Omega Martial Arts Blog

This verse is our filter from vision 1.

Matt 6:33
33                But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV

In this vision we will approach the subject of betrayal.  In a place of leadership we are always susceptible to betrayal. Our society is now the generation of “me.” There is a lack of compassion and care for other people. It shows itself in the apparent lack of manners. It appears in the corporate world when an employee starts his own company; taking clients from his former boss. Or when a husband/wife has an affair with a co-worker and does not care how it affects the family. Even when someone hits your car and drives off not leaving a note or a senior citizen is forced to stand during an event because no one cares if they are in pain or too weak to stand or a close friend or family member takes from you. All of these things have and will happen to all of us. We can not keep them out of our lives. Our vision will be “how should I respond and how do I overcome the feelings they leave behind?”

            First, are there any people in the Bible who experienced betrayal? Below are several references.

Ps 55:12-14
12        If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.
13        But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,
14        with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.
(NIV)

Ps 55:20-22
20        My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
21        His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

Stephen’s statement as he was being stoned to death

Acts 7:60
60  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (KJV)

Ps 71:10-16
10        For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
11        Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
12        O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Ps 56:9-13
9          When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
10        In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
11        In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
12        Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
13        For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?(KJV)

Ps 109:4-5
4          In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.
5          They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
(NIV)

 How does betrayal make us feel?
Ps 6:1-10
1          O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2          Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3          My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?|
4          Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
5          For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6          I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7          Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.|
8          Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9          The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10        Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
(KJV)

Ps 55:16-17
16        But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.
17        Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
(NIV)

            Where do we go when we are in the battle?

Ps 7:1
1          O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
(KJV)

Ps 62:5-8
5          My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6          He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7          In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8          Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
(KJV)

Ps 71:10-16
10        For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
11        Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
12        O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
13        Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
14        But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
15        My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
16        I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
(KJV)

 Look at the promise in the next verse;
22        Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
(NIV)

If we suspect someone who comes to us is engaged in the act of betrayal, how do we handle it? I don’t know about you, but my heart breaks when I realize someone close is not really my friend: that I have been used! My mind spins and I rehearse the situation struggling with “what did I do?” I can’t sleep and try to handle it with my own power. After beating myself up I realize: God has the answer! I am weak and sometimes too proud to humble myself before The Almighty Father.

1 Chr 12:17
17        David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace, to help me, I am ready to have you unite with me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” (NIV)

John 13:21-27
21        After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.”
22        His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.
23        One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
24        Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”
25        Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
26        Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.
27        As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him,
(NIV)

Jesus, who could stop the wind and raise the dead, did not stop him. Later we will look at why.

Luke 22:48
48        But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? (KJV)

Our attitude, when God moves, should not be happiness but Godly sorrow and care.

Prov 24:17-20
17        Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18        Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
19        Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
20        For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
(KJV)

Prov 25:21-22
21        If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22        For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
(KJV)

What about forgiveness?

Luke 23:34
34                Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (KJV)

Matt 5:43-44
43        Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44        But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(KJV)

Rom 12:14
14        Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (KJV)

Rom 12:20-21
20        Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21        Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good
(KJV)

For a Christian, forgiveness is not an option, but a command. Forgiveness means I release them and the consequences of their actions to the Lord. As long as I am controlling the results, I will not be free to trust God. Un-forgiveness causes our hearts to be cold. We are bound up; not able to pray or hear God’s voice. I become a slave to the emotions. I think about little else. This leads to self-pity and depression. God wants us to be free. He wants us to give it to Him.

Matt 11:28
28    Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (KJV)

But you ask “what about them?” There is a promise we must cling too and with it we are set free.

Rom 12:19-21
19  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20  On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(NIV)

Does this mean I need to do nothing to protect myself?

2 Chr 31:20-21
20  This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.
21  In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
(NIV)

2 Chr 32:2-7
2    When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that he intended to make war on Jerusalem,
3    he consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him.
4    A large force of men assembled, and they blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said.
5    Then he worked hard repairing all the broken sections of the wall and building towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David. He also made large numbers of weapons and shields
6    He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words:
7    “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.
(NIV)

 When Hezekiah realized the danger He prayed and took steps to protect his own. We absolutely have the right and duty to protect our own against the betrayal and attack when it comes upon us!!

2 Chr 33:12-13
12  And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
13  And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.
(KJV)

2 Chr 32:20-22
20  And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.
21  And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
22  Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side
(KJV)

Again and again we see the same pattern, people of God in great distress; praying, seeking and humbling themselves before Him. Then out of what seems impossible, His hand moves and things change. Sound a little like our vision verse doesn’t it?

Matt 6:33
35                But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

Let us look at several promises we can stand on. The first is quite familiar.

Rom 8:28
28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

Most times we hear only the first of this verse. There is a condition! “for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” What does it mean to Love God? And who are called to His purpose? It sounds like those who can claim this promise are close to Him. How are we called?

Eph 2:8
8        For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (KJV)

Saved from what?

Rom 3:23
23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (KJV)

Rom 6:23
23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)

I don’t know about you but as I look back at my own life I haven’t been able to live up to my own expectations let alone the expectations of a Holy, Righteous, and all knowing Heavenly Father. I fall way short and without Grace I could not have a relationship with Him. He provided this by Christ’s Death for me and you. Then He defeated death by coming back to life, going to His Heavenly Father’s side. I’m sure you have heard this all before but think of the great love He has for us!!

John 3:16
16        For God so loved the world [me and you], that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever [me and you] believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)

Does the Word give us any practical guidelines?

Eph 6:10-18
10        Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11        Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12        For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13        Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14        Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15        And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16        Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17        And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18        Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;(KJV)

First, we must realize the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. In the power of His might!
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

We are instructed to put on the whole armor given to us by God Himself.
Put on the whole armour of God

If we do this we will be able to stand or withstand the attack we are experiencing.
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Probably one of the most important things we need to understand is that people who betray or attack us are not the enemy. There is a force behind these people.  An evil, satanic power, spiritual wickedness that wants to destroy relationships and families and keep people focus on the problems instead of on the problem solver. In the battle we should remember:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Also, look at this verse.

James 3:16
16        For wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil. (TLB)

Unless people are connected to God they can be influenced by Satan and the evil in this world without realizing it. Even Christians can be deceived if they don’t stay in the word and seek God in all they do. I have seen good-meaning people cause destruction to others when they have forgotten what Gods word says. His word gives us the information we need.

John 5:39-40
39        You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,
40        yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
(NIV)

The first piece of armor is “having your loins girt about with truth”.  What part of the body is this covering? It covers our reproductive areas. If this part of our body is not working, we cannot have children. The ability to have spiritual children is tied to Truthfulness. When we are in the thick of the attack we must be careful to be truthful. We can be tempted to defend ourselves with “white lies” or half truths. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy our influence in others.

John 14:6
6                    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)

“having your loins girt about with truth” is more than us telling the truth. It is putting on Jesus. He is the truth that protects us.

The next piece of armor we must wear is “and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
What part of the body does this cover? It covers the front of the body where the heart and major organs are. It covers the part of us that hurts when things happen. It covers the emotions. Emotions can deceive us and cause us to loose the battle. We must all admit “and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” Isa 64:6. If I face things in my own righteousness I will fail! The breastplate comes from God and is His righteousness.

Ps 5:8
8          Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. (KJV)

Rom 4:5
5          But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV)

Rom 5:17
17        For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (KJV)

Rom 9:30
30        What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. (KJV)

Rom 10:10
10        For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (KJV)

Gal 5:5
5          For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (KJV)

Phil 3:9
9          and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ– the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (NIV)

Look at what righteousness that comes from God by faith can produce!
Isa 32:17
17        And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (KJV)

The next piece of armor is “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” How can I live or stand on Gods promises if I don’t know them? How do I learn them?

2 Tim 2:15
15        Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(KJV)
Remember Who is truth. “John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (KJV)

The scripture places great importance on the next part of our armor. “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

This is above all, encompassing everything. In other words everything else depends upon faith. What is Faith?

Heb 11:1
1        Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)
Rom 4:5
5    But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV)

How do I get faith? Listen to what the word says and do it.

Rom 10:17
17    So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (KJV)

Next we are told “ take the helmet of salvation.” The helmet protects the head and our thoughts within it. When we are in the battle, our thoughts about ourselves can deceive us or cause us to believe wrong things. Remember salvation is from God. This gives us access to His power and leading from the Holy Spirit.

Phil 2:5
5        Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV)
This means we can have the mind of Christ? How?

Rom 12:2
2        And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
This goes back to studying His word and letting the scriptures fill our being. He also tells us how to think and avoid frustration and depression.

Phil 4:8
8    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

Eph 5:19-20
19  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
(KJV)

The next piece of armor is the only offensive thing we need. “ the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”.

Throughout this entire vision I have iterated the importance of the Word. It is powerful! It changes us. It is the truth no matter what things look like. The Holy Spirit uses the Word like a sword.

Heb 4:12
12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)

Next, God gives us this direction “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit”

Think about the Lord’s prayer. He covers everything of importance to us as Human beings.
We should let Him know.

Phil 4:6
6    Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (KJV)

Last, we are commanded to “watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”

Pay attention, don’t ignore the signs! Pray for each other. Be with those who believe.

The most important thing I have learned has to do with faith and the way I view a situation.

James 1:2-4
2    My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3    Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4    But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
(KJV)

1 Pet 1:7
7    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (KJV)

A few weeks ago God gave me this:
When I was a child, my father told me we were going fishing the next week. I still had to go to school, do my chores, pack and wait. I looked forward to the promise and was excited the whole time leading up to it. In the same way, when things go wrong I can look forward with excitement to the promise God has given. Knowing He has control. I look with expectation to see the miracle that comes at the end!!!! This does not mean it will come out as I see it, but it will be better than I can conceive.

Rom 8:28
28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

Living life, teaching, being part of a family is about connecting with people. We should not and cannot let betrayal close us down to others around us.

Other passages of scripture:

Psalms 37: 1-8
Matthew 18: 22-35
Galatians 6: 9
! peter 1:23, 4: 12-19

Tai Chi – YEMNASTEKE  YA  ZOIE – Tai Chi (Pronounced Tie Chee). Yemnasteke Ya Zoie (Exercise For Life). This is a uniquely simple movement exercise and relaxation program that is excellent for all ages and physical abilities. It is recognizable as a “Slow Motion Moving Meditation” “A Philosophy In Movement.” It is based on a combination of ancient Chinese arts used thousands of years ago and intertwined with philosophy.  It is a gentle workout designed to increase your mental and physical energy through a series of simple, stress reducing exercises.  These exercises are so easy, just about anyone can do them. You need no special equipment.  It helps with relaxation, is excellent for overall circulation, and encourages a focus on healthful living.

Tai Chi can help one achieve total harmony of mind, body, and spirit.  You can exercise everyday or whenever you like because it can be performed anywhere, anytime. Practiced in the morning it prepares the mind and body for the day ahead.  When practiced later in the day it relieves tension, stress, and re-energies.

Tai Chi increases balance, flexibility, strength, physical power, endurance, and vitality in a way that does not strain muscles, over-activate the heart, or cause over-exertion or stress.  It may help to maintain youth, vitality and slow the aging process through rejuvenation.  It is the most mental of physical activities and therefore can improve memory, learning ability and creativity.  It promotes contentment and intellectual calm, while it sharpens and clears the mind.

Who is the Instructor and what is his history?

Instructor & Parker Residence Shihan P. (Pano) M. Perdaris, Ph.D. is an 8th Degree Black Belt. Shihan Perdaris holds Black Belts in several Martial Art styles. He has been a student of the arts for over forty years and still considers himself as such. In 1993 he was a medalist as a member of the Colorado State Olympic Team in Olympic State, Regional and National competitions. From 1998-2002 he was a National Qualifier and Gold Medalist. He obtained a seat for international competition as a member of The World Congress Of Martial Arts “Team Martial Arts – USA” each year. He was rated in the top four in world ratings in all divisions as well as being a silver and bronze medalist. In Venezuela, January 2002 he won a silver and gold medal for the United States. Starting in 1994 he has been a recipient of the “Presidential Sports Award” for Martial Arts and now the “Alpha – Omega Sports Award” each and every year. In July 2000 the World Karate Union inducted Shihan Perdaris into the Martial Arts Hall Of Fame. “I teach what I know and believe it works, and I believe in what I teach.”

Shihan P. (Pano) M. Perdaris earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy / Psychology. Medical background involves a degree in Allied health professions with an emphasis in pulmonary medicine. Past experience is in standard and critical care for adults as well as neonatal, pediatric, and flight for life. He is presently on staff with Centura Health in addition to being a Flight attendant with UAL since 1979.

His other jobs of past and present include working as a bodyguard, security consultant, licensed locksmith, martial arts and tai chi instructor. 

Qigong / Chi Kung

Qi – Chi – Life force or vital energy that flows through all things in the universe.

Gong – Kung – Accomplishment or skill that is cultivated through steady practice over time.

Ancient China 5000 yrs. - Ranges from soft internal style TC to external style Kung Fu.

3 Schools – Martial – Medical – Spiritual.

Meridian system – Mind – body – internal – external – breathing – moving / active mediation.

Breathing – Rocking – Stepping. 

Posture – Tripod theory – Don’t over step or break balance.

Dantien – Life gate. Stir energy. – In & out to plug and unplug us. Energy cannot be created / destroyed – it exists.

Stiles-flat toe heal step.  #’s-3 Power of pyramids and numerology.  R-L-F-B-Sides.  No part of the body excluded form motion.

Founded on principal of simplicity & the philosophy of                     Perfect Practice – Makes Perfect

                                                                                          Fight Back With knowledge – For Knowledge Is Power   

Known as active mediation. Functional art. One can read about a topic, true knowledge of it comes with experience.

Movements are simple but at the same time complex so one needs perfect practice. We strive for a non-reachable goal of perfection. Mind – body – soul.

TC YYZ has concepts that one need to strive to perfect and remember until they are known from within. To know and act are one of the same. Technical knowledge is not enough. One must transcend techniques so that the art becomes an artless art, growing out of the unconscious.

This verse is our filter from vision 1.

Matt 6:33
33        But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

As Christian business people we have different reasons for the decisions we make. Although money is necessary, it can not and must not be the primary reason we teach! God has given us a unique opportunity to interact with His people who need to hear about His love and witness His Grace.

2 Cor 5:7
7          (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (KJV)

Right now, looking at the economy can be scary. Many Martial Art schools are closing and a lot of new ones are popping up. If we were in business to just make money, we might be tempted to follow the world’s ideas and develop a system that takes as much money from a student as fast as possible; before we lose him/her as a student. Gratefully, we don’t need or want to consider these programs. We have a God who wants to use us in ministry.

Ps 1:1-6
1          Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2          But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3          And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4          The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5          Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6          For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
(KJV)

This passage gives us a direction as well as a promise. The direction is not to take the counsel of the world [verse 1] walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. The promise is verse 3 whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

If we stopped at this, we would not be true to the scripture. All this comes with a condition [verse 2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Read this verse! God instructs us to meditate upon His word, to delight in it.

            How do I approach this?

Heb 4:16

16        Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)

 We are told to come boldly and He will give us grace in our times of need!

James 1:5-6
5          If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6          But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
(KJV)

Look at verse 6. There is the walk by faith not by sight again. We can trust Him to give us new direction and wisdom when He knows we need it.

I believe God has a plan for us. He knows our needs and cares about the everyday things we face. We can depend upon Him for wisdom, grace, provision and direction. This promise is fulfilled when we delight in His word and meditate upon it!

All through history God has provided for His children. The Hebrews were fed every single day from Heaven when they were in the wilderness. Can He do this today? Yes I say, and again, Yes. Let me give testimony to His miracle working in today’s world by sharing a couple of things that happened to me. As most of you know, I was injured and was unable to walk or work for several years as a young man. We did not even have food in our house. A friend whose older relative passed away brought all the can goods stored in his house to us. My 1st wife’s mother looked at all we had and decided to take some of the cans home for her personal use, without considering the impact it had on her children. There were two miracles that day. The first was in the sudden surge of God’s love in the form of canned food, the second: every can taken away from us was spoiled and every can we were left was good. How can I deny God?

Another incident during this period began at Thanksgiving time. I felt I needed to give some of our food to the poor. We loaded up a few things [didn’t have much] and took it to our church. When we returned home, I found a large amount of food on our porch in grocery bags. No name or clue was left as to where it came from.

These are just 2 of the many times God has provided for me. He has never failed me. I have failed Him on many occasions and have not received His blessing because I was not delighting in His word. When I have been right with Him [By His grace not in my strength] I have always felt and seen Him working to fulfill His purpose in me.  

Rom 8:28
28        And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

God has given me a verse than I have been meditating on for several days. He has a direction to give to us.

Deut 33:19
19        They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand. (KJV)

As I look at the economy, it is like a desert. Where is the water? Where can I survive? Look at the last phrase “of treasures hid in the sand”. We are surrounded with opportunity even in the mist of today’s economy 

1. God wants us to look at the resources He has already provided.
2. Talk to your current students. Ask them for ideas to grow the school.
3. Start a scholarship fund to raise income for the people who can’t afford lessons.

II Ki 12:9-11
9    But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.

10  And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king’s scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.

11  And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD
(KJV)

1. Look at where you are advertising. Look for a way to connect with People of Faith that are looking for Martial Arts without eastern overtones.
2. Form a prayer group to seek God’s face for Omega.
3. Lay down your control and trust God. As long as I am in control or try to be in control I won’t hear his voice.
4. Look for a market not yet done. Like a basic self-defense class for students going away to college.
5. As God brings ideas to you share them with all of Omega.

Because of Him,

Soki Davis

Our starting point is to understand what a prospective student is expecting when they walk into an Omega school. Most of us believe they are looking for the same things we were looking for when we began. This is not always the case. If we want them to become our student, we must address their desires and goals. Scripture tells us of the Apostle Paul. He was the most influential person in spreading the good news of the Gospel. He came from a traditional Jewish background that had no tolerance for people who were not Jewish. In one of the most miraculous conversions, God changed him.

Acts 9:1-22

1          But Paul, threatening with every breath and eager to destroy every Christian, went to the High Priest in Jerusalem.

2          He requested a letter addressed to synagogues in Damascus, requiring their cooperation in the persecution of any believers he found there, both men and women, so that he could bring them in chains to Jerusalem.

3          As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon him!

4          He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Paul! Paul! Why are you persecuting me?”

5          “Who is speaking, sir?”  Paul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!

6          Now get up and go into the city and await my further instructions.”

7          The men with Paul stood speechless with surprise, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one!

8          As Paul picked himself up off the ground, he found that he was blind. He had to be led into Damascus and was there three days, blind, going without food and water all that time.

10        Now there was in Damascus a believer named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.

11        And the Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street and find the house of a man named Judas and ask there for Paul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now, for

12        I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again!”

13        “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I have heard about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!

14        And we hear that he has arrest warrants with him from the chief priests, authorizing him to arrest every believer in Damascus!”

15        But the Lord said, “Go and do what I say. For Paul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the nations and before kings, as well as to the people of Israel.

16        And I will show him how much he must suffer for me.”

17        So Ananias went over and found Paul and laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Paul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may be filled with the Holy Spirit and get your sight back.”

18        Instantly (it was as though scales fell from his eyes) Paul could see and was immediately baptized.

19        Then he ate and was strengthened. He stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days

20        and went at once to the synagogue to tell everyone there the Good News about Jesus– that he is indeed the Son of God!

21        All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who persecuted Jesus’ followers so bitterly in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And we understand that he came here to arrest them all and take them in chains to the chief priests.”

22        Paul became more and more fervent in his preaching, and the Damascus Jews couldn’t withstand his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Christ.
(TLB)

This is an amazing story! Before this experience, Paul had no love or desire to bring people into the Kingdom. After his conversion, it was all he thought about. He was not trained to be a minister: God gave him a special understanding. What tools did Paul use?

Paul says about himself:

1 Cor 9:22
22        To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (NIV)

Does this mean Paul was dishonest? No! He dropped the superior attitude and met everyone where they were. If someone had a weak faith, he did not condemn them. He came alongside them as a servant/leader and lovingly helped them. How can I apply this to Omega? When someone calls, don’t use a canned response. Find out what they are looking for. The normal way:

Caller: “Do you teach TKD?”

Omega: “Yes, We teach the kicking art you see in the Olympics. Our people do very well in tournaments.”

Caller: “Does everyone have to do tournaments??”

Omega: “etc.”

You can see that volunteering information without finding out what the caller really wanted created tension and apprehension. Why did the caller ask the question? Did Omega initially inquire as to why they called? No. Let’s try this again:

Caller: “Do you teach TKD?”

Omega: “That’s a good question. Why do you ask?”

Caller: “My friend takes it and tells me it is the best type of self-defense.”

Omega: “ And are you interested in self-defense?”

Caller: “Yes, for my 6 year old.”

Do you think the first caller came in for an introductory class? Can Omega fulfill the need she really wants? Of course we can. But did the first caller know it? We need to understand the needs of those who call us, start where they are, and help them to see how we can meet their needs. This goes on and on. Talking to a competitive individual about self-defense will not get them into Omega. Don’t we teach both? I set up the Omega system to meet the needs of almost anyone looking for Martial Art training. Most people have preconceived ideas what Martial Arts is all about. What are they looking for? Are they afraid of something?  What do we do that fulfills their needs?

Let us look at how Paul taught. Notice he understood what they believed and began there. He did not just make cookies. He gained their attention.

Acts 17:17-31

17        He went to the synagogue for discussions with the Jews and the devout Gentiles, and spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

18        He also had an encounter with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Their reaction, when he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, was, “He’s a dreamer,” or, “He’s pushing some foreign religion.”

19        But they invited him to the forum at Mars Hill. “Come and tell us more about this new religion,” they said,

20        “for you are saying some rather startling things and we want to hear more.”

21        (I should explain that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest new ideas!)

22        So Paul, standing before them at the Mars Hill forum, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious,

23        for as I was out walking I saw your many altars, and one of them had this inscription on it– ‘To the Unknown God.’ You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him.

24        “He made the world and everything in it, and since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples;

25        and human hands can’t minister to his needs– for he has no needs! He himself gives life and breath to everything, and satisfies every need there is.

26        He created all the people of the world from one man, Adam, and scattered the nations across the face of the earth. He decided beforehand which should rise and fall, and when. He determined their boundaries.

27        “His purpose in all of this is that they should seek after God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him– though he is not far from any one of us.

28        For in him we live and move and are! As one of your own poets says it, ‘We are the sons of God.’

29        If this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol made by men from gold or silver or chipped from stone.

30        God tolerated man’s past ignorance about these things, but now he commands everyone to put away idols and worship only him.

31        For he has set a day for justly judging the world by the man he has appointed, and has pointed him out by bringing him back to life again.”

(TLB)

Look at where Paul began. Although everyone who heard him speak did not convert, some did and this was a group of people who discussed everything and believed in everything. Paul convinced some of the hardest people in history to give up their beliefs and turn to Christianity. What an accomplishment!!

Let us look at the introductory class. Suppose the 6 years old whose mom wants self-defense is given an introductory class with someone who loves tournaments. Nothing is wrong with competing, but if the introductory class is all about kicking and punching for sport application, will the mom come back? We have a questionnaire that the prospective student must fill out before their first class; it asks why they want Martial Arts classes. How many of you use this to connect with the prospective student? The same things can be taught but the way things are said should emulate Paul. “To the weak I became weak”.

In the interview process, my goal is to encourage prospective students to join Omega. How many actually use the application questionnaire? Have you spoken to the person who taught the introductory class to see how the student did? Did the person who taught the introductory class give you a report to help you adapt to the student’s needs? “To the weak I became weak”. Understanding the needs of those we deal with is number one.

When that 6 year old gets to class, does the instructor know what the family is looking for? Is the instructor just making cookies? If the expectation is self-defense and sport is all that is taught, will the family stay? Do you have a way the instructor can know the students’ needs? We still teach everything the same but the way we present the information can change how long someone will train with us. When you teach, you must be creative in your demonstrations to show how something fulfills the requirements above and many other things. If I know what a students needs, I can start where they are and guide them into new and exciting things. This will keep the student around longer. Giving someone a sense of power (knowledge in the area they are interested in) will keep them interested. Just making cookies does not do this!

Action/thought

Look at the way you handle new and existing students. Are we giving them the things they came to Omega for? In what way could we communicate their needs to anyone who works with them?

2 Cor 9:8
8          And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (KJV)

From the responses given from vision 2, I can see we have hit a very important subject; one that needs to be understood completely. All of us could tell of an experience when a “Christian” took advantage of us. This is why we must have guidelines to direct how we run our business. I don’t want to willingly or unwillingly be the cause of someone’s pain. The purpose for all of this is to create a scriptural basis to compare our business practices. The purpose for vision 2 was to show we have a right to charge and live from teaching martial arts even when we are doing God’s work. It was not intended to address who gets paid or why. There was no hidden meaning or agenda.

Let us return to our vision verse.

Matt 6:33
33                But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

What does the Word mean to seek? The meaning in Greek from Strong’s Greek/Hebrew dictionary is:

2212  zeteo (dzay-teh’-o);

of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):

KJV– be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means). Compare 4441.

We are instructed to go enquire and seek. What are we seeking? His righteousness! His wisdom! Left to ourselves we cannot achieve this but we can endeavor to find His righteousness and wisdom. How or where do I seek? What has God given us as a Guide? Do I sit and wait for divine wisdom to come, but then, how do I know it is God’s idea? The only place I see as an unquestionable guide is the Bible. It contains God’s direction for life.

Phil 2:5

5        Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV)

According to this scripture, we can have the mind of Christ. Is there anyone in existence who understands God’s way of doing things? No! Only Christ’s mind is perfect. How can I emulate or understand it?

Rom 12:1-2

1          Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God– this is your spiritual act of worship.

2          Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will.

(NIV)

This tells us God’s formula on how to think as Christ. We must renew our minds. The Greek translated renew can mean:

342  anakainosis (an-ak-ah’-ee-no-sis);

from 341; renovation:

If I renovate a house, what must I do first? I must remove everything that will not be retained. I take all of this and put it in the trash to have it hauled away. To renew my mind, I must remove all the preconceived ideas and traditions that do not line up with scripture. I must be willing to look at everything I believe. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, I must fill my mind with something. What would that be?

2 Tim 3:16

16        All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (KJV)

Phil 4:8

8          Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

In scripture we can find the answers to every decision we need to make when it comes to business or our daily lives. God cannot lie and does not contradict Himself. If an idea or marketing plan comes to us but it does not line up with scripture, we should not do it. If the idea does not contradict scripture, then we are free to look at it. It is important to listen to God. He promises to give us the answer. If there is a feeling or hesitation inside me I should wait until I am sure it is a God idea.

I have made many mistakes in my life. Some cost me dearly! Years ago I was told by my accountant to lease a car instead of buying it. Although this works great for many people, it was devastating to me. We began leasing and even leased a second time. Business became slow and I decided to buy out. I discovered my buy out was way beyond the value of the car I had. It could have been worse, but God’s grace came and He gave a way out of the situation

James 1:5-6

5          If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6          But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

If the guidelines are in scripture, I would want to know as much scripture as possible.

Ps 119:11-12

11        I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin. [sin can mean to miss the mark]

12        Blessed Lord, teach me your rules.

(TLB)

Deut 32:46-47

46        Moses made these comments: “Meditate upon all the laws I have given you today, and pass them on to your children.

47        These laws are not mere words– they are your life! Through obeying them you will live long, plentiful lives in the land you are going to possess across the Jordan River.”

(TLB)

2 Tim 2:15

15        Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)

We will be looking at scripture that relate to leadership, honesty, and the way we are to treat others. We will use these guidelines as a filter to develop and choose how to take Omega Tao where God is leading us. I realize several of you reading this may not completely believe that the Bible is the word of God. Remember the foundation in the Bible is love and it teaches moral and practical guidelines for life. I have found when I apply these guidelines in my life, even removing the faith attached to it, I make a fewer mistakes and sleep better at night.

Action/thought

What things are we hanging on to because we always did it that way? Should these be changed? Think of all the spoken languages there have been. Which ones are still around and which ones are considered dead? Why might that be?

Heb 13:20-21

20        Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21        Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(KJV)

This verse is our filter from vision 1.

Matt 6:33
33        But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

In this vision we see God’s promises to provide for us if we put Him first. Does this mean we are to sit and wait for Him, doing nothing? I think not. There are “Health and Wealth” teachings that claim all you have to do is pray and God will do your bidding. God is not a machine you put in your faith, make a selection, and get your choice from a slot in the bottom. It is His will, not yours, that must be sought. Not everyone is called to be a Mother Teresa and those that are receive their call directly from Him. God also calls some to do ministry for free; most bible study groups and volunteer-based church work are not paid positions. We are different in that we are providing a service like other business but we do it under God’s guidance. In the scriptures we see Him giving His people service jobs to perform.

Num 8:19
19        And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary. (KJV)

The Levites were called to do service, not just to pray and act Holy. In this service, we see how God provided them a way to live. Look at the Old Testament passages below and find how God provided for those in His ministry.

Num 35:2
2          Command the children of  Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them. (KJV)

Num 35:8
8          These cities shall be in various parts of the nation; the larger tribes with many cities will give several to the Levites, while the smaller tribes will give fewer.” (TLB)

Josh 21:3
3          And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs. (KJV)

Num 7:4
4          “Accept their gifts,” the Lord told Moses, “and use these wagons for the work of the Tabernacle. Give them to the Levites for whatever needs they may have.” (TLB)

Num 18:23-24
23        But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

24        But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
(KJV)

2 Chr 31:4
4          Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. (KJV)

Lev 6:15-16
15        And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD.

16        And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.
(KJV)

Lev 6:26
26        The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation. (KJV)

Lev 8:31
31        And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it. (KJV)

Lev 10:12-13
12        And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:

13        And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons’ due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.
(KJV)

God provided a place for their families, food for their stomachs, and all the rest of their needs came from the people they served. We are commanded by Him to work.

II Th 3:10
10                For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (KJV)

What does the New Testament say about payment for our service?

Luke 10:7
7          And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. (KJV)

1 Cor 9:14
14        In the same way the Lord has given orders that those who preach the Gospel should be supported by those who accept it. (TLB)

1 Tim 5:17-18
17        Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18        For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the labourer is worthy of his reward.

As a young man I was in God’s ministry. I was given the impression when I started that those who worked in the service of Our Lord did not have the same quality of life as those who worked in other fields. I’m sure no one said this, but it was the misguided feeling I was given. It is critical we break this misconception. A laborer is worthy of his reward. How much is what we do worth? How much value should we put on our services to others? I’m not suggesting we do this for money alone, but we must provide for our families. God’s representatives to the Martial Arts world should not live in poverty, struggling to pay the rent and overhead, let alone having enough to live on. I believe Omega has a superior system and has always produced black belts that stand above our competition. We have a superior product with superior results. Should we not get paid for what we do?

Action/thought

Take a day or so to look at what your business does. What does it produce and what is the quality? What would be the appropriate charge for your service or good?

My prayers are for God to lead us into His truth; showing us His way and will. Join me in this prayer over the next several weeks.

Eph 1:17
17        That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (KJV)

In today’s economy there are many ideas on how to succeed. Omega has always had a different agenda and goal. Getting rich and famous has never been the goal. Omega was founded on the principal purpose “to make a difference in the lives of our students”.

This was easy to accomplish when the school was young and I was able to interact with all the students. We have grown and personal interaction is not possible anymore.

We [Omega] must all agree on our purpose. In the normal business world, without God, this is easy because the purpose is money and/or fame. As everyone knows Omega is founded on Jew Dao/Christian principals. This changes everything!

Most businesses have a mission statement. Omega’s is “ To teach quality Martial Arts in a loving, family and caring environment without the influence of Eastern Mysticism ”. Mission statements and New Year resolutions represent something we want to live up to; “Who we want to be” therefore it has the potential built in of failure. They are great tools to keep a business or person on a path but how many of us live up to them.

In my personal Bible study I have begun to realize people of God walk to a different drum. As a Believer I am connected to God. He has a plan for me and In Him I am more than a business man. Because of His great sacrifice I am:

Gal 3:26
26                For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Phil 2:5
5        Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV)

Phil 3:3
3          For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (KJV)

Phil 3:14
14        I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Gal 3:28
28        There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Eph 2:6
6          And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (KJV)

Eph 2:10
10        For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)

1 Cor 1:30
30        But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (KJV)

2 Cor 1:21-22
21        It is this God who has made you and me into faithful Christians and commissioned us apostles to preach the Good News.

22        He has put his brand upon us– his mark of ownership– and given us his Holy Spirit in our hearts as guarantee that we belong to him and as the first installment of all that he is going to give us.
(TLB)

2 Cor 2:17
17        For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV)

2 Cor 5:17
17        Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)

Eph 3:11-21
11        According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12        In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13        Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14        For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15        Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16        That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17        That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18        May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19        And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20        Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21        Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
(KJV)

These are not things I am trying to become, they are who I am. God has declared it! Who am I to argue with Him? Therefore, If God has declared it is true.

Read the scripture below. This is the foundation for Omega.

Prov 29:18
18        Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)

Prov 29:18
18        Where there is ignorance of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep his laws. (TLB)

In the study of the word vision I have discovered it partially means “The revelation of God or the will of God” I believe we must discover what this vision is for Omega and realize it is who we are, not who we want to become. It is what God says we are. The following statement is who we are:

God’s representatives to the martial are world.

 Since this is who we are we must seek God’s advice and leading in all we do. The world has a way of doing business that may not be God’s plan for us. Although some ideas may be good, the must go through God’s filters. As I see it the first filter is:

Matt 6:33
33        But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

In the verses before deal with the physical needs in life. God promises He will take care of these things if we follow His plan. This does not mean riches or fame, but it does mean provision for our needs. We can trust Him! At this point in life I have the privilege to look back at all He has done. When I was following this scripture in my life, He always provided. I also can tell you nothing in life satisfies like being where God wants you. He gives peace and contentment.

When we use this as a filter how can we not forgive each other. God in His righteousness has forgiven me so much.

His righteousness demands some of the following:

• Forgiveness [take the steps to connect with each other. Being mad is not God’s will]
• Honesty [or yes is yes. Do what I say I will do]
• Integrity [our students must not think we have lied or fooled them to get more money]
• Passion [realize we are doing God’s work]
• Commitment [follow through]

If we have a policy that is not up front or could be understood by our student as a questionable marking plan we cannot do it. Just because someone else uses it does not make it right. We must seek God and His will in our marketing.

We must live in the future/presence tense. We must live what we are about.

• I am
• We do
• We are

We must weed out all that does not fit. We must get all the arrows going in the same direction.

2 Cor 2:14-17
14        But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume.

15        As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us.

16        To those who are not being saved, we seem a fearful smell of death and doom, while to those who know Christ we are a life-giving perfume. But who is adequate for such a task as this?

17        Only those who, like ourselves, are men of integrity, sent by God, speaking with Christ’s power, with God’s eye upon us. We are not like those hucksters– and there are many of them– whose idea in getting out the Gospel is to make a good living out of it.
(TLB)

1 Cor 16:24
24        My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. (KJV)

 This is the first installation in God’s business plan for OMEGA.

Soki Davis