now, for the more important question—why should any of this matter to me?  The answer might surprise you—it shouldn’t.  Now, before I go any further, please understand that I am not suggesting a cavalier or nonchalant stance on what is happening.  As I said earlier, we need to be bold and speak up about these things.  We also need to fight diligently at the ballot box.

However, at the end of the day it shouldn’t matter because God is still on the throne and knows everything that is going on.  He has seen this day since the beginning and trust me, He is not wringing His hands as so many of us are inclined to do.  Rather, He is looking for a people, His people, who are serious about putting their entire faith in Him.

On Easter Sunday we hear this chant around the world, He is risen—He is risen indeed!  Dear friends during this special Easter season here is how we must think:

People want to remove anything that has to do with honoring God from our culture—it doesn’t matter…He has risen.  Our children are being indoctrinated with all kinds of sexual filth—it doesn’t matter…He has risen.  The disgusting practice of homosexuality and other deviant sexual practices, including pedophilia are being normalized—it doesn’t matter…He has risen. 

I could go on with this list for pages, but I think you get the idea.  Of course these things matter to God and they should be of concern.  However, they need not defeat you and me.  The problems I encounter with many Christians, including myself, is that they matter to us in unhealthy ways.  They tend to bring about anxiety and fear when they should not. 

You will never have a greater understanding of God’s perspective until you first experience a greater awareness of His presence.  –Vince D’Acchioli

The only way they will not, is if we cultivate a godly perspective.  And here is my very real and serious message in all of this.  GET HIS PERSPECTIVE!  Decide this Easter season to double down on your commitment to get closer to Him.  Two things will happen.  You will experience incredible inner peace as you encounter Him. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

In addition, you will be a much more capable instrument in His hand as He guides you toward His intended purpose in this incredible battle.

An old seaman once said, “In fierce storms we must do one thing, for there is only one way to survive: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.” And this, dear Christian, is what you must do.

Sometimes, like Paul, you cannot see the sun or the stars to help you navigate when the storm is bearing down on you. This is when you can do only one thing, for there is only one way. Reason cannot help you, past experiences will shed no light, and even prayer will bring no consolation. Only one course remains: you must put your soul in one position and keep it there.

You must anchor yourself steadfastly upon the Lord. And then, come what may—whether wind, waves, rough seas, thunder, lightning, jagged rocks, or roaring breakers—you must lash yourself to the helm, firmly holding your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.

-Richard Fuller

Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.  James 4:8

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:1-6

As we study John 15:1-6 we often focus upon the vine-to-branch connection.  For a moment I want us to see the larger flow implied here in perhaps a different way that may bring about a more contemporary application.  I do not think it would be a theological mistake to consider the root of the plant as representing God the Father.  In doing so consider this—The Father is the root and beginning of everything.  From Him comes the Son who is the Vine.  Here Jesus, the Vine, is calling us His people, who now also have access to the Holy Spirit, to be connected as His branches.  Then, the very natural by-product becomes righteous fruit affecting our world.

 For me this is a powerful picture of the kind of flow that will ultimately produce the right kind of fruit.  So, at this point let me ask a question.  How do we evaluate the fruit of a person’s life?  Maybe this is a better question, is it possible to misdiagnose the fruit?  We have all heard the term, “Rhino”.  It stands for Republicans in name only.  I heard someone say recently that we have “Chrino’s”, Christians in name only.  Even Jesus tells us that there are many who call themselves Christian, yet he suggests, I never knew you. 

The cheaper the internal quality…the more external gloss is required.  Dr. Edwin Louis Cole

The above quote by Ed Cole is unfortunately so true.  Today we have turned fake appearance into an art form.  Much of this, of course, is made possible by our infatuation with all things social media.  I can portray myself any way I want. As believers it is, of course, very important to look for this kind of superficiality in all who profess to be Christian, however, that is not the main reason for my writing this article.

I want to address perhaps the greatest problem facing our country, and perhaps the entire world, certainly in my lifetime.  We are caught up in great theatre.  Those in leadership today have done a masterful job of drawing your attention to fruit that is not real…at worst, poisonous.  Our entire education system has moved from teaching our kids how to think, to what to think.  We have been indoctrinated into a sense of reality that is not what it appears.     

The Bible warns us in Matthew 7:15-17 to beware—look at the fruit of a person.  But what if it’s a wax apple.  They look authentic but I would not suggest trying to eat one.  Dear friends I believe we are putting our trust in people whose message sounds and looks good but whose roots are dead, or worse, demonic.  That is how the devil works—we know it—but for the sake of convenience and time we fail to examine the root. 

Do we need to look any further back than what we have been force-fed for the past seven to eight years about Russia collusion, Covid, vaccines, racism, global warming, the war in Ukraine, insurrection, the border crisis?  Most of us were not encouraged to examine any alternative conclusions to any of narratives around these important issues—we were told what to think and shut down if we did not go along with the prevailing messaging. 

Who is at fault here?  We are.  Too many of us fell for it because we did not examine the root.  Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills just released a new book titled, Daze Of Deception.  Brilliant title—we are literally living in a fog of purposefully misleading information.   I am so very proud of him as he believes as I that the job of a Christian leader today is to help believers out of the fog.

All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, but the Lord examines the motives.  Proverbs 16:2

The above Proverb is one of my favorites and very profound.  It reminds us that man will always try to manipulate but God knows better—He examines the motives of our heart.  My friend, that is what we are called to do.  What is at the root of what we are hearing and seeing?  Money, power, control?  Before you buy into what anyone says we need to take the time to check it out.

I want to close with a classic example I encountered just today.  A commentator on a network I will not mention actually said that people who are for Joe Biden tend to be more likely to have a college education, live in the big cities and tend to be wealthier.  In response another commentator said, so the ones voting for Trump are stupid.  Let that sink in.  This is not an endorsement of any candidate, just a sad commentary on where we are today.

A non-thinking person will tend to accept this, especially if it is coming from their trusted news source.  A thinking person might ask, college education…or college indoctrination???

Two takeaways—first, the only real source of truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ.  The way to be enlightened in anything related to this life is to be grafted into His.  We need to make sure we are in His word every day.  Second, and only after we have been in the word, get to the root (motive), challenge everything you are being fed—I mean literally everything!

IF THIS ARTICLE HAS BLESSED YOU, PLEASE LET US KNOW.  YOU CAN COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL VINCE AT VINCE@OTM.CO 

Please enjoy the teaching below from Vince about how to find God’s purpose for your life.

https://youtu.be/v4C6hrPyeHg

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time, they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.  Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.   Matt 27:15-20

Could it be that the story of Barabbas holds some powerful illustrations that can shed some light on what is going on in our world today?  I think so.  Let’s examine five different people here.  Pilate represents our political leaders today.  Barabbas represents the criminals who live among us, and Jesus represents truth and justice, that which all of us need and seek.  The chief priests and elders represent the elites of that day, and they are still among us today.  Finally, the crowd gathered in this scene represent the multitudes, you and me. 

Now let’s draw some similarities from what is motivating these people and their counter parts today beginning with Pilate.  Placed in this position of authority by Rome, his main concern was keeping the peace at any cost.  If he failed, he would have been replaced.  The people he governed were not important to him—just maintaining his position.  Think of any similarities today—who would Pilate represent? 

Barabbas represents our modern-day criminal.  This could be an illegal alien, someone who robs, steals, or kills and just wants to get off.  Jesus represents everything good—He is the same for us now as He was back then and ever will be—ultimate Truth.  That brings us to the elites.  These are who possess their own “truth” and are against any idea of absolute truth.  They are people who want to control and will do anything to enslave us. 

Finally, we have the crowd, you and me.  Normal people whom God loves, in search of true meaning and purpose.  Now let’s look at what is happening in this scene.  What preceded the crucifixion of the Truth was nothing less than mass manipulation.  You can visualize it, the elites, spreading themselves throughout the crowd whispering, and then yelling, crucify Him.  Let’s go into the Capitol!  Sorry, couldn’t resist.

My friends, this has been going on since the temptation of Eve, and it is alive and well today.  The only difference is the availability of communications tools that have made it possible for the elites of our day to turn this type of deceitful manipulation into an art form.  What saddens me is how many of us have fallen prey.

So, you might ask, why am I sharing this? I am largely persuaded that many of us may be pawns, unaware that we have been nurtured and developed by small minorities with motives we often do not perceive. As we go into what might be the most important election year in our nation's history, I want to give you some things to think and pray about. I also want to say that deception is not associated with any political party or group—it is practiced by all.

If I were an elite with evil intentions to destroy our nation, I would:

• Sexualize and indoctrinate upcoming generations of young people with information designed to create a negative attitude toward our nation, established moral authority, and the rule of law
• Control the basic necessities of life: water, food and natural resources, through a series of far-reaching regulations, and convince people it is in order to save the planet
• Bring about anarchy by exaggerating and making up stories designed to polarize around race, gender, class and lifestyle issues in order to exercise more control (possibly martial law)
• Reduce the ability to protect ourselves through compromising our national defense systems and disarming our citizens
• Create a large poor and homeless population and convince them it is the system around them that is at fault (national slavery)
• Integrate as many immigrants into the culture as possible, especially those with different and oftentimes conflicting ideologies, and whose birthrate far exceeds the majority
• De-emphasize all threats from outside enemies while covertly supporting them
• Create wars as a means of distracting people from what they are really doing
• Lower the bar for incarceration
• Give money freely to everyone to incentivize dependency
• Use fear to de-sensitize the population regarding basic freedoms and accept more government protection and control

No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as FEAR  
-Edmund Burke

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  
2 Timothy 1:7

Some questions to consider in this critical election year:

1. Are you giving in to deliberate and often deceptive attempts to get you to evaluate candidates based upon their character flaws, rather than examining the ideologies they stand for and the direction they will pursue?
2. Do you buy into a reality defined by Fox news or CNN simply because they are your preferred source of what is truth?
3. To what extent are the conclusions you are arriving at supported by your ethnicity, the color of your skin, how you were raised and what you have been taught, rather than prayerfully considered facts?
4. Have you prayed and considered, in light of God’s Word, what is truth and what is deception?

Finally, pray God protects us from the evil intentions of our real enemy and for Him to help our leaders who may be influenced by him to see the alternative, His Son.

IF THIS ARTICLE HAS BLESSED YOU, PLEASE LET US KNOW.  YOU CAN COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL VINCE AT VINCE@OTM.CO 

The video interview below may be the best investment of an hour of your time that you will make this year.  A comprehensive explanation of what is going on in our country today and how we got here.

https://click.updates.tuckercarlson.com/?qs=eb288081e994069029d5f6dd123ab967bdce786326f396ae4613637402bc0894d900fcf7eaf81de698e1686ef7058b601fee96ee4cebc144

NOTE: A hidden message from our Lord awaits you below

When you observe the world through the lens of your soul you will often experience confusion and despair…when you view the world through the lens of your spirit, you will have discernment and hope.

Jesus makes it very clear that we must be born again.  He tells us that when we are, the Holy Spirit dwells within us and will ultimately bring us the proper perspective on life.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.  John 16:13

As believers we are called and expected to see life through a lens unfamiliar to us before we received His Spirit.  We see everything through the lens of our soul (our mind, emotions and will).  It is only as we allow the Holy Spirit the rightful position in our life that we are able to see a whole new perspective…His.

Consider the example of looking at something through a microscope.  When you turn the dial to move the lens, you are changing the focal point of your view.  As you do that everything in you see changes—things that were in focus begin to blur and something you have never seen emerges, often with great wonder.

That is the way it is supposed to be in the life of the believer.  We are to adjust our focal point from our soulish view to a spiritual one.  But this begs the BIG question on the minds and hearts of most of us, how can I do that?  I want to help us answer this important question but before I do let’s take a brief look at where we are.

As we enter this new year it might be good to look back over the last several years and examine what we have experienced.  For me, over the past 3-4 years, I do not believe I have ever encountered so much doubt and confusion.  It seems like any semblance of normalcy, if there ever was, is gone.  There is not enough room in this article to talk about all the distortion and lies that have been perpetrated upon us as a people.

Many have lost all confidence in the media, government, politicians, big business, the medical industry and especially our educational systems.  The general level of trust for all of these is at an all-time low, and for good reason.  We have been in a matrix of smoke and mirrors that is controlled by forces that are not out for our best interest. 

I want to suggest that our frustration level here is directly related to how we are viewing what is happening.  What is your focal point?  For too many of us we are looking at all of this through our soul.  When this happens, we are left with a view that simply reflects the condition of our soul.  My friend the battle lines are drawn.  The forces arrayed against us seem overwhelming, but they are nothing in the sight of our God.  The question for you and me is this, do you want to be a casualty in the battles yet to come—or a mighty victorious warrior in God’s army?   

The answer is not complicated.  It lies in our willingness to step up our game going into this new year.  It means drawing ever nearer to Him (James 4:8) and being in His word every day (Rom. 12:2).  It also means praying specifically for His Holy Spirit to give you the proper spiritual view and an understanding of how He wants to use you in His unfolding plan.

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. Rom. 12:2

Some tips entering this new year:

• Pray your problems in life last as long as your new-year’s resolutions do—in other words, don’t make resolutions—make commitments.
• List all the changes you need to make to get closer to God and sense His Holy Spirit in you.
• Pick up a one-year Bible and determine to read every day,
• Prepare a place in your home that is your personal go-to every morning to start your day reading the word, praying, and worshipping Him.

The below image has a message for you from Jesus Himself.  To see it you need to focus in a very particular way.  Whether you see it or not, the fact of the matter is, it is there.  This is also true of God’s vision for your life.  God is calling us to focus with our spiritual eyes to discover it.  If you end up seeing His message, please let us know.  You can also help others by sharing how you adjusted your focal point.  Please leave your comments below.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Col. 4:2 

Col. 4:2 is a powerful and profound verse for us men today.  Please note the order presented in its command—pray, bewatchful and then thankful

It should go without saying that prayer needs to be the priority in every believer’s life—no matter the times or conditions we find ourselves in.  That said, we are then called to be watchmen. 

God wants us to be like the men from the tribe of Issachar.  From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders.... All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.   I Chronicles 12:32 (NLT). These men made great efforts to understand the signs of the times in which they lived to best guide their people. 

Dear friend, it should not be difficult for us to discern the collapse of all things godly in our world today.  There has never been such a stark contrast between good and evil.  As a watchman my job is to translate all of that for those God has called me to lead in a way that encourages and enables them to live in a way that glorifies God.  I must also remember the clear warning laid out in Ezekiel for the watchman.

Ezekiel 33:1-9 Once again a message came to me from the LORD: “Son of man, give your people this message: When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose a watchman. When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he blows the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action—well, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the warning but wouldn't listen, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their deaths. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman accountable.  “Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to warn them about changing their ways, then they will die in their sins, but I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will not be held responsible.

Perhaps the most important part of this responsibility is to help people understand how we should live.  This is best laid out in 2 Peter 3:11-14, Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.

We must encourage people to live spotless and blameless lives, staying close to and at peace with Him.

As I close let’s not overlook the importance of our last command—being thankful.  Is this difficult when in the midst of great danger and confusion—yes!  I can think of no one better than Nehemiah to guide us here.

After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your homes.  Nehemiah 4:14

As men, called to be prayerful watchmen and the spiritual head of our families, we are also to be like Nehemiah who, in the face of great danger, brought strength and comfort to everyone he encountered.  Our final component, being thankful is best wrapped up in the words Nehemiah shares, Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.  In other words, no matter how bleak things may seem, we are to be encouraged and thankful that our heavenly Father has our back—just like the watchman on the wall.

It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.  Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back --whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.   What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!  Mark 13:34-37

During this special season let’s read and pray these powerful verses:

1 Thess. 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Col. 3:15 Let the peace (Hope) of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Col. 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col. 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

A clarion call from our Lord: 

Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults.  For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool.  But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.  Awake, awake, arm of the LORD, clothe yourself with strength!  Isa 51:7-9a 

Enjoy this special message from Vince on The Four Pillars Of Leadership. 

https://vimeo.com/528115663

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12

The above verse uses a geographical construct to describe a difference so vast it cannot be measured.  It is also a powerful spiritual reminder of just how incredible our God really is.  More on this as we close.

In what might be considered an unusual attempt to shed some light on what is happening in our world today, I want to take a moment and unpack the phrase, as far as the east is from the west, in another context.  To do so we need to go back to the story of Isaac and Ishmael to study how God dealt with these two men and how it has metastasized into what we are seeing today in the Middle East and will be experiencing until Jesus’ return.

Of course, we know that Ishmael, the son of Hagar, represents a plan born by Abraham and Sarah (the plan of man) to get a child they were unable to conceive—it was a plan born out of their flesh.  Isaac, on the other hand, was the miracle brought about by God allowing Sarah to conceive, even in old age, and is considered of the Spirit (plan of God). 

The son of Hagar (Gen 16), and the son of Sarah (Gen 17), today’s Arabs and Jews respectively, and their subsequent offspring, God tells us, will be and have been in conflict until the end.  Since Mohammed came on the scene in 622 and declared that all Jews were the enemies of Allah, there has been tremendous conflict (Gen 25:18).  I am persuaded that what we are seeing today is unprecedented in all recorded history and needs to be understood by every Bible believing Christian.

 The Crescent vs Cross

While most of the Jewish world does not believe Jesus is their intended Messiah, they do believe in the same God we Christians honor.  The Arab/Islamic world believe in an entirely different god—a god born out of the fleshly origins of Ishmael.  So, this is where the battle is—Allah and Jesus. 

Interestingly, in a geopolitical sense, this conflict is being talked about as between the east and the west.  In this sense, it is true that our differences cannot be measured—they are that far apart.  There is no middle ground and no compromise between the two.  Muslims seem to understand this clearly.  They will strap on bombs as a sign of dedication.   

I want to say at this point that I am both excited and concerned.  As a Bible believing follower of Christ, it is easy to see that the Bible has predicted this conflict.  Just look at how all the countries in the east are lining up against Israel currently.  We are seeing the signs of God winnowing—the separation of the wheat from the chaff, darkness being invaded by His light.  I am excited because Jesus could come back very soon, like today. 

I am concerned that many Christians, particularly here in the west, are not prepared to take the current circumstances seriously enough.  I fear we are not focused on the BIG picture and are wallowing around in our search for getting back to normal—whatever that is.  The more traditional and “Orthodox” forms of Christianity, in many ways, seem more deeply committed than us in the west.  Some of them are dying for their faith. 

In the west it seems like our approach to faith is not very strong or robust.  We follow more of an attraction model, and we see people as consumers instead of potential worshipers of the true God of Abraham. The result is superficial and uncommitted people who are unwilling to live out God’s plan. 

Men, it is time.  Time to discover who God created you to be and seek your destiny. 

Here are some ideas, takeaways, for you to consider:

• Discover what is going on around the world and do not just take in one or two sources—spread it out. If you only watch American news, you will be brainwashed.  In other words, do your homework.
• Prepare your family and close friends for what is coming. Ask God to show you your role.
• Double down on your time with God. Hear His voice.  Sense His presence—you will not be successful without it.
• Pray against the antisemitic spirit that is rising up in our colleges and government.
• Focus on your true purpose before God…bringing people to Jesus.
• Watch my message from a PK New Zealand men’s conference on how to be Jesus in a dying world. Click Here

Most importantly, remember our opening verse—your sins are separated from you as far as the east is from the west.  You ARE forgiven and freed in Christ! Live like you believe it.

Finally, if you want to know what is going on today, I highly recommend reading America Alone, The End Of The World As We Know It, by Mark Steyn.  See the excerpt below from Wikipedia.

(Click here to find this book on Amazon)

Mark Steyn attributes the forecast fall of the Western world to three factors, demographic decline, unsustainability of the advanced Western social-democratic state, and exhaustion of civilization. Steyn based his argument of population decline on his own observation that European nations have low birth rates while Muslim nations have higher birth rates. Steyn wrote that in the 2000s, the population of the developed world declined from about 30% of world population to around 20%, while the population of Muslim nations increased from about 15% to 20% (Excerpted from Wikipedia)

We are living in the greatest time of deception ever to infect the human race since the days of Noah.

Can you imagine the depravity of man had reached a point where God was so disgusted, He regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him to His heart. (Gen 6:6)

At this point the obvious question should be, what must it have been like?  The Bible gives us some pretty good evidence beginning with fallen angels having relations with the daughters of men and the incredible sexual perversion that resulted.  The people of that day were totally deceived by the enemy.  Could it be that we are seeing a parallel in our day?  I believe we are.

Consider these examples:  A complete disrespect for God, the idea that we are our own god, the notion coming from the one-worlders that we can exceed what God has done through AI, the celebration of every imaginable deviant sexual behavior, Pedophiles now called minor attracted persons, the sexual grooming of our children beginning in grade school, the notion that parents have no rights over their children, Trans-genderism, satanism on school campuses while Christians are banned. 

I will stop here for sake of time and space, but you know this list could go a lot longer.  All of this is happening while most decent people have their head in the sand.  Like in the days of Noah we have lost all discernment.  We are being lulled into thinking everything is ok and are boiling to death as surely as that Frog-in-the-kettle.  Why?  Is it possible we can find our answer in looking at Noah?  What kept him from this deception that might give us a blueprint to follow?

This is the account of Noah and his family.  Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.  Gen 6:9

This verse says that Noah was righteous and blameless among his people at that time.  Make no mistake, this does not mean that he was perfect—far from it.  But, compared to what that generation looked like, he was truly a cut above and most importantly, he walked with God.  I would suggest that the latter is what made the former possible.  In God’s eyes Noah was a man after His own heart.  Could this be what is escaping people today, especially those of us who claim to be a follower of Jesus?

Dear friend, we are living in desperate times, and I believe God is looking for modern day Noahs.  there was little Noah could do to impact his culture and probably the same is true for you and me.  Notwithstanding our sincere efforts to work hard to make a difference and continual prayer for our nation, the future, as with Noah, is in the capable hands of God. 

So, what does all this mean for you and me today?  Noah not only walked with God, but they spoke as well.  He heard from God.  I am persuaded that this is what we must focus on today.  We must give up our anxiety-driven handwringing and start walking and talking with God and trusting Him for the results.  What does that look like today?

Here are some practical ideas:

• Double down on the time you are spending with the Lord every day (if you are not—start now).
• If you are not in a healthy small-group or church, get in one.
• Make it a habit not to believe anything you are told until you check it out for yourself.
• Be courageous and stand up for what you know is true and righteous.

And finally, Noah had God Himself to talk with and today we have His Word—that is where you and I will hear from Him.  I suggest you start by meditating on the verses below.  They are an abbreviated collection of verses dealing with deception and demonic influence.  Study them and please share them with others.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 ESV And with all wicked deception for those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Matthew 24:4-5 ESV And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

Matthew 24:11 ESV And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. ...

Matthew 24:24 ESV For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:36-39 ESV But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mark 13:22 ESV For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

John 8:44 ESV You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

1 Timothy 4:1 ESV Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

1 John 4:1 ESV Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 ESV Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction…

Revelation 12:9 ESV And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

2 Corinthians 11:13 ESV For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 

If this TargetPoint has inspired you in some way please forward it to your friends.

Check out this short funny clip from our early years on, The Differences Between Men And Women

https://otm.co/the-differences-between-men-women-446-promo-clip/

The first one to plead his cause seems right,
until his neighbor comes and examines him. 
Proverbs 18:17

Often I hear people say, facts matter.  The fact is, no they do not…at least not anymore.

We have turned spin into an art form. In the face of irrefutable facts, someone will convince you to deny them or that they are outright wrong. Just listen in on any congressional hearing or investigation.  The facts discovered in the process are completely twisted by whomever is interpreting them.  How many times have you heard the term, its’s settled science?  I wish I had a dollar for every time we discovered the science was wrong.  Isn’t that the very nature of good science—to follow where the facts lead?

Instead, you and I are fed virtual nonsense and being asked to accept it as true.  Why?  Because the hidden motives or agenda, trumps the truth.  Lying becomes an acceptable means to an end and you and I are seen as pawns whose answer on poll questions is the real goal.  My concern here is not for the liars—they have been here since the fall.  My concern is for those who are hearing the deceit—you and me.   

If we dissect Proverbs 18:17, we see that when a person pleads, or states their case, it is usually accepted.  However, the verse also suggests that a further examination—or a look a little deeper—might lead to a different conclusion.  I am convinced that most people have been brainwashed to NOT look deeper.  I have noticed this happening now for at least the past 40-50 years.  We have evolved a generation of people who lack patience and the ability to apply critical thought.

Instead of allowing the facts to draw us to a conclusion, we allow our conclusions to direct us to ONLY the facts that seem to support them.  Our inability, or often unwillingness, to look deeper and more critically at the evidence, establishes fertile ground for deception.  Because we live in a quick-fix, soundbite society, we lack the patience it takes to flush out truth.  Besides, If I discover this news source is lying and manipulating me, I might have to find another channel—and I like this anchor.

Let’s look at some statements we have all heard and either agree or disagree with:

Backing Ukraine is a fight to protect Democracy, a fetus is not a life, a man can become a woman, homosexuality is a morally equivalent alternative lifestyle, masks work, vaccinations are safe and effective, Covid did not come from a lab, January 6^th was a planned insurrection, our country is much better off as a result of President Biden, white people are bad, sex trafficking of kids is being overstated, global warming is man-made and settled science, socialism is good, the border is secure, pharmaceutical companies have your best interest in mind, I could go on and on…

First, let me suggest that many of these statements are not only intended to mislead, but also to divide us.  Whether they are true or not is not the issue.  How you arrived at your conclusion is.  If you want to test my hypothesis, ask yourself which one of these you happen to think is solid and how much research you did to come to your conclusion.  Sadly, most people do not even try to dig for opposing views or facts to weigh out their conclusions.  

If you really want to know how we got here, just look up Mass Formation Psychosis and research what that is all about.  In one way or another you and I are all victims of it, but I digress.  After all this is said and done, what is the takeaway—what do I need to do—how should I think differently?

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.  Proverbs 12:22

First, we must understand how much God detests lying.  We also need to know what He means by acting faithfully.  I believe He wants us to be faithful in our pursuit of the truth.  This means we must do whatever it takes to keep ourselves from being deceived.  Jesus, referring to Himself in John 14:6 says, I am the way, the Truth, and the life.  He goes on to say in John 16:13, When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…  

Dear friend, as followers of Jesus we should never allow ourselves to succumb to lies and outright deceit.  He has given us His Holy Spirit and all we need to do is tap into that wonderful source to gain the proper biblical perspective.  How does that work, you might ask.  For me, I take whatever the world is trying to get me to believe and lay it on that altar of accountability before God.  I investigate the Bible and make sure that what I am considering is not contradicted by God’s Word.  Then I ask the Holy Spirit to speak and direct me if I am being deceived.

I then challenge myself to investigate the opposing views or data to gain an understanding of how people arrived at the opposite conclusion.  This, more often than not, surfaces information most people never see or hear.  

When I consider the amount of misinformation, outright lying and deceitful motives permeating our culture today, it is challenging not to become pessimistic.  On the other hand, I am also mindful of how great our God is and that He will never leave us or forsake us.  He is where our hope comes from, and we must always remember that.  

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah. 29:11

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Romans 12:2

Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.  But the correction
of fools is folly.   Proverbs 16:22

The following is excerpted from an article I wrote in November of 2017 by the same title.  Because of where we find ourselves today I felt the need to re-communicate these thoughts with some updated information.   –Vince

Lately I have done extensive reading and some research on how whole societies and countries have been overtaken, conquered.  In man’s earliest days the methods were always physical.  It took massive, well trained and well equipped armies—in other words—physical force.  Not so today.  The new weapon is persuasion and the tools for this type of takeover are both devious and very sophisticated.  If I can persuade you to surrender I have won without any physical effort or cost. 

In 1987 Allan Bloom wrote his number one best seller, The Closing Of The American Mind.  The subtitle for the twenty-five-year anniversary edition says, How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students.  One of my favorite quotes from this amazing work is, the problem with an open mind is that your brains fall out.  Bloom's criticism revolves around his belief that the "great books" of Western thought have been devalued as a source of wisdom.  This would obviously include the Bible.  Bloom says The modern liberal philosophy enshrined in the Enlightenment thought of John Locke—that a just society could be based upon self-interest alone, coupled by the emergence of relativism in American thought—has led to this crisis. 

Thirty-six years later we are seeing the results Bloom predicted.  How did we get here? Carefully planned and artfully applied MANIPULATION!  Now, I know what you are thinking—even a casual leaning in this direction will label me a conspiracy theorist.  This label is another calculated strategy to stop any kind of honest effort to uncover the truth. Here is another example—when asked a very logical question regarding what the possible “end game” might be for all of this most will say, I don't know.  Many, including this writer, believe the end game is total takeover—complete control of our nation and the removal of everything we originally stood for.  If you openly say this—you are laughed at—again—manipulation.

In his well-written book, The Marriage Builder, Dr. Larry Crabb writes that in all human interaction you are doing one of two things only, you are either ministering or you are manipulating.  As someone with a modest background in behavioral science I remember thinking, it can’t be that simple.  He uses the illustration of a husband walking over to his wife after dinner, putting his arm around her waist he says, honey you look beautiful tonight.  So, for all you men reading this I know you get the picture. 

Forgive me ladies as I certainly do not mean to lessen your understanding of the scene here—in fact you are masters at discerning the motives behind all that we men say and do.  However, I wonder if this is true of us today as a body of believers?  Do we truly perceive the motives behind what is being acted out and told to us today?  

My friend is it possible that most of what we are seeing and being fed today is carefully choreographed theater designed to manipulate you and me, pawns in the eyes of those perpetrating all of this, into a socially engineered groupthink.  What if virtually every newsworthy major event is viewed by devious people as an opportunity to manipulate the vulnerable masses into a way of thinking that will move them closer to seeing their “end game” achieved?  What if it is no longer left or right, conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican and it is all set up to make us think there are two sides when the reality is—the leaders of these groups are working together in order to deceive? 

The problem is very few people are doing any critical thinking.  We are not trying to discern what the real motive or “end game” is.  We are being lied to or kept in the dark on almost every front.  Consider the following:

• Covid came from a fish market and was accidental, masks and social distancing work and the vaccines are safe and effective.
• Backing Ukraine is protecting democracy.
• LBGTQ+++ are to be considered normal and should be affirmed and celebrated.
• Pedophilia is now Minor Attracted Persons (sex trafficking is a 34-billion-dollar industry)
• There are more slaves today than in all of history just considering the millions of children being sold globally.
• Individual freedom is less important than the will of the collective.
• Killing the unborn is ok—it’s a matter of choice.
• Socialism and globalism are good for us, nationalism is bad.
• Global warming is caused by humans.
• Always trust science.
• Your kids do not belong to you—they are the property of the state. (As of this writing California is putting forth a bill to give children the legal right to leave home at age 12)

There are so many more messages and soundbites I could list here but I know these will garner a lot of emotions from my readers.  For this writer I have no trouble saying all of these are wrong, pathetic and disgusting.  But then I am not very opinionated.  Perhaps you will agree or disagree with some of these issues.  The question is, what is the source of these messages and are they designed to minister or manipulate me?  How can you know the real motives?

Let me suggest some thoughtful questions you should ask whenever you are trying to figure out truth from lies and ministry vs manipulation:

• Who is the source behind this idea or message?
• What vested interest might they have?
• Is there money involved?
• Is it about power and control?
• What are the facts when compared to the counter argument?
• Does it unite or divide us?
• And most important, what does the Bible say? 

Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?   Mark 12:24

Today is July 5^th, 2023.  As I finish the update for this TargetPoint I am reminded of what we just celebrated the Fourth of July.  I wonder how many of us remember what it cost our patriots who signed that precious declaration.  Thousands of lives—a lot of shed blood.  They knew the implications and were willing to pay the price.  Girded by prayer and a lot of bravery they came through. 

My friends I am persuaded that we are dangerously close to experiencing the same kind of tyranny and control they did way back then.  The question for us…WHAT IS THE PRICE YOU AND I ARE WILLING TO PAY TO SECURE FREEDOM?

We have moved from The Home of The Free and The Brave to a land filled with Slaves and Cowards, we are ideological slaves and practical cowards.  Vince D’Acchioli

Who Am I? 
Why Am I Here?

The questions are not as important as where you look for the answers!

Thus says the Lord:  “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength,  whose heart departs from the Lord.”  Jer 17:5

I am persuaded that beginning with Adam and continuing to today, every human being has a built-in desire to discover their identity and their destiny.  For the first twenty years of my young life, I remember being obsessed with wanting to know who am I? and why am I here?  During that time, having little understanding of who God is, I found myself on a desperate quest for answers without ever considering the spiritual implications.  I was looking for answers through the lens of pride and had no concept of the importance of humility.

Currently I am taking a group of young leaders through the powerful book by Andrew Murray, simply titled Humility.  I have done this now about five or six times and find myself learning more with each reading.  Murray in his opening preface says this: When I look back upon my own religious experience, or round about the church of Christ in the world, I stand amazed at the thought of how little humility is sought after as the distinguishing feature of the disciple of Jesus.

So even as I look back to my earliest days as a new believer, the lack of a true understanding of the power of pride to squelch humility was a problem.  What is humility?  Tyron Edwards probably said it best: Humility is not an abject, groveling, self-despising spirit…it is but a right estimate of ourselves as God sees us. 

There it is—as God sees us.  My friend your and my life can never be more glorious and satisfying as when we grasp a glimpse of who we are through His eyes.  Sadly, the opposite is also true.  When we allow our pride to push us to seeing who we are through the world around us it will usually lead to serious dysfunction at best.  This explains what we are seeing in our world today. 

Just take a look at the symptoms, porn, alcohol, drugs, sexual and gender confusion, suicide and a devaluation of human life are but a few.  When we seek to understand who we are through the world around us instead of our Creator we will never become the man or woman God intended.  I believe that humility is the number one attitude God is looking for in every one of His precious creatures if we are to obtain these answers. 

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.  For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name…  Philippians 2:5-9

Jacques Benigne Bossuet is quoted as saying, Man makes himself God through pride, God makes Himself man through humility. So there it is—Jesus is our model.  But, you might say, how can any human being live up to that?  In your fleshly, pride-filled state—you cannot.  If we truly desire to understand our identity and destiny through the eyes of our Creator we must empty ourselves of everything that resists total surrender and assume a humble position before Him.

I have discovered that my ability to understand my proper position is directly related to my true understanding of His.  Further, my true understanding of His can only be achieved by knowing Him intimately.  And finally, knowing Him intimately cannot happen without a very serious commitment to spending TIME, reading the Word, praying and worshipping Him.

In Andrew Murray’s earlier quote, he shows his frustration in not seeing an important distinguishing feature as evidence in the life of the believer questioning whether they are a true disciple.  I could not agree more and that is the reason why we are now unpacking what I call the Four Markers Of A Disciple. 

The Four Markers Of A Disciple

1. They have anIntimate relationship with God (they know Whose they are)
2. They have discoveredWho they are, their Identity
3. They know God’s plan for their life, theirDestiny
4. They are living out their purpose and have becomeThe Man God Intended

I am persuaded that as pastors and leaders we have failed to recognize the importance of the first marker in positioning people to experience the rest.  As I close, I want us to acknowledge two things.  First, those questions are never going to go away—they will always be relevant.  And second, it is not too late—we must move past our mistakes and begin to communicate, coach and guide people into experiencing a more intimate relationship with our Lord!

Self is the whole evil of fallen nature, self-denial is our capacity of being saved; humility is our Savior.  –Andrew Murray

On a final note, I want to invite any of you who may be interested in joining me on a weekly OTI Zoom call to please email vince@otm.co.  They take place every Wednesday at 6:00 PM Pacific Time.