There’s no denying if you watch the news at all something is going on in our world today.  There’s a lot of talk about a Global Currency, Nato, The United Nations, and the need for a leader to bring us all together.  It does sound a bit like a movie that I have already seen… or even a chapter right out of the Bible.

While listening to the news this week about the G20 Summit I couldn’t help but be reminded of a bit of history recorded in Genesis 11:4 & 6,

Then they said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city and a tower that reaches Heaven. Let’s make ourselves famous so we won’t be scattered here and there across the Earth… God took one look and said, “One people, one language; why, this is only a first step. No telling what they’ll come up with next — they’ll stop at nothing!”  (The Message).

Here we are with all of the problems we are facing as a Nation and at large a ”Global Community” and what do our “leaders” do?  They come together to try and solve the worlds problems.  Where is God in their leadership?  How much time has been spent by our leaders seeking the face of God rather than their own agendas?  I would like to hear that question in a news conference!

The life of Joshua (the understudy to Moses) is fascinating to me.  I just love Joshua.  I wish we knew more about the day to day life of Joshua as he learned from Moses.  I would like to know about the conversations they had together. 

So much is said about Isreal today.  Some Nations love and support while others hate and want to see them destroyed.  In the Bible, it is plain that God chose Israel as the nation from which He would reveal himself to the world.  When Jesus enters the world – God’s plan for redeeming the world now moves forward.  Why can’t our leaders see what has been set in motion from the beginning of time?  His plan for us all is to seek and worship Him.

The Bible says in Joshua 3:11,

…Think of it — the Master of the entire earth is crossing the Jordan as you watch.  (The Message).

“The Master of the entire earth…”  In the next chapter, we read that the people of Isreal crossed over the Jordan on dry land.  In the last verse of the chapter we read that all of the events of this chapter were done so that,

“…everybody on earth would recognize how strong GOD’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold God in solemn reverence always.” (Joshua 4:24, The Message).

As the Nation’s leaders seek ways to bring peace (or their own agenda’s) to the table, lets not forget to seek God.  Let’s pray that our leaders eyes will be opened to the fact that the Master of the entire earth has a strong hand and desires that they hold Him in solemn reverence.

…too many thoughts running through my head tonight (1:00 AM) to sleep.  While reading Wide Awake today there are several quotes I would like to bring to your attention:

• Talent you don’t use is talent you have abused.  To waste what God has put in you is a dishonor to God and a disservice to humanity.
• …your life is God’s gift to you and to the world.
• The choices you make today create the future you live tomorrow. (Erwin McManus, 172).

I don’t know about you but I’ve never been one to look at myself in such a way to think that I am a gift to the world.  But the truth is God created all of as a gift to each other.  Each one of us has a gift and/or a talent within us to give to others.  The unfortunate thing is that most of us don’t realize that until it’s too late.  Or we have made choices that dictate our future. 

When I think about it like that – I wonder how many people miss out on knowing about Jesus because too many of us have never realized the potential within. 

Some never have the opportunity to realize their true potential because their spirits have been crushed.

Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits.  (Colossians 3:21, The Message).

This is a message to parents:  I know this has been said before, “Our children are the future.”  That statement is true.  But if as parents we do not nurture them and build them up in Christ we will lose the next generation of leaders.  Leadership begins with us (parents)!  Do you want to be a leader?  Then take the responsibility to raise your children to love the Lord with all their hearts.  Encourage the creativity within them!

Maybe you are doing the job God has called you to in raising your children.  I want to say… Great job!!  Keep it up and look around.  I bet one of your children has a friend whose Mom or Dad is crushing their child’s spirit.  We need to have the eyes to see who it is we can reach out to with real love – the love of Jesus Christ… these children need our love.

As parents, we need to pick our battles wisely with our children.  We have a responsibility to see that they live in an environment that gives them the tools to make wise choices so that their future is without limit.

Are you with me on this?

How is God’s passion for your life revealed to the world?

You were not created to be normal.  God’s desire for you is not compliance and conformity.  You have been baptized by Spirit and fire.  Asleep within you is a barbarian, a savage to all who love the prim and proper.  You must go to the primal place and enter the presence of the Most High God, for there you will be changed by His presence.  Let Him unleash the untamed faith within you.  (Erwin McManus, The Barbarian Way, 82).

Romans 12:1-2,

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV).

In verse 1, we are told to offer our bodies as living sacrifices HOLYand pleasing to God.  Lately the words “holy” and “holiness” have been on my mind.  I wonder if we have lost what it means to be holy.  To be set a part… to be consecrated to God… To be different than the world… Have we come to a place where we are trying to be so “relevant” that we have traded in holiness for entertainment… conformity?

In verse 2, Paul says, “DO NOT CONFORM any longer to the pattern of this world…”

As I read through the Bible, I am seeing over and over again that those who led… those who were out front… did not conform.  They put their lives out there on the line – holy (dedicated to the service of God in a way that pleased Him).  It was those holy men and women that changed and transformed the world around them. 

How is it that you are changing the world around you?  How do you influence those around you?  You and I are created to make a difference.

Do you want to lose your edge in this world?  If so - be a conformer!  If not – be holy.  It’s your choice.  It’s your influence… how do you want to influence the world God has given you?  Is it by your power?  Or by the power given to you by God?  If you have been baptized by Spirit and fire – you will not let anyone around you become “civilized” to the patterns of this world!  Don’t be a conformer and don’t let those you lead be conformers.

Seek. Find. Live. Others will follow.

At Catalyst, Andy Stanley quoted Michael Hammer in the quote below.  I now have it in my office.  This quote has challenged me about my own life vision… my dreams… my future.

When your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near.

I have a good friend (Mike).  Mike is one of the most encouraging people I know.  I worked with him in Albuquerque.  There was this one phrase he said often that stuck with me.  Anytime we were getting ready to do anything he would say, “Let’s make a memory.”  Living with that mindset one is always looking toward the future.  Do you live with vision or do you live with the memories?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

There is so much to reflect on for Day 2. 

First, these are most of the people we had the pleasure of learning from today:  Tim Sanders, Jeff Foxworthy, Franklin Graham, Dave Ramsey, Matt Chandler, and Andy Stanley… There were others who spoke or shared I don’t have my workbook in front of me right now.  The icing on the cake was the experience of a lifetime in worshipping the Creator of all things and the King of kings.

I stood there on several occasions during worship and just looked around at the 12,000 people attending this conference on Leadership.  The noise that 12,000 people can make is amazing.  I leaned over to Brad at one moment while everyone was clapping and said something similar to this, “Listen to all of the clapping.  It’s kind of strange to hear how we humans have found a way to express our approval and gratitude to others.  We are no different from other animals in this regard.”  We want to express to people and to God in a manner that shows our approval of them and one way we do so is by clapping.  I paid attention a lot today to how people responded to what they were hearing. 

One of the greatest rounds of applause came for a Staff Sergent from the Army on a 15 day leave who was at Catalyst.  WOW!  He spent 2 of his 15 day leave at this conference… He left the war in Iraq and got his spiritual and leadership batteries charged.  It was an amazing moment to witness his introduction.

There is so much to say as to what I gained from this 2 day conference.  If you have never been to Catalyst I highly suggest going… Catalyst 2008 is by far the BEST conference I have ever been to!  For those of you on the West Coast, Catalyst is coming your way in April 2009!!  Catalyst will be in Orange County, CA. 

Seth Godin gave us his latest book, Tribes.  I have begun reading it tonight and haven’t been able to put it down.  I know I will finish it this weekend.  I have already gotten several ideas on how to implement his ideas in this book to my own “tribe” at work.  I look forward to being stretched this way… my title may be “Area Manager” but my function is to be a leader of those who make up my tribe.  As I apply some of the thoughts I have jotted down tonight as to steps I will begin taking I hope to write on how my team of employees respond. 

The short story about today’s sessions is this:  Missions was a large thrust of today’s topics.  I was challenged to preach the Word, reach people with the preached Word and not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.  The goal of proclaiming Christ is Christ.  Nothing less.  For it to be less would be to lead people to think “you” (or I) did a great job in the presentation.  Doing a great job in presenting the Gospel should never be the goal.  Preach the Word and watch God do the work!

There was so much more that was communicated today that will apply to so many areas of my life.  I look forward to sharing this in the days ahead. 

I am so very thankful for the opportunity to go to this Catalyst.  I words can’t express my thanksgiving.  Thank you!

One more thought about both days.  God orchestrated so much for me over these two days.  From conversations with new and old friends, each of the sessions, the worship, the quiet moments by myself journaling, and the many tears that were shed…  I know everything I experienced was planned by God.  I am so looking forward to unwrapping all of this…

These are quotes I have walked away with today:

Jim Collins:

“Not all time in life is equal.”

“The difference between good and great is discipline. In greatness you’ll find a culture of discipline.”

Steven Furtik:

“Stay faithful and pure and God will use you to reach people for Christ.”

Furtik was phenomenal!

My take away from Furtik’s talk was that God gives the vision – God takes us through a process until “there is nothing there.” Once we have walked through this process God leads us to the payoff of the vision.

For me, God is reminding me of the vision… God’s hand on my life.

Below is a list of those in Congress with the integrity to vote “No” on the bailout.  I’m very disappointed with this bailout… especially all of the PORK attached to it.  Come on Congress just be honest with the citizens of the United States… it’s not about the people but rather YOUR back pockets.

Sure something needs to be done with the economy… but is it really the governments job?  Afterall, it is the government that got us here.  We can look back to Jimmy Carter’s four years that got the ball rolling on this mortgage mess.  It’s unfortunate that no one stood up and said ”No” back then… or since then.

Is the President of the United States really expected to be the CEO of our nation?  Is that the role of the Presidency?  If so, then why don’t we drop this democratic – republic label we so proudly use and call ourselves a socialist nation!

Our forefathers never intended for Congress and the Senate to be a career.  But that’s what it has become.  How about term limits?!  Afraid you can’t get a real job?  I think we need to take another look at the “Contract with America”.

Below are the Patriots that voted – NO!

In the list below those Democrats in roman, Republicans in italic, independents underlined.

—- NAYS    171 —

Source:  Office of the Clerk  House of Representatives

Today is one of those sleepy-lazy days… I don’t feel like doing anything.  Gas prices are keeping me at home.  I left my Jeep at work yesterday because it was out of gas.  Gas stations were marking off pumps (saying they were out of gas… I kind of doubt it… I expect those to reopen once the others are out with much higher gas prices!!) If it gets as bad as the media hype!

I just went to my office and picked up the Jeep and found a Chevron station near my house with gas for 3.99/gallon (they are practically giving it away) with no limits on number of gallons allowed to purchase.  $85 dollars later my Jeep is full and parked!!

I am looking forward to October 9 and 10.  In fact, I can’t wait for these two days.  I will be attending the Catalyst Conference 2008 in Atlanta.  I have been hoping for an opportunity to get a way for something like this. God is good!

I want to grow.  I’m just not sure where to focus on my personal growth.  I know that all areas of my life are in need of challenge.  I know at the conference I will be challenged in all of these areas: (Spiritual, leadership, finances, and relationships). 

I’m reading Developing the Leader Within by John Maxwell this weekend.  This is the first book of many I have purchased by Maxwell.  Yet, it is the only one I haven’t read… I think I bought it in 1999.  It’s weird how at times I will buy a book and try to start reading it but for whatever reason it just doesn’t click.  I started on it this morning and the gears were engaged. 

As I read, I am reminded of successes and not so good experiences in leadership through the years.  It is really engaging my thoughts as it pertains to my work today and those I have the pleasure of trying to lead through my job.  It also is helping me think a bit more about my manager and things I can do to help myself maximize my time I get with him one-on-one each week. 

Leadership is Influence. That’s it.  Nothing more; nothing less.  My favorite leadership proverb is:  He who thinketh he can leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk. (John Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You. Pg. 1).

Another way I desire to grow is by being coached by my good friend Jason through Ministry Coaching International.  I’m not sure when I will be able to get this going… but it is something I do want to pursue.  If you are looking for a way to grow I encourage you to check out Ministry Coaching International.

What are you doing to grow?  What are you reading?  Who are you meeting with?  In what areas do you see the need for growth?