Life is whatz up...

Meekness is not weakness

2011-11-20T10:07:00.001-08:00

In the New Testament language of “Koine” Greek, the word “praus” was a military term, used to describe the training of horses. The Grecian army would capture the wildest horses roaming in the mountains and train them for use in the army.

Some horses were broken and made useful for ordinary duty and a few became war horses. When a horse passed the conditioning required to become a war horse, its state was described as “praus”. No longer wild and unmanageable, he was now trained to be under the control of his master.

The war horse hadn’t lost any of his power or strength, it was just harnessed and under the control of his master. It gave up being wild, unruly, out of control and rebellious; and, instead, learned to be submissive and responsive to the slightest touch of the rider.

A war horse was trained to stand in the face of combat, thunder into battle and then stop when his master tugged on the reins. It was now considered to be “meek.”

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Lions from God in my dreams… Part 1

2011-11-14T07:32:00.001-08:00

I remember about eight years ago having a dream were I was walking up a grassy hill at night. At the top of the hill was the beginning of a dark forest. As I was walking up the hill, I saw two very large male lions running out of it toward me. And, they were running fast. However, there was something unique about these lions; they had bright light coming out from their eyes that illuminated everything they looked at. It reminded me of headlights on a car. In the dream, I assumed they were coming to eat me so I did a funny thing. I started to fly up in the air. I assumed that if I was flying they would not eat me. However, interestingly enough I was only able to stay in the air briefly. So as I began plummeting toward the earth I had another idea. I will go under the ground. There is no way they can get me there—I thought. Unfortunately, just as I was not able to stay in the air long neither was I able to stay under the ground. And, as I began to ascend from up under the earth toward the two powerful creatures I awakened from my slumber.
Last week I had another dream. That’s eight years later. In it I was walking up a hill in the daytime toward what looked like an unfinished house. While heading toward it I looked back down the hill. And, what did I see running toward me? Two large male lions! As I reached the unfinished house I looked back and the Lions had caught up with me. However, an interesting thing happened. They did not run to me to eat me but they both ran to the opposite corners of the house from where I was standing. The side of the house I was on had no visible entrance. And, even though I could not see entrances where the lions stood, it seemed as though they were blocking the way in the house. It looked like they had strategically aligned themselves to keep me from entering the house. So I did what I normally do when I see lions in my dreams. I fly! I faked to one entrance. And, one of the lions on the far side of the house ran around it to join up with the other one to prevent me from entering it. Then I ran to the area where the lion had vacated and I started flying away. As I did in the previous dream I woke up. However, the interesting thing about this dream is I am currently staying with a Pastor in Minnesota until I can get on my feet and ready for the church plant. In this room where I am sleeping they have posted on the wall two Narnia posters. And, on both of the posters are pictures of Aslan the creator of Narnia. The lions are here…
Interpretations to come!

“there are two ways to grow, either through pain or through prayer!?”

2011-11-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Once again what has impacted me the most this season in my life is the theme of character development. I am convinced that this is a teaching that will become a prevalent topic the rest of my life. Now, I am not saying that this theme is more important than Salvation. But, just as Francis Schaffer said, “becoming a Christian is just the beginning.”
I am beginning to understand that from that beginning God uses the situations of our lives to develop the character of Christ in us. I don’t think that this process is easy. Yet, interestingly, my spiritual formation teacher stated, “there are two ways to grow, either through pain or through prayer!?” Regardless the method the principle is poignant and profound. After salvation we are asked to grow.
I have been adamant about my growth up to this point; however, now my convictions have deepened. I now believe my calling is what God is using to conform my character to Christ's. I now understand why we rejoice when we are persecuted. I understand why tribulations must come. They come because I need to formed into the image of Christ. I used to be like the unbelieving Israelites. When trouble came I would do the very opposite of what God required of me. But, now I have been enlightened. This suffering simply puts me on my knees and drives me closer to God.
I can honestly say that I did not want to embrace this truth. And, the only time I was able to see its truthfulness is when I made the biggest sacrifice in my life in leaving my kids in Virginia to follow the call of God. After that step of faith God has been clearly moving in my life. I cannot deny that his presence in my life has been manifested to a greater degree since I took that step of obedience. Yet, it was extremely difficult. Yet, it is my responsibility like Christ to hold on in obedience even in the face of pain, suffering, and even death. I now know that through my obedience I will become more like him.
Praying for suffering is not a request for this life. It will come. Now my question is can it be quantified. Can this process be codified? Can it be measured so that others can see its validity? If it can be, what a great benefit this would be for many who have been following Christ, yet who have been discouraged by the outcome of their lives. No, it may not look like the winning message that everyone wants, but the truth is He is the potter, and he has the responsibility to mold us into whatever shape he desires.
So what is it that is impacting me now? What is impacting me is the knowledge that God is working on me. Now, I understand how all things are working together for my good. Now I am certain that regardless of the context, regardless of the struggle, God is working in me. He relentlessly is working in me to mold me into his son. Only he knows what areas of my character demand immediate attention. Only he knows what areas are effective in this season of my life. God is the all wise one. Ultimately, I have been moved into a greater level of trust. And, now I know I need him more than ever. My only responsibility is to remain obedient to Him and to allow Him to work in me until I finally look like him.

What will the church look like in 10 years.

2011-10-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at the Start conference. I was able to meet Leonard Sweet @lensweet , who happened to be from West Virginia. And, I was fortunate to meet with Pastor Choco @PastorChoco again who is the Shepard of the largest church in the Assemblies of God. Choco always makes this one point that may be controversial but I wholeheartedly agree with it: He says, “I can’t sacrifice the mission to buy a building!” Interestingly, he has the money to buy a building in Humboldt Park, which is located in Downtown Chicago. But, he argues that when you have an urban church you need to build campuses to help people rather than investing in a single church building. What is more amazing was the day before Lenard Sweet basically said the same thing. Both men come from different sides of the “railroad tracks” so to speak, but it seemed that God was speaking the same thing through both men even though they expressed what he was saying to them in different ways. What they both agreed upon was that the future church would be the church of the community and not a church on an island. Pastor Choco called it being a Pastor of the community. He believes that a Pastor is the shepherd of the community whether the people in that community goes to their church or not. Lenard Sweet called this concept the Artisan church. He referenced the term Swiss cheese. He added whether people know it or not in Switzerland there are specific types of cheese for each town. The cheese itself, in his words, “represent the manifestation of the town itself,” he believes the church that is effective in the future will do the same. They also agreed in the empowerment of the body of believers. For instance, Pastor Choco has a ministry where members of the church can have their own ministry as long as it is summited to the training and instruction of the church there exists 400 some ministries in his church. Lenard Sweet likewise argued that the future church will have people in it who have a ministry to the church and a ministry to the world. Great stuff. This was just a tidbit of what was shared. It was awesome and I was encouraged. Check out @MacDwyer http://twitpic.com/76m252

I have discovered the purpose of this life!!

2011-10-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Holy Spirit revealed to a friend and me the other day while he was preparing for a debate what I believe the purpose of this life is. This same friend developed this idea and used it to defeat the head of the Minnesota Atheist Association in a debate. This truth I am about to tell you about, in my opinion, will revolutionize the church. And, I am not even joking. This truth, like salvation, ties the entire bible together. It is so simple, yet I believe if God reveals this truth to you, everything you have ever went through in life will make sense. It may be the biggest theological discovery in the last 100 years. This truth answers the one question skeptic’s use in their attempt to debunk the idea of a loving God. “How can a loving and all power God let evil exist? This truth gives purpose to pain and suffering. It answers the question of why sometimes God does not answer our prayers: Why we are not healed, or get the money we need, or the job we want. This truth even gives us clarity on why we have to turn the other cheek. It makes the beatitudes make sense. It even gives us clarity on why God allowed Adam and Eve eat the apple. It even gives clarity to why we have to obey Christ’s command even to the point of death. It even explains why Job had to suffer, why Joseph had to be betrayed, why David had to struggle before becoming king. This truth is depicted in every single story of the bible. Here is how my friend Pastor Marty Bownik interpreted what God said.

"Martin Bownik
God is more interested in our Character Development then He is our comfort or convenience. The tools He uses for it are the same tools Satan meant to destroy us with. Pain, suffering, and loss. God turned them around on Satan, and used these things to show that His followers how they can remain faithful in the midst of all these. He showed the pattern to follow. His Son Jesus Christ. How great is our God!!!"

What is the point of life? Character Development!!! Whose character? Christ’s. Everything in the bible points to this one truth. God wants to develop our character in this life so that we will be responsible to handle our obligations in the next. This is my mission in life.

Keep Moving Forward

2011-10-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I am getting ready to head to the Minneapolis airport. Before I left Virginia I purchased a ticket back to Virginia so I could see my family again. It is my hope that I can do this once a month. I don't know how realistic this is, but I will do my best to see my loved ones every month until the end of this year. In January, things will start picking up with the church plant. I will get on the grind building a planting core team and raising funds. My goal will to have at least a strong 12 member core team, and I will also have a goal of raising at least $30,000 for the church plant itself. My intent is to build up momentum for launch service. Yet, before this starts I know God is doing something in my heart now. During this sabbatical I am reading a lot of books on purity. I know the Lord has lead me to this topic. Hebrews 12:14 states
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. During these three months I pray that I can establish a solid theological and practical method of articulating God's heart for purity and ministering it to His people. It seems odd, but considering the consequences of not having it and the sordid condition our country is in, it is amazing that more Pastors are not speaking on it. It seems like many are afraid to touch it. Maybe they are afraid they will loose members? Maybe it is not a popular topic? May it is fear that their own struggles will be revealed? One thing is sure. WE all need it here in Minneapolis. Downtown Minneapolis is Amazing. I can't tell you how this cosmopolitan city resonates in my heart. It is so diverse. You can see some one driving around in a 6 figure automobile while simultaneously seeing immigrants from East Africa standing on the corner. The city makes you transparent. No pretenders here. People are not looking for a show. Their problems are to real. It seems like they are looking for answers. I pray that is why I am here. To give them the answer--Jesus. I will be attending the start conference next week when I return to Minneapolis. START is a three day campus event that exposes students and local pastors/leaders to the wide variety of church planters and church planting models. Guest speakers from across the nation led group sessions with NCU students and local church leaders, while also serving as the daily chapel speaker. START special guests included Herbert Cooper (People’s Church), Leonard Sweet (author, speaker), Wilfredo de Jesus (New Life Covenant Church), Brad Davis (Desert Springs Church), Rob Ketterling (River Valley Church), Peter Haas (Substance Church), and Trinity Jordan (Elevation Church). Nice plug right. http://www.northcentral.edu/news/11/10/start-conference

Anyway I am about to hit the shower, head to Caribou Coffee and then to the airport. I have about 5 hours flight time. I will then also head up to West Virginia at about 6pm. That will be about a 7 hour drive. I cant wait to see Dawniqua, the kids, and my parents...

Endure

Mary's Place

2011-10-18T15:03:00.001-07:00

Things are going well in Minnesota. I have been putting job applications in everywhere. The economy is tough even for a fella with a MBA. I have a couple of leads: one at North Central University and the other at Minnesota Teen Challenge. While I am waiting on those to come through, I will have to find something to bring in revenue. I am staying with my great friend, Pastor Marty Bownik, Senior Pastor of the Edge Christian Fellowship in Rodgers MN-- http://www.edgecf.org/ I am on a Sabbatical from Ministry until January—that means I am on a break. I will start ministering again early sometime in January. It is interesting how many people remember me playing football for the Vikings. It’s been 11 years since I last played. I was asked at the gym to do a radio promo and an autograph session for a discount for a gym membership. It’s all good because it’s the first time in a while I have been able to associate with nonbelievers. If I am successful at getting them to come to church, I am going to try and hit every Anytime Fitness in the area and get people more people to come. I miss Dawniqua and I miss my kids. I will be seeing them this weekend, thank God. This morning, I was able to serve the homeless and transition shelter called Mary’s Place, which is located in Downtown Minneapolis right behind Target Field-- http://www.sharingandcaringhands.org/MarysPlace.htm. This ministry is amazing they serve three meals a day feeding 1,000 people daily. They also give out food clothes, and they also serve as a transitional home for single mothers. The place is awesome. What stood out the most was 94% of the donations they receive goes directly to helping people. WoW! Dawniqua and I have been discussing a similar ministry, but it will be specifically for women and children enslaved to sex trafficking. This will be a ministry “Endurance Church” will provide in addition to the normal kingdom expansion business. It is time to get busy. What is interesting is Minneapolis has the best social services programs in the country. And, during the recession people are moving in from all over the country because of them. However, they are afraid. Why? Because if we begin cutting back, as a country, social service programs may be the first to go, and these homeless people are thinking, “who will help us?” Help us Lord!
I am living life. I am a believer and I am stepping out in faith. I pray that God allows me to minister to the people of Minneapolis for years to come. Oh, Dawniqua met a lady at Regent who is from Minneapolis. She is in the divinity program. She is about to get married to Ron Henderson they call him Mr. Fitness. It is interesting how God is bringing all of these Athletes together…I wonder what He is up to…?

Leadership lessons learned through pain...and lived to tell about it!

2011-10-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Even as a Christian, when I hear the word leadership I begin to think of a great man who is strong, wise, moral, and brave. I’ve been conditioned to think this way about leadership from all of the comic books I used to read, the video games I used to play, and the Saturday morning cartoons I grew up watching. I idolized leaders like this. However, growing up, I never considered what it would be like to serve beneath one. It never crossed my mind because I always wanted to be the leader. Of course, I romanticized leadership, and growing up—nobility was the only internal value I perceived a good leader had to have. As I got older and moved from animation to live-action movies, the silver screen also supported the same ideology, whether it was Mel Gibson in Braveheart, or Gerald Butler in 300, the image of a good leader was always a strong, wise, and spiritually balanced individual. It seemed as though culture itself was constantly reinforcing the ideal leader in my mind. Yet, in the real world leadership is not that simple, and I was only being exposed to a small sample of what leadership really entailed. However, if I am honest, I have to acknowledge that I was presented a more realistic depiction of leadership all the while, and it came from the same comics, games, and cartoons I grew up watching; still, it was not from the good guys whom I idolized, but it derived from their enemies. Once again looking at the heroes whom I idolized as a child, I never saw any bickering or struggle for power among those who followed them. Yet, there was always a dichotomy of the leader-follower dynamic portrayed when it came to the “bad guys.” The only time I would notice a struggle for power or internal conflict would be in the enemy’s camp. It appeared that the followers in the bad guys’ camp had aspirations of their own, dreams of their own, and they had to be manipulated to stay in alignment with their leader’s plans. I never saw these kinds of leader-follower dynamics from the good guys. Yet, one thing was certain whether they were good or bad, one objective truth was always prevalent—the leaders I grew up watching were always depicted as charismatic. Outside of cinema, being a charismatic leader comes with many underlying forces, which most pictures did not depict. These forces cannot be underestimated; they determine when this style of leadership can be effective and who would be naturally successful in following a charismatic leader. Throughout history there have been charismatic leaders who have successfully influence many: Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., FDR, Gandhi, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe are just a few. On the surface, there does not seem to be obvious similarities or characteristics that resonate among all of them. Being a charismatic leader does not make one inherently good or bad, i.e. Adolf Hitler would be considered a charismatic leader. So the question is what makes a charismatic leader charismatic? A charismatic leader has the ability to inspire, a dominating personality, and the ability to communicate effectively. These leaders have unique visions and utilize innovative methods to achieve them. They make self-sacrifices, take personal risks, and sustain high prices to achieve the vision they espouse. These leaders have the ability to see rare opportunities and because of this gift they are often seen as extraordinary. Max Weber coined the term Charisma for this type of leader—Charisma, in its original language of Greek, means ``the gift of grace''. Often times, these leaders take on a mythological sociological persona, which probably influenced my understanding of leadership growing up. As I look back on my life, I ran into several charismatic leaders. Some of them were coaches, others were teachers, and several were even pastors. Even though the majority of these leaders were highly successful, I honestly can say I struggled following every one of them and often times I resembled followers in the “the bad guy camp” I grew up watching on TV. Looking back, I wish someone would have informed me of the proper way to follow a charismatic leader. If I would have had more information, I would have been a more effective follower. And, I might have shared in their success as well. Here is what I have learned over the last twenty years in my attempts to follow a charismatic leader. There can be only one charismatic leader at a time. In order to understand this phenomenon it is essential to recognize that a Charismatic leader elicits from their followers a great sense of reverence. Leadership scholar Gary Yukl believes this reverence for the leader results in a high level of trust and a high level of satisfaction from followers. He thinks the charismatic leader inspires their followers with emotional appeals; however, he interestingly notes that charismatics cannot utilize a consensus in planning or strategy because their followers would not consider them to be charismatic any longer. You have to understand that the charismatic leadership style only allows for one leader to shine at a time. Other leaders may be seen as rivals and be quickly removed from organizational hierarchy. Note the choice to remove a leader to eliminate competition is not immoral. It is simply a consequence of this leadership style. Charismatics are motivators, and scholar Robert J. House believes charismatic leaders use their charisma to inspire people to accomplish things collectively that otherwise seem impossible. House suggests the primary influence process is identification. Psychologists believe followers of charismatic leaders admire the leader’s lifestyle. Additionally, these same followers unconsciously take on the values of the leader as well. Psychologists also argue these followers often naïvely perceive that the leader’s beliefs are correct, and as a result they willingly obey the leader. This dynamic leads to feelings of affection for the leader, which results in emotional attachment in the mission of the group or organization. Interestingly, it is argued that these followers have high performance goals, and followers believe they can contribute to the success of the organization. Yet, followers have to understand that success in the organization will be attributed to the Charismatic leader’s effort and not to the follower’s ability. Yukl believes the motivational effects of the charismatic leader are more likely to occur when the leader’s vision is congruent with existing follower values and identities. He also added theorists think the unusual and seemingly irrational influence of some charismatic leaders who are “idolized as superhuman heroes or worshiped as a spiritual figure” are the result of personal identification with the leader. Yukl added this powerful personal identification of followers with the leader is described in terms of psychodynamic processes such as regression, transference, and projection. These concepts are essential to note. To briefly explain them, in regression the leader influences the follower to return to feelings they had in the past, within projection the leader projects an attribute i.e. faith to those that follow them, and finally with transference the leader’s confidence, for example, will be transferred to the follower. Therefore, the follower of a charismatic leader will often take on the emotional psyche of the leader whom they follow. Choose wisely whom you follow. The next concept I wish I would have understood was that in following a charismatic you have to put your own vision aside in order to relate to them successfully. A charismatic leader has a vision, and it is essential that leaders like this communicate their vision and convince people they have a role in bringing it to pass. You must know that everyone who follows this type of leader will be critiqued based upon their efforts to efficiently fulfill their role in supporting the leader’s vision. Yet, often various factors can hinder a follower from doing just that. For instance, it is natural to have aspirations, dreams, and the desire to be great. Yet, these longings can cause conflict if they are not mitigated when following a charismatic leader. For instance, conflict arises whenever a follower introduces an independent vision from the leader’s vision and as a result this “alternative vision” can be seen as an infection that undermines the vision, mission, and values the charismatic leader is espousing. Please don’t think that you are not allowed to dream as you follow a charismatic leader—no one should stop dreaming; however, you have to understand that some of those leadership dreams and ideas you may have are for another time. So keep your dreams to yourself. Scholars suggest that successful followers of a charismatic leader have a heightened sense of collective identity and thrive off of perceived group-task performance—this collective identity is developed by a sense of collective worth, which is termed collective efficacy. Yukl suggests collective efficacy is developed from a perception that is established as result of following a charismatic leader. This idea gives followers worth. The collective idea that gives followers of a charismatic leader worth is the opinion that they can accomplish exceptional feats by working together. Yukl goes on to add, when collective efficacy is high, people are more willing to cooperate with members of their group in a joint effort to carry out their mission. Thus, in order to follow a charismatic leader successfully you have to be willing to be a team player who is in harmony with the other followers—don’t try and stand out. Homogeneity, which means to be the same, is a goal among the followers of this type of leader. Here is a simile that illustrates this dynamic of charismatic leadership. Charismatic leadership resembles a conductor at a symphony orchestra: the conductor, who has the most important job at the symphony, does not even play an instrument but guides the beat of the music for the entire orchestra. Of course, there is only one conductor in an orchestra and likewise within this style of leadership, there is only one charismatic leader to every organization. You can be a leader in a charismatic organization, but you have to understand more than likely you will feel micromanaged. The last lesson I wish I would have understood in following a charismatic leader was that follower empowerment is understood as the result of the leaders charisma not the followers own individual ability. Scholar Warner Burke proposed that charismatic leaders empower by providing clarity of direction, but not just any direction but direction that embraces a higher purpose. Whether you are a great basketball player, spiritually mature, or an intellectual, while you are being led by a charismatic leader, the fruit of your labor will be credited to the leader and his or her charisma not your aptitude. This phenomenon is objective. For instance, it was not until Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book Team of Rivals that most Americans understood how competent Abraham Lincoln’s leadership cabinet was: William Henry Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates were some of the most competent men in the country at that time of his presidency. However, history does not credit them with the tacit and wisdom to simultaneously have helped Lincoln win the civil war and to end slavery. Lincoln alone gets the credit for that. You can study every charismatic leader that has lived and one thing will be certain—they were successful because of the competency of those who followed them, but none of their followers received any much credit for their success. However the truth is, their charisma may have drawn competent leadership, but it was their followers who allowed them to accomplish their goals. Charismatic leaders are influencers. And, these leaders have ability to make their followers feel like making a difference for the organization is empowering in itself. The charismatic leader has the gift of making their follower feel like their service to the vision of the organization gives meaning to their lives. What is interesting is that the gifts and skills you develop under a charismatic leader will be attributed to the leader giving you the motivation to rise up and to develop yourself for the purpose of fulfilling their vision and not necessarily for your own. This may be why many charismatics only utilize in-house talent to accomplish their goals. Outside talent don’t give the charismatic leader the perception that they inspired them to develop themselves. Nevertheless, empowerment research recognizes a sense of competence as being essential to feelings of empowerment. The more competent the followers of a charismatic leader the more competent the charismatic leader will be in the eyes of their followers. These leaders use a host of methods to empower people. Besides articulating, championing, and energizing a cause, charismatic leaders also empower by providing followers with information about their personal worth. To follow a charismatic leader means to commit your entire identity to the cause of the leader anything less than that will result in stress between the leader and the follower. You have to count the cost if you are going to follow a leader with this style of leadership. As a final point, charismatic leadership is neither good nor bad. It is simply one style of leadership that exists in the vast scope of leadership itself. Yet, one thing is certain, usually when we think of a great leader they are charismatic. For centuries, whether it is China, Africa, Asia or America, all cultures have exalted this style of leadership to almost mythological proportions. Moreover, there are some cultures who claim this style of leadership is the only form of leadership that is considered genuine. However, one must understand whether they are following a charismatic leader or they are a charismatic leader themselves, this type of leadership comes with many causative influences, which must be accounted for. These forces cannot be underestimated; they determine when this style of leadership can be helpful and when it can be dangerous. If I would have had this understanding twenty years ago, I would have had a much easier time understanding what real leadership entailed.

Crushed dreams and answered prayers!

2011-10-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

In 1993, I was a graduating senior at South Charleston High School, which is a public school in South Charleston West Virginia. At that time, I was the West Virginia High School Football player of the year, and I was also nominated a blue-chip High School All-American by national sports reporters. I received a full football scholarship to Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach Florida where I played four years and eventually dominated my competition. I played so well I caught the eyes of many professional football scouts. I was projected to get drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the mid-point of my senior year, only 4 quarterbacks had thrown the ball in my direction; I intercepted all four of them. Going into the second half of the season we were facing the best quarterback in our league, Howard University’s Ted White, who was eventually drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. He held numerous records in our conference. Not only that, the year before he had thrown 7 touchdowns against us in a 63 – 13 rout. (None of those touchdowns where on me by the way) At the start of the game, the question of the day was how many touchdowns would Ted throw that day? Well, I am happy to say that Ted had the courage to throw my way, but like the other Quarterbacks that year who had dared to throw my way, I had picked him off just the same and revealed in the glory. Ted White was not simply a courageous man, but he was a determined one as well because his draft status was being judged based upon his performance in this very game. Thus, not to be shown up Ted threw another long bomb in my direction, yet this was my day, my year, my time, and I intercepted this record-breaking quarterback for a second time that day. Ted decided after the second interception he would not throw the ball in my direction again. So the test of wills had ended, and I had come out victorious. However, an interesting thing happened following the second interception, after extending my body to dive and snatch the ball out of the air and away from my opponent I stood up in the end zone to celebrate my victory with the traditional end zone dance. It was there in the middle of my celebratory dance my future was forever altered. As my body was gyrating and contorting I stretch, strained, and finally tore my groin in two pieces. Believe it or not, I was unaware I had injured myself until the next Monday in the training room. When I became aware my groin was ripped in two, a million questions came to my mind. But, the number one was Why God? I was a young Christian then, and I did not understand why God would do this to me. I barely finished out the rest of the football season, and as a result of my injury, my draft status plummeted. On draft day my name was not called. Fortunately, my agent made a couple of calls, and I was picked up as a free agent by the Minnesota Vikings, even though I was rehabbing intensely, my groin was still not healed. My situation looked beyond hopeless. I was called to tryout to make Minnesota’s 53 man roster even though they had drafted three other people who played my same position and picked up two other veteran players who also played my same position one of them being former Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown. Like I said, my situation was hopeless. Interestingly, I impressed the coaches more than any other player that year except for Randy Moss that is. There I was with one leg and trusting God that He would follow through on His promise. Do you know what happened next? I was cut. Yep, I was the last man cut on the roster. But, even though I was cut something inside of me would not allow me to trust my circumstances more than I was trusting in God’s promise. As soon as I return home from Minnesota I received a call from my agent that the Green bay Packer wanted to pick me up. Off I went to Green bay. I was the last man signed to the practice squad. I was there on the squad for two days when the unthinkable happened. The stating linebacker tore his ACL. When it happened I did not think anything about it. But, I soon realized because I was the last person to be picked up, I was the first person to be cut. The next day I was back in West Virginia. It was there that my mother reaffirmed to me that God told her that I would make it in the NFL. So, two weeks into the season who do you think called my house? The Minnesota Vikings called me back and asked me to play on their team. And, for the next two and a half years I did just that, starting the last six games of my career and even being named most valuable player for one of them.

How he saved me!

2011-10-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

I was raised in the church. However at age 17 when I developed into an elite athlete my popularity led me away from what I knew to be true. The more popular I became the more distance grew between God and me. I eventually received a full scholarship to Bethune-Cookman College after Notre Dame denied me one. It was probably pride, but I refused to accept a scholarship from all the other FBS schools that offered me a one. Anyway, at Bethune I completely fell into a sinful lifestyle. However, during my dark days God sent a man named Brian Faircloth to try and bring me back to his love. Every time I would leave my dorm up to no good I would see Brain there telling me that, “God had a plan for my life.” I did not want to hear it. I wanted to sin; I felt that I needed the pleasure to alleviate the pain. However, God’s love is relentless. Brain would not leave me alone. It got so bad that when I was on one side of the campus Brain would see me and call out my name and all my friends would laugh and joke me. One day I had had enough. Brain came up to me again trying to win me back to God, and I cursed him out. Brain got the message and left me alone for about two weeks. One day as I was in my dorm playing video games he called me and told me that something was about to happen to me so he called to pray for me. During his prayer he began to speak in tongues. It was the second time I had heard them. And, for the first time in my life I heard God speak to me. He said, “Listen to him he is praying for you.” That night I went to a club. At the club a brutal fight broke out during the fight eight players were stabbed. One of them was stabbed to death. His name was Eric Samford. Ironically he went home a week before this event to see his mom and his daughter. While he was home his mom asked him why he had come home. And, he responded to his mom, “I don’t know? I just wanted to see you.” Sadly, Eric and all my teammates were injured because they followed me into the fray. I was a leader of the team. And, they were just following their leader into battle. As a result, one of them died and two others would never play football again. The interesting thing was that I was the one who was supposed to die. The killer was coming after me. I was fighting his friend. As we were fighting at the front of the club I heard gun shots screaming. My friend grabbed me at pushed me outside. As I looked around at the chaos I saw blood everywhere. But, the killer never made it to me. God spared my life. And, I believe it was Brain’s faithfulness and humility that God used to spared my life. That night I feel to my knees after hearing about Eric death and said to God, “Lord whatever you want from me, I will do.”

Preparation

2011-10-06T14:56:00.001-07:00

I slept until almost 10 last night. I needed the rest. I need more; nevertheless, I will be looking for employment starting tomorrow. I am believing God for a variety of things right now. But, foremost among them is that my relationship with him will be the primary focus of my life from this point on. I know there are a lot of things I have to accomplish. But, none of them matter unless like Moses said,"If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." I am not doing any Ministry for about three months. I need the time. I was told that I am currently facing 4 of the 10 most stressful things a person can face; my score fell into the range of sickness, death, suicide. And, as you can see I am still breathing -thank the lord for that. I am not sick-thank the Lord and Dawniqua Linyear for that, and I am not foolish enough to commit suicide. I have to much to do for those whom God loves. I am in a place of healing, a place of refuge. I am in no condition to give; I only need to receive. Being a Pentecostal I believe the Holy Spirit works through me an communicates with me. I will be writing everything that I believe God is telling me. Whom I will marry, What will be the name of my church, what denomination I will be under, how I should pray for my kids, Where I will be employed, How I will survive the winter, How I will get around with no car. I need God to move for me in all of these areas and more. I think the next Blog I will start with my testimony and the dream I had that changed my life forever.

Endure

Intertexture Analysis of Acts 2: The Divine Empowerment of Leaders in Early Christianity

2011-10-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Abstract
This intertextual analysis will examine the social-rhetorical use of Joel 2 in Luke’s depiction of Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. This will be accomplished by comparing and contrasting Acts 2 with the intertext in Joel 2. Moreover, by examining Luke’s additions to the text we understand what Joel was communicating to his addressees, what Peter was asserting to his onlookers, and what Luke was attempting to highlight to his intended audience. Additionally, by comparing Acts 2:18 with Joel 2:29 and by examining Psalm 16 and Psalm 110:1 this paper will accentuate an understanding of how New Testament writers use Prophecy by means of social-critical analysis. This paper will conclude with an examination of leadership empowerment and how Luke’s depiction of empowered leadership relates to contemporary concepts of leadership models.

The Intertexture Context of Acts 2
Finley (1990) stated on the day of Pentecost Peter stood up to explain to a skeptical crowd exactly what had happened to the Christians [referencing the out pouring of the Holy Ghost]. In doing so, he cited the text of Joel with various changes. Peter had no hesitation about connecting the two texts, but numerous questions arise because the passages do not completely overlap in their contextual meaning. Socio-Rhetorical criticism will be the model used to interpret his intentions. Gasque (1989) stated, “In the words of Ernst Haenchen: By telling the history of apostolic times through many individual stories, the book [of Acts] primarily intends to edify the churches and thereby contribute its part in spreading the Word of God farther and farther, even to the ends of the earth” (p. 304). Most scholars agree that the book of Acts is a historical treatise based upon Luke’s preface in the gospel of Luke 1:1-4.
In comparing Luke-Acts to other historical works of literature he adds, “Prefaces to historiographical works included the conventional topoi of “the praise of history, the claim of impartiality and the permanent value of the subject.” Desilva stated, “The ancient reader of Acts would probably have understood this work as a piece of historiography. Moreover, Desilva (2010) suggested, “Other features shared by Luke-Acts with ancient historiography include “synchronisms” such as the ones found in Luke 3:1-2, the use of the genealogy of Jesus in ascending order back to an illustrious ancestor, which is typical of Greco-Roman histories, the use of summary statements and opportunities to effect smooth transitions between narratives, and an interest in how murky divine oracles worked themselves out in actual history. Desilva (2010) determined, “Acts would probably best be considered a monograph on the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, since this stream of events holds together the whole and is programmatically announced (Acts 1:8) and presented as the outworking of divine oracles at various points in the narrative (e.g., Acts 15:14-18) (Desilva, 349 – 350). Witherington (1998) concludes the contextualization by stating, Acts recounts for us in episodic fashion some of the events of importance for early Christianity that transpired between 30 and 60 BCE (p. 79).
Comparing Acts 2: 17 with the Intertext in Joel 2:28
In comparing Acts 2: 17 with the intertext in Joel 2:28 we see that Acts 2: 17 recites words from Joel written "with some additions and changes." In Acts, Peter’s rendition of Joel’s prophecy is longer. For instance, the clause, And they shall prophesy, and the phrase, AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, are not even included in the original prophetic declaration by Joel. These two embellishments add length to Peter’s rendering of the Old Testament prophecy. Moreover, in Joel 32b a statement of explanation indicated by the literary connective For, which is followed by a sentence of explanation that Luke does not include in Peter’s speech to his Jewish audience.
Additionally, the sequence of verses in Acts is altered from their original sequence in Joel; the two phrases Your old men will dream dreams and Your young men will see visions are inverted in Acts. Furthermore, the clause in Joel It will come about after this rewritten by Luke as AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS. Luke also adds the preference God says to the end of the rewritten phrase as well. DuPont (1964) indicated Luke, the writer of Luke-Acts, is not satisfied with transcribing his sources; he rewrites the text by putting the imprint of his vocabulary and his style everywhere (p. 166). Regarding Luke’s uses of the OT in Luke-Acts Witherington (1998) stated, “It is fair to say that Fitzmyer’s conclusion represents a rather broad consensus when he says, “ in [the] forty-five examples of OT quotations introduced explicitly by formulas …in no case is there a citation that follows the Hebrew MT rather than the Greek, when the latter differs from the Hebrew…Luke quotes the OT almost always in a form either corresponding to the LXX or close to it, and not according to the Hebrew MT (p.123).
Luke’s Additions to the Text
There is a change from "then afterward" in Joel 2 to "in the last days it will be" in Acts 2. Regarding Joel’s use of “then afterward” Finley (1990) stated Joel uses a striking expression to place the second part of his book in a later age. Finley (1990) stated this statement often introduces new prediction in the prophetic books: Jeremiah (46:26; 49:6) uses “then afterward” to refer to a time when the Gentile nations will be brought under God’s blessing. Finley (1990) cites Hos. 3:5 as a parallel passage: It refers to a time “afterward” when Israel will “return and seek Yahweh their God and David their king,” and the parallel phrase in the same verse mentions “the last days”.
Parsons (2008) commented the Joel citation has been modified by the addition of several significant terms and phrases that this new community itself is an eschatological sign underscored by the change from the rather nondescript “after these things” in the LXX text of Joel to in the last days (2:17). The Pentecost event is recast here as one of those wonders and signs (2:19) that will precede the coming of the great and marvelous day of the Lord (2:20). Finley (1990) argues “In the last days” may refer to a variety of events: in Gen. 49:1 it looks simply to Jacob’s future and according to 1 Pet. 1:20-21 the “last days” began with the first coming of Christ, Peter’s citation of Joel proves a further connecting link between the earlier prophecy and the events of Pentecost. Therefore, Finley (1990) argued Peter interpreted Joel’s “after this” as being “in the last days”.
Comparing Acts 2:18 with Joel 2:29
In comparing Acts 2:18 with Joel 2:29 Finley (1990) stated Acts has “upon My servants and upon My maidservants,” whereas MT has “the servants and the maidservants.” The Acts passage implies that the recipients of the Spirit are the Lord’s servants. This does not contradict Joel’s statement and is a legitimate extension of his general teaching. Witherington (1998) adds this Pentecost must be seen as an end-time event.
Notice also the addition of “my” to the LXX text in v.18, which turns “servants” into “my servants,” making them servants of God, not merely persons of low social status. Parsons (2008) adds the Christian prophet, Peter, stands in direct continuity with the prophet of old, Joel, who stands directly in line with God who is, we learn, the speaker The Word of the Lord is directly from God. This point is underscored by the next Lukan addition to the quotation at the end of 2:18: and they will prophesy. Stott (1990) adds this seems to be an umbrella-use of the verb ‘to prophesy’. That is the universal gift (the Spirit) will lead to a universal ministry (prophecy). If in its essence prophecy is God speaking, God making himself known by his Word, then certainly the Old Testament expectation was that in new Covenant days the knowledge of God would be universal, and the New Testament authors declare that this has been fulfilled through Christ.
The Social Intertexture of Acts 2:18
Trail (2001) stated among Greek women, only the immoral went unveiled. The veil was a sign of subjection to one’s husband. If the woman wore no veil it would bring disgrace on him. The veil was not worn until a woman was married—once married she could not go out without being properly covered. To do so disgraced her husband and he could use it as grounds for divorce. The veil was recognition of the authority of the man over her. It is possible that Luke was giving perspective to his audience in the letter without directly usurping social order. Yes, the husband had authority over his wife, yet because she is also filled with the spirit and had the gift of prophesying she should not be considered inferior to her husband, but she should also be recognized as a sister in Christ.
A Distinction in Acts 2:19-21 with Joel 2
Witherington (1998) stated perhaps we are meant to think of the signs “below” (blood, fire, thick smoke) as relating to the death of Jesus and the fire of the Spirit coming down on the disciples, but that still leaves v. 20 unaccounted for. More likely we should simply see vv. 19-20 as references to the final eschatological events before the end, and thus we are being told that the coming of Spirit is an eschatological event, indeed the inauguration of those end times, with more events to follow. Finley (1990) stated Peter stressed that God had performed “miracles and wonders and signs” through Jesus while He was present on earth “wonders and signs” being the same words Peter cited from Joe’s prophecy. Parsons (2008) stated the further additions of about and below are needed to complete the parallelism that the narrator has introduced with the additions of “signs.”
The phrase “wonders and signs” or “signs and wonders" is a refrain throughout the first half of Acts. Notice the recontextualization of Joel 2:28, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh" in Acts 2:33. Finley (1990) stated the extension of the promise of the Spirit to Gentiles was something new, but it was not inconsistent with Joel’s vision. As Paul would explain later, the Gentiles were like a wild olive branch grafted into the cultivated olive tree, which represents God’s chosen people, Israel (Rom. 11:17).
Witherington (1998) stated Peter is also a witness of the coming Spirit, and so he explains in v. 33 that it was the ascended Jesus who was given the promise of the Spirit, and sent it now on Pentecost. The audience themselves could attest to this last fact on the basis of what they had just seen and especially what they had heard. David did not ascend to send such a gift to God’s people. Stott (1990) argued we must be careful not to re-quote Joel’s prophecy as if we are still awaiting its fulfillment, or even as if its fulfillment has been only partial and we await some future and more complete fulfillment.
For this is not how Peter understood and applied the text. The whole Messianic era, which stretches between the two comings of Christ, is the age of the Spirit in which his ministry is of abundance. Kaiser (2001) commented we conclude that the promise of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days has received a preliminary fulfillment in the series of events at Pentecost, Samaria, and Caesarea. But those events, and the subsequent baptisms of the Holy Spirit that take place whenever anyone receives Christ as Lord and Savior and is thereby ushered into the family of God, are all mere harbingers and samples of that final downpour that will come in the complex of events connected with Christ’s second return. However, these events—past, present, and future—make up one generic whole concept, for in the prophet’s view there is a wholeness and totality to what he sees.
Who is "the Lord"
In Joel YHWH is Lord (Finley) 1990 stated Joel seemed to be quoting Obad in which he clarifies the speaker with the comment “Just as YHWH says. Witherington (1990) states in some passages one could debate whether Jesus or God is the referent. This sort of ambiguity does not trouble Luke because in his view the terminology is fully appropriate when used of either God or Jesus, not least because she viewed Jesus as a proper object of worship and petitionary prayer. Parsons (2008) argued despite the emphasis on the death and resurrection of Jesus, this Christological formula has a thoroughly theocentric character. God performed the mighty works and wonders and signs through Jesus (2:22); God destroyed the pains of death and raised Jesus from the dead (2:24).
He went on to say and even though, Peter says to his audience, you crucified and killed [Jesus] by the hands of lawless [Romans], in reality even in Jesus’ death, God is in control: this Jesus was delivered up according to the fixed intention and for knowledge of God. Finley (1990) adds Peter was given new insight when he took the event Joel foresaw and linked it with the beginning of the new age of the Spirit. In other words, Joel saw the end point of the whole process, while Peter fixed his eyes on the onset. Hawkins (2011) stated Peter does not deal with the final fulfillment of Joel 2 in the coming day of national repentance following the signs in the heavens (Joel 2:30-31). These anticipated blessings of this event are dealt with in Joel 3 (chap. 4 in Heb.) (http://bible.org/seriespage/joel-introduction-outline-and-argument).
Intertextualization of Psalm 16
In Psalms 16 Williams says, “This is a prayer of trust for David.” Yet, Williams adds, this was also true of Jesus as a man during His earthly ministry. Kaiser (1980) stated while few commentators have laid much stress on the fact that the title designates David either as the author ("from David") or the one praised in the psalm ("to David"), Franz Delitzsch and E. W. Hengstenberg have listed numerous points of contact between the phrases used in this psalm and other better-known Davidic hymns. Bratcher & Reyburn (1991) argue there is no way of knowing who the psalmist is. P. 139 Craigie (1983) With respect to the initial meaning of the psalm, it is probable that this concluding section should not be interpreted either messianically or in terms of individual eschatology; but it should simply be contextualized for its intended audience.
The acute concern of the psalmist was an immediate crisis and an immediate deliverance (Kaiser et al, 1996, p. 158). In Psalm 4:4[5] David claims that he is Yahweh’s Hasid. Likewise, Psalm 89:19-20 connects David with this term: “Of all you spoke to your Hasid in a vision and said: ‘I have set the crown on a hero, I have exalted from the people a choice person. I have found David my servant [another messianic term] with my holy oil, and I have anointed him [a cognate term for Messiah]’. What else can we conclude but that David and Yahweh’s “Holy One” are one and the same (p. 265)?
Graigie (1983) with respect to its initial meaning is neither messianic nor eschatological in nature. Yet it is apparent that in the earliest Christian community, the psalm was given a messianic interpretation with respect to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (p. 158). Williams (1986) stated David speaks prophetically, beyond his own time and experience, of the messiah to come who will conquer death. The negative assertion in verse 10 means that God will not give the Messiah’s soul to “Sheol”, the place of the dead (p. 128). Sheol was conceived as a kind of underworld; the word is translated as hades.
Graigie (1983) In Sheol, persons were believed to exist in a form of semi-life, at rest, yet not in joy, for they had not the fullness of life which made possible the richness of relationship with the living God. Death was thus to be dreaded. The psalmist feared death, for in the state of Sheol there would be neither memory of God, nor the praise and worship of God (p. 93). Stott (1990) noted David could not have been referring to himself, when he wrote that God would not abandon him to the grave or let his Holy One see decay, because David had died and was buried, and his tomb was still in Jerusalem. Instead, being a prophet and remembering God’s promise to place a distinguished descendant on his throne, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ (pp. 30-31).
Who is the Holy One?
Trull (2004) stated Peter introduced the Psalm 16 quotation with three significant statements about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Witherington stated that verse 22 introduces the subject of Jesus, and it is here that Peter begins to go on the offensive. Furthermore, Witherington adds, Jesus was accredited by God in several ways: (1) by deeds of power and wonders and signs God did through Jesus, and (2) by God’s raising him up from the dead, the ultimate divine validation. Notice, as Marshall points out, that the resurrection of Jesus is not argued for, it is simply proclaimed.
Following Peter’s quotation of Psalm 16:8-11 in Acts 2:25-28 he explained that David was speaking not of himself, but of the Messiah (vv. 29-32). Witherington (1998) added as was customary, since David’s name was appended to the psalm it is read as a comment by David, and Peter says David was commenting about Jesus’ experience. In this citation, then, Jesus is said never to lose sight of God even in death. Rather, Jesus’ flesh lived in hope, for God would not abandon his Holy One to the land of the dead or allow him to see corruption.
Trull (2004) suggested Peter made five important declarations that demonstrate the messianic reference in the psalm. First, Peter referred to the presence of David's tomb as proof that David could not have been speaking of his own physical resurrection. Second, David could speak of the future Messiah because David was a prophet. Third, David could speak of the Messiah because the Davidic Covenant involved a messianic hope. Fourth, David had prophetic insight into the future appearance of the Messiah. Fifth, Peter asserted that David spoke of the Messiah's resurrection in Psalm 16, specifically verse 10b. Graigie (1983) added there is a new ground for confidence for all mankind, for the untimely death of Jesus was consummated in resurrection; that resurrection offers hope to all who read the sermons of Peter and Paul, whether their deaths be timely or untimely. The psalmist wrote from a particular experience, and yet his words touched upon the experience of all mortal beings, namely the fear of death. It is a fear which must be controlled confidently if life is to be lived fully, yet it is a fear which can never be controlled absolutely. Yet its sting is removed in the new meaning of Ps 16: the terminal threat of Sheol was conquered in the resurrection of Jesus (p. 159)
Intertexualization of Psalm 110:1
Bateman (1992) stated Of the Psalms the NT used for theological purposes; two of the most prominent were Psalm 2 and Psalm 110. As royal psalms, both coronation hymns were employed in the Christian community to reflect on the identity of Jesus, to affirm the relative status of Jesus as the Davidic king, and to exalt Jesus as the very Son of God. Read Acts 2:32-35 and compare the recitation in 2:34-35 with Ps 110: 1. Bateman, (1992) believed the New Testament is a foundational factor in determining that Psalm 110 is a pre-exilic psalm spoken by David. Additionally, Trull (2004) stated according to Longenecker, Peter linked Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110:1 through gezerah shawah. The two passages were connected through the shared phrase "at my right hand" (έκ δβξών μου). Peter then used them together to support the resurrection. The shared phrase indicated that the two "are to be treated together." Longenecker also holds that Peter used a pesher understanding of Psalm 16:8-11, thus leading to the introduction, "David said concerning him" (Δαυίδ λέγει elç αυτόν). This pesher interpretation allowed Peter to apply the psalm directly to Jesus. Longenecker then says that Peter did not literally interpret Psalm 16, but rather came to a meaning through Spirit-directed midrashic and pesher exegesis.
Luke’s Understating of Divine Empowerment
Luke’s understanding and use of the Old Testament concept of the divine empowerment of leaders to proclaim the legitimate leadership of both Jesus and the apostles was Christologically and Phenomenologically focused. Luke’s hermeneutical process was intended to take Messianic impressions of the Old Testament and with the back drop of the atoning sacrifice of Christ and the outpouring on the Holy Spirit and reinterpret them as accessible certainties to the reader of his writings. Luke’s focus of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit assisted in legitimizing the Old Testament prophetic oracles by recontexualizing them through the redemptive work of Christ.
For Luke the empowered leader was the idea of God for the fulfillment of his plan to “save the world”. We see in Luke-Acts, Luke depicts the Christian leader as empowered and guided by God, which enabled them to overcome the works of the devil for the expansion of the Kingdom. Luke’s intention was to make his readers aware that they were in the last days, and as a result to make them aware of the need of God’s ability, which was accessible by faith. Osborne (2006) stated Luke’s interpretation intend to show that Jesus is the one foretold in Scripture.
As H.G. Wells sated, “this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.” Whether they were Jewish or gentile everyone who put their faith in Jesus received from God the gift of the Holy Spirit. Osborne (2006) stated the important theme of the Holy Spirit inaugurating the witness is seen in the Pentecost sermon of Acts 2:14-36 in which Joel 2:38-32 is used to undergird the outpouring of the Spirit “on all people” (v. 17), and even David spoke “by the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:25). Fitzmyer (1998) suggested that because of Jesus Sacrifice the church was enabled to receive from God the one gift essential for it to fulfill its purpose—empowerment from the Holy Spirit. Luke’s focus on the empowering aspects of the Holy Spirit was intended not only to inspire believers to live above sin but to endow them to overcome the influence of the enemy by means of the Holy Spirit as well. This empowerment also included overcoming the various socio-economic issues that were present at that time as well. This power, according to Luke, is made available in Acts 2:17 to “all people.” The esoteric phenomenon of God’s empowerment was no longer regulated only to the spiritually elite Jew.
Finley (1990) stated The Acts passage implies that the recipients of the Spirit are the Lord’s servants. Yet, the servants of God had a very difficult road ahead of them if they were going to fulfill the Great Commission. Not only would believers face religious opposition, but they would face political, philosophical, financial, and military opposition as well. Empowerment was the key to their success. Luke’s interpretations of the Old Testament are contextualized to draw in the reader and to allow the reader to see how the scriptures touch and affect their own life. Luke consistently draws from the Old Testament and reinterprets them with Jesus Christ actions fulfilling their prophetic implications.
Principles of Leadership Empowerment
Empowerment behaviors refer to leader actions that emphasize the development of follower self-management or self-leadership skills (Pearce et al., 2003). Luke implied that the purpose of receiving the Holy Spirit was to “be witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth." Like transformational leadership, we see leadership empowerment, by means of the Holy Ghost, motivates followers to work for goals instead of short-term self-interest and for achievement and self-actualization instead of security. (Bass, 1985) For Luke, leadership empowerment is essential in order to fulfill the great command of Christ, which is the vision of God (Matt 28). The empowered leader within the context of Luke contextualization expresses God’s vision by persuading followers to work hard to achieve the goals envisioned.
Bass (1997) stated the empowered leader has the responsibility to point to eternal rewards, which are the result of those who choose to labor for Christ. Like transformational leadership the empowered leader provides the follower with the motivation for hard work that is self-rewarding (internal) not necessarily materialistic. Bass (1997) also added various times Luke depicts Paul’s actions as disrupting social order. The empowered leader similar to the transformational leader will overhaul the entire philosophy, system, and culture of an organization. Bass (1997) remarked the fruit of the empowered leader is a life that is radically transformed by the power of God with a new moral disposition to radically obey the commands of Christ. The transformational leader uses and expounds upon attitudinal, charismatic, and transitive methods of leadership. The empowered leader may adhere to these methods, but ultimately he or she is dependent on the power of God.
Luke depicts the empowered leader as a responsible moral agent whom God entrusts to represent Him and expand the Kingdom of God. There were several aspects of the concept of Stewardship theory that were highlighted within Acts. Barney & Hesterly (2008) the stewardship theory suggests that managers, left on their own, will indeed act as responsible stewards of the assets they control. Luke depicts Paul’s leadership as one whose actions are based on inherent values as well as on those that are contractually induced (Barney & Hesterly, 2008). Moreover, Luke shows the inherent responsibility of being empowered by the Holy Spirit and the consequences of failing to do so. (Acts 13:11) Therefore, we can conclude that the power of God that resides in the empowered believer is to be used for the purposes of God and not for personal gain, which is in itself stewardship.
Conclusion
Ivancevich et al. (2008) stated the measure of effectiveness of leading, that no one is tired of reading and reflecting about, is results achieved. Thus, with this truth as a back drop, modern leadership in its various forms is trying to provide results. Achieving goals is still the goal of modern leadership concepts. Even though the focus of leadership studies is turning its attention to the follower instead of the leader, the fact remains if new concepts do not result in accomplished goals, they will not be considered viable.
Looking at Luke’s depiction of empowered leadership we see hierarchy and centralized leadership. This concept of leadership for the most part is considered outdated in leadership circles. Yet, the fact remains that within the intertextual analysis we see the one truism that exists, which has always existed when gauging effective leadership—results. We see that the empowered leader is the fulcrum for achieved results in the book of acts.
Whether it is by the Holy Spirit’s guidance or through the Holy Spirit’s power; we are consistently made aware that the empowering agent of the Holy Spirit is the occasion for results in Luke’s letters. The contrast between the actions of the disciples before and after the in dwelling Spirit highlights the dynamics of empowered leadership even more. Therefore, it can be deduced that empowered leadership which is only possible by the Holy Spirit is essential for successfully spreading God’s kingdom throughout the world.

References
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Wallace, D. (2003). The use of psalms in the shaping of a text: Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 110:1 in Hebrews 1. Restoration Quarterly, 45(1-2), 41-50. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Wendy L. Pirie, & Michael K. McCuddy. (2007). A preliminary test of the validity of a proposed intertemporal stewardship theory. Managerial Finance, 33(12), 970-979. Retrieved September 29, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1454350861).
Williams, D. L. (1986). The communicator’s commentary: Psalms 1-72. Word Books, Waco, Texas.
Witherington, B. (1998). The acts of the apostles: A socio-rhetorical commentary. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Fall-owing the call...

2011-10-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now in Minneapolis, MN. It took me about 24 hours to get here. I started out from Virginia stopped at my uncles house in Indianapolis, IN; I broke it up into two 12 hour days. The trip went fast; however, I noticed that I really struggled to get into God's presence during the trip. I know it is going to take time to get past the hurt of leaving my friends and loved ones. But, I think the distance I am experiencing from God is something deeper. I think I am going to have to push harder now to get into God's presence. I think this is the beginning of a "new level" of my relationship with God. I don't like the term new level. So to clarify my comment: I believe this is the beginning of a greater level of dependence on God. I don't know what that looks like, but I think that is part of the reason why I am up here.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

(What does complete dependence on God look like? And, how do you maintain it despite the ups and downs of life?)I need to see how far these wounds go down. (Lord you are a healer)I will start regimenting my fasting and praying along with my devotional times and working out. I need God now. I need to grow: I can't I lead anyone else into a vibrant relationship with Him unless I am there myself. With all that has happened I don't feel crushed but I do feel broken. I am going to be unloading the 20 foot U-haul truck tomorrow.

A broken vessel. Personal prophecy being fulfilled.

2011-10-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

David was caught in a very uncomfortable position; however, he seemed to grasp a deep understanding of the unfolding drama in which he had been caught. He seemed to understand something that few of even the wisest men of his day understood. Something that in our day, when men are wiser still, even fewer understand.

And what was that?

God did not have--but wanted very much to have--men and women who would live in pain.

God wanted a broken vessel.

--Gene Edwards

A Tale of Three Kings

I got this personal prophecy on April 17 of 2010
Well I just had a Word from the Lord for you which I recieved when we sat in the same area during the worship. The Lord impressed upon me to share with you that the feeling of uneasiness and unrest that you have been feeling in your Spirit about the future of your life and ministry is from him. God is getting ready to uproot and re-position you but you will face great opposition even from those close to you. Trust your heart, act bold and launch out into the deep as you are entering a new season in your life and ministry. God has given you the Green light.

Since this Prophecy my wife left our marriage, my responsibilities at my place of employment were systematically taken from me, the individual who set up my non-profit stole my money for the non-profit, I could not get full custody of my kids, and I was called by God to plant a Church in Minneapolis, MN.

So here we go. I have answered the call of God once again. (Insert the serenity prayer here) I am leaving family, friends, to do what God created me to do. Even though my life has been radically changed in the last two years; God has not changed His mind regarding what he called me to accomplish. I am leaving Virginia with no Job, no car, no home, no marriage, without my children. The only thing I am leaving with is a Word from God. I realize that people will be upset for me communicating this, some will even say what I am doing is not biblical, but I believe that what I am going through is for God's glory and not my own. This is harddddd!!!!!! Man I miss my kids--terribly. I am struggling right now. I will be on the road tomorrow in a 20 foot U-Haul truck headed to Minneapolis. This is the most difficult thing that I have done in my entire life. I genuinely believe I am following God.

It seems that some churches are a plastic representation of what is depicted in the Bible. I know every church is not like that, but some are. I believe the things that God asks us to do requires love, authenticity, and sacrifice. I have not been perfect in these 36 years--far from it. Honestly, I will be going through counseling when I get up to Minnesota. I don't want to start this church off wrong. I need God's help to do this. If I do not continue to grow in my faith, this entire endeavor will fail. I need to walk in holiness, righteousness and peace. And, I need God's help to do so. The pain is real, but so is the power of God. Please keep me in your prayers. Please pray for my kids too...I would like to get full custody of them.

Group think?

2011-09-17T10:18:00.001-07:00

Manz and Neck (1997) stated Groupthink focuses on negative aspects of team decision making. Janis (1982) proposed the presence of a number of specific antecedent conditions increases the probability that the group will demonstrate symptoms representative of groupthink. Manz and Neck (1997) specified the tendency of groupthink: direct social pressure placed on a member who argues against the group’s shared beliefs, members’ self-censorship of their own thoughts or concerns that deviate from the group consensus, an illusion of the groups’ invulnerability to failure shared illusion of unanimity, the emergence of self-appointed mind guards that screen out information from outside the group that does not agree with the general group consensus, collective efforts to rationalize decisions, stereotyped views of enemy or competing leaders as weak or incompetent, an unquestioned belief in the group’s inherent morality. Moorhead (1986) added these symptoms will lead to observable defects in the group’s decision-making processes that might result in poor quality decisions. Manz and Neck (1997) argue self-managing teams are especially vulnerable to groupthink because they tend to be cohesive and provide a breeding ground for conformity – the two prime ingredients for groupthink. Is there a scenario where groupthink can be considered beneficial?

References:
Charles C. Manz, Christopher P. Neck. (1997) Teamthink: beyond the groupthink syndrome in self-managing work teams. Team Performance Management, 3 (1).
Janis, I.L., Groupthink, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA, 1982.
Moorhead, G. and Montanari, J., “An empirical investigation of the groupthink phenomenon”, Human Relations, Vol. 39, 1986, pp. 399-410.

How to change a culture!

2011-08-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Culture is changed when belief systems change, and belief systems change when key exemplars establish a different set of beliefs through their behavior. If you want to change behavior, culture notwithstanding, then change the beliefs of the most visible and respected exemplars. Alan Weiss

Whom Should I Marry? - Resource Center - Truth For Life

2011-08-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Whom Should I Marry? - Resource Center - Truth For Life

Is online learning a viable option for public schools?

2011-08-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

Is online learning a viable option for public schools? What would be the negative consequences if all public school only offered online learning but still provided extracurricular activities?

John 17 Devotional

2011-07-20T10:49:00.001-07:00

John 17: 20 – 21 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Application: Could you imagine watching a movie without any conflict? What type of movie do you think it would be? What do you think the movie would be about? A scriptwriter once told me, “Without conflict there is no point in having a movie. No one would want to see it.” This was a very interesting comment to me. I began to think about it, and I realized all my favorite movies were full of conflict and intrigue. So, I could not argue with the screen writer on that point, but where I could argue with him was that conflict is fine for entertainment, but it’s not ok for people’s lives. You see, there is probably just as much conflict in the movies as in the real world, but conflict in our lives is not very entertaining. The dictionary defines conflict as mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands, which can result in fights, battles, and wars. We all face conflict on a daily basis; whether it comes from within ourselves or from those who dislike us. We all face it. Let me repeat this point. Every human being who has ever taken a breath of life has had to face some type of conflict and so do you! Now, imagine this, since we live in a world that accepts conflict as the “way it is”, what type of impact would it have on a person if he or she would see a group of people living together and no conflict existed? Well Jesus thought this would have a big impact. Check this out. Jesus thought that having a group of people who lived together without conflict was so important that He prayed to God for it. (And you know God always hears His prayers) Jesus said, “I do not pray for these [the disciples] alone, but also for those who will believe [Christians] in Me through their [disciples] word; that they [Christians] all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they [Christians] also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Did you see what Jesus said? He said the world would believe that the Father sent Jesus to the earth to die for the sins of humanity if Christians can be one or live in agreement with each other. WOW! Is that not amazing? If we can all just get along, then the world will know that Jesus was telling the truth. You see the world knows that it could only be a supernatural power to bring a diverse group of people together. Therefore, unity with other Christians must be a goal for a believer’s life. Remember I asked could you imagine watching a movie without any conflict. Well do you know what God thinks about it all the time?

Three action steps:

1. Take the time to memorize John 17: 20 – 21
2. Does every Christian get along with you? Why or Why not?
3. What can you do to develop good relationship with other believers?

How should leaders respond to followers failure?

2011-07-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

One of the stories about the culture of IBM involves a situation involving the company's founder Thomas Watson. One of his top senior managers made a very costly mistake costing IBM about $3 million. The manger started to clean out his desk and be ready for the inevitable "pink slip" firing. When Watson came to his office to talk, the manager started, "I know why you're here. I'll offer my resignation and leave." Watson looked at the manger and warmly replied" "You don't think I would let you go after I just spent $3 million to train you." Watson valued the manager, and he knew the individual wanted to do well but had failed.

Was Watson right?
What was Watson doing by not firing the manager?
What was Watson valuing?

Organizational Behavior and Management, (SIE), 7/e
John M. Ivancevich, University of Houston
Robert Konopaske, University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Michael T. Matteson, Houston
ISBN: 0070620113
Copyright year: 2005

A Soico-rhetorical critique of John 21:1-25wihtin the context of John’s depiction of Jesus’ leadership

2011-07-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

John the apostle, in John 21:1-25, depicts an eye witness account of an interaction between Jesus and his disciples after his resurrection. I will provide an analysis of this pericope through utilizing socio-rhetorical criticism to compare and contrast Jesus leadership style with a current leadership model. “Socio-rhetorical is a set of integrated strategies that would move coherently through inner literary and rhetorical features of the text into a social and cultural interpretation of its discourse in the context of the Mediterranean world.” (Robbins, p.3, 1996) I will define the role of the leader as agent of change and guiding based on the dynamics of John’s description of the leadership of Jesus, and finally I will compare and contrast this Johannine perspective on leadership with current social theories and models of leadership.
A socio-rhetorical analysis of John 21:1-25 contextualizing the Johannie discourse
Repetitive-progressive and pattern in John 21:1-25
15 (a) “Simon, son of John,
do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him,
“Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He *said to him,
“Tend (V)My lambs.”
16 (b) He *said to him again a second time,
“Simon, son of John,
do you love Me?”
He *said to Him,
“Yes, Lord; You know that I [i]love You.”
He *said to him,
“Shepherd My sheep.”
17 (c) He *said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you [k]love Me?”
And he said to Him,
“Lord, You know all things;
You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him,
“Tend My sheep.
In John 21: 15 – 17, there is a repetitive-progressive texture based on the question and answer sequence between Jesus and Peter. Vs. 15 establishes the pattern that is carried through until the conclusion of vs. 17: there is a slight variance in the pattern shown in verse 17 where the author adds the commentary stating that “Peter was grieved…”In vs. 15. Jesus starts the sequence with a question directed toward his subject Peter. This question is repeated throughout the dialogue, and it marks the beginning of each subsection of the repetitive-progressive texture discourse.
The phrase “Simon, son of John” in this repetitive-progressive texture introduces each question, which is followed by the progressive question “do you love Me…” in section (a) there is a contrast with fish, yet there is no contrast in (b) or (c). The phrase “He said to Him” occurs in all three units question answer sequence, but concludes with “Jesus said to Him.” It is utilized by both participants in the discourse, yet the repetitive-progressive texture pattern shows development in Jesus’ interchange (b) with the addition of the phrase “where again a second time” and in (c) with the addition of the phrase “the third time.” Peter’s response also contextualizes the repetitive-progressive texture in (a), (b), and (c): each response utilizes the repetition of the sentence “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
There is a slight variation in (c) with the additional comments of “all things.” Also, Peter’s response of “Yes” is eliminated from the discourse, which concludes his responses. Jesus’ response to Peter response both concludes each section and also concludes the pericope for the repetitive-progressive texture: This portion shows the most variance within this section. Each sentence starts with a verb and concludes with a continuity of the term lamb or sheep: (a) “Tend My lambs.” (b) “Shepherd My sheep.” (c)“Tend My sheep.
Opening Middle Closing and pattern in John 21:1-25
(a) 21: 1 – 14 This section opening texture opens and concludes with the past tense form of the verb “showed.” (a) is introduced by the author’s commentary, then proceeds to interject that Peter’s statement, “I am going fishing” led to the disciples making a similar decision to go. There is a contrast between the disciples’ failure to catch any fish which was during the night and lasted the entire evening with Jesus’ instructions that resulted in them catching fish during the day and an immediate catch. Furthermore, Peter is singled out after “the disciple whom Jesus loved” recognized Jesus he returns to land by boat; however, Peter who is unclothed dives into the water and swims to shore. This section concludes with commentary from the author regarding Jesus “showing” himself again.
(b) 21: 15 – 19 This middle texture section has the repetitive-progressive texture discourse between Jesus and Peter. This section is introduced as after the disciples had finished breakfast, Jesus directs a series of questions to Simon Peter, which are all answered to in the affirmative. It is critically depicted as repetitive-progressive texture, and it concludes with Jesus’ restoration of Peter and prophecy of how Peter would die.
(c) 21: 20 – 25 This closing texture section opens and concludes with the definite article, noun, and pronoun combination of “the disciple who.” The concluding section is a continuation of a discourse between Jesus and Peter with the “beloved disciple” as its subject. It addresses a misconception about the “beloved disciple” and it concludes with an argument for the authority of the book.
Narrational-texture and pattern in John 21:1-25
This narrative pulls the reader into the “bedroom” of a humbling chastisement of a father to his wayward son. This narrative interchanges between commentary and narration until it concludes with a major declarative statement.
Argumentative-texture and pattern in John 21:1-25
Vs. 22 (b) If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? The underlining premise is two-fold (1) that Jesus is in control of his disciples’ lives. And, (2) that Peter should only concern himself with his own life and not the life of John.
Vs. 23 (c) if I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? The implicit premise is similar to sentence in (b). Jesus is the one who determines how and when his disciples die, and that Peter should not worry about how the disciple whom he loved should die, but he should only concern himself with his own life.
Vs. 25 (b) If they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. The implied statement is three-fold (1) all of Jesus’ actions were not written down, (2) Jesus preformed a great many miraculous acts while on earth, and (3) the book of John was compiled with a specific intent based on the discrimination of the author.
Sensory-Aesthetic texture and pattern in John 21:1-25
The text reveals the heart of God for those whom have fallen into sin and hope to be restored. The overarching theme of the text is one of restoration with a minor emphasis on the sovereignty of God. A sense of despair and alienation purvey the text, as hopelessness seemly reigns and we stray from our relationship with God. However, we feel the gentle tug at our hearts as he frankly yet lovingly draws us back to himself. Guilt and shame make up this spiral that is driven by pride. The temptation to seek our own way is prevalent for the believer; moreover, this temptation is magnified even more as we wrestle with the conviction of our sin.
Yet, he is there. Revealing himself to us in a new way, and through the process we are forced to make a choice: humble ourselves, confess our faults, face reality, and wholly trust in him; or to do it our own way. He is sovereign! He makes no mistakes: he has chosen us for a task greater than ourselves. He has done the impossible many times, and now the God of the impossible has another miracle for us—Restoration!

The role of the leader as agent of change and guiding based on the dynamics of John’s description of the leadership of Jesus.
In summarizing the nature of Jesus’ leadership dynamics as an agent of change and guiding, we see several themes highlighted throughout the text of John 21: 1- 25. The sense of resignation and failure seem to pervade the text with the needs of restoration and recommitment needed to be addressed by Jesus as leader. The disciple’s disposition is juxtaposed with Jesus’ who in preparedness and confidence addresses the needs of his followers in love and compassion. Moreover, Jesus instills into the disciples a clear sense of purpose that also addresses the level of motivation needed to obtain the goals. This was accomplished through a one-on-one interaction with Jesus and particularly Peter. Moreover, Jesus discourse directly addressed ethical issues and specific goals that fulfilled God’s vision for their lives.
A comparison and contrast the Johannine perspective on leadership with transformational leadership
I will compare and contrast the Johannine perspective on leadership with the transformational leadership model. Yukl (2010) states, “transforming leadership appeals to the moral values of followers in an attempt to raise their consciousness about ethical issues and to mobilize their energy and resources to reform institutions.” Jesus’ interaction with Peter depicts him challenging Peter’s moral values raising his consciousness about his level of commitment to God’s call for his life.
If we utilize the philosophical base that anything opposed to God’s will is evil, adhering to God’s call for your life is moral. Yukl (2010) suggests that transactional leadership motivate followers by appealing to their self-interest. We don’t see Jesus appealing to self-interest in order to motivate his followers to vs. 19d “follow me.” What we do see is that he appeals to their moral consciences in order to motivate them to obedience.
Personal views on the role of Christian leadership with regards to cultural and social norms and beliefs
My personal view on the role of Christian leadership is based upon obedience to God. It is a concept that focuses on simply obeying God regardless of the consequences of your action. Personal freedom or quality of life is not necessarily a periphery of obedience to God. Yet, achieving one’s goal must be achieved through ethical means with the interest of those being led in mind.
This model of leadership is the antithesis to current cultural values, which could add a great deal of problems because in order for this model to work there must be a great majority of ones followers modeling similar values. With the high values we have on materialism and personal fame, it is difficult to assume this method of leadership will be well received with in this culture. Also, with the various anti-corruption laws we have in the United States it would be difficult for most Americans to see the need for moral integrity within leadership.
I am specifically referring to the moral foundation that a Christian leadership model would offer. Furthermore, I would argue that the model may lack the appeal it needs to draw in secular counterparts in the Global community. Davis’ et al., (2003) argues that cultural dynamics such as “power distance” and “corruption tolerance” accept a more domineering type of leadership, and a humble leader within this culture maybe perceived as weak.
John the apostle, in John 21:1-25, depicts an eye witness account of an interaction between Jesus and his disciples after his resurrection. I provided an analysis of this pericope through utilizing socio-rhetorical criticism to compare and contrast Jesus’ leadership style with a current leadership model. I defined the role of the leader as agent of change and guiding based on the dynamics of John’s description of the leadership of Jesus, and finally I compared and contrasted this Johannine perspective on leadership with current social theories and models of leadership.

References
Davis, J. H., & Ruhe, J. A. (2003). Perceptions of country corruption: Antecedents and outcomes. Journal of Business Ethics, 43(4), 275-288. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Vernon K. Robbins (1996) The Tapestry of Early Christian Discourse: Rhetoric, Society and Ideology, London: Routledge.

Restoration from Sin: Psalm 32

2011-07-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

A David Psalm

1 Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be— you get a fresh start,
your slate's wiped clean.

The text reveals the heart of God for those whom have fallen into sin and hope to be restored. The overarching theme of the text is one of restoration with a minor emphasis on the sovereignty of God. A sense of despair and alienation purveys the text. As hopelessness seemly reigns as we stray from our relationship with God, however, we feel the gentle tug at our hearts as he frankly yet lovingly draws us back to himself. Guilt and shame make up this spiral that is driven by pride. The temptation to seek our own way is prevalent for the believer; moreover, this temptation is magnified even more as we wrestle with the conviction of our sin. Yet, he is there. Revealing himself to us in a new way, and through the process we are forced to make a choice: humble ourselves confess our faults, face reality, and wholly trust in him or do it our own way. He is sovereign! He makes no mistakes: he has chosen us for a task greater than ourselves. He has done the impossible many times, and now the God of the impossible has another miracle for us—Restoration!

Heading Home from the Dominican Republic

2011-06-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing time ministering in the Dominican Republic. There is a lot to be done here; as is the case throughout the world. But, the Dominican Republic has the fourth highest rate in the world for human trafficking. God is beginning to give me a burden to help fight against the modern day slavery. I pray that I can help stop this horrifying practice. And, maybe in the Dominican Republic I can do that. I just need the wisdom to know how to fight. I am glad I know there are genuine believers that I have a connection with. I am happy that people gave their heart to Christ because of our ministering, furthermore, I am glad that we were able to both bless and encourage the saints of the DR. What next? Home and then wait for my next assignment. But, until then I will keep on with my studies, being the best single dad I can be, ministering, and growing in Christ.

Missions trip day of rest

2011-06-25T02:31:00.000-07:00

I hope that you have been able to keep up with the missions trip on fb...when I get back to the states I am going to up load all of the videos and pictures taken on the trip to the blog. Nevertheless, I have a couple of thoughts about the trip. The first thought is mission trips are always life changing: I have not gone on a trip yet where the experience itself has not been rewarding. I am fully aware that the primary point of the trip for the missionary is not to seek to be changed but to serve, yet, change is a residual effect of the trip itself. Second, acknowledging the amazing bond that develops between the people on the trip itself. It almost reminds me of playing football: the camaraderie, the games, and the relationships. To me mission trips have the same vibe. There is a lot interaction with the people you go on the trip with, but there are also battles to overcome in the process. Third, you have to be mature to be on a missions trip. I would not recommend you attempt a missions trip unless you can get some type of affirmation from your leader about your level of maturity. An immature believer can be used of the enemy to cause a boat load of havoc on a trip if he or she does not posses some level of maturity. Remember the individuals receiving the missionaries are expecting the best. Lastly, minister with all that you have...preach, teach, pray, prophecy, do what it is God is asking of you. As long as you stay in order...

An Analysis of contemporary perspectives on the role of morals and wisdom within the leadership context

2011-06-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

Author Note:
Anthony E. Bass, The School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regent University Correspondence concerning this sample paper should be addressed to Anthony E. Bass

Abstract
This paper was an essay of the current trends in Leadership theory regarding the importance of the role wisdom and morality play in making the Leader effective in a global context. This paper compares and contrasts contemporary scholar’s research on the topic. And, it extracts how their data could lead to a basis for an accepted Christian leadership model. The research shows that there is an existing framework for a verifiable Christian Leadership model. As a result of this research paper, scholars can begin to consider the ultimate role of leadership, which points to a divine context.

Introduction
This paper argues that although wisdom is not the only virtue, it is an essential one needed for a global leader in order to have the ability to utilize a personal decision grid based upon morality which is developed by either a consistent skillful examination of life’s experiences or the redemptive work of Christ that can give one the ability through formation to choose right and wrong courses of actions and adjust preferred core values for followers within a complex global context. This paper will explore contemporary definitions, philosophies, theories and approaches in Global Leadership whilst comparing and contrasting all of them with the Biblical call to authentic and moral Christian Leadership with the purpose to impact and change the world. It will address wisdom as a philosophical foundation for leadership effectiveness and formation and how wisdom is an existential conduit for understanding—starting outside of the individual by means of life and then ‘working itself through’ them by mode of deliberation eventually working its way back outside of the individual into action.
Moreover, it will identify some of the challenges of globally competent leadership such as the leader’s need to hold in tension adopting certain global values while at the same time retaining some core values that groups have identified with in the past. This paper will also argue for a biblical philosophy and ethic of wisdom that proposes how the unique gift of wisdom the believer in Christ has received can revolutionize an entity and establish it as the model for organizational structure within the global context.
It will also discuss the ethical and moral dimensions of global leadership and how the goal of the global leader is to develop his followers so their interests are advanced and that their well-being is secured regardless of the changing global landscape. And, finally it will conclude by addressing the formation of authentic Christian leadership and how formation is possible despite of the fact that a leader is predisposed to error and moral failure his or herself.
Wisdom as a philosophical foundation for leadership effectiveness and formation:
Early in Solomon’s reign, after he married an Egyptian princess, he was in Gibeon making sacrifices to God; in Gibeon God appeared to him in a dream and without provocation offered the King a single request (1 Kings 3). The Scripture does not state the reason for the request, yet we see because of it Solomon was given a gift that memorialized his mythology in lore; additionally, scholars now argue this very same gift is an indispensable archetype for leaders to strive for if he or she desires to be effective in a global context: in (1 Kings 3: 10 – 12, NASV) God said to him, “Because you…have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a chakam and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you.”
The Scriptures make it clear that Solomon would be the greatest leader in history because of the gift of chakam or wisdom and a discerning heart he received from God. The Hebrew word chakam means to be wise, it conveys an intelligent, skillful, artful, and cunning man who is both subtle and wise hearted (WWW.strongsnumbers.com). According to (Korac-Kakabadse, 1996) stated wisdom is conceptualized as a personal philosophy, a sense of balance and understanding of the complexities of inter-actions within a landscape. For the leader, developing a proficiency at navigating contexts successfully is fundamentally intrinsic to wisdom.
Thus, wisdom is an existential conduit for understanding—starting outside of the individual by means of life and then ‘working itself through’ him or her by mode of deliberation eventually working its way back outside of the individual into action. (Werpehowski, 2007, p. 58) argues for the elements of a model that highlights the ‘working itself through’ portion of the process aimed at the realization of wisdom itself. He states, inquiry, deliberation, and judgment reach forward to affect what Aquinas calls “command,” which has to do with decisively generated action. It is also true to say that command reaches back to affect these other activities considered as an ongoing affair. Wisdom exists outside of humanity, yet everyone is not able to benefit from the process somehow aborting its progression before its utility has become beneficial.
Solomon wrote, “Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square, She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1: 20 – 22, NASB) Similarly, the leader in today’s gobal context must have the skill and capacity to listen and allow wisdom to form within and allow it to work itself out into fruitful leadership decisions.
Yet, there are psychological factors that can hinder this process as well. (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 1996), focusing on the functionality of wisdom for leadership, referenced Aristotelian wisdom; he offered that leaders need to have a healthy vision of self, which can only be forged in a combination of knowledge and experience. (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 1996) Thus, a healthy self-concept is paramount for a leader’s ability to perceive his or her context correctly and utilize that information in a way that leads to effective decision making. Wisdom is something that normally is gained through time.
This line of thinking may slow the process of elevating young leaders prematurely. However, we see that God bequeathed this quality to King Solomon in a theophanic prayer. Yet, within a pragmatic framework it can be argued that this quality comes by means of careful rumination on life experiences. Nevertheless, the goal of wisdom is to lead well by means of making right decisions. (Werpehowski, 2007, p. 56) suggests we can say that prudence or practical wisdom has to do with the right use of reason regarding things to be done.
Thus, wisdom or chakam for a leader is the ability to utilize a personal filter developed by a consistent skillful examination of life’s experiences to decide right and wrong courses of action. (Werpehowski, 2007, p. 55) also states, the virtue of prudence or practical wisdom disposes a moral agent to “reason rightly about things to be done” in so far as the acts of counsel, judgment, and command enable both the discernment and the embodiment of moral reality in the world created and redeemed by God in Jesus Christ. According to (Werpehowski, 2007) wisdom only functions properly for a moral agent. Without morality wisdom has no construct from which to function. Wisdom is the work of art that is displayed on the canvas of morality.
Without morality the work of art cannot be seen nor will the artist’s intent be communicated clearly. Since Jesus Christ is the creator and is truth or objective reality, all of one’s life experiences must be perceived through that realty alone. Without looking at life through the “what is” of reality ones perspective will be skewed, and proper decisions will not be made. Jesus, who is the moral compass of reality helps to guide individuals through the ruminations of wisdom, which ultimately leads to the proper conclusions.
Ultimately, the working of wisdom must lead to proper moral actions in light of God’s plan for redemption of mankind. Without this outcome, according to Werpehowski, we can question whether an act is really wise. (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 1996, p. 207) goes on to argue if one analyses Plato’s central problems of the character of a well-governed city; the formation of its leaders; the pedagogy of their sensibility and vision; it becomes evident that moral values are the central theme.
(Korac-Kakabadse et al., 1996) continues to argue that the essential quality of the leader is his or her moral rectitude. Without this, one should not expect for municipalities to be governed effectively. Good leadership is based on morality. Yet, (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 1996, p. 208) does not romanticize the fact that being a moral leader alone will fix all problems. He states, “Although the presence of the philosopher-king does not in itself guarantee the realization of the state as the embodiment of absolute justice, it is nonetheless true that without the guidance of one who knows the essence of justice, the state is condemned to be ruled in an arbitrary and capricious fashion.”
Good leadership is based on morals, but morality alone does not guarantee success. A moral leader does not answer the organizational questions of vision mission values, conflict management, employee pensions, etc. (Crainer, 2011) states, “Leadership is not a single light waiting to be switched on, but a complex and sometimes inspiring network of illumination and inspiration.” It can be argued that wisdom is the philosophical foundation for leadership effectiveness and formation. And, without wisdom and morality it is impossible to be a good leader. For, wisdom embraces judgment, discernment, intuition and comprehension in an integrated wholeness, where every step of the decision calculus needs to be complemented by emotions in order to assign values to differing possibilities within competing and, more often than not, paradoxical demands (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 1996, p. 213)
The challenges of globally competent leadership:
(Robinson & Harvey, 2008) pointed out that Globalization demands new approaches, and the challenge is to find the appropriate leadership imperatives in response to the changing problems of existence. Moreover, they add cultural diversity affects the way leaders go about defining their roles as leaders and applying themselves to the responsibilities of leadership. One of the many challenges of globally competent leadership is harmonizing a leader’s focus to a common vision of leadership in the global context. If this does not happen there will remain perpetual confusion regarding what leadership is within the global community.
It is irresponsible to suggest that all leaders must have an identical vision of leadership, but regardless of what worldview a leader has there are general universal values that must guide leadership standards globally. This issue is magnified because of globalization. Globalization forces all leaders to clearly define the values they have and to focus on the nonnegotiable ones so that their organizations can navigate the global context. (Kretzschmar, 2007) clarifies exposure to cultures different to one’s own can significantly amend one’s cultural value orientations. Furthermore, factors such as character, personality, education, class and, especially, human sinfulness also plays a significant role in value perceptions and choices
The sifting of values to interact on a global stage will allow leaders and followers to refine their efforts as contexts vary; cultural orthodoxies will be challenged and leaders will have to boldly push forward identifying what is essential for a group’s progress. (Robinson & Harvey, 2008) assert Culture can be broadly understood as an integral system which expresses the values, beliefs, customs and institutions of a particular community, or group of communities. Culture is the way a people have organized themselves to express and preserve their identity and way of life.
Considering whether an organization is adhering to a core value and bearing in mind whether a core value is hindering the advancement of an organization must be a consistent step taken by an entity if it hopes to remain in alignment with the vision of the organization itself. (Kretzschmar, 2007) also argues that cultural preferences cannot be blindly perpetuated without considering changing social circumstances. When cultures are in collision, flexibility and mutual respect can enable such cultures to benefit from each other’s insights. Without a leader’s willingness to adjust broadly to different intercultural dynamics, globally they will not advance past a geo-political mindset nor will they benefit from lessons learned from the past.
However, on the opposite side of the spectrum, it must be understood that from a conservative perspective global value integration will mean organizations must forsake some of the long standing ideologies they have identified with. There can be benefits from the synchronization of certain values within the global context. This pragmatic approach does not mean one has to forsake core values. Yet, it does mean to be effective in the global context one must agree that there are values outside of the conservative mainstream that can enhance the effectiveness and quality of life of a more traditional group if applied skillfully.
The fear in most cases would be to lose the identity of the group attempting to integrate itself in the mainstream of the global conscience, as previously stated, the balancing act of being flexible and conservative rest on the organization alone. Pragmatism is amoral yet these scholars are not extreme in their position. The arguments presents are fundamentally aimed at the utility of pragmatism designed for effectiveness in a global context. How far a leader adopts pragmatism is up to the leader.
(Kretzschmar, 2007) argues the point utilizing universalism and pragmatism instead of suggesting a balancing between conservatism and pragmatism. (Kretzschmar, 2007, p. 6) bases his argument off of the African Holistic idea displayed in model highlighting the six dimensions of cultural diversity. He states universalism can be a moral pathway in that it focuses on norms and values that can be widely, if not globally, endorsed. Universalism insists on equality before the law, so that all the members of a society can be treated in the same way. If universal moral norms are applied, the rich, powerful and corrupt will not escape justice.
Once again (Kretzschmar, 2007) is not romantic he also addresses the negative consequences of universalism he proposes that universalism is a tool that can be used to mold the earth into a global conscience. Yet, in doing so he also carefully addresses the need for individuality in the global context via Particularism. (Kretzschmar, 2007) states particularism can be a moral pathway in that it appreciates local customs and takes particular situations and needs into account. Motive, mitigating circumstances, a possible conflict of duties, a full consideration of the situation, the possible consequences of a particular action, and a search for wisdom can mean that a holistic assessment is made and the best possible action taken.
The balanced approach of the leader of embracing globalism yet holding on to identity will be another responsibility place on his or her shoulders going forward. There are no easy answers here, yet the reality that in order to be successful embracing this challenge is a necessary.

A Biblical philosophy and ethic of wisdom:
Proverbs 3:13-18 sets up the philosophical framework for a biblical philosophy and ethic of wisdom. Within this context wisdom is seen as understanding, which is beneficial to the adherent of it. By understanding it in this context is critical to comprehending what its origin and functionality are. In this context, it points back to the nature of God himself, which is revealed to man through His laws.
Thus, wisdom is not an ends in itself, but it is the proper foundation for achieving a desired end. Wisdom is prescribed the highest significance, and to gain it is to be blessed in God’s sight. Through wisdom one will respond in a way that harmonizes with God and the ultimate good for all mankind, and because of it one achieves self-actualization, which has alluded so many:
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. (Proverbs 3:1, NASB).
Wisdom is not perfection for its adherents. (Werpehowski, 2007, p. 64) states and for the love of God, moral wisdom in Christian existence is gained by persons who are at once both sinners and justified. For the leader acting in wisdom once again means to grapple with reality as it is. The fact that all of humanity are sinners, and sin can even effect the perspective of the leader must be conventional wisdom when articulating wisdom as the foundation for leadership.
Furthermore, (1 Corinthians 1: 24) states Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God. Jesus Christ has become the wisdom of God for all who believe. The implications are now the same benefits that Solomon, the greatest leader who ever lived, received from God those who believe in Jesus possess. Believers who adhere to the redemptive work of Jesus now receive wisdom if they accept his atoning sacrifice and resurrection as their own. No longer does the individual have to wait for understanding that comes experientially.
But, the Spirit of Christ indwells within the believer and becomes the experience needed when confronted with various situations. The process of wisdom working itself through the individual are not abandoned; it is simply the process is now not dependent upon external experiences to bring one to the habit of making wise and moral choices. The inception now is an internal one starting from within the individual and like an enteral spring perpetually flowing outside of them.
Working out the whys of each suggested action now becomes a matter of faith; unlike before where they were a matter of experience for the unbeliever. Ultimately this quality is available for all adherents to Christianity, which should lead to a higher level of organizational trust and more empowerment for the followers in each organization. (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 2001) argues a similar point when arguing for the Socratic leadership model stating this image of Socratic leadership may well serve as a guide to contemporary leaders. Leadership in this sense is not to be equated with a hindering or postponement of action. The leader–follower relationship is one which empowers the followers and where both members of the relationship are led to creative activity in which the horizons of meaning surrounding the issues at hand are perpetually stretched.
The Socratic leadership model which was designed to refute a dictatorial model even though admirable does not address the root of the character issue - the fallen state of the human heart, but the Biblical model of leadership does, and if the phenomena of a transformed heart is replicated throughout an organization, the leader–follower relationship can be one that empowers the followers and where both members of the relationship are led to creative activity in which the horizons of meaning surrounding the issues at hand are perpetually stretched. The exercise of prudence requires a deliberative inquiry into the moral realities present in a particular situation, an asking of questions about the sorts of goods and evils to be discovered in it, and with which one as an agent is involved. (Werpehowski, 2007)
Ethical and moral dimensions of global leadership:
“Writing in the 4th century bc, Plato’s philosopher-king rules the state with an authority derived from his knowledge of the one Truth. For Plato, the possession of the ‘wisdom’ of an ‘intellectual vision’ informing the principles of government, as it informs the principles of human conduct in general, distinguishes a leader from follower” (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 2001, p. 208) From an axiological perspective there is no leader unless the leader’s goal is minimally to treat his or her followers humanely. Without a leader who is genuinely concerned for the needs of the people he or she leads, it is nonsensical to even call him or her a leader.
A despot or tyrant would be the appropriate terminology for that context. (Kretzschmar, 2007, p.1) argues “where avarice, lust, lies, injustice and violence flourish, the lives of people will be destroyed and the communities in which we live will be places of tears and conflict.” Without a moral compass the global leader simply has a greater opportunity to do more harm than good. The responsibility of the global leader is superior to that of local leadership: larger numbers of people are affected as a result of the global leader’s decisions, and each decision whether positive or negative will have larger ramifications on the global community.
Therefore, morality is fundamental for the global leader. The ability to lead as a moral agent is the responsibility of the global leader. “Moral agency is the ability and desire to be a good person and to do what is right, both in one’s personal life and in one’s social interactions and responsibilities. Not only individuals, but also moral communities need to be nurtured, if people are to have a positive effect on their societies.” (Kretzschar, 2007, p. 10) For a leader the development of his or her followers is a must.
For a leader follower development is tantamount to leadership; however, the goal of the global leader is to develop his followers so their interests are advanced and that their well-being is secured regardless of the changing global landscape. Intrinsically, a moral agent positively influences society. The leader should either be a facilitator or the inception of positive influence where his or her scope of influence encompasses, yet by default the leader’s impact will be greater on a culture than other moral agents.
(Robinson & Harvey, 2008) comment the responsibility of leadership is essentially to keep the company moving ever-forward by adjusting pre-emptively in accordance with what is required to satisfy both expediency and sustainability problems of existence. The vision, mission, values, goals, and strategic planning for followers must all be intertwined with morality, which reflects the character of the leader. And, this idea should harmonize to some degree with a global responsibility of what leadership requires. Similar to the social responsibilities of American companies, global leaders must keep in mind the social responsibilities of the public globally.
The moral regeneration of society is dependent on the moral renewal of persons and groups and their ability to engage with the broader society in terms of its visions, values and social structures. (Kretzschar, 2007) Harmonizing the leader’s goals with the overarching goals of the global community will be one of the challenges for leadership going forward. Another challenge (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 2001) addresses is the fact that even in a global context the leader cannot neglect the psychological needs of followers on an individual level. He stated, leadership, in essence, is nurturing and development, both of which require deep psychological insights. By its nature, nurturing calls for leaders’ evaluations and selections, as they act upon ideas about what motivates people and how people plan to achieve ambitions, what is effective and what is not and how feelings should be expressed.
Therefore, regardless of the style of leadership one has he or she must maintain the dyadic process flowing in order to produce a vibrant relationship. Yet, trust between leadership and followership is perpetually eroding as leaders throughout the world consistently fall into immoral habits. Thus, repairing the image of the global leader is a must. Currently, the shortcomings of the global economy, the moral corruption of the both the IMF and IOC leaders, and the recent failures of several televangelist have left many in the global community mistrusting leadership in general.
This adds to the challenges of the global leader who is required to garner trust for a vision aimed at a group of people to follow. Is it even wise to get people to follow a vision within the global milieu? Yet scholarship demands that leaders have vision (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 2001) observes contemporary writings on leadership, especially on transformational leadership, hold that leaders must have a vision. It has been forcefully argued (Sowel, 1987) that visions play an important role both in developing initial insights on which theory develops and in influencing the ultimate choices that are made by individuals among the alternative theories and options that evolve.
Moreover, within the global context the information explosion has affected the knowledge based leader basically ending bureaucracy with in organizational hierarchy. “In the ‘information society’, where the new organizational forms of networks, ‘enterprise webs’, are becoming the norm (Reich, 1991), with 30 percent of the workforce employed in symbolic-analyst services, empowerment becomes problematic but imperative” (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 2001. 223)
Once again wisdom and morality are invaluable for the global leader to be successful in a global context. Robinson & Harvey (2008) summarize the ethical and moral dimensions of global leadership stating, “Accordingly, it is concluded that to lead effectively global leaders need to acquire the ability to adopt leadership practices corresponding to the appropriate value station that is most suited to the values of their followers and then ensure congruency across the chosen band. In a culturally diverse world, leaders need to be sensitive to the differing needs among followers and become skillful at assessing which of the values station bands would be most appropriate and then able to adapt their leadership practices accordingly.” Pg. 14
The formation of authentic Christian leadership:
(Korac-Kakabadse et al., 2001) suggested that leadership is not authority, but the talent to influence people to work towards a mutual objective. And, now the leader must persuade people while interacting within a global context, which as a consequence will challenge many of his or her followers’ ideologies. The role oscillates amid centering on gaining wisdom that is founded in morality, the dyadic process between the leader-follower, and on navigating the organization through the perils of the global environment. These equivocal priorities do not exclude the customary responsibilities of a leader.
One of the many new pressures the leader faces is that he or she must gain wisdom while leading. (Korac-Kakabadse et al., 2001, pp. 209, 212) notes that “leadership belongs more to moral philosophy than to scientific theory. Practical wisdom is not the same as expertise in a technical specialization, but a kind of expertise that requires practice and experience…becoming a leader is an on-going journey of self and team development.” The emerging global leader must engage in internal formation consistently. It’s not that this formation is the change itself, however, it will lead the way to expand ones capacity for real change to eventually.
Formation is a process that takes place during the implementation of what is learned. The global leader is being challenged to develop a host of new skills that will enable him or her to effectually navigate the changing role of global leadership. The weight of responsibility is now higher and because of the ever expanding responsibilities the global leader now faces, every decision is more crucial do to the reality of the enormity of his or her scope of responsibilities; additionally, because of the information technology boom the people he leads are now more reactive to his or her leadership decisions. How this is at all possible in light of the fact that the leader is predisposed to error and moral failure him or herself is as subject for further research.
Nevertheless, the leader must develop a culture of transparency and authenticity, which leads to trust. (Werpehowski, 2007, p. 68) argues growth and wholeness may be accomplished in a repetition and renewal of asking and seeking that do not erase but rather test our previous answers to the ethical question in terms of what is now present and incumbent.

Conclusion
This paper argued that wisdom is not the only virtue but is an essential one needed for a global leader in order to have the ability to utilize a personal filter based upon morality which is developed by either a consistent skillful examination of life’s experiences or the redemptive work of Christ that can give one the ability through formation to decide right and wrong courses of actions and adjust preferred core values for followers within a complex global context.
This paper has explored contemporary definitions, philosophies, theories and approaches in Global Leadership whilst comparing and contrasting all of this with the Biblical call to authentic and moral Christian Leadership with the purpose to impact and change the world. It addressed wisdom as a philosophical foundation for leadership effectiveness and formation and how wisdom is an existential conduit for understanding—starting outside of the individual by means of life and then ‘working itself through’ them by mode of deliberation eventually working its way back outside of the individual into action.
Moreover, it identified some of the challenges of globally competent leadership such as the leader’s need to hold in tension adopting certain global values while at the same time holding on to some of core values that groups have identified with in the past. This paper also argued for a biblical philosophy and ethic of wisdom that proposes how the unique gift of wisdom the believer in Christ has received can revolutionize an entity and establish it as the model for organizational structure within the global context.
It also discussed the ethical and moral dimensions of global leadership and how the goal of the global leader is to develop his followers so their interests are advanced and that their well-being is secured regardless of the changing global landscape. And finally it concluded by addressing the formation of authentic Christian leadership and how formation is possible in light of the fact that the leader is predisposed to error and moral failure him or herself.

Bibliography
• David A. Robinson, D. A. & Harvey, M. (2008). Global leadership in a culturally diverse world. Management Decision, 46(3), 466-480.
• Korac-Kakabadse, N., Korac-Kakabadse, A., & Kouzmin, A. (2001). Leadership renewal: Towards the philosophy of wisdom. International Review of Administrative Sciences, 67:207-227.
• Kretzschmar, L. (2007). The formation of moral leaders in South Africa: A Christian-ethical analysis of some essential elements. Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 128, 18-36.
• Werpehowski, W. (2007). Practical wisdom and the integrity of Christian life. Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, 27(2), 55-72.
• Stuart, C. (2011). Read my tips. Business Strategy Review, 22 (2), 55 -72) Retrieved June 19, 2011, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8616.2011.00756.x/
• Biblios, NAS Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries, The Lockman Foundation Retrieved June 19, from http://strongsnumbers.com/hebrew/2450.htm

The six dimensions of Cultural Diversity Figure 1.1

1. Universalism
Rules, codes, laws, and generalizations.
General principles, rules, and codes that apply to persons in all circumstances.
Particularism
Exceptions, special circumstances, unique relations. Particular circumstances are taken into account when making decisions, thus exceptions can more easily be made.
2. Individualism
Personal freedom, human rights, competitiveness. The focus is placed on the individual person. The interests, thoughts and decisions of the individual are of primary importance. Individuals are expected to take responsibility for themselves and be self-reliant. Competition is regarded as healthy, persons need to take actions that will lead to their own development and fulfillment. Communitarianism
Social responsibility, harmonious relations, co-operation. The interests, thoughts and decisions of the group prevail over those of the individual. Individuals are expected to co-operate and defer to more senior members of the group, and promote the values and well-being of the group. The legacy or tradition of the society is important.
3. Specificity
Atomistic, reductive analytical, objective. Public spaces are considered to be large other people can be directly engaged. Individuals communicate specific information; their reactions are shown openly and precisely, even bluntly. Transparency is important. Diffusion
Holistic, elaborative, synthetic, relational. Specific information is less easily shared. People tend to be indirect, tactful, and even ambiguous. Yet, multiple areas of life and personal context need to be related to in a diffuse manner. Information is not shared until trust is developed.
4. Achieved status
What you‟ve done, your track record. A person is appointed to a certain position on the basis of their accomplishments. Skills and achievement are important. Ascribed status
Who you are, your potential and connections. A person is given a certain position based on age, or social position. Reputation and status are important.
5. Inner direction
Conscience and convictions are located inside. Societies tend to control their environment and nature itself can be controlled. The convictions will and deliberate actions of people can change their circumstances. Outer direction
Examples and influences are located outside. These societies adjust to their circumstances. The rhythms and force of nature cannot be changed and human relationships must be valued and conflict avoided.
6. Sequential time
Time is a race along a set course. Time is perceived as succession or a line and should not be wasted. These societies are future and goal orientated, change is more easily accepted. Synchronous time
Time is a dance of fine co-ordinations. These societies are event orientated. The past is an important part of the present. Change is accepted only if this legacy is not destroyed. Time is circular, because situations and opportunities can be repeated, actions are less urgent.

Missions Trip

2011-06-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

Hey going to make a quick post today. I am here in the Dominican Republic on a missions trip for Calvary Revival Church. Things are going well. We are helping out a great church http://www.hope4drnow.org/hope4drnow.org/Home.html. We have been ministering at their vacation bible school, village church, and through their outreach ministry. This ministry is run by pastor Ruben and Vicki Dominguez, who have eight children. The church has two other local ministries under it, and they have aspirations of starting a orphanage. I have had trouble up loading the videos to the blog so I resolved to put the all of them on my facebook page. Check out the journey...

Commentary on An Upside-Down World Distinguishing between home and mission field no longer makes sense. Christopher J. H. Wright

2011-06-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

An Upside-Down World
Distinguishing between home and mission field no longer makes sense.
Christopher J. H. Wright

In Christopher Wright’s article, An Upside-Down World, he successfully argued the need for the American Church to rethink what it should define as missions due to the dissolving line between what has historically been called local outreach and the mission field. Wright suggests the old paradigm of missions work has disintegrated because of the changing geographical and demographical landscape of the church throughout the world--The map of global Christianity that our grandparents knew has been turned upside down, said Wright. Today, Wright asserts, at the start of the 21st century, at least 70 percent of the world's Christians live in the non-Western world. Wright then poses a most provocative question, “Can the West be re-evangelized” implicitly accosting the approach of the Western church.

Wright argues the West will not regain its footing in effective global evangelism again unless it releases its arrogant ethnocentric attitude toward Christianity and embraces a trans-ethnic view that more closely resembles early Christianity. He infers that the Gospel should transcend culture instead of molding to the form of existing cultures. The author thinks the first step in the reorientation of the West is to relearn the original nature of biblical Christianity. What is implied by his assertion is the West has drifted away from biblical Christianity because of Western ethnocentric traditions and philosophies. Wright states “Western Christianity is infected by cultural idolatry.” In his opinion it is those culturally idolatrous social structures that are leading to a developing chasm between the western and non-western believers.

Wright suggests many Christians in the West arrogantly assume the need to bring their style of Christianity to the ends of the earth but they are finding out the type of Christianity they have will not suffice in a cross-cultural context. Wright consistently alludes to returning to an ancient form of Christianity as a goal for the future of the Western church. Ironically, he thinks the Western church is moving toward that goal unintentionally as a result of our crumbling values rather than in a deliberate manner. He cites mission historian Andrew Walls as saying, “the emergence of genuine world Christianity and the ending of Western assumptions of heartland hegemony simply mark a return to normal Christianity, which looks much more like the New Testament than Christendom ever did.”

(Hickman, 2010) states, “There is an increasing global consciousness in all sectors and societies of the world.” As a result, Hickman believes there is a growing trend for new leadership models and new methods of organizing our churches. Despite these trends, Wright neglected to address a very important one, which is directly affecting the practicality of oversees mission efforts—the “Increasing speed and dissemination of information technology.” (Hickman, 246) Internet accessibility alone should be reason enough to rethink how the church proceeds in its missionary efforts going forward. It is not altogether necessary for missionaries to pay thousands of dollars and spend hundreds of hours of travel to “take” the gospel to unbelievers on the other side of the planet. The internet provides access to unbelievers at unprecedented levels to more people than any other time in the history of the church. The world is changing in all areas, and it is Wright’s plea that the church focus on the only real mission boundary there is, which is not between "Christian countries" and "the mission field," but between faith and unbelief, a boundary that runs through every land and, indeed, through every local street.

Wright noted at the start of the 20th century that ninety percent of the world’s Christians lived in North America and Europe, along with Australia and New Zealand. However, he said at the beginning of the 21st century only thirty percent of the world’s Christians live on those same continents. Wright argued the world is changing and that if the Church in the West wanted to stay effective in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth it must make adjustments in order to do so. Because our traditional Western values have been forsaken, what now remains is a Christianity that is closer to what authentic Christianity originally was. Wright felt it was essential we rethink what we call “missions” and how we go about fulfilling Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations”. Ultimately, Wright suggested we refocus our teaching to the cross and how it encompasses all of life.

Hickman, G.R. (2010). Leading Organizations: Perspectives for a new era (2nd). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications

US Attorney General Holder lauds Minneapolis’ youth violence prevention initiative

2011-05-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

US Attorney General Holder lauds Minneapolis’ youth violence prevention initiative

US Attorney General Holder lauds Minneapolis’ youth violence prevention initiative

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United States Attorney General Eric Holder and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, joined United States Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, on Friday, May 27 to celebrate the positive results of Minneapolis’ comprehensive Youth Violence Prevention initiative. The Blueprint for Action Youth Violence Prevention Conference, co-sponsored by the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Foundation, reviewed the successes of the initiative which began in 2008 and is an ongoing, multi-year collaboration in 22 Minneapolis neighborhoods that treats youth violence as a public-health epidemic that requires a holistic, multi-faceted response.

Attorney General Holder observed that the “great strength” of Minneapolis’ approach is that it recognizes that violence among and directed toward young people is not only a public-safety issue — it’s also a public-health issue. And it demands a public-health response.”

The Youth Violence Prevention initiative began as a response to a spike in violent crime in Minneapolis in 2005-06 that data revealed was driven by violence by and against youth. That comprehensive, collaborative, public-health approach has led to safer youth and a safer community. Since 2006, the number of youth arrested for or suspected in violent crime has dropped 56%. In the same period, the number of incidents involving guns and youth has dropped 58%.

The decrease in youth violence has driven a sharp decline in overall crime rates in Minneapolis. In 2010, citywide violent crime in Minneapolis fell to a 28-year low. In addition, in 2011 so far, violent crime in Minneapolis has fallen 16% more compared to the same period in 2010.

The initiative is guided by the four goals of the initiative’s Blueprint for Action, which are to: 1) connect every youth to a trusted adult; 2) intervene at the first sign that youth are at risk of violence; 3) restore youth who have gone down the wrong path; and 4) unlearn the culture of violence in the community.

Comprehensive efforts inspired by the Blueprint’s goals have not only cut youth violence, they have led to greater numbers of high-quality summer jobs for youth, higher graduation rates in Minneapolis Public Schools and greater numbers of graduates attending college free of charge, among other positive results.

Also participating in the conference were youth, community organizers and organizers, educators, faith leaders, public-health professionals and law-enforcement professionals, among others. The conference was organized as an opportunity for youth, community members and policy makers to assess results and challenges going forward — and above all, to listen to and learn from each other.

Selected results of the Blueprint for Action: Preventing Youth Violence in Minneapolis:

Decrease in youth arrested for or suspected in violent crime, 2006-10: 56%
Decrease in incidents involving guns and youth, 2006-10: 58%
Decrease in firearm-related assault injuries of youth, 2006-10: 36%
Decrease in percent of Minneapolis 9th graders who strongly agree that “illegal gang activity is a problem at this school”: from 42% in 2007 to 28% in 2010
Decrease in homicides of youth, 2006-09: 77%
Decrease in curfew arrests, 2006-10: 57%
Decrease in number of pregnancies per 1,000 youth aged 15-17, 2006-09: 36%
Increase in number of youth annually in STEP-UP and other City of Minneapolis job programs, 2005-10: 44%
Number of youth in STEP-UP and other City of Minneapolis job programs: 13,064 since 2005
Increase in Minneapolis Public Schools high-school graduation rates: from 55% in 2005 to 73% in 2010
Number of Minneapolis Public Schools graduates attending college free of charge under Minneapolis Promise: 1,648
Selection of Youth Violence Prevention tools in Minneapolis:
The Minneapolis Promise, an innovative cluster of coordinated efforts that eliminate barriers to college for Minneapolis students. The Minneapolis Promise provides young people with high-quality summer jobs, privately-funded College and Career Centers in every public high school that help them plan a vision for their future, and financial assistance to attend college.
Streetreach, a partnership between the City and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to directly and personally engage at-risk youth in four neighborhoods who are not otherwise engaged in positive opportunities.
Bike Cops for Kids, which takes Minneapolis police officers who serve in Minneapolis Public Schools during the year and puts them on bikes in eight neighborhoods during the summer to continue build relationships with children and youth, and promote public safety by giving away free bike helmets and bikes.
The Minneapolis Youth Congress, an organization of 55 teens in 8th through 12th grade from neighborhoods across Minneapolis who collaborate with elected officials to create and influence public policies that positively affect local youth.
The Juvenile Supervision Center, a partnership with Hennepin County that provides safe supervision and other needed services to youth who have been picked up for truancy, curfew or other low-level violations that do not require secure detention. The goal of the center is to halt a youth’s progress into the juvenile-justice system and increase connections to school and positive behavior.
Speak Up Minneapolis, an anonymous tip line that allows youth to phone or text reports of potential violence including weapons in schools, parks, libraries or other locations.
A protocol at two Minneapolis hospitals for youth victims of violence that comprehensively evaluates the social, economic, medical, chemical and legal risk factors that the youth faces and makes appropriate referrals for help to community-based agencies.
The North 4 Project, an intensive supportive-employment program for 30 gang-involved youth in four neighborhoods that have been deeply affected by violence and the recession.
B.U.I.L.D and the Gang Prevention Mentoring Project, both designed to strengthen and mentor youth who may be gang-affiliated and help them develop personal strengths, relationships and commitments to education and community.
Community Power Against Violence, a media and mobilization campaign in, with and for communities experiencing youth violence.
A toolkit of youth violence prevention initiatives for youth, families, practitioners and community.
Visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/dhfs/yv.asp for complete information on Minneapolis’ youth violence prevention initiative.

May 27, 2011

Real Leadership is a Rare, Precious Commodity

2011-05-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Real Leadership is a Rare, Precious Commodity

May 30, 2011
Real Leadership is a Rare, Precious Commodity
By Robert Gates

(Note: Secretary Gates gave the following commencement address to graduates of the United States Naval Academy on Friday, May 27, 2011.)

Distinguished guests, members of the public, leaders of the Navy - past, present, and future. It is a special honor to join you today for this long-anticipated and well-deserved celebration.

I first want to welcome and thank the family members who are here today. Your support and encouragement have made this day possible for these young men and women. More importantly, you have nourished their spirits and molded their character. You have instilled in them love of country and a willingness to serve. And now you entrust to the nation your most treasured possession.

Thanks also to the sponsor families of midshipmen. Over the past four years, you have opened your homes to these young men and women, providing a good meal or a respite from Academy life. Or a shoulder to lean on. Your guidance and your caring helped make today possible for your mids.

To the class of 2011, congratulations!

As the first order of business, I will exercise my authority as U.S. Secretary of Defense to grant amnesty to all midshipmen whose antics led to minor conduct offenses. As always, Vice Admiral Miller has the final say on what constitutes "minor."

Today's speech represents my final commencement speech as defense secretary, culminating a month of five commencement addresses, the most recent being last Sunday at Notre Dame. From my brief time there I can report to you that the Notre Dame student body is moving through grief to denial to anger over the pounding Navy football delivered to them last October. On a related note, whenever Ricky Dobbs finally throws his hat in the ring for President of the United States, he'll have my endorsement.

I would like to start by thanking each of today's graduates for choosing to serve your country and your fellow citizens. In everything you did here - from studying for exams to training sessions with your upperclassmen - you have grown together as a team. But there has also been something bigger uniting you: your willingness to take on a difficult and dangerous path in the service of others.

I made my first academy commencement address here in Annapolis in May 2007. A short time later you arrived here to begin a remarkable educational experience, an experience that concludes today. All of you made the decision to enter this academy and active military service during the toughest stretch of the Iraq war - you reported here when casualties were at their highest and prospects of success uncertain at best. At the same time, the Taliban were making their comeback in Afghanistan, and history's most notorious terrorist was still at large. As a result of the skill and sacrifice of countless young warriors and patriots - many of them graduates of this institution - I am proud to say that we face a different set of circumstances today: Iraq has a real chance at a peaceful and democratic future; in Afghanistan the Taliban momentum has been halted and reversed; and Osama bin Laden is finally where he belongs.

While many people witness history, those who step forward to serve in a time of crisis have a place in history. As of today, you join the long line of patriots in a noble calling. By your service you will have a chance to leave your mark on history.

Almost 100 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt delivered an extraordinary speech called "Citizenship in a Republic." He observed:

"In the long run, [our society's] success or failure will be conditioned upon the way in which the average man, the average woman, does his or her duty. . . The average citizen must be a good citizen if our republics are to succeed." Roosevelt then went on to say: "the average cannot be kept high unless the standard of the leaders is very much higher."

The graduates of this institution are not average citizens - and so you can never be content to be merely "good citizens." You must be great citizens. In everything you do, you must always make sure that you live up to the highest personal and professional standards of duty, service, and honor - the values of the Navy, the values of the U.S. armed forces, the values of the best traditions of our country. Indeed, when you are called to lead, when you are called to stand in defense of your country in faraway lands, you must hold your values and your honor close to your heart.

Forty-six years ago this month I graduated from college also having committed to public service. In the decades since - in the Air Force, at CIA, in the White House, and now at the Pentagon - I served under eight presidents and had the opportunity to observe many other great leaders along the way. From this experience I have learned that real leadership is a rare and precious commodity, and requires qualities that many people might possess piecemeal to varying degrees, but few exhibit in total.

As you start your careers as leaders today, I would like to offer some brief thoughts on those qualities. For starters, great leaders must have vision - the ability to get your eyes off your shoelaces at every level of rank and responsibility, and see beyond the day-to-day tasks and problems. To be able to look beyond tomorrow and discern a world of possibilities and potential. How do you take any outfit to a higher level of excellence? You must see what others do not or cannot, and then be prepared to act on your vision.

An additional quality necessary for leadership is deep conviction. True leadership is a fire in the mind that transforms all who feel its warmth, that transfixes all who see its shining light in the eyes of a man or woman. It is a strength of purpose and belief in a cause that reaches out to others, touches their hearts, and makes them eager to follow.

Self-confidence is still another quality of leadership. Not the chest-thumping, strutting egotism we see and read about all the time. Rather, it is the quiet self-assurance that allows a leader to give others both real responsibility and real credit for success. The ability to stand in the shadow and let others receive attention and accolades. A leader is able to make decisions but then delegate and trust others to make things happen. This doesn't mean turning your back after making a decision and hoping for the best. It does mean trusting in people at the same time you hold them accountable. The bottom line: a self-confident leader doesn't cast such a large shadow that no one else can grow.

A further quality of leadership is courage: not just the physical courage of the seas, of the skies and of the trenches, but moral courage. The courage to chart a new course; the courage to do what is right and not just what is popular; the courage to stand alone; the courage to act; the courage as a military officer to "speak truth to power."

In most academic curricula today, and in most business, government, and military training programs, there is great emphasis on team-building, on working together, on building consensus, on group dynamics. You have learned a lot about that. But, for everyone who would become a leader, the time will inevitably come when you must stand alone. When alone you must say, "This is wrong" or "I disagree with all of you and, because I have the responsibility, this is what we will do." Don't kid yourself - that takes real courage.

Another essential quality of leadership is integrity. Without this, real leadership is not possible. Nowadays, it seems like integrity - or honor or character - is kind of quaint, a curious, old-fashioned notion. We read of too many successful and intelligent people in and out of government who succumb to the easy wrong rather than the hard right - whether from inattention or a sense of entitlement, the notion that rules are not for them. But for a real leader, personal virtues - self-reliance, self control, honor, truthfulness, morality - are absolute. These are the building blocks of character, of integrity - and only on that foundation can real leadership be built.

A final quality of real leadership, I believe, is simply common decency: treating those around you - and, above all, your subordinates - with fairness and respect. An acid test of leadership is how you treat those you outrank, or as President Truman once said, "how you treat those who can't talk back."

Whatever your military specialty might be, use your authority over others for constructive purposes, to help them - to watch out and care for them and their families, to help them improve their skills and advance, to ease their hardships whenever possible. All of this can be done without compromising discipline or mission or authority. Common decency builds respect and, in a democratic society, respect is what prompts people to give their all for a leader, even at great personal sacrifice.

I hope you will keep these thoughts with you as you advance in your careers. Above all, remember that the true measure of leadership is not how you react in times of peace or times without peril. The true measure of leadership is how you react when the wind leaves your sails, when the tide turns against you.

Just to get accepted to the Naval Academy, most of you have probably succeeded - in many cases brilliantly - at pretty much everything you've done - in the classroom, on the playing field, or in other activities. I know this institution has challenged you in new ways. But from here on out it just gets harder. The risk of failure or setbacks will only grow as your responsibilities grow, and with them the consequences of your decisions.

So know this. At some point along your path, you will surely encounter failure or disappointment of one kind or another. Nearly all of us have. If at those times you hold true to your standards, then you will always succeed, if only in knowing you stayed true and honorable. In the final analysis, what really matters are not the failures and disappointments themselves, but how you respond. About 40 years ago, a young ensign ran his gasoline tanker into a buoy, fouling the propeller in the process - typically a career killer. I work with that same naval officer every day. He is now the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen.

To be able to respond to setbacks with perseverance and determination should apply as well to the military institutions you lead. I will never forget the night of April 24th, 1980. I was executive assistant to the CIA director at the time, and was in the White House during the secret mission to rescue American hostages in Iran. I had been in on the planning from the beginning and, while the operation was clearly risky, I honestly believed it would work. It did not. Soon, images of burnt helicopters and the charred remains of U.S. servicemen splashed around the world. It was truly a low ebb for our nation and for a military that was still recovering from Vietnam.

But then the special operations community, and the U.S. military as a whole, pulled itself together, reformed the way it was trained and organized, took on the corrosive service parochialism that had hobbled our military institutionally and operationally.

And so, just under a month ago, I once again spent a nerve-wracking afternoon in the White House as a risky special operations mission was underway. When word of a downed helicopter came back my heart sank, remembering that awful night thirty years ago. But this time, of course, there was a very different result:

• A mass murderer was brought to a fitting end;

• A world in awe of America's military prowess;

• A country relieved that justice was done and, frankly, that their government could do something hard and do it right; and

• A powerful blow struck on behalf of democratic civilization against its most lethal and determined enemies.

I want each of you to take that lesson of adaptability, of responding to setbacks by improving yourself and your institution, and that example of success, with you as you go forward into the Navy and the Marine Corps you will someday lead.

The qualities of leadership I have described this morning do not suddenly emerge fully developed overnight or as a revelation after you have assumed important responsibilities. These qualities have their roots in the small decisions you have made here at the Academy and will make early in your career and must be strengthened all along the way to allow you to resist the temptation of self before service.

As I mentioned earlier, this is my last address to America's service academies, my last opportunity to engage the future leaders of our military as your defense secretary. As I look out upon you this morning, I am reminded of what so struck and moved me when I went from being a university president to U.S. Secretary of Defense in a time of war. At Texas A&M I would walk the campus, and I would see thousands of students aged 18-25, typically wearing t-shirts and shorts and backpacks. The day after I became Secretary of Defense, in December 2006, I made my first visit to the war theater. And there I encountered other young men and women also 18 to 25. Except they were wearing body armor and carrying assault rifles, putting their lives at risk for all Americans. And I knew that some of them would not make it home whole, and that some would not make it home at all.

I knew then that soon all those in harm's way would be there because I sent them. Ever since, I have come to work every day, with a sense of personal responsibility for each and every young American in uniform - as if you were my own sons and daughters. My only prayer is that you serve with honor and come home safely. I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. Serving and leading you has been the greatest honor of my life,

May you have fair winds and following seas. Congratulations.

Robert M. Gates is U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Last day of my first week of Residency: now the fun begins...

2011-05-14T05:53:00.001-07:00

I am sitting here at the end of my first week of residency feeling overwhelmed. As trepidation runs through me; I am constantly fighting not to capitulate to the notion that I will fail. It seems to me the challenge of fulfilling our calling is realizing that doing so will take all the strength we have to bow our will to God and to allow Him to accomplish His plans through us. It is so interesting how my life has gone. It is as though I was always hurt, weak, overwhelmed or almost hopeless right before I was tested and elevated. I can honestly say I have never preformed flawlessly through any test I have went through, but the Lord has delivered me through them all. For me to obtain a PHD would be a monumental act by the sovereign hand of God. I realize that everything good that I have done was because God decided to work through me. I can not take any credit whatsoever for what I have done in this body. Thank you Lord for using a broken vessel like me!

transformation

2011-05-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

“All true imitation is a transformation that does not simply present again something that is already there. It is a kind of transformed reality in which the transformation points back to what has been transformed in and through it. It is a transformed reality because it brings before us intensified possibilities never seen before.”
- Gadamer (1986, 64)

If you are thinking of becoming a Christian

2011-05-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you, you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains and all….One reason why it needs no special education to be a Christian is that Christianity is an education itself."
– C. S. Lewis

First Day of PHD program at Regent University School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship

2011-05-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Well this my first day in my PhD program. The first feeling you get in this program is fear. You are constantly told how challenging this program is. But, the great thing about being at a Christian University is that you are told "if God called you here, you will finish." So far the key word I have heard is "time management or capacity." Everyone here has the aptitude to be here, but does everyone here have the time. Right now the statics show that only 50% of the people who start the program actually finish it. Lord Help me. My hope is that this program will make me a better pastor, a better teacher, and a better believer. This is kind of how I live my life..."strive to be great, and live your life to make others great--for the Glory of God. With all that is going on in my life, it will be God and His grace alone that enables me to get through it...

The Greatest Speech ever...

2011-05-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

Abraham Lincoln

Second Inaugural Address

Saturday, March 4, 1865

Weeks of wet weather preceding Lincoln's second inauguration had caused Pennsylvania Avenue to become a sea of mud and standing water. Thousands of spectators stood in thick mud at the Capitol grounds to hear the President. As he stood on the East Portico to take the executive oath, the completed Capitol dome over the President's head was a physical reminder of the resolve of his Administration throughout the years of civil war. Chief Justice Salmon Chase administered the oath of office. In little more than a month, the President would be assassinated.

Fellow-Countrymen:

AT this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured. 1
On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war—seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came. 2
One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." 3
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres32.html

The Cross and the Switchblade

2011-04-28T13:34:00.001-07:00

Thank you!

2011-04-27T14:23:00.001-07:00

Thank you Friends and Family,
I really appreciate your helping me to achieve my financial goals for the Bosnian and Dominican Republic mission trips. You really did a wonderful thing.
Your contribution meant that I will be able to effectively minister the love of Christ to Children on both sides of the planet. I will be leading two teams in two countries that are economically depressed and troubled with monolithic religious animosity. These kids are going to be so happy to see a former professional football player who loves Jesus.
Imagine the look on their faces when they get the good news that they can now play American Football with a former football player—please pray for me. Talk about investing your talents for the Kingdom. Thank you for your sacrifice.
If you ever need me to help with a charitable cause of your own, please let me return the favor. I'm pretty good at teaching the Bible so if I can help out in anyway, please let me know.
Again, thanks so much for all you've done!
Cordially,
Minister Anthony Bass

So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable

2011-04-20T06:56:00.002-07:00

William Wilberforce
Antislavery politician
posted 8/08/2008 12:56PM

"So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did the [slave] trade's wickedness appear that my own mind was completely made up for abolition. Let the consequences be what they would: I from this time determined that I would never rest until I had effected its abolition."

In the late 1700s, when William Wilberforce was a teenager, English traders raided the African coast on the Gulf of Guinea, captured between 35,000 and 50,000 Africans a year, shipped them across the Atlantic, and sold them into slavery. It was a profitable business that many powerful people had become dependent upon. One publicist for the West Indies trade wrote, "The impossibility of doing without slaves in the West Indies will always prevent this traffic being dropped. The necessity, the absolute necessity, then, of carrying it on, must, since there is no other, be its excuse."

By the late 1700s, the economics of slavery were so entrenched that only a handful of people thought anything could be done about it. That handful included William Wilberforce.

Taking on a purpose
This would have surprised those who knew Wilberforce as a young man. He grew up surrounded by wecaptionh. He was a native of Hull and educated at St. John's College at Cambridge. But he wasn't a serious student. He later reflected, "As much pains were taken to make me idle as were ever taken to make me studious." A neighbor at Cambridge added, "When he [Wilberforce] returned late in the evening to his rooms, he would summon me to join him…. He was so winning and amusing that I often sat up half the night with him, much to the detriment of my attendance at lectures the next day."

Timeline
1735

George Whitefield converted

1738

John & Charles Wesley's evangelical conversions

1742

First production of Handel's Messiah

1759

William Wilberforce born

1833

William Wilberforce dies

1840

David Livingstone sails for Africa

Yet Wilberforce had political ambitions and, with his connections, managed to win election to Parliament in 1780, where he formed a lasting friendship with William Pitt, the future prime minister. But he later admitted, "The first years in Parliament I did nothing—nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object."

But he began to reflect deeply on his life, which led to a period of intense sorrow. "I am sure that no human creature could suffer more than I did for some months," he later wrote. His unnatural gloom lifted on Easter 1786, "amidst the general chorus with which all nature seems on such a morning to be swelling the song of praise and thanksgiving." He had experienced a spiritual rebirth.

He abstained from alcohol and practiced rigorous self-examination as befit, he believed, a "serious" Christian. He abhorred the socializing that went along with politicking. He worried about "the temptations at the table," the endless dinner parties, which he thought were full of vain and useless conversation: "[They] disqualify me for every useful purpose in life, waste my time, impair my health, fill my mind with thoughts of resistance before and self-condemnation afterwards."

He began to see his life's purpose: "My walk is a public one," he wrote in his diary. "My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me."

In particular, two causes caught his attention. First, under the influence of Thomas Clarkson, he became absorbed with the issue of slavery. Later he wrote, "So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did the trade's wickedness appear that my own mind was completely made up for abolition. Let the consequences be what they would: I from this time determined that I would never rest until I had effected its abolition."

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/131christians/activists/wilberforce.html

So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable

2011-04-20T06:56:00.001-07:00

William Wilberforce | Christian History

2011-04-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

William Wilberforce | Christian History

...there are hard times ahead

2011-04-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

...the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.

ACTS 20:24

...begins at birth and ends at death

2011-04-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

...unbelievers view life as a brief interval that begins at birth and ends at death. In considering the future, they look no further than their own life span, if even that. Their vision is pitifully short and narrow, restricted to the horizons of the world. like a myopic horse with blinders on, the person without Christ can see neither far nor wide. Bereft of eternal perspective, unbelievers are bond to take wrong turns and come to wrong conclusions, thinking, If this life is all there is, why deny myself any pleasure or possession? Given this premise,why would they come to any other conclusion? People only live for a higher purpose when they see a higher purpose.

Randy Alcorn

Courage

2011-04-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

"Courage is not limited to the battlefield or the Indianapolis 500 or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody's looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you're misunderstood."
- Charles Swindoll

The needs of our generation...

2011-04-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Our generation needs to be told that man cannot disregard God, that a culture
like ours that has had such light and then has deliberately turned away stands
under God’s judgment. God is a God of grace, but the other side of the coin of
grace is judgment. If God is there, if God is holy (and we need a holy God or we
have no absolutes), there must be judgment.

Behe vs Darwin

2011-04-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Although Darwin was able to persuade much of the world that a modern eye could be produced gradually from a much simpler structure, he did not even attempt to explain how the simple light sensitive spot that was his starting point actually worked.
Michael Behe

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michael_behe.html#ixzz1JjNdTsEe

Christian civilization

2011-04-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

"Christian civilization is the greatest that the world has ever known because it rests on a conception of life that makes life one unending progress toward higher things, with no limit to advancement or development."
William Bryan

Aldous Huxley vs. Jesus

2011-04-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

In 'Ends and Means' (1937), Aldous Huxley confessed that his reasons for arguing against the message of the Bible were not unbiased and objective philosophical reasons. He 'had an agenda':

I had motives for not wanting the world to have a meaning; and consequently assumed that it had none, and was able without any difficulty to find satisfying reasons for this assumption. The philosopher who finds no meaning in the world is not concerned exclusively with a problem in pure metaphysics. He is also concerned to prove that there is no valid reason why he personally should not do as he wants to do. For myself, as no doubt for most of my friends, the philosophy of meaninglessness was essentially an instrument of liberation from a certain system of morality. We objected to the morality because it interfered with our sexual freedom. The supporters of this system claimed that it embodied the meaning - the Christian meaning, they insisted - of the world. There was one admirably simple method of confuting these people and justifying ourselves in our erotic revolt: we would deny that the world had any meaning whatever.

Saint Patrick's Breastplate

2011-04-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;*
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Sources

[a] Confessio, St. Patrick
[b] St. Patrick's Day Facts: Snakes, a Slave, and a Saint - National Geographic

One Solitary Life

2011-04-14T06:49:00.001-07:00

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the Child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He had nothing to do with this world except the naked power of His Divine manhood. While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a Cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying—and that was His coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Such was His human life—He rises from the dead. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the Centerpiece of the human race and the Leader of the column of progress. I am within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that One Solitary Life. --James C. Hefley

...such is their conduct

2011-04-13T12:41:00.001-07:00

Letter from Philosopher Aristides early in second century:

Now the Christians, O King, by going about and seeking, have found the truth. For they know and trust GOD, the Maker of Heaven and earth, who has no fellow. From Him they received those commandments which they have engraved on their minds, and which they observe in the hope and expectation of the world to come.

For this reason they will not commit adultery or immorality; they do not bear false witness, or embezzle, nor do they covet what is not theirs. They honor father and mother, and do good to those who are their neighbors. Whenever they are judges, they judge uprightly. They do not worship idols made in the image of man. Whatever they do not wish that others should do to them, they in turn do not do; and they do not eat food sacrificed to idols.

Those who oppress them they exhort and make them their friends. They do good to their enemies. Their wives, O King, are pure as virgins, and their daughters are modest. Their men abstain from all unlawful sexual contact and from impurity, in the hope of recompense that is to come in another world.

As for their bondmen and bondwomen, and their children, if there are any, they persuade them to become Christians; and when they have done so, they call them brethren without distinction.

They refuse to worship strange gods; and they go their way in all humility and cheerfulness. Falsehood is not found among them. They love one another; the widow’s needs are not ignored, and they rescue the orphan from the person who does him violence. He who has gives to him who has not, ungrudgingly and without boasting. When the Christians find a stranger, they bring him to their homes and rejoice over him as a true brother. They do not call brothers those who are bound by blood ties alone, but who are brethren after the Spirit and in GOD.

When one of their poor passes away from the world, each provides for his burial according to his ability. If they hear of any of their number who are imprisoned or oppressed for the name of the Messiah, they all provide for his needs, and if it is possible to redeem him, they set him free.

If they find poverty in their midst, and they do not have spare food, they fast two or three days in order that the needy might be supplied with the necessities. They observe scrupulously the commandments of their Messiah, living honestly and soberly as the LORD their GOD ordered them. Every morning and every hour they praise and thank GOD for His goodness to them; and for their food and drink they offer thanksgiving.

If any righteous person of their number passes away from the world, they rejoice and thank GOD, and escort his body as if he were setting out from one place to another nearby. When a child is born to one of them, they praise GOD. If it dies in infancy, they thank GOD the more, as for one who passed through the world without sins. But if one of them dies in his iniquity or in his sins, they grieve bitterly and sorrow as over one who is about to meet his doom.

Such, O King, is the commandment given to the Christians, and such is their conduct. (The Apology of Aristides, translated by Rendel Harris [London: Cambridge, 1893])

Napoleon and Jesus

2011-04-12T08:54:00.001-07:00

Napoleon expressed the following thoughts while he was exiled on the rock of St. Helena. There, the conqueror of civilized Europe had time to reflect on the measure of his accomplishments. He called Count Montholon to his side and asked him, "Can you tell me who Jesus Christ was?" The count declined to respond. Napoleon countered:

Well then, I will tell you. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I myself have founded great empires; but upon what did these creations of our genius depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and to this very day millions will die for Him. . . . I think I understand something of human nature; and I tell you, all these were men, and I am a man; none else is like Him: Jesus Christ was more than a man. . . . I have inspired multitudes with such an enthusiastic devotion that they would have died for me . . . but to do this is was necessary that I should be visibly present with the electric influence of my looks, my words, of my voice. When I saw men and spoke to them, I lightened up the flame of self-devotion in their hearts. . . . Christ alone has succeeded in so raising the mind of man toward the unseen, that it becomes insensible to the barriers of time and space. Across a chasm of eighteen hundred years, Jesus Christ makes a demand which is beyond all others difficult to satisfy; He asks for that which a philosopher may often seek in vain at the hands of his friends, or a father of his children, or a bride of her spouse, or a man of his brother. He asks for the human heart; He will have it entirely to Himself. He demands it unconditionally; and forthwith His demand is granted. Wonderful! In defiance of time and space, the soul of man, with all its powers and faculties, becomes an annexation to the empire of Christ. All who sincerely believe in Him, experience that remarkable, supernatural love toward Him. This phenomenon is unaccountable; it is altogether beyond the scope of man's creative powers. Time, the great destroyer, is powerless to extinguish this sacred flame; time can neither exhaust its strength nor put a limit to its range. This is it, which strikes me most; I have often thought of it. This it is which proves to me quite convincingly the Divinity of Jesus Christ.

The Ranger's Creed

2011-04-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.
—Ranger Handbook

WOW

2011-03-16T06:53:00.001-07:00

His Glory...

2011-02-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

God allows trouble to remain so His glory can linger...

Missions Support

2011-02-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

February 18, 2011

Dear Friends:
I hope and trust that this letter finds you well. I wanted to share two exciting opportunities I have been afforded by my local church, Calvary Revival Church, to serve on the mission field.
This summer, I will be embarking on a missions’ trip to The Dominican Republic from June 20th-June 27th 2011. I will work very closely with Pastor Ruben M. Dominguez Sr., and his wife Vickie. Pastor Dominguez is the president of H.O.P.E Dominican Republic, a ministry geared to Help Others Pursue Eternity through evangelism, training and benevolence. He is also the Pastor of Iglesia Evangelica Vida en Cristo and the overseer of a village church and an inner city church in the Dominican Republic. While in the Dominican Republic, we will have the opportunity to conduct leadership training with the staff of Iglesia Evangelica vida en Cristo as well as helping out with their Vocational Bible School (VBS) camps throughout the week. We will also be involved in their main worship services during the week and looking forward to see how God will use the team as we labor with the DR church family.
I also will be embarking on a trip to Bosnia, a country that still remains a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, war torn, impoverished and broken land. I will be working alongside Minister Vanja Bule, Director of the National Camps, called EMEK BERAKA. For two months each summer, this camp ministers to all age and social groups (children, teens, youth, adults, leaders, and poor people). Emek Beraka normally hosts about 400 campers, an average of about 50-80 participants per camp. It is worth noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina have fewer than 400 evangelical believers in the whole country. Most of the people that come through the camps are unchurched and have not heard the Gospel of Christ. While in Bosnia, we will have the opportunity to help Minister Bule, along with the Emek Beraka staff in whatever capacity they need for us to serve. Our end goal is to share the Gospel with the teens and youth that will attend these camps.

Here is my request:
•Your prayerful consideration of giving financially to help meet these needs:
A. The estimated budget for the Dominican Republic trip, which includes airfare, transportation while in the DR, accommodation, and meals, is $1500.00. Checks can be mailed to me but made payable to Calvary Revival Church and in the memo section, if you could write my name and the mission, e.g., Jane Doe-DR Contribution. Our deadline to have money turned in is April 15th.
B. The estimated budget for the Bosnia trip, which includes airfare, transportation, and meals, is $2000.00. Any support from you will be greatly appreciated. Checks can be mailed to me or CRC, but made payable to Calvary Revival Church and in the memo section, please write my name and the mission, e.g., Jane Doe-Bosnia Contribution. Our deadline to have money turned in is April 15th.

• Should you desire to mail the check directly to the church, please see details below:
Calvary Revival Church
Strategic Outreach Ministries
5833 Poplar Hall Drive
Norfolk, VA 23502
Attention: Dr. Towera Nyirenda

• Your prayer for traveling mercies, ministry opportunities, and good health as we get ready for the trip and while in each country.

In the event that I raise money above the estimated budget, I will make a contribution to any needs the VBS camps or Iglesia Evangelica Vida en Cristo may have to help offset some of their expenses.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the trip, please feel free to contact the Director of Outreach, Dr. Towera Nyirenda at tnyirenda@crcglobal.org or (757) 321-9711.
Thank you for affording me this opportunity to share this letter with you.

Grateful,

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2011-02-16T07:21:00.001-08:00

Joshua 6:24-27

²⁴^(N)They burned the city with fire, and all that was in it. Only the silver and gold, and articles of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the ^[a]house of the LORD.

²⁵However, ^(O)Rahab the harlot and her father's household and all she had, Joshua spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, for ^(P)she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

²⁶Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, "^(Q)Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates."

²⁷So ^(R)the LORD was with Joshua, and his ^(S)fame was in all the land.

The ability to keep one’s word is of utmost importance for the Kingdom leader; without it the leader very quickly becomes impotent. For an individual in whom people are following because of their relationship with God, keeping one’s word is synonymous with honor. It could be alleged that the quality of one’s leadership is determined by the excellence of their character. From the perspective of the follower, it is nearly impossible to trust a leader who does not keep their word. Once trust is breached it is difficult to reestablish. The leader can not show partiality he or she must keep their word to everyone. It is just as important to keep your word to the lowly as it is to keep your word to the exalted. If this is done consistently, the leader has the creditability to hold others to their word, and more importantly God will support the prophetic utterance when it is given. Look at vs. 25 …Rahab the harlot and her father's household and all she had, Joshua spared.” Joshua honored the spies’ oath and because of it Rahab the harlot – who is a biological decedent of Jesus Christ—was spared. Thus, Joshua honored the spies’ word given to the harlot; this simple act is indicative of the value Joshua placed on honoring one’s word. Furthermore in vs. 26 we see Joshua establishing a curse with an oath… Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho. The interesting thing is just as Joshua honored the word of the spies we see God honoring the oath of Joshua’s prophetic pronounced over Jericho, which illustrates the value God places on honoring one’s word. So we see, the capability to keep one’s word is paramount for the Kingdom leader; without it the leader quickly looses his or her ability to lead God’s people.

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2011-02-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

Joshua 6:1-2

¹ Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

² Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.”

One of the most crucial skills a Kingdom leader must have is the ability to see through God’s eyes. This means many times the Kingdom leader cannot depend on graphs, stats, analysis, or even his or her own sight. But, the leader must by faith see what God sees and respond accordingly. This is a precarious situation at best. How many times did we see under Moses’ leadership the Hebrews relying on what their five senses conveyed instead of what God said? Imagine the difficulty of leading three million people and half of them are grumbling because the leader is making decisions based upon data they cannot sense. Do you think doubt ever crept into the Joshua’s mind? Do you think Joshua ever second guessed himself? Do you think the people ever thought, “Here we go again”? Look at Joshua 6 vs. 1-2: Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. It’s time for a little background speculation here—it is argued that Jericho is where civilization originated. Moreover, there are many other scholars who believe the Nephilim (giants) lived in Jericho as well. Regardless of the facts, Jericho was a walled and fortified city and in vs. 1 it states that the gates were securely barred and no one went out or in. Thus the possibility of discouragement was prevalent because (1) the nomadic Israelites did not have the resources for a prolonged siege and (2) sieges have a high casualty rate. Nevertheless, look at what God says, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands…” Here in lies the crux of the matter, the people see the problem, but God sees the conclusion, thus it’s the responsibility of the Kingdom leader to get the people to look through God’s eyes and not his or her own. A vital ability a Kingdom leader must have is the knack of perceiving through God’s eyes. Often the Kingdom leader cannot depend on his or her own vision. But, the leader must by faith see what God sees and respond in view of that.

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2011-01-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Joshua 5:13-15

The Fall of Jericho

¹³ Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

¹⁴ “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

¹⁵ The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

I remember one time getting into a debate with a relative and some friends of mine and “not” taking my family members side in the argument. My actions may be perceived as being disloyal, but being a Kingdom man I have been taught always to fall on the side of truth. Nevertheless, my family members assumed I would blindly support their position. However, by the time the debate ended they found out that this was not the case, and they were thoroughly disappointed. I would like to think my position was the side of truth. And, I would like to think I am the type of leader that regardless of what predicament I am in that I would not compromise truth. I believe in principles. Now I can see the embarrassment this family member felt as they discovered that I would not stand with them because their reasoning was flawed. Albeit, to me truth trumps family and feelings. Perpetuating truth should always be the goal of a debate. Yet, my actions came with consequences. But, a boundary was set, and my core values were made completely evident to all involved. Sometimes even as Kingdom leaders we find ourselves embarrassed because we assume that regardless of our actions, God is always on our side since we have decided to live a life of faith and obedience to Him. Looking at the Scripture we quickly see Joshua receiving a wake up call and a reminder that the Lord is only on the side of truth, which is His own side…. In vs 13 Unknowingly Joshua is facing the commander of the Lords army. Joshua has just asked the man “Are you for us or for our enemies?” and the commander has a sobering response! “Neither” Wow! Are you telling me God is not on the side of Joshua and the Jews, God’s chosen people. I am sure a torrent of emotions flooded Joshua’s mind, but we see him recover and respond the best way a kingdom leader could at the sovereignty of God. He bowed his will, humbled him self, and obeyed the commanders request to “Take off his sandals.” So often we assume because we follow the Lord that everything we do happens to be “for the purposes of God,” but we must keep in mind that only He is completely holy and as long as we remain humble he will continue to use us in His plan. Nevertheless, we must remember we are on God’s side…He is not on ours!!

We have one body

2010-12-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

“We have one body, and if we would like to successfully fulfill the call of God on our lives, then we need to maintain our temples,” said Dawniqua Linyear a Christian fitness trainer and figure competitor. The conversation was over and she had proved her point. Me, a one time professional athlete was officially out of shape and out of God’s will for my life. I started to think how I got this way. At one time I bench pressed over four hundred pounds; ran a forty yard dash in 4.3 seconds; and had less than 3% body fat. But, now as I look in the mirror I don’t see that man anymore. More of her words started to play in my mind. “You are an athlete why are you so out of shape?” I know she was joking, but there is always a bit of truth in humor. I guess I never considered the spirituality of our bodies. I reckoned keeping the temple “holy” was all that was required of me – since I have never heard a preacher even broach the topic of gluttony. I deduce the reason why I worked so hard to keep myself in shape in the past was a result of my desire to perform on the football field. And, I suppose because I stopped playing, I lost the motivation to stay in shape. I am not saying its right, it’s just what happened. Alright time to confess, I have been out of football ten years now, and currently I am the youth pastor of a larger urban church in the Hampton Roads area. And, when I am asked to minister to youth across the country, the one calling card that opens more doors for me than my education or anointing is the fact that I played pro football. As a result, I am always asked to partake in some athletic event to engage students. But, because I am not in shape and because I know if I were to attempt to participate in any athletic activity, I would not only get embarrassed, but also get hurt as well. For various reasons I did not see being in shape as a part of my Kingdom Calling. Yet, I can vividly remember being in Bosnia Herzegovina, which is located in Eastern Europe, at the Emek Beraka camps ministering to Muslims and being asked to help run some basic athletic activities and having to pull out because I was not in any shape to help out. At the time I thought it was a funny way of getting out of the physical labor, but now I feel convicted and certain that I missed a myriad of opportunities to reach souls for Christ. Additionally, in the fall of 2009, I was a part of a mission’s team that went to Haiti to speak at a leadership conference, distribute goods at a medical clinic, and preach the gospel at several churches. I literally preached 7 sermons in two days and was dead tired; my fatigue was not only a result of the volume of sermons preached but it was because the temperate in Haiti was very high. I remember feeling as though I could not go on. But, after hearing Ms. Linyear’s words I realized I had not been a good steward of my temple, and if I had been, I would have had more energy to minister to the people and build relationships after I spoke. Instead I felt like I had to be whisked away due to exhaustion. Once again Ms. Linyear voice rings in my mind, “People fail to minister in areas that they refuse to practice. It's easy to talk about spiritual maturity and growth in Christ, which takes a certain level of discipline, but the truth is, God has already provided the blood, sweat and tears in this area, we just need to walk in it. Living a healthy and balanced lifestyle is a challenge physically, mentally emotionally and spiritually, and it takes extreme levels of discipline, along with some sweat and tears of our own.” I realized what she was saying was that being in shape is an act of worship! Why had I not seen it before? Being is shape is not just my responsibility or the responsibility of the missionary but it’s the responsibility of every believer. Remember the words of Christ, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:23). When it comes to being physically fit most believers reference 1 Timothy 4:8 and use it as a way of devaluing exercise. 1 Timothy 4:8 reads, “ 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” What the NASB and KJV translates as “profiteth little” in Greek is translated “for a short time”. in Js 4:14, and could be translated the same in 1 Ti 4:8 The text is not saying that exercise has lesser value in contrast to spiritual exercise because the same adjective is used to qualify both actions. The text communicates both practices are beneficial, but the former practice will only last as long as we have these mortal bodies, and the latter practice will be beneficial throughout all eternity. But it doesn’t communicate that it does not profit us or that it is valueless to the believer. We must understand that our bodies are extremely valuable to us while in our possession. Now if it is true that [w]e have one body, and if we would like to successfully fulfill the call of God on our lives, then we need to maintain our temples… then what a tremendous value a fit body can be to the believer…

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-11-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

Joshua 5: 1 -2, 8

1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they[a] had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. 2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” …8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.

Sun Tzu in his hugely influential book the Art of War said that “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.” What remarkable insight Sun Tzu conveys here…in the world, successful warfare is based on deception. We see Joshua use deception to defeat Ai. As the Hebrews cross the west side of the Jordan, it seems as thought they are taking a page right out of Sun Tzu’s book again. If you look at vs. 1 the key phrase is “their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.” The enemy is terrified and has no will to fight just by the mere mention of God’s power. This seems like it would be a great time for Joshua to attack, but look at God’s command to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” Now if the Lord would have told Joshua to “appear as though you were going to circumcise yourselves to lure them in and destroy them,” I would have said ‘man Sun Tzu principles were universal and for every satiation. But, God tells the Hebrews to circumcise themselves. This is a major problem because doing so would make them vulnerable to attack, even annihilation. Why? Well, you can not fight when you have recently been circumcised. The healing process takes three-weeks. In vs. 8 of chapter 5 the text says, “And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. It seems as though the decision to circumcise is an act of deception to lure their enemies in for the attack. But, nothing could be further from the truth. God is more interested in the covenant than He is with them quickly winning the war. For God the war could wait, but to be in a “right” relationship with Him could not. I can not imagine how difficult it was for Joshua to obey this command. Seemingly, obedience to this command could result in certain death if the enemy rallied and attacked them in this circumcised state. The Kingdom leader must always remember that God is more interested in maintaining His relationships than He is in us fulfilling our calling. Sun Tzu has remarkable insight…successful warfare is based on deception. However, Joshua is asked to circumcise the men of Israel making them vulnerable to attack, which is not an act of deception. Obedience could lead to certain death. Yet for a kingdom leader Obedience to God, which maintains a healthy relationship with Him, is his or her priority when leading God’s people.

I just finished reading Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond

2010-11-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond...it was a fascination book. I had to read most of it with a filter though. Especially, when it pertained to his conclusions on evolutionary philosophy and carbon dating. But the premise of it was right on...to summarize... the book was an attempt to dispelled the racial argument that White Europeans came to dominate the world because of intelligence. Rather he proposes the assertion that even though all ethnicities have the same anatomy, they did not have the same opportunity. Diamond suggest that what was need to create a thriving technologically advanced society was the right "package" of conditions: the right type of land that could grow the right types of domesticated plants and food that could sustain the right type of domesticated animals. As a result the philosophy of the people would transition from a hunter gather mentality to a planting a growing society. This new society would result in a denser population and more diseases. Those who would survive the diseases would then move to other vocational fields rather than farming. As the population would grow then wars would begin resulting in an advancements in technology. Thus, if you don't have the right "conditions" the progressive advancement of the society would be hindered.

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Joshua 4:14

14 That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses.

The obedient leader is the leader who brings glory to God. Obedience is the key…the theme of obedience is constant throughout the lives of any successful leader in the Kingdom of God. Without obedience God can not utilize a leader for the specific purposes of drawing people to Himself through the revelation of His unending grace. For example, Moses’ disobedience at Mount Horeb, where he hit the rock instead of speaking to it, resulted in him not being able to enter the Promised Land. In this instance we see that the Holiness of God is absolute. Even though Moses was “the meekest man on the earth” and that God had used him mightily, his disobedience had catastrophic consequences. However, we see Joshua’s obedience to God stand in distinction to Moses’ disobedience, and as a result of his obedience he entered the Promised Land unlike Moses. This does not mean that Joshua was a better leader than Moses; it simply means that Joshua’s obedience made him useful in fulfilling God’s purposes. Usually the only way a disobedient leader draws people to God is through a sense of reverence following the judgment (i.e.) Moses not entering the Promised Land as a result of his disobedience imparted more reverence into the heart of Joshua. Nevertheless, as a result of obedience, a leader will be exalted and the sole purpose of that exaltation once again is designed to bring glory and fame to God. We see in the text that Joshua has learned well from his predecessor. And, because of his faithfulness and the grace of God, he is now receiving the same exalted position in leadership that Moses did (vs. 14 That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses). Joshua did not perform half of the miracles Moses did, but his obedience resulted in the same level of status and glory as Moses had. The obedient leader glorifies God. Obedience is paramount for success in the kingdom…this theme is constant throughout the lives of successful leaders in the Kingdom. Obedience is essential in drawing people to Himself through the revelation of His unending grace.

Some pics from the past!!!

2010-11-04T08:38:00.001-07:00

If God can turn a Shepard into a king, then he can use me for anything he wants...

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-11-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Joshua 4

⁴ So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, ⁵ and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, ⁶ to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' ⁷ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

Some believe the axiom that leadership is influence. The leader knows his influence is specifically useful for the mission set before him or her. For the most part leaders influence those people whom they have direct or indirect contact with. Now with advancements in technology direct contact may mean communication via the internet or cell phone as well as face-to-face interaction. Today, the leaders influence is expansive to say the least. Nonetheless, the Kingdom leaders influence is even vaster. In looking at the nature of the Kingdom leader’s influence, we are introduced to a broader paradigm when we are considering the leaders function in the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom the leaders actions not only affect those people who he or she has contact with whether directly of indirectly, but they will affect their progeny for all time as well. Look at the text in vs. 5 - 6 God command’s Joshua to take up a stone from the River Jordan and place it on the opposite bank. What was the purpose of this action? “The purpose was to serve as a sign… In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' ⁷ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” The stone that Joshua was commanded to set up were to be a memorial to God’s power and faithfulness. The scope of Joshua’s influence here is remarkable…vs. 7 says “These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." The Scriptures makes it clear Joshua’s influence would last forever. Joshua’s obedience to God leads to the establishment of a eternal reminder of God’s faithfulness. Joshua’s obedience would influence believers for millenniums to come. Rarely do leaders think about legacy usually that term is used within the context of family; however, in the Kingdom its inhabitant are family and for the kingdom leader his or her influence is just as big as is their family is great. Leadership is influence; the leader knows his or her influence is designed to accomplish a mission. With the advancement in technology the leaders influence is expansive to say the least. However, the Kingdom leader’s authority is even larger. In the Kingdom the leaders actions not only affect those people who he or she has contact with whether directly of indirectly, but they will affect their progeny for all eternity.

John 21 Devotional

2010-11-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

John 21: 18 - 19 When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."

Have you ever failed at something? When you failed how did you react? Did you give up and never try again? Or, did you get up, dust yourself off, and learn from your mistakes? You know most people would say our response is determined by our personality. And, I would agree with them. However, sometimes our failures are so bad we are powerless to do anything when we are put in the same situation again, and in those cases it is the very fear of failure that robs us of our ability to learn from our mistakes and robs us of our courage to try again. When we are in this state, we psychologically become reluctant to try again because we are fearful we will be identified as a failure and see ourselves as worthless. So instead of risking failure we become cowards and run from our opportunity to succeed and overcome life’s challenges. The shame of feeling worthless due to our ineptitude to pass our tests can drive one to self hate and eventually to self destruction. This can become a viscous cycle that requires repentance and the grace of God to over come. The funny thing about our walk with God is that our relationship with Him does not exempt us from any test. As a matter of fact, because of our relationship with God we will be tested even more. This is the reality that Peter is facing at the end of the book of John. Is it not interesting that the last story in the book of John is not Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, nor is it His ascension into heaven; but it is Peter’s restoration from his sin of denying Jesus, and the vivid declaration of how he would die. That is not how I would have ended it, but then again I am not its author. Nevertheless, Jesus after uncovering Peter’s lack of true commitment to Him, in vs. 15 – 17 describes Peter’s future in a gloomy way. Jesus said, “When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me." Jesus was actually telling Peter that he would be executed when he got older. Scholars believe that Peter was crucified the in same manner in which Jesus was. I think the point John makes is Peter’s true commitment level to Christ would be revealed by the test he would endure through out the course of his life. Remember, Peter had already failed his first test when he denied Christ three times. Do you want to know something ironic? Jesus even told him that he was going to deny him. Nevertheless, by God’s grace Peter had another chance to redeem himself. So, here at the end of the book of John, Jesus basically tells Peter he would face the same test he had previously failed but at the end of his life. [Whoa! Imagine looking forward to that] Hold up that is not the key of this scripture the key is what Jesus did not say to Peter this time that is encouraging. Yes, I know it is very scary that Jesus is telling Peter he is going to be executed. And, I agree it is hard to find encouragement here. But, what Jesus did not say this time was that Peter would deny Him. You see, somehow Peter was eventually able to learn the one lesson every believer of Christ has to learn in this life. We can not pass life’s test in our own strength. We can only pass them through the power of God. Therefore, now in the last chapter of John Peter is facing his life’s final examination. Peter was being tested once more to prove his love for his Savior. Fortunately, in God’s mercy, He restored Peter and gave him a second change. And, just like Peter when we fail, God can restore us and give us a second chance as well; however, we must understand even though we have to continually take the test, which many we will fail, they do get any easier; therefore, it is essentially we learn how to trust God. Eventually, Peter passed his test. He did not deny Christ; moreover, he even asked to be crucified upside down. What a change of heart! What was the difference in Peter? When Peter was older he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he had learned how to trust in God’s ability and not his own. Friend, you will be tested all your life, and you will fail some of them. The point is will you get up and take it again! Well, will you?
Three action steps:

Take the time to memorize John 21: 18 - 19
Do you like test? Why or why not?
What test in life have you failed in life? What test have you passed in life?

John 20 Devotional

2010-10-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

John 20: 30 - 31 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Application: If you were going to make a story about a super hero, what kind of super hero would he or she be? Would they be strong, noble, and brave? Would they be smart, wise, and dependable? It is my guess that whatever attributes you would decide to give your hero they would be good. And, I guess it is safe to say that your hero would have very little flaws. It’s my guess that when you write your heroes’ adventures there would be a clear line between what makes your hero good and what makes his or her adversaries bad. While writing your story you probably would have to create a plot, in which by the time you got to the end of the story, people would desire to be just like the hero you wrote about. Ok, imagine this, after your story was written, imagine it being made into a blockbuster movie and making hundreds of millions of dollars because throngs of people watched it and daydreamed about being the hero you created. Wait a minute! Why isn’t the Bible written like that? Now let’s think really hard. Imagine if you were a disciple trying to write a story to make people believe that Jesus was the ultimate hero. Hold up, not just a hero but God, what kind of story would YOU write? Would you not show His power, His influence, and His courage? Would you not write it in a way that everything He did worked out just fine? Would you not write it in such a way that none of His adversaries where able to stand in His presence? And, I am sure you would write it in such a way that everyone would want to be Him and follow Him wherever He went! Well interestingly that is not quite what John the apostle did. In John 20: 30 – 31 he said, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Wow did you read that? John wrote his gospel so that you may believe in Jesus and be saved. He wrote it so that Jesus would be the hero. That’s great, yet I am a bit troubled as I read what he said. I am troubled because when I read the Bible, I don’t see Jesus nor the disciples portrayed in a way that I WOULD WANT TO BE…Honestly, I see them going through so much... I see the disciples full of pride and arrogance, and I see the Hero at the end of the story hanging from a tree. When I see the types of stories the Bible depicts I say to myself THIS IS SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME BELIEVE IN JESUS? And, something deep in my heart says, YES! You see the truth is the Bible is not a made up story. It presents the truth the way it is. Often when you read it, you see your own self in its pages. And, you get a chance to see your true Hero facing everyday trials and going through them without moral fault. Remember John said he wrote it so that you may believe. Well, the fact that we see so many of the characters in the Bible making so many mistakes, makes reading the Bible much easier to believe because we see so many flaws in our own lives and in the lives of others. And, that makes it very believable. You see, John decided to record in his Gospel the very events good or bad that would lead you to believe that Jesus was the son of God. What’s the point? The point is Jesus is a Hero; it’s just that it is not our story to write, but it is His-story!

Three action steps:

Take the time to memorize John 20: 30 - 31
If you had to tell somebody about Jesus, what would your say?
what is the hardest thing to believe about the Bible and why?

John 19 Devotional

2010-10-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

John 19: 28 – 30 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Application: Do you have a hard time obeying instructions? Ok, do you listen and do what you are told whenever you are told to do something? You may answer…well it depends on what they are telling me to do. In other words, you will do what people ask you to do with conditions. To be honest, most of us are like that. We do what we are told with conditions. Let’s think for a minute. What are some of the conditions that determine whether we respond in obedience to what we are being asked to do? Well, I would say the main conditions are based on who is saying it, how they are saying it or, what they are asking us to do. More often than not, the factor that determines whether we will obey any request is how much inconvenience it cost us. Ok, most of us learn how to obey instructions at home. The people who will probably tell you what to do the most in your life will be your parents or guardian and God. And, usually how well we obey our parents is indicative of how well we will obey God. That is why the Bible says “Children obey your parents that you may live long upon the earth.” If you don’t learn to obey your parents, it is almost impossible to obey God. Learning to obey your parents will ultimately help you to obey other people who may have authority over you in your life as well, like your teacher or a police officer. The principle of submission is essential for a successful Christian life. Without learning how to submit to authority and obey instructions there is no way you will be able to stay in God “perfect” will. NONE! Friend, there will come a time in your life where you will hear God for yourself and besides Him telling you how much He loves you the next thing you will hear the most from Him are requests. And, God has a lot of request. Do you know what? He needs you to obey them, everyone one of them to be exact. There will not be one single command God asks you to do that is not just as important as the next. Jesus highlights this point as He was taking His last breaths of life on the cross. The Bible says, “…knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Did you see that He said “It is finished…” not after He was tortured, or crowned with thorns, nor when He was put on the cross. Jesus said “…It is finished…” after He took a drink of juice! Imagine that, His entire life’s mission and work would have all been derailed if He had failed to take one simple drink on the cross. Jesus said that it was finished because drinking the juice was the last act He was instructed to perform in fulfilling His call. You see, every action of Jesus was in obedience to God and designed to fulfill God’s will upon the earth. Friend, we will never be perfect in this life, and we may never be. But, the truth is because Jesus was perfect we don’t have to. Nevertheless, God does require us to do our best in obeying Him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Do you see…we prove our love to God when we do what He says! That’s the point of trusting God, of loving Him, of being called His friend. If we do what He asks us to do, we know we love God and so does He. Ok, let me ask you this again. Do you listen and do what God tells you to do? Or, let me say it like this; do you love God with conditions?

Three action steps:

Take the time to memorize John 19: 28 – 30
Has God told you to do anything before? Did you do it?
What is the one thing that God could ask you to do that you would have a hard time doing?

John 18 Devotional

2010-10-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

John 18: 37 – 38a Jesus answered, "You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.” Pilate said, "What is truth?”

Application: Do you daydream? When you do it, what do you think about? Do you daydream about being a hero, being a princess, living happily ever after, or maybe making the last shot in a championship game? Let me ask you something. What is difference between your daydreams and real life? The answer to that is TRUTH. When you are daydreaming you are in control, and you have the ability to craft the outcome of your dream. However, in life we find out we don’t have that same control, and in life when we are faced with difficult decisions we need something stronger than our own imagination to get us through. We need the truth. Have you heard the saying that reality is stranger than fiction? What that saying means is the truths about the way things are in life are weirder than our imagination. Have ever you been in a situation where events happened in such as way that you knew it could not have been a coincidence? The fact is what you are noticing in these situations is intelligence or that Someone is directing events in your life. The truth is for all of us, there is Someone guiding our life, and that seems weird. Ironically, Pontius Pilate was in a very perplexing situation when he was judging Jesus; he found himself in a situation that was more than just a coincidence. He found himself in situation where he was somewhat aware that God was directing his life. You see, when the Jews brought Jesus to Pilate, who was the Governor of the Provence of Judea, they knew even though they were oppressed by the Romans, they had the power to influence the outcome of Pilate’s judgment of Him. And, everyone knew it especially the Jews. You see, if Pilate did not agree to execute Jesus, the Jews would start a revolt, and Pilate would be executed. So, Pilate was under political pressure to kill Jesus even though he knew Jesus was innocent. (John 19:6) What was even more ironic was that Pilate was also divinely warned by God in a dream his wife had, NOT to kill Jesus because He was innocent (Matt 27:19). Seems weird, well it sure did to Pilate? Pilate needed help, and the only person who could help him was looking him in the face. The funny thing is Pilate even believed that Jesus was sent from God. He also wanted to release Him (John 19:11 – 12) But, because he did not accept the truth and trust that God was in control of the situation and would protect him, he was unwilling to let Jesus go free. You see we often come to this point in life where we are at a crisis point; where we have to do the right thing regardless of the consequences. During these times God is trying to point to something in us. He is trying to get us to realize the truth! What is that truth? God is who he says He is and He is always in control! As a result of that truth, we need to depend on His strength and not our own. This is truth; this is the ultimate reality for everyone! And, it is this truth that Jesus was communicating to Pilate in court. Jesus said “…I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice. "Pilate said, "What is truth?” and so the conversation ends. Pilate who is standing face to face with truth (John 14:6) does not accept it. However, Pilate is not alone. We often find ourselves in the same situation when we are tempted to sin…cheating on a test, lying to your parents, having premarital sex are all indicators that you don’t trust God, and you don’t think that He is in control. When we sin we think we know what is better for us than God does. And, that is a lie! Therefore, the people who are truly willing to accept truth, regardless of consequences, are the ones who will hear Jesus’ voice and trust Him with their lives! Are you willing to accept the truth? Stop daydreaming and just do it!

Three action steps:

Take the time to memorize John 18: 37 – 38a
What is truth to you?
Why do people see truth differently?

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-10-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Joshua 3:9-13

⁹And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. ¹⁰And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. ¹¹Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. ¹²Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. ¹³And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

We often hear in leadership circles that it is the responsibility of the leader to cast the vision for the people and to motivate them to the point where they will remain committed to the vision until the mission is accomplished. Along with casting the vision and motivating people, the leader is required to manage their effectiveness in accomplishing specific tasks along the way. Leadership is a challenging endeavor to say the least. For the Kingdom leader that challenge is magnified. We can add to the list of leadership responsibilities for the Kingdom leader the challenge of imparting faith to those in whom they lead. Imparting faith is a different action in contrast to inspiring. To impart faith is to give an individual a clearer perspective of an unseen reality, but to inspire an individual is to motivate them to accomplish the task they see before them. Imparting faith is a challenging endeavor to say the least, especially imparting the type of faith that would put ones life in jeopardy. However, the advantage for the Kingdom leader is that he or she is bringing one to faith in the living God. And because this is a living faith, God has the responsibility of producing results Look at the text in vs. 3: 10And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you…” The text is making God’s intention clear. God is about to perform a miracle—the parting of the River Jordan (vs. 13)—and the sole reason for this miracle is so the Hebrews would know that God is with them and that he would not fail them. In this instance the Hebrews were asked to believe that Joshua was speaking for God and then they were required to believe that God would accomplish what He said He would. The faith imparted to the Hebrews opened up the door for God to move miraculously for them in the future as well… the rest of vs. 10 says “…and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.” So what was Joshua’s responsibility in this? Look back at vs. 9 “And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.” You see Joshua imparted faith by simply gathering the Hebrews and speaking God’s words. And, the rest of the process is up to God. It is the responsibility of the leader to cast vision, motivate, manage and inspire them to remain committed to the vision until the mission is accomplished. Additionally for the Kingdom leader he or she is required to impart faith to those in whom they lead. However, the advantage of this task is that the Kingdom leader is responsible only to speak God’s word and then leave rest up to God.

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-10-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Joshua 3:7

⁷ And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

It is especially important to have a balanced perspective when it pertains to the Kingdom of God. Many times when people articulate what they would consider the values of the Kingdom, without truly understanding the heart of the King, they derive false conclusions and end up in frustration. God’s heart is souls and he will do everything righteously possible to save them. How do we know that? John 3:16 states "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.” God cares so much for people that he is willing to take any measure to make that happen even exalting a leader at the risk of him or her falling into pride. Every believer should know how much God hates pride…Proverbs 6:16-17 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: ¹⁷ haughty [proud] eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood…” Pride is the cancer of the Kingdom of God. However, anyone knows that being exalted is one of the fastest ways of developing a spirit of pride. Yet, we see two amazing things about God’s decision to exalt Joshua that gives us a balanced perspective on being exalted in the Kingdom. 1) God trusted Joshua to handle the type of fame that would come his way because of his success as a general. 2) Joshua’s exaltation was for one purpose. Verse 7 says “so they may know that I am with you.” So, we understand that God does not have any issues exalting His Kingdom leaders; however, they must be trustworthy and understand that the only purpose for their fame is to make the name of their God famous! It is imperative to understand God cares so much for people that he is willing to do anything to save them; even exalting a leader at the risk of him or her falling into pride.

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-10-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Joshua 3

Crossing the Jordan

¹ Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. ² After three days the officers went throughout the camp, ³ giving orders to the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. ⁴ Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it."

It’s common knowledge that it is the responsibility of the leader to determine not only the why of the mission, but he or she is also responsible to determine the how of the mission as well. However, in the Kingdom of God that is not the case. In God’s Kingdom, the leader is the facilitator of God’s will. This does not lessen the leader’s level of responsibility. It actually it heightens it because the leader must accurately receive from God, both the goal of the mission and the method of achieving that goal in order to be successful. The Kingdom leader must never lose sight of the fact that it is God who is leading the people. If the leader ever loses sight of that, they would be out of God’s will and be estranged from God’s protection and provision. We see these points emphasized in the scripture above. In vs. 2 we see that the Hebrews are camped at the Jordan river waiting to forge it; however, we see that they waited “three days to do so…” why? The Hebrews waited three days because they were waiting for instructions from God. Look at vs. 3 you see the specific instructions the officers give to the Hebrews, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.” Symbolically the arc represented the presence of God, thus they were required to wait on God and His presence before they were to begin their quest of possessing the Promised Land. This is a powerful point for leaders. Often a leader will do research, study, consult counsel, or train in order to proceed on their mission. Yet, we see here in the Kingdom that the first action the Kingdom leader must take is to hear from God and wait on his presence and direction before pursuing Kingdom goals. This is a theme that runs throughout the chronicles of Joshua, but it is especially important here because neither Joshua nor the Hebrews had “been this way before.” This venture was all together different from any of their previous experiences with Moses or with God. Yes, God had shown himself to be strong and powerful through the ministry of Moses, but now things were different. And, because the context was different, it required that they totally depend on God once again. They could not say this is how we did it last time or this is how we did it with Moses. These challenges were new and they needed to be close enough to God to respond appropriately to the new challenges. This is an important point because many times in leadership we can get stuck in the rut of tradition, and as a result hinder progress because the present challenges require new methods of overcoming them. Tradition can be helpful, but it can also be deadly if not used within an appropriate context. For maintaining values it would be wise to depend upon tradition, but for fulfilling a mission it would be catastrophic to do so. Look at the Gospel of Mark 7:8 The Kingdom leader must always keep in mind that he or she is not maintaining, but he or she is helping God’s people to possess their promises from God. The Kingdom leader is not after land, but he or she is striving to develop a fruitful relationship between the people he or she is called to lead and God. In the secular world, it is the responsibility of the leader to determine the direction of the mission. However, in God’s Kingdom, the leader is more of a facilitator of God’s will, which requires a greater dependency on God. The Kingdom leader must always draw his or her strength and direction from God.

PHd @Regent

2010-10-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get back into the PHd program at Regent University. Keep me in prayer. I had to drop out of the program to deal with family issues the week before the first day of residency last spring. Please pray that I can glorify God through this process.

ant

Ecclesial Leadership Major

Designed to advance the academic study of organizational leadership in ecclesial contexts, the Ecclesial Leadership major explores the past, present and future of organizational leadership in ecclesial contexts through a multi-disciplinary study combining the fields of leadership studies, organizational research, exegetical analysis, philosophy, theology, sociology, historical criticism and futures studies. Even though this major includes the historic disciplines of theology, the focus remains on the unique and particular contexts that ecclesial leadership and organizations face. Students will be prepared to teach organizational leadership, and in particular ecclesial leadership and organizational design at the university level or conduct research in association with ecclesial groups, seminaries, non-profits and missional groups. The Ecclesial Leadership major uses a cohort model that incorporates interaction with an instructor and other students.

Major Specific Outcomes
Ph.D. students enrolled in the Ecclesial Leadership Major will:

conduct and report research on ecclesial leadership and organizational contexts
demonstrate a doctoral understanding of historic, present and emerging models and approaches of ecclesial leadership
design curricula for the furtherance of ecclesial leadership education

John 16 Devotional

2010-10-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

John 16: 12 – 13 "I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is.”

Application: Have you ever gone to a movie and did not understand what was going on? Have you seen a commercial and felt lost as to its point? Or maybe you can remember being in class and having no idea what the teacher was talking about? How did that make you feel? Did you feel confused or maybe you felt frustrated? Usually when we get into circumstances like that our frustration drives us to look for someone to help bring clarity to the situation. As humans we take comfort in understanding. Why? Well I think it gives us a sense of control. Even a little bit of control can be comforting. Everyone likes to be in control; it’s part of being human. But, what happens when the questions we face can not be answered by anyone we know and can not be found in any books we read, or even through a www.GOOGLE.com search? Where do we go then? Well this is probably how the disciples were feeling as Jesus was talking to them. Think about it! He tells them in Chapter 13 that He would be crucified. In Chapter 14 He tells them that He is leaving them. Oh and in Chapter 15 He tells them that THEY would be persecuted. And, finally in chapter 16 he tells them that THEY would be killed as well. At this point, they are more than confused and frustrated; they are probably angry, shocked, and terrified. And to top it all off, they are feeling that way and Jesus is STILL there. Jesus knows this! That is why He gives them hope for the future. That is why he said, "I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is.” Jesus wants the disciples to know that there is a point to all of this. Even though he would not be there physically to answer their questions, He would be in them spiritually to help them make sense of their life. And, I think that is what He is trying to say to us. Just like with the disciples, he is not here physically and He knows we are going to go through difficult times. SHHH! Did you hear that? I hear the Lord saying, “I will be in you to answer any questions you might have. I will be here to help you gain control over your circumstances!” You see the Holy Spirit’s responsibility is to guide the believer to all truth. As a result of Him living in us, we have the ability to comprehend all truth through our relationship with Jesus. So, don’t be afraid of life, nor do you have any reason to fear death. Why? God is in control and because He lives in you He will give some of that control back to you. Oh, and this does not mean don’t study anymore! Sorry! ;-)

Three action steps:

Take the time to memorize John 16: 12 – 13
Have you ever heard from God? What did HE say to you?
What does it mean when some one says the Holy Spirit guides us?

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-10-12T06:32:00.001-07:00

⁵Joshua 3:5 Then Joshua said to the people "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."

One quality accepted of a leader is to motivate his or her people before a great battle, game, or mission. Usually it is at this point that the people get their inspiration to endure the fight until the end. The leader often through speech or action is called upon to put into context the follower’s purpose and to clarify their role in history. This is a common pattern played out in Hollywood. Whether it is 300, Troy, Kingdom of Heaven, or Braveheart the speech always precedes the battle. However, this is not the case when it comes to battle preparation for God’s Kingdom. Not only do we not see a speech to inspire the people of God on to victory, but Joshua tells the people to “Consecrate” themselves before they even begin the fight That’s pretty anticlimactic. Where is their inspiration to come from? Where is their motivation to come from? Why Isn’t Joshua standing in the middle of the River Jordan and declaring to the people of God to “Posses the land for it is yours…” No, you do not get any of that here. But, what you do get is this. Joshua the Kingdom leader tells his people that God would be among them and that He would work miracles). And, as a result of God being with them they were required to separate themselves from that which defiles and give them entirely to God. Joshua is conveying that God’s presence among the people would be all the inspiration and motivation they needed to endure until the end. The truth the Hebrews had to understand was that with God they would defeat every foe and win every battle. However, because God would be among the people they were required to live above defilement in order that he might remain with them. Even though the Kingdom leader may at times have to inspire the people of God to continue on, it is ultimately the Kingdom leader’s job to remind the people of God to live above reproach and that God himself is the ultimate motivation to go forward in faith—even before a war. A leader who can motivate his or her people before a great battle, game, or mission is valuable, but a Kingdom leader who can remind the people to live above reproach and who can put the focus on God is priceless.

John 15 Devotional

2010-10-08T02:31:00.000-07:00

John 15: 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Application: Have you ever studied hard for a test only to realize that you studied for the wrong one? Or, have you ever spent so much time building up your relationships with your friends that you hurt your relationships with your family? Or, have you ever saved up your money to buy something only to realize that after it was purchased it did not bring you the joy you thought it would? What is the common denominator in each of these examples? The common denominator in each example is misplaced effort that led to major disappointment and not to true peace. Jesus is attempting to teach His disciples how to obtain true peace in this Scripture and to avoid the conclusion of realizing at the end of their life they have misplaced their efforts and are majorly disappointment with their rewards. You see, at this point in Jesus’ ministry, He is about to be crucified and return to Heaven. And, He is trying to give His disciples some last minute advice to live by while He is physically away from them. What is the crux of His advice you might ask? Well it is this no matter what your life looks like obey what I [Jesus] have told you and you will find eternal happiness. Why was this important for His disciples to understand? Well, just like Adam and Eve were tempted to doubt God’s word in the garden, so are Christians tempted to doubt God’s word in the world. Jesus talks about this temptation in chapters 15 and 16 of John. In John 15: 5 He says, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Now the question you may have is, ‘what does Jesus mean when He says “…apart from Me you can do nothing?”’ Does He mean I will not be rich unless I abide in Him? No! Does he mean I will not be healthy unless I abide in Him? No! Does He mean that I will not have friends unless I abide in Him? No! Does He mean I will not be popular unless I abide in Him? No! Well, what does He mean? In order to answer this you must go to John 16: 33. Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” To understand what Jesus is saying you must remember that the New Testament is written in Greek by Jewish men. So whenever the author who is Jewish says peace in Greek, he is refereeing to the Hebrew word Shalom. Shalom in the Hebrew dialect has a significant meaning to the Jew and for us. For, Shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, and the absence of agitation or discord. You see, Jesus is protecting His disciples from living their entire lives trying to fit into the world and thinking that they are going to find peace or become complete. He is trying to protect them from working hard for the wrong things. For example, why sacrifice your time with God and your family who you will be with forever (forever is along time it’s like forever!) just to get a promotion that will not last longer than 50 years max! Jim Elliot said it like this, “He Is No Fool Who Gives What He Cannot Keep to gain That Which He Cannot Lose.” Jesus Christ, Jim Elliot and I are all talking about eternal rewards! Jesus is trying to get His disciples and us to study for the right test! You see, we cannot be complete without Jesus’ help, and we cannot obtain eternal happiness or Shalom trying to fit into a world that is vindictive to our God. Friend, there are many things a person can do in this life, but in order to give God glory we must abide in Jesus to ensure we have peace and eternal rewards! How do we abide in Jesus? Look at John 15:10, “If you obey my commandment you will abide in my love.” Thus the point of what I am saying is this, “if you want to truly be happy forever, obey Jesus words.” If you obey His words, you will find true peace forever. And, you will never have to worry about being disappointed again! Oh and, don’t worry you are studying for the right test this time!

Three action steps:

1. Take the time to memorize John 15:5

2. How do you abide in Jesus?

3. What is the one command in Matthew 5 – 7 that is the most difficult for you to do? Why?

What God is doing...

2010-10-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, I wish I could put into words what God is doing...Not now...not yet. But, the stars are aligning. I would ask you to pray for me that what ever obstacles the enemy has placed in front of me that I would trust God to remove them and that I would leave no blessing on the table. Man, I feel like I am at the precipice of walking into my destiny, but I need God to move majorly for me so that it can happen...

Ministry in Minnesota

2010-10-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is a kind of look at God post. So enjoy...Well God is so good. And, believe me one day all wrongs will be righted so just trust in Him. This week I am up in Minnesota where I was asked to preach this Sunday at the Edge Christian fellowship in Rodgers. Rodgers is about 15 min drive from Downtown Minneapolis. I am also going to be speaking at the Minnesota Teen challenge, which is one of the largest teen challenge establishments in the country. I had a great time ministering there last time. Furthermore, the christian chronicle will be doing an article on what has been doing through me recently. And, lastly I have been asked to do a radio interview with KTIS, which is the largest Christan radio station in the US. God is moving...and I pray I can continually magnify his name. Now the funny thing is I found out about this interview on Monday. Tuesday i received the questions for the interview check out the questions:

· Question 1#: We heard that you played against another former Minnesota Viking in High School, and had a connection with him in college and the pro’s, can you tell us about that?

o Randy Moss

· Question # 2: Players had a definition for what the NFL stood for what was that?

o Not For Long

· Question #3 What did the fame of the NFL bring?

o Many good things but it also brought a lot of Shallow Friendships

· Question #4 How you decided to get into the ministry?

o Journey of discovering what my true calling was

· Question #5 You have said to people that your first time through school your grades were not the best, you even had an acronym for what your report card looked like, tell us now what you have achieved after football when it comes to your education?

o Earned a double Masters from Regent University in Business and Divinity, and will be starting PHD Program this spring.

o Recognized by Regent as top Divinity Student of the year / also an Academic all American

· Question #6 You have traveled overseas, where did you go and what was that like?

o Haiti, Bosnia,

· Question #7 What brought you back to The Twin Cities?

o Speaking at Minnesota Teen Challenge, and a local Church

· Question #8 You have recently started a non-profit ministry, can you tell us about that?

o Envision Immanuel

If you want to ask a fun question, Anthony also worked out/tried out for The Green Bay Packers (kind of like Brett Favre a Viking and a Packer)

Look at question #1 again...Now the funny thing is on Tuesday night I found out that Randy Moss may be traded to the Vikings...And on Wednesday morning I found out that he was traded. I don't know, but I think God is doing something.

John 14 Devotional

2010-09-30T09:24:00.001-07:00

John 14:21 "The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him."

Application: How do you know if someone loves you? In one word it is Sacrifice. The Bible says, “There is no greater love than this: that a man would lay down his life for a friend.” You see if someone loves you, they will put your needs or desires ahead of their own. Now, I am not saying the only way you can be sure someone loves you is if they sacrifice their life for yours. What I am saying is if someone loves you, they will do their best even at the expense of their own comfort to meet your desires. You see if you are unsure if someone cares about you, look harder and ask this question, is anyone meeting any of my needs at the expense of their own comfort? I think you will find at least one person who is. Now let me pose this question to you; are you putting the desires of others above your own, or let me say it like this, do you love anyone? I hope you can say yes to this question because to be honest everyone cannot say yes to it. Some people love themselves so much they don’t even think to put the needs of others above their own. We normally call people like that selfish!! Well let’s keep on thinking! Let me ask you this, do you love God? Are you meeting any of His needs or desires? You may ask how is it that a God who has everything can have a need or a desire. And, I would answer that by saying theologically God doesn’t have any needs because he is all sufficient, which means he lacks nothing. But, because of His great wisdom, He has allowed those who love Him to have the capability to give Him pleasure or meet a desire He has! How do we give God pleasure? We do it by allowing God to use us to bring people to salvation in Him? Or to put it plainly, God loves the world and wants everyone to be saved in it. (John 3:16). And, He wants us to help Him do it. Listen, when people get saved God starts shouting! Zephaniah 3:17 explains God’s response to people’s salvation. It says "…He will exult over you with joy…He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Therefore, if you want to make God happy, help lead people to Christ! Do you remember what you went through before you believed in Jesus? Did anyone play a role in that process? If so, what did they do? Ok. Look at your saved friends. What did they go through before they believed in Jesus? Did anyone play a significant role in their salvation? You see, it is difficult to know what someone will have to go through before they believe in Jesus. That is why you must be willing at all times to obey God’s commandments! Why? Because different people may require different circumstances before they believe in Jesus. For some people God may tell us just to pray for them. But, for others God may tell us to give them something that we value. There are many possibilities. I think this is why Jesus said, "The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him." You see if we obey God, we will make Him very happy because our obedience leads to people coming closer to Him. Additionally, our obedience to God helps fulfill a desire he has that results in more intimacy with Jesus for us. Does that make sense? Don’t you get closer to the people who know how to make you feel good? When people get saved God feels great! And, if you had a part in it, that makes Him want to get a little bit closer with you. Friend, if we want to deepen our relationship with God or show our love for Jesus, we must obey His commandments. There is no question that God loves you, but the question you must answer is do you love Him? Well, do you?

Three action steps:

Take the time to memorize John 14: 21
Do you love God? How do you show Him you do?
Go to Matthew 5 – 7 write down all of Jesus commands and post them in a place your entire family can see them.

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-09-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Joshua 2:23-24

²³ Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. ²⁴ They said to Joshua, "The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us."

One’s perspective concerning what they see makes all the difference in the world in the Kingdom. It’s similar to the Chinese word for crisis. In the traditional Chinese characters the word crisis has the same meaning as opportunity; thus, how you view the situation will determine how you respond to it. Often times it’s the responsibility of the Kingdom leader to give perspective to his or her followers so they assume the perspective of God. It is not an easy task for the reason that God speaks things that are not as though they were. We on the other hand have a difficult time even seeing what he is speaking to. However, it is essential in becoming an effective Kingdom leader to have that type of vision. We see here in the text that Joshua is succeeding in this area of kingdom leadership. In vs. 24 we see the spies return from their near demise and give a faithful and encouraging report to Joshua regarding their reconnaissance mission. Despite being on the run, hiding, trapped, and saved by a prostitute they have the faith to say, "The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us." The reason why I say Joshua is succeeding is because the spies exude the very faith of their leader Joshua. About forty years earlier Joshua was a spy and gave a similar report to the Hebrews when he came back from scouting the Promised Land. What he saw could have been labeled as crisis, but he saw it as an opportunity for God to get more glory. Joshua is successful in passing on God’s perspective to the people of Israel. How is he doing it? By his faith! Joshua’s faith is contagious. And now we are seeing in Joshua’s leadership what we rarely saw in Moses—the people are developing faith in their God for themselves. Joshua’s leadership style required him to delegate more than Moses. As a result, the Hebrews had to take on more responsibility and develop a personal relationship with God. Joshua’s leadership style made it imperative they take on God’s perspective of life. Taking on God’s vantage point makes all the difference in the world in the Kingdom. For the believer how you view the situation will determine whether we please God or not. Often times it’s the responsibility of the Kingdom leaders to give perspective to followers so they can have God’s perspective. It is not an easy task, but it is essential in becoming an effective Kingdom leader to have that type of vision.

John 13 Devotional

2010-09-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

John 13 6 – 9 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” 8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

Application: Do you remember when your hero let you down? How did you feel? It happened to me, and I felt terrible. Looking back I wondered why I hurt so badly whenever they failed. After all it was not me that messed up! Well, I think it is because we identify ourselves with our heroes. It is interesting why we look up to the people we do. Maybe, there is something we see in them that we would like to see in ourselves, a look, a virtue, a quality. It is interesting to think about. Ah, our heroes…We rejoice when they succeed, and we mope when they fall short. Nonetheless, our heroes influence our lives, we take on their attributes, and we want to be just like them. And, I think that’s why we take it so hard when they don’t live up to our expectations. Why? Because when they are humbled so are we, and as their status drops in the eye of others somehow so does our own. Ultimately, their declining image lowers our own image, and that damages our pride. Peter was facing this same situation when Jesus was washing the disciple’s feet! After, washing the other 11 disciples muddy feet Jesus comes to Peter, “And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” If we can say anything with certainly it is this, Peter spoke from his heart and he was a very proud man! Now I am not condemning him, I wrestle with pride too. But, this instance was much deeper for Peter. He identified himself with Jesus’ ministry. He also assumed that Jesus was going to setup His Kingdom on the earth and he, Peter, would be able to have a privileged place of authority in Jesus’ Kingdom. But, in one act all his hopes for privilege status were dashed to the mud. Why, because the King of this coming kingdom was washing the feet of His SEVERANTS; The King!! Now, if the King was doing it that must mean everyone in this kingdom must have to do the same. Peter probably thought what kind of Kingdom is this? What is Jesus doing? At that point Peter had to come to grips that his hero had not met his expectations. And, as Jesus humbled Himself Peter would have to do the same. Peter’s dream of looking powerful and important in the eyes of others was coming down all around him. Peter had to understand that a hallmark of a disciple of Christ is one that ministers to other’s even past the point of humility. You see following Christ is not about notoriety; it is about meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters in the spirit of humility. Jesus confirms this by saying, “You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you.” What pattern?…a pattern of service! Last time, I wrote that the word servant meant “slave” actually the word is much deeper. It literally means under-rower. It refers to the slaves of the past who sat in the belly of the large ships and pulled at the great oars to carry the boat through the sea. This is the roll of a servant of Christ, not to seek the lime light or the fame, but to work in unison with the other believers in humility advancing the Kingdom of God. Do you know the good thing about Jesus being your hero? It is that He is not so high up that you have to strain your neck and eyes to see Him. Actually, if you want to see him, just look down; He’s probably right there, by your feet!

Three action steps:

1. Take the time to memorize John 13 6 – 9

2. How do you know when you are in pride?

3. What can you do to cultivate humility in your heart?

Leadership lessons from Joshua

2010-09-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Joshua 2

Rahab and the Spies

¹ Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitutenamed Rahab and stayed there.

I remember being in my biblical preparation class in seminary and hearing my professor having to tell the class that it was “spiritual” to actually prepare for a sermon. Now for a majority of Christians this would be a “da” statement; however, being that I was at a spirit-filled seminary it was crucial for the professor to drive home that point because the class was full of charismatic preachers. Many times believers who fall under the spirit-filled umbrella feel that planning and/or organizing can “quench the spirit”. But, thank God for this verse. Here we see the orchestra of how God and His believers work in symphony to fulfill his will. The context of the Scripture is important. God has already told Joshua that he was going to possess the Land. And, God’s will is certain. With that knowledge in the back of his mind, Joshua understood that the possessing of the land would come through God by His Spirit empowering the Hebrews to physically overcome their enemies. So it’s safe to say the Hebrews were being led by the Spirit of God. Now the interesting thing we see in verse 1 is that “Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim.” Why would Joshua send spies unless he planned on gathering information about his opponent and using that information to develop a strategy in order to defeat them. But, now look at the end of the verse, “So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.” Rahab a prostitute who in the Book of Hebrews ends up on the roll call of faith in chapter 11 coincidently ends up as the one who not only welcomes the spies in, but protects them from certain death as well. Since coincidence is not a biblical concept lets attribute this scenario to the hand of God working in the spies’ situation in order to assure their success. So we see through preparation and the hand of God that Joshua was able to set the stage for the fall of Jericho. Many spirit filled believers operate on the notion that preparation is antithetical to being led by the spirit of God. However, it’s crucial for the advancement of the Kingdom that leaders prepare because it is through preparation that God will fulfill his plan of furthering His Kingdom.