Author: jefftpitts_how87b

Initial Outline

 

 

Here’s my current book outline to give you a sense of the direction for this book. Are there key elements or topics I may have overlooked? My goal is to structure the book into seven chapter sub-sets, with a total of 50 chapters—so some of these will need to be trimmed. I want to ensure a strong, balanced structure that effectively delivers the message. Any insights or suggestions? Message me on my social media!

 

  • Introduction
  • The Cosmos Corrupted
    • 1. A Second Family in God’s Kingdom
    • 2. What a Wonderful World
    • 3. Rebellion in God’s Kingdom
    • 4. Humans Join the Rebellion
    • 5. Alternative Kingdoms
    • 6. Dividing the Rebellion
    • 7. Hope
  • A Beachhead (Israel) among the Nations
    • 8. Cosmic Geography in the OT
    • 9. Faith in God or Fear of Giants
    • 10. Mount Hermon in Bashan
    • 11. Holy War
    • 12. The Son of Man
    • 13. Purging the Nephilim
    • 14. The Failed Holy Ones
    • 15. Jonah and Nineveh
    • 16. Israel given over to worship the host of heaven
    • 17. In Enemy Geography
  • The Redeemer
    • 18. The Beginning of Jesus’ Public Ministry
    • 19. On Earth as it is In Heaven (Matthew 6:9-13)
    • 20. The Demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34)
    • 21. My Beloved Son
    • 22. 70 Disciples
    • 23. Peter and the Gates of Hades
    • 24. Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17)
    • 25. You are gods (John 10:34-35)
    • 26. Triumphal Entry (John 12)
    • 27. Jesus Triumphs over the Bulls of Bashan
    • 28. If they had known (Good Friday)
    • 29. Saturday
    • 30. The Resurrection
  • The Mission (14 Days) – Acts map of Nation Redemption
    • 31. The Game Plan (Great Commission)
    • 32. Our Weapons
    • 33. Jerusalem (Jews) Receives the Holy Spirit
    • 34. Baptism
    • 35. Steven’s Vision (Acts 7:55-56)
    • 36. Samaria: Samaritans Receive the Holy Spirit
    • 37. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
    • 38. The Ends of the Earth (Gentiles (Cornelius) in Judea): Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
    • 39. Tongues in Ephesus (Acts 19:6)
    • 40. The Spiritual Battle Continues
    • 41. Baptism
    • 42. Authority over the Nations
    • 43. God’s Image (Eph 4:22-24)
    • 44. Tarshish (Spain) (Romans 15)
    • 45. The Church in Babylon
  • The Cosmos Restored
    • 47. The Kingdoms of Our Lord
    • 48. Judging Angels
    • 49. Fellow Servants
    • 50. Psalm 45
    • 51. Fallen, Fallen is Babylon the Great
    • 52. Heaven is Cleansed
    • 53. Restored Holy Ones
    • 54. A Wonderful New World

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: What a Wonderful World

 

 

Bible Memory (bold section for younger readers): Acts 17:24, “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

When you think of Eden, what do you imagine? (If you are reading this out loud, have a discussion with everyone about what they think Eden looked like.) Eden offered much more than just a grove of trees where Adam and Eve could rest all day. It was the meeting of heaven and earth, God’s seat of authority. Today, we will learn about what else was in Eden besides trees.

Genesis 2:8-10, “The Lord God planted an orchard in the east, in Eden; and there he placed the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow from the soil, every tree that was pleasing to look at and good for food. (Now the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were in the middle of the orchard.) 10 Now a river flows from Eden to water the orchard, and from there it divides into four headstreams.”

Genesis 3:8a, “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of the day,”

Ezekiel 28:13-14, (this is God speaking to a spiritual being) “You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was your covering, the ruby, topaz, and emerald, the chrysolite, onyx, and jasper, the sapphire, turquoise, and beryl; your settings and mounts were made of gold. On the day you were created they were prepared. 14 I placed you there with an anointed guardian cherub; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked about amidst fiery stones.”

The pleasant garden of Eden was not just for Adam and Eve. It was “the garden of God”. In addition to the orchard described in Genesis, Ezekiel says that it included the holy mountain of God, a place where heaven and earth met. Adam and Eve were also not alone in the garden. Ezekiel says that there were spiritual beings living there: the being addressed in the Ezekiel passage, an anointed guardian cherub, and other spiritual beings referred to as fiery stones. Just like Job referred to spiritual beings as “Morning stars”, spiritual beings were also commonly referred to as fiery stones. God walked and talked with Adam and Eve in Eden. That was part of God’s plan for His imagers. As we’ll see in a few days, it did not last, but it must have been wonderful while it did.

Questions:

  1. Besides a garden, what else was in Eden? – The mountain of God
  2. Who else was in Eden besides Adam, Eve, and God?: Other Spiritual beings (the one being addressed in the Ezekiel passage, an anointed guardian cherub, and other spiritual beings referred to as fiery stones.)
  3. How was life in Eden different from life today? – Adam and Eve walked with God, there was no sin, etc.

Prayer: Dear God, it must have been wonderful to live in Your garden. Even though life is not the same today, please help us walk with You by reading Your word and talking to You every day. Amen.

Song: “All Things Bright and Beautiful”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gap

Understanding the reality of The Gap will change the way you view life. In the following chapters, we will illustrate The Gap with different scenarios. I promise that by understanding and adjusting The Gap, you will experience more gratitude and a greater love for life. But first, let’s define what The Gap really is.

Defining The Gap

Simply put, The Gap is “the space between our expectations and reality.”

Unmet expectations often lead to frustration, bitterness, and anxiety. While some expectations are reasonable—like honesty in relationships or fair treatment at work—many of our daily disappointments stem from expectations that don’t align with reality. If you find yourself constantly frustrated with life, people, or circumstances, it may be time to examine whether your expectations are realistic.

I recently heard Dave Ramsey say, “The secret to happiness is low expectations.” That might sound cynical at first, but it holds deep truth. Even in situations where we could argue that expectations should be higher, we actually create joy (gravy) by adjusting our expectations.

For example, if you wake up expecting a perfect, problem-free day, even minor inconveniences will ruin it. But if you wake up thanking God for His promise to be with you through any hardship, your expectations shift. Instead of frustration, you find strength. Instead of disappointment, you find gratitude. This shift creates lasting joy and peace in your life.

Matthew 6:28-34

28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

What Does the Bible Say About The Gap?

1 Timothy 6:6-12 says:

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

This passage reminds us that contentment—paired with godliness—is the key to a fulfilling life. We entered this world with nothing and will leave with nothing. Yet, many people fall into the trap of expecting more and more, setting themselves up for disappointment.

The love of money, status, or possessions misplaces our priorities. Instead, Matthew 6:28-34 teaches us to trust God rather than stress over material needs. When we shift our focus from what we lack to what God provides, we close The Gap and experience true peace.

Gravy vs. Expectations

I once heard Steve Harvey joke, “In the South, they think gravy is a beverage.” That reminded me of my Grandma, who grew up in rural Virginia and ate pancakes with gravy for breakfast every morning.

Here she is pictured third from the right in the bottom row (Left)

When reminiscing with my dad and his older brother, they recalled their childhood visits to their grandma’s house. Uncle Jim remembered how they didn’t like gravy on their pancakes because they expected syrup. In reality, gravy on pancakes is an extravagant, delicious meal—but their expectations kept them from enjoying it.

How often do we do the same thing in life? We focus so much on what we think we should have that we fail to appreciate the blessings in front of us.

Closing The Gap

Now that we’ve defined The Gap, what can we do about it?

The first step is shifting our perspective—recognizing that everything beyond our basic needs is gravy (a blessing). It’s not that extra things aren’t good, but when we come to expect them, we start feeling entitled to them. That entitlement robs us of the joy they bring.

Here’s how to close The Gap:

  1. Lower unrealistic expectations – Embrace life as it is, not as we demand it to be.
  2. Cultivate gratitude – Instead of focusing on what’s missing, recognize and appreciate what you have.
  3. Trust God’s provision – He knows what you need, and His timing is always perfect. 

Many times in my life, I have wished for a bigger house, better opportunities, or certain provisions that didn’t come. But over time, I have realized that God provides exactly what I need, even if it’s different from what I expected.

Final Reflection

Contentment is the key to joy. Trusting God’s timing eliminates frustration and brings peace.

Take a moment now to reflect:

  • Where in your life do you feel unsatisfied?
  • What expectation is causing that frustration?
  • Is this expectation realistic or necessary? 

To close The Gap, you have two tools: adjust your expectations or change your reality. Where in your life do you need to close The Gap?

Day 1: A Second Family in God’s Kingdom

 

 

Bible Memory (bold section for younger readers): Acts 17:24, “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.

Our memory verse talks about God being the Lord of heaven AND earth. God had a heavenly family that Job says sang during creation. When God created a second realm, He wanted earthly stewards to manage it, a second family to image or represent Him physically on Earth. Today, we’re going to read about the earthly beings Jesus created and commissioned to be His hands and feet in His earthly creation and to expand Eden throughout the Earth.

Genesis 1:1, 26-28, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” 26, Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness, so they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move on the earth.” 27 God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it! Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground.””

Genesis 2:8-9a, 15, “The LORD God planted an orchard in the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man he had formed. 9 The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow from the soil, every tree that was pleasing to look at and good for food… 15 The LORD God took the man and placed him in the orchard in Eden to care for it and to maintain it.”

Once God created the world, He wanted someone to rule His new creation. Humans were to image God in this new world, being his physical hands and feet, and doing the work He gave them. That work was to “Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it! Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground.” God had planted Eden, and humans were commissioned to fill the rest of the earth and make it just like Eden.

Questions:

  1. What did God create humans as?: God’s imagers, His earthly representatives, His hands and feet
  2. What job or mission did God give His imagers? – Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it (make it like Eden). Rule over the fish, birds, and creatures. (notice that doesn’t include ruling over other humans)
  3. How are you imaging God today? How are you His hands and feet?: (Help them apply the mission God gave us. E.g. – being part of a family, improving the world around them, taking care of nature, pets, animals, working to share with others, etc.)

Prayer: Dear God, You created the world and everything in it. You created us as your earthly family to represent you in the world by taking care of it and Your creatures. Please help us to image you well in this world. Amen.

Song: “This Is My Father’s World”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Introduction to Gravy

I grew up visiting my grandparents’ farm in Southwest Missouri. They had long and storied lives, but to me, they were just Grandpa and Grandma. I loved the simplicity of their days—waking early to check on and feed the cattle, tend the chickens and gather eggs, weed the garden, and tackle the endless chores of farm life. They lived without fanfare, but their lives were thick with meaning.
They hadn’t always led such a quiet life. During the Great Depression, my grandfather hopped trains to roam the country. One night, riding atop a train to reach the next town, he slipped off his coat to use as a pillow. When he woke and sat up, the wind snatched it away—along with his wallet and every cent he had. Over the years, he fixed cars, built planes during World War II, and took on other jobs to provide for his family.
Eventually, he bought a farm and raised cattle. Cash was scarce, but my fondest memories were born there, especially during Thanksgiving. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins crammed into their small double-wide. With no spare bed for me, I’d sleep under the dining room table, drifting off to the hum of adult voices. The food was always good, but breakfast stood out. I’d wake to the smell of bacon and eggs, and Grandma’s sausage gravy—rich and perfect—tied it all together. I’d even ladle the leftovers into my bowl to eat plain. That’s how delicious it was.

Matthew 6:25-30 (NKJV), “25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”

“That Thanksgiving memory—the warmth of family, the smell of bacon, and Grandma’s sausage gravy—stayed with me. It got me thinking about the saying ‘the rest is gravy.’ Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but they’re nothing special on their own—sometimes dry, sometimes plain. Good gravy, though, transforms them into something unforgettable. Life’s like that too. We all start with the basics, the essentials God provides. And His blessings? They’re the gravy that makes life rich.
My Grandparents’ lives taught me that happiness comes from savoring the basics—a lesson I hope to unpack in this book. When we do that, any extra blessings that come our way can be truly appreciated for what they are. How much better life gets when we reset our expectations to that simple truth.
In this first chapter, I want to invite you to embrace the idea that the basics are enough—food on the table, clothes on your back, a roof overhead. Nothing more is guaranteed, and that’s okay. As Matthew 6:25-30 reminds us, God takes care of the birds and the flowers without their striving. How much more will He care for us? Everything not promised by God is gravy.”

A Mission for The Cosmos

 

 

The real battlefield is in the unseen realm, and people are the spoils.

Growing up, I devoured Frank Peretti’s books, like This Present Darkness. They were thrilling, but I didn’t grasp the real-life implications of spiritual warfare. I also misunderstood how the battle began. Pop culture often portrays God and demons as equals in combat, but the truth is, God is supreme—He is not on equal footing with Satan.

Ephesians 6:10-12 says, 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor 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. 

Ephesians 6 reminds us that our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. Paul urges believers to put on the armor of God, to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes, and to fight with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God.

The truth is that God reigns supreme over all of creation (including the unseen realm), and He allows free will among His creation and shows grace and mercy to us all. He will ultimately bring judgement, but He has also made a way for us to be at peace with Him. We also have an opportunity to serve Him and rule with Him in his Kingdom. Do not waste your life. It is worth more than the whole world. Serve the King. Represent Him well on the earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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