In my blog post yesterday I mentioned the importance of not forsaking your spouse and family. Often in the process of working in ministry your family can have an unintended "back-seat" if you're not careful. It's extremely important to keep this vital relationship in tact and at the forefront.
Remember, this is your first ministry.
I came across a daily confession for the family from Dr. Creflo Dollar, Pastor of the World Changers Church International. Pastor Dollar is a profound teacher and someone that I respect greatly for his work in the Kingdom.
Speaking life over my family is something that I do daily...so I thought I would share it with you.
Confess and be blessed!
Love ya!
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(Confession over your family)
God's favor causes my family to increase more and more (Psalm 115:14).
(For the Husband to say):
My wife is blessed and highly favored among women (Luke 1:28).
She is a virtuous woman who prospers in everything she does at home, work, in business and in other affairs (Proverbs 31:10-31).
My relationship with my wife is good; together we have obtained the favor of the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).
He sits in places of authority among other leaders (Proverbs 31:23).
(For the Wife to say):
My husband is blessed and highly favored among men because God is with him (Genesis 39:2; Luke 1:28).
He sits in places of authority among other leaders (Proverbs 31:23).
(Confession over your children)
My children are blessed and well favored of God. They are skillful and wise, and they stand before kings (Daniel 1:4-5, 9).
Like Jesus, my children increase in wisdom, stature and favor with God and men (Luke 2:52; 1 Samuel 2:26; 16:22).
Have you ever had a day or days when you didn't know whether or not you're coming or going? Whether you're doing the right thing or not? Sometimes the weight of the assignment can seem overwhelming.
Our simple desire to please the Lord in all that we do can get lost in all of the pressures that come along with being obedient. I know that may seem like a double-standard, but it's true. There is a price you pay walking in the way The Father has planned for you.
I've come to discover this price has to do with how much we're willing to sacrifice for His plan, will, and desires, versus- our selfish plan, will, and desires. Take my advice- Surrender.
Church Planting is a choice, but it should be one that is God led. If you're like me...all my life's training and development it seemed like was preparing for a life serving the needs of the secular world. Then God decides to interrupt what I thought was going to bring me joy and happiness. Walking away from all those noble ambitions is difficult. But I'd rather be in HIs will than any other place.
Here is a song that is somewhat a pesonal anthem. The song is entitled "I Give Myself Away" by William McDowell. Listen and be blessed!
As a church planter I'm often researching habits of highly successful people. I recently came across a resource clip from a SUCCESS MAGAZINE symposiumm via Youtube. In about three minutes, leadership guru John Maxwell reaffirms what I've often heard and have to come believe as truth....one of the keys to success is knowing your purpose in life.
Knowing your purpose gives you the focus needed to concentrate on why you're here. It gives you the confidence needed to operate as you should. Participating in activities that waste time no longer is an option. There is too little time to spend on meaningless activities.
Check out the clip below. Let me know you're thoughts...
Since the last community service project....for the most part all I've been doing looks like pic below.
I'm putting the pieces of the puzzle together for the next connection with Jacksonville in a major way! Some much desire. So much desire. So much innovation. So much to be done. With God's help, it will be a success!
I listened to a very soul stirring message on Sunday from my Pastor. It confirmed and challenged me to do something to assist a local elementary school. The message was about faith. Not just hope-faith. But the type of faith that moves you to action. If we are ever going to be a people of influence we must do something. It's not enough to pass the responsibility on to someone else.
The video below was recorded this past Saturday. No monies will be received online. This is real-deal, word of mouth, act locally- get it done locally, don't talk about-be about, Kingdom business.
Over the next ten days I need your support to collect 423 back packs for the students of Rufus E. Payne Elementary School in Northwest Jacksonville. Eight out of every ten students is on free or reduced lunch. Think about it! Get the picture..... I hope you do.