Author Archives: escalanteministries.com
The Point-man
“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. “– (Psalm 145:4)
Have you ever been on a team? It could be any sports team or fine arts. Everyone on that team has a position. A certain individual responsibility to the team and the position. In my short athletic experience (high school) I watched offensive linemen during practice that could throw and catch like they were our starting receivers and quarterbacks. These guys could be quarterbacks or receivers but, these guys were responsible for holding the line. They were responsible for creating a hedge of protection around the one that was selected. They were in charge of protecting the quarterback so the quarterback could have those precious moments to get rid of the football in hopes of scoring and winning the game before being stopped by an angry defense.
Likewise, the church has people that are vital. These men and women are designed and custom fitted to handle their positions. Some work in the foreground and others three in the background; all will be seen by almighty God. All will have the King’s attention. Think about that for a moment.
We captivate our heavenly Father when we serve our brothers and sisters to which He calls us His family. When we share what Jesus has done in our lives or even share with someone the saving knowledge of Christ. Jesus stands at the right hand of the father as your number one fan.
I beleve God is seeking out the Point Man. Men who regardless of the opposition choose to go directly into the enemy’s strongholds searching to neutralize enemy threats and bring hope to the imprisoned. Who are the ones locked up? It’s our children.
Our children are the ones who suffer from our misguidance. This includes us (me included) who are home but not connected. Of course we can justify why we work long hours and how we are not home regularly although it is when we arrive in the driveway and that moment from the engine shutting off and you getting out of the vehicle can seem like an eternity. Don’t check out of the best years of your life parent. I implore you to know your children. Invest into your children even grandchildren.
“Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior’s hands.” – (Psalms 127:4)
Growing up during the 80’s I was an A-team fan however, I watched a few episodes of MacGyver. Where the main character of the story was industrious. He could whip up something out of menial items. MacGyver had a knack of making things work; to the natural eye it was a paperclip, but to MacGyver? It was a weapon of mass destruction. I am not saying our children are objects. In the hands of God seeking warriors, our children can be weapons against the enemy of this dark world who is desperate to steal their God given rights.
We as fathers literally guide our children to their God given destination. It takes patience. I have a son and for now I am taller than him. There will come a time where he will be taller than me. I point to him as the future of our family’s legacy. He points to me as his example of living it out. Where are you directing your children?
Friday focus: You are not forgotten
Luke 12:6-7
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Serve when you feel undedevalued. My pastors were always appreciative of everyone who joined in serving. although I know that may not be the case in some churches around the globe. It is up to the ministers and leaders within the ministry to be the encouragement to those who are serving.
Encouragement when done correctly can motivate others to continue serving and inspires those who desire to serve to jump in. When you know that you have the support and confidence of your leaders it motivates you to push harder, aim higher and walk confidently why? You have a group of brothers and sisters who believe like you. They can pray for you.
But what if you’re not thanked? What if you continue Sunday to Sunday and you don’t get a thank you, even from your pastor?
I want to tell you thank you for being the hands and feet of the church; That’s what you are when you serve at church.You are a blessing to your pastor. You accomplish God’s mission to those you impact. I hope you’re able to see the fruit of your giving. For this reason it is best to continue to serve.
You are being watched by our heavenly Father, he sees you. He values your decision to help in the local body and values your dedication in ministry; especially when many find more reasons to leave, rather than stay. The Lord appreciates your heart. His desire is that you and Him would be one in your heart. Don’t think for a second that you are in the background when you are in Christ. You are a New creation and he loves his children and like the scripture states, you do have value. Nothing ever escapes the Lord’s attention.
Find your piece/peace
Ask the nursery worker why they still serve even when there not scheduled and they will respond much like the rest. They do it because they have found their piece and receive peace because of it. The motivator for recognition should not be for status rather, it should be the draw of doing what you believe God has called you to; find your piece to the puzzle of life. Check our motives but don’t stay there. Grow from it, Plan accordingly, move on. Serve with/ what you care
Man to man: Prep your face.
Shaving is usually a three step process: Pre-shave, Shave, and Post-shave. Men who paint for a living understand that the key to a good paint job, is in the prep work. So as a man in Christ, how do we prep our walk with God?
There are some rough spots in my (I’ll speak for me on this one) my life. I have chipped paint left by angry episodes, loneliness and drama. Living through life has left some serious scratches and dings on me. Do I really think I can fix all these issues that have jaded me? The answer is: I can’t!
I can’t fix myself any more than a car can fix its own problems when the engine light comes on. I start the process by recognition. I realize my dependence on God and how doing things my way brought me to this point. It’s not easy, you have to lather up the courage to reach out to God. Believe that he accepts you and wants to know you as you know him with open arms. Remember he is always reaching out to you.


