"Don’t Give Place To Envy"

26, May 2017

"Don’t Give Place To Envy"

‘Lord … You guard all that is mine.’ Psalm 16:5 NLT

Have you allowed envy to form a ‘stronghold’ in your life?  Do you find yourself avoiding or feeling resentful of certain people because of their success? The Bible says, ‘Envy rots the bones’ (Proverbs 14:30 NIV) ... and the New Living Translation paraphrases it this way: ‘Jealousy is like cancer in the bones'.

If you find yourself constantly criticizing someone and craving what they have, read these words and think about their implications for you and your family carefully and prayerfully:  ‘I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen’ (Jeremiah 29:11–12 TLB).

In essence, envy says to God, ‘You made a mistake when You made me like I am.  I want to be like that other person, and have what they have’!  No, God has a unique calling and destiny for you.  So instead of giving place to envy, let it motivate you to become the best possible ‘you’—the person God intended you to be.

If you’re fighting a losing battle with envy, here’s a prescription from God’s Word you need to take every day:  ‘Lord, You alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.  You guard all that is mine. The land You have given me is a pleasant land.  What a wonderful inheritance!  I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice' (Psalm 16:5–9 NLT).

"Walk In The Light"

24, February 2017

"Walk In The Light"

‘If we walk in the light … the blood of Jesus …purifies us from all sin.’ 1 John 1:7 NIV

Twice in Scripture God spoke into our darkness.  In Genesis chapter one He said, ‘Let there be lights’ (Genesis 1:14 NIV).  And in John chapter three Jesus declared, ‘Light has come into the world’ (John 3:19 NIV).

To walk with God you must reject the ways of darkness and walk in the light.  Fungus grows best in the dark, but when you turn on the light it withers and dies. This is more than a metaphor—it’s a spiritual fact of life!  Jesus said, ‘People loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil’ (John 3:19 NIV).  As Ester Nicholson says, ‘Secrets keep us sick. They keep us in shame and uncertainty’.

Secrecy is the ideal environment for sin to grow until ultimately you’re taken captive by thoughts, deeds, and habits.  And staying in darkness intensifies your cycle of secrecy and slavery to sin.  ‘If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth' (1 John 1:6 NIV).

Once you step into the light everything changes!  So confess your secret sins to God, and, if necessary, to a trusted friend or counsellor who can pray with you.  Then through God’s strength reclaim your power to overcome sin and live victoriously.  Once you’ve turned on the light, the fungus begins to wither.  Its grip loosens, and freedom dawns.

Each time sin comes knocking at your door bring it into the light immediately.  When you do, cleansing and fellowship with God will be yours. The Bible says, ‘If we walk in the light …we have fellowship … and the blood of Jesus … purifies us from all sin'.

God is (Part 3)

03, October 2016

‘God Is’ (Part #3)

‘The Lord is … the Creator of … the earth.’ Isaiah 40:28 NIV

Contrary to what we’ve been led to believe, science and Scripture aren’t necessarily opposed.  The ranks of Bible-believing scientists have grown rapidly since the discovery of quantum physics, which demonstrates the amazing symmetry and order that make up the universe.  Did you know that one of the most brilliant scientific books of our time was written by no less than sixty notable scientists, including twenty-four Nobel Prize winners?  The book’s title is Cosmos, Bios, Theos, which means Universe, Life, and God.  And one of the contributing authors, Yale physicist Professor Henry Margenau, concludes, ‘There’s only one convincing answer’ for the intricate laws that exist in nature.  And what does this brilliant man think it is?  Evolution?  Coincidence? Happenstance?  No! Margenau believes that ‘creation is by an omnipotent omniscient God.’

So to believe in God is to believe in science… and the infallible Word of God. The Bible says: ‘The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth … He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak … those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ (Isaiah 40:28–31 NIV)

That means through prayer you can tap into the greatest power and most loving care in the universe.  Amazing!  How you face each day depends on Who you’re looking to.  So look to God.  Put your trust in Him.  ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed’ (Proverbs 16:3 NIV).

‘God Is’ (Part #2)

02, October 2016

‘Lift your eyes … to the heavens; Who created all these?’ Isaiah 40:26 NIV

Many of the world’s greatest thinkers believe that God not only exists, but that He created the universe and its inhabitants. So the next time someone tells you that only simple, uneducated people believe in God—don’t buy it.

Dr. Robert Jastrow, founder and director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies at NASA, writes in his blockbuster book, God and the Astronomers: ‘The astronomical evidence supports the Biblical view of the origin of the world … The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and Biblical accounts of Genesis are the same … Science has proved that the universe exploded into being at a certain moment … What cause produced this effect?  Who or what put the matter or energy into the universe?  Science cannot answer these questions … and for the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream.  He has scaled the mountain of ignorance … is about to conquer the highest peak, and as he pulls himself over the final rock he’s greeted by a band of theologians who’ve been sitting there for centuries'. Pierre-Simon Laplace, another of the world’s great astronomers, said that the chances of a universe coming into existence without a Creator were like the chances of a set of writing implements being thrown randomly against parchment and producing Homer’s Iliad.

The evidence for God as opposed to the evidence against Him as the creator of this universe approaches infinity to one.  It can’t even be measured.  So rejoice: ‘God is’.  He’s accessible and available, if you’ll just take time to pray and invite Him into your life

‘God Is’ (Part#1)

01, October 2016



‘God is … a very present help in trouble.’ Psalm 46:1 NKJV

The Bible says, ‘God is … a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1 NKJV).  But first, you must believe that ‘God is,’ otherwise the best you can hope for is good luck or human help. And how far do you think that’ll get you? When the doctor says he can’t do any more to save you or a loved one, who will you turn to? When you’ve run out of answers and need guidance, where will you go to find them?  When you’re guilt-ridden and long for peace and forgiveness, who’ll provide them for you? When you do away with God, you become your own god, because you recognize no greater power in the universe than yourself. You can see why the Bible says, ‘The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God”’ (Psalm 14:1 NKJV). How foolish to cut yourself off from the greatest source of help in all the universe!

For the next few days let’s talk about why ‘God is,’ and why you should put your trust in Him.

First, let’s look at astronomy. The Bible says: ‘The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship … night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word … Yet their message has gone throughout the earth’ (Psalm 19:1–4 NLT).  Did you know that 90 percent of the world’s astronomers believe in God?  That’s a higher percentage than can be found among butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers! The great minds who have thoroughly examined His handiwork, believe that ‘God is’.  How about you?

*NOTE: Here at RPH Foundation for Military and Veterans Affairs, we are not a religious organization but we are spiritual.  We believe in posting a spiritual blog before we get our day started.  Why?  We function with the utmost integrity and love to be in an upbeat frame of mind as we go throughout our day.  Therefore, reading and writing inspirational and motivational articles helps prepare for whatever the day may bring.

‘Be an Esther’

26, September 2016

‘These things happened to them as examples for us.’ 1 Corinthians 10:11 NLT

It’s a mistake to think the great achievers in the Bible were somehow different from us and say, ‘In my situation, a life like that isn’t possible.’

Esther’s freedom was taken from her because of her beauty, a pagan king made her one of his wives. Talk about feeling out of place!  But no place is out of place when you’re in the place God wants you to be!  When Haman plotted to have the Jews exterminated, Esther was strategically positioned by God to save them.  She discovered her life’s purpose when her uncle Mordecai told her she had ‘come to the kingdom for such a time as this’ (Esther 4:14 NKJV).  And what was her response?  ‘I will go to the king [on behalf of my people] …and if I perish, I perish’ (Esther 4:16 NKJV)! But instead of perishing, she prevailed!

So what can we learn from Esther?

(1) When you first start out, God won’t give you all the details. That doesn’t mean He doesn’t have a plan. It’s in seeking Him that you discover His plan and draw on His strength.
(2) Knowledge is power. Whether you’re a slave or a sovereign, when you know God has called you, it enables you to overcome each obstacle as it arises.
(3) Knowing God’s in control gives you boldness. When Esther said, ‘If I perish, I perish,’ she was simply putting herself into God’s hands, knowing that even death can be faced with confidence when you trust Him. Not only does God have a place for you here on earth, He has an even better one for you in Heaven.  And that puts you in the ultimate win-win situation.
I love the stories of the Bible.  I find them to be most helpful in business and publish one every day before I get going.

I am by no means Religious but I am Spiritual.

RPH

5 Things U.S. Military, Overseas Citizens Need to Know to Vote Absentee

5 Things U.S. Military, Overseas Citizens Need to Know to Vote Absentee
Key Reminders from the Federal Voting Assistance Program during Absentee Voting Week

Alexandria, Va. — With less than two months until the General Election on Nov. 8, absentee voters are beginning to receive their State ballots.

During Absentee Voting Week — Sept. 26 through Oct. 3 — the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) reminds military and overseas citizens to vote their ballot as soon as possible and to follow up to ensure that their ballot is received by their election office. Here are FVAP’s top reminders for ensuring Americans vote successfully — wherever they are.

1. Know that your absentee ballot counts the same as ballots cast at the poll site. All ballots submitted according to State laws are counted in every election. The media often will report the projected outcome of an election before all of the ballots are counted. In a close election, the media may report the preliminary results or say that the outcome cannot be announced until after the absentee ballots are counted. However, all ballots, including absentee ballots, are counted in the official totals for every election — and every vote (absentee or in-person) counts the same.
2. Check your State deadlines, instructions, and options. Each State sets its own deadlines for registering to vote and its options for how absentee ballots are sent to voters. States can also differ in their requirements and deadlines regarding how to complete and submit absentee ballots. Some States require ballots to be postmarked by Election Day while others must receive ballots by Election Day. FVAP.gov has your State’s deadlines and requirements.
3. Postmark and send your ballot on time.  Every election, States receive some absentee ballots past the deadline for acceptance – but this is easily preventable. Follow your State’s specific deadlines and recommended mailing dates for returning your voted ballot. If you’re a registered military or overseas voter and don’t receive your requested State ballot early enough to submit it on time, you can go to FVAP.gov and use the backup ballot called the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Voters who end up receiving a State ballot after submitting an FWAB should still complete and return it, as well. States only count your backup ballot if your voted State ballot is not received by the deadline.
4. Fill out your ballot and election materials correctly. Many States have specific requirements for signing the envelope or an affidavit enclosed with your ballot. Be sure to follow the instructions sent with your ballot to ensure it gets counted.
5. Check that your voted ballot reaches its destination. If you’re wondering if your vote made it home, check the status of your ballot by selecting your State at FVAP.gov and contacting your election office directly.

Military and overseas voters who need to register or request a ballot can do so by filling out a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) at FVAP.gov — by hand or using the online assistant — and sending it to their election office. 

For additional information, visit FVAP.gov, email vote@fvap.gov or call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683).

 ###

Federal Voting Assistance Program

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is a Department of Defense (DoD) organization that works to ensure Service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so — from anywhere in the world.

FVAP assists voters through partnerships with the Military Services, Department of State, Department of Justice, and election officials from 50 States, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. State and local governments administer U.S. elections, including those for federal offices. FVAP supports state and local election officials by providing absentee voting information, materials, training, and guidance.

Voters can contact FVAP's call center at 1-800-438-VOTE (8683), DSN 425-1584 or atvote@fvap.gov. Toll-free phone numbers from 67 countries are listed at FVAP.gov. Find FVAP on Facebook at facebook.com/DoDFVAP and follow @FVAP on Twitter.

Reblog by #Recession Proof Holdings Foundation for Military and Veterans Affairs

#RPHFMVA #Voting #Military #Veterans

Dads, Treasure Your Sons

04, September 2016

‘The children God has graciously given your servant.’ Genesis 33:5 NIV

We live in a day when children have never been given more of the things they want, and less of the things they need.  What do they need?  You!  Not trinkets, treasures, and toys, but your love and your time.

Read these unsettling words in a Newsweek column entitled, ‘Dear Dads, Save Your Sons,’ by psychologist Christopher Bacorn.  He tells about an anxious mother in her mid-thirties who came to his office with her 15-year-old son.  The boy’s dad had left four years before. Since then the teenager had descended into alcohol, gang membership, and violence. The mother had nowhere else to turn, and it was obvious the boy was at best a hostile participant. After attempting for thirty minutes to crack the steel vault of this boy’s heart, Dr. Bacorn realized the futility of it all. He wrote these poignant and sad words: ‘I’ve come to believe that most adolescent boys can’t make use of professional counselling … What a boy can use, and all too often doesn’t have, is the fellowship of men—at least one man who pays attention to him, who spends time with him, who admires him.  A boy needs a man he can look up to. What he doesn’t need is a shrink … As a nation, we’re racked by youth violence, overrun by gangs, guns, and drugs. The great majority of youthful offenders are male, most without fathers involved in their lives in any useful way.’

In Genesis, we read that Jacob was a successful businessman, but he discovered that his greatest earthly treasure was ‘the children God has graciously given to your servant’ (Genesis 33:5 NIV).  Dad, have you discovered that?

Dads, Treasure Your Sons

04, September 2016

‘The children God has graciously given your servant.’ Genesis 33:5 NIV

We live in a day when children have never been given more of the things they want, and less of the things they need.  What do they need?  You!  Not trinkets, treasures, and toys, but your love and your time.

Read these unsettling words in a Newsweek column entitled, ‘Dear Dads, Save Your Sons,’ by psychologist Christopher Bacorn.  He tells about an anxious mother in her mid-thirties who came to his office with her 15-year-old son.  The boy’s dad had left four years before. Since then the teenager had descended into alcohol, gang membership, and violence. The mother had nowhere else to turn, and it was obvious the boy was at best a hostile participant. After attempting for thirty minutes to crack the steel vault of this boy’s heart, Dr. Bacorn realized the futility of it all. He wrote these poignant and sad words: ‘I’ve come to believe that most adolescent boys can’t make use of professional counselling … What a boy can use, and all too often doesn’t have, is the fellowship of men—at least one man who pays attention to him, who spends time with him, who admires him.  A boy needs a man he can look up to. What he doesn’t need is a shrink … As a nation, we’re racked by youth violence, overrun by gangs, guns, and drugs. The great majority of youthful offenders are male, most without fathers involved in their lives in any useful way.’

In Genesis, we read that Jacob was a successful businessman, but he discovered that his greatest earthly treasure was ‘the children God has graciously given to your servant’ (Genesis 33:5 NIV).  Dad, have you discovered that?

ENTREPRENEUR SEMINAR SERIES B

IEL3200V - VETERAN
Fee
$0.00

The Wells Fargo Grant deliverable will focus on military veteran owned businesses and the course will be open to the miliary veteran and military veteran spouses.  The purpose is to lead conversations and share knowledge on commonly requested entrepreneurial topics while discussing how/if the focus shifts for veteran owned businesses.  All content is delivered virtually to reach a broad and diverse audience.  Unlike the IEL Certificate Course, participants get a short, quick interaction through semi-weekly seminars supplemented with expert mentor advice.  Outcomes for Series A include a targeted, impactful branding message with key tools to implement the messaging throughout all comunications.  Series B dives deeper into strategic thinking around sales growth, forecasting and innovation.

Veteran Entrepreneur Seminar Series B:
Second series of one-hour seminars designed to be taken consecutively in a single cohort.  Participants may have but are not required to have completed Seminar Series A.
Dates are August 30 - November 1st for one hour sessions meeting semi-weekly.
Advanced topics designed for existing businesses will be covered including topics such as: innovation, connecting and producing revenue with Government entities, economics and sales growth
Short term one-on-one mentorship support
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