tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23191149489234199212024-02-20T20:27:33.633-08:00Brad Post's BlogsBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.comBlogger307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-67838604879309432002010-06-14T08:58:00.001-07:002010-06-14T08:58:40.701-07:00Take CourageJoshua 1:5 says, “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”<br />I really felt the Lord pressing on my heart these two words……”Take Courage.” As I was praying I was reminded of three people whom God told this too. Let’s look at them:<br />Joshua:<br />Joshua 1:6,7, 9, and 18, Be strong and courageous, Be strong and very courageous, Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go, Only be strong and courageous!<br />Why did God repeat himself here? Well Joshua was told to take the Israelites’ into the promised land and did not know he had to defeat 31 kings prior to doing that. God was encouraging him.<br />Peter:<br />Before Peter walked on the water, it says the disciples were terrified when they first saw Jesus on the water and He said to them in Matthew 14:27, “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.”<br />Peter ended up being hung on the cross later in his life and had it done upside down. <br />Paul: <br />Acts 23:11 says, “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."<br />Why did he tell Paul this? Check this out in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28;<br />Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.<br />My encouragement to you today is to Take Courage, don’t allow the enemy to take any of your courage away. Don’t be easily discouraged, don’t be afraid, and don’t show any lack of faith so God can do inside you and through you what you are purposed to do.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-32699494231455299582010-06-10T11:59:00.000-07:002010-06-10T12:00:05.973-07:00Right On TimeLately God has really been working on me in my area of patience and waiting on Him. God is never early or never late he is always right on time! <br />Recently we had had some issues with our AC unit. We have 2 units and our old one that cools our living room and the children’s room went out. I had a close friend who does A/C work for a living and put in our other unit several years ago check it out. He said it is shot and in order to purchase a new one it was going to be in the thousands of dollars. <br />Well let’s just say that at the same time God is working on my patience He is also working on the discipline in our finances. God usually is working on multiple things at a time on me We were having to depend on God to pull through for us. We heard Him keep telling us to be patient; I am going to take care of this. We had the kids sleeping in the dining room since it was still cool. We were prepared to shut down half of the house just because we wanted to be disciplined with our finances and save up for the new unit if it would come to that and pay cash for the new AC.<br />I wanted to take matters in my own hands several times and just get it fixed. God kept telling Stacey and I that He was taking care of it. My close friend had an old unit and we were not really sure it was even going to work, but he was a man of God and prayed about it. God told him to put the unit in and it will work and to donate the unit to us. <br />Needless to say, God was at work. The unit is working like a charm and had no expense to us. Thank you Lord for great friends and for providing all our needs according to your riches and glory.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-64245403728433205392010-05-31T07:37:00.001-07:002010-05-31T07:37:43.201-07:00Power Made Perfect In WeaknessPaul was pleading with God in 2 Corinthians 6:8-10 and God answered him with this; <br />“He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”<br />We can plead with God everyday to make something happen (promotions, business success, growth in business), to take something away (pride, depression, laziness), or to remove barriers in our life that might hold us back (strongholds, insufficiencies, lack of money or intelligence). But it is His strength that will be made perfect in our weakness, in our insults, in our hardships, persecutions and difficulties. <br />He will give us the strength to do everything through Christ who strengthens us, He has made us more than a conqueror, He is for us and not against us; however the moment we try to take the success into our own hands is the moment we fail. You see it is in our weaknesses that God gets the glory. It is in our lack that God gets the glory for the success that we had. <br />God has challenged me and I want to challenge you today to do something so big that you can’t take the glory for it; it has to come from God. Do something so big that it will cause Satan to tremble and God to be glorified. Create a movement inside yourself so you can make a difference in the lives of others and yourself.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-62435149032840159502010-05-19T19:31:00.001-07:002010-05-19T19:31:40.280-07:00Why did you...I wanted to share a parenting method I learned recently from "Shepherding A Childs Heart" by Tedd Tripp. <br /><br /><br />The "Why did you..." line of questioning never works with children and rarely with adults. Here are some alternative and more productive questions for the children:<br /><br />1. "What were you feeling when you hit your sister?"<br /><br />2. "What did your sister do to make you mad?"<br /><br />3. "Help me understand how hitting her seemed to make things better?"<br /><br />4. "What was the problem with what she was doing to you?" (You need not deny the fact your child has been sinned against. Of course, he was sinned against. Let him tell you about it.)<br /><br />5. "In what other ways could you have responded?"<br /><br />6. "How do you think your response reflected trust or lack trust in God's ability to provide for you?'Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-51808859050238370692010-05-17T09:45:00.001-07:002010-05-17T09:56:54.028-07:00The Spirit Is WillingEvery day is a new day, rejoice, take joy, be happy that you have been given a brand new day. If you have a roof over your head, electricity, food and the means to get the things you need then you are blessed. Every day you should wake up with joy in your heart and have the energy spiritually first to seek God then get the energy mentally and physically to do the things God has called you to do. So many times we can get it backwards…..mentally, physically and then spiritually. You have to turn that around to the spiritually first and then the mental and physical will follow. <br /><br />Mark 14:38 says, “The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” (NIV), and the NCV says, “The spirit wants to do what is right but the body is weak.” And the message says, “Part is eager, ready for anything in God, but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”<br /><br />Matthew 6:13 and Luke 11:4 says, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” <br /><br />Psalm 51:10-12 (Purity Prayer) Create in me a pure heart, O God, <br /> and renew a steadfast spirit within me. <br /> 11 Do not cast me from your presence <br /> or take your Holy Spirit from me. <br /> 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation <br /> and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.<br /><br />Our fallen human nature wars against the work of God. We need to remember to have that steadfast spirit of faithfulness and a willing spirit of service.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-11741144345444737902010-05-10T06:55:00.001-07:002010-05-10T06:55:19.203-07:00Simply BecomingI wanted to encourage you with a teaching I got from Ed Young Sr. during our C3 conference this past year. <br />What can I inside my giftedness become so I can increase and build up the church in the 21st century?<br />The genius is not doing the genius is becoming<br />Lets take a look at Paul’s life----went to Arabia after becoming Christian for 3 years where he memorized the old testament. When he preached and no one was saved, he then became wanted dead and then goes to Taursus to live with his mom for 13 years. He did not just go out and start preaching and teaching, God had to mold him and develop him into the man and instrument he was called to be. Sometime we might be too proud or not willing to step up and help because we feel like we can add more and do more. But sometimes we have to just start somewhere doing something before God can use us for our complete calling and use our potential. <br />Then a revival broke out in Antioch and the disciples did not know how to communicate to the gentiles and Romans so they called on Paul. That is when he started his ministry 16 years after his conversion. <br />Now please don’t take this as to you need to wait 16 years before you get involved in a church, start serving and giving of your time, talents and treasures. I am simply saying we need to become before we can do.<br />Start somewhere by doing something, get involved so you can start becoming the man or woman God has called you to become.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-20349021702824455222010-04-29T07:32:00.000-07:002010-04-29T07:36:46.445-07:00AssimilationI wanted to share our assimilation process at <a href="http://www.turningpointchurch.tv">Turning Point Church</a> and fill you in on our constantly evolving process. We first started out with making calls each week and had a strenuous 4-5 week follow up plan. We also for a season tried to do visitations. Both showed very little fruit. We are constantly evaluating our process, but I wanted to share some of the new ways we have implemented in church assimilation to potentially help you in your ministry. <br /><br />Our assimilation starts at the parking lot. We have implemented an amazing Welcome Team to make people feel welcomed. We have an amazing team of Parking guys who are giving direction and waving. We also have front door greeters, childrens check in and sanctuary greeters who all have been trained to welcome all who come in. We have ushers who show people to their seats and have a coffee bar for those who need the coffee. We have posted everything online also to show new visitors what to expect from how to dress to how to park. You can check that out <a href="http://www.turn4good.com/index.php?link=expect">Here</a> if you want. <br />We ask in the welcome to have visitors fill out the communication cards which are given out at the door inside the bulletins. We also ask our members with any prayer requests to do the same. We pick those up at the end of the service and have them placed in the offering baskets. The next steps are usually handled by me. I get the cards and usually within 24 hours I will send them an email thanking them for coming. I also attempt to find them on facebook or twitter—if they checked the box (we have this as a question on the communication card). I befriend them and sent them a thanks. We then have a admin team who usually will send out a welcome letter. I do not make any calls unless they ask for one. We call it our no hassle-life giving process. <br /><br />The next step for them is always being communicated. Come out to our Growth Track—Church 101 is always on the first Sunday of the month, 201, 2nd, 301 is the 3rd and 401 is the 4th Sunday always. Check more about that <a href="http://www.turn4good.com/index.php?link=spiritual-growth">here</a>. We make it easy, obvious and strategic. If anyone wants to get connected and into the life of the church—we invite them to the growth track. We also have small groups to connect to as well. I will explain what we do with our small groups is another blog. <br />Again, we are constantly evaluating our process and the effectiveness of it. We have shown consistent growth through this process and are continuing if for now.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-65778563093779845382010-04-23T07:45:00.001-07:002010-04-23T07:45:26.870-07:00His Purpose Not OursI wanted to encourage you today. The Lord was sharing with me that I might be only one person but with His plans and purpose I can make a difference.<br /><br />Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”<br /><br />Too many times I am compelled to get discouraged and depressed and I remember the words of God. He said. “He would never leave me or forsake me.” He said, “He has plans for me, that I am more than a conqueror, I am the head and not the tail, He is for me and who can be against me.”<br /><br />Many times the enemy wants to discourage us into thinking that we can’t make a difference in people, and why bother. However when we are down and when we are calling out to Him, he will always answer us and remind us to PRESS ON towards the goal, like Paul said.<br /><br />Keep Him in your sight at all times; keep in the word and in prayer, even when you might not feel like it is making a difference. IT DOES, He hears your voice and He is with you. Remember His commands and what He has called you to do according to His purpose and not yours.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-92044316992241397392010-04-10T08:56:00.000-07:002010-04-10T08:58:01.768-07:00Four Points Of PrayerWe need to be continually praying for our family, our city, our nation and the world every day. <br />Pray for your Family:<br />Job prayed for his family daily. Job 1:5 says, “Job would get up early in the morning and sacrifice a burnt offering for each of his children, thinking, "Maybe one of them sinned by defying God inwardly." Job made a habit of this sacrificial atonement, just in case they'd sinned.”<br />Pray for your City:<br />Jeremiah told the captives to pray for their city to have peace, Jeremiah 29:7, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."<br />Pray for your Nation: <br />Paul encouraged us to pray for the leaders of our nation. 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”<br />Pray for our World: <br />Jesus taught us to pray for the world harvest. Luke 10:2, “Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-81244639890636930632010-04-09T09:17:00.001-07:002010-04-09T09:17:23.111-07:00The Names of GodThe Names of God<br />I wanted to share a teaching from Psalm 23 I got from the book The Remnant by Larry Stockstill. It breaks down and forms the basis for worshiping the seven major divine names of Jehovah revealed in the Old Testament: <br />• Jehovah-Rohi, my shepherd (v.1): “The LORD is my shepherd.”<br />• Jehovah-Jireh, my provider (v. 1): “I shall not want.”<br />• Jehovah-Shalom, my peace (v.2): “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”<br />• Jevohah-Rapha, my healer (v.3): “He restores my soul.”<br />• Jevohah-Tsidkenu, my righteousness (v.3): “He guides me in the paths of righteousness.”<br />• Jehovah-Shammah, my presence (v.4): “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…You are with me.”<br />• Jehovah-Nissi, my defender (v.5): “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-1790003407749193742010-04-09T08:51:00.000-07:002010-04-09T08:52:23.180-07:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 26Week 26 April 5th <br />Spiritual- FAMILY WEEK <br />Physical— 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.<br />• Diet-<br />• Body-Cardio 3 days this week work out 1 day<br />Family- Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love,<br /> <br />• Parenting-Spring Break—Camping TRIP<br />• Marriage- Date morning Saturday <br />Financial- <br />MinistryBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-2995587231431428192010-04-09T08:50:00.000-07:002010-04-09T08:51:40.338-07:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 25Week 25 March 29th <br />Spiritual- 1 Samuel 2:30 the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor,<br />Physical— 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.<br />• Body-Continue work out plan 4 days a week, with one day off Sunday, Cardio 6 days this week<br />Family- Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love,<br /> <br />• Parenting-Build out at church <br />• Marriage- Build out at church<br />Financial- <br />Ministry-Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-88389310346879484172010-03-24T08:03:00.001-07:002010-03-24T08:03:29.439-07:00Prepare God's PeopleEphesians 4:11-12 (New International Version)<br />11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up<br />The job of the ministry is to not actually do the work of ministry but to prepare Gods people for works of ministry. Now I am not saying this in a Pharisaical way where all the pastors just tell what to do and not do. But they are actually out doing the work of the ministry and also having people do the work of ministry. <br /> <br />It is the pastor’s job to prepare Gods people for works of service not to actually do all the works of service. <br /> <br />See what happens when the Disciples realized this:<br /> <br />Acts 6:1-10 The Choosing of the Seven <br /> 1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." <br /> 5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. <br /> 7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith<br /> <br />Peter and the leaders were actually doing the work of ministry--which in turn hindered the growth and in turn--they realized they had to choose some men to do the work......so in verse 7 it says the Word of God spread.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-33694645352671827822010-03-22T06:33:00.001-07:002010-03-22T06:33:54.041-07:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 24Week 24 March 22nd <br />Spiritual- 1 Samuel 2:30 the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor,<br />Physical— 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.<br />• Diet- Do the master cleanse 3 days this week. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday <br />• Body-Continue work out plan 4 days a week, with one day off Sunday, Cardio 6 days this week<br />Family- Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love,<br /> <br />• Parenting- Family night Friday<br />• Marriage- Date night Thursday<br />Financial- Deuteronomy 8:18, But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.<br />Ministry- Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-7500351217518328402010-03-20T07:27:00.000-07:002010-03-20T07:28:01.678-07:00Live In The MomentI really have felt the Lord pressing on me a few things. I catch myself getting frustrated easily sometimes and I quickly realize it is coming out of some insufficiencies or inabilities I may have. It might also be coming out of something I have not done that I need to, like review bills, do school work, or any type of things I might do on a weekly basis but not be able to get to. I also sometimes get frustrated by events coming up that I have no control over until the occur. I used to find myself, while working in the corporate world being very easily agitated on a Sunday night knowing I had to go back to work on Monday. <br />I felt the Lord wanted me to share this with you today: <br />Don’t focus on what you can’t do but focus on what you can do. Don’t get frustrated because of your inabilities but praise God for your abilities. Too many times you focus on what has not been done instead of focusing on what has been done and what can be done right now. To whom much is given much is required. Use your abilities to do good and do the best you can with what you have and don’t worry, fret or get discouraged by what has not been done or can’t be done. Don’t dwell in the past or focus too much on the future but live in the moment. Live for the here and the now and once you realize this you will have true peace and joy. <br />The future will be determined by the things you do today.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-18900522015030872742010-03-15T07:51:00.001-07:002010-03-15T07:51:12.405-07:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 23Week 23 March 15th <br />Spiritual- Luke 12:48 From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.<br />Physical— Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices<br />• Diet- Start clean eating plan with 5 meals every 2 and half hours, eliminate sugars and coffee after 5pm <br />• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program continue workout program<br />Family- Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love,<br /> <br />• Parenting- Family night Monday—picnic at Panola Mountain Park<br />• Marriage- Date night Thursday—Tennis or taking a walk<br />Financial- Deuteronomy 28:4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks<br />Ministry- Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-51559445172537398592010-03-13T08:06:00.001-08:002010-03-13T08:06:28.615-08:00Isaiah's Breakfast PrayerMy youngest son Isaiah, age 3 wanted to pray for his breakfast this morning and I felt led to share. <br />“Dear God thank you for my friends and for my friends sisters and God thank you for my sisters”<br />As he looks around he then says, “Dad where is my Sister?” <br />I respond, “She is still sleeping…”<br />“Still sleeping,” he says, “I’m awake and you are awake why is she still sleeping?” <br />I respond, “She is tired.” <br />So he says, “Why is she so tired?” <br />My response was, “Wait weren’t we praying?”<br />“Oh yeah, and God please thank you for my house and for my food and Dad please pray for my friend to come over today and tomorrow.”<br />WOW, my son is quickly turning into a powerful intercessor. It is amazing how our prayers are sometimes the same. Have you ever started praying and thinking wow, I forgot to pay my bill or I forgot to email so and so or maybe call someone and we quickly forget we were even praying. I know I have plenty of times, even during my prayer today I stopped to write this blog :-)<br />Gotta get back to prayer just wanted to share my sons prayer and hope you can relate.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-6196669211741289652010-03-08T07:08:00.001-08:002010-03-08T07:08:16.832-08:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 22Week 22 March 8th <br />Spiritual— Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.<br />Physical— Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices<br />• Diet- Start clean eating plan with 5 meals every 2 and half hours, eliminate sugars and coffee after 5pm <br />• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program on bow flex<br />Family- 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.<br />• Parenting- Family night Wednesday<br />• Marriage- Date night Monday <br />Financial- Deuteronomy 28:2 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country<br />Ministry- Ephesians 4:1Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-69197121150206152692010-03-07T16:51:00.001-08:002010-03-07T16:51:40.679-08:00Why Volunteer, Whats In It For MeServing in your local church means a lot, you are serving for the Kingdom of God, you are serving for God, and you are making a difference in many people’s lives. And wouldn’t that be just a reward enough??? What do you guys think? Ok so I have some even better news. Sometimes we might be even thinking are there any other benefits of serving?<br /><br />Studies on volunteers have shown some amazing results. Catch this…..Studies have shown that volunteering can improve communication skills. Teach new tasks and develop managerial skills than can help in the workplace. Studies also show that people who serve actually get smarter…No smart comments here please:-) Studies also show that people who volunteer are generally more healthy and have a stronger immune systems….and if you were here moving chairs and stuff for the father daughter dance…you probably found yourself getting much stronger. Studies also show that volunteering can increase a person’s confidence and interpersonal skills which are both excellent for enriching and expanding personal relationships.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-8600830498079752912010-03-02T08:27:00.000-08:002010-03-02T08:27:00.956-08:00AffirmationAffirmation<br />All of us are in need of affirmation. It is a basic need that no person is exempt from. Even Jesus Himself needed affirming word from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). But, unfortunately, many people experience a general lack of affirmation. Affirmation, however, is not optional, but totally necessary, for any person to function correctly. <br />In the book “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, one of the love languages is words of affirmation. My wife is well aware of this one because it is my love language. I am good at it, however need it a lot myself. The great thing is I can get it from God while in the word and prayer. The other thing is I do need it from my wife and kids. I often ask my kids, “Who loves their dad?” and wait for the answer from all three of them saying “Me” or “I do.” It is a basic need even though it is not one of my wife’s main love languages, she still needs to hear from me that I love her, I value her and appreciate her. It validates all she is doing as a mother and wife. <br />While I was working in the cooperate world, many times people would work very hard not for a bonus or extra incentives but more from their boss a, “job well done.” <br />Today and this week while going through your week find people in your circle of influence and give them affirming words. Please share any thoughts or insights you have found on the subject?Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-87824119377610948202010-03-01T08:25:00.001-08:002010-03-01T08:25:12.354-08:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 21Week 20 March 1st <br />Spiritual— Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. <br /> A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.<br />Physical—<br />• Diet- Start clean eating plan with 5 meals every 2 and half hours <br />• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program on bow flex<br />Family- Ephesians 5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.<br />• Parenting- Family night Friday<br />• Marriage- Date night Thursday <br />Financial- <br />Ministry- Matthew 18:19 Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-30178138536713377172010-02-22T09:17:00.001-08:002010-02-22T09:17:39.801-08:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 20Spiritual— Blessed is the man <br /> who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked <br /> or stand in the way of sinners <br /> or sit in the seat of mockers. <br /> 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, <br /> and on his law he meditates day and night. <br /> 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, <br /> which yields its fruit in season <br /> and whose leaf does not wither. <br /> Whatever he does prospers.<br />Physical—<br />• Diet- Start limiting food and sugars drink 100 oz of water a day, <br />• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program<br />Family- Proverbs 5:19 (Wife) may you ever be captivated by her love<br /> <br />• Parenting- Family night Monday, Father Daughter Dance Saturday<br />• Marriage- Date night Thursday <br />Financial- <br />Ministry-Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-36399935819112235252010-02-16T14:01:00.000-08:002010-02-16T14:02:14.443-08:00Overwhelmed?Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Have you ever felt that you are trying to take on too much and you just can’t do it all? I really feel this is a huge way the enemy tries to attack us in feeling that we can’t take on certain things. Too many times we feel like we can’t take on certain things because we might have too much on our plate. <br />Now I do believe in complete balance in our lives. I believe you should be able to balance your time between God, family, work and community development. I truly believe you should have a day of rest to recoup and get re-energized for your life. But sometimes we might fall short of what God has for us. Sometimes we don’t take on as much as we can because the enemy tries to leak into our lives and plant thoughts like, you are already doing too much. <br />I have had several times in my week where I have been overwhelmed, so I too am dealing with this. I have even been forgetful in things because I have so much on my plate. <br />I have a few ideas on what can be done in cases of being overwhelmed:<br />1) Turning to the word.<br />Matthew 6:27 says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.”<br />Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.”<br />2 Timothy 1:7 I have changed and said, “God did not give me the spirit of overwhelm, but of power and of love and of self control….and a sound mind.”<br />2) Praying to God for strength.<br />Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”<br />1 John 4:4 says, “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”<br />3) Take notes on what all needs to be done: this will help you remember all you need to get done and not get you sidetracked on doing something else when a thought comes in while you are already doing something. <br />4) Schedule out your weeks: use block scheduling where at certain times of the day you are focused on certain things. <br />5) Use your NET (no extra time): like when you are driving, to get caught up on your calls, when working out get caught up on spiritual growth, when waiting for someone or something, get caught up on reading or reaching out to others.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-71091079894821438272010-02-15T07:50:00.001-08:002010-02-15T07:50:21.969-08:0040 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 19Week 19 February 14th <br />Spiritual— Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out<br />Physical— 1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.<br />• Diet- Start limiting food and sugars drink 100 oz of water a day, stop eating fast food <br />• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program<br />Family- Proverbs 5:19 (Wife) may you ever be captivated by her love<br /> <br />• Parenting- Family night Monday<br />• Marriage- Valentines Retreat to C3 Church Conference Wednesday to Saturday <br />Financial- Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus<br />Ministry- Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2319114948923419921.post-17213526344106831392010-02-12T09:34:00.001-08:002010-02-12T09:34:31.722-08:00Creature of HabitsWe are all creatures of habit. There are certain things I do that are totally out of habit. God has been working on me to make sure I am changing constantly. I think the awesome thing about God is that he won’t show us everything wrong with us at the same time; he corrects one area of our life at a time. We must lean on Him and make sure we are not falling into the trap of just being creatures of habits. <br />Some habits can give life but some habits can destroy your life. I have to make sure that I am developing the daily habits God wants me to have so I don’t allow my fleshly habits to get in the way. Some of us all have habits whether good or bad, we need to remember to make sure we are allowing God to work on us to develop his habits. <br />Joshua 1:8 says, Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. <br />Some daily habits you should remember to focus on are, reading the Bible and praying. What are some other healthy habits we should form?Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601928678494581141noreply@blogger.com0