Post Traumatic Growth Institute

Hello PTGI family and friends,

Beautiful day outside, even with the wind. Here we are in the beginnings of May, and we've seen a ton of rain coming across the plains...if it continues on this weekly deluge, we're going to have too much rain for the farmers. Please pray with me for Father God's grace concerning the weather we are all facing across the U.S. and the world.

So, I'm finished with Joshua and making my way through Judges. It's an all too familiar happenstance for the Israelite nation...they can't stay out of trouble; they simply can't abide by the rules set forth by the Lord. With the loss of Moses, Joshua, and the leadership that once flourished among the people, they have pretty much strayed from the promised path. Since the Jewish nation didn't drive out all the other nations/peoples they were easily swayed into worshiping false gods. They also became prey to the stronger local leadership and were subjected to force labor by their captors. Of course, God would intervene and send a Judge to free the people from their misgivings...there would be 40 or so years a peace. By the end of that tranquil period the Israelites were up to their old ways and began a new era of debauchery with false gods and pagan rituals. A hard to break cycle ensues and we still see it happening today.
Friends, why do we go out of our way towards agitating Father God with our pettiness? Looking to somewhere or something else for guidance...only to find that if we sought out the Heavenly Father first and foremost, He would have opened the doors and provided a better path for us to follow. Now He doesn't always provide a smooth ride but guarantee's that the journey will be much more beneficial.
Folks, take time to refresh your memory on the Lord's trustworthy word and that of His son Jesus...notice there is no contradiction in pathway we are to follow. Place God as your focus in life and watch all kinds of blessings manifest throughout your life.

May the perfectness of God surround you on your path this week - Dave

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Shalom PTGI family and friends,

The weather has been interesting for the last several days with sirens going off, hard rain, high winds, and some hail for good measure. I sure this is not the last of what we're going to face in the coming weeks and through the summer. So be prepared.

I finished Deuteronomy and am now fully engaged in Joshua. Now Joshua sort of knew what he was going to face since he had been interacting with Moses for some time. I think that the reality of what he is going to do happens when he and the Israelite nation crosses the Jordan river...things suddenly become intensely real. The conquest of Jericho sets a precedence, but it takes mere moments for the people to forget what they were supposed to do and guess what...calamity rears its ugly head and God's punishment is revealed. Friends why are we so obstinate when it comes to the simple task of following God's rules or plans for our lives? We will spend time in the Bible, pray to our Heavenly Father, and even solidify a plan to overcome the obstacles that are blocking our purpose to willingly follow the Lord...yet we sabotage the entire prospect by abandoning His truths for our own selfishness.
Joshua is unfortunate that he has to find the culprit of the transgression and have that family stoned to death.
Folks, if such dire consequences for our actions or inactions were still viable today would we continue to be so callous about our dealings with the Lord? Honestly, I think Father God gets tired of reminding us over and over again about commitment. I feel like most of us at this point in our lives should have figured out that concept, unfortunately we are creatures of habit and step over the line drawn in the sand quite often...even though we know what the consequences will be.
Friends, please spend time reading the Word of God and let it be the guideline for your life. I find it can be rigorous at times so I may stall at trying to move forward but my common sense and need for peace in my life drive me to press onward. It's during these moments when I see the Lord's hand at work, smoothing out my path. What a blessing that is!
Trust and faith will enable you to endure the hardships that come your way and adhering to the covenant Christ laid before us will ensure a path of righteousness.

Peace, grace, and blessings on each of you from our Loving Father - Dave

Greetings PTGI friends and family,

Sorry about the popping in and out of writing for the group but I've been getting ready for surgery...you know one of those things that needs to be done in order to keep things running smoothly. Genetics and military service can take a toll on your body, but I know my life is in the Lord's hands, so I'm not worried about what lies ahead.

Well, I finished Leviticus and now making my way through Numbers...to tell you the truth the end of Leviticus is quite scary. Father God lays out the consequences for not heeding His word and choosing to go after idol worship. The repercussions are quite dire...welcome to the world of pain, suffering, and death. I look at what's happening around the world, and I see the hand of God at work. There's healing taking place...such as what I'm going through, also the suffering of countless millions due to their lack of faith and trust in our Heavenly Lord (by the way, He will go to great lengths to show you His love and grace, you need only ask). Lastly, death...I'm not talking natural causes type death but the loss of life to the careless and regrettable mistakes of trying to fit into life without the majesty of the Lord at your side. I tried to be top notch go to guy, relying on my talents and guile to keep me in the spotlight...well, I'll tell ya...that didn't pan out like I hoped. It all came crashing down and God was there when I hit the bottom. What a mess! It's when I surrendered to Jesus, that was the first time I realized that no matter what...I wasn't ever in control...the unholy was just egging me on and took me for all I had. Thankfully the Lord was there to pick up the broken pieces and begin the long-haul ordeal of mending the broken mess that I was...it's still a work in progress, so mind the caution tape.
Friends, you yourself may be experiencing the same rebuilding or you may even know someone whose life is spiraling out of control...it's a chance for you to reach out and plant that seed of forgiveness and grace. Don't criticize just show some sympathy, empathy, and compassion...the power of God's grace can and does do great things. Be that beacon of hope!

Peace and grace to you all from our Loving Father - Dave

Greetings and Salutations PTGI family and friends,

Here we are February 14th, Valetines Day, today is a great day to share some love with everyone you encounter today. You will quite possibly make someone's day...so they can be thankful and pass the love onto another...wouldn't that be a blessing.

I'm in Leviticus and finished reading about all the different sacrifices required to absolve a person or the whole congregation of sin. There are a lot of issues that can be taken from the Ten Commandments that are considered sinful and each requires certain items as a requirement for sacrifice on the alter. If that were still in effect today...I personally believe that sheep, goats, bulls would be either on the endangered species list or totally extinct, because of the sinful nature of humanity.
I had to let that sink in for a while to understand the magnitude of our ability to walk our own path and not follow the basic ideals as written in the law of God. It's a disparaging notion to come to grips with...why we choose temptation over doing what is right.
Friends, would you be at the altar today having to make atonement for something you've done? Unfortunately, I would, not because I did something intentionally but because my mind tends to wander and thoughts pop in my head while driving in morning traffic and bingo...I've committed a sin that requires a sacrifice. I am, however, thankful for Christ who is the Lamb of God and died so that we can be forgiven for all our sins...past, present, and future. The last sacrifice ever needed for eternity.
Today is a great day to share the Love of Jesus with everyone as I mentioned in my opening.

God's blessings and Happy Valetines Day - Dave