Friday, December 31, 2010

One God, One Church! January 2011 series

Hello Evangelism shepherd leaders:

I hope you had a very Merry and favorable Christmas! Thank God CHRIST.mas NEVER Ends for us as Jesus disciples!

I’m thoroughly excited about the God sized possibilities and fruit bearing season for New Hope Honolulu. Pastor Elwin has developed a teaching series that will grow our ‘ohana deeper and stronger in Him. I thought I would start the NEW YEAR by sharing the message titles, themes and synopsis’ with you for :
  • Your Prayers
  • Your information
  • Any possible suggestions (for you creative, right brained people:)
  • and More Prayer
  • Catching the heart of the messages, season God is leading us through
  • Being an owner of the “Messages” for our campus – to pray over and equip your teams in creative ways.

If you have any questions, thoughts, suggestions – please let me know.

Love you – for who God made you to be and become!
Rod


One God . . . One Church
a New Hope Growth Series”

To begin the New Year, we will take a 360 degree look at New Hope, its mission, purpose and values. In this new series, New Hope’s satellite campuses will present simultaneous messages on the spiritual disciplines that will grow New Hope and its members into a deeper and stronger relationship with Christ. God is poised to do a great work through New Hope in 2011, but it will require a people who have established a foundation of faith upon which He can accomplish His will. New Hope exists in many locations, but remain as One Church committed to a continual process of spiritual growth to serve One God.


Jan 1/2 Elwin “Back to the Basics: Salvation – God’s Free Gift”
The essence of our salvation is captured in 1 Jn. 4:16 which states: “God is love and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in him.” It was God who so loved you and me that He gave His life for us, “so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by His wounds!” (1 Pet. 2:24). Having a deep appreciation for the price that was paid for our salvation will help us to faithfully move forward into the many opportunities God will open for us in 2011.

Jan 8/9 Elwin “Committed to Grow”
Spiritual growth is a process, not an overnight sensation. It’s a process that began when we first said “Yes” to Jesus. But, how much we grow, spiritually, is directly proportional to the price we’re willing to pay. Salvation is free, but everything else costs, including the commitment to engage in the spiritual disciplines that will grow our roots deeper and stronger in our relationship with Christ. “Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness – for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.” (1 Tim. 4:7-8) This message will provide practical lessons that can be immediately applied to our lives as we engage in the process of spiritual growth.

Jan 15/16 Elwin “Investment Strategies”
Probably one of the greatest challenges the Lord has ever laid before the Church is found in Mal. 3:10 where He invites us to “test” Him on giving “the whole tithe into the storehouse.” It’s a concept that has eluded and confused both non-believers, as well as believers. This message will help us to process what this challenge entails and its ramifications as it relates to our spiritual growth. Through this lesson we will see how the tithe is New Hope’s investment in financing God’s preferred future.

Jan 22/23 Elwin “Life’s Greatest Resource”
New Hope will only be as vibrant as the spirit of its people as exampled through their willingness to invest their God-given gifts and passions for the sake of the Kingdom. It has been said “the quickest way to the throne is through the servant’s entrance.” The Lord has endowed each of us with life’s greatest resource, special gifts that were intended by Him to be employed “in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Pet. 4:10). This message will help us to discover and deploy our spiritual gifts for the Kingdom and understand how the exercise of our gifts will strengthen our Christian walk with Him.

Jan 29/30 Elwin “Responding to the Great Commission” (Communion)
Without a doubt, we, as a Church, have been called to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” God’s missio deio, or mission lies at the heart of New Hope whether through our prison and community outreaches, or other extension opportunities, New Hope is committed to reach the world for Christ, both locally and globally. In this message we will explore the heart behind our extension ministries and its effects upon our spiritual growth.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Goals and Direction

"Make sure you're headed somewhere. If you are going all out with out a clear destination in mind, slow down and ask more questions."
~ Vince Lombardi

Great leaders ask questions. They ask questions of themselves, of their peers, of their subordinates and their guests or those they serve.

Specifically, the difference between good leaders and great leaders is not always vision or a clear destination, but slowing down to ask good questions. Visionary leaders can make good, quick decisions but can fail asking the right people, the right questions - thus failing to make the better, wiser decision!

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. (niv)



Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Life is tough... but don't be stupid!

I've been thinking about this quote I read form John Wayne: "Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." How funny and true is that?!

Personalizing this, I can make life so much tougher by my own stupidity. Having stupid thoughts. Saying stupid words. Giving stupid looks and glares. Being insensitively stupid. Being self centered-ly stupid.

I'm not trying to be down on myself, but just been thinking about how much tougher life is when I say, do or believe - in stupid ways!

Proverbs 12:15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 13:16 Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Quotes and Back to Basics with CARS in 2011


Merry Christmas Evangelism Shepherds,

I love these quotes from Rick Warren.
  • Your friends wont accept the Good News of Christmas until you confess that you BELIEVE it! Man up! It's time to share.
  • The world is hungry for humble people with absolute confidence in God. Obedience, not ego, is the source of deep confidence.
  • Judging others lets us ignore the mess in our own lives & relieves the sense of failure & frustration temporarily.

- and from Perry Noble:
  • We should never confuse activity FOR God with intimacy WITH God!

Read through these again and ask God how He wants to use these quotes to speak to your life.
  • How is God calling you to enact these quotes/sayings?

In 2011, we will return continue our BACK TO BASICS theme – with C.A.R.S:
C – Character (Christ-like character)
A – Attitude (grateful and joyful attitudes)
R – Relationships (authentic relationships)
S – Service (honorable service)

Healthy C.A.R.S. for Christ,
Rod

Romans 14 NLT
17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this
attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

...in Weaknesses and all!


Plutarch said “Character is simply a long habit continued.”


Chuck Swindoll quotes Plutarch, the 1st century Greek biographer and historian in his book “The Quest for Character.“ When I was a youth pastor, I used Chuck’s book as a required text for all of our interns to study through. There are so many quests young people have. Relationships, career, fame, fortune, significance, etc. Actually, the list is no different from adults and people in general. At the top of our ”Quest List“ should be character.


I am challenged by Plutarch’s quote asking my heart and soul, ”What kind of character has developed into a long habit?“ There are some good character traits and some bad ones that I identify. I’m so grateful to Jesus for His ongoing grace and the Holy Spirit who intervenes and intercedes for me - in my weaknesses and all!


Romans 8 [NET] 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray,29 but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he30 who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit31 intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will. 28 And we know that all things work together32 for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, 29 because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Love out loud

7. We believe that genuine love and caring relationships are key to the life of every endeavor.


Where have you read this before? What is it? Where is it found?

The more important question that I felt God prompting in my heart - “Are you exemplifying this value through your life, words, in your relationships? Are you living My love out loud through your life?"


When I create space to allow myself to evaluate and meditate on how I’m living this value out and how I can better live this value out - I can become a better man, husband, father, pastor.


What about you?


Philemon's Love and Faith in Philemon 1:4-7 ESV

[4] I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, [5] because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, [6] and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. [7] For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Grace of God's Son!

Romans 8

[31] ... If God is for us, who can be against us?


[33]Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? ...


[34] Who is to condemn? ...


[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ...


Paul’s teaching to the Christian’s in Rome and to us today, reveals the answer of God’s wealthy and immeasurable grace, through His Son’s obedient life and sacrifice on the cross. The Grace of God the Son has brought us into a life we can never earn or repay.


Our God is Greater!

Friday, November 5, 2010

The Standard of Biblical Leadership


1Tim. 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self–controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.


Leaders in the church,

Why not question our own hearts and lifestyle under the conviction and love of Jesus? Leading like Jesus will require of us character change. We will need to be learners being shaped by His Spirit, Word and Godly influence and counsel.


Let's severely question our character, lifestyle and qualities as a leader in God's church. It is possible to measure up to the Standard of Biblical Leadership - and of course, by the grace of His love and strength and obedience from our hearts.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Let's visit Lincoln's Government


Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth. ~ Abraham Lincoln


Here’s the context from a portion of his address at Gettysburg:


But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.


So people, church... let us live forward with the heart of Lincoln’s words in a message to congress:


And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Post election Victory


Yes - the Hawaii election results were discouraging to me personally. But nationally, conservative politics took liberals by surprise.

Aren't you soooooo Grateful as a child of God, that our security and future rests in God's hands and plans!

Colossians 1:15-20 [niv]

The Supremacy of the Son of God
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Evangelism Calendar

Evangelism Calendar Communication – as of Nov. 2, 2010
  • Nov 4 fire by night in OR, John & Lanu, Fred & Jana, Tim, Gaston
  • Fri., Nov 5, Sun., Nov 7 – Farrington High T-Shirt Theatre – Let’s rally troops to Support them!
  • Fri., Nov 12 – Hoike at Ministry Center
  • Sat Nov 13 – Willow Creek Leadership Seminar for our Evangelism leaders/teams
  • Sun., Nov 14 – Hawaii Stars - Weinburg Concert of Extraordinary achievement– FHS, approx. 430 or 5pm, Rehearsals form about 3pm
  • Thur., Dec 9 – Gift if Hope Charity Concert, FHS
  • Dec. 17, Ala Moana Center stage, Point: Lanu Programming
  • Dec. 22-24 (W-F), Christmas Eve. Musical Services
  • Dec. 25-26, Sat/Sun. Weekend services
  • FYI – 5pm service only on Sat., Jan 1. Normal Sunday service schedule on Jan. 2

Cast my Vote

Today in Hawaii, we the people will decide who we want leading our government. No matter what the outcome, Jesus is King, thus my hearts vote is to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength - then to love others as myself.

My prayers are with all those at New Hope who have taken the bold - faith leap running for office in their districts. That they will draw near to God no matter the outcome. Thanks for being a witness of Jesus through your lives!

Let's pray for our leaders, soon to be elected leaders of our state - for God to reach the lost through His church!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Malia's Devotion

I want to share my 14 year old daughters devotion. I hope you are drawn closer to Jesus through this word. I would also like to highlight her "observation." For those of you "diggin' deeper" in God's Word, correct observation can lead you to fruitful application while not taking Scripture out of context. As you read God's Word, remember to always consider the context of the Scripture you are journaling on. Context always leads us to proper observation and determines the meaning of Scripture.

Thanks for sharing your devotions Malia!

November 1, 2010

Malia Shimabukuro

Scripture

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Mark 9:28&29

Observation

A father had a son that had an evil spirit in him. The father expecting to find Jesus, see His disciples and transfers his expectations on the disciples, who are learning to represent Jesus. But they could not do it, so when the father sees Jesus he says my son has an evil spirit in him from childhood. I asked your disciples, but they could not do it. And Jesus said to His disciples “O faithless generation…” A problem that people had even the disciples is that they are faithless. Jesus said to the father “All things are possible for the believers.” Immediately he repented and cried out I believe, help my unbelief. And Jesus healed the boy! Later when they went to the house the disciples asked Jesus privately, probably because they were ashamed or embarrassed that they could not cast out the spirit. Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but PRAYER.” Besides their lack of understanding, the disciples ability to fully carry out their commission from Jesus. This time that they failed is a place for encouragement for more prayer, and more time and effort into prayer. And therefore in closer fellowship with God leads to growth in their faith.

Application

I want to be a woman of God that is always praying. Because in this leads to growth in faith. I do not want to just pray for my food three times a day and that is it. But I want to be a woman of God that is devoted to praying to God about anything and everything. I do not want to be a generation that is of little faith or faithless, but to be courageous and pursuit after what God has called me to do. I do not want to lack understanding, but I want to represent Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus help me have a hear t that believes more firmly. Help me to pray to you daily. Meaning everything with all of my heart, help me to grow in faith. And but time and effort into my prayers. Help me be a part of a generation with so much faith. To do anything because I am a believer of You. I.J.N.A.



Friday, August 20, 2010

Sabbath your soul

How do you live in a way where you are at rest in your soul?


I see, talk to and counsel many of our “yes-hearted” volunteers and leaders, who are serving with great fervor, yet such restlessness in their souls. There’s different reasons why unrest, tension, strife live within our souls. Why do we live with such unrest? Servants of God are burning out, rather than burning with fire of passionate intimacy for Jesus. Could it be that God is calling us to rest?


The rest I need comes from knowing who God is, having God centered desires and living a Christ focused life.


Let these passage simmer in your soul:

Psalms 16:7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,


God is my Lord, counselor, instructor, my foundation whereby I will not be shaken. Who God is, our God centeredness, heart to focus on Jesus, living gratefully unto Him, seeking His counsel before any other counsel, believing and knowing that God is by our side - should be what we choose to live by, and attitudes and confessions of our faith.


2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.


Ahhhh...maybe I need NOT strive to being such a productive, fruitful Christian. What I mean is that my disciplines and works towards becoming Christlike and God centered must be the overflow of who Jesus to me in love and grace. His grace is sufficient to me and in me! Maybe I need to rest in my weakness, not try to “self-improve” to the point that I fail to recognize that His power is made perfect in my weaknesses.


Embracing my weaknesses are a bit more difficult for me to do. I’d rather live secure, confident in who I am in Christ. Maybe the strength of my Christian life is resting in who I’m not - by resting in my weakness.


My friends, sabbath your soul finding rest in Jesus!


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Trust and Respect

It’s sad to think that in light of building healthy relationships and Biblical community - at home, church, workplace, small groups...that there may be someone who does not respect or trust you. Maybe the mistrust is justified. Could it possibly be that I acted or said something that made someone wince in thought and heart? Maybe I didn’t say something or looked a certain way or seemed to act cold and am being evaluated, even judged for an innocent oversight?


How do I build trust with someone who is afraid to come forward to say they were hurt by me in some way? How do I build trust and gain respect with someone who has a chip on their heart and they seem to be cold and calloused towards me? What about the person who smiles on the outside, but the fragrance of division and mistrust is an odor I can smell?


So I offered a young Christian, confused, hurt and saddened... the true statement: People in the church can be hypocritical. Like you and I, they are growing slowly into His image. They may say one thing, but struggle to live it out because they have buried hurt and pain in their lives. Yes, there are some insincere people who come to church, BUT...we must choose the way of Jesus love. It’s unfortunate that Christians can’t get along or at least learn to resolve differences and conflict. It’s tough, dirty, smelly and sad - but true. Let’s trust the love and grace of Jesus, the cross of forgiveness and wholeness, the hope of restoring respectful, trustworthy relationships. Let’s not allow our hearts to grow silent, cold and bitter. Let’s seek the heart of Jesus and pray for compassion for others - even when they are indifferent, unfriendly.


Then the life giving Word of God which we prayed over the church and our hearts:


Proverbs 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

What is FAITH?


Hi Evangelism leaders and worshipers of God,

I would love to gather us all together in one room someday – to look at each of our faces and lives, hug each one of you and tell you I love you. In the mean time - “I love you and am praying for each one of you to grow closer to, stronger in, more into the image of....JESUS!”

Out of everything we could discuss in our personal lives, what’s happening (or not happening well:) in our workplaces, ministries and relationships – I would like to “talk with you” about your faith in Jesus. In fact, better than that, I want God Himself to talk to you about your faith in Jesus...through the writer of Hebrews.

Today’s devotions in the New Testament finds us in Hebrews 11. My strong exhortation to you today....READ, Meditate and Pray through Hebrews 10-12...YES, all at once. We can plan, program and prepare for services, events, work deadlines, family meals and events, ETC. – but would you take time to really meditate on Hebrews 10-12? Are you not hungry to grow closer to Jesus – more in His image – to live for Him, by faith according to His Word?

Watch your faith in Christ be ignited and infused by the Holy Spirit of God – through Hebrews 10-12!

Learning and growing with you...as we “Build Back to the Basics...in Christ-likeness,
Rod

Monday, June 28, 2010

What "speaking the truth in love" really means

Here it is...very well taught in one of my favorite blogs.

http://eutychusnerd.blogspot.com

Thanks Dr. Manning - we re going to miss you!

Team Evangelism...let's speak the Truth, in love!
Rod

Monday, June 14, 2010

Dealing with Cynical Grumblers - Opponents in the Church


A leader approached me who felt ill-treated by another leader. (How sad huh?) Why would a “leader” speak their fleshly mind, cutting down another person? Don’t we all deal with “in the heat of the moment” situations? It’s harder when you not only get cut down with sharp words, but you now are the subject of someone being cynical and grumbling against you.


Well, you can imagine how this person must have felt - beat down, angry, hurt, discouraged, embittered...


As I’ve been studying Philippians, this passage popped in my heart!


Phil. 1

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.


In this passage, unfortunately, the opponents are not brothers and sister in Christ. Unfortunate because, we have enough opposition in our dealings and trials in the world around us, that it’s sometimes disheartening to think that a “fellow leader in Christ” would be your opponent!

My encouragement to you if you find that you are dealing with “opponents” in your ministry, church or family:

  • Live unto Jesus all the more, letting your conduct be worthy of Jesus!
  • Stand firm, striving side by side with those who hurt you. Don’t run, RECONCILE!
  • Don’t be frightened by conflict and suffering. It’s uncomfortable and unnerving - but speak truth, with tons of Jesus love. Approach the person and say, “I felt hurt by that comment or action. You may not have meant it but I don’t want to see our relationship divided.”
  • Let the grace of Jesus fill your heart with compassion for your accuser. It helps to really meditate on His Word to quiet your mind and heart.


Believe that Jesus will not only lead you through the situation, but strengthen you and those involved to be more like Him!

p.s. - Don't forget the Matthew 18 process when reconciling differences and offenses :)


Thursday, May 27, 2010

Humility


Hello Evangelism leaders,

Thank you again for contributing to a tremendous weekend and the Stan Sheriff – and for your hearts ownership to reach non Christians, making disciples of all nations!

A theme characteristic of Christ I wanted to encourage you all in is – Humility.
In talking to Jadon Lavik and a visiting leader from Japan who is involved with Frontlines, I was steeply reminded of Jesus humility...in them, and our servants. From different ends of the world, God used these 2 servants to remind to say “Thank you” for your humility – as they both referred to your humble service.

Thank you for dressing modestly and appropriately...with humility!
Col. 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Living out the Gospel alongside of you,
Rod

Monday, May 10, 2010

R & R ... a satisfying life!

We need a lot of R & R. R&R will make living enjoyable but it starts with us. It starts with a decision - an on going daily decision... to Reverence God and Respect People!


I was thinking about how satisfying it can be to live with a deep love and honor for God. To be in relationship with Jesus knowing that He loves me NO MATTER WHAT!! My response is to love and thank Him, for His unconditional love and grace -then to live with a reverence for Him.


There’s another rewarding part of life and that is to live with respect for people - all kinds, from all walks of life, no matter what they look, act, talk or are like! Respect will start with me and a decision to love and respect with “no strings attached!” Living without expectations - as if I am “dead to myself and alive to God” is the way to live a very satisfying life.


Reverence God & Respect People. Today - this week - I encourage US ALL, to get some R & R!


Could it be that the Lord would say to you ...surrender to Me, not by your might, strength or even desire - but submit to loving and honoring ME ...says the Lord ...and I will fill you with My love and strength!


p.s. - here's one that convicts me ---

Prov. 19:11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.


Let's B3 in C1 - build back to basics in Christlike-ness!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Dangers of Leading by Emotions

A young leader wants to make a difference and exerts himself to communicate the vision passionately. There’s nothing wrong with the vision, it’s purpose or the plan. The danger lies within the heart. The emotions and intentions of a leader who is dealing with jealousy, competition, even low self esteem. There’s a danger in a leader, young or older, who leads and makes decisions thinking that he or she is being objective, but in reality, they are blinded by their own pride.


So how do you handle this kind of situation and person?

How do we avoid falling into the pitfalls of leading by emotion?


I suggest that part of the solution lives in a heart willing to be corrected, who is teachable and yearns to grow closer to God. Position, not just in title, but in recognition, is important to leaders - whether we confess, agree or not. Another part of the answer is found in Philippians 4, verse 8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.


Leaders emulate leaders or other influential people in their lives. I need to surround myself with people who love Jesus the way I want to love Jesus. With people who live for Jesus, the way I want to live for Jesus.


As for handling leader types with an edge...? As a leader handled me, so I encourage you:

Speak the truth with love, to support, not just change or speak to. Live love, gain relationship and respect, then speak truth. Ask good, thought provoking questions that will help others to discover their weaknesses. Questions like: How do you see yourself? How do you think others see your leadership? Where do you feel like you need improvement?

Monday, April 19, 2010

Stan Sheriff Services and "Conflict"


We want all of our volunteers and leaders in Evangelism to be New Hope members, by attending GDGS * This Saturday!. Please inform and encourage your teams to attend this week - and if not this week, to plan on attending a course in the future! WHY? SO we can ALL be of one mind and heart as it pertains to our Mission, Core Values, and 5 - S’s!

Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 8:00am - 11:00am at the LEAD Center

http://enewhope.org/firststeps/membership/


Weekend Services at Stan Sheriff!

  • Sat., May 22 at 6PM & Sun., May 23 at 8 & 11AM
  • * Fri., July 30 at 6PM, Sun., Aug. 1 at 8 & 11AM (read this line again;)
  • Sat., July 31st - special city wide concert

Conflict to become more like Christ!

Conflict.. Don’t you love it!? Most of us dislike conflict but we all will be faced with various conflicts while breathing here on earth. I thought since I was running into some personal conflict that some of you may appreciate John’s encouragements! Here’s a short equipping thought about Managing Conflict from my John Maxwell Leadership Bible.


A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness . . . A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so.

Proverbs 15:1-7


God rightly expects leaders to manage conflict within their organizations. But how can you best accomplish this? A good place to start is Proverbs 15:1. While this verse is often quoted, some leaders seldom heed its advice. Sometimes the leaders are the ones given liberty to express anger, and sooner or later this kind of unhealthy environment comes back to haunt them.


Leaders must create safe places for communication, like the environment described in the first seven verses of Proverbs 15. Master communication and you manage conflict.


Don’t forget Evangelism leaders - focus on and fix your heart and you’ll manage conflict better. We represent the Godhead, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. May His grace abound in our hearts, so we may be shepherds who are gracious in all of our dealings!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Wanna Grow...then Go...!

We not only are called to do ministry – we are called first, to be His disciples... Growing in faith and relationship with Jesus! *IMPORTANT and CRUCIAL to SPIRITUAL GROWTH

This is the essence of Growing Deep, Growing Strong (GDGS), New Hope's membership class. Here you'll learn the five S's Salvation, Spiritual Growth, Stewardship, Spiritual Gifts & Sending Forth along with New Hope's Core Values and Mission Statement. These make up New Hope's simple structure.
Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 8:00am - 11:00am at the LEAD Center
http://enewhope.org/firststeps/membership/


What is Baptism?
Water baptism is a public declaration of our identification with Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection. By getting baptized you are publicly saying to those around you that you have died to yourself and have decided to follow Christ.
April 18, 2010 - 3:00pm at Magic Island Lagoon
http://enewhope.org/firststeps/baptism/

With thankfulness to God...for you!
Rod

In Keeping with the Great Commandment, we believe every member should commit to a lifestyle of consistent spiritual growth with honest accountability.
A genuine love for God is always the first priority. Every Christian should yearn for continual spiritual growth. Therefore, discipleship through small groups, accountability, and open honesty is critical to maturing in our faith.

Mess It Up, Clean It Up

I’ve been subscribing to Mark’s podcast for a while now. Although the lessons are for parents and teenagers, this one caught my eye as I was thinking about Christians like you and I, who “mess up.”


If there is one thing that parents need to teach their teenager, it is the concept, “If you mess it up, you clean it up.” And that applies to more than trashing the car.


Teenagers need to learn that someone else isn’t going to clean up their messes for them. Not only messes like what they leave in the kitchen, but also the messes they make in their relationships and with the authorities in their life. A parent who always picks up the messes for their teen, teaches them that they aren’t responsible for what they do.


I’ve found that when a teen has to clean up their own messes, they miraculously begin making less messes to begin with.


©2010 Mark Gregston Markgregston.com . 903-668-2173


People can easily fall into the trap of blaming others for the messes they create - in relationships, finances, etc. I knew a sister who seemed to have such a critical spirit, yet glossed over her edgy ways, with a spiritual mask of servanthood and voiced desire to please Christ.


Leaders create messes by becoming so focused on their success, results and needs that they create messes in relationships. Unaccountable, immature responses take the form of excuses of “why they are or act” the way they do.

YUK!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Christ-likeness and His Story!


When we receive an email or letter from a someone we know and care about, we usually read the entire letter in one sitting. The Bible is full of letters, long ones, short ones - but all letters from God to His children.

As we read God's letters, His Word, we need to be careful not to just read one sentence and make a personal application immediately from it. We should read the context of the letter - or even the context of the section that a "sentence" or verse is in.

I believe God meant for us to do more than read a chapter in the Bible and look for one verse that we can write a nice journal on. God will use individual verses or sentences for us to apply, but we need to be careful that we don't take sentences our of context. Remember, the Bible was not originally written with chapter or verse numbers. It was added later in history for us to make better reference to areas of His Story.

Here are some Interpretation principles that you can use to enhance your relationship with God and His Story! (derived from my Bible class with Dr. Gary Manning, Pac Rim Christian College)

  • What did this verse (considering the overall context of the story or section) mean to the original hearers or audience? * Read carefully around the verse, considering the context, the story.
  • What are the differences (in culture, their times, government, situations, etc) between the original audience and us?
  • What is the "God Principle" in this verse (considering the overall context)?
  • What are some specific ways we can apply this "God Principle" to our lives?

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Great Worship - worshipers at New Hope!


I wanted to express these thoughts to you - each of our servants and faithful volunteers in our Evangelism ministries - and volunteer ranks at New Hope. My email below, to a couple of leaders, express my heart and conviction - that everyone of you, committed to Jesus is a worshiper!

Hello Mary Kay & Tom,

I just wanted to send a personal thank you to you both, for the great worship! Yes...excellent worship!

You see, people come up to me to express their thanks for great worship – through song, music... I thank them, sharing that it is an honor for me to be a part of loving Jesus through the gifts He’s given me.

I want to say to you and our Communion Angels, Greeter and Ushers – Great Worship! You see...you worship God through your service – we all do. But the gift of service is connected to a heart of gratitude, honor and adoration of JESUS – the One and Only True God, worthy of our worship! Thanks for the great worship, through your dedication to Him, your love for Him and commitment to give Him ALL adoration!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

When you feel like you are "second rate."


As I listened to a young leader share his disheartened, defeated feelings, I felt like I was being beaten within. He and others who supposedly were experiencing the same feelings, felt like 2nd rate, under appreciated people. They felt like they were being treated as lower class servants or leaders!


On one hand, I said, NO, NO...THAT’S NOT TRUE - SO GET OVER THOSE DEMONIC THOUGHTS!“ On the other hand, I said, ”I’M SO SORRY IF I HAVE ANY PART OF YOU FEELING THIS WAY! PLEAE FOGIVE ME!“


Well, there’s more to this story, but the outcome for me was a lesson (actually several lessons!).

  1. Listen closely to the pain people are experiencing.
  2. Guide them gently to the Word of God.
  3. Correct any wrong thinking or behavior.
  4. Call them to God centeredness, out of self centeredness.
  5. Be a leader who communicates through my life, actions and words, that NO ONE IS 2nd RATE!


We Believe that every person, Christian and non-Christian alike, is valuable to God and to His Kingdom. Because people are eternally valuable to God, they are to us as well. Responsible evangelism will always be our cause and ongoing discipleship will always be the core of the ministry.


Friday, March 26, 2010

Christ-likeness and my time


“I don’t’ have time!”

That’s a common phrase isn’t it?

Does it really mean, that “It’s not my priority.” (right now or ever:)


We all have 1440 minutes in a day.

Knowing our purpose, being focused, setting direction & goals for the day, will enable us to use our time wisely. Lack of discipline, not lack of time, in these areas can affect our initiatives to be Christlike in life.


Does every second and minute of how we live life count?


Jesus...to be and become more like You, to know and fulfill Your Kingdom purpose, is my highest aspiration. I submit my life, my time into Your hands!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Christ-likeness and my heart


In order to be a growing Christian, to become more like Jesus, we need to live out certain spiritual disciplines. Reading and meditating on God’s Word, Prayer, Fellowship, Bible Study ...and I’m sure you can think of more. But these disciplines can turn into spiritual activities on a check list. Our hearts and lives may not be changed by “doing” these practices.


So let’s not forget that Jesus didn’t come into the world to save us from what we are doing wrong, just to help us live right. He came that we might be transformed in heart, mind, motives, desires, character. Let’s allow God to work on these areas and the spiritual disciplines will follow.


Am I loving, living our His joy, overcoming evil desires and motives? Am I humble, slow to anger, kind...? I want to be like You Jesus...in heart and character...and life!


Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. (NLT)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Special Guest Jeremy - on character before skill


Jeremy's thoughts about hiring employees relates to the process of the church and who we place as leaders over our ministries and fractal teams. At New Hope, where we desire to develop and deploy people's gifts and skills for God, we must continue to develop the heart and character of our people.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Discernment; Training for Christ-likeness

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. ~ writer of Hebrews [ch.5]


  • What area in your life is God asking you to train your discernment?
  • Can you hear what God is saying to you involving the "good & evil" you need to be aware of in a particular situation?
  • What is He calling you to do or change to become more like Christ in this area?

Monday, March 15, 2010

"Still Undefeated!"

I was tired after a long weekend at church but decided to go running. I was doing some wind sprints (trying to:) and I was exhausted! While trying to muster up energy to continue, I saw a t-shirt someone was wearing that said “Still Undefeated.”


Yes, i really enjoy martial arts, boxing and contact sports! Having a winning record on a team or individual sports is a good goal. Who wants to lose or be known as a loser? Of course, I believe losing can build character, losing can be a part of life, losing can make winning that much more rewarding and all the other benefits we can list of losing.


But when it comes to my Lord and Savior - my personal relationship with Jesus - how I live my life - I can say by the grace and mercy of God [and I mean by the grace, love, mercy, forgiveness, strength of God!] - I am STILL UNDEFEATED! Undefeated because Jesus has already defeated the devil and conquered sin, death and all evil!


Brothers and sisters!

You and I are undefeated because of the work of the cross of Christ! Yes, we get knocked, down, stumble in our sin, get discouraged, yadi-yadi-yadi-yadi...ya!


But thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us in triumph in Christ! 2 Cor. 2:14


Let’s get a hold of our victory, by getting a hold of our promises and truths in Jesus, through His Word! We’ve got the victory because we’ve got the Victor --- living in us!


Sunday, March 14, 2010

Hiding His Word in our hearts

  • Do you see the value of memorizing Scripture?
  • When was the last time you memorized a particular passage?
  • Is there a Scripture verse or 2 (or 3) that you will start committing to memory...today?
  • ...Just do it!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Christ-likeness and God's Word!

  1. What must I practically do to allow God's Word to transform my thinking? ...to transform my lifestyle?
  2. What area of my heart do I need God's Word to grasp and change me?

Thursday, March 11, 2010

B3 in Christ-likeness


Heart Questions:
  1. Where am I, in my relationship with Jesus? pursuing, stagnant, discouraged, in love, growing...?
  2. What's holding me back from being more Christ-like, in heart, in love, in life?
  3. What must I do today, to become more like Jesus?

B3 as the church


Ephesians

1:22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,


3:10 in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.


3:21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.