Posts filed under ‘Communications’
“Truth and Convenience” Mentoring Moments the 1 Minute Blog
Truth over Convenience
“ And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister. And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah [into his harem].” Gen 20:2
Have you ever been tempted to tell a lie because the truth would just complicate things? A dear friend recently sent me her first manuscript. The book is full of powerful truths learned along a 20-year journey. She is a worship leader, bible teacher, a wife and mother. It was no surprise that the story includes beautiful “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,” (Ephesians 5:19). But it also includes painful truths about her journey to freedom. I admire her courage in telling the whole truth so that the power of God can be fully seen.
Genesis 20 has an interesting story of Abram’s lie of convenience that almost lead to the death of a king.
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said, Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken [as your own], for she is a man’s wife.
This story a great reminder that a lie can appear to be the way out of a complicated situation. But the truth is always the safest way to go.
Success and progress!
“Catch Up” Mentoring Moments, the 1 Minute Blog
Catch Up!
Then David prayed to God, “Shall I go after these raiders? Can I catch them?” 1Sam 30:8 Msg
It’s June! Now is the time to take a mid-year look at your annual plans. If you are ahead or on track, congrats! If you’re a little behind you’re not alone. Here’s some inspiration, and instruction from 1 Sam 30:6-8
After three days of battle David and his men returned from to find their entire community torn apart, and burned down. Their property, their wives, and their children were all stolen by the enemy. After crying until he was exhausted, (been there, done that), David followed these steps to catch up!
- David strengthened himself with trust in his God. Remember, God has not abandoned you. He can still be trusted.
- Bring me the Ephod so I can consult God. Get quiet in His presence, and prepare to write.
- …Can I catch them?” Ask the Lord should I continue to reach for this, reset my deadlines, or cut my losses?
- He fought them from before sunrise until evening of the next day. Be willing to intensely focus and fight distractions in order to catch up.
Don’t allow getting behind on goals to discourage you. I pray like David and his men, you recover all.
Success and Progress
“A Splash of New” Mentoring Moments the 1 Minute Blog
A Splash of New
Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9 ESV
My grandmother was a wonderful cook! She created her own recipes, and she didn’t believe in measuring. Grandma simply threw in a pinch of this, and a dash of that. In the end, everything came together in the most delicious way. Unlike Grandma, when I cook, I stick to the recipe. I adhere to all measurements, and following the step by step instructions.
My youngest daughter, who is equal parts food enthusiast and food critic, wanted added a new twist to a traditional chicken dish I was making. “Mom I’m going to add a splash of lemon juice, I think it will be good for the sauce”. At first, I told her no, then reluctantly I allowed her to add the lemon. You know what, she was right. The lemon awakened the flavor in the sauce. I never would have guessed that a little something new, would have a such a huge impact. What a fresh, and tasty surprise.
Think of all the things that hold you back, simply because you’ve never done them. However, what would happen if you dared to try something new? What if a splash of new, became the best decision you’ve made in a while? Don’t listen to fear when it comes back with some old line of “what if it doesn’t work out.” Today, I challenge you to venture into the dimension of The New. Try a new style. Create a new recipe. Be open to a new idea. When you open yourself up to a fresh new perspective, you up open to all kinds of wonderful possibilities.
Success and Progress
The Big Reveal, Mentoring Moments the 1 Minute Blog
The Big Reveal
“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
— Revelation 21:5
I have a confession. I am addicted to all things homemaking, and hospitality. No seriously, I am known to binge entire seasons of HGTV, and don’t get me started on the DIY Network. The idea of taking a home that has a great foundation, but is not at it’s full potential inspires me the most. Waiting to see the results keeps me glued to the screen anticipating the BIG REVEAL.
In the end, I don’t know who is happier, the homeowners, or me. There is nothing like see what a master carpenter can do with a few tools, and a set of plans.
The only thing better then watching a renovation on television to to witness one in real life. God is a master carpenter, and He has great plans for you. Don’t believe me? Read Jeremiah 29:11.
Today we welcome the month of May. Just as now is the time of spring cleaning, and home improvement in the natural, I challenge you to open your spiritual house for a makeover. Allow the Master Carpenter to come in and knock down those walls in your life. Let Him open up the capacity for leadership within you. Then stand back, and be amazed at how the plans from the Master Carpenter have come together, to reveal a brand new you.
Success and Progress
“Yeah, Just Be Quiet!” Mentoring Moments the 1 Minute Blog
Zechariah, the priest, was carrying out the ritual of the incense offering. Suddenly there was an angel telling him amazing things. What did this devoted priest of the Lord say? PROVE IT! (my translation)
Luke: 1-18 Zechariah said to the angel, “What proof is there for this? I’m an old man, and my wife is beyond her childbearing years.”
If you’re familiar with this story, you know the angel was THE archangel Gabriel, and his response was very strong.
Vs. 20 But because you didn’t believe what I said, you will be unable to talk until the day this happens. Everything will come true at the right time.”
I am convinced this muting of Zechariah was NOT a punishment. Gabriel took the voice of this priest to keep him from sowing seeds of delay.
There were many things that needed to happen preceding the birth of Jesus. Seeds of doubt sown from Zechariah’s words could have caused a delay that would rival the daily commute during rush hour.
When God finally gets around to doing the thing you stopped praying for years ago, it makes sense to want to see the proof of it all. However, I implore you, take this advice from Bishop Brian Keith Williams “Stay calm. Be Godly, and content. Remain cool. Everything you need, God will cause to come to You!”
Success and Progress
Building in the Family Model Part 2: Food and Laughter”Mentoring Moments the One Minute Blog
Building in the Family Model Part 2: Food and Laughter
Prophet: I can tell you’re with family
Me: How’s that?
Prophet: Look at your plate
Me: Looks down at very full plate, smiles, starts eating.
Let’s continue this conversation about building in the family model.
Two of the strongest indicators of the family model is food and laughter. Just say those words out loud, “food and laughter.” Eating together is an element of the New Testament Church. Now, if the first thing that comes to mind when you say food and laughter is a commercial for your favorite Italian restaurant, you need to keep reading.
Act: 2-46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church[h] daily those who were being saved.
Leaders, if you’re not eating food with gladness, you’re probably building in the business of “us against them/ dog eat dog” model. Do what you can to bring your people to the table and make them comfortable there. Start with food and laughter and see what the Lord will add.
Success and Progress,
“Building in the Family Model” Mentoring Moments, the 1 Minute Blog
Building in the Family Mode
Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Job 38:3 NIV
So, I’m pondering this notion of building in the family model as opposed to the business model. I am apostolic, and a natural connector of people. The Kingdom Leadership Development team will tell you, we are indeed a family.
However, I’m discovering it’s one thing to have something in you, yet another to be plunged into it. I’m 70% water, but push me into a swimming pool, I’ll need to catch my breath.
One factor of the family model is real life conversations… about YOU. I recently received wisdom from a Prophet of God. “You’re a nurturer by nature so you’ll draw broken people. Be who you are, and ask real life questions. “
In the business model we use the excuse of “respecting privacy” to ignore pain and dysfunction in others. It’s only when their dysfunction hinders their productivity that it becomes our business. In the family model, we ask the hard questions, because your well-being is my business.
These real life conversations can be scary and even feel invasive, but it’s all part of being family. Keep that in mind the next time your leader says, “Can we talk?”
Success and progress,
Leading High Capacity People Mentoring Moments, the 1 min blog
We are all familiar with John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid. It states that a leader will never successfully lead someone with a higher leadership capacity than his own. For example, if your leadership capacity or lid is a 7, the highest leader you will lead is a 6.“How to Know When You’re Walking in Wisdom” Mentoring Moments the 1 Minute Blog
How to Know When You’re Walking in Wisdom
Proverbs 8:22 “The Lord created and possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old [were accomplished].
If there’s one thing I pray for repeatedly it’s Wisdom. It usually sounds something like this, “Lord, show me what this is. “
Wisdom Defined: The ability to accurately judge or identify a situation and proceed with the best course of action for a favorable outcome.
Proverbs 8 is a beautiful narrative in the voice of wisdom herself. In verse 22, Wisdom says She was brought forth first before God created anything else.
God brought Wisdom into being before the deep seas, mountains, heavens or the lands. Which means, all these things were created and put in place with purpose, accuracy and foresight.
Leaders, if God started with wisdom, so should we. Before we begin a project, a relationship,or for that matter a day, bring Wisdom on the team.
According to our definition of Wisdom, without it we may misjudge. Misjudging leads to missteps. Missteps take us where we don’t want to be. Imagine a doctor with a wrong diagnosis. Things could get complicated quickly.
If you want to lead with purpose, accuracy and foresight get Wisdom, and get it first.
Success and progress!
pR
Say It Loud Mentoring Moments, the 1 min blog
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
Say it loud, I’m thankful and I’m proud.
Leaders know that teamwork is essential to the success of any assignment. Those that faithfully labor along with us are gifts from God. They have the ability to keep us from tripping and pick us up if we do fall. It is important to share with them our gratefulness for their investment of time and talent.
Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Romans 12:10 (CEB)
As our team comes together to build the vision, we are responsible for helping to build them spiritually. We often hear “show honor where honor is due” and that what we encourage you to do. When our team gives freely of their gifts a “thank you” goes a long way. There is nothing like hearing “I’m proud of you” from your leader.
The KLD team is never short when it comes to honor and giving thanks. It’s the way we strengthen the team and encourage each other.
Success and Progress
Dee Adams
Mentoring Moments 