Are you growing?

Choices, life is about choices. We choose a certain path which leads to a destination - the one we hoped for if we're lucky. Many of us started on a path to the ever illusive “better life” just over four months ago at the beginning of the year. We pledged to: lose weight,  go back to school, get a better job, leave that draining relationship, become better financial managers, “etc, etc, etc” (as Yul would say - you know that cool bald dude from The King and I). Here’s a question, “How many of you have accomplished or even started to work toward your goals?” I’ll got first … One of my goals was "personal growth." As a minister, I preach constantly on themes concerning spiritual and emotional growth. Even though I preach it, I have to continue to push myself toward my personal goals and excellence, and I often need to stop, look, listen, and learn as well. Note to leaders: Even though others may think you’ve got it all “knowed” up, we know better! There must always be that little voice inside of you that says “keep digging, keep stretching, keep climbing, and keep helping others to do the same.  After all, God didn't just plant us where He did to vegetate!  He wants, desires, and expects us to grow – all of us! Part of my personal growth "track" has been these blog articles. I have dedicated a portion of my week to express myself and challenge others ... to grow. I made a "choice" to pursue what is an important component of my journey.  What of yours? How are you on your journey?  Only you know.

Let’s get a CLUE...                                             

A look at the picture above would lead you to believe that the taller plant was planted before the smaller one. That assumption would be wrong.  They were both planted the same day ... the same time ... by the same person. (One of my sons’ science projects) The difference was light - yes LIGHT.

The taller plant was placed under a constant intense light/lamp during the day. The smaller plant was placed on a window seal on the side of the house where the sun only shines part of the day, and then shines only through the clouds in early spring. The planter of the seeds made a conscious decision or choice to grow them that way.

In life, the planter (God) planted you/us in a certain place for a certain reason, of which He and He alone knows. The one constant about is that it was He did the planting for his glory!  We make a crucial mistake when we compare our personal growth with others. If you’re life (plant) is not as tall as mine or vice versa, that is not a cause for dissention, discouragement, and disappointment. After all, it’s personal. God may have planted you in an area where it takes a little extra diligence on your part to experience the growth you desire. You may be the smaller plant for the moment but know and believe that the growth is not only possible but on its way! You may have to work harder, sleep less, prepare better, or beg God to move you to the other side of the house that gets the constant light - hey it’s worth a shot! LOL

The point to remember is that each of us was planted with care by the best caregiver in the universe, and however we grow; it should be to His glory! He planted us with the intention of us growing. Some grow quicker with great intensity ... some a little slower with less fervor, but the result should be the same - growth. Do what you can do to place yourself on a growing track towards personal growth and excellence (this includes praying for a better situation) and leave the rest to God!

You've been CLUEd

Sometimes you want to get away!

Sometimes you just want to “Get a way … Leave today … yeah-yeah-yeah!” (EW&F reference –LOL). What about “burn-out”? Ever feel like just turning in the keys, not showing up, or just driving away! Yes, we have all been there … most of us anyway. The pressures of life, leadership, and “living” can get the best of any of us. There are times we feel like Elijah when he felt it necessary to get away …

1 Kings 19:3-4

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Elijah’s task as the faithful prophet of God ushered him into some precarious situations. First he was the bearer of bad news to the king (drought – 1 King 17:1). Then his brook dried up (1 Kings 17:17). Next he was personally blamed and called a “trouble-maker” (1 Kings 18:17). Finally he was threatened with bodily harm by the wicked Queen Jezebel! That would be enough for any of us to consider booking a flight on Southwest Airlines! Sometimes even when you have dotted all the required “I’s” and crossed the needed “Ts”, and double-checked your sources, the outcome of your obedience may cause you considerable stress on your mind, body, and spirit. The book of James reminds us that “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are …” (James 5:17) so don’t get it twisted thinking he was somehow a superior being. No, he got depressed, discouraged, and mentally depleted much like we do at times.  Yet he was still a faithful prophet and servant of God!  Can you relate?

When you lead your family, your church, or your organization, there WILL be times when you are the bearer of bad news; you will suffer personal loss; you will be blamed (for something’s that were not your fault – 1 Kings 18:18), and there may be times when you or your livelihood are threatened! However, don’t allow these things to burden your blessings, trip-up your triumphs, or disturb your duty! One of the things God had to remind Elijah was that God knew where he was and God knew where others like him were!

"God knows where you are ... He knows where others are just like you"

God knew Elijah was in a sad, depressed, and defeated state! He knew where he was! Don’t you think God knows where you are today!? He knows you may have tried and tried but are still misunderstood. He knows that you have devoted yourself to his way of living your life but your family or children don’t seem to get it. He knows that inside you’re crying for help and you could really use a breakthrough! Not only did God know where Elijah was physically, but mentally and spiritually! Never think that God doesn’t see you, because he does! He knows where you are! God also knows where others just like you are! God had to explain to him that there were many, many others (7,000) who had stayed true to their God and His principles! Elijah, you ain’t alone! Today, you may feel that you are the only parent taking a stand to guide your children in the right path. You may feel that you are the only leader who has not sold out your position for a paycheck. You may feel that you are the only Christian in your church! Listen, God has an e-mail (Elijah-mail) with your name on it and in the subject line it reads “Son/Daughter, you are not alone!” In that same e-mail is the same message God had for Elijah: I know where you are and what you’re feeling. Don’t give up! It also says, listen, you’re not all by yourself in this thing! Now get up, get yourself back on track and “Go”! Elijah was nearing the end of his service to God (God lead him to his successor, Elisha) but until you get that message from God, you’ve got to keep on going … dust the dirt off your shoulder and keep moving!

You’re CLUEd!



Angry Birds! Ugh! (How can this Bird can help you!)

Angry Birds! Ugh!  

If you have played it, you know what I’m talking about! LOL … You can get stuck on one level for an hour or more if you’re not careful! There’s this one level – level thirteen that at this writing I have not been able to master. Those blasted pigs! (Check out the game – smile). In the game there are these birds, each with a different “power, skill, or talent” … the little red bird that cruises into the target at one speed only; a dominate yellow bird that flies double time when you tap the screen and with the extra power does more damage; the tiny blue bird that multiplies times three when you tap; a big bird that  boomerangs around and attacks from the rear when you tap the screen; there are others … your task is to figure out what each bird does and when its turn arises, aim it at the right spot to break down the barriers (and get revenge! LOL). Some of it is by sheer chance, but a lot of it is skill and patience on your part.

When you consider the roll you play as a leader, father, mother, etc. it is paramount that you understand that Just as there are many different types of people within your organization, home, or church, there are many leadership types … some effective, some not so. Your task is to … yes you see now … figure it out! God has uniquely gifted each of your members, children, or workers in with the skills, talents, and aptitude to complete whatever job you need to get done. If you employ them wisely (and sometimes luck is involved) the likelihood of the task being completed is much greater which leads to a much healthier environment. In the game, if you continually aim for the same spot with birds of different powers, you may get minor results, but if you take your time and aim at different areas of the structure utilizing the strengths of the birds, it will yield greater results! In your leadership “game” (I know it’s not a game) you must be patient, instructive, and prayerful. You must be willing to accept the talents of your followers, help to improve them if necessary, and alter your leadership style if the need arises. It has been said that “If you’re a hammer, every problem looks like a nail!” Life, like the Angry Bird’s game can be unpredictable, but as a leader you have to be willing to engage and encounter the unpredictable elements with knowledge, wisdom, and the resolve to keep at it until it’s done! I’ll beat level thirteen, I’m sure of it, I may have to leave it alone for a minute and come back to it later, but I will win! It may turn out to be easier than I thought ... and when it is completed, there will be jubilation! So stay focused, have fun, and most of all remember that no matter how difficult the game, problem, or situation looks there is an answer or solution, you may need some help or advice, (that’s for another CLUE) but there is one! Don’t let em’ get the best of you! Angry Birds! Ugh!

You’re CLUEd!

Grace and Mercy!

In rural Virginia, there are long winding roads that seemingly never end. Ones, where if you are lucky enough to get caught behind a lumber truck you just have to wait; and enjoy the scenery while going 25 miles per hour until you are able (and brave enough) to pass! Well, on one occasion while driving down a long Virginia rural road, I witnessed a sight; a sight that I’ve no doubt seen many times before but never took the time to really “see”. Sometimes God can open your eyes to a truth, a very simple truth that previously you have been going too fast to observe. Well, on this particular day while driving with my mind on nothing and nothing on my mind … in particular, I saw this sight: A turtle in the middle of the road. This sight, again, I’ve witnessed before but for some reason my mind began to ponder it. As I swerved so as not to hit the turtle (turtle soup is good I hearJ ) I began to consider one word - “Mercy” … Mercy. Then it hit me! I had mercy on that turtle! So what?! Well I began to think that in the same way I had mercy on that turtle, God has had mercy on me; and every one of us! When you consider that Mr. Turtle (although unbeknownst to him) really had no business being in the middle of the road … in the danger zone! So yes, I had mercy on him as God has on us! Then I began to consider another word – “Grace” … Grace. If that was mercy, what is grace? Why am I entertaining grace? Well, considering that the turtle was still in the middle of the road, (other cars were having mercy as well) … I came to a conclusion that grace then is me pulling over to the side of the road; getting out of my car; walking to the middle of the road; bending down; picking up the turtle; carrying it to the other side of the road where he was heading; and letting it go in safety! Grace! Let me explain. Mercy has been explained by many to mean to not get what we deserve. And grace means to have unmerited favor i.e. to give us what we don’t deserve! Think about it … how many times in your life have you been “caught out there” … jammed up in one of those “situations”! You needed some help … or you would be “done”! Then somehow you were rescued, helped, saved, freed, or exonerated! How did that happen? Someone … God had mercy and grace on you! One of the meanings of favour (grace) in the Old Testament Hebrew is to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to bestow.

(Ps 102:13) Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

Certainly it was God’s kindness (Mercy) and favor (Grace) that saved us from ourselves and helped us to get to a point of safety! As I drove away that day, all I could muster to say was Thank you God for your grace and mercy … on a turtle like me!

You’ve been CLUEd!

Stay Focused!

 Stay focused! I was in New York City last week and the above photo was taken by my cool phone! J A closer look reveals that there are a number of things happening all at once. People moving, lights flashing, advertisements galore, etc. virtually every inch of occupied space is being utilized. In a place like that it’s hard to focus on one thing, when literally everything is shouting “Hey you look over here!”  It’s hard to ignore anything and impossible to see everything. But yet I was able to navigate my way to my intended destination (the candy store! Lol) In order to navigate anywhere you must first know where you want to go! You must first formulate in your mind and then be willing to negotiate the terms that will allow you get there. In this case, I knew where I wanted to go and if I was going to be successful I had to be willing to go around, through, and even over whatever obstacles or distractions that placed themselves in my range of vision. In other words I had to first focus on one intended goal, look around and see how to get there, and then be brave enough to start out in that direction.

As leaders, there are often many obstacles and other attention-getting factors that place themselves in our range of vision. And while we try to address each factor before us, it becomes increasingly difficult without focus, to navigate around, through, and over them in order to arrive at the proper destination. Take for example a disgruntled, church member, family member, co-worker, etc. Often times you will be bombarded with their issue of the day or hour, and at the same time have other issues or even your own issues to deal and contend with! Here is where focus comes in to play. A leader (or anyone) who is unable to focus his/her attention on what is needful or where they are trying to go will also be found lacking. Jesus at a most critical time during his passion was heard to admonish his three apostles to stay awake and be watchful or they would fall into temptation. (Matthew 26) He told them what their goal was (resist the temptation of the devil) and also how to navigate around it (staying focused/alert). In dealing with the disgruntled “whomever”, it is imperative that you keep your focus on the intended destination, which is a helpful and peaceful resolution. There may be other sights and sounds that seek to gain your attention often coming from the individual, but a focused eye/mind is Key lest you get pulled in an all together direction (debating, taking a defensive posture, blaming, etc). For example, pain, hurt, and frustration can cause someone to act out in a seemingly threatening or unhealthy way.  When you, with wisdom and focus, are confronted with sour behaviors and seemingly trite dispositions, you are able to ignore the negative and strive for the positive. Being focused does not necessarily mean having tunnel vision, but it means having a wide-enough peripheral that you are able to negotiate the proper move at the proper time. (1 Corinthians 16:13) You may see all those sights and sounds, but they don’t affect you because you know your intended destination!

While on my way to the candy store (Hershey’s) J , I passed a number of distracting people, places, and things … but I knew what I wanted, knew where it was, and successfully navigated my way there and back … a choice I made! Stay focused … it is a choice!

Phil 3:13 “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead …” NLT

You’re CLUEd!

The You're a Star!

“The only girl in the world" (Got your attention huh?!)
I’m not promoting Rihanna - lol.  Really, as I considering a topic this week the song came on the radio - yes, I've got teens that have "jacked" car my radio! I monitor it though :)  Anyway ... it’s a great concept and reality. Ladies, you know it ... men, we better get it! However, in the world of leadership, the principle is paramount.  The people you lead have to know that they matter. What they do, what they accomplish, how they feel, how much they have achieved, etc. This of course has to be genuinely felt. If it’s not they WILL KNOW … and LET YOU KNOW! The important thing is that you understand everyone’s need for validation, fairness, guidance and integrity. The wise leader will take these notions to heart. Solomon says in the book of Proverbs 11:3 “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” He says in Proverbs 18:13 "He who answers before listening — that is his folly and his shame."  Also in Proverbs 28:21 “To have respect of persons is not good …” Again in Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Lastly he says in Proverbs 16:23 “A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.”  These and many, many more speak to the wisdom a leader so desperately needs. A leader (in the home, church, or organization) must among other things be a disseminator of knowledge i.e. give people what they need to succeed. In doing this you make them feel that they matter. When people know without a doubt that they matter – and not just lip service – they will begin to live out their purpose for being in the group! In the home and church, where young people are concerned; if your only dealings with them are to constantly shine a negative light on their doings, they will cower, shrink, and disappear. Part of making sure people matter is simply telling them! Withholding your praise will only make matters worse. Let people hear from you that they matter … that you care what happens in their lives … that you are excited about their progress and achievements. When they do a good thing, let them know (even if it’s half way right). When Peter expressed his personal growth in his proclamation that Jesus was the “Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16), Jesus was excited that Peter opened his mind to the Father above and received the truth of who He was. He was heard to say “Blessed are you!” I’m sure Peter felt pretty good at that moment. (Wouldn’t you?) John C. Maxwell calls this “The Law of Connection”. You have to connect with people before you can lead, confront, discipline, or challenge them. People will gladly spend and be spent with a group where they know they are appreciated. If the connection is not there, you will fail every time and instead of your follower, child, spouse, group, etc knowing for sure that they matter, the suspense may drive them wild and they will begin to rebel, complain, or worse, “hit the road”. If God has placed you in a leadership function, always to “Make them feel, like they’re the only ones in the world”! So, I’ll give it to the pop star this time, she made me think!

Now you have the CLUE!

Thank God for the Pressure?!

Thank God For The Pressure! (2 Corinthians 1:1-11)

This text is about pressure … but also about Hope. It is also about Community and even Leadership.

The apostle refers to a time when he was under enormous strain, stress, and intense pressure. His human capacity to endure was at its limit. The pressure points were swelling and the proverbial walls were caving in. Among the thoughts in Paul’ mind was to prove and settle the fact that his ministry was indeed of God unto whom he was called to be an apostle for. Some of the very folk he loved were getting his service to God “twisted.”

The only thing clear to him was death. Trouble was at his doorstep … Tribulations were awaiting him … Trials were after him … and Triumph was nowhere to be found.

Perhaps you have been there? Pressure! Today’s world is full of pressure. Pressure to win (at all costs) … pressure to perform, achieve, and just to get by. No sector of society is immune to it. Preacher and President … congressmen and church men … first lady and bag lady … We all feel its effects. Emotionally and financially we are drained … Spiritually we are spent … Physically we are broke-down. The question is not how to avoid it, but how to deal with it. Running is not the answer. Ignoring it is not the answer. Avoiding it will only make it worse. What should a person in today’s world do? I need to remind you that many a person's mettle was forged in the battle to overcome and deal with the pressures of life. Someone has said “If you don't go through a test, you have no test-i-mony.”

So, how shall we deal with the pressure-cookers of life? While we may never be faced with the pressures Paul felt and underwent, we all have pressure points – pressure that makes us want to scream! Yes, I almost screamed when I saw those gas prices the other day! J

-          Mornings we want to run away

-          Afternoons we wish we could hide

-          Nights we wish could go on forever

-          Days we don’t feel like going on

-          Times we just want to quit

But rather than run, hide, or quit … I suggest another option. Use the pressure points of life to God’s glory!

A close look at the text reveals at least five (5) things pressure can do for us.

1. Pressure can lead us to God’s comfort- God of all comfort = paraklesis – parakeleo = call or come to our side.  Like the comforter i.e. Holy Spirit  ... IOW God is near! How near? Very near – closer than close – easier than using a cell phone, quicker than using e-mail … God is so close – God is there when you need him! Just ask Martha and Mary – (John 11) … Lazarus was sick, Jesus was away, they found him! He is always close by – Psalms 121 … “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills …” He is there when you need him – whatever you are facing, whatever you are up against, whatever you are afraid of, etc

2. Pressure can equip us to comfort others God comforts us  “in” all our tribultation so that we can help others! God is with you while going through your test and when he delivers you you must help others ... get it? When God helps you through something he is positioning you to help someone else … its like a cycle …- When you go through your pain of sickness, death of loved ones, difficulties, etc. and God’s helping Spirit (Comforter) is with you and keeps you from losing it; you in turn help someone else who might be stuck and can’t get out …
3. Pressure can produce patient endurance - Hope
   The book of James (1:3) says the trying of your faith worketh patience
   This speaks of “hope” i.e. cheerful or hopeful endurance ... Back in John 11, Jesus said "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God" ...  God is in the mix, don't worry!
   We read in Hebrews 12:2 … Jesus for the joy endured the cross, despising the shame, etc

- Resurrection comes only after the cross!

4. Pressure can teach us to rely on God- Trust in God, not in self, other men, situation, etc. but trust in God even when things look their worst … when you are at a Dead end – when you must take an unfamiliar Detour – when you are at a Dry place … Trust God! The Children of Israel had to learn to trust God’s leading …When there was no food, he fed the, when there was no water, he gave them water from a rock … he protected them, he guided them, he kept them! So we rely on Him today. Why? If he can raise the dead, feed a nation of people, walk on water, etc.. he can bring life to your issues … financially, health, relationship, housing, educational

5. – Pressure can generate prayerful thanksgiving among believers  - Community  Helping by praying for each other … Paul says – “Because I was under pressure and you prayed for me and God delivered me –the gift – they can also rejoice and give God the glory!” When we use those words "I'm praying for you", let's mean it and see what God does! You are also blessed by asking God to bless others who are in the pressure cooker!

As a fellow minister friend of mine says "Let's be HopeDealers!" 

Hope can build us a bridge from despair to deliverance

Hope can lead us from grief to grace

Hope can move us from bitterness to blessing

Hope can lift us from tragedy to triumph

Hope can push us from suicide to salvation

 

We sing the song sometimes: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness … On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

You've Got the CLUE!