Press and Reach

For too many people God is still the unknown. We live in a time where most people know of God but have not drawn close to Him. For whatever reason, we choose to step lightly around the issue as if it's simply okay. The fact of the matter is that God our creator wants a relationship with us. In this episode, we attempt to answer the questions, "Why have faith in the unknown God?" We seek by asking and stating :

1. who is our god?

2. what can this god do for us?

3. great shall be your reward

With so many things changing, the environment for learning makes its way to the top. Our children face a tougher time than we ever did. With so much influence from so many different people, we find ourselves in the midst of a mandatory change. 

We may have been raised a tad bit different, but today the option of homeschooling is becoming more and more prevalent. We know that everyone has a choice, but these are the three reasons we homeschool. 

1. God's Plan - He has made a way

2. Freedom of Choice -  Protecting our children from outside influence

3. Redeeming the Time - They are only this age once.  

There is never a need to shy away from sharing our faith as a business owner. However, we believe there may be some clarification needed on how to share. Christianity has always played a large role in business from the beginning of time. Now is no different for Christians to be involved in what takes place in the business world. 

We like to keep three things in mind that help us to share our faith in the business world. 

1. Honor God - we always look for ways to do this.

2. Stop drawing a line - we are called to go into the world. 

3. Allow the Spirit to work - the fruit of the spirit should be evident. 

Often times we may ask ourselves a question? What has me so down? Why am I so mad, angry, upset, or just unsettled? Well, most of the times it's not a what but a who. Who has me in this state of being? 

The battle of spiritual warfare is real and has always been. It brings us to today's question, "Who are you in fellowship with today?"

Full show notes are here Press & Reach Episode 12

What happens when our physical limits are pushed? Well, if you ask Gina Trave, founder of Exalt Fit apparel, our spiritual gets a workout as well. Gina has been blessed in her new business venture in fitness apparel.

Truly, the business was inspired by her deeper discovery in her faith as she found herself going deeper. Of course, she faces the same challenges as we all face in business, but her perseverance through previous hardships have shown her how to press through during tough times.

Gina is an encouragement for anyone to listen to. Join us as we learn more about her business ideas, her faith, and her drive to move forward.

3 Strong Stances of Faith

Prayer

What is it about this obvious stance of faith that we fail to understand? How many more examples do we need before we begin to believe in the power of prayer? We can easily start with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. This is the infamous place where Jesus prayed until His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44). This is, of course, the night He was betrayed.

Do you think that would have been the opportune time for us to run? I mean, really, the Lord knew that in this great display of betrayal and mockery, He had the power to stop it. However, His prayer was that the Father’s will be done, not His own. What about the apostle Paul? As he spoke with the church in Thessalonica, he was urgent in reminding them of continuing on in the faith. He was affectionate towards them as he saw them pressing through a time of persecution. We should all be reminded to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us.

Maybe we just need to be reminded of our very own position. This is was James does as he reminds us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  He was speaking of the prophet Elijah. James makes sure to point out that our nature is no different than his was. I know that a lot of people think that they may not be righteous enough, but that is not the case. Stand on the word, for it tells us that we became the righteousness of God in Christ. If you are in Him, and He in you then pray. Mountains have been moved, but a lot more than mountains have been moved with this stance of faith. If you have not already become one, then now is the time; become a prayer warrior (2 Chron. 7:14).

Desire to Please God

            When I think of pleasing God, I have to admit it seems like it would be quite difficult. This is another reason that I thank God for His word. How many times do we think of what may be found pleasing to God? The word tells us that the sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:16-17). With that being said, has that kind of spirit manifested itself in us? Or are we just dead-set on getting our way, expressing our thoughts, or claiming our rights?

                Our society provides us with an abundance of opportunities to please God. However, for some reason or another, we are broken over nothing. Every time the enemy uses a tool for division and discord we are quick to take the bait. We jump to the right to please ourselves over the argument and treat one another with disdain. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think the Lord finds that to be pleasing in His eyes. A strong faith is built on an unrelenting desire to please God. The issue for most is that in order to please God, we must relent of self (John 15:13).

Trusting in God

This is the saying that will send people into a fit. I understand. However, as much as it may seem to be a cliché thing to say, it remains a stance of the most faithful. Why? Well, do we think we have a better way? It only takes me but a thought, and I can recall failure in many areas of my life that I did not trust God. On the contrary, I can also tell you about many times that I simply trusted in God and He saw me through.

What about you? Has god seen you through and you don’t recall? This wasn’t the case for King David as he reminded Saul that it was the Lord who delivered him in the past and He would certainly do it again (1 Sam 17:37).  We are no different when it comes to recalling past victories. The problem comes when we take our eyes off the Lord and start looking upon that which we see. For this reason, the scripture tells us that we look not at the things which are seen, but of the things unseen. The things seen are temporary, but the unseen are eternal. Trusting in God is a solid stance of faith, for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Breakloose International is a prison ministry founded and now ran by Tim Frantz and his wife Kate. With headquarters based out of the Midwest, Breakloose is ready to travel wherever the need may be in prison ministry. They currently operate by utilizing their sports outreach as an avenue for sharing the gospel.

In listening in on this episode, you will definitely be able to hear what passion sounds like in ministry. Tim has a heart and desire to see brothers and sisters behind bars realize how much God loves them. Make sure to visit our website for all the show notes.

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Belief is everything. If you don’t believe in what you do, it will surely show. Not only will you have it on full display, but everyone around you will read it. What must we do to maintain a belief in times that seem unbelievable? The scripture says that the power of life and death are in the tongue.

To walk in faith is an everyday walk and requires an unrelenting belief, especially when on a great task. Come join us as we discuss the importance of believing in what you do.

Perseverance means to be steadfast in doing something regardless of the obstacles that may arise. Leon Moody Sr., a real estate investor out of Illinois, has seen his share of obstacles along the way. However, by the grace of God, the will to press forward, and a strong faith, he has overcome.

He truly credits the grace and promises of God for all the blessings in his life. In the midst of the trial, he found himself joyful and praising God! Now as he has passed through those times, he remains an encouragement to others along the way. Join us we give God all the glory and Leon shares his story.

The more we trust in the Lord, the more our lives change. Sometimes God allows us to see a change in direction with what we call our own business. However, the Lord reminds us that it all belongs to Him and it should be used for a platform to reach others for Him. As a Christian, walking in faith is not always easy, but Chris Patton tells us how it can certainly be pleasing to God.

Chris is a steward over the business that God has entrusted to him and his family. As a Christian business mentor and leader, Chris now encourages others as well to simply lead with eternity in mind. He encourages us all to have a quiet time with God on a daily basis, listen to what God has to say and make sure that God is always our focus.

Come join us on Press & Reach