#4: I Go where I am Needed.
Part of Reproducing Leaders for me is about simply going where I am needed. Much of leadership development doesn’t ever make it to the front page. So much of it happens over the phone, by developing relationships with other leaders who are desperate for someone to come along side them and lift them higher.
That’s my role! I want to go where others won’t. I have a heart for the little guy who is struggling to go up the middle in their leadership journey.
It’s not always glamorous, but it’s the most rewarding thing I do.
? Who could use a phone call today of encouragement? Why not be that person who will lift someone who needs it today?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
How I think about Leadership Development - Part 3
#3: I believe Great Leadership is defined not by My Personal Success but by the success I help others achieve.
When it comes to leadership reproduction, I believe the purest sign of a great leader is one who lifts those around them to be great! A few thoughts…
1. I want to help people believe they are capable of more. I want to be a believer in people. The greatest compliment anyone could give me would be, “Matt, you helped me believe in myself when no one else did.”
2. I want to help people see things in themselves they’ve never seen before. Part of becoming a great leader is self-awareness. I want others to be self-aware to such a degree that they are able to self-assess where they are weak and where they are strong.
3. I want to help people dream things they’ve never dreamt before. My heart is for so many other leaders to begin dreaming of mountains we can climb together. That’s how we help one another escape the mundane of our leadership lives.
? How will you help someone see something they have never seen before this week?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
When it comes to leadership reproduction, I believe the purest sign of a great leader is one who lifts those around them to be great! A few thoughts…
1. I want to help people believe they are capable of more. I want to be a believer in people. The greatest compliment anyone could give me would be, “Matt, you helped me believe in myself when no one else did.”
2. I want to help people see things in themselves they’ve never seen before. Part of becoming a great leader is self-awareness. I want others to be self-aware to such a degree that they are able to self-assess where they are weak and where they are strong.
3. I want to help people dream things they’ve never dreamt before. My heart is for so many other leaders to begin dreaming of mountains we can climb together. That’s how we help one another escape the mundane of our leadership lives.
? How will you help someone see something they have never seen before this week?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
How I think about Leadership Development - Part 2
#2: I focus on Making Them Better than they could ever be alone.
Yesterday, we began a series of blogs on How I think about Reproducing Leaders. I spend a large portion of my week playing to my strengths in such a way that it will add value to the leaders I influence. Here are a few thoughts…
The Essence of Reproducing Leaders is found in Multiplying our Effectiveness. When I take that which I’ve learned and know and add it to what someone else has learned and knows, a multiplying effect kicks in. Suddenly, we both become exponentially greater than either of us were alone.
I believe when we make reproducing leaders around us a priority, we set them up to be better than they ever could be by themselves. For me, that’s the best reward imaginable.
? Who are you intentionally helping to become better than they ever could be on their own?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Yesterday, we began a series of blogs on How I think about Reproducing Leaders. I spend a large portion of my week playing to my strengths in such a way that it will add value to the leaders I influence. Here are a few thoughts…
The Essence of Reproducing Leaders is found in Multiplying our Effectiveness. When I take that which I’ve learned and know and add it to what someone else has learned and knows, a multiplying effect kicks in. Suddenly, we both become exponentially greater than either of us were alone.
I believe when we make reproducing leaders around us a priority, we set them up to be better than they ever could be by themselves. For me, that’s the best reward imaginable.
? Who are you intentionally helping to become better than they ever could be on their own?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Monday, July 28, 2008
How I think about Leadership Development - Part 1
One of the keys to growing a successful organization is in the realm of leadership development. I have a huge heart for growing leaders! This week’s blogs are centered around how I think about reproducing leaders.
#1: It’s not something I do, it’s part of who I am.
Reproducing leaders isn’t just an item on my to do list. I carve out large blocks of time to devote myself to intentional leadership development. This stems from a belief I have that reproducing leaders is the way to change the world.
As Leaders, we don’t have the luxury of NOT reproducing leaders. It’s the only way to multiply our effectiveness.
I have a heart to see others become better. Perhaps it’s just the pastor’s heart in me, but I have a desire to see other leaders grow in their leadership ability and giftings. Again, that stems from a belief that when we grow a leader, we multiply our effectiveness.
Challenge question: How much time are you dedicating in a week to growing the leaders around you? Nothing is quite as important as that.
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
#1: It’s not something I do, it’s part of who I am.
Reproducing leaders isn’t just an item on my to do list. I carve out large blocks of time to devote myself to intentional leadership development. This stems from a belief I have that reproducing leaders is the way to change the world.
As Leaders, we don’t have the luxury of NOT reproducing leaders. It’s the only way to multiply our effectiveness.
I have a heart to see others become better. Perhaps it’s just the pastor’s heart in me, but I have a desire to see other leaders grow in their leadership ability and giftings. Again, that stems from a belief that when we grow a leader, we multiply our effectiveness.
Challenge question: How much time are you dedicating in a week to growing the leaders around you? Nothing is quite as important as that.
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Friday, July 25, 2008
How I Deal with Criticism - Part 5
#5: I have to Grow Through Criticism.
At the end of the day, criticism happens, and when it does, I…
1. Stand and take it like a man. It’s not always fun, but it’s not going to kill me either. I used to fear the confrontation of it all, now it’s kind of like, “Well, let’s get this over with, and get on with it.”
2. Recognize it is not the end of the world. The reality is, criticism won’t last forever. I always try and keep it in perspective.
3. Realize that no one decision or win will define me long term. Just like in baseball where they play 162 games a year, no one win or loss defines a season, so it is in leadership. Getting up and playing everyday is about learning the art of leadership, not becoming a perfect master of it.
? Are you putting too much weight on the criticism moments of your leadership? If so, begin tweaking your approach to it, today,
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
At the end of the day, criticism happens, and when it does, I…
1. Stand and take it like a man. It’s not always fun, but it’s not going to kill me either. I used to fear the confrontation of it all, now it’s kind of like, “Well, let’s get this over with, and get on with it.”
2. Recognize it is not the end of the world. The reality is, criticism won’t last forever. I always try and keep it in perspective.
3. Realize that no one decision or win will define me long term. Just like in baseball where they play 162 games a year, no one win or loss defines a season, so it is in leadership. Getting up and playing everyday is about learning the art of leadership, not becoming a perfect master of it.
? Are you putting too much weight on the criticism moments of your leadership? If so, begin tweaking your approach to it, today,
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How I Deal with Criticism - Part 4
#4: I can’t take Criticism Personally.
When criticism comes my way, I have to recognize that most of the time it is aimed at my position, not me personally. This is obviously easier said than done, and takes some serious intentionality to do well. Here are a few thoughts:
1. I have to let the best idea win. When criticism is aimed at an idea, rather than take it personally, I have to allow the best idea for the organization win.
2. I have to let the organization win more than I win. Leadership is selfless at it’s core. In the decision making process the most important thing that matters is that the best decision gets heard and made for the organization, regardless of personal implications.
3. I have to refuse bitterness. When I’m criticized, it’s easy to get bitter. Let’s face it, when you’re in leadership, you’re in the people business, and it is amazingly personal. Some of the best advice I ever received from a wise old mentor of mine was, “Matt, never let yourself get bitter.” Bitterness is a poison that will sour our leadership ability.
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
When criticism comes my way, I have to recognize that most of the time it is aimed at my position, not me personally. This is obviously easier said than done, and takes some serious intentionality to do well. Here are a few thoughts:
1. I have to let the best idea win. When criticism is aimed at an idea, rather than take it personally, I have to allow the best idea for the organization win.
2. I have to let the organization win more than I win. Leadership is selfless at it’s core. In the decision making process the most important thing that matters is that the best decision gets heard and made for the organization, regardless of personal implications.
3. I have to refuse bitterness. When I’m criticized, it’s easy to get bitter. Let’s face it, when you’re in leadership, you’re in the people business, and it is amazingly personal. Some of the best advice I ever received from a wise old mentor of mine was, “Matt, never let yourself get bitter.” Bitterness is a poison that will sour our leadership ability.
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
How I Deal with Criticism - Part 3
#3: It takes Trust in Myself to Deal with Criticism.
When the critic’s voice is loud in my ear I often fall back on a few things I know about myself:
1. I have to trust my process of decision making. Critics can make us 2nd guess our decision making process. In those moments I have to trust that the way I chose to make the decision was adequate and effective. If not, then their criticism was not entirely unfounded.
2. I have to trust the Information I had at the time of the decision. Every leader is called on at times to make decisions without all of the possible information. In fact, I would venture to say that there are very few times when I actually have all of the information necessary to make a decision. At the end of the day, I have to trust that based upon the information I had, I made the wisest decision for the organization.
3. I have to trust the View of the Mountain I had at the time. The essence of leadership is movement. A leader who is not moving is leading. That being the case, every decision happens in real time while climbing a mountain, so to speak. It is the job of the leader to make the wisest decision possible with the information they had at the time while standing where they are on the mountain.
When criticism comes, I have to trust these 3 things: My decision making ability, the information I had, and my view of the mountain at the time.
Challenge: The next time you make a decision, pause after the fact, and examine the way you came to the decision you did. Take into account the information and view of the mountain.
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
When the critic’s voice is loud in my ear I often fall back on a few things I know about myself:
1. I have to trust my process of decision making. Critics can make us 2nd guess our decision making process. In those moments I have to trust that the way I chose to make the decision was adequate and effective. If not, then their criticism was not entirely unfounded.
2. I have to trust the Information I had at the time of the decision. Every leader is called on at times to make decisions without all of the possible information. In fact, I would venture to say that there are very few times when I actually have all of the information necessary to make a decision. At the end of the day, I have to trust that based upon the information I had, I made the wisest decision for the organization.
3. I have to trust the View of the Mountain I had at the time. The essence of leadership is movement. A leader who is not moving is leading. That being the case, every decision happens in real time while climbing a mountain, so to speak. It is the job of the leader to make the wisest decision possible with the information they had at the time while standing where they are on the mountain.
When criticism comes, I have to trust these 3 things: My decision making ability, the information I had, and my view of the mountain at the time.
Challenge: The next time you make a decision, pause after the fact, and examine the way you came to the decision you did. Take into account the information and view of the mountain.
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
How I Deal with Criticism - Part 2
#2: It takes Security to Deal with Criticism Effectively.
Yesterday, we started talking about the Issue of Criticism in Leadership. I have found that security is the backbone of good leadership. When a leader is insecure, every decision becomes about them and their feelings rather than the good of the organization.
Secure leaders can hear hard things. It’s not always easy to hear the things I need to hear in leadership. And the truth is, that which I need to hear most, is probably what I want to hear the least. But that’s how we get better, hearing the hard stuff every once in a while.
Secure leaders believe in themselves and their calling. There are moments in time where a leader must fall back on their calling to do what they’re doing. When the criticism is piling on, a leader has to be able to have the confidence that God has placed them here and that’s enough.
Secure leaders live in reality. I have to realize that there will be times in my leadership when I say dumb things, or make wrong decisions that effect people. In those moments, I have to be willing to face the reality of the situation and take what’s coming on the chin. It’s not easy, but it’s right. And I’m always stronger on the other side for it.
? Are you living in reality? Do you run from criticism or do you stand and own your mistakes?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Monday, July 21, 2008
How I Deal with Criticism - Part 1
This week I want to spend some time talking about the issue of Criticism in Leadership. When I was younger, I think I used to see criticism as a bad thing… something to be avoided. But over the past several years, I am beginning to deal with criticism differently. That’s what this week’s bloggish thoughts are about.
#1: Criticism is Not Optional in Leadership.
Probably the best thing that has helped me deal with criticism is coming to grips with the reality that criticism is going to happen. There’s no avoiding it.
Somebody somewhere at some time, is not going to like a decision you make.
I heard Mark Batterson say recently, “You are not going to be able to please all of the people all of the time, so you might as well decide in advance who you’re going to offend.”
Leaders who fear criticism have trouble leading. If we’re always making sure that everybody is happy with every decision we make, we’re never going to lead our organizations where they need to go.
Challenge Question: Where have you been fearing the criticism of someone near you? Do you have unrealistic expectations about criticism in your leadership?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
#1: Criticism is Not Optional in Leadership.
Probably the best thing that has helped me deal with criticism is coming to grips with the reality that criticism is going to happen. There’s no avoiding it.
Somebody somewhere at some time, is not going to like a decision you make.
I heard Mark Batterson say recently, “You are not going to be able to please all of the people all of the time, so you might as well decide in advance who you’re going to offend.”
Leaders who fear criticism have trouble leading. If we’re always making sure that everybody is happy with every decision we make, we’re never going to lead our organizations where they need to go.
Challenge Question: Where have you been fearing the criticism of someone near you? Do you have unrealistic expectations about criticism in your leadership?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Friday, July 18, 2008
5 Decisions I've Made about Myself - Part 5
Decision #5: I will take responsibility for leveraging my passions and talents in such a way that they add value to others way more than they will ever be able to add value to me.
There is a temptation that can begin to creep in as we grow in our areas of strength and giftedness and that is this...
Our talents can become more about Us then Others. In other words, we allow our passions and abilities to add more value to us than they do others. Pursuing them becomes more about what they can do for us, then it does what they can do for others.
The true path to greatness is found when we use our Strengths, Passions, Talents and Giftings to add more value to others, than they could ever add to ourselves.
Challenge Question: Are we using our talents for personal gain, or for adding value to others?
just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Thursday, July 17, 2008
5 Decisions I've Made about Myself - Part 4
Decision #4: I will remain Ruthlessly teachable in my areas of talent!
Here's another temptation of growing in our areas of strength and passion:
The better we get, the more likely we are to become Unteachable. Here's why...
We allow our success to become the cloud that fogs our future success. We may find ourselves saying (or thinking) things like, "Who are you to give me advice? Do you see what I've accomplished?"
I have made the decision that I will not allow this type of thinking to cloud my vision for continuing to grow in my areas of talent and ability.
Challenge Question: Are you remaining teachable, even in the face of success? When was the last time you learned something from someone who is behind you?
just a bloggish thought,
matt
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
5 Decisions I've Made about Me - Part 3
Decision #3: I will have courage in facing the unknowns that arise from advancing in my talents.
Here's what I'm learning about my talents... The further I go in developing them, the more there is that I don't know about them! The natural tendency for humans is to resist what we don't know. Especially when it's an area we're passionate about. The last thing in the world we want is to look stupid, especially in an area we care about, right?
I am making the decision to push past those fears and just go hard into learning all that I don't know about the areas of my life that I am passionate about and have talent in. Here's why...
The minute I learn something new, I add exponential value to myself. Because I'm developing an area of strength, I don't just add value, I multiply it! For example, when I learn something new about public speaking (an area of strength for me) I make myself way more valuable, then when I learn something new about Rock Climbing (an area of weakness for me!)
Challenge Question: Where have you been letting fear or insecurity keep you from learning or growing in an area of strength or passion?
just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
5 Decisions I've Made about Me - Part 2
This week we're talking about 5 decisions I've made about my personal strengths, passions, giftings, talents, hopes and dreams. It's not enough to just have all those things, we have to make daily decisions that move us in the direction of them. Here's #2...
Decision #2: I will Prepare Now for a Preferred Future Later.
One of the greatest hang ups to playing to our areas of talent and passion is that we're waiting for the Long Bomb. In other words, we think, "Well, since I can't do something big with this yet, I won't do anything."
As someone who desires to make an impact on people, I have made the decision that I am going to do something today that helps me take a step or two in the direction of my greatest talents, strengths, passions and abilities.
We can't have a destination mentality when it comes to playing to our strengths. The destination is today. What will we do today that will help us to develop or grow our talents and abilities?
Challenge Question: What 1 thing (no matter how small it may seem) will you do today to move in the direction of your greatest talents and passions?
just a bloggish thought,
matt
Decision #2: I will Prepare Now for a Preferred Future Later.
One of the greatest hang ups to playing to our areas of talent and passion is that we're waiting for the Long Bomb. In other words, we think, "Well, since I can't do something big with this yet, I won't do anything."
As someone who desires to make an impact on people, I have made the decision that I am going to do something today that helps me take a step or two in the direction of my greatest talents, strengths, passions and abilities.
We can't have a destination mentality when it comes to playing to our strengths. The destination is today. What will we do today that will help us to develop or grow our talents and abilities?
Challenge Question: What 1 thing (no matter how small it may seem) will you do today to move in the direction of your greatest talents and passions?
just a bloggish thought,
matt
Monday, July 14, 2008
5 Decisions I've Made About Me - Part 1
LIfe has a way of getting busy, doesn't it? I mean, the stuff of life can distract us pretty easily, pretty much everyday. However, with limited time & limited resources, I know that, as a leader, I've got to make the most of the Talents, Giftings, Hopes & Dreams I've been given. After all, it's in those areas that I will make the greatest contribution to the world around me during my time here on earth.
This week I want to talk about 5 Decisions I've Made about my Talents, Giftings, Hopes & Dreams. I hope it's encouraging to you.
Too many people wait until their To-Do List is cleared before they give significant time and energy to what they do best! Yes, there is a time and place for "getting things done" but I want to challenge everyone of us today that, "The place where we will add the most value to the world is in the area where we are most passionate and gifted!"
1. It offers the greatest Return on Investment. When we give priority energy to our strengths, we get a better return on our investment! How much would Peyton Manning get paid by the Indianapolis Colts to play Wide Receiver? I'm guessing, Not Much! But when he's playing Quarterback, he's worth millions!!! Our strengths offer our greatest ROI.
2. Our Strengths offer the greatest Reward! There is nothing more fulfilling for me as a leader than when I'm using my God given talents, passions and abilities to add value to someone else! There's just no feeling like it! I love it! It energizes me and makes me feel like I'm on top of the world!
I have made a decision in my leadership that I am going to begin giving Priority Energy to what I do best! Then, and only then, can I make a significant contribution to the world around me!
just a bloggish thought,
Matt
This week I want to talk about 5 Decisions I've Made about my Talents, Giftings, Hopes & Dreams. I hope it's encouraging to you.
Decision #1: I Will Give Priority Energy to Them Everyday!
Too many people wait until their To-Do List is cleared before they give significant time and energy to what they do best! Yes, there is a time and place for "getting things done" but I want to challenge everyone of us today that, "The place where we will add the most value to the world is in the area where we are most passionate and gifted!"
1. It offers the greatest Return on Investment. When we give priority energy to our strengths, we get a better return on our investment! How much would Peyton Manning get paid by the Indianapolis Colts to play Wide Receiver? I'm guessing, Not Much! But when he's playing Quarterback, he's worth millions!!! Our strengths offer our greatest ROI.
2. Our Strengths offer the greatest Reward! There is nothing more fulfilling for me as a leader than when I'm using my God given talents, passions and abilities to add value to someone else! There's just no feeling like it! I love it! It energizes me and makes me feel like I'm on top of the world!
I have made a decision in my leadership that I am going to begin giving Priority Energy to what I do best! Then, and only then, can I make a significant contribution to the world around me!
just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Friday, July 11, 2008
How I think about Discouragement - Part 5
#5: Discouragement is a Propeller.
Everytime we face discouragement we have 2 choices of what it can become for us:
A Propeller or an Anchor. One pushes us forward, the other weighs us down. There is a long term residual effect tied to discouraging season in our life. Truly great leaders know how to make the most of discouraging season in such a way that when they look back on them years later then see them as a propeller, not an anchor on the journey of their life.
It's up to us to start looking for the sunrise. It's always darkest before the dawn. When you feel discouraged, start looking for the sunrise. It will come. I spoke with someone recently who was going through a tough time and they made the comment: "I'm glad my new home faces the east, because I need more sunrises in my life then sunsets right now!"
Gravity can crush us, or slingshot us! Remember when the Apollo 13 space craft (I wasn't born yet, but I saw the movie with Tom Hanks) used the gravitational pull of the moon to slingshot it back to earth? That's what discouragement has the ability to do for us! Slingshot us toward our next great adventure!
Where have you been allowing Discouragement to feel like a tremendous weight? How can you turn it into a slingshot?
Just a bloggish thought,
matt
Thursday, July 10, 2008
How I think about Discouragement - Part 4
#4: Discouragement is an Opportunity.
Human nature wants to throw us into a negative spin with discouragement in our lives. However, as leaders, if we can develop the discipline to see discouragement as an opportunity we'll gain so much from it.
It's an opportunity to learn something new. The root of Discouragement is usually from an unmet expectation. Every unmet expectation has a lesson attached to it. Every lesson is an opportunity for us to learn something new about ourselves or the organization we lead.
An opportunity to be stretched. Discouragement often comes from an uncomfortable situation. Every uncomfortable situation is a chance for us to be stretched in our leadership.
An opportunity to be challenged to become stronger, smarter and better! True strength comes from falling into the arms of Heavenly Father. Every time we do that, we get stronger! Let discouragement push you toward the Cross of Jesus, rather than away from it.
What opportunities are available to you because of the presence of discouragement in your life this week? What can you learn?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
How I think about Discouragement - Part 3
#3: Discouragement is a Choice.
I gotta be honest with you, I don't like this one, b/c it hits me square between the eyes but it's no less true. Discouragement really is a choice. When discouragement knocks at our door, we ultimately choose to let it in. Here are a few ways I've found to not let discouragement get the best of me...
Where do you need to make a different choice when it comes to feeling discouraged?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
I gotta be honest with you, I don't like this one, b/c it hits me square between the eyes but it's no less true. Discouragement really is a choice. When discouragement knocks at our door, we ultimately choose to let it in. Here are a few ways I've found to not let discouragement get the best of me...
- Focus on What IS going right. Everyday somethings go right. We just choose not to see them or celebrate them. Learning to celebrate the right things is a discipline of leadership that we must develop.
- Get back to what makes you feel strong. Nothing breaks discouragement off my life like doing something that makes me feel strong. For me it's writing, reading, speaking or coaching another leader. When I do those things, discouragement melts away! I feel useful again.
- Find a place to win. Sometimes the best thing you can do is find a place where you can win. Again, it doesn't have to be a huge win, it just has to be a win. When you feel discouraged, stop, look around and find a place where you can win.
Where do you need to make a different choice when it comes to feeling discouraged?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
How I think about Discouragement - Part 2
#2: Discouragement is Temporary.
The best thing to remember when discouragement hits is that it's not forever! I have adopted a phase that says, "Don't worry, Matt, it won't look like this forever." When I was a kid I used to love watching these painter guy on PBS after school. Inevitably he would start whatever he was painting with some horrible shade of gray or tan. I can remember thinking, "What are you doing? That's gonna look horrible!" But somehow, within a few minutes he had turned that clump of gray into a cool picture.
Discouragement is a snapshot, not a whole picture. When we're in a season of discouragement it's easy to begin thinking that this is the whole picture of your life. What we must remember is that it's just a snapshot, not the whole thing. Don't be too quick to judge your entire life by one snapshot. That would be like summarizing someone's life by their Kindergarten picture. There's no way it could or should be done.
Where have you been tempted to Over-estimate your life in light of a discouraging season you find yourself in?
Just a bloggish thought,
matt
Monday, July 7, 2008
How I Think about Discouragement - Part 1
Over the past 17 years of leading people, I have discovered that there are just some things that come along with leading others that are out of my control. One of those is discouragement. If you're a leader, then you're going to face discouragement from time to time. What do we do about it when it hits our lives? This week is dedicated to, How I think about Discouragement.
Discouragement is apart of life. We live in a fallen world with fallen people. Failures are going to come. Mistakes are going to be made. People are going to be hurt. Sometimes we are one of those people. There is a comfort that comes from knowing that discouragement is just a part of life. I heard that Indy Race Car driver Michael Andretti told his 19 year old son Marco that, "Crashing is apart of racing. Get over it." I like that. Discouragement is apart of life... get over it. We shouldn't run from it, or try and deny it. It's inevitable but it's never final.
Discouragement is a part of Ministry. I'm in the people business and sometimes people are messy. When they choose to have a "diaper explosion" I've got to be prepared for it! It's never fun, but it is inevitable.
Discouragement is apart of success. Show me a successful person and I'll show you someone who has had a struggle with discouragement. It is naive to think that we can climb a mountain and not get tired along the way. If you want to be successful, then you're going to have discouragement.
Where have you tricked yourself into believing that discouragement shouldn't be apart of your leadership journey?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
#1: Discouragement is Inevitable.
Discouragement is apart of life. We live in a fallen world with fallen people. Failures are going to come. Mistakes are going to be made. People are going to be hurt. Sometimes we are one of those people. There is a comfort that comes from knowing that discouragement is just a part of life. I heard that Indy Race Car driver Michael Andretti told his 19 year old son Marco that, "Crashing is apart of racing. Get over it." I like that. Discouragement is apart of life... get over it. We shouldn't run from it, or try and deny it. It's inevitable but it's never final.
Discouragement is a part of Ministry. I'm in the people business and sometimes people are messy. When they choose to have a "diaper explosion" I've got to be prepared for it! It's never fun, but it is inevitable.
Discouragement is apart of success. Show me a successful person and I'll show you someone who has had a struggle with discouragement. It is naive to think that we can climb a mountain and not get tired along the way. If you want to be successful, then you're going to have discouragement.
Where have you tricked yourself into believing that discouragement shouldn't be apart of your leadership journey?
Just a bloggish thought,
Matt
Friday, July 4, 2008
GPS Series Recap
I hope that seeing the notes from the message last Sunday was helpful. Again, I believe this message has the power to change people's lives. If you haven't read the book, The Divine Mentor, by Wayne Cordeiro, I highly recommend it as well. I really have him to thank for so much of the content of this series.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
GPS Series Recap - #4 Possible Enhancements to our Time with God
4. Possible Enhancements.
A. Give yourself a chance to develop the habit of this.
- If you’ll do something for 21 days, it has a high likelihood of becoming a long-term habit.
- Don’t let yourself get condemned when you miss a day!
- Satan loves using condemnation and guilt.
- Refuse it!!!
B. Although there is not guilt or pressure, remember, this is how we build a fence around our life!
- DIABETIC TAKING INSULIN DAILY ILL.
- They know they can’t survive without it.
- The goal is that we get to that place with this.
- Wayne Quote: “If I miss a day, I feel it, 2 and others feel it, 3 or more and the whole world feels it.”
C. Without something like this as a daily habit, we’ll “Drift from God” like a friend who moved away!
D. Small Group.
- The best way to learn is to teach or share with a group what God is revealing to you.
- You can do this whenever and wherever.
- It doesn’t have to take a lot of time.
- It doesn’t require a lot of people.
- All it takes is 2 or more willing people and you’ve got a small group where you all are growing in your faith!!!
E. Great for Marriages.
- Once a week, share with each other the major thing God is showing to you.
- Again, if you are having 0 Spiritual Conversations right now, & you move to once a week, you’ll have 50 Spiritual Conversations this year about what God is doing in your life!
- Some of you lack intimacy in your marriage, this could break things wide open for you!!!
A. Give yourself a chance to develop the habit of this.
- If you’ll do something for 21 days, it has a high likelihood of becoming a long-term habit.
- Don’t let yourself get condemned when you miss a day!
- Satan loves using condemnation and guilt.
- Refuse it!!!
B. Although there is not guilt or pressure, remember, this is how we build a fence around our life!
- DIABETIC TAKING INSULIN DAILY ILL.
- They know they can’t survive without it.
- The goal is that we get to that place with this.
- Wayne Quote: “If I miss a day, I feel it, 2 and others feel it, 3 or more and the whole world feels it.”
C. Without something like this as a daily habit, we’ll “Drift from God” like a friend who moved away!
D. Small Group.
- The best way to learn is to teach or share with a group what God is revealing to you.
- You can do this whenever and wherever.
- It doesn’t have to take a lot of time.
- It doesn’t require a lot of people.
- All it takes is 2 or more willing people and you’ve got a small group where you all are growing in your faith!!!
E. Great for Marriages.
- Once a week, share with each other the major thing God is showing to you.
- Again, if you are having 0 Spiritual Conversations right now, & you move to once a week, you’ll have 50 Spiritual Conversations this year about what God is doing in your life!
- Some of you lack intimacy in your marriage, this could break things wide open for you!!!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
GPS Series - Recap - #3 Have a Plan for Your Time with God
“…What do we need? #3…”
3. Plan.
- God’s greatest desire is that we become Self-Feeders.
- BEING HUNGRY ON THE COUCH ILL.
- Wives, suppose your husband is watching a game on TV, & wants something to eat…
- Get up and get it yourself!!! (Have fun…)
- The same is true with God!
- He desires for us to be Self-Feeders.
- This is the easiest reading plan I’ve ever seen…
- It’s Guilt Free! That’s so huge for me! - No Gullt! - No Condemnation!
S =Scripture.
1) Get a Translation of the Bible that you understand.
- There’s no bonus points for “Thee’s” and “thou’s”.
- 3 Recommendations:
TNIV
NLT
The Message
2) Pray a simple prayer going in to focus your heart.
“God, speak to my heart today as I read your word. Help me to see what’s for me today. Amen.”
3) Read 1 chapter, or in our case 2 chapters.
- Underline things that stick out at you.
- I look for words that jump off the page at me.
a) Try to envision the author speaking right to you.
- Insert your name from time to time if you want.
b) Remember who the author is originally writing to!
4) Then… Pick 1 verse.
- Don’t try and be a theologian.
- Write the Entire verse down in your journal.
- No abbreviations.
- The discipline will slow you down enough that God can speak to you.
- Don’t title the journal entry going in.
O = Observation.
1) Don’t focus on what you don’t understand, but on what you do.
- It doesn’t mean you take things out of context, it simply means that we key in on those passages where God is speaking to our heart specifically.
- Our daily times should spring board us into Bible Study of deeper things.
- But again, no guilt, no pressure!!!
2) Write out the observations you make from the text.
- LOOK AT THE SAMPLE RIGHT HERE
3) Remember it doesn’t have to be long, or deep.
- Simply write what you see in the verse.
A = Application.
1) Big Question: How does this apply to my life???
- or In Other Words, “So What???”
2) Write out how what that verse means in your life.
P = Prayer.
1) Turn your Observation & Application into a Dedication.
- This is where we make a commitment to God.
2) There is no pre-conceived right or wrong!
- Remember, no pressure, no judgment, no guilt.
3) You don’t have to write out a big huge theological prayer.
- Just capture your thoughts and your heart of how you are going to take a step toward God today!
* Remember, this is Guilt Free!
- GOING FROM 0 TO 50 THIS YEAR ILL.
- If you Never Read your Bible now, or read it and don’t get anything out of it, & you start doing it 1 day a week,
- you’ll move from 0 personal encounters with Jesus, to 50 in the next year!!!
- & if you do it twice a week, you’ll have over 100 Personal Encounters with Jesus next year!!!
- HAVING 100, 15 MINUTE CONVERSATIONS WITH JOHN MAXWELL ILL.
- Think of how my leadership would grow in the next year!
- How much more will we grow in our relationship with Jesus!!!
3. Plan.
- God’s greatest desire is that we become Self-Feeders.
- BEING HUNGRY ON THE COUCH ILL.
- Wives, suppose your husband is watching a game on TV, & wants something to eat…
- Get up and get it yourself!!! (Have fun…)
- The same is true with God!
- He desires for us to be Self-Feeders.
- This is the easiest reading plan I’ve ever seen…
- It’s Guilt Free! That’s so huge for me! - No Gullt! - No Condemnation!
S =Scripture.
1) Get a Translation of the Bible that you understand.
- There’s no bonus points for “Thee’s” and “thou’s”.
- 3 Recommendations:
TNIV
NLT
The Message
2) Pray a simple prayer going in to focus your heart.
“God, speak to my heart today as I read your word. Help me to see what’s for me today. Amen.”
3) Read 1 chapter, or in our case 2 chapters.
- Underline things that stick out at you.
- I look for words that jump off the page at me.
a) Try to envision the author speaking right to you.
- Insert your name from time to time if you want.
b) Remember who the author is originally writing to!
4) Then… Pick 1 verse.
- Don’t try and be a theologian.
- Write the Entire verse down in your journal.
- No abbreviations.
- The discipline will slow you down enough that God can speak to you.
- Don’t title the journal entry going in.
O = Observation.
1) Don’t focus on what you don’t understand, but on what you do.
- It doesn’t mean you take things out of context, it simply means that we key in on those passages where God is speaking to our heart specifically.
- Our daily times should spring board us into Bible Study of deeper things.
- But again, no guilt, no pressure!!!
2) Write out the observations you make from the text.
- LOOK AT THE SAMPLE RIGHT HERE
3) Remember it doesn’t have to be long, or deep.
- Simply write what you see in the verse.
A = Application.
1) Big Question: How does this apply to my life???
- or In Other Words, “So What???”
2) Write out how what that verse means in your life.
P = Prayer.
1) Turn your Observation & Application into a Dedication.
- This is where we make a commitment to God.
2) There is no pre-conceived right or wrong!
- Remember, no pressure, no judgment, no guilt.
3) You don’t have to write out a big huge theological prayer.
- Just capture your thoughts and your heart of how you are going to take a step toward God today!
* Remember, this is Guilt Free!
- GOING FROM 0 TO 50 THIS YEAR ILL.
- If you Never Read your Bible now, or read it and don’t get anything out of it, & you start doing it 1 day a week,
- you’ll move from 0 personal encounters with Jesus, to 50 in the next year!!!
- & if you do it twice a week, you’ll have over 100 Personal Encounters with Jesus next year!!!
- HAVING 100, 15 MINUTE CONVERSATIONS WITH JOHN MAXWELL ILL.
- Think of how my leadership would grow in the next year!
- How much more will we grow in our relationship with Jesus!!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
GPS - Series Recap - #2 We Must Come Prepared to Hear from God
On Sunday, I finished the GPS series. Today, I want to give you my full preaching notes for Point #2: Preparation.
“…the 2nd thing we need is… ”
2. Preparation.
A. We must come into this time with an expectation that God is gonna speak to us.
- MEETING WITH SOMEONE IMPORTANT ILL.
- I always have a place to take notes.
- Why? B/c I have an expectation that they are going to say something that I will want to remember and reflect on.
B. TV WAVES ILL.
- They are everywhere, but until we have a way to catch them, they’re useless.
- You’ve got to have a satellite dish and “receiver” to decipher them!!!
- It’s called a “receiver” for crying out loud!!!
C. What do we need to “receive” from God everyday?
5 Things we need.
Bible. Reading Plan.
Pen. Journal.
Scratch Pad.
C. PUSHBACK ON WHOLE JOURNAL THING!
- I know, I thought it for years, “Come on, I’m not a Junior High Girl anymore!!!”
- Who journals right?
- Yeah, I guess for those of us who are so awesome, that we can just stand in our yard and decipher the TV signals without a dish and receiver, we don’t need anything!!!
- HAVE FUN: STANDING IN YARD ILL.
“What are you doing???” “Being awesome!!!”
“…the 2nd thing we need is… ”
2. Preparation.
A. We must come into this time with an expectation that God is gonna speak to us.
- MEETING WITH SOMEONE IMPORTANT ILL.
- I always have a place to take notes.
- Why? B/c I have an expectation that they are going to say something that I will want to remember and reflect on.
B. TV WAVES ILL.
- They are everywhere, but until we have a way to catch them, they’re useless.
- You’ve got to have a satellite dish and “receiver” to decipher them!!!
- It’s called a “receiver” for crying out loud!!!
C. What do we need to “receive” from God everyday?
5 Things we need.
Bible. Reading Plan.
Pen. Journal.
Scratch Pad.
C. PUSHBACK ON WHOLE JOURNAL THING!
- I know, I thought it for years, “Come on, I’m not a Junior High Girl anymore!!!”
- Who journals right?
- Yeah, I guess for those of us who are so awesome, that we can just stand in our yard and decipher the TV signals without a dish and receiver, we don’t need anything!!!
- HAVE FUN: STANDING IN YARD ILL.
“What are you doing???” “Being awesome!!!”
