Leadership

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Tahlequah, OK

Nikolskoye, Russia

"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." --Jim Rohn

The vision of Micaiah Ministries is to:

Strengthen the Individual
Strengthen the Pastor
Strengthen the Local Church

Micaiah Ministries has been conducting leadership conferences across the United States and around the world. With wisdom and insight from a ministry that has spanned the globe since 1981, Kent Wilson and Todd Murphy have a gained a reputation of "Friends to the Pastor."

Because of the longevity of the ministry, watching as leaders come and go, along with the fact that they minister in both the average sized congregation and larger churches, giving ear to hear what Pastors from the local churches are saying, these two men have gained a unique perspective concerning leadership that can help to encourage you. Where ever they go, pastors and church leaders are encouraged and strengthened as "iron sharpens iron."

September/October Suggested Reading:

God's Armor Bearer Volumes 1 & 2 by Terry Nance

To be a leader, you must think like a leader. If you go to military school, they don't tell you all the strategic battle moves to make on the battle field, but instead, they teach you to think like a military leader so that on the battle field you will make the moves. As Christian leaders within the Army of the Lord, we too should take the opportunity to increase our knowledge of leadership skills. Books suggested are NOT available through Micaiah Ministries, they can usually be purchased through your local Christian Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.

Suggested Online Teaching:

Qualities of a Spiritual Leader

by Kent Wilson

Some Thoughts to Consider

Successful Keys to Longevity

Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?
(Prov. 20:6 NIV)

I went to Agape Church in Little Rock two weeks after it was started in May of 1979. As soon as I arrived, I began to get involved. I set out to do whatever I could do to help my pastor fulfill his vision for the church.

In all I served twenty-three years in that ministry, and I saw God faithfully fulfill His call on my life. In short, I bloomed where God had planted me.

While preparing to speak to our office and ministerial staff one day, the Holy Spirit put it into my heart to ask them each to give me two keys that had produced longevity in their positions and had helped them bloom where they were planted. There were several full-time staff members who had been with the church for many years. The church staff overall had remained—and still is—very solidly committed.

From that meeting came forty keys to producing longevity of service in the place where God has placed you. Here are the first twenty of those keys in the order in which they were given.

You must have a call from God.
Make sure you have a real, personal relationship with Christ.
Ask God to give you His vision or goal for your life.
Be willing to do whatever is asked.
Do not lose sight of the people behind the work.
Be thankful for your position and never take it for granted.
Be willing to submit to authority.
Know that you are in God's will.
Know that your rewards are laid up in heaven.
Develop a servant's heart.
Walk without offense.
Serve as if you were serving Jesus Himself, and do not get your eyes on the man under whom you work. On the other hand, be careful to respect the call that is on his life.
Be patient.
Have a loyalty that goes beyond personal feelings.
Respect everyone.
Hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.
Judge yourself.
Do not ever be too big to do the small things or too small to do the big things.
Commit to the ministry the way a person should be committed to his marriage.
Know that you are important and needed.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

Consider each of the following keys above and evaluate how well you are doing at developing longevity and faithfulness in service.
Read and meditate on what the Bible says about the faithful:
"A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter" (Prov. 11:13).

"A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health" (Prov. 13:17).

"A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies" (Prov. 14:5).

"As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters" (Prov. 25:13).

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2).

"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry" (1 Tim. 1:12).

Heavenly Father, You are such a faithful God, and I know it blesses You when we follow Your example and are faithful like You. I am committed to being an excellent armorbearer for the long haul. Show me if there are any blind spots so that I can deal with whatever would hold me back from serving You 100 percent. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

#1 As a rule, high achievers don't have any problem staying motivated to work. Often their problem lies at the other end of the spectrum. They have trouble stopping long enough to recharge and refresh themselves.

Making sure you, and those who work for you, get adequate periods of rest and quiet reflection is one of the Bible's keys to increase. It's called the principle of the Sabbath and it is as old and reliable as the Bible itself. It may be appealing to be thought of as the hard worker who never rests, but it will hurt your effectiveness in the long run.

So let me ask you, "Are you taking the time to rest and recharge?"

#2 Lemmings are famous for following each other—even over the edge of a cliff. Following the herd has never been the path to success. That's why one of the Bible's keys to organizational success is the willingness to go against the grain. Jesus called it taking the narrow path instead of the wide way.

Finding a unique way to do something or seeking out and occupying a special niche are all part of this kind of thinking. Success in business almost always depends on differentiating what you make or what you do from your competitors.

My question of the day for you is, "What are you and your company doing to set themselves apart from the crowd?"

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter
for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

The best predictor of the future is the past. That's why, when it comes time look for people in your organization who are ready to be elevated to leadership, one of the key traits to look for is a history of leadership, even in small things.

One wise business owner told me he took note of any worker who said he was a deacon in his church, or a Boy Scout leader. If he showed leadership outside of the job, he would probably exhibit it on the job.

The Bible says, "The person who is faithful in a little thing will be faithful in big things, too." Are you seeing potential leaders in those with a history of leading in little things?

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Statu Quo (Latin for "The Mess We're In")

Change. I hope this word doesn't scare you, but rather, inspires you. Herbert Spencer said, "A living thing is distinguished from a dead thing by the multiplicity of the changes at any moment taking place in it." Change is an evidence of life. It is impossible to grow without change. Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. The truth is, life is always at some turning point.

What people want is progress, if they can have it without change. Impossible! You must change and recognize that change is your greatest ally. The person who never changes his opinion, never corrects his mistakes. The fact is, the road to success is always under construction.

Yesterday's formula for success is often tomorrow's recipe for failure. Consider what Thomas Watson, the founder of the IBM Corporation, said, "There is a world market for about 5 computers." Where would IBM be today is Mr. Watson had not been willing to change?

You cannot become what you are destined to be by remaining what you are. John Patterson said, "Only fools and dead men don't change their minds. Fools won't. Dead men can't." If you don't respect the need for change consider this: How many things have you seen that have changed just in the past year? When you change yourself, opportunities will change. The same kind of thinking that has brought you to where you are, will not necessarily get you to where you want to go. Sante Boeve discovered this truth: "There are people whose watch stops at a certain hour and who remain permanently at that age."

Do not fear change, for it is an unchangeable law of progress. The man who uses yesterday's methods in today's world won't be in business tomorrow. A traditionalist is simply a person whose mind is always open to new ideas, provided they are the same old ones. "There are people who not only strive to remain static themselves, but strive to keep everything else so…their position is almost laughably hopeless" (Odell Shepard).

Mignon McLaughlin said, "It's the most unhappy people who most fear change." When patterns and tradition are broken, new opportunities come together. Defending your faults and errors only probes that you have no intention of quitting them. All progress is due to those who were not satisfied to let well enough alone. They weren't afraid to change. Change is not your enemy—it is your friend.

Source: Conquering An Enemy Called Average
by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

It Pays To Obey

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.
(Eccl. 3:11)

Years ago I was in Austria and was talking with a national pastor who shared something that blessed me greatly.

In 1987, when I was in that country, I was scheduled to lead a Bible conference. I struggled within myself as to what to teach. I rose up early the day before the conference and said to the Lord, "Father, what do You want me to teach?" I had not consulted with Him about His direction.

The Lord said, Preach on the pattern of the New Testament Church.

I began reading through the book of Acts to discover what that pattern was. The theme of all the messages I received was this: if Austria is going to be won to God, it must be done through the local church.

I realized then that God was saying, Today is the day of the local church in Austria. I believe that is true of the whole world.

This Austrian pastor shared with me how as a result of that one conference, four local churches had been started in four different areas. I was so blessed and moved in my heart that God had used me to affect a nation. It had happened because I was obedient and taught what He wanted taught.

In 1989, we opened the first Full-Gospel Bible school in the history of that European nation. I have found God to be so faithful to us as we determine to walk in our anointing, stay in submission to His divine authority, and fulfill our God-ordained assignment. It takes an understanding of all these areas in order to be an armorbearer.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer
Let's take a look at the three principles just mentioned:

Walk in your anointing. Do you know what that is? What about you just seems to flow, almost effortlessly? It shouldn't be something you have to work up. It's a gift that God has given you.
Stay in submission to His divine authority. Do you know what God wants you to be doing right now? If not, are you willing to repent and get back in the game? Are you willing to stay in the place God has you until He releases you to do something else?
Fulfill your God-ordained assignment. Sooner or later, if you will remain faithful and submit to God's leading, you will fulfill your God-ordained assignment. It will be a day of great rejoicing and many will be blessed.

Heavenly Father, the very fact that the Holy Spirit lives in me is testament to the fact that Your anointing is in me. Help me recognize the gifts You've put in me, and teach me how to flow in them to bless others. I am committed to stay when You say stay and go when You say go. You are truly the Lord of my life and all that I do. Finally, I trust You to move me into position at just the right time so that I may fulfill the assignment You've ordained for me from the beginning. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Recognizing Potential Leaders

One prominent leader has called it "a constructive spirit of discontent." It's one of the traits you should look for in a potential leader in your organization. There's a big difference in being constructively discontent and simply being critical.

If somebody says, "There's got to be a better way to do this," you can see if there's leadership potential by asking, "Have you ever thought about what that better way might be?" If he says no, he's being critical, not constructive. People who are comfortable in the status quo are not leaders.

Does the person you're considering for a promotion believe there is always a better way to do things?

Jesus said, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things."
(Matthew 25:21 NKJV)

There was a time when I saw God begin to do many great things in my life. It was a time of the manifestation and fulfillment of many dreams and visions. During this period, I started experiencing more problems and having more frequent confrontations than ever before. As director of our Bible and mission school, I felt like a fireman. As soon as one "blaze" was extinguished, another would crop up somewhere else.

On one hand, God was doing great things, but on the other hand I felt run down and discouraged. At this time I thought to myself, I will just let my wife (who was the administrator of the school) start doing more; I'll go to the mission field where the work is fun and I can just send back postcards.

My mind was made up to do that until, while in prayer, I saw in my spirit a vision of David being anointed by Samuel to be king. The Lord asked me, What did David do after he was anointed king?

I thought for a moment and answered, "He went back to tending his father's sheep."

The Lord continued, Had David gone out looking for a giant to kill at that time, the lion and the bear would have eaten his flock. The school is your flock, so you had better tend to it.

"Yes, Sir," I said. "I see that very clearly."

Whether you are a pastor, an associate pastor, a music director, or a layman, each of us has a flock. That flock belongs to us individually, and God expects us to tend it. David's flock was his assignment from God, and he knew that. Although he had been anointed to be king of Israel, his first priority at the moment was to continue to tend to his first assignment. I knew that if I did not take the time to invest myself into the students under my care, I could not expect them to flow with me once they had reached the mission field.

The giants will come. And if you will stay with your assignment, at just the right time, you will meet and conquer your giant just as David met and overcame his. Like David, you will be exalted—after you have first proven yourself faithful.
You may look at your current condition and position and wonder how God could ever use you. You may think to yourself, I am not the person in charge, so I have to stay submitted to other people. How will I ever get to fulfill my own dream and vision?

Be at peace and know that God's Word is not written for leaders only. It is written for the Body of Christ, and that includes you—God's armorbearer—right where you are today.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

Who or what is your flock at the moment? Whomever or whatever it is, it is where God needs you now.
Let the scriptures below encourage you. In the last two examples, the individuals being written to were already in leadership positions of oversight, but the principle is still the same: don't get in a hurry for the next phase of ministry. Serve your current flock well today. Let these verses minister to you: Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 31:15; Acts 20:28; and 1 Peter 5:2–4.

Father God, thank You for the "flock" You've given me. My heart is so full of the vision You've put inside me that sometimes it is hard to give my current assignment my full attention. I repent of that. If I'm constantly living in the future, there is no way I can be truly faithful where I am now. I recommit myself to the position You have me in now. My times are in Your hands, Father, and I trust You to orchestrate my life as it pleases You. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
(Psalm 75:6)

We've stated many times throughout this book that as you are faithful in the small things, God will make you a ruler over many. As we stay with the assignment and the gifts God has given each of us, He will bring our gift before great men. (Prov. 18:16.) This may not happen overnight, but God always fulfills His promises. When it doesn't seem like anything is happening and that you will always be serving in the background, your Father sees you and will reward your faithfulness.

I remember one day while attending Bible school, I saw a fellow I knew come into class all dressed up. This was unusual because he generally wore jeans. When I asked him why he was so dressed up, he answered, "Because all the 'big shots' from the denominational headquarters are coming to school today; just stick with me and I'll introduce you to the really big ones."

I was so grieved in my heart that I went to my room and told the Lord that if that was how the ministry worked, then He could count me out.

The Lord said so clearly to me that day, Son, don't you realize that you have already been introduced to the Big One?

That's right. They don't come any "bigger" than God, and you don't have to play any games to gain His attention. Stay with your individual assignment, and in due time He will exalt you.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

The following are some examples of God exalting ordinary individuals to a place of honor. None exalted themselves, but God saw their hearts and in due season they reaped the rewards of their faithfulness.

Rebekah was drawing water from a well and with a servant's heart offered a drink to Abraham's servant and his camels. She went on to marry Isaac, a very wealthy man. Together they bore Jacob, who was in the lineage of Jesus. (Matt. 1:2.)
David was just a shepherd boy being faithful in his work when he was anointed to be king. The Lord specifically told Samuel not to look on his appearance, for He saw David's heart. (1 Sam. 16:6–13.) He, too, was part of the lineage of Jesus.
Ruth gave up her life in her homeland to follow her mother-in-law after the death of their husbands. She went on to marry Boaz. Together they, too, bore a son in the lineage of Jesus. (Matt. 1:5.) The book of Ruth in the Bible tells her story.
Esther was an ordinary women who had favor with the king and went on to marry him. She saved her people from death, and a book of the Bible was written to tell her story.
Mary was another ordinary woman who found great favor with God. She bore the Savior.

These are just a few of the many examples of ordinary but faithful individuals who did not promote themselves, but were highly exalted by God.

Dear God, I feel like I'm just an ordinary, everyday sort of person, just being faithful to do the small things in Your Kingdom. I see how others have set out to promote themselves, oftentimes hurting others in the process, but I refuse to get into the political game. You see my heart, You know what I do, and I trust You for any promotion that comes. Even if I am never exalted in a public way, I thank You that You will reward me for being faithful to Your work. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
(1 Cor. 12:18)

The fulfillment of the predetermined course God has set for you is dependent upon the proper use of the divine gifts that have been bestowed upon you.

Every year my family gets together on Christmas Eve. Because my family is so large, prior to Christmas we draw names to see whom we will buy presents for. One Christmas, while handing out the gifts, I noticed that my twin brother had received two presents. His name had accidentally been placed on two different gifts. When I opened my present, I was disappointed in what I received. I then looked at my twin brother and the two nice gifts he had. Later, sensing my disappointment, my wife came over to console me.

"Don't worry, Terry," she said, "when we get back home, we will exchange it for something you like better."

Now the very same thing happens in the Body of Christ. We open the gifts God has given us, and we run to someone else to see what he has received. Then we hurry to another to see what gift he has been given. When we look at our gift from the Lord, we are unhappy with it and immediately think to ourselves, I know what I'll do; I'll swap it for something I like better.

This is why there are so many people running around in church circles today claiming to be an apostle or a prophet or a teacher. Many times what they are really doing is "gift swapping," because they do not like the spiritual gift that God has bestowed upon them.

You had absolutely nothing to do with choosing the gifts that God has placed inside you. He bestows gifts according to His will, and it is up to you to receive the gift He's given you and allow Him to add more gifts "as He wills." (1 Cor. 12:11.)

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

For a person to really understand his gifts and how to flow in them sometimes takes many years. First, you must recognize the gift God has given you. If you don't know what it is, there are excellent Christian books and courses designed to help you discover it.
Be thankful. A gift is a good thing. If you are coveting someone else's gift, examine your heart as to why. And talk to your Father God. Ask Him to show you how your gift can be fully utilized to bless as many people as possible.
Meditate on what God has to say about gifts. In addition to the ones below, also read Romans 12:4–8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1–12.

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Rom. 11:29).

"A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" (Prov. 18:16).

"God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well" (Rom. 12:6 TLB).

"For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that" (1 Cor. 7:7).

"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him" (1 Cor. 12:14–18).

Dear God, thank You for the gifts You've given me. Help me to recognize them, and provide me with opportunities to put them into practice. I ask You to forgive me for the times I've taken my gift for granted and coveted others' gifts. I rejoice in my gift now and ask You to help me use it to bless many. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Let Go Of The Past

One key to winning in life is forgetting what lies behind. It's one of the principles for living a winning lifestyle modeled by the apostle Paul. He tells us he is, "...forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead...." Paul had the wisdom to know it was impossible for him to go forward while dwelling in the past.

The same is true for you. If you're going to walk in the winning lifestyle God wants you to experience, you're going to have to turn loose of the past. That means letting go of the hurts, the mistakes, and even the past victories.

Are you letting your past keep you from experiencing a winning future?

Becoming a Star at Work

Maintaining absolute integrity is the bottom-line rule for any leader if they want their subordinates to follow them under all conditions. How do you cultivate integrity? First: Keep your word. If you say something, make certain it is the exact truth. Second: Choose the harder right over the easier wrong.

When you are faced with choices of right or wrong, no matter what your boss thinks...no matter what the stockholders think...choose the right. The Bible is clear on this issue, to lead effectively, especially during difficult times, you must be known as a person of your word.

My question of the day for you is, "What is your reputation for integrity?"

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
(Ps. 32:8)

Another invaluable characteristic to help armorbearers develop longevity is teamwork. I want to share an analogy that the Holy Spirit quickened to me between an NFL football team and the operation of the local church. We will start with the coaches in the press box. It is their responsibility to choose the best plays to call, which they can do because they see the overall field and the way the opposing team is set up. Their job is to watch for any weaknesses, then quickly call plays to take advantage of them.

This could be compared to the Father and the Son of God, who sit in the press box and call the plays in our lives. They know the devil's tactics as well as which plays will be most effective against them. Paul wrote that we should not let Satan take advantage of us, "for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor. 2:11).

There are three heavens in the universe. (2 Cor. 12:2.) The first heaven is over the physical earth; the second is the realm where Satan, demons, and angels dwell; and the third heaven is the "press box" where God's throne is. The Bible makes it clear that Satan is the prince and power of the air. God looks down on the second heaven and sees clearly the strategies of the devil against the Church.

God then calls down to the Coach on the playing field—the Holy Spirit in our analogy—and communicates to Him what the devil is doing. With this information, our Coach can then let us know what plays to run.

The coaches in the press box record every play on video, so they can take a look at the last play while another play is being run on the field. That way they can analyze what the opposing team is setting up. Our Father has the ability to see past, present, and future. He knows the right play to call every time. It is up to us to listen to our Coach on the playing field.

Our Coaches in the press box are essential if we are to win the game!

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

No matter what you are going through, your heavenly Coaches are in the press box of heaven and see it all. They see every hurt, every joy, every dilemma, and they know which calls to make. They will lead you to victory.

Your Coaches also see your leader and the ministry for which you work. You can trust that They will communicate Their will and plan.

Meditate on these verses about what the Lord sees.

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy" (Ps. 33:18).

"He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves" (Ps. 66:7).

"Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them" (Ps. 139:16).

"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings" (Prov. 5:21).

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Prov. 15:3).

Father God, I'm so glad You see the big picture. Often we humans can't see the forest for the trees, but You see it all. I trust Your judgment to make the most effective calls, and I pray that my leader will hear them clearly so he can communicate them to the team. Then help us to execute the plays well so we can win. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Have you ever been given responsibility for doing something without the corresponding authority to get it done? It's a horrible position in which to be placed. Jesus knew that if he gave His followers responsibility, He must also delegate His authority. If more leaders today understood this leadership secret, much more would be accomplished.

Of course, delegating authority involves some risks. And the leader who does so, must be secure enough not to need to receive all the credit. So let me leave you with a question today, "Have you given someone responsibility without authority?"

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

You can't fulfill your destiny on a theory—it takes WORK. None of the secrets of success will work unless you do. You are made for action. Success simply takes good ideas and puts them to work.

What the free enterprise system really means is that the more enterprising you are the more free you are. What we all need is less emphasis on free and more on enterprise.

Listen to Shakespeare: "Nothing can come of nothing." A belief is worthless unless converted into action. The Bible, a book of faith, talks about work over 500 times. Often, the simple answer to your problems is: go to work.

"Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted" (David Bly). What you believe doesn't amount to very much unless it causes you to wake up from your dream and start working.

You cannot just dream yourself into what you could be. The only time a lazy person ever succeeds is when he tries to do nothing. A famous old saying says it best: "Laziness travels slowly, poverty soon overtakes it."

When you are lazy, you must work twice. It is always a trying time for a person who is always trying to get something for nothing. Did you notice? We weren't given apple juice; we were given apples. Some say nothing is impossible, yet there are a lot of people doing nothing every day.

Some do things while others sit around becoming experts on how things might be done. The world is divided into people who do things and people who talk about doing things. Belong to the first group—there is far less competition.

"All men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ" (Moliere). Wishing has never made a poor man wealthy. Robert Half nails it: "Laziness is the secret ingredient that goes into failure, but it's only kept a secret from the person who fails."

Tell yourself: "Inspirations never go in for long engagements; they demand immediate marriage to action" (Brendon Francis). If the truth were known, most of our troubles arise from loafing when we should be working, and talking when we should be listening.

There is a man in the world, who never gets turned down, wherever he chances to stray; He gets the glad hand in the populous town, or out where the farmers make hay: He is greeted with pleasure on deserts of sand, and deep in the isles of woods; Wherever he goes there is a welcoming hand—he's the man who delivers the goods.
(Walt Whitman)

Source: Know Your Limits - Then Ignore Them
by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.
(Prov. 6:23)

A key to maintaining a good attitude is being big enough to be rebuked and corrected. We will be reproved and corrected in life, because we are human and make mistakes. If you want to mature, you must be teachable.

Proverbs 9:8–9 says, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (emphasis added).

If you are one who is going to rebuke, then be wise enough to instruct and teach as well. I have seen people who felt called to "rebuke," but they didn't take the time to teach or instruct. That kind of rebuke amounts to criticism, which wounds and results in nothing but strife. God never assigned anyone to break another person's spirit. If the correction is abusive, then take it before the Lord and pray for wisdom in how to handle it. If it continues, then sit down honestly and openly with your leader and share with him how this has hurt and offended you. God sees the heart of you both. Do whatever is necessary to keep your heart pure. We are always to rebuke with meekness and love and take the time to teach people what they have done wrong and how to do it correctly.

On the other hand, if you are the one being rebuked, do not get your feelings hurt. Be big enough to take it and go on without holding a grudge and being defensive. It is very clear from the Word of God that a wise man will listen to correction and judge himself. (Prov. 13:1.) A fool despises any instruction.

I must admit that I have met some fools in my life. They would not take any correction. Their shortcomings and problems were always someone else's fault. They were always right. What do you do with people like that? You stay away from them. They will never fulfill God's will, because they will not admit mistakes.

We are told in the Bible to judge ourselves and make corrections when we need to change. If you refuse to judge yourself, you will face judgment on the sin you are in.

I believe it is very important today to have people around us to whom we are accountable, people who can speak into our lives. That is why the Bible says to submit to God-called leadership, so they can help us if we begin to miss it. We cannot afford to miss the will of God in our lives.

Stay humble before the Lord, and when you are corrected or rebuked, receive it and learn from it. Then you will grow into the place God intends for you to be. There is no growth without some pruning. God wants lasting fruit to come forth in your life. (John 15:16.)

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

Evaluate how well you take rebuke and correction.
Judge yourself to see if there is any sin in your life. If there is, repent, receive forgiveness, and make the necessary changes.
The following are some verses for additional study:
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (Prov. 12:15).

"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding" (Prov. 15:32).

"Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge" (Prov. 19:25).

Heavenly Father, no one likes correction, but only fools refuse it. I choose to submit to godly correction and rebuke. Help me to judge myself so that correction won't be necessary, but if I overlook something and require a rebuke, help me to receive it humbly and to make the changes needed. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

An Excellent Spirit Produces Promotion

In the year 605 BC, a young man, actually a teenager named Daniel, was deported to Babylon. Daniel was not alone. Thousands of captives had been taken from Judah to Babylon. The treasures of Solomon's palace and the temple were also transported.

The Babylonians had subdued all the provinces ruled by Assyria and had consolidated their empire into an area that covered much of the Middle East.

In order to govern this mass kingdom, slaves who had been educated or who possessed exceptional skills were used by the Babylonian government. Only the sharpest minds, only those with wisdom and understanding were placed in leadership roles. Daniel was one of those men. He was selected along with three of his friends for the leadership training program.

Daniel 6:3 says, "Then Daniel distinguished himself above the governors because an excellent spirit was in him: and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm."

Here we are told that Daniel impressed the king of Babylon so much that the king even considered putting Daniel as the governor over the entire kingdom. Isn't that amazing? Remember, Daniel was a slave. Daniel was a captive from a conquered kingdom. But, even though he was a captive and the normal way of thinking would be that he couldn't be trusted, in Daniel's case, it was just the opposite. Daniel was extremely trusted.

But why? What was it about Daniel that made him different from the other captives? What was it that gave him more favor with the king than all the other governors of Babylon?

The answer is in the verse we just read. The Bible says that Daniel distinguished himself above the governors "because an excellent spirit was in him." Daniel had an excellent spirit. What does this mean? Well, let me give you an example of his excellent spirit.

Because Daniel was favored over the other governors, they became jealous and devised a plan to trick the king into executing Daniel. King Darius fell for the plan and Daniel was scheduled for execution.

Now the method of execution prescribed in this plan was for the convicted person to be thrown into a den full of lions. You can imagine this is not a pretty sight.

When the execution time came, the king gave the command for Daniel to be cast into the lions' den. A stone was placed at the mouth of the den and the king himself sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of the other governors.

Now, the next day the king went to the den of lions and he cried out with a loud voice to Daniel. He asked Daniel how he was doing.

Remember, the king had spent the night in the palace and Daniel had spent the night in a pit full of hungry lions. We would expect Daniel to curse the king, but he didn't.

Daniel 6:21 says, "Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever!" Can you believe that? Even after all that he had gone through, Daniel still had an excellent spirit. He had a good attitude. He was not affected by the things around him.

That's the way we are to be. We must have an excellent spirit. As Christians we must have a positive attitude. Once a man asked me, "Do you believe in positive thinking?" Well, I definitely don't believe in negative thinking! Positive thinking is better than negative thinking. However, positive believing is even better.

Remember, Daniel was distinguished above everyone in the kingdom because an excellent spirit was in him. Distinguish yourself today.
Source: 2002 Larry Ollison Ministries
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

The invisible man would never have made an effective leader. You can't exercise influence if you're never seen or heard. The willingness to be visible is another one of the Leadership Secrets of Jesus. Jesus spoke from mountaintops and boat bows. He shouted in crowded streets and busy synagogues.

He was willing to stand out in a crowd and be a lightening rod for criticism. As Jesus said, a light belongs on a lamp stand, not under a basket. My question of the day for you is: "What can you do to increase your visibility as a leader?"

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

We need to be careful of the kind of insulation we use in our lives. We need to insulate ourselves from negative people and ideas. But, we should never insulate ourselves from Godly counsel and wisdom.

It is a fact that misery wants your company. In Proverbs 27:19 (TLB) we read: "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." Proverbs 13:20 tells us, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." We become like those with whom we associate.

Some years ago I found myself at a stagnation point in my life. I was unproductive and unable to see clearly God's direction. One day I noticed that almost all of my friends were in the same situation. When we got together, all we talked about was our problems.

As I prayed about this matter, God showed me that He desired that I have "foundational-level" people in my life. Such people who bring out the best in us, those who influence us to become better people ourselves. They cause us to have greater faith and confidence, to see things from God's perspective. After being with them, our spirits and our sights are raised.

I have found that it is better to be alone than in the wrong company. A single conversation with the right person can be more valuable than many years of study.

The Lord showed me that I needed to change my closest associations, that there were some other people I needed to have contact with on a regular basis. These were men and women of great faith, those who made me a better person just be being around them.

They were the ones who saw the gifts in me and could correct me in a constructive, loving way. My choice to change my closest associations was a turning point in my life.

When you surround yourself and affiliate with the right kind of people, you enter into the God-ordained power of agreement.

Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12 (TLB) states: "Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he's in trouble. And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

You need to steer clear of negative-thinking "experts." Remember: in the eyes of average people average is always considered outstanding. Look carefully at the closest associations in your life, for that is the direction you are heading.

Source: An Enemy Called Average
by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

I once heard someone described as having "a mind like a steel trap...always tightly closed." I've found the older we get, the more likely we are to become closed to new ways of looking at things. The Bible, in Proverbs 12:15 says it this way: "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice."

According to God, thinking you already know everything is foolish. God wants learning to be something we do, not just when we're young, but for a lifetime. Staying teachable. It's another identifying mark of a winner in life.

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.
(Col. 3:22–24 MSG)

The final three keys to commitment are closely related. The first is to always do your best. It is a way that an armorbearer can show that he cares about the church as much as the pastor.

A visitor walked into our church one morning with a crying child. The woman seemed upset, so one of our nursery workers went out of her way to offer help to soothe the child so the mother could go into the service. There the woman made Jesus the Lord of her life. That nursery worker did her best to help. No doubt, she has a great reward waiting.

The final two keys are to stay with something until the job gets done and never quit or give up. Regardless of what the job is, when you are given something to do—just do it! Then, make sure you finish it. You will have many opportunities to quit, but a committed armorbearer never takes the easy way out.

When we began to build the present church building for Agape Church, the Lord said to construct it debt free, meaning much of the work depended on the voluntary efforts of staff and congregation. When we finally moved into the new building, it had no ceiling or carpet, which meant that the chairs had to be set up before every service and taken down afterwards, along with all of the sound and band equipment. Construction would resume the day after each service, covering the floor with dust that had to be swept before the next service.

When we began, we had plenty of volunteers, but as the months passed, the number of helpers dwindled. Regardless, it was my responsibility to make sure the job was done. It was a difficult season, but I would not trade it for anything. The "hardship" pulled things out of me that I did not know were there—some good, and some not so good. But through it, I learned that the only way to succeed is never to quit.

If you are truly committed to the leader God has assigned you to, you will always do your best, complete every job given to you, and never quit. You will have the privilege of dealing with pride, anger, bitterness, selfishness, and all the destructive things that are in human behavior. But, once you learn to deal with these, overcome them, and let God work in you, then you will become more and more like Him.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer
The following are some verses that will encourage you to do your best and never quit:

"Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of" (2 Tim. 2:14 MESSAGE).
"Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God to bring victory" (Prov. 21:31 MESSAGE).
"To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears" (1 Cor. 9:25 MESSAGE).
"Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit!" (Heb. 12:1 MESSAGE).

Heavenly Father, I am committed to do my best at all times, finish every job assigned to me, and never quit. That is easier said than done, but with You as the strength of my life, I can and will do it. I am committed to being the kind of armorbearer that both You and my leader can totally rely on. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Winston Churchill once said, "An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity. A pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity." Which approach do you tend to take? Great leaders tend to see opportunities—even in difficult times. They have trained themselves to look at every situation and see what's possible.

For example, the Bible's King David showed an amazing ability to devise creative solutions for military and administrative problems. It is an ability he knew came from seeking God's wisdom.

My question of the day for you is, "Have you sought God's wisdom for seeing opportunity in calamity?"

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries, 2003)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
(Psalm 27:14)

You will have many opportunities to quit the position you hold. I have had times of trial and hardship when I prayed for God to let me leave. And I have found that the strength to stand, the strength to go on, and the strength to resist Satan only come through prayer. In our quiet times with God, He gives peace and strength.

We must develop a heart that seeks after God. David, king of Israel, was known as a man whose heart followed after God. If we could interview him today, we might ask what his greatest goal was in life. Was it to be the greatest king? The greatest musician? The wealthiest man on earth?

David would answer with one of his psalms: "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple" (Ps. 27:4).

David's quest in life was to have God's heart. If we are ever to be true successes in God's Kingdom, we also must know that our first ministry is to glorify and honor Him. First Peter 2:5 says that we are a holy priesthood and we are to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Christ Jesus.

The first calling for all of us is to worship and honor the Lord on a daily basis. Jesus had a habit of spending time with Him. That was the key to His anointing, wisdom, and longevity as spoken of in Luke 22:39 AMP: "And He came out and went, [as was his habit] to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed Him." Luke 21:37 further explains, "And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives." He was in the habit of separating Himself from the people to, no doubt, spend time with His Father.

Spend some time giving God glory and honoring Him today. Like David, seek after God with all of your heart and let it become a way of life.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

We humans don't like to wait, but it is a good habit to get into spiritually. The adage "Good things come to those who wait" definitely applies. Set aside some time now to simply wait on God. Let Him strengthen you and renew your strength.
Here are some verses about waiting on God that will encourage you:

"For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth" (Ps. 37:9).

"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day" (Ps. 25:5).

"Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it" (Ps. 37:34).

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa. 40:31).

God, waiting is not something that comes naturally to me, but it is plain in Your Word that waiting on You is a vital factor in living an abundant life. So I choose to wait on You now, to simply sit in Your presence and wait. Thank You that as a result, You will renew my strength so that I will not grow weary or faint. You will exalt me and cause me to inherit the earth. You will lead me into Your truth and teach me. Thank You for showing me how to make this investment in my life that will contribute to my longevity. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Are we living in a world of scarcity? Are more and more people competing for shares of a dwindling pool of resources? Most people view the world through the lens of scarcity. And when you have a scarcity mentality, you tend to be fearful, greedy and need-oriented.

But the Bible tells us God's plan is that we enjoy abundance, and when we do things His way, we do. In Second Corinthians we're told, "God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed."

Is your approach to leadership characterized by scarcity mind set or an abundance mentality?

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries, 2003)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Do you want to accomplish something in life? Be like the stone cutter. Jacob Riis says, "Look at the stone cutter hammering away at the rock, perhaps a 100 times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the 101st blow, it will split in two. And I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before."

Whatever you want to accomplish in life will require persistence.

All things come to those who go after them. Perseverance is the result of a strong will. Stubbornness is the result of a strong won't. Montesquieu said, "Success often depends on knowing how long it will take to succeed."

The secret of success: never let down and never let up. Many times success consists of hanging on one minute longer.

Calvin Coolidge said, "'Press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

James 5:11 reads, "Behold we count them happy which endure." You will find that persistent people always have this attitude: they never lose the game; they just run out of time.

All spiritual progress is like an unfolding vegetable bud. You first have a leading, then peace, then conviction. In the same way, the plant has root, bud, and fruit. Compte de Buffon says, "Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius."

Joel Hause said, "You may be whatever you resolve to be. Determine to be something in the world and you will be something. 'I cannot' never accomplished anything: 'I will try' has wrought wonders."

Persistence prevails when all else fails. Revelations 2:10 says, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

The truth is that persistence is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit. Joseph Ross said, "It takes time to succeed because success is merely the natural reward of taking time to do anything well."

Ecclesiastes declares, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (v. 8). Victory always comes to the most persevering.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The great majority of men are bundles of beginnings."

No one finds life worth living. One must make it worth living. Persistence is the quality that is most needed when it is exhausted.

And remember, genius is often just another way of spelling persistence.

Source: Conquering An Enemy Called Average
by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Have you ever noticed how some people consistently tear you down, while others seem to have the ability to build you up? When you've been built up, you've experienced something the Bible calls "edification."

Edification is a fancy-sounding word, but it simply means to rebuild that which has been torn down. In the Bible, we're encouraged to "edify one another." As you encounter others today, your words are going to be used to either tear them down or build them up.

Make a quality decision right now to be a leader who is known by those around you as an "edifier." My question for you is, "Are you a leader who builds up or tears down?"

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries, 2003)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray.
(Luke 11:1)

If you are going to go the distance and build longevity into your life, your personal relationship with Christ must be a priority. It is easy to stay so involved with the work of the ministry that we overlook our intimate times with Jesus. The pace can become so hectic that our lives resemble a never-ending merry-go-round.

I find it very interesting that in Luke 11:1, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus' ministry was very well known at that time, with miracles, signs, and wonders occurring regularly. However, the Bible never says even one time that the disciples asked Jesus for His anointing.

Today, we see great men of God flowing in major healing and deliverance anointings. It is amazing how many people I hear who desire, covet, want—and would do anything—if these ministers would lay hands on them and "transfer" the anointing.

No one alive has ever flowed in the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the degree that Jesus did. If we covet that kind of anointing, we must do as the disciples did and ask Jesus how to pray. We must follow the pattern set by Jesus. Ministers are falling because they have lost their intimacy with the Lord. Many have fallen into sin simply because they substituted the work of the ministry for an intimate relationship with Him. Don't allow yourself to fall into this trap!

We receive God's plan, will, and direction by establishing a habit of prayer and study of the Word. It is the way we become intimate with Him. Pressures are coming at Christians today in a greater intensity than we have ever experienced. That is because the devil knows his time is short. The key to our being able to walk in victory is to cry out, "Lord, teach us to pray," and then begin praying.

Take some time to do that right now.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

A good way to learn how to pray is to study the examples of prayer in the Bible, such as Luke 11:1–4; John 17; Ephesians 1:15–19; Ephesians 3:14–19; Philippians 1:9–11; and Colossians 1:9–11. In addition, many of the psalms are prayers offered by David to God.
Some also find it helpful to journal their prayers. This provides a written record of your thoughts as you pour out your heart to the Father. You can also record the things you believe God is saying to you. Through the ages, written letters have been the vehicle through which many intimate relationships have been nurtured. Why should it be any different between you and the Father

Heavenly Father, like many other people, I want to flow in the anointing to set captives free. I will follow the examples of the disciples and develop my relationship with You through prayer and spending time in Your Word. I thank You that as I become more and more intimate with You, Your anointing will be a byproduct of our relationship as it was with the disciples. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

Recently, more than 43,000 executives were asked to list the most important virtues they look for in a key staff member. Their number one answer might surprise you. They were asked, "What separates an exceptional employee from an average one?" What virtues would they seek and encourage in employees and in themselves to help their companies succeed?"

The most common answer they gave was "ethics." That comes as no surprise to students of the Bible. The fifth Psalm says that an upright person will be blessed and surrounded with favor. In corporate boardrooms across America, there's a growing appreciation of that truth.

God's wisdom word for you today is ethics.

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.
(Matt. 13:37-38)

You can see that in God's hands we are "seed," and the world is His field. He wants us to put our lives in His hands and let Him plant us into the world. God determined the type of seed you are and where you are to be planted.

Genesis 1:11 says that the "seed is in itself." A seed of corn is always going to produce only corn, a kernel of wheat will produce wheat, a grain of rice will produce rice. You cannot get rice from corn. So it is in the mind of God. He planned our lives before the world was created. Now He wants to plant each of us, so we can begin to bloom and bring forth fruit in season.

If you take a quick look at how a seed produces, it will give you some spiritual insight. The first thing that happens when a seed is planted into the ground is that it goes through a process of dying. Then, a rootlet will begin to push its way through the earth as the rain and sunshine give life to it.

Does that seed ever think, Am I going to get through all of this dirt on top of me? It is so hard, and I feel hopeless. Of course not. But then one day it happens. The seed comes forth, and the bud breaks into the sunlight. Many members of the Body of Christ are like that seed—all they see is dirt piled on top of them. Even staff members of ministries sometimes feel mistreated and left out. Perhaps they feel God has forsaken them because all they can see is dirt. Does this describe you?

If you will just stay where God has planted you and be faithful during the hard times, you will come forth. A seed is destined to spring forth if it is planted into good soil. If you know you are in the will of God and are where He wants you to be, then you will come forth, because it is God's destiny at work in you.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer
Some things you can do to stay strong in the Lord include:

Where would you say you are in the seedtime and harvest process?
Be encouraged by God's Word: "And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come" (Mark 4:26–29).
For a plant to grow healthy and strong, it needs plenty of water and sunshine. Drink in both today through meditating on these verses:

"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses" (Isa. 44:3,4).

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11).

Father, it isn't always easy to bloom where You've planted me. Sometimes I feel like I am two feet underground in the dark, surrounded by dirt. Like a seed has to die, I often have to die to my flesh and my own desires to fulfill my assignment to my leader. But I am encouraged that You are shining upon me and pouring out the water of Your Word upon me that I may bloom in due season. Amen.

Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

What is the key to success? In the minds of more and more Americans, the answer to that question is not "hard work," "ingenuity," or "resourcefulness." No, increasingly, we seem to believe the key to the good life is "luck."

According to the Bible, there is no such thing as luck. Success is a product of operating by certain principles. Ralph Waldo Emerson concurred. He once wrote: "Shallow men believe in luck and circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect." Today millions of Americans are pinning their hopes and dreams for a brighter future on a lottery ticket rather than sweat and creativity.

God's wisdom words for you today are effort and ingenuity.

Source: Winner's Way Broadcast produced by Mac Hammond Ministries
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries, 2004)
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

for more information about CFAITH visit www.cfaith.com

God has put inside every person the potential to be passionate. One person with passion is greater than the passive force of ninety-nine who have only an interest.

Too many people have "only an interest" in their destiny. The Book of Ecclesiastes says,

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.
(Eccl. 9:10)

Everyone loves something. We are shaped and motivated by what we love. It is our passion. Ignore what you are passionate about and you ignore one of the greatest potentials that God has put inside you.

The Power Twins: Passion and Belief
Nothing significant was ever achieved without passion. Jesus was a passionate man. He died for us because He loved us passionately.

Most winners are just ex-losers who got passionate. The worst bankruptcy in the world is the person who has lost his enthusiasm, his passion.

When you add passion to a belief, it becomes a conviction. And there is a big difference between a belief and a conviction. Belief agrees with the facts. Conviction brings persistent action to your belief.

Driven by passionate conviction, you can do anything you want with your life—except give up on the thing you are about. My friend, Mike Murdock, said, "What generates passion and zeal in you is a clue to revealing your destiny. What you love is a clue to something you contain."

Fulfilling God's plan for your life is a passion or it is nothing. We are told to, "Serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul" (Deut. 10:12).

"Without passion man is a mere latent force and a possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark" (Henri Frederic Ameil).

Pessimism never won any battles.

"There are many things that will catch my eye, but there are only a very few that catch my heart...it is those I consider to pursue."
-Tim Redmond

Source: You're Born An Original, Don't Die A Copy!
by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by CFAITH Daily Devotion newsletter

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