Welcome to David's Mighty Men

WATCH THE TALL GRASS

2009-02-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen the lion stalk the gazelle?

The gazelle grazes in the quiet Savannah thinking he

is safe because he sees no danger. The danger is

present but lying in wait. The lions then

spring from the tall grass in full view of the gazelle. During the

confusion a gazelle is singled out from the herd.

The gazelle finds itself isolated and surrounded

by the lions while the rest of the herd is allowed to

run to safety. The final stage is death and lunch, courtesy

of the gazelle.

The devil has the same hunting techniques he uses on us.

I'll just sum it up and let you absorb the pattern.

Deception leads to denial then distraction

to dislocation and finally destruction.

Is anyone hunting you? God's Word instructs,

"Take heed lest you fall..."

Beware of the quiet Savannah, men.

Bro. David

Final Review of 2008

2009-01-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

Courage is exemplified , at times, by the ability to turn and run.

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Courage can be the virtue of the wise or the vanity of fools.

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Men and nations are not great by the virtue of their wealth,

but by the wealth of their virtues.

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Kindness is a virtue that attracts others to a man.

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The stronger a man is, the more gentle he can afford to be.

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Character is more important than talent.

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Faithfulness is the cornerstone of character.

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God commits to faithful men, then He makes them able.

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The characteristics of the Kingdom emanate

from the character of the King.

Bro. David

Review of 2008

2009-01-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

You cannot compensate by sacrifice what you lose through disobedience.

2. Maturity does not come with age,

but begins with the acceptance of responsibility.

3. Every man has three men to deal with:

The man he thinks others see.

The man he thinks he is. The man he really is.

4. God, and women, desire men to have

consistency,decisiveness, and strength.

5. Strength is tested by resistance to pressure.

True of marriage, friendships, character.

6. The more you build your life on principle,

and the less on personality-

yours or others- the straighter will be your course.

Bro. David

MIGHTY MEN'S LIST #1

2008-12-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to list the nuggets to remember that have been an inspiration to me.

These have all been used in this blog in the past year.

Champions are not those who never fail; they are those who never quit.

Heroes are men who act in a moment of time on a need greater than self.

Some things in life are more important than life itself.

An ounce of obedience is worth more than a ton of prayer.

God's power is released to the degree of our obedience to Him.

Obedience is God's method of protection for your life.

Every man is limited by three things:

The knowledge in his mind. The strength of his character.

The principles upon which he is building his life.

File these away and use them. We will review more in my next installment.

Bro. David

WE'RE GOING TO BE OK

2008-11-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

If you were like me, you weren't thrilled with either candidate this election.

Both candidates disagreed with me on key issues. So who represents me?

Israel always wanted a King, but God had given them a prophet.

Not satisfied, they whined until God gave them

a King and he did what our presidents do;

tax us into submission and then send our sons and daughters off to war.

Taxes and war are necessary,

and I'm not complaining.... yet,

but God doesn't want you to put your trust in a King or President. Government is not the answer, God is.

Our real King is the King of glory and although

He may let us suffer the consequences of our actions, He will never let us down. His characteristics remain in this country.

The characteristics of the Kingdom

emanate from the character of the King.

That is true in any Kingdom, whether our

country or your home. So who really represents you?

Let your faith and confidence rest in your King,

and then let the chips fall where they may.

I can assure you that I am not looking for answers

from our government. Trust God, acknowledge

Him, let King Jesus direct your paths,

and then pray for Pres. Bush and Pres. Elect Obama.

We're going to be OK.

Bro. David

Self Made Or Made Able

2008-10-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

On the eve of this burdensome election, we are deciding

on who will lead us for the next 4 years.

Both candidates claim to be qualified, but who is able?

As I read the Bible, there is not one person

that God has called that is qualified to

do what He has asked. They usually have skeletons in their

closets, gross under qualifications

(shepherd boy to King, David... murderer to leader

of millions, Moses... persecutor of Christianity to writer

of most the New Testament, Paul) and seem to

be a poor choice for the job. The one thing

they all had in common was Faithfulness.

GOD COMMITS TO FAITHFUL MEN, THEN HE MAKES THEM ABLE.

Men, you are never under qualified for anything if you are Faithful.

God always makes the difference. God doesn't see

man's brilliance, He only sees Faithfulness.

Resist the "Self Made" titles and prefer to be "Made Able ".

I hope America chooses the "Made Able" team to

lead this country, I know it's God's choice.

Pastor David

Staying Home

2008-10-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

In defensive football there must be discipline.

Everyone has assignments and it is important that

everyone stick to his assignment.

Offences throw different looks at defenses and many times

they are just that, looks. Looks that are meant to deceive

and woo you out of your assigned position. Offences succeed

when they fool the defense and draw individuals

into places they were not assigned.

Men, faithfulness to your assignment is crucial.

It takes character to stay where you are assigned.

Husband, father, and leader are all heavenly assignments.

The enemy is shifting, moving and giving

us different looks, but we must remain where the team needs us.

FAITHFULNESS IS THE CORNERSTONE OF CHARACTER

This faithfulness to our position is the key to successful families.

Resist the temptation to wander around.

God expects you to man your position. When the enemy

sends a reverse your way, you'll be where

you're supposed to be..... at home, man- ing your position.

Brother David

IT'S WHO YOU ARE, NOT WHAT YOU'VE GOT

2008-10-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Bible tells us that the gifts of God are without repentance. This simply means that God doesn't take back the natural abilities He has given you even when you refuse to use them for His purposes.

Although people "glory" in their own gifts all the time, the real glory comes when you give them back to God. This takes character. I don't believe character is a gift. Character comes when man decides to obey God, do the right thing, and follow God's purposes instead of his own.

CHARACTER IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TALENT.

Character doesn't come natural like talent. It is forged in the decision making of a man. Quality decisions make a quality man. When you take the talent God has gifted you and mix it with character, you maximize your life. That's what defines you: what you do with what you've got.

Pastor David

GENTLE - MAN

2008-08-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

My favorite game is golf. Golf is known

as a "Gentleman's" game. Maybe that was true

once upon a time but have you played recently?

I would never enter a course tournament played

by individuals because most golfers cheat.

It's pathetic! There are still places where there

is honor, (Pros and junior golf) but at the

local golf course? Let's put it this way, the phrases

gimmie, over, mulligan and shoe iron do not have

their roots in the word gentleman.

When I hear the word Gentleman,

I think of tact, honesty, manners,

integrity, and strength.

To be gentle is to be in control of your

integrity, passions, and appetites. It takes a strong man to be a gentleman.

THE STRONGER A MAN IS,

THE MORE GENTLE HE CAN AFFORD TO BE.

A gentleman desires to behave in an appropriate manner.

He does not panic during crisis.

Others seek his counsel.

His children respect him and his wife loves him.

Oh, and he would never cheat in golf.

David Johnson

KINDNESS IS NEXT TO MANLY-NESS

2008-08-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

There is a great mis-conception among men.

It is the idea that manly strength is somehow

measured in a rough demeanor. This rough, tough shell

is not a sign of strength. It is mearly a sign of a rough tough shell. These

men haven't learned the art of interaction.

Kindness is not a feminine characteristic. It is a characteristic of the Holy Spirit.

KINDNESS IS A VIRTUE THAT ATTRACTS OTHERS TO A MAN.

That's right. Kindness attracts. The rough, tough, demeanor

usually hides a lot of insecurities and other weaknesses,

including dis-function. It takes more discipline to be kind

than it does to be selfish and rude. Men, don't be fooled into

thinking that harshness is manly. Relax, smile a little more

and experience the strength that is kindness. When you

are kind, you bring security into every room you enter.

THE TWO SIDES OF COURAGE

2008-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Courage is action taken in the face of fear.

It ignores fear for different reasons. Heroes use it when they

see a need greater than self and act on it. Fools use it when they

are intoxicated or so consumed by folly that they lose reason.

COURAGE CAN BE THE VIRTUE OF THE WISE OR THE VANITY OF FOOLS

The wise will react out of values instilled over a period

of time and testing. Fools will decide in a moment of

pressure from friends. The results of both actions are

usually long term rewards or consequences.

Heroes are made over time, Fools are made in a moment.

Bro. David

DO MEN EVER RUN?

2008-07-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

One of the tests of strength is to know when to run. There are times when you

shouldn't fight. Especially when the enemy has chosen the battleground.

Real men have the courage (absence of pride) to wait another day when

the environment is favorable.

COURAGE IS EXEMPLIFIED, AT TIMES, BY THE ABILITY TO TURN AND RUN.

Retreat is not surrender!

The enemy will try to sucker you into a confrontation where

he has the advantage. Don't fall for it.

Just the other day a comment was made to me that caused

my blood to boil. Instead of "giving it to him", I just ran

(not physically) by holding my tongue. If I had

responded, I would have been drawn into a regrettable situation.

Learn to know when to fight and when to remain silent.

You should always choose the ground to fight on.

When I responded, I did on my terms and appropriately.

I received satisfaction that my patience rewarded

me.

Don't be afraid to run to fight another day!

Bro. David

PRINCIPLES

2008-07-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Many men consider their talents and skills given them

by God to be their own possession. We let pride sell

us the lie that we are self made. Our machismo takes

over and God's giftings become our inventions.

God's principles (His character and personality) are

what holds the universe together. There is

nothing in your personality that can compete.

It is God's principles that raise solid children.

It is God's principles in you that gives you favor with your boss.

It is God's principles in you that bring you success.

THE MORE YOU BUILD YOUR LIFE ON PRINCIPLE,

AND THE LESS ON PERSONALITY

- YOURS OR OTHERS- THE STRAIGHTER

WILL BE YOUR COURSE.

The next time you're in the decision making mode,

consider principle over personality, it's what real men do.

Bro. David

THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

2008-07-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

If you've ever traveled abroad you will discover that although

there are terrific places to visit, America is the greatest country on Earth.

What gives us that distinction is our foundation. Our founding Fathers,

though sometimes flawed, laid a firm foundation.

They built this country on Biblical virtues.

Virtues we continue to honor every Sunday.

The secret to our wealth,power and

prestige is not education, location or superior pedigree.

Men and nations are not great by the
virtue of their wealth
but by the wealth of their virtues.

This is what makes America beautiful!

We are one nation under God and as long as we stay there

we will continue to be over the top.

Join me in agreement today and pray that God Bless America.

David Johnson

When The Pressure Is On

2008-06-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

One of the truest tests of leadership is what one does when

the pressure is on. You have a choice of three responses.

1) React to the pressure

2) Yield to the pressure

3) Resist the pressure

The motive behind most pressure desires to make you yield.

That's why resisting pressure is the posture of strength.

Strength is tested by resistance to pressure.

True of marriage, friendships, and character.

The key is to not let pressure dictate your plans, goals and direction.

God has given you leadership gifts and your destiny is not to

become a victim of pressure but to resist pressure.

The Bible says to "resist the devil and he will flee from you..."

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,

especially when the pressure is on.

Bro. David

CONSISTENCY,DECISIVENESS AND STRENGTH

2008-06-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

The other day I was driving and was held up by an

indecisive driver. This unfortunate driver stopped

in the middle of the road and risked an

accident because they were frozen by indecision.

I've tried to teach my boys that being prepared

is always more valuable than execution. Everyone is

going to have an occasional slip up with

execution of tasks, but there is never an

excuse for a lack of preparation (indecisiveness).

GOD, AND WOMEN, DESIRE MEN TO HAVE

CONSISTENCY, DECISIVENESS, AND STRENGTH.

These three virtues attract. These three virtues

were possessed by Jesus. Come on men,

let's take possession of these virtues

and we will never be found dead

in the middle of any road.

Pastor David

A TALE OF THREE MEN

2008-06-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

In the late 70's, the group "The Who", sang the hit song, "Who Are

You". People have always come to that question sooner or later.

Men don't have the luxury of this confusion.

Men are supposed to be leaders.

It is weakness for a man to be confused about his identity.

This is why God has made it perfectly clear about His intentions, plans

and purposes for our lives.

EVERY MAN HAS THREE MEN TO DEAL WITH:

THE MAN HE THINKS OTHERS SEE.

THE MAN HE THINKS HE IS.

THE MAN HE REALLY IS.

So, who are you? Are you confused or worse, undecided?

Have you equipped yourself with God's provision for leadership?

It's time!

As the Army advertises, "Be All You Can Be".

Answer that question with resounding clarity! I am God's man!

Bro. David

COMING OF AGE

2008-05-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

I used to think that a person's age determined their character. You see, I've always been taught to respect my elders. Although I continue in that principle, I have learned that people live on many different levels. Age doesn't give you an entitlement of respect. Often I find myself operating in Grace while respecting certain elders.

Real maturity comes with learned and practiced principles. It comes through your obedience to the Word of God.

Maturity does not come with age, but begins with the acceptance of responsibility.

This is the gold standard of maturity.

Run from people that always blame others and give a truckload of excuses. Everyone fails! It's how we respond to failure that separates the men from the boys, Literally!

Men, don't be afraid to accept responsibility for failure. It is a show of strength and character. It's a resolve to move from the problem to the answer. It's what real men do.

Bro. David

You Can't Pay For Your Sin

2008-04-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever known men who will perform an admirable

deed to make up for a bad one?

In the reformation these actions were called indulgences.

The church leaders would use this guilt money to build the great

cathedrals we see in Europe today. Of course this was wrong

and the men who challenged this corruption were called Protestants.

Men continue this practice in private.

The cathedrals being built are false ones in the heart.

We build false hopes thinking this balances our disobedience.

You cannot compensate by sacrifice what you lose through disobedience.

The only way to pay the debt of sin is through confession.

Forgiveness comes when we renounce our sins.

Jesus then forgives, heals and restores.

Men, you cannot afford sin. Only Jesus can pick up that tab.

Bro. David

2008-04-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

WHO ARE YOU, REALLY?

A recent presidential candidate was confronted by the moderator in a

debate about people he was closely associated with. The revelation was

shocking.

It has been said that birds of a feather flock together. This of course means

that if you want to know who someone really is, look at their friends and

associates.

Who are you, really?

We will not change our ways until we take an honest look at ourselves.

Every man has limitations.

Every man is limited by three things: The knowledge in his mind.

The strength of his character and the principles upon which

he is building his life.

How do you measure in knowledge, character and principles? These

three areas will determine your friends, influence and integrity.

Take inventory men. Real men aren't embarrassed by their friends.

They are strengthened!

Pastor David

KEEPING IT SAFE

2008-04-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

When my oldest son was 5, he was playing in the parking lot of our church.

My wife called out to him because cars were beginning to leave the lot

as service had concluded. He acknowledged her call but did not obey.

What happened next was a lesson he would never forget.

My wife went to him and punished him swiftly.

You see, he didn't understand the consequences of ignoring her call

and she didn't have time to explain . Obedience was imperative.

OBEDIENCE IS GOD'S METHOD OF PROTECTION FOR YOUR LIFE!

Friend, when God calls, there is only one response you can afford, Obedience.

Let's keep it safe. Listen and obey God's Word and Voice.

Bro. David

OBEDIENCE EQUALS POWER

2008-03-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

My 13 yr. old son shook hands with his doctor the other day and the doctor told him that he doesn't meet many 13 yr. olds that give him a firm handshake. Now of course this made his dad very proud because that firm handshake says a lot about someone, especially a child.

I believe God feels the same thing about us when we are obedient. It speaks of a lack of pride and a measure of humility. God knows full well that there's not many people out there who are obedient.

God wants to pour His power into the lives of the obedient!

God's power is released to the degree of our obedience to Him.

Obedient men become respected men. Obedient men become powerful men.

Obedient men make their Father very proud. Want some power? Practice some obedience.

Bro. David

2008-03-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Which is more important?
a) Prayer b) Sacrifice c) Obedience

\While all 3 are very important spiritual values, Obedience is by far the most important.

It is the standard in which God measures greatness.

Remember;

An ounce of Obedience is worth more than a ton of Prayer.

While prayer is vital to your health, relationship and growth, it is meaningless from a disobedient heart. God will not listen or commune with a disobedient heart. It is against His Word, and Character

Obey the Lord men, and it will go well with you. How well you follow orders will determine your success.

Be Strong and Courageous,

David Johnson

SEPARATE THE IMPORTANT FROM THE UNIMPORTANT

2008-03-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

There are certain "things" that you as a man are called to protect. These "things" must take priority over everything.

There is a grocery list of unimportant "things" that try to choke out your main responsibilities. It is crucial that you separate the important from the unimportant.

SOME THINGS IN LIFE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN LIFE ITSELF.

Things like your wife, children, integrity, and your relationship with an all powerful God.

What separates the men from the boys is the ability and desire to learn the difference.

Make it a priority men.

Bro. David

A REAL HERO

2008-02-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

A lot of people are called heroes. But anyone can be a hero. It's not really hard at all. You don't even have to serve in the military. All you have to do is resist the urge to be natural (selfish).

Heroes are men who act in a moment of time on a need greater than self.

Meditate on this principle this week because the world needs more real heroes.

Bro. David

Keep Your Composure!

2008-02-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

CHAMPIONS ARE NOT THOSE WHO NEVER FAIL; THEY ARE THOSE WHO NEVER QUIT.

i WASI was with a group of young men the other day as they were competing for a position. I watched as the tension grew and the competition escalated. Near the end, one young man seemed to lose concentration as the tide had turned against him. It was apparent that he might lose although not certain. Before the match was finished his attitude insured his defeat, he had quit in his mind. Before the match was over he had conceded defeat. There was still hope, but he quit.

Many grown men do the same thing. They are easy prey to circumstances when they quit before the contest is over. When you are on a team like a marriage, you can't afford to have this gross trait of immaturity. It is weakness at its' worst.

I may not win every battle, but I won't lose because I quit.

You see, Champions suffer failure time and again. Winning is not the only mark of a Champion. A Champion is someone you can count on to give their best effort to the very end. And if a Champion loses, he is gracious in defeat and already preparing for the next battle.

Come on fellas, God has raised us all to be Champions.

Champions are not those who never fail; they are those who never quit!

Never Quit,

David Johnson

3 Truths to remember during crisis!

2008-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

The truth I want you to meditate on this week is,

"God Never Quits, God Never Fails, and God Never ends anything on a Negative."

These are three truths that every man must remember during a crisis.

God Bless

THE WINNERS EDGE

2008-02-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

Are you currently dealing with a crisis? Check your pulse, it there's a beat then you are either facing a crisis, or about to face one. King David lived from one drama to another and the evidence for that is the book of Psalms.

God has called you as a man and He has given you specific skills to overcome crisis'. Most men stumble by putting their trust in circumstances instead of God. We do this by worrying instead of believing.

Worry centers on self.

Faith centers on God.

Take heart fellas, the same God that was with David will be with his mighty men.

Just do what you're equipped by God to do.

Be Strong.

Be Courageous.

Be Aggressive.

God will pull you through. God will never let you end on a negative.

David Johnson

Which Road Are You On?

2008-02-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for each person here and that the Holy Spirit be our guide, speak to us and open our eyes, open our ears and open our hearts to the vision that you have purposed in our hearts, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your Words Name and Choose the Road You are On – Your words name the road you are on and will travel - not the road you want to be on, think you’re on, or might be on. No, they name the road you are on. Proverbs 18:20 “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.”Speak ONLY the Road You are Traveling. If someone asks you for directions to a place they want to be, would you begin naming all the roads that they shouldn’t turn on or be on?
Never, ever speak what you don’t want. Don’t name a road you’re not intending to travel - for example: “I’m so out of shape”
a. If “out of shape” is the road you are traveling, then you are correct in saying, “I’m so out of shape.” Your very words will keep you on that road (out of shape). Your body, muscle tone, immune system, posture, etc. will actively react in conformance with your words and the condition you have named. You will indeed stay out of shape.
b. Rather, say, “I’m getting in better shape every day My stamina is increasing daily. I feel better every day. I’m gaining better breath and endurance. I’m excited about the improvements that are occurring.”
Folks, don't beat yourself up. Don't beat yourself up about how out of shape you are when you're running. You're doing it and that is an improvement in itself. Your self talk should not be negative and self-defeating. Be thankful and fully expect to get into shape and that you will improve every day. Redirect your mindset on what you are accomplishing.

God Bless,