Pleasing to the Lord
by Os Hillman, June 28, 2006
Prepare it with oil on a griddle; bring it well-mixed and present the grain offering broken in pieces as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. - Leviticus 6:21
There is a requirement to be blessed at a deeper spiritual level by God. Christ requires it of each of His servants. He required it of Paul when He struck him down on the Damascus Road. He required it of Joseph when he was left in the pit and then sold into slavery. He required it of Jacob when he left his homeland penniless and needy. He required it of most every major leader that He used significantly - brokenness.
Brokenness cannot be achieved on your own. It is something God does Himself. We cannot determine that we are going to be broken, but we can refuse to become broken. When God begins this deeper work in our lives, we can kick and scream and refuse the process. We can manipulate and strive to stay on top, but this only delays His work.
Pride and mammon are ruling strongholds of the workplace. Brokenness is considered a weak position in the workplace. However, God says until we are broken we cannot be an aroma pleasing to the Lord. God wants you to be an aroma in the workplace. In order for this to happen, you and I must be a broken vessel in His hand. Pray that God would allow you to become a pleasing aroma to Him no matter the cost.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
Divine Appointments
Divine Appointments
by Os Hillman, June 23, 2006
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. - Matthew 10:16
"Os is now taking over this division. He will be managing all of these activities from now on. You should know that he has a different management philosophy than what you may have experienced before. He has a biblical management philosophy. Os, would you like to explain what they could expect from you in this regard?"
These were the words spoken to me by a non-Christian CEO recently when he decided to increase my responsibilities in the company. We had never spoken of spiritual issues before.
Each business day, you and I will have the opportunity to stand before presidents, marketing directors, secretaries or other coworkers to create a defining moment. When that happens, there is a good chance you will be thought of as someone to avoid. You might be considered "religious" or "fanatic." If so, consider this a great compliment because it says you are standing apart from the crowd.
Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you (Matthew 10:17-20).
You may never be flogged for your faith. However, you may very well be brought before others to give account for what you believe. It may be at a water cooler, or it could be during lunch with a coworker. In whatever situation you find yourself, the Holy Spirit awaits the opportunity to speak through your life to that person who needs to hear. Ask the Lord whom He wants to speak to today through your life.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
by Os Hillman, June 23, 2006
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. - Matthew 10:16
"Os is now taking over this division. He will be managing all of these activities from now on. You should know that he has a different management philosophy than what you may have experienced before. He has a biblical management philosophy. Os, would you like to explain what they could expect from you in this regard?"
These were the words spoken to me by a non-Christian CEO recently when he decided to increase my responsibilities in the company. We had never spoken of spiritual issues before.
Each business day, you and I will have the opportunity to stand before presidents, marketing directors, secretaries or other coworkers to create a defining moment. When that happens, there is a good chance you will be thought of as someone to avoid. You might be considered "religious" or "fanatic." If so, consider this a great compliment because it says you are standing apart from the crowd.
Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you (Matthew 10:17-20).
You may never be flogged for your faith. However, you may very well be brought before others to give account for what you believe. It may be at a water cooler, or it could be during lunch with a coworker. In whatever situation you find yourself, the Holy Spirit awaits the opportunity to speak through your life to that person who needs to hear. Ask the Lord whom He wants to speak to today through your life.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Interview with Rick Warren
This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick
Warren , "Purpose Driven Life" author and pastor of Saddleback
Church in California.
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In
a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to
last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One
day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my
body-- but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend
Trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act -
the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we
will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God,
and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're
just Coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into
another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested
in your character Than your comfort. God is more interested in
making your life holy than He is in making Your life happy. We
can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's Not the goal
of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also
the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to
think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a Dark
time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't
believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys,
I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track,
and at all times you have something good and something bad
in your life. No matter how good things are in your life,
there is always Something bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always
Something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your
problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into
self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my
pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to
get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds
of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make
it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her, and yet
God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of
helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer
to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of
life. actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is
harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the
book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.
It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal
with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety
for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money,
Notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages
that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change
our Lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a
salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The
Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor,
care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24
years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It
was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for
possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by
pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to
be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and
say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to
know You more and Love You better." God didn't put me on earth
just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what
I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings,
not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet
moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment,
THANK GOD.
Warren , "Purpose Driven Life" author and pastor of Saddleback
Church in California.
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In
a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to
last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One
day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my
body-- but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend
Trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act -
the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we
will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God,
and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're
just Coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into
another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested
in your character Than your comfort. God is more interested in
making your life holy than He is in making Your life happy. We
can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's Not the goal
of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also
the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to
think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a Dark
time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't
believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys,
I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track,
and at all times you have something good and something bad
in your life. No matter how good things are in your life,
there is always Something bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always
Something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your
problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into
self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my
pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to
get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds
of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make
it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her, and yet
God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of
helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer
to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of
life. actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is
harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the
book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.
It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal
with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety
for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money,
Notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages
that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change
our Lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a
salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The
Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor,
care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24
years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It
was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for
possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by
pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to
be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and
say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to
know You more and Love You better." God didn't put me on earth
just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what
I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings,
not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet
moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment,
THANK GOD.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Avoiding Self-Based Faith
Avoiding Self-Based Faith
by Os Hillman, April 30, 2006
We live by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Over the years I have run into many businessmen who make the statement, "Whenever I get things in order in my business, I want to get more involved in ministry." What are these men really saying? They are saying that as soon as they can get the amount of money that creates security, they will trust God. They are saying that what they have been doing to date has not been ministry. This separation of "work and faith" is common among our culture. We fail to understand that life is sacred to God and there is nothing "holy" and nothing "sacred" in itself.
I would love to hear one workplace believer say, "I have spent my life in this business. The Lord has blessed me with great resources. However, now I want to see His faithfulness in this stage of my life. That is why I am giving away my wealth and trusting Him to provide for me through new ways." Wouldn't that be a novel concept? That is exactly what C.T. Studd, the great cricket player in the 1800s, did. He was reared in a wealthy home, but his deep conversion experience led him to take actions that forced him to trust God in ways he never had to before. He became one of the great missionaries of all time.
Whenever we seek to plan ways of ministry that depend on our ability to manipulate and plan outcome, this is not faith. The ministry that comes from this will be minuscule. Faith that bears fruit is faith that is born from experience with a living God. It is faith that says, "I don't know where the next check is coming from. All I know is that God told me to do this and trust Him for the next step." That is faith that moves mountains and moves God's heart. God rarely allows His servant to see beyond the next faith step. However, those who are willing to take the first step and leave the outcome to Him see His works.
Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord... (Psalm 107:23-24).
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
by Os Hillman, April 30, 2006
We live by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Over the years I have run into many businessmen who make the statement, "Whenever I get things in order in my business, I want to get more involved in ministry." What are these men really saying? They are saying that as soon as they can get the amount of money that creates security, they will trust God. They are saying that what they have been doing to date has not been ministry. This separation of "work and faith" is common among our culture. We fail to understand that life is sacred to God and there is nothing "holy" and nothing "sacred" in itself.
I would love to hear one workplace believer say, "I have spent my life in this business. The Lord has blessed me with great resources. However, now I want to see His faithfulness in this stage of my life. That is why I am giving away my wealth and trusting Him to provide for me through new ways." Wouldn't that be a novel concept? That is exactly what C.T. Studd, the great cricket player in the 1800s, did. He was reared in a wealthy home, but his deep conversion experience led him to take actions that forced him to trust God in ways he never had to before. He became one of the great missionaries of all time.
Whenever we seek to plan ways of ministry that depend on our ability to manipulate and plan outcome, this is not faith. The ministry that comes from this will be minuscule. Faith that bears fruit is faith that is born from experience with a living God. It is faith that says, "I don't know where the next check is coming from. All I know is that God told me to do this and trust Him for the next step." That is faith that moves mountains and moves God's heart. God rarely allows His servant to see beyond the next faith step. However, those who are willing to take the first step and leave the outcome to Him see His works.
Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord... (Psalm 107:23-24).
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Mustard Seed Faith in Business
Mustard Seed Faith in Business
by Os Hillman, April 21, 2006
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20
Does God do miracles in business? Is He concerned about the mountains we face in our work life? Does He want us to bring the everyday problems we face in the workplace to His attention? The answer to every one of these questions is yes. God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives.
Gunnar Olson, the Swedish founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce, tells a story about God performing a miracle in his own business a few years ago. He owns a plastics company in Sweden. They make huge plastic bags that are used to cover bales of hay in the farmlands across Europe. It was the harvest season and they were getting ready to ship thousands of pallets of these bags to their customers. More than 1,000 pallets were ready to ship when an alarming discovery was made. Every bag on the warehouse floor had sealed shut from top to bottom. Scientists declared the entire stock as worthless trash. Nothing could be done. The company would go out of business.
Gunnar, his wife, and children sought the Lord in prayer about this catastrophe. The Holy Spirit spoke through various family members. The wife said, "If God can turn water into wine, what are plastics?" The daughter said, "I don't believe this is from the Lord. We should stand against it." Gunnar sensed they were to trust God for a miracle in this situation. They began to pray. They took authority over this mountain of a problem based on Matthew 17, which gave them the authority to cast a mountain into the sea if faith only the size of a mustard seed could be exercised. The following Monday they went to the warehouse and laid hands on every pallet asking the Lord to restore the bags to their original condition. It took several hours. Later, the employees began to inspect the bags. As they inspected the bags, they discovered that every single bag had been restored to its original condition! An incredible miracle had taken place.
What obstacles have been placed in your life that need a miracle today? Could God be setting the stage in your life for you to trust Him at new levels you've never trusted before? God sets the stage to allow His power to be revealed for those willing to exercise the faith of a mustard seed. All things are possible with God.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
by Os Hillman, April 21, 2006
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20
Does God do miracles in business? Is He concerned about the mountains we face in our work life? Does He want us to bring the everyday problems we face in the workplace to His attention? The answer to every one of these questions is yes. God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives.
Gunnar Olson, the Swedish founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce, tells a story about God performing a miracle in his own business a few years ago. He owns a plastics company in Sweden. They make huge plastic bags that are used to cover bales of hay in the farmlands across Europe. It was the harvest season and they were getting ready to ship thousands of pallets of these bags to their customers. More than 1,000 pallets were ready to ship when an alarming discovery was made. Every bag on the warehouse floor had sealed shut from top to bottom. Scientists declared the entire stock as worthless trash. Nothing could be done. The company would go out of business.
Gunnar, his wife, and children sought the Lord in prayer about this catastrophe. The Holy Spirit spoke through various family members. The wife said, "If God can turn water into wine, what are plastics?" The daughter said, "I don't believe this is from the Lord. We should stand against it." Gunnar sensed they were to trust God for a miracle in this situation. They began to pray. They took authority over this mountain of a problem based on Matthew 17, which gave them the authority to cast a mountain into the sea if faith only the size of a mustard seed could be exercised. The following Monday they went to the warehouse and laid hands on every pallet asking the Lord to restore the bags to their original condition. It took several hours. Later, the employees began to inspect the bags. As they inspected the bags, they discovered that every single bag had been restored to its original condition! An incredible miracle had taken place.
What obstacles have been placed in your life that need a miracle today? Could God be setting the stage in your life for you to trust Him at new levels you've never trusted before? God sets the stage to allow His power to be revealed for those willing to exercise the faith of a mustard seed. All things are possible with God.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Losing Your Life for His Purposes
Losing Your Life for His Purposes
by Os Hillman, April 18, 2006
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. - Luke 9:24
When the time came for God to fulfill Joseph's dreams, Joseph himself had virtually no interest at all in it. Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it" (Lk. 9:24). God wants to teach us a different set of values so that the kind of thing we start out wanting becomes secondary. God has something in mind for us that is far greater than the interest we began with.
Joseph's day of exaltation had arrived. Yet, through it all, a very real humiliation had to take place. We know about the humiliation Joseph had experienced for 13 years after being sold by his brothers into slavery, then taken to Egypt. We know how he was falsely accused and cast into prison.
Then came a different situation. Joseph had had a triumph and was given an exaltation, but the kind he really never asked for. He did not appear to be all that interested in what was about to happen. He watched as the Pharaoh took his ring off his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. Joseph never asked for that. All he wanted was to go home. He longed to go back to Canaan, to see his father, and to have his dreams fulfilled.
Therefore, here we find an extraordinary incongruity: a humiliation in the heart of vindication. A triumph that was the opposite of everything he, himself, could have envisaged. Joseph wanted to go home, but a one-way ticket to Canaan wasn't available. Before he knew it, he had Egypt in his hip pocket. He had never prayed for that. But God wanted Egypt. What God wanted is what Joseph got.
Joseph was given something that he could be trusted with because it didn't mean that much to him. [R.T. Kendall, A Treasury of Wisdom Journal (Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour and Company, 1996), January 16 day reading, email books].
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
by Os Hillman, April 18, 2006
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. - Luke 9:24
When the time came for God to fulfill Joseph's dreams, Joseph himself had virtually no interest at all in it. Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it" (Lk. 9:24). God wants to teach us a different set of values so that the kind of thing we start out wanting becomes secondary. God has something in mind for us that is far greater than the interest we began with.
Joseph's day of exaltation had arrived. Yet, through it all, a very real humiliation had to take place. We know about the humiliation Joseph had experienced for 13 years after being sold by his brothers into slavery, then taken to Egypt. We know how he was falsely accused and cast into prison.
Then came a different situation. Joseph had had a triumph and was given an exaltation, but the kind he really never asked for. He did not appear to be all that interested in what was about to happen. He watched as the Pharaoh took his ring off his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. Joseph never asked for that. All he wanted was to go home. He longed to go back to Canaan, to see his father, and to have his dreams fulfilled.
Therefore, here we find an extraordinary incongruity: a humiliation in the heart of vindication. A triumph that was the opposite of everything he, himself, could have envisaged. Joseph wanted to go home, but a one-way ticket to Canaan wasn't available. Before he knew it, he had Egypt in his hip pocket. He had never prayed for that. But God wanted Egypt. What God wanted is what Joseph got.
Joseph was given something that he could be trusted with because it didn't mean that much to him. [R.T. Kendall, A Treasury of Wisdom Journal (Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour and Company, 1996), January 16 day reading, email books].
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
The Jezebel Spirit
Perhaps not many will argue against the spirit of Jezebel in our own society, but how the Ahabs of the world actually allow the spreading of such spirit was a helpful perspective for me.
The Jezebel Spirit
by Os Hillman, April 9, 2006
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. - Revelation 2:20
One of the major ruling spirits opposing the Kingdom of God today is the spirit of Jezebel. It has dominion over many aspects of society including the workplace and the entertainment industry. It predominantly lives in females, but is not always gender specific.
The spirit of Jezebel seeks to destroy true worship, the family, morality, and the God-ordained leadership. It misleads and corrupts the Church and seeks to neutralize the lives of prophets, pastors, and other leadership.
The spirit of Jezebel is best seen in the story of Naboth's garden in First Kings 21. In this story King Ahab desires to purchase some land next to the king's palace. Naboth refuses to sell. When Jezebel hears of this, she embarrasses Ahab, telling him he should be ashamed because he is the king and has every right to the land. She promptly plots against Naboth to get the land for the king. This leads to Naboth's murder. Ahab does not know of this plot by his wife, but when the king shows up to claim the land, the prophet Elijah shows up too and pronounces judgment on Ahab and his wife. In this passage we see that God held Ahab ultimately responsible for the death of Naboth.
Jezebel's ultimate goal is always control. Jezebels cause fear, flight, and discouragement. They are often natural leaders. Often subtle and deceptive, they are proud, independent, and rebellious. Jezebels cannot live without Ahabs who allow them to be effective and operate unchallenged. Ahabs fail to operate as godly, loving leaders. Rather, they give in to pressure from the Jezebels, often due to their own insecurities and sexual needs.
The answer to defeating the Jezebel spirit for the person who is influenced by it is true repentance, humility, and brokenness before God. The person who is "Jezebeled" must firmly stand against the sexual exploitation of this spirit.
If you find yourself confronting this spirit, ask the Lord to give you discernment and wisdom. You will need fasting and prayer to win this battle. Men should not use this knowledge as a license to lord over or control women, but understand that this spirit opposes God's design of the two equal but distinct roles for men and women.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
The Jezebel Spirit
by Os Hillman, April 9, 2006
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. - Revelation 2:20
One of the major ruling spirits opposing the Kingdom of God today is the spirit of Jezebel. It has dominion over many aspects of society including the workplace and the entertainment industry. It predominantly lives in females, but is not always gender specific.
The spirit of Jezebel seeks to destroy true worship, the family, morality, and the God-ordained leadership. It misleads and corrupts the Church and seeks to neutralize the lives of prophets, pastors, and other leadership.
The spirit of Jezebel is best seen in the story of Naboth's garden in First Kings 21. In this story King Ahab desires to purchase some land next to the king's palace. Naboth refuses to sell. When Jezebel hears of this, she embarrasses Ahab, telling him he should be ashamed because he is the king and has every right to the land. She promptly plots against Naboth to get the land for the king. This leads to Naboth's murder. Ahab does not know of this plot by his wife, but when the king shows up to claim the land, the prophet Elijah shows up too and pronounces judgment on Ahab and his wife. In this passage we see that God held Ahab ultimately responsible for the death of Naboth.
Jezebel's ultimate goal is always control. Jezebels cause fear, flight, and discouragement. They are often natural leaders. Often subtle and deceptive, they are proud, independent, and rebellious. Jezebels cannot live without Ahabs who allow them to be effective and operate unchallenged. Ahabs fail to operate as godly, loving leaders. Rather, they give in to pressure from the Jezebels, often due to their own insecurities and sexual needs.
The answer to defeating the Jezebel spirit for the person who is influenced by it is true repentance, humility, and brokenness before God. The person who is "Jezebeled" must firmly stand against the sexual exploitation of this spirit.
If you find yourself confronting this spirit, ask the Lord to give you discernment and wisdom. You will need fasting and prayer to win this battle. Men should not use this knowledge as a license to lord over or control women, but understand that this spirit opposes God's design of the two equal but distinct roles for men and women.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
A New Breed of Workplace Believers
From the article below:
A New Breed of Workplace Believers
by Os Hillman, April 6, 2006
Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people.... - Haggai 2:2
Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah 60 years after the great temple built by Solomon had been destroyed. The temple lay in ruins, and the Lord spoke to the prophet Haggai, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Hag. 1:4) God was calling for a remnant of His people to come out of their comfort zones and restore the glory of God's house.
God is doing this same thing today among Christian workplace believers throughout the world. He is rising up a remnant of workplace believers who are being handpicked to use their resources, skills, and experience to affect nations that have not heard the message of Jesus Christ. The only way they can hear is by commerce being brought into their nation through Christian workplace believers, because these are closed regions to normal missionary efforts.
"But now be strong, O Zerubbabel," declares the Lord. "Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear" (Haggai 2:4-5).
The remnant of workplace believers God is calling today understand that they have to come out of Egypt from their past work life. Egypt signifies the way of the world. It represents sweat and toil. It is the flesh. This new way is exemplified by a pioneer spirit. God knows we need to have courage in order to move in this realm. Also, God assures us that His Spirit is with anyone who seeks to live in the realm of supernatural faith.
Are you one of these remnants He has handpicked in these days? Has He called you out of Egypt in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His Kingdom? Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the workplace this year. Then act and "be strong, all you people of the land."
[Source: TGIF by Marketplace Leaders]
Are you one of these remnants He has handpicked in these days? Has He called you out of Egypt in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His Kingdom? Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the workplace this year. Then act and "be strong, all you people of the land."
A New Breed of Workplace Believers
by Os Hillman, April 6, 2006
Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people.... - Haggai 2:2
Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah 60 years after the great temple built by Solomon had been destroyed. The temple lay in ruins, and the Lord spoke to the prophet Haggai, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Hag. 1:4) God was calling for a remnant of His people to come out of their comfort zones and restore the glory of God's house.
God is doing this same thing today among Christian workplace believers throughout the world. He is rising up a remnant of workplace believers who are being handpicked to use their resources, skills, and experience to affect nations that have not heard the message of Jesus Christ. The only way they can hear is by commerce being brought into their nation through Christian workplace believers, because these are closed regions to normal missionary efforts.
"But now be strong, O Zerubbabel," declares the Lord. "Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear" (Haggai 2:4-5).
The remnant of workplace believers God is calling today understand that they have to come out of Egypt from their past work life. Egypt signifies the way of the world. It represents sweat and toil. It is the flesh. This new way is exemplified by a pioneer spirit. God knows we need to have courage in order to move in this realm. Also, God assures us that His Spirit is with anyone who seeks to live in the realm of supernatural faith.
Are you one of these remnants He has handpicked in these days? Has He called you out of Egypt in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His Kingdom? Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the workplace this year. Then act and "be strong, all you people of the land."
[Source: TGIF by Marketplace Leaders]
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Following Only the Father's Commands
I hear myself saying the following phrase a lot these days:
"I'm so busy these days, I am running out of time!"
I believe it's time for me to calibrate my priorities again because I seemed to have wandered off into filling up my time again....
yOOn
Following Only the Father's Commands
by Os Hillman, March 15, 2006
Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." - John 5:19
Have you ever thought about a typical day in Jesus' life? Perhaps He might have had questions like these, "Who am I going to heal today? Who will I visit today? Which person will I deliver from demons this day?" etc. The demands on Jesus' time were great. Yet we see that Jesus allocated His time very deliberately. We don't get the idea that Jesus was flustered or stressed from the activity He was involved in. He often sought times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples. His life appeared to have a balance of quiet moments and active ministry into the lives He came in contact with.
How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives? What keeps us in sync with the will of our heavenly Father for the daily tasks He calls us to? Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in. Nothing more, nothing less. So often we determine our participation in an activity based on whether we have the time to do it or whether we desire to participate. The real question we should ask is, "Does the Father want me to participate in this activity?"
"Lord, should I add this Bible study to my schedule? Should I spend an extra night out on this committee this week? Should I take on new business that will take me away from home more? Should my daughter be involved in music lessons?" These are the daily challenges for the world we now live in. We are an activity-based society that often encourages more and more activity, often in the name of Christian virtue.
Our lives will become less cluttered, less stressful, and more fulfilling when we follow the model Jesus provided. It may not always please everyone. Jesus never sought to please everyone. Ask the Lord each day this week how you and He are to spend your time. Yield your schedule to Him. Let Jesus direct your every activity. You may discover that He desires you to cut back some things in order to spend more time alone with Him. He will be faithful to show you. And you will become more fulfilled because you are centered in His will for you.
[Source: TGIF by Marketplace Leaders]
"I'm so busy these days, I am running out of time!"
I believe it's time for me to calibrate my priorities again because I seemed to have wandered off into filling up my time again....
yOOn
Following Only the Father's Commands
by Os Hillman, March 15, 2006
Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." - John 5:19
Have you ever thought about a typical day in Jesus' life? Perhaps He might have had questions like these, "Who am I going to heal today? Who will I visit today? Which person will I deliver from demons this day?" etc. The demands on Jesus' time were great. Yet we see that Jesus allocated His time very deliberately. We don't get the idea that Jesus was flustered or stressed from the activity He was involved in. He often sought times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples. His life appeared to have a balance of quiet moments and active ministry into the lives He came in contact with.
How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives? What keeps us in sync with the will of our heavenly Father for the daily tasks He calls us to? Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in. Nothing more, nothing less. So often we determine our participation in an activity based on whether we have the time to do it or whether we desire to participate. The real question we should ask is, "Does the Father want me to participate in this activity?"
"Lord, should I add this Bible study to my schedule? Should I spend an extra night out on this committee this week? Should I take on new business that will take me away from home more? Should my daughter be involved in music lessons?" These are the daily challenges for the world we now live in. We are an activity-based society that often encourages more and more activity, often in the name of Christian virtue.
Our lives will become less cluttered, less stressful, and more fulfilling when we follow the model Jesus provided. It may not always please everyone. Jesus never sought to please everyone. Ask the Lord each day this week how you and He are to spend your time. Yield your schedule to Him. Let Jesus direct your every activity. You may discover that He desires you to cut back some things in order to spend more time alone with Him. He will be faithful to show you. And you will become more fulfilled because you are centered in His will for you.
[Source: TGIF by Marketplace Leaders]
Monday, February 27, 2006
What Do YOU See?
A great note for all to read it will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings blessings to everyone who passes it on.
Thankyou.
[From the Internet]
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings blessings to everyone who passes it on.
Thankyou.
[From the Internet]
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Spiritual Lessons on Victory and Defeat
Hi Team CM,
This marks my last Mid-Week Coffee Break postings to y'all. If you like, I'll be posting to this blog continuously so just swing by whenever you want to.
I just receive this article from a Brother in Christ. Due to lack of time, I basically had given up following the sports ever since we had children and so I had no idea who was playing on Sunday, but this article not only brought me up to speed, but it also touched my heart from Coach Mike Holmgren's testimony of:
I had honestly reached a place where my future was in God's hands.
Thank you all for your dedication for the Children Ministry and may God also bring you to a place of knowing that your future is in God's hands.
in His Love,
yOOn
+ + +
As Seattle played in the NFC Championship game this past Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the Seahawks coach hoped his team could win and advance to Super Bowl XL. He knows the joy of the NFL's ultimate payoff. As offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Holmgren grew accustomed to the sweet taste of Super Bowl wins. When Mike Holmgren was head coach of the Green Bay Packers, he took his team to the big dance two consecutive years. But as this peek into the coach's past indicates, Mike Holmgren also knows the heartache of personal struggles and defeat. Here is a Christ-follower who has experienced God at the point of personal need and proved his Heavenly Father faithful.
Spiritual Lessons on Victory and Defeat
by Coach Mike Holmgren as told to Greg Asimakoupoulos
Like many in First Covenant Church in San Francisco, I was raised in a Swedish-American family. We lived in a second-floor flat above my grandfather's bakery where Scandinavian breads and pastries kept us well fed. But on Sundays, all three generations of Holmgrens were found at church where the bread of life was generously dispensed.
As a child, my appetite for spiritual things was not substantial. I was more interested in a pick-up game of touch football.... Raised in the shadows of Kezar Stadium - where the Forty-Niners played - I dreamed of one day wearing a Niner jersey.
When I was 11, Billy Graham held a three-week crusade at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. My parents took my sisters and me almost every night. On the final night, Cliff Barrows led the audience in singing "Just as I Am" I couldn't stay seated and went forward to accept Christ just as I was, grubby tennis shoes and all.
But even as a Christian, I remained determined to make a name for myself on the gridiron. After leading my high school teams to the state championship I was offered a scholarship to play for the highly touted Trojans at the University of Southern California.
Unfortunately, injuries kept me sidelined much of my college career and I didn't play much. I was gratefully surprised when I was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970. But four weeks later, I was released. The New York Jets picked me up as a back-up quarterback to "Broadway Joe" Namath, but before the preseason was over, I was cut again. My dream of playing professional football was over before it had ever begun. I was devastated.
A girl I had met at Mission Springs Bible Camp the summer after I became a Christian re-emerged in my life about this time. Although we had corresponded
off and on between summer reunions at camp, our friendship had drifted in recent
years. Kathy had taken her faith much more seriously than I. She went on to a Christian college, became a nurse and was serving as a short-term missionary in Zaire. Her inspiring letters helped me realize how much I needed to trust the Lord in the midst of my disillusionment. As a result, I recommitted my life to Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 became the personal line of scrimmage at which I dug in. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
When Kathy returned from Africa we became engaged. In 1971 we were married. I began my coaching career at the high school from which I graduated. As our family of four daughters grew, so did my professional opportunities. I moved up into the college coaching ranks. But ambition was not the demon in my life it had once been. My wife and kids were a daily reminder of both God's blessing on my life and His priorities. I had honestly reached a place where my future was in God's hands.
Then a job opened up in Utah. Some of our friends questioned our judgment in accepting it. But Kathy and I viewed my position as assistant coach at Brigham Young University (BYU) as a unique opportunity. We wanted to be an evangelical witness to the players, coaches and students on this predominantly Mormon campus. God blessed our motives.
It was during my time at BYU that the San Francisco Forty-niners invited me to join their staff. For six wonderful years I worked with the likes of Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Roger Craig. Together we earned two consecutive Super Bowl Championships. Although I was not a player, God had fulfilled my boyhood dream to be a part of my hometown team. Less than five miles from the Cow Palace where I had responded to Billy Graham's message, Candlestick Park became the stadium where I expressed my faith in God in the course of my job as offensive coordinator.
When the media began to speculate that I would be offered the head coaching position of an NFL team, I prayed diligently. When the offers came, it seemed obvious to us that the needs of our daughters must take precedence over my career. I opted to decline the contracts and stay with the Forty-niners. Sportswriters and colleagues scoffed at my reasoning. They said I'd never be approached again. But God honored our choice. One year later I was hired by the Green Bay Packers to carry the mantle of legendary head coach Vince Lombardi.
My first season with the Packers was beyond my expectations. Despite injuries and a grueling schedule, we nearly made the play-offs with a record 10 wins and six losses. It was the Packers first winning season in more than a decade.
But win or lose I learned a long time ago what really matters. It's not Super Bowl rings, but the crown of eternal life Christ has won for us by His victory on the cross. As the Swedish hymn writer, Lina Sandell, put it: "Though he giveth or he taketh, God his children ne'er forsaketh, his the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy" (Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook, No. 87).
This marks my last Mid-Week Coffee Break postings to y'all. If you like, I'll be posting to this blog continuously so just swing by whenever you want to.
I just receive this article from a Brother in Christ. Due to lack of time, I basically had given up following the sports ever since we had children and so I had no idea who was playing on Sunday, but this article not only brought me up to speed, but it also touched my heart from Coach Mike Holmgren's testimony of:
I had honestly reached a place where my future was in God's hands.
Thank you all for your dedication for the Children Ministry and may God also bring you to a place of knowing that your future is in God's hands.
in His Love,
yOOn
As Seattle played in the NFC Championship game this past Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the Seahawks coach hoped his team could win and advance to Super Bowl XL. He knows the joy of the NFL's ultimate payoff. As offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Holmgren grew accustomed to the sweet taste of Super Bowl wins. When Mike Holmgren was head coach of the Green Bay Packers, he took his team to the big dance two consecutive years. But as this peek into the coach's past indicates, Mike Holmgren also knows the heartache of personal struggles and defeat. Here is a Christ-follower who has experienced God at the point of personal need and proved his Heavenly Father faithful.
Spiritual Lessons on Victory and Defeat
by Coach Mike Holmgren as told to Greg Asimakoupoulos
Like many in First Covenant Church in San Francisco, I was raised in a Swedish-American family. We lived in a second-floor flat above my grandfather's bakery where Scandinavian breads and pastries kept us well fed. But on Sundays, all three generations of Holmgrens were found at church where the bread of life was generously dispensed.
As a child, my appetite for spiritual things was not substantial. I was more interested in a pick-up game of touch football.... Raised in the shadows of Kezar Stadium - where the Forty-Niners played - I dreamed of one day wearing a Niner jersey.
When I was 11, Billy Graham held a three-week crusade at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. My parents took my sisters and me almost every night. On the final night, Cliff Barrows led the audience in singing "Just as I Am" I couldn't stay seated and went forward to accept Christ just as I was, grubby tennis shoes and all.
But even as a Christian, I remained determined to make a name for myself on the gridiron. After leading my high school teams to the state championship I was offered a scholarship to play for the highly touted Trojans at the University of Southern California.
Unfortunately, injuries kept me sidelined much of my college career and I didn't play much. I was gratefully surprised when I was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970. But four weeks later, I was released. The New York Jets picked me up as a back-up quarterback to "Broadway Joe" Namath, but before the preseason was over, I was cut again. My dream of playing professional football was over before it had ever begun. I was devastated.
A girl I had met at Mission Springs Bible Camp the summer after I became a Christian re-emerged in my life about this time. Although we had corresponded
off and on between summer reunions at camp, our friendship had drifted in recent
years. Kathy had taken her faith much more seriously than I. She went on to a Christian college, became a nurse and was serving as a short-term missionary in Zaire. Her inspiring letters helped me realize how much I needed to trust the Lord in the midst of my disillusionment. As a result, I recommitted my life to Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 became the personal line of scrimmage at which I dug in. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
When Kathy returned from Africa we became engaged. In 1971 we were married. I began my coaching career at the high school from which I graduated. As our family of four daughters grew, so did my professional opportunities. I moved up into the college coaching ranks. But ambition was not the demon in my life it had once been. My wife and kids were a daily reminder of both God's blessing on my life and His priorities. I had honestly reached a place where my future was in God's hands.
Then a job opened up in Utah. Some of our friends questioned our judgment in accepting it. But Kathy and I viewed my position as assistant coach at Brigham Young University (BYU) as a unique opportunity. We wanted to be an evangelical witness to the players, coaches and students on this predominantly Mormon campus. God blessed our motives.
It was during my time at BYU that the San Francisco Forty-niners invited me to join their staff. For six wonderful years I worked with the likes of Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Roger Craig. Together we earned two consecutive Super Bowl Championships. Although I was not a player, God had fulfilled my boyhood dream to be a part of my hometown team. Less than five miles from the Cow Palace where I had responded to Billy Graham's message, Candlestick Park became the stadium where I expressed my faith in God in the course of my job as offensive coordinator.
When the media began to speculate that I would be offered the head coaching position of an NFL team, I prayed diligently. When the offers came, it seemed obvious to us that the needs of our daughters must take precedence over my career. I opted to decline the contracts and stay with the Forty-niners. Sportswriters and colleagues scoffed at my reasoning. They said I'd never be approached again. But God honored our choice. One year later I was hired by the Green Bay Packers to carry the mantle of legendary head coach Vince Lombardi.
My first season with the Packers was beyond my expectations. Despite injuries and a grueling schedule, we nearly made the play-offs with a record 10 wins and six losses. It was the Packers first winning season in more than a decade.
But win or lose I learned a long time ago what really matters. It's not Super Bowl rings, but the crown of eternal life Christ has won for us by His victory on the cross. As the Swedish hymn writer, Lina Sandell, put it: "Though he giveth or he taketh, God his children ne'er forsaketh, his the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy" (Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook, No. 87).
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
In the Mundaneness of Life
Before we set out for some "grand" resolutions for this new year, let's all consider being faithful in the normal & regular daily routines of our lives -- you know, the ones that are too mundane to make the new year's resolutions list.
(The following insightful article is from: http://www.enewhope.org/news/2005/december/30/devos/)
Starting a New Year Resolution
doing devotions with pastor wayne
Note: One of the most exciting moves of God in our times is happening in Hawaii—where one small church discovered the power of doing daily devotions. Today members are reading a portion of their Bible & hearing God speak directly into their lives. And a small cadre of believers has grown to over 12,000 members. It’s also become one of the fastest-growing and most influential churches in the nation.
As we kick off the New Year, let doing daily devotions be one of your greatest goals. Join us!
Here is a page ripped out of Senior Pastor Wayne Cordeiro’s own journal:
January 1—Gen. 1, 2; Luke 1
“Now it came about while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
…And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.” (Luke 1:8-11)
When did God appear to the priest, Zacharias? On a whirlwind preaching crusade? On a best-selling book-signing tour? While being interviewed on national TV?
No!
It was during the consistency of his “priestly duties.” That which seems mundane & mediocre to most of us is actually precious in God’s sight. And that’s when God usually shows up!
A Little Background
Zacharias’ division of priests was in charge of performing certain temple services and he was selected to burn the incense. It’s sort of like a pastor who is chosen to wear the emergency pager for the week. Zacharias was carrying on daily duties that seemed so unexciting. Yet it was in the midst of that when God chose him to be father of John the Baptist!
It happened to David – not on a crusade but while feeding sheep when God chose him to be the greatest king Israel had ever seen:
“He also chose David His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; from the care of the ewes of suckling lambs He brought them – to shepherd Jacob His people and Israel His inheritance” (Ps. 78:72).
King David was the one who would deliver Israel from the Philistines! He united the Kingdom of Israel. And he became the forefather of the Messiah!
It happened to Moses – not on a high horse, not from notoriety, nor from fame or fortune. No, God appeared to him as he was doing his daily job: shepherding sheep in the wilderness, searching for & returning wandering lambs, and shearing sheep & selling the wool. Not very glamorous! Yet it was in the midst of these chores that God called one of the greatest leaders mankind has ever known.
Take Peter. No, he wasn’t recruited from the University of Jerusalem. Nor was he a Rhodes Scholar. He was doing his daily chores!
“And as Jesus was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Mark 1:16, 17).
And the rest is history: Peter became an apostle and leader of the early Church.
Time would fail me to further list Gideon, Levi (Matthew), Abraham, Nehemiah, and so many more who from the mundane dailyness, God lifted to greatness. Maybe not “into” greatness so much as “from” greatness to a successive assignment; or as He says it, “from glory to glory.”
What is Greatness?
Maybe greatness does not begin where most measure it, with large audiences. Instead, what if it begins where there are no audiences at all? Anyone can feel excited when thousands come to listen, but how is your heart when there are only a few?
Maybe greatness really doesn’t start with loads of money. Maybe it really starts with faithfulness and a stewardship of what you do have.
Like David among the sheepfolds, Peter fishing the open sea, or Zacharias working the night shift, I think God looks for seeds of greatness in the “dailyness” of living. Don’t worry about trying to be like those who wear costumes at a football game to get the attention of the cameras. God is looking, not for costume wearers, but for basin bearers who show up daily.
Prayer: Dear God, show me what would You have me to do daily! And help me to fulfill it the best possible way I can. Amen!
(The following insightful article is from: http://www.enewhope.org/news/2005/december/30/devos/)
Starting a New Year Resolution
doing devotions with pastor wayne
Note: One of the most exciting moves of God in our times is happening in Hawaii—where one small church discovered the power of doing daily devotions. Today members are reading a portion of their Bible & hearing God speak directly into their lives. And a small cadre of believers has grown to over 12,000 members. It’s also become one of the fastest-growing and most influential churches in the nation.
As we kick off the New Year, let doing daily devotions be one of your greatest goals. Join us!
Here is a page ripped out of Senior Pastor Wayne Cordeiro’s own journal:
January 1—Gen. 1, 2; Luke 1
“Now it came about while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
…And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.” (Luke 1:8-11)
When did God appear to the priest, Zacharias? On a whirlwind preaching crusade? On a best-selling book-signing tour? While being interviewed on national TV?
No!
It was during the consistency of his “priestly duties.” That which seems mundane & mediocre to most of us is actually precious in God’s sight. And that’s when God usually shows up!
A Little Background
Zacharias’ division of priests was in charge of performing certain temple services and he was selected to burn the incense. It’s sort of like a pastor who is chosen to wear the emergency pager for the week. Zacharias was carrying on daily duties that seemed so unexciting. Yet it was in the midst of that when God chose him to be father of John the Baptist!
It happened to David – not on a crusade but while feeding sheep when God chose him to be the greatest king Israel had ever seen:
“He also chose David His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; from the care of the ewes of suckling lambs He brought them – to shepherd Jacob His people and Israel His inheritance” (Ps. 78:72).
King David was the one who would deliver Israel from the Philistines! He united the Kingdom of Israel. And he became the forefather of the Messiah!
It happened to Moses – not on a high horse, not from notoriety, nor from fame or fortune. No, God appeared to him as he was doing his daily job: shepherding sheep in the wilderness, searching for & returning wandering lambs, and shearing sheep & selling the wool. Not very glamorous! Yet it was in the midst of these chores that God called one of the greatest leaders mankind has ever known.
Take Peter. No, he wasn’t recruited from the University of Jerusalem. Nor was he a Rhodes Scholar. He was doing his daily chores!
“And as Jesus was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Mark 1:16, 17).
And the rest is history: Peter became an apostle and leader of the early Church.
Time would fail me to further list Gideon, Levi (Matthew), Abraham, Nehemiah, and so many more who from the mundane dailyness, God lifted to greatness. Maybe not “into” greatness so much as “from” greatness to a successive assignment; or as He says it, “from glory to glory.”
What is Greatness?
Maybe greatness does not begin where most measure it, with large audiences. Instead, what if it begins where there are no audiences at all? Anyone can feel excited when thousands come to listen, but how is your heart when there are only a few?
Maybe greatness really doesn’t start with loads of money. Maybe it really starts with faithfulness and a stewardship of what you do have.
Like David among the sheepfolds, Peter fishing the open sea, or Zacharias working the night shift, I think God looks for seeds of greatness in the “dailyness” of living. Don’t worry about trying to be like those who wear costumes at a football game to get the attention of the cameras. God is looking, not for costume wearers, but for basin bearers who show up daily.
Prayer: Dear God, show me what would You have me to do daily! And help me to fulfill it the best possible way I can. Amen!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
How to Buy Opportunities
Hi CM Team,
Did you ever wonder how you can attain opporunities after opportunities?
God's Word tells in Ephesians 5:16 (Amplified Bible):
Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
Using our time wisely will buy opportunities which will transform into life-giving outcomes in the end. When we feel "we don't have enough time," then we're most likely UNwisely using time, foregoing godly opportunities.
As the New Year of 2006 is just around the corner, this would be a good time for all of us to start identifying areas in our lives where we can prune out dead "times" from our daily routines so we would all make the most of our time in the New Year. If your morning devotion time is being crowded out by other busy-nesses, then that would be a great place to start by trimming out your evening/night activities in order to sleep earlier which in turn will start your morning earlier for a time of devotion with God. Genesis 1:5b (NIV) says the following implying that the day actually starts the night before.
And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
[Note: This message clip derived from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro's 12/4/05 sermon (http://enewhope.org/sermon/notes.php?action=view&id=251)]
Have a wonderful Christmas and let's all turn to a bright New Year inviting His Spirit to lead us all.
Your Co-worker,
yOOn
Did you ever wonder how you can attain opporunities after opportunities?
God's Word tells in Ephesians 5:16 (Amplified Bible):
Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
Using our time wisely will buy opportunities which will transform into life-giving outcomes in the end. When we feel "we don't have enough time," then we're most likely UNwisely using time, foregoing godly opportunities.
As the New Year of 2006 is just around the corner, this would be a good time for all of us to start identifying areas in our lives where we can prune out dead "times" from our daily routines so we would all make the most of our time in the New Year. If your morning devotion time is being crowded out by other busy-nesses, then that would be a great place to start by trimming out your evening/night activities in order to sleep earlier which in turn will start your morning earlier for a time of devotion with God. Genesis 1:5b (NIV) says the following implying that the day actually starts the night before.
And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
[Note: This message clip derived from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro's 12/4/05 sermon (http://enewhope.org/sermon/notes.php?action=view&id=251)]
Have a wonderful Christmas and let's all turn to a bright New Year inviting His Spirit to lead us all.
Your Co-worker,
yOOn
Friday, December 16, 2005
Video Games and Your Kids
Hi CM Team,
Personally, I am not too familiar with the video games, and as a parent, I sense that I will soon be left in the dust way behind from my children (and their friends) in this arena. This will not be a good thing because like with many "media" stakeholders, people behind the viedo games industry are aiming at our children's minds and they do it so craftly (why does this remind me of the serpent in Genesis?).
I don't believe there is a single solution to this problem, but I found the following article which at least points us to a good start, especially during this time of getting bombarded with shopping attractions.
If you feel led to share this with your students' parents, please do so.
in HIM,
yOOn
Rated 'A' for 'Assault'
Video Games and Your Kids
December 16, 2005
Earlier this week, Mark Earley told you about the dangers associated with some of most-sought-after items on your kids' Christmas list. If the pornography industry has its way, that state-of-the-art cell phone will be used for more than talking to friends.
And the problems are not limited to presents that our kids can put in their backpacks. Some of the worst stuff may find its way into your living room or your kid's bedroom without you being the wiser. I'm talking, of course, about video games.
Concerns about video games are not new. Such concerns forced the industry to adopt a rating system for its products: rating from "E" for "everyone" to "M" for "mature." The problem is that the outfit doing the rating, the Entertainment Software Review Board (ESRB), is a subsidiary of the video game industry.
Little wonder, then, that the media watchdog group Media Wise gives the ratings an "F" for accuracy and retailers a "D" for their enforcement efforts. Combine that with what the group calls a "widening gap between what kids do and what parents know," and you have a system that is "beyond repair."
This does not mean that you should not let your children play video games, at least in moderation. It does mean that you need to do your homework before you head to the mall. And if the rating system is "beyond repair," where do you turn for information?
Fortunately, groups like Media Wise can at least tell you what to avoid. The group recently issued a Video Game Report which listed twelve games that parents should "keep out of the hands of their children and teenagers."
In one of the dirty dozen, "Stubbs the Zombie," your child assumes the role of a revenge-seeking zombie. And the zombie not only kills anyone who gets in its way, it also cuts open their skulls and eats their brains.
Then there's the "Grand Theft Auto" series. As the title suggests, the game is played from the point of view of a car thief. But the fantasy does not stop there: Money and points are gained by causing as much mayhem as possible, including running people over and murdering city officials.
I agree with Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D) when he calls these games "an assault on the value structure and discipline of our society." Like him, I fear that "much of what we do" as parents to raise good kids is "undercut by the worst of these games."
Neither Sen. Lieberman nor I is saying anything so extreme as playing "Grand Theft Auto" will lead your kid to run people over with the family car. We are merely pointing out the obvious: What we see influences how we think and feel. If this were not true, there would be no advertising industry. And besides, in our media-soaked culture, there is a whole range of alternatives that we can choose instead of these games.
So, before you pull out your credit card, ask yourself how much you know about what you plan on putting under the tree this Christmas: Is it the stuff of wise parenting or an assault on everything you hold dear?
Get links to further information on today's topic
For printer-friendly version, simply visit www.breakpoint.org and click on Today's Commentary. The printer-friendly link is on the left-hand column.
Copyright (c) 2005 Prison Fellowship
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
Personally, I am not too familiar with the video games, and as a parent, I sense that I will soon be left in the dust way behind from my children (and their friends) in this arena. This will not be a good thing because like with many "media" stakeholders, people behind the viedo games industry are aiming at our children's minds and they do it so craftly (why does this remind me of the serpent in Genesis?).
I don't believe there is a single solution to this problem, but I found the following article which at least points us to a good start, especially during this time of getting bombarded with shopping attractions.
If you feel led to share this with your students' parents, please do so.
in HIM,
yOOn
Rated 'A' for 'Assault'
Video Games and Your Kids
December 16, 2005
Earlier this week, Mark Earley told you about the dangers associated with some of most-sought-after items on your kids' Christmas list. If the pornography industry has its way, that state-of-the-art cell phone will be used for more than talking to friends.
And the problems are not limited to presents that our kids can put in their backpacks. Some of the worst stuff may find its way into your living room or your kid's bedroom without you being the wiser. I'm talking, of course, about video games.
Concerns about video games are not new. Such concerns forced the industry to adopt a rating system for its products: rating from "E" for "everyone" to "M" for "mature." The problem is that the outfit doing the rating, the Entertainment Software Review Board (ESRB), is a subsidiary of the video game industry.
Little wonder, then, that the media watchdog group Media Wise gives the ratings an "F" for accuracy and retailers a "D" for their enforcement efforts. Combine that with what the group calls a "widening gap between what kids do and what parents know," and you have a system that is "beyond repair."
This does not mean that you should not let your children play video games, at least in moderation. It does mean that you need to do your homework before you head to the mall. And if the rating system is "beyond repair," where do you turn for information?
Fortunately, groups like Media Wise can at least tell you what to avoid. The group recently issued a Video Game Report which listed twelve games that parents should "keep out of the hands of their children and teenagers."
In one of the dirty dozen, "Stubbs the Zombie," your child assumes the role of a revenge-seeking zombie. And the zombie not only kills anyone who gets in its way, it also cuts open their skulls and eats their brains.
Then there's the "Grand Theft Auto" series. As the title suggests, the game is played from the point of view of a car thief. But the fantasy does not stop there: Money and points are gained by causing as much mayhem as possible, including running people over and murdering city officials.
I agree with Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D) when he calls these games "an assault on the value structure and discipline of our society." Like him, I fear that "much of what we do" as parents to raise good kids is "undercut by the worst of these games."
Neither Sen. Lieberman nor I is saying anything so extreme as playing "Grand Theft Auto" will lead your kid to run people over with the family car. We are merely pointing out the obvious: What we see influences how we think and feel. If this were not true, there would be no advertising industry. And besides, in our media-soaked culture, there is a whole range of alternatives that we can choose instead of these games.
So, before you pull out your credit card, ask yourself how much you know about what you plan on putting under the tree this Christmas: Is it the stuff of wise parenting or an assault on everything you hold dear?
Get links to further information on today's topic
For printer-friendly version, simply visit www.breakpoint.org and click on Today's Commentary. The printer-friendly link is on the left-hand column.
Copyright (c) 2005 Prison Fellowship
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
God's Chosen Few
Dear CM Team,
If you think about it briefly, the core message of Christmas is based on God's miracle. There is no way such a thing can happen within the boundaries of our human strength or even knowledge.
That same God is still capable of doing miracles in our lives. Do you really believe it in your heart, not in your head only? I hope this Christmas, you would experience His miracle and transform into that "one broken person" God will use as referenced in the following article.
With regards,
yOOn
God's Chosen Few
by Os Hillman, December 13, 2005
But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction. - Job 36:15
He was born with cerebral palsy in South Africa. He barely survived his birth. He did not walk until he was four years old. One leg was longer than the other and he could not speak well. For most of his life, his hands shook and he had little control over them. Feelings of rejection and bitterness at his plight were common occurrences during his growing-up years. During his school years, he was chastised by kids and generally rejected by society.
At age 17, his father felt led to take his son to a healing service. That night, the young boy's leg divinely grew two inches. He no longer walked with a limp. Bradley met the Savior and began to grow in his intimacy with Him. God began to speak to him and show him things. Prayer became his source of comfort and strength. God gave him insights about people and situations, bringing blessing to all who encountered him. Today, this young man travels around the world as an internationally known intercessor and founder of a school of intercessory prayer. Literally hundreds of hours of knowledge about the way God speaks to His children have been birthed in and through this young man.
One evening Bradley walked forward in a meeting of about 40 workplace believers and handed a note to the leader during a Christian business conference. The note was for someone in the room, but Bradley did not know whom it was for. It was the last day of a 40-day fast for this writer. The message gave a specific description of what I had been experiencing the two years leading up to that night. Nobody would have known such details. I knew it was for me. It was a miraculous "telegram from God" that provided confirmation and encouragement of where God was taking me. God used one broken man to speak to another broken man.
God's ways are not our ways. His preparation of His warriors seems cruel and hurtful at times. His ways are much higher than ours. Trust the God of the universe that He can orchestrate the events of your life when they seem the darkest.
© 2005. TGIF Today God Is FirstTM is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders.
If you think about it briefly, the core message of Christmas is based on God's miracle. There is no way such a thing can happen within the boundaries of our human strength or even knowledge.
That same God is still capable of doing miracles in our lives. Do you really believe it in your heart, not in your head only? I hope this Christmas, you would experience His miracle and transform into that "one broken person" God will use as referenced in the following article.
With regards,
yOOn
God's Chosen Few
by Os Hillman, December 13, 2005
But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction. - Job 36:15
He was born with cerebral palsy in South Africa. He barely survived his birth. He did not walk until he was four years old. One leg was longer than the other and he could not speak well. For most of his life, his hands shook and he had little control over them. Feelings of rejection and bitterness at his plight were common occurrences during his growing-up years. During his school years, he was chastised by kids and generally rejected by society.
At age 17, his father felt led to take his son to a healing service. That night, the young boy's leg divinely grew two inches. He no longer walked with a limp. Bradley met the Savior and began to grow in his intimacy with Him. God began to speak to him and show him things. Prayer became his source of comfort and strength. God gave him insights about people and situations, bringing blessing to all who encountered him. Today, this young man travels around the world as an internationally known intercessor and founder of a school of intercessory prayer. Literally hundreds of hours of knowledge about the way God speaks to His children have been birthed in and through this young man.
One evening Bradley walked forward in a meeting of about 40 workplace believers and handed a note to the leader during a Christian business conference. The note was for someone in the room, but Bradley did not know whom it was for. It was the last day of a 40-day fast for this writer. The message gave a specific description of what I had been experiencing the two years leading up to that night. Nobody would have known such details. I knew it was for me. It was a miraculous "telegram from God" that provided confirmation and encouragement of where God was taking me. God used one broken man to speak to another broken man.
God's ways are not our ways. His preparation of His warriors seems cruel and hurtful at times. His ways are much higher than ours. Trust the God of the universe that He can orchestrate the events of your life when they seem the darkest.
© 2005. TGIF Today God Is FirstTM is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
The Spirit of Competition
Hello Team CM,
We may call this synergy, or building up momentum, but at the core, it's about building up the spirit of unity & collaboration to seek where God is at work and go join Him all together with the single purpose and mind.
I am encouraged to follow Pastor Meyer's example within CM and NCBC as well as at workplace and within other external organizations. And I would like to invite you to join in that journey.
Your co-worker,
yOOn
The Spirit of Competition
by Os Hillman, December 3, 2005
I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. - John 17:23
A story is told about F.B. Meyer, the great Bible teacher and pastor who lived a century ago. He was pastoring a church and began to notice that attendance was suffering. This continued until he finally asked some members of his congregation one Sunday morning why they thought attendance was down.
A member volunteered, "It is because of this new church down the road. The young preacher has everyone talking and many are going to hear him speak."
His name was Charles Spurgeon. Meyer, rather than seeking to discourage this, exhorted the entire congregation to join him and go participate in seeing this "move of God" as he described it to his congregation.
"If this be happening, then God must be at work."
Meyer, even though he was an accomplished preacher and teacher, recognized where God was at work and joined Him in it. [The author heard this on a radio show from Key Life Ministries with Steve Brown, based in Orlando, Florida.]
Can you imagine this story taking place in our competitive world today? Competition has penetrated the Church so much that many churches and Christian organizations approach ministry like a sports event. They view their mission as a business that seeks to gain market share among Christians - donors, members, influence - all under the name of God. I am sure God looks down at us and asks, "Whatever happened to John 17:23?" Sometimes we must remind our fellow servants that we are all on the same team! We should be seeking to impact the Kingdom of God, not increase our own market share.
When Jesus made this statement about unity in John 17:23, it represented the key to bringing salvation to many. He was saying that when His Body is unified, the non-Christian would be able to see who Jesus really is - the Son of God. Are you contributing to unity in the Body of Christ? Or are you contributing to a spirit of competition? Ask God where you can be an instrument of unity in His Body.
We may call this synergy, or building up momentum, but at the core, it's about building up the spirit of unity & collaboration to seek where God is at work and go join Him all together with the single purpose and mind.
I am encouraged to follow Pastor Meyer's example within CM and NCBC as well as at workplace and within other external organizations. And I would like to invite you to join in that journey.
Your co-worker,
yOOn
The Spirit of Competition
by Os Hillman, December 3, 2005
I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. - John 17:23
A story is told about F.B. Meyer, the great Bible teacher and pastor who lived a century ago. He was pastoring a church and began to notice that attendance was suffering. This continued until he finally asked some members of his congregation one Sunday morning why they thought attendance was down.
A member volunteered, "It is because of this new church down the road. The young preacher has everyone talking and many are going to hear him speak."
His name was Charles Spurgeon. Meyer, rather than seeking to discourage this, exhorted the entire congregation to join him and go participate in seeing this "move of God" as he described it to his congregation.
"If this be happening, then God must be at work."
Meyer, even though he was an accomplished preacher and teacher, recognized where God was at work and joined Him in it. [The author heard this on a radio show from Key Life Ministries with Steve Brown, based in Orlando, Florida.]
Can you imagine this story taking place in our competitive world today? Competition has penetrated the Church so much that many churches and Christian organizations approach ministry like a sports event. They view their mission as a business that seeks to gain market share among Christians - donors, members, influence - all under the name of God. I am sure God looks down at us and asks, "Whatever happened to John 17:23?" Sometimes we must remind our fellow servants that we are all on the same team! We should be seeking to impact the Kingdom of God, not increase our own market share.
When Jesus made this statement about unity in John 17:23, it represented the key to bringing salvation to many. He was saying that when His Body is unified, the non-Christian would be able to see who Jesus really is - the Son of God. Are you contributing to unity in the Body of Christ? Or are you contributing to a spirit of competition? Ask God where you can be an instrument of unity in His Body.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Good Things Versus God-Things
Hey Team CM,
Let's pursue together to be a team led by His Spirit.
<><
yOOn
Good Things Versus God-Things
By Os Hillman
Powered By Marketplace Leaders
Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. - Romans 8:14
The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good things" and "God-things." When the people of Israel journeyed out of Egypt through the desert, the cloud led them by day. They could move only as fast as the cloud. If they went ahead, they went without God's presence. If they lagged behind, they also lost God's presence.
Each of us must have the discernment to know when God is leading in a matter, or if it is simply a good idea. There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.
I recall one time when I entered into a project that I thought was a great idea. It would help many people. After two years, the project had to be discontinued. It was a great lesson on understanding what projects have God's blessing on them. There are some projects you and I might get involved in that result in little fruit compared to the investment put into them. That is because they may never have been birthed by the Holy Spirit.
As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Workplace believers are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.
Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good thing" or a "God-thing."
© Copyright 2005. Os Hillman/MarketplaceLeaders.org
Let's pursue together to be a team led by His Spirit.
<><
yOOn
Good Things Versus God-Things
By Os Hillman
Powered By Marketplace Leaders
Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. - Romans 8:14
The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good things" and "God-things." When the people of Israel journeyed out of Egypt through the desert, the cloud led them by day. They could move only as fast as the cloud. If they went ahead, they went without God's presence. If they lagged behind, they also lost God's presence.
Each of us must have the discernment to know when God is leading in a matter, or if it is simply a good idea. There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.
I recall one time when I entered into a project that I thought was a great idea. It would help many people. After two years, the project had to be discontinued. It was a great lesson on understanding what projects have God's blessing on them. There are some projects you and I might get involved in that result in little fruit compared to the investment put into them. That is because they may never have been birthed by the Holy Spirit.
As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Workplace believers are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.
Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good thing" or a "God-thing."
© Copyright 2005. Os Hillman/MarketplaceLeaders.org
Friday, November 04, 2005
The Skillful Worker
Hello CM Team,
Wanted to share this article with you which reminds us to raise our excellence wherever we are doing whatever we're call to do.
in HIM,
yOOn
THE SKILLFUL WORKER
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29)
The Lord has called each of us to be excellent in what we do. Those whom God used in the Kingdom as workplace ministers were skilled, and exemplified excellence in their field. Not only were these men skilled, they were filled with God's Spirit.
‘Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship"’ (Exodus 31:1-5)
Consider Huram, the master craftsman of bronze to whom Solomon entrusted much of the temple designs. He was a true master craftsman (see 1 Kings 7:14)
Consider Joseph, whose skill as an administrator was known throughout Egypt and the world. Consider Daniel, who served his king with great skill and integrity. The list could go on - David, Nehemiah, Aquilla and Priscilla.
I recall the first issue of an international publication we began. It was common to hear the comment, "It doesn't even look like a Christian magazine." They were saying the quality and excellence exceeded what they equated to Christian work. What a shame. Has inferior quality become synonymous with Christian work?
May we strive for excellence in all that we do for the Master of the universe.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)
A WORK PRAYER
Lord, please help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be an excellent worker for You. Thank You that this is not a matter of striving, but a matter of giving over to You. I now renew my commitment to serve You as a reliable Christian worker. Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (for small group and individual)
1. Have you encountered excellent work by Christians?
2. Have you encountered inferior work by Christians?
3. How did each case affect your or someone else’s opinion of the Christian’s faith?
DISCUSSION FORUM
Want to discuss this lesson with others? Need a place to express your thoughts and feelings about your work? Post your thoughts or discussion in the My WorkLife Community Forum. Try it!
This WorkLife Lesson was written by Os Hillman. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Os founded Marketplace Leaders (marketplaceleaders.org), and is director of the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries (ICWM.net). Content edited and distributed by HisChurchatWork.org for non-profit educational purposes.
Distributed by HisChurchatWork.org © - used for non profit educational purposes only.
Wanted to share this article with you which reminds us to raise our excellence wherever we are doing whatever we're call to do.
in HIM,
yOOn
THE SKILLFUL WORKER
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29)
The Lord has called each of us to be excellent in what we do. Those whom God used in the Kingdom as workplace ministers were skilled, and exemplified excellence in their field. Not only were these men skilled, they were filled with God's Spirit.
‘Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship"’ (Exodus 31:1-5)
Consider Huram, the master craftsman of bronze to whom Solomon entrusted much of the temple designs. He was a true master craftsman (see 1 Kings 7:14)
Consider Joseph, whose skill as an administrator was known throughout Egypt and the world. Consider Daniel, who served his king with great skill and integrity. The list could go on - David, Nehemiah, Aquilla and Priscilla.
I recall the first issue of an international publication we began. It was common to hear the comment, "It doesn't even look like a Christian magazine." They were saying the quality and excellence exceeded what they equated to Christian work. What a shame. Has inferior quality become synonymous with Christian work?
May we strive for excellence in all that we do for the Master of the universe.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)
A WORK PRAYER
Lord, please help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be an excellent worker for You. Thank You that this is not a matter of striving, but a matter of giving over to You. I now renew my commitment to serve You as a reliable Christian worker. Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (for small group and individual)
1. Have you encountered excellent work by Christians?
2. Have you encountered inferior work by Christians?
3. How did each case affect your or someone else’s opinion of the Christian’s faith?
DISCUSSION FORUM
Want to discuss this lesson with others? Need a place to express your thoughts and feelings about your work? Post your thoughts or discussion in the My WorkLife Community Forum. Try it!
This WorkLife Lesson was written by Os Hillman. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Os founded Marketplace Leaders (marketplaceleaders.org), and is director of the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries (ICWM.net). Content edited and distributed by HisChurchatWork.org for non-profit educational purposes.
Distributed by HisChurchatWork.org © - used for non profit educational purposes only.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Starbucks cups go Spiritual
Hi CM Team,
Talk about a perfect topic for a Mid-week Coffee Break .... B^)
In light of our BaCC training on Wednesday nights, I find this news quite
encouraging (although I do not know about whether Starbucks management is
intentionally taking this step toward sending God's message or not -- if
you have more insight on this, please share with us):
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9767531/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9818099
Quick synopsis: Starting in the spring of '06, Starbucks will include a
spiritually-inspired quotation on its coffee cups. The message will come
from the book, The Purpose-driven Life, written by Rev. Rick Warren.
Folks, this is where rubber meets the road, in our every day life, and so
likewise, let's put the message of God on our lives for others to read in
the normal courses of interactions at our workplaces.
in HIM,
yOOn
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
That Old Alarm Clock
Hi Team,
As we are moving into our next phase of the Wednesday night DT, I wanted to share this article with you about how we need to be like children (we should know something about this, huh?) in everything in our lives.
Let's continue to work toward building up a team of awesome saints whose lives are totally relying on God's leadership.
In HIM,
yOOn
Be as Little Children
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
by Os Hillman
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ~ 1 John 3:1a
"I have an important business meeting in the morning. Would you please set the alarm for 5:30 a.m.?" I said to my wife.
"Oh, that won't be necessary. Just tell the Lord what time you want to wake up. He does it for me all the time," my wife said.
I rolled my eyes in disbelief. "Well, I'd feel more comfortable if we set the alarm."
"Okay, ye of little faith. But just to prove my point I am going to ask the Lord to wake us up just before 5:30."
The next morning I awoke before the alarm went off. I looked at the clock. It read 5:15. I looked at my wife, who had just awakened at the same time with an I-told-you-so smile.
Sometimes we wrongfully view God as someone we go to for only the "big things." The idea of "bothering God" for such a trivial matter seems foolish and presumptuous. However, when you were a child and had to get up in the morning for school, didn't your mom or dad come wake you up? They were your parents, and you could come to them with the most trivial concerns or requests. Why would our heavenly Father be any less approachable? Perhaps our problem is that we simply have not developed a level of intimacy with God so that we feel the freedom to approach Him at these daily, routine levels. We often operate with an unwritten code that says our needs must have a certain degree of importance or crisis before we come to God with them. This is not God's character towards us.
Does the Lord desire this level of intimacy with you and me? The apostle Paul exhorted us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17 KJV). There is never a caution to pray only about matters of greater importance.
Today, go to God with matters that you might view as trivial and would normally avoid bringing to God. Ask God to increase your level of intimacy with Him. You may even be able to get rid of your alarm clock.
Copyright 2005. www.MarketplaceLeaders.org To contact Os Hillman, click here. To book Os Hillman to speak in your city, click here. To request TGIF reprint permission, click here. Permission granted to forward this email in it's entirety to others at no cost.
As we are moving into our next phase of the Wednesday night DT, I wanted to share this article with you about how we need to be like children (we should know something about this, huh?) in everything in our lives.
Let's continue to work toward building up a team of awesome saints whose lives are totally relying on God's leadership.
In HIM,
yOOn
Be as Little Children
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
by Os Hillman
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ~ 1 John 3:1a
"I have an important business meeting in the morning. Would you please set the alarm for 5:30 a.m.?" I said to my wife.
"Oh, that won't be necessary. Just tell the Lord what time you want to wake up. He does it for me all the time," my wife said.
I rolled my eyes in disbelief. "Well, I'd feel more comfortable if we set the alarm."
"Okay, ye of little faith. But just to prove my point I am going to ask the Lord to wake us up just before 5:30."
The next morning I awoke before the alarm went off. I looked at the clock. It read 5:15. I looked at my wife, who had just awakened at the same time with an I-told-you-so smile.
Sometimes we wrongfully view God as someone we go to for only the "big things." The idea of "bothering God" for such a trivial matter seems foolish and presumptuous. However, when you were a child and had to get up in the morning for school, didn't your mom or dad come wake you up? They were your parents, and you could come to them with the most trivial concerns or requests. Why would our heavenly Father be any less approachable? Perhaps our problem is that we simply have not developed a level of intimacy with God so that we feel the freedom to approach Him at these daily, routine levels. We often operate with an unwritten code that says our needs must have a certain degree of importance or crisis before we come to God with them. This is not God's character towards us.
Does the Lord desire this level of intimacy with you and me? The apostle Paul exhorted us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17 KJV). There is never a caution to pray only about matters of greater importance.
Today, go to God with matters that you might view as trivial and would normally avoid bringing to God. Ask God to increase your level of intimacy with Him. You may even be able to get rid of your alarm clock.
Copyright 2005. www.MarketplaceLeaders.org To contact Os Hillman, click here. To book Os Hillman to speak in your city, click here. To request TGIF reprint permission, click here. Permission granted to forward this email in it's entirety to others at no cost.
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