For a couple of decades now, I have made a habit along with other devotional plans to read a chapter a day in Proverbs. They are perfectly parallel to 31 days in a month. Yesterday's, Proverbs 30, are not the words of Solomon, but those of an honest and transparent man named Agur. Agur writes, "Surely I am more stupid than any man..." And again, "Two things I request... Remove falsehood and lies far from me and give me neither poverty nor riches..."
Have you ever just woke up and prayerfully seen yourself for who you really are? Agur saw his weakness' and desired nothing more than honesty from his own lips and others around him, as well as authentic contentment, not too much and not too little. His reasoning goes on to say is because if he's too rich he fears he would forget the Lord, and if he was too poor he would more than likely become a thief.
Lord today, may I be honest and content, so my own potential sin nature isn't aloud the opportunity today to bring me and your good name to ruin. Amen!
Aug 31, 2009
Aug 28, 2009
proud daddeeee...
I'm so proud of my kids. Each of them have accomplished so much in such a small amount of time. My Royale (pictured to the left) just started her Junior year at Ferris Highschool. I can't wait to go to the football games and watch her dance team do it up. I smile from ear to ear when I see her "do her thang!" They grow up so fast.
Daniel is an eighth grader now at Chase and started back to school this week looking good in his skater garb.
My older kids continue to amaze me as well. Vaughn, Jr is here in Spokane working hard, living on his own and producing music, his passion. Lachele is happily married to an amazing young man who just turned twenty-four this week. She is a stylist at Ulta on the northside, so if any of you folks need a trim, color or simply want a 3/8" guard slapped on and head shaved, like her papa... well, she's open for biz.
I couldn't be more amazed than I am when I see my kids living large. Whether it was when they were six and I was video taping a ballet recital or even when their sixteen in the middle of a football field at halftime shakin it for all the world to see.... oh, the life of a proud daddy. Thank you Lord, you've been good to me!
Aug 25, 2009
getting caught up...
I'm playing catch up today, getting caught up on people's lives and ministries. Its so easy to get disconnected. I love good news and so far today I'm getting my share of it. God is doing great things in and through a lot of people. I don't know what I would do without modern technology and current social networking tools. Its amazing we actually accomplished things without them not too long ago. But thank God for them.
Aug 24, 2009
being a leader vs. becoming a leader...
THE CLASS THAT NEVER ENDS...
Leaders are not created overnight. A leader is developed over a life-time. An ongoing process of learning and unlearning yields a greater effectiveness in the life and ministry of a leader on into the lives of future generations. Examples of this are found throughout Scripture:
Jesus - Luke 2:52; 6:40; Matthew 7:15-27
Jesus himself matured physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually throughout his lifetime. A natural process of physical growth coinciding with mental, spiritual and character development ensued. Like Christ, a leader (person of influence) must intentionally oversee their process of healthy development over the course of their lifetime, which I refer to often as, “The balance that makes them blossom.”
David – Psalm 78:70-72
David was anything but perfect, but he Biblically rises to a prime example of what God can do in and through leaders who humbly admit their wrongs and attempt to apply the lessons of their own failings. From the humble way in which God selected David from the sheepfolds (v. 70) to his effective leadership qualities being summed up in verse 72 as, “Integrity of heart,” and the, “skillfulness of his hands;” David’s entire life was spent in the school of divine leadership as he cooperated with the leading of God’s Spirit by being a man after God’s own heart.
Daniel – Daniel 1:3-20
Daniel’s lifelong development involved physical, mental and spiritual growth. Like David, Daniel’s journey was one navigated by his heart, “…and Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself…” May this be a warning for all of us who are tempted in the daily duties as a leader to neglect the real contents and condition of our heart? I am prompted continually by the Holy Spirit to question the motives of my heart in all I say and do. History shows us that good and bad leadership flows from the heart.
NT Leaders – Acts 6:3-4, 9-10
Throughout the New Testament the standard was set for effective, anointed leadership. The standard has never been lessened: Integrity, good reputation, full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit. These qualities are not attained overnight. They are lived out among the believers and non-believers. Being saved by faith does not make us “full of faith,” like Stephen in Acts 6. The disciplines of prayer, application of God’s Word in every aspect of our life, and dying to our own will and way are daily practiced throughout a lifetime.
I had a professor once tell me that 80% of all the leaders in Scripture did not finish well. I have not been able to take the time and do a detailed study to see if that is accurate, but the time I have spent in the Word tells me it is more than likely sadly, dead on. The Bible, over and over again, proves that the most impactful spiritual leaders continued to grow and develop throughout their entire life. Through success and failure, their ministries stand as living examples of practical and complex leadership issues in the developmental stages. So if you are a person of influence (a leader) in any way, shape or form... relax in the fact that you are in a "process" of becoming a good leader. You don't have to be perfect by tomorrow. But cooperate daily with the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and enjoy "becoming" more of what you're meant to be as you influence those around you...
Leaders are not created overnight. A leader is developed over a life-time. An ongoing process of learning and unlearning yields a greater effectiveness in the life and ministry of a leader on into the lives of future generations. Examples of this are found throughout Scripture:
Jesus - Luke 2:52; 6:40; Matthew 7:15-27
Jesus himself matured physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually throughout his lifetime. A natural process of physical growth coinciding with mental, spiritual and character development ensued. Like Christ, a leader (person of influence) must intentionally oversee their process of healthy development over the course of their lifetime, which I refer to often as, “The balance that makes them blossom.”
David – Psalm 78:70-72
David was anything but perfect, but he Biblically rises to a prime example of what God can do in and through leaders who humbly admit their wrongs and attempt to apply the lessons of their own failings. From the humble way in which God selected David from the sheepfolds (v. 70) to his effective leadership qualities being summed up in verse 72 as, “Integrity of heart,” and the, “skillfulness of his hands;” David’s entire life was spent in the school of divine leadership as he cooperated with the leading of God’s Spirit by being a man after God’s own heart.
Daniel – Daniel 1:3-20
Daniel’s lifelong development involved physical, mental and spiritual growth. Like David, Daniel’s journey was one navigated by his heart, “…and Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself…” May this be a warning for all of us who are tempted in the daily duties as a leader to neglect the real contents and condition of our heart? I am prompted continually by the Holy Spirit to question the motives of my heart in all I say and do. History shows us that good and bad leadership flows from the heart.
NT Leaders – Acts 6:3-4, 9-10
Throughout the New Testament the standard was set for effective, anointed leadership. The standard has never been lessened: Integrity, good reputation, full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit. These qualities are not attained overnight. They are lived out among the believers and non-believers. Being saved by faith does not make us “full of faith,” like Stephen in Acts 6. The disciplines of prayer, application of God’s Word in every aspect of our life, and dying to our own will and way are daily practiced throughout a lifetime.
I had a professor once tell me that 80% of all the leaders in Scripture did not finish well. I have not been able to take the time and do a detailed study to see if that is accurate, but the time I have spent in the Word tells me it is more than likely sadly, dead on. The Bible, over and over again, proves that the most impactful spiritual leaders continued to grow and develop throughout their entire life. Through success and failure, their ministries stand as living examples of practical and complex leadership issues in the developmental stages. So if you are a person of influence (a leader) in any way, shape or form... relax in the fact that you are in a "process" of becoming a good leader. You don't have to be perfect by tomorrow. But cooperate daily with the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and enjoy "becoming" more of what you're meant to be as you influence those around you...
Aug 20, 2009
getting a grip on instruction....
School is about to begin again this fall and the kids are gearing up for another year of instruction. Some are excited about this and some are already so bummed out about it that they are nearly defeated before the first school bell has rung or the first homework assignment has been given. Through the years I have come to understand that instruction and learning is a daily need throughout a persons lifetime. As cliche as that sounds, it is so true. Have you ever met someone who has become adamantly unteachable, or has simply stopped learning and growing? I have, and boy is it a major waste of my time to interact with them. No matter what pearls of wisdom you throw at them, you get nothing in return. Now, I must confess that I've had my days and weeks where I myself have camped out in such ignorance. But usually the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or the strong encouragement from my wife, shatters the facade that there's nothing I need to learn today.
Proverbs 4:13 says, "Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life!"
The truth is, school isn't some building we go to nine months a year for twelve plus years. Education is not something that ends once you've earned a degree. Life itself is a classroom, a laboratory of sorts, that challenges us to take from each lesson nuggets of truth that change us and mold us into more of what our Creator meant for us to be. Some lessons are tougher than others. Some lessons are loaded with tests, of which, some we pass and some we fail. God has made available His Spirit as a daily tutor in our lives. Some days we listen, absorb and apply the Spirit's promptings, and other days we just don't try. Most Sundays are designed to be a spiritual parent - teacher conference, where our overall performance is evaluated. Confession, repentance and obedience are the choices that ultimately improve our ability to be a better student in cooperation with our Divine tutor.
I don't know about you, but I have a lot to learn, as well as unlearn! Today I want to get a "firm grip on Instruction," as Solomon puts it. Schools in session, it's always been in session!!!
Proverbs 4:13 says, "Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life!"
The truth is, school isn't some building we go to nine months a year for twelve plus years. Education is not something that ends once you've earned a degree. Life itself is a classroom, a laboratory of sorts, that challenges us to take from each lesson nuggets of truth that change us and mold us into more of what our Creator meant for us to be. Some lessons are tougher than others. Some lessons are loaded with tests, of which, some we pass and some we fail. God has made available His Spirit as a daily tutor in our lives. Some days we listen, absorb and apply the Spirit's promptings, and other days we just don't try. Most Sundays are designed to be a spiritual parent - teacher conference, where our overall performance is evaluated. Confession, repentance and obedience are the choices that ultimately improve our ability to be a better student in cooperation with our Divine tutor.
I don't know about you, but I have a lot to learn, as well as unlearn! Today I want to get a "firm grip on Instruction," as Solomon puts it. Schools in session, it's always been in session!!!
Aug 10, 2009
bridge to somewhere...
Myrtha and I on a walk while visiting Leavenworth, WA this past weekend. I had a wedding to perform near by and we got a little time to hang out and enjoy the German food and culture. Although when the Polka band started up no one was dancing. I almost broke the ice by bustin some moves, but decided not to embarrass Myrtha.... Oh well, NEXT TIME I hear that accordion cranking I'm holding nothing back!!! LOL
coping with change and transition...
I am so proud of how our church family is handling this season of change and transition at New Heights. The positive attitudes and flexible attitudes have really encouraged me as a leader.
Galatians 6:9 says, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Transition is inevitable in this life. We can either allow the seasons of life to transform and transcend us, or we can resist them and become stressful miserable creatures.
Recently I took the time to figure out how many times I've moved in my life. I was blown away to discover that in my 43 years of life I have moved 35 times, some of which were to a completely new state, or even country (such as Canada as a very young toddler). I attended 13 different schools in twelve years of my childhood education, followed by my attending four universities and four different community colleges, not including my latest acceptance into a new dual masters program in graduate school beginning this fall. I have experienced change and transition my entire life, most of which was exciting and always energetically anticipated. I also am aware that many people are not comfortable with the idea of change and transition. Over the years I have learned a few things about coping with transition. Perhaps these nuggets will help some who are struggling:
1. The first step to coping with transition is to simply accept that it is inevitable and choose not to resist it.
2. The second step is to allow the full benefits and potential good of a transition to work for you. Transitions grow us, stretch us and reveal most often our greater potential.
3. The third step is to choose to persevere and hang in there no matter what the transition brings. Perseverance is the fertilization that allows you to blossom where the new transition has planted you. Its amazing what we humans can endure when we put our mind to it.
4. The final step to coping with transition is to celebrate God's purpose and plan as it unfolds through the transition. Too often we don't celebrate the good that is sprouting up out of a painful or awkward transition. Be positive and celebrate the fruit of inevitable change in our lives.
Galatians 6:9 says, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Transition is inevitable in this life. We can either allow the seasons of life to transform and transcend us, or we can resist them and become stressful miserable creatures.
Recently I took the time to figure out how many times I've moved in my life. I was blown away to discover that in my 43 years of life I have moved 35 times, some of which were to a completely new state, or even country (such as Canada as a very young toddler). I attended 13 different schools in twelve years of my childhood education, followed by my attending four universities and four different community colleges, not including my latest acceptance into a new dual masters program in graduate school beginning this fall. I have experienced change and transition my entire life, most of which was exciting and always energetically anticipated. I also am aware that many people are not comfortable with the idea of change and transition. Over the years I have learned a few things about coping with transition. Perhaps these nuggets will help some who are struggling:
1. The first step to coping with transition is to simply accept that it is inevitable and choose not to resist it.
2. The second step is to allow the full benefits and potential good of a transition to work for you. Transitions grow us, stretch us and reveal most often our greater potential.
3. The third step is to choose to persevere and hang in there no matter what the transition brings. Perseverance is the fertilization that allows you to blossom where the new transition has planted you. Its amazing what we humans can endure when we put our mind to it.
4. The final step to coping with transition is to celebrate God's purpose and plan as it unfolds through the transition. Too often we don't celebrate the good that is sprouting up out of a painful or awkward transition. Be positive and celebrate the fruit of inevitable change in our lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
STAY INFORMED...
