2 Chairs

1. The "2 Chairs" Secret: Cultivate Daily Divine Connection

There is nothing that you could do or think of in life, Bob, that would be more important than setting up your two chairs right now and doing it every day of your life.

Life-changing habit. The core secret of "2 Chairs" is a daily, intentional meeting with God, where you sit with the expectation of a deep, personal conversation. This isn't merely prayer or devotion; it's about fostering an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe, who desires to speak with you. This daily encounter, as the author's mother Martha taught him, is the single most important practice for navigating life's complexities and achieving true peace and purpose.

Beyond furniture. The "2 Chairs" concept transcends physical objects; it represents a dedicated space and time for communion with God. This sacred meeting allows for a strategic transfer of peace, joy, insight, wisdom, power, and favor, profoundly altering the trajectory of one's life. It's a personal invitation from God to befriend Him, share everything, and receive His unconditional love and guidance.

Transformative encounter. The first "2 Chairs" experience often brings an overwhelming sense of peace and love, affirming acceptance and diminishing life's biggest concerns. This daily dialogue helps you understand your identity as God's beloved child, a person of infinite worth, and the object of His affection. It's a source of profound reassurance and a foundation for all future success and resilience.

2. Three Disruptive Questions Reveal Your Deepest Need

Does He have a good plan for you?

Confronting limitations. When faced with overwhelming problems, people often isolate themselves or seek answers in futile places. The author's mother posed three simple yet disruptive questions that cut through denial and expose our human limitations, pointing directly to the need for divine intervention. These questions are:

• Does God know your situation? (Yes!)
• Is it too hard for Him to handle? (No!)
• Does He have a good plan for you? (Yes!)

Acknowledging divine awareness. The first question, "Does God know your situation?", immediately brings comfort and perspective. It reminds us that we are not alone and that God is neither too removed nor too busy for our concerns, big or small. This acknowledgment is the foundational step to bringing order back into chaotic circumstances, as God is fully aware and concerned about every detail of our lives.

Embracing God's capability. The second question, "Is it too hard for Him to handle?", reinforces God's omnipotence. While problems may be too hard for us, they are never too hard for Him. This truth requires faith—believing that God can and will help if we ask, seek, and knock. The third question, "Does He have a good plan for you?", highlights that God's plans are for our prosperity, hope, and future, and He desires to share them with us daily at "2 Chairs."

3. God's Purposeful Plan Unfolds Day by Day

If you ask God to reveal His plan for you, He will. But trust me, most of the time He doesn’t give it to you all at once. More likely He will give it to you day by day, because you couldn’t handle it all at once.

Daily revelation. God has a specific, good plan for each of us, but He typically reveals it incrementally, day by day, rather than all at once. This gradual unfolding is because His plans are often too wonderful or unbelievable for us to grasp entirely at once. The "2 Chairs" meeting is where this daily revelation occurs, requiring us to listen more than we speak.

Listening is paramount. The "80/20 rule" applies to "2 Chairs": talk for one minute, listen for four. Many people pray, doing all the talking, but neglect to create space for God to respond. Just as in team sports, where listening to instructions is crucial to avoid missteps, listening to God's "still, small voice" prevents confusion and ensures we align with His purpose.

Patience and readiness. God's timing is not our timing, and His plan may involve seasons of preparation, as illustrated by Rachel's post-college journey. She learned to focus on what God had for her in that season—leading worship and taking a Dale Carnegie course—before new opportunities opened. Being ready encompasses vision, desire, preparation, and patience, ensuring we don't miss out on God's intended action.

4. Lean on Your "WHO" Friends in Times of Crisis

You are not alone!

The friendship crisis. In times of trouble, a common mistake is to isolate oneself, believing the lie that you must face challenges alone. However, God has strategically placed "WHO friends"—those who matter most in your life—to provide compassion, encouragement, direction, and insight. True friendship, as Norman Vincent Peale emphasized, is paramount, yet modern culture often dilutes its meaning.

Beyond acquaintances. "WHO friends" are distinct from mere acquaintances or social media connections. They are people who know your true identity, love and care about you unconditionally, and will speak truth into your life, even when it's hard to hear. They act as God's hands and feet, intercepting you on dark paths and redirecting your steps back to light, as seen in George Bailey's story in It's a Wonderful Life.

Humble outreach. Pride often prevents us from asking for help from those closest to us. When trouble strikes, it's crucial to be humble enough to reach out to your "WHO friends," sharing the whole truth of your situation. These trusted advisors, handpicked by God, are equipped to offer protection, advice, peace, and encouragement, reminding you that "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed."

5. Gain God's Elevated Perspective: "See the Field"

If we could see beyond today … we would not fret, each sorrow we would soon forget.

Navigating life's "Road to Hana." Life's troubles are often like a treacherous journey with hairpin turns and narrow bridges, making it impossible to see what lies ahead. In such moments, we desperately need a traveling companion who knows the whole story and can provide an elevated perspective. This is where God, through "2 Chairs," helps us "see the field" correctly.

Beyond immediate vision. When overwhelmed by crisis, our emotions can cloud our judgment, making solutions seem nonexistent. Just as Bagger Vance urged Rannulph Junuh to "see the field" beyond his immediate frustration, God helps us look past the problem to His overarching plan. My dad's ear cancer scare, where a child's simple suggestion provided a solution, illustrates how God can use unexpected sources to reveal answers when we're open to His perspective.

Trusting God's foresight. God knows our tomorrows, and He often puts a veil over them to protect us from worry, allowing us to cling to Him more. "Seeing the field" from God's perspective isn't just for hard times; it's a daily practice at "2 Chairs" that reveals opportunities in every aspect of life—friends, family, career, health, and finances. This divine foresight transforms our understanding of challenges into opportunities for growth and revelation.

6. Embrace Necessary Change for Lasting Good

Is there one decision you could make today that’ll make tomorrow better?

The power of small changes. While the idea of "change" often makes people squirm, God frequently suggests small, doable adjustments that yield significant results. At "2 Chairs," asking God Zig Ziglar-type questions about attitudes, self-destructive behaviors, or action steps can lead to immediate, positive shifts. God speaks back, not because we demand it, but because He loves us and wants us to know it.

God's loving guidance. Just as a father guides his children, God yearns to talk, laugh, listen, and share stories with us, affirming our identity and worth. He wants to fill us with peace and inspiration, often leading us to His Word for further revelation. My friend Bill's experience, where a 60-second message from God at "2 Chairs" led to a successful business presentation, demonstrates how divine guidance can transform outcomes.

Transformative shifts. Changes can range from simple adjustments, like altering a golf swing or listening to uplifting messages during a commute, to profound acts like extending forgiveness. Jenny's story of overcoming job-search frustration by changing her attitude through "2 Chairs" and positive input highlights how internal shifts precede external breakthroughs. These changes, however small, compound over time, leading to a testimony of God's faithfulness.

7. Receive God's Limitless Strength and Courage

God will be with you wherever you go.

Beyond worldly gadgets. Life's obstacles require more than human ingenuity; they demand real strength and courage, which God provides through a deeper relationship with Him. Just as James Bond relies on Q's gadgets, we can rely on God's limitless supply of strength and courage, transmitted to us daily at "2 Chairs." This relationship ensures we are covered and equipped to face any battle.

Identity as God's child. Knowing you are God's son or daughter, made in His image, is the ultimate source of strength. This divine identity brings unmerited favor and confidence, reminding us that life's battles are His to fight, not ours. Spending time at "2 Chairs" daily reinforces this truth, allowing His strength and courage to become ours, enabling us to confront any obstacle with the confidence of a favored child.

A transformed "personal environment." Just as White House staff carry an aura of grace and favor from serving the President, a daily encounter with God at "2 Chairs" dramatically changes our "personal environment." This invisible covering projects strength, courage, hope, and confidence, making us resilient in the face of adversity. The author's experience on the TODAY show, where God's presence transformed his fear into peace and favor, exemplifies this divine transmission.

8. Release the Past, Order Yourself "Eyes Forward"

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

Don't look back. Dwelling on past mistakes or problems is counterproductive, like driving while constantly looking in the rearview mirror. In times of trouble, it's crucial to "order yourself... eyes forward," trusting that God has better things ahead. The "Magnum, P.I." analogy reminds us to laugh at our fears and not let past anxieties paralyze us.

The exchange at "2 Chairs." To move forward, we must actively surrender our past hurts and future fears to God. This involves three steps:

• Talk it over: Bring all fears, worries, sadness, guilt, and shame to God at "2 Chairs."
• Make the exchange: Give Him these burdens and leave them with Him, receiving His peace, joy, and wisdom in return.
• Thank Him in advance: Express gratitude, even amidst trouble, which shifts attitude and builds confidence in His victory.

Trusting God's provision. The author's "french fries fiasco" illustrates how surrendering a problem to God at "2 Chairs" can lead to miraculous solutions. Instead of succumbing to negative self-talk and fear, he chose to trust God, who orchestrated a resolution through an unexpected promotion. This experience taught him that troubles are opportunities to strengthen trust in God, who sustains us when we cast our cares upon Him.

9. "Do the Done": Act with Confidence in God's Victory

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart [have confidence, be courageous, be of good cheer]! I have overcome the world.

God's forewarning and promise. The Bible explicitly states that "in this world you will have trouble," but immediately follows with an incredible command: "take heart [be of good cheer]!" This isn't a naive optimism but a confident response rooted in the knowledge that God has already "overcome the world." This insider information allows us to face trouble with a cheerful attitude, demonstrating our trust in His ultimate victory.

The power of foreknowledge. Just as a warning about a haunted house changes the experience from terrifying to fun, God's forewarning about trouble, coupled with His promise of victory, transforms our approach to adversity. We can choose to be courageous and cheerful, knowing that while challenges are real, they are not dangerous in the long run because God is in control. This perspective empowers us to "Do the Done"—to act as if the victory is already secured.

God's system vs. the world's. The world's system for dealing with trouble often leads to temporary relief through distractions and an inverted order of hope, optimism, creativity, and plan. In contrast, God's system, activated at "2 Chairs," starts with hope (He has won), leads to optimism (He knows and can handle it), unlocks creativity (higher ground thinking), and reveals His specific plan. This divine approach ensures lasting peace and true solutions, as exemplified by Rudy's journey and the author's mother rediscovering her "2 Chairs" habit.

10. Daily Manna: Fresh Guidance Every Morning

I will come down and speak with you there.

A daily tabernacle. The "2 Chairs" meeting is a modern-day "tabernacle"—a sacred place where God desires to meet and speak with you personally, just as He did in ancient times. This daily encounter is not a relic of the past but a living reality, offering fresh instructions, strategies, and encouragement for each new day. It's a continuous reminder that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

New mercies every morning. Just as God provided daily manna to the Israelites in the desert, He offers "new mercies" and fresh provisions of peace, joy, insight, wisdom, power, and favor every morning at "2 Chairs." This daily sustenance is crucial because yesterday's strategies or words may not suffice for today's challenges. Starting your day by filling your mind and heart with God's thoughts ensures you walk in His light and share His love throughout the day.

Transforming your home's atmosphere. The consistent practice of "2 Chairs" not only transforms individuals but also impacts the atmosphere of their homes. The author's mother's renewed habit of meeting with God created an enduring peaceful and loving environment that everyone, including her young granddaughter, could feel. This daily welcoming of God's presence establishes a foundation of peace and joy that radiates to all who enter.