Identity and Destiny

“How to Get Into Heaven” – from our friends at the Christian Coaches Network

A man dies and meets St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Peter says to the man, “Here’s how it works. You need to have one hundred points to get into heaven. You tell me about all the good things you’ve done. They are all worth a certain number of points. If your total is one hundred or more, you can come in.”

“Well,” says the man. “I was happily married to the same woman for 52 years. I never looked at another woman. I was attentive and loved her dearly.”

“That’s great,” says St. Peter. “That’ll be two points.”

“Hmmm,” says the man. “This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, I attended church regularly, volunteered my time and tithed faithfully.”

“Wonderful,” says St. Peter, “That’s worth another point.”

“One point!” says the man. “Okay, okay. I was involved with a prison ministry for twenty-five years. I went into the prison, at least monthly, and shared Jesus with them.”

“Wow!” says St. Peter. “That’s another two points!”

“Only two points!” says the man. “At this rate, it’ll be only by the grace of God that’ll I’ll ever get into this place.”

“Bingo!” says St. Peter. “That’s one hundred points! Come on in.”

Tom and Pam Wolf are coaches who believe that every successful coach must have a coach!

At Identity and Destiny – and our new division, Tom and Pam Wolf Coaching – we work with coaches counselors and solopreneurs who want to grow their business, build on Biblical principles and make an impact in the world through the businesses they build.

If you are struggling to grow your business…

If you find it hard to get enough paying clients to build a successful business…

If you know your work is not just a job – but a calling…

We should talk!

Let us help you achieve business growth with a higher purpose!!!

Book your Complimentary Clarity Call with Tom or Pam and let’s explore how we can help!

Click on the link below to schedule your call.

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Hebrews 12:1

Last week I asked you to ponder the question of where there might be some procrastination going on in your life.  Did you take a moment to think about that?

If not…let me ask again…

What is it that you are  putting off?

What is it you know should have been done – or at least started – a long  time ago?

Your answers might range from something as simple as cleaning out your closet – all the way to something that would require you to step out and do something very bold or frightening…like follow the call you know God has placed on your life…forgive someone who has hurt you deeply…or make amends for something you know you need to make right…

So what is it for you?

If it is your closet…well…that is just a matter of marking out the time and getting down to business.  In a matter of hours this project can be off your list…you will have bags of things to take to the thrift store…and whew…the burden of a lingering task is lifted!  Whoo Hoo!!!

But what about some of those tougher things?

What about the things that are going to be much more emotionally and spiritually draining?

I think Hebrews 12: 1 gives us some powerful insight on how to begin the journey.

First – look to the Godly friends and counsel that surround you.  They have wisdom to be offered  - experience to be shared – encouragement to be given – and prayers to be lifted!  God never meant for us to go through the “tough stuff” of life alone.  Humbly reach out and take advantage of all the help God offers through the body of Christ.

Second –  throw off all those things that have been stopping you!  This is going to require time in honest self-reflection, and time in the presence of the Lord.   Let Him show you what is in the way…what is holding you back…and then go to him for the healing…the mercy and forgiveness…the grace that you must first receive in order to go and do what must be done to be free from the hindrances that hold you back.

As you do this, remember the words of Pastor Dick Woodward (ICM and the Mini Bible College),

“I am not – but He is.

I can’t – but He can.

I don’t want to – but He wants to.

I didn’t – but He did.

Because…

I am in Him – and He is in me!”

Again…know that you are not alone!!!

And finally, the ultimate antidote for procrastination is perseverance.   It is about staying the course, running the race and finishing strong.  You must not grow weary but do that which you know God is calling you to do!  And when you do…it will always produce “good fruit”.  The kind of fruit that brings glory and honor to the Father – and not so coincidently – the abundant life you…and all of us…so deeply desire!

Just remember…Satan will always try to tell you what God is calling you to do is going to be way too uncomfortable and far too frightening.  But what he won’t tell you is the joy, blessing  - and all the relief – that waits on the other side of your obedience!!!

So…what are you waiting for?

Whatever it is…today is the day – to reach out to others – throw off your hindrances  - and get in the race to win!!! Share on Facebook

I have wanted to write this blog post for a couple of weeks – but something else kept coming up.  A better topic…a deeper inspiration…something else I felt I was being lead to blog about.  But you know what is so funny about that?  The topic I kept putting off is about putting things off…otherwise known as PROCRASTINATION!

Hmmmm…I guess I really am supposed to be writing this.  And as our pastor often says, “I am preaching more to myself than I am to you!”

What got me started was listening to the recording of a coaching session that Tom had done with one of our clients.  I was preparing for follow up and as I listened, I heard the client say – repeatedly – that the thing that was getting in the way of his success was his tendency  to procrastinate.  Then a week later I opened up a book I was reading and the chapter title was “Procrastination and Distractions”.  And just today, I started working with a new client, and what do you suppose the big struggle was that she identified?  You got it…procrastination!!!

Well, I decided to do a little research on the topic, and did you know there is actually a Procrastination Club of America???  It’s been around since 1957 but still  has only 80 members.  I guess those who are good candidates for membership are the kind who will forever put off joining?  Their philosophy is one that is often quoted:  ”Why do today what can be put off until tomorrow.”   And as you might imagine, tomorrow never comes.

I guess, we all know WHAT procrastination is – but the real question is WHY do we do it and WHY is it such a common struggle?

What about you?

Is there something you are putting off right now?

Could it be you…

• don’t like the task you know needs to be done?

• don’t feel  you have everything  ”lined up” and perfectly in order?

• don’t know how to prioritize all that is on our plate?

Or, maybe there are times when you simply want to be lazy?

Maybe you just have a “habit” of procrastinating –  and until the pressure is on and the deadline is near – you just can’t kick into gear?.

Or perhaps there is something deeper?

Rather than simply being easily distracted or lacking resolve, could it be that you are feeling

• confused?

• uncertain?

• fearful?

• inadequate or unworthy?

• ill-equipped or unprepared?

And it’s not just having these feelings – but they have become stumbling blocks.  They have become the kind of fears, blocks and limiting beliefs that are stopping you dead in your tracks.

It is not that you don’t want to get started and do the right thing…somehow you have gotten to the point that you can’t!  Or at least that is how you feel right now?

If that is you…stay tuned.  I am going to keep writing on this topic of procrastination and what it takes to make positive change!

In the mean time, I leave you with this challenge:

1. What is it that you are putting off – but know it needs to be done or decided?

2. What are your “reasons” for continuing to put it off?

Think about that and next time we will work on what you can do to move forward.

“The more we understand the reasons for procrastinating, the

better we can develop a game plan to defeat the “manana” habit.

                                                                                       John Maxwell

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“Life is tough. Struggles, hard times and trials will come. When they do, look around you.  God is probably bringing someone alongside you to pour grace into your life.  Grace to turn your life around so that one day you can help turn someone else’s life around.”   

Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors

Hi I’m Pam.  I work with my husband Tom in this amazing business called Identity and Destiny.  We love what we do and know we are making an impact in the world for Christ.  What could be better than that?

Yet – the truth be told – it can be really hard work.  You see…when you know your work is not just a job – but a calling.  When you know there is a sense of urgency to “get on about the Father’s business”.  When you know there is far too much to do and never enough time to get it all done.  You can tend to take it all on your own shoulders…you begin  trying to run in your own strength…and that is when it goes from work that is being carried along by the power of the Holy Spirit to work that simply feels exhausting!

When that happens.  I have learned to recognize the warning signals.

I have learned to turn my heart…my time…my calendar and my never-ending list of things to do – back over to the Lord.

I stop…I pray…I get into the Word.  And yesterday…on the spur of the moment I accepted an invitation for lunch from a Godly friend who was in need of some advice and counsel regarding her ministry’s vision and plans.

We sat outside in beautiful weather…enjoyed a lovely lunch on the porch…chatted about her business…and then, she looked over at me and said, “Are you OK?”

It took me back for a moment.

But as I let my guard down and began to talk about my sense of overwhelm…my deep desire to do so much for the Lord…my need to put balance back into my life.  I felt that this was God bringing that person alongside me to give me the grace, the hope, the perspective that I needed. And the wonderful thing about our conversation…she really understood me.  She encouraged me…she assured me that I was not alone.  I knew – right then and there –  that God was using this time to show me the value of special friends like this that He brings into my life.

Perhaps the grace I was shown by my sweet friend was so I could offer it to you today?

So, today I am praying for everyone who reads these words – for grace, for peace and for the encouragement you need  - no matter what you are facing!!!

And, today, I am thanking God for this “cool drink of water” from my friend as she looked into my eyes and cared to ask about me.  Not just the surface stuff…but the real stuff that I hide from most people.

Thank you Jesus for sending me this friend.  She was my Jesus with skin on…right when I needed it most.

Do you need that today?  Or, maybe you can be that for someone else?  Don’t miss the chance to be refreshed…or to refresh those God puts in your path.  Dare to look below the surface and offer grace!

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OK – it’s confession time.

 I am working my way through one of those checklists that shows you how to read through the entire Bible in a year.  But I started about a year and a half ago.  And – at the rate I am going – this one year of reading looks like it could take about 3 years!

But you know what?  I think God is OK with my pace.  I think (as my husband, Tom, often says), “it is more important to get the Bible through me…than me getting through the Bible”.  Yes, it means diligence.  I requires the discipline to be in the Word daily.  But it is not a race to finish. It is not a project to be completed.  It is about spending time with the Lord and letting His Word teach, train, love and enlighten!

 For instance, I have been in the book of Romans from 1.26.13 to today, 3.26.13.  16 chapters over 2 months.  And it has been amazing.

This one thing I know.  If I were not plugged into the Lord and the powerful teaching found in the Bible – there is no way I could do the work He has assigned.  I am wife…mother…mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend.  I am co-laboring with my husband and the Lord to build Identity and Destiny – our business – which is also our ministry!Although I have read Romans before…I have never spent this kind of time pouring over each and every chapter.  Camping out for days – if that is how the Lord leads.  Journaling, meditating, praying and listening.  It has been wonderful!!!

Whew!  I get exhausted just thinking about it.  Perhaps you feel the same way?

Where is your power coming from?

Where do you get the strength and endurance to do all that is on your plate?

As it says in Romans 15…our endurance, encouragement and hope…it ALL comes from the Lord.  It is not something we can muster up on our own.  It is a gift from Him – “given that so with one heart and mouth we might  glorify the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ”.

But when I powerfully move through my day…when I accomplish great things…when I speak of blessings and favor…isn’t that boasting?  Isn’t that prideful?  Well…as I read the notes in my NIV study Bible here is what it said:

Being proud of God’s work through you in not sin, it is worship!  If you are not sure if your pride is selfish or holy – ask yourself this one question:  ”Are you just as proud of what God is doing through others as what he is doing through you?

Hmmm…think about that!

Allow God to show you what is really in your heart.

With honesty and vulnerability, ask yourself what is selfish pride and what is genuine, heart-felt praise?

As we thank God for who He is…and how much He loves us this Easter season.  Let’s be sure to boast only in HIM!!!

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I love to journal with God in my morning “quiet time” and today I share from some of my recent writings as I spent time with the Lord in  2 Chronicles 1.  It begins…

Solomon could have had whatever he wanted, yet he did not ask for wealth, riches, honor or even the death of his enemies.   He asked for the wisdom and knowledge to govern the people over whom God had had made him king.

Because Solomon was so unselfish, since he came from such a place of responsibility for the position he had been given and since he had such a deep desire  to serve his people with great wisdom – the Scripture says that God was very pleased.  As a result,  God Gave him greater riches and power over his enemies than any king before or since!

Wow!  When I was writing this in my journal back in January, I had to stop and take a moment and let that sink in.

Then, God clearly began to say, “I always look at the heart, Pam.  It is always about motives and intent.  Man tends to go by outward appearances,  but I go by what is in your heart.  And you can be assured – just as with Solomon – I honor those who are fully devoted to their unique assignment, and the people I have called them to lead and serve.”

So, what is your unique assignment from God right now?

Who are you being called to lead and serve?

No matter how you answered, each of us is all called to lead and serve in some capacity or another.  God has a plan and a purpose for each of us – and it is always bigger than “self“.  It always involves some form of leading-by-example and serving others!

Won’t you join me in seeking God for wisdom, humility and purity of motives?  Join me, so that – as we lead and serve – we know when God looks into our hearts, He will be pleased.

Where do you need an extra measure of wisdom and knowledge in your life right now?

I would love to have you post a comment on our Facebook page through the link below.  Let me pray for you, continue to share my journey and offer some help.

https://www.facebook.com/IdentityandDestiny

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It seems my life as a Christian can be summed up in one word: Perseverance. Although a late life believer, God seems to have had me on “warp speed” ever since I bowed the knee. First in learning the power of His Word, then learning the power of Christ in my life. Then, as the years have come and gone, He has given me many opportunities to test my faith and see if it is real. To see if in the trials of life – my actions, reactions, choices and decisions would genuinely reflecting what He was teaching me.

And now, I know – it has all been in preparation for the work I am doing as a Christian Coach through Identity and Destiny. At first I thought I was supposed to be a life coach focused on recovery and purpose. And although I still work in those arenas, I now know that my life experience as an entrepreneurial business woman is where God wants to use me. I now see myself as he does…A Success Coach – helping Christian Coaches and Counselors – Go Big, Take Action and Make and Impact for the Kingdom!

I now see…and know…that I was not saved for my own pleasure and benefit, but for the specific assignment that God had planned for my life. And although it has taken me a long time to get here, God knew all this before the foundations of the earth were ever formed. Wow… think about that. Think about the fact that He has a plan like that for you too!

The questions you have to answer:

• Will I do the work necessary to discover the purpose God has for my life?
• Will I seek God for the answers He is anxiously waiting to provide?
• Will I persevere to the goal that Jesus is beckoning me to reach?
• Will I press on toward the goal that He has laid out for my life?

Philippians 3:12-20 – The Message Translation

^12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

^15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

^17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

²⁰ But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven!
Ref: Identity and Destiny Blog Post: March 5, 2013, by Pam Wolf

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When I was first saved, I was blessed to have the woman who lead me to the Lord disciple me (one-on-one) for over 2 years. I grew up knowing there was a God out there somewhere, but never had any idea I could have a personal relationship with Him. And I certainly never knew there were answers in the Bible that were relevant to my life today!?!

Well, Grace slowly introduced me to Jesus and His Word…and showed me that every question, every trial, every piece of wisdom I was seeking could be found in the pages of that ancient book! Every week, as we met for coffee – I would bring my 8 1/2 x 11 note pad with my latest list of questions…and together we go to the Bible and find answers. To my amazement…they were ALL in that one book!

I came to love the Word, to hunger for it, to want to know what God had to say about things – rather than what the world was telling me. And over time, it lead me to what I now consider my “life verse”…you know that verse that – over and over again – seems to be perfectly applicable to the circumstances of your life?

My life verse is Romans 5: 3- 5. As I was thinking about that Scripture and the key word that God has highlighted in my life – I decided to do a “keyword search” on BibleGateway.com and see what verses came up for the word perseverance!

Enjoy the journey through these Scriptures as you get a picture of what God means when He call us to persevere!!! (To be steadfast, strong, intensive, unremitting – Vines Expository Dictionary)

1. Romans 5:3
   Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
2. Romans 5:4
   perseverance, character; and character, hope.
3. 2 Corinthians 12:12
   The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.
4. 2 Thessalonians 1:4
   Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
5. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
   May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
6. Hebrews 12:1
   [ God Disciplines His Sons ] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
7. James 1:3
   because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
8. James 1:4
   Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
9. James 5:11
   As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
10. 2 Peter 1:6
    and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
11. Revelation 2:19
    I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
    Revelation 2:18-20 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) – references as as found on BibleGateway.com

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ref: Identity and Destiny Blog Post: February 26, 2013, by Pam WolfShare on Facebook

Here are all the details:

We are blessed, excited and thanking God for the opportunity to sponsor this event along with Pastor Greg Powe and Revealing Truth Ministries. 

Come One – Come all! 

If you’ve ever wondered how to hear from God – how to know if it’s really Him – how you can really know His voice – you won’t want to miss this powerful presentation! 

For those who are in the local Tampa Bay area – please come and be part of the event. See the attached flyer for more details! 

For those of you not in the area or cannot attend – the event is going to be live-streamed through Revealing Truth Ministries website on the night of the event. (Details on logging into the FREE live stream will be coming in future emails – so stay tuned.) 

Spread the word, bring your friends and family and share this with others who might be 
interested. This is going to be an amazing night! 

God Bless! 

Pam and Tom Wolf 

PS…For those who come and attend the event at Revealing Truth Ministries – we will be giving away a Kindle HD Fire that night! Come be part of the fun!!!

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