7 Principles to Guide Your Planning Process and Help you Achieve Your Dreams
It's hard to achieve anything consequential without a written plan. However, putting a plan on paper isn't enough. Regardless of how thorough, concrete, or ingenious a plan may be, it won't happen unless additional ingredients are injected into the planning process. In my experience, I've observed seven principles that are absolutely critical to successful planning.
1) The Principle of Passion
When we're passionless, we procrastinate on the plan or burnout trying to execute it. With passion, we approach our plans with excitement and a sense of urgency. Passion gives planning energy.
Passion also gives planning focus. As Tim Redmond says, "There are many things that will catch my eye, but there are only a few things that will catch my heart. It is those I consider to pursue." Passion narrows our vision so that the plan dominates our attention and distractions fade into the background.
2) The Principle of Creativity
Of the seven planning principles, we violate the principle of creativity the most. By gravitating to concreteness, we sacrifice creativity. We settle for what's easy to wrap our minds around, and we neglect to wrestle with harder, more difficult dilemmas.
I'm convinced that leaders are too busy doing to think and provide ideas. Even the rare leaders who think creatively often neglect to encourage the people around them to do the same. Consequently, a majority of teams rely on one person for creative thought and end up starved for good ideas.
3) The Principle of Influence
When you prepare your plans, ask yourself the question, "Am I able to influence the resources needed to fulfill my planning and mission?" To accomplish your plan, you'll need influence over people, finances, and your schedule.
The support of people, especially other influencers, can make or break your plan. Make a priority to build relationships with them. In particular, find the key to their lives by learning what matters most to them. If you continually add value to the influencers around you in meaningful ways, then you'll be more likely to receive their assistance when you need it.
4) The Principle of Priorities
I'm amazed by the amount of people who begin to plan their careers before taking the time to prioritize their lives. You have no right, nor any reason, to start planning your life until you know what you're living for and what you're willing to die for. It's important to find your purpose so that you run, not on the fast track, but on your track.
The key to a prioritized life is concentration followed by elimination. As Peter Drucker observed, "Concentration is the key to economic results. No other principle of effectiveness is violated as constantly today as the basic principal of concentration. Our motto seems to be, let's do a little bit of everything." We must cease to dabble in everything before we can become excellent at anything.
5) The Principle of Flexibility
In leadership, be mentally prepared that not everything will go according to your plans. Then, when plans unfold unexpectedly, you'll be prepared to see new opportunities. Some of the best things I've received in life have been surprises that I could never have planned in advance.
When plans go awry, don't just stand there. By staying in motion, you create movement. Be resourceful enough to improvise when circumstances push you off course.
6) The Principle of Timing
I credit Robert Schuller for teaching me a lesson about timing-the peak-to-peak principle. Most of the time, our decisions are based on our emotional environment rather than reality. When we're in the valleys of life, we don't see clearly. Our perspective is limited, and all we see are the problems around us. In the valleys we make decisions, not to better ourselves, but to escape our problems.
Never make a major decision in the valleys. Wait until you get to the peak where you can see clearer and farther. By reserving big choices for the peaks, you'll avoid making rash decisions that you'll regret later.
7) The Principle of Teamwork
A worthwhile plan ought to be bigger than your abilities. You shouldn't be able to accomplish it alone. Each of us has areas of weakness, blind spots, and shortcomings. Unless we rely on a team to help us, our plans succumb to our personal limitations.
A sign in Coach Bill Parcells' office stated his philosophy plainly, "Individuals play the game but teams win championships." What we can do alone pales in comparison to the potential we have when we work together.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Atomic Bomb
King Josiah led himself and his people for 31 years focusing on God. His own spiritual hunger for transformation began to change the entire public. He is a perfect example of someone who started inside on these changes first and then created a large impact. You and I are meant to do the same. Starting with us as individuals then to our households, work, ministry, community, and throughout the world.What did King Josiah do in his time? After 10 years on the throne when he was a teenager he sent several men to the high priest to get the process going for repairing the temple. While they were working the high priest found "the book of the law". After finding this the bible says this in 2 Kings 22:8-13:8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the Lord's Temple!" Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it.9 Shaphan went to the king and reported, "Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of the Lord to the workers and supervisors at the Temple." 10 Shaphan also told the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll." So Shaphan read it to the king.11 When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. 12 Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king's personal adviser: 13 "Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the Lord's great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do."His heart and love for God created a nation dedicated to grow towards HIM.
Leaders make a big impact just like an atomic bomb, they implode before they explode.
What about you and I? Are we ready to implode and take God into our hearts so we can let HIS love explode through us and transform not only our lives but the lives of others?
Leaders make a big impact just like an atomic bomb, they implode before they explode.
What about you and I? Are we ready to implode and take God into our hearts so we can let HIS love explode through us and transform not only our lives but the lives of others?
4 D's Desire
I really look forward to blogging about Leadership Principles, but more importantly about the one who created them all. Prior to falling in love with Christ I was growing up to be a business man. I wanted to grow, develop, and help others do the same. After years of chasing success, God gifted me with a mentor who actually starting using the Bible to teach success principles. Time after time I was amazed at how the scripture was so clearly stating some success concept that I had learned. After awhile I realized that all of it was from HIM. This posed another question for me,"Who was HE?!!" Who was the man behind all of this revelation and guidance that could help with health, marriages, finances, and every other thing worthwhile? That was when I started to commit my life to Jesus Christ and live my life for HIM as He did for me and all of us.
My bent will be to share these worldy concepts and show how they tie into scripture or truthfully more how scripture ties into the world. The first will be a lesson I love called the 4 D's. We will cover one at a time.
1. DESIRE!! All of our dreams start as a desire that has been gifted to us from God. These desires are meant to carry us from the baggage of our past and bring us into a situation in which God is glorified by our lives.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life! Shine be radiant with the glory of the Lord, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
How great is that! Our light has come! The glory of the Lord has risen upon us! That sounds like someone who has been given the opportunity to dream. To take that initial spark of a desire and rise up into the new day into the new season. To get rid of all the past depression and things that have held us back!
Also..
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Notice it says "ALL THINGS". Now if Jesus says no to something, then I think we can all agree to shut that door and look for where He would prefer for us to be. But have you ever shut your own desire down? Have you ever shut your own door? We need to fan those flames and glorify HIM through our actions to the call. Jesus Christ can allow us to have a desire to be able to dream again. Now is the time!
My bent will be to share these worldy concepts and show how they tie into scripture or truthfully more how scripture ties into the world. The first will be a lesson I love called the 4 D's. We will cover one at a time.
1. DESIRE!! All of our dreams start as a desire that has been gifted to us from God. These desires are meant to carry us from the baggage of our past and bring us into a situation in which God is glorified by our lives.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life! Shine be radiant with the glory of the Lord, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
How great is that! Our light has come! The glory of the Lord has risen upon us! That sounds like someone who has been given the opportunity to dream. To take that initial spark of a desire and rise up into the new day into the new season. To get rid of all the past depression and things that have held us back!
Also..
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Notice it says "ALL THINGS". Now if Jesus says no to something, then I think we can all agree to shut that door and look for where He would prefer for us to be. But have you ever shut your own desire down? Have you ever shut your own door? We need to fan those flames and glorify HIM through our actions to the call. Jesus Christ can allow us to have a desire to be able to dream again. Now is the time!
2nd D Decision
We are covering a lesson I love called the 4 D's. The first one written on the previous post was DESIRE! Time for the Second D! DECISION
Rev. 3:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
Just like the bible says to be successful in anything, we need to make a decision. Many of us have wishes, sometimes needs, but that really doesn't matter. The world needs more than just wishes and needs. The world needs people ready to get something done and glorify Christ through our actions. In order to make things happen, we need to make a decision.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your plans to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
Of course we are assuming this decision is what God has in store for your life. Once you have that confirmed, then make it clear and commit. Even John Wayne said, "True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done."
These decisions won't always be easy and could end in failure according to man's standards, but to the Glory of God we must take a stand on what He wants for our lives. In Esther 14:16 we see her strength and commitment through her decision.
Esther 14:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Every decision you make is not a decision about what to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. And Whose You Are! When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes and you begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what God brought you here to do.
God has given you a purpose in this life to glorify HIM and to allow others to know HIM through you. It's time to take those desires that He has given you and make a decision to make them come true.
Rev. 3:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
Just like the bible says to be successful in anything, we need to make a decision. Many of us have wishes, sometimes needs, but that really doesn't matter. The world needs more than just wishes and needs. The world needs people ready to get something done and glorify Christ through our actions. In order to make things happen, we need to make a decision.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your plans to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
Of course we are assuming this decision is what God has in store for your life. Once you have that confirmed, then make it clear and commit. Even John Wayne said, "True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done."
These decisions won't always be easy and could end in failure according to man's standards, but to the Glory of God we must take a stand on what He wants for our lives. In Esther 14:16 we see her strength and commitment through her decision.
Esther 14:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Every decision you make is not a decision about what to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. And Whose You Are! When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes and you begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what God brought you here to do.
God has given you a purpose in this life to glorify HIM and to allow others to know HIM through you. It's time to take those desires that He has given you and make a decision to make them come true.
3rd D Determination
Determination-
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Dreams are conceived long before they are acheived. The period of time between the birth of a dream and its realization is always a process. This period is filled with doubts, adversity, changes and surprises. During the process, you will experience good days and bad days. And frequently you will be faced with a dilemmea: Do you give up or go on? Without hesitation, I can give you the answer: Don't give up on your dream.
You were built for accomplishing things and allowing the glory of God to shine through you, to be a living testimony. However, this glory is not always going to come easy. Grace Hopper, American Computer Scientist said, "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."
How many things never happen because people quit. All of the successful people have had to persist far longer than they wanted to. How would you get away without it? You will see tough times, but haven’t you already. Have you noticed that life has been filled with tough challenges since you were born and they will continue.
Most people over-estimate where they will be in one year but far under-estimate where they will be in 10. This is why people fail so often. They expect a "get rich" quick mentality. The media glorifies situations that happen so fast that we think that is how success was attained by all. We often feel like failures if success takes awhile and we have to go through some things.
James 1:2-4 said,"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
People have a lack of focus, and play the vitual lottery instead of fighting through with determination. This creates a mentality of being a jack of all trades and master of none. We will have to pay the price in full and up front for these goals to be accomplished. These goals will call for action and we need to be able to work towards higher levels of action as part of our process. Some of these goals and dreams you have set forth will take time. Did you take time to get to this point in your life?
"I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep on trying." Tom Hopkins
You've got this! Fight through with determination and allow God to shine through you like He did with our heros of the past.
Therefore, when you pass through those waters of difficulty, and the flames of distress, know that God is always there with you. For, The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. ( Nahum 1:7 )
So my friends, always remember that you are walking hand in hand with your Heavenly Father when those difficult times arrive as they will, and that He loves you very much because you are one of His beloved children!
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Dreams are conceived long before they are acheived. The period of time between the birth of a dream and its realization is always a process. This period is filled with doubts, adversity, changes and surprises. During the process, you will experience good days and bad days. And frequently you will be faced with a dilemmea: Do you give up or go on? Without hesitation, I can give you the answer: Don't give up on your dream.
You were built for accomplishing things and allowing the glory of God to shine through you, to be a living testimony. However, this glory is not always going to come easy. Grace Hopper, American Computer Scientist said, "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."
How many things never happen because people quit. All of the successful people have had to persist far longer than they wanted to. How would you get away without it? You will see tough times, but haven’t you already. Have you noticed that life has been filled with tough challenges since you were born and they will continue.
Most people over-estimate where they will be in one year but far under-estimate where they will be in 10. This is why people fail so often. They expect a "get rich" quick mentality. The media glorifies situations that happen so fast that we think that is how success was attained by all. We often feel like failures if success takes awhile and we have to go through some things.
James 1:2-4 said,"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
People have a lack of focus, and play the vitual lottery instead of fighting through with determination. This creates a mentality of being a jack of all trades and master of none. We will have to pay the price in full and up front for these goals to be accomplished. These goals will call for action and we need to be able to work towards higher levels of action as part of our process. Some of these goals and dreams you have set forth will take time. Did you take time to get to this point in your life?
"I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep on trying." Tom Hopkins
You've got this! Fight through with determination and allow God to shine through you like He did with our heros of the past.
Therefore, when you pass through those waters of difficulty, and the flames of distress, know that God is always there with you. For, The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. ( Nahum 1:7 )
So my friends, always remember that you are walking hand in hand with your Heavenly Father when those difficult times arrive as they will, and that He loves you very much because you are one of His beloved children!
4th D Discipline
Proverbs 12:1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid!
We don't want to be stupid!
At the end of the day what are all the disciplines boiled down too? It all has to do with Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
How about you? How is your self-discipline? Plato said, " The first and best victory is to conquer self." If you want to be self-disciplined follow these points:1. Challenge your excuses.Get rid of the tendency to make excuses. If you come up with reasons why you aren't self-disciplined, realize these are barriers to your success that must be removed. We all have reasons why it's not convenient but the leader gets rid of those reasons in their mind so they can go on to the next level.2. Develop and maintain your priorities.Everyone is busy, but successful people have a plan. Figure out what is necessary for your goal and let the other stuff go. This will make it much easier to focus.3. Stay focused on results.Most of us want to focus on the difficulty of the work that must be put in, instead of focusing on the results. We have to stay away from doing what feels good and convenient and make sure we focus and pay the price that is necessary in full and up front. Keep in the front of your mind the benefits from accomplishing your goals and dive in. We need to track and examine ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 11:31 "But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way." We can't coach and help others if we won't look in the mirror.4. Make a disciplined lifestyle your goal. Self-discipline can't be a one-time event. It has to be an overall life philosophy. Develop systems and routines in all areas but specifically to the areas that are important to your main prioirities. Once you have them, put them into play every day.5. Rewards come at the end.If you lack self-discipline, it could be you are in the habit of eating dessert before you've eaten your vegetables. Success will always separate between the shirkers and the workers, because if it didn't we'd all be lazy.
At the end of the day...Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men. Since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
We don't want to be stupid!
At the end of the day what are all the disciplines boiled down too? It all has to do with Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
How about you? How is your self-discipline? Plato said, " The first and best victory is to conquer self." If you want to be self-disciplined follow these points:1. Challenge your excuses.Get rid of the tendency to make excuses. If you come up with reasons why you aren't self-disciplined, realize these are barriers to your success that must be removed. We all have reasons why it's not convenient but the leader gets rid of those reasons in their mind so they can go on to the next level.2. Develop and maintain your priorities.Everyone is busy, but successful people have a plan. Figure out what is necessary for your goal and let the other stuff go. This will make it much easier to focus.3. Stay focused on results.Most of us want to focus on the difficulty of the work that must be put in, instead of focusing on the results. We have to stay away from doing what feels good and convenient and make sure we focus and pay the price that is necessary in full and up front. Keep in the front of your mind the benefits from accomplishing your goals and dive in. We need to track and examine ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 11:31 "But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way." We can't coach and help others if we won't look in the mirror.4. Make a disciplined lifestyle your goal. Self-discipline can't be a one-time event. It has to be an overall life philosophy. Develop systems and routines in all areas but specifically to the areas that are important to your main prioirities. Once you have them, put them into play every day.5. Rewards come at the end.If you lack self-discipline, it could be you are in the habit of eating dessert before you've eaten your vegetables. Success will always separate between the shirkers and the workers, because if it didn't we'd all be lazy.
At the end of the day...Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men. Since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Financial Attitude
These are crazy economic times. Businesses are losing money and the government is handing it out. Unemployment is up, stocks are unstable, and, yet, today I was in an Apple store and it was jam-packed, wall-to-wall with people buying a new iPhone! President Obama and his key leaders have their hands full attempting to solve huge and complicated financial issues that affect nearly every U.S. citizen. Local churches cannot escape the impact. Some have been hit hard and their giving has dropped dramatically. Others are experiencing strength in their financial giving. The pastors of these churches are saying that their people are beginning to understand that they are not in control of their money so maybe it's time to trust God!
Different churches have different attitudes toward money. This season of financial pressure makes these attitudes more acute and noticeable. I believe these different attitudes have a direct impact on how much or how little money each church has. I don't believe in prosperity theology. I'm happy for Christians who are blessed with financial wealth, but I don't believe that God promises wealth. Christian history contains an account of many believers who were financially wealthy. But there have also been many faithful and God-honoring Christians who have lived their lives with modest financial resources. This topic could be an article by itself, but I want to stay focused on the local church as a community of believers.
The attitude of the church's primary leadership toward money has a huge impact on how well funds come in and how wisely they are used. In my connections with many churches I have found at least seven distinctly different attitudes toward money. Churches may have more than one of these "attitude," but each church has one predominate "financial personality," or, as I have been saying, attitude. As you read, I'd like you to identify which one is most like your church. I encourage you to discuss this as a board or staff. I'm certain you could have a robust and productive conversation on this topic!
An Attitude of Frugality
Being frugal with God's money is a good thing. In fact, it's a very good thing. There is a point, however, at which frugality can be taken too far. When frugality is seen as a virtue, it tends to be exalted. It is then developed beyond a healthy perspective, which often stems from a lack of trust in what God can do. For example, one church would not hire a much-needed associate pastor because the budget was a couple thousand dollars short of what was required to provide the appropriate salary. They lost a great (potential) staff person and confirmed in their thinking, once again, "We just can't afford it. We'll have to settle for something less." This is dangerous thinking. The truth is that you can have anything you want, you just can't have everything you want. An attitude of frugality can also have a negative effect on seekers and guests. If they feel the church is "cheap," they are not likely to return. Don't misunderstand, I'm not recommending unnecessary debt or reckless spending, but lack of trust in God's provision will soon go beyond the material realm and begin to impact how people are treated as well.
An Attitude of Poverty
The first time I experienced an attitude of poverty was during a consultation with a church in Arizona a number of years ago. I knew something wasn't quite right, but hadn't yet been there long enough to figure it out. Through our process, it was several of the key leaders who identified their attitude as a "spirit of poverty." I had never heard of that, but it was true. They put words to what I intuitively sensed. This attitude was literally part of their DNA. It defined who they were and severely limited their ministry. They believed they were poor and therefore they were. There was a stronghold present. People with money who knew they should give, could give, and wanted to give... didn't give! Strange? Yes, but real. It's a long story, but prayer broke the stronghold and the next Sunday their offering doubled. They've never gone back to an attitude of poverty again.
An Attitude of Generosity
This is a great attitude to have. It's an attitude of sowing seeds and believing God's promises. I have visited many generous churches. They attract, grow and develop generous people. The church I serve as XP, 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, GA, is a generous church filled with some of the most wonderful and amazing people I've ever known. They truly delight in giving themselves away. Being a generous church doesn't necessarily mean you are a wealthy church. Generous churches are typically upbeat, positive, full of grace, quick to give to others in need, and, of course, recipients for a blessing from God. Remember, this is not a "deal" made with God. The idea is not that you give so you get rich. It's more of a door for God's blessing as He chooses. Malachi 3:10 reminds us of this truth. "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'"
An Attitude of Fear
Fear can grip even the best of leaders. This economy is filled with unknowns, turns and flips. People tend to overreact by spending next to nothing in an attempt to hoard, or, in an act of futility, spending all they have and more. Fear paralyzes. It can place a grip on us in such a way that we lose perspective and no longer think correctly. When fear hits a church, the leaders pull back and refuse to take a risk, even a carefully thought-through and prayed-about risk. You can't move forward without risk. They want significant amounts of money in the bank, but neither life, money, nor success can be guaranteed. Money in the bank is a good thing unless it's based on fear. Fear wastes potential and trust in God will continually erode in a spirit of fear.
An Attitude of Faith
These churches inspire me. Churches of great faith come in all shapes and sizes, but are often new church plants. Church planting endeavors invariably have very little money, but launch out believing God for what seems nearly impossible by most. The churches I've encountered that possess great faith are churches of great prayer. Their prayer usually leads to a compelling vision. When it comes to church leadership, faith is always connected to vision, and money, in turn, follows vision. When the pastor, board and key leaders have true faith that God has spoken and given clear vision, it changes how the leader(s) communicate. The people catch that faith. They get excited about the God-breathed vision and they give financially. People want to be a part of something bigger than who they are alone, especially something God has set into motion.
An Attitude of Business
These churches are efficient, thorough, pass their audits, and run things by the budget. It's a good thing to be conscientious about God's money. But no matter how much we believe that "businesslike" is good, the truth is that a church is not a business. The bottom line is not about a profit, and that is a huge difference. We always want to be wise and, as Scripture says, even shrewd. But ministry is ministry and, on occasion, rules and budgets must temporarily be broken because God has "interrupted" the fiscal calendar with an unplanned idea. If you have prayed about the idea and know it's from God, go for it.
An Attitude of Gratefulness
Grateful churches are very connected to the fact that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. These churches understand that He is the owner of everything, and that the body of believers are to be stewards of those gifts. Churches with an attitude of gratitude hold loosely to what they possess and are ready and eager to give outside the four walls of their own ministry as God directs. Grateful churches develop a sort of cultural DNA that continually declares "we get to," not, "we have to." I love being in these churches! The people are a delight to be around and you just want to go back!
So which of these seven attitudes most accurately describes your church? Which do you want? What do you need to do to close the gap if there is one? The good news is that you can have the attitude you want!
Different churches have different attitudes toward money. This season of financial pressure makes these attitudes more acute and noticeable. I believe these different attitudes have a direct impact on how much or how little money each church has. I don't believe in prosperity theology. I'm happy for Christians who are blessed with financial wealth, but I don't believe that God promises wealth. Christian history contains an account of many believers who were financially wealthy. But there have also been many faithful and God-honoring Christians who have lived their lives with modest financial resources. This topic could be an article by itself, but I want to stay focused on the local church as a community of believers.
The attitude of the church's primary leadership toward money has a huge impact on how well funds come in and how wisely they are used. In my connections with many churches I have found at least seven distinctly different attitudes toward money. Churches may have more than one of these "attitude," but each church has one predominate "financial personality," or, as I have been saying, attitude. As you read, I'd like you to identify which one is most like your church. I encourage you to discuss this as a board or staff. I'm certain you could have a robust and productive conversation on this topic!
An Attitude of Frugality
Being frugal with God's money is a good thing. In fact, it's a very good thing. There is a point, however, at which frugality can be taken too far. When frugality is seen as a virtue, it tends to be exalted. It is then developed beyond a healthy perspective, which often stems from a lack of trust in what God can do. For example, one church would not hire a much-needed associate pastor because the budget was a couple thousand dollars short of what was required to provide the appropriate salary. They lost a great (potential) staff person and confirmed in their thinking, once again, "We just can't afford it. We'll have to settle for something less." This is dangerous thinking. The truth is that you can have anything you want, you just can't have everything you want. An attitude of frugality can also have a negative effect on seekers and guests. If they feel the church is "cheap," they are not likely to return. Don't misunderstand, I'm not recommending unnecessary debt or reckless spending, but lack of trust in God's provision will soon go beyond the material realm and begin to impact how people are treated as well.
An Attitude of Poverty
The first time I experienced an attitude of poverty was during a consultation with a church in Arizona a number of years ago. I knew something wasn't quite right, but hadn't yet been there long enough to figure it out. Through our process, it was several of the key leaders who identified their attitude as a "spirit of poverty." I had never heard of that, but it was true. They put words to what I intuitively sensed. This attitude was literally part of their DNA. It defined who they were and severely limited their ministry. They believed they were poor and therefore they were. There was a stronghold present. People with money who knew they should give, could give, and wanted to give... didn't give! Strange? Yes, but real. It's a long story, but prayer broke the stronghold and the next Sunday their offering doubled. They've never gone back to an attitude of poverty again.
An Attitude of Generosity
This is a great attitude to have. It's an attitude of sowing seeds and believing God's promises. I have visited many generous churches. They attract, grow and develop generous people. The church I serve as XP, 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, GA, is a generous church filled with some of the most wonderful and amazing people I've ever known. They truly delight in giving themselves away. Being a generous church doesn't necessarily mean you are a wealthy church. Generous churches are typically upbeat, positive, full of grace, quick to give to others in need, and, of course, recipients for a blessing from God. Remember, this is not a "deal" made with God. The idea is not that you give so you get rich. It's more of a door for God's blessing as He chooses. Malachi 3:10 reminds us of this truth. "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'"
An Attitude of Fear
Fear can grip even the best of leaders. This economy is filled with unknowns, turns and flips. People tend to overreact by spending next to nothing in an attempt to hoard, or, in an act of futility, spending all they have and more. Fear paralyzes. It can place a grip on us in such a way that we lose perspective and no longer think correctly. When fear hits a church, the leaders pull back and refuse to take a risk, even a carefully thought-through and prayed-about risk. You can't move forward without risk. They want significant amounts of money in the bank, but neither life, money, nor success can be guaranteed. Money in the bank is a good thing unless it's based on fear. Fear wastes potential and trust in God will continually erode in a spirit of fear.
An Attitude of Faith
These churches inspire me. Churches of great faith come in all shapes and sizes, but are often new church plants. Church planting endeavors invariably have very little money, but launch out believing God for what seems nearly impossible by most. The churches I've encountered that possess great faith are churches of great prayer. Their prayer usually leads to a compelling vision. When it comes to church leadership, faith is always connected to vision, and money, in turn, follows vision. When the pastor, board and key leaders have true faith that God has spoken and given clear vision, it changes how the leader(s) communicate. The people catch that faith. They get excited about the God-breathed vision and they give financially. People want to be a part of something bigger than who they are alone, especially something God has set into motion.
An Attitude of Business
These churches are efficient, thorough, pass their audits, and run things by the budget. It's a good thing to be conscientious about God's money. But no matter how much we believe that "businesslike" is good, the truth is that a church is not a business. The bottom line is not about a profit, and that is a huge difference. We always want to be wise and, as Scripture says, even shrewd. But ministry is ministry and, on occasion, rules and budgets must temporarily be broken because God has "interrupted" the fiscal calendar with an unplanned idea. If you have prayed about the idea and know it's from God, go for it.
An Attitude of Gratefulness
Grateful churches are very connected to the fact that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. These churches understand that He is the owner of everything, and that the body of believers are to be stewards of those gifts. Churches with an attitude of gratitude hold loosely to what they possess and are ready and eager to give outside the four walls of their own ministry as God directs. Grateful churches develop a sort of cultural DNA that continually declares "we get to," not, "we have to." I love being in these churches! The people are a delight to be around and you just want to go back!
So which of these seven attitudes most accurately describes your church? Which do you want? What do you need to do to close the gap if there is one? The good news is that you can have the attitude you want!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Determination
Determination-
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Dreams are conceived long before they are acheived. The period of time between the birth of a dream and its realization is always a process. This period is filled with doubts, adversity, changes and surprises. During the process, you will experience good days and bad days. And frequently you will be faced with a dilemmea: Do you give up or go on? Without hesitation, I can give you the answer: Don't give up on your dream.
You were built for accomplishing things and allowing the glory of God to shine through you. To be a living testimony. But this glory is not always going to come easy. Grace Hopper, American Computer Scientist said, "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."
How many things never happen because people quit. All of the successful people have had to persist far far longer than they wanted to. How would you get away without it? You will see tough times, but haven’t you already. Have you noticed that life has been filled with tough challenges since you were born and they will continue.
Most people over-estimate where they will be in one year but far under-estimate where they will be in 10. This is why people fail so often. They expect a "get rich" quick mentality. The media glorifies situations that happen so fast that we think that is how success was attained by all. We feel like failures if we take awhile and have to go through some things.
James 1:2-4 said,"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
People have a lack of focus, and play the vitual lottery instead of fighting through with determination. This creates a mentality of being a jack of all trades and master of none. We will have to pay the price in full and up front for these goals to be accomplished. These goals will call for action and we need to be able to work towards higher levels of action as part of our process. Some of these goals and dreams you have set forth will take time. Did you take time to get to this point in your life?
"I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep on trying." Tom Hopkins
You've got this! Fight through with determination and allow God to shine through you like He did with our heros of the past.
Therefore, when you pass through those waters of difficulty, and the flames of distress, know that God is always there with you. For, The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those whotrust in Him. ( Nahum 1:7 )
So my friends, always remember that you are walking hand in hand, with your Heavenly Father when those difficult times arrive as they will, and that He loves you very much because you are one of His beloved children!
Last "D" coming up! I hope this helps!
Chad Schapiro
CEO, http://ourgvrewards.com
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Dreams are conceived long before they are acheived. The period of time between the birth of a dream and its realization is always a process. This period is filled with doubts, adversity, changes and surprises. During the process, you will experience good days and bad days. And frequently you will be faced with a dilemmea: Do you give up or go on? Without hesitation, I can give you the answer: Don't give up on your dream.
You were built for accomplishing things and allowing the glory of God to shine through you. To be a living testimony. But this glory is not always going to come easy. Grace Hopper, American Computer Scientist said, "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."
How many things never happen because people quit. All of the successful people have had to persist far far longer than they wanted to. How would you get away without it? You will see tough times, but haven’t you already. Have you noticed that life has been filled with tough challenges since you were born and they will continue.
Most people over-estimate where they will be in one year but far under-estimate where they will be in 10. This is why people fail so often. They expect a "get rich" quick mentality. The media glorifies situations that happen so fast that we think that is how success was attained by all. We feel like failures if we take awhile and have to go through some things.
James 1:2-4 said,"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
People have a lack of focus, and play the vitual lottery instead of fighting through with determination. This creates a mentality of being a jack of all trades and master of none. We will have to pay the price in full and up front for these goals to be accomplished. These goals will call for action and we need to be able to work towards higher levels of action as part of our process. Some of these goals and dreams you have set forth will take time. Did you take time to get to this point in your life?
"I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep on trying." Tom Hopkins
You've got this! Fight through with determination and allow God to shine through you like He did with our heros of the past.
Therefore, when you pass through those waters of difficulty, and the flames of distress, know that God is always there with you. For, The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those whotrust in Him. ( Nahum 1:7 )
So my friends, always remember that you are walking hand in hand, with your Heavenly Father when those difficult times arrive as they will, and that He loves you very much because you are one of His beloved children!
Last "D" coming up! I hope this helps!
Chad Schapiro
CEO, http://ourgvrewards.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Faith and Works
Ephesians 2:8-10(8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Is there any contradiction between the opinions of Paul and James on this matter?Simply, no! Paul, in Ephesians 2:8 says that faith is required and, as we have seen, in verse 10, says that good works are also required. James, in the second chapter of his epistle, says that faith and works are inseparable:• Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (verse 17)• But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? (verse 20)• For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (verse 26)Paul's doctrine of Justification by Faith, and James' doctrine of Justification by Works, are supplementary, not contradictory. Neither was opposing the teaching of the other—they were devoted friends and co-workers. James fully endorsed Paul's work (Acts 15:13-29; 21:17-26).The Revised Standard Version translates James 2:20 in a very interesting and appropriate way: "Do you want to be shown, you shallow man, that faith apart from works is barren?" It is barren that is so intriguing. In the Bible, several women—for example, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth—could not have children. In the physical realm, a fertile male and a fertile female are both required conditions for reproduction for most forms of life. Spiritually, active faith and active works are both required conditions to reproduce godly, spiritual life in us. In both cases, life, whether spiritual or physical, is a gift of God, the Creator and Life-giver. If either condition is absent or inactive, barrenness or lack of new life results.Faith without works is dead. Faith with works is life—eternal life!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Chip and Dan Heath
8/6/2009
Chip and Dan Heath
Made to Stick
Switch
What do you really need to change?
You've signed up for change you have to open up to it.
2 systems, planner and doer
Human rider sitting on top of Elephant. If the rider knows where it wants to go the elephant has to agree. The rider has to convince usually be emotion first.
1st grade can't read but the teacher knows they can't motivate them based on the jr. high but rather if you work hard you can be as smart as a third grader.
Lets say we have 9 major ministries and 2 don't work that well. Ignore the bottom 2 and the middle 5 and look at the 2 that are working. Focus on the bright spot and clone it.
Kids malnourished, found a few that were fed well looked for what they were doing and duplicated it.
What is God blessing and lets do more of it.
Big problems are rarely solved by big solutions but small solutions. The elephant has to be able to create solutions that are in real time so they are motivated. We need to shrink the change. The power of a dime.
Once we get the elephant to start listending to the rider we need to prepare them for adversity.
n shaped curve up high on Hope, then you are going to U for valley of insight, then another peak back to confidence. We need to reframe our “hell” into insight. Since this has been pointed out ahead of time they realize it's part of the process and they don't judge themselves as much.
Tiget woods knew that he had to change his swing even though he was the best. He had a growth mindset and knew with work he could go through the learning curve and become better. There has to be then a tolerance for failure.
In a time of change failure is a necessity likein lifting weights. That is how you get stronger. Failure is an early sign of success.
Someone lost 10 million at 3m thought he was going to get fired. I just spent 10 mil. Educating you I'm not going to fire you.
WE might not have a person problem but a situation problem. We attibute things to people not their situation. Make it easier for the elephant to go down hill.
The rider is the logic, the ethos is what appeals to us. It attracts a pattern. Many of us have gone through tougher changes with marriage but we like it emotionally.
Chip and Dan Heath
Made to Stick
Switch
What do you really need to change?
You've signed up for change you have to open up to it.
2 systems, planner and doer
Human rider sitting on top of Elephant. If the rider knows where it wants to go the elephant has to agree. The rider has to convince usually be emotion first.
1st grade can't read but the teacher knows they can't motivate them based on the jr. high but rather if you work hard you can be as smart as a third grader.
Lets say we have 9 major ministries and 2 don't work that well. Ignore the bottom 2 and the middle 5 and look at the 2 that are working. Focus on the bright spot and clone it.
Kids malnourished, found a few that were fed well looked for what they were doing and duplicated it.
What is God blessing and lets do more of it.
Big problems are rarely solved by big solutions but small solutions. The elephant has to be able to create solutions that are in real time so they are motivated. We need to shrink the change. The power of a dime.
Once we get the elephant to start listending to the rider we need to prepare them for adversity.
n shaped curve up high on Hope, then you are going to U for valley of insight, then another peak back to confidence. We need to reframe our “hell” into insight. Since this has been pointed out ahead of time they realize it's part of the process and they don't judge themselves as much.
Tiget woods knew that he had to change his swing even though he was the best. He had a growth mindset and knew with work he could go through the learning curve and become better. There has to be then a tolerance for failure.
In a time of change failure is a necessity likein lifting weights. That is how you get stronger. Failure is an early sign of success.
Someone lost 10 million at 3m thought he was going to get fired. I just spent 10 mil. Educating you I'm not going to fire you.
WE might not have a person problem but a situation problem. We attibute things to people not their situation. Make it easier for the elephant to go down hill.
The rider is the logic, the ethos is what appeals to us. It attracts a pattern. Many of us have gone through tougher changes with marriage but we like it emotionally.
David Gergen
8/6/2009
David Gergen
Leadership is a journey that each have their own path and way. There are people that can help with that. Role models.
Can you create a culture of behavior to both serve and lead.
Some are born with gifts but you have to learn to get better. To be a reflective practioner.
Reflective practice-you learn by doing and reading. The only president that didn't go to college was Truman. Not every reader is a leader but every leader is a reader.
Don't confuse motion for action.
Effective executive book. Beginning of a period of time, write down what you hope to accomplish, what did you do right or wrong. Don't fool yourself. And defensive. You have to be willing to wrestle like Jacob.
When dancing sometimes you have to go up in the balcony and reflect.
Roosevelt went fishing and helped come up with Lend lease program with Britain and Churchill to beat Hitler.
Nixon was the best strategist of the future and try to bend it to fit our interests. Churchill said someone who can look farther back can see further ahead. Weakness-Machivelli, when you became closer the vales started to come off and there was more of a dark side.
Ford was the most decent. In todays society we pride people who are decent because they are so rare. Weakness, sometimes naïve.
Clinton was quick and bright. He was very resilient. Always got back up. Weakness-charachter questions. Should've been straight and asked for forgiveness.
Reagan-best since Roosevelt. Strong beliefs and contagious optimism. Always get higher. Weakness-dettachment problems, he would let others take the wheel and sometimes they weren't qualified.
Inspection is often as important as respect.
Great leaders carry with them great flaws theory. Not all of them. Come to grips on them. Self-awareness. Integrate the two so we are authentic. Adam and Eve had flaws. A lot of people are not going to conquer flaws but have to keep them in check.
We need an alignment between our private and public lives. Get up every day and try and be better.
We should be more forgiving and less invasive but very demanding in their public lives.
Leadership does not have to be lonely. The day of the lone ranger is over. They need great teams. A leader of other leaders. Even partnering with others. We build things together. If you want to go fast go alone if you want to far go together.
Leadership is about trust and communication. Role modeling. Symbolic things. Branding.Ganhi wore a loin cloth so he could show he was like others. Reagan on a horse.
Who the speaker is speaks more loudly than what he says. We are so bombarded with words the key is who are we going to listen to. Do you trust them, does he know what he's talking about. Rooted. Clear and simple.
Aristotle wrote a book about rhetoric, logos, ethos, and pathos. Ethos, credibility. Logos, compelling logic. The pathos is the emotion.
There should be a rhythm. 15-20 mins. More than 30 only ¼ learns. If they don't know you you need to establish who you are. Workout their minds but give them rest. Make sure to leave them with some emotion.
Personal habits-they matter a lot. Self-discipline. Regular habits. Control of your life, be phycically fit. Flabby body flabby mind. Endurance for the hard tests. Time in the day to reflect. Spend time with the people you cherish.
What do you hope happens when you go to church? 3 things: 1. inner peace 2. learn something 3. the younger generation is on a search for their spiritual well being. Having a moral compass taking you forward. The church provides good anchors. Don't fly too close to the sun you'll burn your wings. You need to stay humble and realize that there are so many things bigger than you. We are part of grander schemes.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Each of us have warmed our hands around a fire, we should be bringing a log to help future generations have it.
David Gergen
Leadership is a journey that each have their own path and way. There are people that can help with that. Role models.
Can you create a culture of behavior to both serve and lead.
Some are born with gifts but you have to learn to get better. To be a reflective practioner.
Reflective practice-you learn by doing and reading. The only president that didn't go to college was Truman. Not every reader is a leader but every leader is a reader.
Don't confuse motion for action.
Effective executive book. Beginning of a period of time, write down what you hope to accomplish, what did you do right or wrong. Don't fool yourself. And defensive. You have to be willing to wrestle like Jacob.
When dancing sometimes you have to go up in the balcony and reflect.
Roosevelt went fishing and helped come up with Lend lease program with Britain and Churchill to beat Hitler.
Nixon was the best strategist of the future and try to bend it to fit our interests. Churchill said someone who can look farther back can see further ahead. Weakness-Machivelli, when you became closer the vales started to come off and there was more of a dark side.
Ford was the most decent. In todays society we pride people who are decent because they are so rare. Weakness, sometimes naïve.
Clinton was quick and bright. He was very resilient. Always got back up. Weakness-charachter questions. Should've been straight and asked for forgiveness.
Reagan-best since Roosevelt. Strong beliefs and contagious optimism. Always get higher. Weakness-dettachment problems, he would let others take the wheel and sometimes they weren't qualified.
Inspection is often as important as respect.
Great leaders carry with them great flaws theory. Not all of them. Come to grips on them. Self-awareness. Integrate the two so we are authentic. Adam and Eve had flaws. A lot of people are not going to conquer flaws but have to keep them in check.
We need an alignment between our private and public lives. Get up every day and try and be better.
We should be more forgiving and less invasive but very demanding in their public lives.
Leadership does not have to be lonely. The day of the lone ranger is over. They need great teams. A leader of other leaders. Even partnering with others. We build things together. If you want to go fast go alone if you want to far go together.
Leadership is about trust and communication. Role modeling. Symbolic things. Branding.Ganhi wore a loin cloth so he could show he was like others. Reagan on a horse.
Who the speaker is speaks more loudly than what he says. We are so bombarded with words the key is who are we going to listen to. Do you trust them, does he know what he's talking about. Rooted. Clear and simple.
Aristotle wrote a book about rhetoric, logos, ethos, and pathos. Ethos, credibility. Logos, compelling logic. The pathos is the emotion.
There should be a rhythm. 15-20 mins. More than 30 only ¼ learns. If they don't know you you need to establish who you are. Workout their minds but give them rest. Make sure to leave them with some emotion.
Personal habits-they matter a lot. Self-discipline. Regular habits. Control of your life, be phycically fit. Flabby body flabby mind. Endurance for the hard tests. Time in the day to reflect. Spend time with the people you cherish.
What do you hope happens when you go to church? 3 things: 1. inner peace 2. learn something 3. the younger generation is on a search for their spiritual well being. Having a moral compass taking you forward. The church provides good anchors. Don't fly too close to the sun you'll burn your wings. You need to stay humble and realize that there are so many things bigger than you. We are part of grander schemes.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Each of us have warmed our hands around a fire, we should be bringing a log to help future generations have it.
Dave Gibbons
8/7/2009
Day 2
Dave Gibbons
2 greatest commandments:
Love God
Love your neighbor
Who is that neighbor? Someone like us.? We are called to develop a church that is not like us.
A 3rd culture leader.
Adaptation
Painful adaptation
Mindset to love and serve even if it's not comfortable.
We have to focus on the fringe, the misfits, not the masses. It's the early adapters that lead the masses.
Vision typically moves from the leader to the elders to the congregation
Jesus was an outsider, the focus needs to be on the fringe.
3rd culture leader has different metrics. We usually dream of up and to the right graph. Usually it does go up and down all over the place.
that roller coaster is success to God to connect with others. They are the gifts from God that allows you to make a difference. The world understands suffering. More important than the gifts tests are their stories. How many people do we really see? Walk slowly. The eyes of a father.
Weakness guides us more than our strength.
Relationships trump vision. We already have the vision. It's not about the building it's what happens in the building.
70/30 changes in priorities
Priority shifts, 70% not sermon preparation but leadership development.
Change your learning and who you hang with
change the scene
Obedience is more important than passion.
Deep collaboration, with other ministries
Communal living.
Prayer-the church needs to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit
Radical sacrifice for the outsiders.
Day 2
Dave Gibbons
2 greatest commandments:
Love God
Love your neighbor
Who is that neighbor? Someone like us.? We are called to develop a church that is not like us.
A 3rd culture leader.
Adaptation
Painful adaptation
Mindset to love and serve even if it's not comfortable.
We have to focus on the fringe, the misfits, not the masses. It's the early adapters that lead the masses.
Vision typically moves from the leader to the elders to the congregation
Jesus was an outsider, the focus needs to be on the fringe.
3rd culture leader has different metrics. We usually dream of up and to the right graph. Usually it does go up and down all over the place.
that roller coaster is success to God to connect with others. They are the gifts from God that allows you to make a difference. The world understands suffering. More important than the gifts tests are their stories. How many people do we really see? Walk slowly. The eyes of a father.
Weakness guides us more than our strength.
Relationships trump vision. We already have the vision. It's not about the building it's what happens in the building.
70/30 changes in priorities
Priority shifts, 70% not sermon preparation but leadership development.
Change your learning and who you hang with
change the scene
Obedience is more important than passion.
Deep collaboration, with other ministries
Communal living.
Prayer-the church needs to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit
Radical sacrifice for the outsiders.
Leadership Summit Harvey Carey
8/6/2009
Session 6
Harvey Carey
Any vision cast he is the first to show up last to leave. After you watch his work you think am I doing enough.
I am your espresso.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
What happens when odds are brought to us? That is the moment that God shines the most. God is getting ready to show out. Many of us know how to take a little and make much. So welcome to the crowd.
The role of leaders is to equip.
How many binders do you need to do ministry?
Members must take ownership for the work. Tickets to the big game. Cost a lot of money. The team comes out and they get into the huddle and they stay in the huddle for an hour and they go home. Someone has to play something. God has called us to play. He paid a big price. Teach and equip on sunday. The things we learn we need to actually go do them. Don't go to the top of the mountain just to look around go make something happen. Urban camping.Find the most dangerous house and sit out in front of it. The bible is about people who were ill equipped and He did amazing things through them. POP by's prayer on the porch. Most leaders have the paralysis of analysis. Don't live in fear. No weapon formed against you. God's word promises He will provide.
Don't do ministry only on your resources. It's about GOD. If darkness is present then light is absent. Someone is lying if you say you're doing great and there's struggle.
What would happen if you actually heard this? Step out of the boat and get going.
Session 6
Harvey Carey
Any vision cast he is the first to show up last to leave. After you watch his work you think am I doing enough.
I am your espresso.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
What happens when odds are brought to us? That is the moment that God shines the most. God is getting ready to show out. Many of us know how to take a little and make much. So welcome to the crowd.
The role of leaders is to equip.
How many binders do you need to do ministry?
Members must take ownership for the work. Tickets to the big game. Cost a lot of money. The team comes out and they get into the huddle and they stay in the huddle for an hour and they go home. Someone has to play something. God has called us to play. He paid a big price. Teach and equip on sunday. The things we learn we need to actually go do them. Don't go to the top of the mountain just to look around go make something happen. Urban camping.Find the most dangerous house and sit out in front of it. The bible is about people who were ill equipped and He did amazing things through them. POP by's prayer on the porch. Most leaders have the paralysis of analysis. Don't live in fear. No weapon formed against you. God's word promises He will provide.
Don't do ministry only on your resources. It's about GOD. If darkness is present then light is absent. Someone is lying if you say you're doing great and there's struggle.
What would happen if you actually heard this? Step out of the boat and get going.
Prodigal God
8/6/2009
Session 4
Tim Keller
Book Reason for God
Spiritual renewal. WE say we want to do all of these things but we don't have the people fired up to do it. People are spiritual dead.
Parable of the prodigal son. Recklessly extravagant. The parable was not mainly about the younger brother. Pharisees were looking at Jesus hang out with the sinners. He wrote these parables to them. The younger brother was like the sinners around Jesus. The elder brother were like the pharisees, the last part of the parable is addressed to the older, that is like us in the church the older people. Both younger and older are alienated from the father's heart. They are lost and need to be invited in. The younger just wanted the fathers money, the older didn't love the father either because he was mad about the party and how he is using the money. Both love the fathers things. The elder trys to get the money by being completely compliant. 2 different ways to not be in full relationship with God. They were being their own saviors. In both cases the father has to come out and urge them to come in to the celebration. The elder does not come in. The bad boy does. The good boy does not come in because of his goodness, his trying to control. The gospel is not morality or immorality. Not I obey that is why I am accepted.
It is I obey because of what God has done for me. Elder brothers are trying to serve in order to get things. People who believe the gospel are living for God because of what he's done for us. They want more of HIM.
Elder brothers are trying to get to God by being self righteous. Their standing with God is based on their performance. Not on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They get angry when their life does not go well. It is ok to be discouraged, but not furious like God owes us. You may say I am a sinner saved by Grace but you don't believe it. Creating spiritual deadness. How do you respond to criticism? Either counter attack or meltdown. Elder brothers pray but more petitions, when things are tough you try and pray more, but they don't enjoy God. Adoration and intimacy. Your self image allows you to loathe people because you feel superior to others. Holding grudges.
What do you do?
New level of repentance and rejoicing. We should be sorry for our wrong doing.We need to look at the things we do right and be repentant because we do it to be superior to others. We act like we are doing God a favor. What did it cost the father to bring back the prodigal son? The younger son had spent half the estate. Everything was left to the elder brother. To bring the prodigal son back he had to use the elder brothers inheritance. The elder brother did not have a true elder brother but a pharisee. He should've gone to get his brother. We have a brother that came to get us. He saved us at the price of His life.
Spiritual renewal has to happen in your heart. The elder brother has to be squeezed out. Getting the gospel deep in our hearts that the gospel is not religion or irreligion. It is something else not legalism and moralism
5 things:
You the leader have to work this into your heart. Book Prodigal God
When you communicate go beyond biblical principles to the Gospel. As we believe more in the word we will do it more. Jesus had gone through all of that. He was frustrated.
Get a group of leaders together and go through a book and study guide.
Work it into congregation either the slow way through your leaders or have the whole church go through the book. (We need to be able to have gracious disagreements)
Session 4
Tim Keller
Book Reason for God
Spiritual renewal. WE say we want to do all of these things but we don't have the people fired up to do it. People are spiritual dead.
Parable of the prodigal son. Recklessly extravagant. The parable was not mainly about the younger brother. Pharisees were looking at Jesus hang out with the sinners. He wrote these parables to them. The younger brother was like the sinners around Jesus. The elder brother were like the pharisees, the last part of the parable is addressed to the older, that is like us in the church the older people. Both younger and older are alienated from the father's heart. They are lost and need to be invited in. The younger just wanted the fathers money, the older didn't love the father either because he was mad about the party and how he is using the money. Both love the fathers things. The elder trys to get the money by being completely compliant. 2 different ways to not be in full relationship with God. They were being their own saviors. In both cases the father has to come out and urge them to come in to the celebration. The elder does not come in. The bad boy does. The good boy does not come in because of his goodness, his trying to control. The gospel is not morality or immorality. Not I obey that is why I am accepted.
It is I obey because of what God has done for me. Elder brothers are trying to serve in order to get things. People who believe the gospel are living for God because of what he's done for us. They want more of HIM.
Elder brothers are trying to get to God by being self righteous. Their standing with God is based on their performance. Not on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They get angry when their life does not go well. It is ok to be discouraged, but not furious like God owes us. You may say I am a sinner saved by Grace but you don't believe it. Creating spiritual deadness. How do you respond to criticism? Either counter attack or meltdown. Elder brothers pray but more petitions, when things are tough you try and pray more, but they don't enjoy God. Adoration and intimacy. Your self image allows you to loathe people because you feel superior to others. Holding grudges.
What do you do?
New level of repentance and rejoicing. We should be sorry for our wrong doing.We need to look at the things we do right and be repentant because we do it to be superior to others. We act like we are doing God a favor. What did it cost the father to bring back the prodigal son? The younger son had spent half the estate. Everything was left to the elder brother. To bring the prodigal son back he had to use the elder brothers inheritance. The elder brother did not have a true elder brother but a pharisee. He should've gone to get his brother. We have a brother that came to get us. He saved us at the price of His life.
Spiritual renewal has to happen in your heart. The elder brother has to be squeezed out. Getting the gospel deep in our hearts that the gospel is not religion or irreligion. It is something else not legalism and moralism
5 things:
You the leader have to work this into your heart. Book Prodigal God
When you communicate go beyond biblical principles to the Gospel. As we believe more in the word we will do it more. Jesus had gone through all of that. He was frustrated.
Get a group of leaders together and go through a book and study guide.
Work it into congregation either the slow way through your leaders or have the whole church go through the book. (We need to be able to have gracious disagreements)
Leadership Summit Gary Hamel
8/6/2009
Session 3
Gary Hamel
Competing for the future
Are you changing as fast as the world around you? Many of us are on the back foot. 1990 number of people that are atheist have quadrupled. Less people going to church.
Christians are not noticed to be that different. 20 members to bring in one new member.
9 of 10 Americans have faith in something. Of those who aren't they have been to church but don't stick.
We need to be magnets. We are losing market share out of apathy.
Many of us get stuck in the muck of precedent.
Things are changing so fast now. You are either going forward or backwards.
Rockets follow a curve and return to earth. We need to be humble.
We need to be ready to reinvent. Evolution as things warrant. Usually crisis helps it.
The only way change usually happens is to get rid of the leader.
4 key imperatives for change:
don't stay in the refuge of denial. We should not be surprised. WE dismiss, rationalize, mitigate, then confront. We confront ourself that it is us that needs to change. We have to face the facts. Question your beliefs about how things are done. Most of what we do will be wrong in the future. Listen to the renegades and frustrated people.
Generate more strategic options. Be ready for new stuff. Don't clutch at the familiar. Make sure change is more exciting than staying the same. Nature has tons of acorns laying on the ground to find the fertile ground. We need to have tons of ideas to find the winners. Ideastorm, what are your views and ideas from the outside.Must be open and participative.
Must be able to deconstruct what you already believe. Radical ideas. 1. look at your programs and ask what hasn't changed in the last few years.2. Compare to other churches and see what is identical to others, if unvaried ask if we are doing things the same way because of God or because we are studying the same stuff. If you are in the trenches you can mistake the edge of your rut for the horizon. Jesus was unconventional. Did not seek political power, served, etc. Are you more committed to redemption or the programs of your church? We need to be willing to sacrifice our methods.
Top down structure will not cut it. The mental models depreciate but they still have all their power. That's why we often need an outsider. Alternative: goretex created 50 years ago, 1000 products, always created profit. No titles, no hierarchy, commitment is voluntary. 20 of your associates at the end of the year are going to ask what you did. Our job is to mobilize and connect now more than ever. Power needs to come from below not only above. Natural hierarchies. We need to try a little disorganized religion. Spiritually powerful not structured.
Jesus is the answer to the hope of humanity.
Session 3
Gary Hamel
Competing for the future
Are you changing as fast as the world around you? Many of us are on the back foot. 1990 number of people that are atheist have quadrupled. Less people going to church.
Christians are not noticed to be that different. 20 members to bring in one new member.
9 of 10 Americans have faith in something. Of those who aren't they have been to church but don't stick.
We need to be magnets. We are losing market share out of apathy.
Many of us get stuck in the muck of precedent.
Things are changing so fast now. You are either going forward or backwards.
Rockets follow a curve and return to earth. We need to be humble.
We need to be ready to reinvent. Evolution as things warrant. Usually crisis helps it.
The only way change usually happens is to get rid of the leader.
4 key imperatives for change:
don't stay in the refuge of denial. We should not be surprised. WE dismiss, rationalize, mitigate, then confront. We confront ourself that it is us that needs to change. We have to face the facts. Question your beliefs about how things are done. Most of what we do will be wrong in the future. Listen to the renegades and frustrated people.
Generate more strategic options. Be ready for new stuff. Don't clutch at the familiar. Make sure change is more exciting than staying the same. Nature has tons of acorns laying on the ground to find the fertile ground. We need to have tons of ideas to find the winners. Ideastorm, what are your views and ideas from the outside.Must be open and participative.
Must be able to deconstruct what you already believe. Radical ideas. 1. look at your programs and ask what hasn't changed in the last few years.2. Compare to other churches and see what is identical to others, if unvaried ask if we are doing things the same way because of God or because we are studying the same stuff. If you are in the trenches you can mistake the edge of your rut for the horizon. Jesus was unconventional. Did not seek political power, served, etc. Are you more committed to redemption or the programs of your church? We need to be willing to sacrifice our methods.
Top down structure will not cut it. The mental models depreciate but they still have all their power. That's why we often need an outsider. Alternative: goretex created 50 years ago, 1000 products, always created profit. No titles, no hierarchy, commitment is voluntary. 20 of your associates at the end of the year are going to ask what you did. Our job is to mobilize and connect now more than ever. Power needs to come from below not only above. Natural hierarchies. We need to try a little disorganized religion. Spiritually powerful not structured.
Jesus is the answer to the hope of humanity.
Leadership Summit Bill Hybels
8/6/2009
Leadership summit
Bill Hybels
Session 1
Ship captain has to determine the wave patterns. 3 feet tall. Another forcast says 6 foot waves, then another says 9. Can he still make the voyage. Sometimes there is going to be a rogue wave that comes that is 80 feet high and they spell doom for even the strongest ships. Almost all of us have been broadsided by an economic rogue wave. We need to be on top of it and ready. The Holy Spirit will guide us to help with these times. We were born for this and we'll be able to talk about this chapter for the rest of our lives. We shouldn't mind the rogue waves it helps us grow.
4 lessons that have helped him through the last 8 months:
Philosophical. Oct. 08 the stock market lost 1800 points, the single greatest drop since the depression. People lost their jobs. Man gave 200k+ but was about to lose his house and couldn't give anymore. They decided they were going to live the acts 2 dream in this day.They sold property and possessions to help the church. Forced them to still believe that the local church is the hope of the world. They changed their service to what we can learn in a downturn.There will be so many good lessons from this time. Some need to be helped like never before, and some need to help like never before. Extra singing and worship, extra prayer, extra teaching with individual people. Blurring the end of the service. People are hungry for the full treatment. All killer no filler.
Kingdom economics. The math makes no sense to help in this way when times are down. We are forced to walk by faith not sight. Revenue is down and needs are up. Things change so radically so forecasts are tough. Luke 14. Everyone needs to keep an eye on costs. In a crisis cash is king. Cash reserves give leaders more time to plan. We say to the world to have 6 months of your savings away but our churches don't. 25% of revenue in cash reserves. We do bucket a, b, and c. Pose the question if our revenue drops which ministries woud be stop doing first put it in bucket c, then b, then a which we would never stop doing. Staff reduction. Gives lots of notice. What is the cause? Purely financial, reorganization, be generous (oppty to be the church for its staff). Resource pie. 100% of revenue, what if we 50% to staff, we'd need volunteers. 10% give away to other churches. 10% Winds of the spirit (something comes up and you'd like to fuel it in real time)15% to ministry budgets. 15% to facilities and,utilities, and debt. People like to learn about personal money management. A lot of humility.
Relational. With staff. Habakkuk 3:2 Hab 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. We want to see it in our day. He usually does His great work through people. 2Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Are we attracting and providing an environment for staff to soar. How the might have fallen Book. How many key leadership posistions are there in your organization? If there are x number of key seats what number are filled by the right people, what %. What is our plan to filling those key seats with the right people? Are we developing a backup plan for the key people? Personal lesson: have an adequate replenishing strategy. Another bucket Rom. 8:6 Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Are we filled or empty. Who depletes you and who repleneshes. More running, better diet, more vacations. Slow down and listen to God. The best thing you bring to the table is your filled up bucket. What do your followers see when they look at you?
Leadership summit
Bill Hybels
Session 1
Ship captain has to determine the wave patterns. 3 feet tall. Another forcast says 6 foot waves, then another says 9. Can he still make the voyage. Sometimes there is going to be a rogue wave that comes that is 80 feet high and they spell doom for even the strongest ships. Almost all of us have been broadsided by an economic rogue wave. We need to be on top of it and ready. The Holy Spirit will guide us to help with these times. We were born for this and we'll be able to talk about this chapter for the rest of our lives. We shouldn't mind the rogue waves it helps us grow.
4 lessons that have helped him through the last 8 months:
Philosophical. Oct. 08 the stock market lost 1800 points, the single greatest drop since the depression. People lost their jobs. Man gave 200k+ but was about to lose his house and couldn't give anymore. They decided they were going to live the acts 2 dream in this day.They sold property and possessions to help the church. Forced them to still believe that the local church is the hope of the world. They changed their service to what we can learn in a downturn.There will be so many good lessons from this time. Some need to be helped like never before, and some need to help like never before. Extra singing and worship, extra prayer, extra teaching with individual people. Blurring the end of the service. People are hungry for the full treatment. All killer no filler.
Kingdom economics. The math makes no sense to help in this way when times are down. We are forced to walk by faith not sight. Revenue is down and needs are up. Things change so radically so forecasts are tough. Luke 14. Everyone needs to keep an eye on costs. In a crisis cash is king. Cash reserves give leaders more time to plan. We say to the world to have 6 months of your savings away but our churches don't. 25% of revenue in cash reserves. We do bucket a, b, and c. Pose the question if our revenue drops which ministries woud be stop doing first put it in bucket c, then b, then a which we would never stop doing. Staff reduction. Gives lots of notice. What is the cause? Purely financial, reorganization, be generous (oppty to be the church for its staff). Resource pie. 100% of revenue, what if we 50% to staff, we'd need volunteers. 10% give away to other churches. 10% Winds of the spirit (something comes up and you'd like to fuel it in real time)15% to ministry budgets. 15% to facilities and,utilities, and debt. People like to learn about personal money management. A lot of humility.
Relational. With staff. Habakkuk 3:2 Hab 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. We want to see it in our day. He usually does His great work through people. 2Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Are we attracting and providing an environment for staff to soar. How the might have fallen Book. How many key leadership posistions are there in your organization? If there are x number of key seats what number are filled by the right people, what %. What is our plan to filling those key seats with the right people? Are we developing a backup plan for the key people? Personal lesson: have an adequate replenishing strategy. Another bucket Rom. 8:6 Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Are we filled or empty. Who depletes you and who repleneshes. More running, better diet, more vacations. Slow down and listen to God. The best thing you bring to the table is your filled up bucket. What do your followers see when they look at you?
Stop Drifting
5/3/2009
The Danger of Drifting
Prophetess
Isaiah 30:18 And thereforeH3651 will the LORDH3068 wait,H2442 that he may be graciousH2603 unto you, and thereforeH3651 will he be exalted,H7311 that he may have mercyH7355 upon you: forH3588 the LORDH3068 is a GodH430 of judgment:H4941 blessedH835 are allH3605 they that waitH2442 for him.
Drifting. When you begin to drift it is fun at first, but then shipwrecked. But if you are driving and you drift off to sleep you are not only dangerous to yourself but others.
In marriage. Spirit of intent comes to pull you into a slow drift away from God. Driftness always leads you into darkness. People know they are slipping but keep going. The world is expected to drift. But we don't have a right to drift.
Drift: 1. A gradual shift in your attitude, opinion, even in your position.Take the d off of drift and you have a rift. 2. An aimless course. 3. Forgoing any attempt of control.
God wants us to stay saturated with praise, to have it be contagious.
Don't let me wander away from your presence. If He has a plan He has a path. Many of you are late and so is your promise. Don't tip instead of tithe.
We drift because of the desires of the world.
Samson and Solomon had a drift in them and led them to ladies. Samson's drift robbed him of his strength. You need to sit until you get your sanctification back.
If I have come through a drift then I can't judge you for yours.
You can drift so far that you start to get words from things that are not there. Like cast away talking to wilson.
How do I know if I am drifting:
Your interests in the word decreases.
Your prayer life starts to drift. We have to always pray.
You no longer gather with other believers to worship God. Hebrews 10:24-15 Heb 10:24 AndG2532 let us considerG2657 one anotherG240 to provoke untoG1519 G3948 loveG26 andG2532 to goodG2570 works:G2041
Heb 10:25 NotG3361 forsakingG1459 theG3588 assembling of ourselves together,G1997 G1438 asG2531 the mannerG1485 of someG5100 is; butG235 exhortingG3870 one another: andG2532 so muchG5118 the more,G3123 asG3745 ye seeG991 theG3588 dayG2250 approaching.G1448
If I have not been giving to the house of God.
If I never let them know I love Jesus. Are more of your friends carnal than saved.
You no longer feel close to God.
To wander means to move without a cause. It also means idle. Not going anywhere.
The Danger of Drifting
Prophetess
Isaiah 30:18 And thereforeH3651 will the LORDH3068 wait,H2442 that he may be graciousH2603 unto you, and thereforeH3651 will he be exalted,H7311 that he may have mercyH7355 upon you: forH3588 the LORDH3068 is a GodH430 of judgment:H4941 blessedH835 are allH3605 they that waitH2442 for him.
Drifting. When you begin to drift it is fun at first, but then shipwrecked. But if you are driving and you drift off to sleep you are not only dangerous to yourself but others.
In marriage. Spirit of intent comes to pull you into a slow drift away from God. Driftness always leads you into darkness. People know they are slipping but keep going. The world is expected to drift. But we don't have a right to drift.
Drift: 1. A gradual shift in your attitude, opinion, even in your position.Take the d off of drift and you have a rift. 2. An aimless course. 3. Forgoing any attempt of control.
God wants us to stay saturated with praise, to have it be contagious.
Don't let me wander away from your presence. If He has a plan He has a path. Many of you are late and so is your promise. Don't tip instead of tithe.
We drift because of the desires of the world.
Samson and Solomon had a drift in them and led them to ladies. Samson's drift robbed him of his strength. You need to sit until you get your sanctification back.
If I have come through a drift then I can't judge you for yours.
You can drift so far that you start to get words from things that are not there. Like cast away talking to wilson.
How do I know if I am drifting:
Your interests in the word decreases.
Your prayer life starts to drift. We have to always pray.
You no longer gather with other believers to worship God. Hebrews 10:24-15 Heb 10:24 AndG2532 let us considerG2657 one anotherG240 to provoke untoG1519 G3948 loveG26 andG2532 to goodG2570 works:G2041
Heb 10:25 NotG3361 forsakingG1459 theG3588 assembling of ourselves together,G1997 G1438 asG2531 the mannerG1485 of someG5100 is; butG235 exhortingG3870 one another: andG2532 so muchG5118 the more,G3123 asG3745 ye seeG991 theG3588 dayG2250 approaching.G1448
If I have not been giving to the house of God.
If I never let them know I love Jesus. Are more of your friends carnal than saved.
You no longer feel close to God.
To wander means to move without a cause. It also means idle. Not going anywhere.
Leadership
Pastor Petty
Pastorial care-taking care of the flock.
1 Tim. 3:1-10 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1Ti 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1Ti 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Jesus came to liberate women and stop the cultural times of holding down women. He has no issue with gender but with disobedience.
Nurse is like an elder who works with a Pastor that has a flock. You can't want to be a minister without going through the headaches. Like a woman that has to go through labor. We are all hard headed and have to be ready to go through working with hard heads. We are all sinners. Vs. 6 traits of a mature minister. Time and training. Also experience. No one is exempt. There is no short cuts. They all ended up ship wrecked. The only way to redeem man kind was through the cross. One way. Not all elders are preachers. Some are designed to be gate keepers. One shepherd and the rest under shepherds. Your gift becomes activated. You have to connect with someone who can help you.
The only person who starts out on top is a grave digger. Roaches fighting for attention.
Staff is for the sheep to pull them back in. The rod is used for wolves to smack them.
Whoever God calls He can keep you from falling.
Leaders to lead yourself first:
Spiritually Healthy Leader
Tither.
Gifted leaders and operate out of those gifts.
Teachable people (some of philosophical training but not theological)
Caring-Godly care for the flock. More than your gifting and calling. Some people are going to crap all over the place,because they are babies in Christ. Some are babies and some are bastards (they are not use to any love).
Sharing leader.
Our humility being messed up messes up our anointing. If we sin we had already sinned on the inside before it came on the outside.
Pastorial care-taking care of the flock.
1 Tim. 3:1-10 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1Ti 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1Ti 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Jesus came to liberate women and stop the cultural times of holding down women. He has no issue with gender but with disobedience.
Nurse is like an elder who works with a Pastor that has a flock. You can't want to be a minister without going through the headaches. Like a woman that has to go through labor. We are all hard headed and have to be ready to go through working with hard heads. We are all sinners. Vs. 6 traits of a mature minister. Time and training. Also experience. No one is exempt. There is no short cuts. They all ended up ship wrecked. The only way to redeem man kind was through the cross. One way. Not all elders are preachers. Some are designed to be gate keepers. One shepherd and the rest under shepherds. Your gift becomes activated. You have to connect with someone who can help you.
The only person who starts out on top is a grave digger. Roaches fighting for attention.
Staff is for the sheep to pull them back in. The rod is used for wolves to smack them.
Whoever God calls He can keep you from falling.
Leaders to lead yourself first:
Spiritually Healthy Leader
Tither.
Gifted leaders and operate out of those gifts.
Teachable people (some of philosophical training but not theological)
Caring-Godly care for the flock. More than your gifting and calling. Some people are going to crap all over the place,because they are babies in Christ. Some are babies and some are bastards (they are not use to any love).
Sharing leader.
Our humility being messed up messes up our anointing. If we sin we had already sinned on the inside before it came on the outside.
Laws That Govern Increase
8/2/2009
Pastor Petty
Laws that govern increase
The word can change lives. We serve an awesome God. Who entrusts us with His minsitry.
Prop is the cross. When we understand the laws that govern we are released into our destiny. Before He can release you into your destiny you have to go through something.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
No matter where there is darkness and fighting He will be the prince of Peace.
He saw a picture of the Christ. He was coming.
Heb 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: Heb 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Paul is speaking prophetically. The Lord gave him visions.
He saw that the world was limited. Jesus was sent to restore us back to the original state of Man prior to Adam's fall, and our fellowship with God.
Heb 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Heb 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Heb 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
He is speaking for Jesus in vs. 7. Jesus came to fulfill the old covenant, He is the new covenant.
30 years old He walked the earth. If you are older you were once 30. His mother received prophesy about His birth. He was 30 and hadn't done anything special. Wasn't He supposed to be doing anything. He goes to the river to be baptized. From the time He was baptized to the time on the cross His ministry was the people, his method was the cross. There is a ministry for you. You have to understand the method. When you talk about laws that govern the prophetic word.
The devil wanted Him to put the cross down and fix His situation. God's grace is enough to get you through all of your situations. Don't put your cross down. No one or nothing should come between you. The devil tries to get us to put it down. Jesus saw beyond just Him in that situation and saw you and I. We were going to need HIM and His sacrifice.
As He kept the word of God and overcame temptation, he took that whipping and was nailed on the cross He realized salvation was in His hands. No matter about the rejection, for you and I He stayed on the cross. What happens when we understand those same laws.
If you are going to say you have a ministry then you should be ministering at home first. It's hard to honor God when you are ignorant. For now God is saying be on time at work. If you don't have a mentor to help you take it to the next level you are going to keep getting fired.
Me and the boys were out until 4am why is she mad? She should be mad you are acting crazy. If you aren't going to come home on time you must not be the man.
I am serving the Lord I want God to bless me.
Are you doing it consistently? When something happens that you don't like you lose it.
A couple of things to help you.
We need to learn how to honor God. Show respect or esteem them. In some arena's awards are given. Promotions to show honor. We salute the american flag. We honor the flag. What it represents. The people who gave their life so that we could have the flag. When someone in the military dies, at the funeral they come and honor the family. They show value for the flag. We need to do that with each other. Once we value each other revival will bust out in our church.
What if, we honor each other. Who are you honoring?
Why is God honoring others not me? Because you haven't changed. The new wine will bust the old wine skins.
People want to ride through church likes it's a drive through fast food. You need to let it digest.
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Deu 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
We need to Love the Lord with it all. Not the things of the world. Every now and then we get tempted and fall. Stub your toe and swear. Not praise words.
I will never fornicate like the fornicators then we see you riding looking for some. Don't judge someone else because then it's going to come back on you.
We are supposed to Honor God through the conflict. What is the devil trying to get you in to dishonor God. Areas we don't even think or see. Don't let your job keep you from honoring God.
Honor God
Deu 5:6 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Deu 5:8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Deu 5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
When you go through problems the devil tries to get you to drink. You are basically tithing to that God. Giving your money away to something that is really hurting you.
Honor people
Deu 5:13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
Deu 5:14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
Deu 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
Deu 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deu 5:17 Thou shalt not kill.
Deu 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
Deu 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.
Deu 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Deu 5:21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
1Ti 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
Pro 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Best savings account is God because He can bless your money and increase it.
Joh 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Communion is honoring God.
The only one who can judge sin is God. We are all sinners.
Pastor Petty
Laws that govern increase
The word can change lives. We serve an awesome God. Who entrusts us with His minsitry.
Prop is the cross. When we understand the laws that govern we are released into our destiny. Before He can release you into your destiny you have to go through something.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
No matter where there is darkness and fighting He will be the prince of Peace.
He saw a picture of the Christ. He was coming.
Heb 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: Heb 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Paul is speaking prophetically. The Lord gave him visions.
He saw that the world was limited. Jesus was sent to restore us back to the original state of Man prior to Adam's fall, and our fellowship with God.
Heb 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Heb 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Heb 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
He is speaking for Jesus in vs. 7. Jesus came to fulfill the old covenant, He is the new covenant.
30 years old He walked the earth. If you are older you were once 30. His mother received prophesy about His birth. He was 30 and hadn't done anything special. Wasn't He supposed to be doing anything. He goes to the river to be baptized. From the time He was baptized to the time on the cross His ministry was the people, his method was the cross. There is a ministry for you. You have to understand the method. When you talk about laws that govern the prophetic word.
The devil wanted Him to put the cross down and fix His situation. God's grace is enough to get you through all of your situations. Don't put your cross down. No one or nothing should come between you. The devil tries to get us to put it down. Jesus saw beyond just Him in that situation and saw you and I. We were going to need HIM and His sacrifice.
As He kept the word of God and overcame temptation, he took that whipping and was nailed on the cross He realized salvation was in His hands. No matter about the rejection, for you and I He stayed on the cross. What happens when we understand those same laws.
If you are going to say you have a ministry then you should be ministering at home first. It's hard to honor God when you are ignorant. For now God is saying be on time at work. If you don't have a mentor to help you take it to the next level you are going to keep getting fired.
Me and the boys were out until 4am why is she mad? She should be mad you are acting crazy. If you aren't going to come home on time you must not be the man.
I am serving the Lord I want God to bless me.
Are you doing it consistently? When something happens that you don't like you lose it.
A couple of things to help you.
We need to learn how to honor God. Show respect or esteem them. In some arena's awards are given. Promotions to show honor. We salute the american flag. We honor the flag. What it represents. The people who gave their life so that we could have the flag. When someone in the military dies, at the funeral they come and honor the family. They show value for the flag. We need to do that with each other. Once we value each other revival will bust out in our church.
What if, we honor each other. Who are you honoring?
Why is God honoring others not me? Because you haven't changed. The new wine will bust the old wine skins.
People want to ride through church likes it's a drive through fast food. You need to let it digest.
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Deu 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
We need to Love the Lord with it all. Not the things of the world. Every now and then we get tempted and fall. Stub your toe and swear. Not praise words.
I will never fornicate like the fornicators then we see you riding looking for some. Don't judge someone else because then it's going to come back on you.
We are supposed to Honor God through the conflict. What is the devil trying to get you in to dishonor God. Areas we don't even think or see. Don't let your job keep you from honoring God.
Honor God
Deu 5:6 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Deu 5:8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Deu 5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
When you go through problems the devil tries to get you to drink. You are basically tithing to that God. Giving your money away to something that is really hurting you.
Honor people
Deu 5:13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
Deu 5:14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
Deu 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
Deu 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deu 5:17 Thou shalt not kill.
Deu 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
Deu 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.
Deu 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Deu 5:21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
1Ti 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
Pro 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Best savings account is God because He can bless your money and increase it.
Joh 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
Communion is honoring God.
The only one who can judge sin is God. We are all sinners.
Thoughts
5/23/2009
Prophetess
Isa 55:9 ForH3588 as the heavensH8064 are higherH1361 than the earth,H4480 H776 soH3651 are my ways higherH1361 H1870 than your ways,H4480 H1870 and my thoughtsH4284 than your thoughts.H4480 H4284
Different thoughts:
Continuously Evil. Unmarked by interruption. Won't stop. Morally reprehensible.
Vain thoughts. If you haven't given your life to HIM you probably don't care that your thoughts are different. Vain thoughts have no value, ineffective,
Ancious thoughts. Psalm 139:23-24 SearchH2713 me, O God,H410 and knowH3045 my heart:H3824 tryH974 me, and knowH3045 my thoughts:H8312
Psa 139:24 And seeH7200 ifH518 there be any wickedH6090 wayH1870 in me, and leadH5148 me in the wayH1870 everlasting.H5769
4. Imaginative thoughts. Leads you to fantasy. Thoughts devoid of truth. Gal. 6:5 ForG1063 every manG1538 shall bearG941 his ownG2398 burden.G5413
We have to hear God with what to do when we don't know what to do.
Be careful in stressful times because you can make the wrong decisions.
Isaiah 55:8 ForH3588 my thoughtsH4284 are notH3808 your thoughts,H4284 neitherH3808 are your waysH1870 my ways,H1870 saithH5002 the LORD.H3068
We have to be ready to fight. His word. We are the apple of His eye.
You work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Don't wait for someone else to come fix you.
Romans 1:28 AndG2532 even asG2531 they did notG3756 likeG1381 to retainG2192 GodG2316 inG1722 their knowledge,G1922 GodG2316 gave them overG3860 G846 toG1519 a reprobateG96 mind,G3563 to doG4160 those things which are not convenient;G2520 G3361
We get reduced in our thinking, based on our free will to not listen to him.
You mop the floors instead of being the president.
People love depravity instead of divinity.
Maybe we don't want to know because we are afraid it's outside of HIM.
How to help our thoughts:
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do what we can't do. The old man died and I'm walking in the newness of Christ. Butterfly vs. caterpillar.
We must have the mind of Christ and agree with what is good and evil. It's what He thinks not me. We share what's important to HIM. He has never been wrong.
We must prepare by being alert to erroneous thinking. 1Pe 1:13 WhereforeG1352 gird upG328 theG3588 loinsG3751 of yourG5216 mind,G1271 be sober,G3525 and hopeG1679 to the endG5049 forG1909 theG3588 graceG5485 that is to be broughtG5342 unto youG5213 atG1722 the revelationG602 of JesusG2424 Christ;G5547
sow a thought, reap an action, sow an action reap a habit. We must think right especially in difficult times.
Can I share this thought with someone else? That will help control.
Does this thought make me feel guilty?
Does this fit who I am as a follower of Jesus?
Job 38:4 WhereH375 wastH1961 thou when I laid the foundationsH3245 of the earth?H776 declare,H5046 ifH518 thou hast understanding.H3045 H998
Job 38:5 WhoH4310 hath laidH7760 the measuresH4461 thereof, ifH3588 thou knowest?H3045 orH176 whoH4310 hath stretchedH5186 the lineH6957 uponH5921 it?
Job 38:6 WhereuponH5921 H4100 are the foundationsH134 thereof fastened?H2883 orH176 whoH4310 laidH3384 the cornerH6438 stoneH68 thereof;
Job 38:7 When the morningH1242 starsH3556 sangH7442 together,H3162 and allH3605 the sonsH1121 of GodH430 shouted for joy?H7321
Job 38:8 Or who shut upH5526 the seaH3220 with doors,H1817 when it brake forth,H1518 as if it had issued outH3318 of the womb?H4480 H7358
Job 38:9 When I madeH7760 the cloudH6051 the garmentH3830 thereof, and thick darknessH6205 a swaddlingbandH2854 for it,
Job 38:10 And brake upH7665 forH5921 it my decreedH2706 place, and setH7760 barsH1280 and doors,H1817
Job 38:11 And said,H559 HithertoH5704 H6311 shalt thou come,H935 but noH3808 further:H3254 and hereH6311 shall thy proudH1347 wavesH1530 be stayed?H7896
Job 38:12 Hast thou commandedH6680 the morningH1242 since thy days;H4480 H3117 and caused the dayspringH7837 to knowH3045 his place;H4725
Job 38:13 That it might take holdH270 of the endsH3671 of the earth,H776 that the wickedH7563 might be shakenH5287 out ofH4480 it?
Job 38:14 It is turnedH2015 as clayH2563 to the seal;H2368 and they standH3320 asH3644 a garment.H3830
Job 38:15 And from the wickedH4480 H7563 their lightH216 is withholden,H4513 and the highH7311 armH2220 shall be broken.H7665
Job 38:16 Hast thou enteredH935 intoH5704 the springsH5033 of the sea?H3220 or hast thou walkedH1980 in the searchH2714 of the depth?H8415
Job 38:17 Have the gatesH8179 of deathH4194 been openedH1540 unto thee? or hast thou seenH7200 the doorsH8179 of the shadow of death?H6757
Job 38:18 Hast thou perceivedH995 H5704 the breadthH7338 of the earth?H776 declareH5046 ifH518 thou knowestH3045 it all.H3605
Job 38:19 WhereH335 H2088 is the wayH1870 where lightH216 dwelleth?H7931 and as for darkness,H2822 whereH335 H2088 is the placeH4725 thereof,
Job 38:20 ThatH3588 thou shouldest takeH3947 it toH413 the boundH1366 thereof, and thatH3588 thou shouldest knowH995 the pathsH5410 to the houseH1004 thereof?
Job 38:21 KnowestH3045 thou it, becauseH3588 thou wast thenH227 born?H3205 or because the numberH4557 of thy daysH3117 is great?H7227
Job 38:22 Hast thou enteredH935 intoH413 the treasuresH214 of the snow?H7950 or hast thou seenH7200 the treasuresH214 of the hail,H1259
Job 38:23 WhichH834 I have reservedH2820 against the timeH6256 of trouble,H6862 against the dayH3117 of battleH7128 and war?H4421
Job 38:24 By whatH335 H2088 wayH1870 is the lightH216 parted,H2505 which scatterethH6327 the east windH6921 uponH5921 the earth?H776
Job 38:25 WhoH4310 hath dividedH6385 a watercourseH8585 for the overflowing of waters,H7858 or a wayH1870 for the lightningH2385 of thunder;H6963
Job 38:26 To cause it to rainH4305 onH5921 the earth,H776 where noH3808 manH376 is; on the wilderness,H4057 wherein there is noH3808 man;H120
Job 38:27 To satisfyH7646 the desolateH7722 and wasteH4875 ground; and to cause the budH4161 of the tender herbH1877 to spring forth?H6779
Job 38:28 HathH3426 the rainH4306 a father?H1 orH176 whoH4310 hath begottenH3205 the dropsH96 of dew?H2919
Job 38:29 Out of whose wombH4480 H990 H4310 cameH3318 the ice?H7140 and the hoary frostH3713 of heaven,H8064 whoH4310 hath genderedH3205 it?
Job 38:30 The watersH4325 are hidH2244 as with a stone,H68 and the faceH6440 of the deepH8415 is frozen.H3920
Job 38:31 Canst thou bindH7194 the sweet influencesH4575 of Pleiades,H3598 orH176 looseH6605 the bandsH4189 of Orion?H3685
Job 38:32 Canst thou bring forthH3318 MazzarothH4216 in his season?H6256 or canst thou guideH5148 ArcturusH5906 withH5921 his sons?H1121
Job 38:33 KnowestH3045 thou the ordinancesH2708 of heaven?H8064 canst thou setH7760 the dominionH4896 thereof in the earth?H776
Job 38:34 Canst thou lift upH7311 thy voiceH6963 to the clouds,H5645 that abundanceH8229 of watersH4325 may coverH3680 thee?
Job 38:35 Canst thou sendH7971 lightnings,H1300 that they may go,H1980 and sayH559 unto thee, HereH2009 we are?
Job 38:36 WhoH4310 hath putH7896 wisdomH2451 in the inward parts?H2910 orH176 whoH4310 hath givenH5414 understandingH998 to the heart?H7907
Job 38:37 WhoH4310 can numberH5608 the cloudsH7834 in wisdom?H2451 or whoH4310 can stayH7901 the bottlesH5035 of heaven,H8064
Job 38:38 When the dustH6083 growethH3332 into hardness,H4165 and the clodsH7263 cleave fast together?H1692
Job 38:39 Wilt thou huntH6679 the preyH2964 for the lion?H3833 or fillH4390 the appetiteH2416 of the young lions,H3715
Job 38:40 WhenH3588 they couchH7817 in their dens,H4585 and abideH3427 in the covertH5521 to lie in wait?H3926 H695
Job 38:41 WhoH4310 providethH3559 for the ravenH6158 his food?H6718 whenH3588 his young onesH3206 cryH7768 untoH413 God,H410 they wanderH8582 for lackH1097 of meat.H400
Prophetess
Isa 55:9 ForH3588 as the heavensH8064 are higherH1361 than the earth,H4480 H776 soH3651 are my ways higherH1361 H1870 than your ways,H4480 H1870 and my thoughtsH4284 than your thoughts.H4480 H4284
Different thoughts:
Continuously Evil. Unmarked by interruption. Won't stop. Morally reprehensible.
Vain thoughts. If you haven't given your life to HIM you probably don't care that your thoughts are different. Vain thoughts have no value, ineffective,
Ancious thoughts. Psalm 139:23-24 SearchH2713 me, O God,H410 and knowH3045 my heart:H3824 tryH974 me, and knowH3045 my thoughts:H8312
Psa 139:24 And seeH7200 ifH518 there be any wickedH6090 wayH1870 in me, and leadH5148 me in the wayH1870 everlasting.H5769
4. Imaginative thoughts. Leads you to fantasy. Thoughts devoid of truth. Gal. 6:5 ForG1063 every manG1538 shall bearG941 his ownG2398 burden.G5413
We have to hear God with what to do when we don't know what to do.
Be careful in stressful times because you can make the wrong decisions.
Isaiah 55:8 ForH3588 my thoughtsH4284 are notH3808 your thoughts,H4284 neitherH3808 are your waysH1870 my ways,H1870 saithH5002 the LORD.H3068
We have to be ready to fight. His word. We are the apple of His eye.
You work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Don't wait for someone else to come fix you.
Romans 1:28 AndG2532 even asG2531 they did notG3756 likeG1381 to retainG2192 GodG2316 inG1722 their knowledge,G1922 GodG2316 gave them overG3860 G846 toG1519 a reprobateG96 mind,G3563 to doG4160 those things which are not convenient;G2520 G3361
We get reduced in our thinking, based on our free will to not listen to him.
You mop the floors instead of being the president.
People love depravity instead of divinity.
Maybe we don't want to know because we are afraid it's outside of HIM.
How to help our thoughts:
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do what we can't do. The old man died and I'm walking in the newness of Christ. Butterfly vs. caterpillar.
We must have the mind of Christ and agree with what is good and evil. It's what He thinks not me. We share what's important to HIM. He has never been wrong.
We must prepare by being alert to erroneous thinking. 1Pe 1:13 WhereforeG1352 gird upG328 theG3588 loinsG3751 of yourG5216 mind,G1271 be sober,G3525 and hopeG1679 to the endG5049 forG1909 theG3588 graceG5485 that is to be broughtG5342 unto youG5213 atG1722 the revelationG602 of JesusG2424 Christ;G5547
sow a thought, reap an action, sow an action reap a habit. We must think right especially in difficult times.
Can I share this thought with someone else? That will help control.
Does this thought make me feel guilty?
Does this fit who I am as a follower of Jesus?
Job 38:4 WhereH375 wastH1961 thou when I laid the foundationsH3245 of the earth?H776 declare,H5046 ifH518 thou hast understanding.H3045 H998
Job 38:5 WhoH4310 hath laidH7760 the measuresH4461 thereof, ifH3588 thou knowest?H3045 orH176 whoH4310 hath stretchedH5186 the lineH6957 uponH5921 it?
Job 38:6 WhereuponH5921 H4100 are the foundationsH134 thereof fastened?H2883 orH176 whoH4310 laidH3384 the cornerH6438 stoneH68 thereof;
Job 38:7 When the morningH1242 starsH3556 sangH7442 together,H3162 and allH3605 the sonsH1121 of GodH430 shouted for joy?H7321
Job 38:8 Or who shut upH5526 the seaH3220 with doors,H1817 when it brake forth,H1518 as if it had issued outH3318 of the womb?H4480 H7358
Job 38:9 When I madeH7760 the cloudH6051 the garmentH3830 thereof, and thick darknessH6205 a swaddlingbandH2854 for it,
Job 38:10 And brake upH7665 forH5921 it my decreedH2706 place, and setH7760 barsH1280 and doors,H1817
Job 38:11 And said,H559 HithertoH5704 H6311 shalt thou come,H935 but noH3808 further:H3254 and hereH6311 shall thy proudH1347 wavesH1530 be stayed?H7896
Job 38:12 Hast thou commandedH6680 the morningH1242 since thy days;H4480 H3117 and caused the dayspringH7837 to knowH3045 his place;H4725
Job 38:13 That it might take holdH270 of the endsH3671 of the earth,H776 that the wickedH7563 might be shakenH5287 out ofH4480 it?
Job 38:14 It is turnedH2015 as clayH2563 to the seal;H2368 and they standH3320 asH3644 a garment.H3830
Job 38:15 And from the wickedH4480 H7563 their lightH216 is withholden,H4513 and the highH7311 armH2220 shall be broken.H7665
Job 38:16 Hast thou enteredH935 intoH5704 the springsH5033 of the sea?H3220 or hast thou walkedH1980 in the searchH2714 of the depth?H8415
Job 38:17 Have the gatesH8179 of deathH4194 been openedH1540 unto thee? or hast thou seenH7200 the doorsH8179 of the shadow of death?H6757
Job 38:18 Hast thou perceivedH995 H5704 the breadthH7338 of the earth?H776 declareH5046 ifH518 thou knowestH3045 it all.H3605
Job 38:19 WhereH335 H2088 is the wayH1870 where lightH216 dwelleth?H7931 and as for darkness,H2822 whereH335 H2088 is the placeH4725 thereof,
Job 38:20 ThatH3588 thou shouldest takeH3947 it toH413 the boundH1366 thereof, and thatH3588 thou shouldest knowH995 the pathsH5410 to the houseH1004 thereof?
Job 38:21 KnowestH3045 thou it, becauseH3588 thou wast thenH227 born?H3205 or because the numberH4557 of thy daysH3117 is great?H7227
Job 38:22 Hast thou enteredH935 intoH413 the treasuresH214 of the snow?H7950 or hast thou seenH7200 the treasuresH214 of the hail,H1259
Job 38:23 WhichH834 I have reservedH2820 against the timeH6256 of trouble,H6862 against the dayH3117 of battleH7128 and war?H4421
Job 38:24 By whatH335 H2088 wayH1870 is the lightH216 parted,H2505 which scatterethH6327 the east windH6921 uponH5921 the earth?H776
Job 38:25 WhoH4310 hath dividedH6385 a watercourseH8585 for the overflowing of waters,H7858 or a wayH1870 for the lightningH2385 of thunder;H6963
Job 38:26 To cause it to rainH4305 onH5921 the earth,H776 where noH3808 manH376 is; on the wilderness,H4057 wherein there is noH3808 man;H120
Job 38:27 To satisfyH7646 the desolateH7722 and wasteH4875 ground; and to cause the budH4161 of the tender herbH1877 to spring forth?H6779
Job 38:28 HathH3426 the rainH4306 a father?H1 orH176 whoH4310 hath begottenH3205 the dropsH96 of dew?H2919
Job 38:29 Out of whose wombH4480 H990 H4310 cameH3318 the ice?H7140 and the hoary frostH3713 of heaven,H8064 whoH4310 hath genderedH3205 it?
Job 38:30 The watersH4325 are hidH2244 as with a stone,H68 and the faceH6440 of the deepH8415 is frozen.H3920
Job 38:31 Canst thou bindH7194 the sweet influencesH4575 of Pleiades,H3598 orH176 looseH6605 the bandsH4189 of Orion?H3685
Job 38:32 Canst thou bring forthH3318 MazzarothH4216 in his season?H6256 or canst thou guideH5148 ArcturusH5906 withH5921 his sons?H1121
Job 38:33 KnowestH3045 thou the ordinancesH2708 of heaven?H8064 canst thou setH7760 the dominionH4896 thereof in the earth?H776
Job 38:34 Canst thou lift upH7311 thy voiceH6963 to the clouds,H5645 that abundanceH8229 of watersH4325 may coverH3680 thee?
Job 38:35 Canst thou sendH7971 lightnings,H1300 that they may go,H1980 and sayH559 unto thee, HereH2009 we are?
Job 38:36 WhoH4310 hath putH7896 wisdomH2451 in the inward parts?H2910 orH176 whoH4310 hath givenH5414 understandingH998 to the heart?H7907
Job 38:37 WhoH4310 can numberH5608 the cloudsH7834 in wisdom?H2451 or whoH4310 can stayH7901 the bottlesH5035 of heaven,H8064
Job 38:38 When the dustH6083 growethH3332 into hardness,H4165 and the clodsH7263 cleave fast together?H1692
Job 38:39 Wilt thou huntH6679 the preyH2964 for the lion?H3833 or fillH4390 the appetiteH2416 of the young lions,H3715
Job 38:40 WhenH3588 they couchH7817 in their dens,H4585 and abideH3427 in the covertH5521 to lie in wait?H3926 H695
Job 38:41 WhoH4310 providethH3559 for the ravenH6158 his food?H6718 whenH3588 his young onesH3206 cryH7768 untoH413 God,H410 they wanderH8582 for lackH1097 of meat.H400
4/22/2009
Prophetess
You are often eating things that have no nutrition. You show up but you are not getting the nutrients.
God is the captain of your ship. You may think you have total control but it is Him. If you work the word it will work. Like a good pot of stew you have to let the word marinate.
Amos 8:11:
11Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD
It is His desire that we hear Him and know His will. If a donkey can talk then what is with us. His word can come against a “What the Hell?” When nothing is here for your natural word to see His word will still be here.
Hearing is the process and the function of perceiving sound. Often we listen to the wrong sound.
Isaiah 3:1:
Isaiah 3
1For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water.
It is important to do your ministering before my Pastor. He is the Eli. He judges and checks the word.
The word is rare and uncommon but it will work.
A lot of time its boring and repetitive because you aren't following!
2 Chronicles 15:3:
3Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
With no teaching there is no law. We have to study to show ourselves approved. We want to be breast fed our whole lives. Off the milk and into the meat. Get out of the shallow end.
Get yourself checked by your leaders so you don't effect the body.
The word of God is not a collective words with meaning. It is a person who breathes and is alive in what He says. It brings life. God is breathing on me.
John 1:1:
John 1
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14:
14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The bible says an imbalanced word is an abomination. 1. Homosexuality and 2. Not taking the word.
The word of God is spiritual food for us to live by.
Matthew 4:4:
4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Job 23:12:
12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
You don't have to live out of your past.
The word of God is divinely inspired.
Jeremiah 36:2:
2Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.
God's word is authentic. He left a collection of love letters.
The word of God is mighty in its influence. Eze 37:1 The handH3027 of the LORDH3068 wasH1961 uponH5921 me, and carried me outH3318 in the spiritH7307 of the LORD,H3068 and set me downH5117 in the midstH8432 of the valleyH1237 whichH1931 was fullH4392 of bones,H6106
Eze 37:2 And caused me to passH5674 byH5921 them round about:H5439 H5439 and, behold,H2009 there were veryH3966 manyH7227 inH5921 the openH6440 valley;H1237 and, lo,H2009 they were veryH3966 dry.H3002
Eze 37:3 And he saidH559 untoH413 me, SonH1121 of man,H120 can theseH428 bonesH6106 live?H2421 And I answered,H559 O LordH136 GOD,H3069 thouH859 knowest.H3045
Eze 37:4 Again he saidH559 untoH413 me, ProphesyH5012 uponH5921 theseH428 bones,H6106 and sayH559 untoH413 them, O ye dryH3002 bones,H6106 hearH8085 the wordH1697 of the LORD.H3068
Eze 37:5 ThusH3541 saithH559 the LordH136 GODH3069 unto theseH428 bones;H6106 Behold,H2009 IH589 will cause breathH7307 to enterH935 into you, and ye shall live:H2421
Eze 37:6 And I will layH5414 sinewsH1517 uponH5921 you, and will bring upH5927 fleshH1320 uponH5921 you, and coverH7159 H5921 you with skin,H5785 and putH5414 breathH7307 in you, and ye shall live;H2421 and ye shall knowH3045 thatH3588 IH589 am the LORD.H3068
Eze 37:7 So I prophesiedH5012 asH834 I was commanded:H6680 and as I prophesied,H5012 there wasH1961 a noise,H6963 and beholdH2009 a shaking,H7494 and the bonesH6106 came together,H7126 boneH6106 toH413 his bone.H6106
The word of God is life changing, a saving power, a defensive weapon. Instead of my word I want to give His word.
Heb 4:12 ForG1063 theG3588 wordG3056 of GodG2316 is quick,G2198 andG2532 powerful,G1756 andG2532 sharperG5114 thanG5228 anyG3956 twoedgedG1366 sword,G3162 piercingG1338 evenG2532 toG891 the dividing asunderG3311 of(G5037) soulG5590 andG2532 spirit,G4151 andG5037 of the jointsG719 andG2532 marrow,G3452 andG2532 is a discernerG2924 of the thoughtsG1761 andG2532 intentsG1771 of the heart.G2588
Prophetess
You are often eating things that have no nutrition. You show up but you are not getting the nutrients.
God is the captain of your ship. You may think you have total control but it is Him. If you work the word it will work. Like a good pot of stew you have to let the word marinate.
Amos 8:11:
11Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD
It is His desire that we hear Him and know His will. If a donkey can talk then what is with us. His word can come against a “What the Hell?” When nothing is here for your natural word to see His word will still be here.
Hearing is the process and the function of perceiving sound. Often we listen to the wrong sound.
Isaiah 3:1:
Isaiah 3
1For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water.
It is important to do your ministering before my Pastor. He is the Eli. He judges and checks the word.
The word is rare and uncommon but it will work.
A lot of time its boring and repetitive because you aren't following!
2 Chronicles 15:3:
3Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
With no teaching there is no law. We have to study to show ourselves approved. We want to be breast fed our whole lives. Off the milk and into the meat. Get out of the shallow end.
Get yourself checked by your leaders so you don't effect the body.
The word of God is not a collective words with meaning. It is a person who breathes and is alive in what He says. It brings life. God is breathing on me.
John 1:1:
John 1
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14:
14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The bible says an imbalanced word is an abomination. 1. Homosexuality and 2. Not taking the word.
The word of God is spiritual food for us to live by.
Matthew 4:4:
4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Job 23:12:
12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
You don't have to live out of your past.
The word of God is divinely inspired.
Jeremiah 36:2:
2Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.
God's word is authentic. He left a collection of love letters.
The word of God is mighty in its influence. Eze 37:1 The handH3027 of the LORDH3068 wasH1961 uponH5921 me, and carried me outH3318 in the spiritH7307 of the LORD,H3068 and set me downH5117 in the midstH8432 of the valleyH1237 whichH1931 was fullH4392 of bones,H6106
Eze 37:2 And caused me to passH5674 byH5921 them round about:H5439 H5439 and, behold,H2009 there were veryH3966 manyH7227 inH5921 the openH6440 valley;H1237 and, lo,H2009 they were veryH3966 dry.H3002
Eze 37:3 And he saidH559 untoH413 me, SonH1121 of man,H120 can theseH428 bonesH6106 live?H2421 And I answered,H559 O LordH136 GOD,H3069 thouH859 knowest.H3045
Eze 37:4 Again he saidH559 untoH413 me, ProphesyH5012 uponH5921 theseH428 bones,H6106 and sayH559 untoH413 them, O ye dryH3002 bones,H6106 hearH8085 the wordH1697 of the LORD.H3068
Eze 37:5 ThusH3541 saithH559 the LordH136 GODH3069 unto theseH428 bones;H6106 Behold,H2009 IH589 will cause breathH7307 to enterH935 into you, and ye shall live:H2421
Eze 37:6 And I will layH5414 sinewsH1517 uponH5921 you, and will bring upH5927 fleshH1320 uponH5921 you, and coverH7159 H5921 you with skin,H5785 and putH5414 breathH7307 in you, and ye shall live;H2421 and ye shall knowH3045 thatH3588 IH589 am the LORD.H3068
Eze 37:7 So I prophesiedH5012 asH834 I was commanded:H6680 and as I prophesied,H5012 there wasH1961 a noise,H6963 and beholdH2009 a shaking,H7494 and the bonesH6106 came together,H7126 boneH6106 toH413 his bone.H6106
The word of God is life changing, a saving power, a defensive weapon. Instead of my word I want to give His word.
Heb 4:12 ForG1063 theG3588 wordG3056 of GodG2316 is quick,G2198 andG2532 powerful,G1756 andG2532 sharperG5114 thanG5228 anyG3956 twoedgedG1366 sword,G3162 piercingG1338 evenG2532 toG891 the dividing asunderG3311 of(G5037) soulG5590 andG2532 spirit,G4151 andG5037 of the jointsG719 andG2532 marrow,G3452 andG2532 is a discernerG2924 of the thoughtsG1761 andG2532 intentsG1771 of the heart.G2588
Dr. Bernard Harris
Dr. Bernard Harris
8/9/2009
When he was studying he is studying and can't play.
You may not know who you are talking to when they are young and still growing.
Making the impossible possible. One man, one entity.
People think that he just arrived on the moon. There were a lot of trials along the way.
Mom and Dad divorced. His family was inner city houston. Dad was alcoholic. Living pay check to pay check. They left his father. Ended up on indian reservation. He realized He wanted to become an astronaut. His dad turned over his life to Christ and is now a minister.
As a young man he accepted the Lord and felt God's presence coming through the window, giving him the goosebumps. When he left that office he knew God would be with him from then on.
He watched them land on the moon. Giant leap for man kind, he saw it on tv and wanted to be an astronaut. His mom said he could be anything he wanted to be.
He was told he wasn't going to get into the mayo clinic so he took it to prayer. People heard about the cold and withdrew their names.
If you have a dream take it to God and He will make it happen.
Flew 7.7 million miles
120 pound suit.
God has the same view of no boundaries, limitations, allows us to open up to something incredible. Reconfirmed his belief that there is a God that has a hand in everything we do.
All of us are multi talented, uniquely yours.
Multi-potential can do anything you want to do in life.
Each and every person was born for a reason.
He chose to be successful. Dream the dream and be willing to work hard about it.
Emmit fox your hearts desire is the voice of God and must be obeyed sooner than later.
Jesse JacksonThank you for taking us from the slave ship to the space ship.
8/9/2009
When he was studying he is studying and can't play.
You may not know who you are talking to when they are young and still growing.
Making the impossible possible. One man, one entity.
People think that he just arrived on the moon. There were a lot of trials along the way.
Mom and Dad divorced. His family was inner city houston. Dad was alcoholic. Living pay check to pay check. They left his father. Ended up on indian reservation. He realized He wanted to become an astronaut. His dad turned over his life to Christ and is now a minister.
As a young man he accepted the Lord and felt God's presence coming through the window, giving him the goosebumps. When he left that office he knew God would be with him from then on.
He watched them land on the moon. Giant leap for man kind, he saw it on tv and wanted to be an astronaut. His mom said he could be anything he wanted to be.
He was told he wasn't going to get into the mayo clinic so he took it to prayer. People heard about the cold and withdrew their names.
If you have a dream take it to God and He will make it happen.
Flew 7.7 million miles
120 pound suit.
God has the same view of no boundaries, limitations, allows us to open up to something incredible. Reconfirmed his belief that there is a God that has a hand in everything we do.
All of us are multi talented, uniquely yours.
Multi-potential can do anything you want to do in life.
Each and every person was born for a reason.
He chose to be successful. Dream the dream and be willing to work hard about it.
Emmit fox your hearts desire is the voice of God and must be obeyed sooner than later.
Jesse JacksonThank you for taking us from the slave ship to the space ship.
Spiritual workout
7/6/2009
Minister Watson
1Ti 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Paul wrote the letter to Timothy. Timothy had grown up in the faith and knew the Lord. He became pastor of the church of Ephesus. Paul was training up the leaders and wanted to help Timothy with false prophets and ministries. Paul was saying there is no reason to work out the physical if the inside is not right. The body will be just dust the after life is the key.
We don't go to the gym to workout and exercise we go to church to do the same for HIM in the church.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
We need to walk all the time even when no one is looking. Whatever you feed more is going to win out in your life.
Sometimes we have spiritual eating disorders. Some have anorexia we don't eat at all. We have to pray for them. Some have bilemia. We receive it but then we don't like it and throw it back up.
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Now we are pulling down. Don't be mad at the person. Pray for that spirit that is leading them astray.
Psa 44:5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
We have to push and run on the tread mill. Jesus was strong. They Holy Spirit will lead you up the next step. We already have it won then we should be super confident in our victory.
A tea bad doesn't do anything unless there is some boiling water.
Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
At first when we are saved we are all excited and we can run!! After awhile we start to realize life is still hard.
Minister Watson
1Ti 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Paul wrote the letter to Timothy. Timothy had grown up in the faith and knew the Lord. He became pastor of the church of Ephesus. Paul was training up the leaders and wanted to help Timothy with false prophets and ministries. Paul was saying there is no reason to work out the physical if the inside is not right. The body will be just dust the after life is the key.
We don't go to the gym to workout and exercise we go to church to do the same for HIM in the church.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
We need to walk all the time even when no one is looking. Whatever you feed more is going to win out in your life.
Sometimes we have spiritual eating disorders. Some have anorexia we don't eat at all. We have to pray for them. Some have bilemia. We receive it but then we don't like it and throw it back up.
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Now we are pulling down. Don't be mad at the person. Pray for that spirit that is leading them astray.
Psa 44:5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
We have to push and run on the tread mill. Jesus was strong. They Holy Spirit will lead you up the next step. We already have it won then we should be super confident in our victory.
A tea bad doesn't do anything unless there is some boiling water.
Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
At first when we are saved we are all excited and we can run!! After awhile we start to realize life is still hard.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Multi-Cultural Church
according to Christian Sociologist Michael Emerson, 93% of the churches in the United States of America are racially segregated.
1 Corinthians chapter 12
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
There can be no beloved community without beloved leaders. The force of God needs to come upon you and work through you.
Agape love-unconditional
Agapao love-to be loved and loving at the same time. The love of God goes through us.
When Jesus comes back it’s ultimate Justice but until then it’s just us. We need to do it.
You don’t have to be a Christian to know that someone came into this world with a force to love across all bounds.
Tina Turner was kind of prophetic, what’s love got to do with it?
We have to abide in something beyond us to show God to our followers. Some of us have not stepped up because we feel under qualified. God is in the business of recruiting unqualified people. In order for the church to be what it needs to be race, class, ethnicity, and all disparities can’t separate us.
It’s not that people in the suburbs don’t need help. They do for sure. But if the church is really to transform where the pain is we need to be in the city to help. We need a humble, sacrificial leadership force to abide in the force of God’s love and stay.
Dwelling places (small groups) all over the city.
15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Confessing leader-take responsibility.
High pressure collides with low pressure a storm erupts. Is that is what is going on now, politically, economically, etc..? High pressure of what God wants is bumped upon what the low pressure of what we want to do. Jonah’s sin caused the storm. He had to confess that it was his fault.
We all like to have church with our own. Restaurants don’t do that. Black tables, etc…Jesus died for more than that.
Sneak previews of Heaven that are socially innovative. Race labels really aren’t who we are.
17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Sometimes we have to be pruned. You are a grown man, stop calling yourself little wayne, etc…
Build relationships with others, bring a mean that represents your upbringing, sometimes within the programs,
1 Corinthians chapter 12
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
There can be no beloved community without beloved leaders. The force of God needs to come upon you and work through you.
Agape love-unconditional
Agapao love-to be loved and loving at the same time. The love of God goes through us.
When Jesus comes back it’s ultimate Justice but until then it’s just us. We need to do it.
You don’t have to be a Christian to know that someone came into this world with a force to love across all bounds.
Tina Turner was kind of prophetic, what’s love got to do with it?
We have to abide in something beyond us to show God to our followers. Some of us have not stepped up because we feel under qualified. God is in the business of recruiting unqualified people. In order for the church to be what it needs to be race, class, ethnicity, and all disparities can’t separate us.
It’s not that people in the suburbs don’t need help. They do for sure. But if the church is really to transform where the pain is we need to be in the city to help. We need a humble, sacrificial leadership force to abide in the force of God’s love and stay.
Dwelling places (small groups) all over the city.
15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Confessing leader-take responsibility.
High pressure collides with low pressure a storm erupts. Is that is what is going on now, politically, economically, etc..? High pressure of what God wants is bumped upon what the low pressure of what we want to do. Jonah’s sin caused the storm. He had to confess that it was his fault.
We all like to have church with our own. Restaurants don’t do that. Black tables, etc…Jesus died for more than that.
Sneak previews of Heaven that are socially innovative. Race labels really aren’t who we are.
17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Sometimes we have to be pruned. You are a grown man, stop calling yourself little wayne, etc…
Build relationships with others, bring a mean that represents your upbringing, sometimes within the programs,
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