Scripture: Galatians 4:19
“Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.” (NLT)
Paul went to great pains to say that the ultimate goal is to have the person of Jesus Christ formed in us. We need to realize what it means for Christ to live in and through us—to invite the Spirit of Christ to work as he reveals himself to us.
This is a lifelong process; I have yet to realize major aspects of this objective. However, I know that God wants to become more fully developed in my life and in the lives of other believers. So let’s learn together what is involved.
One of the first truths to realize, believe, and trust in is this fact:
“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians 2:9–10, NLT)
Jesus Christ is inside the believer. We are complete in him. He is the one who is the source of life that is now lived through us.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
“So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11, NLT)
Christ can live through us as we reckon our old self DEAD to sin. The old self is still there, but we are no longer obliged to let it rule over us:
“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” (Romans 8:12–13, NLT)
Try placing your name in these verses to make them personally applicable to you. Where it says “I” “self” “me” “you” etc. substitute your name. That will make a tremendous difference in how you read these and other verses.
If we hope for these Scripture passages to become part of our daily experience, we need to accept, by faith, the truths stated in them.
Today, ask yourself:
Do I believe that my old self was crucified with Christ on the cross? What step will I take today to trust Christ to live his life in me?
Monday 29 February 2016
Sunday 28 February 2016
The Transformation: Christ Formed In You
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14 and Ephesians 1:17
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NLT)
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)
Practicing the concepts of KingdomNomics is an outgrowth of our relationship with Jesus Christ. He progressively transforms our attitudes, thinking, feelings and actions as his Word invades the depths of our being.
When we receive Christ, he takes up residence inside us and begins molding us into his likeness. This is not a work we do; it is a work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul prayed that God would give us a Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know these basic truths. Again we see the word “revelation.” We progress in our Christian walk only to the extent that Christ reveals himself to us, and to the extent we are willing to submit to him living out his life in us.
When we have fellowship with the Holy Spirit, we can expect to see the reality of Christ living in our life. This gift of God is prompted by our loving God in response to what he has done for us.
“But God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit searches out all things, even the deep secrets of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10, NCV)
“Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but we received the Spirit that is from God so that we can know all that God has given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NCV)
Only through communion with the Spirit will God reveal what he wants us to know.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I in synch with the Spirit of God so I can receive whatever revelation he chooses to reveal to me?
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NLT)
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)
Practicing the concepts of KingdomNomics is an outgrowth of our relationship with Jesus Christ. He progressively transforms our attitudes, thinking, feelings and actions as his Word invades the depths of our being.
When we receive Christ, he takes up residence inside us and begins molding us into his likeness. This is not a work we do; it is a work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul prayed that God would give us a Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know these basic truths. Again we see the word “revelation.” We progress in our Christian walk only to the extent that Christ reveals himself to us, and to the extent we are willing to submit to him living out his life in us.
When we have fellowship with the Holy Spirit, we can expect to see the reality of Christ living in our life. This gift of God is prompted by our loving God in response to what he has done for us.
“But God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit searches out all things, even the deep secrets of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10, NCV)
“Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but we received the Spirit that is from God so that we can know all that God has given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NCV)
Only through communion with the Spirit will God reveal what he wants us to know.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I in synch with the Spirit of God so I can receive whatever revelation he chooses to reveal to me?
Saturday 27 February 2016
The Priority: Christ Formed In You
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:5
“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” (NKJV)
We spend time with the people we love, and we spend time doing the things we love. Such endeavors frequently require patience. This is certainly the case in our relationship with God. The process of getting to know him takes time and patience.
A lot of things cry for our attention. However, most of these distractions are temporal; they are in the process of perishing. KingdomNomics thinkers focus on the eternal:
“…We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV)
We want to make sure our heart is directed into the love of God—into his values and his purposes.
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4, NKJV)
Focus on the words “seek,” “set,” “died,” “your life hidden,” and “Christ who is our life.”
As we seek the things above and set our minds on those things, there is an increasing “gravitational pull” toward Christ himself as we “pull away” from the world, realizing our lives ultimately will be swallowed by the immortal life of Christ.
In fact, as we practice KingdomNomics in the power of the Spirit, more and more of our life will be hidden in Christ. We look forward to that time when we will appear with him in glory.
We need to remember the Father and Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3, NIV)
Here is the source of wisdom and the treasures of life. If only we, and the rest of the world, would spend time with the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Today, ask yourself:
If someone were examine my life today, what would they say I have my mind set on, and what am I seeking as the first priority of my life?
Where does this command of Jesus fit into my life: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” (NKJV)
We spend time with the people we love, and we spend time doing the things we love. Such endeavors frequently require patience. This is certainly the case in our relationship with God. The process of getting to know him takes time and patience.
A lot of things cry for our attention. However, most of these distractions are temporal; they are in the process of perishing. KingdomNomics thinkers focus on the eternal:
“…We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV)
We want to make sure our heart is directed into the love of God—into his values and his purposes.
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4, NKJV)
Focus on the words “seek,” “set,” “died,” “your life hidden,” and “Christ who is our life.”
As we seek the things above and set our minds on those things, there is an increasing “gravitational pull” toward Christ himself as we “pull away” from the world, realizing our lives ultimately will be swallowed by the immortal life of Christ.
In fact, as we practice KingdomNomics in the power of the Spirit, more and more of our life will be hidden in Christ. We look forward to that time when we will appear with him in glory.
We need to remember the Father and Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3, NIV)
Here is the source of wisdom and the treasures of life. If only we, and the rest of the world, would spend time with the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Today, ask yourself:
If someone were examine my life today, what would they say I have my mind set on, and what am I seeking as the first priority of my life?
Where does this command of Jesus fit into my life: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
Friday 26 February 2016
The Perspective: Christ Formed In You
Scripture: Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
The kingdom of God is inside us. It is the person of Jesus Christ. Attributes include righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Eating and drinking are “external factors”—perishing activities that feed a perishing physical body. They are among the things we can see. The internal workings of the Spirit are eternal, unseen except as they are reflected in our behavior. These attributes are part of the divine character God wants to work out in us.
Paul prayed, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)
This “overflowing” is God working in us in response to our placing our trust and faith in him. By the power of the Spirit we can overflow with hope.
Our circumstances are always changing. My mother once said, “The picture changes.” For most of us the picture of our circumstances changes daily. One day it is sunny. Other days it rains. Only the Holy Spirit can produce the hope that anchors our soul.
My mother also said, “This too will pass.” Nothing is permanent in this temporary world.
We have to realize just what kind of a world we are presently living in:
“…For the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31, NKJV)
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)
We are being renewed inwardly by the Holy Spirit. This is one of the major reasons we need to be in constant communion with the Holy Spirit. He gives us the spiritual empowerment, life, and hope that enables us to live in this environment held under the sway of the evil one. If we practice the principles of KingdomNomics—SOAK, SOW, AND FLOW—we will experience continuous renewal in the Holy Spirit.
Today, ask yourself:
What is one thing I can do today to cultivate a Godly perspective with regard to what is happening in the world around me?
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
The kingdom of God is inside us. It is the person of Jesus Christ. Attributes include righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Eating and drinking are “external factors”—perishing activities that feed a perishing physical body. They are among the things we can see. The internal workings of the Spirit are eternal, unseen except as they are reflected in our behavior. These attributes are part of the divine character God wants to work out in us.
Paul prayed, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)
This “overflowing” is God working in us in response to our placing our trust and faith in him. By the power of the Spirit we can overflow with hope.
Our circumstances are always changing. My mother once said, “The picture changes.” For most of us the picture of our circumstances changes daily. One day it is sunny. Other days it rains. Only the Holy Spirit can produce the hope that anchors our soul.
My mother also said, “This too will pass.” Nothing is permanent in this temporary world.
We have to realize just what kind of a world we are presently living in:
“…For the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31, NKJV)
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)
We are being renewed inwardly by the Holy Spirit. This is one of the major reasons we need to be in constant communion with the Holy Spirit. He gives us the spiritual empowerment, life, and hope that enables us to live in this environment held under the sway of the evil one. If we practice the principles of KingdomNomics—SOAK, SOW, AND FLOW—we will experience continuous renewal in the Holy Spirit.
Today, ask yourself:
What is one thing I can do today to cultivate a Godly perspective with regard to what is happening in the world around me?
Thursday 25 February 2016
Your Power Source
Scripture: Psalm 62:11 and 2 Corinthians 12:9
“God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you.” (Psalm 62:11, NLT)
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)
It is amazing what lengths people will go to in order to gain access to those they perceive as “powerful people.”
The Psalmist had it right. Power belongs to God. He is the one who can bring about the change we need in our lives and in the circumstances we encounter in this turbulent world.
In so many ways we are weak, powerless, and vulnerable. However, we have been born to a living hope. Subject to the sovereign will of God, we are kept by the power of God:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you. God’s power protects you through your faith until salvation is shown to you at the end of time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5, NCV)
Paul had a chronic physical condition that burdened him, and he prayed to have it removed. A message came from the Lord saying that God’s grace was all Paul he needed to sustain himself. He was told that God’s power works best in weakness. Paul said he would boast about his weaknesses so the power of Christ could work through him.
Is there a lesson for us here?
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV84)
May the power of Christ rest on you and me. Weakness may help make us better candidates for God to use.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I acknowledging my weakness and dependency on God? Is his grace sufficient for me?
“God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you.” (Psalm 62:11, NLT)
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)
It is amazing what lengths people will go to in order to gain access to those they perceive as “powerful people.”
The Psalmist had it right. Power belongs to God. He is the one who can bring about the change we need in our lives and in the circumstances we encounter in this turbulent world.
In so many ways we are weak, powerless, and vulnerable. However, we have been born to a living hope. Subject to the sovereign will of God, we are kept by the power of God:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you. God’s power protects you through your faith until salvation is shown to you at the end of time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5, NCV)
Paul had a chronic physical condition that burdened him, and he prayed to have it removed. A message came from the Lord saying that God’s grace was all Paul he needed to sustain himself. He was told that God’s power works best in weakness. Paul said he would boast about his weaknesses so the power of Christ could work through him.
Is there a lesson for us here?
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV84)
May the power of Christ rest on you and me. Weakness may help make us better candidates for God to use.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I acknowledging my weakness and dependency on God? Is his grace sufficient for me?
The Newness of Life
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18–19, NIV
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God’s Word is wonderful, telling us continually that he is in the renewal business. It is exciting being a Christian because we anticipate that God will always do something new and exciting in our life. Our responsibility is to place ourselves in a position so God can work through us. How do we do this?
First, we need to stop dwelling on the past. When we dwell on the past, it is like trying to drive a car always looking in the rear view mirror. There is nothing we can do about our past except to put aside the parts that pull us down, and to learn not to make the same mistakes in the future.
God is always moving. He is in the creation business. He is in the renewal business.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
We are new creatures in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
If we walk in faith, he will provide “the way in the wilderness” and streams in the spiritual desert of this world. If we are sensitive to his leading we will recognize that he is in the process of doing a new thing in us and through us. When this happens, it is exciting to know we are in the center of God’s will.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:12–13, NIV)
Today, ask yourself:
Do I dwell on my past, or am I looking for the new things that God wants to do in my life?
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God’s Word is wonderful, telling us continually that he is in the renewal business. It is exciting being a Christian because we anticipate that God will always do something new and exciting in our life. Our responsibility is to place ourselves in a position so God can work through us. How do we do this?
First, we need to stop dwelling on the past. When we dwell on the past, it is like trying to drive a car always looking in the rear view mirror. There is nothing we can do about our past except to put aside the parts that pull us down, and to learn not to make the same mistakes in the future.
God is always moving. He is in the creation business. He is in the renewal business.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
We are new creatures in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
If we walk in faith, he will provide “the way in the wilderness” and streams in the spiritual desert of this world. If we are sensitive to his leading we will recognize that he is in the process of doing a new thing in us and through us. When this happens, it is exciting to know we are in the center of God’s will.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:12–13, NIV)
Today, ask yourself:
Do I dwell on my past, or am I looking for the new things that God wants to do in my life?
Monday 22 February 2016
The Secret to Finding God’s Favor
Scripture: Proverbs 8:33–35, NIV
“Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”
People are looking for LIFE and FAVOR or advantages in their circumstances. However, most of the world is looking in the wrong places for these ingredients.
In this incredible passage of Scripture, we learn what it means to find life from God’s perspective, and how to experience the promise of receiving favor from God.
Life and favor are sourced in God alone.
In order to receive God’s favor, we need to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are declared righteous when we trust in Jesus alone for our salvation:
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:10, ESV)
“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12, NIV)
The Psalmist recognizes that his success happened because of God’s favor:
“Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.” (Psalm 30:7, NIV)
It was only because of God’s favor that the Hebrew people were able to take possession of the Promised Land:
“For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.” (Psalm 44:3, NKJV)
In practicing the concepts of KingdomNomics, our prayer should be:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17, NIV)
This is a tremendous incentive for us to spend time in the Word of God. For it is here we find the instruction and wisdom from above that will help make us the kind of person God can favor.
Do you know God is looking for people he can favor?
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9, ESV)
Today, ask yourself:
Am I allowing the Spirit of God to develop in me a blameless heart that is loyal to God and fully committed to him?
“Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”
People are looking for LIFE and FAVOR or advantages in their circumstances. However, most of the world is looking in the wrong places for these ingredients.
In this incredible passage of Scripture, we learn what it means to find life from God’s perspective, and how to experience the promise of receiving favor from God.
Life and favor are sourced in God alone.
In order to receive God’s favor, we need to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are declared righteous when we trust in Jesus alone for our salvation:
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:10, ESV)
“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12, NIV)
The Psalmist recognizes that his success happened because of God’s favor:
“Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.” (Psalm 30:7, NIV)
It was only because of God’s favor that the Hebrew people were able to take possession of the Promised Land:
“For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.” (Psalm 44:3, NKJV)
In practicing the concepts of KingdomNomics, our prayer should be:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17, NIV)
This is a tremendous incentive for us to spend time in the Word of God. For it is here we find the instruction and wisdom from above that will help make us the kind of person God can favor.
Do you know God is looking for people he can favor?
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9, ESV)
Today, ask yourself:
Am I allowing the Spirit of God to develop in me a blameless heart that is loyal to God and fully committed to him?
Sunday 21 February 2016
Build on the Right Foundation
Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13, NIV
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
From an eternal perspective, it is critical we build on the right foundation. And that foundation is Jesus Christ. Because we live in a deceptive world, it is possible to be diverted and go off mission.
The passage from Jeremiah reminds us we must root ourselves in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the source of life that sustains and endures.
Just as in the days of Jeremiah, many people today have abandoned the fountain of living water. Instead, they seek satisfaction in the perishable values of this world.
“…for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.” (2 Timothy 4:10, NIV)
The love of this world is the lure that can lead to destruction and the loss of eternal reward. Families get sacrificed for careers. At the end of a career, many retirees do not know what to do with themselves. Some invest their time, talent, and treasure in the temporary values of this world, not realizing the eternal cost of doing so. These people are building for themselves broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
The longer we live, the more we begin to appreciate the fact that we are only passing through. Everything is temporary. Time flies by. People are always on the move. We are constantly in a period of transition.
We want to remember:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15–17, NIV)
May all of us be wise enough to drink at the fountain of living water, and to build on a sure foundation for the life to come.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I sure that Jesus Christ is the sure foundation of my life, and that I am cultivating my relationship with him?
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
From an eternal perspective, it is critical we build on the right foundation. And that foundation is Jesus Christ. Because we live in a deceptive world, it is possible to be diverted and go off mission.
The passage from Jeremiah reminds us we must root ourselves in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the source of life that sustains and endures.
Just as in the days of Jeremiah, many people today have abandoned the fountain of living water. Instead, they seek satisfaction in the perishable values of this world.
“…for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.” (2 Timothy 4:10, NIV)
The love of this world is the lure that can lead to destruction and the loss of eternal reward. Families get sacrificed for careers. At the end of a career, many retirees do not know what to do with themselves. Some invest their time, talent, and treasure in the temporary values of this world, not realizing the eternal cost of doing so. These people are building for themselves broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
The longer we live, the more we begin to appreciate the fact that we are only passing through. Everything is temporary. Time flies by. People are always on the move. We are constantly in a period of transition.
We want to remember:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15–17, NIV)
May all of us be wise enough to drink at the fountain of living water, and to build on a sure foundation for the life to come.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I sure that Jesus Christ is the sure foundation of my life, and that I am cultivating my relationship with him?
Saturday 20 February 2016
The Goal: Christ Formed In You
Scripture: Galatians 4:19
“Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.” (NLT)
Paul went to great pains to say that the ultimate goal is to have the person of Jesus Christ formed in us. We need to realize what it means for Christ to live in and through us—to invite the Spirit of Christ to work as he reveals himself to us.
This is a lifelong process; I have yet to realize major aspects of this objective. However, I know that God wants to become more fully developed in my life and in the lives of other believers. So let’s learn together what is involved.
One of the first truths to realize, believe, and trust in is this fact:
“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians 2:9–10, NLT)
Jesus Christ is inside the believer. We are complete in him. He is the one who is the source of life that is now lived through us.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
“So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11, NLT)
Christ can live through us as we reckon our old self DEAD to sin. The old self is still there, but we are no longer obliged to let it rule over us:
“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” (Romans 8:12–13, NLT)
Try placing your name in these verses to make them personally applicable to you. Where it says “I” “self” “me” “you” etc. substitute your name. That will make a tremendous difference in how you read these and other verses.
If we hope for these Scripture passages to become part of our daily experience, we need to accept, by faith, the truths stated in them.
Today, ask yourself:
Do I believe that my old self was crucified with Christ on the cross? What step will I take today to trust Christ to live his life in me?
“Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.” (NLT)
Paul went to great pains to say that the ultimate goal is to have the person of Jesus Christ formed in us. We need to realize what it means for Christ to live in and through us—to invite the Spirit of Christ to work as he reveals himself to us.
This is a lifelong process; I have yet to realize major aspects of this objective. However, I know that God wants to become more fully developed in my life and in the lives of other believers. So let’s learn together what is involved.
One of the first truths to realize, believe, and trust in is this fact:
“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians 2:9–10, NLT)
Jesus Christ is inside the believer. We are complete in him. He is the one who is the source of life that is now lived through us.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
“So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11, NLT)
Christ can live through us as we reckon our old self DEAD to sin. The old self is still there, but we are no longer obliged to let it rule over us:
“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” (Romans 8:12–13, NLT)
Try placing your name in these verses to make them personally applicable to you. Where it says “I” “self” “me” “you” etc. substitute your name. That will make a tremendous difference in how you read these and other verses.
If we hope for these Scripture passages to become part of our daily experience, we need to accept, by faith, the truths stated in them.
Today, ask yourself:
Do I believe that my old self was crucified with Christ on the cross? What step will I take today to trust Christ to live his life in me?
Friday 19 February 2016
THE POWER IN YOU
The Power: Christ Formed In You
Happy teenage girls driving a bumper carsScripture: Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (NIV)
We have a choice to make. Who is going to control how we think, feel, and act? Christ or the old self?
We have seen that the Spirit of God gives us the power to walk in the newness of life since we are raised with Christ from the dead. We have seen how the Spirit works in the life of the believer to transform us from the inside out.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)
If the Spirit controls us we will overcome the power of sin in our life. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NIV)
Both of these verses say we have the power of choice here. What will it be? It is up to us.
As a child I was taken to an amusement park from time to time. Usually, we ride on the bumper cars that had large rubber rings around them to protect the drivers. The “fun” was trying to bump the other cars. Sometimes people would hit us too hard. That would produce a fleshly reaction of anger that would make us want to hit back as hard as possible.
Life is like this. We are always being “bumped” by circumstances and other people. Sometimes these bumps can be rather nasty, producing a less-than-Christian response. At those moments we have a decision to make: Will we let the old flesh control our reaction, or will Christ control us?
We make the choice by the act of our will. If we fail to make the right choice, we need to confess the sin and ask the Holy Spirit to again assume control. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
The old self does rear its ugly head from time to time, so we want to be careful to keep a “short sin list” by confessing our sin when we become aware of it.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I choosing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit so my life can be brought into conformance with the will of God? Is my behavior becoming more Christ like?
Happy teenage girls driving a bumper carsScripture: Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (NIV)
We have a choice to make. Who is going to control how we think, feel, and act? Christ or the old self?
We have seen that the Spirit of God gives us the power to walk in the newness of life since we are raised with Christ from the dead. We have seen how the Spirit works in the life of the believer to transform us from the inside out.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)
If the Spirit controls us we will overcome the power of sin in our life. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NIV)
Both of these verses say we have the power of choice here. What will it be? It is up to us.
As a child I was taken to an amusement park from time to time. Usually, we ride on the bumper cars that had large rubber rings around them to protect the drivers. The “fun” was trying to bump the other cars. Sometimes people would hit us too hard. That would produce a fleshly reaction of anger that would make us want to hit back as hard as possible.
Life is like this. We are always being “bumped” by circumstances and other people. Sometimes these bumps can be rather nasty, producing a less-than-Christian response. At those moments we have a decision to make: Will we let the old flesh control our reaction, or will Christ control us?
We make the choice by the act of our will. If we fail to make the right choice, we need to confess the sin and ask the Holy Spirit to again assume control. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
The old self does rear its ugly head from time to time, so we want to be careful to keep a “short sin list” by confessing our sin when we become aware of it.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I choosing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit so my life can be brought into conformance with the will of God? Is my behavior becoming more Christ like?
Tuesday 16 February 2016
Facebook is overcrowded with online job ads. Where else can I advertise?
There are literally thousands of places to advertise , seeing as I'm still relatively new to this internet marketing idea, I don't have as much experience as I would like to have, but i will provides us with all the info we need. Most of the following examples are free, I would start with them, and then move onto paid platforms, once you've seen what works best for you. Some examples include:Twitter; Google+; LinkedIn; Newspapers & magazine; School journals & bulletins; Flyers & Poster; Whatsapp groups; BlackBerry messenger groups; Schools & Universities 2go; Instagram; Palmchat; Personal Blogs etc. Facebook is cluttered, it is true in my opinion, the best place to advertise for the largest on-line presence of the people. My experience is that I am advertising the groups had very poor results because in those groups predominately profiles that advertise, but not looking for an opportunity. Here and there, after a review of your blog is happening in this way. Paid fb campaign is for me a better way. For a few dollars to get a few hundred hits on the blog, but occur and inclusion. Not going fast and easy but still works. I hope that my little experience on advertising contributed to answering the question. Greeting!
The best is to start a Blogger blog and website. It is free for all GMAIL users. 1. On the website create a mini-shop for you with photos and links to TripleClicks. You can create more than one mini-shop. In this case it would be ideal to create a main site (your Head Office site) to make it easier to promote all sites in one go. 2. Use your blog to promote new features on SFI and TripleClicks with invites under banners. 3. Shorten your two (or more) Blogger URLs with goo.gl for ease of use. 4. Promote both your blog and your website(s) short links on Facebook and/or Twitter and/or any other social media site you are using. The best is open end advertisements that ends with "Inbox me for details." in stead of a link. If you get a message or a comment asking for details then MESSAGE the details to them. Remember to use the short links to make it easier, especially with Twitter where space is at essence. 5. Join Traffic Exchanges and different mailer programs (safelists, viral mailers, etc.) and promote your sites. If you can, upgrade to get free credits every month to automatically promote your sites. There are so many other places to advertise, I use Twitter, Traffic Swarm, EasiHits4U, Business Worls List and many more besides. There are Safelists that you can us as well, but be prepared to get a lot of Emails in return if you go down this route.
The Traffic Exchanges are a great way to go if you have no spare budget as all you have to do is to browse the other sites on the Traffic Exchange to earn points for your sites to be viewed. I use Traffic Swarm a lot and EasiHits4U, just put your Gateway URL on the website under your name and then surf the websites that come up to get points for your websites.
This only takes some of your time and none of your money.
Sunday 14 February 2016
Two Lessons from King Uzziah to Pursue – and Avoid
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26:5, NIV
“He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.”We learn two great lessons from the life of King Uzziah, who reigned in Judah for a long period of time. We want to pursue the first lesson, but avoid the second lesson like the plague. This is particularly true if we practice KingdomNomics and are in a leadership position.It is written, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” (2 Chronicles 26:4–5, NIV)This is the formula for success. Success comes from the Lord. God gave Uzziah success in response for his having sought the Lord.“The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.” (2 Chronicles 26:8, NIV)“In Jerusalem he made devices invented for use on the towers and on the corner defenses so that soldiers could shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the walls. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful.” (2 Chronicles 26:15, NIV)Then something terrible happened. Uzziah became proud, and his pride caused him to violate the law.“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16, NIV)Only the sons of Aaron – the priests – were to do this ceremonial act of worship. Because of this transgression God struck Uzziah with leprosy.“King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house—leprous, and banned from the temple of the Lord. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.” (2 Chronicles 26:21, NIV)What a price to pay! Uzziah started out well, but he forfeited the success God had given him. His kingship was given over to his son because of Uzziah’s pride.It’s good to remember that we are all the same at the foot of the cross. We have all sinned, and we all need the same remedy: Jesus Christ.Today, ask yourself:
“He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.”We learn two great lessons from the life of King Uzziah, who reigned in Judah for a long period of time. We want to pursue the first lesson, but avoid the second lesson like the plague. This is particularly true if we practice KingdomNomics and are in a leadership position.It is written, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” (2 Chronicles 26:4–5, NIV)This is the formula for success. Success comes from the Lord. God gave Uzziah success in response for his having sought the Lord.“The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.” (2 Chronicles 26:8, NIV)“In Jerusalem he made devices invented for use on the towers and on the corner defenses so that soldiers could shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the walls. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful.” (2 Chronicles 26:15, NIV)Then something terrible happened. Uzziah became proud, and his pride caused him to violate the law.“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16, NIV)Only the sons of Aaron – the priests – were to do this ceremonial act of worship. Because of this transgression God struck Uzziah with leprosy.“King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house—leprous, and banned from the temple of the Lord. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.” (2 Chronicles 26:21, NIV)What a price to pay! Uzziah started out well, but he forfeited the success God had given him. His kingship was given over to his son because of Uzziah’s pride.It’s good to remember that we are all the same at the foot of the cross. We have all sinned, and we all need the same remedy: Jesus Christ.Today, ask yourself:
Am I risking God’s blessing because I am following my own way instead of God’s way?
Saturday 13 February 2016
The Newness of Life
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18–19, NIV
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God’s Word is wonderful, telling us continually that he is in the renewal business. It is exciting being a Christian because we anticipate that God will always do something new and exciting in our life. Our responsibility is to place ourselves in a position so God can work through us. How do we do this?
First, we need to stop dwelling on the past. When we dwell on the past, it is like trying to drive a car always looking in the rear view mirror. There is nothing we can do about our past except to put aside the parts that pull us down, and to learn not to make the same mistakes in the future.
God is always moving. He is in the creation business. He is in the renewal business.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
We are new creatures in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
If we walk in faith, he will provide “the way in the wilderness” and streams in the spiritual desert of this world. If we are sensitive to his leading we will recognize that he is in the process of doing a new thing in us and through us. When this happens, it is exciting to know we are in the center of God’s will.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:12–13, NIV)
Today, ask yourself:
Do I dwell on my past, or am I looking for the new things that God wants to do in my life?
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God’s Word is wonderful, telling us continually that he is in the renewal business. It is exciting being a Christian because we anticipate that God will always do something new and exciting in our life. Our responsibility is to place ourselves in a position so God can work through us. How do we do this?
First, we need to stop dwelling on the past. When we dwell on the past, it is like trying to drive a car always looking in the rear view mirror. There is nothing we can do about our past except to put aside the parts that pull us down, and to learn not to make the same mistakes in the future.
God is always moving. He is in the creation business. He is in the renewal business.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
We are new creatures in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
If we walk in faith, he will provide “the way in the wilderness” and streams in the spiritual desert of this world. If we are sensitive to his leading we will recognize that he is in the process of doing a new thing in us and through us. When this happens, it is exciting to know we are in the center of God’s will.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:12–13, NIV)
Today, ask yourself:
Do I dwell on my past, or am I looking for the new things that God wants to do in my life?
Thursday 11 February 2016
What Question Would You Ask Jesus?
Scripture: Matthew 20:32–34, NKJV and Jeremiah 1:12, NKJV
“So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.” (Matthew 20:32–34, NKJV)
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.’” (Jeremiah 1:12, NKJV)
If Jesus Christ were to stop by your home, what one question would ask him?
I believe today’s passages suggest a question that should be high on our priority list: Lord, please open our eyes so we can know you better; see and understand your will for us in the time we have remaining in this world.
In our relationship with the Lord, we receive one revelation after another so we can understand what he wants us to do.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.” (Ephesians 1:17–19, NIV)
These men received their sight. Then what did they do? They followed Jesus.
The questions for you and me are:
Are we trustworthy to be given revelation from him?
What will we do with revelations Christ gives to us?
Will we follow through in accordance with what he has revealed to us?
Will we do the works he has prepared for us?
It is interesting to note in the Jeremiah passage that the Lord said, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”
If we see well what God wants done, then we are in a position where he can perform his Word in and through us.
“…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, ESV)
Today, ask yourself:
Do I consistently ask God to reveal how he wants me to use my time, talent, and treasure to advance his kingdom? Am I following through with what he reveals to me?
Tuesday 9 February 2016
team work in business in social media
How can I train my team, on social media, to promote my business? This would mean you're asking how you can use social media to train your team on the best ways to promote your products .
* YouTube is probably among THE best social media platforms to utilise for training. Of any type. In fact there are literally thousands and thousands of training and How To videos on YouTube all aimed at training someone, somewhere, to do something. Many of our top team leaders here in the business have made training videos for their teams that can be found on YouTube. You should be able to find some of these that are aimed at teaching people how to market products . Alternatively, and your best option, is to make a video or slide show teaching your team about the marketing methods that have worked best for you. Offer practical tips and advice in point form if using a slide show or show them through 'an over the shoulder view' style video the steps you go through to market products .
* Set up a group on Facebook for your team to provide training tips and advice about marketing SFI and invite your team to join. Tell them where to find the training within SFI itself on how to market SFI and TC successfully (be aware though that providing the direct links may not work). Point them to your training videos on YouTube
* You can set up a group on LinkedIn to do the same thing as a FaceBook group and invite your team members to join the group. There you'd do the same as per the FB group - share tips and advice
* There is a social media world beyond the big guns Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn so go searching for them. There are several that offer a platform where you can set up groups - Ning http://www.ning.com, SocialGO http://www.socialgo.com/ and Grou.ps http://grou.ps are three of them.
Those are just a few of the ways you can utilise social media to train your team on how to promote SFI and TC.
The second interpretation of your questions is - How can I train my team about using social media to promote products ? Meaning that you're asking how you can train your team to successfully use the various social media platforms for promoting purposes. Let me just say here at the outset that most social media platforms are not designed for people to use for marketing purposes. They're designed to help people connect on a social level so this is the first thing you need to teach your team - do NOT spam social media with advertising and promotional links because it's the quickest way to get yourself banned from that platform.
* Again, head to YouTube to find some videos that provide tips and advice on marketing in general - this query for example used within YouTube "training to use social media for promoting" will net you almost 200,000 results including such gems as "Social Media Marketing in 3 minutes", **** "How NOT To Use Social Media To Promote Your Network Marketing Business" ****, "Social media marketing plan training & tutorial with top social media marketing strategies
Start & Grow Your Business", "How to automate your social media sharing & blog promotion using Edgar", "The New Entrepreneur: Using Social Media to Build Your Business", "How To Use Social Media For Event Promotion - Case Study", "How To Promote My Blog Using Social Media To Increase Traffic, Leads And Sales" etc.
These types of generic videos will provide some excellent material to start your team off with a good grounding in how to use social media platforms successfully to promote SFI and TC. You can share the links to them in your weekly newsletter to your team.
* Make your own video or slide show and show your team how you successfully use social media to promote SFI. Note though that the key word here is 'successful'.
* Create a Facebook group as per the suggestion above and provide tips, advice and links to videos and other sites that provide this type of training.
* Suggest they join LinkedIn and join groups on there aimed at providing tips and advice about successfully using social media for marketing purposes.
* Look for other platforms that provide free social media education courses - Hootsuite for instance offers one that provides free training in topics like creating content that gets results, creating a Social Media plan that helps you move towards your big goals, growing your online presence and creating a positive brand image, and so on.
* Search for and find helpful tips and tricks on the subject then share them with your team via your stream post, via e-cards and via email or any of the other ways you use to communicate with your team.
* Find online communities and other social platforms devoted to this topic / industry and recommend that your team members join - be aware though that many involved in these forums and communities are out to push their own barrow as much as they're there to contribute. Or join yourself then provide links to tips and advice you find helpful.
* Use our own forum to provide helpful, useful information on the subject and then provide the link to that thread to your team members. Do the same thing when someone else posts helpful information in the forum.
* Join business based social platforms like IBO which have been created specifically for marketing and business professionals. There are a number of them out there and many are very successful from a marketing perspective. They also provide excellent training, networking and even blogging features. Recommend that your team also join, or pass along tips and advice that you've picked up by being a member.
Again, these are just a few of the ways you can provide training for your team on how to promote SFI on social media. There are undoubtedly plenty more so just look around. Be creative, think outside the square and you'll find even more opportunities to use for training your team to successfully promote SFI and TC.
* YouTube is probably among THE best social media platforms to utilise for training. Of any type. In fact there are literally thousands and thousands of training and How To videos on YouTube all aimed at training someone, somewhere, to do something. Many of our top team leaders here in the business have made training videos for their teams that can be found on YouTube. You should be able to find some of these that are aimed at teaching people how to market products . Alternatively, and your best option, is to make a video or slide show teaching your team about the marketing methods that have worked best for you. Offer practical tips and advice in point form if using a slide show or show them through 'an over the shoulder view' style video the steps you go through to market products .
* Set up a group on Facebook for your team to provide training tips and advice about marketing SFI and invite your team to join. Tell them where to find the training within SFI itself on how to market SFI and TC successfully (be aware though that providing the direct links may not work). Point them to your training videos on YouTube
* You can set up a group on LinkedIn to do the same thing as a FaceBook group and invite your team members to join the group. There you'd do the same as per the FB group - share tips and advice
* There is a social media world beyond the big guns Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn so go searching for them. There are several that offer a platform where you can set up groups - Ning http://www.ning.com, SocialGO http://www.socialgo.com/ and Grou.ps http://grou.ps are three of them.
Those are just a few of the ways you can utilise social media to train your team on how to promote SFI and TC.
The second interpretation of your questions is - How can I train my team about using social media to promote products ? Meaning that you're asking how you can train your team to successfully use the various social media platforms for promoting purposes. Let me just say here at the outset that most social media platforms are not designed for people to use for marketing purposes. They're designed to help people connect on a social level so this is the first thing you need to teach your team - do NOT spam social media with advertising and promotional links because it's the quickest way to get yourself banned from that platform.
* Again, head to YouTube to find some videos that provide tips and advice on marketing in general - this query for example used within YouTube "training to use social media for promoting" will net you almost 200,000 results including such gems as "Social Media Marketing in 3 minutes", **** "How NOT To Use Social Media To Promote Your Network Marketing Business" ****, "Social media marketing plan training & tutorial with top social media marketing strategies
Start & Grow Your Business", "How to automate your social media sharing & blog promotion using Edgar", "The New Entrepreneur: Using Social Media to Build Your Business", "How To Use Social Media For Event Promotion - Case Study", "How To Promote My Blog Using Social Media To Increase Traffic, Leads And Sales" etc.
These types of generic videos will provide some excellent material to start your team off with a good grounding in how to use social media platforms successfully to promote SFI and TC. You can share the links to them in your weekly newsletter to your team.
* Make your own video or slide show and show your team how you successfully use social media to promote SFI. Note though that the key word here is 'successful'.
* Create a Facebook group as per the suggestion above and provide tips, advice and links to videos and other sites that provide this type of training.
* Suggest they join LinkedIn and join groups on there aimed at providing tips and advice about successfully using social media for marketing purposes.
* Look for other platforms that provide free social media education courses - Hootsuite for instance offers one that provides free training in topics like creating content that gets results, creating a Social Media plan that helps you move towards your big goals, growing your online presence and creating a positive brand image, and so on.
* Search for and find helpful tips and tricks on the subject then share them with your team via your stream post, via e-cards and via email or any of the other ways you use to communicate with your team.
* Find online communities and other social platforms devoted to this topic / industry and recommend that your team members join - be aware though that many involved in these forums and communities are out to push their own barrow as much as they're there to contribute. Or join yourself then provide links to tips and advice you find helpful.
* Use our own forum to provide helpful, useful information on the subject and then provide the link to that thread to your team members. Do the same thing when someone else posts helpful information in the forum.
* Join business based social platforms like IBO which have been created specifically for marketing and business professionals. There are a number of them out there and many are very successful from a marketing perspective. They also provide excellent training, networking and even blogging features. Recommend that your team also join, or pass along tips and advice that you've picked up by being a member.
Again, these are just a few of the ways you can provide training for your team on how to promote SFI on social media. There are undoubtedly plenty more so just look around. Be creative, think outside the square and you'll find even more opportunities to use for training your team to successfully promote SFI and TC.
how to promote your business through team work in social media
With the hype of information technology, quite a number of people have computers in their homes.
With the Internet and google, it has made it easier for people to get information within he shortest possible time (Dependent on internet speed).
Now with the use of Social Media, it has made communication to friends, family members, business partners and prospects alot easier. Some of the social media websites we have are:-
1. LinkedIn.
2. Myspace.
3. Photobucket.
4. Flickr.
5. Youtube.
6. Tumblr.
7. Spotify.
8. Foursquare.
9. Pinterest.
10. Facebook
11. Twitter.
The beauty about Social Media is that it allows cross-posting. By this, it creates an environment where users can reach the maximum number of people without sacrificing the intimacy of person-to-person communication.
That said, when communicating with our team members via our weekly team mail, we need to know from them which of the social media sites they are conversant with and how they can promote their business.
The most common Social Media sites people use are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube. But with affiliate site clouded on Facebook, usually a blog would be required to promote products .
Tripleclicks being our online shop and with SFI innovations, it has incorporated and made it easier for us to promote SFI via social media with the use of the Share It button.
Also most of these sites allow you to create a group (Facebook) or page. With creating a page on facebook, we can attract both our prospects and existing customers and discuss via Facebook messenger. Twitter on the otherhand, permits or allows short links to be posted. Such posts should be eye catching to attract your prospects.
Another way of training my team on the use of Social media to promote their business is for me to encourage them to have their personal websites and blogs where they can link up any information or articles they have on their blog or website and use the share it button on Facebook, Twitter etc. The advantage of this is that, you can upload a video with llustrations not only to your team members but to prospects as well. Also with a form for prospects to fill on your site, you can get more sign ups thereby growing your team.
Also, with the use of Social Media sites for both our existing customers and prospects, an avenue for Questions and Answers should be entertained as this indeed can act as an interactive training session.
Hope this information is useful.
All the best in training your team members.
With the Internet and google, it has made it easier for people to get information within he shortest possible time (Dependent on internet speed).
Now with the use of Social Media, it has made communication to friends, family members, business partners and prospects alot easier. Some of the social media websites we have are:-
1. LinkedIn.
2. Myspace.
3. Photobucket.
4. Flickr.
5. Youtube.
6. Tumblr.
7. Spotify.
8. Foursquare.
9. Pinterest.
10. Facebook
11. Twitter.
The beauty about Social Media is that it allows cross-posting. By this, it creates an environment where users can reach the maximum number of people without sacrificing the intimacy of person-to-person communication.
That said, when communicating with our team members via our weekly team mail, we need to know from them which of the social media sites they are conversant with and how they can promote their business.
The most common Social Media sites people use are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube. But with affiliate site clouded on Facebook, usually a blog would be required to promote products .
Tripleclicks being our online shop and with SFI innovations, it has incorporated and made it easier for us to promote SFI via social media with the use of the Share It button.
Also most of these sites allow you to create a group (Facebook) or page. With creating a page on facebook, we can attract both our prospects and existing customers and discuss via Facebook messenger. Twitter on the otherhand, permits or allows short links to be posted. Such posts should be eye catching to attract your prospects.
Another way of training my team on the use of Social media to promote their business is for me to encourage them to have their personal websites and blogs where they can link up any information or articles they have on their blog or website and use the share it button on Facebook, Twitter etc. The advantage of this is that, you can upload a video with llustrations not only to your team members but to prospects as well. Also with a form for prospects to fill on your site, you can get more sign ups thereby growing your team.
Also, with the use of Social Media sites for both our existing customers and prospects, an avenue for Questions and Answers should be entertained as this indeed can act as an interactive training session.
Hope this information is useful.
All the best in training your team members.
Good tips for building a successful blog or website that's purpose is to recruit an affiliates
focus on giving quality content. Often we do not have adequate knowledge to write.
If you do not know writing articles, there are frelancers called that for a low price, write articles for your blog.
Fixed that detail, you must publish articles about different topics.
Create an account on facebook.
Create one fan page.
Join groups that have the keyword Business.
Post in the groups that you have joined, you have a new article on this or that issue have you include a link to your article.
That is an effective way to drive traffic to your blog.
Last but not least, you should have a category called business.
In it you promote your business .
Successes.
Monday 8 February 2016
good communication in the business
Here are my best methods to get you started:
1. Narrow Your Market
Before you begin recruiting new affiliates narrow down your market/search. It will benefit you to tackle select markets and not every market – don’t spread yourself to far.
2. Know Which Language Is Spoken
Do your research – find out which languages are spoken in your market before you can even attempt an effective marketing campaign. This will immediately be in your favor, showing respect for local language by doing your homework to learn and understand the local customs and language.
3. Translate Marketing Tools
Translating key for marketing tools, i.e. pamphlets, brochures, fliers etc. into the native language of your new affiliates is crucial. Make sure these are proof read for language and grammar errors, you may need the help of an interpreter to assist as this is a costly outlay so get it done right before going to print.
4. Hire an Interpreter
If you are not comfortable nor fluent in the local language, your best approach would be to hire an interpreter who can present to your potential market/affiliates in their local language avoiding any miscommunication.
5. Advantages of Modern Technology
offers a translation platform which you can make us of, but from experience Google Translate ranks among st your best option currently, but for difficult languages like Russian, Afrikaans, a local translator platform designed for that specific language will be more effective and accurate. Simplify and translate short concise points/facts as opposed to lengthy long sentences, this is proven to be more effective.
6. Avoid Idioms, Jargon, And Slang Words
When communicating in English with international affiliates who may have some grasp of the English language, avoid idioms, jargon, and slang words – these will only confuse - use more formal English to ensure easier understanding. Speaking slowly and clearly.
7. Visual Communication
Visual communication methods, i.e. emailing or personally presenting your presentation onto a screen, slideshows, handouts, brochures, pamphlets are an extremely powerful communication tool. Remember, affiliates are visual learners. If you can, avoid too much text, you want to use pictures and visual aid to communicate better.
8. Learn The Basics
Learn the basics of your affiliates language - greetings and common phrases. By learning these basics, it creates a team that will coexist, succeed and communicate, this applies to you too!
9. Clarification
Never assume that your affiliates understood what was presented and explained initially. Encourage questions and feedback, comment cards are handy to give you feedback on the level of understanding.
International communication is a challenge for every marketer to overcome, don’t be shy you may have just learned a couple of phrases and are a bit embarrassed about not being fluent in the affiliates language. Get over that, you’re trying and only time and practice will improve this. The more you learn the local language, the better your marketing success will become.
1. Narrow Your Market
Before you begin recruiting new affiliates narrow down your market/search. It will benefit you to tackle select markets and not every market – don’t spread yourself to far.
2. Know Which Language Is Spoken
Do your research – find out which languages are spoken in your market before you can even attempt an effective marketing campaign. This will immediately be in your favor, showing respect for local language by doing your homework to learn and understand the local customs and language.
3. Translate Marketing Tools
Translating key for marketing tools, i.e. pamphlets, brochures, fliers etc. into the native language of your new affiliates is crucial. Make sure these are proof read for language and grammar errors, you may need the help of an interpreter to assist as this is a costly outlay so get it done right before going to print.
4. Hire an Interpreter
If you are not comfortable nor fluent in the local language, your best approach would be to hire an interpreter who can present to your potential market/affiliates in their local language avoiding any miscommunication.
5. Advantages of Modern Technology
offers a translation platform which you can make us of, but from experience Google Translate ranks among st your best option currently, but for difficult languages like Russian, Afrikaans, a local translator platform designed for that specific language will be more effective and accurate. Simplify and translate short concise points/facts as opposed to lengthy long sentences, this is proven to be more effective.
6. Avoid Idioms, Jargon, And Slang Words
When communicating in English with international affiliates who may have some grasp of the English language, avoid idioms, jargon, and slang words – these will only confuse - use more formal English to ensure easier understanding. Speaking slowly and clearly.
7. Visual Communication
Visual communication methods, i.e. emailing or personally presenting your presentation onto a screen, slideshows, handouts, brochures, pamphlets are an extremely powerful communication tool. Remember, affiliates are visual learners. If you can, avoid too much text, you want to use pictures and visual aid to communicate better.
8. Learn The Basics
Learn the basics of your affiliates language - greetings and common phrases. By learning these basics, it creates a team that will coexist, succeed and communicate, this applies to you too!
9. Clarification
Never assume that your affiliates understood what was presented and explained initially. Encourage questions and feedback, comment cards are handy to give you feedback on the level of understanding.
International communication is a challenge for every marketer to overcome, don’t be shy you may have just learned a couple of phrases and are a bit embarrassed about not being fluent in the affiliates language. Get over that, you’re trying and only time and practice will improve this. The more you learn the local language, the better your marketing success will become.
The grace of God
How does a person glorify God? No question is more practical or more significant. The supreme purpose in life for any man or woman—for anyone who has ever been born into this world—is to glorify God. That is what living is all about. Glorifying God is the end result of the Christian life. Spiritual maturity is simply concentrating and focusing on the person of God until we are caught up in His majesty and His glory.
I would like to suggest some practical ways for the Christian to glorify God:
• Confess Your Sins. Confession of sin glorifies God because if you excuse your sin, you absolve yourself of responsibility and blame God for letting you get into a mess. Adam illustrates this. When God confronted him, what was his excuse? “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate” (Genesis 3:12). He was practically saying, “You did it, God. If You hadn’t given me this woman, none of this would ever have happened.”
To do that is to blame God and thus to assign guilt to Him. But God is never at fault when we sin. Implying that He is somehow responsible maligns His holiness. So those who try to sneak out from under the absolute responsibility for their own sin commit a grievous sin against the glory of God.
First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Greek word for “confess” is homologeo, meaning “to say the same thing.” To confess means to agree with God that sin is all our fault and to repent. That act glorifies God. We don’t have to beg God for forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive as soon as we agree with Him.
• Bear Fruit. In John 15:8 Jesus told the disciples, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit.” Why? Because then the world can see the results of a Spirit-filled life. That is what we are here for—to put God on display to the world.
Colossians 1:10 says, “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work.” Good works are fruit. When we live a life of good works, the world will see and glorify our Father in heaven.
• Give Praise to God. Psalm 50:23 says, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me.” Praise honors God. One way to praise God is to give Him credit for everything. In 2 Samuel 12:26-31, when Joab won the victory against Rabbah and got possession of the enemy’s crown, he sent for David so he could present the crown to him. This is a good illustration of how the Christian should act toward the Master. You win a victory in your life, but you don’t wear the crown. You give it to the Lord, who has won the victory for you.
• Be Content. We may be discontented about ourselves and about our circumstances. But who made us? God. And He promises to supply all our needs. When we are content, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty in our lives, and that gives Him glory. If we are discontented, it’s the same as questioning God’s wisdom. That doesn’t glorify Him.
Paul testified, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11). Paul was confident that God would use all things—poverty as well as abundance, comfort as well as pain—for Paul’s good and God’s glory (Romans 8:28). He didn’t say, “I’ll give God glory in spite of my pain.” He said, “I will give God glory because of it.”
A Christian who is discontented for any reason—job, spouse, finances—is a terrible testimony about the goodness of our God. What kind of God do we have? Is He really sovereign? Can He really be trusted? Glorifying God means that we praise Him with absolute contentment, knowing that our lot is God’s plan for us now.
• Pray According to God’s Will. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Jesus’ name signifies all that He is and all that He would want. Praying in His name means praying in accordance with His character and His will. And God delights to reveal His glory in answered prayer. That is why He commands us to pray—so He can show us His greatness and we can give Him the praise He’s worthy to receive.
• Proclaim God’s Word. Paul wrote, “Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). How was the Word glorified through those believers? Because they heard it and believed. They trusted Christ and were born again—and God got the glory.
Presenting the Word clearly and accurately always gives Him glory. Every time a Sunday school teacher teaches a class of kids, every time a Bible study leader opens the Word in someone’s living room, every time a father sits down with his family and starts talking about the Word of God, God is glorified. We honor Him by making His Word known and understood.
• Lead Others to Christ. God also gets glory when people are redeemed. He is glorified when Satan’s prison is broken open and men and women are turned loose from the power of the evil one. People are saved from their sins in order to give God glory. So the more people who get converted, the more thanksgiving is going on, and the more there are in the choir singing, “Hallelujah!” (2 Corinthians 4:15).
How to Enjoy God
When we live to glorify God, He responds by giving us overwhelming joy. “Well,” you say, “I have a tough life. I just don’t have any joy.” May I suggest an answer? Start glorifying God.
Joy does not necessarily always make sorrow, discouragement, pain, and failure go away, but Christians can experience supernatural joy even in the midst of those things. In fact sin is ultimately the only thing that can steal Christians’ joy. When our joy begins to fade, it is a sure sign of encroaching sin or unbelief. What can we do in times like that? Get down on our knees and confess the sin in our lives. We need to pray with David, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Then we yield to the Holy Spirit, and joy returns.
Jesus desires that His joy remain in us (John 15:11). His joy that we know in part now is what we will know perfectly in heaven. Perhaps the greatest promise in all the Bible is 1 Thessalonians 4:17: “We shall always be with the Lord.” Now that’s joy!
for more contact me through b6dfd29623134587f4f1d83442d92eccd480cb4da35d315f99
I would like to suggest some practical ways for the Christian to glorify God:
• Confess Your Sins. Confession of sin glorifies God because if you excuse your sin, you absolve yourself of responsibility and blame God for letting you get into a mess. Adam illustrates this. When God confronted him, what was his excuse? “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate” (Genesis 3:12). He was practically saying, “You did it, God. If You hadn’t given me this woman, none of this would ever have happened.”
To do that is to blame God and thus to assign guilt to Him. But God is never at fault when we sin. Implying that He is somehow responsible maligns His holiness. So those who try to sneak out from under the absolute responsibility for their own sin commit a grievous sin against the glory of God.
First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Greek word for “confess” is homologeo, meaning “to say the same thing.” To confess means to agree with God that sin is all our fault and to repent. That act glorifies God. We don’t have to beg God for forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive as soon as we agree with Him.
• Bear Fruit. In John 15:8 Jesus told the disciples, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit.” Why? Because then the world can see the results of a Spirit-filled life. That is what we are here for—to put God on display to the world.
Colossians 1:10 says, “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work.” Good works are fruit. When we live a life of good works, the world will see and glorify our Father in heaven.
• Give Praise to God. Psalm 50:23 says, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me.” Praise honors God. One way to praise God is to give Him credit for everything. In 2 Samuel 12:26-31, when Joab won the victory against Rabbah and got possession of the enemy’s crown, he sent for David so he could present the crown to him. This is a good illustration of how the Christian should act toward the Master. You win a victory in your life, but you don’t wear the crown. You give it to the Lord, who has won the victory for you.
• Be Content. We may be discontented about ourselves and about our circumstances. But who made us? God. And He promises to supply all our needs. When we are content, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty in our lives, and that gives Him glory. If we are discontented, it’s the same as questioning God’s wisdom. That doesn’t glorify Him.
Paul testified, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11). Paul was confident that God would use all things—poverty as well as abundance, comfort as well as pain—for Paul’s good and God’s glory (Romans 8:28). He didn’t say, “I’ll give God glory in spite of my pain.” He said, “I will give God glory because of it.”
A Christian who is discontented for any reason—job, spouse, finances—is a terrible testimony about the goodness of our God. What kind of God do we have? Is He really sovereign? Can He really be trusted? Glorifying God means that we praise Him with absolute contentment, knowing that our lot is God’s plan for us now.
• Pray According to God’s Will. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Jesus’ name signifies all that He is and all that He would want. Praying in His name means praying in accordance with His character and His will. And God delights to reveal His glory in answered prayer. That is why He commands us to pray—so He can show us His greatness and we can give Him the praise He’s worthy to receive.
• Proclaim God’s Word. Paul wrote, “Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). How was the Word glorified through those believers? Because they heard it and believed. They trusted Christ and were born again—and God got the glory.
Presenting the Word clearly and accurately always gives Him glory. Every time a Sunday school teacher teaches a class of kids, every time a Bible study leader opens the Word in someone’s living room, every time a father sits down with his family and starts talking about the Word of God, God is glorified. We honor Him by making His Word known and understood.
• Lead Others to Christ. God also gets glory when people are redeemed. He is glorified when Satan’s prison is broken open and men and women are turned loose from the power of the evil one. People are saved from their sins in order to give God glory. So the more people who get converted, the more thanksgiving is going on, and the more there are in the choir singing, “Hallelujah!” (2 Corinthians 4:15).
How to Enjoy God
When we live to glorify God, He responds by giving us overwhelming joy. “Well,” you say, “I have a tough life. I just don’t have any joy.” May I suggest an answer? Start glorifying God.
Joy does not necessarily always make sorrow, discouragement, pain, and failure go away, but Christians can experience supernatural joy even in the midst of those things. In fact sin is ultimately the only thing that can steal Christians’ joy. When our joy begins to fade, it is a sure sign of encroaching sin or unbelief. What can we do in times like that? Get down on our knees and confess the sin in our lives. We need to pray with David, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Then we yield to the Holy Spirit, and joy returns.
Jesus desires that His joy remain in us (John 15:11). His joy that we know in part now is what we will know perfectly in heaven. Perhaps the greatest promise in all the Bible is 1 Thessalonians 4:17: “We shall always be with the Lord.” Now that’s joy!
for more contact me through b6dfd29623134587f4f1d83442d92eccd480cb4da35d315f99
Sunday 7 February 2016
From Convert to Converterlator
God is in the life-changing business … and he wants to transform you into being more Christ-like in all areas of your life! The first step occurs when you place your faith in Christ alone to be your personal Lord and Savior. But accepting Jesus into your life is still only the first step. It is important to understand that each one of us is supposed to be an agent of change; a transformer who not only experiences a life of joy now, but who also makes decisions that will make our life echo into eternity. This is a basic principle of KingdomNomics: We use the resources available to us, what I like to refer to as the “three T’s,” time, talent, and treasure, to make a difference for eternity. And in so doing, we are Converterlators.
A Converterlator is actively working to bring about kingdom change. A Converterlator understands God’s purposes for giving us time, talent, and treasure to use for him. A Converterlator sees the big Score Pointspicture, a picture that is bigger than just life here on earth. Converterlators are those who truly are transformed by their relationship with God through Jesus Christ and who are motivated by their knowledge of the Bible to become change agents in our world. Converterlators are using their time, talent, and treasure for kingdom purposes.
It is important to note here that in all other religions people attempt to reach God through works of self-effort, trusting in themselves and their own abilities. As Christ-followers, our “works” do not bring us into a relationship with God; they flow out of our relationship with him.
When my son was only six, my wife and I decided it would be good for him to play in the children’s recreational soccer league. First, we had to produce a birth certificate to prove his age. Once our son had established eligibility to play, he had to make a commitment to attend practices, follow the rules of the game, play under the direction of the coach, wear the team uniform, and play with his team.
There is a reason Paul uses an athletic metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize” (NLT). There are a lot of crossover lessons from the world of sports to our lives as Christians!
Just as you must have eligibility when joining a sports team, you must have “eligibility” to be on “God’s team.” When we accept the salvation of Jesus Christ, we establish our relationship with God the Father and our “eligibility” to be on the team.
A Converterlator actively uses their time, talent, and treasure to make a difference for eternity.
And just as my son had to attend practices, follow the rules of the game, play under the direction of the coach, wear the team uniform, and play with the team, we need to attend practices (in whatever form that may be for you such as worship, classes, and Bible studies), follow the rules of the game (found in the Bible!), play under the direction of the Ultimate Coach (God), wear the team uniform (Christian character), and play with the team (other Christians).
Many people refuse to listen to the “coach” or fail to show up for practice in order to be properly trained. A sense of purpose and training is required to be an effective team player on God’s team. Each player has a role to play. Each player is needed to fill a position. Each player has to work with the other players in order for the points to be scored. We need to understand the game and know our own position.
Anything worthwhile costs something.
Playing in this game is far different than playing in any other game in this world. In fact, we will find that many of the “rules” for playing in God’s game are directly opposite from the rules followed by the world in achieving the goals highly exalted by man. Only the Bible can provide us with the answers to our questions about direction and purpose.
Okay, let’s assume you meet all the qualifications and conditions mentioned above. You are an eligible member of the team. You understand the rules for playing the game. You know the position you are supposed to play, and even how to play it. You are even on the field of play. However, here is an important question: Are you helping to move the ball in the right direction … from an eternal perspective?
We want to make sure we are strategically using our time, talent, and treasure for God’s kingdom while we are in this world. There are many good causes and worthwhile objectives. We want to focus on the ones that have eternal value, on results that will last forever. Everything we do or do not do has an eternal impact. The Converterlator wants God’s seal of approval on his life more than anything else. He wants to make sure he “gets off the bench,” and becomes a high impact player on the field. Life is too short to just be a spectator. Plus, it is a lot more fun to be playing on the field!
In what ways are you a Converterlator; using your “three T’s” (time, talent, and treasure) for kingdom purposes?
A Converterlator is actively working to bring about kingdom change. A Converterlator understands God’s purposes for giving us time, talent, and treasure to use for him. A Converterlator sees the big Score Pointspicture, a picture that is bigger than just life here on earth. Converterlators are those who truly are transformed by their relationship with God through Jesus Christ and who are motivated by their knowledge of the Bible to become change agents in our world. Converterlators are using their time, talent, and treasure for kingdom purposes.
It is important to note here that in all other religions people attempt to reach God through works of self-effort, trusting in themselves and their own abilities. As Christ-followers, our “works” do not bring us into a relationship with God; they flow out of our relationship with him.
When my son was only six, my wife and I decided it would be good for him to play in the children’s recreational soccer league. First, we had to produce a birth certificate to prove his age. Once our son had established eligibility to play, he had to make a commitment to attend practices, follow the rules of the game, play under the direction of the coach, wear the team uniform, and play with his team.
There is a reason Paul uses an athletic metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize” (NLT). There are a lot of crossover lessons from the world of sports to our lives as Christians!
Just as you must have eligibility when joining a sports team, you must have “eligibility” to be on “God’s team.” When we accept the salvation of Jesus Christ, we establish our relationship with God the Father and our “eligibility” to be on the team.
A Converterlator actively uses their time, talent, and treasure to make a difference for eternity.
And just as my son had to attend practices, follow the rules of the game, play under the direction of the coach, wear the team uniform, and play with the team, we need to attend practices (in whatever form that may be for you such as worship, classes, and Bible studies), follow the rules of the game (found in the Bible!), play under the direction of the Ultimate Coach (God), wear the team uniform (Christian character), and play with the team (other Christians).
Many people refuse to listen to the “coach” or fail to show up for practice in order to be properly trained. A sense of purpose and training is required to be an effective team player on God’s team. Each player has a role to play. Each player is needed to fill a position. Each player has to work with the other players in order for the points to be scored. We need to understand the game and know our own position.
Anything worthwhile costs something.
Playing in this game is far different than playing in any other game in this world. In fact, we will find that many of the “rules” for playing in God’s game are directly opposite from the rules followed by the world in achieving the goals highly exalted by man. Only the Bible can provide us with the answers to our questions about direction and purpose.
Okay, let’s assume you meet all the qualifications and conditions mentioned above. You are an eligible member of the team. You understand the rules for playing the game. You know the position you are supposed to play, and even how to play it. You are even on the field of play. However, here is an important question: Are you helping to move the ball in the right direction … from an eternal perspective?
We want to make sure we are strategically using our time, talent, and treasure for God’s kingdom while we are in this world. There are many good causes and worthwhile objectives. We want to focus on the ones that have eternal value, on results that will last forever. Everything we do or do not do has an eternal impact. The Converterlator wants God’s seal of approval on his life more than anything else. He wants to make sure he “gets off the bench,” and becomes a high impact player on the field. Life is too short to just be a spectator. Plus, it is a lot more fun to be playing on the field!
In what ways are you a Converterlator; using your “three T’s” (time, talent, and treasure) for kingdom purposes?
Friday 5 February 2016
Eternal Impact
Author and theologian Frederick Buechner has said that God calls you to that place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need. This is how we’re wired. In the beginning, we discover that we have a God-shaped hole in our hearts—nothing fills it but him. Then, as we accept his lordship, we find a new empty place. This one is in the shape of the people he loves. It will be filled and galvanized by the mission he has given us.
So we don’t pursue impact for the ordinary reasons of fame or impressing someone. We don’t pursue it out of sense of obligation. We’re chasing that deep gladness that comes when we address the needs God has set before us. Everywhere on earth, from mansions to slums, from deserts to cities, there are people suffering. They may be hungry; they may be sick; they simply may not have heard the saving truth about Jesus. These people are God’s children. If you’re a parent, think of how you feel about your kids. When they’re in pain, you’re in pain. You would do anything, pay any price, to alleviate their suffering. You would even take their pain upon yourself if you could.
That’s what God has done for us in Christ. He provided a way out of our suffering. And it is what he does through you and through me, to make that way available to all of his children.
So impact is important to us. God has a process for preparing us for impact. It’s best told in the Parable of the Talents (to use the term of the NIV84) in Matthew 25. A talent, in the language of those times, was a unit of weight for measuring money—like saying “a pound of gold,” for example. In the parable, three servants were given money based on their abilities, and rewarded based on their investments. The master says to the most effective of the investors, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21).
Deep gladness is the sharing of the Master’s happiness that comes from using our resources for the things God intended. One of the servants was given just a little bit, and he played it safe; he buried his talents in the ground. This is not God’s desire. He wants us to take what we have and multiply it. If you have people-related talents—network. If you have financial resources—invest. If you have creative talents—expand them so that, in some way, the most possible people have an opportunity to become followers of Jesus.
So we don’t pursue impact for the ordinary reasons of fame or impressing someone. We don’t pursue it out of sense of obligation. We’re chasing that deep gladness that comes when we address the needs God has set before us. Everywhere on earth, from mansions to slums, from deserts to cities, there are people suffering. They may be hungry; they may be sick; they simply may not have heard the saving truth about Jesus. These people are God’s children. If you’re a parent, think of how you feel about your kids. When they’re in pain, you’re in pain. You would do anything, pay any price, to alleviate their suffering. You would even take their pain upon yourself if you could.
That’s what God has done for us in Christ. He provided a way out of our suffering. And it is what he does through you and through me, to make that way available to all of his children.
So impact is important to us. God has a process for preparing us for impact. It’s best told in the Parable of the Talents (to use the term of the NIV84) in Matthew 25. A talent, in the language of those times, was a unit of weight for measuring money—like saying “a pound of gold,” for example. In the parable, three servants were given money based on their abilities, and rewarded based on their investments. The master says to the most effective of the investors, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21).
Deep gladness is the sharing of the Master’s happiness that comes from using our resources for the things God intended. One of the servants was given just a little bit, and he played it safe; he buried his talents in the ground. This is not God’s desire. He wants us to take what we have and multiply it. If you have people-related talents—network. If you have financial resources—invest. If you have creative talents—expand them so that, in some way, the most possible people have an opportunity to become followers of Jesus.
Thursday 4 February 2016
The Power: Christ Formed In You
Scripture: Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (NIV)
We have a choice to make. Who is going to control how we think, feel, and act? Christ or the old self?
We have seen that the Spirit of God gives us the power to walk in the newness of life since we are raised with Christ from the dead. We have seen how the Spirit works in the life of the believer to transform us from the inside out.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)
If the Spirit controls us we will overcome the power of sin in our life. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NIV)
Both of these verses say we have the power of choice here. What will it be? It is up to us.
As a child I was taken to an amusement park from time to time. Usually, we ride on the bumper cars that had large rubber rings around them to protect the drivers. The “fun” was trying to bump the other cars. Sometimes people would hit us too hard. That would produce a fleshly reaction of anger that would make us want to hit back as hard as possible.
Life is like this. We are always being “bumped” by circumstances and other people. Sometimes these bumps can be rather nasty, producing a less-than-Christian response. At those moments we have a decision to make: Will we let the old flesh control our reaction, or will Christ control us?
We make the choice by the act of our will. If we fail to make the right choice, we need to confess the sin and ask the Holy Spirit to again assume control. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
The old self does rear its ugly head from time to time, so we want to be careful to keep a “short sin list” by confessing our sin when we become aware of it.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I choosing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit so my life can be brought into conformance with the will of God? Is my behavior becoming more Christ like?
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (NIV)
We have a choice to make. Who is going to control how we think, feel, and act? Christ or the old self?
We have seen that the Spirit of God gives us the power to walk in the newness of life since we are raised with Christ from the dead. We have seen how the Spirit works in the life of the believer to transform us from the inside out.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)
If the Spirit controls us we will overcome the power of sin in our life. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NIV)
Both of these verses say we have the power of choice here. What will it be? It is up to us.
As a child I was taken to an amusement park from time to time. Usually, we ride on the bumper cars that had large rubber rings around them to protect the drivers. The “fun” was trying to bump the other cars. Sometimes people would hit us too hard. That would produce a fleshly reaction of anger that would make us want to hit back as hard as possible.
Life is like this. We are always being “bumped” by circumstances and other people. Sometimes these bumps can be rather nasty, producing a less-than-Christian response. At those moments we have a decision to make: Will we let the old flesh control our reaction, or will Christ control us?
We make the choice by the act of our will. If we fail to make the right choice, we need to confess the sin and ask the Holy Spirit to again assume control. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
The old self does rear its ugly head from time to time, so we want to be careful to keep a “short sin list” by confessing our sin when we become aware of it.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I choosing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit so my life can be brought into conformance with the will of God? Is my behavior becoming more Christ like?
Tuesday 2 February 2016
LOVE IS PATIENT
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
That is how Paul describes love in his letter to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
You can be forgiven if this style of love seems shocking. Hollywood has taught us a self-centered love. Our music glorifies the passion of love without acknowledging the sacrifice.
Truth be told, God has always demonstrated unconditional love. In fact, the love Paul describes is the love he saw in Jesus. It is the same love Jesus has for you.
Do you really know what it means to be patient and kind? Do you know real trust or real hope? You can only know these things when you meditate on scripture.
That is how Paul describes love in his letter to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
You can be forgiven if this style of love seems shocking. Hollywood has taught us a self-centered love. Our music glorifies the passion of love without acknowledging the sacrifice.
Truth be told, God has always demonstrated unconditional love. In fact, the love Paul describes is the love he saw in Jesus. It is the same love Jesus has for you.
Do you really know what it means to be patient and kind? Do you know real trust or real hope? You can only know these things when you meditate on scripture.
Pilgrims and Strangers in This World
Scripture: Psalm 84:5–7, NIV
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”
Because we live in a temporary, perishing world, we need to constantly remind ourselves we are on a pilgrimage here. We are blessed to realize our sufficiency is in God alone, and that all we need is sourced in him.
Most of us find ourselves in the Valley of Baca from time to time. That is a place of drought or need. It is then we find our provision in the Lord himself as we allow him to teach us. Many times these “valleys” can be places of blessing where we can experience revelation from God and sense his presence.
Of the heroes of faith it is said, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:13, NIV)
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14, NIV)
With this viewpoint we can go from “strength to strength,” knowing our goal is to ultimately appear before our God at the end of our journey.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NIV)
Today, ask yourself:
Do I view myself as a pilgrim who is passing through this world? Am I listening to and applying the messages God is giving to me?
Pray:
Lord, help me to listen to your voice. Enable me to receive and apply your teaching. Continue to mold me and make me more Christlike as I respond to life’s experiences.
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”
Because we live in a temporary, perishing world, we need to constantly remind ourselves we are on a pilgrimage here. We are blessed to realize our sufficiency is in God alone, and that all we need is sourced in him.
Most of us find ourselves in the Valley of Baca from time to time. That is a place of drought or need. It is then we find our provision in the Lord himself as we allow him to teach us. Many times these “valleys” can be places of blessing where we can experience revelation from God and sense his presence.
Of the heroes of faith it is said, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:13, NIV)
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14, NIV)
With this viewpoint we can go from “strength to strength,” knowing our goal is to ultimately appear before our God at the end of our journey.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NIV)
Today, ask yourself:
Do I view myself as a pilgrim who is passing through this world? Am I listening to and applying the messages God is giving to me?
Pray:
Lord, help me to listen to your voice. Enable me to receive and apply your teaching. Continue to mold me and make me more Christlike as I respond to life’s experiences.
sucessfull blog/website
What are some good tips for building a successful blog or website that's purpose is to recruit SFI affiliates and TripleClicks members?
1. Write from the heart. Sure, you could write very popular posts without putting yourself into it.
2.. Be insanely useful. It’s possible to create a successful blog without trying to be very useful, but it’s not done very often.
3.Keep the reader’s problems in mind. This goes with the tip above, but it’s important to stress that you’re thinking about the reader’s problem, and no one else’s.
4.Don’t just write about yourself. You should always put a piece of yourself into your posts, if you want readers to identify with you.
5. Interact with readers. A blog is really a conversation. It starts with your post, of course, but it continues with comments from readers, and with comment and criticism from other bloggers.
6.Give them a reason to come back. Why would a reader keep coming back to your blog? Why would they subscribe, when there are so many other blogs out there to subscribe to? You’ve got to give them a reason.
7.Write catchy headlines. I have to admit, headlines are more important than they should be.
8.On social media.
9.Guest posting. Besides social media and the ocassional link from a bigger blog, the best way to draw new readers to your blog is to write great guest posts for other blogs, especially bigger ones.
9.Reveal yourself. This is similar to writing from the heart, but it’s going beyond that — readers want to be able to relate to you.
10.Don’t be afraid to try new things. Blogs can get stale if they do the same things over and over.
11.Focus on the essential.
1. Write from the heart. Sure, you could write very popular posts without putting yourself into it.
2.. Be insanely useful. It’s possible to create a successful blog without trying to be very useful, but it’s not done very often.
3.Keep the reader’s problems in mind. This goes with the tip above, but it’s important to stress that you’re thinking about the reader’s problem, and no one else’s.
4.Don’t just write about yourself. You should always put a piece of yourself into your posts, if you want readers to identify with you.
5. Interact with readers. A blog is really a conversation. It starts with your post, of course, but it continues with comments from readers, and with comment and criticism from other bloggers.
6.Give them a reason to come back. Why would a reader keep coming back to your blog? Why would they subscribe, when there are so many other blogs out there to subscribe to? You’ve got to give them a reason.
7.Write catchy headlines. I have to admit, headlines are more important than they should be.
8.On social media.
9.Guest posting. Besides social media and the ocassional link from a bigger blog, the best way to draw new readers to your blog is to write great guest posts for other blogs, especially bigger ones.
9.Reveal yourself. This is similar to writing from the heart, but it’s going beyond that — readers want to be able to relate to you.
10.Don’t be afraid to try new things. Blogs can get stale if they do the same things over and over.
11.Focus on the essential.
Monday 1 February 2016
The Secret to Finding God’s Favor
Scripture: Proverbs 8:33–35, NIV
“Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”People are looking for LIFE and FAVOR or advantages in their circumstances. However, most of the world is looking in the wrong places for these ingredients.In this incredible passage of Scripture, we learn what it means to find life from God’s perspective, and how to experience the promise of receiving favor from God.Life and favor are sourced in God alone.In order to receive God’s favor, we need to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are declared righteous when we trust in Jesus alone for our salvation:“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:10, ESV)“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12, NIV)The Psalmist recognizes that his success happened because of God’s favor:“Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.” (Psalm 30:7, NIV)It was only because of God’s favor that the Hebrew people were able to take possession of the Promised Land:“For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.” (Psalm 44:3, NKJV)In practicing the concepts of KingdomNomics, our prayer should be:“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17, NIV)This is a tremendous incentive for us to spend time in the Word of God. For it is here we find the instruction and wisdom from above that will help make us the kind of person God can favor.Do you know God is looking for people he can favor?“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9, ESV)Today, ask yourself:
Am I allowing the Spirit of God to develop in me a blameless heart that is loyal to God and fully committed to him?- See more at: http://kingdomnomics.com/the-secret-to-finding-gods-favor/#more-2959
The Transforming Process
Scripture: Luke 16:9, NIV and Ecclesiastes 2:10–11, NKJV
“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9, NIV)
“Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:10–11, NKJV)
In the first verse Jesus tells us how to use worldly wealth. In the second scripture we see the disillusionment of King Solomon during the period when he sought to experience every worldly pleasure, build great works, accumulate gold and silver, and pursue wisdom and knowledge.
He concluded that all of this activity was a grasping for the wind; there was no profit under the sun. Even though Solomon was the richest person of his day and had the power to experience every pleasure known to man, in the end he realized he had nothing.
By using a transforming process that I call the CONVERTERLATOR CONCEPT, we can escape the dead end King Solomon experienced. Jesus Christ tells us how to do it.
He tells us to use the perishable time, talent, and treasures of this world to win friends for eternity.
When we invest in the lives of people and spread the Word of God, we build treasures for ourselves in heaven. God’s Word and the souls of people are the only items that will survive in the eternal paradigm.
Giving or investing is at the heart of the CONVERTERLATOR. When we invest properly in kingdom objectives like the Great Commission, we convert time, talent, and treasure into imperishable eternal treasure.
Today, ask yourself:
In what way will I put the CONVERTERLATOR CONCEPT into practice?
- See more at: http://kingdomnomics.com/the-transforming-process/#more-2962
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