Category Archives: Ministry

Friday Focus: The Great Investment

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.

Lean in pt.2

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I had an amazing time at the wave church conference. I missed a break out session, what I did  enjoy was that everyone was happy to help.  The volunteers were happy to be there and the team were on task. Pastor Steve and his team were of one mind; to help people.

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The speakers were awesome!  Each and everyone that spoke was a great time of encouragement and really (for me) identifying where exactly to go in my relationship with the Lord.

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I was at a crossroads myself, this conference helped confirm what I believe God had called me to do.

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Yup for right now I’m a mechanic.  It’s my mission field, has been for nearly 20 years. God knew what he was doing then and now. The Lord will meet you when you’re on your purpose. He never fails. When you can no longer go on your own power, He comes in to strengthen you for one more step.

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Pastor. Leader. Don’t give in Lean in to God like never before.  We need you even when it is not shown.

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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