On Growing Faith

[51] And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, [52] for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. (Mark 6:51-52)

O

Think about it. The disciples worldview, religious Jewish beliefs and convictions of the Messiah were being bombarded by Jesus’ identity and works. Experiencing the miraculous, hearing the profound claims and teachings of Jesus shook the disciples traditions and beliefs of God. They were actually living side by side with God? That’s right!

While being astounded and growing in understanding, their hearts are noted here in Mark as hardened. But they weren’t opposed or hostile as many who came into contact with Jesus teachings and miracles like the feeding of 5,000 or calming storms, walking on water. The disciples were simply growing in understanding and faith through each experience.

A

I know that my relationship is an on going and on-growing one in Christ. While I’ve experienced Jesus’ teachings, revelations of truth, miracles through prayer and seeing lives transformed etc... it’s amazing how dull, calloused and hardened I could be.

Today I’m encouraged, not condemned. My faith is growing - I have an on-growing faith in Jesus, one day, one experience, one revelation, one step at a time. Sometimes I doubt, I get tired, discouraged in life - but my faith is in Jesus, not circumstances. And while I may question God about circumstances, I am committed to an on-growing faith and trust in Him!

P

Onward Christian soldier, I’m marching, fighting, serving in the battle of life. And my battle is so “very small and insignificant.” Compared to many other harsh, critical, life endangering situations, I am blessed. I have nothing to complain about. I am committed to grow on in my on-growing faith and trust in You Lord!

Remember...New Hope Totems?

Totems of New Hope applied in my life:

1. Doing Church As a Team – Need we say more. There’s a great book out that speaks on this topic J!

Rod - Serve the “shy, lonely, weak, proud, rebellious, needy, etc.” be a servant on your team, at your work, in your family, with Jesus compassion

2. Heart first – Don’t let technique, talent, skill or the art of a task overtake the “heart” behind the task.

The thing that I least like doing, may I do with all my heart unto the Lord. The kinds of people and personalities that irritate me...repent of my self centeredness and put on Jesus kindness and love. Guard my thoughts and heart against negative thoughts and attitudes.

3. Undying devotion to God & His Word – Being mentored by the Holy Spirit through the men & women God wrote of in His Word – through their life experiences – failures, weaknesses, strengths & victories.

Rod...review your devotions at least once per week with Beckie, the kids, a friend or accountability partner. Go the extra step to live out what God has spoken to you through accountability.

4. Gracious in all our dealings – Let kindness and joy be qualities we exemplify and emmanuelize. Don’t allow the enemy to pick pocket our joy, love and grace.

Who am I short fused with? Why? Who am I holding grudges against or being “cold” to? Be gracious and compassionate Rod...in heart, thought, attitude, countenance, body language and words. Am I smiling when troubled? Am I positive in negative situations?

5. The Harvest – connect Everything to a soul. You may not need to change your activity – but philosophy, the way leaders & people think

Do I have non Christian friends I am being a witness to? Share Jesus with your gym friends. Am I home enough to serve my neighbors?

6. Invest in and build up Emerging Leaders – Use tasks to complete people – not people to complete tasks.

Am I building fractals, making room for more people to be involved and investing in training others to do what I do?

Love for "Just 1"

SCRIPTURE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4)

OBSERVATION

Non believers, sinners of all sorts were among the crowds that had gathered to hear Jesus. Religious leaders and His disciples were among the diverse group. I would imagine that varied heart conditions who were a part of the crowds were: curious, calloused, rebellious, inquiring, teachable and needy.

What a profound illustration Jesus gives, that contradicts man made leadership. A Shepherd who would go after 1 wounded, lost, needy sheep and leave the group of 99 who still looks to you, admires you, needs you?

WHAT? Love for one person when you have so much to do for and with the 99? The vision is large, the mission overwhelmingly important. the work, the planning, the recruiting, the outreaches, the prayer meetings and conferences.... The work is far to great and valuable to literally go after one person?

APPLICATION

You, my Great Shepherd would leave 99 because you have love for the one? C'mon.... that's 1% - of 99% who need, value and love You! But Lord... we've got work to do! How can we afford time for just 1?

OH GOD! You are ripping my soul apart for the one! I'd rather be with the 99, than go after the 1... sometimes. Well, my heart is to go after the 1, but I'm so tired and have enough energy to lead and love the 99. I can hardly type any more!!! I'm done - I gotta go.... go repent, get on my knees and sort my heart with You out!!!

PRAYER

Have mercy on me Lord - Have MERCY on ME! And you said... "You are my "one" Rod - I went after you!" OH GOD - I REPENT for my cold, calloused love for the 1%!

From John

Talent is Not Enough

When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil.
Proverbs 29:12 (The Message)

Author Denis Waitley says, "The winner's edge is not in a gifted birth, in a high IQ, or in talent. The winner's edge is in the attitude, not aptitude." Unfortunately, many people resist that notion. They want to believe that talent alone (or talent with experience) is enough. But plenty of talented teams never amount to anything because of the attitudes of their players.

Take a look at how various attitudes impact a team made up of highly talented players:

• Abilities + Attitudes = Result
• Great Talent + Rotten Attitudes = Bad Team
• Great Talent + Bad Attitudes = Average Team
• Great Talent + Average Attitudes = Good Team
• Great Talent + Good Attitudes = Great Team

If you want great results, you need good people with great talent and awesome attitudes.

The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork

Evangelism Ministry 2011

This year, help me own our vision, not only to present the Gospel in creative and excellent ways to reach and touch hearts for Jesus – but to be transformed into His image.

OUR EVANGELISM THEME: Transformation in 20-eleven

We will accomplish this by “Building Back to Basics in Christ-likeness” emphasizing Christ-like C.A.R.S.

• Christ-like Character
• Christ-like Attitudes
• Christ-like Relationships
• Christ-like Service

More communication, encouragement, challenges, classes to come!

Evangelism Team - Building Back to Basics!!

Heads You Win, Tails You Win

I love this from my John Maxwell Leadership Bible

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. Psalm 78:72

David's leadership succeeded through a two-sided coin: his hands and his heart, or outward skill and inward integrity. Every great spiritual leader must have this combination. David's excellent leadership combined both heart and art. To have one without the other leads to failure. Consider the following list of eleven keys to excellence, aimed at helping us to develop our leadership skills today. Leaders must:

1.Value excellence

2.Not settle for average

3.Pay attention to detail

4.Remain committed to what really matters
5.Display integrity and sound ethics
6.Show genuine respect for others

7.Go the second mile

8.Demonstrate consistency

.Never stop improving

10.Always give 100%

11.Make excellence a lifestyle

From Rod:

And please don't forget - David shepherded them. Put on the heart of our Great Shepherd Jesus as we make disciples of all nations!