Week 16 - #Prepare - “Flight" Are You Prepared for Takeoff?

2 Timothy 2:22:So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 10:23: 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.

Ephesians 5:15: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.

OK, so I know this is going to date me but I was in high school, and college when singer Kenny Rogers was releasing hit after hit on the radio. Songs like “Coward of the County,” and “Lucille.” I was such a fan of Kenny’s music that I personally requested his 1980 song written by Lionel Richie, called “Lady” sung at my wedding! I’ll never forget looking into my brides eyes and hearing the first line of that all time great,

“Lady, I’m your knight in shining armor, and I love you.You have made me what I am, and I am yours”

But, probably the most famous of all Kenny Rogers songs, released a year earlier, topping the billboard charts as well was, “The Gambler.” This classic country tune includes a chorus that is often heard quoted today by many, and aligns well with our focus as we prepare for “flight.” Without any doubt, I’m confident anyone older than 55 will remember these words:

"You've got to know when to hold 'em Know when to fold 'em Know when to walk away And know when to run"

So on Friday I was interviewing a good friend and ministry associate for a brand new podcast and the topic discussed was “time."

Together, we discussed issues of our busyness, schedules, and the full gamut of things we find ourselves covered up with. We exhibited what Stephen Covey frequently alluded to, "allowing the little things to squeeze out what we might refer to as our "big rocks."

In other words we allow "what matters most to be sacrificed sometimes for what matters least."

In that same interview with my friend, and colleague, he shared a story including the scripture found in Ephesians 5:15, where Paul exhorts us all to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”

The question derived from Pauls’s teachings, my colleague shared, was when it comes to our time, was simply to ask, “is it wise?”

You see there are many things we all do or choose to do in our life’s journeys seen as being “good,” but,“is it wise?”

What if we put into practice regularly with our preparation, asking this one simple question of ourselves in all circumstances? Is it wise for today? Is it wise for the big picture? Is it wise for our family?

DADs, what are the things you are doing now causing you to flee and take flight? What are you doing that Kenny Rogers said in his song to literally “know when to run?”

In this year of preparation what do you need to do to “establish, fix or apply” when it comes to your “flight plan?” Do you know when to hold’em and more importantly know when to fold'em?

DADs, do not think for a single moment, what you are struggling with to let go, is unique to only you.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23, we are reminded, "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."

DADs, although your battle is not unique, God provides a flight plan specifically for you!

All He desires is for us is to heed the instructions found in 2 Timothy 2:22, to “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

My brothers always remember to ask the question, Is it wise?

If the answer is no, then get yourself prepared for takeoff!

To God be the glory!

DADs“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Two weeks ago we examined preparation for “fight.” Today we are reminded the need to consider as well those things to take “flight.” Next week we will consider the plans God has for you as His disciples we prepare to “soar.”**

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 16 we talk about what it means to "prepare” to fight.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.