#597 - 25 SOURCES OF REST

In this fast-paced world that we live in, rest is a luxury. But it's not just rest for your body that people long for, people also long for rest for their minds, their souls, and their spirits. I know I do!

What that in mind, and with Easter just a little under two weeks away and a message this upcoming Sunday that I am pretty anxious about, I figure it would be a very beneficial thought exercise to remind myself of where my rest (mind, body, and soul) comes from:

1. There is no good I can do that could make God love me any more.

2. There is no bad I can do that could make God love me any less.

3. I am declared righteous in the sight of God.

4. God loves me just as much as He loves His Son, Jesus Christ.

5. I am infinitely loved by the Infinite.

6. My sins are forgiven.

7. God is with me. 

8. The same power that rose Jesus from the grave (Holy Spirit) lives within me.

9. My work for God doesn't determine my worth to God.

10. Christ will build His Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

11. God loves His children more than I ever could or ever will.

12. I am just the messenger. I am not the message.

13. God was at work in the world long before I got here, and God will be at work in the world long after I'm gone.

14. God will get me what I need, when I need it, in the way I need it.

15. God is holy, righteous, and sovereign, and I am His child!

16. God's presence is His greatest gift, and I already have that!

17. God knows what I need before I even ask Him.

18. God works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

19. My job is to plant and water seeds. God's job is to make them grow.

20. God's faithfulness to me isn't predicated by my faithfulness to Him. 

21. God's plans for me are far greater than anything I can hope for or imagine.

22. While I am sleeping, God is working.

23. I am not the solution. God is. 

24. God doesn't need me. 

25. Christ will return, and I will spend eternity in the physical presence of God Almighty!

Knowing, believing, and trusting in these truths gives me a rest and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Now if God would just give me the grace and wisdom to remember them!

Before moving on with the rest of your day, I'd like to make 2 requests of you..

1. Pick one or two of the truths above and meditate on it until you really are put at rest. 

2. Please feel free to share in the comments below your sources of rest.

#593 - WHAT TOYS R' US AND THE CHURCH CAN'T HAVE IN COMMON

Toys aren't irrelevant. It's how Toys R' Us sells toys that is causing them to be irrelevant. Music isn't irrelevant. It's how iHeartRadio and Cumulus plays music that is causing them to be irrelevant. Movies aren't irrelevant. It's how Blockbuster rented movies that caused them to be irrelevant. Pictures aren't irrelevant. It's how Kodak developed pictures that caused them to be irrelevant. Books aren't irrelevant. It's how Borders sold books that caused them to be irrelevant. 

Great products aren't irrelevant. Distribution methods, on the other hand, can be. 

I'm sure that before shutting down or having to declare bankruptcy that Toys R' Us, iHeartRadio, Blockbuster, Kodak and Borders all felt the warning signs of their distribution methods becoming outdated and ineffective. But, very likely, these were warning signs that they were either too blind to see or too prideful to acknowledge. 

With that in mind, as a local pastor and church leader I must always remember:

THE GOSPEL WILL NEVER BE IRRELEVANT.
THE CHURCH WILL NEVER BE IRRELEVANT.
PREACHING WILL NEVER BE IRRELEVANT.

BUT, THERE MAY BE WAYS OF DISTRIBUTING THE GOSPEL THAT WILL BE. 

What are these potentially irrelevant "ways?" What are these potentially irrelevant "methods?" What are these potentially irrelevant "approaches?"

I don't have the answers to these questions, but I do know this:

We can't afford to be too blind or too prideful to acknowledge our answers. 

Feel free to share your comments or thoughts below. I'd love to hear what you think!

#591 - THE PASTOR'S WORK

Serve.
Be present.
Ask questions.
Listen intently.
Be interested.
Ask questions.
Listen some more.
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Speak truthfully.
Extend grace.
Be patient.
Die to yourself.
Encourage.
Admonish.
Correct.
Discipline.
Pray for.
Love.

This is the way of the cross.
This is the way of the pastor.
Each person. Each family. Each sinner. Each saint.
Each day. Each week. Each month. Each year.
Until a lifetime of loving people well is your legacy. 

#589 - WHEN ALL HEAVEN REJOICES

May it never grow old. May it never become something I feel entitled to. May it never become something I grow weary in celebrating. May it never become something I stop believing for. May it never become something I cease offering an invitation to accept. What am I referring to? 

SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!

Yes, it's awesome when first-time guests come to church. Yes, it's great when people want to engage with groups, teams, and one-on-one discipleship relationships. Yes, it's wonderful when services are packed with people. Yes, it's spectacular when we're having an impact on the community. But, all heaven does not rejoice when the things listed above take place.

“I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

— Luke 15:10

Repentance. The lost being found. Salvation. This is when all heaven rejoices.

This is what happened today at theMOVEMENT Church in Oakland for a young man who was visiting our church for the second time! This is why we do what we do! This is why we pray, plan, and prepare! This is why I preach!

That sinners would be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Pastor, church leader, volunteer, church member - may we continue to labor toward this end! God is still mighty to save!

#588 - SUNDAY SERVICE TENSIONS

As a pastor, in a local church, every Sunday I am aware of and must manage various tensions:

• Leading with both confidence and desperation.

• Preaching to both Christians and Non-Christians.

• Teaching in a way that is both Biblical and practical.

• Connecting with both Members and 1st-Time Guests.

• Engaging in the service both personally and pastorally.

• Singing songs that are both God-exalting and good sounding.

• Giving opportunities for both seasoned leaders and new volunteers to serve.

• Being mindful of both the planned format of the service and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

But in addition to all the tensions listed above, there is also another tension that typically burdens me more than the rest. The tension is this: 

MINISTERING WITH BOTH URGENCY AND PEACE.

We must minister with urgency because:

• Today is the day of salvation!

• Someone may be giving the church one last chance.

• Someone may be desperately seeking God for answers.

• Someone may be attending church for the first time in a long time.

• Someone may have had a horrible week and they don't know where else to turn.

We must minister with peace because:

• God knows His sheep and His sheep know His voice!

• No one's salvation is dependent upon one church service.

• No one's relationship with God is dependent upon one church service.

• God is not confined to one church service to meet a person's spiritual need. 

• The overall success, health, or legacy of the church isn't defined by one church service.

We must minister with urgency, tomorrow is not promised to anyone. But, we also must minister with peace - God is not limited, in any way, by tomorrow. 

#584 - ENTRUSTED NOT ENTITLED

Entrusted with life not entitled to longevity.
Entrusted with vision not entitled to success.
Entrusted with position not entitled to perks.
Entrusted with leaders not entitled to loyalty.
Entrusted with wisdom not entitled to listeners.
Entrusted with influence not entitled to notoriety.
Entrusted with gifting not entitled to opportunity.
Entrusted with resources not entitled to abundance.
Entrusted with partners not entitled to commitment.

ENTRUSTED WITH VERY MUCH.
ENTITLED TO VERY LITTLE.

Nothing is earned.
Nothing is merited. 
Nothing is deserved.

IT'S ALL GRACE.

Be grateful.
Steward accordingly.
You will be held accountable.

#581 - ONE RECOMMENDATION ON SLEEP

Can you imagine a life without sleep? Can you imagine how much we could get done if we didn't have to sleep? Can you imagine how your nights would be spent?

You ever wonder why God created sleep in the first place? He could have very easily created humanity with no need for sleep. Yet, He did. But why?

I believe, 

GOD REQUIRES US TO SLEEP BECAUSE GOD DESIRES US TO TRUST.

Every time we sleep, we have the opportunity to declare, I trust God. I trust God to do what only He can do while I am sleeping. I trust God to make up for the time I "lose" while I sleep. I trust God to replenish my strength. I trust God to wake me up.

With this in mind, I would like to encourage you with one recommendation on sleep. I know this isn't possible every day, and it may not even be possible every week. But, I would encourage you to make an attempt at least once a month to:

SLEEP UNTIL YOU ARE FINISHED SLEEPING.  

Though that sentence may shock you and seem to be to you an impossibility, I encourage you to, every now and then, make it a reality.

Sleep until you can't sleep anymore. Don't just sleep until you have to wake up, sleep until you want to wake up. Sleep until you've rested.

Now, I know you have excuses why you can't do this. Legitimate ones at that. But, regardless of what your excuse is, you need to do this. Once a month, once a week if possible - do this.

You need this to do this for you. You need to do this for your spouse. You need to do this for your kids. You need to do this for your job. You need to do this for those you lead. You need to do this as a way of declaring to God - I trust you.

SLEEP UNTIL YOU ARE FINISHED SLEEPING.

God will be honored and you, will be happy.

#579 - THE ESSENCE OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Tomorrow morning, our Student Pastor at theMOVEMENT Church, Spencer Romero, along with his leadership team, is going to take our student ministry on their very first Winter Retreat. This is very significant for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, as a church, we understand that we are only as strong as our involvement with and investment in the next generation. If we don't raise up the next generation of Christians and Christian leaders, the future strength of the local church will be in jeopardy. I praise God that though our church is "young," we are still taking seriously the task of bringing the good news of the gospel to the youth of our city.

Secondly, it makes me think about how just seven years ago, as a Student Pastor at Crossroads Church in Fremont, I took my students on their very first Winter Retreat! How the time has flown. But more significant than the time flying, is my gratitude for my leadership being multiplied.

Something I used to do is now being done by someone else, so that the things only I can do can be done by me.   

This is the essence of leadership development.

I no longer see success as only getting things done. (Though getting things done is very important!) I now see success at getting things done through other people. What I can do is very, very limited. But, what can be done through others is unlimited!  

Tonight, please join me in praying that God would impact the student and leaders at this Winter Retreat in a very powerful way. But, I ask that you would also join me in praying that several years from now, someone who used to be in our Student Ministry will be leading a group of students to go on their first Winter Retreat!

Development. Reproduction. Multiplication. Movement.

This is our aim. 

#578 - HOW TIME CAN BE FOR YOU OR AGAINST YOU

Years ago, I received a piece of advice I didn't appreciate as much as I do now. It was a principle that I believed was true, but now, that many years have gone by since I first heard it, I am even more convinced of it's validity. The principle is this:

TIME WILL EITHER PROMOTE YOU OR EXPOSE YOU.

For better or for worse.

If you are lazy.
If you are immature.
If you are irresponsible.
If you cut corners.
If you break rules.
If you tell lies.

You will be exposed.

If you are faithful.
If you are diligent.
If you are consistent.
If you overcome obstacles.
If you practice regularly.
If you work hard. 

You will be promoted.

Let this sink in for just a moment...

It's only a matter of time before who you are in the dark comes out into the light. It's only a matter of time before the seeds you sowed in the last season will reap a harvest in the next. It's only a matter of time before your habits become your legacy. For better or for worse.

TIME WILL EITHER PROMOTE YOU OR EXPOSE YOU.

You cannot escape this. This can either be a dream come true or your worst nightmare. Live accordingly.

#577 - HOW TO FOSTER EFFECTIVE CHURCH PLANT PARTNERSHIPS

As written about in a previous post, theMOVEMENT has been blessed to receive over $1 million in partnership support over the last 5 years. What God has done in partnering theMOVEMENT Church with various churches across the country has been nothing short of a miracle. Having no previous relationships with or knowledge of any of these churches is proof that God deserves all the glory and praise for the supernatural connections He has made. 

Through these various partnerships, we've been able to launch a healthy, growing, almost self-sustaining, preparing to reproduce itself church plant in the heart of one of the most expensive places to live in the entire world! The Bay Area of California, more specifically, the city of Oakland. 

How did this happen? How were these partnerships started? How were these partnerships maintained? Many factors go into it, but after 5 years of cultivating partnerships to support the church of our church plant, here are the main lessons I've learned:

FOR THE PARTNERING CHURCH

1. Be convinced that planting new churches is an effective strategy for evangelism. Tim Keller writes, "The single best way to reach non-Christians is to start new churches. The transitional new community creates space for outsiders to plug in." For the gospel to advance, new churches must be planted, sustained, and then re-produce. The degree to which you believe this will be the degree to which your church invests in partnering with church plants. 

2. Be interested in the success of churches other than your own. Though this may seem condescending to even ask, it is a question worth honestly answering, "Do we want to see other churches, especially new ones, succeed in reaching people with the gospel?"

3. Be sacrificial in paying a price to see that success come to fruition. If the answer to previous question is "Yes," the answer to this one is equally important. Are you willing to pay the price of investing in a church other than your own? Are you ready to give financially? Are you ready to send your people out to support another church? Are you ready to invest time during your Sunday Services and small groups to pray for church plants? Are you ready to "lose" something for another church's gain?

4. Be willing to serve the church plant on their terms. Can you give financially without directing the funds? Can you send missions teams when it's convenient for the church plant? Can you send missions teams to do work that the church plant needs done and not to do work you prefer doing?

5. Be discerning of the Lead Church Planter. Do you sense an anointing on his life for planting and pastoring a church? Does he have a track record of starting and growing something from scratch? Does he have the spiritual gift of leadership and has he used that gift to win people to Jesus and make disciples? Is his marriage healthy? Pray about this. Get more than one set of eyes on the planter, his wife, and his team and discern accordingly.

6. Be ready to start before you're ready. Especially to churches who have never partnered with a church plant before, you must be ready to start before you understand everything about partnering with a church plant. Much of what you will learn about how to partner with a church plant is learned after you partner with a church plant!

7. Be OK with asking tough questions. Because you will be accountable with how you invested the resources of your church, you must be comfortable with checking in on your investment. Are Sunday Services growing in attendance? How are disciples being made? Is the leadership team healthy? Is the church increasing its internal revenue through tithes and offerings? Is there a plan for this church to become self-sustaining?   

FOR THE CHURCH PLANTER

1. Be convinced of your unique mission and vision. Do you have a burden? Do you have a burning passion to reach the lost? If you're not convinced of what you're setting out to do and why you're setting out to do it, you will have a very difficult time convincing anyone to support you. 

2. Be clear on what you need. How much money do you need, exactly? How many volunteers do you need, exactly? What kind of support do you need, exactly? How can the partner church help you to accomplish your mission, specifically? How can you be prayed for, specifically? The more clear you are on what you need, the easier you make it for a potential partner church to meet that need.

3. Be ready to give an account. Keep accurate numbers. Keep accurate accounts. Keep track of stories. If you can't answer the question of how your church is doing with specific numbers and compelling testimonies of how God is moving within your new church community, the partner church may begin to feel as if their resources are being stewarded poorly.

4. Be honest about your struggles and failures. Partnering with other churches to support your church plant is about so much more than the money. What has been more valuable to me than the money is the mentorship. Mentorship from more seasoned pastors and leaders is invaluable. But, the door for mentorship to take place is opened by you when you are honest about the difficulties you are having as a church planter. 

5. Be entitled to nothing. A partnership with a church is a gift and a grace from God. If a check doesn't come in, if a promise is not kept, if communication is not frequent, if a partnership ends prematurely - guard your heart. Be careful to never feel, think, or act in ways that communicates that your partner church owes you anything. They don't. God gives. God takes away. Bless God and bless the partner church, regardless. 

6. Be thankful for everything. Every check, every prayer, every volunteer, every phone call, every act of kindness, every correction or rebuke, every word of advice - be thankful for it all. Thank the church. Thank God. Be in awe and wonder that God would allow any help to come your way. 

7. Be prepared for the relationship to transition. Just as a relationship with a parent and a child evolves over time, so will a church partnership with your church plant. If the partnership is going well, over time, the church partner should be pouring less and less into your church and your church should be pouring more and more time into another church plant! This is how the cycle continues and the multiplication of healthy churches can become a reality!

In no way are these lists exhaustive, but I believe they do lay a good foundation for existing churches to partner with new church plants. Please feel free to comment below with other best practices you would recommend!

SPECIAL THANKS TO: 
Crossroads Church, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Houston's First Baptist Church, Central Baptist Church, 1st Baptist Trussville, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Epic Church, Echo Church, Southcliff Baptist Church, Stonegate Fellowship, Liberty Baptist Church, North American Mission Board, California State Baptist Convention, and the East Bay Baptist Association. You are the partners who have helped make our church plant a light in the city of Oakland!

#575 - A PASTOR'S WORST NIGHTMARE

In almost 5 years of ministry in the city of Oakland, this has NEVER happened before. With 15 minutes to go before service started, we've been afraid that it might happen, but it never actually has. It always gets fixed just in time. It always works right when we need it to. The problem is always solved.

But, not today.

OUR PROJECTOR DIDN'T WORK.

You're probably saying to yourself, what's the big deal?

Well, because we are a church that wants to be sensitive to first-time guests, especially those who are new to church, we utilize the projector to help our guests follow along with the different aspects of our service.

We provide lyrics to our songs.
We provide visual aids to our messages.
We provide scripture for our time of corporate prayer.

No projector. No bueno.

And if that wasn't bad enough, 

OUR HEATER WAS BROKEN TOO.

And it was cold. Like 50 degrees cold. And for us Bay Area folks, that's cold.

Now, I know there are many of you reading this who do and have done ministry in way worse conditions. Now before you judge me (because I know you are!), I hope you can empathize with the fact that anytime you can't do ministry in the way you are used to doing ministry it can be very frustrating. Frustrating and distracting.

But, I believe God used our hiccups and hangups in today's service to remind me of a lesson that I hope to not forget anytime soon...

IF GOD IS WORKING, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF EVERYTHING ELSE ISN'T.

And on the flip side of that truth...

IF GOD ISN'T WORKING, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF EVERYTHING ELSE IS!

And the truth of the matter is, today, God worked. Today, God moved. Today, God used our broken circumstances to reveal His perfect strength. Today, God glorified Himself through the singing of songs, through the corporate prayer of His saints, through the preaching of His word, and through the power of multiple testimonies! None of these things needed a projector! None of these things needed heat. It would've been nice, but it wasn't necessary! 

Just when I think I know what we need to do ministry effectively, God reminds me in only the way that He can that He is not limited by anything.

GOD IS NOT LIMITED BY ANYTHING.

God is not limited by our technology.
God is not limited by our meeting space.
God is not limited by our staff size.
God is not limited by our budget.
God is not limited by our education.
God is not limited by our abilities.
God is not limited by our band.
God is not limited by our resources.
God is not limited by our volunteers.
God is not limited by whatever excuse you have for why you can't do ministry effectively in your context.

GOD IS NOT LIMITED BY ANYTHING.

Now, let's all do ministry from this point forward with the peace and confidence that comes from believing that is the truth!

#574 - ALL DREAMS REQUIRE THIS

As one who, from the time I graduated from high school, started developing great dreams, goals, and aspirations for my future, for many years, I struggled with faithfulness in the present.

It came more naturally to talk about it than to be about it. I felt more comfortable with coming up with a new pursuit than seeing my last pursuit through to completion. But when I heard these words, everything changed:

Your head can be in the clouds, but your feet have to be on the ground.

You can dream big dreams for the future, but you must take small steps in the present. You can have great aspirations for what could be, but you must be ready to give great dedication to what is. You can be confident that you were made for more, but you must be faithful when you're experiencing less.

Head in the clouds. Feet on the ground.

Vision statements must be accompanied by action plans. 5-year projections must be supported by daily goals. Grand declarations of where you're headed must be backed up by clear evidence that you're willing to put in the work to get there. 

Manage the tension. 

Then. Now.
Future. Present.
What will be. What is.
What you want. What you have.
Where you're going. Where you're at.

You must keep your eyes on both.

If your head is always in the clouds, you'll miss out on the beauty of today. If your feet are always on the ground, you'll miss out on the potential of tomorrow.

#573 - HOW TO GET OFF THE CAROUSEL OF MISERY

Do you find yourself unhappy? Do you notice yourself experiencing prolonged sadness? Are you surprised when even good things don't brighten up your day? Are you frustrated by your inability to "snap out" of it? 

During many seasons of my life, I have had to deal with the very same feelings. Thankfully, I think I've found a cure. 

THE CURE IS CONTENTMENT.

Being deeply grateful for what you already have. Needing absolutely nothing else to feel complete. Feeling extremely satisfied with what you've been given.

THE CURE IS CONTENTMENT.

Not being owned by success. Not being enslaved by approval. Not being driven by materialism.

THE CURE IS CONTENTMENT.

Wonder and awe for what is. Understanding and patience for what isn't. Peace and serenity for what will or will not be.  

THE CURE IS CONTENTMENT.

The quality of someone who sees God's goodness. The character trait of someone who recognizes God's faithfulness. The response of someone who experiences God's grace.

THE CURE IS CONTENTMENT.

Without it, you feel like you're missing out. Without it, you're convinced God is not for you. Without it, you believe you're getting the short end of the stick. 

THE CURE IS CONTENTMENT.

A pre-requisite for being entrusted with more. A must have for being blessed with abundance. A necessary ingredient for being ready for greater.

THE CURE IS CONTENTMENT.

Find it. Practice it. Embrace it.

Life without it is a carousel of misery.

#565 - WHEN PEOPLE LEAVE YOUR CHURCH

Over the last 5 years of pastoring in Oakland, many people have walked through the doors of theMOVEMENT Church and many people have walked out. Many people who I extended ministry to and did ministry with are no longer here. 

Some people have left for great and godly reasons while others have left for not so great or godly reasons (at least in my opinion). But regardless of the reasons for departure, they all are painful. 

I’ve actually come to realize that it’s one of the hardest things about pastoral ministry. After having loved people deeply, invested in them generously, and seen God move in them mightily, it is hard to watch them walk away from your community of faith and pursue what God has for them next.   

But with every person whose season ends at our church, I have a choice.

I have a choice in how I will respond to the news. I have a choice in how I will love them for the remainder of the time that they are here. I have a choice in how I will talk about them when they are gone. 

Unfortunately, I have not gotten this right as often as I would like to, but, in an effort to improve my ability to love people well as they leave, here are a few practical lessons I’ve learned:

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONAL

Though sometimes people will leave because of you, many times it will be for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with you! Many times, God really does have something better for them elsewhere. Remember, it is Jesus, ultimately, who we want people to trust in and be tethered to, not us. Be sure that how you handle someone’s departure doesn’t become an obstacle to their future relationship with Christ and the Church. 

PASTOR THEM THROUGH THEIR DEPARTURE

If allowed the opportunity, pastor the person leaving on how they can honor God as they go. Pastor them in how they can honor the church as they go. Pastor them by affirming their gifts and contribution while they were with you. Pastor them by lovingly pointing out the ways in which you hope they grow in their next community of faith. Don’t be lazy in your leadership just because they are leaving. Finish well. You will be held accountable. 

HONOR THEM PUBLICLY AND PRIVATELY

If the situation permits and if the honor is warranted, publicly honor them for their commitment and service to your community. Honor them before the group of people who was most impacted by their presence. God is honored by honor. But, don’t only speak favorably of them in front of others, speak favorably of them behind closed doors as well. God is dishonored by dishonor. People are watching. From how you handle the situation, you want people to see that your church is not only a safe place to come to, but it is also a safe place to leave from.  

MOVE ON

Too many times I've made the mistake of putting so much emotional energy into those who have left that I've robbed those who have stayed of healthy leadership. You must press forward. Being emotionally present with the people who aren’t a part of your community will cause you to be spiritually absent from the people who are, and that is a huge disservice to them. God has not called you to people who are no longer called to you. Discern the difference, and love and lead accordingly.   

FIND YOUR JOY IN CHRIST

No man, woman, or family should determine how confident you are in carrying out your calling. For too long, my self-worth and level of fulfillment was wrapped up in who was and who was not following me. What I’ve come to realize is that looking to someone in your church to provide for you what only Christ can provide is idolatry of the worst kind.  Christ alone. He is our joy. He is our reward. Don’t settle for the crumbs of man’s approval when God’s love is a banquet that you can feast from daily!

#561 - TO THE TIRED LEADER

There will be days when you have nothing left to give - physically, emotionally, spiritually. There will be days when you will be weary, exhausted, and out of gas. Your brain will be fried. Your body will be fatigued. Your energy will be depleted.

Pay attention to the messages your body is sending you, and respond accordingly.

Rest. 
Let your team know about your fatigue. 
Change your pace.
Adjust your rhythm. 
Sleep. For an extended period of time. Like 10 hours.

Sometimes pushing through is the answer, but many times, it's not. 

YOUR TEAM DOESN'T NEED A HERO, THEY NEED A HUMAN WHO WORKS HARD AND RESTS WELL.

How do you need to take care of your body to joyfully be engaged in the work you are involved with 10 years from now? 

Whatever your answer to that question is, act on it today. 

The world doesn't need leaders who only start strong, the world needs leaders who finish well. 

#557 - KEEP PLANTING

It can be frustrating.

Serving. Giving. Investing. Volunteering. Risking. Sacrificing. Forgiving. Persisting.

With no visible return. With no tangible "fruit." With no immediate results. 

Sometimes you just want to stop. 

But, you can't.

If a "harvest" is what you want, a "seed" is what you'll need.

If you want the "harvest" of a healthy body, a passionate marriage, disciplined kids, good grades, thriving leaders, a fulfilling career, committed disciples, a profitable business, a strong organization, etc...

You are going to need to plant the "seeds" of time, effort, energy, work, consistency, showing up, love, long-suffering, practice, etc...

There's no harvest without the seed.

Don't grow weary. Keep planting.

#556 - ON GETTING BETTER

Whether it's something personally or professionally, one obvious (but many times overlooked) key to making significant improvements is this:

If you want to get better than you are, you have to get yourself around someone better than you are. 

Someone more experienced. More skilled. More savvy. More talented. More proficient. More gifted. More excellent. Someone better than you.

Humble yourself. Find a way to work your way into their life. Get close enough to observe. Get close enough to ask questions. Get close enough to be able to take notes.

Notice the nuance. Watch the way. View the variance. 

Though this will take intention, it will be worth it.

But, just in case you're not willing to put in the work and effort to position yourself around someone better than you, here is a picture of the alternative.

1. You will hit a ceiling created by your own unawareness of how it can be done better.

2. Then, you will get stuck doing it "the way you've always done it."

3. Unfortunately, the people who need you to be better will miss out.

4. Finally, your full potential will go unrealized. 

I don't want this to be me. I don't want this to be you.

Get around someone better, and get better.  

#553 - A NEVER ENDING LOOP OF PRAISE

The purpose of prayer is UPWARD PRAISE.

• Worship for who God is.

• Thanksgiving for what God has done.

The benefit of upward praise is INWARD PEACE. 

• Rest in God's character.

• Satisfaction in God's blessings.

The outcome of inward peace is OUTWARD HOPE.

• Confidence in God's consistency.

• Expectation in God's faithfulness.

The impact of outward hope is UPWARD PRAISE.

• Worship for who God is.

• Thanksgiving for what God has done.

I encourage you to praise God Almighty with your prayers today, Put the loop in motion. Deep joy, fulfillment, and blessing awaits!

#548 - THE POSTURE OF A LIFELONG LEARNER

Less you, more others.
Less words, more silence.
Less hubris, more humility.
Less talking, more listening.
Less answering, more asking.
Less leading, more following.
Less assurance, more wonder.
Less explaining, more inquiring.
Less authority, more submission.
Less statements, more questions.
Less assuming, more investigating.

LESS EGO. LESS EGO. LESS EGO.

Where ego is present, learning is absent.

#546 - MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SIMPLE COMMUNICATION

Simple is not shallow. Simple is not lazy. Simple is not uneducated.

Simple doesn't mean you can't say more, simple means you choose not to say more. Simple doesn't mean you don't know more, simple means you choose not to share everything you know. Simple doesn't mean you can't talk longer, simple means you choose not to talk longer because you understand that longer doesn't always mean better!

When it comes to communication, simple is helpful. Simple is understandable. Simple is palatable. 

Simplicity serves your listeners. Complexity doesn't. 

Simple shows you care. Simple shows you're willing to work hard to prepare so your listener doesn't have to work hard to understand. Simple reveals you're more interested in what the audience understands than in how you're perceived.  

Keep your communication simple.

The strength in your communication is not in what is said, but in what is understood.