Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wide Open
President Dwight Eisenhower told the story of a farmer he knew when he was a child whose words had stuck with him all his life. He and his father went to the farmers home to look at a cow the old man had for sale. Eisenhower’s father asked the farmer if he knew anything of the cow’s pedigree…he didn’t. He then asked the farmer about the cow’s butter fat production…he knew nothing of that either.
Eisenhower’s father then asked about the animals annual milk production. Upon this last question the old farmer finally replied, “Look mister, she is an honest cow, no matter when you come she will always give you all she’s got.”
If you really want to know what separates the average and mediocre from the excellent and extraordinary, you won’t find it in the pedigree or production, you will find the difference lies in whether or not one is willing to give it all they’ve got. Half-heartedness and apathy are the seeds that flourish into a lush and vibrant garden of ever increasing mediocrity.
I have never met anyone who lived a life of great impact who was not overcome with passion and totally sold out to something. I have discovered that uncommon commitment allows common people to produce uncommon results.
Now, let me tighten the focus a little because my intention with today’s blog is to not simply get you to reflect on your level of commitment and passion for life or achieving your dreams, although there is nothing wrong with that and I hope you will. But rather to ask you, how passionate and committed are you about God?
I am sure you just answered to yourself… "VERY." But as they say, the proof is in the pudding.
After being in full time ministry for seventeen years and spending almost eleven of those as a Pastor, I can tell you that there are committed Christians and uncommitted Christians. I know and have ministered to people who are saved but not sold out, they are believers in Christ but not bold in their daily walk with him, they are familiar with religious phrases and Christian speech but have no real power for living and constantly move from one defeated situation to another seemingly all their lives.
What is it that makes some people so committed to Christ that they sell out and live life wide open and those who find contentment simply living on the fringes and settle for a decaffeinated and sugar free experience with God? In my opinion and years of observation I believe it is simply a matter of PERSPECTIVE.
It’s not in one’s ability or opportunity over another but rather by the way each one perceives God and their relationship with Him. In fact, power in virtually every area of life is often determined by perspective.
The people who approach their commitment to God with a cavalier and half-hearted attitude are not bad people, they just simply have a perspective problem. There view of God is diluted and skewed.
The apostle Paul had this problem, he was plenty passionate but his view of Christ and the God he served was skewed, that is until a little episode on the Damascus road changed his perspective and allowed him to see the full reality of who it was he was dealing with. And throughout his writings from then on he constantly refers back to this moment where God did not merely convert him but forever changed his view and perspective of God.
From then on Paul’s life was marked by a very different passion, commitment and zeal. In fact, some people labeled him mentally disturbed and crazy. One of the ways you know you are highly committed and have the right perspective of God is when at times people think you’re crazy. They will say things like, “Why are you always at that church?” or “Why are you going on Wednesday you just went Sunday?” and my all time favorite, "You give how much of your income to that church?!?”
In fact, if nobody ever thinks there is something wrong with you….there is probably something wrong with you. Listen, authentic and deep experiences with God are supposed to make us different from the world, so we shouldn’t be surprised when at times we are not perceived to be normal by the world. I’m going to wrap this up so listen carefully….GOD..WANTS..ALL..OF…YOU.
He gave us his very best and he deserves no less.
So until next week, if you’re going to live for God…. LIVE IT COMPLETELY, LIVE IT FULLY…. LIVE IT WIDE OPEN.
(click and leave a comment below and tell me if I’m crazy)
All for Christ,
J. Mark
Eisenhower’s father then asked about the animals annual milk production. Upon this last question the old farmer finally replied, “Look mister, she is an honest cow, no matter when you come she will always give you all she’s got.”
If you really want to know what separates the average and mediocre from the excellent and extraordinary, you won’t find it in the pedigree or production, you will find the difference lies in whether or not one is willing to give it all they’ve got. Half-heartedness and apathy are the seeds that flourish into a lush and vibrant garden of ever increasing mediocrity.
I have never met anyone who lived a life of great impact who was not overcome with passion and totally sold out to something. I have discovered that uncommon commitment allows common people to produce uncommon results.
Now, let me tighten the focus a little because my intention with today’s blog is to not simply get you to reflect on your level of commitment and passion for life or achieving your dreams, although there is nothing wrong with that and I hope you will. But rather to ask you, how passionate and committed are you about God?
I am sure you just answered to yourself… "VERY." But as they say, the proof is in the pudding.
After being in full time ministry for seventeen years and spending almost eleven of those as a Pastor, I can tell you that there are committed Christians and uncommitted Christians. I know and have ministered to people who are saved but not sold out, they are believers in Christ but not bold in their daily walk with him, they are familiar with religious phrases and Christian speech but have no real power for living and constantly move from one defeated situation to another seemingly all their lives.
What is it that makes some people so committed to Christ that they sell out and live life wide open and those who find contentment simply living on the fringes and settle for a decaffeinated and sugar free experience with God? In my opinion and years of observation I believe it is simply a matter of PERSPECTIVE.
It’s not in one’s ability or opportunity over another but rather by the way each one perceives God and their relationship with Him. In fact, power in virtually every area of life is often determined by perspective.
The people who approach their commitment to God with a cavalier and half-hearted attitude are not bad people, they just simply have a perspective problem. There view of God is diluted and skewed.
The apostle Paul had this problem, he was plenty passionate but his view of Christ and the God he served was skewed, that is until a little episode on the Damascus road changed his perspective and allowed him to see the full reality of who it was he was dealing with. And throughout his writings from then on he constantly refers back to this moment where God did not merely convert him but forever changed his view and perspective of God.
From then on Paul’s life was marked by a very different passion, commitment and zeal. In fact, some people labeled him mentally disturbed and crazy. One of the ways you know you are highly committed and have the right perspective of God is when at times people think you’re crazy. They will say things like, “Why are you always at that church?” or “Why are you going on Wednesday you just went Sunday?” and my all time favorite, "You give how much of your income to that church?!?”
In fact, if nobody ever thinks there is something wrong with you….there is probably something wrong with you. Listen, authentic and deep experiences with God are supposed to make us different from the world, so we shouldn’t be surprised when at times we are not perceived to be normal by the world. I’m going to wrap this up so listen carefully….GOD..WANTS..ALL..OF…YOU.
He gave us his very best and he deserves no less.
So until next week, if you’re going to live for God…. LIVE IT COMPLETELY, LIVE IT FULLY…. LIVE IT WIDE OPEN.
(click and leave a comment below and tell me if I’m crazy)
All for Christ,
J. Mark
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Show Some Love
At the end of World War I, Herbert Hoover, who would later become the President of the United States, led the allied relief efforts in Europe. The efforts of these valiant soldiers kept thousands from starvation and death and a new word entered the Finnish language. They literally made a verb out of Herbert Hoover’s last name. In Finland to Hoover means to be kind, generous or benevolent.
Question….if they made a verb out of your last name, what would it’s definition be? Based on your behavior and the philosophy of life that governs your actions, what best describes what your life stands for and what the residue of your existence will be?
Trust me when I tell you that no matter what you accomplish or achieve, your life will be summarized by those who knew you in one sentence…PICK IT NOW.
The Bible says that the only thing that a person can do that has the power to change anything on an eternal level is LOVE. Love is a deep root that produces the fragrant fruit of kindness. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is listing and describing the transformational power of love and in his defining chapter simply says that, “Love is patient and KIND.”
Kindness is one of the first fruits of true love. The German philosopher Nietzsche hated Christianity for encouraging kindness. He accused Christian love of draining strong people by driving them to waste their energies on lepers, cripples and oppressed people. His doctrine of survival of the fittest was an off shoot of Darwinism that later spawned such movements as Nazism and was the creed of a young officer named Adolph Hitler.
Jesus was a revolutionary, there is no disputing it. He came to rule and reign not as any before Him or after Him. His operational strategy of power and strength had nothing to do with military might or an overwhelming show of brute force. His plan to infiltrate and take over the world was not led by bullets, brawn or bayonets. His weapon of choice was Grace, fueled only by the leading edge of Love. And against all odds, beliefs and voices of His enemies…..LOVE WINS. And kindness is the offspring of love.
If we are going to be able to finish what Jesus started it means we have to cross over and make the transition from SELFISH love to SELFLESS love. We often here people use the phrase random acts of kindness. Now, I know what they mean but the truth is there is no such thing. Kindness is not random at all, it is highly and incredibly intentional. Kindness happens on purpose. It is motivated by the needs of others and the desire to glorify God in this earth and through our lives.
Trust me, you are not born into this world with kindness, if you don’t believe me just go to a nursery and watch those little bundles of joy. I’ve seen a cute, seemingly harmless little tyke pounce on a fellow fledgling like an African lion on a ring tailed gazelle, all because he wanted to experience the joy of his fellow nursery goers toy for a moment. The rage in his little face is a disturbing image I have often tried to forget.
My point is, kindness is something that must be cultivated and developed, if you wait for it to merely emerge, it won’t. Have you ever done something really nice for someone that you really didn’t know and seen the look on their face? It’s priceless and do you know why they are overwhelmed and surprised? Because it’s not normal. It’s not what they are used to.
This is why if we are serious about making a difference, if we truly believe that Jesus started something that is true and authentic and worthy of being continued, then becoming people of love and kindness is an endeavor worth pursuing. It was our savior’s weapon of choice and if we are His disciples, it must be ours as well.
I love the message translation of Acts 20:35. It says, “True happiness is found in the giving, not in the getting.”
Years ago a guy named Rod Sterling created a television show called The Twilight Zone. One episode was about a gambler who died and was immediately transported to a room with gambling tables. It was amazing, every time he rolled the dice, he won. Every hand of cards was a winning hand. He thought he was in heaven until finally it dawned on him he was alone and what he thought at first was heaven turned out to be hell. Because he realized though he had everything any gambler could want, he had no one to share it with.
The moral was clear, the life that only gathers is no life at all. It is only in the giving, only in the sharing and only through love and kindness that we discover the true essence of life.
Opportunities abound to live this way if only we will look. There is a place below to leave a comment. I encourage you to take a few seconds and tell me and the others who read this weekly blog what you think.
Until next week... SHOW SOME LOVE.
All for Christ,
J. Mark
Question….if they made a verb out of your last name, what would it’s definition be? Based on your behavior and the philosophy of life that governs your actions, what best describes what your life stands for and what the residue of your existence will be?
Trust me when I tell you that no matter what you accomplish or achieve, your life will be summarized by those who knew you in one sentence…PICK IT NOW.
The Bible says that the only thing that a person can do that has the power to change anything on an eternal level is LOVE. Love is a deep root that produces the fragrant fruit of kindness. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is listing and describing the transformational power of love and in his defining chapter simply says that, “Love is patient and KIND.”
Kindness is one of the first fruits of true love. The German philosopher Nietzsche hated Christianity for encouraging kindness. He accused Christian love of draining strong people by driving them to waste their energies on lepers, cripples and oppressed people. His doctrine of survival of the fittest was an off shoot of Darwinism that later spawned such movements as Nazism and was the creed of a young officer named Adolph Hitler.
Jesus was a revolutionary, there is no disputing it. He came to rule and reign not as any before Him or after Him. His operational strategy of power and strength had nothing to do with military might or an overwhelming show of brute force. His plan to infiltrate and take over the world was not led by bullets, brawn or bayonets. His weapon of choice was Grace, fueled only by the leading edge of Love. And against all odds, beliefs and voices of His enemies…..LOVE WINS. And kindness is the offspring of love.
If we are going to be able to finish what Jesus started it means we have to cross over and make the transition from SELFISH love to SELFLESS love. We often here people use the phrase random acts of kindness. Now, I know what they mean but the truth is there is no such thing. Kindness is not random at all, it is highly and incredibly intentional. Kindness happens on purpose. It is motivated by the needs of others and the desire to glorify God in this earth and through our lives.
Trust me, you are not born into this world with kindness, if you don’t believe me just go to a nursery and watch those little bundles of joy. I’ve seen a cute, seemingly harmless little tyke pounce on a fellow fledgling like an African lion on a ring tailed gazelle, all because he wanted to experience the joy of his fellow nursery goers toy for a moment. The rage in his little face is a disturbing image I have often tried to forget.
My point is, kindness is something that must be cultivated and developed, if you wait for it to merely emerge, it won’t. Have you ever done something really nice for someone that you really didn’t know and seen the look on their face? It’s priceless and do you know why they are overwhelmed and surprised? Because it’s not normal. It’s not what they are used to.
This is why if we are serious about making a difference, if we truly believe that Jesus started something that is true and authentic and worthy of being continued, then becoming people of love and kindness is an endeavor worth pursuing. It was our savior’s weapon of choice and if we are His disciples, it must be ours as well.
I love the message translation of Acts 20:35. It says, “True happiness is found in the giving, not in the getting.”
Years ago a guy named Rod Sterling created a television show called The Twilight Zone. One episode was about a gambler who died and was immediately transported to a room with gambling tables. It was amazing, every time he rolled the dice, he won. Every hand of cards was a winning hand. He thought he was in heaven until finally it dawned on him he was alone and what he thought at first was heaven turned out to be hell. Because he realized though he had everything any gambler could want, he had no one to share it with.
The moral was clear, the life that only gathers is no life at all. It is only in the giving, only in the sharing and only through love and kindness that we discover the true essence of life.
Opportunities abound to live this way if only we will look. There is a place below to leave a comment. I encourage you to take a few seconds and tell me and the others who read this weekly blog what you think.
Until next week... SHOW SOME LOVE.
All for Christ,
J. Mark
Self Audit Questions
Life and Ministry Questions
1. Is my calling clear? - Every person has a call on their life. Finding it and fulfilling it equals true significance.
2. Is my vision clear? - Am I sure about our mission as a church?
3. Is my passion hot? - Do I have a fervor for God and life or am I cold and stagnate?
4. Is my character totally submitted to Christ? - Am I the same man/woman in public as I am in private?
5. Is my pride subdued? - Do I have a true servants heart?
6. Are my fears under control? - Am I truly driven by faith and not fear?
7. Are my ears open to the Holy Spirit's whisper? - Am I truly listening for Him in my life?
8. Is my heart for God increasing? - Is my relationship with Him truly growing?
9. Are my gifts developing? - Am I spending enough time and energy cultivating and maximizing my skills?
10. Am I content with who I am becoming? - Given my present habits, what will my life look like in five years?
11. Am I becoming less religious and more spiritual?
12. Does my family recognize the authenticity of my walk with God? - It they cannot see it, then it's not real.
13. Do I have a flow-through philosophy? - Am I an open and joyful giver?
14. Do I have balance in my life? - Am I out of control in any area?
15. Have I defined my unique style of ministry? - Am I comfortable in my own skin: an original.
16. Is my humility genuine? - The Bible tells us to "humble ourselves."
17. Is obedience to God built into my reflexes? Am I quick to do what He asks of me?
18. Is my prayer life improving? - As I grow, my communication with God should be growing not shrinking?
1. Is my calling clear? - Every person has a call on their life. Finding it and fulfilling it equals true significance.
2. Is my vision clear? - Am I sure about our mission as a church?
3. Is my passion hot? - Do I have a fervor for God and life or am I cold and stagnate?
4. Is my character totally submitted to Christ? - Am I the same man/woman in public as I am in private?
5. Is my pride subdued? - Do I have a true servants heart?
6. Are my fears under control? - Am I truly driven by faith and not fear?
7. Are my ears open to the Holy Spirit's whisper? - Am I truly listening for Him in my life?
8. Is my heart for God increasing? - Is my relationship with Him truly growing?
9. Are my gifts developing? - Am I spending enough time and energy cultivating and maximizing my skills?
10. Am I content with who I am becoming? - Given my present habits, what will my life look like in five years?
11. Am I becoming less religious and more spiritual?
12. Does my family recognize the authenticity of my walk with God? - It they cannot see it, then it's not real.
13. Do I have a flow-through philosophy? - Am I an open and joyful giver?
14. Do I have balance in my life? - Am I out of control in any area?
15. Have I defined my unique style of ministry? - Am I comfortable in my own skin: an original.
16. Is my humility genuine? - The Bible tells us to "humble ourselves."
17. Is obedience to God built into my reflexes? Am I quick to do what He asks of me?
18. Is my prayer life improving? - As I grow, my communication with God should be growing not shrinking?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Seasons
There once was a barber with a thriving business in a small Midwest town, when one day a large corporate salon moved in, set up shop across the street, and put up a huge banner that read, “We sell $3.00 haircuts.”
Well, it wasn’t long before the barber's business began to dwindle and suffer. Finally, after weeks of frustration, the barber hired a business consultant to come and evaluate the situation and offer whatever professional advice he could to save his business. After a quick evaluation of the situation the consultant makes a call and heads back to his car.
"Wait", said the barber, “Where are you going?” “I’ll be right back,” said the consultant. In a few minutes he returned with a huge banner that simply read, “WE FIX $3.00 HAIRCUTS.”
The ability to read a situation and respond correctly is more than luck, fate or being fortuitous. The Bible says it is a gift. Discernment is not a luxury we can afford to do without. Wisdom and discernment are blood brothers and the Bible makes it abundantly clear that God is the Father of both.
There were some men in the Old Testament who had a unique distinction that gained them certain notoriety in scripture. In 1 Chronicles 12:32 we are introduced to the Men of Issachar. The Bible says that these were men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. This was of particular importance seeing that during these times eleven of the twelve tribes of Israel were without official leadership.
David was king of only one tribe for seven and a half years before the nation was united and during this time the men of Issachar played a significant role in the progress and care of the other eleven tribes. Please pay special attention to the fact that they understood the times.
Why is this so important and what relevance does it have to our walk with God? Well, God is a God of times and seasons. He created seasons as a way to process change in the earth.
In winter, there is a purging and a barrenness to all things that provides a necessary time of refocus and rest to the soil and land as frigid temperatures erase the landscape, making way for a new time and season.
In spring, there is planting, plowing and preparing. It is a time to work a plan and lay seeds of hope for a future return.
In summer, there is great growth and an abundant expansion as the seeds sown in spring are exposed to warm tropical air and summer showers that water and nourish the seeds to a lush green fullness.
In autumn, it is harvest. The time in which all the labor, patience and preparation finally pays off. As increase happens it brings with it a reflective moment where we realize…ALL OF THESE SEASONS WERE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO HAVE HARVEST NOW.
Every person reading this is in one of these seasons right now and your ability to discern and recognize which one can make the difference between pressing forward or pulling back. Now, I’m going to be straight with you, winter has gotten the best of me a few times.
We are taught to believe that if we walk by faith and honor God that our Christian experience should be comprised of all summers and autumns, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Listen, you can be in the dead of winter and be right in the middle of God’s perfect will for your life. I realized God took me through some winters to kill some things in me that needed to die before He could bring true harvest in my life.
Let me share two simple things about seasons you need to know that will help you as you walk with God.
1.- SEASONS ARE FAITHFUL- What I mean by that is, you can always count on them in the cycle of life. You will have many winters, springs, summers and autumns as you journey with God. The Apostle James said we should not be shocked as though some strange thing has happened to us. In other words, just count on it, it’s a normal part of God working in our lives.
2.- SEASONS ARE FRUITFUL- Every season is performing a vital function in your life. In spite of how difficult some seasons are they serve an invaluable purpose to make us what God wants us to be. After these years with God, I can honestly say I am thankful for my winters. Take any one of them away and I would not be half the leader He has helped me become.
Rest in the fact that God is at work in your life and it will help you hold on. Listen to this scripture in Galatians 6:9 Don’t ever become weary of doing what is right, at the proper TIME we will reap a harvest if we never give up.
Trust me when I tell you, there will be a TIME when you are due. And you will realize it was and is worth it all. As always there is a place to leave a comment, take a few seconds and share a thought about the seasons and what they mean to you.
Be blessed and I’ll catch you next week.
All for Christ,
J.Mark
Well, it wasn’t long before the barber's business began to dwindle and suffer. Finally, after weeks of frustration, the barber hired a business consultant to come and evaluate the situation and offer whatever professional advice he could to save his business. After a quick evaluation of the situation the consultant makes a call and heads back to his car.
"Wait", said the barber, “Where are you going?” “I’ll be right back,” said the consultant. In a few minutes he returned with a huge banner that simply read, “WE FIX $3.00 HAIRCUTS.”
The ability to read a situation and respond correctly is more than luck, fate or being fortuitous. The Bible says it is a gift. Discernment is not a luxury we can afford to do without. Wisdom and discernment are blood brothers and the Bible makes it abundantly clear that God is the Father of both.
There were some men in the Old Testament who had a unique distinction that gained them certain notoriety in scripture. In 1 Chronicles 12:32 we are introduced to the Men of Issachar. The Bible says that these were men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. This was of particular importance seeing that during these times eleven of the twelve tribes of Israel were without official leadership.
David was king of only one tribe for seven and a half years before the nation was united and during this time the men of Issachar played a significant role in the progress and care of the other eleven tribes. Please pay special attention to the fact that they understood the times.
Why is this so important and what relevance does it have to our walk with God? Well, God is a God of times and seasons. He created seasons as a way to process change in the earth.
In winter, there is a purging and a barrenness to all things that provides a necessary time of refocus and rest to the soil and land as frigid temperatures erase the landscape, making way for a new time and season.
In spring, there is planting, plowing and preparing. It is a time to work a plan and lay seeds of hope for a future return.
In summer, there is great growth and an abundant expansion as the seeds sown in spring are exposed to warm tropical air and summer showers that water and nourish the seeds to a lush green fullness.
In autumn, it is harvest. The time in which all the labor, patience and preparation finally pays off. As increase happens it brings with it a reflective moment where we realize…ALL OF THESE SEASONS WERE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO HAVE HARVEST NOW.
Every person reading this is in one of these seasons right now and your ability to discern and recognize which one can make the difference between pressing forward or pulling back. Now, I’m going to be straight with you, winter has gotten the best of me a few times.
We are taught to believe that if we walk by faith and honor God that our Christian experience should be comprised of all summers and autumns, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Listen, you can be in the dead of winter and be right in the middle of God’s perfect will for your life. I realized God took me through some winters to kill some things in me that needed to die before He could bring true harvest in my life.
Let me share two simple things about seasons you need to know that will help you as you walk with God.
1.- SEASONS ARE FAITHFUL- What I mean by that is, you can always count on them in the cycle of life. You will have many winters, springs, summers and autumns as you journey with God. The Apostle James said we should not be shocked as though some strange thing has happened to us. In other words, just count on it, it’s a normal part of God working in our lives.
2.- SEASONS ARE FRUITFUL- Every season is performing a vital function in your life. In spite of how difficult some seasons are they serve an invaluable purpose to make us what God wants us to be. After these years with God, I can honestly say I am thankful for my winters. Take any one of them away and I would not be half the leader He has helped me become.
Rest in the fact that God is at work in your life and it will help you hold on. Listen to this scripture in Galatians 6:9 Don’t ever become weary of doing what is right, at the proper TIME we will reap a harvest if we never give up.
Trust me when I tell you, there will be a TIME when you are due. And you will realize it was and is worth it all. As always there is a place to leave a comment, take a few seconds and share a thought about the seasons and what they mean to you.
Be blessed and I’ll catch you next week.
All for Christ,
J.Mark
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Spiritual Audit
Years ago as a much younger leader I had a thought. I was in one of these reflective moments that analytical people often find themselves in when something occurred to me, we have CPA’s to keep us liquid, lawyers to keep us legal, and doctors to keep us healthy but very few people, if any, have someone close enough in their life to help them keep their spiritual accounts in order.
The truth is most of us don’t really want people peering into our souls and delving deep into the recesses of our minds and examining our thoughts and intents. Why? Because we know what’s there.
We don’t like to talk about it or admit it but the truth is we all have deep struggles and challenges. My moment of reflection led me to develop a SPIRITUAL SELF AUDIT. I recently shared eighteen questions with my staff over a two week period that I have developed to keep things in my spirit, heart and mind in proper order and to insure that I am moving progressively towards God and His will for my life.
I have learned an invaluable lesson in walking with God these seventeen years. Our most difficult leadership challenge will always be ourselves. We can never effectively lead others until we learn to develop deep levels of leadership in our own lives.
I just read the famous story of David at Ziklag. Here is a man who had been used to winning his whole life, and while off conducting business, returns home only to discover that he and all of his men’s homes have been destroyed, their possessions stolen and their families kidnapped. To add insult to injury, while he is mourning his own personal losses, his own men begin to cast blame and lay fault at David’s door. The Bible says that they were even plotting to kill him.
At this pivotal moment David quickly assesses who needs leadership the most. His army? His advisors? His captains? In the end he quickly realizes the person who needed leadership the most was himself, and so the bible says that, “David strengthened himself with trust in his God.”
Self leadership is the foundation of true spirituality and the key to powerful influence in this world for God. Obviously, I can’t share all eighteen questions here but let me give you a few for your own personal audit and see if they won’t help you find a pulse for how your spiritual heart is beating.
1.- AM I CONTENT WITH WHO I AM BECOMING?- Everyday our actions and attitudes are forming and shaping the people we are and eventually will become. Given your habits and proclivities today, what will you look like and be like tomorrow? Don’t kid yourself, you are becoming something, the question is what is it? No person can climb beyond the limits of their own character.
Too many people have learned to hide who they truly are by simply shrouding it in what they do. But the truth is living a double life will get you nowhere twice as fast. The scripture says that God desires truth in the inward parts. That simply means God requires complete honesty from us and desires to lead us to authentic transformation.
I read something the other day that impacted me. It said, “Your life will be summarized in one sentence. Pick it now.”
2.- AM I BECOMING LESS RELIGIOUS AND MORE SPIRITUAL?- The Pharisees of the New Testament were religious, but Christ was and is spiritual. The difference between religion and true spirituality is basically a matter of control. Religion is an experience I can control while authentic spirituality is an experience that controls me.
Every time I shift emphasis from doing something for God to just pursuing my Father with everything within me I feel my spirit man growing. With God it’s all about the relationship.
3.-IS OBEDIENCE TO SMALL MATTERS BUILT INTO MY REFLEXES?- Read this carefully. The true mark of maturity and servitude is REACTION TIME. In other words, the more mature we are in Christ, the quicker we are to obey his voice and will for our lives.
When God speaks to us and we wrestle with it for long periods of time it means we trying to decide whether or not we are going to follow his will or ours. The more Lordship He has in our lives the quicker our response time.
Paul spoke in one place of being a good soldier for Christ. Well, soldiers follow orders without hesitation. My prayer is that He will help me become this kind of a soldier.
As I said these are just few questions in the spiritual audit, if you want more of the audit leave a comment with your email and we’ll shoot them to you.
Thanks for participating. I do this every week in the hopes someone will be inspired towards deeper places and higher heights.
God bless and I’ll see you next week.
All for Christ,
J. Mark
The truth is most of us don’t really want people peering into our souls and delving deep into the recesses of our minds and examining our thoughts and intents. Why? Because we know what’s there.
We don’t like to talk about it or admit it but the truth is we all have deep struggles and challenges. My moment of reflection led me to develop a SPIRITUAL SELF AUDIT. I recently shared eighteen questions with my staff over a two week period that I have developed to keep things in my spirit, heart and mind in proper order and to insure that I am moving progressively towards God and His will for my life.
I have learned an invaluable lesson in walking with God these seventeen years. Our most difficult leadership challenge will always be ourselves. We can never effectively lead others until we learn to develop deep levels of leadership in our own lives.
I just read the famous story of David at Ziklag. Here is a man who had been used to winning his whole life, and while off conducting business, returns home only to discover that he and all of his men’s homes have been destroyed, their possessions stolen and their families kidnapped. To add insult to injury, while he is mourning his own personal losses, his own men begin to cast blame and lay fault at David’s door. The Bible says that they were even plotting to kill him.
At this pivotal moment David quickly assesses who needs leadership the most. His army? His advisors? His captains? In the end he quickly realizes the person who needed leadership the most was himself, and so the bible says that, “David strengthened himself with trust in his God.”
Self leadership is the foundation of true spirituality and the key to powerful influence in this world for God. Obviously, I can’t share all eighteen questions here but let me give you a few for your own personal audit and see if they won’t help you find a pulse for how your spiritual heart is beating.
1.- AM I CONTENT WITH WHO I AM BECOMING?- Everyday our actions and attitudes are forming and shaping the people we are and eventually will become. Given your habits and proclivities today, what will you look like and be like tomorrow? Don’t kid yourself, you are becoming something, the question is what is it? No person can climb beyond the limits of their own character.
Too many people have learned to hide who they truly are by simply shrouding it in what they do. But the truth is living a double life will get you nowhere twice as fast. The scripture says that God desires truth in the inward parts. That simply means God requires complete honesty from us and desires to lead us to authentic transformation.
I read something the other day that impacted me. It said, “Your life will be summarized in one sentence. Pick it now.”
2.- AM I BECOMING LESS RELIGIOUS AND MORE SPIRITUAL?- The Pharisees of the New Testament were religious, but Christ was and is spiritual. The difference between religion and true spirituality is basically a matter of control. Religion is an experience I can control while authentic spirituality is an experience that controls me.
Every time I shift emphasis from doing something for God to just pursuing my Father with everything within me I feel my spirit man growing. With God it’s all about the relationship.
3.-IS OBEDIENCE TO SMALL MATTERS BUILT INTO MY REFLEXES?- Read this carefully. The true mark of maturity and servitude is REACTION TIME. In other words, the more mature we are in Christ, the quicker we are to obey his voice and will for our lives.
When God speaks to us and we wrestle with it for long periods of time it means we trying to decide whether or not we are going to follow his will or ours. The more Lordship He has in our lives the quicker our response time.
Paul spoke in one place of being a good soldier for Christ. Well, soldiers follow orders without hesitation. My prayer is that He will help me become this kind of a soldier.
As I said these are just few questions in the spiritual audit, if you want more of the audit leave a comment with your email and we’ll shoot them to you.
Thanks for participating. I do this every week in the hopes someone will be inspired towards deeper places and higher heights.
God bless and I’ll see you next week.
All for Christ,
J. Mark
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