“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
― Harry S. Truman
No, you're not in History class. I heard this on the radio for the first time today. The commentator made a reference to the Great Commission linking it to this quote.
Wow! Leaders are readers and what else is the Great Commission about if not leading people to Christ? So read the Word and learn to be a leader. Study the examples set by Christ's disciples. Keep on reading and act on what you learn. That's leadership.
God wants to have a close personal relationship with each of us and that just doesn't happen without trust. We don't naturally trust what we don't know. How do we get to know someone? Well, we spend time with them. So start spending time with God by reading His word, praying, and listening for what He has to say.
Have a conversation with Him. Yes, a two-way conversation. When we pray, we're speaking to God. It can be a 30 second "Thanks for a beautiful day, Lord." Like talking to your best friend, you can do it anytime, anywhere and about anything. After all, He already knows whatever it is. He just wants us to bring it to Him, to rely on Him to handle it. That's trusting Him.
One of the ways He speaks to us is through Bible stories. Since we're sharing quotes, here's another one from a story in Matthew 28 that you should read.
The Great Commission
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [NIV]
You wouldn't want to miss out on something so important, when it's so easy to learn just by reading. Really get to know Jesus Christ, make Him your Lord and Savior. Then be sure you introduce him to someone else. Allow Him to lead you so that you may lead others. It's what He's commissioned us to do. Be a leader.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
New Link - Blue Letter Bible
I just added a link to this website under My Favorite Links.
It's a good website for searching the bible, different versions, articles, etc., and it's easy to use.
Check it out!
It's a good website for searching the bible, different versions, articles, etc., and it's easy to use.
Check it out!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Get Out of Your Boat
Walk on Water
By Britt Nicole
You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won't let you go
Chorus:
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too
Verse 2:
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go
Even when its storming
Even when you're broken
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
When your hope is stolen
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
So what are you waiting,
What are you waiting for?
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water...
Walk on the water too
You can listen to the song - click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4ptPEm8gjE
Mathew 14
26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” NASB
I made a note to myself to write on this subject over a year ago but never moved forward to complete an article. Over the last couple of weeks I've heard the same bible story several times. Just like the words to the Britt Nicole song linked to this article, "What are you waiting for"? Get out of the boat, already. Get out of the boat! GET OUT OF THE BOAT!!
Isn't that how God speaks to us? All through the bible specific things are repeated or very specifically in a cluster of verses. It's repeated because it's important for us to understand or to motivate us to do something.
Over the last several weeks I was involved in a bible study based on the Carol Kent book, Becoming a Woman of Influence. During that time I received clear direction that I should be writing more. I believe that He is reinforcing that direction for me by repeating the bible story about getting out of the boat; my boat. I'm just floating along in safe, calm, shallow water. No waves, no rocking, no change; I'm not getting out of my boat.
Isn't the point of learning more about God and His plan for me all about change and trust? Yes, I'm supposed to change. Yes, if He sets the compass for uncharted waters, that is where I'm supposed to sail. Oh, by the way, I'm supposed to do it with confidence. And when He tells me to get out of the boat, that's what I'm supposed to do. I'ts what He wants all of us to do. Take courage in the fact that He is with me [us], no matter what.
Just like the apostles who were scared and then reassured by Jesus' presence. Just like Peter who sank when he doubted, we too can be lifted up. We have only to trust in Him, for all things (Check out how many times you see those two words, "all things", together in the Bible).
Oh boy! It's that surrender thing creeping up on me again. That's a tough one. How do we truly surrender all thing to Him? Well, it doesn't mean that we sit and wait for everything to be done for us. We have the tools. He's already equipped us. He wouldn't set us adrift alone. He wants us to do more than survive, He wants us to succeed. He wouldn't invite us to walk on water with Him and then let us sink, after all.
Take courage and get out of your boat. Trust Him in all things.
By Britt Nicole
You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won't let you go
Chorus:
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too
Verse 2:
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go
Even when its storming
Even when you're broken
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
When your hope is stolen
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
So what are you waiting,
What are you waiting for?
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water...
Walk on the water too
You can listen to the song - click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4ptPEm8gjE
Mathew 14
26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” NASB
I made a note to myself to write on this subject over a year ago but never moved forward to complete an article. Over the last couple of weeks I've heard the same bible story several times. Just like the words to the Britt Nicole song linked to this article, "What are you waiting for"? Get out of the boat, already. Get out of the boat! GET OUT OF THE BOAT!!
Isn't that how God speaks to us? All through the bible specific things are repeated or very specifically in a cluster of verses. It's repeated because it's important for us to understand or to motivate us to do something.
Over the last several weeks I was involved in a bible study based on the Carol Kent book, Becoming a Woman of Influence. During that time I received clear direction that I should be writing more. I believe that He is reinforcing that direction for me by repeating the bible story about getting out of the boat; my boat. I'm just floating along in safe, calm, shallow water. No waves, no rocking, no change; I'm not getting out of my boat.
Isn't the point of learning more about God and His plan for me all about change and trust? Yes, I'm supposed to change. Yes, if He sets the compass for uncharted waters, that is where I'm supposed to sail. Oh, by the way, I'm supposed to do it with confidence. And when He tells me to get out of the boat, that's what I'm supposed to do. I'ts what He wants all of us to do. Take courage in the fact that He is with me [us], no matter what.
Just like the apostles who were scared and then reassured by Jesus' presence. Just like Peter who sank when he doubted, we too can be lifted up. We have only to trust in Him, for all things (Check out how many times you see those two words, "all things", together in the Bible).
Oh boy! It's that surrender thing creeping up on me again. That's a tough one. How do we truly surrender all thing to Him? Well, it doesn't mean that we sit and wait for everything to be done for us. We have the tools. He's already equipped us. He wouldn't set us adrift alone. He wants us to do more than survive, He wants us to succeed. He wouldn't invite us to walk on water with Him and then let us sink, after all.
Take courage and get out of your boat. Trust Him in all things.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
A Nudge in His Direction
I recently attended a memorial service for a beloved lady at Church. Before the service began, a friend of mine came over to me and commented about my blog. As she began to talk about it, I began to feel that guilt about not doing enough with it and started telling her why I hadn’t posted in so long (almost eight months). It didn’t seem to matter. She didn't even hear me. She just kept going, but it’s what she was saying that stopped me mid-sentence.
She told me that I was in a battle. How could she know that? She told me that I just have to work through it and that I should keep writing. She went on to say that my writing was a gift, that I have important things to say, “especially for a young Christian.” It brought me to tears because while I know it was Dorothy's mouth, I felt like it was Jesus speaking to me, gently nudging me in the right direction; His direction.
Have you ever had an experience like this? Like you felt God was with you, I mean really close to you? Like He is telling you what His plan is for you? All summer I prayed about what His plan was for me and I believe He used a friend to confirm it for me. To remove the last roadblock.
How would Dorothy know that I was in a battle? Battle is a strong word, after all, but there were strong forces keeping me away from writing. There's procrastination and a busy schedule, or the idea that I had to be busy to be successful. I've had two of my children on my mind. Then there's the self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and on and on. We can put up all sorts of roadblocks to obeying.
I'm not in a spiritual battle of faith. I am steadfast in my Savior, but there's more to it than that. I haven't learned to put myself aside for Him. Not completely. This is an important point. I cannot pick and choose what I do for Him and think that will bring be closer to Him. It's about saying I give You my life Lord, and then doing it. Simply, following His direction promptly.
I believe He used my friend to nudge me in His direction. Since then, I've been writing and praying more about it. The writing may only be for my own good, for all I know. But I'm going to keep doing for Him.
She told me that I was in a battle. How could she know that? She told me that I just have to work through it and that I should keep writing. She went on to say that my writing was a gift, that I have important things to say, “especially for a young Christian.” It brought me to tears because while I know it was Dorothy's mouth, I felt like it was Jesus speaking to me, gently nudging me in the right direction; His direction.
Have you ever had an experience like this? Like you felt God was with you, I mean really close to you? Like He is telling you what His plan is for you? All summer I prayed about what His plan was for me and I believe He used a friend to confirm it for me. To remove the last roadblock.
How would Dorothy know that I was in a battle? Battle is a strong word, after all, but there were strong forces keeping me away from writing. There's procrastination and a busy schedule, or the idea that I had to be busy to be successful. I've had two of my children on my mind. Then there's the self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and on and on. We can put up all sorts of roadblocks to obeying.
I'm not in a spiritual battle of faith. I am steadfast in my Savior, but there's more to it than that. I haven't learned to put myself aside for Him. Not completely. This is an important point. I cannot pick and choose what I do for Him and think that will bring be closer to Him. It's about saying I give You my life Lord, and then doing it. Simply, following His direction promptly.
I believe He used my friend to nudge me in His direction. Since then, I've been writing and praying more about it. The writing may only be for my own good, for all I know. But I'm going to keep doing for Him.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
When Something Unexpected and Terrible Happens
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction... NAS
Just like the Third Day song says "Cry Out to Jesus." Easy for me to say, right? But it's not always easy to do. Especially when we don't understand why something terrible happens to us, or someone we love.
We were out of town for the weekend and as soon as we returned, my son went on Facebook to catch up with friends. He never expected to find out that two of his friends each lost there fathers.
One of the kids posted as if he were speaking to God, begging for the answer. Why? Why did you take him from me? The other posted right from her smart phone within an hour of her fathers' passing. It read something like, "I don't know what to say, I don't know what I'm supposed to do?" Both clearly despondent, and one sounding pretty angry at God.
It's easy for me to say "Cry out to Jesus." No one knows, truly knows, what another is feeling even if we've had the same experience. I lost my own father five years ago now, and I still have days when my heart aches for him. But I'm not a teenager. I can't imagine what I would have done or how I would have felt if I had lost him in my senior year of high school. At that time in my life, I think I would have been very angry at God, too.
Tonight I pray for these two children. I pray that they don't let their anger and sadness lead them away from God at this very fragile point in their young lives. I pray they would cry out to Jesus, asking for His help and comfort. He hears all of our pleas. If they are angry, I pray that they lay that anger at His feet and accept his comfort in return. While they have each lost their Earthly fathers, their Father in heaven will never leave them or forsake them. In Jesus name, I pray that they run to Him, now. Amen.
...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction... NAS
Just like the Third Day song says "Cry Out to Jesus." Easy for me to say, right? But it's not always easy to do. Especially when we don't understand why something terrible happens to us, or someone we love.
We were out of town for the weekend and as soon as we returned, my son went on Facebook to catch up with friends. He never expected to find out that two of his friends each lost there fathers.
One of the kids posted as if he were speaking to God, begging for the answer. Why? Why did you take him from me? The other posted right from her smart phone within an hour of her fathers' passing. It read something like, "I don't know what to say, I don't know what I'm supposed to do?" Both clearly despondent, and one sounding pretty angry at God.
It's easy for me to say "Cry out to Jesus." No one knows, truly knows, what another is feeling even if we've had the same experience. I lost my own father five years ago now, and I still have days when my heart aches for him. But I'm not a teenager. I can't imagine what I would have done or how I would have felt if I had lost him in my senior year of high school. At that time in my life, I think I would have been very angry at God, too.
Tonight I pray for these two children. I pray that they don't let their anger and sadness lead them away from God at this very fragile point in their young lives. I pray they would cry out to Jesus, asking for His help and comfort. He hears all of our pleas. If they are angry, I pray that they lay that anger at His feet and accept his comfort in return. While they have each lost their Earthly fathers, their Father in heaven will never leave them or forsake them. In Jesus name, I pray that they run to Him, now. Amen.
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