Tag Archives: Personal Growth

God is Able

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Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re weary. Maybe you’re sad. Maybe you’re weak. Maybe you’re heartbroken. Maybe you’re lonely. Maybe you’ve lost hope. Maybe – maybe not. But you need to hear this anyway.

God is able.

Here are two verses for you today. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Maybe – just maybe – you need to hear that. I’m guessing you’re just like every other person in the entire world. From time to time you need to be encouraged. From time to time you need to be reminded. Remember a few things about Almighty God.

Say Hello to the Learning Curve

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What’s it called when a new pastor arrives at a brand new church and has so much to learn? Oh yeah, that’s right…the learning curve. New place. New ministry. New joys. New challenges. Same truth – so much to learn.

The first year or so is what I call the transition period. During this time the learning curve is steep and the climb is challenging. You are moving your family. Learning a new organization. Attending a new church. Getting to know new coworkers. And leading new people.

During this transition period I have discovered an intense desire to be a better leader and pastor. My advice? Capitalize on the new desire to learn and grow. Learn from the mistakes of the past. Try not to repeat them. Use what you’ve learned before as the foundation for future leadership.

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Take Time to Clear Your Mind

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Our world is full of clutter. And it doesn’t take long for all of the clutter around us to become the clutter within us. That’s why it’s important that you find things that clear your mind. Things that recharge your batteries.

One of the things that works for me is what I call “tractor time.” Every other week or so during the summer I get to spend a few hours on the tractor cutting grass. It may sound like torture to you. But to me it is sweet relief.

That’s what we all need from time to time. You need it too. Clear your mind, disengage, just chill. Here are four quick guidelines for clearing your mind.

1. It must be enjoyable.
2. It must be relaxing.
3. It must recharge your batteries. 
4. It must make you feel better.

For you, it may not be time on the tractor cutting grass. It may be a game of golf, an afternoon fishing, an early morning in the deer stand, or a day at the mall. But from time to time, it’s important that that you take time to clear your mind.

Counterfeit Courage

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Have you ever noticed how people will say things on the internet or in an email that they would never say to your face? Before I continue, let me make a point. I’m not replying to anybody on my blog. I’m not getting back at anyone. I’m not responding to a problem (that would be ironic wouldn’t it). I’m just making an observation. People say things on Twitter and Facebook, in blogs and emails, that they would never say to your face.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” In other words, be a man or woman of your word. Don’t say things about someone online that you wouldn’t say to their face. Here are two questions to ask so you can avoid counterfeit courage.  Continue reading →

Four Ways to Deal With Criticism

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No one likes to be criticized. But if you’re a leader, it comes with the territory. Be a big boy, accept it and learn how to handle it. Some guys try to avoid criticism by cowering in the corner. They hesitate. They vacillate. They never make a decision. Guess what? They’re still criticized for being spineless leaders. That’s not the route to take.

For me it’s important to accept reality. If you’re a leader, you will face criticism. Sometimes criticism is justified, sometimes it’s not. Either way, you need to learn how to deal with it. Here are four simple ways to deal with criticism. Continue reading →