Nobody. Except God. But why? Why can’t I live my life my way? Why does there have to be some kind of “Law” book to guide my actions?
You see, this problem started in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve bit into that fruit, they bit into something more than the fruit. They “bit” into Satan’s deception. His deception was that we could somehow attain independence from our creator.
The flaw in this logic is clear when we understand that life cannot be lived apart from our creator. Here are just a few examples from Scripture:
“I am the vine you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5)
“…nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:25)
“For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God… (Lev 11:45).
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I’ve spent countless hours speaking to people who really weren’t interested in listening to the Good News I was sharing with them. Since I am convinced that this will bless them and impact their lives, I kept on trying to get through. But they were not ready to receive my message.
Jesus instructed the seventy two to find the “person of peace” who would be open to their message.
“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘peace be to this house’ and if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you” (Luke 10:5-7).
“Heal the sick in it and say to the, the kingdom of God has come near to you. But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you,l go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near” (Luke 10:9-11).
Find the persons of peace, and let the kingdom come into their hearts and homes.
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Although I’ve been writing for years, I’ve only been blogging since 2012. Here are some of the reasons I write this blog several times per week.
- To process my thoughts
These are the things I deal with as I lead and teach. As I continue reading and learning from others, I need to process all of that. What I write is what I’ve been doing. Sometimes I write my thoughts, then put them into practice.
- To hear from God
I believe I hear from the Lord as I process my thoughts through writing. Words and concepts develop in my mind and blend with what I’ve been reading and experiencing.
- To help others
This is a way for me to extend my hand to others. I’m certainly not an expert but a learner and observer. As I observe, I learn and pass on what I learn to help others. As I strive to lead and make an impact, I’d like to reach out and help others.
Thanks for reading.
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Get many people to share your vision along with you. Write out your vision and make it clear, brief, and attainable. Then share it with everyone. Not just people on your leadership team but every single person in your organization.
As you continue to share your vision with more people, it will spark interest and buy-in. This will result in increased productivity and reduced deviations and grumblings.
Allow your vision to spark within every single individual
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No, God doesn’t need any help. He has his own plans and his own ways of doing things. And they’re usually not according to our expectations.
But if people are watching and things don’t move according to popular expectations, then we’re in trouble. Or we think that God’s reputation will be on the line. God is not worried about his reputation – why are we?
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu wanted to make sure they looked authentic before the people. Instead of waiting for fire from heaven to come down and burn up the sacrifice, they offered their own solution. They decided to add their own fire to the sacrifice. They got the desired effect. But God was not pleased (Lev 10:1-3).
Allow God to work at his own pace. He doesn’t need us to help him out. When we allow God to move as he pleases, He will be glorified and pleased.
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Really?
Whenever you think that you’re beyond sin, you’re on dangerous ground. At that point, you step into the realm of deception where Satan distorts your thinking. Then you fall into sin and conceal it to present such a public image of yourself that you have falsely created.
For Israel, God was adamant that they regularly offer sacrifices for their sins. Beginning with the leaders and all the people, everyone had to offer Sin Offerings. This constantly reminded them of their sinful condition and continual need for God (Lev 9).
But we have forgiveness through the one-time sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This is why we no longer do animal sacrifices. But like Paul, we must remind ourselves: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Tim 1:15).
We are now free from the control of sin. And yes, sin is no longer an issue for us. But watch it. Don’t be deceived.– – –
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What is it that moves people from just being a participant to being a leader? As a participant, they enjoy all the benefits of the gathering. They identify with the organization in every way. But to move them from there to leadership requires a nudge. Sometimes life situations may nudge them, Otherwise, one of the existing leaders may need to do that.
For some, they seamlessly move into leadership if the environment is conducive. But for others, they require a gentle nudge. Once the nudge is administered, the person feels comfortable to step up and get involved.
Do you have any ideas to “nudge” someone into leadership? Share in the comments below.
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Yes…and to God. More than a profession, leadership is a calling and commitment to God and to people. When Aaron and his sons were ordained and consecrated as priests, it was before the Lord and his people.
When the task of leadership becomes difficult and you get weary, you don’t have the option to quit. You’re answerable to God. Better options may be presented to you by well meaning people in your life, but you’ve got to listen to God.
Ultimately leadership is a commitment to God – for life.
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Many people I know who have been called by God for ministry has experienced severe trials in various ways. It seems that God’s call implies a call to suffering in various ways.
Jesus called Peter to join him as he walked on water in the midst of a severe storm. Although he was able to walk just like Jesus did, he began to sink as a result of fear and doubt. Then Jesus took him by the hand and they both walked to the boat on the water. What a lesson for Peter about faith.
Jesus could have first calmed the storm before calling Peter on to the water. But no. Peter could only learn to trust Jesus in the midst of the raging storm.Do you feel called by God? Watch out!
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It’s not that God is in need of anything. But giving is an expression of our trust, love, dependence on God, and many other things. Giving has always been an integral part of worship.
But giving while you’re in need is quite a different story all together. Giving when you have a limited supply represents the condition of one’s heart.
The worship practices of the Israelites were established during their wilderness travels. All that they had were in limited supply. Yet their hearts had to be open to God to give out of their need (Lev 7:38).
Of course God doesn’t need it. We are in need of giving it even out of our need.
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