I feel somewhat overwhelmed as of late...the summer has a way of doing that to you.
The kids (all 4) are headed off to camp next week, which means the house will be quiet...well kind of. My sister-in-law comes in next TUE with her husband and 3 kids. They will be staying with us until August 4th, when we leave for the National Fine Arts Festival. Yes, that really is 35 days! They live in Canada (Calgary), so they make it a long trip whenever they get to come! It's not so bad, though, since I'm her favorite and all...
The message on WED went great...response was good. I love preaching and teaching...
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Part 2 is on for tomorrow...
I get to finish my message from last week, this week. I wasn't sure if I'd get the opportunity to finish right away or have to wait for awhile. Turns out, Pastor got back from vacation MON morning after driving through the night on SUN, then had presbyter meetings all day on TUE. I feel for the guy and am really excited about speaking again...
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sorry it's been a while...
I spoke on being an influence on WED. Here are some of the highlights:
All of you have a measure of influence, no matter where you work, where you live. You have influence on the lives of others. If you are married, you are an influence...If you have children, you are an influence...If you have a job, you are an influence...If you have a friend, you are an influence...You get the idea.
If you think about it…the entire New Testament models this concept. The process of relaying/advancing the gospel all lies in your ability to influences others.
Here's a diagram of what I call your “Sphere of influence”:
Here's a diagram of what I call your “Sphere of influence”:
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tonights service...
I get to preach tonight...YEAH! I've been working on my message and it's just pouring out of me. My message is titled - "Living a life of influence - allowing your life to make a difference". It's been amazing, with all the research and study, how God has just put it all together. I've already warned pastor that it's going to take at least 2 weeks to get through all the material. If you get to read this before 7:30pm or so this evening - remember to pray for me!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Where has it gone?
2008 is nearly half way over...where has it all gone? It seems like the year just started and already we've started summer (well, officially in a few days, but you know what I mean).
My oldest turns 17 this coming weekend...hard to believe! She's so grown up and that makes me feel pretty old. She'll be a senior this year and then we have to do the whole college thing. I thought Jesus and I had a deal ... he was supposed to come back before any of my kids got this old. It's kind of hard to deal with - but it is exciting to see them take some steps of independence. Letting go isn't really the hard part - it's the internal debating as to whether or not I did a good enough job raising her so that she can survive in this world - and thrive in her relationship with God. That's the weight I feel now...
My oldest turns 17 this coming weekend...hard to believe! She's so grown up and that makes me feel pretty old. She'll be a senior this year and then we have to do the whole college thing. I thought Jesus and I had a deal ... he was supposed to come back before any of my kids got this old. It's kind of hard to deal with - but it is exciting to see them take some steps of independence. Letting go isn't really the hard part - it's the internal debating as to whether or not I did a good enough job raising her so that she can survive in this world - and thrive in her relationship with God. That's the weight I feel now...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
It's way too early
Love will make you do crazy things. Yes, it is just after 4am...and my wife is headed out of town. Her nephew graduates from high school in Virginia this weekend and she's headed there to celebrate. Of course, she had a 6am flight, so that means leaving the house at 4 to get there. Now that she's gone, I can't sleep. I started doing some work, but of course no one else is up working and I can't get any work done either.
I get to preach next WED at church. So maybe I will work on my sermon. Keep me in prayer the rest of this week with my wife out of town...things could get interesting.
I get to preach next WED at church. So maybe I will work on my sermon. Keep me in prayer the rest of this week with my wife out of town...things could get interesting.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Father's Day
We’re doing a special Father’s day service this year titled "Who's your daddy?". We've combined forces with an energy drink manufacture to provide thousands of free energy drinks as a promotional blitz of the area. One of their products is actually called "Who's your daddy?". [http://www.empirebeverage.com/]
Their legal department has even worked with us to provide free marketing materials that merge their logo and ours, as well as provide us their products at cost! It should be an interesting service…the pineapple cranberry flavored drinks we are passing out are really good.
Their legal department has even worked with us to provide free marketing materials that merge their logo and ours, as well as provide us their products at cost! It should be an interesting service…the pineapple cranberry flavored drinks we are passing out are really good.
Monday, June 9, 2008
From bad to worse...
Here I go with another rant.
I’m so sick of people that blame God for the position we are in here in America. It’s as though they forget that we (yes, Christian’s too) have played a big part in where we find ourselves. Our pastor is doing a series on Sunday nights called “Awakening”. He has even suggested that people get a copy of my book – “Wake Up, America!”, [http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60247-809-1] because he and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to the state of the church in America.
The church is in worse condition than it was 100 years ago…that in spite of “revivals” that have been ongoing during that time. The point of this series is that it’s too late for revival in America…we need an awakening! We need the spirit of God to change our entire cities…not just recycle a few Christians.
You’d do yourself good to order these services on DVD or CD, they have been awesome. [http://www.victoriouslifechurch.com/]
I’m so sick of people that blame God for the position we are in here in America. It’s as though they forget that we (yes, Christian’s too) have played a big part in where we find ourselves. Our pastor is doing a series on Sunday nights called “Awakening”. He has even suggested that people get a copy of my book – “Wake Up, America!”, [http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60247-809-1] because he and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to the state of the church in America.
The church is in worse condition than it was 100 years ago…that in spite of “revivals” that have been ongoing during that time. The point of this series is that it’s too late for revival in America…we need an awakening! We need the spirit of God to change our entire cities…not just recycle a few Christians.
You’d do yourself good to order these services on DVD or CD, they have been awesome. [http://www.victoriouslifechurch.com/]
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Influence versus Dominance
I came across an interesting quote recently...
There is real difference between influencing and dominating. As a leader, you need to be careful to influence, but never dominate. Dominance creates a huge lack of respect on both ends (the dominator and the dominatee). A relationship governed by influence creates a sense of shared control and at least some level of satisfaction. Dominance destroys all of that!
You have to be able to give and receive influence. Refusal to receive influence simply says you are stubborn, must have things your way and that you are better and smarter than anyone else.
The only good ideas a dominator recognizes are the ones they come up with. If anyone else has an idea or is going to receive credit...then you can forget it. Just this year at work I had an idea to fix a problem we discovered during the end of year processing. It was shot down by a very dominating person, only to resurface as a "miracle" solution (while I was out of the office) that was credited to the very person that originally shot it down.
It's a very frustrating type of relationship to be involved in, so examine your relationships (marriage, friends, business) and make sure you are not dominating others.
Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say. (Marketing Executive from Citrix Corporation)
There is real difference between influencing and dominating. As a leader, you need to be careful to influence, but never dominate. Dominance creates a huge lack of respect on both ends (the dominator and the dominatee). A relationship governed by influence creates a sense of shared control and at least some level of satisfaction. Dominance destroys all of that!
You have to be able to give and receive influence. Refusal to receive influence simply says you are stubborn, must have things your way and that you are better and smarter than anyone else.
The only good ideas a dominator recognizes are the ones they come up with. If anyone else has an idea or is going to receive credit...then you can forget it. Just this year at work I had an idea to fix a problem we discovered during the end of year processing. It was shot down by a very dominating person, only to resurface as a "miracle" solution (while I was out of the office) that was credited to the very person that originally shot it down.
It's a very frustrating type of relationship to be involved in, so examine your relationships (marriage, friends, business) and make sure you are not dominating others.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Relationships
I guess all of you think I watch too much animal planet by now...but actually, I learned most of what I know about animals from reading books and observation. I used to go on nature excursions with my grandmother in the woods, down the beach and many other places. They always had a bird feeder and I just enjoyed watching.
Speaking of grandmothers...I want to just post a word about how important relationships are. Both of my dad's parents have passed and neither of my mom's are doing well. I often feel guilty about not seeing my grandparents more before they passed. With the busy life I lead, I have all the excuses in the world not to see them or even be in touch with them often. After all, there are about 900 miles between us! But, if you have a relationship that just isn't quite right - make it a priority to do what you can to make it right!
Let me give you a few powerful scriptures to ponder...
Speaking of grandmothers...I want to just post a word about how important relationships are. Both of my dad's parents have passed and neither of my mom's are doing well. I often feel guilty about not seeing my grandparents more before they passed. With the busy life I lead, I have all the excuses in the world not to see them or even be in touch with them often. After all, there are about 900 miles between us! But, if you have a relationship that just isn't quite right - make it a priority to do what you can to make it right!
Let me give you a few powerful scriptures to ponder...
- 1 Peter 3:7 - "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers"
- Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift"
- 1 Timothy 5:8 - "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Loyalty (part 5) - Following instructions
Loyalty illustrated through nature:
The grizzly bear has a daunting reputation for a mean streak. While certainly dangerous, the loyalty and care the female exhibits for their young is something to learn from. She provides extensive training for her cubs and expects them to pay attention. Part of the lessons learned include following instructions and understanding them completely. Her loyalty is so noteworthy that even Proverbs takes notice (Proverbs 17:12).
In the scriptures:
Elisha was a man that knew how to follow instructions. You can read some of his story in 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2.
The grizzly bear has a daunting reputation for a mean streak. While certainly dangerous, the loyalty and care the female exhibits for their young is something to learn from. She provides extensive training for her cubs and expects them to pay attention. Part of the lessons learned include following instructions and understanding them completely. Her loyalty is so noteworthy that even Proverbs takes notice (Proverbs 17:12).
In the scriptures:
Elisha was a man that knew how to follow instructions. You can read some of his story in 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Loyalty (part 4) - Communication
Loyalty illustrated through nature:
The honey bee is often thought of as a nuisance. During their lifetime (about 38 day) they exhibit extraordinary communication skills. Within that brief lifespan, they must take on 5 distinct roles each requiring a different form and level of communication, without which the colony would collapse.
In the scriptures:
Read about the Rechabite family's loyalty and ability to give and maintain a reliable message (Jeremiah 35).
The honey bee is often thought of as a nuisance. During their lifetime (about 38 day) they exhibit extraordinary communication skills. Within that brief lifespan, they must take on 5 distinct roles each requiring a different form and level of communication, without which the colony would collapse.
In the scriptures:
Read about the Rechabite family's loyalty and ability to give and maintain a reliable message (Jeremiah 35).
Friday, May 30, 2008
Loyalty (part 3) - Standing with those you serve
Loyalty illustrated through nature:
Canadian geese mate for life. The partnering rituals include interested males squaring off in battle. But, even victory in battle does not guarantee acceptance by the female. She is very careful when choosing whom she will make a lifelong commitment to and brute strength is not the only qualification she is interested in. This couple will fight predators together and willingly give their life, if necessary, to protect each other and their family. It's been noted that a "mother" goose will sit on and care for an infertile egg for up to 5 months beyond the normal incubation period. Talk about loyalty...
In the scriptures:
Read about Mordecai's loyalty and ability to stand by the one he served in his time of need ( Esther 2).
Canadian geese mate for life. The partnering rituals include interested males squaring off in battle. But, even victory in battle does not guarantee acceptance by the female. She is very careful when choosing whom she will make a lifelong commitment to and brute strength is not the only qualification she is interested in. This couple will fight predators together and willingly give their life, if necessary, to protect each other and their family. It's been noted that a "mother" goose will sit on and care for an infertile egg for up to 5 months beyond the normal incubation period. Talk about loyalty...
In the scriptures:
Read about Mordecai's loyalty and ability to stand by the one he served in his time of need ( Esther 2).
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Loyalty (part 2) - Adjusting my schedule to those I am serving
As promised, the first installment of loyalty illustrated through nature:
The great horned owl demonstrated loyalty by building it's schedule around the needs of its young. They choose to nest in the cold, late winter months, rather than spring. They must sacrifice and endure the winter weather for at least 4 weeks without leaving the nest to assure they are properly cared for and kept warm. This early nesting period allows the owls to hunt small pray for their rapidly growing nestlings when there is a lack of foliage and cover. The nestlings grow from 3 inches tall to over 2 feet tall in a few months...so this helps the owls meet the tremendous food requirements of their young.
In the scriptures:
Read about general Amasa's disloyalty and inability to adjust his schedule to meet that of king David (2 Samuel 20:1-13), it cost him his life.
The great horned owl demonstrated loyalty by building it's schedule around the needs of its young. They choose to nest in the cold, late winter months, rather than spring. They must sacrifice and endure the winter weather for at least 4 weeks without leaving the nest to assure they are properly cared for and kept warm. This early nesting period allows the owls to hunt small pray for their rapidly growing nestlings when there is a lack of foliage and cover. The nestlings grow from 3 inches tall to over 2 feet tall in a few months...so this helps the owls meet the tremendous food requirements of their young.
In the scriptures:
Read about general Amasa's disloyalty and inability to adjust his schedule to meet that of king David (2 Samuel 20:1-13), it cost him his life.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Loyalty
Loyalty is a foreign concept these days. I've been in the workplace for over 20 years and in ministry for over 10...and things are no better in ministry. I know a guy who recently signed on at one church and was lured away to his "dream job" within 6 months. That's not the worst of it, he left his dream job, although he had signed a multi-year contract, before the first year was up. I guess God changed his mind about his commitment level or so the excuse goes, I'm sure.
Reality is, most people are living their lives for themselves. Making their desires a priority over those they serve. That doesn't even work in nature...most animals are more loyal than most people. For those of you who don't know already - I'm a huge nature fan. If fact, I've just been inspired to do a multi-entry post on loyalty...all related to nature.
I'll post the next several entries on loyalty specifically as illustrated in the world of nature...and tie it back to scripture...
Reality is, most people are living their lives for themselves. Making their desires a priority over those they serve. That doesn't even work in nature...most animals are more loyal than most people. For those of you who don't know already - I'm a huge nature fan. If fact, I've just been inspired to do a multi-entry post on loyalty...all related to nature.
I'll post the next several entries on loyalty specifically as illustrated in the world of nature...and tie it back to scripture...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
What am I working on...
I've started my next book. I actually started it late last year, just really struggling to find time to put some real effort into it. The research has been on-going since I finished the last book in early 2007, but I haven't been able to organize and put the details into the work that I've done so far. I did have a few sessions of writing time that allowed me to understand this - it's going to be a very important work.
This book will be about the root problem in the world today. Anyone know what it is? The battle between love and selfishness. Jesus gave two commandments that are the foundational principles for every commandment in the Bible: "...love the Lord thy God with all of thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind... love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:7,39). It's no coincidence that both commandments involve love. Love and selfishness are the two greatest forces in life. A person chooses to walk in one or the other every day.
I'll be updating you with progress as things move along...all my fans will be the first to know what is going on!
This book will be about the root problem in the world today. Anyone know what it is? The battle between love and selfishness. Jesus gave two commandments that are the foundational principles for every commandment in the Bible: "...love the Lord thy God with all of thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind... love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:7,39). It's no coincidence that both commandments involve love. Love and selfishness are the two greatest forces in life. A person chooses to walk in one or the other every day.
I'll be updating you with progress as things move along...all my fans will be the first to know what is going on!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Leadership
Leadership is a passion of mine. I've got so many cliche's I could make your head spin. Everything rises and falls on leadership...Leadership is a stewardship, it's temporary, and you are accountable...I could go on forever, but I won't. You do know that there is a difference between leaders and managers...right? Most of us have been "managed" for most of our lives, but few of us have the privilege of being "led"...much less led well. I recently heard some teaching that was called the law of thirds. It had to do with managing, but I think it would apply to leading as well.
Most of those around you fall into 3 categories...Supporters, Undecided, Nay-Sayer's. If you concentrate on your supporters, half the Nay-Sayer's will "disappear" and most of the undecided will shift to being a supporter. Unfortunately, most of us work on converting the Nay-Sayer's, because we naturally want everyone to like us. Nay-Sayer's almost never change, so when we take that approach, half the supporters "disappear" and most of the undecided learn that you get attention by becoming a Nay-Sayer.
Start working more with those around you that are positive and believe in you. I think you will see that others will start to come around and support you as well...
Most of those around you fall into 3 categories...Supporters, Undecided, Nay-Sayer's. If you concentrate on your supporters, half the Nay-Sayer's will "disappear" and most of the undecided will shift to being a supporter. Unfortunately, most of us work on converting the Nay-Sayer's, because we naturally want everyone to like us. Nay-Sayer's almost never change, so when we take that approach, half the supporters "disappear" and most of the undecided learn that you get attention by becoming a Nay-Sayer.
Start working more with those around you that are positive and believe in you. I think you will see that others will start to come around and support you as well...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I've seen it all...
I thought there was nothing more in the world of weddings that could be discovered, but I was wrong. Check out this website: http://www.inflatablechurch.com. Click the enter the site area on the middle of the page and check this out. I'm not real sure what the market demand is for something like this....since no one really values marriage anymore anyway!
Speaking of marriage, by now you have probably heard that the divorce rate "in" the church has surpassed the divorce rate "outside" the church. Sad...but even worse is the reason why! If you think about it - it actually makes sense. The reason the divorce rate "in" the church is higher is because less people "outside" the church are getting married. Instead they are just living together and not going through the "formality" of marriage. They only see a piece of paper as the primary benefit...
Both aspects of this grieve the heart of God...marriage was the first covenant relationship created by God. Before governmental, financial or educational institutions - there was marriage. The "covenant" aspect of a marriage relationship is the foundation for all other "binding" agreements we have today. The fact that people consider it unimportant shows the nonchalant attitude of most toward something as important as marriage.
The fact that Christians are getting divorced at record paces also grieves the heart of God. Marriage is not easy - by any means. But that doesn't mean that when things get tough, you can give-up or cave-in and just move on. Problem is though...just like many Christians give up on their marriage when things get hard, many give up on God in the same way:
"the 'Fair-weather Christian' has no problem serving and living for God when things are going well and the weather is good. As soon as the storm clouds roll in and the clasps of thunder can be heard, they whine, complain and tend to blame God for their circumstances. This person is always in church; in fact they may serve in many capacities at their church. The problem lies in their heart. This type of person is never content and often grumbles or complains when things are not going their way. They see people as a means to get their way. Unfortunately, they see God in pretty much the same light. The danger with this type of person is that they are often convinced their religiosity and superficial duties equate to salvation. This type of person may have often grown up in the church. Their familiarity with church life causes them to live religiously but never really have a life changing encounter with God. Because of the lack of a real relationship with Jesus, they do not live in the power of the Spirit, but on their own power. This causes frustration when things don’t go their way and they can’t fix their own problems, so they blame God. They live in the disappointing and delusional lifestyle of self-fulfillment."
(This excerpt is taken from the book Wake Up America by Steve Strickland, released in January 2008, Tate Publishers)
If you haven't got you copy yet...it's not too late! http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60247-809-1
(available in audio book too on this site)
Speaking of marriage, by now you have probably heard that the divorce rate "in" the church has surpassed the divorce rate "outside" the church. Sad...but even worse is the reason why! If you think about it - it actually makes sense. The reason the divorce rate "in" the church is higher is because less people "outside" the church are getting married. Instead they are just living together and not going through the "formality" of marriage. They only see a piece of paper as the primary benefit...
Both aspects of this grieve the heart of God...marriage was the first covenant relationship created by God. Before governmental, financial or educational institutions - there was marriage. The "covenant" aspect of a marriage relationship is the foundation for all other "binding" agreements we have today. The fact that people consider it unimportant shows the nonchalant attitude of most toward something as important as marriage.
The fact that Christians are getting divorced at record paces also grieves the heart of God. Marriage is not easy - by any means. But that doesn't mean that when things get tough, you can give-up or cave-in and just move on. Problem is though...just like many Christians give up on their marriage when things get hard, many give up on God in the same way:
"the 'Fair-weather Christian' has no problem serving and living for God when things are going well and the weather is good. As soon as the storm clouds roll in and the clasps of thunder can be heard, they whine, complain and tend to blame God for their circumstances. This person is always in church; in fact they may serve in many capacities at their church. The problem lies in their heart. This type of person is never content and often grumbles or complains when things are not going their way. They see people as a means to get their way. Unfortunately, they see God in pretty much the same light. The danger with this type of person is that they are often convinced their religiosity and superficial duties equate to salvation. This type of person may have often grown up in the church. Their familiarity with church life causes them to live religiously but never really have a life changing encounter with God. Because of the lack of a real relationship with Jesus, they do not live in the power of the Spirit, but on their own power. This causes frustration when things don’t go their way and they can’t fix their own problems, so they blame God. They live in the disappointing and delusional lifestyle of self-fulfillment."
(This excerpt is taken from the book Wake Up America by Steve Strickland, released in January 2008, Tate Publishers)
If you haven't got you copy yet...it's not too late! http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60247-809-1
(available in audio book too on this site)
Monday, May 19, 2008
sick and tired...
I haven't blogged in a while because my son, Jacob, is sick again. Since mid last week he's not been breathing well and is on some pretty intense medication. I'm really sick and tired of him being sick. It's a stress on him, it's a stress on his mother and I, it's a stress on our marriage, it's a stress on our whole family. The frustration in knowing there is nothing I can do to help him is overwhelming. In fact, the knowledge that the doctor's don't even know what is really going on and can't control his breathing is even more frustrating.
If you are reading this, I would ask that you take 30 seconds to stop and agree in prayer with Diane and I for Jacob's healing. We know that God is able and agree that he will be healed. Thanks for your prayer and support...
If you are reading this, I would ask that you take 30 seconds to stop and agree in prayer with Diane and I for Jacob's healing. We know that God is able and agree that he will be healed. Thanks for your prayer and support...
Friday, May 16, 2008
Celebration
Tonight is Makayla's awards banquet for Track. She did so well this year...3rd overall at District for the 400 meters. Their 4X100 meter relay would have been first if they had not faulted on a hand off in the finals. Her personal best in the 400 is 62 seconds, only 12 seconds on the pace of the best time posted in the US in 2008 (high school, collegiate and professional) ... and she is only a freshman!
We are expecting phenomenal things from her in the near future!
We are expecting phenomenal things from her in the near future!
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