Treg Talks

What makes a man?  I grew up I a generation of real men.   Salone, Arnold Schwarzenegger Clint Eastwood, Hulk Hogan, Randy MachoMan Salvage!  If anyone was a real man it was Machoman! 

In this podcast, we will discuss five characteristics of a real man!  

If you have travelled outside the US you know there is a different perception of Americans abroad, especially in 3rd world countries.  One place it was very evident was India.  The people there acted if though I was a special servant of God considering I came from America.  When we hear that we instantly know that is not right, but we also at times act like it.  We interpret all of Scripture and prophecy through Western eyes.  God loves the church of America and the world all the same!  

In this podcast, I will talk about one of my trips to India and how I was treated there as an American (both good and bad).  

When I started to compete heavily in triathlons I knew I needed to purchase a “real” triathlon bike.  But I didn’t just go buy one.  I built one.  I started with the frame.  Then the wheels, saddle, tires, etc.  One of the last purchases I made was the chain.  I put the chain on and took my tri-bike out for the first time.  It was amazing!  I rode down my typical route and began my first climb.  As I stood up and cranked the pedals my chain popped off.  My master link was not on tight enough and I was done-instantly!  

A young man was mentoring with an evangelist and they were speaking at our church.  I set up a 2hr time slot to simply pour myself into this 24yr old.  When we were done he said, “Pastor, I have been traveling for two years and you are the first Sr. Pastor to ever talk to me.”  This makes my blood boil!  The next generation of leaders are out there and we are doing nothing about it.  This is why churches die with their pastors.  This is why fellowships are following apart.  The chain has been broken.  Our young leaders are the master link to hold it together!  Don’t break the chain! “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).  Was Paul just wanting them to hang out and teach in Ephesus?  No.  His desire was for them to go and teach in every city and replicate themselves.

What’s holding you back?  What is the one thing you have always wanted to do?  According to a recent survey, 81 percent of Americans feel they have a book in them -- and that they should write it.  Currently only 44.2 thousand have accomplished it.  Why?  Why have we yet to take that dream vacation?  Why are we still putting off training for that one race you have always wanted to accomplish?  You have the online application to that college continually on one of your tabs, but have yet to complete it. 

The majority of you have at least one thing yo have talked about or desired to do.  You would love to start a building project, another ministry in your church, or your own business.  What is it that is holding you back form accomplishing this desire?

The day after my heart attack I was lying there in the hospital bed completing the realities of my near death.  A 100% blockage in your widow maker will cause one to do that.  As I laid there I pulled out my phone and made a bucket list.  There were so many things I wanted to do and wanted my family to do that I just kept putting off.  I would have died with major regrets.  

How about you?  If so, it is time to do something about it.  It is time to eliminate the road black and go after your desires.

Many of us are held back by:

1) Our concept of reality.

“I just don’t have the time or energy to do that right now.”  “There is no way anyone would get behind a fundraising project like that.”  “I would have no idea how to start a business.”  Reality is often just a reason for you stay in the status quo.  How can God do the impossibly through you if you never move out of the possible.  

2) Procrastination

“One day.”  It is amazing how much is gong to get accomplished one day.  Missions will be doing the amazing one day.  Churches will accomplish the amazing one day.  

One day is not on your calendar.  You phone will not alert you in the morning, “Today is one day!”  You must create the day!  You must take the first step in seeing it begin. 

3) What Others will Think

It truly is amazing how we seem to know what others are going to think.  Fact is, it is usually our own thoughts that we are accusing of others of possibly having.  We can’t live our lives ruled by what others think.  One day I am not going to stand before others and answer for my actions on earth, so why do I base my decisions on them now.

4) Fear

If we were to analyze the real reason you have never trained for that half-marathon, started that new ministry, or began that business it is because of fear.  

5)  What it will Cost

Silence is not always good!  Silence is often a way out.    Silence is a way to neglect our responsibilities as a mentor or boss.  Silence is an excuse not to fulfill what Scripture says about the older teaching the younger.  Silence is a way for us “trust God” and not have those important conversations with our children.  

When Eve was tempted in the garden by the serpent, Adam (who was most likely with her) remained silent.  When Sarai failed to believe the promises of God, Abram remained silent. When his children got involved in immorality and sin, David remained silent.  

The opposite is also true.  When Nabal cursed David, Abigail determined it was not best for her to remain silent.  When Job’s wife told him to curse God and die, he knew he could not remain silent.  His response is golden, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”

Meditation is a word we have possibly read in our Bibles but have run from in reality.  You know there might be something to it, but the thoughts of it scare you.  Is meditation like we know it today different than what the writers in Scripture are talking about?  In this podcast, we will take a look at meditation from an Eastern and Western Scriptural perspective.     

UFO sightings are on the increase and some of the footage seems very believable!  Our former presidents and many senators are also concerned about what they are seeing.  How do we as Christians process all of this and is there something to these sightings?  In this podcast, we will take a Scriptural look at aliens and how they should impact our current Christian culture.   

I have made more bad decisions in my life than I care to count.  In this episode, I will tell you about one of those crazy decisions, and how not to make the same mistake I did!