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The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1a NLT
The light of courage dispels the darkness of cowardice. Faith is the antidote to fear’s poison. Fear Me and you need fear nothing else! Trust the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—I will never disappoint you. Stay close to My heart—change will not throw you. Rely on Me—storms will not dismay you. Build on Christ as your Foundation—be well.
The light of conquest dispels the darkness of defeatism. The dark side cannot vanquish the trusting heart, because I am the Victor. I am your Strength, so do not let anything Satan hurls at you scare you. Jesus plus any problem equals victory. Hide in Me, your Fortress—win.
The light of communion dispels the darkness of self-centeredness. I am your Salvation, so you can be satisfied in all circumstances. Happiness comes and goes, but joy stays. I am your Felicity—worship.
The light of companionship dispels the darkness of loneliness. I am your Song, so you do not have to be sad and down-in-the-mouth. In the hymn “Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus,” Anna Russell reveals an unfailing source of music: “There is never a day so dreary, .never a night so long, but the soul trusting Jesus will somewhere find a song.” I am your Friend—enjoy My welcome.
The light of counsel dispels the darkness of ignorance. My guidance may seem slow in coming, but is a reliable light to guide your way. Live more by faith, less by sight. Use faith eyes to see invisible realities. I am your Father—live by My wisdom.
The light of confidence dispels the darkness of pessimism. There is Light beyond light at the end of the tunnel of despair—and it is not the headlight of an approaching train. No matter how depressing current events get, you can look forward to My promised tomorrow. The future is as bright as My promises. I am your Future—just wait!
A new day is dawning. You can choose to be anxious about it, or you can choose to be enthusiastic about it. How you choose will determine how your day goes. Gaze reverently on the cross—it shines as a plus sign dispelling all darkness.
Do not reclaim unnecessary lost baggage of fear, negativism, egocentricity, melancholy, conceit, and despair—now is the perfect time to lose your luggage. Walk as a child of the Light—travel light!
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 201, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
#ReimagineCHRISTIANITY...in Ex-Christian America
Note: Grid News published this report.
It repeatedly quotes Stephen Bullivant, author of the new book Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America. (see more at>>> )
We must #ReimagineCHRISTIANITY...in America
A personal reply from my friend and colleague David Bryant - -
Thanks for sending me the article below. I've read a number of article lately based on Bullivant's new book. This is a nice summary of what has been uncovered through his thorough research.
Yet all of it results in increased grief in my soul.
Not to sound too melodramatic here, but by the compelling of the Holy Spirit--that is, it is IN me but not OF me--I've found myself for 25 years as a "voice crying in the wilderness" about the crisis concerning the Church's lack of a great enough vision of Christ inside our congregations and ministries which, as this article reveals, has now borne the bitter fruit of apostasy--with a projected accelerating disassembling of the Christian movement in our nation in the near future.
The fact is, the Jesus the Church presents, the one who "get us" and is all "about us", lacks the wonder and majesty and greatness to seriously captivate hearts--especially when it comes so little understanding of the marvels of his saving power and supremacy for now and for eternity. Since so many believers, and Americans in general, appear not to "get him", therefore multitudes are finding out there's no good reason to hang around him, or those who claim him, any longer.
Yes, my heart grieves, deeply grieves, this morning (and all the time really) because I know with CHRIST NOW we have pioneered a whole new way to help bring people into a transforming, compelling, life-fulfilling encounter with the glory of Jesus--admittedly, it is just a beginning but it provides the road map for many others to follow and improve.
And yet now -- we have nearly totally run out of funds so that come our January 15 board meeting, despite the fact of this emergency of a "mass exodus" from Christianity, we may need to pull the plug -- despite the fact there currently exists no other initiative (that we know of), either digital or otherwise, exclusively focused on confronting and curing this deadly crisis, to pick up this mandate and mission.
SO here at Proclaim Hope! we are crying out to the King of Heaven for a mighty, even miraculous, intervention within the next few days. Surely someone, somewhere is being prepared by the Spirit to join forces with us in a way that will take our mission (and our extraordinary inventory of resources and contacts) to the next level--to, as I've said this fall, we can begin to "flood the zone" (saturate the Church) with the supremacy of Christ.
Otherwise, shortly we will become a casualty where, as Scripture would put it, "the wind blows over Christ Now and it is known no more".
At no other point in my life have I been so sobered by "the handwriting on the wall"--both for our nation and for our ministry--as I am at the close of 2022. We stand at the vortex of what genuine spiritual warfare looks like.
Please pray for us. DAVID
PS. No need to respond. Thanks for listening and praying. That is enough.
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That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul.
Just as you have told people about me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome.”
Acts 23:11 NLT
Hear My voice in creation—
laughter in streams, music in birds, joy in the breeze.
Listen—be encouraged to live life to the fullest.
Hear My voice in children—
spontaneity in chatter, freedom in play, love in talk.
Listen—be encouraged to enjoy life’s adventure.
Hear My voice in the center of your being—
nearer than hands and feet, closer than breathing.
Listen—be encouraged to march ahead chin up.
Hear My voice in circumstances—
whatever happens, giving you reasons for gratitude.
Listen—be encouraged to live gratefully.
Hear My voice in the church—
unique personalities at the cross to hear My Word.
Listen—be encouraged to live a life of love.
Hear My voice in My calling—
teaching you to nestle near My heart.
Listen—be encouraged to follow a sacred purpose.
Hear My voice in My commandments—
ringing true in a deceptive world,
shining bright in a dark world.
Listen—be encouraged to live obediently.
Picture - Cross Roads Camp; Lowesville, Virginia
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 333, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
#ReimagineMINISTRY... through Transformational Coaching
6 reasons coaching is the best investmentBy Robert E Logan on Jan 04, 2023 You are likely doing things very differently than you used to.
Whether your mission is to provide for your family, live into your gifts and talents, and/or make disciples,
even if you do everything differently your mission has stayed the same.
Coaching is more important than ever. For you. And for those you work with.
Here are 6 reasons that coaching may be the most important investment you make this year.
6 Reasons to Invest in Coaching in 20231. Change is now a constantThere has always been change, the speed of change—the rate of change—has accelerated dramatically. With so many things constantly in flux, how do you get your bearings? How can you get perspective? Coaching is an investment in increasing your effectiveness during rapidly changing times. As people are coming out of crisis and looking for their new normal, it’s not the same world out there. To the degree you can get your bearings, you can help other people get theirs and move forward effectively and confidently into whatever changes come next. 2. Change is sudden, transition is notChange can happen suddenly, but our adjustment to that change is what requires time and energy. Transitions move slower. A volcano can erupt suddenly and without warning, but coping with the damages left in its wake can take years. Regardless of whether the change is good or bad, it takes time to accept it and adjust to it. Coaching helps you strategically consider how to best adapt to whatever changes are affecting your ministry—as well as how to help your people adjust in healthy ways. As a leader receiving coaching, you can step back to see the forest for the trees—as well as the trees for the forest—so you can implement your action plans wisely, involving the right people and considering the best steps to move things forward. 3. Fragmentation is a credible threatWe live at the interface of the analog world and the digital world. We have so many devices and programs and apps to structure our lives and ministries that we can get lost in them. As a leader, you are pulled in different directions, and everyone seems to have access to you all the time. Everything vies for your attention. If you want your ministry to span generations, you’re going to need to deal with that fragmentation. You’re going to need to cut clearly through all the clutter to maximize your work so it’s laser-focused toward the fulfillment of your calling. Coaching provides a place to feel centered and focused. A coaching relationship is a place to slow down and see the bright spots and assess the progress in order to gain the perspective necessary to see the windows of opportunity that exist. 4. In spite of everything, you’re still in the game.You have hung in there through an unprecedented season of ministry, and you’ve probably taken more than a few hits along the way. The stressors have been significant and the world has become ever more isolating, even as it’s gotten louder and more crowded. Coaching provides you with the encouragement you need to recognize that you’re really not in this alone—because it can feel like that sometimes. You need to feel like someone has your back and is invested in helping you keep making progress and moving forward. Because you’re still in the game, you need a coach. 5. Your goal is better over biggerSure, you want to grow. But you also want to improve. You want to take the ministry to the next level, not just moving forward, but moving up, outward, and all around. And to do that, you need to not just be a doer of ministry, but a developer of other doers of ministry. You need to move beyond leading personally into the investment in helping others to lead. That’s what a coach can help you achieve: the next level of magnitude. You know if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll get the same results. And even if you’re successful right now, you want to go beyond that. You know new barriers will arise that you’ll need to tackle, new opportunities will arise that you need to be prepared to meet. Coaching helps you shift and reset your course before you hit your ceiling and plateau. Maximize your learning and stay ahead of the curve with coaching. 6. You want to do less with greater impactNo one can do everything. You know you need to zero in on the few really important things that will make a difference. But do you really know what those few things are? And when you do know, how can you free up the time and energy to really dig in and work on them? The important things are rarely the urgent things. Coaching helps you sort your priorities, determine what will provide you with the most leverage, and then free up the time and energy you need to get the work done. It’s an investment in helping you use your limited energy in the most strategic way possible to release ministry. Get excellent coachingEven if you’re already getting coaching, take this time to reevaluate. The new year is a good time to focus your coaching agenda to maximize your own development as a leader and also to maximize the potential of your ministry. Take stock. Do you need to reproduce what you’re trying to work on? Are you working on the one thing that will really make the greatest difference? Bob and Gary are currently taking on new coaching clients. Whether you are looking for coaching or a coach-mentor you can work with some of the best! Contact us to learn more. Invest in excellent coach trainingWith coaching, people can move from surviving to thriving. Ministry is more than just about keeping your head above water. Take leadership to the next level. Take your people development to the next level. You’re not just running a program—you’re biggest investment is in the development of people. In doing so, you’re increasing the capacity to fulfill the mission. Upcoming Coaching Training OpportunitiesJan 2023- The Coaching Excellence CohortYou are seeing some traction in your coaching ministry but feel like if your skills were more honed, you could be more effective. The Coaching Excellence Cohort is an investment in growing your effectiveness as a coach. It combines assessment with one-on-one mentoring and group webinars. Learn how to get $500 off tuition HERE. April 2023- The Christian Coaching Essentials CohortLearn and practice the coaching essentials with Bob and Gary. This cohort is designed to give you a solid foundation in coaching principles and get you coaching with confidence. Learn more HERE. AND MORE…Your situation is unique. That is why we offer several roads to becoming a coach and becoming the best coach you can be. Check out our GrowthTracks to find the best fit for you. Cover Photo by Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash Photo by Edge2Edge Media on Unsplash The post 6 reasons coaching is the best investment appeared first on Christian Coaching Tools. |
Ultimately evangelism is not the saving of America, but of Americans.
Quick Quote - Source - Jeff Hilles
We need to build relationships with individuals. Largely gone are the days when "events" bring an impactful gospel message.
BCWorldview.org
Look at the Kingdom of God, not just your own little corner.
On D-Day, Marines on Omaha Beach thought they were going to lose.
A reconnaissance pilot saw the big picture and knew they would win.
Take a higher perspective—count on ultimate victory through Christ.
After the world’s nightmare, heaven’s dream will come true.
Envision My future—brightened by My guarantee.
Live optimistically.
Look at Christ, not just your circumstances.
What happens to you can be miserable, but you do not have to be.
After the world’s troubles, heaven’s joys will dawn.
Envision My festival—brightened by My glory.
Live cheerfully.
Look at blessings, not just problems.
See with the eyes of your heart, and learn to be humbly grateful.
Every day I give good and perfect gifts—light in the world’s darkness,
stability in the world’s changes, and truth in the world’s confusion.
After the world’s pain, heaven’s health will prevail.
Envision My friendship—brightened by My generosity.
Live thankfully.
Look at My call, not just your comfort.
After the world’s pleasure fades, heaven’s reward will endure.
Envision My faithfulness—brightened by My goodness.
Live purposefully.
Look at My Presence, not just your preoccupations.
After the world’s turmoil, heaven’s peace will last.
Envision My face—brightened by My Grace.
Live prayerfully.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 332, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
GUEST-POST: Was "Reimagine" Jesus' 1st Word?
By Emily Provance
In Bible study, we've been reading Mark. The first words that Jesus says are, "The time has come, and God's kingdom is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News."
This is the sort of statement that has launched a bajillion theological debates. Must we change? Or must we believe? Or must we change in order to believe? Or must we believe in order to change? Was Jesus speaking to individuals? Or was Jesus speaking to whole communities?
(Sometimes I suspect that Jesus must be very exasperated with all of us.)
For some, Christianity hinges entirely on belief. If we've accepted Jesus into our hearts, then we are saved. Heaven-bound. Nothing can change that. But this theology feels wrong to me. It seems to suggest our behavior doesn't matter, or at least that it doesn't matter very much. It also doesn't imply an obligation to relieve other people's suffering. We might be tempted just to evangelize. "If you believe in Jesus, you'll be happy in heaven." But something--I think God, but even if not, something embedded in the moral fabric of the universe--compels us to do more, or at the very least to try. Safety, food, shelter, medicine, education, and freedom for everyone feels like a minimum.
Many of the Quakers I know lean very far in the opposite theological direction. Changing the way we think and act matters, but belief does not. We spend a lot of time emphasizing behavior. Showing love and kindness. Writing to representatives. Feeding the hungry. Vigiling for peace. And liberal Friends especially work really hard on changing how we think. Unlearning systemic racism, for example, and homophobia. All of this is extremely important. It's a vital part of what we're called to do.
But Jesus did not say change or believe. Jesus said change and believe. And sometimes we really deemphasize belief. Many of us even say that a virtue of Quakerism is not insisting on beliefs. This position, when taken to the extreme, is unfaithful.
The statement Jesus preached is all of a piece: "The time has come, and God's kingdom is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News."
I think it matters a lot whether we believe the time has come and God's kingdom is near. It matters because of what happens if we don't believe. The time has come; Christ Jesus has come to teach His people for Himself. God's kingdom is near; we need not wait for the establishment of the kingdom. If we believe the Good News, then we believe we can and will be guided, and we believe God's kingdom can be and is manifested on Earth right now.
What happens if we don't believe we can and will be guided by God? If we don't believe, we don't listen. God is speaking, but we are not hearing. We are leaning, instead, on our own understanding. No matter how smart we are, we are not God.
What happens if we don't believe God's kingdom can be and is manifested on Earth right now? If we don't believe, we see limits on what's possible. We make decisions based on what we think can be achieved. We hope for something less than God's kingdom. We don't even try for the fulness of what can be.
Quakerism is not a religion where belief doesn't matter. On the contrary, certain beliefs are essential, foundational, to our collective identity and calling. This isn't the same thing as developing a creed and requiring one another to recite it. It's more along the lines of acting as if the truth were true. Elf Bumblespice would tell us, "Deciding to believe is a very powerful thing."
With love,
Emily Provance
quakeremily.wordpress.com
GUEST POST: The Reimagine Journey
Eric Kouns
DESPITE A ROCKY START, my retreat has been productive. Although threatened, a measure of equanimity and mindfulness has prevailed.
With just over 24 hours remaining until I leave for home, here is a sample of the thinking I've been doing.
If there were no Facebook, I would be putting my thoughts--about faith and life, God and humanity, religion and politics, justice and equality--in a journal that few would read. Since this medium is available, however, I record them here.
Over the past decade, I've experienced great change--in what I believe and why I believe it; in my general worldview and the assumptions on which it rests; in what I consider important and worthy of my time and attention.
I'm convinced those changes--as costly, painful, and difficult as they have been--have also been good and positive and right.
Still, the temptation to abandon this new way of seeing and being is ever with me. Not because I doubt its veracity and authenticity but because I miss the comfort and security of the old days and the old ways.
I am under no illusions that my words and thoughts are making much difference or changing many minds. That's not why I write.
I write not so much to correct distorted thinking or to combat corrupt behavior as to help ensure that the distortion and corruption will not consume me.
I write, not because I think my words will dispel all the darkness, heal all the hurting, and vanquish all the hopelessness I see around me. I write as a way to prevent the darkness, the hurting, and the hopelessness from making me cynical and depressed.
I write so that I won't give up. Some folks tell me that what I write helps them in a similar way.
That makes me happy.
Peace.
The Savior’s Joy
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them,
and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
They were terrified, but the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid!
I bring you good news of great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah,
the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
Luke 2:9-11 NLT
Glory surrounds you!
In the midst of ordinary, everyday living, I am with you—
nearer than your hands and feet, closer than your heartbeat.
Do not spend too much time pondering this Mystery—
Listen to life’s thrilling symphony, not just single notes.
Savor the feast, do not analyze the recipe’s ingredients.
Surrender your heart to Me, or you will bypass peace.
There is no need to be terrorized by My Presence.
In the darkness, My face reflects heaven’s radiant light.
I empower you—hush, and hear My voice; trust, and be strong.
I love you—draw near My cross and be reassured.
I keep you sane—fix your mind on Me and find equanimity.
Even in your gloomy routine, extraordinary glory envelops you.
Hear My surround sound—birds sing melodies I taught them.
No matter how dreary your day, I can teach you to sing too.
Good news saves you!
I am Immanuel—God with you, your Greatest Blessing.
I am the Wonderful Counselor—leading you through life’s maze.
I am the Mighty God—reinforcing you to battle the evil one.
I am the Everlasting Father—stabilizing you in change and decay.
I am the Prince of Peace—calming you in chaos and pandemonium.
Great joy sustains you!
I am the Savior with authority to forgive—restoring joy.
I am the God with a heart—acquitting repentant sinners.
I am the God making your heart My home—bringing glory.
I am the King with a plan for the ages—focusing your life.
Dejection wanes when you make My joy your strength.
Life means opportunities to serve Me, so there’s no need to drift.
I am your Center of Gravity, Supervisor, and Reward.
I am the Lord whose mastery liberates your heart.
Commit sin and you’ll become addicted to evil habits.
Use the key of faith and I will remove Satan’s handcuffs.
Free, leap for joy like a calf gamboling in a springtime meadow.
Whatever else you plan to do today, remember I created it for joy.
Celebrate My joy from sunrise to sunset. Revel in your Savior!
© Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35 NLT
Be grateful—thank your Father for My lavish provisions.
Undeserved forgiveness, miraculous healing, infinite mercy,
unconditional love, indefinable peace, unlimited grace,
undying hope, invulnerable joy—all are gifts from My throne.
I send My Spirit to comfort, inspire, and defend you in your journey.
I sent My Son to show you how to live, and to die for your iniquities.
I shower you with gifts to show how much I personally care for you.
Loving Me is the heart of worship.
Be blessed—share My joy.
Be gracious—focus on your life’s purpose.
To believers, meaningful living is serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
To disciples, rough roads paved with grace are avenues of service.
To serious followers, concentration proves heartfelt consecration.
I give much, so I require much—with privilege comes responsibility.
Be resolved to continue in My steps even when life is difficult.
Single-mindedness is imperative—dual allegiance is impossible.
Honoring Me is the heart of service.
Be a blessing—share Jesus.
Be generous—a friend who loves all people.
I loved the world so much I gave My Best—now it is your turn.
Live a life filled with love, and you will be like your Savior.
Reflect My love in an unloving world of strangers to My grace.
Be kind when others are unkind or sharply critical of you.
Follow Jesus’ openhearted example even when it hurts to give.
Stay close, and I promise I will make Myself very real to you.
Following Me is the heart of discipleship.
Be brave—share My journey.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 331, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
GUEST POST ~ Good Leadership Starts With Good Questions
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Guest Post by John Hagel
Originally Posted @ Harvard Business Review
Leaders today need to revisit an overlooked skill: asking questions. In my 40 years as an executive and advisor in Silicon Valley, I’ve often seen leaders assume that people look to them for answers — bold assertions that build people’s confidence in their competence. But in reality, that kind of approach erodes trust, especially at a time when so much is manifestly uncertain. You think you have the answers to all important questions? That suggests that you are either clueless — you have no idea how rapidly the world is changing — or that you are lying. In either case, you won’t find that trust that you’ve been looking for.
Instead, leaders should ask powerful and inspiring questions, convey that they don’t have the answers, and solicit others’ help to find them. The leaders I talk to tend to be nervous about this approach: Won’t it look like they don’t know what they’re doing? On the contrary, however, research has shown that expressing vulnerability and asking for help is a strong signal to others that you are trusting, and you’re more likely to be trusted in return. In fact, if you can learn to ask questions well, it can help you connect with others. Thinking together can put you on the path to solving intractable problems and sparking innovative thinking.
Drucker Forum 2020
This article is one in a series related to the 12th Global Peter Drucker Forum, with the theme “Leadership Everywhere.” See the program here.
Ask Big Questions
To be clear: I’m not saying you should ask pointed questions that put others on the spot, like “How can you deliver 10% higher productivity?” or “Are you missing anything here?” The kind of questions leaders need to ask are those that invite people to come together to explore major new opportunities that your organization hasn’t identified yet. Here are some examples:
- What is a game-changing opportunity that could create much more value than we have delivered in the past?
- What are emerging unmet needs of our customers that could provide the foundation for an entirely new business?
- How could we leverage the resources of third parties to address a broader range of the needs of our customers?
- How can we move from standardized, mass-market products and services to personalizing our products and services to the specific needs of each customer?
- How can we develop supply networks that would be more flexible in responding to unanticipated disruptions in production or logistics?
- How could we harness sensor technology to create more visibility into how our customers are using our products and use this information to deliver more value and deepen trust with our customers?
Focusing your questions on these kinds of new and big opportunities rather than on the existing activities of the organization can also help you to sidestep your fear that questioning will be seen as a sign of weakness, since there’s no way you could be expected to know the answers.
These broader questions also communicate that you have a sense of ambition, that you want to take the organization way beyond where it is today. And you can bolster your credibility by providing evidence of those long-term trends that underlie your question – for example, emerging technologies that are likely to offer new opportunities, or demographic shifts that will create some significant unmet needs among your customers.
Involve Others
These questions also invite collaboration. To make the most of them, don’t ask them in closed leadership meetings. Instead, broadcast them throughout your organization and even beyond it. It’s not just you posing a question to your people, it’s your brand reaching out to learn from its consumers. Reaching out beyond the institution to connect with expertise and perspectives from a broader set of more diverse sources will help your company learn faster.
For example, take Domino’s Pizza. About 10 years ago, Domino’s was hearing from customers that they did not like the company’s pizza. Many organizations might have tried to hide this information or work behind the scenes to correct the problem. Domino’s Pizza did something different. They made public the feedback they were receiving and asked for suggestions on how they could improve the quality of their pies. This open question generated an avalanche of suggestions that proved very helpful in improving the pizzas.
But beyond an open innovation success, the impact was even more fundamental: by expressing vulnerability, I believe that the company built trust with customers. Here was a company that was willing to acknowledge they had a problem and to ask for help in addressing the problem. If more organizations were willing to ask for help from their customers and other stakeholders when experiencing a problem, they would likely have much greater success in re-building trust.
Change Your Culture
Anxiety can run high in volatile times, and by asking these kinds of questions you can help people overcome some of their fears. It’s well established in the psychology field that coming together with others can reduce anxiety — that’s the idea behind group therapy. And achieving real impact can also help overcome feelings of being overwhelmed. Thus by helping people to focus on short-term actions they can take together, your questions can provide a focusing and calming effect during a crisis. .
By asking questions as a leader, you also communicate that questioning is important. You’ll inspire people to identify new opportunities and to ask for help when they need it. These behaviors lead to a culture of learning, which is critical, since the institutions that will thrive in the future are those that encourage everyone to learn faster and more rapidly expand the value that they deliver to their stakeholders.
This will be especially true if you encourage exploration that can generate new insights into potential answers to your questions, rather than simply expecting complete answers and nothing less. This will encourage people to make small moves initially that can quickly help to increase excitement about the question since participants can quickly begin to see progress. As early answers to your question begin to emerge (as a result of experiments or research, for example), share them, even if they are not groundbreaking. They’ll contribute to your culture of learning and show your stakeholders that your questioning is generating new insights, increasing their confidence in your methods.
Leaders who ask powerful questions have the greatest success in both seizing new opportunities and addressing unexpected challenges — and they build cultures that will carry these benefits into the future.
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In the Christian year, we're about to enter the season of Advent - and be reminded that we are still waiting for God to fulfill the all that has been promised in Jesus for us and for the world. That space of waiting reminds us that our posture should be aligned with that of Mary when she received the annunciation from the angel Gabriel: "may it be in me according to your will" (Luke 1:38)
My Advent prayer for myself, for The Initiative, and for each of you who reads these updates is that we will continue to yield ourselves and our structure to be formed and shaped according to God's good purpose and loving design.
Yours in Christ's Love,
Scott Brill
Executive Director
As I was walking along I saw your many altars.
One had this inscription on it—“To an Unknown God.”
You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is,
and now I wish to tell you about him.
Acts 17:23 NLT
I am not a founder of a religion—I am the Redeemer.
On the altar of Calvary, believe Me and know complete salvation.
I am not a teacher of a philosophy—I am the Prince of Peace.
On the altar of reverence, seek Me and know indefinable serenity.
I am not a charlatan—I am the Wonderful Counselor.
On the altar of faith, follow Me and know unflinching assurance.
I am not an abstraction—I am the Almighty.
On the altar of expectation, depend on Me and know graceful strength.
I am not a security blanket—I am the Savior.
On the altar of repentance, receive Me and know unfailing love.
I am not a concept—I am the Creator.
On the altar of humility, recognize Me and know ultimate meaning.
I am not a hallucination—I am your Helper.
On the altar of trust, rely on Me and know unflappable equanimity.
I am not a superstition—I am the Sovereign.
On the altar of wisdom, learn of Me and know infinite worth.
I am not a fabrication—I am your Friend.
On the altar of truth, walk with Me and know heavenly compassion.
I am not a lunatic—I am Lord of all.
On the altar of surrender, give Me your heart and know total freedom.
I am not a creed—I am the Christ.
On the altar of sincerity, obey Me and know perfect reality.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 330, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines and is seen
as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Watch [be cautious and active] for you do not know
in what kind of a day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:27, 42 AMPLIFIED BIBLE
My return will be evident to skeptics—the end of the world for atheists.
Those who thought it would never happen will be convinced—too late.
My Presence will be as obvious as lightning lighting up the entire sky.
The Second Coming is more than a doctrine—it will really happen.
You can count on it—you have My Word.
The King’s return will be unmistakable.
My return will be exciting to saints—the ecstasy of worship for believers.
The King of kings will unite unsettled nations and rule the universe.
The surprise and shock will be more than many people can bear.
The Second Coming will bring the future perfect tense I have promised.
Everything will be transformed for the better when I put My foot down.
The King’s return will be unimaginably beautiful.
My return will be enlightening to the sincere—
the encouragement of wonder for the redeemed.
The triumph of righteousness will obliterate the darkness of evil.
Constellations will fade in the light of the Bright Morning Star.
To the lost, My return will mean tragedy—outer darkness with no exit.
To the saved, My Second Coming will mean triumph—eternal light.
The King’s return will bring unending celebration.
My return will be embarrassing to the slothful—
the exposing of waste to the lazy.
The unprepared will blush with shame—and cry tears of futile regret.
The King’s return, to them, will be uncomfortable—to say the least.
Are you surrendered to Me as your King? Then be subject to change!
Are you convinced I am actually going to return? Then live like it!
Are you persuaded you have an interview with Me? Then get ready!
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 311, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
GUEST POST: Redemptive Relationships
4 Ways to Build Redemptive Relationships
By Gary Reinecke on Nov 16, 2022 10:03 am
In a post-Christian context, one of the challenges when building redemptive relationships is discerning where to start. In our efforts to relate, serve, and ultimately build trust, sometimes we inadvertently do more damage than good. It can happen in subtle ways through words and actions that are intended to build bridges but, instead, create deep divides that are challenging to navigate.
Have you said something that was received with a surprised look, hurt, or even anger? I know I have. Fortunately, when this happens I have people around me that make me aware and those on the receiving end have been kind enough to forgive. There are times, though, when things are said that are offensive and insensitive that can lead to rifts in relationship if not quickly addressed. That’s what I would like to address here.
4 ways to build redemptive relationships
1. Listen
Listen to understand so that you learn where a person is coming from. This is easier said than done. Before you form a judgment – stop, remain curious and ask questions. When you feel the urge to share your own thought or relatable story, decide instead to listen and understand.
2. Empathize
If there is one thing that followers of Jesus need to lead the way in, it is the art of empathy. With the ability to put yourself in another person’s position, you can earn the right to ask questions. The only way to do this is by getting into the muck and mire of people’s lives. Watch Brene Brown on Empathy.
3. Nurture Trust
This is vital. Until you have implemented the first two, listening and empathizing, you will find it challenging to build trust. Nurturing trust is not a one-time event, but a repeatable process that needs to be reinforced.
4. Contextualize your message
What about when you have something to say? There is a nagging question in the coaching community about feedback and it’s true, sometimes it’s important. We cover that topic in the post Coaches and Timely Feedback. If you are confident it’s time to speak up, remember to make sure what you offer is principle based and appropriately contextualized.
Paul was astute at relating to people from different worldviews than his own. Think of what he encountered throughout his ministry: navigating cross-cultural barriers, paradigms that were contrary to his, and an array of theological assumptions. A favorite example is when he encountered the “unknown God” in Acts 17:22-23
So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. “It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you’re dealing with. —The Message
Become a More Effective Witness
Reflect on these questions to assess how you can adapt your approach and build relationships with people outside of the church.
- What values do I need to hold true to?
- Which issues are non-negotiables for me? Really?
- What issues am I willing to let go?
- What am I unwilling to risk in this conversation?
- How can I create a win-win for this conversation?
- What should I look for to determine if people are uncomfortable?
- How will I respond when I encounter a sensitive topic?
- What possible subjects will this person find potentially offensive?
- How can I share what I need to share in a way that it can be heard?
- Who else could I include?
Cover Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
The post 4 Ways to Build Redemptive Relationships appeared first on Christian Coaching Tools.
#ReimagineEVANGELISM...
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This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past,
but now it has been revealed to his own holy people.
For it has pleased God to tell his people that
the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too.
For this is the secret: Christ lives in you,
and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.
Colossians 1:26-27 NLT
Christ’s promise in your mind is your hope of an eternal destiny of joy.
Christ’s love in your heart is your absolute guarantee of a heavenly home.
Christ’s Spirit in your soul is your personal security you are bound for glory.
Christ’s presence in your life is your foretaste of glory divine.
The entire universe with its innumerable galaxies cannot contain God—
yet God has taken up residence in the hearts of all who welcome His Son.
Because Christ lives in you—
you can count on inheriting the blessing of sharing in His glorious reign;
you have been rescued from the dark side, and live as a child of the Light;
you have been made a privileged citizen of His eternal Kingdom;
you have been freed from sin’s addiction and destructiveness;
you have been forgiven of sin’s guilt, and can face eternity fearlessly.
Certainty of eternal life is not based on doubtful faith, but trusting reliance.
Promised glory is not mere wishful thinking—God’s promises will materialize.
Your ultimate destination is a land beyond time, change and decay.
Heaven on earth will be a deathless, tearless, painless, sinless place.
Looking forward to the ecstasy of infinite glory—
you are motivated by a changed purpose—Christ, not yourself;
you anticipate a changed destiny—heaven, not hell;
you demonstrate a changed lifestyle—holiness, not wickedness.
Identified with Christ, you are victorious over sin and death now;
and you are destined for unimaginable glory someday—
more beautiful than any painting can picture,
more joyous than any symphony can convey,
more magnificent than any literature can describe.
Roman generals returning from victory were greeted by a great procession
lining streets and cheering, vanquished troops marching in chains,
strange animals brought from subjugated lands, musicians and singers
celebrating conquests, his children robed in white riding trace horses,
a slave riding with him in his chariot holding a crown for him
and whispering in his ear, “All glory is fleeting.” And so it is.
The one exception is Christ’s glory awaiting you—it is not too good to last.
An eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison will reward your faith.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
|
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.
Isaiah 12:2 NLT
How can you go on when you feel like giving up?
How can you face another day if you don’t want to get out of bed?
My power is the answer to your problem of weakness.
You can be stronger than you feel achievable—if you let Me carry you.
You can accomplish everything I ask of you if you rely on My grace.
You can survive harrowing situations if you trust Me.
You can be ready for anything the future holds if you lean hard on Me.
You can be victorious over evil habits if you depend on My Holy Spirit.
You can avoid self-pitying quicksand if you stand on the Rock of Ages.
You can hang in there when you are bone-tired and weary if you pray.
You can persevere until the finish line if you stay focused on the cross.
How can you celebrate when the world is falling apart?
How can you rejoice even in the midst of discouraging circumstances?
My peace is the answer to your problem of woe.
You can be happier than you think possible—if you let Me comfort you.
You can be optimistic about a bright future if you believe My promises.
You can learn to dance for joy even on cloudy days if you follow My lead.
You can have cascading joy in a sad world if you drink of My Spirit.
You can get over singing the blues if you listen to My toe-tapping jazz.
You can know peace in pandemonium if you keep your mind on Me.
How can you find real significance in a society playing trivial pursuit?
How can you make God’s dream for your life come true?
My purpose is the answer to your problem of wandering.
You can be nobler than you deem attainable—if you let Me control you
You can find an exciting reason for living if you honor the King of kings.
You can be resurrected above narcissistic culture if you bury your self.
You can aim for goals death cannot kill if you think vertically.
© Johnny R. Almond
Day 265, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
#ItSeemsToMe...
Phil Miglioratti
#ItSeemsToMe...the "lie" of #ChristianNationalism is the lie self-identified-Christians believe that the white-male-middle-class-America version is the only biblical application of the #Gospel.
Dogma ("a set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true"), including #evangelical systematic theologies, blend cultural perspectives and presuppositions with biblical truth. It is impossible to have a biblical statement of belief that does not get contaminated at points of application or intermixed when applied in social or political realms.
"Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the (religious) leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”" John 18:36
Christian Nationalism, while for some is a simple desire for liberty and justice for all peoples, is inexorably bent toward the good old days of a Euro-centric culture which must be restored at any cost.
You can be a Christian who is a conservative person but I do not believe we can be conservative Christians. Christ was radical. Authentic CHRISTianity must not be swallowed up by liberalism nor conservatism. Nor can we be anti-liberal (per se) or anti-conservative (per se). Liberal and conservative perspectives come from persons who are created int he image of God, who is righteous and just while calling for obedience and the freeing of captives.
#ReimagineCHRISTIANITY...In America
