Category Archives: Christian Living

Friday Focus: The Great Investment

Sep 18

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When I think about retirement, and I know for many that may seem like a far away time and place. For me, however I know that this part of my working life is closing and a new one is opening. It is a part of life.

Looking back I wanted to invest in the stock market. I wanted to play the game, if you will. I dreamt of making it big and have enough for my family and I. Then as I was reading my bible plan, the scripture hit me with this:
     

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Matthew 6:19-21

Investment takes commitment. It requires you to give attention to the matter of interest. It requires your heart. You may have to research the company you bought shares in. You may be reviewing paperwork on a home purchase. Investment may take your time. It can consume you because it is of value to you.
When I read this in scripture I thought it was just about money or financial planning. But as I started to contemplate the Lord’s true intent of these words I was gripped with how I am investing my life in ministry? Or to put it simply what am I doing for God that is of true value to both Him and I in that our hearts are united? How is my ministry bringing value to the kingdom of God? What treasure have I stored in heaven that out of it’s dividends I am able to effectively minister?

One of my favorite Pastors Benny Perez once said in a message “it is ok to have things…. Don’t let those things HAVE you”. I can agree with that.
The treasures you value can have you invested. There is no wrong in that. How is your return on your investment? Does it surpass the confines of time?
My son receives a commision for the amount of tasks he does around the house and at the end of the period he is paid. He also is responsible (with help) to divide his earnings into three areas; Giving, Saving, and Spending
By doing so he is free to buy his toys, because he has put some money away for somthing he may need and has money for offering on Sunday. It allows him freedom. He enjoys buying his toy, I as his Father enjoy his learning of finances. Toys break, but financial wisdom is timeless.
As we serve this weekend continue to invest in treasure Jesus held of value. So that as our hearts grow full of heaven’s return we can minister out of them freely.

Posted in Christian Living, Friday Focus, Helps Minsitry, Ministry

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Carpe “ME” um……

Aug 31

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Not many self help books revolutionize your thinking like the Bible. If we looked at the bible as we look at self help books and not a history book, it’s pages become alive and the inspiration that fills this record, fills you!!
You look at wisdom differently. Finances differently, relationships, finding a mate, finding your purpose, finding Gods voice, oh yes, it’s in there. God cares much about you, not so you can be only be rich, He cares most for your soul. Period, the end game of this life is to be with Jesus in heaven. He leaves us His letter (the bible) in the hope that at the end of our appointed time we find Him.

Do we find him? Or should I ask , do we look for him?  There Is a Greek phrase that has been quoted over many generations, carpe’ diem when translated it means “to seize the day.” To be proactive and control your day by not allowing the day to control you!  To quote a familiar phrase; “Live FULL and Die EMPTY.”  It means to be purpose-full.  It is too easy to be  into the regular day to day operations of what your tasks are that you can forget what pulled you to run the ministry or business in the first place.  If your ever stuck here’s a couple  “hacks” that have helped us out.

1. Recognize that you need to go to the manufacturer.    Suppose  your vehicle had an issue that was vital to its serviceability?  I know for me I would take it back to the dealer in hopes the manufacturer would correct it.  Life can be like that, this is where we must go to our manufacturer regularly to ensure we are living lives that are at peak LEVEL rather than weak LEVEL. Allow the Lord to seize your life’s direction and watch the adventure unfold.  It’s only scary if your not in communication with God through prayer.

2.  Commit to solution, reject pollution!  When the solution is found commit to only  thinking about the solution of the matter, everything contrary is irrelevant.  Haters will hate, that is their nature.  COMMIT TO SOLUTION!!!!

I hope these words have encouraged you. Maybe you could share this with a friend or even mention what you found to others. Listen, We are Praying for you! Have a blessed day!!

Posted in Christian Living, Youth & Young Adult

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Friday Focus: 3 Reasons it takes a team….

Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. (‭Leviticus‬ ‭26‬:‭8‬ ESV)

If you have ever married or even if mom called on you to fix things I’m sure then you know the “honey-do” lists.  The list that make husbands sigh and the  handy-man, rich. I’m  talking about what had happened to me this week. I wanted to show my beautiful bride of 18 years, that I could be handy and replace the door lock/deadbolt combination.

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Unfortunately,  as my drill was losing battery power and I was running out of time before I was to report to work, I rushed and wanted to finish myself. This, now sits outside our door; at least for now.

Asking for help could be a challenging whether in ministry or business. You don’t want to appear weak or incapable of the position you are operating in. You believe you must have all the answers. Friend, that’s not healthy. It also hurts the very ones you are trying to help or serve. That’s why you need a team. Even jesus sent his disciples two by two…..  Even Jesus had disciples.

1. Teams help you keep balanced.
This is true for relationships as it is for ministry. You are good at many things however, there is one area that satisfies your sense of purpose. It answers what you were made for. This is the best use of you and your time. Although, what is needed in a situation may not be what’s in your toolbox. This is when great leaders shine! How? By pulling from their team members who are specialized.

2. A team increases your impact. Now as I am getting older I recognize that I am not the same punk kid I was almost 20 years ago. (I’m starting to sound like an old Tony Keith song). I want to leave a legacy. I want to share my knowledge with whomever would listen. Why be picky who your audience is when even Jesus said “whosoever hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying.

3. Teams produce togetherness and reflects their focus.

How could one have chased a thousand, and two have put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had given them up? (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭30‬ ESV)

There is satisfaction about acomplishing a set goal with people of like-mindedness. Take the championship game for example; one team of individuals working together as one team, covering the weaknesses of their team members with their strengths to produce a common goal. Though many enter the champion race only one wins due to preparation meeting the opportunity. As a fellow minister, what is your motivation for doing what you do?

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭24‬ MSG)

Team members can be the best of friends and the hardest people to get along with. They are team members who have the same mission as you do. And this like mindedness is the link that’s helps fulfill the goal. This weekend look at your team. You can not fulfill what God has in store for you alone. Allow the team to through your weak areas as you cover them with your strong ones.

 

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