A quick read. A seed thought. A short prayer and a spiritual 'pit stop'.  Get your daily fuel here. 

Welcome to the Crossroads Iron Men Daily Devotionals page. Please check back every day for a new devotional.

NOTICE

We are changing the daily devotional to a weekly email sent on Wednesday's via Constant Contact. Please contact Phil Fox with updated contact information or email Matt Swort at mswort@gmail.com. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 - "BEING THE RIGHT LEADER"

"With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand." Psalm 78:72

Today you will be disappointed with someone who claims to be a leader. Regardless of who this is, what they lead, and why they have disappointed you, it begs the question - are there any extraordinary leaders out there?

The Psalmist above believed there was at least one in his day - King David. One whose heart aimed to be "upright" while his flesh favored self-indulgence. One who "shepherded" people as a steward and saw each as God's creation.

One who was "skillful" in leading which was developed intentionally over a lifetime. While these types of leaders are hard to find they do exist, and you can be one.

Monday, April 8, 2019 - "REPENTANCE BRINGS REWARD"

“Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth. Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further’.”  Job 40:3-5

When God confronted Job with His power and majesty, Job responded with absolute humility. The chastened man didn’t try to defend himself or rationalize his feelings. He confessed his humanity, then shut his mouth. Even after Job acknowledged his insignificance and presumption, God delivered a second speech, graphically describing His power to control everything. God said He glories in the might of behemoth and the ferocity of leviathan, and asked Job if he dare go near either one. This time Job responded with deep repentance, clearly marking the difference between his friends and him.

Good leaders feel secure enough to repent when wrong. They don’t have to project their self-worth, defend their every move, or make excuses for their failures. In the end, God rebuked Job’s friends and rewarded Job–but not until the end.

Excerpt from The Maxwell Leadership Bible.

Monday, April 1, 2019 - "RECEIVING GOD'S CALL IN YOUR LIFE"

“So Elijah departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him.” 1 Kings 19: 19

When the prophet Elijah showed up to name Elisha as his successor, that was a defining moment in Elisha’s life.

It was the middle of a work day and Elisha was out in the fields of his parents’ farm when Elijah showed up and draped his mantle, or cloak, over his shoulders. Today the expression, “to pass on the mantle of leadership or responsibility,” is pretty common. Few realize that this concept actually comes from this Biblical story.

In the ancient times, a mantle was a sleeveless cloak worn over the outer garments for warmth. However, when Elijah placed it onto Elisha’s shoulders, it symbolized the transferring of spiritual leadership.

Elisha knew exactly what was happening in this moment and ran to tell his parents. Next we see him sacrifice his oxen to God and leave with Elijah. This was Elisha’s all-in moment. By sacrificing the oxen, Elisha was essentially saying there’s no going back.

His old life as the son of a wealthy farmer and working in the fields was over. He was choosing to accept God’s call and step into this new life as Elijah’s successor. Talk about a huge step of faith and a defining moment in Elisha’s life – that was it!

Are you facing a defining moment in your faith journey? Maybe God is asking you to trust Him by making a drastic career change. Maybe it’s a move to another city where you know no one.

Maybe it’s finally forgiving that person who hurt you, or it’s reaching out to share what you have with a neighbor who’s struggling. Ask God for the courage and faith to leave the old behind and step into what’s ahead. Don’t miss a defining moment in your faith journey.

Sunday, March 31, 2019 - "MAKING ROOM FOR THE ALMIGHTY"

“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.” - Luke 6:12

If restless and sleepless nights keep you up all hours - these moments can create an opportunity to have un-rushed time alone with God. We are able to hear His voice and understand His guidance. It’s like He speaks in a special way when we haven’t really been hearing Him.

Realize God blesses you greatly when you spend regular time alone with Him. Take advantage of opportunities that present themselves, no matter what time of day or night they may be; it may just be that God is trying to squeeze one-on-one time into your busy schedule! It may be keeping you up so you many spend quality time with Him.

Saturday, March 30, 2019 - "OVERCOMING THE IMPOSSIBILITIES"

"Jesus said, 'with men it is impossible, but not with God.'" - Mark 10:27

One of the greatest verses in the Bible is, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Do you believe it? It’s what the angel told Mary, the mother of Jesus, when he announced that she would give birth to God’s son as a virgin.

If you are facing a particularly tough challenge where you need strength and wisdom beyond yourself, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

If you are in a season of grief and not sure you can make it, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

If you are facing discouragement, disappointment, depression, or despair, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

If you are struggling in your family, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

Mary did and because she did, Jesus came to be our Savior. He died and rose, conquering sin and death for you and me. The story of Jesus continually reminds us of how nothing will be impossible with God.

Friday, March 29, 2019 - "MARKS OF A GREAT

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from the members of the Synagogue…But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” Acts 6:8-10

The early church was also familiar with heroic individuals willing to risk it all for their faith. Stephen was one of them. What made Stephen a hero? Take look at his character.

1.GRACE. (Acts 6: 8) Grace is what God demonstrated by forgiving our sins even though we are guilty and deserve judgement. Grace is Christ taking OUR sins and dying in OUR place on the cross. Stephen was full of gratitude and humility at what Christ did for him on the cross.

2.HUMILITY. (Acts 6: 10) The Bible speaks of Stephen’s great power as he performed incredible miracles. Rather than letting this power boost his ego, Stephen remained humble and grateful, always pointing to the source of his power – the One True God.

3.WISDOM. (Acts 6:9) Stephen was smart. As a speaker, he was intelligent and knowledgeable, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide his words even when attacked with manipulative “half-truths.”

4.FAITH. Stephen truly believed that because Jesus rose from the dead he would overcome death as well. For him, death held no fear. Christ had conquered it.

How about you? Would people describe your character as full of grace, humility, wisdom, and faith? We all have heroes in life. Ask God for heroic character like Stephen by being faithful to the Lord – in His strength day by day.

Thursday, March 28, 2019 - "ACTIVE FAITH"

“He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field.'”Luke 10:2

Just like a physical harvest, farmers recognize time is limited. There is a sense of urgency. In the same way, time is limited for family members, neighbors, colleagues, or classmates to come to know Christ. One day, we will all die. Those who have not responded to the Gospel of Christ are going to spend eternity separated from God. Jesus recognizes this urgency and out of His love for us, He calls us to join in. He wants us to get our hands dirty – to get off the sidelines, and share the good news of the Gospel with others. This is the harvest Jesus is talking about.

Many Christians would like to focus solely on the benefits of being a Christian – salvation from hell, victory over death, and eternal life. These are great benefits. But, Jesus wants more. You see, our calling is to make a decision of faith – not because of something we’ve done, but because of His sovereign grace.

The question is this: Have you responded to Jesus in faith? Will you share what you’ve experienced in your life and participate in the harvest?

Wednesday, March 27, 2019 - "HAVE YOU EMBRACED JESUS"

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” - Matthew 28:18

No person has had more impact on history than Jesus Christ. The fact that He lived and walked in the land of Judea and Israel over 2000 years ago is undeniable. 

But who is Jesus, really?

•He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is God in a person. You want to know what God is like? Look to Jesus. The fullness of God dwells in Him.
•He is the Creator of all creation. It’s His masterpiece. God’s greatness is revealed through all that He has made.
•He is the Savior who saves us from our sins. He came to reconcile us with God.
•He is the head of the church. He is to the church what the head is to the body.

Once you know who Jesus is, you have a choice–a decision to make. It’s the biggest one you’ll ever make–to trust Him as your Lord and Savior or to reject Him. Who is Jesus? The Bible is clear, but the question is do you believe it?

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 - "FINDING YOUR PURPOSE"

“The Lord has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity." - II Timothy 1:9

Time keeps moving on. It never stops for anyone–no matter how important you are. We just can’t find enough time. God wants us to be good stewards of our time, and the starting point is knowing why each of us is here. Consider these steps in finding the answer to why we are here:

• Ask God to help you develop a life-purpose statement. It will take some time, but it’s the best time you’ll ever invest. Know why you’re here.
• Decide each day what’s most important for you to do that day, and do it. By having a clear purpose, and doing the most important thing each day, God can revolutionize your life and help you make the most of your time.

There is no question that God has a purpose for your life, but sometimes God speaks in a still, small voice. Listen. You’ll be glad you did.

Monday, March 25, 2019 - "DELIVER US FROM BLAME"

Sunday, March 24, 2019 - "HERE WE GROW AGAIN"

Saturday, March 23, 2019 - "DON'T BE DOMINATED BY SINFUL DESIRES"

Friday, March 22, 2019 - "ARE YOU BLAMING GOD?"

“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.” – Proverbs 19:3

The answer to “Me, Myself, and Why” starts with “Me, Myself, and I”. 

Have you ever moaned, “Why me, Lord?” when things aren’t going your way? I’m learning that most often the problems I’m having are the ones I’m causing.  For example:

• We stick a cigarette in our mouth and whine, “God, why did you give me cancer?”
• We sleep around and complain, “God, why did you let me get an STD?”
• We get drunk, get behind the wheel, and when we get stopped sigh, “God, why did you let me get a DUI?”

We swing the bat but blame God when we strike out! It’s not fair. God isn’t the one doing these things to us. We are!

When I find myself in an uncomfortable situation, I try to ask myself this question: What have I contributed to the mess I’m in? I try to start there. And without fail, I can normally find a mistake I made that’s created my difficult predicament.

Thursday, March 21, 2019 - "A PERSON OF BLESSING"

Who are the people of blessing in your life—the ones who seem to live and move in tune with the Spirit of God, the ones who consistently breathe out the fresh, life-giving nature of His Spirit? As leaders, we can find ourselves carrying large loads, dealing with impossible challenges and imminent deadlines, all while surrounded by critics. We know how much we need people of blessing to walk alongside us. Those around you also need people of blessing to lift and encourage them. Will you be that person for them today?

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. —Romans 12:14-16

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the people who encourage and bless me. Bless them in return. And make me a person of blessing wherever You send me today. In Your name I pray, amen.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - "ORDINARY MEN AND WOMEN"

Sometimes we forget who the apostles were when Jesus called them. They were not the elite of the Jewish synagogue, they were fishermen. They didn’t come from the holy city of Jerusalem, they came from Galilee. Their credentials came from spending time with Jesus and being transformed by Him. His Spirit empowered them to witness to Jesus in word and action. Like them, we are ordinary men and women who have heard Jesus call our names. It doesn’t matter where you start our journey with Jesus. What matters is letting Him transform and empower you as He did the early disciples. Will others recognize that you have been with Jesus today?

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. —Acts 4:13

Prayer: Spirit, I open myself to You. Make me like Jesus, I pray, in His life-giving and transformational name, amen.

From “Lead Like Jesus” Devotional

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - "NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS"

Jesus, the Son of God, had the ability and authority to do whatever He wanted to do. He could freely adopt any style of leadership He chose. He could set His sight on any vision and mission. Yet what do we see when we look at His life? We see a heart fully-devoted to exalting the Father, a leadership style characterized by humility and God-confidence, and mission, vision, and values that reflect the Father’s heart. In a word, He chose to serve. What type of leader do you aspire to be?

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. —John 13:15

Prayer: Jesus, I want to lead like You, nothing more, nothing less. Expose the self-exalting tendencies that lurk in my heart and fuel my words and actions. Help me set my heart on following You and following Your example of exalting God and serving others. In Your name I pray, amen.

From “Lead Like Jesus” Devotions

Monday, March 18, 2019 - "THE VALUE OF ATTENTION"

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

There are so many things in the world vying for our attention. One of them is your email. And as quick as you delete one, another one arrives. So let me ask, have you ever stopped to consider how much of your attention is consumed on meaningless email? Have you ever considered quantifying the value of the emails you send and the ones you receive? Remember your attention has value, as does the attention you want from others. You should quantify it. Give it a monetary value. Daily assess it. Invest it. And spend it wisely. Know the value of your attention and that which you want from others. And in the end, know that God's word has a rich value and "it shall not return to me empty."

Sunday, March 17, 2019 - "GOD CAME CLOSE"

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14

Many people feel that in trials, troubles, and the tribulations of life that God is distant. This could not be further from the truth. God came closer than many realize or believe. God became a man - "flesh." And while it seems unlikely for a god to stoop down to our level, God was willing to go to the furthermost to extend grace, love, and mercy to you. He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:7) Jesus, God's son, walked in your flesh and therefore knows your trials, troubles, and tribulations. Not in a sympathetic way (from a distance) but an empathetic way  (up close). So today choose to believe that God is close, even very close, even closer than you currently feel.

Saturday, March 16, 2019 - "WHEN YOU NEED HOPE"

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” 1 Romans 15:13

Some days you need a cup of coffee and a cup of hope. And God is eager to fill it for he is hope. And it can overflow in you with "all joy and peace" in your believing. Notice the operative word "in." This emphasizes that hope does not come separate from your belief but rather in your active "believing in God." And for the Christian, this is sustained with a strength that comes from the Holy Spirit which enables the believing so that you may "abound in hope." So today, instead of getting down, fill your cup with hope and believe and abound in hope that comes from God.

Friday, March 15, 2019 - "COSTLY GRACE"

"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16

"Grace upon grace" sounds like a lot of an excellent thing. It's a double-decker grace sandwich. Dieterich Bonhoeffer called it "costly grace." Maybe this is because of the price that was paid to extend it. Or, instead, perhaps it's because of what it cost us to receive it. Nonetheless, it is costly and should never be cheapened by man. At the moment you come to realize the riches of this grace in that very moment you need to start receiving and extending it both to yourself and others. But remember obedience that strives to earn salvation and disobedience that lives reckless of righteousness come from motives, thoughts, and actions that cheapen God’s grace. Live rich today by extending it yourself and others, and living obediently in its riches.

Thursday, March 14, 2019 - "DON'T FOLLOW YOUR HEART"

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

You'll hear people say it all the time. "Pursue your passions." "Follow your heart." "Do what you feel is best." Well if this is the advice you are getting you may want to ignore it. Here's what God's Word says about a man's heart. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) And Jesus added, "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts," (Mark 7:21) Perhaps the better answer is not one found in our hearts with its desires, longings, and passions at all. But rather outside of us in "the Lord who establishes our steps."

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 - "WHEN ANXIETY STRIKES"

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

We all have some form of anxiety. And it's not anxiety itself that's the issue; it's how it strikes and the way we respond. Anxiety often strikes without notice and exposes our weaknesses. It's a sudden tragedy in our family during a make-or-break moment at work. It's a child needing specialized attention that milks another hour out of an already slim day. It's a device that stops working, a car that breakdowns, heavy traffic that prevents a timely arrival, or a paycheck that hits the account a day late when the finances are slim. And how do you respond? You fret and then fix, or fix while you fret. But do you ever pray? Have you built the discipline of giving "everything in prayer and supplication" to God? Maybe try this today and with each moment that triggers anxiety replace your fixing and fretting with asking a God who can fix anything, even a heart that is not aligned with Him.

Tuesday, March 12, 2019 - "WHEN YOU ARE OVERWHELMED"

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2

There have been numerous biblical characters that would read Isaiah's words both literally and figuratively. Even in our culture fires rage in the west and storms hammer the east. But just because creation experiences change this doesn't mean that God changes his presence to man. While we'll question God's presence in the fire and the storm, there's no need to be overwhelmed. God's challenge to man is to "walk through" and experience his faithfulness, and he promises that we'll "not be burned, consumed, or overwhelmed."  God's spiritual reality is sometimes in contrast to that which our sight predicts.

Monday, March 11, 2019 - "MORE HOPE FOR A FOOL"

Proverbs 26:1-11 recounts the foolishness of fools and warns of the folly of trusting those who reject the Lord’s wisdom and direction. Each proverb strengthens the case against those who trust in their own wisdom rather than God’s. The last two verses, however, call us up short. As hopeless as fools are, the proud and self-confident person has even less hope. Do you humbly seek God’s wisdom and ways, or do you consider yourself wise in your own eyes?

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. —Proverbs 26:11-12

Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to be a fool or live like a fool. My hope is in You. You have trusted me to represent You in the world. I can only do this by humbly looking to You and allowing You to transform me. Let me live and lead like Jesus today, I pray in His name, amen.

Sunday, March 10, 2019 - "WILL OTHER SEE JESUS IN YOU?"

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" Romans 10:14

Here’s an interesting fact. Did you know that most people make decisions to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ during their teen years? It’s also during those teen years that most believers make decisions to serve the Lord in full-time ministry.

Of all the age groups in our society, teens are the most susceptible to peer pressure. No other age group cares more about what others their age think and believe. So, teenage Christians potentially have the greatest opportunity for reaching and impacting other teens – because they spend a lot of time together and know first hand the struggles and issues that teens face.

A local pastor recalls a teenager at his church who was responsible for leading dozens of his friends to Christ. How did he accomplish this great ministry? Well, it was actually pretty simple. He invited his friends to church. Many accepted the invitation, began attending regularly, and became involved in the many activities the church provided for the youth. This teen was a great missionary by simply bringing his friends to church and letting the teachers and pastors take it from there. In explaining the young man’s amazing success at witnessing to his friends, the pastor said simply, “No one ever told him that witnessing was supposed to be hard!”

There’s a song that says, “You’re the only Jesus some will ever see.”* Think about that for a moment. It’s a pretty sobering thought, isn’t it? Who do your friends see in you?

Friday, March 8, 2019 - "THE KEY TO CONTINUED SUCCESS"

Thursday, March 7, 2019 - "KEEP TRAINING, KEEP RUNNING"

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

We cannot lead anyone else farther than we have been ourselves. Too many times we are so concerned about the product we try to shortcut the process. There are no shortcuts when integrity is involved. Eventually truth will always be exposed.

Recently I heard a consultant interviewed about quality control. The consultant said, “In quality control, we are not concerned about the product. We are concerned about the process. If the process is right, the product is guaranteed.”

The same holds true for integrity; it guarantees credibility. My basketball coach, Don Neff, emphasized to our team, “You play like you practice; you play like you practice.” When we fail to follow this principle, we fail to reach our personal potential. When leaders fail to follow this principle, eventually they lose their credibility.

Excerpt from Developing the Leader Within You.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019 - "PERSISTENCE: THE ULTIMATE GAUGE OF LEADERSHIP"

“And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.” Nehemiah 4:15

One of the great tests of leadership is how you handle opposition. Nehemiah faced the usual tactics of the opposition: ridicule, resistance, and rumor. Nehemiah modeled the right response to all three of these challenges by . . .

Relying on God.
Respecting the opposition.
Reinforcing his weak points.
Reassuring the people.
Refusing to quit.
Renewing the people’s strength continually.

Nehemiah had to deal with problems from without-ridicule, resistance, and rumor-and within-disputes about food, property, and taxes.

Persistence is the ultimate gauge of our leadership; the secret is to outlast our critics. Nehemiah taught us this lesson by staying committed to his ultimate calling.

The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 - "WHOLE HEARTED DEVOTION"

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”  Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Experts spend a lot of time trying to figure out what makes people successful. They often look at people’s credentials, intelligence, education, and other factors. But more than anything else, passion is what makes the difference.

Take a look at four truths about passion and what it can do for you as a leader:

1. Passion is the first step to achievement – Your desire determines your destiny. The stronger your fire, the greater the desire and the greater the potential.
   
2. Passion increases your willpower – There is no substitute for passion. It is fuel for the will. If you want anything badly enough, you can find the willpower to achieve it.
3. Passion changes you – If you follow your passion, instead of others’ perceptions, you can’t help but become a more dedicated, productive person. In the end, your passion will have more influence than your personality.
4. Passion makes the impossible possible – Human beings are so made that whenever anything fires their soul, impossibilities vanish.

A fire in the heart lifts everything in your life. A leader with great passion and few skills always outperforms a leader with great skills and no passion.

Excerpt from The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.

Monday, March 4, 2019 - "INDEPENDENT CHOICES"

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

By nature, you tend to want to make choices in a vacuum. Without "an abundance of counselors," you discover you just end up falling on your face. While you may explain it away as a failed strategy, could it be that the appeal of self-assurance, self-certainty, and self-preservation brought out impatient independence that precipitated a quick decision to do what you wanted to do in the first place? Could it be that instead of guidance you trusted "your gut" which ironically was a "gutless" choice? Man of God, heed the advice of God's Word and wise men - ignore your gut and get guidance and quit all the needless falling.

DO THIS: Get guidance right now.

PRAYER: God, I lean on my wisdom way too much. God, I confess my sin, and in the act of repentance today I will choose to turn to your Word and wise men for the counsel I need.

Sunday, March 3, 2019 - "A GREAT BROTHER"

"I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me.” 2 Samuel 1:26

Who doesn't want a friendship like this? First, a friend who is emotionally connected in your "distress." Second, a friend who is so close that he describes you with a biological descriptor - "brother." The story of David and Jonathan is one that should inspire you. It's a friendship of mutual care and concern regardless of the pressure to compete for power or politic for a position. David and Jonathan looked beyond the need for competing and politicking to the timeless value of brotherhood that proved to produce deeper connections and bigger payouts. And this all begins with you being the right brother.

DO THIS: Be a brother to find a brother.

PRAYER: God, I long for healthier and more faithful friendships in my life. Often in my loneliness, I dwell on this, but it's a fleeting thought. So God today instead of asking for friendship like Jonathan and David's, I am asking you to help me be a better friend.

Saturday, March 2, 2019 - "IDENTITY DO-OVER"

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

I bet you've had more than one moment in life you wish you could do something over again. Maybe you would take back a comment or moment of sarcasm that inflicted unintentional harm on someone. Maybe you would take back an action that harmed a friend or loved one. Maybe you would never start a practice that has become a compulsion. Regardless, a do-over sounds nice. Well, how about a whole life do-over? Forget taking back a misspoken word, harmful action, or bad habit when you can get an upsized do-over. You can bury the old life and its sin, mistakes, errors, and blunders, and resurrect a new life "in Christ." It's too good to be true! But that's what makes it great - it's an identity do-over.

DO THIS: Live a do-over.

Friday, March 1, 2019 - "THE CONFLICT OF PRIDE"

"Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise." Proverbs 13:10

Pride is your primary rival. It's what breeds conflict, strife, fight, and quarrels. But advice is the primary tool of a humble man. He is the one that is wise. Why not instead of trying to do life isolated and outside of guidance don't you take the advice of a wise man today and become wiser. Avoid the unavoidable conflict with self and others that leads to pride.

DO THIS: Take advice and be wise.

PRAYER: God, while I prefer to figure it out on my own, what I need today is wisdom. Bring a wise God-fearing person into my life to speak sense into me and may I avoid the conflict of pride.

Thursday, February 28, 2019 - "WHY DON'T MY FRIENDS UNDERSTAND MY FAITH?"

"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14

When you were young in your faith, I bet you asked yourself more than one time why your friends did not understand your decision for faith in Christ. I bet many times when you took a stand; they seemed bewildered. Maybe because you were not joining in particular jokes, practicing the common language, or attending the recent events. But do not be surprised. The "natural person" does not understand. Your stand is like foolishness to them. They have not had the same awakening; therefore they are not yet "spiritually discerned." So stand fast my friend. Be resolute in your commitment, and you might sway them to the faith that they do not currently get.

DO THIS: Be discerning and stand fast.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - "THE VALUE OF DISCERNMENT"

"My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble." Proverbs 3:21-23.

It's essential to keep certain things always within reach. Two of those things are sound "wisdom and discretion." They are essentials you will want to possess and build for a lifetime. They are not passing skills, talents, and gifts. Instead, they are attributes of God's man. They guide the inner workings of your desires and are readily seen by others. Grow in them daily, and they will guide you and keep you from failure.

DO THIS: Learn to value wisdom and seek discernment.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - "WEAKNESS"

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

The apostle Paul had weaknesses too. And he, just like you, saw the deficiencies in them. However, God had a different perspective on these perceived "weaknesses." To God, they were not weaknesses at all, but rather an opportunity for grace. And while you may see your flaws as humiliation, they can also be moments of humility that give way to power. God's power that is perfected in your complete reliance on and in Him.

DO THIS: Be weak, receive grace, and be strong.

Monday, February 25, 2019 - "A LIFE THAT'S SECOND-To-NONE"

Mom always told me, “Brad, you get out of it what you put into it.” She was talking about life. My life. Her life. Your life. Yes, you!

Check out these 3 principles Jesus gives us for how to achieve an abundant life here on earth:

1.  For A Life That’s Second-To-None…Go The Second Mile.

Jesus said it best: “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” - Matthew 5:41  Live a life dedicated to serving others.  Always do more than is expected of you.  In fact, as one wise man has said, "It's not about meeting expectations.  It's about raising the standard!"    

2.  For A Life That’s Second-To-None…Give Others A Second Chance.

I love the exchange Jesus had with Peter one day: “Then came Peter to him, and said, ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  Till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, ‘I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven’.” – Matthew 18:21-22 Whoa! Watchu' talkin' about Willis? 70 times 7?  I don't believe Jesus was emphasizing the actual number but rather the spirit of forgiveness He wants His followers to exude and adopt.  When we offer forgiveness, we give others a second chance.  Everybody needs a second chance!

3.  For A Life That’s Second-To-None…Don’t Give Quitting A Second Thought!

The writer of the book of Proverbs penned this bit of wisdom: “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…” – Proverbs 24:16

People who give up are a dime-a-dozen.  But people who get up are one-in-a-million.  Which kind are you?  

Remember that even the best of us falls from time to time.  That's not the issue. What is the issue is whether you get back up and try again! 

Sunday, February 24, 2019 - "TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER"

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war . . . And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses . . . And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”  Revelation 19:11, 14-16

In this passage from the last book of the Bible, John, the writer of Revelation, is of course describing Jesus Christ, the one who will ultimately rule the world at the end of time. In most of the Bible, Jesus is described as a humble and lowly servant. He healed the sick. He forgave the sinful. He washed the feet of fishermen, tax collectors, and the man who would betray Him. And He meekly submitted to torture and a gruesome death on the cross.

But make no mistake. Jesus is no weakling! In the book of Revelation, we see another side of His character and leadership. He is a captain of war who can rally huge heavenly armies to defeat a strong and bitter enemy. And He not only wins the day, but all eternity. That is a mark of great leaders. They have the strength to conquer, yet they stoop to help the weak and raise them up to join in the victory.

I believe in leadership. I’ve dedicated more than thirty years of my life teaching it. But as Jesus Himself said, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). If you do not have a relationship with the King of kings, Jesus Christ, then I want to invite you to enter into one. If you acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of your sins, ask for forgiveness, and invite Jesus into your heart, you will be saved, and He will become your Lord of lords. And you will join Him, the ultimate leader, in eternity.

Dr. John C. Maxwell

Saturday, February 23, 2019 - "THE IDEAL LEADER"

There is no such thing as 'The Ideal Leader', but there are leaders with ideals! Ideals guide our lives like rudders steer ships. The captain chooses which way to turn the rudder (which ideals to live by) and then that rudder (ideal) moves the ship in the set direction. Our ideals are the rudders in our lives. We choose our values, and then our values direct us. Think of famous leaders in History:

• Socrates lived for his ideal of wisdom.
• The founder of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther, lived for his ideal of ‘justification by faith alone’.
• Gandhi lived for his ideal of freedom.
• Martin Luther King lived for his ideal of justice.
• President Ronald Reagan lived for his ideal of a restored America.
• Billy Graham lived for his ideal of salvation in Jesus for every person in the world.

"The great men and women of history were not great because of what they earned and owned, but rather for what they gave their lives to accomplish." - Dr. John Maxwell

The greatest ideal is God’s will. There’s nothing higher, nothing deeper, nothing better, than to seek to do the will of God. Paul tells us, “…be transformed…that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Friday, February 22, 2019 - "THE MEASURE OF A MAN"

“But by the grace of GodI am what I am…” – 1 Corinthians 15:10a

What defines you as a man? I love the lyrics to a song from the Christian quartet, 4Him. Tenor Andy Chrisman sings these words…

This world can analyze and size you up and throw you on the scales

They can I.Q. you and run you through their rigorous details

They can do their best to rate you and they’ll place you on the charts

And then back it up with scientific smarts

But there’s more to what you’re worth than their human eyes can see

Oh, I say the measure of a man is not how tall you stand

How wealthy or intelligent you are

‘Cause I’ve found the measure of a man

God knows and understands

For he looks inside to the bottom of your heart

And what’s in the heart defines the measure of a man

People will always try to define you by their standards. But God has already decided your worth. And God measures it by His G.R.A.C.E.

God’s

Riches

At

Christ’s

Expense

You mean so much to God that He “gave His only begotten son”to die for you! Your worth is far beyond anything this world can comprehend. Only God knows the true measure of a man!

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - "3 STEPS TO MOVE FROM STRESS TO PEACE"

“…for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33

Is there anything we can do to overcome "OVERLOAD"? Yes! You can go learn to manage stress by following 3 steps.

1. GET IT OFF YOUR MIND

If there are things "on your mind" then your mind isn't clear!  It's that simple.  If your mind isn't clear, then you're going to feel stressed out.  Clear minds produce clear emotions; cluttered minds cause confused emotions.  Instead, try this exercise that David Allen, author of the bestselling book, Getting Things Done, suggests to participants in his seminars:

• Write down the project or situation that is most on your mind at the moment.  He asks, "What most 'bugs you', distracts you, or interests you, or in some other way consumes a large part of your conscious attention?"  Write that down.  Got it?  Good!
• Now write down the very next physical action required to move the situation forward.  He asks, "If you had nothing else to do in your life but get closure on this, where would you go right now, and what visible action would you take?  Would you pick up a phone and make a call?  Go to your computer and write an e-mail?  Sit down with pen and paper and brainstorm about it?  Talk face-to-face with your spouse, your secretary, your attorney, or your boss?  Buy nails at the hardware store?  What?  Got the answer to that?  Good."

This is the most helpful exercise I've found for helping me get my mind clear in a way that energizes me to want to do something about them other than just worry:)

2. GET IT OFF YOUR CHEST

Some time back I had a frustrating conversation with an acquaintance.  It bothered me emotionally, messing with my mood.  I decided to call my wife, who is my best friend, and talk to her about it.  I'm so glad I did.  I told her what happened and how it had made me feel.  She listened.  Responded with love and concern.  I asked her to pray for me.  And when we ended the call, I felt better; lighter, like my emotional load had been lifted.  I learned that WHEN I GET IT OFF MY CHEST I DECOMPRESS!  Jesus' brother, James, once said, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect."  The effect that "GETTING IT OFF MY CHEST" had on me was to heal my pain and soothe my discomfort.  Talk to someone.  Let them know you're hurting, you're stressed or you're feeling pressure.  Reach out and talk to someone!

3. GET IT OFF YOUR PLATE

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed because we truly are trying to accomplish too much in too short a time.  We over-estimate how much we can get done in a day or a week.  So, we shift into overdrive to meet pressing deadlines, quotas and important goals.  But as I said earlier, there's only so much one plate can hold!  What I'm learning as a leader is this: I MUST DELEGATE TO GET IT OFF MY PLATE.

Find someone who will be willing to help you get the job done.  Make the ask!  As Ed Young, Jr. says, "Leaders must master THE TASK OF THE ASK."   Just humble yourself, swallow your pride, and receive the gracious help of good people God has placed in your life. Remember, “You have not because you ask not”. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - "FROM SELF-REJECT To SELF-RESPECT"

“…I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers.” – Romans 12:3b-c

Self-loathing is a real-life struggle for every human being.   For many people, self-loathing falls down around their mental and emotional shoulders like a wet, heavy, cold cloak, slowing them down and freezing their otherwise warm heart. This is Self-Reject: the unfortunate state of rejecting who we are. Psychologists call it Self-Hatred.

But something stronger calls to us from out of the depths of our being, pleading with us to love ourselves more than we do. It's God-given. It's Self-Respect: that happy state of accepting who we are and who we're not.  Self-Respect includes having healthy self-esteem, developing self-discipline and acquiring self-control.   Self-Respect increases as we learn to get along with ourselves, get out of ourselves and get over ourselves (In a good way:)  Self-Respect is a personal commitment we each make to honor ourselves by staying true to our noblest ideals aspired to in our best moments.  If you want to move from Self-Reject to Self-Respect allow me to share what I'm learning.

Self-Respect means we make 6 PROMISES TO OURSELVES...

1.  STOP HOLDING YOURSELF BACK!

Self-Sabotage. Getting in your own way.  Becoming your own stumbling block to success.  At times it's unconsciously perpetrated; at other times, I suspect deep down, we know we're setting our own booby-traps.  STOP IT! It isn't that holding yourself back is necessarily wrong, it just isn't necessary! (Tweet that)

2. STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP!

Blaming yourself.  Punishing yourself.  Piling on extra helpings of guilt, shame and regret only makes your "emotional plate" burdensome. (Excuse the "food metaphor": Freudian Slip)  See how I can even cleverly punish myself while writing this post on Self-Respect? Arghh:)

3. STOP TEARING YOURSELF DOWN!

If...only.  What...if.  I'm such a &#*!  I can't believe I ______! Sound familiar?  The language of self-criticism opens the door to Self-Reject. Our own self-talk is often the thief that steals our self-worth.  Like a child that steals from their own parents, our "inner-child" rips and tears at the fabric of our self-esteem from the inside-out.  Only you can stop this from happening!

4. STOP BURNING YOURSELF OUT!

Someone "needs" me.  Isn't that what we tell ourselves?  So, we go, go, go.  "Being needed" feels good. So I light the candle and keep it burning until there's nothing left to burn.  Why?  Who are you doing this for?  Stop it!  If you burn the candle at both ends, you're not as bright as you think you are:)

5. STOP SELLING YOURSELF SHORT!

The "I'm not good enough" language comes to mind. Comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we don't measure up. We've all been there.  We all do it.  But we all can stop doing it. Instead of feeling like we have to be the best competitor, why can't we strive to be our best self?

6. STOP WRITING YOURSELF OFF!

As Bono of U2 screams in their song, "Beautiful Day", "I know I'm not a hopeless case!"  None of us is.  We are never without hope.  As long as we breathe, we hope.  As long as we think, we're one thought away from reaching our potential. So, don't give up, ever!

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - "DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER...OR A LEADER FOR THAT MATTER!"

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

Leaders come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are tall. Some are short. Some are fat. Some are skinny. Some are handsome, while others have a face only a mother could loveJ When God was choosing a new king to take over the throne in Israel, He sent the prophet Samuel to anoint the man He’d already picked out.

But Samuel had trouble recognizing the man God had chosen. Samuel kept looking at how tall, handsome, or athletic each of the men standing before him seemed. But God had to correct Samuel to show him that God doesn’t pick leaders based on their outward appearance. Our world often does. Whichever candidate speaks well, dresses fashionably, and looks good, often gets the most votes. But that’s not how God chooses a leader.

God doesn’t determine your worth based on your appearance. God looks inside, at your heart.  Are you spending more time working on your outward appearance than your soul? If so, why not consider switching that. Begin to look inside and ask God to search your heart. In fact, pray this prayer that King David prayed:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23-24

Monday, February 18, 2019 - "JUST DO IT"

"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6

It's always interesting when God teaches us by encouraging us to view the habits of an animal of instinct. It's as if he suggests your human instincts may miss the mark and need a lesson from an insect - a conventional harvester ant. And perhaps the lessons are numerous. Clearer focus. Effective use of resources.  Productive use of time. Definite measures of success.

But the key is to learn something by doing something while there is time to do it. Stop putting off becoming the man, husband, father, and leader has called you to be. Just do it today.

DO THIS: Set some spiritual goals as a man.

Sunday, February 17, 2019 - "REGARDLESS I'LL PRAISE"

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:20-21

By the end of chapter one Job is stricken with circumstances no man wants to face. His possessions, land, and even his children are taken from him. And while you don't know exactly what this moment felt like to Job, you've probably experienced devastation in your life on a less significant level.

But notice what Job does. He rose, tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and worshipped. While this is completely normal for a man in mourning, it is his next statement that is unusually mystifying. "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Here are two lessons we discover about this man's heart in this pivotal moment. First, he has an absolute fixation on God and his sovereign work in his life - unaltered by the enemy. And second, he has a unique persistence in worshipping faith - unaffected by the circumstance. You today might have this same opportunity so remember these words from one of the holiest of men - "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

DO THIS: Praise God, regardless.

Saturday, February 16, 2019 - "TOGETHER MEMBERS"

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function" Romans 12:4

You are unique and do not have the same "function" as another brother in Christ. And while your function makes you special, don't let it go to your head. For the "body" of Christ functions with "many members." Each of these members needs the other to operate at optimum levels. It also appears there's an assumed output that occurs when you learn to function as one rather than as an independent unit. There's a payoff from being a member - it's spiritual meaning and significance.

Conversely, there's a payoff from independence - it's sin and self-centeredness. So today choose to place yourself in proximity with another brother. Lean on him and find pleasure, power, and purpose in the interdependence of being a single member of something better.

DO THIS: Lean on a brother and be better.

Friday, February 15, 2019 - "ALTAR YOUR WORSHIP"

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1

Worship is different than you think it is. It's not a musical presentation by a band, an event you attend weekly with a crowd of people, or entertainment that stirs you emotionally. But instead, it's a willing presentation of your complete being and all its facilities wholly and continually to God.

In addition, it's done from a motivation of mercy; and not your mercy - God's. So as you wake, go through your day in active worship, and give it all - that's everything - to God.

DO THIS: Worship him.

Thursday, February 14, 2019 - "THE VULNERABLE STRENGTH OF A MAN"

"But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

This day in David's life was devastating. He returned to the city of Ziklag to find it burned, plundered, and their wives and children taken by an enemy nation. This moment brought him and his men to their knees. It was said that David's weeping was so intense that they wept themselves into a state of exhaustion. And when David was at his weakest, the unthinkable happens - his people begin to turn on him and prepare to kill him.

As if war from without was not enough, now David was bracing for war from within. While onlookers saw this as David at his weakest, they were wrong; it was here in his vulnerability that he demonstrated his greatest strength. For here, with much weighing on him, he "strengthened himself in the Lord his God." While he could have trusted in his skill, strategy, or self-will and engineered a way out, he chooses instead to let God be his strength. In this, he draws attention not to himself, but rather to God and what he can do through a weak and vulnerable man.

DO THIS: Be vulnerable and let God be great.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - "REFLECT & BE HUMBLE"

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” 2 Samuel 7:18

Great men and leaders understand that they are only as great as God chooses to "bring" them. But often you don't reflect on this. You are prompt to want more and ask for more but rarely give thanks for what God has done "thus far."

David, who faces the fact that he has asked for enough takes a moment to go "in and sit before the Lord." And in this moment of reflection, he pauses the desire to ask and reflects on his character in the shadow of what God has already done. It's in this moment men and leaders are made. And it's at this moment humility is born. But it's at this encounter you come face-to-face with your deficiencies, weaknesses, flaws, and shortcomings and also come face-to-face with a Lord that sits across from you. And it's here for the first time in a while you "sit" unimpressed with yourself and yet very impressed with Him.

DO THIS: Reflect and be humbled, and sit with God.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - "AN EXTRAORDINARY LEADER"

"With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand." Psalm 78:72

Today you will be disappointed with someone who claims to be a leader. Regardless of who this is, what they lead, and why they have disappointed you, it begs the question - are there any extraordinary leaders out there?

The Psalmist above believed there was at least one in his day - King David. One whose heart aimed to be "upright" while his flesh favored self-indulgence. One who "shepherded" people as a steward and saw each as God's creation.

One who was "skillful" in leading which was developed intentionally over a lifetime. While these types of leaders are hard to find they do exist, and you can be one.

DO THIS: Lead like David today - Upright. Shepherd. Skillful.

Monday, February 11, 2019 - "DO YOU HAVE ANY BLIND SPOTS?"

“Keep a close watch on how you live…” – 1 Timothy 4:16a

We all have blind spots. Each of us has areas in our life that we can’t see clearly, areas where we’re ‘driving blind’.  To grow as a leader I need to become aware of these areas and begin to work on improving them.

I’ve discovered that there are five levels of awareness in life. As I move through each one I get closer to the place where I am fully aware of the good, the bad, and the ugly in my own life.

5 LEVELS OF AWARENESS:

1. BLINDNESS (I don’t know what I don’t know)
2. INTUITIVENESS (I know there’s something I don’t know)
3. CONSCIOUSNESS (I know what I don’t know)
4. AWARENESS (I know what I know)
5. MINDFULNESS (I do what I know)

Blind spots are dangerous to a believer’s life. That’s why the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:12: “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.”

Ask God to show you any blind spots that might be holding you back in your leadership.

Sunday, February 10, 2019 - "WHEN GOD DESIGNED YOU HE DEFINED YOU"

GOD’S DESIGN AFFECTS 4 AREAS OF YOUR LIFE

1. GOD’S DESIGN AFFECTS YOUR IDENTITY – YOUR CREATION - Who has God made me to be?

2. GOD’S DESIGN AFFECTS YOUR DESTINY – YOUR CALLING - What am I meant to do?

3. GOD’S DESIGN AFFECTS YOUR LEGACY – YOUR CONTRIBUTION  - What will I leave behind for the next generation?

4. GOD’S DESIGN AFFECTS YOUR ETERNITY – YOUR CROWNING - How will I spend Eternity?

Saturday, February 9, 2019 - "LEADERS MUST CONTROL THEIR SELF-TALK TO SUCCEED"

“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” – 1 Samuel 30:6

A leader is never successful unless a lot of people want him to be. Leaders need support from their staff, teams, and followers. But there are those times in leadership when everyone deserts the leader. This was one of those times for King David. Notice what he did:

“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

In tough times, take a deep breath and recall The Self-Management Sequence as taught by Dr. Shad Helmstetter in his book What To Say When You Talk To Yourself:

1. Behavior

The step that most directly controls our success or failure is our behavior – what we do or do not do. Behavior means our actions.

2. Feelings

Every action we take is first filtered through our feelings. How we feel about something will always determine or affect what we do and how well we do it.

3. Attitudes

Your attitudes are the perspectives from which you view life. Whatever attitude we have about anything will affect how we feel about it, which in turn affects how we act about it, and that determines whether or not we will do well.

4. Beliefs

What we believe about anything will determine our attitudes about it, create our feelings, direct our actions and in each instance, help us to do well or poorly, succeed or fail.

5. Conditioning/Programming

We believe what we’re programmed to believe. Our conditioning, from the day we were born, has created, reinforced and nearly permanently cemented most of what we believe about ourselves and what we believe about what goes on around us.

Friday, February 8, 2019 - "GET PRAYBACK NOT PAYBACK!"

“Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.” – Romans 12:14

I’ve found that the best way not to be crushed and destroyed by my own bitterness and desire for revenge is to pray for the people who hurt me. It’s hard to hold a grudge against someone you’re consistently praying for. In fact, the Apostle Paul tells us to “pray that God will bless them”.

You say, “Bless them! I don’t want God to bless them. I want God to punish them!” Boy, I know that feeling. I’ve felt it a time or two. But I’ve also realized there’s a better way to handle situations where someone has hurt me personally. The better way is to bless them, not curse them.

Sometimes, you must “Bless your way out of Bitterness”. You and I will never blame our way to a better life. We must rely on God to deal with our enemies. He does such a better job than we do at getting justice.

Remember…

To blame, one must b-lame. Don’t be lame

Prayer is the best weapon we have against the rising tide of anger and resentment we fight against in our own life and heart. Pray. Pray. Pray.

Thursday, February 7, 2019 - "YOU MIGHT BE A WEAK LEADER IF..."

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” – Proverbs 22:29

Let me just apologize to comedian Jeff Foxworthy up front because I'm going to rip off his idea here (You Might Be A Redneck If...) and use it to discuss leadership.  I'm from the South.  I love a good redneck joke.  But that's not what I'm here to talk about.

How do you know if your leadership is growing or shrinking?  How can you tell if you’re a strong leader or a weak leader? Check it out below:

You Might Be A Weak Leader If…

• You're seeking LESS RESPONSIBILITY.

Remember, leaders move toward responsibility not away from it.

• You're choosing paths of LEAST RESISTANCE.

Remember, leaders do what’s right not what’s easy.

• You're operating with LIMITED REQUIREMENTS.

Remember, leaders expect more of themselves than others do.

• You're treating yourself and others with LOW RESPECT.

Remember, leaders treat themselves and others with high respect.  

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - "TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS GET INTO THEIR W.O.R.L.D"

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” – Romans 12:10

Your ability to work with people will make or break you. As President John F. Kennedy famously wrote in Profiles in Courage: "The way to get along," I was told when I entered Congress, "is to go along." The key to getting along is learning to 'connect' with people.

"Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them." - Dr. John Maxwell  

TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS TRY FOCUSING ON THESE 5 AREAS...

Wants – What do they want? What’s motivating them?

Opinions – What do they think? What’s true to them?

Relationships – Who is important to them?

Labors – What is ‘worth the effort’ for them? What work do they do?

Dreams – What’s their dream in life?

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - "ARE YOU A NAVIGATOR?"

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:1-3

Effective leaders practice the Law of Navigation, which says that anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. The verses in Proverbs 16 remind leaders to:

• Check the source of their wisdom
  
• Check their motives
  
• Check the outcome they are pursuing
  

Consider five key words to understanding how God helps leaders to navigate their way through life:

1. Process – God’s plan usually unfolds over time. What is He revealing progressively?
   
2. Purpose – God wants to accomplish His purposes. Why were you created?
   
3. Potential – God will use your gifts and passion. Does this goal fit who you are?
   
4. Prioritize – God will ask you to adjust your time and energy. What steps must you take?
   
5. Proceed – God will eventually require you to act. When should you start?
   

(Excerpt from The Maxwell Leadership Bible.)

Monday, February 4, 2019 - "THINK ABOUT IT"

“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” Proverbs 4:26-27

Spend some time today “pondering” and thinking. While you often pass over this, a wise man invests time in this need activity. But this isn't a reflection on past events, but rather thoughts of the future and the “path your feet” will take today. It’s a responsibility to proaction and avoidance of reaction.

An activity that results in great things like “surety.” And as you walk your path today make it straight, determined, and “unswerving.”

Don’t be swayed by untruthful opinions, philosophies, or cultural norms. Be cautious of the counsel of well-meaning people who claim to have knowledge that competes with God's truth.

DO THIS: Show me the right way and keep me from the wrong way.

PRAYER: God, today give me eyes to see your holy will for me. Guide me down on the right path and I pray I will not swerve.

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - "ULTIMATE SEASONING"

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:5-6

Well, another day is here. A day for some "walking." To walk is to take slow and thoughtful steps. But notice you're commanded to walk, not aimlessly but in "wisdom." So don't take foolish steps today or run through your day in a continuous hurry.

Rather "walk in wisdom" as it's a slow and intentional process that results in the "best use of your time." But the writer adds another point; it's not just walking, but walking and talking. You are commanded to also "season your speech," like you would season a meal.

You know it's true - some meals without seasoning are too plain. But food with the right seasoning applied in appropriate amounts to the right elements makes a meal into something to be savored. And so God is honored when our speech is seasoned with "grace." So today, walk and talk thoughtfully and topped with grace and so influence your world for the kingdom.

DO THIS: Walk and talk with grace.

PRAYER: God, help me to slow down and season my life with grace as I encounter people who need your direction. I pray that every person I come in contact with would know you and the grace you have for them.   

Saturday, February 2, 2019 - "NEED TO ESCAPE"

“David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him." 

1 Samuel 22:1

For King David, the "cave of Adullam" was his place to escape. And sometimes you need just that - an "escape." Yet you don't plan it or do it. Why? But remember it's not just about being away and alone, it's about escaping with proper support.

David escaped with brothers that could walk with him, encourage him, and offer needed help and advice. But too often you don't plan it nor put yourself in proximity to the support you need. Today change this behavior. Plan an escape for even an hour today. And then find a brother to take with you, share your heart with him and let him support you in your season of trial.

DO THIS: Plan a one-hour escape.

PRAYER: God, today help me escape for a while with you and another brother.   

Friday, February 1, 2019 - "A WAR CRY FOR GREAT MEN"

“Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45

This battle is perhaps one of the most inspiring moments in Old Testament history. To have witnessed this moment in time would have been spectacular and awe-inspiring as a man. An untrained shepherd boy named David, about 15 years in age charges confidently into the Valley of Elah from the encampment of Israel. He comes against a single warrior who hails from the Philistine army.

Yet Goliath was no ordinary man. He was a monster, skilled, and trained for battle and had been heckling and cursing the God of Israel. He wore advanced armor and wielded superior weaponry custom made for his size and strength and confronted the runt from the clan of Jesse.

But mind you, Goliath was not about to battle with David, but rather "the God of the armies of Israel." And embracing this war cry, he charged into a battle of unreasonable odds. And in the same way, you O man, fight the battles you'll face today.

Remember it's not about finding more will-power, having a better strategy, leaning on advanced ingenuity, or acquiring better training. But it's about being available and resolved that the God who fights for His Name and His Glory is charging behind you.

DO THIS: Let God fight the battle; you focus on shouting the war cry.

Thursday, January 31, 2019 - "GREAT LEADERSHIP"

Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”  1 Samuel 23:1-2

Great leaders understand a few things in crucial moments. First, a leader understands that they may not have all the answers. Second, a leader also realizes that ground forces have a unique perspective of situational reality. Third, they recognize that leadership requires a quick but prayerful response. And fourth, and most importantly, every great leader understands that they serve at the pleasure of another greater leader - the Almighty God.

In difficult moments leaders know the obvious choice is to turn to God for his direction. After all, David has the opportunity to either rely on his ingenuity or trust in God who has the best answer. You too will have this choice today. You, as a leader at home, work, and in your personal life will be faced with a decision that may require prompt, clear, and decisive attention. And the only right answer is to "inquire of the Lord."

DO THIS: Be a great leader today, that makes excellent choices.

PRAYER: God, prompt me today to turn to you and not lean on sheerly my own understanding.   

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - "LIVE LIFE BACKWARDS"

Sometimes it's good to reverse engineer life or as I call it "live life backward." Often this way of thinking helps us to understand a process, realize how something is constructed, or discover how we arrived at a final result. But I believe even more it can help us to live and leave a godly legacy - which should be the goal of every man. So what does it look like to "think backward" about our life?

Legacy leadership is marked by how we're remembered and the impact we leave after life is done. When we take our last breath we'll each leave behind temporal things - golf clubs, cabins, boats, and even that retirement account we been investing in for years. That's because they are only temporal tools and enjoyments. While they hold value in the present, on the day you take your last breath they won't matter a lick. And this is evidence that legacy is less about temporal stuff. It requires us to determine what we want to be remembered for and then make conscious choices that will achieve that legacy. 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - "THE CONFLICT OF PRIDE"

"Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise." Proverbs 13:10

Pride is your primary rival. It's what breeds conflict, strife, fight, and quarrels. But advice is the primary tool of a humble man. He is the one that is wise. Why not instead of trying to do life isolated and outside of guidance don't you take the advice of a wise man today and become wiser. Avoid the unavoidable conflict with self and others that leads to pride.

DO THIS: Take advice and be wise.

Monday, January 28, 2019 - "IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED, PUT GOD FIRST"

“But seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

I once heard Pastor Rick Warren say, “If you want God to bless something, then put Him first in it.” If you want your marriage to be blessed, then put God at the center of it. If you want your career or business to prosper, put God first in it.

You may say, “I want to put God first but I don’t know where to start.” I suggest four starting points. Personally, I’m learning the following 4 ways to put God first:

1. Give God the first day of every week – Attend church on Sunday
2. Give God the first part of every day – Morning Devotions with God
3. Give God the first tenth of my income – Tithe to the Church
4. Give God the first consideration in every decision – Seek God’s wisdom

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I know that you love me. I know that you want me to succeed. I want you to bless every part of my life. So, I ask you to help me learn to put you first in everything I do. Show me how to seek you diligently. Grant me courage and wisdom to make right decisions that please you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Sunday, January 27, 2019 - "ARE YOU SICK AND TIRED OF IT YET?"

I’m sick and tired of it! How about you? Something’s got to change! What’s got me so sick and tired? I’m glad you asked!

1) I’m tired of telling myself, “I can’t”!

When God tells me, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, why do I keep telling myself, “I can’t”? The truth is God has put inside of you and I everything we need to succeed. The Apostle Peter reminds us, “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” Because of God’s grace, you’ve got what it takes!

2) I’m tired of telling God, “I won’t”!

I’ve run from God for too long. Just like Jonah, I’ve spent way too many days and nights avoiding doing what He’s called me to do. At some point, I’ve got to ‘come to my senses’, just like the prodigal son, and come back to my Heavenly Father. Jesus says, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Stop saying, “I won’t” to God. Just obey Him. See the blessings that follow.

3) I’m tired of telling the Devil, “I quit”!

I’m tired of being tempted. But I’m more tired of giving into temptation! And I’m really sick and tired of giving up whenever Satan’s attacks become more severe. I don’t want to give up anymore! I want to keep fighting the good fight, just like Paul. Jesus didn’t quit. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he didn’t give up and quit. He stood up and quoted scripture in the Devil’s face.

Here’s the point: If you’re sick and tired of it, then change it ~ you’re not a treeJ

Saturday, January 26, 2019 - "THE MOST DIFFICULT PERSON YOU'LL EVER HAVE TO LEAD"

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? Hypocrite! First, take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:3-5

Jesus asks a great question. Why do we look at other people’s faults but overlook our own? I believe the answer includes the following three reasons:

1) The Easiest Person To Deceive Is Myself.

Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is more deceitful than anything else and desperately sick – who can understand it?”  Leadership expert, John Maxwell, has quipped, “My years working with people have taught me an important truth: people seldom see themselves realistically. Human nature seems to endow us with the ability to size up everybody in the world except ourselves.”

2) The Hardest Person To Change Is Myself.

That’s why it’s easier for us to neglect our own shortcomings and work over time to find where others fall short. We know how hard it is to change. It’s a labor of love that doesn’t happen overnight but over time. We often lose our patience and our focus and so, lazily, start to point out other people’s flaws rather than do the hard work of improving ourselves.

3) The First Person I’m Responsible For Is Myself.

Friday, January 25, 2019 - "RULE YOURSELF OR FOOL YOURSELF"

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” – Proverbs 25:28 (KJV)

You have a choice: rule yourself or fool yourself! Remember Cain? Adam and Eve had two sons: Cain and Abel.  One day both men brought an offering to God. Abel’s offering was accepted, while Cain’s was not. Cain was angry! But God told Cain: “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at your door. And it’s desire is for you, but you should rule over it”. – Genesis 4:6-7

Ruling your ‘self’ means exercising self-control over your body, mind and spirit. Ruling yourself means ruling over sin. In other words, we need to ask ourselves some questions:

• Am I out of control?
• Am I exercising self-control over my impulses? (Food, Sex, Money, Time-Management, etc.)
• Am I telling myself the truth or am I self-deceived?
• Am I surrendering to God more of myself each day?

If you don’t take responsibility for “ruling your own spirit” then Satan will gladly pick up the slack! Don’t let him. Instead, start by seeking God and His Word for ways to lead yourself toward excellence. Remember the words of Epictetus who said: “God has entrusted me with myself. No man is free who is not master of himself.”

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I need your strength. Please help me to exercise self-control today. Give me power over sinful impulses. Enable me to lead myself well so that I may lead others well, too! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Thursday - January 24, 2019 - "SKILLFUL HANDS"

“He (God) chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; He brought him from tending ewes to be shepherd over His people Jacob --- over Israel His inheritance. He (David) shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands.” – Psalm 78:70-72

Most people have stubborn streaks running through them. It’s their sin nature. That’s one reason God gives us leaders, to help His people overcome their sin natures and obey His Word.

Every leader God chooses comes with two tools: their heart and hands.  A leader’s heart must be pure before God. David’s heart was pure. And that’s saying something. Because remember, David was guilty of adultery AND murder! He wasn’t perfect but He was pure; meaning, he took God seriously and dealt with his own sin sincerely, truly repenting when God confronted him about his wrong choices.

David also “guided them with his skillful hands”. David not only drew close to God daily for his heart, He also grew closer to God daily as a leader. As John Maxwell says, “Leadership develops daily, not in a day.” To lead oneself and others successfully, a man needs both a pure heart and skillful hands. Why? Because the only thing more important to God than our methods are our motives.  

Wednesday - January 23, 2019 - "HOW TO MAKE GOD HAPPY"

“You (God) do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; You are not pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, you will not despise a broken and humble spirit.” – Psalm 51:16-17

If I heard my dad say it once, I heard him say it many times, “Brad, the most important thing you can ever do in the Christian life is to be 100% dependent on God.”

The Psalmist echoes this thought when he says that what pleases God is a “broken spirit”. Humility makes God happy! God is pleased when we come to Him like a toddler comes to his parents for help: dependent, vulnerable and sincere. When we approach God with a humble attitude, God’s heart is moved and He has compassion on us. “As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” – Psalm 103:13-14

God isn’t hard to please! He’s just seeking men who will humble themselves and lean on His wisdom and strength in their lives. Will you do that today?

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I want to depend on you today. Please help me to lay down my pride and humble myself before You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Tuesday - January 22, 2019 - "THE MEANING OF YOUR LIFE"

“The fool says in his heart, ‘God does not exist’.” – Psalm 53:1a

There’s no meaning in life without a maker of life!  How you answer the following questions reveals “the meaning” you experience in your life:

• How did humans get here?
• When I look around me, why do I see something rather than nothing?
• Is there a Creator?
• Does God exist?

Unless you can answer these questions with confidence, then life itself has no objective meaning. Sure, maybe there’s meaning people “manufacture” in their head, but nothing real or lasting outside of themselves.  

Thankfully, the Bible answers these questions with certainty. The Bible doesn’t “defend” God’s existence but assumes it. God’s Word simply asserts, “In the beginning, God…” We’re told that God created us in His image and that He made everything in heaven and earth.  Furthermore, we’re even told why God made us in the first place.  Revelation 4:11 tells us, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” God’s pleasure is the measure of your life! It’s why you’re here! God created you to make Him happy.

Monday - January 21, 2019 - "MISSING YOUR DEFINING MOMENT"

“So Elijah departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him.” 1 Kings 19: 19

When the prophet Elijah showed up to name Elisha as his successor, that was a defining moment in Elisha’s life.

It was the middle of a work day and Elisha was out in the fields of his parents’ farm when Elijah showed up and draped his mantle, or cloak, over his shoulders. Today the expression, “to pass on the mantle of leadership or responsibility,” is pretty common. Few realize that this concept actually comes from this Biblical story.

In the ancient times, a mantle was a sleeveless cloak worn over the outer garments for warmth. However, when Elijah placed it onto Elisha’s shoulders, it symbolized the transferring of spiritual leadership.

Elisha knew exactly what was happening in this moment and ran to tell his parents. Next we see him sacrifice his oxen to God and leave with Elijah. This was Elisha’s all-in moment. By sacrificing the oxen, Elisha was essentially saying there’s no going back.

His old life as the son of a wealthy farmer and working in the fields was over. He was choosing to accept God’s call and step into this new life as Elijah’s successor. Talk about a huge step of faith and a defining moment in Elisha’s life – that was it!

Are you facing a defining moment in your faith journey? Maybe God is asking you to trust Him by making a drastic career change. Maybe it’s a move to another city where you know no one.

Maybe it’s finally forgiving that person who hurt you, or it’s reaching out to share what you have with a neighbor who’s struggling.  Ask God for the courage and faith to leave the old behind and step into what’s ahead. Don’t miss a defining moment in your faith journey.

Sunday - January 20, 2019 - "CAN YOU SQUEEZE GOD INTO YOUR BUSY LIFE?"

"It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God." - Luke 6:12

If restless and sleepless nights keep you up all hours - these moments can create an opportunity to have un-rushed time alone with God. We are able to hear His voice and understand His guidance.  It’s like He speaks in a special way when we haven’t really been hearing Him. 

Saturday - January 19, 2019 - "IS EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WITH GOD?"

"Jesus said, 'with men it is impossible, but not with God.'" - Mark 10:27 

One of the greatest verses in the Bible is, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Do you believe it? It’s what the angel told Mary, the mother of Jesus, when he announced that she would give birth to God’s son as a virgin.

If you are facing a particularly tough challenge where you need strength and wisdom beyond yourself, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

If you are in a season of grief and not sure you can make it, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

If you are facing discouragement, disappointment, depression, or despair, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

If you are struggling in your family, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God?

Friday - January 18, 2019 - "WHAT MAKES A HERO?"

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from the members of the Synagogue…But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” Acts 6:8-10   

The early church was also familiar with heroic individuals willing to risk it all for their faith. Stephen was one of them. What made Stephen a hero? Take look at his character.

1.GRACE. (Acts 6: 8) Grace is what God demonstrated by forgiving our sins even though we are guilty and deserve judgement. Grace is Christ taking OUR sins and dying in OUR place on the cross. Stephen was full of gratitude and humility at what Christ did for him on the cross.

2.HUMILITY. (Acts 6: 10) The Bible speaks of Stephen’s great power as he performed incredible miracles. Rather than letting this power boost his ego, Stephen remained humble and grateful, always pointing to the source of his power – the One True God.

3.WISDOM. (Acts 6:9) Stephen was smart. As a speaker, he was intelligent and knowledgeable, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide his words even when attacked with manipulative “half-truths.”

4.FAITH. Stephen truly believed that because Jesus rose from the dead he would overcome death as well. For him, death held no fear. Christ had conquered it.

Thursday - January 17, 2019 - "FAITH TAKES ACTION"

"He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field.'" - Luke 10:2

Just like a physical harvest, farmers recognize time is limited. There is a sense of urgency. In the same way, time is limited for family members, neighbors, colleagues, or classmates to come to know Christ. One day, we will all die. Those who have not responded to the Gospel of Christ are going to spend eternity separated from God. Jesus recognizes this urgency and out of His love for us, He calls us to join in. He wants us to get our hands dirty – to get off the sidelines, and share the good news of the Gospel with others. This is the harvest Jesus is talking about.

Many Christians would like to focus solely on the benefits of being a Christian – salvation from hell, victory over death, and eternal life. These are great benefits. But, Jesus wants more. You see, our calling is to make a decision of faith – not because of something we’ve done, but because of His sovereign grace.

The question is this: Have you responded to Jesus in faith? Will you share what you’ve experienced in your life and participate in the harvest?

Wednesday - January 16, 2019 - "WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?"

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" - Matthew 28:18

No person has had more impact on history than Jesus Christ. The fact that He lived and walked in the land of Judea and Israel over 2000 years ago is undeniable. But who is Jesus, really?

• He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is God in a person. You want to know what God is like? Look to Jesus. The fullness of God dwells in Him.
  
• He is the Creator of all creation. It’s His masterpiece. God’s greatness is revealed through all that He has made.
  
• He is the Savior who saves us from our sins. He came to reconcile us with God.
  
• He is the head of the church. He is to the church what the head is to the body.

Tuesday - January 15, 2019 - "WHY ARE WE HERE?"

“The Lord has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity." - II Timothy 1:9

 
Time keeps moving on. It never stops for anyone–no matter how important you are. We just can’t find enough time. God wants us to be good stewards of our time, and the starting point is knowing why each of us is here.   Consider these steps in finding the answer to why we are here:

• Ask God to help you develop a life-purpose statement. It will take some time, but it’s the best time you’ll ever invest. Know why you’re here.
  
• Decide each day what’s most important for you to do that day, and do it. By having a clear purpose, and doing the most important thing each day, God can revolutionize your life and help you make the most of your time.

There is no question that God has a purpose for your life, but sometimes God speaks in a still, small voice.  Listen.  You’ll be glad you did.