Hypocricy

Hypocrisy

It is really difficult to own up to the hypocrisy in ones own life. It is so easy to see others faults and ignore your own. I think of myself as a highly principled person. I think I am truthful, honest, caring, concerned and helpful. I feel like I am a person who’s friends can depend on in a pinch. Yet today I spoke with a person who’s child is in trouble and had been for many months. But today I heard her pain and thought how she has carried this load without my help. I heard about a friend who has been without a job and he was in need. I had money I could have helped him and failed to see his need. But somehow his need never registered with me. I am feeling pretty horrible about the realities of myself. Truth is I work really hard at the good things because I am so naturally all the bad things. I have a good reputation but only because I have filled my life with the things I do not possess. If I allowed all the realities and flaws to have their way I would be doomed.

I am lazy so I work hard so that laziness will not win. I have perversions so perverted that to speak of them shames me. So I work hard at staying away from those things that allow perversion to be released and have control. I have a horrible temper that knows no satisfaction. So I work hard at being tolerant. I am cruel so I work hard at kindness. I hold grudges so I have to continually forgive. I could go on but it may never end. Everything in me is wrong and bad.

The only hope I have is to fill my Life with the nature of Christ. I have to bring Him into my daily life so that He through the Holy Spirit has full control. But what a wrestling match it has been. My nature just will not let go. Fortunately for me Christ never let’s go. He firmly but gently holds on to me, transforming me into that which I could never be. Some might say, “No way, you are those things!” I am surely that man. The reason you may not see it is I am hid in Christ! Covered by the Blood that was shed for me to be free in Him! I am a long way from being what I should be but I am further than I could ever be without Him.

So today I am releasing guilt of my failures and shortcomings. Today again I am going to try to forgive others. I just can’t afford to not let go of all of it. Because if I hold any of it it will hold me and carry me out of Christ! He will never release me if I keep releasing the things of the world. Nothing can hold me but the things of the world I choose to hold and not release. Today I choose to once more sacrifice “me” for “Him”. I have to keep dying on the altars Because I never ever really die. A Living sacrifice in our case is not one that lives and dies on the altar but one that lives and and never dies. Because we never die we have the tendency to crawl off the altar. Either you will live your life crawling away from the altars of Christ or walking like a man to the altar that frees us to be what God has called us to be and become.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

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Three Leadership Traps

3 Leadership Traps: Elitism, Hypocrisy, and Emotional Deception
POSTED by SAMUEL B. BACHARACH on APR 8, 2009 • (0)
One of the standard questions that we love to kick around is “What are the worst traits of a leader?” I often find that the failure of leadership comes around due to subtle attitudes, the little nuances that have unintended consequences. Three that come to mind are elitism, hypocrisy and emotional deception.

1. Elitism: All too often leaders have the need to make it clear that they are in fact in charge and the boss. They constantly reinforce their authority, their status, and their expertise. This type of elitism creates distance between the leader and those whom he or she leads. Input from your subordinates is not likely to be forthcoming. In fact, what they’re likely to do is not give you any relevant input, because they get a sense that anything they have to say will be deflected in the leader’s need to reinforce their superior position. Elitist leaders have the tendency to put down others and their ideas. Elitism is often convey by individuals who are completely unaware they are acting in an elite manner. This attitude is so second-nature they don’t even realize they’re doing it.

2. Hypocrisy: Say one thing, do another–this behavior is all too rampant. For leaders this means holding others accountable for one set of criteria and standards while holding themselves accountable to another set of criteria and standards. He might expect everyone to show up early, but has a reason why he can’t be in early. He will work at home, while insisting that everyone else work in the office. He will hold others accountable for one set of quality measures, and have a lesser standard for himself. Hypocrisy makes it difficult for anyone to take you seriously.

3. Emotional Deception: Often leaders feign enthusiasm where they have none, fake grief when they feel none, project sincerity when they could care less. In this day and age, where emotional intelligence and emotional connections are given such import, leaders forget that people know how to read them. Such a leader will engage in an emotional conversation, and feel your pain, and two hours later, will forget that you were even in their office.

Proactive leaders who are able to keep their personal connection with others strong, speak and practice the language of egalitarianism, and hold themselves accountable to the same criteria and standards they hold others to, and are emotionally honest have the advantage of knowing, that if nothing else, their relationship with their subordinates is an asset and not a hindrance. If leaders fail on these three accounts, they fall into the traps of elitism, hypocrisy, and emotional deception.

Tagged as elitism, emotional deception, hypocrsy, leadership traits, worst + Categorized as Leadership

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a sad day to me. I know it is a vacation day for all of us. It is a family day to get together and enjoy a cookout,some watermelon and homemade ice cream.

But this day is a day to remember the fallen soldiers of our country. To all of us it is a national day of remembrance and appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice of their life. For many among us it is more personal. A dad or mom, brother or sister or son or daughter is not coming home. Life as we know it will go in because life as they knew it ended. Today we are enjoying what they sacrificed to never get to enjoy.

So today, from my family we stop to remember and to be thankful. To those who have lost a loved one we appreciate and honor your loves ones and your sorrow.

Getters or Givers?

Getters or Givers?

Philipians 4: [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I love this scripture and have quoted it so many times. I have needed its encouragement when resources were running near empty. But I think many times I have missed the deeper meaning of its wealth.

It seems we are by our nature geared to be “getters” rather than “Givers”.
This scripture is a blessing to the givers and not a mission statement to the getters. Read verses 10-18 and you will see that Paul is thanking and blessing those who took care of him in his need. These folks saw his need, felt his hunger, shared in his suffering, gave in their lack, gave strength to his weakness and gave when others forgot about Paul and his work!

So what is the lesson to be grasped with these passages? I think it is a simple one.

The Lord blesses our need of supply by how we supply other people’s needs!

We may be wondering why God, who is rich in resources, has not met our needs? On the other hand God could be wondering how we, who have resources do not meet needs in other people’s lives? How can we only see our needs and be blind to someone else’s need? In fact He gave us the resources we have to be a blessing to those who need a blessing! If we can focus on the hurts, pain, suffering and needs of those around us then we release God to focus on us! If we can release the blessing in our hand then God will release the blessing in His! This is not about getting or manipulating God in giving to us. It is about changing into givers who give because we have what others need.

Philippians 4:10-19

[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. [11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [14] Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. [15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. [16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. [17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. [18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Disaster Relief and Convoy of Hope

The tragedy in Oklahoma demands that all of us pull together to help that community. The best way I have found to assist is through Convoy of Hope. This organization is one of the most effective disaster relief organizations in the world. I have seen them at work and cannot state how impressed I am by their effectiveness.

I would encourage my friends to go to their website and donate as generously as you can. I promise you your funds will be multiplied many times with their ability to in-kind contributions. On average these folks can turn your dollar into about six dollars.

Praying for compassionate friends for the assistance needed for Oklahoma.

Convoy of Hope

Who wants him?

Who wants him?

“Here is my fifteen month-old son. Who wants him? I’ll give all my money to whoever gives him a home”, cried the young Christian mother as the multitude gathered for her martyrdom. Her husband had died earlier.

A father of 6 children took the child, together with the bag of money. In the bag he found a letter the mother had written that eventful morning. Here is part of that letter:

“My son, hear the instruction of your mother… Behold, I go today the way of the prophets, apostles and martyrs, and drink of the cup of which they all have drank.

Take heed, them, my son, the way of the Lord does not have any side roads. This road is found by few and trodden by even less. In truth, there are many that know this is the road to life eternal. But the road is too hard.

Because of this, my son, do not regard the multitude of sinners. Don’t walk in their ways, because they go to hell as sheep go to their slaughter. When you hear of a little flock- poor, simple, and rejected by the world- unite yourself with them. Because Christ is where the cross is. Don’t separate yourself from that place.

Oh, my son, that your life would be conformed to the Gospel! That the God of peace would sanctify your soul and body to His glory! Amen.

Oh, holy Father, sanctify the son of Thy servant. Keep him from evil for Thy name’s sake, oh, Lord!”

A few hours after writing this, Anneken was drowned for her faith in Jesus Christ. January 24, 1536. (Lamp and Light Publishers) 

Sick sheep

Sick sheep

A Scottish shepherd was once asked if his sheep would follow the voice of a stranger. He replied: “Yes, when they are sick, but never when they are well. A sick sheep will follow anybody.” No wonder false shepherds get quite a following in these Laodicean days! (Selected) 

Everything Big Starts With Something Little

Everything Big Starts With Something Little

All of God’s great people in the Bible were faithful in the small things. In Matthew 25 Jesus told the parable of the talents. In it He referred to the one servant who had taken his master’s money and multiplied it. In verse 23 his master said to that man, …Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. In Zechariah 4:10 the Lord asks the prophet, For who hath despised the day of small things?…. There is a powerful principle in taking small steps.

Many people are not moving with God today simple because they were not willing to take the small steps He placed before them. If you have received a call into any particular area, you should leap at the opportunity – no matter how small – to move in the direction in which the Lord has called you. If you are called to be a youth pastor, and are sitting at home waiting for an invitation from some large church, you should know that it will never come. You need to find the first young person you can, put your arm around him, and begin to minister to him

Don’t be afraid to take small steps. The Bible promises us that if we are faithful in small matters, one day we will be rulers over m any larger things.

The impossible, many times, is just simply the untried.

I can remember a time in my life when I was literally frozen with fear at what God had called me to do. It seemed so huge a task that I was unable to bring myself to face it. A friend came to me and spoke two words that broke that paralysis in my life. He said simple, “Do something!” Don’t worry about the goal, just take the steps that take you past the starting point and soon you’ll get to a point of no return. As you climb higher, you’ll be able to see much farther.

We should all learn to grow wherever we’re planted.

As you begin, don’t be afraid. Eric Hoffer said: “Fear of becoming a has-been keeps some people from becoming anything.” Every great idea is impossible from where you are starting today. But little goals add up, and they add up rapidly. Most people don’t succeed because they are too afraid even to try. They don’t begin because of that old fear of failure.

Many times the final goal seems so unreachable that it keeps us from even making an effort. But, once you’ve made your decision and have started, you are more than half-way there. God will begin with you today – no matter what your circumstances. Just think how thankful you would be if you lost everything you have right now and then got it all back again. Wouldn’t you be ready to go ? Choose to think eternally, but act daily.

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Dads Leading the Family in Missions

“Dads Leading the Family in Missions.”

When it comes to leadership it has been stated that it is better to be “caught than taught!” The father in the home serves many roles; breadwinner, protector, role model and of equally importance is that of leader. Teaching children how to live and lead in their world is not the responsibility of educators from outside the home. Those responsibilities rest squarely on the shoulders of the parents. The father ultimately has the greatest impact on the children in leading them to form character and beliefs. With this in mind, dads should consider their actions so that they can look back with pride on their leadership and its effects in the lives of their children.

When it comes to missions, a father should be very intentional to expose his children to the responsibilities of a disciple of Christ: to reach others in our world with the gospel. In our fellowship we are fortunate that the Assemblies of God finds its foundation in both the gospel and the proclamation of that gospel to every lost man. This missions heart finds itself in our Christian education with lessons of why and how we reach the lost. It is also found in our children’s ministries with BGMC and youth ministries with Speed the Light. Encouraging children to participate in “buddy barrel” by making faith promises will build the child’s faith, so that God can use even a child to impact his world. What an impression for each child to have the opportunity to become a modern day lad watching his fish and bread transformed into miracles.

The same is true with teenagers and their faith promise commitment in Speed the Light’s ministry. Very few things can change a teenagers mind when he or she determines to make a difference with their missions giving. Supercharge this experience with an AIM trip to ride in a Speed the Light vehicle on the mission field and the teenager will become a lifetime mission’s giver, if not a missionary!

In the Assemblies of God, men participate in the ministry of”Light for the Lost”. This program provides literature and electronic communication, which is Gospel concentrated and placed in the hands of missionaries to reach the lost. Dads, who participate, teach their children the value of STL and BGMC giving.

Fathers should lead the way in faith promise giving when their churches have missions conventions. While it is good and scriptural to be private about what one commits in the public faith promise meeting. That process should not just be an emotional moment when the faith promise cards are passed out. It would be good for the family to discuss what each family member is planning to contribute the next year to missions. Make sure that each family member is a part of the sacrifice of the missions giving program of their church. Also, one of the parts of the faith promise experience is to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about a faith promise. This aspect should be explained so that children understand the difference between budgeting for missions giving and faith in missions giving which is beyond one’s ability to do except for the Lord’s doing something unexpected and miraculous in the family’s income. When a child sees and experiences the family making commitments based on the Holy Spirit’s leading and then sees miracles in finance they will never be the same.

It is a privilege to receive awards which express appreciation for one’s missions giving. Maybe the greatest joy is not the receiving of an award or even the joy of giving the gift. For even the scriptures teach, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” I think the greatest joy in this life is to experience your children receive recognition for something you influenced them to love and participate in, by your leadership as their dad! Proverbs 22: 6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Sir, you may be developing the next greatest missionary of our culture; lead them well!

Opportunity