Hey Friends,

Have you ever stopped to ask how much wealth is buried in a cemetery? I’ll bet it is one of the wealthiest places in the world! Not because people are buried with their jewels or money, but because we end up being buried with the bulk of our potential unrealized. I think this makes our Lord and Master sad.

He places potential and ability within us and because of ____________… well, you write in the reason or maybe the treason we never fulfill our potential. What is blocking you from achieving all God has placed in you? I know this is a common theme I blog about, but I believe it is paramount. God will judge us against our potential (gifts, abilities, resources…) that He gave us.  Matthew 25

How many books, songs, sermons, careers, relationships, and souls are lost because we died with our potential in us and not out of us? Do you think fear could be one of the reasons we restrict our attempts to use or do what God has given or says to us? I do! Fear is a great foe for the people of faith.

I face it daily. That is why we miss our potential – because of the fear of failure. We may fail so we don’t try. You will fail and it is O.K. Not trying is the real failure. 

Leading a ministry requires us to walk by faith and that is going where we can’t see! So we must trust God, the members on our teams, and the people we lead. We serve a big God and I believe His vision for each of us is greater than we can imagine. Ephesians 3:21 Check it out!

What is stopping you right now in taking the step of faith He is calling you into? Look back – has He come through before? Leap out there; it is part of the joy in your journey!

Just a thought,

Pastor Chris

Hey Friends,

All week we have been talking about spiritual warfare and the enemy, Satan. As leaders we must be armed with information and inspiration. The Bible says Satan is a hinderer! This should perk up all of our ears, especially leaders. As leaders we are taking people on a journey to impact the Kingdom and to make a difference. KNOW that the hinderer will block us at every turn.

He does not sleep or take a vacation. He is out to destroy us or at least stop our progress. He does not fight fairly and he fights for keeps. He wants to hinder your family, your private life, your ministry, your walk with God, your leadership, and every other thing you want to do that honors God. So you ask, “Chris, what are we supposed to do?”

Great question. First, you must be aware! Know you have an adversary that wants to hinder you. Second, know his M.O.- how he operates. He has not changed since his first invasion in the Garden of Eden. His M.O. doesn’t change, he is a liar and the father of lies. So, we must  know the truth if we are to stand firm against his schemes.

Don’t forget he wants to hinder your kids, family, coworkers, friends, and everyone you love and long to see progress. Satan loves to stop our forward progress for God. Be ready! Know forward progress is hard. And never think just because it is hard that God is not in it. If it is easy, maybe you have no opposition from the hinderer. Just a thought.

Sadly, saints put more energy in scholastics, sports and success in this world than in preparation for battle. The field is littered with those fallen who disregarded the warning of the Word. Are you ready and covered in the armor of God? Do you think about the war that rages? Have you prepared those you love?

Yours to count on,

Pastor

Hey Gang,

I posted previously about a leader and his constant companion of pain. Most people have been able to feel the pain of leadership and know what I’m talking about. One of the pains I listed was constant criticism and real rejection. I have been on the receiving end of this kind of pain so many times it is mind-boggling.

How do we cope with something none of us want to endure or experience?

1. Know it is coming. We must be forewarned and prepared. As I read of one missionary: “It is not the elephants that get you, it is the termites.”   It is not one big deal, but the daily deal of dealing with the pain. Jesus experienced it and so must we. This is not a negative confession, it is the Bible.

2. Choose now to be a God-pleaser. If you want to please people you will not be able to honor God, and you will never please them anyway. We must make hard decisions and lead down difficult roads, so be ready for the fall-out. It will come. Decide you will attempt to honor and please God in each and every action and attitude.

3. Be gracious to people when they disagree. People will criticize and reject you, but it does not need to be because you have a bad attitude. If you love those who disagree and listen to them, most will follow you.

4. Let people leave that want to.  I think most church members have a life-span at one church. People will leave and that is O.K., so let it be good with you.  You can’t take it personally.  Remember they crucified the Lord and killed most of the prophets. You will experience some of the same. Be ready!

5. Realize and recognize that if you are the leader you will be out front and you become an easy target. So expect some “friendly fire.” We prepare for attacks from the devil not the disciples.

To be forewarned is to be prepared. You are not alone. “You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.” Jesus is with you. The Holy Spirit fills you. We love you. This blog is for you; you are not alone.

Yours to count on,

Pastor