Note: Dr. Thomas Sowell is one of the brightest minds out there today regarding economics. What he says or writes pretty much stands. Here is a recent article he wrote that describes the economic problems we are having. He points out HOW we got into this mess and WHO are the ones who got us there. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that it was the private markets that did this to us. The hand of Big Brother’s fingerprints is all over this mess. And now Big Brother is trying to fix what it has ruined. Here’s a quote: “Mortgage loans with no down payment, no income verification and other ‘creative’ financial arrangements abounded. Although this was done under pressures begun in the name of the poor and minorities, people who were neither could also get these mortgage loans. “With mortgage loans widely available to people with questionable prospects of being able to keep up the payments, it was an open invitation to financial disaster.” In order to try to keep things fair and to show compassion, people who couldn’t afford loans were given loans, and those who could are to be the ones to bail out those who can’t. Read this article slowly and several times if need be. Remember, the media is in the liberal tank. Be cognizant of what you hear. Facts are important when it comes to making sense of things. It is also important to help us to know what solutions would work and won’t. This much should be apparent: As long as Big Brother keeps trying to fix things, we will have nothing to wake up to but utter chaos.
Upside Down Economics
Thomas Sowell
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
From television specials to newspaper editorials, the media are pushing the idea that current economic problems were caused by the market and that only the government can rescue us.
What was lacking in the housing market, they say, was government regulation of the market's "greed." That makes great moral melodrama, but it turns the facts upside down. It was precisely government intervention which turned a thriving industry into a basket case.
An economist specializing in financial markets gave a glimpse of the history of housing markets when he said: "Lending money to American homebuyers had been one of the least risky and most profitable businesses a bank could engage in for nearly a century."
That was what the market was like before the government intervened. Like many government interventions, it began small and later grew.
The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 directed federal regulatory agencies to "encourage" banks and other lending institutions "to help meet the credit needs of the local communities in which they are chartered consistent with the safe and sound operation of such institutions."
That sounds pretty innocent and, in fact, it had little effect for more than a decade. However, its premise was that bureaucrats and politicians know where loans should go, better than people who are in the business of making loans.
The real potential of that premise became apparent in the 1990s, when the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) imposed a requirement that mortgage lenders demonstrate with hard data that they were meeting their responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act.
What HUD wanted were numbers showing that mortgage loans were being made to low-income and moderate-income people on a scale that HUD expected, even if this required "innovative or flexible" mortgage eligibility standards.
In other words, quotas were imposed-- and if some people didn't meet the standards, then the standards need to be changed. Both HUD and the Department of Justice began bringing lawsuits against mortgage bakers when a higher percentage of minority applicants than white applicants were turned down for mortgage loans.
A substantial majority of both black and white mortgage loan applicants had their loans approved but a statistical difference was enough to get a bank sued.
It should also be noted that the same statistical sources from which data on blacks and whites were obtained usually contained data on Asian Americans as well. But those data on Asian Americans were almost never mentioned.
Whites were turned down for mortgage loans more often than Asian Americans. But saying that would undermine the reasoning on which the whole moral melodrama and political crusades were based.
Lawsuits were only part of the pressures put on lenders by government officials. Banks and other lenders are overseen by regulatory agencies and must go to those agencies for approval of many business decisions that other businesses make without needing anyone else's approval.
Government regulators refused to approve such decisions when a lender was under investigation for not producing satisfactory statistics on loans to low-income people or minorities.
Under growing pressures from both the Clinton administration and later the George W. Bush administration, banks began to lower their lending standards.
Mortgage loans with no down payment, no income verification and other "creative" financial arrangements abounded. Although this was done under pressures begun in the name of the poor and minorities, people who were neither could also get these mortgage loans.
With mortgage loans widely available to people with questionable prospects of being able to keep up the payments, it was an open invitation to financial disaster.
Those who warned of the dangers had their warnings dismissed. Now, apparently, we need more politicians intervening in more industries, if you believe the politicians and the media.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
How to Seek God as a Group
Note: Facilitating a Life Group can be one of the most rewarding experiences for anyone to enjoy. The fellowship, interaction, closeness, testimonies of answered prayers, witnesses of miracles, and the list goes on. As I was reading through this article, I thought to myself: “I got to pass this on and share it with other life group leaders and facilitators. I think you will find some great ideas that will both remind you of what you already know and fill your mind with new ideas for your group. Enjoy!
How to Seek God as a Group
Whitney Hopler
Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Alice Fryling's new book, Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction, (IVP Books, 2009).
Many different kinds of groups can help you seek God -- from Bible studies and accountability groups, to fellowship circles and missions committees. But a spiritual direction group will help you learn an especially valuable skill when it comes to seeking God: listening.
In a spiritual direction group, you'll discover how to hear what God has to say to you and others as you seek Him together. Here's how you can seek God through a spiritual direction group:
Set up your group
Find several other believers who are interested in learning more about God through a group that's focused on hearing His direction for their lives. You could ask members of your current small group to meet for about six weeks using a spiritual direction format, or you could start a new group of friends, people from your church, etc. Agree on a time and place to meet, and choose someone to lead the group who will be able to help members take turns talking about their spiritual journeys and listening attentively to others.
Create the right environment
Every group member should feel welcomed, loved, and encouraged. Keep in mind that it takes a lot of courage for people to open up about what God is doing in their lives. Avoid judging members for whatever they say. Make the group a safe place where people feel comfortable being real without fear of condemnation. Also, be sure to keep whatever information group members share confidential.
Follow a simple format
Start the group off in silence or with a short biblical meditation to give people time to quiet their minds from the activities in which they've just been engaged. Choose one or two people to talk about their lives during any particular meeting. Give each person who will be sharing about five or 10 minutes to talk about whatever he or she would like. Then take time to pray silently about what the person has said. Next, have group members ask questions to respond to what the person has expressed. Then close by praying silently for the speaker(s).
Listen more than you talk
Don't dominate the conversation unless you've been chosen to talk about your own life at the current meeting. Be silent as often as possible and pay close attention to what the speaker shares. When you do talk, be careful to simply clarify information and encourage the speaker to share more, instead of giving advice or pat answers to deep questions. Simply listening will be a valuable gift for your fellow group members -- especially when they're struggling with challenges. Ask God to give you a contemplative attitude, an open spirit, and a humble perspective to help you listen well. Pray for the discernment you need to know when to speak up and when to remain silent.
Ask life-giving questions
Keep the group on track (away from aimless conversations) and draw the speakers out by asking thoughtful questions that help them consider how God may be working in their lives. Some questions to help speakers get started: "What was life like for you today?", "Can you describe the time today when you felt the most free? When did you feel the least free?", and "What is something you desire in your life these days? Can you talk a bit about your desires for yourself?".
Some questions to help speakers notice God in their daily lives: "In the last 24 hours, what gave you joy? Sorrow?", "Who in your life (past or present) has given you a taste of God's love?", "What activities in your life seem to draw you to God? What activities in your life seem to pull you away from God?", "When or where are you most likely to be aware of God's presence? When or where are you least aware of God's presence?", and "In the last day or two, when or where were you most aware of the presence of God in your life?."
Some questions to help speakers talk about their spiritual journeys: "How would you describe your relationship with God today?", "What is prayer like for you? What kind of prayer is most appealing to you?", "When do you remember first thinking about God?", "How do you experience temptation in your life?", "What do you do really well? What do you think you are gifted to do?", "What is your soul longing for today?", "How is it for you when you read Scripture?", and "When are you bored with your spiritual journey?".
Some questions to help speakers go deeper with what they share: "How is your view of God changing because of this experience?", "What person in your own life acts (or acted) the way you perceive God to be acting in your life right now?", "How would you like God to help you out of this?", "What do you think the Spirit of Jesus might be whispering to your spirit in this situation?", "How are you being changed by this relationship or set of circumstances?", and "How would you most like God to touch your soul, your inner being, at this time in your life?".
Some questions to help close the meeting: "How would you like to experience God in the next few weeks?", "Do you sense any invitation from God in this?", "What would you like God's invitation to be?", "How do you hope your relationship with God will change as a result of this time together?", and "What do you see as the first step on this next phase of your spiritual journey?"
Explore thoughts and feelings
The thoughts and feelings that you and others in your group share can help you all become more aware of your interpretations about God and yourselves. They can also reveal what consumes your attention the most in life, so you'll know if you're treasuring something or someone above God. When you're struggling with certain thoughts and feelings, you can begin the healing process by bringing those thoughts and feelings into the light during group meetings. Trust God to meet you in the middle of your struggles and give you peace.
Meditate on Scripture together
It can be enriching to start your group's meetings by meditating on one or a few Bible verses. Read the verses several times, think about what they mean to you, pray silently for God to speak to you through them, wait, listen to God, and notice if there's anything you need to do in your daily life to respond to the verses. Another way you can meditate on Scripture is by using your imagination to picture yourself in the setting of whatever verses you're reading. Consider what it might have been like in that time and place. Notice what catches your attention in the scene, how you feel, what questions you might ask and how you might respond to whatever is happening.
Deal with sin
Keep in mind that it's not your job to point out sinful attitudes or behaviors that other group members reveal when they're speaking. Instead, just listen and pray silently for the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sin and lovingly encourage them to confess that sin and receive His forgiveness.
Pray together
Examine your daily life in prayer whenever it's your turn to focus on your life during the meeting. Ask God to help you see your life as He sees it, and to become more aware of His presence with you. Notice the times during the past day or two when you've felt the closest to God, and also when you've felt the most distant from Him. Before praying for your fellow group members out loud, ask them if that would be okay with them. If not, pray silently. When you do pray out loud for people, remember that the purpose is to bring their needs to God, not to talk to them about what you think they need to do.
Communicate with different temperaments in mind
As you listen to each person speaking, remember how his or her temperament differs from yours and keep that in mind so you can best listen to how the Spirit may be uniquely leading that person. Set aside your own personal preferences and look at the person's life through the lens of his or her distinct temperament. Consider whether the person is an extrovert or introvert, processes information primarily through senses or intuition, bases decisions on thoughts or feelings, and approaches life mostly through judging or perceiving. God's direction for each person will usually be synchronized with his or her temperament.
Seek discernment
Ask God to give you the discernment you need to view the information that your friends share in the group from His perspective. Recognize that God allows people plenty of freedom to make their own decisions within the guidelines He gives them in Scripture. Realize that your own desires may often not conflict with God's will for you. In fact, your desires may point you toward God's will for you because He often places deep desires within your heart. Ask your fellow group members questions to help clarify what their desires really are. Then help them discover how they may experience those desires in the context of a faithful relationship with God. Encourage each other to maintain an open and willing spirit as you wait for God to fully reveal His will for each of your lives.
Troubleshoot problems
Evaluate how well your group's meeting are working after the first three meetings and then again after a few months. Stay on schedule at each meeting, and gently redirect conversations that are getting off track. Check in with people who haven't been attending regularly to either encourage them to come more often or give them an opportunity to drop out if necessary. Help group members participate in appropriate ways and gently correct those who do something inappropriate, like trying to fix someone's problems rather than just listening and praying. Stay closely connected to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide each meeting.
How to Seek God as a Group
Whitney Hopler
Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Alice Fryling's new book, Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction, (IVP Books, 2009).
Many different kinds of groups can help you seek God -- from Bible studies and accountability groups, to fellowship circles and missions committees. But a spiritual direction group will help you learn an especially valuable skill when it comes to seeking God: listening.
In a spiritual direction group, you'll discover how to hear what God has to say to you and others as you seek Him together. Here's how you can seek God through a spiritual direction group:
Set up your group
Find several other believers who are interested in learning more about God through a group that's focused on hearing His direction for their lives. You could ask members of your current small group to meet for about six weeks using a spiritual direction format, or you could start a new group of friends, people from your church, etc. Agree on a time and place to meet, and choose someone to lead the group who will be able to help members take turns talking about their spiritual journeys and listening attentively to others.
Create the right environment
Every group member should feel welcomed, loved, and encouraged. Keep in mind that it takes a lot of courage for people to open up about what God is doing in their lives. Avoid judging members for whatever they say. Make the group a safe place where people feel comfortable being real without fear of condemnation. Also, be sure to keep whatever information group members share confidential.
Follow a simple format
Start the group off in silence or with a short biblical meditation to give people time to quiet their minds from the activities in which they've just been engaged. Choose one or two people to talk about their lives during any particular meeting. Give each person who will be sharing about five or 10 minutes to talk about whatever he or she would like. Then take time to pray silently about what the person has said. Next, have group members ask questions to respond to what the person has expressed. Then close by praying silently for the speaker(s).
Listen more than you talk
Don't dominate the conversation unless you've been chosen to talk about your own life at the current meeting. Be silent as often as possible and pay close attention to what the speaker shares. When you do talk, be careful to simply clarify information and encourage the speaker to share more, instead of giving advice or pat answers to deep questions. Simply listening will be a valuable gift for your fellow group members -- especially when they're struggling with challenges. Ask God to give you a contemplative attitude, an open spirit, and a humble perspective to help you listen well. Pray for the discernment you need to know when to speak up and when to remain silent.
Ask life-giving questions
Keep the group on track (away from aimless conversations) and draw the speakers out by asking thoughtful questions that help them consider how God may be working in their lives. Some questions to help speakers get started: "What was life like for you today?", "Can you describe the time today when you felt the most free? When did you feel the least free?", and "What is something you desire in your life these days? Can you talk a bit about your desires for yourself?".
Some questions to help speakers notice God in their daily lives: "In the last 24 hours, what gave you joy? Sorrow?", "Who in your life (past or present) has given you a taste of God's love?", "What activities in your life seem to draw you to God? What activities in your life seem to pull you away from God?", "When or where are you most likely to be aware of God's presence? When or where are you least aware of God's presence?", and "In the last day or two, when or where were you most aware of the presence of God in your life?."
Some questions to help speakers talk about their spiritual journeys: "How would you describe your relationship with God today?", "What is prayer like for you? What kind of prayer is most appealing to you?", "When do you remember first thinking about God?", "How do you experience temptation in your life?", "What do you do really well? What do you think you are gifted to do?", "What is your soul longing for today?", "How is it for you when you read Scripture?", and "When are you bored with your spiritual journey?".
Some questions to help speakers go deeper with what they share: "How is your view of God changing because of this experience?", "What person in your own life acts (or acted) the way you perceive God to be acting in your life right now?", "How would you like God to help you out of this?", "What do you think the Spirit of Jesus might be whispering to your spirit in this situation?", "How are you being changed by this relationship or set of circumstances?", and "How would you most like God to touch your soul, your inner being, at this time in your life?".
Some questions to help close the meeting: "How would you like to experience God in the next few weeks?", "Do you sense any invitation from God in this?", "What would you like God's invitation to be?", "How do you hope your relationship with God will change as a result of this time together?", and "What do you see as the first step on this next phase of your spiritual journey?"
Explore thoughts and feelings
The thoughts and feelings that you and others in your group share can help you all become more aware of your interpretations about God and yourselves. They can also reveal what consumes your attention the most in life, so you'll know if you're treasuring something or someone above God. When you're struggling with certain thoughts and feelings, you can begin the healing process by bringing those thoughts and feelings into the light during group meetings. Trust God to meet you in the middle of your struggles and give you peace.
Meditate on Scripture together
It can be enriching to start your group's meetings by meditating on one or a few Bible verses. Read the verses several times, think about what they mean to you, pray silently for God to speak to you through them, wait, listen to God, and notice if there's anything you need to do in your daily life to respond to the verses. Another way you can meditate on Scripture is by using your imagination to picture yourself in the setting of whatever verses you're reading. Consider what it might have been like in that time and place. Notice what catches your attention in the scene, how you feel, what questions you might ask and how you might respond to whatever is happening.
Deal with sin
Keep in mind that it's not your job to point out sinful attitudes or behaviors that other group members reveal when they're speaking. Instead, just listen and pray silently for the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sin and lovingly encourage them to confess that sin and receive His forgiveness.
Pray together
Examine your daily life in prayer whenever it's your turn to focus on your life during the meeting. Ask God to help you see your life as He sees it, and to become more aware of His presence with you. Notice the times during the past day or two when you've felt the closest to God, and also when you've felt the most distant from Him. Before praying for your fellow group members out loud, ask them if that would be okay with them. If not, pray silently. When you do pray out loud for people, remember that the purpose is to bring their needs to God, not to talk to them about what you think they need to do.
Communicate with different temperaments in mind
As you listen to each person speaking, remember how his or her temperament differs from yours and keep that in mind so you can best listen to how the Spirit may be uniquely leading that person. Set aside your own personal preferences and look at the person's life through the lens of his or her distinct temperament. Consider whether the person is an extrovert or introvert, processes information primarily through senses or intuition, bases decisions on thoughts or feelings, and approaches life mostly through judging or perceiving. God's direction for each person will usually be synchronized with his or her temperament.
Seek discernment
Ask God to give you the discernment you need to view the information that your friends share in the group from His perspective. Recognize that God allows people plenty of freedom to make their own decisions within the guidelines He gives them in Scripture. Realize that your own desires may often not conflict with God's will for you. In fact, your desires may point you toward God's will for you because He often places deep desires within your heart. Ask your fellow group members questions to help clarify what their desires really are. Then help them discover how they may experience those desires in the context of a faithful relationship with God. Encourage each other to maintain an open and willing spirit as you wait for God to fully reveal His will for each of your lives.
Troubleshoot problems
Evaluate how well your group's meeting are working after the first three meetings and then again after a few months. Stay on schedule at each meeting, and gently redirect conversations that are getting off track. Check in with people who haven't been attending regularly to either encourage them to come more often or give them an opportunity to drop out if necessary. Help group members participate in appropriate ways and gently correct those who do something inappropriate, like trying to fix someone's problems rather than just listening and praying. Stay closely connected to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide each meeting.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Secret Weapon of Ministry Success
Note: “If you want a slick, entertaining public persona, hire talented professionals. If you want your staff protected and blest, strongholds demolished, captives delivered—and most of all—Jesus glorified by your service, form a prayer team.” Such are the words of wisdom from Rebekah Montgomery who has been a part of a prayer team for years.
I can assuredly confess that the most important ministry team in the church that doesn’t get all that much public exposure and accolades is the Prayer Team. But it’s not like they want the attention. They are content with the results – answered prayers! Spiritual protection! Personal breakthroughs! And changed lives!
Read the article below and come to appreciate our own Prayer Ministry. And while you’re at it, PRAY!
The Secret Weapon of Ministry Success
Rebekah Montgomery
Editor, Right to the Heart of Women
Jesus formed a prayer team. Unfortunately, when He needed them, His prayer team slept on the job. They paid a personal heavy price (Matthew 26).
Hopefully, yours won't.
Plan and prepare all you want, but a wide-awake prayer team is vital the success of any ministry or program.
But then, it depends upon how you define “success.” If you want a slick, entertaining public persona, hire talented professionals If you want your staff protected and blest, strongholds demolished, captives delivered—and most of all—Jesus glorified by your service, form a prayer team.
Here's what your prayer team will do:
1. Prayer teams influence leadership choices.
A person may be a dynamic speaker. His/her resume may be impressive. While we look on the outward appearances, only God knows the heart's secrets. Only He knows whom He has anointed and appointed for positions of leadership.
For example: Judas Iscariot was dead, leaving a gaping hole in the early church's board of directors. Who could be trusted to fill the important position of treasurer?
After criteria was determined and qualifications were presented, only two made the cut: Matthias and Joseph “Barsabas” Justus.
Before voting on the two, the prayer team went into action: "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show us which of these two Thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell…” (Acts 1:24, 25 KJV) Matthias was chosen.
2. Prayer teams cover leaders with prayer.
Everyone faces loneliness, temptation, discouragement, and attacks but leaders often take the brunt. What happens to leaders, spiritual, secular, cultural, and political, impacts everyone.
Esther mustered her prayer team when Haman plotted the destruction of her people (Esther 4:16). Although she was queen, she would not be exempt from Haman's evil plans. Neither would any Jew around her.
Because of her prayer team's fervent efforts, lives were saved.
When you pray for your leaders, remember this: If the enemy takes out your leadership, you're next.
3. Prayer team members pray for one another and others.
One of the greatest blessings we can is to pray for each other. Bearing one another's burdens is a way to fulfill the law of Christ, which is that we love one another (Galatians 6:2a).
Building a Prayer Team
Unless disaster looms, it is easy for prayer to get pushed aside, so seek people who already make prayer a priority. Ephesians 6 reminds us how important prayer is to God’s program: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… powers… of wickedness in the heavenly places… With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and (pray) on my behalf…
If prayer is a priority, your team members will be faithful in their prayer commitments. They won't just say, "I’ll pray for you," but will do it.
1. Find people who love others.
2. Choose those who have a positive interest in the ministry.
3. Choose people who keep confidences.
Prayer Team Ground Rules
Start small. Ask God to lead you to the right person(s). If you are planning to pray privately as well as in concert, use your head: men should pray with men, women with women.
You will want a prayer team that communicates quickly and easily. Therefore, find an efficient way to communicate.
I am part of a prayer team whose members are scattered all over the country. Once a year, we get together in person. Otherwise, we communicate via email. It works for us, but it is better if everyone can physically meet.
Keep track of your requests and answers. It builds faith and teaches persistence and praise.
When you meet, take time for members to confess their sins and be prayed for healing before lifting burdens. Practice listening in prayer as much as talking to God. He still speaks.
I can assuredly confess that the most important ministry team in the church that doesn’t get all that much public exposure and accolades is the Prayer Team. But it’s not like they want the attention. They are content with the results – answered prayers! Spiritual protection! Personal breakthroughs! And changed lives!
Read the article below and come to appreciate our own Prayer Ministry. And while you’re at it, PRAY!
The Secret Weapon of Ministry Success
Rebekah Montgomery
Editor, Right to the Heart of Women
Jesus formed a prayer team. Unfortunately, when He needed them, His prayer team slept on the job. They paid a personal heavy price (Matthew 26).
Hopefully, yours won't.
Plan and prepare all you want, but a wide-awake prayer team is vital the success of any ministry or program.
But then, it depends upon how you define “success.” If you want a slick, entertaining public persona, hire talented professionals If you want your staff protected and blest, strongholds demolished, captives delivered—and most of all—Jesus glorified by your service, form a prayer team.
Here's what your prayer team will do:
1. Prayer teams influence leadership choices.
A person may be a dynamic speaker. His/her resume may be impressive. While we look on the outward appearances, only God knows the heart's secrets. Only He knows whom He has anointed and appointed for positions of leadership.
For example: Judas Iscariot was dead, leaving a gaping hole in the early church's board of directors. Who could be trusted to fill the important position of treasurer?
After criteria was determined and qualifications were presented, only two made the cut: Matthias and Joseph “Barsabas” Justus.
Before voting on the two, the prayer team went into action: "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show us which of these two Thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell…” (Acts 1:24, 25 KJV) Matthias was chosen.
2. Prayer teams cover leaders with prayer.
Everyone faces loneliness, temptation, discouragement, and attacks but leaders often take the brunt. What happens to leaders, spiritual, secular, cultural, and political, impacts everyone.
Esther mustered her prayer team when Haman plotted the destruction of her people (Esther 4:16). Although she was queen, she would not be exempt from Haman's evil plans. Neither would any Jew around her.
Because of her prayer team's fervent efforts, lives were saved.
When you pray for your leaders, remember this: If the enemy takes out your leadership, you're next.
3. Prayer team members pray for one another and others.
One of the greatest blessings we can is to pray for each other. Bearing one another's burdens is a way to fulfill the law of Christ, which is that we love one another (Galatians 6:2a).
Building a Prayer Team
Unless disaster looms, it is easy for prayer to get pushed aside, so seek people who already make prayer a priority. Ephesians 6 reminds us how important prayer is to God’s program: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… powers… of wickedness in the heavenly places… With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and (pray) on my behalf…
If prayer is a priority, your team members will be faithful in their prayer commitments. They won't just say, "I’ll pray for you," but will do it.
1. Find people who love others.
2. Choose those who have a positive interest in the ministry.
3. Choose people who keep confidences.
Prayer Team Ground Rules
Start small. Ask God to lead you to the right person(s). If you are planning to pray privately as well as in concert, use your head: men should pray with men, women with women.
You will want a prayer team that communicates quickly and easily. Therefore, find an efficient way to communicate.
I am part of a prayer team whose members are scattered all over the country. Once a year, we get together in person. Otherwise, we communicate via email. It works for us, but it is better if everyone can physically meet.
Keep track of your requests and answers. It builds faith and teaches persistence and praise.
When you meet, take time for members to confess their sins and be prayed for healing before lifting burdens. Practice listening in prayer as much as talking to God. He still speaks.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Relating to a Difficult Mother-in-Law
Note: Here is an issue I have heard time and time again. I have even witnessed a spouse cry profusely over the pain she felt. As Dr. Hawkins asks: “What do you do when your mate wants to spend more time with their family than with you? What do you do if your mother-in-law seems to have more influence over your mate than you do?”
Resolving such issue during marriage is difficult and in my opinion a little too late. You will be in for a struggle. The solutions are not impossible, but it will be very difficult. The time to work out in-law issues is BEFORE you get married. If you look and observe closely, you will see signs of your spouse’s obsessive relationship with his or her parents now and what you are to expect once you’re married. If you think that love will make things better or go away, you are dreaming!
The article below is very simple and not that instructive. However, it’s a start and often times that’s what a spouse needs – Is a start! Enjoy!
Relating to a Difficult Mother-in-Law
Dr. David Hawkins
Director, The Marriage Recovery Center
When we get married, we understand we’re marrying not only our spouse, but their family as well.
Though we have an intellectual understanding of this process, working out the details is often another matter. What do you do when your mate wants to spend more time with their family than with you? What do you do if your mother-in-law seems to have more influence over your mate than you do? These are horrific problems and can be incredibly divisive. Once a division has begun, it can be very difficult to repair the rift.
The trick, of course, is not to allow a rift to occur in the first place. In an ideal world you take your time in getting to know your future mate, and their family, and then in cleaving to your mate—as the Scriptures indicate—you create your own solid bond, remaining open to your extended family, but not controlled by them.
However, this is not an ideal world, and loyalties are hard to break with your biological family. Perhaps you’ve grown up in a family where the attachments run deep, or at least the obligations to them seem very strong. This creates a threat to your marriage as was shared with me by a woman recently.
Dear Dr. David: I have been married to my husband for several years and we have had a strong marriage except for one thing—his mother. I have had an on-again, off-again relationship with her, but throughout our marriage my husband has always taken her side. At times I have even felt abused by her, and still he stays loyal to her.
This issue has been the undoing of our marriage. He spends more time and attention talking to her than he does to our children and me. No matter how hard I plead with him to push away from her, he won’t. He says I’m being immature and that he should be allowed to be as close to his mother as he wants. He says our marriage should be strong enough to have her in our lives, while I want her to get out and allow us to rebuild our marriage. We fight about this issue so much that our marriage is threatened. What advice can you offer us? ~ Threatened by Mother-in-Law
Dear Threatened: I can empathize with your feelings of frustration and anger. It sounds like your husband has failed to fully embrace you and his marriage and is quite possibly enmeshed with his family.
There is a fine balance to be had with our families of origin—on the one hand we need their comfort, support and familiarity to help us manage throughout our lives. On the other, there comes a time when it is critical that we fully embrace our mate and make them feel totally and completely secure. Scriptures are clear about the importance of “leaving and cleaving” when it comes to our marriage (Gen 2: 24). With that in mind, let's look at some practical ways to deal with this situation:
You are caught in a power struggle, and this must end. Obviously struggling with your husband to leave his mother has been ineffective. He has been unwilling to let go of her; possibly because of how hard you’re tugging at him to make this happen. Often when we try to force an issue, we are met with resistance and get the opposite effect. I wonder if this is happening with you.
You don’t mention seeking counseling to help you and your husband resolve this struggle. I believe a neutral, professional could help both of you see the validity of each other’s position. Certainly he has the right, and even obligation to respect his mother. He also has the obligation to protect you from any abuse or control on her part. A wise counselor could help resolve these issues.
Stop fighting! While this may be easier said than done, fighting endlessly about any topic is draining to a relationship. Don’t engage with him on provocative statements regarding your mother-in-law. Don’t get involved in petty bickering, or battles that lead nowhere and further weaken your bond.
Do set boundaries for yourself. While your husband may be unwilling to “take sides,” and in fact shouldn’t have to, you are not helpless in setting healthy boundaries with her. In a clear, calm manner, make it clear to your husband and your mother-in-law what behaviors you consider abusive and will not tolerate.
Stick to those boundaries.
Seek places of agreement. In the midst of this thorny issue there are places where you and your husband can agree. Seek those places. Can you agree to visit your mother-in-law with him once a week? Can you support the healthy aspects of his relationship to her? Encouragement is a much stronger method of changing behavior than criticism. Try it.
Resolving such issue during marriage is difficult and in my opinion a little too late. You will be in for a struggle. The solutions are not impossible, but it will be very difficult. The time to work out in-law issues is BEFORE you get married. If you look and observe closely, you will see signs of your spouse’s obsessive relationship with his or her parents now and what you are to expect once you’re married. If you think that love will make things better or go away, you are dreaming!
The article below is very simple and not that instructive. However, it’s a start and often times that’s what a spouse needs – Is a start! Enjoy!
Relating to a Difficult Mother-in-Law
Dr. David Hawkins
Director, The Marriage Recovery Center
When we get married, we understand we’re marrying not only our spouse, but their family as well.
Though we have an intellectual understanding of this process, working out the details is often another matter. What do you do when your mate wants to spend more time with their family than with you? What do you do if your mother-in-law seems to have more influence over your mate than you do? These are horrific problems and can be incredibly divisive. Once a division has begun, it can be very difficult to repair the rift.
The trick, of course, is not to allow a rift to occur in the first place. In an ideal world you take your time in getting to know your future mate, and their family, and then in cleaving to your mate—as the Scriptures indicate—you create your own solid bond, remaining open to your extended family, but not controlled by them.
However, this is not an ideal world, and loyalties are hard to break with your biological family. Perhaps you’ve grown up in a family where the attachments run deep, or at least the obligations to them seem very strong. This creates a threat to your marriage as was shared with me by a woman recently.
Dear Dr. David: I have been married to my husband for several years and we have had a strong marriage except for one thing—his mother. I have had an on-again, off-again relationship with her, but throughout our marriage my husband has always taken her side. At times I have even felt abused by her, and still he stays loyal to her.
This issue has been the undoing of our marriage. He spends more time and attention talking to her than he does to our children and me. No matter how hard I plead with him to push away from her, he won’t. He says I’m being immature and that he should be allowed to be as close to his mother as he wants. He says our marriage should be strong enough to have her in our lives, while I want her to get out and allow us to rebuild our marriage. We fight about this issue so much that our marriage is threatened. What advice can you offer us? ~ Threatened by Mother-in-Law
Dear Threatened: I can empathize with your feelings of frustration and anger. It sounds like your husband has failed to fully embrace you and his marriage and is quite possibly enmeshed with his family.
There is a fine balance to be had with our families of origin—on the one hand we need their comfort, support and familiarity to help us manage throughout our lives. On the other, there comes a time when it is critical that we fully embrace our mate and make them feel totally and completely secure. Scriptures are clear about the importance of “leaving and cleaving” when it comes to our marriage (Gen 2: 24). With that in mind, let's look at some practical ways to deal with this situation:
You are caught in a power struggle, and this must end. Obviously struggling with your husband to leave his mother has been ineffective. He has been unwilling to let go of her; possibly because of how hard you’re tugging at him to make this happen. Often when we try to force an issue, we are met with resistance and get the opposite effect. I wonder if this is happening with you.
You don’t mention seeking counseling to help you and your husband resolve this struggle. I believe a neutral, professional could help both of you see the validity of each other’s position. Certainly he has the right, and even obligation to respect his mother. He also has the obligation to protect you from any abuse or control on her part. A wise counselor could help resolve these issues.
Stop fighting! While this may be easier said than done, fighting endlessly about any topic is draining to a relationship. Don’t engage with him on provocative statements regarding your mother-in-law. Don’t get involved in petty bickering, or battles that lead nowhere and further weaken your bond.
Do set boundaries for yourself. While your husband may be unwilling to “take sides,” and in fact shouldn’t have to, you are not helpless in setting healthy boundaries with her. In a clear, calm manner, make it clear to your husband and your mother-in-law what behaviors you consider abusive and will not tolerate.
Stick to those boundaries.
Seek places of agreement. In the midst of this thorny issue there are places where you and your husband can agree. Seek those places. Can you agree to visit your mother-in-law with him once a week? Can you support the healthy aspects of his relationship to her? Encouragement is a much stronger method of changing behavior than criticism. Try it.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Healthy Church Member is an Expositional Listener
Note: How many of you are “expositional listeners” in church? You say, “What?” In my seminary homiletics (preaching) class, we were taught that there are three main ways to preach: The first is “topical,” which involves preaching on a topic and using various passages from the bible to support the topic. The second is called, “textual,” which entails using a passage in the bible as a springboard to discuss a topic or theme. And the third is “expository” preaching which take a passage from the bible, isolate its major theme, and then uses that same passage to support it, often times verse by verse.
As pastors, we all use these various forms of preaching styles from time to time, depending on the occasion. But the most edifying way to build the average church member and to keep a church strong and healthy is through expositional preaching. This is the kind of preaching that takes the time to explain a chapter in the bible, a paragraph, yes, right down to a verse and the words that make up the verse.
Well, this is a great way to communicate God’s Word at a weekend service. But that’s the pastor’s job. The job of the congregate is to be an “expositional listener.” So what exactly does that entail? Read the article below and you will get a general idea. But stay tune, it looks like another article or two will be coming.
Remember, if you are out of the milk stage and want to sink your teeth into the meat of the Word, then the knowing and acquiring expositional reading and listening skills is a must. Enjoy!
A Healthy Church Member is an Expositional Listener
Thabiti Anyabwile, Pastor, Author
What would your response be if I told you that the most important thing you need to be as a church member is an expositional listener?
I think your first response might be, “What on earth is ‘expositional listening’?” Before answering that question, we need to define “expositional preaching.” The first and most important mark of a healthy church is expositional preaching. “Expositional preaching is not simply producing a verbal commentary on some passage of Scripture. Rather, expositional preaching is that preaching which takes for the main point of a sermon the point of a particular passage of Scripture.” If churches are to be healthy, then pastors and teachers must be committed to discovering the meaning of Scripture and allowing that meaning to drive the agenda with their congregations.
There is an important corollary for every member of a local church. Just as the pastor’s preaching agenda should be determined by the meaning of Scripture, so too should the Christian’s listening agenda be driven by the meaning of Scripture. When we listen to the preaching of the Word, we should not listen primarily for “practical how-to advice,” though Scripture teaches us much about everyday matters. Nor should we listen for messages that bolster our self-esteem or that rouse us to political and social causes. Rather, as members of Christian churches we should listen primarily for the voice and message of God as revealed in his Word. We should listen to hear what he has written, in his omniscient love, for his glory and for our blessing.
So what exactly do I mean by “expositional listening”? Expositional listening is listening for the meaning of a passage of Scripture and accepting that meaning as the main idea to be grasped for our personal and corporate lives as Christians.
What Are the Benefits of Expositional Listening?
Expositional listening benefits us, first, by cultivating a hunger for God’s Word. As we tune our ears to the kind of preaching that makes the primary point of the sermon the primary point of a particular passage of Scripture, we grow accustomed to listening to God. We become fluent in the language of Zion and conversant with its themes. His Word, his voice, becomes sweet to us (Ps. 119:103–4); and as it does, we are better able to push to the background the many voices that rival God’s voice for control over our lives. Expositional listening gives us a clear ear with which to hear God.
The second benefit follows from the first. Expositional listening helps us to focus on God’s will and to follow him. Our agenda becomes secondary. The preacher’s agenda becomes secondary. God’s agenda for his people takes center stage, reorders our priorities, and directs us in the course that most honors him. The Lord himself proclaimed, “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Listening to the voice of Jesus as it is heard in his Word is critical to following him.
Third, expositional listening protects the gospel and our lives from corruption. The Scripture tells us “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Tim. 4:3–4). The failure to listen expositionally has disastrous effects. False teachers enter the church and hinder the gospel. Ultimately, the truth is displaced by myths and falsehoods. Where members cultivate the habit of expositional listening they guard themselves against “itching ears” and protect the gospel from corruption.
The fourth benefit, then, is that expositional listening encourages faithful pastors. Those men who serve faithfully in the ministry of the Word are worthy of double honor (1 Tim. 5:17). Few things are more discouraging or dishonoring to such men than a congregation inattentive to the Word of God. Faithful men flourish at the fertile reception of the preached Word. They’re made all the more bold when their people give ear to the Lord’s voice and give evidence of being shaped by it. As church members, we can care for our pastors and teachers and help to prevent unnecessary discouragement and fatigue by cultivating the habit of expositional listening.
Fifth, expositional listening benefits the gathered congregation. Repeatedly, the New Testament writers exhort local churches to be unified—to be of one mind. Paul writes to one local church, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there may be no divisions among you, but that you may be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10; see also Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3:8). As we gather together in our local churches and give ourselves to hearing the voice of God through his preached Word, we’re shaped into one body. We are united in understanding and purpose. And that unity testifies to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ (John 17:21). But if we listen with our own interests and agendas in mind, if we develop “private interpretations” and idiosyncratic views, we risk shattering that unity, provoking disputes over doubtful matters, and weakening our corporate gospel witness.
In the next article in this series, I will explain how you as a church member can cultivate the skill of expositional listening.
As pastors, we all use these various forms of preaching styles from time to time, depending on the occasion. But the most edifying way to build the average church member and to keep a church strong and healthy is through expositional preaching. This is the kind of preaching that takes the time to explain a chapter in the bible, a paragraph, yes, right down to a verse and the words that make up the verse.
Well, this is a great way to communicate God’s Word at a weekend service. But that’s the pastor’s job. The job of the congregate is to be an “expositional listener.” So what exactly does that entail? Read the article below and you will get a general idea. But stay tune, it looks like another article or two will be coming.
Remember, if you are out of the milk stage and want to sink your teeth into the meat of the Word, then the knowing and acquiring expositional reading and listening skills is a must. Enjoy!
A Healthy Church Member is an Expositional Listener
Thabiti Anyabwile, Pastor, Author
What would your response be if I told you that the most important thing you need to be as a church member is an expositional listener?
I think your first response might be, “What on earth is ‘expositional listening’?” Before answering that question, we need to define “expositional preaching.” The first and most important mark of a healthy church is expositional preaching. “Expositional preaching is not simply producing a verbal commentary on some passage of Scripture. Rather, expositional preaching is that preaching which takes for the main point of a sermon the point of a particular passage of Scripture.” If churches are to be healthy, then pastors and teachers must be committed to discovering the meaning of Scripture and allowing that meaning to drive the agenda with their congregations.
There is an important corollary for every member of a local church. Just as the pastor’s preaching agenda should be determined by the meaning of Scripture, so too should the Christian’s listening agenda be driven by the meaning of Scripture. When we listen to the preaching of the Word, we should not listen primarily for “practical how-to advice,” though Scripture teaches us much about everyday matters. Nor should we listen for messages that bolster our self-esteem or that rouse us to political and social causes. Rather, as members of Christian churches we should listen primarily for the voice and message of God as revealed in his Word. We should listen to hear what he has written, in his omniscient love, for his glory and for our blessing.
So what exactly do I mean by “expositional listening”? Expositional listening is listening for the meaning of a passage of Scripture and accepting that meaning as the main idea to be grasped for our personal and corporate lives as Christians.
What Are the Benefits of Expositional Listening?
Expositional listening benefits us, first, by cultivating a hunger for God’s Word. As we tune our ears to the kind of preaching that makes the primary point of the sermon the primary point of a particular passage of Scripture, we grow accustomed to listening to God. We become fluent in the language of Zion and conversant with its themes. His Word, his voice, becomes sweet to us (Ps. 119:103–4); and as it does, we are better able to push to the background the many voices that rival God’s voice for control over our lives. Expositional listening gives us a clear ear with which to hear God.
The second benefit follows from the first. Expositional listening helps us to focus on God’s will and to follow him. Our agenda becomes secondary. The preacher’s agenda becomes secondary. God’s agenda for his people takes center stage, reorders our priorities, and directs us in the course that most honors him. The Lord himself proclaimed, “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Listening to the voice of Jesus as it is heard in his Word is critical to following him.
Third, expositional listening protects the gospel and our lives from corruption. The Scripture tells us “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Tim. 4:3–4). The failure to listen expositionally has disastrous effects. False teachers enter the church and hinder the gospel. Ultimately, the truth is displaced by myths and falsehoods. Where members cultivate the habit of expositional listening they guard themselves against “itching ears” and protect the gospel from corruption.
The fourth benefit, then, is that expositional listening encourages faithful pastors. Those men who serve faithfully in the ministry of the Word are worthy of double honor (1 Tim. 5:17). Few things are more discouraging or dishonoring to such men than a congregation inattentive to the Word of God. Faithful men flourish at the fertile reception of the preached Word. They’re made all the more bold when their people give ear to the Lord’s voice and give evidence of being shaped by it. As church members, we can care for our pastors and teachers and help to prevent unnecessary discouragement and fatigue by cultivating the habit of expositional listening.
Fifth, expositional listening benefits the gathered congregation. Repeatedly, the New Testament writers exhort local churches to be unified—to be of one mind. Paul writes to one local church, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there may be no divisions among you, but that you may be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10; see also Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3:8). As we gather together in our local churches and give ourselves to hearing the voice of God through his preached Word, we’re shaped into one body. We are united in understanding and purpose. And that unity testifies to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ (John 17:21). But if we listen with our own interests and agendas in mind, if we develop “private interpretations” and idiosyncratic views, we risk shattering that unity, provoking disputes over doubtful matters, and weakening our corporate gospel witness.
In the next article in this series, I will explain how you as a church member can cultivate the skill of expositional listening.
Monday, February 9, 2009
How to Keep Your Current Job
Note: “Some of us don’t understand that it is equally wrong to accept a day’s pay without delivering a day’s worth of work,” so writes, Steve Diggs. He’s right. Hey, we are experiencing some challenging times and jobs that we thought were secure now have us worried. Ultimately our future is in God’s hand and He will provide for our needs as we learn to trust Him daily. But in most cases, God has chosen to provide for our needs through employment. Therefore, keeping our jobs is one of God’s major ways to sustain our needs. This is a timely article. Read, apply and enjoy.
How to Keep Your Current Job
Steve Diggs
No Debt, No Sweat! Financial Seminar Ministry
If you’re part of the American workforce, you are likely concerned about the security of your present job or the job of a family member. As I visit around the country and read your emails, it is obvious to me that Christians everywhere are struggling.
Despite God’s promise of provision, we are not immune from the difficulties of life. The laws of physics apply to Christians just like they do to everyone. If I step off the roof while hanging Christmas ornaments, no matter how godly I am gravity is going to take over. In a bad economy we are all susceptible to market forces.
However, as a previous employer and now a minister who travels the country teaching financial stewardship, I have some thoughts you might find helpful if you are still employed but concerned that it may not stay that way. These are some practical things you can do that may help you keep your job.
1. Earn your keep. It’s sad this even needs to be said. But today, even many Christians no longer have an honest work ethic. Most of us would agree that stealing office supplies is wrong. But some of us don’t understand that it is equally wrong to accept a day’s pay without delivering a day’s worth of work. When we’re on the boss’s clock that means we should be working for the boss. Billions of work hours are lost yearly by employees who add an extra five or ten minutes to their breaks, or who spend company time buying gifts on the Internet, or who don’t hesitate to make personal phone calls when no one’s watching. This is a spiritual issue some of us need to confront.
Spiritual issues aside, in today’s tough business climate there is a practical reason for being a dedicated, conscientious worker — to keep your job. All over the country companies are cutting back. If you are not clearly helping to pull the company cart, you’re probably in it. Employees who don’t pull their own weight (and more) will tend to be the first to be laid off.
2. Understand that perception is reality. This may ruffle a few feathers, but it’s true. These days, it’s more important than ever to be your own public relations person promoting “Brand YOU!” Be sure that your boss knows what you’re doing. Be seen working. If the only time you bump into your supervisor is at the lunch room, she is likely not to understand the bucket load of duties on your daily “To Do” list. Of course, done incorrectly, this can come off very badly and do more harm than good. You don’t want to be seen as a self-promoter, simply someone who is known for your diligence.
This is especially important if your job is not directly involved in generating company profits. Simply put, most firms have two groups of employees: Those who make money for the company (salespeople) and those who support them (clerical, bookkeeping, etc.) If you are part of the support team it is especially important to put your best foot forward. Most managers hesitate to dismiss salespeople because they are clearly benefiting the company’s efforts. Not so with support people. While necessary, they are frequently viewed as “expenses” to the company’s operations. As a support person, it is wise to help the boss clearly see how you are helping the salespeople be more productive and do their thing — by effectively doing yours.
3. Be great at what you do. Strive for excellence. I used to tell my employees that if they did their job well, there would come a wonderful day for them: The day that I needed them more than they needed me! There are great dividends to be had by becoming the best in your field (or, at least the best in your office.) Take time to learn your company’s culture. Read articles in professional journals that will improve your job performance.
4. Take on extra duties. Your company is looking for team players. The more readily you accept an extra assignment, the less likely you will be to get a pink slip. There are a hundred ways to do this. Why not be the person who learns how the computer server network links the computers together. Or, be the one who knows how to fix the copier when it jams.
5. Be sympathetic. Try to put yourself into the boss’s shoes. Understand the pressures that he deals with daily. Then, look for ways to lighten his load. I think it was the famous motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar who used to say, “You can always get all that you want, if you will first help enough other people get what they want.”
6. Be a nice person. Sounds overly simplistic, doesn’t it? But the truth is, it’s hard to be tough on a really nice person that everyone likes. This is where your Christian walk will help. Just do one thing: Reflect Jesus.
Will these tips save your job? No, not necessarily. But, by applying them, they will help on two levels: First, their application will lessen the likelihood you’ll be asked to leave. Second, if you are laid off you’ll know that you did everything right — and have no regrets.
How to Keep Your Current Job
Steve Diggs
No Debt, No Sweat! Financial Seminar Ministry
If you’re part of the American workforce, you are likely concerned about the security of your present job or the job of a family member. As I visit around the country and read your emails, it is obvious to me that Christians everywhere are struggling.
Despite God’s promise of provision, we are not immune from the difficulties of life. The laws of physics apply to Christians just like they do to everyone. If I step off the roof while hanging Christmas ornaments, no matter how godly I am gravity is going to take over. In a bad economy we are all susceptible to market forces.
However, as a previous employer and now a minister who travels the country teaching financial stewardship, I have some thoughts you might find helpful if you are still employed but concerned that it may not stay that way. These are some practical things you can do that may help you keep your job.
1. Earn your keep. It’s sad this even needs to be said. But today, even many Christians no longer have an honest work ethic. Most of us would agree that stealing office supplies is wrong. But some of us don’t understand that it is equally wrong to accept a day’s pay without delivering a day’s worth of work. When we’re on the boss’s clock that means we should be working for the boss. Billions of work hours are lost yearly by employees who add an extra five or ten minutes to their breaks, or who spend company time buying gifts on the Internet, or who don’t hesitate to make personal phone calls when no one’s watching. This is a spiritual issue some of us need to confront.
Spiritual issues aside, in today’s tough business climate there is a practical reason for being a dedicated, conscientious worker — to keep your job. All over the country companies are cutting back. If you are not clearly helping to pull the company cart, you’re probably in it. Employees who don’t pull their own weight (and more) will tend to be the first to be laid off.
2. Understand that perception is reality. This may ruffle a few feathers, but it’s true. These days, it’s more important than ever to be your own public relations person promoting “Brand YOU!” Be sure that your boss knows what you’re doing. Be seen working. If the only time you bump into your supervisor is at the lunch room, she is likely not to understand the bucket load of duties on your daily “To Do” list. Of course, done incorrectly, this can come off very badly and do more harm than good. You don’t want to be seen as a self-promoter, simply someone who is known for your diligence.
This is especially important if your job is not directly involved in generating company profits. Simply put, most firms have two groups of employees: Those who make money for the company (salespeople) and those who support them (clerical, bookkeeping, etc.) If you are part of the support team it is especially important to put your best foot forward. Most managers hesitate to dismiss salespeople because they are clearly benefiting the company’s efforts. Not so with support people. While necessary, they are frequently viewed as “expenses” to the company’s operations. As a support person, it is wise to help the boss clearly see how you are helping the salespeople be more productive and do their thing — by effectively doing yours.
3. Be great at what you do. Strive for excellence. I used to tell my employees that if they did their job well, there would come a wonderful day for them: The day that I needed them more than they needed me! There are great dividends to be had by becoming the best in your field (or, at least the best in your office.) Take time to learn your company’s culture. Read articles in professional journals that will improve your job performance.
4. Take on extra duties. Your company is looking for team players. The more readily you accept an extra assignment, the less likely you will be to get a pink slip. There are a hundred ways to do this. Why not be the person who learns how the computer server network links the computers together. Or, be the one who knows how to fix the copier when it jams.
5. Be sympathetic. Try to put yourself into the boss’s shoes. Understand the pressures that he deals with daily. Then, look for ways to lighten his load. I think it was the famous motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar who used to say, “You can always get all that you want, if you will first help enough other people get what they want.”
6. Be a nice person. Sounds overly simplistic, doesn’t it? But the truth is, it’s hard to be tough on a really nice person that everyone likes. This is where your Christian walk will help. Just do one thing: Reflect Jesus.
Will these tips save your job? No, not necessarily. But, by applying them, they will help on two levels: First, their application will lessen the likelihood you’ll be asked to leave. Second, if you are laid off you’ll know that you did everything right — and have no regrets.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
And Now a Word from Our Sponsor
Note: One of my favorite all time bible teachers is John MacArthur, Jr. Not a week goes by that I don’t immerse myself in his teachings. From the time I was in seminary until now, no one has challenged and shaped my thinking more than this man. I am proud to say that we both graduated from the same seminary, took pretty much the same classes. However, God has given him a race to run that he has run faithfully for over forty years!
No one can deny the negative influence TV has on our society. Any preacher will tell you it is a challenge to compete with TV and the attention span of the people they preach to. John, quotes Postman, and writes: “…television has not made us the best informed and most literate generation in history. Instead it has flooded our minds with irrelevant and meaningless information. Television has conditioned us only to be entertained and has therefore rendered other critical forms of human interaction obsolete.”
Pastors today see what is happening to themselves as well as to the people they preach to, so they cave and try their best to some how mimic the success of T.V. in order to hold people’s attention.
“…even some of the best of today's preaching is more entertainment than teaching. Most churches typically feature a half-hour sermon with lots of amusing anecdotes but little doctrine.”
So what are we pastors suppose to do? John ends his article with these words: “We cannot yield to the pressure to be superficial. We must find ways to make the truth of God known to a generation that not only doesn't want to hear, but may not even know how to listen.”
Even this past Sunday, I noticed a couple of things that didn’t surprise me, because I have seen and heard it before, but it did merely reminded me of the kind of culture I have to compete with.
During the Praise and Worship Time, when the Congregation was told to cheer for the Lord, people were shouting, standing, moving and clapping – which is all good! Then mid-way through the preaching, minds started to drift, eyes began to close and rather than looking at one’s notes or bible, or looking up front at the preacher, people had their eye on the clock!
I smiled inside as I noticed such things, because the world with the devil’s help has successfully used TV and other forms of worldly entertainment to lesson our critical faculties and to rely on short-bursts of emotional entertainment to get us by.
This fine with me. Because we pastors and church leaders are fine with when it comes to a good challenge. Some of us won’t back down or give in and jettison the preaching of the Word which involves taking time to explain its meaning so the congregation will know how to properly apply it to their lives.
Just the other day a couple had told me how they attended a conference. The husband recently got an operation on his knee. So when he walked into the meeting, he was told to leave his crutches outside. He should walk in to the meeting claiming his healing. Once he got inside, he was literally harassed over still hanging onto his crutches. A little girl began to pray for him trying to knock him down on the ground so as to produce the “slaying-in-the-spirit effect.”
I laughed! And then I drove home that day more determined to stick with my guns to do what God has called me to do – explain what the Word teaches so people will be able to properly apply it to their lives, and not make the church, themselves and God look like a donkey!
Enjoy!
And Now a Word from Our Sponsor
John MacArthur
Grace to You
Have you ever noticed how may television commercials say nothing about the products they advertise? The typical jeans commercial shows a painful drama about the woes of adolescence but never mentions jeans. A perfume ad is a collage of sensuous images with no reference to the product. Beer commercials contain some of the funniest material on television but say very little about beer.
Those commercials are designed to create a mood, to entertain, to appeal to our emotions-not to give us information. They are often the most effective commercials because they make the best use of television. They are the natural product of a medium that offers a surreal view of the world.
On television, reality mingles imperceptibly with illusion. Truth is irrelevant; what really matters is whether we're entertained. Substance is nothing; style is everything. In the words of Marshall McLuhan, the medium has become the message.
Amusing Ourselves to Death is the name of a perceptive but disquieting book by Neil Postman, a professor at New York University. The book argues powerfully that television has crippled our ability to think and reduced our aptitude for real communication.
Postman says television has not made us the best informed and most literate generation in history. Instead it has flooded our minds with irrelevant and meaningless information. Television has conditioned us only to be entertained and has therefore rendered other critical forms of human interaction obsolete.
Even the news, Postman points out, is a performance. Suave anchormen coolly present brief segments about war, murder, crime, and natural disaster. Those are punctuated by commercials that trivialize the news stories and isolate them from any context. Postman recounts a news broadcast in which a Marine Corps general declared that global nuclear war is inevitable. The next segment was a commercial for Burger King.
We are not expected to respond rationally. In Postman's words, "The viewers will not be caught contaminating their responses with a sense of reality, any more than an audience at a play would go scurrying to call home because a character on stage has said that a murderer is loose in the neighborhood."
Television cannot demand a sensible response. People tune in to be entertained, not to be challenged to think. If a program requires contemplation or demands too much use of the intellectual faculties, it will die from lack of an audience.
Television has shortened our attention span. Would anyone in our society, for example, stand for seven hours in a sweltering crowd listening to the Lincoln-Douglas debates? It's frankly hard for us to imagine that our great-great-grandparents had that kind of stamina. We have allowed television to convince us we know more while actually lowering our tolerance for thinking and learning.
By far the book's most trenchant message is in a chapter on modern religion. Postman, no evangelical, nevertheless writes with piercing insight about the decline of preaching. He contrasts the ministries of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Charles Finney with the preaching of today. Those men relied on depth of content, profundity, logic, and knowledge of Scripture. Preaching today is superficial by comparison, with the emphasis on style and emotion. "Good" preaching by the modern definition must above all be brief and amusing. It is entertainment-not exhortation, reproof, rebuke, or instruction (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16; 4:2).
The epitome of modern preaching is the slick evangelist who overstates every emotion, struts around the platform with a microphone wired to his ear, and gets the audience clapping, stomping, and shouting while he incites them into an emotional frenzy. There's no meat to the message, but who cares as long as the response is enthusiastic?
Of course, preaching in most conservative evangelical churches is not that exaggerated. But sadly, even some of the best of today's preaching is more entertainment than teaching. Most churches typically feature a half-hour sermon with lots of amusing anecdotes but little doctrine.
In fact, many preachers think of doctrine as undesirable and impractical. A major Christian magazine once published an article by a well-known charismatic speaker. He mused for a full page about the futility of both preaching and listening to sermons that go beyond mere entertainment. His conclusion? People don't remember what you say anyway, so most preaching is a waste of time. "I'm going to try to do better next year," he wrote; "that means wasting less time listening to long sermons and spending much more time preparing short ones. People, I've discovered, will forgive even poor theology as long as they get out before noon."
That perfectly sums up the attitude that dominates most modern preaching. There is an obvious parallel between that kind of preaching and those trendy jeans-perfume-beer commercials. Like the commercials, it aims to set a mood, to evoke an emotional response, to entertain, but not necessarily to communicate anything of substance.
Such preaching is sheer accommodation to a society bred by television. It follows what is fashionable but reveals little concern for what is true. It is not the kind of preaching Scripture mandates. We are to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2), "speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1), and "teach and preach...the doctrine conforming to godliness" (1 Tim. 6:2-3). It is impossible to do those things and always be entertaining.
If the tragic course of modern preaching is to be changed, Christians must insist on biblical preaching and be supportive of pastors who are committed to it. How does a pastor of integrity reach people who may be unwilling or even unable to listen to carefully reasoned expositions of God's truth? That may be the greatest challenge for today's Christian leaders. We cannot yield to the pressure to be superficial. We must find ways to make the truth of God known to a generation that not only doesn't want to hear, but may not even know how to listen.
No one can deny the negative influence TV has on our society. Any preacher will tell you it is a challenge to compete with TV and the attention span of the people they preach to. John, quotes Postman, and writes: “…television has not made us the best informed and most literate generation in history. Instead it has flooded our minds with irrelevant and meaningless information. Television has conditioned us only to be entertained and has therefore rendered other critical forms of human interaction obsolete.”
Pastors today see what is happening to themselves as well as to the people they preach to, so they cave and try their best to some how mimic the success of T.V. in order to hold people’s attention.
“…even some of the best of today's preaching is more entertainment than teaching. Most churches typically feature a half-hour sermon with lots of amusing anecdotes but little doctrine.”
So what are we pastors suppose to do? John ends his article with these words: “We cannot yield to the pressure to be superficial. We must find ways to make the truth of God known to a generation that not only doesn't want to hear, but may not even know how to listen.”
Even this past Sunday, I noticed a couple of things that didn’t surprise me, because I have seen and heard it before, but it did merely reminded me of the kind of culture I have to compete with.
During the Praise and Worship Time, when the Congregation was told to cheer for the Lord, people were shouting, standing, moving and clapping – which is all good! Then mid-way through the preaching, minds started to drift, eyes began to close and rather than looking at one’s notes or bible, or looking up front at the preacher, people had their eye on the clock!
I smiled inside as I noticed such things, because the world with the devil’s help has successfully used TV and other forms of worldly entertainment to lesson our critical faculties and to rely on short-bursts of emotional entertainment to get us by.
This fine with me. Because we pastors and church leaders are fine with when it comes to a good challenge. Some of us won’t back down or give in and jettison the preaching of the Word which involves taking time to explain its meaning so the congregation will know how to properly apply it to their lives.
Just the other day a couple had told me how they attended a conference. The husband recently got an operation on his knee. So when he walked into the meeting, he was told to leave his crutches outside. He should walk in to the meeting claiming his healing. Once he got inside, he was literally harassed over still hanging onto his crutches. A little girl began to pray for him trying to knock him down on the ground so as to produce the “slaying-in-the-spirit effect.”
I laughed! And then I drove home that day more determined to stick with my guns to do what God has called me to do – explain what the Word teaches so people will be able to properly apply it to their lives, and not make the church, themselves and God look like a donkey!
Enjoy!
And Now a Word from Our Sponsor
John MacArthur
Grace to You
Have you ever noticed how may television commercials say nothing about the products they advertise? The typical jeans commercial shows a painful drama about the woes of adolescence but never mentions jeans. A perfume ad is a collage of sensuous images with no reference to the product. Beer commercials contain some of the funniest material on television but say very little about beer.
Those commercials are designed to create a mood, to entertain, to appeal to our emotions-not to give us information. They are often the most effective commercials because they make the best use of television. They are the natural product of a medium that offers a surreal view of the world.
On television, reality mingles imperceptibly with illusion. Truth is irrelevant; what really matters is whether we're entertained. Substance is nothing; style is everything. In the words of Marshall McLuhan, the medium has become the message.
Amusing Ourselves to Death is the name of a perceptive but disquieting book by Neil Postman, a professor at New York University. The book argues powerfully that television has crippled our ability to think and reduced our aptitude for real communication.
Postman says television has not made us the best informed and most literate generation in history. Instead it has flooded our minds with irrelevant and meaningless information. Television has conditioned us only to be entertained and has therefore rendered other critical forms of human interaction obsolete.
Even the news, Postman points out, is a performance. Suave anchormen coolly present brief segments about war, murder, crime, and natural disaster. Those are punctuated by commercials that trivialize the news stories and isolate them from any context. Postman recounts a news broadcast in which a Marine Corps general declared that global nuclear war is inevitable. The next segment was a commercial for Burger King.
We are not expected to respond rationally. In Postman's words, "The viewers will not be caught contaminating their responses with a sense of reality, any more than an audience at a play would go scurrying to call home because a character on stage has said that a murderer is loose in the neighborhood."
Television cannot demand a sensible response. People tune in to be entertained, not to be challenged to think. If a program requires contemplation or demands too much use of the intellectual faculties, it will die from lack of an audience.
Television has shortened our attention span. Would anyone in our society, for example, stand for seven hours in a sweltering crowd listening to the Lincoln-Douglas debates? It's frankly hard for us to imagine that our great-great-grandparents had that kind of stamina. We have allowed television to convince us we know more while actually lowering our tolerance for thinking and learning.
By far the book's most trenchant message is in a chapter on modern religion. Postman, no evangelical, nevertheless writes with piercing insight about the decline of preaching. He contrasts the ministries of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and Charles Finney with the preaching of today. Those men relied on depth of content, profundity, logic, and knowledge of Scripture. Preaching today is superficial by comparison, with the emphasis on style and emotion. "Good" preaching by the modern definition must above all be brief and amusing. It is entertainment-not exhortation, reproof, rebuke, or instruction (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16; 4:2).
The epitome of modern preaching is the slick evangelist who overstates every emotion, struts around the platform with a microphone wired to his ear, and gets the audience clapping, stomping, and shouting while he incites them into an emotional frenzy. There's no meat to the message, but who cares as long as the response is enthusiastic?
Of course, preaching in most conservative evangelical churches is not that exaggerated. But sadly, even some of the best of today's preaching is more entertainment than teaching. Most churches typically feature a half-hour sermon with lots of amusing anecdotes but little doctrine.
In fact, many preachers think of doctrine as undesirable and impractical. A major Christian magazine once published an article by a well-known charismatic speaker. He mused for a full page about the futility of both preaching and listening to sermons that go beyond mere entertainment. His conclusion? People don't remember what you say anyway, so most preaching is a waste of time. "I'm going to try to do better next year," he wrote; "that means wasting less time listening to long sermons and spending much more time preparing short ones. People, I've discovered, will forgive even poor theology as long as they get out before noon."
That perfectly sums up the attitude that dominates most modern preaching. There is an obvious parallel between that kind of preaching and those trendy jeans-perfume-beer commercials. Like the commercials, it aims to set a mood, to evoke an emotional response, to entertain, but not necessarily to communicate anything of substance.
Such preaching is sheer accommodation to a society bred by television. It follows what is fashionable but reveals little concern for what is true. It is not the kind of preaching Scripture mandates. We are to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2), "speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1), and "teach and preach...the doctrine conforming to godliness" (1 Tim. 6:2-3). It is impossible to do those things and always be entertaining.
If the tragic course of modern preaching is to be changed, Christians must insist on biblical preaching and be supportive of pastors who are committed to it. How does a pastor of integrity reach people who may be unwilling or even unable to listen to carefully reasoned expositions of God's truth? That may be the greatest challenge for today's Christian leaders. We cannot yield to the pressure to be superficial. We must find ways to make the truth of God known to a generation that not only doesn't want to hear, but may not even know how to listen.
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