Mike Sansone

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The Battle Within

March 25, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

wolf

I felt his presence again just the other night. It had been awhile. Time was prime for his appearance. I was tired. There was a crowd about us. In a hurry. The person before me was … in a mood. And then, it happened.

A verbal attack thrust upon me. Or so it seemed in my weak state. Calm, yet pointed. And he almost got out. My old self. My prideful self. The one quick to anger and adept with pointed words. On the tip of my tongue he sat, ready to pounce.

The battle on the outside is really a battle within.

The Holy Spirit is always more ready than I. I remembered Psalm 119:165 (no need to be offended). I recalled Prov 13:10 (contention is caused by pride) and Prov 26:20 (no wood, no fire). And 2 Cor 4:17 put things in proper perspective (this problem is lightweight compared). In my mind’s eye and ear, I watched Stephen stoned and heard his last words of forgiveness (Acts 7:60).

My old self was kept at bay. A sincere and courteous parting I offered to my opponent. I departed in victory. Yet, I struggled for a few moments as pride from the victory began to rise up within me. The wrestling match continues (Eph 6:12).

I know that only by the mighty power of God was I able to withstand these so small battle. Only because of the gift of God was I able to bear a good witness. Only because I have access to God through Christ, was I able to confess these innermost thoughts and rest assured that I am cleansed. Victory over the battle within.

Jesus knows. While hanging from the cross, innocent yet punished in the worst of ways. All the while, knowing why and for whom (for you, for me). Blameless. So that He could say, “It is finished,” and be for each who receives His gift, the way and the truth for eternal life with Him (John 14:6). Thank you, Jesus.

Escape: Transportation or Transformation?

March 21, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

way to escape

A Way to Escape

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Cor 10:13

The Bible tells us God is ever faithful and will always see to it that we are not tempted above what we can bear – that with temptation, He will also make a way to escape … so that we can bear whatever temptation we do have before us.

While escape sounds like a transportation, sometimes a change of location is not immediately possible. Might there be other ways of escape?

Rather than an escape of transportation, perhaps an escape of transformation: 

  • By prayer
  • By Bible reading
  • By worship (humming a favorite hymn)
  • By witness (focus on God’s creative work)
  • By working as unto the Lord
  • By fellowship

When in private temptations, I do my best to avoid hiding in the dark but to hide in the light. Get in front of such temptation by being in public places.

And to set my mind on Godly things (Php 4:8).

Other references to escape: Luke 21:36, Heb 2:3

Photo via Pixabay

Remain Humble in Learning

March 19, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

Lord, please keep me humble while learning thy precepts. Spirit, please guide me to learn and apply what you see fit for me this day. (1Cor 8:2)

Bible Study Thought

Photo via Pixabay by condesign

Reflecting Up

March 18, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

reflective glass

It is not for modesty — but for Glory’s sake.

If there be any good that come from me, my words or the work of my hands: It is not I, but Christ from within; with the Holy Spirit as my guide.

I’ve found if compliments to me are given, I may receive them for just a bit. Then, rather than reject them, reflecting them upward to the heavenly.

For I know too well who I have been apart from God. I know the (old) man I still wrestle with inside. And, while glad for the praise, I more adore finding ways I can give proper attribution to the One from whom all good gifts come:

To God be the glory, through Christ Jesus, by the Holy Spirit given.

Photo via Pixabay

Giving Benefit of the Doubt Godward

March 17, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

Worn Bible

Giving Benefit of the Doubt Godward

Scripture, when compared to itself, is without contradiction.
Penned by many men;
Preserved over thousands of years;
Widely accepted as inspired word of God.

When I don’t understand,
or even find myself in doubt
about something within the Bible –
I pray, but more than that:

I give the benefit of my doubt to God
rather than myself and the limits of my knowledge.
To do otherwise, would like eating an apple
from a certain tree and making this choice:

Do I have faith in God to guide me
into good and away from evil,
or do I prefer my own ability
to know the difference apart from God?

I have, at times in my life, questioned
validity and accuracy of the Bible as God’s word.
And while I still have questions of the Bible
I no longer question the Bible. Or God.

And now without doubt of God or His word,
the Bible is become to me more than a book.
It is a guide, a counselor, a mirror, a sage…
The more I read, the more I love each word and page.

Image via Pixabay

As Sirens Go By – A Clarion Call to Pray

March 8, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

Siren Call to Pray

As Sirens Go By

There are moments
I cannot deny.
I lose my focus,
I’ll tell you why.

A siren cries
and it’s coming near,
Its call gets louder
Somewhere there’s a tear.

This sound is a #PrayerTrigger
to the one called to pray.
Hope for the waiting,
Safety for those on the way.

Protection for those in danger.
Healing for those in pain.
Patience for those affected.
Salvation for any that are slain.

Before the echo of distance,
Just beyond it’s shrill,
Praying for all in its path and to its end:
Father, rescue them, if it be Your will.

Photo via DollarPhotoClub

Path of My Day(s)

March 7, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

pathways
Path of My Day(s)
A prayer,
A song of worship,
Much time in God’s word (2Tim 2:15)
 
A bounty of nourishment,
A thanksgiving (1Th 5:18)
Before another voice is heard.
 
Then onto service (Rom 12:1)
And to this day’s work,
My purpose not deferred.
 
I am a whosever (John 3:16)
Therefore whatsoever (Col 3:17)
No matter what has occurred.
 
Entering the night’s rest
Cleanse me with mercy (Lam 3:22-23)
And if I may, awaken renewed.
Personal Note: This is not so much a routine, but a template for my day, from beginning through end. It is the path I aspire to always travel.
Photo via Pixabay

Continuous Improvement – Better Than Delayed Perfection

February 22, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

continuous improvement steps

Continuous Improvement is better than Delayed Perfection – Mark Twain

Novice to Expert is more than a single step. The way things change these days, it might be a lifelong journey.

Improving is one of the key pieces in how we work at SmallBizTracks. Once we embrace a beginner’s mindset, we can learn – and then improve as we apply what is learned. Improving a little bit at a time allows you to modify, measure, and master as you grow.

Small steps often lead to big results. To be sure, small steps make change easier to navigate.

Always Carrying

February 20, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

Bibles and Coffee

I’ve done my best at always having a Bible at the ready. For a long time, I would have a small Bible in my pocket. The writing had become too small for my eyes.

For the past few years, I’ve carried a thin Bible behind the small of my back. Like a sword in its sheath, my Bible is ready to share with others or protect myself.

It is true, my mobile devices have Bibles to read, most often YouVersion or BlueLetterBible apps. You can connect with me on the former here: Mike Sansone on YouVersion

Bible BeltBut if I’m at Panera and someone from across the way sees me studying God’s Word, they are more likely to recognize the book in front of me. My taps and swipes on a phone look like I’m texting or on Facebook.

If you ever join me for coffee, bring your Bible. (Don’t worry, I often bring extras).

 

Intercession Schedule: Praying for Pastors

February 17, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

daily calendar

I recently wrote about a burden on my heart to be praying for pastors, along with leaders and workers in the ministry. I’ve created and am practicing a weekly routine that helps me focus each day.

Sunday – Praying for Passion

I pray for pastors to find and follow a renewed passion, allowing them to preach and teach however the Holy Spirit guides them. I also pray for a zeal and love for Christ, His bride, His Kingdom, and the lost and hungry.

Monday – Praying for Family

I pray for the time and opportunity for a focus on the family. Praying for a protection of love and health, for a time to build a stronger bond away from work.

Tuesday – Praying for Personal Pursuits

I pray for time for the worker of the Gospel to re-create and recreate. Praying also for personal development in pursuits of physical or mental refreshment. Most importantly, for time during the week for the worker to find time for personal intake and conversation with God.

Wednesday – Praying for Preparation

I pray for preparation of heart, mind, and body as the coming weekend approaches. Praying for unctions of message and methods to be clear, for distractions to be minimal, and for workers and assistance to be plentiful.

Thursday – Praying for Health

I pray for the health of pastors and workers, along with their family’s physical needs. I pray for peaceful and plentiful sleep.

Friday – Praying for Provision

I pray for provision for the pastor and ministry worker: provisions of time, of sustenance, of materials and resources, of finances, and again for workers and assistance.

Saturday – Praying for Protection

I pray for a hedge of protection to be placed around the pastor and ministry worker as the weekend gets in high gear. I pray for protection of his family, for his conversations, and against spiritual attacks of many kinds.

Side Note

The list above is simplified and general. There are often specific prayers for specific people. If you are considering praying for your pastor, ministry leader, missionary, or worker – and I pray you are burdened so – please use this as desired.

And pastor … there is a prayer cover over you. Daily. And then eternity!

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