My Epic Journey

Just read this from Tony Morgan at www.tonymorganlive.com.  Very challenging and fitting.  Good read for all leaders.

Several weeks ago I was thinking about how little we talk about the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christ-followers. I began to consider how I live out my life, and, I was convicted…which, by the way, is one indication that the Holy Spirit is active in our lives. I thought it might be good to consider the conversation here especially as it relates to leaders in the Church. Based on that, here are…

10 Signs that We Don’t Believe in the Power of the Holy Spirit

1. We are experiencing anxiety and bitterness in our lives rather than joy and kindness. (Galatians 5:22-23)
2. We can’t remember the last time we prayed for the people we lead. (Romans 8:26)
3. The churches we lead aren’t growing and reaching more people. (Acts 9:31)
4. The churches we lead aren’t outreach focused. (Acts 1:8)
5. We think it’s our responsibility to convict people of sin. (John 16:8)
6. We are stuck in sinful patterns rather than pursuing the things of God. (Galations 5:16:17)
7. We think we have the power to change people. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
8. We are more concerned about the rules than we are our freedom in Christ. (Galations 3:2-3)
9. We think we can explain the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)
10. We are creating division and aren’t promoting unity within the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

It might be good to begin the week and this next season of ministry by studying and praying through this list. My prayer is that your life and your ministry would continue to experience its fullest potential in the power of the Holy Spirit.

I love to read.  My bank account shows that.  I am constantly buying new books.  Now that school is done for me for the summer, I have time to read books that I have had pile up.  Here are some of the books I plan on reading in the next few weeks:

Simple Youth Ministry by Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton

Awaken Your Creativity by Les Christie

The Slow Fade by Reggie Joiner, Chuck Bomar, and Abbie Smith

Connect:  Real Relationships in a World of Isolation by Jonathan McKee

Are there any good books you have planned to read this summer?  I would love to see the list!!

I am going through Dr. Henry Cloud’s book, 9 Things a Leader Must Do.  The book has been a great challenge for me and I would recommend everyone to read it who finds them self in some type of leadership position, either at work, church, or a parent at home.

I thought I would share just a little of what I am learning through this book journey.

#1—Leaders MUST Excavate their soul.

God has put into every leader the talents and gifts to be the leader He wants them to be.

Leadership success is the process of digging up the treasures of the invisible soul in order to bring dreams, desires, and talents into the visible world  –Dr. Cloud

In order for a leader to optimize his leadership he/she must:

• become aware of his/her dreams, desires, talents, and other treasures of the soul.
• Listens to them and values them as life itself.
• Takes steps to develop them, beginning in very small ways.
• Seeks coaching and help to make them grow.
• Does not care as much about his/her results, just continues to express his/her soul-treasures where they can.

Avoidance of risks is the greatest risk of all!!!!  –Dr. Cloud

Key passages to study:

• Matthew 25.14-30—Parable of the talents.
• Proverbs 4.23—Wellspring of life.