Are you the leader of yourself? Do you practice what you preach? Can you honestly say that you are doing those things that you are asking your team to do? If you truly want to be a successful leader then you need to walk the talk. Here is some things that you should be doing to first lead yourself.
1. Personal commitment to success, you need to be willing to "own" the vision you are delivering. If you don't believe it your team will eventual stop following.
2. Discover the personal cost in your success and be willing to pay it now matter what it is. Your team needs to see that you are willing to sacrifice for the vision just as much as they are.
3. Remove the barriers of the past, there is always going to be something that your doing today that is "procedure" but it seems to get in the way of success. Be willing to tear down those things that are barriers and build new bridges to success.
4. Continue to be open to the idea of learning, Remember that your don't know everything and your team has knowledge that can be used for the overall success.
5. Key to success, there is going to be something that is key to the success of the mission. You need to find it and share it with the team.
Stand up and be a leader first to yourself, then to your family and then to your team.
Live leadership all day everyday not just at "work".
GOD Bless
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
First Know your People, Then Lead
Coming into a new Company or position can be very stressful for you and your "new" team.
Over the years I have had many opportunities to meet new leaders and one of the earliest lessons I learned is that a new leader coming into the organization is just as stressed as their team is. So much apprehension and uncertainty surrounding the team and what changes may be coming and how they are going to "get along" with the new "guy".
The worst thing a new leader can do is step in and start making changes. This is a process that is best shared with your new team.
Another very common mistake people make is trying to lead before the people see you as their leader.
You need to be prepared to lead your team and that takes time. You need to build relationships with your team members. Don't get me wrong your position on the team comes with some basic responsibility and authority, but those do not make you a leader it makes you a manager and there is a big difference.
Try spending time getting to know your employees and their families. Building an authentic relationship with them is key to building trust. Try to spend time with your team outside of the work environment, this will allow them to see you as a person not the "boss". Make sure to have fun.
Spend one on one time with each of your employees, find out what makes them tick, where the life has taken them, where they are heading and what matters most to them. Engage them where they are at right now to start achieving some goals for success. Show them you are willing to sacrifice the same way they do, you don't have to be able to do the same job as them, just be willing to pay the same prize for success.
If you can build an authentic relationship and gain their trust, the leading part will come naturally.
God Bless.
Over the years I have had many opportunities to meet new leaders and one of the earliest lessons I learned is that a new leader coming into the organization is just as stressed as their team is. So much apprehension and uncertainty surrounding the team and what changes may be coming and how they are going to "get along" with the new "guy".
The worst thing a new leader can do is step in and start making changes. This is a process that is best shared with your new team.
Another very common mistake people make is trying to lead before the people see you as their leader.
You need to be prepared to lead your team and that takes time. You need to build relationships with your team members. Don't get me wrong your position on the team comes with some basic responsibility and authority, but those do not make you a leader it makes you a manager and there is a big difference.
Try spending time getting to know your employees and their families. Building an authentic relationship with them is key to building trust. Try to spend time with your team outside of the work environment, this will allow them to see you as a person not the "boss". Make sure to have fun.
Spend one on one time with each of your employees, find out what makes them tick, where the life has taken them, where they are heading and what matters most to them. Engage them where they are at right now to start achieving some goals for success. Show them you are willing to sacrifice the same way they do, you don't have to be able to do the same job as them, just be willing to pay the same prize for success.
If you can build an authentic relationship and gain their trust, the leading part will come naturally.
God Bless.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Circle of Influence
Do you live you life in darkness? Do you live your life as if the world revolves around you? Do you sometimes say I can do it on my own, I don't need anyone else's help?
In this day of computers, cell phones, ipods, pizza delivery,television and telecommuting; you can very easily find yourself never leaving your house. Your "friends" become a list of names on your favorite social networking website and the only time you see them is when their picture pops up on your computer screen. We have even made it easy to get "Fast Food" from God, we don't have to leave the house to get our Sunday morning sermon.
Is this the life that god intended us to live, free of personal interaction with others?
Do you believe that you can survive spiritually living your life on your own?
God said that we are to reach every last person on the planet and deliver his message of peace and everlasting love. I don't believe that he meant for us to do that by using the internet, dropping flyer's from 30,000 feet or driving by with a load speaker bolted to the top of your SUV. I believe that in order to have the greatest impact the message needs to be shared through personal human contact on a daily basis, while sharing life together.
Hebrews 10 it says,
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
If we are to survive this world and grow spiritually, we need to surround ourself with friends and family that we trust to hold us accountable for our actions. We need to live our lives openly for Christ sharing everything with them, the good and the bad. We can not carry the burdens, or fight our battles on our own. The quickest way to stumble and fall is to keep our struggles to our selves and not ask for help. The bible says in Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. If we lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ through fellowship, worship and prayer; we will stop the enemy in his tracks.
If you are living your life through technology and not through people, If you are getting your spiritual "fix" from the one sermon on your TV Sunday Morning. If you don't have people you can lean on, to share your life with. You can not live the life Christ commanded you to live.
The group of people you meet with in your church and small group are your spiritual mentors and your personal team of prayer warriors. They have the greatest opportunity to speak Gods truth in to your life. They are your Circle of Influence.
God bless.
In this day of computers, cell phones, ipods, pizza delivery,television and telecommuting; you can very easily find yourself never leaving your house. Your "friends" become a list of names on your favorite social networking website and the only time you see them is when their picture pops up on your computer screen. We have even made it easy to get "Fast Food" from God, we don't have to leave the house to get our Sunday morning sermon.
Is this the life that god intended us to live, free of personal interaction with others?
Do you believe that you can survive spiritually living your life on your own?
God said that we are to reach every last person on the planet and deliver his message of peace and everlasting love. I don't believe that he meant for us to do that by using the internet, dropping flyer's from 30,000 feet or driving by with a load speaker bolted to the top of your SUV. I believe that in order to have the greatest impact the message needs to be shared through personal human contact on a daily basis, while sharing life together.
Hebrews 10 it says,
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
If we are to survive this world and grow spiritually, we need to surround ourself with friends and family that we trust to hold us accountable for our actions. We need to live our lives openly for Christ sharing everything with them, the good and the bad. We can not carry the burdens, or fight our battles on our own. The quickest way to stumble and fall is to keep our struggles to our selves and not ask for help. The bible says in Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. If we lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ through fellowship, worship and prayer; we will stop the enemy in his tracks.
If you are living your life through technology and not through people, If you are getting your spiritual "fix" from the one sermon on your TV Sunday Morning. If you don't have people you can lean on, to share your life with. You can not live the life Christ commanded you to live.
The group of people you meet with in your church and small group are your spiritual mentors and your personal team of prayer warriors. They have the greatest opportunity to speak Gods truth in to your life. They are your Circle of Influence.
God bless.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Leadership 101
Are you still confused about what a leader is? Do you have difficulty believing that you are a leader? Then take this short quiz?
1. Do you step in and help out without being asked?
2. Do you offer assistance to those who need it?
3. Do you believe that your actions alone can change the heart or attitude of someone else?
4. Do you set a positive example for your family, friends and co-workers.
5. Do you enjoy serving others?
If you answered yes to any of these then you are a leader. You do not have to be in charge to influence those around you. You just have to be willing to set the example.
What is you motivation? As a leader it should be to complete the task. This doesn't mean you need to do it all yourself, it does mean do whatever it takes to get it done. If you're actions are selfish in origin; such as self promotion, limelight, money or just to make yourself feel important, then in the long run you will not be a successful leader.
Your motivation should be the completion of your task by successfully influencing the people around you to join in the vision that was set before them.
A leader doesn't need to prove themselves to anyone. They willingly help others achieve their potential even if it means the people they help will ultimately pass them in skill and knowledge. They know that their true role in the team is to serve, not to be served; by doing this they can focus on giving not receiving. They remain real about who they are, never worrying about a image they need to "keep up". They are authentic and transparent; willing to show their faults for the success of the mission.
I believe that if you are a willing servant in Gods kingdom, and are doing you part to fulfill the Great Commission then YOU ARE A LEADER. You have stepped forward and have freely offered your resources through stewardship and faith; in doing so you are influencing the people around you and your actions will ultimately LEAD them to a better understanding of who Christ is.
Keep up the good work and continue to give the Glory to God.
1. Do you step in and help out without being asked?
2. Do you offer assistance to those who need it?
3. Do you believe that your actions alone can change the heart or attitude of someone else?
4. Do you set a positive example for your family, friends and co-workers.
5. Do you enjoy serving others?
If you answered yes to any of these then you are a leader. You do not have to be in charge to influence those around you. You just have to be willing to set the example.
What is you motivation? As a leader it should be to complete the task. This doesn't mean you need to do it all yourself, it does mean do whatever it takes to get it done. If you're actions are selfish in origin; such as self promotion, limelight, money or just to make yourself feel important, then in the long run you will not be a successful leader.
Your motivation should be the completion of your task by successfully influencing the people around you to join in the vision that was set before them.
A leader doesn't need to prove themselves to anyone. They willingly help others achieve their potential even if it means the people they help will ultimately pass them in skill and knowledge. They know that their true role in the team is to serve, not to be served; by doing this they can focus on giving not receiving. They remain real about who they are, never worrying about a image they need to "keep up". They are authentic and transparent; willing to show their faults for the success of the mission.
I believe that if you are a willing servant in Gods kingdom, and are doing you part to fulfill the Great Commission then YOU ARE A LEADER. You have stepped forward and have freely offered your resources through stewardship and faith; in doing so you are influencing the people around you and your actions will ultimately LEAD them to a better understanding of who Christ is.
Keep up the good work and continue to give the Glory to God.
Monday, November 19, 2007
A Servants Heart
What makes you a leader? It is your skills, your experiences or your position(title). What do you look for in your leader? Is it their willingness please you. Wait did I say that right? Are they there to give you what YOU think you need?
Although the leader's heart should be about service, if they just do what you want, if they are just trying to please you. Then they are not doing their job. If this is what you expect from them then you aren't looking to be led.
I think in order for you to understand how you should be leading, you need to understand how you want/need to be led.
I feel that the people that are leading me need to fit into this description.
Someone that is selfless, a mentor, caring, understanding and willing to forgive. Someone that is looking for excellence not perfection. Someone who lives their life through Christ and is willing to be taught and learn from me. Someone willing to do whatever it takes to bring peace and clarity to a situation. Someone who believes that two head are better then one and a team of heads get the job done faster. Someone that is willing to meet me where I am today and help me reach my potential. Someone that is willing invest their time in me, and in turn allow me to invest in them.
So, what kind of leader are you looking for? If you can define that, then you should be able to see a clear picture of the person you need to be in order to be an effective leader.
GOD BLESS
Although the leader's heart should be about service, if they just do what you want, if they are just trying to please you. Then they are not doing their job. If this is what you expect from them then you aren't looking to be led.
I think in order for you to understand how you should be leading, you need to understand how you want/need to be led.
I feel that the people that are leading me need to fit into this description.
Someone that is selfless, a mentor, caring, understanding and willing to forgive. Someone that is looking for excellence not perfection. Someone who lives their life through Christ and is willing to be taught and learn from me. Someone willing to do whatever it takes to bring peace and clarity to a situation. Someone who believes that two head are better then one and a team of heads get the job done faster. Someone that is willing to meet me where I am today and help me reach my potential. Someone that is willing invest their time in me, and in turn allow me to invest in them.
So, what kind of leader are you looking for? If you can define that, then you should be able to see a clear picture of the person you need to be in order to be an effective leader.
GOD BLESS
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Where do you belong?
Have you found yourself wondering if you are doing the thing that make you the happiest? Have you ever wondered if you are doing the "thing" that God has planned for you. Do you find yourself wanning in your spiritual growth, feeling stuck in a position that you volunteered to do but are not happy doing it.
There are a few things that you can do to help clarify the situation.
1. Prayer - Raise up your concern to the Lord our God.
2. Self assurance - If you are not confident in the things you can do, you can become rigid and unwilling to meet changes head on. Instead you need to be secure in you abilities and gifts the God as given you.
3.Self reflection - get to know your self better, asked for feedback from your team and leaders. Take some time to truly understand and meet your abilities face to face.
4. Look to your mentors - The people you have allowed to be an influence in your life will be your greatest asset if you trust them enough to tell you the truth.
5.Look to the vision - You need to see the big picture, once you understand where you and your team is headed then placing your skills and abilities in the picture will be easier. Be careful to make your decision based on a servants heart, if you are doing things for personal gain, your motives will derail the progress.
6.Trust your experience - The only way to really know if the thing you are doing is coming from your heart and bringing joy to you and those around you is to jump in feet first and do it. You may not successed at first, but that is ok; learn for the experiences STRETCH and GROW yourself.
7.Prayer - Continuous prayer is the only way to really get to know God and what he has intended for your life. Be deliberate in your walk with God and you will find everlasting joy.
Philippians 1:6 says
...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Live life for Christ, Live life for others and Live life with others in Christ.
God bless.
There are a few things that you can do to help clarify the situation.
1. Prayer - Raise up your concern to the Lord our God.
2. Self assurance - If you are not confident in the things you can do, you can become rigid and unwilling to meet changes head on. Instead you need to be secure in you abilities and gifts the God as given you.
3.Self reflection - get to know your self better, asked for feedback from your team and leaders. Take some time to truly understand and meet your abilities face to face.
4. Look to your mentors - The people you have allowed to be an influence in your life will be your greatest asset if you trust them enough to tell you the truth.
5.Look to the vision - You need to see the big picture, once you understand where you and your team is headed then placing your skills and abilities in the picture will be easier. Be careful to make your decision based on a servants heart, if you are doing things for personal gain, your motives will derail the progress.
6.Trust your experience - The only way to really know if the thing you are doing is coming from your heart and bringing joy to you and those around you is to jump in feet first and do it. You may not successed at first, but that is ok; learn for the experiences STRETCH and GROW yourself.
7.Prayer - Continuous prayer is the only way to really get to know God and what he has intended for your life. Be deliberate in your walk with God and you will find everlasting joy.
Philippians 1:6 says
...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Live life for Christ, Live life for others and Live life with others in Christ.
God bless.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Who do you follow?
The people that you choose to follow through life; your parents, your friends, your spouse, your boss, your pastor, all of these people have the ability to make or break your spiritual life.
Parents are the number one influence during the early years in our lives. How they respond to stress, how they discipline and how they generally lived their life had a major impact on who we are today.
Friends; do you remember peer pressure? The biggest mistakes we made as adolescents can almost always be trace backed to a decision we made to follow someone else down the wrong path.
Spouse; he/she in most cases will be the driving influence in our life spiritually. They will either enable us to be a good steward for God or they will make it very difficult to stay on the straight and narrow path.
The boss, for most of us will be several different people through out our lives. They are in a position to have the biggest influence in our day to day life. The power they have over us can cause many stressful days, if they do not know how to use that position of authority wisely.
The Pastor, of all the people in our lives the pastor is the only person, that most people turn to when they are in need. They see their pastor as the neutralizer to a bad week, the channel to god's help and the person GOD has placed into their life that will make it all better.
So where am I going with this, right?
We are; the parents, the friends, the spouse, the boss, and we are all ministers for Jesus Christ.
The influence we have on others directly impacts their future in Christ.
As parents it is imperative we live a Christ like life for our children. They need to see us love each other and serve each other. If we can be deliberate in our walk with Christ it will be natural for our children to follow us.
As friends our goal is to live a Christ like life and support our friends through fellowship and accountability.
As a spouse we need to walk in Christ together. If your spouse is not yet saved, then live your life in a way that truly represents God and allow your life to influence him/her.
As a boss, God has placed you in a position of authority for a reason. He's ultimate plan may not be clear to you. So, care about your employees and their families. Do your best to support them and develop them. If you take the time to truly know them they will begin to trust you. If you gain their trust your influence will be greater.
As a minister in your church and community your life is going to touch many people as you go about your day. These lost souls need to be shown their way to Christs love. They need to be shown that we all have a direct connection with God through prayer and though that prayer all things can be be made whole.
So, who do you follow? I pray that your answer is GOD.
Lord, let our actions lead others to follow you. Give us the wisdom and courage to lead others through our walk with you.
Parents are the number one influence during the early years in our lives. How they respond to stress, how they discipline and how they generally lived their life had a major impact on who we are today.
Friends; do you remember peer pressure? The biggest mistakes we made as adolescents can almost always be trace backed to a decision we made to follow someone else down the wrong path.
Spouse; he/she in most cases will be the driving influence in our life spiritually. They will either enable us to be a good steward for God or they will make it very difficult to stay on the straight and narrow path.
The boss, for most of us will be several different people through out our lives. They are in a position to have the biggest influence in our day to day life. The power they have over us can cause many stressful days, if they do not know how to use that position of authority wisely.
The Pastor, of all the people in our lives the pastor is the only person, that most people turn to when they are in need. They see their pastor as the neutralizer to a bad week, the channel to god's help and the person GOD has placed into their life that will make it all better.
So where am I going with this, right?
We are; the parents, the friends, the spouse, the boss, and we are all ministers for Jesus Christ.
The influence we have on others directly impacts their future in Christ.
As parents it is imperative we live a Christ like life for our children. They need to see us love each other and serve each other. If we can be deliberate in our walk with Christ it will be natural for our children to follow us.
As friends our goal is to live a Christ like life and support our friends through fellowship and accountability.
As a spouse we need to walk in Christ together. If your spouse is not yet saved, then live your life in a way that truly represents God and allow your life to influence him/her.
As a boss, God has placed you in a position of authority for a reason. He's ultimate plan may not be clear to you. So, care about your employees and their families. Do your best to support them and develop them. If you take the time to truly know them they will begin to trust you. If you gain their trust your influence will be greater.
People tend to reflect their leader, if you spend your day gossiping and talking trash about others, lying and be deceitful, being immoral and lack the fore site to communicate, it wont be long and those who choose to follow you will follow you to their unfruitful end. BUT, if you are of strong moral character, compassionate for others and communicate a strong vision of the future, those who chose to follow will grow both spiritually and professionally.
As a minister in your church and community your life is going to touch many people as you go about your day. These lost souls need to be shown their way to Christs love. They need to be shown that we all have a direct connection with God through prayer and though that prayer all things can be be made whole.
So, who do you follow? I pray that your answer is GOD.
Lord, let our actions lead others to follow you. Give us the wisdom and courage to lead others through our walk with you.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Are you perfect?
I recently finished reading an awesome book by John Maxwell "The 360 Degree Leader". I could blog to you all day about the awesome ideas John has but I think you would get more out of it by reading the book for yourself.
But I would like to cover one topic that I think is key to being a effective influential leader.
BE REAL...
Enough said right. You would think so. But many people have this flaw including myself at one time or another.
So lets take a few moments and clarify what it means to BE REAL.
Lets start by admitting your faults. A lot of leaders have a simple issue with this one. They believe that they have to be all knowing and never show any weakness. Problem is that they are fooling themselves if they think the team doesn't know about their short comings. This isn't about being weak this about admitting your flaws so your team sees you as an authentic (real) person. In doing this you will become approachable and trustworthy in their eyes
Next Stop worrying about what others think of you, You need to live your life for yourself and GOD. You will have more people unhappy with you by pretending to be someone you aren't then if you JUST BE YOURSELF. Present the Christ like person you are and you will be happy with yourself and that is what really matters.
Next be willing to learn from others, try to approach each person you meet with the attitude that they have something of value to give you. If you can open your mind and heart to the people around you and let them ADD VALUE to you, you will become more approachable and trust worthy in their eyes. By doing this you have created a connection with them and in turn add value to them.
Last but not least, Do not be Prideful. Influence is not about knowledge and titles. You can not gain a true leadership relationship with someone by impressing them. Being the center of attention will not get you very far with your team. Instead try focusing on the needs of others, lead through service and place their needs before yours.
In others words don't pretend to be perfect, because we are not.
in gods love
But I would like to cover one topic that I think is key to being a effective influential leader.
BE REAL...
Enough said right. You would think so. But many people have this flaw including myself at one time or another.
So lets take a few moments and clarify what it means to BE REAL.
Lets start by admitting your faults. A lot of leaders have a simple issue with this one. They believe that they have to be all knowing and never show any weakness. Problem is that they are fooling themselves if they think the team doesn't know about their short comings. This isn't about being weak this about admitting your flaws so your team sees you as an authentic (real) person. In doing this you will become approachable and trustworthy in their eyes
Next Stop worrying about what others think of you, You need to live your life for yourself and GOD. You will have more people unhappy with you by pretending to be someone you aren't then if you JUST BE YOURSELF. Present the Christ like person you are and you will be happy with yourself and that is what really matters.
Next be willing to learn from others, try to approach each person you meet with the attitude that they have something of value to give you. If you can open your mind and heart to the people around you and let them ADD VALUE to you, you will become more approachable and trust worthy in their eyes. By doing this you have created a connection with them and in turn add value to them.
Last but not least, Do not be Prideful. Influence is not about knowledge and titles. You can not gain a true leadership relationship with someone by impressing them. Being the center of attention will not get you very far with your team. Instead try focusing on the needs of others, lead through service and place their needs before yours.
In others words don't pretend to be perfect, because we are not.
in gods love
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
How do you set Priorities in your life.
TIME and Priority go hand in hand. Not enough time in the day to do the things you need to do let alone do the things you want to do, so what do you do with the time you have?
I have heard people say "if I only had 2 more hours in a day!" Well I guaranty that if God changed the day to a 26 hour day you would still ask for two more hours. So instead of wishing for more time, lets try and budget our time to be more effective.
Stewardship isn't just about money it is about time as well. God gave us everything we need; we just need to figure out what we are really supposed to be doing with our time and all else will fall into place.
How are you determining where you should spend the time God has given you? What is at the top of your list? NO, don't just say God; really take stock in your life and write it down. What comes first, second and so forth?
Now make a second column and this time write how you think God wants you to spend your time.
Do they match, probably not. So now we need to figure out how to re-organize our time to meet Gods expectations. Just like in your financial budget there is going to be things that you may have to sacrifice to do Gods work.
So lets take a shot at it.
1. GOD
2. Family
3. ????
See here is the issue. God may be number one, but number one has many parts to it, and there may be things that you feel fit into the category of doing God's work but do they really belong on your list? Should you really be focusing your time on them?
Or can you be doing other things that are going to be a greater impact in God's Kingdom?
I challenge you to write it down, then pray on each item and see if God is really leading you to do those things. Then meet with your spouse and compare lists and pray again.
I pray that each of us, are not only leading our life's and family for God, but that we are leading them effectively. We can do so much more for God when our abilities, resources and goals are all in line.
GOD BLESS
I have heard people say "if I only had 2 more hours in a day!" Well I guaranty that if God changed the day to a 26 hour day you would still ask for two more hours. So instead of wishing for more time, lets try and budget our time to be more effective.
Stewardship isn't just about money it is about time as well. God gave us everything we need; we just need to figure out what we are really supposed to be doing with our time and all else will fall into place.
How are you determining where you should spend the time God has given you? What is at the top of your list? NO, don't just say God; really take stock in your life and write it down. What comes first, second and so forth?
Now make a second column and this time write how you think God wants you to spend your time.
Do they match, probably not. So now we need to figure out how to re-organize our time to meet Gods expectations. Just like in your financial budget there is going to be things that you may have to sacrifice to do Gods work.
So lets take a shot at it.
1. GOD
2. Family
3. ????
See here is the issue. God may be number one, but number one has many parts to it, and there may be things that you feel fit into the category of doing God's work but do they really belong on your list? Should you really be focusing your time on them?
Or can you be doing other things that are going to be a greater impact in God's Kingdom?
I challenge you to write it down, then pray on each item and see if God is really leading you to do those things. Then meet with your spouse and compare lists and pray again.
I pray that each of us, are not only leading our life's and family for God, but that we are leading them effectively. We can do so much more for God when our abilities, resources and goals are all in line.
GOD BLESS
Monday, October 15, 2007
First day at new job !!
WOW!! Today was over whelming, so many new faces and names. But I felt very relaxed all the way through the day. That in it self just reaffirmed that it is in GODS hands. Everyone and I do mean everyone I talked to today made me feel like I was the only person that matter at that moment.
Lesson there right? ADD VALUE TO EVERYONE YOU MEET.
I must really be worth something after today. LOL
I went to lunch with the outgoing supervisor who is stepping back down to work under me as a tech. This guy really has a heart for GOD, I asked if we could pray over our food and he took the lead and started praying.
God has so blessed our lives with this opportunity, I know that he is going to do great things through it.
Lesson there right? ADD VALUE TO EVERYONE YOU MEET.
I must really be worth something after today. LOL
I went to lunch with the outgoing supervisor who is stepping back down to work under me as a tech. This guy really has a heart for GOD, I asked if we could pray over our food and he took the lead and started praying.
God has so blessed our lives with this opportunity, I know that he is going to do great things through it.
Friday, October 12, 2007
In everything give thanks
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Living your life through Service and Ministry
Good Morning,
When we live our lives for the fulfillment of Gods glory, we are truly serving our fellow man.
Ephesians 4 11-13
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until 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.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Our actions are seen by everyone, how we conduct ourselves when we go about our daily duties will directly impact the Church. Being Christ like is not easy; it is takes hard work and perseverance. You must be deliberate in your walk with God.
God has given each of you skills and abilities which can be used in his service. Once you have accepted the Jesus into your heart your spiritual gifts will begin to grow. Using these gifts and abilities to the glory of God through service and ministry will not only help your loved ones and neighbors, but it will bring you closer in your walk with God.
I challenge you to make your walk with Jesus personal and deliberate. If you still need to find a ministry to serve or you not sure what ministry best suites your abilities, Feel free to contact me. Also on NOV 18th I will be teaching another 301 Class (Discovering My Ministry) you can sign up for that class on your Connection Card.
GOD is about to do Something So Big in your life!!!
God Bless
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A kind word or act is some times all it takes.
A kind word or act is some times all it takes.
Or the reverse; a smart remark or off colored joke even though not intended to hurt someone, may have on unexpected effect.
Have you ever been talking to a friend or co worker about someone else (not gossip) just a passing conversation about them?
What do you do when they walk in to the room right then? Do you joke and say something like "Well Speak of the Devil" or just stop talking all together.
Ever wonder what that person is feeling right at the moment, or have you ever been on the receiving side of that situation?
They might already be having a emotional day and that small thing could be the "straw that broke the camels back". Your remark or action at that point can cause insecurity or self doubt. It could cause anger and a whole slew of other negative emotions.
I challenge you to lift up the people around you.
Tell them how much you value their work or their spirituality.
Thank them for all that they do.
Wish them a wonderful day.
Offer to help them and mean it!
Add value to those around you and in doing so you will increase your value to them. This builds trust and strengthens the connections we all ready have, and just may create new connections your weren't even trying to build.
Or the reverse; a smart remark or off colored joke even though not intended to hurt someone, may have on unexpected effect.
Have you ever been talking to a friend or co worker about someone else (not gossip) just a passing conversation about them?
What do you do when they walk in to the room right then? Do you joke and say something like "Well Speak of the Devil" or just stop talking all together.
Ever wonder what that person is feeling right at the moment, or have you ever been on the receiving side of that situation?
They might already be having a emotional day and that small thing could be the "straw that broke the camels back". Your remark or action at that point can cause insecurity or self doubt. It could cause anger and a whole slew of other negative emotions.
I challenge you to lift up the people around you.
Tell them how much you value their work or their spirituality.
Thank them for all that they do.
Wish them a wonderful day.
Offer to help them and mean it!
Add value to those around you and in doing so you will increase your value to them. This builds trust and strengthens the connections we all ready have, and just may create new connections your weren't even trying to build.
Drive into work this morning.
This morning I was driving to work and listening to the river, there was a commercial running about some school and the kids where say what they wanted to do in life, like be a teacher, painter, and so on. they ended the commercial with a saying.
One day "I" want to make a difference.
I think that we have all been saying one day or someday for to long.
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Today is the day I start to make a difference.
Today is the day that I begin impacting lives for Jesus.
Today is the Day that Something So Big will happen.
One day "I" want to make a difference.
I think that we have all been saying one day or someday for to long.
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Today is the day I start to make a difference.
Today is the day that I begin impacting lives for Jesus.
Today is the Day that Something So Big will happen.
Ministry, Service and Something So Big!
I had a life changing/AWESOME time at Catalyst, We (I) can no longer sit ideally by and hope for our church to grow. We can no longer pretend that our current actions are going to be enough to reach a dying nation. It is time for us to stand up for what we believe and live it. It is time for us to reach out to our community and extend GOD's glory and redemption. It is here and now that we must draw a line in the sand, Romans 12:6-8 says In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
We must SERVE somewhere in order for that to happen. Every Ministry, the Church is actively supporting today is in need of help, We MUST find the resources to succeed. In a couple of weeks we are going to have a Service centered around Ministry and Serving.
I challenge each of you to make the time to serve. I know that there doesn't seem to be enough time in the week to get all the things completed you would like, but true giving of our TIME will be a sacrifice.
I believe in the vision of SOMETHING SO BIG.
I believe it is a commitment worth giving.
The three points of this Campaign are easy to remember.
1. Life long stewardship (for you and your family)
2. Campus with 25 Acres of land and the buildings to support our ministry
3. A Regional Church; meeting the needs of and providing services for the people between Austin and San Antonio
We must own this campaign
We must lead our families first
We must Pray
We must believe
We must walk a Christ like life
We will start with our families
We will add value to our neighbors
We will add value to every person we touch
If we do this I believe that this will be the result
We will develop an environment that transcends age and culture
We will start a cultural shift that impacts every part of our lives
We will raise up a generation of leaders that will take action
We will birth a culture that impacts every generation to come
God bless each and everyone of us. Keep our hearts and minds centered on God, we know that there will be attacks but in his name we will be triumphant.
Our Church's Vision is:
Connect with God
Connect with Others
Connect others with God
We must SERVE somewhere in order for that to happen. Every Ministry, the Church is actively supporting today is in need of help, We MUST find the resources to succeed. In a couple of weeks we are going to have a Service centered around Ministry and Serving.
I challenge each of you to make the time to serve. I know that there doesn't seem to be enough time in the week to get all the things completed you would like, but true giving of our TIME will be a sacrifice.
I believe in the vision of SOMETHING SO BIG.
I believe it is a commitment worth giving.
The three points of this Campaign are easy to remember.
1. Life long stewardship (for you and your family)
2. Campus with 25 Acres of land and the buildings to support our ministry
3. A Regional Church; meeting the needs of and providing services for the people between Austin and San Antonio
We must own this campaign
We must lead our families first
We must Pray
We must believe
We must walk a Christ like life
We will start with our families
We will add value to our neighbors
We will add value to every person we touch
If we do this I believe that this will be the result
We will develop an environment that transcends age and culture
We will start a cultural shift that impacts every part of our lives
We will raise up a generation of leaders that will take action
We will birth a culture that impacts every generation to come
God bless each and everyone of us. Keep our hearts and minds centered on God, we know that there will be attacks but in his name we will be triumphant.
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