Archive of February 2008.
February 29, 2008
A man with leprosy approached Jesus begging him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus’ reply is profound, “I am willing.”(Luke 5:12-13)
There is a huge difference between statements like, “I will” and “I should. I ought to. I expect to. I intend to.”
A Stepping Stone to Success is the attitude behind the “I will” mentality.
Nothing will ever happen until someone says, “I will.” The difference between success and failure is the willingness to be decisive. Good intentions don’t get the job done.
Most people approach God in prayer knowing His ability is omnipotent yet judging His willingness to be untimely. Jesus statement of willingness is an emphatic “I am willing.” The Bible says, “immediately the leprosy left the man.
0 Comments →
February 27, 2008
Years ago, while having lunch with a mentor, he began to teach me the principle of multiple streams. It was one of the most valuable lessons that I’ve ever learned. Since then I have seen its wisdom lived out in many areas of life.
Solomon said, ”Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2)
By diversifying your income and investments, you are able to establish a base that is solid. Most people have yet to learn the value of variety.
Abraham was made rich in ”sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, and camels and donkeys.” (Genesis 24:34)
By establishing the stream of eight in his life, Abraham was able to grow rich in many arenas of life.
2 Comments →
February 26, 2008
Solomon advises us ”Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.” (Proverbs 27:23)
Very few leaders are brutally honest in evaluating their organization. Most allow themselves to “fudge” on the facts. Doing so only will only cause you to accept a delusion.
I have witnessed one of the greatest missional organizations on earth, began to “fudge” on the numbers concerning growth which has resulted in a devastating effect. The organization has given itself permission to fail by not being forthright on its present position of stagnation.
Solomon points out that ”riches do not endure forever.” When organizations find comfort in their finances they loose the hunger of the entrepreneurial spirit. They fail to risk. The balance sheet becomes the status of arrogance.
Then Solomon emphasis the fleeting stability of generations. Just because you have a past doesn’t guarantee you a future. If you want a future carefully evaluate the present.
1 Comment →
February 25, 2008
When you create habits they become addictions (cravings that motivate our behavior). Jesus said, ”My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)
The second Stepping Stone to Success is knowing who has your ear. I have seen great leaders surround themselves with “yes men” who eventually costs them their success.
Proverbs says, ”Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6)
Proverbs also says, ”A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” (Proverbs 26:28)
As you grow an organization you must be very careful not to insulate yourself from reality. The great mistake that many leaders make is to believe their own press release. The “spin” themselves in their own minds, eventually becoming delusional in their ego.
If you are going to succeed, you must be willing to hear the truth even when it hurts.
0 Comments →
February 22, 2008
You cannot decide a future that is different from your daily disciplines. A person who truly understands destiny realizes that they must decide their habits that will determine their future.
Habits create addictions. Let’s face it, we are people who are subject to addictions. The question is what are your addictions?
I recently finished a 21-day Daniel fast. It was a remarkable time for my wife, Kay and I, as we established a daily discipline of focusing on God’s Word and on specific prayers for our family. During the first week, I also discovered an addiction that I did not realize was as powerful in my life as it was - namely, caffeine. I haven’t drank sodas since 1990, so I was unaware of my addiction. I discovered that my coffee habit had become a stronghold in my body. For seven days I struggled with withdrawals. I had massive headaches, tense muscles, and nauseating pain. Finally, I broke through it. When I finally had relief I began to realize how good I sleep at night and how much better I felt during the day.
As powerful as addictions are you choice them to be in your life.
The first Stepping Stone to Success is creating a habit that will determine your destiny.
1 Comment →