A Prayer of Ascents

Oh, Lord.  I have strayed too often from these thoughts of trust and prayer and reliance on Your love and energy and power.  I have trusted in my hand and not Yours.  Why do I do this?  Why do I get the wrong meanings twisted and contorted?  Is there not a God in heaven to show me the next step?

Have I found too much at my own hand?  I have not seen the greatness that I have desired. Yet, I have seen much greater than imagined in lives and hope and changed outlook.

There is You.

There is You.

There is You.

You guide my heart and hands and words and writings.

You guide me to bless and encourage others into a new and living way beyond their expectation.

How can I not now see the hand of provision of all that is needed over all I do and endeavor?

This year, You have been great to me.

Continue Lord.

That is my expectation and preparation of my heart.  I look only to see You greater than all.

Have a Gorgeous 2012, Friend.

Gorgeous in common vernacular means extremely good, pleasant, fulfilling.

So that is my prayer for your 2012.

May your days be extremely good in their outcomes before you go to bed.

May your thoughts be pleasant and expectant of goodness all the days of this year.

May mercy fulfill your wishes beyond what you imagined and crop failure cover your mistakes.

Have a great 2012 and beyond, Friend.  Surely God is on your side to see you strong and blessed.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Merry Christmas. Feliz Navidad.

The last few days created joy in many hearts. None of the joy was easy. All of the joy was easy.


Los pocos días anteriores crearon la alegría en muchos corazones. Ninguna de la alegría era fácil. Toda la alegría era fácil.


Just arrived back from a five day trip to Matamoros to extend gifts and hope from many churches in Oklahoma City to children, families, men, and moms. For five days we were in rain and fog. Most of our outreach was outside at night. Go figure we would find a cold and rainy weekend in Mexico, when the weather should have been beautiful.


Sólo llegado atrás de una cinco excursión de un día a Matamoros para ampliar regalos y esperanza de muchas iglesias en Ciudad de Oklahoma a niños, familias, hombres, y mamás. Durante cinco días estábamos en lluvia y niebla. La mayor parte de nuestro para exceder era fuera por la noche. Vaya la figura encontraríamos un fin de semana frío y lluvioso en México, cuando el tiempo debería haber sido hermoso.

People came in the mud and rain. By the hundreds they came in their neighborhoods, at the medical clinic, at the church. They came to hear of hope and receive a gift for a child.


La gente vino al barro y lluvia. Por cientos ellos vinieron a sus vecindades, en la clínica médica, en la iglesia. Ellos vinieron para oír de la esperanza y recibir un regalo para un niño

It is easy to give. The strength that comes far exceeds the energy expended.


Es fácil dar. La fuerza que viene lejos excede la energía gastada

A kiss on the cheek from an excited mom.


Un beso en la mejilla de una mamá excitada.

A deep hug from a pastor receiving support and encouragement.


Un abrazo profundo de un pastor que recibe apoyo y estímulo

Te amo. Again and again and again, those words ring in my ears from hundreds of people. Gracias. Dios te bendiga.


Te amo. Una y otra vez y otra vez, aquellas palabras suenan en mis oídos de cientos de personas. Gracias. Dios te bendiga.

The smiles say as much as words. Sonrisa is smile in Spanish. What a beautiful word for smile. It is a Son Rise. It is the love of Jesus rising from deep. No, the Spanish word has no root in either the English son or rise. But, how like God to create such a word that communicates in two languages even as the smile on the face has no boundaries of culture or language or place.


Las sonrisas dicen tanto como palabras. El Sonrisa es smile en inglés. Qué palabra tan hermosa para smile. Esto es una Subida de Hijo. Esto es el amor de Jesús que se eleva de profundamente. No, la palabra española no tiene ninguna raíz en el Son inglés o en rise. Pero, como como Dios para crear tal palabra que se comunica en dos lenguas justo cuando la sonrisa en la cara no tenga ningunos límites de cultura o lengua o lugar.

May your Christmas be as full of joy as I am today reflecting on the goodness of a God that can reach through mud and pain and wind and rain to bring out a smile. Just enjoy your time and family. Merry Christmas.


Deje a su Navidad ser tan llena de la alegría como reflexiono hoy sobre la calidad de Dios que puede alcanzar por barro y doler y viento y llover para sacar una sonrisa. Sólo disfrute de su tiempo y familia. Feliz Navidad.


www.facebook.com/prayermetro  Plenty of short video and pics so you can join us in the field.


Mucho vídeo corto y pics entonces usted puede afiliarse a nosotros en el campo

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099

Stirring the Call

Stirring The Call  http://prayermetrodevotion.blogspot.com

"God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" Romans 11:29 

A friend reminded me that green grass may be the byproduct of a broken sewer line. Another reminded me to stir the call. 

What does that mean? Stir the call? 

Paul admonished Timothy to remind himself of whose he was. He encouraged power and love and a sound mind to activate results and dispel fear. 

Luke reminds us that it is a power of the Holy Spirit that engages us into effectiveness. 

John encourages us that perfect love casts out fear, puts it in the street and out of the house. 

Stir the call. 

Sunday, I spoke at Fairview on the passion of Eleazar. This warrior entered Pas Dammim with a sure call. Pas Dammim is the boundary of blood. This section of land was contested over and over between the Philistines and Israelis. No one ever won. Just lots of blood at the boundary. 

Eleazar fought until everyone else had fled. Alone he stood with his call and his confidence. No friend stood with him. No enemy withstood him. 

Calls can be lonely sounding. They resonate in the soul and push us into action. They enable and motivate. And mostly start out alone. 

Of course all Eleazer's friends showed up for the victory feast. Each took a piece of his conquest home as a prize for watching. Eleazer took home his pride and his resoluteness and a smile from his Father. That's all a call needs for reward. 

Prayer: Father, You are the Author of the call.  Give us courage to engage what You call into being.  Give us tenacity to take the life offered and offer to others.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Stirring The Call

"God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" Romans 11:29

A friend reminded me that green grass may be the byproduct of a broken sewer line. Another reminded me to stir the call.

What does that mean? Stir the call?

Paul admonished Timothy to remind himself of whose he was. He encouraged power and love and a sound mind to activate results and dispel fear.

Luke reminds us that it is a power of the Holy Spirit that engages us into effectiveness.

John encourages us that perfect love casts out fear, puts it in the street and out of the house.

Stir the call.

Sunday, I spoke at Fairview on the passion of Eleazar. This warrior entered Pas Dammim with a sure call. Pas Dammim is the boundary of blood. This section of land was contested over and over between the Philistines and Israelis. No one ever won. Just lots of blood at the boundary.

Eleazar fought until everyone else had fled. Alone he stood with his call and his confidence. No friend stood with him. No enemy withstood him.

Calls can be lonely sounding. They resonate in the soul and push us into action. They enable and motivate. And mostly start out alone.

Of course all Eleazers friends showed up for the victory feast. Each took a piece of his conquest home as a prize for watching. Eleazer took home his pride and his resoluteness and a smile from his Father. That's all a call needs for reward.

Prayer: Father, You are the Author of the call.  Give us courage to engage what You call into being.  Give us tenacity to take the life offered and offer to others.

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Receiving the moments of You in prayer.

Matthew 6:34 So don't fret about the next moment, because that moment will present opportunity enough. Each moment has enough to handle of its own. (Phil's version)

Reasons to Receive and Reasons to Reject

Each of us finds reasons to receive a moment and reasons to reject a moment during holiday seasons. This morning I read through a letter from the speaker of the house in Alabama thanking me for prayer. A thank you is a reason to receive with rejoicing. Yesterday, my car's heater sprung a leak. It is 15 degrees outside. That is certainly a reason to reject at 150 miles from home. However, the moment had to be received to be handled. A quick trip to Wally world for some miracle fluid to get me home and a quick call to my faithful mechanic and the car is in the shop and will be ready tomorrow. It had to be received to get to rejoicing. Glad there is a repair fund with a few bucks set aside.

Predecessors

Now the car heater had been preceded by a water heater at the house and the batteries dying in my bionic ears during some critical discussions and my phone / belt-hanging computer cutting in and out and, and, and..... Each moment has to be received, handled and can end up in rejoicing. Now the letter was preceded by a great discussion with a business analyst in New York and a new client coming on board and good days strategizing with two business teams. All of those are easy to receive and rejoice.

The Moment

Every moment presents the opportunity to receive and eventually rejoice. Some are much tougher than others. But, we make it through when we persist. In Dicken's Christmas Carol, the ghost of Christmas present says, "Know me better, man." In other words, enjoy what you have. Receive it, get it into it, and take all the enjoyment you can out of it.

Prayer:

Father, let You have some great moments this week. Whether they start good or bad or interruptive or encouraging, let them result in rejoicing. Enable You to receive and engage with each moment with a certainty You are on our side. As the press of all that needs done needs done looms and days shorten in reach, put a deep smile of confident expectation of good wrap around the heart of You. Give peace for the journey with strength for the moment, and I will be faithful to remember You in each of them.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Enjoy the present moment.

Matthew 6:30
God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don't have so little faith!

There is certainly room for improvement in our world behavior these days.  Always has been.  Always will be as long as humans are in charge.  It is a fountain of life to realize our God is able to tend to our needs.

In this present moment I pray you find:

Lasting hope to replace any disenchantment

Enduring love to replace sometimes disappointment

Empowering faith to replace wandering discouragement

Exceeding joy to replace temporary disillusionment

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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This Present Moment

Be blessed.
Be full of God's love.
Take joy as a selection on life's menu.

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ThanksLiving Week

Isaiah 44:23 Skies, sing for joy because the Lord did great things! Earth, shout for joy, even in your deepest parts! Sing, you mountains, with thanks to God. Sing, too, you trees in the forest!

As you navigate through this week of family gatherings, work luncheons, services, and community gatherings I pray you remember why our nation declares this week.

Thanksgiving has become a national time of taking time away from the daily grind and the mundane.

Has it become a time of real reflection on that for which we are thankful?

Has it become a time of centering decisions and actions on a life of being thankful?

May your many blessings consume your thoughts this week.

May your many accomplishments in life come to mind and stir your confidence.

May God's hand that has brought you thus far be on you in real and tangible ways.

May the grace that has brought you thus far be extended another season.

May you sing and shout and sing and sing so that any and all my see and say, "What a good thing, God has done."

Stay blessed and have a great week of ThanksLiving.

Drugs, lotteries, and prayer

Miracles of drugs, chance, and prayer do little good in reversing deliberate patterns of destructive lifestyle.

They may jumpstart the process, but seven more deadly demons will disrupt and dilute any lasting results should we not transform our thoughts and behavior to a new and living pattern.

Prayer can change our patterns of thought and behavior and miraculously interrupt to take down the strong man should he be too strong for discipline.

At times the strong mountain must be crushed in God's intervention so we may see with hope and faith. At that moment we must rush with diligence to be transformed and cover ourselves in study and prayer.
Matt 12:22-45

Dissing Dragons

But the dragon was not strong enough, and he and his messengers lost their place in heaven. Revelation 12:8

“Precisely the least, the softest, lightest, a lizard's rustling, a breath, a flash, a moment - a little makes the way of the best happiness.” Friedrich Nietzsche

Whether dragon or lizard is a matter of perception. A dragon is a large lizard with bad breath. A lizard is a small dragon with whimsical appeal.

Every issue in life can appear as a dragon. Every issue in life can appear as a lizard. The size and impact is in perception and reception.

Unless of course the dragon is really a dragon. Then you cannot perceive him into a lizard. He must be faced, fought, and conquered or caged.

Some seasons the lizards slip from every crack and crook. They are amazing, light creatures and a delight to watch. Many come with colors and shapes that are simply delightful. As Nietzsche points out, it takes but simple littles to make us smile. They never stay for more than a flash.

Some seasons the dragons crash through from every open path. It seems there is no journey safe. Yet, really, most of them are lizards with a big shadow. When faced, they shrink to normal delightful size and rustle away giving comic relief to a frightful first pounce. In retreat, they will remove all enchantment from life.

In reality, some dragons are dragons. Afflictions of the soul that roar from within are the toughest to tie down. Their firey breath breaks our courage into small and ineffective pieces. The weight of their tromping across our heart pushes breath away from our lungs. Such can take away your heart to fight.

Some dragons drop from the sky. Friends and family take on new visage. Competitors in the field swoop away clients. Disease strikes hard blows and finishes off with a slicing tail thumping our last resolve. They are real and must be engaged with what is left in our reservoir. A shield of faith and a helmet of salvation come in mighty handy in such encounters but they are only effective head on. From the back we are toast. Our courage can retreat after several engagements.

When dragons leave the lair and land in your road, remember the encouragement of John in the Revelation. They are not strong enough.

Whether you face lizards or dragons today, I ask the Father to encourage your courage to face the discouragement.

May He enchant your view to face the disenchantment.

May He bring new appointments to face the disappointment.

May He strengthen your confidence and connection to face the disconnect.

May He give you a vibrant heart to face the disheartenment.

So, what is it like to read my mail....?

Prayer really works. Below are some quotes over the last three days. Business professionals, lawyers, legislators and pastors. The pastors are from Church of Christ, Baptist, and Pentecostal. God has no bounds.

Thank you so very very much. That came at a good time. it really did. Kansas

Thank you so much for your words of inspiration and inclusion of me in your prayers. The

Lord works through all of us, and you my friend just gave me a great boost! Thank you so very much, and may our Heavenly Father bless and keep you all the days of your life. Montana

Thank you Phil, prayers so needed with all that is occurring in this life Kansas

Mr. Larson: I agree totally with your observations about the way our Father blesses, most often in ways we had not anticipated, much less requested. We move and have our being drenched in the sunlight of his love. Thanks for your prayers. New Mexico

All I can say is you made my day! Arkansas

Oh how I needed this on this day at this time! My finger is wet w/my tears of release - comfort - peace & hope! Oklahoma

Bro. Phil so nice to get such an uplifting email. I trust that your day be blessed and all your family as well. Oklahoma

You are the best Phil. May our Lord continue to bless you and your family. Oklahoma

Thanks a bunch, Bro! I needed that. Blessing back to you! Oklahoma

Thank you for lifting me up in prayer and through you God has blessed me and this day that

He has made. Montana

Thank you so much, Phil. I appreciate prayers more than financial contributions to my campaign, and sometimes they come together. I appreciate your remembering me. New Mexico

Thanks for the prayer support. It is appreciated. Arizona

Thank you Phil. Prayer warriors are essential and very much appreciated! Kansas

Royal Retching?

Royal Retching?

more from Hezekiah's researchers

Proverbs 25:16 If you find honey, don't eat too much, or it will make you throw up.

Sweet = Not So Sweet

When does sweet not seem so sweet? When it becomes our ruler. Any great enjoyment in life can become the source of pain and rejection. Candy and cakes can bring illness. A little wine can turn into a full time habit. Fun on the boat fishing can become an obsession. Surfing the net can become a life robbing addiction. What started sweet can ruin your life.

UnSweeting

There is ability in Christ to break the not so sweet addictions into which we place ourselves, You. Some don't believe it. Some find it too magical for the Creator to involve Himself again with a creation's decision. He does. Of course, He would rather we not get into a trap of sweetness. But, He is determined to get our lives into the right motion and the right groove.

Balance

Much of the royal living instructions of Proverbs lean to balance. Enjoy life. Don't let it rule you. Be faithful to your commitments. Don't overcommit. Life is meant to be good and enjoyable and considerate of others around us. Too much of any one thing means leaving out something else that is probably more important to a friend or family member who gets shorted.

Prayer:

Father, pour balance over my life and the life of You.

When life is enjoyable give us discretion to enjoy just the right amount.

When life is painful give us relief that we don't look for the wrong answer or easy escape.

Bless You with a good day and a good way.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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A Good Plan for You.

"When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally." Lao Tzu

I Kings 6: 37-38 Work began on the Temple in Ziv, the second month, during the fourth year Solomon was king over Israel. The Temple was finished during the eleventh year he was king, in the eighth month, the month of Bul. It was built exactly as it was planned. Solomon had spent seven years building it.

Clyde's Plan

Clyde's life was spent. After 45 years of construction, he looked for days at the lake. Fishing had always been relaxing for him. Now he could relax the rest of his years.

Enterprise Construction kept Clyde on the go. Sometimes he worked 60 hours a week on the new apartments and houses. There would be plenty of projects at the lake. But he liked to tinker. Now, he could finish out those cabinets for his wife. Their home had been the last to be tended. Cobbler's shoes, right?

Jake's Plan

Jake, the owner, pleaded with Clyde to build just one more house before he retired. This was a special favor. Clyde resisted. He really was spent. He really looked to quit the hard stuff. It was a big house with lots of special details for aesthetics. Plenty of stone and brick.

Overseeing the workers was the hardest part. They always wanted to cut corners and get the jobs done faster. Clyde loved quality construction. Okay. He agreed. One more house. Then goodbye long hours and hello rocking chair on the porch at the lake.

As the days moved slowly, Clyde began to cut corners. What the heck. This was his last job. Why wait for the right lumber to come in for the flooring. The leftover pressboard from the last house was good enough. This job became all about good enough. Get it over. No one would notice. It all gets covered in sheet rock anyway. People don't keep houses like they used to. Shoot, Clyde and his wife lived in the same house for all those 45 years. They had put up with cramped rooms when the kids were growing. They had patched and repaired and made it work.

Finally, the home was finished. It certainly was not Clyde quality behind the scenes, but it looked okay on the outside. Interior attic work had been complicated. They rigged some fixes that should hold at least ten years. That was enough to get past the five year homeowners warranty. Time for the lake.

Final Plan

The final walkthrough was on target to get Clyde to the lake before Spring crappie started biting. He was anxious to finish the inspection and turnover to Enterprise. Jake seemed to be taking longer than usual checking every detail to ensure satisfaction. Finally, he was done.

"Clyde, you've been a faithful worker and good friend." Jake started what sounded like it would be a speech. All of the principal partners had come out for this house. Clyde was stymied as to why it was so special. Sure, it was on a double lot and had beautiful landscaping scheduled. Sure, it was a big house with great interior detail. What is the big deal?

"So, Clyde, we've all agreed this is your house. It is our gift to you for your years of service."

Clyde's heart sunk. He began to think of all the problems skipped over in building this house. Now it was his home. He had built his own home. Bittersweet. Fractured joy.

A Plan for You

Every day we are building our house. Of course this story is constructed; hopefully, with a little more care and craft than Clyde's house.

Every day in your business and personal and community life you are building the environment in which you will live the next day.

You can build a great life, a great business, and a great community. Build the one in which you will be ecstatic to live every day.

God's Plan

Jeremiah 29:11b I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.

Father bring joy and reward to my friend, You.

Let them live in the good fruit of their labor. End any delay. Bless them.

Cause good results in their building for family, friends and person.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Have some shine in the darkness, You.

II Corinthians 4:6 God once said, "Let the light shine out of the darkness!" This is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts by letting us know the glory of God that is in the face of Christ.

You, I pray you find the light of God shining into your heart this week.

I pray you find moments of His glory that are irrefutably His intervention in your minutes.

I pray your heart finds warmness amid the stretch and press of living.

I pray you look into the face of a friend and see Jesus smiling back.

You, I pray you rest at night with  good memories of God's touch.

Sometimes we just need a little touch of confirmation of His love.

Have some shine in the darkness this week.

Shine in the darkness!

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Choosing #the.glory.of.the.Lord

Renewed Every Day.... musings on II Corinthians

There is a curtain that separates us from #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
Which side we see is a choice.
Which side becomes our present residence is a decision.
Which side affects us is a matter of engagement.

For those of us who believe - renewal of the Spirit.
For those of us who believe - #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
For those of us who believe - love unlimited.
For those of us who believe.

What about those of us who don't believe?
You get to have what you have.
You get to keep what you keep.
You get to save what you save.
You get to hide what you hide.
You get to look at the curtain and wonder what is on the other side.
You get to stay outside and ponder.
You get to peek around the corner and see a glimpse.
For those of us who don't believe.

For those of us who believe
Life is never dull.
A new story of grace comes every week.
A fresh moment of awe is just a step away.
For those of us who believe.

Moment by moment we choose which side of the curtain we will occupy.

The Choosing of Recent Friends
At Prinsipe de Paz they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
At Iglesia de Nazareno they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
At Fe Agrada A Dios they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
At Faith Latino they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
At CAREVI they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
At PrayerMetro they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
In Montana they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
In Arkansas they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
In Oklahoma they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
In Kansas they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
In Arizona they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
In New Mexico they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.
In Matamoros, Mexico they chose #the.glory.of.the.Lord.

Choose.

How do I choose? That is the subject of more. Keep checking back.

Why not have a bright moment, You?

There is a brightness in my heart today that brings to my remembrance the encouragements of Isaiah. Isaiah was a high ranking government counselor to six kings. His adaptability under that many administrations is an amazing testimony of itself. The influence of his life and insights gave leadership over six decades. Today, his writings guide millions in encouragement.

Part of Isaiah was an abiding hope in the future and a tenacity to stand under struggle. These two perform a synergy that reaches into our soul and produces positive results in action and thought. In war times he could declare, "Speak comfort to my people." In times of apathy, he could declare a need for righteousness and justice. In times of waste of prosperity, he could declare a commitment to feed the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul. In times of disunion, he could declare a removal of the pointing finger and malicious talk.

For over 2700 years his words have stood tested and true and continue to encourage and support nations.

So why is today bright? Fingers are being pointed. Hunger is too rampant. Injustice comes too frequently. Peace is fragile. Apathy is evident. Afflicted souls gather in the streets. The choice is bright. Hope, tenacity, comfort, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and mercy are all available.

Let's Pray

Father, I speak a blessing of brightness for my friend, You, this morning. These troubles we face are common to nations and generations. Others have survived and thrived and left encouragement for us to grasp.

Let hope come where vision is dim.

Let peace reign in our minds while bullets fly.

Let comfort encompass our hearts and minds when confusion shows face.

Let kindness guide our actions when rudeness interrupts.

Let forgiveness find a home as we forgive others even as we accept our own forgiveness.

Let mercy rule and allow others to recover their lives.

Bring brightness to our day.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Bring the Rain For Someone Today, You

Royal Living - Bring The Rain

More from the search of Hezekiah's men.

Proverbs 25:14 A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain

New Living Translation

Getting The Message: You, everyday there are lessons from friends that escape our attention. How do we hear beyond the message at hand?

Frustrations: "Some folks just don't get it." Barbara used to say that to me a lot. It made me laugh. She is a precious sister and friend. When I would get frustrated over the lack of response from a coworker or someone in the community, she would look at me, smile, and say, "Some folks just don't get it."  She brings me rain.

Gettin' It: Budget time is always a real pain. Somebody loves budgets. Somebody thinks it is great fun. The process of reducing your plans and expectations for the next year or more into a spreadsheet of numbers is not my favorite task. Yet, it must be done. Serving large corporations means getting all the ducks lined up and communicated so cash flow works and profits are made and money is maximized. Every dollar among the millions needs right accounting and allocation. It is a complicated task of equipment leases, people costs, benefits, supplies, revenue projections, software licensing, and predicting the unknown.

Delivering an effective and flexible budget for millions of dollars that provides for plans and hedges against unseen events is an art, a skill, and a craft. Renee get's it. She delivers a beautiful package matched to plans that is easy to understand and has all the details included for review. Wow. How many years have I labored in budget meetings with cryptic charts and run on spreadsheets and noxious chatter that make sense to no one except the person, who built them? She delivers.  She brings the rain.

Mirrors: It is common to talk to ourselves in languages we understand. It is common to talk to others in languages we understand. It is uncommon to adapt to the language of the other person through listening and reflection. That is the work of multiculturalism. A techno networker can speak to an executive as long as she adapts and translates technobabble into business speak. A financial wizard can transition to managing people through engaging emotions through sensitivity and patience. A second generation suburbanite can adapt to friendly conversation with a third generation urbanite through dropping masks and looking beyond skin to heart and soul. We don't have to be clouds without rain speaking personal babble.  You can bring the rain.

Engaged: In the last week, life has led me into conversations with eight pastors and six different congregations. Faith, Nazarene, Pentecostal, Independent, and Baptist. White, Black, Latino, Multicultural. English y Espanol. In the same week, I've lost count of the legislators with whom I've conversed in Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Montana. Simple conversations focused on the blessings of God. If you just have one subject, you can translate through actions, words, illustrations, stories, and silence. You can bring the rain.

Prayer:

God of Answers, God of Life and Joy, God of Peace and Strength, God of Engagement, You speak to all of us in all of our variety with the same voice of love and acceptance. You offer an open door and a sensitive response to our every need. You always deliver. You always bring the rain.

Bring rain for You today. Bring heavy rain that refreshes. Let us declare among the people, "Our God Reigns and Rains."

Enable us to be Rain Makers bringing the right word and right result in season and out of season. Help us to live Royal.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Stay blessed, You

The peace of God that passes all understanding keep you and guide you in all that you do.

The God of all Comfort bring goodness to your morning, day, and evening.

The God of Glory capture your moments and make them miraculous.

In other words, just have a really incredible day.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Royal Refreshing for You

Royal Living - Refreshment For You

More from the search of Hezekiah's men.

Proverbs 25:13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.They revive the spirit of their employer. New Living Translation

Getting The Message: Everyday there are lessons from friends that escape our attention. How do we hear beyond the message at hand?

One Thing Leads To Another: All around me are co-laborers. Some of the most enjoyable are those that serve with diligence. They have the keen sense to understand the vision of our work and carry it out unattended. They just don't need a lot of instruction to get the job done exactly as needed. Personal discretion guides them.

Taking Back Trust: An article in the Wall Street Journal points to a lack of trust as an impetus behind the "Taking Back" movement. Seems like the '60s all over again to me. Societally, we are questioning our morals, our underpinnings, our business structures, our government, and essentially our selves. Where has trust gone? The mirror holds a ragged face.

Refreshed: Our marketing thrust includes a planning calendar to key clients and friends once a quarter. When we originated the idea, it seemed foreign to my staff. There was a lot of struggle over what it should be and how it should look. Through a few iterations, the piece took great form with a cover letter and some personalization. When it was time for this quarter, the calendar and the letter appeared. I did not have to ask, well no too many times anyway. Yet, this time the task was easy for me. One wrote the letter in my style. It is hard to read it and know I did not write the text. Another crafted the calendar and imbedded personalization that make it seem like you are the only one getting the calendar. A task that was a struggle is now a refreshment.

Impact: Not only was this refreshing to me as the task was made easy, it is a refreshing to our friends. Within a few days of sending the calendars, people across the nation told me how important this simple gift had become. They are putting their most important life events on this calendar. It is kept in the best of places for reference. People are being refreshed across the nation from a team of trustworthy messengers.

Prayer: Strong God of Action, bring light to our day. Somewhere there is a a friend, teacher, boss, leader, pastor, father, or mother that needs the service of a trustworthy messenger. Someone needs to be served. Teach me and teach You to serve in a trustworthy manner. Teach us to be open and caring and trusting. Refresh us with the life of Your Holy Spirit that we might be a refreshing to others.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Royal and Golden Counsel, You.

Royal Living - Listening and Opening

More from the search of Hezekiah's men.

Proverbs 25:12 To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. New Living Translation

Getting The Message: Everyday there are lessons from friends that escape our attention. How do we hear beyond the message at hand?

One Thing Leads To Another: It is common to learn from our mistakes. The hard part seems to be in learning when we don't learn. Learning from the observations of a friend or a counsel or authority when we take a wrong turn can be painful. But it brings a golden strength for your future.

Undervalued: During a negotiation Jerry brought in an advisory group. Somehow, he was sensitive that he was overlooking something necessary for a good contract. Win/win is important. He felt he was in a win/lose transaction. After an hour of review, one of the advisors simply stated, "Put it on your terms." That was enough. The agreement was leaning too far from a good profit model. In the long term both parties would be upset.

As he worked to shift the negotiation to a more equitable basis after the consultation, it was evident the other party was looking for a win/lose negotiation. Every small point was countered with a lose proposition. After only a few interactions, the other party withdrew. It revealed intent. They were not looking for equity in the arrangement, but conquest and full advantage. The golden correction and counsel of a friend prevented what would have been months of hardship and consternation. Good thing Jerry took the time to consult and allow questioning of his logic.  Don't you think so, You.

Oddity

After working through the cessation of the negotiation, Jerry reviewed some of the criticisms from the imbalanced other side of the negotiation. One of the criticisms was painfully pointed and true. It had been addressed and resolved, but it showed another issue. A partner on whom Jerry was depending was not being forthright and accurate. It caused several problems over the last months. Jerry was overlooking the problems of the long term partnership believing the best of them. They weren't playing their best. They were playing him to enable transactions in their favor.

Even though the criticism came from a slanted source, You, it was truthful. Received, it opened the ability to look at alternatives. In a few short days, alternatives to the errant partner's involvement were proving to bring significant savings in operational costs. Another golden favor was embraced.

Prayer:

Father of all Comfort, You see when we are going directions of pain and problem. Along our path, plant friend and foe to correct us. Give us insight to learn from all sources at all times. Hinder our pride. Open our ears. Allow wisdom to seep deeply into us even when we are locked in our own positions. Let You live royally and rightly in the kingdom of grace.

Phil Larson, 405-388-8037'
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

Father, remember You with love and grace.

I pray for you this morning, You.

In the dark before dawn the stars were bright in the black, clear sky.

I pray any darkness in your life simply allows you to see bright spots brighter.

From the fire in the chiminea I was warmed against the cold.

I pray you are warmed by the love of God and family and friends.

The sun rose and brought day.

i pray your path is light and choices are clear.

Birds woke with singing.

I pray your heart is full of joy.

 

Have a blessed day, You.

God created it just for you.

Phil Larson
405-388-8037
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Ok 73099

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Find The Right Fit, You.

Royal Living - Speaking and Listening In Right Time

More from the search of Hezekiah's men to enable a royal society.

Proverbs 25:11 To speak a word in due time, is like apples of gold on beds of silver Douay-Rheims Bible

Discerning Delivery

The following present week stories example rightly delivered words of truth in right time and demonstrate the power of this principle. A team is defended through integrity and timing. A mentor empowers through method and environs.

Bites Out of the Apple

A negative word at the right time bites. It pierces sensibility and stirs dissension. While promoting a new client, someone took offense. Actually, they created their own offense. There was no offense to be taken. Yet, some hidden anger or jealously or pain of their soul caused them to stab out at the faith of the client. Their venue was anonymous. Anonymous attacks come from people who lack integrity and courage. How sadly they live!

Salves of Silver

The venue they chose was an open online forum. Several people rose to the defense of the client and their right to express their faith, the business in serving the client, and the people involved. In the end, all but the anonymous attacker were defended both by people in name and other anonymous open forum responders.

Timing was everything. To have addressed the issue of client promotion in public as a client not as the philosophy of our business-to-business services would be out-of-time. No one is listening. Since an attacker opened the door, we were able to make some friends and promote the client. The attack allowed a setting of silver for apples of gold.

Mail of Truth

The epic tale of Beowulf includes a focus on his armor of mail shirt. In the end, it protects him from the claws of the monster and he triumphs in his quest. Truth rightly delivered can do the same for us. It can fit us for our tasks.

Over two days, a team of sales professionals dissected a book on approaching a certain prospect/client type. Each took time to read aloud and the discussion was open. The teacher/mentor pressed pertinent points at appropriate openings. The relaxed atmosphere in the country allowed disconnect from pressures. The method moved the material from printed page to mental melded metal.

Apples of truth entwined with filigree silver links producing a jewelry to be worn in the market. Ideas behind words can be worn and used like a piece of fine jewelry once integrated in right fashion and right time. The jewelry forms a belt of mail woven of elves silver to be worn in daily use. Truth becomes a belt that is useful for common and uncommon times. The individuals in the team have been truthfully equipped to serve both prospect and client.

Finding Time

Ideas are precious, You. Rightly presented at the right time and right setting, they become useful truths. Consideration every day has to be given in how we distribute information and discussion. Wisdom allows the negative to become strength and the strength to become useful power.

Prayer:

Wisdom cries out in the streets, Father of Love and Light. Pour wisdom over You. Enable You to see when timing is right and minds are open. Enable us all to be wise stewards of timing and setting to present truth and ideas and receive the rewards in this life as useful progress

Phil Larson, 405-388-8037'
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

You, Live Royal. Live as a Faithful Friend.

Royal Living - Tight Lipped and Faithful

Remember, these proverbs are the selection of Hezekiah's men to help establish a royal and confident nation. 

Proverbs 25: 9-10 If you have an argument with your neighbor, don't tell other people what was said. Whoever hears it might shame you, and you might not ever be respected again.

Tight Lipped

As a leader with a lot of connections, I get lots of questions. People are always wanting to know about other people. They may only know the public reputation, but they want any insider information they can get that is negative.

How do you feel about what they did? Did something else go on? How are they doing since........ happened?

My principle follows the advice of my mother. If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all.

Brokers of Sales

Another question I get asked is to introduce sales people. Now if you have a great product or service that will help a friend, I enjoy helping two friends meet and communicate. But, if I don't really believe there is a smart deal for both, I steer clear. Why create a breach in a good relationship? Why take too much advantage of a friendship? It has to promise good value for both.

Gossip On Grand Ave

Many large companies provide a forum for staff to air questions and comments. Most are negative in nature. Most are anonymous jibes at someone or some department the person does not like. It does provide a tap into the grumble and does provide some outlet. Yet, it is always full of acid. The words of a talebearer go down into the belly and cause a breach in the spirit, a leakage of courage, and a disruption of confidence and collaboration. It is a spillage of argument and to my knowledge has never resulted in any positive change or action on the part of the company.

Hmmm...

Live royal. Live confident.

Living royal means living above the acid line of conversation. It means avoiding repeat of negative you know. It means staying tight lipped and confidential. Think about that word. Confidential comes from confident. When I am confident in who and whose I am, there is no need to leak negative on others. True or false, the acid does no good for anyone.

Living royal means protecting relationships from constant intrusion and invasion. Whew, don't you hate it when a friend has such little value for your relationship that they will sell access just to please someone else or make a deal for themselves? I introduce many people to each other when there is a value after much prayer and understanding both parties. Protect your friends. Live royal.

Coffee Klatch

Some years ago at a lunch table, some rude jokes were being told. Conversation had little value. People were being slaughtered in their absence. You've walked into such conversations. You don't need to hear a word. The winking eye and shuffling feet tell it all. From my table I could not hear the words, but I could see the furtive faces.

A young man walked into the snake nest unaware. He was looking for a little luncheon friendship. As the ringleader of rumor prepared to launch into another raunchy tale, he looked down the table and made a statement. This one I heard.

"I can tell this here. There is no one too good to hear it."

Another person at the table motioned to the young man and said, "Jack is good. He doesn't need to hear it."

The table went quiet. Someone finally had the courage to stand up with a comment to stop the slurs. I bet they were wanting the junk to stop and just did not know how to make it happen.  For the rest of lunch, the tone of the table shifted to normal conversation and the most negative sitting at the table left the lunch room.

Be a Jack, who lives in such a way others appeal to goodness in your soul.

Prayer

Father, our days are full of decisions regarding what we know. Teach us to wash from our minds and hearts the negative normalcy of friends and acquaintances. Each of us has faults. Teach us to cover faults with love and mercy. Teach us to be mindful that all of us have access to life changing power in You and the right to recover in privacy and permission to grow.

It is hard enough, Father, when we fail this call to confidence and our anger and hurt cause us to repeat hurtful information. Snag it and cause the spread to be stopped rapidly. Show us mercy in our mistakes. Teach us strength and goodness of speech.

Let our ears be stopped to the noise of accusation and repetition of rumors and finger pointing that accompanies life. There is no positive value. No one will be encouraged. No positive change will come of such chatter. Give us courage to speak good when ill is spoken.

Give us presence that stops the mouth of accusation.

Phil Larson
405-388-8037
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Ok 73099

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Finding Rest, my Friend.

Proverbs 16:20 Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed, and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy

My Friend, each of us has a litany of undone tasks. Leaders just can't avoid it. People come to us for answers. We see undone opportunities and tend to take them on ourselves. It happens. The list gets longer than we can ever address. Those tasks can have as much pressure as a hurricane bearing down on the coast of our rest. They just never seem to go away. Something always needs to be done next.

Trust enables rest. Trust enables us to step away from the pressure and believe we will be able to face it when the time is right. This is a confidence available in a successful relationship with Christ that I pray for you.

Our journeys are meant to bring us to places of rest and relaxation and at times do the opposite. In the struggle to find peace and rest, we become caught in the wrestling and miss the purpose for which we entered the fray.

As you work to strengthen family and community and personal living, I pray for your mental, physical, and spiritual stamina and rest.

Prayer:

Father, give my friend a restful moment from the pressures of life and responsibility.

Teach my friend how to enter a new season and level of confident rest that acts with decisiveness.

Affect hope with a promise of a brighter day ahead.

Affect faith that You come alongside and bring victory in tough spots.

Affect love that releases kindness and gentleness even when internal battles rage.

Let a confident, restful repose come up underneath my friend and paint a smile so family and friends would be blessed and life would stay fun and fulfilling.

Sheray Franklin MISS BLACK OKLAHOMA USA 2010-2011

Sheray Franklin MISS BLACK OKLAHOMA USA 2010-2011:

'via Blog this'

Royal Living - Discretion Before Decisions

Royal Living - Discretion Before Decisions

All these scriptures: New Century Version

Proverbs 25:9b-8 Because of something you have seen (and judged to represent a certain situation), do not quickly take someone to court (push for a decision). What will you do later when your neighbor proves you wrong? (and the final answer is totally different than you thought)

Proverbs 19:2-3 Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good. If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake.

People's own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding.

Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success

Email Hell

This week, there have been two streams of emails that demonstrated the wisdom of royal living. Several participants in the one are frustrated over a troublesome situation. It is not an easy fix. The issues are complicated and not understood to any significant level by any of the people in the discussion. All want it resolved. Many are ready to take action just to get the pain off of their list of things to do. The stream of vitriolic back and forth blame shifting is embarrassing.

Every person sees the situation from their pain point. It has been taken for decision without true consultation with all the neighbors. Now the person who posed a solution is seen as the cause of the situation not just a helper to resolve.

Expensive Chaos

A second situation demonstrates again how conclusion jumping can go awry. One jumped into the middle of a situation and demanded a solution. A partial solution was brought forward that was not reasonable to implement in a timely manner. It lags and lags and gets caught on other snags. A new solution will be drafted, surely. Yet no one will be happy. The root causes will still plague the situation and cause further consternation.

Wise Resolve

A client has issue with a coworker who is married to a worker. Whew! It affects business decisions and is costing the client mistakes and money. Through patience and listening and looking to the hearts of those involved, our team came up with a face-saving plan to address. Late Friday a communication came to me telling me the plan can be a big win for all. Instead of pushing for a decision, we found a way to encourage and promote friendship. Whew! Thanks, God.

Every Day Justice

There are many situations that come to mind this week alone. Each took key people discussing and some time cussing to come to joint vision. We don't like to listen, do we? We like to be right. We like to make decisions for others and then have them tell us we are right. It is not royal living. It is petty living. It is wasteful living, burns up internal energy, and isolates needed friends.

Sitting and Ducking

Just as many issues end up with analysis paralysis. Some folks don't know when to call the hand and get a decision made. That can be terminably frustrating for all. A conversation with a business partner against whom others brought accusations brought out an indecisiveness on the part of another involved. Their fence sitting and ducking of responsibility is causing all to struggle and the end client to suffer.

Royal Insight

To see into a matter before making a decision or calling for a decision brings long term resolution and productivity that lasts. It might take ten minutes or ten days or even ten months or ten years. Discretion knows when to congeal information and move. Discretion is part of royal living. To gather the facts, listen to others, make a decision, and trust the Lord to work it through to good completion is the heart of royalty.

There is no simple answer or formula to apply here. Discretion plus insight plus wisdom plus patience plus action plus trust wins the day for the royal. We will make mistakes and God will cover. Our true friends will know our heart and abide. All will prosper.

Prayer:

Father, life is so full of decisions. Situations jump in front of us all day and every day. Equip our eyes to see true. Equip our minds to think clear and with best heart to support others. Let trust of You come through as increased trust of others. Show us prosperous paths for decisions. Breed royal insight and timing into us that we might move with productive decisiveness.

Phil Larson, 405-388-8037'
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

Royal Living, You. Kingly Risings.

Royal Living - Kingly Rising

Proverbs 25:6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

Pennies For Names

At an industry function a pesty salesperson kept isolating me from the group. It was bothersome. It was painful. He will never sell to my company. The method of name dropping people he did not know well resulted in my dropping him from my list of potential vendors. In his space, I buy $100,000 a month. Nothing will go to his company.

Proving your ignorance of the needs of another by vaunting yourself forward through relationships or stance does not result in right results. It results in being pushed away from decision makers. So why do we do it?

Dollars for Listening

Another sales professional in the same product and service space listens. Her approach is open eared and malleable. When we conflict, we work through. She is welcomed in my office and among my team. There is no necessity for her to name drop to me or with my name. She just goes about her business. When I need a solution, I call her. In fact, I direct my staff to call her and get her advice.

Irritants

A continual dripping irritant is when a staff member uses my name to get someone else to agree with their idea. "Well, Phil said,........." and then something I never said is inserted or something totally out of context is included. When it gets back to me there is a persistent thought strain in my mind. A person who drops names to get approval is unsure of themself and their idea, unwilling to take personal responsibility, possibly disloyal, and definitely not convinced of their own direction. If you don't know where you are going, no road will get you there. You will end up in the wrong place every time.

This approach by a staff member tends to result in less influence and less appointed responsibility over time.

Cures

Live royal. Live confident.

There is a certain hubris to a confident person. They do not need to drop names. They do not need to sit in the front row. They do not need a light shined on them. They know who they are, take confident action, and assume responsibility. In time, they believe right will win over noise and persistent and diligent action will conquer any task. They study to show themself approved and focus energy and effort on results not impressions.

Prayer

Father, You are the author of confident hope and expectant faith. Bring such into You. Today show You direction and information that allows a persistent and diligent path through obstacles and into victories. Treat You as royal family.

May the eyes of our understanding be full of light to see the hope of our calling as royalty.

May the insight and inspiration of our hearts be encouraged to walk with excellence and steadfastness.

May we ever listen for the sound of Your power moving on our behalf in small and large exploits.

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Phil Larson, 405-388-8037
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

Royal Culture II

Follow this link to a video update on the Back To School Operation in Matamoros http://youtu.be/Pdy6_2OTA_Y

Proverbs 25: 3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Royal Culture

Remember these verses are selected by the men of Hezekiah in researching wisdom for royal culture. In Christ, we are called to live as partakers of His divine nature. We are called children of God, a holy and royal priesthood.

Heaven and Earth

Between the two, there is unfathomable expanse of mystery. After all of our years, we understand so little. We look and look in our microscopes and telescopes and still understand so little.

Royal Search

Kings and leaders learn to be quiet and studied. Upcoming leaders must look into the life of the leader and learn on their own. Many secrets are held by leaders. They have learned over time and realize only those that study will be worthy of the information. Some leaders are more willing than others to be teachers and sponsors.

Pulling It Out

Some years back, I approached a leader and questioned whether I should pursue an MBA. He looked straight at me and recommended I get a "street smart" MBA. Then he set up a sequence of events to drive me into building a company from scratch within the larger company. The lessons have been coming for years as I interchange with many other leaders in the process. Some lessons are good. Some are painful. But the journey has been full of lessons. Along the way, it is my joy to pass on the lessons.

Prayer:

Father, help us to be both unsearchable and open to give. As we lead, let us hold dearly to the truths we learn. Help us to release them at the most appropriate times to the most appropriate individuals. Help us to be open and learn from those who lead around us.

 

Follow this link to a video update on the Back To School Operation in Matamoros http://youtu.be/Pdy6_2OTA_Y

Phil Larson
405-388-8037
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Ok 73099

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Royal Living

Follow this link to a video update on the Back To School Operation in Matamoros http://youtu.be/Pdy6_2OTA_Y

Proverbs 25:1-2 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

Royal Culture

When Hezekiah was preparing to be king, he did some research. His men went into the archives of Solomon and looked for wisdom related to running the kingdom. Out of over 3000 proverbs, we get chapters 25-29. These are proverbs designed for operating a great culture. Now that we finished Psalm 46, which was written after the angel took out 285,000 of the opposing army leadership, let's look at how to live like royalty in this world.

God's Hidden Treasure

God conceals. Jesus would tell parables that made a little sense, but not total sense. People scratched their head. Jesus would then explain to the disciples, His leaders. He reveals to His friends.

Royal Search

Children of the Creator with wisdom will search out a matter. They will look for nuggets in the concealed. Over time, they will see what they need to see to be successful.

Living Wisdom

A friend just put a great nugget on facebook. She's not been know for wisdom. When I made a comment about her growth, she responded she must be getting older. When we live and look, we learn. It happens. She is entering royal living.

Prayer:

Father, we all need wisdom. Let us live with royal intentions. Excite in us a sense of divine purpose and assignment. We are Your children. We are meant to rule over life and circumstance. Reveal. Show. Inspire our hearts with Your wisdom dealt in love into our hearts.

 

Follow this link to a video update on the Back To School Operation in Matamoros http://youtu.be/Pdy6_2OTA_Y
Phil Larson, 405-388-8037'
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

He Is Here For Evotion In All Times.

Psalm 46:11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

When the stillness of God enters our heart and mind, we are ready to see His presence.

He is here among us.

All the time, he is here with us, Evotion.

Everyday, the Father of All Goodness walks with you, Evotion.

Confidence in Him allows us to see.

Trust in Him enables us to stand in His protection with simple confidence and awareness.

Questions

Every day there is someone questioning what I do. Is this the right business? Will it work? Do you know what you are doing? That is just the friends.

They can't get it on time. He doesn't have enough experience. His team is young. That is the competitors.

Will it really work? How can I be sure? Is there another place cheaper? That is the clients.

Confidence

Walking with God allows me to relax and keep walking with confidence. His affirmation keeps us going. His confidence and interruption in our lives keeps us focused on moving forward. Not every question has a ready answer.

Trips and Toughness

In a proposal meeting yesterday, there were some tough moments. Two groups went before us to the committee making decisions. One was definitely stressed and gave up asking. They took a no. One of the the second group was just as fearful, but one in the group was confident. They received a yes. My partner and I had never been in this room, city, or group. It was a different situation. The decision makers opened up and asked many good questions on our proposal. Our confidence in who we were and what we proposed broke through the resistance. We received permission to advance. That was our yes. That is what we wanted. In that meeting, God was there. All the time and all the way, God was there.

Prayer

Father of Love and Living, thanks for always being here.  Thanks for being with me in the middle of questions.  Thanks for being with all of us.

 

Back To School

Aug 12-14th Raul, Dr. Carillo, a small team and I will go into two different colonias in Matamoros and minister the gospel.  Alongside gifts from Tabernaculo De Fe, Faith Latino, and Betesda, we will take the power of God's presence.  Your prayers are most appreciated.  A few of those power angels would be welcome.

 

Wanna give to help?  http://www.prayermetro.com   for your debit/credit card ... or just mail to below.

Phil Larson, 405-388-8037'
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

The Steel and Still Will of God.

Psalm 46: 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."

The Will of God

God has a will to honored. That will of His opens opportunity for us. His will is powerful enough to interrupt our problems and bring solutions. It is full of steel resolve. Of course, we need to allow His will to operate in our lives. Opening our will to allow His will brings solutions that will bring honor to him.

Destined Moments

Discussion today with a coworker entered into "destiny". Last week, we had an incredibly productive and record breaking situation. Exactly when we needed a repair, the electrician finished. A new piece of production equipment had wiring issues. We have been chasing the problem for months. Exactly when we had to have the equipment to support record customer loads, the electrician found and finished the job. Destiny was noted. Destiny for us is our way of saying, "God interrupted" without being offensive to the unbelieving. These situations happen enough in our business that there is no denial that we are not in charge. God will be honored. Such moments can only bring acknowledgement and honor to God when we allow it.

Daily Opening

For me, opening my world to His will is a daily event. Why would I not do that? Why would I not allow Him access to change my moments for His honor? It takes some stillness. It takes quietness before Him to allow for listening and allowing. Open your day to His action. His still will enters your day.

Know He Is and He Is A Rewarder

Those that come to God need to know that He is and He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. This activity opens us to moments that honor Him through answering us. He is steel and resolute. He is still and ready.

Matamoros Expanded

A few weeks back my prayers for Matamoros, Mexico began leaning to touching more of the city. Today, I received the call. August 12-14th, we will go first to two colonias on Friday and Saturday and then to the church on Sunday. How beautiful to be able to take school supplies and spread Good News. Our ability to do open air meetings in this hard city will depend on your prayers. It can be dangerous and definitely hot. It will honor God and reach people who have no ability to come to us. Doing the different means being "steel willed".

Prayer:

Father, there is no doubt Your will is meant to affect moments in our work and business and in our touching neighbors. All of these areas are important to You. When You touch every area of our life, You are honored. When we allow Your interruptive grace in visible manner, You are honored.

Be undeniable for Evotion.

Be interruptive for Evotion.

Be intensive and bring honor to You on behalf of Evotion.

Be it done to us according to Your word.

Phil Larson, 405-388-8037'
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

Breaking Bows. Snapping Spears. Burning Shields.

Psalm 46:9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

Vary The Distance

Issues, problems, glitches, and obstacles seem to have a distance characteristics. Some come from far away like an arrow from the bow. Some come from a closer source like a spear thrown. Then some run direct to our face with the presence of sword and shield. On the other side of that equation, we need to move into the camp of war of our enemies. They don't come to us. We go to them.

Long Range

God sees it all, Evotion. From a distance the issue with which we struggle is guarded by the archer. We see the problem. It is not close enough to bother us, but we know we need to address it and move closer to deal with it. Letting the problem come close can be exceedingly dangerous. Yet, the arrows of pain come at us as we focus on the issue. It can be more comfortable to leave it at a distance. God can break the bow of the archer. This allows us to move closer. The bow is constructed of fear and intimidation. Those two imposters can be rendered harmless with trust in Him.

Short Range

Move up closer to the issue. Once the bows of fear and intimidation are broken, we expose anger and angst. Any real obstacle will be throwing and thrusting spears of anger and angst toward us. The more determined and closer we chose to deal with the issue, the more these two will rise. They want us to go away. The burning issue wants to stay unresolved. Our internal resistance to change and growth would love to stop us before we get close enough to eliminate the issue and bring peace.

Close Up

Get it? The fear and intimidation and anger and angst are handled. Trust in God is strong. The problem has yet one weapon, the shield of self preservation. No one likes to cut off his own flesh. Most problems lie in that arena. It is our desire to stay in control and do it our way that raises the last shield. It is not some other person or some other entity that resists the most. It is our own desire and resistance to submission and change that poses the greatest battle.

Settling

Submit to God, resist the devil of your own desire, and peace will flood. He is able and willing to walk alongside and break the bow that shoots the arrows of fear and intimidation. He is able and willing to run alongside and snap the spears of anger and angst. He is able and willing to fly with us into the fray and see the shield of self preservation burned through amazing grace and mercy.

This Week

This week was an amazing moment. A strong enemy became a strong ally. It is lovely when God works with us to see that. It is beautiful, when we face ourselves and allow Him to turn enemy into friend. Deal with your self and He will shift the others. The teams at work produced at a rate quite possibly out of range of our capability. Really, there is no way they could have done it, but they did. In one week, we out produced our closest competitors best month. Our new client interest in the last ten days exceeds the prior 18 months and we are reeling to meet the demand. We are launching new product at an alarmingly rapid speed. How?

Our enemies are at peace with us. When that condition arrives through determined confrontation and conflict resolution, an amazing door of opportunity opens. The energy being spent staying at a distance is now available to grow and produce. A limitless lifestyle can be engaged.

Yesterday was a good day of great energy. A few times this week I pushed my body to new running distances. It worked. By going past my barriers, a new resiliency and strength entered my legs. It resulted in bounce and vibrancy in my step so I could enjoy my weekend with no tiredness. It took facing the enemy of unbelief.

Prayer:

Father, now, what am I going to do? What is Evotion going to do? You promise to disable the distant and the not so distant and the close up issues that keep us from entering peace. Yet, we would love to stay the same. We would love to let someone else deal with our issues. We would love to avoid the conflict and simply stay out of range living in our fear and intimidation and anger and angst and self preservation. Move us. Bring us to the line of battle. Put strength in our legs and determination in our souls. Let Your love and mercy and grace arise in us and let our enemies be neutered and scattered before us. What do we need to face this week that will bring a peace to one more area and release a new strength? Reveal it, Father. Embrace us and take us into the battle with all comfort and peace.

Phil Larson, 405-388-8037'
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099

Evotion, God Can Make Your Wars To Cease..

Psalm 46: He causes wars to end throughout the earth. (makes them cease).

Peace

Peace is a fleeting fantasy for most. Peace never comes on the face of the earth. Peace comes in the heart. Man is reconciled to God and that is peace.  Evotion is reconciled to God and that is peace. Relationships reach a point of love and mutual support and that is peace. A person is settled in their thoughts and ways and content with what they have and that is peace. And war rages.

War

War is the conflict of purposes. One purposes in their heart to do one thing and another purposes to do another. They meet in the field of competition. They meet in the field of battle. Fierceness ensues and fights fly and war starts with the purpose of victor and conquered. Purposes conflict continually.

Resolution

Seldom does a war resolve the conflict of purposes. It may settle the dispute for a season. It may exhaust one group or discourage the leader. It may destroy so much that there is no reason to go on fighting. Rarely is there a settling and agreement and joining of purposes in war.

Settling

God settles wars. He makes them to cease. In His infinite power and wisdom, He will step in to a situation and resolve it. Oh, another conflict of purpose may arise among the hearts and minds of mankind. Creation groans for us to settle our fights. Wars and rumors of wars pervade our cultures. Yet, God can bring about lasting situations of peace where mutual respect can win out for the majority and most can rest in a land of peace.

Peace Brings Prosperity

War is expensive. Resources are consumed in fighting instead of producing. People fear growth because they fear which power will control the harvest of economy. What is gained in months can be lost in a moment in times of war. Peace enables confident action and production to continue. Mankind is well able to build and prosper when living in times of peace.

Bringing It Home

So why do we continue in war in our lands if God can make them stop, Evotion? War starts in the heart of mankind focused on controlling the reality of others. In our limited wisdom and minute scope of vision, we look to force others to live our realities and visions. It is the way of mankind. It is our curse. Christian against Christian bent on being the most right of all or dictator against the world bent on having her way or the economic determination of one nation against the weakness of another all are situations that lead to war.

Next Door

Then there is the way we live. At a restaurant tonight, a waitress had been serving our group of 20+ for an hour. I took the time to ask her if we could pray for her. At first, she hesitated and then stopped and came over beside me. The father of her four year old and one year old had just left them the day before. She really did not know what she was going to do next. War had entered her home, her safe place, her place of sanctity. Our homes should be undisturbed places of rest. It is the promise of Isaiah 32. Yet, war is attacking her family. Prayer is hard. This hurt me as we prayed.

Prayer:

Father, You are the Father of Peace and Comfort and Stability and Life. Today my friend, , and I and all those around us have some war in our zone. Bring peace. Stop the war. Find a comfort and a healing. And Father bless my new friend in the restaurant tonight. We join with her that a hope of salvation would overwhelm her. All of us need the pouring of Your Holy Spirit to bring our homes into the place of being an undisturbed place of rest. Bring that reality and ceasing of war to Evotion. Bring it to me. Bring it to that waitress.

Phil Larson
405-388-8037
508 Tumbleweed Dr.
Yukon, Ok 73099

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