warm up-20 ssh, cherry pickers, windmills…butt kicks, high knees, L & R kareoke.
mosey to alley for mike tyson set of 5s. mosey back to circle.
leg station-50 step ups, 25 single leg squats (each leg), 50 scissor jump squats.
wosey to stairs. line up in plank position. lead guy runs (two touch each stair) up and down stair case to back of line. 3 x. wosey to circle for 3rd f.
galations 6:7
mosey to middle school for quarter pounder…sprint to 1st, 25 american hammers, nur back…sprint to 2nd, 25 leg raises, nur back…sprint to 3rd, 25 reverse crunch, nur back…sprint to 4th, 25 big boys, nur back…mosey to circle.
6 HIM beat the fartsack and endured the raindrop to post at the aegis for a little stroll out to rt 113 and back
Warm up- 25 SSH, 20 Windmills, 15 Seal jacks, 15 Cherry pickers, 15 Smurf Jacks all in cadence
The Thang- Mosey out west market street to rt113 M&T parking lot for the first pain station
20- Bobby Hurleys
20 Merkins
Captain Thor- 1 Big Boy 4 American Hammers 1:4 ratio up to 10:40
Mosey thru Parking lot to side street and back to Georgetown middle school
for 2 rounds of BLIMPS across front school yard.
5 burpees
10 walking Lunges each leg
15 Imperial walkers 4 count
20 Merkins
25 Plank Jacks
30 Squats
Mosey back to the circle for (5) 8 count body builders
(1) Squat, (2) legs out to plank position, (3)/(4) Merkin, (5)/(6) Plank Jack, (7) Legs back in to Squat position, (8) stand back up.
Dragon Crawl 1/4 way around circle, bear crawl 2nd 1/4, crab walk 3rd 1/4 duck walk 4th 1/4
Followed up with number rama, Name-o-rama and COT
3rd F borrowed from the Q source
Men hunt best in a pack.
Eyes to the side have animals that hide
Eyes to the front have animals that hunt
mans eyes are up front. We are hunters not hiders in fact we are the aoex predator of the worlds apex predators. but unlike the other hunters are success is not based upon our strength, speed or size of out fangs. it is our ability to hunt together in a very complex way that puts man at the very top of the food chain. no other animal can do that. some animals like wolves hunt in packs because they have envolved to be more successful that way, but their focus is based upon their prey, what they see before them their eyes are up front. when they claim their prey it is distributed along a vertical pecking order starting with the alpha male of the pack.
the man pack hunts differently instead of focusing on its prey a man works cooperatively with other men in the pack to see what may be behind them he realizes that his eyes up front can only see from 9 through 12 to 3 o’clock he is blind to his 6 unless another man watches it for him. After all what good is the hunt if the hunter himself is taken out from something that sneaks up on him from a place that he himself can not observe. no man can see his own 6. having hunted that way as part of a team man also distributes the catch that way. instead of vertical distribution driven by status man shares the bounty horizontally in reconition of the value of each member brings to the overall success of the effort. the man that watches the 6 is just as important as the man that throws the spear.
Bolt 42’s IC (4 Count) – 14 squats to halfway down. 14 squats halfway to full down. 14 full squats.
Cherry Pickers – 14 IC
The Thang
Explanation of the directive God gave Joshua in regard to the wall of Jericho and the importance He placed on the number seven(7). PAX conquered Jericho on this gloom in F3 fashion thanks to a phone call from Quattro planting a seed for a beatdown and quoting the verses from Joshua 6:4-5, 20-21 (NKJV). Round #1 – Karaoke around the circle switching directions at halfway and complete 7 hand release merkins. Round #2 – Nur around the circle and complete 21 LBC’s. Round #3 – side shuffle around the circle switching directions halfway and complete Aiken legs – 7 squats, 7 box jumps, 7 lunges (7 each leg), 7 split jacks (7 each leg). Round # 4 – high knees around the circle and complete ATM’s – 7 alternating “merkin” shoulder taps (Thanks Chappie), 7 tempo merkins, and 7 fast merkins. Round #5 – Lieutenant Dan around the circle and complete four count mountain climbers. Round #6 – Toy soldier march around the circle and complete a set of 7’s. 1 big boy, 1 merkin, 2 big boys, 2 merkins ascending up to 7 big boys, 7 merkins. Round #7 – mosey around the circle 7 times and complete ascending Burp & Merk’s up to 7 merkins at the bottom of each burpee. The twist for the entire beatdown is that we are going to repeat each of the previous exercises before starting the next lap around the circle.
Count-O-Rama, Name-O-Rama, and the Circle of Trust. Please keep all our HIM in your thoughts and prayers.
F3 Message 12/21/19
The parable here this morning is that the Satanic group is trying to fortify or maintain a wall right here in Sussex County that will serve to block opportunities for the salvation of souls through the love of Christ Jesus. It is our duty as men of God to make sure those walls are reduced to rubble through our prayers, our witness, our testimonies, so that every child of God has the opportunity to choose a relationship with our Savior and not be held captive to any stronghold that the enemy may present. Faith in God can overcome and tear down any walls that Satan attempts to use to block the path that ultimately leads to the place that is already prepared for us in heaven. A place that was already bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. Listen for that still small voice or for that blaring trumpet, but always be ready when the Lord asks you to step out of your comfort zone. Somebody’s life may count on it, maybe your own…
Question: “What should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down?”
Answer: The story of the walls of Jericho falling down, recorded in Joshua 6:1–27, is one that vividly demonstrates the miraculous power of God. But more than that, the utter destruction of Jericho teaches us several grand truths regarding God’s grace and our salvation.
The people of Israel had just crossed over the Jordan River into the land of Canaan (Joshua 3:14–17). This was the land of milk and honey God had promised to Abraham over 500 years earlier (Deuteronomy 6:3, 32:49). After spending forty difficult years wandering in the desert of Sinai, the people of Israel were now on the eastern banks of the Jordan. Their challenge: take the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. However, their first obstacle was the city of Jericho (Joshua 6:1), an unconquerable, walled city. Excavations there reveal that its fortifications featured a stone wall 11 feet high and 14 feet wide. At its top was a smooth stone slope, angling upward at 35 degrees for 35 feet, where it joined massive stone walls that towered even higher. It was virtually impregnable.
In ancient warfare such cities were either taken by assault or surrounded and the people starved into submission. Its invaders might try to weaken the stone walls with fire or by tunneling, or they might simply heap up a mountain of earth to serve as a ramp. Each of these methods of assault took weeks or months, and the attacking force usually suffered heavy losses. However, the strategy to conquer the city of Jericho was unique in two ways. First, the strategy was laid out by God Himself, and, second, the strategy was a seemingly foolish plan. God simply told Joshua to have the people to march silently around Jericho for six days, and then, after seven circuits on the seventh day, to shout.
Though it seemed foolish, Joshua followed God’s instructions to the letter. When the people did finally shout, the massive walls collapsed instantly, and Israel won an easy victory. In fact, God had given the city of Jericho to them before they even began to march around its walls (Joshua 6:2, 16). It was when the people of God, by faith, followed the commands of God that the walls of Jericho fell down (Joshua 6:20).
The apostle Paul assures us, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). The description of the complete obliteration of Jericho was recorded in Scripture in order to teach us several lessons. Most important is that obedience, even when God’s commands seem foolish, brings victory. When we are faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, we must learn that our Jericho victories are won only when our faithful obedience to God is complete (Hebrews 5:9; 1 John 2:3; 5:3).
There are other key lessons we should learn from this story. First, there is a vast difference between God’s way and the way of man (Isaiah 55:8–9). Though militarily it was irrational to assault Jericho in the manner it was done, we must never question God’s purpose or instructions. We must have faith that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do (Hebrews 10:23; 11:1).
Second, the power of God is supernatural, beyond our comprehension (Psalm 18:13–15; Daniel 4:35; Job 38:4–6). The walls of Jericho fell, and they fell instantly. The walls collapsed by the sheer power of God.
Third, there is an uncompromising relationship between the grace of God and our faith and obedience to Him. Scripture says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days” (Hebrews 11:30). Although their faith had frequently failed in the past, in this instance the children of Israel believed and trusted God and His promises. As they were saved by faith, so we are today saved by faith (Romans 5:1; John 3:16–18). Yet faith must be evidenced by obedience. The children of Israel had faith, they obeyed, and the walls of Jericho fell “by faith” after they were circled for seven straight days. Saving faith impels us to obey God (Matthew 7:24–29; Hebrews 5:8–9; 1 John 2:3–5).
In addition, the story tells us that God keeps His promises (Joshua 6:2, 20). The walls of Jericho fell because God said they would. God’s promises to us today are just as certain. They are just as unswerving. They are exceedingly great and wonderfully precious (Hebrews 6:11–18; 10:36; Colossians 3:24).
Finally, we should learn that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). It is not enough to say, “I believe God,” and then live in an ungodly manner. If we truly believe God, our desire is to obey God. Our faith is put to work. We make every effort to do exactly what God says and keep His commandments. Joshua and the Israelites carried out the commands of God and conquered Jericho. God gave them victory over an enemy that was trying to keep them out of the Promised Land. So it is with us today: if we have true faith, we are compelled to obey God, and God gives us victory over the enemies that we face throughout life. Obedience is the clear evidence of faith. Our faith is the evidence to others that we truly believe in Him. We can conquer and be victorious through life by faith, a faith that obeys the God who gives us that faith as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Joshua 6 New International Version (NIV)
6 Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.
2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”
6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.”
8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there.
12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.
15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted[a] to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”
20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. 21 They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.
22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.” 23 So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.
24 Then they burned the whole city and everything in it, but they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the Lord’s house. 25 But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.
26 At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: “Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho:
“At the cost of his firstborn son he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.”
27 So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.
Mosey to Georgetown FIre company and put Backs to wall
5 donkey kicks hold last kick until 6 was in and do 5 count
Hold peoples chair whild PAX takes turns doing 10 merkins
10 donkey kicks, hold last kick until 6 was in than do 10 count
Hold peoples chair while PAX takes turns doing 10 burpees
15 Donkey kicks, hold last kick until 6 was in than do 15 count
Hold peoples chair while PAX takes turns doing 10 LBC
20 Donkey kicks, hold last kick until 6 was in than do 20 count
Mosey 1/2 mile to local school
On front lawn of School we completed the Sheldon Cooper
First we did 10 burpees, 10 merkins, 10 BBSU, 10 squats do 1 lap
9 burpees, 9 merkins, 9 BBSU, 9 squats do 1 lap all the way down to 1 (Most of the HIM completed!! way to go guys Great push!!)
Mosey aprox 1/2 mile back to the AO
COT, name o Rama, Prayer requests, please keep Vanillas family lifted up in prayer they are going thru the sick season. Please keep all our families lifted up during this season. Also for our brother Doubtfire and his wife please keep them lifted during every prayer, Briggs family, Faith and Sue, Aaron(Chappies nephew) and please keep our brother Chappie lifted up in prayer also, he is facing possibly having a hernia, and we all know how much our brother loves being out in the Gloom.
F3 message Leadership
The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
– General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2
He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds; From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
Psalms 78:70-72.
Words can be powerful, but only if you follow up their inspiration with action. Remember, a great leader requires more than a title — you need drive, creativity, and a willingness to learn. In any case being a leader requires great patience, an ability to learn, and the ability to stand firm on your decisions. A great leader accepts responsibility, is accountable.A great leader studies The Word of God and conciders it highly in His daily life. He is strong and courageous. Just like a Joshua Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Why: Why not? You’ll regret not being there if you miss it.
Q&A:
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Not a dime. But each PAX/M is asked to bring a pasta dish of your choice, salad, & dessert (just bring something to share)
Q: BYOB?
A: Drinks will be provided. But booze…I think is BYOB. Check with Ruxpin
Q: When should I RSVP?
A: Yesterday. Since you can’t do that hit up Ruxpin on the GroupMe or DM him so that he and Shawna can start to get a headcount.
Q: What if I have any additional questions not covered here?
A: Reach out to Ruxpin or Chappie in the Gloom or on F# First State FB or IG.
Thanks ahead of time to Ruxpin and his M, Shawna, for hosting this always-a-fun-time event. Let’s get together, celebrate Christmas and another year of F3, and enjoy some 2ndF beyond a morning workout (i.e. lets introduce our families to each other…)
The Thang, nice friendly mosey to the fro t yard of Georgetown middle school and started off there with a round of BLIMPS
5 burpees (handrelease)
10 lunges each leg
15 imperial walkers (4 count)
20 Merkins
25plank Jack’s
30 squats
Then we near crawled to the first sidewalk for a super toy soldier set
50LBCs, 30E2Ks each side, 20 big boys
Lt. Dan to next sidewalk for 30 hand release merkins.
Crab walk to next sidewalk for 20 Bobby hurleys.
Mosey back to beginnings for a few capt thors 1:4 ratio big boys to american hammers only went to 5/20. After this we took a short break for a little 3rd F followed by another Mosey to Georgetown Armory steps for a round of Aiken legs 20 Squats, 20 box jumps, 20 lunges each leg, 20 split Jack’s, followed by another set of Capt. thor. Same as the last one followed up by by rinse and repeat on the Aiken Legs. From there we took a mosey to the front pad of Georgetown fire company for a round of Howling monkeys each Pax held their own ankles while we went around circle individually 10 monkey jumpers while all pax held start position. Since we were in front of camera fireplex requested something manly so we added 20 merkins in cadence. Then the one last mosey around the block just in time for 8 mins of mary. To old to remember what all that consisted of but we did get thru 7 pax each adding their own little bit to the ending of the beat down.
Finished up with count-o-rama, name-o-rama and COT.
Pulled the 3rd of from Q source
A man’s right relationship with himself, his fitness begins with his body because it is his most fundamental piece of physical equipment. A man must get it and keep it in the normal upright position at all times if he wants to be effective. In fact because preparedness requires him to be ready for the unexpected. ( not just to get ready for the expected) the him is focused on gradually but consistently accelerating his fitness level rather than merely staying in shape. Staying in shape is what amateurs try to do. These fragile bodies of ours are what we are given to house our souls. Life the thing so precious to each person that he will fight tooth and nail to preserve it. Is contained within this bag of muscle, flesh and bones we call the body. How can the soul prepare if the body withers and wither it will if we dont put it in motion against continually steeper hills and heavier rock. The body is made to be used. Let it fallow and it will not produce a good crop. But if it is well plowed and carefully tended the result will be a bounty of preparedness.
T.ALK-3RD F ON JAMES 1:22. WE TALKED ON HOW WE SHOULD DO THE GOOD WE ALREADY KNOW. AND TO LIKEWISE STEER AWAY FROM WHAT WE KNOW IS BAD…WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT APPRECIATION AND THAT NOBODY OWES US NOTHING.
MOSEY BACK TO CIRCLE FOR CIRCLE OF TRUST. GREAT JOB MEN!
Bolt 45’s –
15 squats to halfway down. 15 squats
halfway to full down. 15 full squats
Windmills – 20 IC
Dips – 20 IC
Mosey .47
miles to the School
The Thang
Super 21 Routine using the five
sidewalks at the front of the School – 1 Merkin & 1 Big Boy Sit up, mosey
to second sidewalk, 2 Merkins & 2 Big Boy’s mosey to third sidewalk, 3
Merkins & 3 Big Boy’s mosey to fourth sidewalk, 4 merkins & 4 Big Boy’s
mosey to fifth sidewalk, 5 merkins & 5 Big Boy’s, reverse sidewalks and repeat
until reaching 21 of both. Equals 231 of
each exercise.
Mosey .47 miles back to the Aegis
with the Armory as a waypoint.
Stop at the Armory steps and complete
Aiken legs – 20 squats, 20 box jumps, 20 lunges (10 each Leg), 20 split Jacks
(10 each Leg). The twist is that each
PAX will take each step up and each step down before performing each exercise.
Captain
Therkin – 1 big Boy to 4 American hammers; 5 Merkins . 2 Big Boys to 8 American Hammers; 5 Merkins
in ration to 10:40 with 5 Merkins.
Count-O-Rama, Name-O-Rama, and the Circle of Trust. Please keep all our HIM in your thoughts and prayers.
F3 Message 10/12/19 – Q spoke about a recent meeting where he had not exercised the best patience and professionalism. In fact, it was quite a flashback to the “old man” that he thought he had left behind. The following word from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries was shared with all attending PAX, but was still ringing in Q’s ear from his recent “Volcanic Eruption”.
Volcano Scars
When you’re angry, you’re probably a lot like a volcano. You erupt, spew out your lava, and often blow away a piece of the other person, if not yourself.
Every one of us carries around parts of us that
have been mortally wounded by something someone said to us in anger. They may
have forgotten it, but we can’t ever forget it because those create volcano
scars. Why do we do this to other people and usually the people we love the
most?
Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword.”
That’s the awesome power of our angry, irresponsible words. Proverbs 18:21 says that “The tongue has the power of life and
death.” We can say things that make a person feel more alive or that make
them feel dead inside. You’ve had it happen to you, haven’t you?
The Bible pays a high tribute to a person who’s
under control. Proverbs 16:32 says, “Better a patient man than a warrior, a
man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” That’s real
manhood.
If you’re tired of erupting and leaving volcano
scars on people, maybe it’s time to follow the steps to becoming an extinct
volcano:
Confess your anger and
your reckless words as the sin that they really are. Bring it to Jesus’ cross
and treat it as some of the ugly sin that literally killed our Savior. Then
confess it to the victims of your anger.
Don’t let the lava
build up; deal with issues right away.
Make yourself listen
and ask questions before you speak. James 1:19 says, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and
slow to become angry.” If you listen, you’ll be slower to have anger.
Don’t say anything at
all until you’re under control.
Make Jesus Christ the
Lord of the raging animal inside you. We’ve all got one. That’s the
uncontrollable parts of us that are constant reminders that we need a Savior.
Give it to Him for this new day. If volcanoes could think, maybe they’d think twice about blowing their top. The volcano might reason, “You know, maybe I’ll feel better for a while, but is it worth blowing away a part of myself? Is it worth blowing away a part of a person I love?” Well, when we think about it, we know it’s not worth it. The tongue has the power of life and death and “reckless words pierce like a sword.” Haven’t we left enough volcano scars?
Warm-a-Rama 20 semi wave. i/c 20 ssh. I/c Nur around circle 20 plank Jack. i/c 20 seal Jacks. i/c Side shuffle around circle 20 should taps. I/c 20 Windmill. I/c Side shuffle (opposite side) around circle 20 mountain climbers i/c 20 Cherry pickers. I/c
Thang Mosey to church on Bradford street
10 swerkins, 30 lbcs 10 swerkins, 20 e2k 10 swerkins, 10 big boys
Mosey to Ruxpin’s distillery
Pax planks while one HIM goes up steps does 3 burpees on top then back in line. X2
Mosey to Domino’s
10 chicken peckers i/c 20 flutter kicks i/c
Wosey to parking lot by court house
Semi suicides Nur, side shuffle, jailbreak, bear crawl, lt Dan, crawl bear, mosey, and lt danger
15 per side Curb/bumper merkin (one hand on bumper/curb)
Mosey to circle
Toy soldier set 50 lbcs 30 e2k 20 big boys
9 HIM showed today: semi, summit, Chappie, doubtfire, quarto, toy soldier, bovine, Ruxpin, Vanilla
Pax completed the Hindenburg BLIMPS routine from the Exicon. Q had brought this routine in the past during a weekly 45 minute workout, and time did not allow us to finish. So….we started all over….We modified the sprint portion to a straight line between four light poles that were approx. .02 miles apart. Sprint to pole #1, perform exercise at pole #1, sprint to pole #2, perform exercise, sprint to pole #3, perform exercise. Then to pole #4, perform exercise. Plank it up until all PAX are in. That completes one round. Reverse directions and perform the second exercise working back through the 4 poles. Round #1 – 10 Burpees. Round #2 – 20 Lunges (10 each leg). Round #3 – 30 Imperial Walkers. Round #4 – 40 Merkins. Round #5 – 50 Plank Jacks. Round #6 – 60 Squats. We modified the merkin round down to 20 at each pole, but picked them back up at 4 waypoints as we moseyed the .47 miles back to the Aegis.
Excellent cherry pie and fellowship (2nd F) was enjoyed at the coffeteria at Baxter Farms immediately following the beatdown. We all love Quattro’s Grandmother, and hope that we get invited back…….Quattro isn’t so bad either as he cuts a very generous slice….:)….
F3 message 09/28/19 –The 3rd F was shared from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries after completing round #4.
Good Wood – #6657
Now,
if I said I was going to give you the great secrets of hitting a baseball, I
don’t think you’re going to go right out and try them. You’re going to be
skeptical, and you should be. But if one of the game’s greatest hitters were to
tell you the secret of hitting a baseball, well now you should pay attention.
Pete
Rose actually was one of those, and he was once interviewed for an article in
Sports Illustrated, and I like the title. It’s called Good Wood. And he said
that he liked a heat-treated bat. Now, I didn’t realize this, but he said that
you put the bat through an intense heat and that the heat would seal the pores
and it actually made the bat hit harder. Well, it worked for him! I guess it’s
true, heat-treated bats hit harder. Well, you know something? So do
heat-treated people.
I’m
Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Good
Wood.”
Now,
our word for today from the Word of God is found in Romans 5:3-4, and it talks about, well, heat treating. Here we go. “We,
also, rejoice in our sufferings because we know suffering produces
perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.” Those are
curious words. “We rejoice in our suffering?” This doesn’t mean that
Christian suffering feels any better than non-Christian suffering. It doesn’t.
It feels about the same, whether you’re a Christian or not. But if you’re a
believer, pain is just as painful, unemployment is just as demoralizing, and
pressure is just as stressful.
But
you rejoice, not because it feels better, you rejoice because in Christ, pain
has a point. A minus can be made into a plus. Suffering can be made into
perseverance, character and hope. Just ask Pete Rose’s bat. He said that heat
heals up the holes in the bat and makes it more solid. Well, could it be that
the heat that you’re undergoing right now is heat-treating you and the holes in
your life are being healed up by it and you’re becoming more solid because of
it? The heat you’re feeling is not to burn you up, even though it feels like
you might not make it through it. It’s to make you strong; to build into you
great perseverance, great character, great hope.
Right
now you are in a position to learn more about the resources of God than any
person who’s in a comfortable setting. Sure you’d like to be comfortable again.
I hope you will be. Sure you’d like this insecurity, this pain to pass. But
right now you have a chance to know the resources, and the power, and the grace
of God more deeply than you and those around you perhaps have ever known. You
are learning, or you can learn, how to wait, how to overcome, how to really,
urgently, desperately pray.
Perhaps
you’re being forced to close up some of the holes in your life; weaknesses,
un-confessed sin, broken relationships that have been called to your attention
by this hard time. Things you might not have given attention to any other way.
And you can, because of the fire, be forced to deal with the weaknesses that
you might otherwise still tolerate. And when you do, you have added a new kind
of strength.
The
fire turns spiritual wimps into spiritual warriors. So, rejoice as you see what
you are becoming or can become through heat-treating, and only through
heat-treating. You are becoming a heavy hitter in the hands of Almighty God.
