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In reading Philippians 2:1-11; we find a world that is to be lived upside down in attitude compared to todays "it's all about me life." I can honestly say this way of life smacks me in the face at times when the Holy Spirit convicts me that once again I am slowly walking away from what God has called me to be. That call is for all of us; which he gives us in Philippians 2:1-11, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." It's a bit "ouchy" is it not? After reading over Philippians 2:1-11, take some time to pray, if you dare examine…  ( Click for more )

Today during a short time of quiet I began to think about the many organizations in our world that require specific skills, degrees, backgrounds, physical abilities, physical health, skin color or a specified language. In interviewing for a job many, may at sometime in their life be rejected as a viable candidate for a job and may hear the following words; “I’m sorry you do not have the correct skills for this job. I’m sorry we are looking for someone that is bi-lingual. I’m sorry your health will hinder your ability to carry out the task we require for this…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever worked on a project with a fast approaching due date and felt exhausted as the date approached. Due to circumstances of life it was impossible to take a break until the project was finished. You needed strength and renewed energy to continue on and the work completed by the required date. As Christians we serve a God that can give us, what I call a second wind. Many times we are in need of a second wind of energy that we know we cannot conjure up in our own power, or in our mind.

When I was taking classes at a University, again and again and again there were times…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever met someone who has a love for a group of people? It is apparent in the inflection and sincerity in their voice. It is felt in the words they use, as they speak of the group of people. It is a caress and arm around the people that is felt, even if they are not in each other’s company. As I write this it brings up a love in my own heart of various groups of people that have been a part of my life.

The first company I worked for as a young adult in my first sales representative job was a company that I still speak of with fondness. The company owners required…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever given someone a sincere compliment and they come back with a negative reply about themselves? For instance; David says to Kathy, “You did a great job teaching today, you explained the passage very clearly.” Kathy replies, “No, I did awful, I could have done better.” Instead Kathy should accept the compliment with a simple, “Thank you.” Not only did she devalue the comment of David who took the time to give her healthy feedback on her teaching, but she also devalued herself. Paul lifted up Timothy over and over again to others. We…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who is a parent and all they had to say about their adult children were negative comments. Or have you ever been around a parent and listened to them only speak words that tear down their adult children. Not one word is given that affirms them, builds them up and lets them know what they are doing correctly. A few years ago, as an adult I was in this type of situation which lasted for a few years, until I made the decision to step out of this circle. The only time I was spoken to by leaders was to tell me what I was not doing correctly,…  ( Click for more )

This is the 3rd week of Approval 101Simplified. This study prepares the reader for next weeks discussion on Leaders Extend Healthy Affirmation. Please read the scripture below. As you read the scripture below look from the view of how Paul speaks of Timothy and how he affirms Timothy. We are running this for a 2nd week to allow time for our readers to read the listed scriptures before moving on.

Romans 16:21

1 Corinthians 4:17

1 Corinthians 16:10

1 Corinthians 11:2

2 Corinthians 1:1

2 Corinthians 1:19

Philippians 1:1 …  ( Click for more )

I grew up in a family, the oldest of 5 children. We spent many summer Sunday afternoon’s at the beach as a family, at a nearby lake. We would all pile into our van, which included my Grandparent’s and off we traveled for a day in the sun. What a noisy bunch we were! I love recalling the days of playing in the sand, eating picnic food, and running in and out of the water. I particularly recall one of my sisters who was very consistent in one area. She would run in and out of the water and would yell, “Watch me Daddy, watch me Daddy.” My Father would call…  ( Click for more )

When we delay it is not always from God. Instead we may be delaying stepping out in faith, because of fear, intimidation of others or procrastination. One thing is for sure that the clock does not stop, even when we delay. At the snap of our fingers today's 24 hours is gone and the new day begins. As the New Year approaches it is time for christians to no longer delay in following the path that God is calling them to. Instead of a New Years resolution this year, how about writing down and praying over a few concrete goals. Is there a project or vision that has been rolling around…  ( Click for more )

This holiday season as Christians we celebrate the birth of Christ. My prayer is for those who read this to draw close to the Savior as we begin to celebrate the birth of Christ. For many this season it may be a time of grieving over the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties or other painful issues of life. When life looks dark we must remember, it is in the darkness that the light of Jesus Christ shines the brightest. So...if the tears are falling, do not despair, lift your voice in prayer to the Savior and he WILL lift you up in your time of need.

Guarding agaisnt discouragement…  ( Click for more )

When we read a newspaper, listen to the news, or spend time in the midst of the people in our societies, it is not long before we hear words of complaint about the global economy. We also may read or hear conversations of people who are complaining about the Christian Church of today. In my personal experience the majority of the complaints I hear are coming from those who claim the words, "I am Christian." If we spend time in this atmosphere too long, by the time we walk away, we may become just as discouraged as they sound. Each one of us must find a way to guard against…  ( Click for more )

There are times in life that we may feel like quitting. The desire to quit usually comes along in the disguise of discouragement. We are on the journey, doing what we feel God is calling us to do, but things are not moving as fast as we have planned. Without realizing it, we may begin to compare the speed of what we are doing, to the world’s way of doing things, or to another ministry. In our discouragement and comparing our journey to another’s, this may cause us to fall to our knees in defeat. We fall to our knees in defeat, because we are not to live our life, or lead…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever found that when you are tired that this is the most difficult time to believe? To believe the promises of God that are hidden in his word and in our heart. To believe that the path we are on is the correct path. To trust that we are hearing from the Holy Spirit and not our own mind, the flesh or the enemy. It is when we are tired that we can become the most vulnerable to discouragement. Yet, if we take time for rest and refreshment, the discouragement will vanish and we will once again; believe in the promises of God, know that we are on his path and begin to trust that,…  ( Click for more )

When we delay it is not always from God. Instead we may be delaying stepping out in faith, because of fear, intimidation of others or procrastination. One thing is for sure that the clock does not stop, even when we delay. At the snap of our fingers today's 24 hours is gone and the new day begins. As the new year approaches it is time for christians to no longer delay in following the path that God is calling them to. Instead of a new years resolution this year, how about writing down and praying over a few concrete goals. Is there a project or vision that has been rolling around…  ( Click for more )

As leaders many times we must step out into the unknown. As we step out, this means we are also taking people with us as we venture ahead. It is during times of change and stepping out that as leaders, we must spend time with God and listen closely to his guidance through the word, prayer and the voice of those around us. In God’s word we read of many people, both men and women, who as leaders stepped out into the unknown and took others with them. God did not always reveal all of the details of the journey. Moses was one such person. The Lord told Moses to lead the…  ( Click for more )

The world has become saturated with information. Websites, e-mails, relational networking sites, mobile phones, text messaging, the list goes on and on. In the life of many, they have become part of our day to day life and a necessity. Businesses around the world communicate with each other. Those in various christian ministries communicate with each other and are able to partner with each other in ways that were impossible in the past. The gospel is alive and well in the land of information overload. In the midst of this, we must remember there are times that we must step away…  ( Click for more )

There are days that the mundane arrives on the doorstep of our life and may cause us to ask ourselves, "Why am I doing what I am doing?" My thoughts, "Today, is boring and has no excitement, but what is sitting on my desk must be finished." As someone who has begun to travel, my life looks exciting to many. Yet, if they were able to take a look into what is going on as I prepare to travel, they would see there are days that are just plain ol' days. Except for the traveling, many of my days are not much different than the life of others. Recently, I was preparing…  ( Click for more )

Two years ago, I returned from a trip to Africa. I realized as I boarded my first flight, that when I returned to my city, life would never be the same. As I sat and wrote this, I can say, that yes, life was not the same as it was prior to my trip to Africa. It is in a land like Africa, that we see who we are as christians. I spent my time with a group of people who had a commonality and focus of keeping the building of the kingdom of God in the forefront of their lives. Yes, they desired some of the comforts that we have in my country, but their first desire was for many to receive…  ( Click for more )

This morning I am reminded of a scene in the children's story, "Alice in Wonderland." The rabbit says, "I'm late, I'm late for a very important date. No time to say, hello, good-bye, I'm late, I'm late!" Contrast this scene with the Jesus we read about in the gospels of the New Testament. Can you visualize him running around in circles? Can you see Jesus looking at you and saying, in a hurry up tone of voice, "Sorry, I have no time for you. I have other more important things to do. I'm late, I'm late, I'm late." Your reply may be, "Please Jesus,…  ( Click for more )

In the quietness of the morning reading scripture can bring a quietness and peace to our entire being as we approach our day. If we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through the word and in prayer we may receive a word that we will need later in the day without realizing it. For years I was an account executive which required me to meet with various clients each day. I remember one day in particular when I scheduled an appointment with an angry client that I had inherited from another account executive. I arrived for my appointment and as I sat in my meeting the client began to yell…  ( Click for more )

Many times we search out someone to assist us in making decisions of life. We may be in the midst of something that we are not sure of the direction to take or we may be in need of confirmation that what we are about to set out and do is wise, or that the direction is unwise. As Christians it is wise to seek wise counsel from those who are Christians. According to scripture victory depends on having many counselors. “A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends…  ( Click for more )

With the Lord on our side we are never on the losing side. Some may push, compete, and use other tactics for a platform in ministry, but those of us who trust in God to raise us up will never be shaken. We will continue forward, step by step, day by day and walk in peace into the unknown that God has planned specifically for each one of us. If anyone reading this today is feeling trampled on by others, do not give up, remember the battle is not against flesh and blood. The Lord reminded his warriors in the Old Testament over and over again, "I am with you, The battle belongs…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever sat in a long line of traffic waiting for it to begin moving again? Have you ever sat in your own car, as a passenger of someone else, or on a bus, waiting and waiting and waiting? The wait seems to go on forever and ever. Or better yet, someone gives us directions to a specific location and we know for a fact that the directions are the long way to get to the location, but we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings so we follow their directions knowing that this is the long way around and it causes us to wait for a long, long time. There are times in our…  ( Click for more )

Standing Firm- To remain erect, maintain one’s position, to endure. With God’s help we can continue to walk the path that God places us on. Ephesians 6;13-14 reminds us to use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be STANDING FIRM, STAND your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Standing firm in the faith, means even in the midst of tough times, to be obedient to the teaching of Jesus Christ. We are standing tall and standing firm,…  ( Click for more )