WHAT IS INEVITABLE: WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE YOU ARE EVENTUALLY YOU WILL HAPPEN TO YOU YOUR STRENGTH IS LIMITED YOUR INFINITE WISDOM IS FINITE BRANCHES & VINES FRUIT & FRUITLESS LIFE & DEATHTHINGS WE MISTAKENLY ABIDE IN APPROVAL OF OTHERS SELF-PROMOTION NEEDING STUFF COMPARISONS IDOLATRYCAUSES PRIDE/EGO INSECURITY SIN (FLESHLY DESIRES & ENVY WRONG SOURCE OF IDENTITY “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”John‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭3 ABSOLUTES OF ABIDING IN CHRISTTethered to TruthRemoval for Refinement Pruned for Production

Heath Adamson is the author of Grace in the Valley and The Sacred Chase As senior vice president of global program at Convoy of Hope, he works with communities to address root causes of poverty and hunger. His Ph.D. is from the University of London. He speaks at universities, conferences, symposiums, and churches.

https://www.heathadamson.com/

https://convoyofhope.org/about/

BACKGROUND CHILDHOOD FAITH: AGE AND DEFINING MOMENT OF OWNERSHIP PROFESSIONAL PATH WHY AN AUTHOR? WHY CONVOY OF HOPE?EXPLAIN SPIRITUAL POVERTYWHY IS SUGARCOATING PROBLEMATICDIVISIONCombat the short attention span of human compassion BARRIER TO BROADER UNITY? COMPASSION: SOME HAVE IT? CAN COMPASSION BE LEARNED? EXPLAIN: ‘SHORT ATTENTION SPAN OF HUMAN COMPASSION’ AND SOLUTION “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 ‘RELIGION’Move beyond religious clichés to authenticity with GODEXAMPLES OF RELIGIOUS CLICHE? LITTLE C CHURCH ‘religion’ worst thing to happen to CHRISTIANITY PHARISAICAL SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS “For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith” Philippians 3:8-9 PURPOSEFind divine purpose and meaning in life's interruptionsEXPLAIN DISCERNMENT OF OUR OWN AGENDA VS DIVINE PURPOSE HOW MIGHT WE EMBRACE UNINVITED INTERRUPTION? “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 PAINTransform personal pain into powerful ministry GOD DOESN’T WASTE ANYTHING PERSONAL EXAMPLE OF PAIN INTO POWER DEFINE ‘POWERFUL MINISTRY’ “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 vs CONSIDER IT ALL JOYPROVISIONSee and seize God's possibilities in impossible situations WHY DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE TO LEAN IN TO IMPOSSIBLE? KEY TO SEEING GOD’S PLAN THRU A PROBLEM? —PROBLEMS CREATE OPPORTUNITIES PERSONAL STORY OF GOD SHOWING UP WHEN LEAST EXPECTED? “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 HOPEDiscover hope as a catalyst for meaningful change MEANINGFUL CHANGE? MISPLACED AND MIS-DEFINED HOW DID YOU DISCOVER HOPE? HOW TO CREATE HOPE FOR OTHERS? “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

5 CORNERSTONES THAT CRYSTALLIZEMEMORIZESTOP:BEING REACTIONARYOPERATING WITHOUT TOOLSKNIFE TO A GUNFIGHT (spiritual warfare) “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.”Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭ WHATS IN YOU COMES OUT OF YOU MOVIES AND MUSIC? WHY NOT SCRIPTURE? MUSCLE MEMORY AND HABITUAL RECALL FAITH COMES BY HEARINGMINIMIZE

STOP:LOOKING TO BE OFFENDEDTAKING IT PERSONALSWEATING SMALL STUFF “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭4‬ ‭

“Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬ ‭ SENSELESS TURMOIL AND TOIL BLUR THE VISION AND IMPEDE PROGRESS MITIGATE AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS | ANYTHING THAT DOESN’T REFLECT OR RESEMBLE GOD’S CHARACTER MOBILIZESTOP:COMPLAININGWAITING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO COME TO YOUSTAYING STATIONARY “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart From works is dead.” James‬ ‭2‬:‭26‬‭

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬ ‭ JESUS SAYS GO WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF YOUR BELIEFS WHERE IS YOUR FOOTPRINT IDENTIFY DAILY ASSIGNMENTMAXIMIZESTOP:SHOULD’ING YOURSELF RE-LIVING GLORY DAYSWISHING THRU INNER WEBS “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. “On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬ USE TALENT TO BLESS AND SERVE SHARPEN SKILLS & STRENGTHEN CAPABILITY DEEPEN & CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS MAGNETIZESTOP:ASSUMING THE WORSTJUMPING TO CONCLUSIONSR B FPROJECTING WITHOUT PAUSE “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭ “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬ ‭ MORE FLIES WITH HONEY SEEK TO UNDERSTAND NO ULTERIOR MOTIVES EMPATHIZE SEEK TO SERVE BE A UNICORN JESUS DRAWS US UNTO HIMSELF

Don't miss this episode! My lifelong friend of 50 years reveals something that was news to me. Billy and I go way back. We were High School baseball teammates and were college roommates. We've been through a lot together. His family has faced severe medical hardship, but has miraculously overcome major obstacles.

God showed up in a dream and you gotta stay for the whole episode to hear about it.

BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHERLIFELONG FRIENDSHOMETOWN HEARTLANDFAITH COLLIDES WITH DOUBTCORE VALUESFAMILY FOUNDATIONGOD SPEAKS IN DREAMSCANCER FREEMANHOOD MODELED

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”2 Chronicles 7:14 HOW DO I KNOW OUR LAND NEEDS HEALED?DEPRESSIONNEARLY 1/5 AMERICANS GALLUP 2023 DIVORCECDC REPORTS 40-50% 2024NUCLEAR FAMILYFATHERHOOD.org2024 1/4 CHILDREN WITHOUT FATHER PORNNIH SAYS 70% of men EXPOSED TO PORN AT LEAST ONCE in last year1/10 IN LAST MONTHHEART.orgNearly 1mm CARDIOVASCULAR DEATHS in 2024HUMBLE HUMILITY KRYPTONITE SELF MADE MY STRENGTH SELF-RIGHTEOUS “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””James 4:6 PRAYBARRIERS TO ENTRY INSECURITIES DOUBT IM MY OWN SOURCE“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”Romans 12:12 SEEKSTRANGER DANGER CANT SEEK WHAT WE DON’T RECOGNIZE WE DON’T SEEK WHAT IS DISTANT RECOGNIZE OUR NEED““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”Matthew 7:21-23 TURNNEVER TOO LATE SHAMELESS WORLDLY DESIRES ARE EMPTY RESIST THE DEVIL HE FLEES DRAW NEAR TO GOD HE DRAWS NEAR“Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.”Acts 8:22

BACKGROUND METS FAN DARYL STRAWBERRY | HOW CONNECTED? FAITH EMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER ESPN CAREER TRANSITION: LEAVING ESPN KEYS TO BURNING THE BOATS NEW UNKNOWN ENDEAVORSTHE VALLEY OF VISION:O God, attend me in every part of my arduous and trying pilgrimage;I need the same counsel, defence, comfort I found at my beginning.Let my religion be more obvious to my conscience, more perceptible to those around. While Jesus is representing me in heaven, may I reflect him on earth, While he pleads my cause, may I show forth his praise.MENTORSHIP | DISCIPLESHIP WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN THINKING OF KEYS TO DISCIPLESHIP OR MENTORSHIP?

ATTRIBUTES NECESSARY TO REPLICATE DIFFERENCE MADE IN YOUR LIFE?SPORTS SPECTRUM EVOLUTION AND GROWTH? MOST REFRESHING? JESUS ON COLLEGE CAMPUS REVIVAL

WORTHY MINISTRIES TO SUPPORT ON BEHALF OF JASON:

https://sportsspectrum.com/

https://www.jasonromano.com/

https://www.compassion.com/ways-to-donate.htm

https://www.uncommonsg.org/

IN MY OWN LIFE:

CHASING:

WORDLY APPROVAL

MATERIAL POSSESSIONS

STATUS & NOTORIETY

FLESHLY DESIRES

STRIVING:

MAN OF INTEGRITY

GODLINESS

HONOR & SERVE GOD’S PEOPLE

TO ADVANCE THE KINGDOM

REFLECT JESUS

5-H GUIDE TO TRUE PURPOSE

HABITS

Let me study and stand for discipline, and all the ways of worship, out of love for Christ; and to show my thankfulness; to seek and know his will from love, to hold it in love, and daily to care for and keep this state of heart.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” John 4:23

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”. Hebrews 12:28

HEART

Thou hast led me to place all my nature and happiness in oneness with Christ, in having heart and mind centered only on him, in being like him in communicating good to others; This is my heaven on earth.

”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

HUSTLE

Here, it is my duty to be as Christ in this world, to do what he would do, to live as he would live, to walk in love and meekness; then would he be known, then would I have peace in death.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10

HOLY HUMILITY

May I be equally convinced of the guilt and pollution of sin, feel my need of a prince and saviour, implore of him repentance as well as forgiveness, love holiness, and be pure in heart, have the mind of Jesus, and tread in his steps.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.””

1 Peter 1:13-16

HUMANITY

Help me to guide my affections with discretion, to owe no man anything, to be able to give to him that needeth, to feel it my duty and pleasure to be merciful and forgiving, to show to the world the likeness of Jesus.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

Lord, use me as thou wilt,

Do with me what thou wilt;

Promote thy cause, let thy kingdom come,

Let thy blessed interest be advanced in this world!

O do thou bring in great numbers to Jesus!

Let me see that glorious day, and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;

Let me be willing to die to that end; While I live let me labour for thee to the utmost of my strength,

Spending time profitably in this work, both in health and in weakness.

It is thy cause and kingdom I long for, not my own.

WHAT PREVENTS RISK TAKING?

BARRIERS TO ENTRY

• FEAR OF FAILURE & LOSS
• FEAR OF UNKNOWN
• LACK VISION & TARGETED MISSION

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but happy is he who keeps the teaching.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭18‬ ‭

WHY PEOPLE LACK PASSION FOR PURSUIT?

• APATHY
• COMPLACENCY & LAZINESS
• DEFEATED & DEFLATED BY PAST

“The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭19‬ ‭

HONEST SELF-ASSESSMENT

PURPOSE

• WHAT DEFINES YOU
• WHAT FULFILLS YOU
• WHAT DRIVES YOU

PERSPECTIVE

• WHO’S MOST IMPORTANT
• WHO’S MOST IMPACTED
• WHO’S MOST EMPOWERED

PLAN

• HOW IS GOD HONORED
• HOW ARE PEOPLE SERVED
• HOW DOES IT EXPAND KINGDOM

STEPS TO PURPOSEFUL SOVEREIGNTY

1. Don’t Just Wait—Take Action

2. Work Hard and Be Bold

3. Don’t Be Ashamed to Pursue What You Want

4. God Blesses Those Who Take Initiative

1. Don’t Just Wait—Take Action

• James 2:17 – “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

• Proverbs 14:23 – “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”

• Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”

→ If you wait for the perfect conditions, you’ll never act.

2. Work Hard and Be Bold

• Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

• Proverbs 10:4 – “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

• 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”

3. Don’t Be Ashamed to Pursue What You Want

• Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

4. God Blesses Those Who Take Initiative

• Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

• Deuteronomy 8:18 – “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”