Excelling in the Faith

Posted on May 15, 2013 by

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More than 130 years ago, a group of twenty distinguished Americans met in the Astor House in New York City during the presidency of Millard Fillmore. Among the dinner guests was Secretary of State Daniel Webster, who had been unusually quiet. In an effort to engage him in conversation, a colleague asked, “Mr. Webster, will you tell me what was the most important thought you ever had?” Following a brief silence, he confidently replied, “The most serious thought that ever occupied my mind was that of my individual responsibility to God.”

1 Thessalonians 4:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Pastor Paul was giving the Thessalonians the encouragement needed to help them take the steps necessary to develop their faith and relationship with God. His heart for the Thessalonians is clear. He didn’t browbeat them, demand, or demean them in their level of faith, rather he challenged them to take what they know and apply it to their continuous spiritual growth. This is a great example of a pastor’s heart toward those they lead into greater spiritual maturity. A heart of kindness, gentleness, and humility, while at the same time, challenging the core of their spiritual comfort zone.

As we study this passage of scripture, we must also take the words of Paul seriously. We must be growing in our relationship with God and developing our faith in Him. If we are not, this challenge is meant to move you forward in establishing the disciplines of faith. Take what you know, study what you don’t, and pray. God will help move your spiritual life from a place of stagnation, to a place of vitality and life.

Purpose to become spiritually extraordinary and excel in your faith. You will not be disappointed!

Your turn: What helps you keep your relationship with God fresh and maturing?

Blessings
Chad

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“Leadership and Learning”


“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy

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Overcoming Discouragement

Posted on September 10, 2012 by

The story of Elijah has often brought great inspiration to me as a leader.  This was a man who had a nature like us, yet God worked in incredible, supernatural ways in his life.  When he prayed, God answered, in a big way!  Drought, rain, fire from heaven, his prayers were precise, powerful, and always accomplished God’s purposes. His was a life that was used tremendously to fulfill God’s purposes and plans.  Yet with all the victories he experienced, in 1 Kings 19.4 scripture says, “And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

This man had just experienced a tremendous spiritual victory and is now curled up in a fetal position asking God to take his life!  In his perspective, he was no better than those that are already dead!  What an outlook!  What happened to this great man of God who only recently was calling fire down from heaven?

He allowed his circumstances to dictate his emotions rather than his relationship to his heavenly Father.  Instead of resting in his relationship with God, he began to look at the world around him for his joy, peace and security.  When the world seemed to be against him, he erroneously decided that he was the only one left in the world who served God!

Don’t we do the same thing?  When the circumstance are not our ideal, or become unbearable, we turn inward emotionally?  Inward focus always has a magnifying effect.  What we dwell upon becomes bigger than it really should be.  Our lows become lower, our highs become higher and it begins to control our lives.  We must have a change of perspective in order to restore balance once again.  How? Here are 5 starting points to get back on the right track.

  1. Spend time alone with God.  Listen for his voice.
  2. Remember what God has done. Recall the things He has accomplished in your life.
  3. Phone a friend.  Having a relationship with an encouraging friend can provide perspective.
  4. Invest in someone less fortunate.  Outward focus will silence the voice of inward disappointment, discouragement, and doubts.
  5. Develop healthy habits.  Eating right, exercise, and hobbies is a necessity for healthy balance physically and emotionally.
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Oklahoma House Passes Human Trafficking Measure – News9.com – Oklahoma City, OK – News, Weather, Video and Sports |

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

Oklahoma House Passes Human Trafficking Measure – News9.com – Oklahoma City, OK – News, Weather, Video and Sports |.

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10 Tips for Successful Self-Leadership

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

Leadership Organizer Key holder

Leadership Organizer Key holder (Photo credit: 아우크소(Auxo.co.kr))

Leading others is tough. Leading laterally and leading “up” is tougher still. But “self -leadership” is the toughest of them all.–Bill Hybels

 Self-leadership can be defined as the process of influencing self to establish the direction and motivation needed for optimal performance.  The person who successfully leads themselves finds that they are not only more confident, but experience job satisfaction and increased performance. Self-leadership is the key to leading a fulfilled life in spite of the challenges the world throws at you!

Even with all the benefits associated with successfully leading ourselves, I find that many leaders have a difficult time leading themselves.  They often find themselves feeling inadequate, unfulfilled, and often depressed or discouraged in spite of the accomplishments they have experienced.  So how can you successfully lead yourself?

  1. Honest Assessment: Know who you are!  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What can you develop and make stronger?  What do you need to let go of?  Are you trying to be someone you are not?  Having an honest assessment of who you are and where you are at in life will develop the foundation of successful self-leadership.
  2. Established Priorities: What are your highest priorities for your life?  What gives you the greatest fulfillment? God, family, friendships, and causes are priorities which gives life purpose and direction.  Establish these priorities and you will find greater fulfillment in life!
  3. Realistic Planning: Setting goals is an important step in helping you know where you are going in life.  Setting goals like “trying to take over the world” maybe a little out of your range.  Try asking yourself, what realistic goal could I set for the next step in life?  You will find that as you accomplish realistic goals, you gain confidence for bigger goals.
  4. Humbleness: Leaders can be humble by understanding that even though you are in the lead, you need others to come along in the journey!  You cannot self-lead without humbly understanding that others deserve credit for your leadership to be successful. Investment in others gives us a proper perspective of self!
  5. Don’t Compromise Integrity/Character: There are some things in life that you don’t compromise on no matter how creative or innovative it might seem.  Self-leadership says “will this damage my credibility to others?”  Living a life of integrity will help you to live with yourself!
  6. Foster Creativity and Experiments: Take time to dream dreams and take risks personally and professionally.  Too often leaders can get into ruts of “this has been successful in the past” and don’t allow themselves to get beyond what is comfortable.  There are many things that were once thought impossible until the first person did it!
  7. Outside Input: Self-leadership is not always based on the internal voices that give us guidance and direction.  It is important that we have a mentor/coach/friend that has the liberty to speak truthfully into our lives.  An outside perspective can be a productive part of successful self-leadership.
  8. Lifelong Learning: Constantly asking questions like “why?” and “why not?” are important in developing self-leadership.  Being curious helps establish the knowledge and wisdom necessary to make right decision personally and in your own leadership.  Know why you believe what you believe and always make informed decisions!
  9. Take Initiative and Lead Change: Great leaders understand that someone has to take the initiative for change and the same is true in leading self.  Don’t be dependent upon someone else to change your direction.  Initiate change.  It won’t happen until you establish that change needs to happen now!
  10. Finally, Listen to God’s Voice: Your Creator knows you from the inside out.  He knows how He created you and what your purpose and His plan is for your life.  Understanding this is essential in knowing how to lead your life in the right direction.  He has made His plan for your life very clear through scripture, and through prayer, He can help you establish that plan successfully!  He can help you live a fulfilled life!

The only way to successfully lead others is to successfully lead ourselves.  Take the initiative to make changes in your own life and you will find that your leadership will be much more fulfilling!

Question: Are there more ways to successful self-leadership?  What are they?  Please use comment box below!

Blessings!

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A Minute Devotional–James 1.2

Posted on March 1, 2012 by

King James Version of the Bible

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Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  (James 1:2 (ESV)).

When faced with the difficulties life throws at us it is easy to turn to a natural response of anger, discouragement, confusion, despair or a combination of all other these.  Easily life can cause a person to struggle emotionally, physically and spiritually.  James gives a peculiar instruction when he tells us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” (James 1:2 (ESV)).

Count it all joy?? Are you kidding me??  Yet that is exactly what it says!  Count it ALL JOY!  What is James talking about?  The word count is an interesting word it is (ἡγέομαι) hēgéomai which literally means to lead or go before, go first, or lead the way.  Metaphorically, to lead out before the mind.  In other words it means to lead your mind in the direction it needs to go!  Toward Joy!

How?  James 1 gives a great foundation for how the believer faces life and still maintains joy.  It is only possible if you apply James 1 to your life!

Enjoy life!

Blessings!

(Please take a moment and comment on the devotional or any other post on this blog.  Your feedback is appreciated! Thanks!)

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A Minute Devotional–James 1.5

Posted on March 1, 2012 by

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IMG_7315 (Photo credit: six steps )

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  (James 1:5 (ESV))

When we face difficult challenges, trials, or even life in general, we need assistance to help us navigate the journey!  It is comforting to know that we don’t have to face life dependant upon our own wisdom, knowledge, or understanding.  Why? Because God has an unlimited amount available to us! The only requirement attached to this great treasury is that we ask!  Why do we have to ask?  When we ask, it means that we trust that He knows how to take care of our lives and situations the best.  Remember Solomon when he said: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5–7 (ESV)) The wisdom that God gives is: …first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17 (ESV))

When we depend on God’s wisdom rather than our own, we find peace which passes all understanding.  Why?  The pressure is on Him not on us!

Blessings!

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