"And God says, 'I'm gonna turn it into something different. I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all int he hands of the Father. Give it up; give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful" These lyrics from Steven Curtis Chapman's "Something Beautiful" remind us to turn our problems, cares, and concerns over to God, Who can turn them into a masterpiece! Chapman goes further to sing, from God's point of view, "'When I get through, you're gonna be amazed!'"
2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (NIV)
Maxwell's message for tonight brings to light that the concept of being unequally yoked can apply to more than just marriage. While that may be the primary purpose of that verse, it can also be applied to other relationships. As Maxwell points out, unequal yoking in partnerships can cause serious problems, including unequal values, disagreement on the goal, compromising convictions, selfish demands of surrender from one party to the other, and a win-lose scenario.
He notes that, "Good partnerships do not foster co-dependence or independence, but interdependence." Codependency causes the encouragement of unhealthy or harmful behavior. Independence results in each person working solo, not together as a team. Rather than allowing those circumstances to ensue, foster an environment that encourages interdependence, where each party is mutually dependent on the other. (See Google definitions for each term.)
When choosing a partner for such things as projects, assignments, or other activities, make sure the work is evenly distributed. The concept of synergy, which Maxwell alludes to, is that the input of multiple parties is greater than the sum of the contributions. Rather, it has a multiplying effect, as Maxwell points out.
Aim for partnerships that will create synergy leading to great output rather than those that have inherent problems resulting in mutual destruction.
Father, please help us to stay away from relationships in which we are unequally yoked. Help us to engage in partnerships where both parties benefit and work well together. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Creating a Working Team
Meredith Andrews sings, "After all, You are constant! After all, You are only good! After all, You are sovereign! Not for a moment will You forsake me." ("Not for a Moment") These lyrics remind us that God is there for us always. He is the Good Shepherd, Sovereign Lord, and His Spirit lives in those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior.
Acts 6:3 says, "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn the responsibility over to them." (NIV)
That verse points to the idea that, as a leader, you should be able to pick a team that you can work well with, one made up of people you can trust and rely on. Maxwell says, "You have to begin with the right raw materials in order to create a winning team." You cannot do everything on your own, no matter how much you may think you can. You must learn the value of teamwork and be able to create a team of members who can work well together and accomplish what needs to be done.
That takes discernment. And discernment requires that you are able to read your colleagues and followers, discovering their strengths and weaknesses. If you lack such discernment, pray to God and ask Him to help, lead, and guide you in the matter.
Maxwell asks, "When starting a team, how can you ensure it is made of the right members?"
Learn to play off of what you know of your colleagues' strong points. Learn how they operate so that you can create a team that has all the necessary characteristics to finish a project without overtaxing any one person.
Father God, please give us discernment in leadership matters. Help us to choose our teammates wisely and to build strong, competent teams. In Jesus' Name. Amen!
God bless you!
Acts 6:3 says, "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn the responsibility over to them." (NIV)
That verse points to the idea that, as a leader, you should be able to pick a team that you can work well with, one made up of people you can trust and rely on. Maxwell says, "You have to begin with the right raw materials in order to create a winning team." You cannot do everything on your own, no matter how much you may think you can. You must learn the value of teamwork and be able to create a team of members who can work well together and accomplish what needs to be done.
That takes discernment. And discernment requires that you are able to read your colleagues and followers, discovering their strengths and weaknesses. If you lack such discernment, pray to God and ask Him to help, lead, and guide you in the matter.
Maxwell asks, "When starting a team, how can you ensure it is made of the right members?"
Learn to play off of what you know of your colleagues' strong points. Learn how they operate so that you can create a team that has all the necessary characteristics to finish a project without overtaxing any one person.
Father God, please give us discernment in leadership matters. Help us to choose our teammates wisely and to build strong, competent teams. In Jesus' Name. Amen!
God bless you!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Effective Communication
TobyMac sings, "If You wanna steal my show, I'll sit back and watch You go. If You got something to say, go on and take it away. Need You to steal my show; can't wait to watch You go-o-o! So take it away!" ("Steal My Show") We can all sing this as a prayer to God so that we can show Him that we are giving Him control!
John 16:29-30 says, "Then Jesus' disciples said, 'Now You are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that You know all things and that You do not even need to have anyone ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God.'" (NIV)
Maxwell presents four truths for more effective communication (each is a direct quote):
John 16:29-30 says, "Then Jesus' disciples said, 'Now You are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that You know all things and that You do not even need to have anyone ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God.'" (NIV)
Maxwell presents four truths for more effective communication (each is a direct quote):
- Simplify your message.
- See the person.
- Show the truth.
- Seek a response.
Communication is probably the most critical thing that leaders must learn to use effectively. Maxwell says, "The success of your marriage, job, and personal relationships all depend greatly on communication." If you cannot communicate, your followers will not know what you expect them to do. Maxwell notes that, "The goal of all communication is action." Also, you will be unable to present your vision to them. That will create a major barrier between you and your followers.
If you wish to be an effective leader, you have to learn to communicate effectively. There's virtually no way around it. According to Maxwell, "Credibility precedes great communication." You should learn to excel at it.
There are three things that your communication should present. "Every time you speak to people, give them something to feel, something to remember, and something to do." (Maxwell) Giving your audience something to feel provides a connection. Providing them with something to remember gives them a lasting impression. Finally, presenting them with something to do gives them a way to put what you said to them into action.
Today's reflection question asks, "How well do you incorporate the four truths above in your communication?"
I do pretty well with seeing the person and seeking a response. I could work more on simplifying my message. And showing the truth is an in-between area for me; it could use a little work.
How would you rate yourself in those areas? Think about it, then pray this prayer: Father, please help me to be an effective communicator. Help me to develop the four truths mentioned earlier and to excel at them. I know that You will be with me through everything. Thank You for that! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Maintaining Proper Perspective
MercyMe declares, "I hear a Voice and He calls me redeemed when others say I'll never be enough. And greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world...There'll be days I lose the battle; grace says it doesn't matter, 'cause the cross already won the war. He's greater! He's greater! I am learning to run freely, understanding just how He sees me, and it makes me love Him more and more!" ("Greater") These lyrics should remind us that God is greater than us, and that He is greater than any situation or circumstances we may be facing! He is greater!
2 Samuel 3:28-29 says, "Later, when David heard about this, he said, 'I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the Lord concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. May his blood fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house! May Joab's house never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food.'" (NIV)
It is key that leaders have a proper perspective with regard to their positions in the grand scheme of things. Maxwell says, "When you forget whom you serve, you quickly fall prey to the basest human instincts. Leaders are not exempt." God is the Ultimate Leader, the very One Who gives the gift of leadership to those He chooses. As leaders, we must learn to submit to His authority over our lives and to not overstep our boundaries.
God is in control. It is ultimately His purpose that prevails. Who are we to contradict Him? In Romans 9:20, Paul asks, "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? 'Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"'" (NIV) Maxwell says, "God tells us that vengeance belongs ot Him. Leaders who cannot humble themselves to serve God and those He has raised up will eventually act out of selfish motives and hurt the kingdom." As leaders especially, we must be careful in this area!
It all comes down to one word: perspective. God first, others second, ourselves last. There are times when we lose this perspective, but we must learn to see things in proper, Godly balance. We should be servant leaders rather than positional leaders.
Maxwell asks, "What steps do you take to remain humble in situations that tempt a pride-filled reaction?"
My biggest suggestion: Pray!! Not only does praying help you by putting it in God's hands, it also shows that you have learned to submit to His authority. Not only that, but it shows that you recognize that He is in control and that He is greater than you. Praying is an example that pretty much illustrates everything I have described.
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to always keep a proper perspective on leadership and on all other areas of my life, putting You above all. Thank You for Your many blessings bestowed upon me! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
2 Samuel 3:28-29 says, "Later, when David heard about this, he said, 'I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the Lord concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. May his blood fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house! May Joab's house never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food.'" (NIV)
It is key that leaders have a proper perspective with regard to their positions in the grand scheme of things. Maxwell says, "When you forget whom you serve, you quickly fall prey to the basest human instincts. Leaders are not exempt." God is the Ultimate Leader, the very One Who gives the gift of leadership to those He chooses. As leaders, we must learn to submit to His authority over our lives and to not overstep our boundaries.
God is in control. It is ultimately His purpose that prevails. Who are we to contradict Him? In Romans 9:20, Paul asks, "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? 'Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"'" (NIV) Maxwell says, "God tells us that vengeance belongs ot Him. Leaders who cannot humble themselves to serve God and those He has raised up will eventually act out of selfish motives and hurt the kingdom." As leaders especially, we must be careful in this area!
It all comes down to one word: perspective. God first, others second, ourselves last. There are times when we lose this perspective, but we must learn to see things in proper, Godly balance. We should be servant leaders rather than positional leaders.
Maxwell asks, "What steps do you take to remain humble in situations that tempt a pride-filled reaction?"
My biggest suggestion: Pray!! Not only does praying help you by putting it in God's hands, it also shows that you have learned to submit to His authority. Not only that, but it shows that you recognize that He is in control and that He is greater than you. Praying is an example that pretty much illustrates everything I have described.
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to always keep a proper perspective on leadership and on all other areas of my life, putting You above all. Thank You for Your many blessings bestowed upon me! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Monday, August 17, 2015
Passion for your Vision
Big Daddy Weave sings, "Redeemed," in which he proclaims: "Then You look at this prisoner and say to me, 'Son, stop fighting a fight that's already been won!' I am redeemed! You set me free! So I'll shake off these heavy chains and wipe away every stain. Now I'm not who I used to be. I am redeemed!...I don't have to be the old man inside of me, 'cause his day is long dead and gone, because I've got a new name, a new life; I'm not the same; and a hope that will carry me home! I am redeemed!" What an awesome truth to realize! God has already won the war! He is with us always! We need to put our hope, faith, and trust in Him and let Him guide us.
Judges 6:12 says, "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, He said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'" God is with us, just as He was with Gideon, if we put our faith in Him, ask Him into our hearts, and believe in and confess Him! Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV)
Your followers need to buy in to your vision in order to move the organization forward. A vision in and of itself is not enough. Maxwell says, "Just because a person has vision and occupies a leadership position doesn't necessarily mean that people will follow." Your followers have to be able to see the benefits and purpose of your vision before they will join in.
Thus, it's not enough to simply communicate your vision, though that is a very important initial step. You must be able to instill in your followers the desire to come along and help make the vision a reality. They probably won't do that without encouragement, proof of its benefits and viability, and assurance that it will be worth the work put into it throughout the process.
Maxwell asks, "How do you ensure that everyone is on board with your vision?"
It starts with communication. From there, you must find a way to make them realize its potential and impose upon them some of your passion so that they are willing to go forward with the vision. According to Maxwell, "Buy-in is an ongoing process." It will not happen overnight. You must continue to lead your followers toward the vision and work with them to make sure they understand everything entailed, including its benefits for the organization and for each follower individually.
Pray this prayer: Father God, please help me to effectively communicate my vision to my followers and to instill in them a flame that will grow into a full fire of passion for the vision and for what it can do for the organization. Then help me to lead them effectively and efficiently so as to see the vision become a reality, to Your glory. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Judges 6:12 says, "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, He said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'" God is with us, just as He was with Gideon, if we put our faith in Him, ask Him into our hearts, and believe in and confess Him! Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV)
Your followers need to buy in to your vision in order to move the organization forward. A vision in and of itself is not enough. Maxwell says, "Just because a person has vision and occupies a leadership position doesn't necessarily mean that people will follow." Your followers have to be able to see the benefits and purpose of your vision before they will join in.
Thus, it's not enough to simply communicate your vision, though that is a very important initial step. You must be able to instill in your followers the desire to come along and help make the vision a reality. They probably won't do that without encouragement, proof of its benefits and viability, and assurance that it will be worth the work put into it throughout the process.
Maxwell asks, "How do you ensure that everyone is on board with your vision?"
It starts with communication. From there, you must find a way to make them realize its potential and impose upon them some of your passion so that they are willing to go forward with the vision. According to Maxwell, "Buy-in is an ongoing process." It will not happen overnight. You must continue to lead your followers toward the vision and work with them to make sure they understand everything entailed, including its benefits for the organization and for each follower individually.
Pray this prayer: Father God, please help me to effectively communicate my vision to my followers and to instill in them a flame that will grow into a full fire of passion for the vision and for what it can do for the organization. Then help me to lead them effectively and efficiently so as to see the vision become a reality, to Your glory. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Comfort in Christ
In their song "Thrive," Casting Crowns sings, "Just to know You and to make You known, we lift Your Name on high. Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide. We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It's time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive!...Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable; anything is possible!" The first part of that excerpt from the song shows us our purpose: to serve Him and make Him known. The second tells us what He gives to us: unspeakable joy, unsinkable faith, and unstoppable love! And through Him, all things are possible! (See Philippians 4:13)
The central verses for tonight are Psalm 40:1-2: "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (NIV)
God is with us always! Jesus even said, "And surely I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20, NIV) If you read Hebrews 13:5, you will see that God has promised to never leave nor forsake us! Look carefully at these two verses. Absolute terms are used. He is always with us and will never leave us and never forsake us! God is there with us all the time, in good and bad times, on the mountains and in the valleys. Maxwell says, "What great comfort and joy come to us when we understand that God is rich in grace and mercy, that He not only forgives, but restores and redeems!" We can also receive comfort knowing that He is with us!
Maxwell asks, "To whom do you turn when in trouble?"
No matter who you may turn to on earth, always remember to first turn to God! I also sometimes look to my mom for help. But above all, God is there no matter what!
Father, thank you for Your promise to be with me always! Thank you for your everlasting love and compassion toward your children! I love you! In Jesus' Name I pray! Amen!
God bless you!
The central verses for tonight are Psalm 40:1-2: "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (NIV)
God is with us always! Jesus even said, "And surely I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20, NIV) If you read Hebrews 13:5, you will see that God has promised to never leave nor forsake us! Look carefully at these two verses. Absolute terms are used. He is always with us and will never leave us and never forsake us! God is there with us all the time, in good and bad times, on the mountains and in the valleys. Maxwell says, "What great comfort and joy come to us when we understand that God is rich in grace and mercy, that He not only forgives, but restores and redeems!" We can also receive comfort knowing that He is with us!
Maxwell asks, "To whom do you turn when in trouble?"
No matter who you may turn to on earth, always remember to first turn to God! I also sometimes look to my mom for help. But above all, God is there no matter what!
Father, thank you for Your promise to be with me always! Thank you for your everlasting love and compassion toward your children! I love you! In Jesus' Name I pray! Amen!
God bless you!
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Fellowship with Other Believers
The band Jesus Culture sings a song called "Holy Spirit." There is one specific verse that I want to focus on tonight. It says, "Let us become more aware of Your presence. Let us experience the glory of Your goodness." Doing these things, and allowing Him to change us, is critical to growing in our relationship with Him and in our relationship with others.
Acts 2:42-44, 47 says: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (NIV)
Fellowship with others who will have a positive influence on you is very important. That is hard sometimes, especially if you are new to a town or organization, and I speak from experience. But fellowship with fellow believers can help you to grow spiritually, which will in turn overflow to other areas of your life. Maxwell says, "A life of continual growth is never easy, but a good environment makes the swim upstream a little less difficult."
He also notes, "If your current circumstances do nothing to help you grow, you're going to have a hard time enlarging yourself to reach your potential." To enrich yourself and your circumstances, spend time in fellowship with other believers who will support you and help you. This can help you to create a better environment for yourself, one that will help you grow closer to God and to others.
Maxwell lists eight characteristics of an environment conducive to growth (each is a direct quote):
Acts 2:42-44, 47 says: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (NIV)
Fellowship with others who will have a positive influence on you is very important. That is hard sometimes, especially if you are new to a town or organization, and I speak from experience. But fellowship with fellow believers can help you to grow spiritually, which will in turn overflow to other areas of your life. Maxwell says, "A life of continual growth is never easy, but a good environment makes the swim upstream a little less difficult."
He also notes, "If your current circumstances do nothing to help you grow, you're going to have a hard time enlarging yourself to reach your potential." To enrich yourself and your circumstances, spend time in fellowship with other believers who will support you and help you. This can help you to create a better environment for yourself, one that will help you grow closer to God and to others.
Maxwell lists eight characteristics of an environment conducive to growth (each is a direct quote):
- Others are ahead of you.
- You are still challenged.
- Your focus is forward.
- The atmosphere is affirming.
- You are out of your comfort zone.
- Others are growing.
- There is a willingness to change.
- Growth is modeled and expected.
Reflect on these questions: "Does your environment include the characteristics listed above? Which ones can be improved?"
After thinking about them and answering honestly, pray this prayer: Father, please help me to have more meaningful fellowship with other believers, and allow it to make us all grow spiritually and enrich our lives. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
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