Psalm 103
A David Psalm
1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing! 3-5 He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence. 6-18 God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we're made of mud. Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here.
God's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. 19-22 God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He's the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—everything and everyone made by God.
And you, O my soul, bless God!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Three Things
Three Things will change your Spirit Walk
Mitchell challenged each of us to do the following 3 things, out of obedience. Don’t do these things in order to pressure God, there is no making deals here – the idea here is to walk in obedience – God desires obedience more than sacrifice. God says: Is not obedience better than sacrifice. Do what He says!
MATTHEW 6:1-18 – The Scriptures are written at the bottom of this document. They are the basis for this challenge.
1) GIVING ALMS: When you give – Mitchell points out that the scripture doesn’t say ‘if’ but when – assuming that you will – this is a command. It’s not about not about tipping God. The word Alms here means that you look for someone that has a greater need than you do. Those of us that love God need to minister to those in need. There is somebody you know who has a genuine significant need - when you minister to that person it is called almsgiving. We are encouraged to do it secretly – it is best if the person never knew that you did it. Walk in almsgiving. Be ready to Reach out to a needy person in secret and bless them. Become the answer to someone’s prayers.
2)PRAYING – When you pray once again the word is when not ‘if.’ If you are a person that prays on the run or prays very little – this week commit yourself to 15 minutes a day for one week. Whenever you pray talk to God about the things that are pressing on your mind, the things that perplex you. God touches us in our circumstances – remember He is the one who parts the red sea. Whatever your need he will minister. Don’t be like the hypocrite, go into the closet and close the door – the father who sees in secret will reward you publicly.
3) FASTING – When you fast, finally it is assumed that you do fast – this is not radical – it is commanded. If you have never fasted, consciously give up one meal a day for a week. That would be a step toward obedience. Drink water – be obedient. God will honor that behavior of obedience. It’s there in scripture, it’s clear.
If you do this you will break a stronghold in your life. Some provision that you’ve not been able to obtain will be provided for you.
It’s Simply obeying God. These 3 things seem foolish to the world… don’t question His instruction…..just do it!
The message above is based on the following Scriptures:
Matt 6:1-18
Mitchell challenged each of us to do the following 3 things, out of obedience. Don’t do these things in order to pressure God, there is no making deals here – the idea here is to walk in obedience – God desires obedience more than sacrifice. God says: Is not obedience better than sacrifice. Do what He says!
MATTHEW 6:1-18 – The Scriptures are written at the bottom of this document. They are the basis for this challenge.
1) GIVING ALMS: When you give – Mitchell points out that the scripture doesn’t say ‘if’ but when – assuming that you will – this is a command. It’s not about not about tipping God. The word Alms here means that you look for someone that has a greater need than you do. Those of us that love God need to minister to those in need. There is somebody you know who has a genuine significant need - when you minister to that person it is called almsgiving. We are encouraged to do it secretly – it is best if the person never knew that you did it. Walk in almsgiving. Be ready to Reach out to a needy person in secret and bless them. Become the answer to someone’s prayers.
2)PRAYING – When you pray once again the word is when not ‘if.’ If you are a person that prays on the run or prays very little – this week commit yourself to 15 minutes a day for one week. Whenever you pray talk to God about the things that are pressing on your mind, the things that perplex you. God touches us in our circumstances – remember He is the one who parts the red sea. Whatever your need he will minister. Don’t be like the hypocrite, go into the closet and close the door – the father who sees in secret will reward you publicly.
3) FASTING – When you fast, finally it is assumed that you do fast – this is not radical – it is commanded. If you have never fasted, consciously give up one meal a day for a week. That would be a step toward obedience. Drink water – be obedient. God will honor that behavior of obedience. It’s there in scripture, it’s clear.
If you do this you will break a stronghold in your life. Some provision that you’ve not been able to obtain will be provided for you.
It’s Simply obeying God. These 3 things seem foolish to the world… don’t question His instruction…..just do it!
The message above is based on the following Scriptures:
Matt 6:1-18
Teaching about Giving to the Needy
6 "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Teaching about Prayer and Fasting
5 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 7 "When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth,as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need,* 12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. 14 "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
16 "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentines Day
Our Story
This blog entry is a recollection of the beginning of a great love story. The story of Gary and Susie Ream.
Gary and I met at Grand Rapids Baptist College. I was pre-engaged to a young man back home and Gary was checking out the prospects. Although I was pre-engaged, I wasn’t blind. After weeks of getting to know people on campus, I had singled him out with great admiration. From a distance I observed that he was very handsome, he was intelligent, he had leadership skills and was firmly grounded in his faith.
During the course of establishing myself, I chose a local Church I could call home away from my home Church. Gary was the song and choir leader at this Church— I was in his choir. The more I saw of this guy, the more I respected him. He had integrity and was kind—he was also a girl magnet. In my opinion this was a guy who would go far in life and although I held him in high regard—I never spoke to him.
As I became more immersed in College life, I began to question the validity of my relationship with my guy from back home. No one knew this—I didn’t even want to admit it. I thought I loved this guy but with distance between us, I began to see some weaknesses that I hadn’t seen before.
One Sunday night at Church I found that, because of an event being held on campus, there were no other College students there. I took a seat, by myself, and waited for the service to begin. A young man came up from behind me and asked if he could sit by me. It was Gary—I was so nervous I didn’t know what to say. I managed to utter a little o.k. When he sat down I didn’t think to move over. Then because I was so nervous—I couldn’t think what to do. I thought— ‘if I move over he’ll think I don’t want him to sit here” but if I don’t move over he’ll think I’m too close.’ As I was frantically trying to decide which course to take, Gary is thinking, ‘what is wrong with this girl? Why doesn’t she move over?’ Just then he looked at my face, which was glowing red, and got the picture. He realized I was in a predicament and didn’t know what to do. To my great pleasure a couple of students rescued me by coming up behind us to talk. I casually ‘moved’ and turned to talk to them.
As we were sitting there Gary pointed to my ring and boldly asked “what does that ring mean?” I had to honestly tell him, “I don’t know right now.” Much later he told me that, weeks before during prayer time, while I was praying, he felt like he was listening to a personal conversation between a girl and her God. He was struck by my honesty and love for God, and so he peeked! After that experience, he decided that he was going to get to know me.
That night, after walking me back to the dorm, Gary sought out his Resident Advisor (RA). He said, Terry I have to talk to you right now. Terry listened as Gary told him that he had met the girl he was going to marry. He told Terry that there was only one problem; I was pre-engaged. He continued, “we need to pray that she will break up with this guy!” It is hard for me to believe that he convinced Terry, but the two of them did pray that night that I would break up with my high school sweetheart. After praying Gary continued to tell Terry that he would give me a pre-engagement ring in 2 years, a diamond in 2 1/2 years and that he would marry me after 3 years.
Amazingly, it happened just as he said. I got the man of my dreams and although life has not been easy, we have had the security of knowing that we have each other, for better or for worse. He is my Valentine and I thank God for his unconditional love for me!
I wish you all a very Happy Valentines Day! My wish for you all is that you know God as the supreme example of the Best Valentine Ever—He layed down His life for YOU—He is the lover and the pursuer of your soul.
For those of you who read this—thanks for indulging me!
Susie
This blog entry is a recollection of the beginning of a great love story. The story of Gary and Susie Ream.
Gary and I met at Grand Rapids Baptist College. I was pre-engaged to a young man back home and Gary was checking out the prospects. Although I was pre-engaged, I wasn’t blind. After weeks of getting to know people on campus, I had singled him out with great admiration. From a distance I observed that he was very handsome, he was intelligent, he had leadership skills and was firmly grounded in his faith.
During the course of establishing myself, I chose a local Church I could call home away from my home Church. Gary was the song and choir leader at this Church— I was in his choir. The more I saw of this guy, the more I respected him. He had integrity and was kind—he was also a girl magnet. In my opinion this was a guy who would go far in life and although I held him in high regard—I never spoke to him.
As I became more immersed in College life, I began to question the validity of my relationship with my guy from back home. No one knew this—I didn’t even want to admit it. I thought I loved this guy but with distance between us, I began to see some weaknesses that I hadn’t seen before.
One Sunday night at Church I found that, because of an event being held on campus, there were no other College students there. I took a seat, by myself, and waited for the service to begin. A young man came up from behind me and asked if he could sit by me. It was Gary—I was so nervous I didn’t know what to say. I managed to utter a little o.k. When he sat down I didn’t think to move over. Then because I was so nervous—I couldn’t think what to do. I thought— ‘if I move over he’ll think I don’t want him to sit here” but if I don’t move over he’ll think I’m too close.’ As I was frantically trying to decide which course to take, Gary is thinking, ‘what is wrong with this girl? Why doesn’t she move over?’ Just then he looked at my face, which was glowing red, and got the picture. He realized I was in a predicament and didn’t know what to do. To my great pleasure a couple of students rescued me by coming up behind us to talk. I casually ‘moved’ and turned to talk to them.
As we were sitting there Gary pointed to my ring and boldly asked “what does that ring mean?” I had to honestly tell him, “I don’t know right now.” Much later he told me that, weeks before during prayer time, while I was praying, he felt like he was listening to a personal conversation between a girl and her God. He was struck by my honesty and love for God, and so he peeked! After that experience, he decided that he was going to get to know me.
That night, after walking me back to the dorm, Gary sought out his Resident Advisor (RA). He said, Terry I have to talk to you right now. Terry listened as Gary told him that he had met the girl he was going to marry. He told Terry that there was only one problem; I was pre-engaged. He continued, “we need to pray that she will break up with this guy!” It is hard for me to believe that he convinced Terry, but the two of them did pray that night that I would break up with my high school sweetheart. After praying Gary continued to tell Terry that he would give me a pre-engagement ring in 2 years, a diamond in 2 1/2 years and that he would marry me after 3 years.
Amazingly, it happened just as he said. I got the man of my dreams and although life has not been easy, we have had the security of knowing that we have each other, for better or for worse. He is my Valentine and I thank God for his unconditional love for me!
I wish you all a very Happy Valentines Day! My wish for you all is that you know God as the supreme example of the Best Valentine Ever—He layed down His life for YOU—He is the lover and the pursuer of your soul.
For those of you who read this—thanks for indulging me!
Susie
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Game of Life - Part 1
Laws of Baseball
Presented by Kelly Davis
To be truly blessed with God’s favor – There is a pattern that needs to take place. There is a Pattern of this world and there is a Godly pattern (God’s Standard -where favor falls). This presentation is based on two illustrations. The first is BASEBALL. There is a Pattern to the game and the order of the bases matter. The way we run the bases reflects our spiritual league of play.
Laws of Baseball
The bases stay the same – league of play changes
You must cover all bases in order to score
If you miss a base – you are out!
The game is full of outs/at bats – full of 2nd chances
The pattern or order in which the game is played is applicable for baseball and for your spiritual life. Our maturity is based on how we run the bases. Kelly had us draw a field - I tried to copy it, but the site does not allow, so you'll have to visualize this.
Running to 1st Base
TRUTH - Winning Within
Authenticity
Character
Honest with yourself
Running to 2nd Base
TRUST - Winning with Others
People Skills
Trustworthy
Person of your word
Running to 3rd Base
TRAIN - Winning with Community
Training
Competence
On your way HOME
TARGET - Winning with Results
Target
On Purpose
A Plan
HOME BASE DEPENDANCE (WHERE IT ALL STARTS AND ENDS)
Physical Life: In the beginning of our physical lives, as babies, we are completely dependant and it takes a whole life of growing to mature. Spiritual life: maturity occurs with Dependance on God
In the analogy of baseball imagine what it takes, in your journey through life, to get to 1st base? TRUTH You will find truth is Gods word. Character comes from learning the truth about what God has to say and applying it to your life. You will also need to be truthful with yourself. You need to learn authenticity which comes from character. Are you willing to be accountable and have someone speak into your life – do you have people who can tell you NO and you would listen to their counsel? Find 4 people who are in your life, (people with expertise or experience in the areas where you are weak) to make you accountable in those areas.
Now we are heading toward 2nd base. Once you have built that character – what is it that gets you to good relationships? TRUST – if there is any problem in a relationship there is a breakdown in trust. Do you do what you say you are going to do? If you tell someone you are going to do something and you don’t do it, they learn that they can’t trust you. You develop relationships and community by trust, competence and by being a person of your word.
We’re now running toward 3rd base. It’s time to TRAIN. To get to the results you need to train which develops competence. You don’t get competence by praying – it’s by training. Don’t try it – train to it – gaining confidence is not an overnight process.
From 3rd to home. You can have all the competence, activity and character in the world but you have to cover all bases and in order to score you have to get home. Home is your TARGET. To get to home plate you must get there ‘on purpose.’ Following the pattern – there is a plan for all you are doing.
You can diagnose any problem you are having by going around the bases and seeing what you are missing.
Ask these Questions:
1. What’s your purpose (this is what I want to do)
2. Are you competent to perform this?
3. What do you need (skills necessary to perform that task).
4. How are you going to train for this?
5. Where are your people skills? How much trust do people have in you? If you are trying to lead and no one is following, you are just on a walk!
6. Where is your Character?
When you run according to God’s pattern He will grant favor once you have passed those three bases. In the game of baseball, if you miss a base you are OUT! As in baseball, is you miss a base in life - you need to go back and make sure you don’t miss it next time.
The World’s Pattern goes for results, skipping 1st and 2nd base and going from 3rd to home and back and forth. You cannot skip a base without cheating. The world thinks, “I’m measured by my results.” Sometimes this worldly approach will include 2nd base, but totally skip 1st. To run every base is not only designed to make you successful; but godly.
Example: Politicians often go from 2nd base to home and back and forth they go. Churches often run from 1st to 2nd and back again never gaining competence or results. Then they try to run home. In order to score you need to run all of the bases.
You may begin your business totally focused on what God wants with a clear purpose in mind, willing to run the bases in the right order. Then when God pours out his blessings by giving you trips, cars, public recognition, etc., there may be a pull, a shifting toward results, it is so subtle!
When that occurs your work will become a burden and you’ll say, “all this effort and nothing seems to be happening.” Suddenly this freedom of working from home feels like a regular job with all the pressure. We must keep our Focus on God and living out our lives according to His pattern.
Ask, “God what do you want me to do, to be and to have? When your focus is back on God, you will be doing the same activities; from the outside it looks exactly the same but inside you are totally focused on God working with excellence because you want to please Him.
When we focus on the results – we cheat ourselves. We are not as good at keeping our word, we excuse ourselves, judging others by their actions and myself by intentions.
When you focus on God it totally changes everything. Are you down and discouraged? God may be breaking you down. He may be putting you in a place where you are doing a lot of bowing. In the story of Joseph, even when he was second in line, even though he was leading the country and was over all of his family, he was still bowing to Pharaoh every day. It is an ongoing process. God will strip you of everything that you think is good about you. You may feel like you want to give up. It’s ok, give it up and learn to depend on God. Complete dependence is where He wants you. John 15:5 “Without me you can do nothing.” Most of us don’t believe that – come on, you mean nothing? Our conscious minds need to get in line with that so we will be willing to run the bases according to his pattern.
Here is another layer on this same diamond. There are 3 speeds in Life and you need to be good at all 3 speeds in order to realize your dream. Most people are really good at one or two of these. One is usually more difficult. You have to get good at all three speeds to accomplish your purpose. It takes effort and discipline to do the area that’s not easy for you. Here are the 3 speeds:
SIT - Read, learn and soak it in. You must sit first; it gives you what you need to walk and run. Do God’s purposes for your life. You can’t do God’s purposes with your power. Sitting will build your character. First thing in the morning is best. When you do this first, He gives you the desire to do it His way – everything goes a whole lot better.
WALK - Learning through Community. You need to be great at getting in somebody else’s shoes. RUN - Getting results. Learn to do activities you are uncomfortable with. When you skip the first 2 steps your work is an effort; like a rat on treadmill.
Presented by Kelly Davis
To be truly blessed with God’s favor – There is a pattern that needs to take place. There is a Pattern of this world and there is a Godly pattern (God’s Standard -where favor falls). This presentation is based on two illustrations. The first is BASEBALL. There is a Pattern to the game and the order of the bases matter. The way we run the bases reflects our spiritual league of play.
Laws of Baseball
The bases stay the same – league of play changes
You must cover all bases in order to score
If you miss a base – you are out!
The game is full of outs/at bats – full of 2nd chances
The pattern or order in which the game is played is applicable for baseball and for your spiritual life. Our maturity is based on how we run the bases. Kelly had us draw a field - I tried to copy it, but the site does not allow, so you'll have to visualize this.
Running to 1st Base
TRUTH - Winning Within
Authenticity
Character
Honest with yourself
Running to 2nd Base
TRUST - Winning with Others
People Skills
Trustworthy
Person of your word
Running to 3rd Base
TRAIN - Winning with Community
Training
Competence
On your way HOME
TARGET - Winning with Results
Target
On Purpose
A Plan
HOME BASE DEPENDANCE (WHERE IT ALL STARTS AND ENDS)
Physical Life: In the beginning of our physical lives, as babies, we are completely dependant and it takes a whole life of growing to mature. Spiritual life: maturity occurs with Dependance on God
In the analogy of baseball imagine what it takes, in your journey through life, to get to 1st base? TRUTH You will find truth is Gods word. Character comes from learning the truth about what God has to say and applying it to your life. You will also need to be truthful with yourself. You need to learn authenticity which comes from character. Are you willing to be accountable and have someone speak into your life – do you have people who can tell you NO and you would listen to their counsel? Find 4 people who are in your life, (people with expertise or experience in the areas where you are weak) to make you accountable in those areas.
Now we are heading toward 2nd base. Once you have built that character – what is it that gets you to good relationships? TRUST – if there is any problem in a relationship there is a breakdown in trust. Do you do what you say you are going to do? If you tell someone you are going to do something and you don’t do it, they learn that they can’t trust you. You develop relationships and community by trust, competence and by being a person of your word.
We’re now running toward 3rd base. It’s time to TRAIN. To get to the results you need to train which develops competence. You don’t get competence by praying – it’s by training. Don’t try it – train to it – gaining confidence is not an overnight process.
From 3rd to home. You can have all the competence, activity and character in the world but you have to cover all bases and in order to score you have to get home. Home is your TARGET. To get to home plate you must get there ‘on purpose.’ Following the pattern – there is a plan for all you are doing.
You can diagnose any problem you are having by going around the bases and seeing what you are missing.
Ask these Questions:
1. What’s your purpose (this is what I want to do)
2. Are you competent to perform this?
3. What do you need (skills necessary to perform that task).
4. How are you going to train for this?
5. Where are your people skills? How much trust do people have in you? If you are trying to lead and no one is following, you are just on a walk!
6. Where is your Character?
When you run according to God’s pattern He will grant favor once you have passed those three bases. In the game of baseball, if you miss a base you are OUT! As in baseball, is you miss a base in life - you need to go back and make sure you don’t miss it next time.
The World’s Pattern goes for results, skipping 1st and 2nd base and going from 3rd to home and back and forth. You cannot skip a base without cheating. The world thinks, “I’m measured by my results.” Sometimes this worldly approach will include 2nd base, but totally skip 1st. To run every base is not only designed to make you successful; but godly.
Example: Politicians often go from 2nd base to home and back and forth they go. Churches often run from 1st to 2nd and back again never gaining competence or results. Then they try to run home. In order to score you need to run all of the bases.
You may begin your business totally focused on what God wants with a clear purpose in mind, willing to run the bases in the right order. Then when God pours out his blessings by giving you trips, cars, public recognition, etc., there may be a pull, a shifting toward results, it is so subtle!
When that occurs your work will become a burden and you’ll say, “all this effort and nothing seems to be happening.” Suddenly this freedom of working from home feels like a regular job with all the pressure. We must keep our Focus on God and living out our lives according to His pattern.
Ask, “God what do you want me to do, to be and to have? When your focus is back on God, you will be doing the same activities; from the outside it looks exactly the same but inside you are totally focused on God working with excellence because you want to please Him.
When we focus on the results – we cheat ourselves. We are not as good at keeping our word, we excuse ourselves, judging others by their actions and myself by intentions.
When you focus on God it totally changes everything. Are you down and discouraged? God may be breaking you down. He may be putting you in a place where you are doing a lot of bowing. In the story of Joseph, even when he was second in line, even though he was leading the country and was over all of his family, he was still bowing to Pharaoh every day. It is an ongoing process. God will strip you of everything that you think is good about you. You may feel like you want to give up. It’s ok, give it up and learn to depend on God. Complete dependence is where He wants you. John 15:5 “Without me you can do nothing.” Most of us don’t believe that – come on, you mean nothing? Our conscious minds need to get in line with that so we will be willing to run the bases according to his pattern.
Here is another layer on this same diamond. There are 3 speeds in Life and you need to be good at all 3 speeds in order to realize your dream. Most people are really good at one or two of these. One is usually more difficult. You have to get good at all three speeds to accomplish your purpose. It takes effort and discipline to do the area that’s not easy for you. Here are the 3 speeds:
SIT - Read, learn and soak it in. You must sit first; it gives you what you need to walk and run. Do God’s purposes for your life. You can’t do God’s purposes with your power. Sitting will build your character. First thing in the morning is best. When you do this first, He gives you the desire to do it His way – everything goes a whole lot better.
WALK - Learning through Community. You need to be great at getting in somebody else’s shoes. RUN - Getting results. Learn to do activities you are uncomfortable with. When you skip the first 2 steps your work is an effort; like a rat on treadmill.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES
ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES
We are pressed on every hand with too much to do and far too little time to do it. We all feel overwhelmed. Today’s topic is designed to bring order and purpose to your business and to your life.
The Bible tells us that a double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. What does it mean to be double minded? It means to be easily shifted; easily changed. It is the person who has a difficult time deciding whether to do this or that. It is the one who starts many things but never finishes.
The opposite of the double minded man is the one who is committed to the process and following it to completion. To begin the process, you must first determine your highest priorities and concentrate on them single-mindedly. You must also identify those things you must do first, last and not do at all. Our ability to say “no” is just as important as our ability to say “yes”.
Develop the habit of setting priorities; if you do, you can accomplish anything you want. How do I begin? Make a short list of the things that matter most. No one else can do this for you. This requires that you get alone with your brain; something that most are unwilling to do. Once you have identified your priorities, ask yourself, “How do I go about that?” If the number one priority of your life is God, how do you bring value to that relationship? How do you make sure that this relationship remains preeminent? What activities do I need to incorporate into my life to insure He remains number one? Ask these questions in relationship to your spouse and to your business…
Consider this question; what exactly are you paid to do? Why does your employer give you a check? Is it because you are lucky or because you know someone important in the organization? Is it because you have so much knowledge? No! You do not get rewarded for any of those things. Your reward is not based on what you know; rather, what you DO with what you know. It is based on the activities you do that add value to the company. In our business, there are two things that will get you that reward.
Spreading the word to new prospects and recruits.
Selling product.
Activities alone are not profitable. You can keep yourself busy by alphabetizing your address book, organizing your office, getting the best equipment or dreaming about how to spend the money, but these activities will not bring you success. Jim Rowan has said that every activity should be quantifiable. Chart your progress by creating a small box in your daily calendar with your measurable goals. For instance, “I will tell 10 people about my business opportunity.” At the end of the day - mark your results in the box. The law of the harvest tells us that we must sew in order to reap. By marking your goal and recording the results, you will have a measurable, visual picture of how this comes to pass. You will see that your success is based on your sowing. If there is no seed - there can be no harvest.
Most people are trapped into letting someone else set their priorities. Do you want to be independently wealthy; successful? You must take responsibility for setting the priorities that will lead you to success and wealth.
Once you have identified and are concentrating, single mindedly, on your priorities, ask yourself, “What can I alone do, if done well, that will make a real difference and get me the results that I desire. There are many tasks in life that you might enjoy doing but that could keep you from reaching your goals. You may like to work in the garden or manicure your lawn, but the time that you take to do those things could be used to reach more important priorities in life. If someone else can do it, as good or nearly as good as you can, let them do it.
How do you want to be remembered? Do you want to be remembered as the man with the nicest yard or as the man who loved his wife and was the best dad and grandpa in town? Determine your priorities then you will be able to make deliberate, calculated choices & plans that will take you to your goal.
What can I do to add value to my priorities? Could I read; study; learn something new; follow-up on leads? Ask yourself, “Is this the most valuable use of my time right now?” if not, stop! Go back to those activities based on your priorities for yourself and your family.
Choose one task at a time. Discipline yourself to do that, and do that alone, until it is 100 percent complete. Your ability to stick to a job until it is complete can change your whole life. Great success is not easy but it’s not complicated.
The information Mitchell shared today was inspired by a chapter in a book that he encouraged us to read. He said this book is full of powerful principles and can be used as a reference guide. That book: 21 Secrets of Self Made Millionaires By Brian Tracey
We are pressed on every hand with too much to do and far too little time to do it. We all feel overwhelmed. Today’s topic is designed to bring order and purpose to your business and to your life.
The Bible tells us that a double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. What does it mean to be double minded? It means to be easily shifted; easily changed. It is the person who has a difficult time deciding whether to do this or that. It is the one who starts many things but never finishes.
The opposite of the double minded man is the one who is committed to the process and following it to completion. To begin the process, you must first determine your highest priorities and concentrate on them single-mindedly. You must also identify those things you must do first, last and not do at all. Our ability to say “no” is just as important as our ability to say “yes”.
Develop the habit of setting priorities; if you do, you can accomplish anything you want. How do I begin? Make a short list of the things that matter most. No one else can do this for you. This requires that you get alone with your brain; something that most are unwilling to do. Once you have identified your priorities, ask yourself, “How do I go about that?” If the number one priority of your life is God, how do you bring value to that relationship? How do you make sure that this relationship remains preeminent? What activities do I need to incorporate into my life to insure He remains number one? Ask these questions in relationship to your spouse and to your business…
Consider this question; what exactly are you paid to do? Why does your employer give you a check? Is it because you are lucky or because you know someone important in the organization? Is it because you have so much knowledge? No! You do not get rewarded for any of those things. Your reward is not based on what you know; rather, what you DO with what you know. It is based on the activities you do that add value to the company. In our business, there are two things that will get you that reward.
Spreading the word to new prospects and recruits.
Selling product.
Activities alone are not profitable. You can keep yourself busy by alphabetizing your address book, organizing your office, getting the best equipment or dreaming about how to spend the money, but these activities will not bring you success. Jim Rowan has said that every activity should be quantifiable. Chart your progress by creating a small box in your daily calendar with your measurable goals. For instance, “I will tell 10 people about my business opportunity.” At the end of the day - mark your results in the box. The law of the harvest tells us that we must sew in order to reap. By marking your goal and recording the results, you will have a measurable, visual picture of how this comes to pass. You will see that your success is based on your sowing. If there is no seed - there can be no harvest.
Most people are trapped into letting someone else set their priorities. Do you want to be independently wealthy; successful? You must take responsibility for setting the priorities that will lead you to success and wealth.
Once you have identified and are concentrating, single mindedly, on your priorities, ask yourself, “What can I alone do, if done well, that will make a real difference and get me the results that I desire. There are many tasks in life that you might enjoy doing but that could keep you from reaching your goals. You may like to work in the garden or manicure your lawn, but the time that you take to do those things could be used to reach more important priorities in life. If someone else can do it, as good or nearly as good as you can, let them do it.
How do you want to be remembered? Do you want to be remembered as the man with the nicest yard or as the man who loved his wife and was the best dad and grandpa in town? Determine your priorities then you will be able to make deliberate, calculated choices & plans that will take you to your goal.
What can I do to add value to my priorities? Could I read; study; learn something new; follow-up on leads? Ask yourself, “Is this the most valuable use of my time right now?” if not, stop! Go back to those activities based on your priorities for yourself and your family.
Choose one task at a time. Discipline yourself to do that, and do that alone, until it is 100 percent complete. Your ability to stick to a job until it is complete can change your whole life. Great success is not easy but it’s not complicated.
The information Mitchell shared today was inspired by a chapter in a book that he encouraged us to read. He said this book is full of powerful principles and can be used as a reference guide. That book: 21 Secrets of Self Made Millionaires By Brian Tracey
Monday, January 21, 2008
Permission to Persist
It's been a week since I posted. I had another opportunity to listen in to a presentation by Mitchelle Tolle. I was struck, once again, with the simplicity and truth of what he had to say. I hope you too will benefit from his words.
As Mitchell introduced his talk today with the title, Permission to Persist, my first thought was, ‘why would we need permission to persist? Isn’t persistence a virtue, something we should go after, a mark of true character?’ Although it surely is a virtue, everything in our fast paced society goes against it. If option A doesn’t work right away; let’s jump to option B. As a person commits to one endeavor there’s a multitude of other opportunities whizzing past him. It is good to hear – you have permission to commit, to settle in, and then to persist in order to achieve success.
Mitchell explained that persistence is a quality that separates those that succeed from those who do not.
Calvin Coolidge said that nothing can take the place of persistence – not talent, not genius, nor education. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent (not above God but in the things that direct the activities of men.)
The most common barrier to persistence is fear. The single greatest obstacle to success, in the adult life, is the fear of failure. There is a fear that is legitimate. A child is equipped with some legitimate basic fears; the fear of fire and of falling. Most other fears are taught to them by adults. Fear carried to extreme is an incredible obstacle which can paralyze us.
The fear of failure is not unique to you. Everyone fears failure. We all are afraid of setbacks, making mistakes, loosing it all and falling into poverty. Fear can keep us from success, even when it is deserved and within the range of possibility. Failure is NOT the obstacle; it is the ‘fear of failure’ that stops you. If you allow failure to be your teacher it will make you resilient.
It is interesting to note that those that have nothing, those who are most desperate are often those that find success. Why?, because they have nothing to loose. If you have little to loose it is easier to push past fear and go about the process of finding success.
Thomas Watson, founder of IBM said “Double your rate of failure. That’s where you’ll find success.” Success lies just on the other side of failure.
To overcome your fears you need to identify the things that are shaking their fists at your success. Face your fear of failure. Once you’ve identified the fear, attack it head on, walk straight into it absolutely determined not to give up.
Walt Emerson said to make a habit of doing the things you fear most. If you do the things you fear; the death of fear will occur.
Strive to be acknowledged or identified as an individual of persistence. Nothing can take the place of your commitment to keep on keeping on.
Know in advance that you will experience trouble and adversity. Jesus said, in this world you will have trouble. Someone has said “One inevitability in life is reoccurring crisis.” You will have a hard time in this economy. The folks that ultimately become successful are those that know trouble is coming and they bear down and push on through. Persistence is one quality, more than any other thing, that will guarantee your success.
What you need in order to persist and find success is:
An unwavering belief (the evidence that you believe is that you are pesistent)
Desire – desire success more than ease and comfort
Vision – believe it is reality; picture it as though it has already happened.
If you don’t believe in your endeavor you can be sure it is being manifested in your day to day behavior. You cannot hide it. If you feel you are beginning to waver; you need support, put yourself in touch with fellow believers.
Trouble is common. Anyone that is going to succeed has to overcome obstacles. We are responsible for ourselves; failure is not an option. No matter what the world does we must push through fear and persist. God is not surprised when trouble comes. He knows what we are able to handle, he knows we are but dust. Before trouble came knocking at your door, it first crossed the desk of a sovereign God. Now, stay put until the trouble is over and learn what you need to learn; get every lesson this experience affords. Do not run away when things get tough. When the vision is clear and undeniable – you have an opportunity to overcome.
Become known as a person that persists; one who doesn’t give up. Every day is a challenge, look for new exciting ways to persist. Surround yourself with people that believe you will achieve; people who can persist and hang with you. In order to attract people of belief you have to be a person that believes. Like attracts like.
Storms are a part of life
You may be in the midst of your own personal storm - may we find you rowing.
As Mitchell introduced his talk today with the title, Permission to Persist, my first thought was, ‘why would we need permission to persist? Isn’t persistence a virtue, something we should go after, a mark of true character?’ Although it surely is a virtue, everything in our fast paced society goes against it. If option A doesn’t work right away; let’s jump to option B. As a person commits to one endeavor there’s a multitude of other opportunities whizzing past him. It is good to hear – you have permission to commit, to settle in, and then to persist in order to achieve success.
Mitchell explained that persistence is a quality that separates those that succeed from those who do not.
Calvin Coolidge said that nothing can take the place of persistence – not talent, not genius, nor education. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent (not above God but in the things that direct the activities of men.)
The most common barrier to persistence is fear. The single greatest obstacle to success, in the adult life, is the fear of failure. There is a fear that is legitimate. A child is equipped with some legitimate basic fears; the fear of fire and of falling. Most other fears are taught to them by adults. Fear carried to extreme is an incredible obstacle which can paralyze us.
The fear of failure is not unique to you. Everyone fears failure. We all are afraid of setbacks, making mistakes, loosing it all and falling into poverty. Fear can keep us from success, even when it is deserved and within the range of possibility. Failure is NOT the obstacle; it is the ‘fear of failure’ that stops you. If you allow failure to be your teacher it will make you resilient.
It is interesting to note that those that have nothing, those who are most desperate are often those that find success. Why?, because they have nothing to loose. If you have little to loose it is easier to push past fear and go about the process of finding success.
Thomas Watson, founder of IBM said “Double your rate of failure. That’s where you’ll find success.” Success lies just on the other side of failure.
To overcome your fears you need to identify the things that are shaking their fists at your success. Face your fear of failure. Once you’ve identified the fear, attack it head on, walk straight into it absolutely determined not to give up.
Walt Emerson said to make a habit of doing the things you fear most. If you do the things you fear; the death of fear will occur.
Strive to be acknowledged or identified as an individual of persistence. Nothing can take the place of your commitment to keep on keeping on.
Know in advance that you will experience trouble and adversity. Jesus said, in this world you will have trouble. Someone has said “One inevitability in life is reoccurring crisis.” You will have a hard time in this economy. The folks that ultimately become successful are those that know trouble is coming and they bear down and push on through. Persistence is one quality, more than any other thing, that will guarantee your success.
What you need in order to persist and find success is:
An unwavering belief (the evidence that you believe is that you are pesistent)
Desire – desire success more than ease and comfort
Vision – believe it is reality; picture it as though it has already happened.
If you don’t believe in your endeavor you can be sure it is being manifested in your day to day behavior. You cannot hide it. If you feel you are beginning to waver; you need support, put yourself in touch with fellow believers.
Trouble is common. Anyone that is going to succeed has to overcome obstacles. We are responsible for ourselves; failure is not an option. No matter what the world does we must push through fear and persist. God is not surprised when trouble comes. He knows what we are able to handle, he knows we are but dust. Before trouble came knocking at your door, it first crossed the desk of a sovereign God. Now, stay put until the trouble is over and learn what you need to learn; get every lesson this experience affords. Do not run away when things get tough. When the vision is clear and undeniable – you have an opportunity to overcome.
Become known as a person that persists; one who doesn’t give up. Every day is a challenge, look for new exciting ways to persist. Surround yourself with people that believe you will achieve; people who can persist and hang with you. In order to attract people of belief you have to be a person that believes. Like attracts like.
Storms are a part of life
You may be in the midst of your own personal storm - may we find you rowing.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Fasting
Gary and I have experienced an awakening in our spirits as a result of a sermon by Pastor Duane last Sunday morning. Pastor Duane presented a new term (to us) at Church on Sunday morning (orthopractix - spelling?) meaning that it is not enough to believe - your belief must lead you to do the right thing. Christianity is a kingdom being lived out through your life.
He used orthopractice to lead us to consider the practice of fasting in the scripture pointing out that it is a practice in the Old and New Testaments.
Gary and I had to admit that fasting was a practice we read about and knew about; but had never made a regular practice in our lives.
As you study the scriptures you will see that fasting is usually connected to and preceeding some type of break through. Pastor Duane used Mark 9 and the story of the demoniac that came to be healed. The disciples asked why they couldn't heal him - Jesus answered 'this type can only come out by prayer and fasting.'
Fasting is a discipline - a denying of the flesh to connect with your creator. In I Cor. 9:27a Paul explains it this way, 'I (the real you that lives inside the body) discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. ' NLT Your body will try to dominate your life and when you give in you are living by the flesh not the spirit. Duane explained that the body wants to be satisfied and pampered and that the soul wants to be entertained and amused. When you fast you must bring your body and your soul into subjection. They must not have control. The real you chooses to discipline itself. Fasting allows your spirit to become strong. Duane stated that the only way strong addictions or perversions can be overcome is by fasting. As you say NO to your body - the body with SCREAM - 'I'm gonna die - feed me,' as you say NO the spirit rises up.
Isa. 58:7 states that when you fast you are to take pity on the poor. We are not to hide ourselves from anyone or announce that we are on a fast - it is between God and you. It is a time to search your soul and get rid of bitterness and to forgive.
4 reasons for fasting:
1) God puts it on your heart
2) You want to draw near to God and see breakthroughs in your life
3) When it is called for by political leaders
4) When it is called for by spiritual leaders
Seed for thought - words for discussion - feel free to chime in.
He used orthopractice to lead us to consider the practice of fasting in the scripture pointing out that it is a practice in the Old and New Testaments.
Gary and I had to admit that fasting was a practice we read about and knew about; but had never made a regular practice in our lives.
As you study the scriptures you will see that fasting is usually connected to and preceeding some type of break through. Pastor Duane used Mark 9 and the story of the demoniac that came to be healed. The disciples asked why they couldn't heal him - Jesus answered 'this type can only come out by prayer and fasting.'
Fasting is a discipline - a denying of the flesh to connect with your creator. In I Cor. 9:27a Paul explains it this way, 'I (the real you that lives inside the body) discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. ' NLT Your body will try to dominate your life and when you give in you are living by the flesh not the spirit. Duane explained that the body wants to be satisfied and pampered and that the soul wants to be entertained and amused. When you fast you must bring your body and your soul into subjection. They must not have control. The real you chooses to discipline itself. Fasting allows your spirit to become strong. Duane stated that the only way strong addictions or perversions can be overcome is by fasting. As you say NO to your body - the body with SCREAM - 'I'm gonna die - feed me,' as you say NO the spirit rises up.
Isa. 58:7 states that when you fast you are to take pity on the poor. We are not to hide ourselves from anyone or announce that we are on a fast - it is between God and you. It is a time to search your soul and get rid of bitterness and to forgive.
4 reasons for fasting:
1) God puts it on your heart
2) You want to draw near to God and see breakthroughs in your life
3) When it is called for by political leaders
4) When it is called for by spiritual leaders
Seed for thought - words for discussion - feel free to chime in.
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