Yesterday I had the privilege of sitting in a leadership class for Celebration Church In Georgetown Texas in which John Maxwell recorded a Maximum Impact Club session for leaders around the world. The topic was "People will Summarize Your Life in One Sentence - Pick It Now!", This happens to the the topic of the final chapter (26) of his book Leadership Gold and is very good.
The goal of the lesson was to encourage us to begin writing our "Life Sentence". Dr Maxwell told us of a study in which 50 people over the age of 95 are asked a single question, "If you could live your life over again what would you do different. As you can guess there was may different answers but there was 3 themes through out the answers.
1. If I had it to do over, I would reflect more.
2. If I had it to do over, I would risk more.
3. If I had it to do over, I would do more things that would live on after I am dead.
We as humans live our lives longing for meaning and purpose in our life. We each have a want, and that is to leave this world a little better then it was when we started life.
In Psalm 39:4 it says Lord make me to know my end ..., that I may know how frail I am.
In Psalm 90:12 it says So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
We need to be clear in our hearts that our days are number and must always be learning and willing to adapted to the world around us.
Dr. Maxwell says a few things about perspectives of life to help us write our life sentence.
1. Life is brief, we need face the fact that it can be taken from us at any moment.
2. Life is difficult
3. Life is like a book the title is your name the preface is your introduction to the world and the pages are a record of you efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements and achievements. All you can do is live fully so that when the book reaches the end, it can be said that it was filled with purpose, service and a work well done.
4. Life compounds, there is choice in everything you do, so keep in mind that in the end the choices you make, make you.
Last but not least Dr. Maxwell spoke about the Priorities for your life.
1. Today, Live Life Fully
2. Today, Live Life Thankfully
3. Today, Live Life Faithfully
4. Today, Live Life Thoughtfully
So the question is when your life is at an end and your reflect on where you have been and what you have done, What did you do with the gift of living? Your life sentence should be the answer to that question.
One last thing: Is your mission on earth fulfilled today? the answer; if you are ALIVE, then your mission/purpose is not complete.
God Bless
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
An Election Day Prayer
Lord,
As we step into this day guide us in all our decisions, bring us wisdom and discernment so that our hearts and minds meet your call. On this historic day where we will finish the voting with either this nations first black President or first female Vice-President, please still our thoughts so that we will hear your words. Please help us to choose based on faith, character, courage and honor, help us to see the truths through all the information we have been given. Please, Lord, give us the Presidential leader we need not the leader we deserve. Lord as the votes are cast and the winner named, please give our next President the ability to see your vision for this country, help them to rise up to be the leader we need. Lord you are the almighty God, you are the reason, the way, the truth and the light. In your name we pray AMEN.
As we step into this day guide us in all our decisions, bring us wisdom and discernment so that our hearts and minds meet your call. On this historic day where we will finish the voting with either this nations first black President or first female Vice-President, please still our thoughts so that we will hear your words. Please help us to choose based on faith, character, courage and honor, help us to see the truths through all the information we have been given. Please, Lord, give us the Presidential leader we need not the leader we deserve. Lord as the votes are cast and the winner named, please give our next President the ability to see your vision for this country, help them to rise up to be the leader we need. Lord you are the almighty God, you are the reason, the way, the truth and the light. In your name we pray AMEN.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Catalyst 2008
I am getting my world rocked at catalyst this year. talk about being held accountable by the church. I have felt god trying to do something for a while, but not sure what it is. I talk a lot about being intentional in serving Jesus Christ, but I havnt been truly seeking gods will in my life. I know there is more in me to give, im not talking about how much im doing, im talking about impact. I know that god has a plan for me to do more, for more people. starting today I am going to look for the clarity in my life on my knees before god. join me in really making a change in our community, join me in serve christ through his plan not ours. join me in being intentional about impacting others. god bless
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Are We Missing the Mark?
Sin is a pretty big subject to tackle. I do not think that we have spent any real time thinking about the word sin or it's meaning. When we were younger we were taught the 10 commandments of the Old Testament and were shown how to use them as sort of a guide to what is right and what is wrong in life. Most of these are now consider "morale issues", But I think, this is where we as individuals loss track of the the true meaning of sin. Don't get me wrong, God's commands are a good guide to how we should live our lives, I just think that we need go beyond the minimum definition and reach for a deeper understanding. Just being a good person and living a clean moral life won't get you to heaven.
I think that we need to go a little deeper, what does the word "sin" really mean in the bible. In the Greek Bible the word "sin" was translated from the word hamartia. The word hamartia covers a broad meaning that includes accident and mistake, as well as wrongdoing, error, or sin.
Further research on the word in Greek Literature show hamartia being used to demonstrate a character flaw or an error in judgment that might not be considered a "sin". Jump ahead a few years to Medieval England and you the word "sin" being used in archery to describe a missed bulls eye on a target IE: missing the mark. That is the definition that I want to discuss here.
As we strive for being the person that God intended to us to be. As we take the journey to self discover and ultimately set goals in our lives, we need something to measure our success against; better yet someone and that someone is Jesus Christ.
So how do we determine if we are missing the mark, well obviously the bible has many scriptures that points to what a godly man or woman should be and we should be using the Bible to guide us. But, we are all different and each of our paths is different and therefore our bulls eye is not going to be the same as the person standing next to you.
Your target in life is to be Christ like in your pursuit of your dreams and God's plan in your life. Just like the archer the only way to hit the target every time is to live it. You need to be intentional about your life and goals and you need to share those goals with others that can hold you accountable. Your target may change as you grow older so plan ahead and be ready to adjust your "shot" as necessary.
So my question to you is this, Are you doing what God has planned in your life and are you answering his call? Because if your not; then by the definition I have presented to you, even though you are without question following the 10 commandments, you are missing the mark God set for you in your life.
Be intentional, be passionate, and every moment, every day, in every situation remember to look to the target Jesus Christ before you act and you will not miss the mark. GOD BLESS
I think that we need to go a little deeper, what does the word "sin" really mean in the bible. In the Greek Bible the word "sin" was translated from the word hamartia. The word hamartia covers a broad meaning that includes accident and mistake, as well as wrongdoing, error, or sin.
Further research on the word in Greek Literature show hamartia being used to demonstrate a character flaw or an error in judgment that might not be considered a "sin". Jump ahead a few years to Medieval England and you the word "sin" being used in archery to describe a missed bulls eye on a target IE: missing the mark. That is the definition that I want to discuss here.
As we strive for being the person that God intended to us to be. As we take the journey to self discover and ultimately set goals in our lives, we need something to measure our success against; better yet someone and that someone is Jesus Christ.
So how do we determine if we are missing the mark, well obviously the bible has many scriptures that points to what a godly man or woman should be and we should be using the Bible to guide us. But, we are all different and each of our paths is different and therefore our bulls eye is not going to be the same as the person standing next to you.
Your target in life is to be Christ like in your pursuit of your dreams and God's plan in your life. Just like the archer the only way to hit the target every time is to live it. You need to be intentional about your life and goals and you need to share those goals with others that can hold you accountable. Your target may change as you grow older so plan ahead and be ready to adjust your "shot" as necessary.
So my question to you is this, Are you doing what God has planned in your life and are you answering his call? Because if your not; then by the definition I have presented to you, even though you are without question following the 10 commandments, you are missing the mark God set for you in your life.
Be intentional, be passionate, and every moment, every day, in every situation remember to look to the target Jesus Christ before you act and you will not miss the mark. GOD BLESS
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Quest for Authentic Manhood
Men of The Connection Church, Kyle Texas and the surrounding area. Are you lost and unsure what it means to be a authentic man. Have you at times wondered if you are getting it right in the eyes of your wife, children or your God. Do you feel like you have the tools to raise you boys successfully, helping them to become the men god intended them to be?
I am super psyched about a a new Men's Group studying we are going to be launching soon at The Connection Church. It is called Men's Fraternity. This is a 3 year study designed to walk you through 3 separate classes starting with The Quest of Authentic Manhood, Winning at Work and Home, and finally it ends up with, The Great Adventure.
I believe that we as men, have a great responsibility to not only our Church and family but the Community around us to find within us the Man that God intended us to be. To use that Man to be a beacon of Truth in these very troubling times.
I am calling out to you to join me in committing to attend this study, renew our faith in Christ Jesus, Shine the light on our Community and Lead others to our Lord and Savior. If you are interested in attending this study (date is not set yet) please let me know by email at bryan@theconnectionchurch.org.
God bless
I am super psyched about a a new Men's Group studying we are going to be launching soon at The Connection Church. It is called Men's Fraternity. This is a 3 year study designed to walk you through 3 separate classes starting with The Quest of Authentic Manhood, Winning at Work and Home, and finally it ends up with, The Great Adventure.
I believe that we as men, have a great responsibility to not only our Church and family but the Community around us to find within us the Man that God intended us to be. To use that Man to be a beacon of Truth in these very troubling times.
I am calling out to you to join me in committing to attend this study, renew our faith in Christ Jesus, Shine the light on our Community and Lead others to our Lord and Savior. If you are interested in attending this study (date is not set yet) please let me know by email at bryan@theconnectionchurch.org.
God bless
Monday, April 28, 2008
Attitude will always make the Difference.
Wow, time as gotten away from me. The past two weeks have been lightening fast and very slow at the same time. You know what I am talking about; your so excited about something that you just cant wait for it to arrive and time seems to slooooooooow doooooown, but at the same time there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done you need to get done.
THE PAC is awesome!!!! I do have to confess and say that I was very stressed out the week before the move, I just didn't feel like we were ready. But everyone rocked the house, it was awesome.
After it was over, I felt numb, all I could do was concentrate on the negative things that happened and that some volunteers were saying. It was not the experience I was looking for.
Fast forward to this past Sunday, we were up 60 people in attendance and the experience was spot on. What was different? Why did it go so well this week?
I believe it was all about perception and attitude. The week before I was to caught up in the details to enjoy GOD and I needed to let it go and let the Lord do his thing.
I recently purchased a book from John Maxwell called "Developing the Leader with in you", Chapter Six is about Attitude. In this chapter there is a quote from Walt Emerson "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies with in us."
After I read this last week , I realized that my attitude was not only bringing me down but those around me as well. I decided right then I was going to go into the Sunday with a renewed vigor and be the leader I know I can be. I asked God to give me the strength to be the man of God I should be and the result was a 180 degree turn around from the Sunday before.
God is great, he is the almighty savior. I am so happy to be a part of the Connection Church. God is doing awesome things here and I know there is some much more to come.
God is the reason for the success, but he did it through solid leadership and a willing body of volunteers who have committed their lives to his work. Great job all of you.
THE PAC is awesome!!!! I do have to confess and say that I was very stressed out the week before the move, I just didn't feel like we were ready. But everyone rocked the house, it was awesome.
After it was over, I felt numb, all I could do was concentrate on the negative things that happened and that some volunteers were saying. It was not the experience I was looking for.
Fast forward to this past Sunday, we were up 60 people in attendance and the experience was spot on. What was different? Why did it go so well this week?
I believe it was all about perception and attitude. The week before I was to caught up in the details to enjoy GOD and I needed to let it go and let the Lord do his thing.
I recently purchased a book from John Maxwell called "Developing the Leader with in you", Chapter Six is about Attitude. In this chapter there is a quote from Walt Emerson "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies with in us."
After I read this last week , I realized that my attitude was not only bringing me down but those around me as well. I decided right then I was going to go into the Sunday with a renewed vigor and be the leader I know I can be. I asked God to give me the strength to be the man of God I should be and the result was a 180 degree turn around from the Sunday before.
God is great, he is the almighty savior. I am so happy to be a part of the Connection Church. God is doing awesome things here and I know there is some much more to come.
God is the reason for the success, but he did it through solid leadership and a willing body of volunteers who have committed their lives to his work. Great job all of you.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Are You Committed
Commitment; some say that very word has ended many relationships, Others say that committing yourself to something is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. I say that commitment is about your character; are your actions as good as your words.
In relationships at some point you have to decide that it is worth investing yourself in, this goes beyond the emotions you associate with the relationship. Once you have decided that it is worth the price, you open yourself to the growing the relationship. Now you own the relationship and therefore committed to seeing it grow. Your ability to stay caring, loyal and devoted is what "makes" the relationship work.
If you put yourself out there for your team and tell them your goal is their success, you have made a commitment that will ride on your willingness to follow through. If you fail to do the things you have said you will do, you will lose trust and respect, without these two things your team will crash and burn.
It is easy to say that you are committed to something, but the real test to your commitment will happen in the middle of a crisis when you are least expecting it. Can you stay committed to the cause through this adversity? Your "skills", knowledge and abilities have nothing to do with your level of commitment and can not save you from your true character. Because at the heart of your committment you have a choice to make and no matter the situation or circumstances your choice is a direct reflection of who you really are.
We are only a few weeks away from our move to the PAC and I know that God has wonderful things in store for us. God has truly blessed our Church with right people to lead and develop us into the Team we need to be to met our mission in Kyle. We all have the emotion we need get things started, but lets not forget the Commitments we made to get us all the way.
Remember we aren't doing all of this to buy some land and build a church, We are doing this to bring lives to Jesus Christ, we are doing this to change the lives of everyone we meet. That is the real mission, Jesus Christ ask us for a commitment, Are you committed to HIM.
If your life is ground in Jesus Christ, if you values are Christ like, if you truly are a servant leader then there is no choice to make; You will stand by your convictions and commitments through all adversity.
God Bless
In relationships at some point you have to decide that it is worth investing yourself in, this goes beyond the emotions you associate with the relationship. Once you have decided that it is worth the price, you open yourself to the growing the relationship. Now you own the relationship and therefore committed to seeing it grow. Your ability to stay caring, loyal and devoted is what "makes" the relationship work.
If you put yourself out there for your team and tell them your goal is their success, you have made a commitment that will ride on your willingness to follow through. If you fail to do the things you have said you will do, you will lose trust and respect, without these two things your team will crash and burn.
It is easy to say that you are committed to something, but the real test to your commitment will happen in the middle of a crisis when you are least expecting it. Can you stay committed to the cause through this adversity? Your "skills", knowledge and abilities have nothing to do with your level of commitment and can not save you from your true character. Because at the heart of your committment you have a choice to make and no matter the situation or circumstances your choice is a direct reflection of who you really are.
We are only a few weeks away from our move to the PAC and I know that God has wonderful things in store for us. God has truly blessed our Church with right people to lead and develop us into the Team we need to be to met our mission in Kyle. We all have the emotion we need get things started, but lets not forget the Commitments we made to get us all the way.
Remember we aren't doing all of this to buy some land and build a church, We are doing this to bring lives to Jesus Christ, we are doing this to change the lives of everyone we meet. That is the real mission, Jesus Christ ask us for a commitment, Are you committed to HIM.
If your life is ground in Jesus Christ, if you values are Christ like, if you truly are a servant leader then there is no choice to make; You will stand by your convictions and commitments through all adversity.
God Bless
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
New Book
I am so psyched, I have been waiting for this book to show up. I will follow up in a few days once I am finished reading it.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Best of the Best
I was listening to the bible CD on my way to work and in James 2:23, he is talking about Abraham and refers to Gen 15:6 "the friend of God" and it goes on to say that faith without works is dead. As I was listing to this I was reminded of a acronym John Maxwell used in his book Developing the leaders Around You and I thought I would share that with you today.
I have on several occasions written about adding value to those around you. It is about doing everything you can to bring out the best in someone through your actions. John Maxwell used the word BEST to create this acronym.
Believe in them
Encourage them
Share with them
Trust them
The Lord asked Abraham to do something that many of us would probably have a very hard time doing. In Genesis 22 God asked Abraham to sacrifice is on son as a burnt offering and without complaint or question Abraham did as the Lord asked of him. For Abraham's faith and obedience, a ram was provided for him to offer instead and his son was spared. Because of this faith God blessed his family and his descendants.
Abraham believed in the Lord and trusted him with all that he had; even his son and for this God blessed him and his family. Do we believe in Jesus Christ with the same measure of faith and trust?
You will hear many times that you should be willing to pay the same price you asked your followers to pay. Well, God did just that, He sent his son Jesus to pay the price for our sins. He will never asked us to pay for our sins again, instead he is asking that you bring out the Best in your family, small group, employees and everyone you meet. He will never ask you to sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering, but he is asking you to lead them in the way, they truth, and the light; that they will willing give their own lives to Christ Jesus.
Our goal should be to feed and guide those around us, give of yourselves, invest our lives in theirs and they will see Christ light through our lives. They will feel secure and their faith will grow.
A strong foundational relationship is built on trust and nurturing. If we can use this tools to bring out the best in those around us, we will be able to raise up new leaders that will surpass our own vision and dreams.
God bless
I have on several occasions written about adding value to those around you. It is about doing everything you can to bring out the best in someone through your actions. John Maxwell used the word BEST to create this acronym.
Believe in them
Encourage them
Share with them
Trust them
The Lord asked Abraham to do something that many of us would probably have a very hard time doing. In Genesis 22 God asked Abraham to sacrifice is on son as a burnt offering and without complaint or question Abraham did as the Lord asked of him. For Abraham's faith and obedience, a ram was provided for him to offer instead and his son was spared. Because of this faith God blessed his family and his descendants.
Abraham believed in the Lord and trusted him with all that he had; even his son and for this God blessed him and his family. Do we believe in Jesus Christ with the same measure of faith and trust?
You will hear many times that you should be willing to pay the same price you asked your followers to pay. Well, God did just that, He sent his son Jesus to pay the price for our sins. He will never asked us to pay for our sins again, instead he is asking that you bring out the Best in your family, small group, employees and everyone you meet. He will never ask you to sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering, but he is asking you to lead them in the way, they truth, and the light; that they will willing give their own lives to Christ Jesus.
Our goal should be to feed and guide those around us, give of yourselves, invest our lives in theirs and they will see Christ light through our lives. They will feel secure and their faith will grow.
A strong foundational relationship is built on trust and nurturing. If we can use this tools to bring out the best in those around us, we will be able to raise up new leaders that will surpass our own vision and dreams.
God bless
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Do you hear it? Do you see it? Do you feel it?
Are you a intuitive Leader? Do you have the spiritual gift of discernment? Today more then any other time before us, we need to have a clear understanding of what going on around us.
If we are going to continue to reach out to a lost and dying world, we need to understand the cultural impact of the population and the places we live. We need to be better prepared to "move" when the time is right. We need to have a strategy in place if we are going to succeed.
Are you really in tune with your surrounds? Do you know the culture of your area. Do you know what to look for? Do you know what they are looking for? What is your audience? Is it local, is multi-cultural, is it remote (web, tv, radio), is it diverse? Can you reach all of them with you game plan? Do you truly understand the trends and the resonance of the times? Can you sense the shifts and adapt appropriately?
Not all of us are equipped for discernment, but those of you that can should stand and be counted among those willing to serve GOD, by serving their community. By enlisting your talents and gifts into Gods service you can help fill the gap between God and those still searching for something to fill the void in their life.
The time is here to serve, its time to follow Gods call in your life. Can you hear Gods words? Can you see Gods truth? Can you feel Gods love?
SHARE IT.....
GOD BLESS
If we are going to continue to reach out to a lost and dying world, we need to understand the cultural impact of the population and the places we live. We need to be better prepared to "move" when the time is right. We need to have a strategy in place if we are going to succeed.
Are you really in tune with your surrounds? Do you know the culture of your area. Do you know what to look for? Do you know what they are looking for? What is your audience? Is it local, is multi-cultural, is it remote (web, tv, radio), is it diverse? Can you reach all of them with you game plan? Do you truly understand the trends and the resonance of the times? Can you sense the shifts and adapt appropriately?
Not all of us are equipped for discernment, but those of you that can should stand and be counted among those willing to serve GOD, by serving their community. By enlisting your talents and gifts into Gods service you can help fill the gap between God and those still searching for something to fill the void in their life.
The time is here to serve, its time to follow Gods call in your life. Can you hear Gods words? Can you see Gods truth? Can you feel Gods love?
SHARE IT.....
GOD BLESS
Monday, February 25, 2008
We can't grow without changing
Wow, Politics conversations are everywhere you go, I just can't seem to get away from all this talk about CHANGE. So, since I can't escape it I am going to embrace it.
I am sure that just about everyone has said at one pint or another in their life that they need to make a change, whether it is physical, emotionally or spiritually. Isn't that what New Years resolutions are all about? I wrote my thoughts on that subject earlier in the year if you are interested click here.
What is CHANGE, by definition it is: To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
So how do we go about making a change in our lives, we must learn from our mistakes and others mistakes. Take the lessons life gives us and use the for the betterment of our selfs. We must always be willing to learn, without continuous knowledge increase you begin to loss what you have already learned. This goes for both emotional and spiritual growth. Always make time to learn something new, always be open minded in your pursuit of knowledge.
Choose who you are going to allow to influence your life, Who you hang around with dictates you who will be in the short term and can have a life time impact on you. Remember that this road goes both ways and your influence on them will have the same effect.
So, about today's politics, We have a choice to make, we need to pick the right person to lead our country. They are all talking change, but can one person have enough of an impact in 4/8 years to really make a difference? Can one person be the catalyst?
Can one person be so captivating, so energizing, so influential that a nation will stop and listen? Can this person cast a vision so well that a nation will follow? Will this person be able to pass the ownership of the vision to the entire nation empowering them to action? Will they be able to cross the lines of parties ensuring the success of the vision. Even after all of this, does the nation really want to change?
Our current leadership has said that we need to "STAY THE COURSE".
We need new leadership that is capable of turning a nation to a New course. A course that get us headed in the direction we started in.
A nation not looked at for it's natural resources and physical beauty but for it's high morals and values. A nation willing to give a neighbor a hand up not just give them a hand out. A nation built on Trust and Integrity. A nation willing to learn from its mistakes and be part of the "team" willing to build a better tomorrow for every nation, and stop presuming to be the de facto leader of the world. We need a leader who will represent who we want to be as a nation not who we are today.
So, the real question is, are we individually ready to except the change we need to make? Can we learn form past mistakes, can we learn new ways to do things. Are we willing to pay the price for change? Are you willing to be a leader, step out and live your life for Christ. We are not going to change a nation from the top, The vision can be cast there, but the action needs to happen right here in our community. Only WE have the power to effect change. Only you have the power through GOD to change you. Start influencing the people around you, live your life for Christ, use your gifts and skills to their fullest and never stop Growing.
God Bless
I am sure that just about everyone has said at one pint or another in their life that they need to make a change, whether it is physical, emotionally or spiritually. Isn't that what New Years resolutions are all about? I wrote my thoughts on that subject earlier in the year if you are interested click here.
What is CHANGE, by definition it is: To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
So how do we go about making a change in our lives, we must learn from our mistakes and others mistakes. Take the lessons life gives us and use the for the betterment of our selfs. We must always be willing to learn, without continuous knowledge increase you begin to loss what you have already learned. This goes for both emotional and spiritual growth. Always make time to learn something new, always be open minded in your pursuit of knowledge.
Choose who you are going to allow to influence your life, Who you hang around with dictates you who will be in the short term and can have a life time impact on you. Remember that this road goes both ways and your influence on them will have the same effect.
So, about today's politics, We have a choice to make, we need to pick the right person to lead our country. They are all talking change, but can one person have enough of an impact in 4/8 years to really make a difference? Can one person be the catalyst?
Can one person be so captivating, so energizing, so influential that a nation will stop and listen? Can this person cast a vision so well that a nation will follow? Will this person be able to pass the ownership of the vision to the entire nation empowering them to action? Will they be able to cross the lines of parties ensuring the success of the vision. Even after all of this, does the nation really want to change?
Our current leadership has said that we need to "STAY THE COURSE".
We need new leadership that is capable of turning a nation to a New course. A course that get us headed in the direction we started in.
A nation not looked at for it's natural resources and physical beauty but for it's high morals and values. A nation willing to give a neighbor a hand up not just give them a hand out. A nation built on Trust and Integrity. A nation willing to learn from its mistakes and be part of the "team" willing to build a better tomorrow for every nation, and stop presuming to be the de facto leader of the world. We need a leader who will represent who we want to be as a nation not who we are today.
So, the real question is, are we individually ready to except the change we need to make? Can we learn form past mistakes, can we learn new ways to do things. Are we willing to pay the price for change? Are you willing to be a leader, step out and live your life for Christ. We are not going to change a nation from the top, The vision can be cast there, but the action needs to happen right here in our community. Only WE have the power to effect change. Only you have the power through GOD to change you. Start influencing the people around you, live your life for Christ, use your gifts and skills to their fullest and never stop Growing.
God Bless
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Dreams
I am not going to try to add anything to this. Except click, watch, listen and share.
http://www.sonnyradio.com/lastlecture.html
Pass it on.
God bless
http://www.sonnyradio.com
Pass it on.
God bless
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Equipping for Ministry
Every Day I spend a few minutes reading a daily devotional on leadership and contemplating the words I read... A lot of my blogs come from these thoughts.
If I had to pin point the biggest task before the church today, I would say that it is effectively equipping our ministry leaders, small group leaders and volunteers with resources to reach lost souls for Christ. In Ephesians chapter 4 Paul is pointing out that it was Jesus Christ who equipped us for the task at hand.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (New International Version)
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
In following Christ example, we must be willing to do the same for those around us. This is a very hard thing to do, we have to be able to:1.
Communicate effectively
Affirm regularly
Recognize continuously
Exemplify Christ like actions
2. Work on their weakness and work out of the strengths
3. Give of your time, energy and focus
4. Give them the ownership of their Ministry (freedom to succeed and recognize it, freedom to fail and be accountable for it and learn form it.)
5. Provide the resources they need to be successful
6. Clearly define expectations
7. Be willing to remove the burdens, walls and obstacles typically held in place by old processes.
8. Be great at catching them in the ACT of doing something good and reward them for it.
Our lives are an open book to the people around us, we have no choice in if we impact them, only how we impact them. As a leader you have the opportunity to influence and guide those around you. You don't have to be a flamboyant leader to lead someone to Christ, just be deliberate in your walk and aware of your potential influence and lead through your actions.
GOD BLESS
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Are you ready for the PAC?
From now through April 19th, everything we do is in preparation for the MOVE to the PAC. We need people to step up and fill new roles of leadership in many areas. We need to be striving for excellence in everything we do. We need to be praying for God's guidance in every decision we make.
There is 5 things that should be at the front of your mind when you are getting ready for the MOVE to the PAC.
1. PRAY - start everything in prayer
2. Priorities - Prioritize everything, work on the biggest impact areas first.
3. Problem Solving - Think outside the box, don't let assumptions hold you back from finding a better way.
4.People - We need PEOPLE to SERVE.
5. PRAY - end everything in prayer
I am so excited, are you ready for the adventure? Are you up to the challenge? Can you visualize the PAC? Can you see the future?
Our lives are about to be turned upside down for GOD, we are going to have to up our game. I'm not talking about just practicing, I'm talking about two a days in 110 degree heat, running stairs and dripping in sweat, no end in site preparation for April 20th and beyond. This isn't about just rocking it on day one, this is about eternity. This is about CHANGING LIVES for Christ and making the impact in our community we set out to do last year when we launch SOMETHING SO BIG.
GOD BLESS
There is 5 things that should be at the front of your mind when you are getting ready for the MOVE to the PAC.
1. PRAY - start everything in prayer
2. Priorities - Prioritize everything, work on the biggest impact areas first.
3. Problem Solving - Think outside the box, don't let assumptions hold you back from finding a better way.
4.People - We need PEOPLE to SERVE.
5. PRAY - end everything in prayer
I am so excited, are you ready for the adventure? Are you up to the challenge? Can you visualize the PAC? Can you see the future?
Our lives are about to be turned upside down for GOD, we are going to have to up our game. I'm not talking about just practicing, I'm talking about two a days in 110 degree heat, running stairs and dripping in sweat, no end in site preparation for April 20th and beyond. This isn't about just rocking it on day one, this is about eternity. This is about CHANGING LIVES for Christ and making the impact in our community we set out to do last year when we launch SOMETHING SO BIG.
GOD BLESS
Monday, January 7, 2008
30 Second Leadership Boost
Leadership isn't about pleasantries and friendships. It isn't about saying the right thing to convince someone to agreeing with you. It isn't about being the coolest person around or the most important person in the room.
Leadership is being able to communicate the vision, objective or mission so well that that you team can see the picture exactly the way you do, from 50,000 feet. Leadership is being able to take that picture and use it to raise the teams passion, effectiveness and abilities so high that even the thought of not succeeding is erased.
Leadership doesn't define something you do, its defines the person you are. Don't just do leadership, be leadership.
As 2008 starts, set the your goals for the year, make sure they are measurable, attainable and find someone to share them with that can hold you accountable.
God bless.
Leadership is being able to communicate the vision, objective or mission so well that that you team can see the picture exactly the way you do, from 50,000 feet. Leadership is being able to take that picture and use it to raise the teams passion, effectiveness and abilities so high that even the thought of not succeeding is erased.
Leadership doesn't define something you do, its defines the person you are. Don't just do leadership, be leadership.
As 2008 starts, set the your goals for the year, make sure they are measurable, attainable and find someone to share them with that can hold you accountable.
God bless.
2008 Committed to Family and Faith.
HELLO, 2008 is here can you believe it? It seems like yesterday I was graduating from high school, college, getting married and having kids. Wow, life sure did happen fast. Most days it seems like there isn't enough time to do everything. It seems like the list of things that need to be completed gets longer and longer and the days get shorter and shorter.
Earlier in my blog I wrote about setting priorities and eliminating the clutter, if you would like to read that click here.
Today, my thoughts are on 2008 and the goals I have for this year. Top of my list is to spend better time with my family. I seem to be able to get home, but the time isn't spent well once I am there. Spend more time praying and reading the bible with my wife. Spend more time on my role in the church.
All of these things are "getting done" but I know I can be a better steward of my time and be way more effective a father, husband and follower of Christ.
I challenge each of you to make a commitment to your family and your faith this year. Commit the time and resources GOD gave you to the vision of The Connection Church; We want to raise up a generation leaders capable of reaching the world for Jesus Christ.
GOD BLESS and have a WONDERFUL Walk with Christ this year.
Earlier in my blog I wrote about setting priorities and eliminating the clutter, if you would like to read that click here.
Today, my thoughts are on 2008 and the goals I have for this year. Top of my list is to spend better time with my family. I seem to be able to get home, but the time isn't spent well once I am there. Spend more time praying and reading the bible with my wife. Spend more time on my role in the church.
All of these things are "getting done" but I know I can be a better steward of my time and be way more effective a father, husband and follower of Christ.
I challenge each of you to make a commitment to your family and your faith this year. Commit the time and resources GOD gave you to the vision of The Connection Church; We want to raise up a generation leaders capable of reaching the world for Jesus Christ.
GOD BLESS and have a WONDERFUL Walk with Christ this year.
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