“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ Matthew 10:34-36 I don’t think Jesus is telling us …
Merging Together
Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. Acts 13:1 Please go back and read that list again. Did you notice the mixture of people? They didn’t all look alike. They came from many backgrounds. …
Looping Logic
Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. Acts 19:32 Loral Langemeier, one of my first business coaches, taught me about looping logic. Suppose you had a flat tire on the …
Harmonious Team
This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 When we work …
It’s God’s Calling, Not Yours
From Acts 1, When the Apostles Replaced Judas Judas Iscariot was given one of the greatest callings the world has ever known. His name could have been written in history as a great force for bringing God’s kingdom to earth. Instead, he became a Judas, a great betrayer. His greed blinded him from understanding the opportunity in front of …
Fearing God Gives Color
Many business people think a certain margin of dishonesty and violation of ethics is acceptable. Supposedly, it’s just part of doing business. And hey, if no one finds out, and you don’t get caught, what’s the problem? Is telling white lies to cover mistakes or help your agenda wrong? Or what about bribing your way in instead of earning it? How …
Eleven Percent
Recently a family member had surgery to remove her gallbladder. That’s what happens to body parts that don’t work efficiently. Tests showed her gallbladder functioning at 11%. She suffered from severe bouts of pain and developed unexplained, inconsistent allergies that prevented her from eating most foods. Doctors couldn’t identify the issue for many months. She had emergency room visits for …
Deception
Deceit is subtle and sneaks up on us from different angles. We call this being two-faced, double-tongued, or speaking conflicting things to different people. It becomes a complicated web that destroys relationships. In business, deceitful people come across as trustworthy at first, but their dishonesty erodes all of their transactions. Deceptive people who call themselves Christians are calling darkness light, …
Please Go-Today
Jesus sent his disciples ahead to the places he planned to visit. Today he sends us. When we represent Jesus to someone, we plant a seed. Sometimes the seed takes root and sometimes it doesn’t. If it does, perhaps that person will soon encounter him. Jesus said to pray for more workers. I’ve met many people who are naturally drawn …
God Means What He Says
God carefully chooses his words. Don’t twist scripture around to make it say what you want to hear, but listen to what he’s telling us. Stay with facts and truth. Don’t add your own words to make it work for you. In your daily life, choose to always use facts and truth when dealing with challenges. “Fudging” the truth is …
Become the Least
Most arguments I’ve witnessed or been involved in leave the original issue behind and become a power struggle to see who wins. Translation: “Who’s the greatest?” Then the “greatest” person gets their way. Sometimes the winner doesn’t bring the best ideas, and we don’t get the best results. When I invest my time and effort into making myself appear better …
Find Something Right
Find Something Right For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ Luke 7:33,34 Why are we so obsessed …
Imitate God
Imitate God Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1 We’re all imitators. Why not imitate God? Since we become like the people we hang out with, why not hang out with God? Imitating God is key to spiritual health and growth. “In everything” doesn’t leave room for my selfish tendencies in anything—even …
Don’t Worry
Don’t Worry Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.” Luke 12:22 Wait a minute! If Jesus didn’t tell me to worry, who did? I don’t recall “worry” as part of my job description. Since God didn’t command me to worry and I’m not paid to worry, where did …
We’re All Made of the Same Dirt
Sometimes we think God needs a little help bringing justice into our situation. After all, someone has wronged us and we need that person to learn a few things.
You and I Are Just One of Us
This is teamwork at its best, when each person plays a vital part of the whole, content with who they are—no more, no less.
The Leader’s Character
If the decisions we make at home aren’t giving us good results, what makes us think we’ll have different results leading an organization?
The Service of Authority
Jesus sets the tone for great leadership by showing his disciples how to serve others. This Man who knows he has authority over everyone starts at the lowest place by washing his students’ dirty feet.
Too Busy for Reality
One of my greatest fears as I lead is that I will misjudge a situation and make a decision around my flawed or partial understanding, thus harming a person or our organization.
Leadership, a Sacred Trust
Leadership is a sacred trust, given from God. From time to time, leaders face tough decisions. We can choose to try to please people, which is cowardice. Or we can choose to bring justice and hope, no matter the cost.
When God Sends You
Whenever God sends someone on a great mission, he finances the journey. However if we send ourselves, we need to pay our own postage.
Keep Going
God has equipped me with what I need to face the challenges; I only need to trust him.
Timing Matters
I know few people who have mastered this virtue. Perhaps it takes hard work and focused intentionality. James says the man who resists temptation receives a crown of life.
How to Energize Yourself
Gracious speech is like clover honey— good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24)
Be Ready
Good planning and getting ready is our job, but then look to God for the victory.
Growing Pains
Sometimes I want life to magically stand still. But life is always changing. I’m fighting reality when I resist transition. No amount of digging my heels in will bring me rest. I can’t stop life, and really, I don’t want to. But I can bring my strengths into reality and trust God for the outcome.
One Step at a Time
Success has no shortcuts. I heard a good saying this week “you can speed to your next ticket”. Taking shortcuts in life usually will have negative consequences. It’s especially tempting when we’re under a lot of stress—we tend to take shortcuts for instant gratification.
Lasting Peace
But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good…
When I’m Too Tired or Afraid to Go On
Trust God. Expose my fears to him and then throw all the weight of those fears on him.
The Eagle Must Fly
Who can prevent the mighty eagle from flying? She’s here for a few moments—admire her strength and beauty. But an eagle isn’t an eagle until she flies.
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