Who counsels you?

Psalm 1:1-3 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers (HCSB)

Many have read and recited this verse many times, but the question is – how much stock do you put in it? Do you think about the people, you allow into our inner circle, or who you seek out to counsel you? These people speak into our life, speak over our life, and influence our behavior, whether we will admit it or not. Do we just let anyone in who makes us feel good, echo our ideas, has gift of words, or who has a title or position behind their name? People we think, think like us become a big part of our lives, our inner court of advisors. Yet, we wonder why we have not seen change, or why we have not changed in our life. If we desire change, we need to change who we allow into our innermost courts of our hearts to advise us, and begin listening to the word of the Lord; whoever speaks it. I am learning this, truth is truth no matter where it comes from; it is.  Who counsels you, directs you, instructs you, and teaches you. As Christians, we should be very particular about this and mindful who we seek out. We should pray about the people, we desire to share with, before we share with them. Because if you share with the wrong person, it is detrimental to our progress, destructive to our growth, damaging to our spirituality, and psychological devastating to our mental stability, but we have only ourselves to blame; we did this. Decides today, you will stand in God’s will and let Him bring your advisors, your mentors, your counselors, your friends, and your mate because He brings what is needed for us to grow and prosper. Knowing it is not about you, but you choose to let Him lead, or not. You choose to be the person who prospers no matter where s/he goes like Joseph in the palace or in the pen all according to God. In the 21^st Century prospective, it is stated like this - it is not what you know, but who you know that matters; if this is true, then being mindful of who counsels you, and who is allowed into your innermost courts of your heart is definitely important…Now who counsels you?...wink

A lesson in leadership

I decided to write about this because of some things that happened in my life and what I have seen this past year. I had to learn, it wasn’t and it isn’t easy, but what I went through was worth it. I learn more about me, humility, sacrifice, it is not about me, it is not about winning, and trust God’s plan above man’s rules. It was not easy, but it was worth it. The biggest lesson was the difference between having the right to do, and the right thing to do are not always the same thing.

A lesson in leadership for me has been this one thing - having the right to do, is not the same as the right thing to do. As I have moved up in my career path, I have had to learn this hard won over lesson. Too many times people in position of leadership believe they understand leading because they have read the books, have a theoretical understanding, or have a degree or certificate certifying them in leadership. We all have shelled out monies to attend the noted experts on leadership workshops, conferences, seminars, or bought the DVD or CD for their library. Some of us have been mentored by others who, in our sphere, are deemed great leaders; not realizing those leaders was there to teach, to instill, direct but not to stop the learning process within us. Because one can repeat the laws, the theory, and explain it to others, but it does not mean one gets it. Getting it requires letting the lesson taught, teach the leaders where about change occurs in the process for the leaders. Otherwise, we get the idea, if I have the right to do, and it make sense to me, then it is the right thing to do. Yet, in leading, we serve, and the previous statement is not a servant attitude. As Christians, we have the very truth riddle throughout the bible -Having the right to do, does not mean it is the right thing to do. The bible says it this way - 1 Corinthians 10:23 - All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable all things are lawful, but not all things edify (NASB).

Having the right to do does not always mean it is the right thing to do but it can. It requires a selfless perspective in leading, directing, and not letting our emotional discomforts dictate actions. If you are uncomfortable, it means you are being stretched, and if you are being stretched there is a lesson there for you; seek the lesson. We should not run from it, become dismissive of it, or discount its value because I know better. God does not let anything happen the same way in our life; it would behoove us to seek the lesson. As a leader, you cannot produce or receive, what is not in you. However, you will produce what is true about you in those you grow, mentor, or direct in various form. It is true all things rises and falls on the leader who is the foundation, the barometer, the gauge or litmus test strip for what is wrong o right of any organization, group, section because s/he allows it or dictates it.

Let me clear it, the leader is not expected to be the expert. Yet, the leader is the conductor who puts the right players, not who I like or who I can control, in the right position and insures there is competence, chemistry, and confidence because no one has to be your ‘besty’ to respect and trust you. If you are doing what is right, inspite of what you want, what is popular, or easy, they will come around and become your biggest advocate. This I know from experience, and never got it until recently. Living and experience shall teach what no class or person can, if you are an apt student seeking.  In 1 Corinthians 6:12, it states - All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything (NASB) – we let too much become master over our lives, except the one true Master who crafted us. Then we wonder why things are not working, I have not gotten promoted.  It is found 95%-97% of people who are hired or promoted have to do with how they communicate with people, not skill. However, 80%-90% of communication has to do with body language, not words… Micah 6:8 -He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (NASB)…Not easy but worth it…

What have I learned this year?

Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth, Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness Rivers in the desert."(NASB)

What have  I learned this year? Is a questions we all should ask ourselves because the only really uninformed or ignorant person is the one who believes s/he knows everything and does not intentionally seek. Everyday we remain on this earth, we are exposed to a new thing in this world. It might look the same, shaped the same, and feel the same but it is not. God does not the same thing twice, and as His creation, neither do we.Therefore, we need to seek the lesson in every experience (good, bad, or indifferent) in this life so we will continue to grow. The only way we grow is through intentionality of focusing on the goal, while paying attention to the process because the learning is achieved through being present in the process.Too many times we are dismissive of the process thinking as long as I achieve the desired goal or focus, it does not matter but it does. It matters because paying attention to the process actually allows you to build on what you already know then you will see if you are the catalyst for change that switches the game. This becomes your legacy because God blessings are based on our differences, not our similiarities. We just need the faith to believe our difference is the essential key to our blessings and favor for improvement, abundance, and progression in this life. Most importantly, we must, key thing, understand is not just about me but for me. See, the remnants of God's favor and blessings upon our lives provide an increase to others who are connected to us whether it is 6 or 10 degrees of seperation. Don't believe me? Let me give a modern-day example - Oprah Winfrey. Those that are closet get the most but it keeps going, and going, and going; you get the picture. All she did was believe inspite of what others said about her, circumstances of her, and physical appearance; she understood unrelentingly she had something to give. So, as we end 2010, and enter in 2011, please understand the significance of the number eleven. The number eleven means revelation and some think it is disorganization but understand something here. Where there is revelation is moves you from the current position, and transition into the new; disorganization is present as you change but just know God's logic and ways have nothing to do with man's, as it confounds the wise.

So, what have I learned this year....

1. It takes a godly, strong, and self-confident person to embrace humility because it builds character.
2. It is not about winning and losing, it is about doing your best and let God do the rest.
3. Our actions have a ripple-effect, and whether we intend to impact others or not, we do. How we decide with our conscious choices and attitudes determines good or bad.
4. We should not engage in argument with the young or old, because one doesn't care and the the others doesn't understand;while you end up stressed for no reason.
5. If you want to teach me, then you must find out where I am, so you can reach me. If you do not reach me, you will never teach me.
6. When you carry with you the baggage of hurt, you will never be free to live without fear; forgive and be free.
7. God never does anything the same way twice, no matter what we think or believe there is a difference; look for it and get the lesson.
8. Not everything is your life, good or bad, is meant to remain as is or status quo because there is no growth there; growth lies it the evolution.
9. When you are convinced of what you know, there is a seamless unconscious effort present directing you, and changes your life forevermore.
10. Spiritual people should have more than religiosity, intellectual understanding of the bible, and an apologetic attitude but all of these as well as the sense of God's presence always.
11. If it is not your responsibility and/or authority, then do not stress over no one valuing your opinion; they have to live their consequence, and in time if they are seeking and you speaking the truth, they will...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

Weapon of Mass Destruction

James 3:3-5 -  Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! (NASB)

I do not know what it is? If it has to do with me choosing to live authentic to my call this summer and the innateness of me, but I will have to say God is fine tuning me. It hurts…smiling…What is this about, well this weekend I was stroke with this revelation. The weapon of mass destruction, willed everyday without consideration or care, our tongue; it is deadly, as it merciful. What is done in us, is done through us. With our tongue, we put out what percolates within us. It is no accident; we do not achieve the things of awesomeness. We do not because, we are unwilling to believe outside of ourselves, and have not only spoken negative of others but about ourselves. No one intentionally fashions an un-sturdy foundation, but with our tongue we build it. We become ingrates because something was not quite right; we did not get what we desire; we did not get the response, we desired, or the outcome was less than stellar. Yet, we fail to realize when we are the one being persecuted, and we are on the receiving side; we see it as being unjustified..What webs, we weave when we seek to deceive self and others…. How we destroy and deconstruct with our tongue, with such intentional cuts, the precision so calculated and smooth that the person has to look twice to know the cutting was done. We use our tongue again to justify, what we did and vilify anyone who speaks against us. The tongue can bless but more often than not, it curses. Those curses supplant the grace God gave, with the seeds of conflict and inconsistency, none of us want but we all have spread…The weapon of Mass of destruction can be stop, when we understand better the power of the tongue comes from the heart of the person; for it speaks the truth… 

The power of tongue builds somebody up, or tears them down, we make the choice based on our fleeting emotional instability; that never should have been. . The power of the tongue should not be underestimated. So, as this holiday season is upon us, think before you speak, and then try to bless. You will be surprise how your life will change….For where we end, God begins, His just wants to know you are there to be use..weapon of mass destruction, can easily be change to the wand of blessings upon blessings. Every time you use the tongue to bless, rather than destroy is turning point in your life. We must understand no matter the consequences in our life, our choices are representatives and reflections of our perspective of the world around us…We always choose, it is never the situation or surroundings…

Winning and losing, it is not about

Luke 23:46 - And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last. (NASB)

When you change the focus of your outcome, you change the focus of your engagement of the experience, the situation, the negotiation, or the argument. It is not nor has it ever been about winning and losing, but rather it is about the lesson, the promise, and the trans-formative growth. It all hinges on choices, and our choices hinges on our perspective. Most of our focus, mostly taught, puts too much winning and losing, a position. Position gives us chance, opportunity, and placement, only, nothing else; the rest you have to earn. Yet, we need to submit because winning does not guarantee you a ‘win’ in life or among others. What does is being authentic to self, and getting the most out of the experience so transformation is possible. Explanation – if you are only in it to win, you are unable to get the fullest of what the experience has to offer, and trans formative, metamorphosis is stymied. Not so, when you seek to be the authentic you, in light all things. Do not think this is easy, because if it was all would do it.

Take Christmas for instance, we understand the celebration of Jesus’ birth and all he gave so we could have. We know his purpose for coming was to save us, and his submission to will of God granted us grace. Yet, if we look at it all from the perspective of winning and losing, he lost. He was tried in a biased court, judge by emotional driven jury clouded by their fears, beaten for his unrelenting decisiveness to not let man’s opinion rule, and ultimately hung on the cross for his resoluteness. On the cross he stayed, He had to let the man part die, lose, in order for the all of god-part to be reveal, and we healed. However, our Father’s grace and mercy toward us is so great, that His loving faithfulness for us, allowed a part of him to live. Not only live, but endure so we could have the ultimate sacrifice in Christ. Christ became what many do not actually own much, because it is hard to wrap our heads and hearts around it.  This is Jehovah Maddishkem "Sanctifier” Lev. 20:7-8. Meanings of ‘sanctify’ are officially approving of something, and a means of achieving a source of grace. We have a seal of approval upon our lives by God, and we live under grace, not under win and lost columns in this life as Christian. When our perspective allows us to embrace this truth, it changes the game of life, the journey we travel, how we deal with each conflict, and we too can say to our Father  - INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT – because our spirit drives us; it is the internal…I realize it is difficult but without intentionality of achieving this purpose, we never get close to the utmost.

The struggle we are confronted with is putting this 1st Century truth that is absolute, into a 21st Century context that is realistic and practical without losing it essence....But God, we are able...We choose, we abide in the choice.  

We shall overcome.....

Luke 3:22…and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased" (NASB)

The statement has been memorialize and become synonymous with Dr. King. As well as one of the lasting legacy of a great snapshot moment of Dr. King’s insightful rhetoric, and analytical conclusion drawn about man’s inner soul. We shall overcome denotes an expectation of something happening, not that is happening right now, or whether it will happen during our time; just that it shall happen. These two things are what makes it difficult for us to keep going; the expectancy. We always desire to see the product of our labor, you know, for it to happen right now. Yet, we forget that others gave, so that we might have but never saw it in the physical form; only in the vision of future in there mind’s eye. However, we cannot seem to wrap our mental and spiritual consciousness around this concept. We must submit, to gain. Realizing expectation requires patience, endurance, determination, and willingness to do today, so that tomorrow’s generation might have; legacy. The irony is this; we cannot endure this race at all, until we are ready to be our authentic selves. Until we are authentic with self, we cannot give God our all today. When we own who God made us to be, and begin walking in him, as we should.We will see what happen with Jesus, for us.  When he accepted his call in public, and became a prophet without honor amongst his peers, his family, elders, and others …he got this - and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven,“You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." …We too shall hear, from the Father – in You I am well-pleased– in our life. When we are willing to step outside of who others think we are, to who we are. See He, the Father, is searching for the heart that is destine, and willing to own its truth, regardless of the trials, the pitfalls, and the pains before them. Willing to cry out, against the normalcy of man’s order because the heart tells you, this is not the way for you but the road never traveled is. For us to overcome, we have to be willing to be the sacrificial lamb that is slain, literally or metaphorically; because it is our difference that makes us great. But no one wants to be that, they just want to overcome, and receive. We shall overcome, when we decide to let go, and submit to the higher calling within ourselves; no matter what it is. For in there lies, our over coming in this life…We shall overcome is absolute for all times…we must choose to apply it…

Who are you mad at?

Who are you mad at? Are you mad at the person you are taking your anger out on? If not, then why don’t you deal with that person, not take it out on someone else. We all are so free to attack everything but the issue we really need to attack. We get so caught up in redirecting our anger; we begin to believe this is the only way to act. Our status quo has taught us, we are not required to deal with the issue at-hand and we can redirect: wrong!. This becomes a problem when we desire to serve the Lord. Why do you ask, because He asked for it all. See, He is looking and desiring for you to give it all. He is looking for the destitute heart, so he can give prosperity; the broken spirit, so he can give wholeness, and the ill-fitted life so you can see His amazing grace fall fresh and know it is for you. Instead, we stay bottleneck with anger, battling the empty punching bag only exhausting ourselves as we build the anger muscle. Wondering why I have to keep fighting the same battles. Anger, like revenge comes back to us exponentially, when we send it out to others. See the problem with anger is we are angry with ourselves, and until we can start with self, we can never let go of anger toward any one else. Unresolved issues of our past, present, color our communication in more ways, than we think, and are the ghosts that hunt our future. As they dictate our response, and the manifestation becomes readily apparent for all to see. But since we live in the cloak and dagger world of fraud-reality, we do not see it.Deal with who you are mad at, not redirect it.

Who are you mad at? Deal with them, do not let it build up and explode on someone else; it never turns out well or productive for no one. Anger according to dictionary anger is nothing but negativity in definition; from its origin, it means to vex, distress, anguish, strangling, torment, affliction, etc. Yet, we are so consumed with our anger and feelings, we cannot see, the amazing grace being sent our way. The unending love waiting in the wings for us to embrace because it is already there, and the redemptive mercy holding us, we do not acknowledge it arms. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying do not get angry but I am saying live, learn, do not dwell, but communicate. It was never meant to be worn as a badge honor because it is not. No matter the outcome, when we deal with it, at least you have one less bag to carry on your already over-laden metaphorical spirit. In the book Tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom there is this quote – Education is a lifelong journey whose destination expands as you travel. Because really, if you really do know better, education, it should expand your horizon as well as the lens you see life through. Too bad we are not willing to seek because it requires us to change; what we have done, and are doing in our lives. Who are you mad at? You only have peace when you have all the pieces, and are honest with yourself…You choose!..

Ecc. 7:9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools. (NASB)....It is not easy, but it is worth!!