The Reality of Change
Making a change is not only a sacrifice for another, but instead a blessing for you. Therefore anytime God wants to promote you, He will require some change in your life. Change is not change until everything must change, finally change will challenge us for growth. Father help us to change for a better us.
I have come to many crosses of life and I realized change is inevitable, anytime God calls he expects us to grow and to open up for the reality of change.
Life is the reflection of up and down, it always challenges us in different perspective and this must enhance in us a desire for growth. The peculiarity of life with these realities and oppositions must awaken in us a desire for change.
What is change?
While we do have many definitions of change, a simple one is just the ability of making a decision. Many of us want change but run away from the reality of understanding that change can’t occur without us making decisions. The reality for us must be honest and sincere; we can’t see any change in us, if we don’t make a quality decision.
Why Change?
This is the most difficult question? Why do you want change? If you really want change your first question should always be “why do I want change?” Why don’t I want my situation? Why don’t I want my career? Why don’t I want my marriage? Why don’t I want my relationship? Why don’t I want what I do? Why don’t I want who am I?
The “why question” must always raise in us, anytime we try to change anything in our lives, the necessity of asking that question is imperative to help us to discover the true intent and motivation of us trying to change our life.
I meet many people who change careers easily, when you ask them relevant questions, why are you changing jobs, why are you changing boyfriends or girlfriends? It could be maybe because of unselfish desires, maybe resolved issues or any kind of unhealed hurt, now being exposed externally with unbalanced behavior or unsatisfactory desires.
After you realize or answer the why question honestly, now you are able to move for a change. Let me be clear, don’t divorce your husband or your wife unless it has been sanctioned by the scripture. Sometimes other things do not require to change maybe they just require a little sacrifice, an endurance or improvement. For example, a couple who always disagree and fight, don’t quit the marriage, they make that work. Nutshell in case of an abusing situation you should always seek for suitable and peace reconciliation. I come to realize sometimes because we seek for quick fix, we run away prematurely for the thing we should make work.
When change must occur?
A warning sign, do not change because you are frustrated about a situation, however confront and affront your situation, often time problems or situations in our lives could give us an impression of prematurely trying to get off from problems or seek for change. Remember unhealthy change will always bring negative results. Before we make a change on any decision we must understand the right time for that change to take place.
Change requires decision:
Without a decision there is no change at all. I am always amazed with people who want to see some change or different result in their lives but they are unable to make a decision.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over by expecting a different result. Can I just suggest to you that any time you want to see change you need to make a decision; if you want a positive result in your life, you need a positive change and a healthy decision.
Healthy decision plus positive change equal positive result.
I see student who want to see their grade change, but refuse to improve their personal study.
Change is difficult but necessary
Change is not easy; every change will require a repositioning of life, sometimes change will require also restructuring lives. Life is a pattern, there is nothing new, and everything comes to us as a cycle.
Change is forecasting the future
Before you make any decision you should always think about your future, where are you and what are you planning to accomplish? Do not make any decision without forecasting the future. In life today we are dealing with two types of people; some with short sight and other with long sight. The scriptures say “A wise man see a danger in front of him and hide himself”. Anytime I am thinking about change I must reflect on my future. Because some change may be good for the present but will cost you the future.
Change is progressive
Change does not occur at once, it’s a process; it’s not a day thing but it’s a daily thing. We must be cooperative with our change, allow change to process us, and have room for growth. While change remains one of the most difficult things, we must let that process take time, because every process will bring us to a progressive stage.
Tips for change
Spiritual change: This starts with repentance which means changing your ways. Let us not live in denieal while we’re on this earth for there is a creator God to whom we are going to be accountable to, because the book of Hebrew 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”... The earth is called to face a judgment of God, therefore we must change our ways and accept the free gift of salvation Jesus Christ as personal lord and savior.
For those who are Christian or born again, we must always change for the better. Daily change is the moving from mediocrity to excellence, from ungodly to godly moral and character. Reading the word of God, daily meditation of the scripture with a life of prayer will encourage us to change for a better us.
Emotional change: Run away from every abusive relationships. Nowadays many women and men are involved in emotional and psychological unhealthy relationships, some woman for the sake of keeping a man or being involved with someone.
Financial Change: considering your cash flow, if your expenses are greater than your income, you should change that. Do not live beyond your means. I find out that the majority of Christians who are struggling in this day and age is more about their finances. Restructure your life in the way that you must save some money, maybe cut your eating habits, remove the unnecessary features in your phone, why do you need a cable TV will all those channels , can you a least have basic channels so you can save more.
Educational Change: we are living now in the age of informationa , acquiring information; therefore you must educate yourself to a higher level so you can face the giants of the market place. Don’t be satisfied with your high school diploma nor bachelor degree, you may think to pursue your master and your doctorate, remember we are living in the age of information.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Discerning the Sign of End Time
Discerning the sign of End time Part I
Thursday, November 19, 2009 after my daily routine in the morning, while getting ready to head up for an important meeting at Gwinnett County in Georgia, USA, I took a few minutes to read the news online and listen to the News on TV. I was so astonished when I read that Europe just elected their first council president. Quickly something came to me; we are truly getting to the end time. Who could imagine, Europe after creating a European union, and having one currency called the Euro. The organization finally decided after many years of debate to come out with one concuss to elect their first president. Can you imagine Europe as a continent voting their first president? Could this serve as a sign for Christians and the entire world to wake up, this is a wakeup call. The debate was still fresh among European presidents, deciding who will become their first leaders, many had suggested Tony Blair ex prime minister of London, Sarkozy the French’s president…surprisingly European Union leaders named Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy as the first "president of Europe" Thursday on November 19, 2009, edging out former British Prime Minister Tony Blair for a still-vaguely defined job. While I refuse to talk more about Belgium, do you know that the European Union never wanted to discuss about religion in that organization? I would encourage every reader to do his/her own personal research about Belgium, which is the capital of Europe, the city of NATO, the first country where every new technology must be tested before it is released to any other countries and the most influential and strategically country in Europe. With the concession of European countries coming together as one, could it be that North American Countries will come together as well? What about African countries? To what we called Organization of African Unity (OUA), are they going to name or vote for a new president as well? Remember while the world is getting flat day by day, hour per hours, the economy always dominated over politics. What are people looking for, who is the leader who will bring stability in the world in wide economical instability. Peace and harmony in this dividing world. Becoming connected and one; It’s all about prosperity, peace and joy.
Here in United States after electing the first African American President, we could think this will serve as a sign to destroy racial discrimination and prejudice among American, nevertheless people are dividing day by day. Some churches leaders are trying to talk about race reconciliation, bringing people from different races to worship together and adore the true living and creator God. However most of those Pastors are not helping their members at all, why say you are an international or global church and your leadership doesn’t reflect every culture, why is it that some races in your church can only be members, but never promoted to serve in Leadership position? Can you see, we talk about race reconciliation but as long as your leadership and staff don’t reflect the membership of your church, maybe you should check in your heart? Are you promoting Unity or are you enjoying the luxury of having diversities in your congregation. You never wonder walking into a church calling itself multicultural or international, but there is only a group of people or certain color serving on Leadership or staff? But the antichrist will bring a solution to ethnicity dilemma, he will make sure Caucasians and blacks are equals, he will promote peace and harmony. It’s time for the church to wake up.
Racial discrimination and prejudice must be confronted by the church before the Anti Christ surprises many. I also see in Africa where two ethnicities refuse to get along, what can I say about the genocide of Rwanda, the rape in Congo over 30,000 girls and women raped per year? The earthquake in Indian over 20,000 people dead per year, the September 11, incident at the world trade Center, all this serve as a sign of the end time. Do you remember the Mumbai attack on last year November 26, 2008? What about the amount of debt of United States to China, over three trillion Dollars, the possible global impact of Dubai debt crisis, over 69 Billion Dollar in debt, in addition to Wall Street and US banks crisis.
Now we are talking about everything going to green, the pollution in the air. Most of the billing and bank statement becoming paperless, we don’t want to use paper any more. Are people aware that there is a place in Europe where people no longer carry cash nor credit card with them, just with their finger, people will be able to identify who you are? In case you are shopping just put your finger, your money will be directly deducted to your account. This proven to us, we don’t want to carry any wallet on us, therefore because of green, destroying paper, with the objective of becoming one world, one country without borders. According to BBC news, The Commonwealth's 53 nations comprise about two billion people, a third of the planet's population. The global summit on climate change is due to start in Copenhagen on 7 December, and the topic is the only issue on Commonwealth summit's agenda for the first day, their main agenda of the meeting will discuss about the green, the climate change. The leaders are meeting days after pledged by the US and China to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, amid concerns that the Copenhagen meeting could fail to agree substantial cuts. This will bring us to one conclusion, do not carry cash, nor identity, passport, credit card, bank card, all your information will be recorded in your fingerprints and any part of your body. Can we see the world coming together as one, eliminating borders, unify and one world. Let me be realistic it’s time for church to wake up, put our differences aside and seeks the face of God.
The Series called Visitors, the V. What amazing series, promoting a unified world. Visitors coming on the earth to meet with the people, bringing solution to the economy, healing incurable sickness and diseases; Emma the main actress of the movie uses her softness and malicious mind to access on people for one goal to be worshipped and idolized. All these signs are pointing to one clear evidence the end of the world, the ruling and the coming of the anti Christ.
Let us not live under denial, the Anti Christ is real, according the Holy Scripture the bible, he will be a strong charismatic dictator world leader, he will conquer the world, he will have a strong army and he will create the new world order. This man the anti Christ is probably already alive but restrain by the Holy Spirit, he will make a treaty with Israel for seven years but he will break the treaty after three and half years. He will bring answers to economic and political problems around the world.
Someone told me Christ can’t come now, because the gospel has not been preached around the world yet, my simple answer to her was that no one has clear evidence or proper statistic to defend that analogy. What I know the outpouring of the Holy Ghost has never been like before, people are hungry of God like never before. I believe the other big sign is the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem, in addition to the treaty of peace between Israelians and Palestinians.
While I don’t know much, still learning and I am not strong on apocalyptic view, I do know all the signs are pointing to the end time. Let us leave Holy, in Godly manners, God is Holy and want those who get close to him to live Holy.
We all need to take time to restructure and rebuilt our lives..
Thursday, November 19, 2009 after my daily routine in the morning, while getting ready to head up for an important meeting at Gwinnett County in Georgia, USA, I took a few minutes to read the news online and listen to the News on TV. I was so astonished when I read that Europe just elected their first council president. Quickly something came to me; we are truly getting to the end time. Who could imagine, Europe after creating a European union, and having one currency called the Euro. The organization finally decided after many years of debate to come out with one concuss to elect their first president. Can you imagine Europe as a continent voting their first president? Could this serve as a sign for Christians and the entire world to wake up, this is a wakeup call. The debate was still fresh among European presidents, deciding who will become their first leaders, many had suggested Tony Blair ex prime minister of London, Sarkozy the French’s president…surprisingly European Union leaders named Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy as the first "president of Europe" Thursday on November 19, 2009, edging out former British Prime Minister Tony Blair for a still-vaguely defined job. While I refuse to talk more about Belgium, do you know that the European Union never wanted to discuss about religion in that organization? I would encourage every reader to do his/her own personal research about Belgium, which is the capital of Europe, the city of NATO, the first country where every new technology must be tested before it is released to any other countries and the most influential and strategically country in Europe. With the concession of European countries coming together as one, could it be that North American Countries will come together as well? What about African countries? To what we called Organization of African Unity (OUA), are they going to name or vote for a new president as well? Remember while the world is getting flat day by day, hour per hours, the economy always dominated over politics. What are people looking for, who is the leader who will bring stability in the world in wide economical instability. Peace and harmony in this dividing world. Becoming connected and one; It’s all about prosperity, peace and joy.
Here in United States after electing the first African American President, we could think this will serve as a sign to destroy racial discrimination and prejudice among American, nevertheless people are dividing day by day. Some churches leaders are trying to talk about race reconciliation, bringing people from different races to worship together and adore the true living and creator God. However most of those Pastors are not helping their members at all, why say you are an international or global church and your leadership doesn’t reflect every culture, why is it that some races in your church can only be members, but never promoted to serve in Leadership position? Can you see, we talk about race reconciliation but as long as your leadership and staff don’t reflect the membership of your church, maybe you should check in your heart? Are you promoting Unity or are you enjoying the luxury of having diversities in your congregation. You never wonder walking into a church calling itself multicultural or international, but there is only a group of people or certain color serving on Leadership or staff? But the antichrist will bring a solution to ethnicity dilemma, he will make sure Caucasians and blacks are equals, he will promote peace and harmony. It’s time for the church to wake up.
Racial discrimination and prejudice must be confronted by the church before the Anti Christ surprises many. I also see in Africa where two ethnicities refuse to get along, what can I say about the genocide of Rwanda, the rape in Congo over 30,000 girls and women raped per year? The earthquake in Indian over 20,000 people dead per year, the September 11, incident at the world trade Center, all this serve as a sign of the end time. Do you remember the Mumbai attack on last year November 26, 2008? What about the amount of debt of United States to China, over three trillion Dollars, the possible global impact of Dubai debt crisis, over 69 Billion Dollar in debt, in addition to Wall Street and US banks crisis.
Now we are talking about everything going to green, the pollution in the air. Most of the billing and bank statement becoming paperless, we don’t want to use paper any more. Are people aware that there is a place in Europe where people no longer carry cash nor credit card with them, just with their finger, people will be able to identify who you are? In case you are shopping just put your finger, your money will be directly deducted to your account. This proven to us, we don’t want to carry any wallet on us, therefore because of green, destroying paper, with the objective of becoming one world, one country without borders. According to BBC news, The Commonwealth's 53 nations comprise about two billion people, a third of the planet's population. The global summit on climate change is due to start in Copenhagen on 7 December, and the topic is the only issue on Commonwealth summit's agenda for the first day, their main agenda of the meeting will discuss about the green, the climate change. The leaders are meeting days after pledged by the US and China to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, amid concerns that the Copenhagen meeting could fail to agree substantial cuts. This will bring us to one conclusion, do not carry cash, nor identity, passport, credit card, bank card, all your information will be recorded in your fingerprints and any part of your body. Can we see the world coming together as one, eliminating borders, unify and one world. Let me be realistic it’s time for church to wake up, put our differences aside and seeks the face of God.
The Series called Visitors, the V. What amazing series, promoting a unified world. Visitors coming on the earth to meet with the people, bringing solution to the economy, healing incurable sickness and diseases; Emma the main actress of the movie uses her softness and malicious mind to access on people for one goal to be worshipped and idolized. All these signs are pointing to one clear evidence the end of the world, the ruling and the coming of the anti Christ.
Let us not live under denial, the Anti Christ is real, according the Holy Scripture the bible, he will be a strong charismatic dictator world leader, he will conquer the world, he will have a strong army and he will create the new world order. This man the anti Christ is probably already alive but restrain by the Holy Spirit, he will make a treaty with Israel for seven years but he will break the treaty after three and half years. He will bring answers to economic and political problems around the world.
Someone told me Christ can’t come now, because the gospel has not been preached around the world yet, my simple answer to her was that no one has clear evidence or proper statistic to defend that analogy. What I know the outpouring of the Holy Ghost has never been like before, people are hungry of God like never before. I believe the other big sign is the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem, in addition to the treaty of peace between Israelians and Palestinians.
While I don’t know much, still learning and I am not strong on apocalyptic view, I do know all the signs are pointing to the end time. Let us leave Holy, in Godly manners, God is Holy and want those who get close to him to live Holy.
We all need to take time to restructure and rebuilt our lives..
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Law of Succession
Reflecting on This Subject " Successful Transition of Power" I am seeking wisdom and praying for our political, Religious and Spiritual Leaders for clear understanding of the LAW OF SUCCESSION; I am so concerned with Churches, Countries, Corporations and Organizations built on People’s Names and Personas instead of Learning how to Delegate Power and passing the baton on Next Generation. What do you think?
While reflecting on this quote, there is a great mixed emotions in my heart, we talk about this subject on “successful transition of power” because I could see how some countries, like the United States had peacefully transitioned on the 44th presidential election, meanwhile in many countries around the world leaders are still holding onto power and refusing to have democratic elections where people would express their freedom by selecting a candidate of their own choice. Dictatorship and Unitarian government systems are still modeling and envisioning most of our political leaders, seeking only their own interest and gains. We all know how lack of succession becomes most challenging among political, religious and spiritual leaders. The ineffectiveness on the matter of successful transition of power has demonstrated the lack of training, the lack of willingness and the lack of good heart. Most of African politician leaders, especially presidents of different countries do not allow official electoral vote, because they want to rule over the people. A few weeks ago, one of the central countries in Africa, Gabon lost their president who had been in power for almost 41 years, Omar Bongo’s death had astonished his own people, and leaders of the countries, the man had changed the constitution of the country for his own gain, after his death the country still not being able to vote for the next president, although I am not in denial the fact that the country is now led by an acting president but we can see how far behind the country was prepared for the replacement of the president.
Similar situation also occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where after the death of the president the country was left for three days without any successor, no president in the country, with a significant decision of few leaders within the country and around the world, the Congo was imposed to receive the late president’s son as the president of the country. Much more to say about African countries, South American and the Middle East countries, populations are suffering dictatorship and manipulation from their leaders; it’s unrealistic to see how many of those political leaders and president become richer and wealthier, while the population are suffering to bring a loaf of bread to their families.
It becomes so egocentric and selfish to see how churches today are built on people’s names instead of God, many Pastors build churches on their names and personas, not having a succession plan in place nor preparing for successor. Many churches are built on Pastors names, becoming the pop stars and kings of churches, without any clear and legitimate succession plan. It’s so flabigate to see how Pastors build mega churches and after their death their church disappears, it goes under total disappearance.
The Law of succession is making way for the next generation to be able to continue with the responsibility. While leadership is the ability of influencing others, spiritual leaders should prepare the future generation to take the baton continue with the responsibility. We see the patterns in the bible where Moses passes the baton to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, Paul to Timothy; now we as part of churches we should all learn to trust and pass the mantle to the next generation.
Insecurity, scrutiny, dictatorship has become the enemies of law of succession.
The Law of Succession acknowledges that what has been built by leaders needs to be maintained into the next generations so that the work is sustained, increased and blessed to bless others. There is a problem however that politics, churches, spiritual leaders, countries and corporations built on people’s names and personas need to know, retool themselves so that they can build on the foundational laws of the kingdom of God so there is something of real worth to pass on to the next generation. If not, then the blind will only have led the blind into a ditch such as we have experienced in every realm, religious, political and business today. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. There is a Paradigm Shift. How we respond to change determines what side of the Shift we are on. God is looking for kingdom catalyst and not carbon copies of what has already been. In addition of the passing of baton, let there be a changing of the guards.
Changing of the guards defines also the repositioning of the new leader who has been selected to take the baton, we see in the bible Elisha decided to serve Elijah, as a faithful servant, while the master Elijah was ready to die, Elisha requested the double portion of the spirit of Elijah. The scriptures say; Elijah told his mentee it was such a difficult request, however if you could see me,
We all need to know, if God trusts us with something or a responsibility he believes that we will also be able to trust others, leaving a legacy for those who come behind us. You need someone to take over what God had trusted you with; this would not happen on one day, but a process of walking with someone.
Why would you Pastor a church or lead a corporation and after your death it disappears? Why should we build something and after a tragedy what we build disappear? The question is more about living a legacy, preparing a successor, having someone to take over what we’ve been trusted with in case we are no longer able to lead.
Forsake not learning to prepare a next generation or being able to pass the baton for the next generation requires a healthy investment. Part of our challenges is that many of us want someone to take over something after us, but we never invested in their lives, investment must be instructional, educational, spiritual and pshychological
Instructional Investment
A leader must train his assistant, follower or successor by correcting and rebuking him/ her when necessary. Instructional investment requires direction, instruction and empowerment.
Educational Investment
A leader must encourage his successor to be academically trained and equiped. Education is much required in this 21st century, the age of knowledge and information.
Spiritual Investment
A leader must encourage his or her successor to grow spiritually and to develop an effective life of God’s word and prayer.
Psychological Investment
A leader must give the room for his successor to invest on his mind, thoughts. To read and to meditate in positive things so he can be equipped and prepared to lead his next generation. You can’t lead effectively if you are insecure and unhealthy.
Nutshell considers Jesus Christ who told his disciple I sent you in my name; not in your own name neither your own power but mine, because you been to trusted to represent me everywhere me, Christ I can’t go. But I promise to always be with you. When the disciples were ministering they understood it was never about them, always about Christ the master who sent them.
Now brethren you have been delegated a leadership position, consider it’s not about you but the people you are serving.
While reflecting on this quote, there is a great mixed emotions in my heart, we talk about this subject on “successful transition of power” because I could see how some countries, like the United States had peacefully transitioned on the 44th presidential election, meanwhile in many countries around the world leaders are still holding onto power and refusing to have democratic elections where people would express their freedom by selecting a candidate of their own choice. Dictatorship and Unitarian government systems are still modeling and envisioning most of our political leaders, seeking only their own interest and gains. We all know how lack of succession becomes most challenging among political, religious and spiritual leaders. The ineffectiveness on the matter of successful transition of power has demonstrated the lack of training, the lack of willingness and the lack of good heart. Most of African politician leaders, especially presidents of different countries do not allow official electoral vote, because they want to rule over the people. A few weeks ago, one of the central countries in Africa, Gabon lost their president who had been in power for almost 41 years, Omar Bongo’s death had astonished his own people, and leaders of the countries, the man had changed the constitution of the country for his own gain, after his death the country still not being able to vote for the next president, although I am not in denial the fact that the country is now led by an acting president but we can see how far behind the country was prepared for the replacement of the president.
Similar situation also occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where after the death of the president the country was left for three days without any successor, no president in the country, with a significant decision of few leaders within the country and around the world, the Congo was imposed to receive the late president’s son as the president of the country. Much more to say about African countries, South American and the Middle East countries, populations are suffering dictatorship and manipulation from their leaders; it’s unrealistic to see how many of those political leaders and president become richer and wealthier, while the population are suffering to bring a loaf of bread to their families.
It becomes so egocentric and selfish to see how churches today are built on people’s names instead of God, many Pastors build churches on their names and personas, not having a succession plan in place nor preparing for successor. Many churches are built on Pastors names, becoming the pop stars and kings of churches, without any clear and legitimate succession plan. It’s so flabigate to see how Pastors build mega churches and after their death their church disappears, it goes under total disappearance.
The Law of succession is making way for the next generation to be able to continue with the responsibility. While leadership is the ability of influencing others, spiritual leaders should prepare the future generation to take the baton continue with the responsibility. We see the patterns in the bible where Moses passes the baton to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, Paul to Timothy; now we as part of churches we should all learn to trust and pass the mantle to the next generation.
Insecurity, scrutiny, dictatorship has become the enemies of law of succession.
The Law of Succession acknowledges that what has been built by leaders needs to be maintained into the next generations so that the work is sustained, increased and blessed to bless others. There is a problem however that politics, churches, spiritual leaders, countries and corporations built on people’s names and personas need to know, retool themselves so that they can build on the foundational laws of the kingdom of God so there is something of real worth to pass on to the next generation. If not, then the blind will only have led the blind into a ditch such as we have experienced in every realm, religious, political and business today. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. There is a Paradigm Shift. How we respond to change determines what side of the Shift we are on. God is looking for kingdom catalyst and not carbon copies of what has already been. In addition of the passing of baton, let there be a changing of the guards.
Changing of the guards defines also the repositioning of the new leader who has been selected to take the baton, we see in the bible Elisha decided to serve Elijah, as a faithful servant, while the master Elijah was ready to die, Elisha requested the double portion of the spirit of Elijah. The scriptures say; Elijah told his mentee it was such a difficult request, however if you could see me,
We all need to know, if God trusts us with something or a responsibility he believes that we will also be able to trust others, leaving a legacy for those who come behind us. You need someone to take over what God had trusted you with; this would not happen on one day, but a process of walking with someone.
Why would you Pastor a church or lead a corporation and after your death it disappears? Why should we build something and after a tragedy what we build disappear? The question is more about living a legacy, preparing a successor, having someone to take over what we’ve been trusted with in case we are no longer able to lead.
Forsake not learning to prepare a next generation or being able to pass the baton for the next generation requires a healthy investment. Part of our challenges is that many of us want someone to take over something after us, but we never invested in their lives, investment must be instructional, educational, spiritual and pshychological
Instructional Investment
A leader must train his assistant, follower or successor by correcting and rebuking him/ her when necessary. Instructional investment requires direction, instruction and empowerment.
Educational Investment
A leader must encourage his successor to be academically trained and equiped. Education is much required in this 21st century, the age of knowledge and information.
Spiritual Investment
A leader must encourage his or her successor to grow spiritually and to develop an effective life of God’s word and prayer.
Psychological Investment
A leader must give the room for his successor to invest on his mind, thoughts. To read and to meditate in positive things so he can be equipped and prepared to lead his next generation. You can’t lead effectively if you are insecure and unhealthy.
Nutshell considers Jesus Christ who told his disciple I sent you in my name; not in your own name neither your own power but mine, because you been to trusted to represent me everywhere me, Christ I can’t go. But I promise to always be with you. When the disciples were ministering they understood it was never about them, always about Christ the master who sent them.
Now brethren you have been delegated a leadership position, consider it’s not about you but the people you are serving.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A Relationship Controlled by Guilt does not leave Room for Growth
“A relationship controlled by guilt does not leave room for growth”
Relationship was created for many reasons, mostly for edification, expansion and enhancement. Despite our gender difference, we all need to know that relationship plays a big role in our lives because we need someone who we can relate to in different circumstances of our lives, this could be in times of joy, peace, sorrow or suffering. It’s imperative that we understand the necessity and the value of having someone in our lives. Sometimes the relationship can take different turns in our lives, for example moving from being casual to intimate. While we must understand that intimacy is not always linked to sexuality but rather a bound between two persons for a greater destiny. We can see this illustration in the life of David becoming so closed to Jonathan, even the Holy Scriptures describing their love to be more than lovers. It’s essential for us not to deny the power of connectiveness where two people are connected for a purpose. In my book Living in The Palace, I described the goal people come in our lives, some come for purpose, reason and others for destiny. Let’s not neglect that God sends to each individual an opposite sex for marriage, that person comes in your life to complete you. The bible is clear, God created male and female, he called them Husband and wife. In Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female created he them” here I am promoting a marriage between a man and a woman, being an advocate of heterosexual marriage, I am not approving people to move from one marriage to another however to stick to their relationship and make it work.Now with this immature generation, people move from one relationship to another, what’s sad is to see Christians who married in the name of God, and promised to stay with their spouse, husband or wife to later on divorce. Now we wonder if God lies or we are just immature to work out our differences’
Sometimes when people come from a past relationship, speaking about a relationship between man and woman, while in the process of building something serious for the future in courtship or dating, others in marriage; we all need to check from our past relationships, leave all baggages behind us. Often people move into a new relationship but still hold on to their past hurt, or their past unresolved issues and starting dealing with their guilt. Others expects to receive from their partner the unperceivable, they expect to receive from the partner what they never invested because of their sense of guilt and condemnation.
Let’s define guilt: 1. It’s a fact or state of having committed an offense, crime, violation, or wrong, esp. against moral or penal law; culpability: He admitted his guilt.
2. A feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined.
3. Conduct involving the commission of such crimes, wrongs
I give credit to most of my facebook friends who brought their comments in this subject in so many ways; guilt is a controlling, manipulative and unhealthy thread getting access between people to destroy them for not reaching to their destiny. Relationship controlled by guilt, pity, and control or manipulative is so insecure that it does not leave or give any room for expansion and growth. This kind of relationship is not authentic or pure, you can’t promote or celebrate the other partner? Guilt in our lives appears for holding in our past hurt, deception, discouragement, or failure. Sometimes guilt is the result of intimidation, feeling inferior to the other partner and walking on pride.
Has it ever happen to you while being involved with someone in marriage or a relationship instead of him celebrating with you or rejoicing God’s goodness in your life, he becomes competitive or jealous? It’s shameful to see married couple or best friends within a company or corporation fighting for their own gain, while they forget that two are better than one.
Can I suggest to you that we all need to examine and take time before getting involved with someone; we should always make sure we get healed from our past. Dealing with our past will require a true introspection and deep internal observation; we should make sure to heal from the four walls enemies of our soul which are:
Four walls enemies of our soul:1. Unhealed Hurt 2. Unmet need3. Unresolved issues4. Unfulfilled desires
The four walls of our soul often stand away in our relationship and bring guilt in us. As Christians we all need to carry our cross, to deal with ourselves before walking intimately with someone else. Let us be sincere and honest, God wants us to have healthy relationships through trust, love and respect.
Finally I can’t grow if I am involved in relationship controlled by guilt; there is no room for expansion.
Someone may ask, what should I do, if I realized my boyfriend or girlfriend/ my husband or wife/ my fiancée or fiancé is operating with guilt in relationship?
For boyfriend or girlfriend this should be an indication for you to work with your partner, asking some questions will help you deal with this matter, remember as much you can be in love or involved with someone in this stage, if he or she does not change you should resign or run away from the relationship because he/she will affect and destroy you in the long run.
For those who are engaged, remember that you never marry someone by pity but by destiny, in case your fiancé’ or fiancée’ can’t let go of the past, after premarital counseling you should make sure things are working otherwise please call off the engagement.
Although I do not advocate divorce in marriage but also considering the fact that marriage is not for children, I do realize that some relationships controlled by guilt always bring people to abuse or brutality and sometimes to extreme physical abuse. I will suggest to someone to walk away from any abusive physical interaction. Let’s not confuse our relationship misunderstandings and differences as a reason to walk away from the sacred covenant of marriage.
Relationship was created for many reasons, mostly for edification, expansion and enhancement. Despite our gender difference, we all need to know that relationship plays a big role in our lives because we need someone who we can relate to in different circumstances of our lives, this could be in times of joy, peace, sorrow or suffering. It’s imperative that we understand the necessity and the value of having someone in our lives. Sometimes the relationship can take different turns in our lives, for example moving from being casual to intimate. While we must understand that intimacy is not always linked to sexuality but rather a bound between two persons for a greater destiny. We can see this illustration in the life of David becoming so closed to Jonathan, even the Holy Scriptures describing their love to be more than lovers. It’s essential for us not to deny the power of connectiveness where two people are connected for a purpose. In my book Living in The Palace, I described the goal people come in our lives, some come for purpose, reason and others for destiny. Let’s not neglect that God sends to each individual an opposite sex for marriage, that person comes in your life to complete you. The bible is clear, God created male and female, he called them Husband and wife. In Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female created he them” here I am promoting a marriage between a man and a woman, being an advocate of heterosexual marriage, I am not approving people to move from one marriage to another however to stick to their relationship and make it work.Now with this immature generation, people move from one relationship to another, what’s sad is to see Christians who married in the name of God, and promised to stay with their spouse, husband or wife to later on divorce. Now we wonder if God lies or we are just immature to work out our differences’
Sometimes when people come from a past relationship, speaking about a relationship between man and woman, while in the process of building something serious for the future in courtship or dating, others in marriage; we all need to check from our past relationships, leave all baggages behind us. Often people move into a new relationship but still hold on to their past hurt, or their past unresolved issues and starting dealing with their guilt. Others expects to receive from their partner the unperceivable, they expect to receive from the partner what they never invested because of their sense of guilt and condemnation.
Let’s define guilt: 1. It’s a fact or state of having committed an offense, crime, violation, or wrong, esp. against moral or penal law; culpability: He admitted his guilt.
2. A feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined.
3. Conduct involving the commission of such crimes, wrongs
I give credit to most of my facebook friends who brought their comments in this subject in so many ways; guilt is a controlling, manipulative and unhealthy thread getting access between people to destroy them for not reaching to their destiny. Relationship controlled by guilt, pity, and control or manipulative is so insecure that it does not leave or give any room for expansion and growth. This kind of relationship is not authentic or pure, you can’t promote or celebrate the other partner? Guilt in our lives appears for holding in our past hurt, deception, discouragement, or failure. Sometimes guilt is the result of intimidation, feeling inferior to the other partner and walking on pride.
Has it ever happen to you while being involved with someone in marriage or a relationship instead of him celebrating with you or rejoicing God’s goodness in your life, he becomes competitive or jealous? It’s shameful to see married couple or best friends within a company or corporation fighting for their own gain, while they forget that two are better than one.
Can I suggest to you that we all need to examine and take time before getting involved with someone; we should always make sure we get healed from our past. Dealing with our past will require a true introspection and deep internal observation; we should make sure to heal from the four walls enemies of our soul which are:
Four walls enemies of our soul:1. Unhealed Hurt 2. Unmet need3. Unresolved issues4. Unfulfilled desires
The four walls of our soul often stand away in our relationship and bring guilt in us. As Christians we all need to carry our cross, to deal with ourselves before walking intimately with someone else. Let us be sincere and honest, God wants us to have healthy relationships through trust, love and respect.
Finally I can’t grow if I am involved in relationship controlled by guilt; there is no room for expansion.
Someone may ask, what should I do, if I realized my boyfriend or girlfriend/ my husband or wife/ my fiancée or fiancé is operating with guilt in relationship?
For boyfriend or girlfriend this should be an indication for you to work with your partner, asking some questions will help you deal with this matter, remember as much you can be in love or involved with someone in this stage, if he or she does not change you should resign or run away from the relationship because he/she will affect and destroy you in the long run.
For those who are engaged, remember that you never marry someone by pity but by destiny, in case your fiancé’ or fiancée’ can’t let go of the past, after premarital counseling you should make sure things are working otherwise please call off the engagement.
Although I do not advocate divorce in marriage but also considering the fact that marriage is not for children, I do realize that some relationships controlled by guilt always bring people to abuse or brutality and sometimes to extreme physical abuse. I will suggest to someone to walk away from any abusive physical interaction. Let’s not confuse our relationship misunderstandings and differences as a reason to walk away from the sacred covenant of marriage.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Does Forgiveness mean Forgetting? Can I forgive without Forgetting?
Does Forgiveness mean Forgetting? Can I forgive without forgetting?
One day I posted this question to one of the largest socio networks called Face book, hundreds of comments come in, many agreed that any time we forgive, we must forget; acknowledging forgiveness means forgetting. While others said no matter how much you forgive you will still remember, the battle may be the terminology used. As part of being human, memory will still be there. Although we do need to consider anytime someone hurts us or any time we have been offended, we are required to forgive. Jesus Christ taught us when we pray, we should ask the father to “forgive us as we forgive others” no scripture in the bible says “Forgiveness should mean forgetting” we forgive and walk toward the process of forgetting.
When I learn to forgive someone it does not eradicate the action of the person, but I don’t have any rage or hold anything against the person, I release the person by forgiving.
I remember I scenario of a couple who walked in my office for counseling, the wife was crying because she just found out that the husband was cheating on her. The couple needs all the necessary tools to keep their marriage; the husband acknowledged the action and repents toward his wife. The wife accepted to forgive but this does not mean that she forgot the action of the husband. Her forgiveness did not erase the memory of the husband’s action; most of all her forgiveness brought her to accept the husband’s mistake, to move on and to never bring back again. When I forgive it does not necessary mean that I erase the memory, a walk in the way I prove I did completely let go, the hurt or the pain of my partner or neighbors.
Forgiveness comes from your heart and Forgetting from your brain.Where it may be impossible to forget an unfortunate event or situation (sometimes no matter how much we would love to) we can choose to forgive the people involved in the situation. I believe there is much power in forgiveness then in forgetting. If we forgive, we have acknowledged ... Read Morethe pain and chose to “set free” the person. Each time it happens, it makes us a better and stronger person. However if there was a way to just “forget” it… what would we have accomplished?We may not have the power to forget but the ability to forgive is within our reach
The challenge today in this contemporary age is that we forgive someone but we still hold something against them, and any time we see that person we always bring the situation back, never got over it. True forgiveness is not identified by the fact that I don’t remember any more, but it is manifested by the fact that I can have the situation back as a flash light in my memory because I have decided to let go, release and move on, the situation will not take over my life anymore. I forgive what has been done wrong to me; even if the memory comes back I let it go.
Forgiveness does not necessarily mean to forget, because sometimes wrong actions from others will take us to the place where we must restructure our lives, guard ourselves and set some boundaries not to get hurt again. I do not forget what they did toward me, but I decide to let go. Certainly will come to the place when I will not remember any more; while I am in the process of forgiveness, I accept to let go.
You can absolutely forgive without forgetting. It's extremely hard to do so when there is something that constantly reminds you of what was done to hurt you however, forgiving lies in your choice to not hold it against the person that hurt you. You don't use it as a high card for when they hurt you again. Forgiving means you're over it.
- Forgiveness is a decision
- Forgiveness is a process
- Forgiveness is a healer
- Forgiveness is an expression of love
- Forgiveness is an act of joy
- Forgiveness is an act of peace
- Forgiveness is accepting responsibility
Someone sent me a comment asking when I forgive I should forget also, with the scripture of Psalm 103:12! It says: "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us"This scripture always reassures us that God really does forget when we confess our sin with a repenting and sincere heart. And Jesus taught us a prayer and said: Forgive our trespassing as we forgive those who have trespassed against us!When we ask God for forgiveness as in Psalm 103:12, we know that GOD actually FORGETS THEM! Who can measure the distance between East and West? When God forgives, He takes away sin from our lives and throws it so far in oblivion! It is inexistent for Him at that moment as it is for us!But what we don’t realize God can forget because he has the ability to do so, our human being memory is still there, we prove our forgiveness by learning to accept the hurt and releasing a grace mercy toward the person who offended us.
One time I read few quotes: “It is far better to forgive and forget than to hate and remember”AUTHOR UNKNOWN
This quote exemplify our lives as a mirror to others, like Christ when he decides to forgive us, he washes away the trespasses, with his divine ability, he decides to remember no more, part of human challenge is not being God, to have the ability to forget because it has to deal with brain, mind… moreover I choose to forgive and to let go, I also decide to forget without holding anything through a period of time, my heart will recover and will not remember the hurt.
The statement “It is far better to forgive and forget than to hate and remember” can more apply with the perspective of being able to release the hatred from our inner being.
I read HENRY WARD BEECHER who says: "I can forgive, but I cannot forget," it is only another way of saying, "I will not forgive."
If you say you forgive someone, you must be willing to surrender your live to God to help you with the process of forgetting, but a conscious decision of refusal to forget someone wrong doings is another way of saying I will not forgive.
Most of all when I decide to forgive from the deepest of my heart, the Lord will begin a healing process in my life and will help me to forget.
Nevertheless sometimes we may forgive and unconsciously remember what a person did to us, but because we accept to offer forgiveness, we also decide not to let the past memory take over our mind nor our decision.
When I forgive someone, I forget. I hear so many times, people saying I forgive him, but I still remember what he did to me. No, when I forgive I let go, I release and I decide to forget; if I still remember I ask God for strength to let go all past memories.
Sometimes people play the victim for the hurt and find the reason not to forgive, can I suggest to us that forgiveness is not for the other person, it is for you. Everybody has got a life, we all need to take responsibility for our actions. Never be the victim of your actions, always take full responsibility of your own actions.
One day I posted this question to one of the largest socio networks called Face book, hundreds of comments come in, many agreed that any time we forgive, we must forget; acknowledging forgiveness means forgetting. While others said no matter how much you forgive you will still remember, the battle may be the terminology used. As part of being human, memory will still be there. Although we do need to consider anytime someone hurts us or any time we have been offended, we are required to forgive. Jesus Christ taught us when we pray, we should ask the father to “forgive us as we forgive others” no scripture in the bible says “Forgiveness should mean forgetting” we forgive and walk toward the process of forgetting.
When I learn to forgive someone it does not eradicate the action of the person, but I don’t have any rage or hold anything against the person, I release the person by forgiving.
I remember I scenario of a couple who walked in my office for counseling, the wife was crying because she just found out that the husband was cheating on her. The couple needs all the necessary tools to keep their marriage; the husband acknowledged the action and repents toward his wife. The wife accepted to forgive but this does not mean that she forgot the action of the husband. Her forgiveness did not erase the memory of the husband’s action; most of all her forgiveness brought her to accept the husband’s mistake, to move on and to never bring back again. When I forgive it does not necessary mean that I erase the memory, a walk in the way I prove I did completely let go, the hurt or the pain of my partner or neighbors.
Forgiveness comes from your heart and Forgetting from your brain.Where it may be impossible to forget an unfortunate event or situation (sometimes no matter how much we would love to) we can choose to forgive the people involved in the situation. I believe there is much power in forgiveness then in forgetting. If we forgive, we have acknowledged ... Read Morethe pain and chose to “set free” the person. Each time it happens, it makes us a better and stronger person. However if there was a way to just “forget” it… what would we have accomplished?We may not have the power to forget but the ability to forgive is within our reach
The challenge today in this contemporary age is that we forgive someone but we still hold something against them, and any time we see that person we always bring the situation back, never got over it. True forgiveness is not identified by the fact that I don’t remember any more, but it is manifested by the fact that I can have the situation back as a flash light in my memory because I have decided to let go, release and move on, the situation will not take over my life anymore. I forgive what has been done wrong to me; even if the memory comes back I let it go.
Forgiveness does not necessarily mean to forget, because sometimes wrong actions from others will take us to the place where we must restructure our lives, guard ourselves and set some boundaries not to get hurt again. I do not forget what they did toward me, but I decide to let go. Certainly will come to the place when I will not remember any more; while I am in the process of forgiveness, I accept to let go.
You can absolutely forgive without forgetting. It's extremely hard to do so when there is something that constantly reminds you of what was done to hurt you however, forgiving lies in your choice to not hold it against the person that hurt you. You don't use it as a high card for when they hurt you again. Forgiving means you're over it.
- Forgiveness is a decision
- Forgiveness is a process
- Forgiveness is a healer
- Forgiveness is an expression of love
- Forgiveness is an act of joy
- Forgiveness is an act of peace
- Forgiveness is accepting responsibility
Someone sent me a comment asking when I forgive I should forget also, with the scripture of Psalm 103:12! It says: "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us"This scripture always reassures us that God really does forget when we confess our sin with a repenting and sincere heart. And Jesus taught us a prayer and said: Forgive our trespassing as we forgive those who have trespassed against us!When we ask God for forgiveness as in Psalm 103:12, we know that GOD actually FORGETS THEM! Who can measure the distance between East and West? When God forgives, He takes away sin from our lives and throws it so far in oblivion! It is inexistent for Him at that moment as it is for us!But what we don’t realize God can forget because he has the ability to do so, our human being memory is still there, we prove our forgiveness by learning to accept the hurt and releasing a grace mercy toward the person who offended us.
One time I read few quotes: “It is far better to forgive and forget than to hate and remember”AUTHOR UNKNOWN
This quote exemplify our lives as a mirror to others, like Christ when he decides to forgive us, he washes away the trespasses, with his divine ability, he decides to remember no more, part of human challenge is not being God, to have the ability to forget because it has to deal with brain, mind… moreover I choose to forgive and to let go, I also decide to forget without holding anything through a period of time, my heart will recover and will not remember the hurt.
The statement “It is far better to forgive and forget than to hate and remember” can more apply with the perspective of being able to release the hatred from our inner being.
I read HENRY WARD BEECHER who says: "I can forgive, but I cannot forget," it is only another way of saying, "I will not forgive."
If you say you forgive someone, you must be willing to surrender your live to God to help you with the process of forgetting, but a conscious decision of refusal to forget someone wrong doings is another way of saying I will not forgive.
Most of all when I decide to forgive from the deepest of my heart, the Lord will begin a healing process in my life and will help me to forget.
Nevertheless sometimes we may forgive and unconsciously remember what a person did to us, but because we accept to offer forgiveness, we also decide not to let the past memory take over our mind nor our decision.
When I forgive someone, I forget. I hear so many times, people saying I forgive him, but I still remember what he did to me. No, when I forgive I let go, I release and I decide to forget; if I still remember I ask God for strength to let go all past memories.
Sometimes people play the victim for the hurt and find the reason not to forgive, can I suggest to us that forgiveness is not for the other person, it is for you. Everybody has got a life, we all need to take responsibility for our actions. Never be the victim of your actions, always take full responsibility of your own actions.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Church As One
CHURCH AS ONE
In this day in age leadership crisis around the world has reached the top, many of our politician leaders have become so deceptive because of lack of integrity and manipulation, as well as immoral agendas among many of them. Just a few weeks ago in the news one of the States Leaders tried to sell an official political position for his own profit.
Considering that we are now living in the age of theological instability in the body of Christ with so many doctrines taking away the focus of the people of God, Pastors, preachers and Bishops are preaching messages but don’t live the message in their life styles.
So many of us have flit with the flock instead of feeding the flock, laying down with our own flock instead of laying hands on their weaknesses, we have truly become an agenda of scandal instead of being a bridge to the lost for God kingdom.
Our heart goes out to all those who have been influenced by any type of Leaders from Political, Intellectual or spiritual, we pray they find on them the ingredients which will raise in their heart a hope and confidence of connectivity.
So many messages with no Christ methods lose the sense of connectivity because of fame and becoming a star. Forgetting that our price is the cross, nevertheless Jesus Christ had attracted a largest crowd of the world when he was crucified naked on the cross. The largest crowd of our master was at the time of his tribulation, suffering and in pain. Moreover those who told him”we will be with you anywhere you go” left him under the arms of military. He was betrayed, crucified but raised on the third day. The journey of Christian life is more than fame, glory, money, success it is also about paying the price, the willingness to lay down your life because of our Lord.
Today, because so many of us have been deceived by our socio, political, spiritual or intellectual leaders we had made Jesus Christ our savior but not our Lord. Can I challenge us to realign our lives and reassess our priorities because He is coming soon and the time is going to get tougher and tougher.
If we are looking for a leader to help us in our journey and destiny or if we need to join any church, we need to make sure that we are not distracted with names, Charisma or fames, let us spend time in prayer for divine guidance, with the help of the Holy Spirit let’s identify this twelve ingredients in the life of the Leader:
To respond too many of your questions such as what kind of a pastor I need to submit myself to? What type of leader I need to follow? What type of person I need to let influence my life? Please make sure you find the 12 ingredients in the Life of healthy Leaders:
1. Integrity
2. Respect
3. Energy
4. Accountability
5. Trust
6. Delegation
7. Honesty
8. Humility
9. Servant-hood
10. Excellence
11. Discipline
12. Determination
It is my desire while navigating this page you will find God in you who can impact and influence you and who would also allow his spirit of grace and mercy to help you germinate those ingredients in you. While we are losing our hope in people, we all need to reconnect back to him.
The question should be why church must be one? For a few reasons:
1. Universal: Only one body through the blood of Christ. There is no such a thing like my church but our church with our leader. We all understand that it is the Leader who has to report to the government and other institutions but it is also our assignment to support and walk with him.
2. Community: It’s not about a local entity it is about one voice coming to God.
3. Saint: connect with others.
4. Respect of authority: The church must submit itself to the authority of a leadership, there is no such thing as being independent without submission to any covering.
In this day in age leadership crisis around the world has reached the top, many of our politician leaders have become so deceptive because of lack of integrity and manipulation, as well as immoral agendas among many of them. Just a few weeks ago in the news one of the States Leaders tried to sell an official political position for his own profit.
Considering that we are now living in the age of theological instability in the body of Christ with so many doctrines taking away the focus of the people of God, Pastors, preachers and Bishops are preaching messages but don’t live the message in their life styles.
So many of us have flit with the flock instead of feeding the flock, laying down with our own flock instead of laying hands on their weaknesses, we have truly become an agenda of scandal instead of being a bridge to the lost for God kingdom.
Our heart goes out to all those who have been influenced by any type of Leaders from Political, Intellectual or spiritual, we pray they find on them the ingredients which will raise in their heart a hope and confidence of connectivity.
So many messages with no Christ methods lose the sense of connectivity because of fame and becoming a star. Forgetting that our price is the cross, nevertheless Jesus Christ had attracted a largest crowd of the world when he was crucified naked on the cross. The largest crowd of our master was at the time of his tribulation, suffering and in pain. Moreover those who told him”we will be with you anywhere you go” left him under the arms of military. He was betrayed, crucified but raised on the third day. The journey of Christian life is more than fame, glory, money, success it is also about paying the price, the willingness to lay down your life because of our Lord.
Today, because so many of us have been deceived by our socio, political, spiritual or intellectual leaders we had made Jesus Christ our savior but not our Lord. Can I challenge us to realign our lives and reassess our priorities because He is coming soon and the time is going to get tougher and tougher.
If we are looking for a leader to help us in our journey and destiny or if we need to join any church, we need to make sure that we are not distracted with names, Charisma or fames, let us spend time in prayer for divine guidance, with the help of the Holy Spirit let’s identify this twelve ingredients in the life of the Leader:
To respond too many of your questions such as what kind of a pastor I need to submit myself to? What type of leader I need to follow? What type of person I need to let influence my life? Please make sure you find the 12 ingredients in the Life of healthy Leaders:
1. Integrity
2. Respect
3. Energy
4. Accountability
5. Trust
6. Delegation
7. Honesty
8. Humility
9. Servant-hood
10. Excellence
11. Discipline
12. Determination
It is my desire while navigating this page you will find God in you who can impact and influence you and who would also allow his spirit of grace and mercy to help you germinate those ingredients in you. While we are losing our hope in people, we all need to reconnect back to him.
The question should be why church must be one? For a few reasons:
1. Universal: Only one body through the blood of Christ. There is no such a thing like my church but our church with our leader. We all understand that it is the Leader who has to report to the government and other institutions but it is also our assignment to support and walk with him.
2. Community: It’s not about a local entity it is about one voice coming to God.
3. Saint: connect with others.
4. Respect of authority: The church must submit itself to the authority of a leadership, there is no such thing as being independent without submission to any covering.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Developing a Healthy Leader
There are two types of leaders. One is a healthy leader and the other is an unhealthy leader. Spiritually you do not know where you are going and expect God to do something greater in your life (maximizing your potential) but you have been injured in the past.
This class will help you to examine who you are. You will examine who you are in Christ.
What is your position in Christ? People complain and murmur because they don't know their position in Christ.In Exodus 15 they were free in the body to leave Egypt and go to the promise land but in their mind and spirit they were still bound. For God to bring greatness in you you need to be set free from your past. Deal with your own personality. Confront things that hold you back. Be honest with yourself.Suggested reading: Search Significance by Robert McGee. This book presents every detail question of your life.A lot of things we deal with in our lives are about our soul and not our spirit. Question: What would you do if someone took a stone and broke the windshield of your car? Think about what your answer would be. Your answer determines the level of your soul. If you are not sure how you would react, this class will let you know. It will help you discover the real you. You cannot go beyond the real you. You must embrace the real you. It is dangerous to be 40, 50, or 60 years old and not know the real you. What are those things in you? Ask to the Lord to search your heart and ask Him what you haven't confronted. How can you be healed from damaged emotions?T.D. Jakes said "If you think you're o.k. there is still a struggle somewhere." Who is the real you? Until you embrace the real you you cannot embrace other people.This class will help you.Go home and write certain things you have not shared with other people. Get a journal. You may have to cry for a few hours, scratch out what you wrote and ask God to help you to grow. Understanding the Meaning of LeadershipThere is a difference between a mentor, a coach, a Pastor, a teacher and a master. They are all levels of leadership but the difference is in the relationship with the person.A leader stays in the forefront of others. Leaders have influence on others lives. They invest in others.A coach spends time investing in other people. A coach is a leader he/she is just being called a coach.A mentor spends time investing in the potential of others and invests time in where the person is going.A friend invests time in feelings and emotions. You cannot put friends in key positions.Example: Jesus did not leave the church to his friend John. John had a caring capacity. Peter was a risk taking leader and Jesus gave the church to him. An organization can fall because of a lack of integrity especially if a friend remains the leader of the organization. This is because with friends there is no accountability. If you don't have someone to correct or rebuke you, if you think you have it all or if you believe only God can correct you, you are living dangerously on this earth. This is considered poison living.Everyone on earth is called to be a leader because we are called to lead ourselves first.When you go to school and/or go to your job, you are investing time in yourself.You have to motivate yourself. Even when it is cold outside and you have to get up, you have to motivate yourself.**Remember, there are 2 types of leaders: healthy and unhealthy.Are you a healthy or unhealthy leader? What are you called to? All are called to be healthy leaders.Please note that everything that is said in this class stays in this class. What are you called for? God wants us to be healthy leaders. Every leader God calls is to be developed.i.e. A baby is born and cannot automatically walk.The baby has to be developed.God expects us to be developed. We are called to be developed in 3 levels:1) Body2) Soul3) SpiritDeveloping Your BodyWe cannot only be developed in the body.What does it mean to be developed in the body? • Exercise • Eat well• Take medication• Learn to be consistentLet your body be developed. You need to have a balance. If you are overweight begin exercising and eating well. God cannot take you to a certain place in that state. If youdon't manage yourself well you won't get there.If you need to take medicine, take it. Don't listen to the spooky stuff like I don't need medicine. God put medical doctors here. If the medicine starts to take you over, put the medicine away and ask God for strength. If you cannot control yourself from eating a cheeseburger, how do you control yourself with the sin in your life?Do not give into the thought that you will do such and such just one more time. This class will challenge you. The place God wants to take you is greater than where you are now. He will not waste time investing in you.Start managing your life. Show up on time and show up in a certain way.You have to start overtaking some decisions. You can miss out on a million dollars going to McDonalds instead of showing up on time and showing up in a certain way.Ask yourself what do you do about this?Go home today and look at your life. Ask God where is He taking you. It is bigger than what you are doing now.Declare: "I know what I want, but I won't do it anymore because of where I am going. Where I am going is greater. I cannot waste time on this anymore."Developing Your SoulThere are different capacities and different layers1) Socially – get a social lifeJesus didn't preach to Mary and Martha. He spent time with them. It's amazing that Jesus had 12 disciples and Lazarus wasn't one of them. Lazarus was Jesus'friend. Jesus was socializing.Do not fool yourself into thinking that Jesus is the only friend you need.We only know what was going on with Jesus at the time he was born, when he was 12 years old and when he was 30.In John chapters 5, 6, and 8 the people struggled to accept Jesus as the Messiah because they were thinking, "We were just talking to him a few days ago and now he's a messiah?"In American culture everyone pays for themselves, they look at it as "my" money. If one person pays for another's food the other person feels obligated to do the same next time. In the African culture socialization is a family affair.They are not looking at "my" money.In Acts 2, they had everything together.Globalization: embracing different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.Where God is taking us we cannot go with an "it's all about me" mindset.Egocentric: Culture that is all about me. Everything is centered around what others can do for me. When the disciples told Jesus that the people didn't have bread and asked ifthey should send them back home, Jesus replied, "Give them bread yourself."You have to take the initiative.When was the last time you had the chance to hang out with family?God always uses human beings as answers to problems. He'll send someone to work with you and talk with you.If you don't socialize or make time to socialize, how can you leave a mark on someone. You may say something to someone and later on they may say, "Iremember when you said X,Y, and Z."2) Psychologically (intellectual capacity and moral life):You have to grow in your mind. This class will not focus on this.3) Emotionally:You have to grow emotionally. You have to be developed emotionally. The more you grow physically you are required to grow emotionally.What affected you at 16 years old should not affect you at 25 years old. Be able to manage your emotions. i.e. – Bishop Weeks, III stayed in front of people to continue doing good work even after all that took place. What would your reaction be if someone breaks your windshield? How are you going to react? You have to deal with your emotions.Do not use excuses like, my mother was not there for me. We do things based on decisions and choices. What happened to you in the past is not an excuse to kill, steal, lie, etc. Paul said when he was a child he acted like a child but when he grew he put away childish things.If you find yourself going through a continuous behavioral pattern, you did notgrow emotionally yet. If you do recognize that you go through the same thing over and over, ask God to help you grow emotionally.You need to know your limits, sexually, intellectually, emotionally, etc. Get to discover the real you.You grow when you learn to manage things. There were 2 sons who turned their father in to authorities because the father was committing bank robberies.Never take responsibility of someone's actions to the level of your emotions. Don't let others' choices effect your emotions. In many African countries, they grow intellectually but they have not grown socially or politically. They have leaders who are unhealthy because of all of the fighting and wars that are taking place.Developing FinanciallyTo grow financially it requires you to get a job. If you don't work you cannot eat.If you have a credit card recognize that it is not your money. If you have school loans pay them back. Grow to pay that money. You cannot hold other people's money. If you do not pay that money you are stealing, you are unhealthy.Humans are bound by signatures (fax) and words (recorded conversation). A signature is a covenant an agreement. You don't see the person who is helping you get the credit card.Not only will paying bills on time build your credit score it will teach discipline. Be credible. We have to be challenged financially. Learn to prioritize. Restructure your life. Assess things in your life. African culture: family think you are wealthy because you live in the United States. They call on you for money.Must use wisdom because you can get poor making others rich.There has to be a balance. God wants to make sure we are balanced. It makes no sense to send money to someone else for you to get an eviction notice.American culture: Selfish. They don't want to give you anything. Developing SpirituallyTo grow spiritually requires devotion (reading and meditating on God's Word).It requires self-discipline. Wake up in the morning and read the Word.Not only will the Word of God bring good success it will help you to manage good success.Adjust your schedule. If you need to be at work at 8:00am, adjust your schedule to arrive at 7:30am to get in the Word and talk to God. Keep God in your mind. You can also read the Word during your lunch hour. You can sacrifice time to read the book of the law. When someone on the job starts to act up you already have the Word in you and you can respond in a healthy manner.How to grow spiritually – 1) devotion (prayer and read the book of the law day and night) 2) disciplineThe enemy knows when you make decisions to read. He will start to bring temptations to you. He will send people to call you while you are praying. Learn to have discipline in your prayer life. Be able to tell people to call you back even if they say they want to speak to you for a few minutes. Be consistent with it.Consistency brings accumulation. There are some people who do not have to be in your life anymore. Where you need to go some people can't be with you.You cannot grow above your circle. You can only grow to the potential of the people you talk to. Do not waste your time with some people. Whatever is in your circle you can only grow to that level.If you give 30 minutes of your time understand it is treasure. Everyone surrounding me is greater than me so that I can be challenged to grow and upgrade my level. You must change your negative language, stop complaining. CounselingGrief is usually 6-9 months. Longer than 9 months you need special attention, it is unhealthy. Set up discipline – go to the level God is expecting you to go to.Your assignment is not your cousin's assignment. There is an assignment on you. i.e. – If your cousin is in a hospice you cannot stop your life to be with the cousin.If you have compassion you are healthy.You must be developed in your body, soul and spirit.Each person in life is responsible for their own actions.There is only 1 Savior, stop trying to be the family's savior.There are things you should get involved with and things you should not get involved with. There are things you should touch and there are things you should not touch. There are things you should say and there are things you should not say.If you give something to someone and they do not want to keep it, take it back because that person did not appreciate what you gave.God judges according to motives not actions. Must consider what the intention is.When you become healthy some things won't bother you anymore.Spiritual (continued)God develops us spiritually by3) Trial, test and suffering:Matthew 4:1Omniscience (all knowing) and predestination of God are different3 levels of test: body, soul and spiritJesus overcame all 3. Being filled with the Spirit does not excuse you from temptation. Are you willing to give up?Temptation is different from trials and tests. Temptation: brings one to the disobedience of God.Trials/tests: brings one to the obedience of God.James 1: 13 (God does not send temptation)Temptation comes from Satan.James 1:2-3Count it all joy (not laughing and being happy, but being grateful and thankful). Joy is the attitude of the heart. Your emotions will be there, that's the human side, but don't let them drive you. If the first thing you do is murmuring and complaining, you are not healthy. Ask God for peace and you ask Him a dangerous question. Ask for patience and He will bring stuff to you to be still.LeadershipThe 4 categories of leadership are:1) The leading leader (leads other people)2) Learned leader3) Latent leader4) Limited leaderDefinition of Leadership: influenceThere are 3 levels of leadership and 2 types of leaders.God always develops us in the level of the spirit.The 5 layers (Maxwell calls it levels) of leadership are:
1) Position leaders: Became leader on position. People follow because they have to. i.e. – President Bush (acquired by position), some Pastors (people follow). Influence does not go beyond job duties.
2) Permission: People follow because they want to. It's according to relationship. i.e. – family or friend put in position even though they may not have the potential.
3) Production: People follow because of what was done for the organization. It's according to results. They heard your name and saw what you did before. Leader has an impact.
4) People Development: People follow because of what was done for them and not for the organization. (Reproduction).
– I work for you because remember what did for me. Long range growth occurs here.
5) Personhood: People follow because of who you are, what they respect in you and what you represent.Leaders are born and made. All leaders have to be developed.
Every leader has to have a vision.
– Hilary Clinton did not allow Bill Clinton mistake with Lewinsky to stop her, she had long site with vision.
This class will help you to examine who you are. You will examine who you are in Christ.
What is your position in Christ? People complain and murmur because they don't know their position in Christ.In Exodus 15 they were free in the body to leave Egypt and go to the promise land but in their mind and spirit they were still bound. For God to bring greatness in you you need to be set free from your past. Deal with your own personality. Confront things that hold you back. Be honest with yourself.Suggested reading: Search Significance by Robert McGee. This book presents every detail question of your life.A lot of things we deal with in our lives are about our soul and not our spirit. Question: What would you do if someone took a stone and broke the windshield of your car? Think about what your answer would be. Your answer determines the level of your soul. If you are not sure how you would react, this class will let you know. It will help you discover the real you. You cannot go beyond the real you. You must embrace the real you. It is dangerous to be 40, 50, or 60 years old and not know the real you. What are those things in you? Ask to the Lord to search your heart and ask Him what you haven't confronted. How can you be healed from damaged emotions?T.D. Jakes said "If you think you're o.k. there is still a struggle somewhere." Who is the real you? Until you embrace the real you you cannot embrace other people.This class will help you.Go home and write certain things you have not shared with other people. Get a journal. You may have to cry for a few hours, scratch out what you wrote and ask God to help you to grow. Understanding the Meaning of LeadershipThere is a difference between a mentor, a coach, a Pastor, a teacher and a master. They are all levels of leadership but the difference is in the relationship with the person.A leader stays in the forefront of others. Leaders have influence on others lives. They invest in others.A coach spends time investing in other people. A coach is a leader he/she is just being called a coach.A mentor spends time investing in the potential of others and invests time in where the person is going.A friend invests time in feelings and emotions. You cannot put friends in key positions.Example: Jesus did not leave the church to his friend John. John had a caring capacity. Peter was a risk taking leader and Jesus gave the church to him. An organization can fall because of a lack of integrity especially if a friend remains the leader of the organization. This is because with friends there is no accountability. If you don't have someone to correct or rebuke you, if you think you have it all or if you believe only God can correct you, you are living dangerously on this earth. This is considered poison living.Everyone on earth is called to be a leader because we are called to lead ourselves first.When you go to school and/or go to your job, you are investing time in yourself.You have to motivate yourself. Even when it is cold outside and you have to get up, you have to motivate yourself.**Remember, there are 2 types of leaders: healthy and unhealthy.Are you a healthy or unhealthy leader? What are you called to? All are called to be healthy leaders.Please note that everything that is said in this class stays in this class. What are you called for? God wants us to be healthy leaders. Every leader God calls is to be developed.i.e. A baby is born and cannot automatically walk.The baby has to be developed.God expects us to be developed. We are called to be developed in 3 levels:1) Body2) Soul3) SpiritDeveloping Your BodyWe cannot only be developed in the body.What does it mean to be developed in the body? • Exercise • Eat well• Take medication• Learn to be consistentLet your body be developed. You need to have a balance. If you are overweight begin exercising and eating well. God cannot take you to a certain place in that state. If youdon't manage yourself well you won't get there.If you need to take medicine, take it. Don't listen to the spooky stuff like I don't need medicine. God put medical doctors here. If the medicine starts to take you over, put the medicine away and ask God for strength. If you cannot control yourself from eating a cheeseburger, how do you control yourself with the sin in your life?Do not give into the thought that you will do such and such just one more time. This class will challenge you. The place God wants to take you is greater than where you are now. He will not waste time investing in you.Start managing your life. Show up on time and show up in a certain way.You have to start overtaking some decisions. You can miss out on a million dollars going to McDonalds instead of showing up on time and showing up in a certain way.Ask yourself what do you do about this?Go home today and look at your life. Ask God where is He taking you. It is bigger than what you are doing now.Declare: "I know what I want, but I won't do it anymore because of where I am going. Where I am going is greater. I cannot waste time on this anymore."Developing Your SoulThere are different capacities and different layers1) Socially – get a social lifeJesus didn't preach to Mary and Martha. He spent time with them. It's amazing that Jesus had 12 disciples and Lazarus wasn't one of them. Lazarus was Jesus'friend. Jesus was socializing.Do not fool yourself into thinking that Jesus is the only friend you need.We only know what was going on with Jesus at the time he was born, when he was 12 years old and when he was 30.In John chapters 5, 6, and 8 the people struggled to accept Jesus as the Messiah because they were thinking, "We were just talking to him a few days ago and now he's a messiah?"In American culture everyone pays for themselves, they look at it as "my" money. If one person pays for another's food the other person feels obligated to do the same next time. In the African culture socialization is a family affair.They are not looking at "my" money.In Acts 2, they had everything together.Globalization: embracing different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.Where God is taking us we cannot go with an "it's all about me" mindset.Egocentric: Culture that is all about me. Everything is centered around what others can do for me. When the disciples told Jesus that the people didn't have bread and asked ifthey should send them back home, Jesus replied, "Give them bread yourself."You have to take the initiative.When was the last time you had the chance to hang out with family?God always uses human beings as answers to problems. He'll send someone to work with you and talk with you.If you don't socialize or make time to socialize, how can you leave a mark on someone. You may say something to someone and later on they may say, "Iremember when you said X,Y, and Z."2) Psychologically (intellectual capacity and moral life):You have to grow in your mind. This class will not focus on this.3) Emotionally:You have to grow emotionally. You have to be developed emotionally. The more you grow physically you are required to grow emotionally.What affected you at 16 years old should not affect you at 25 years old. Be able to manage your emotions. i.e. – Bishop Weeks, III stayed in front of people to continue doing good work even after all that took place. What would your reaction be if someone breaks your windshield? How are you going to react? You have to deal with your emotions.Do not use excuses like, my mother was not there for me. We do things based on decisions and choices. What happened to you in the past is not an excuse to kill, steal, lie, etc. Paul said when he was a child he acted like a child but when he grew he put away childish things.If you find yourself going through a continuous behavioral pattern, you did notgrow emotionally yet. If you do recognize that you go through the same thing over and over, ask God to help you grow emotionally.You need to know your limits, sexually, intellectually, emotionally, etc. Get to discover the real you.You grow when you learn to manage things. There were 2 sons who turned their father in to authorities because the father was committing bank robberies.Never take responsibility of someone's actions to the level of your emotions. Don't let others' choices effect your emotions. In many African countries, they grow intellectually but they have not grown socially or politically. They have leaders who are unhealthy because of all of the fighting and wars that are taking place.Developing FinanciallyTo grow financially it requires you to get a job. If you don't work you cannot eat.If you have a credit card recognize that it is not your money. If you have school loans pay them back. Grow to pay that money. You cannot hold other people's money. If you do not pay that money you are stealing, you are unhealthy.Humans are bound by signatures (fax) and words (recorded conversation). A signature is a covenant an agreement. You don't see the person who is helping you get the credit card.Not only will paying bills on time build your credit score it will teach discipline. Be credible. We have to be challenged financially. Learn to prioritize. Restructure your life. Assess things in your life. African culture: family think you are wealthy because you live in the United States. They call on you for money.Must use wisdom because you can get poor making others rich.There has to be a balance. God wants to make sure we are balanced. It makes no sense to send money to someone else for you to get an eviction notice.American culture: Selfish. They don't want to give you anything. Developing SpirituallyTo grow spiritually requires devotion (reading and meditating on God's Word).It requires self-discipline. Wake up in the morning and read the Word.Not only will the Word of God bring good success it will help you to manage good success.Adjust your schedule. If you need to be at work at 8:00am, adjust your schedule to arrive at 7:30am to get in the Word and talk to God. Keep God in your mind. You can also read the Word during your lunch hour. You can sacrifice time to read the book of the law. When someone on the job starts to act up you already have the Word in you and you can respond in a healthy manner.How to grow spiritually – 1) devotion (prayer and read the book of the law day and night) 2) disciplineThe enemy knows when you make decisions to read. He will start to bring temptations to you. He will send people to call you while you are praying. Learn to have discipline in your prayer life. Be able to tell people to call you back even if they say they want to speak to you for a few minutes. Be consistent with it.Consistency brings accumulation. There are some people who do not have to be in your life anymore. Where you need to go some people can't be with you.You cannot grow above your circle. You can only grow to the potential of the people you talk to. Do not waste your time with some people. Whatever is in your circle you can only grow to that level.If you give 30 minutes of your time understand it is treasure. Everyone surrounding me is greater than me so that I can be challenged to grow and upgrade my level. You must change your negative language, stop complaining. CounselingGrief is usually 6-9 months. Longer than 9 months you need special attention, it is unhealthy. Set up discipline – go to the level God is expecting you to go to.Your assignment is not your cousin's assignment. There is an assignment on you. i.e. – If your cousin is in a hospice you cannot stop your life to be with the cousin.If you have compassion you are healthy.You must be developed in your body, soul and spirit.Each person in life is responsible for their own actions.There is only 1 Savior, stop trying to be the family's savior.There are things you should get involved with and things you should not get involved with. There are things you should touch and there are things you should not touch. There are things you should say and there are things you should not say.If you give something to someone and they do not want to keep it, take it back because that person did not appreciate what you gave.God judges according to motives not actions. Must consider what the intention is.When you become healthy some things won't bother you anymore.Spiritual (continued)God develops us spiritually by3) Trial, test and suffering:Matthew 4:1Omniscience (all knowing) and predestination of God are different3 levels of test: body, soul and spiritJesus overcame all 3. Being filled with the Spirit does not excuse you from temptation. Are you willing to give up?Temptation is different from trials and tests. Temptation: brings one to the disobedience of God.Trials/tests: brings one to the obedience of God.James 1: 13 (God does not send temptation)Temptation comes from Satan.James 1:2-3Count it all joy (not laughing and being happy, but being grateful and thankful). Joy is the attitude of the heart. Your emotions will be there, that's the human side, but don't let them drive you. If the first thing you do is murmuring and complaining, you are not healthy. Ask God for peace and you ask Him a dangerous question. Ask for patience and He will bring stuff to you to be still.LeadershipThe 4 categories of leadership are:1) The leading leader (leads other people)2) Learned leader3) Latent leader4) Limited leaderDefinition of Leadership: influenceThere are 3 levels of leadership and 2 types of leaders.God always develops us in the level of the spirit.The 5 layers (Maxwell calls it levels) of leadership are:
1) Position leaders: Became leader on position. People follow because they have to. i.e. – President Bush (acquired by position), some Pastors (people follow). Influence does not go beyond job duties.
2) Permission: People follow because they want to. It's according to relationship. i.e. – family or friend put in position even though they may not have the potential.
3) Production: People follow because of what was done for the organization. It's according to results. They heard your name and saw what you did before. Leader has an impact.
4) People Development: People follow because of what was done for them and not for the organization. (Reproduction).
– I work for you because remember what did for me. Long range growth occurs here.
5) Personhood: People follow because of who you are, what they respect in you and what you represent.Leaders are born and made. All leaders have to be developed.
Every leader has to have a vision.
– Hilary Clinton did not allow Bill Clinton mistake with Lewinsky to stop her, she had long site with vision.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Problem of lifes
Life is a series of problem- solving opportunities
The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you, depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems for good in their rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30(GN)
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you.
People are like tea bags” If you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot water!” Has God ever tested your faith with problem? What do problems reveal about you?” When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give patience” James 1:2-3 (NCV)
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you.
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something health, money, a relationship by losing it. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. “ Psalm 119:71-72 (LB)
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Few years ago a man was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem- but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. “ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” Genesis 50: 20 (NIV)
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you’re going to take with you into eternity. “we can rejoice when we run into problems they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops us and strength of character in us and help us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Romans 5: 3-4 (LB)
In conclusion: God is at work in your life-even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it’s much easier and profitable when you cooperate with him.
The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you, depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems for good in their rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30(GN)
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you.
People are like tea bags” If you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot water!” Has God ever tested your faith with problem? What do problems reveal about you?” When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give patience” James 1:2-3 (NCV)
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you.
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something health, money, a relationship by losing it. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. “ Psalm 119:71-72 (LB)
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Few years ago a man was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem- but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. “ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” Genesis 50: 20 (NIV)
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you’re going to take with you into eternity. “we can rejoice when we run into problems they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops us and strength of character in us and help us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Romans 5: 3-4 (LB)
In conclusion: God is at work in your life-even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it’s much easier and profitable when you cooperate with him.
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