3/15/09
Proverbs 16:20-24
20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Mike’s Thoughts:
1. If I’m to be an effective leader, I can’t just find wisdom in the Word, but I have to heed it or implement it into my life.
2. Thru the years I’ve noticed that effective leaders seem to be happier
than others. Here, Soloman tells me that I can be happy by trusting in
the Lord. Personally, I’ve been going thru some tough times lately and
I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised at the peace I have because of
my faith that God is in control of my life.
3. How do I have a wise heart so I can be called prudent? It has to come
from God’s Word. I have noticed that effective leaders are not only
wise thinkers but exhibit wisdom from their hearts, too.
4. If I’m to be an effective leader and I want people to learn from me,
then how I speak to people makes the difference between learning and
indifference. I need to speak in a positive, uplifting manner.
5. To be an effective leader, I need to gain understanding from God’s
Word. Do I want to have a “wellspring of life”? Absolutely!
6. Soloman gives me a very eloquent description of how important
pleasant words are. It is difficult for me to always speak with pleasant
words. I try, but I sometimes fall short of doing so. I pray for the wisdom and discipline to speak with pleasant, uplifting words.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Mike's Movie Revue
Watchmen: Whatever you do, don't take your kids to this one! I believe this is a pathetic attempt by Hollywood to make fun of God and throw anti-Christian attitudes in our faces. God did not create life and all humans to be miserable, with no positive characteristics and void of morals as this pathetic movie portrays. Instead, He created a beautiful world full of hope for whatever challenges our lives bring. This movie was just another sorry attempt by Hollywood to make political statements in a movie format that they can make millions of $$ off of. I give it a whopping zero out of 5 stars.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Do You Measure Up?
3/13/09
1 Peter 4:8-11:
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”[c] 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Mike’s Thoughts:
As a Christian, there is no better guide to effective leadership than the Bible.
Here Peter gives me 7 principles of leadership:
1. Love one another …. isn’t this the 2nd great commandment?
But notice, Peter doesn’t just say “love one another”; he says,
“have fervent love for one another”! I believe this means that I
am to be excited about loving others and love others with
enthusiasm. Personally, I need to work on my enthusiasm.
2. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. I know many
times I have had the attitude of accommodating someone but,
at least to myself, grumbling about it. Why can’t I just be
hospitable to everyone with a pure heart? It is obvious that I
have to fight my human nature to be more Christ-like. This
takes discipline and concerted effort. I pray that God gives me
these characteristics.
3. Minister my gift(s) to others. Well, I believe this means that I
should not be a closet Christian. Often I find myself being
reserved or shy about my Christianity, even to other Christians.
I pray that God will help me to be more outspoken and outgoing
about my Christianity without being pushy or offensive to others.
4. I am to be a good steward of God’s grace! This is a huge order
for me! I feel so unworthy of being a steward of God’s grace!
I feel this is an order for the mighty archangels Gabriel and
Michael ….. not Michael the imperfect human. I know that to be
an effective leader in business or my family, I must learn to be
a better steward of God’s grace and I pray for strength and
wisdom in this area.
5. Effective leaders speak as the oracles of God. How often do I
allow my mouth to be less than an oracle of God? Lord, give me
strength and discipline to control my words so that I can
represent You in an effective manner.
6. I am to minister with the ability that God supplies. Notice this
does not say with Mike’s ability. Every day I need to pray that
God gives me the ability to be an effective leader.
7. God is to be glorified in everything that I do. Another tall order that I often fall short of. I need to always strive to think, say and
do things in a manner that honors God.
In conclusion, when I measure myself against these 7 principles, I could say
that I would never be able to measure up to God’s standards, and I would be
correct. However, God does not expect us to be perfect like Jesus, only
continually striving to be Christ-like, righteous people doing His good work during our temporary stay on this planet.
1 Peter 4:8-11:
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”[c] 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Mike’s Thoughts:
As a Christian, there is no better guide to effective leadership than the Bible.
Here Peter gives me 7 principles of leadership:
1. Love one another …. isn’t this the 2nd great commandment?
But notice, Peter doesn’t just say “love one another”; he says,
“have fervent love for one another”! I believe this means that I
am to be excited about loving others and love others with
enthusiasm. Personally, I need to work on my enthusiasm.
2. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. I know many
times I have had the attitude of accommodating someone but,
at least to myself, grumbling about it. Why can’t I just be
hospitable to everyone with a pure heart? It is obvious that I
have to fight my human nature to be more Christ-like. This
takes discipline and concerted effort. I pray that God gives me
these characteristics.
3. Minister my gift(s) to others. Well, I believe this means that I
should not be a closet Christian. Often I find myself being
reserved or shy about my Christianity, even to other Christians.
I pray that God will help me to be more outspoken and outgoing
about my Christianity without being pushy or offensive to others.
4. I am to be a good steward of God’s grace! This is a huge order
for me! I feel so unworthy of being a steward of God’s grace!
I feel this is an order for the mighty archangels Gabriel and
Michael ….. not Michael the imperfect human. I know that to be
an effective leader in business or my family, I must learn to be
a better steward of God’s grace and I pray for strength and
wisdom in this area.
5. Effective leaders speak as the oracles of God. How often do I
allow my mouth to be less than an oracle of God? Lord, give me
strength and discipline to control my words so that I can
represent You in an effective manner.
6. I am to minister with the ability that God supplies. Notice this
does not say with Mike’s ability. Every day I need to pray that
God gives me the ability to be an effective leader.
7. God is to be glorified in everything that I do. Another tall order that I often fall short of. I need to always strive to think, say and
do things in a manner that honors God.
In conclusion, when I measure myself against these 7 principles, I could say
that I would never be able to measure up to God’s standards, and I would be
correct. However, God does not expect us to be perfect like Jesus, only
continually striving to be Christ-like, righteous people doing His good work during our temporary stay on this planet.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
How to Evaluate What You are Involved In
3/11/09
John Maxwell on Proverbs 16:1-3:
The Law of Navigation
Effective leaders practice the Law of Navigation. Proverbs 16 opens with
these words: “The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer
of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own
eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and
your thoughts will be established” (vv. 1-3).
These verses teach us to:
· check the source of our wisdom
· check our motives
· check the outcome we are pursuing
Consider five key words to understanding how God helps leaders to
navigate their way through life:
1. Process: God’s plan usually unfolds over time. What is He revealing
progressively?
2. Purpose: God wants to accomplish His purposes. Why were you
created?
3. Potential: God will use your gifts and passion. Does this goal fit who
you are?
4. Prioritize: God will ask you to adjust your time and energy. What steps
must you take?
5. Proceed: God will eventually require you to act. When should you start?
Mike’s Thoughts:
God gives us His perfect guide to evaluating whether or not we are on the
right track with what we are involved in. It is SO important for us to
evaluate the spirit/motive behind what we are involved in.
John Maxwell on Proverbs 16:1-3:
The Law of Navigation
Effective leaders practice the Law of Navigation. Proverbs 16 opens with
these words: “The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer
of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own
eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and
your thoughts will be established” (vv. 1-3).
These verses teach us to:
· check the source of our wisdom
· check our motives
· check the outcome we are pursuing
Consider five key words to understanding how God helps leaders to
navigate their way through life:
1. Process: God’s plan usually unfolds over time. What is He revealing
progressively?
2. Purpose: God wants to accomplish His purposes. Why were you
created?
3. Potential: God will use your gifts and passion. Does this goal fit who
you are?
4. Prioritize: God will ask you to adjust your time and energy. What steps
must you take?
5. Proceed: God will eventually require you to act. When should you start?
Mike’s Thoughts:
God gives us His perfect guide to evaluating whether or not we are on the
right track with what we are involved in. It is SO important for us to
evaluate the spirit/motive behind what we are involved in.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
How to Live the Good Life!
3/5/09
1 Peter 3:10-13:
“He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”
Mike’s Thoughts:
Here Peter is telling me how to live the “good life”! If I love life, see good
days (positive mental attitude), refrain my tongue from evil, turn away from
evil and do good and seek peace I will have favor with the Lord and He
will hear my prayers. Perhaps being a Christian isn’t as difficult as I
sometimes make it…….
1 Peter 3:10-13:
“He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”
Mike’s Thoughts:
Here Peter is telling me how to live the “good life”! If I love life, see good
days (positive mental attitude), refrain my tongue from evil, turn away from
evil and do good and seek peace I will have favor with the Lord and He
will hear my prayers. Perhaps being a Christian isn’t as difficult as I
sometimes make it…….
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Leading In the Home
3/4/09
John Maxwell on 1 Peter 3:1-7:
Leadership In the Home
No home can thrive without functioning according to sound leadership
principles.
Peter first challenges wives to submit to their husbands, even those who do
not submit to Christ. This is the principle of authority and submission. It shows up most pointedly when you disagree with the leader. When the wife
submits even though she opposes her husband’s decision, she gives a
powerful witness to Christ and brings a special honor to Him.
Husbands are called to live with their wives in an understanding way. They
are to honor their wives and model submission and service. They are to
initiate blessing, rather than retaliate when things go wrong.
Spiritual leaders assume responsibility for the health of their relationships.
This means they set the tone. They must initiate what they want others to
do.
Mike’s Thoughts:
I think the message from Peter and John Maxwell is clear; leadership in the
home should be a joint effort of both the husband and wife working
together and supporting each other and submitting to each other with the
ultimate authority being the husband. In no way does this mean that husbands are to be tyrants and wives are to be pushovers. I believe that
lack of appropriate leadership in the home is the root cause for most of our
societal problems today. Lack of sound Biblically based homes result in
dysfunctional and single parent homes leading to children being raised
without learning proper leadership and discipline. These children grow up
not respecting their parents, their elders and authority figures and seeking family outside the home and we all know that is not a healthy environment.
John Maxwell on 1 Peter 3:1-7:
Leadership In the Home
No home can thrive without functioning according to sound leadership
principles.
Peter first challenges wives to submit to their husbands, even those who do
not submit to Christ. This is the principle of authority and submission. It shows up most pointedly when you disagree with the leader. When the wife
submits even though she opposes her husband’s decision, she gives a
powerful witness to Christ and brings a special honor to Him.
Husbands are called to live with their wives in an understanding way. They
are to honor their wives and model submission and service. They are to
initiate blessing, rather than retaliate when things go wrong.
Spiritual leaders assume responsibility for the health of their relationships.
This means they set the tone. They must initiate what they want others to
do.
Mike’s Thoughts:
I think the message from Peter and John Maxwell is clear; leadership in the
home should be a joint effort of both the husband and wife working
together and supporting each other and submitting to each other with the
ultimate authority being the husband. In no way does this mean that husbands are to be tyrants and wives are to be pushovers. I believe that
lack of appropriate leadership in the home is the root cause for most of our
societal problems today. Lack of sound Biblically based homes result in
dysfunctional and single parent homes leading to children being raised
without learning proper leadership and discipline. These children grow up
not respecting their parents, their elders and authority figures and seeking family outside the home and we all know that is not a healthy environment.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Inherit a Blessing
3/3/09
1 Peter 3:8-9:
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Mike’s Thoughts:
How much better our world would be if we could follow the above advise
in our workplaces, in our families, amongst our friends and in the body of
Christ. Most importantly, in my opinion, is to start with the family. If we can
achieve oneness in mind within our families and living to be blessings to each other, then our families will be stronger and will serve as examples for
the workplace and all other relationships we have.
1 Peter 3:8-9:
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Mike’s Thoughts:
How much better our world would be if we could follow the above advise
in our workplaces, in our families, amongst our friends and in the body of
Christ. Most importantly, in my opinion, is to start with the family. If we can
achieve oneness in mind within our families and living to be blessings to each other, then our families will be stronger and will serve as examples for
the workplace and all other relationships we have.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Are the rich wise and friendly?
3/2/09
Selections from Proverbs 14:
1 The wise woman builds her house,…
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, …
3 …the lips of the wise will preserve them.
5 A faithful witness does not lie, …
6 …knowledge is easy to him who understands.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, …
9 …among the upright there is favor.
11 …the tent of the upright will flourish.
14 …a good man will be satisfied from above.
15 …the prudent considers well his steps.
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, …
18 …the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
20 …the rich has many friends.
21 …he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 …mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit, …
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, …
25 A true witness delivers souls,
26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, …
29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, …
30 A sound heart is life to the body, …
31 …he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, …
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, …
35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, …
Mike’s Thoughts:
There is much wisdom (duh!) in the verses above. I’m afraid that some will
misinterpret the verses about the rich being wise and having many friends.
It my belief that the riches talked about above may not all be material in
nature. However, sometimes it may not take wisdom to acquire riches
(as in acquiring them dishonestly) but it does take wisdom to keep riches.
I believe the rich have many friends because they are not a burden on society and they help many who are in need.
Selections from Proverbs 14:
1 The wise woman builds her house,…
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, …
3 …the lips of the wise will preserve them.
5 A faithful witness does not lie, …
6 …knowledge is easy to him who understands.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, …
9 …among the upright there is favor.
11 …the tent of the upright will flourish.
14 …a good man will be satisfied from above.
15 …the prudent considers well his steps.
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, …
18 …the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
20 …the rich has many friends.
21 …he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 …mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit, …
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, …
25 A true witness delivers souls,
26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, …
29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, …
30 A sound heart is life to the body, …
31 …he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, …
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, …
35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, …
Mike’s Thoughts:
There is much wisdom (duh!) in the verses above. I’m afraid that some will
misinterpret the verses about the rich being wise and having many friends.
It my belief that the riches talked about above may not all be material in
nature. However, sometimes it may not take wisdom to acquire riches
(as in acquiring them dishonestly) but it does take wisdom to keep riches.
I believe the rich have many friends because they are not a burden on society and they help many who are in need.
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