Eric's Blog

2009-12-14T09:36:00.003-05:00

The Perfect Gift for Christmas!

2009-11-06T00:52:00.002-05:00

I'm Over Tolerance

I just spent the day with some dear friends, some former terrorists, who are now avid followers of Jesus. They shared of amazing miracles in the Islamic world. People are having dreams, visions and opened "spiritual" eyes to recognize Jesus as their Savior.

We also talked very clearly about three important realities re: Islam. The God of Islam is the Devil. Mohammad was evil and is dead. The Quran is a lie.

Then tonight we learned of the tragedy in Ft. Hood. When will people stop putting up with evil in the name of tolerance!

Jesus, the Son of God, is our Savior, and filled with light and love. There is a difference between our Lord and the god of Islam. Psalm 96:5

2009-11-02T12:06:00.002-05:00

The Undisputed King

No it's not Elvis. Or even President Obama. There is only one undisputed King. He wasn't born yesterday and He has never run for office. His power extends to every village, tribe, city and country. His presence is in every classroom, office, ballpark and movie theatre. His words shape the power of books, letters, emails, sms and txts, tweets and even conversations. His laws have never been over-turned and His promises are always true.

He has never been overthrown, defeated or His authority ever in question. He is the undisputed Sovereign, the Ever-lasting King. He will reward His followers and bring justice to those who stand against Him. His name is Jesus.

2009-08-27T13:05:00.002-04:00

learning to FOLLOW

I have read lot's of books, articles and heard numerous speeches on what it means to be a great leader. But it seems to me that what we all really need is a stronger dose of what it takes to be a good follower. I am just not sure there are enough real followers in the world.

Perhaps that is because we are all looking for someone worth following???

I personally have had my fill of disappointing leaders -- now I just want to be a good follower of the only one worth following - JESUS

2009-07-09T11:15:00.005-04:00

Who will be the Emcee at Your Memorial?

I have been reading through the book of Joshua the past several weeks but was drawn back to the first several verses in light of this past weeks Michael Jackson memorial service. The city of Los Angeles spend more than USD$1 million on the event and the majority of the conversation was about his detailing his accomplishments. (I wasn't there and I didn't watch it!)

When God emceed Moses' Memorial he said to Joshua, "Moses, My servant is dead." 5 powerful words that outweighed every accomplishment Moses had achieved. He didn't mention his meteoric rise in Pharoah's house, his bi-lingual abilities, his multiple vocations, the miracles, the plagues, the Red Sea parting. He described Moses' entire life in relationship to himself.

God was interested in Moses' character and his willingness to be a servant.

What would God say at your Memorial Service?

2009-06-18T11:40:00.001-04:00

Where's Daniel?

Years ago when the nation of Iran faced a desperate situation and needed supernatural wisdom they turned to a man named Daniel. He knew God, lived with integrity and never bowed down.

Let's pray for the nation of Iran and ask God to raise up a generation of Daniels in every city who will always stand up in a bow down world.

2009-06-03T16:36:00.002-04:00

Time to Tell My Story

I rarely ever tell my story, just because I have made a strong commitment to not draw attention to myself. BUT, this weekend at church I have decided to do it and trust that God will be shown faithful. Here is a "peak" I shared with our church family:

Born sickly, miraculously healed, spirit-filled, mocked in High School, radically changed, shunned by the 'cool' crowd, learned to listen to God, prayed for the sick, seen demons cast out, humiliated by peers/employers, rescued from kidnapping, poisoned, healed, ridiculed, written books, trained thousands of Christian leaders overseas, been misunderstood, lost friendships, helped others stay strong under pressure, growing in faith and still going strong.

It's my story but it's about: God's faithfulness, His favor and my passionate commitment to learn to make the right choices. What He has done for me, He will do for you -- and more! He has exceeded my expectations every time and I can't wait to share with you at 9 and 11am this Sunday the simple truth that "God is...Waiting"

2009-05-21T10:46:00.002-04:00

Finish Strong

It's easy to finish strong when you know when the race ends. Easy to focus energy, talent and skill.

BUT, the finish line in the race we call - LIFE -- is a mystery to everyone but God.

The skill set needed for a short-course and the long-haul race are different. Talent can outpace character for the sprint, but in the marathon of LIFE, character always trumps talent.

Do you have what it takes to persevere?

2009-04-28T23:36:00.002-04:00

Missional = ?

It's the new buzz word for communities of faith. It's a focus away from self and back on to the missio dei.

20 years ago during a time of passionate worship I asked to be a part of Psalms 2:8 and, looking back, I can see that it is the missional focus of my life. "Ask of me and I will give the nations as your inheritance."

At the time I had no idea I was being "missional," I was just being obedient.

Perhaps this is the largest part of being "missional" -- obedience to God and a passionate desire for his presence.

2009-04-20T10:06:00.002-04:00

What I'm Learning from Obama

Time magazine (April 2, 2009) published a great article on how President Obama is using behavioral science to affect change in the political landscape of America. http://tinyurl.com/cwmes5

Hmmm...

We should be using these tools, too!

2009-04-06T11:38:00.003-04:00

What's Going On Around Here?

Finding news with a global view just isn't that easy any more. I wish I didn't have to hear (over and over) about the First Lady's hugs with the Queen, her J. Crew outfits and how Pres. Obama is doing on his first overseas journey.

Is there nothing else going on? What's happening with China trade, the N. Korean missile launch, human trafficking? How about an analysis on the instability of Afghanistan's government, Pakistan's internal strife or the impact of the financial crisis on the developing world?

The world is bigger than my back yard, and we all need to learn about it!

2009-03-24T07:38:00.001-04:00

Best News Feed I've Found

This is an incredible news feed. Thanks Justin.

Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/GlblXnNews

2009-03-23T13:29:00.003-04:00

It’s Time to for Me Give Back

I graduated 25 years ago from ORU and have to admit that, perhaps like you, I have not given much to the school. OK, I gave once.

But when Mart Green became chairman of the school I began to do a little homework to see if the original vision of the school was returning to the forefront. I interviewed alumni in Tulsa, current students, administration, and faculty and had dinner a month ago with Mr. Green. Things have definitely changed. Really changed.

I have decided that it’s time for me to give back.

Remember the days of Econ 101? For me it was Dr. Gillen and learning about the stock market using imaginary money. I asked the Business School to consider a new project that would enable students to get involved in the issues of poverty and human trafficking, learn about micro-business in the developing world and then make a difference by loaning real money to business owners who are bringing change. The ORU students would choose the businesses in a peer-to-peer web platform , loan the money on behalf of the ORU Business School at 5% for 12 months and then re-invest the monies in the next business opportunity.

The idea seemed simple and right. Give an opportunity to ORU students to carry out the mission of the school, work to end poverty by creating jobs and give back to the school.

I just sent $10,000 to the ORU mPOWR Fund as a part of a matching grant to get the ball rolling. The short-term goal is to match it with 100 $100 gifts by April 30th. I believe that there are 1000 people who could give $100 to help further the mission of ORU through micro-business.

Here’s where you come in. I need a few people to “champion” this cause with me. It’s simple and should only take about 6 minutes of your time. Start the 1-2-3 below, and then forward this on to 10 ORU friends. 1. Go here or click here. https://www.oru.edu/renewingthevision/renewingthevision_bf.php 2. Under “Designated for” click “other” and type ORU mPOWR Fund 3. Fill out your personal information 4. Give at least $100 through your credit card (if you want to mail in your $$ that is fine too. Make the check to ORU and in the memo line put “Restricted – ORU mPOWR Fund) 5. Click Process

This is our chance to help re-direct the school back to it’s original world changing vision.

P.S. If we do this before April 30th, the ORU Board of Trustees will match our gifts and designate their contribution to pay down the debt. It’s perfect combination – they pay down the debt and we fuel the vision.

Until all have heard, Eric Watt

http://www.mPOWR.org

2009-03-09T09:49:00.002-04:00

Changing Times, Changing Views

George Barna's new survey of Christian worldview in America is worth the read. His post starts out like this...

If Jesus were to ask, “Who do you say I am,” the question He famously asked his disciple Peter, He would be disappointed by some of the answers He’d receive from contemporary Americans. A new nationwide survey conducted by The Barna Group among a representative sample of adults explored how many have what might be considered a “biblical worldview.” The report from Barna compared current results to the outcomes from a similar survey the company conducted in 1995, 2000 and 2005.

To read the entire article/survey results, click this link:

http://tinyurl.com/XnWrldVew

2009-03-02T09:35:00.003-05:00

Simple Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way

The roads were "icy" this morning as I drove my son, Ian, to school. I was explaining the difference between a dry road and black ice when we spotted a car up ahead that had slid off the road and into a deep ditch.

I hopped out of the car, asked Ian to call back to the house and warn my wife to take a different route into town. As I stepped on to the road I slipped and nearly fell, but made it across to help a lady whose car was lodged at a 45 degree angle in a ditch.

As it turned out, another gentlemen and I escorted this trouble lady to the safety of a home nearby that opened their doors while she waited for help.

As we drove off, no further instruction about black ice or the dangers of driving was necessary. Experiencing life is a much better teacher than words.

2009-02-25T10:38:00.002-05:00

Great Article on Five Macro Stages of Leadership

Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/cj5ekm

or the article: Five Macro Ministry Stages Every Minister Should Experience By Joseph Mattera Through more than 28 years of full-time church ministry, I have observed five macro stages in which every minister is assigned to function. Each stage is a life test that prepares a minister to segue into the next stage. Unfortunately, most ministers never get past the third stage.

The Five Macro Stages of Ministry

I. The Ministry of Helps

This is a volunteer stage for the purpose of testing the loyalty and servanthood of an emerging leader that can take place within the first year of a person’s conversion.
The ministry of helps is assigned by church leadership and not necessarily something an emerging leader has to hear about directly from the Lord. For example, the Twelve Apostles functioned first in the deaconate before they were trusted in the apostolic.
In this stage, the options are broad and very general.

II. The Mentoring Stage

After proving yourself in the ministry of helps, your true gifting begin to emerge and you are either chosen by the senior leader to be mentored and/or you intentionally place yourself under the mentoring of your local church or ministry for further development.

III. Fivefold Ministry Function Emerges

This is the place where a leader begins to establish him or herself and becomes recognized in the local church and/or the body of Christ as functioning in one of the ministry gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11.

IV. Prime of Life Stage

This is the time (generally between the ages of 45-65) in which life experience, character, integrity, energy, and gifting all converge and release the greatest manifestation of the ministry gift of God in and through a leader.
What a leader builds as a model and accomplishes during this stage will determine the level of leadership they will be able to attract and mentor in the next and last stage of their life.

V. Parenting Stage

Although being a spiritual father or mother is a vital aspect of the third and fourth stages, it is in this stage a leader is called to totally focus on pouring into the next generation of leaders.
This should be the greatest and most satisfying stage in the life of a leader and could last for decades, depending on one’s physical health.
Many older leaders attempt to stay in the fourth stage the rest of their lives, thus spending their time in competition against younger leaders in the fourth stage instead of aiding younger leaders as they help develop the next generation of emerging and established leaders.
The level of leadership one can attract in this stage is totally dependant on the model built in the previous stage.
This is perhaps the primary reason why many frustrated older ministers are still attempting to establish themselves as if they were in the prime of their lives--because they never built a strong model when they had the health and energy. They carry the fourth level into their twilight years because they still feel dissatisfied with what they previously accomplished for God. (This is perhaps the saddest thing to witness in older ministers! Unfortunately, many older ministers don’t know when to transition into the parenting stage of their life and die without experiencing the full joy of developing sons and daughters who are world changers! In my opinion, 70+ year-old ministers shouldn’t be attempting to organize national rallies around issues; they should get behind the younger ministers with the health and energy who can lead the charge with their help.)
The life passage for those in the parenting stage should be what John the Apostle said in his twilight years: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4).

2009-01-27T08:50:00.002-05:00

Living by the Rule

It started in 1457 and lasted 94 years. It was re-invigorated in the 1722 and lasted 100 years. It shaped a reformation, a movement, global leaders and impacted the New World.

What is IT?

IT is a simple "rule of life," a set of behaviors, or a code of conduct that eventually became the foundation of the Moravian Church. Called the "Brethren and Sisters of the law of Christ" this simple "opt-in" document created a focus for living, fuel to withstand difficult times and enough forward motion to help shape the building of America.

What shapes your life?

2009-01-07T08:33:00.002-05:00

Setting Goals

I was chatting online this morning with a young leader about the New Year and what he sees ahead of him. Like most of us, the conversation turned toward goals, achievements, plans and dreams.

Then I asked a simple question: Where would you like to be with God at the end of 09?

There was a pause...

God made the world in 6 days, knows all about planning, dreaming, goal setting and achievement. But what He longs for is fellowship.

Where will you be with Him at the end of 09?

2008-12-19T13:38:00.002-05:00

Is it Really Possible?

2008-12-18T09:41:00.001-05:00

Did You Know?

Click and Watch!

2008-12-13T13:54:00.003-05:00

Already have THE gift this Christmas

'been thinking about the treasure I have in my family. We have an incredible heritage of integrity in life and devotion to God. My wife knows me and still loves me, my kids are a joy to be with and serve. I am blessed!

2008-12-03T05:11:00.003-05:00

Safe or Brave?

I've been reading "Just Courage" by Gary Haugen, the CEO of International Justice Mission. Thought provoking and challenging.

He poses the question, "Is it better to be safe or to be brave?"

The idea here is deep and simple. You and I were made for an inherently dangerous mission, we have been called out of darkness and into His glorious light for the express purpose of rescuing others (1 Peter 2:9-10).

2008-12-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

300 Million Children

Our family just returned from two weeks in India. Given the choice to live anywhere outside the USA, India still remains one of my favorite places. My first trip there was in 1992 and each time I return my heart grows more fond of the sites, sounds and diversity of that great land. Though much has changed one thing remains the same...

India is filled with children who need love, hope and a future. 300 million children. I keep thinking of Jesus' words, "let the little children come to me" and asking the question, WHAT can we do to make an eternal difference there? For starters our family went to see and learn. We spent time at a feeding center, an HIV/AIDS home and a hospital to minister to those in need.

Long-term? We are working on providing tools for families to grow their families on a solid spiritual foundation. It's a start.

2008-11-24T23:38:00.002-05:00

27 million slaves

Becky and I were honored last night to gather with the leadership of Pearl City Church in Hyderabad, India. It was a great time of worship and fellowship.

We sat down and watched a short promo video produced by the International Justice Mission on the global slave trade.

I didn't know. 27 million slaves, 15 million in India alone.

In today's world this is just WRONG. Our church is connected with friends in Nepal who are rescuing young girls from this evil. They provide a half-way house, share the Good News, provide skill training and a chance to re-start their lives, but we should figure out how to do more.

What are you doing to help stop slavery?

2008-11-19T20:36:00.002-05:00

The Leadership Baton

Just finished reading the Leadership Baton by Forman, Jones and Miller. A good read. Here are some thought provoking questions:

Am I really passing on anything worthwhile?

What would others say about my ability to inspire and influence leaders?

Do leaders that I serve have a clear path to grow?

Am I following anyone or just leading my own dis-connected tribe?

2008-11-18T18:49:00.002-05:00

Overwhelmed

We arrived yesterday in Hyderabad, India, luggage and team in tact. Today our task was fairly simple. Go down to the market and find "costumes," (wardrobe) for the four teenagers who are acting in the Christmas TV drama. All twelve of us loaded up in the van and drove to the agreed upon spot to meet the Costume Designer.

The day was long, but basically went off without a hitch. We went to one of my favorite bazaars, shopped for clothes, shoes and got just what we needed.

Then as we were walking back to the van I saw her. Her legs were broken and mangled. She wore what looked like a black robe. She couldn't walk, but she was scraping and clawing with her hands down the middle of the road. Cars, trucks, motorcycles and auto-rickshaws buzzed around her as if she didn't exist. Amazingly there was a sparkle of determination in her eyes to complete her day's journey.

I couldn't get to her as she was unreachable because of the traffic. I knew she was an "untouchable" by societal standards but not unloved. She was someone that Jesus died for.

As my days starts today I can't get the scene out of my mind's eye. God loves her and I must do something to reach her (and so many others) with His love. It is the only hope she will ever have.

2008-11-12T09:06:00.002-05:00

A Treasured Friendship

My closest friendship now spans over four decades. We have been connected since I was a little boy and it is amazing to see how our friendship has grown over the years. At first I did most of the talking, then for awhile I decided that my friendship was mostly about me, so I made a solid effort to prioritize my best friend. That was a major shift in our friendship. Now I mostly listen.

When I was younger life was about doing and going. Now I covet the time we spend together wherever I am. We carve out those special moments in the most common every day activities. I find myself going through the routines of life thinking about how he would respond or react.

Here's the best part -- there is nothing I can do that would ever separate me from Him -- that is an incredible statement of friendship. "Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant." Psalm 25:14

2008-11-08T13:50:00.003-05:00

The Currency of the Future

It's hard to believe that one political decision could make such a huge difference! 37 years ago when then President Nixon took the US dollar off the gold standard he made 'trust' the primary currency of the USA -- and the world. Our 'greenbacks' today are promissory notes and they are traded because we 'trust' one another and we 'trust' the financial system.

But what happens when we don't 'trust' each other? When greed-driven CEO's swap credit, fund bad loans and then parachute safely, trust is broken.

I think we could endure the massive reductions in 401K values, the foreclosures and even the layoffs beginning to pile up from the likes of GM, Ford and others -- if we had 'trust' in the system and in our leaders. But we don't.

As the economic shifts impact the world around us, you and I must strengthen the currency that lasts -- 'trust.' We must choose to be trustworthy and trust others with like-minded character, integrity and dependability.

2008-11-05T11:54:00.002-05:00

What's Next?

I woke up this morning and honestly felt...the same. Sure there is a new president-elect who has made lots of promises he won't keep (what candidate hasn't), and who intends to extend the caring hands of government to rescue a nation that believes they are "entitled" to it (OK, this is sad to even type -- but it's true).

So what IS next?

I still have a God-given destiny that gives me purpose. An incredible wife and family. I have never counted on the government's entitlement distribution program and I won't be waiting for a "check in the mail."

It's time to re-focus and accelerate the mission -- love God, love Life and Work "while it is day" so that no one perishes.

2008-11-03T08:13:00.002-05:00

Hearts and Wallets

Jesus' said you can't serve God and Stuff (Matthew 6:24), but I am wondering today how many people have intentionally aligned their hearts with their wallets. Or do we privately serve God, but publicly fill our time and energy with the pursuit of Stuff? Here's a quick quiz that may challege you to align your heart and your wallet.

1) Do you have enough left over every month to give to the poor?

2) When's the last time you invested time to help someone who couldn't pay you back?

3) Have you chosen a place to volunteer so that your skill/talent can be of benefit to others?

4) As the holidays approach are you thinking more about what you "need," or about what you can give to others?

5) Are you voting for what benefits you or benefits the country? Let me know how you did on the quiz and your thoughts about living intentionally for others

2008-10-29T13:30:00.002-04:00

Change We Need?

Sen. Barack Obama was in town last night. I didn't go but saw "clips" of his stump speech on the news. Without question he is an inspiring speaker. If I didn't listen to what he said (back to that in a moment) how he said it was absolutely superb!

Part way through his talk I caught a glimpse of the placards people were holding up behind Obama in the rain. They read "Change We Need." After that I couldn't hear a word he said because I started thinking about it. What is the "Change We Need?" and do we really need change?

I have concluded that Sen. Obama is half right and half wrong. He is nearly prophetic when he calls on Americans to hope again or declares that it's time for change. His insight is right on target. But then the half-wrong part kicks in. We all know that we don't really need the kind of change that creates an increased dependence on the government. But we also intrinsically know that a change to a less intrusive government won't solve our problems either (though I would welcome this!).

What kind of change do we need? Integrity. Honesty. Servanthood. We need politicians to stop looking out after themselves. We need people to talk to one another as grown ups and be clear about the real issues. Most of all we need people who are not hungry for more power -- they are serving to empower others.

We need a change of heart and this I'm afraid is a much more difficult problem to solve. Reading 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us a clue as to how to get there. "If My people which are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sign and will heal their land."

Yes, Obama it is "Change We Need." It's just not your kind of change.

2008-10-27T11:03:00.004-04:00

Tribes

Just finished (this weekend) reading Tribes by Seth Godin. I was challenged to re-think what leadership should look like. And the type of leader that I should be. Seems to me that modeling the right kind of values, character and behavior can inspire people to follow.

I need to continually find new entry points for people to 'click-in' to the cause.

2008-07-26T08:00:00.003-04:00

mPOWR

After nearly two years of preparation our team can say -- http://www.mpowr.org/ is here! At the moment we are seeking Field Partners to help fill the site with micro/small business owner opportunities. Interested? Click here at http://www.mpowr.org/fieldpartner-apply.php.

2008-06-25T09:31:00.003-04:00

Is There Something Bigger?

Ever wonder if you were a part of something bigger, a grander plan?

Had a great conversation last week with some friends discussing the words purpose and passion.

Here are simple definitions we cam up with: PURPOSE = God-given responsibilities -- what we know we are supposed to be about. These are things like being a good husband/wife, parent, responsible at work, ethical, etc.

We concluded that knowing our purpose created no lasting excitement or fulfillment.

What about passion? We said that PASSION = motivating fuel that inspires and rejuvenates us to want to. Passion is the core motivation that creates lasting meaning - and -- energy to fulfill our God-given purpose. Got PASSION?

2008-05-31T22:11:00.002-04:00

The Power of the Mouth

This is my fifth week studying the life of Daniel -- a Prime Minister in Iran about 522 BC. This week's study hase been about the "lion's den" story. When the king gave an order that all people had to pray to him or no one else, Daniel opened his mouth and continued to worship the true and living God. The king then threw Daniel into the lion's den but God shut the lion's mouth.

Yes, the story is about Daniel, God and the lion -- but it is also about the power of the mouth.

2008-05-21T11:19:00.003-04:00

A Quiet Night at Home

After a long day there is nothing better than a quiet night at home with the family. Check out my son's blog to catch a little flavor at the Watt home. http://ianwatt.blogspot.com

2008-05-15T12:43:00.002-04:00

Standing Up or Laying Down

Just read a clip of Pres. Bush's comments at the Knesset celebrating Israel's 60th. Great history lesson -- we can walk into tomorrow standing up and confronting real evil -- or take the hits laying down (appeasement) and hope it all goes away. But avoidance, apathy or sleep won't make evil go away. The future is shaped by people with conviction who stand up against the tide of evil.

What obstacles are attempting to cripple you today? Stand up and face them head on. OK, go even farther -- find the obstacles that have trapped others and make a clean straight path for them.

2008-05-12T10:13:00.003-04:00

Birth Pains?

Earthquakes in China, cylones and now famine in Myanmar. Just two more incidents in a troubled world. I went back and read the words of Jesus from Matthew 24:6-8. Very interesting...

Could all this be a signal of the beginning of the end? I'm not sure, but there does seem to be a strange rumbling in the earth.

2008-05-09T09:10:00.002-04:00

We Need More Small

We are now more than six days post-cyclone in Myanmar. Perhaps 100,000 people have died and many, many more displaced. The military junta has rebuffed foreign workers and is just taking cash...hmm. Since the "big" and "official" have been rejected, perhaps it is time for the small and personal to make a difference.

Access is possible in bite-sized pieces -- so let's mobilize swarms of "ant-like" inititiaves to make a difference.

2008-05-06T22:19:00.002-04:00

The Last Mile
I spent the last two weeks in Nepal and India visiting with some of the world's most inspiring leaders. One friend, who lives 5 hours from the nearest city, lost his house last year in a flood, but is determined to break the cycle of poverty in his village.
He wants to start a chicken farm. 250 chickens could be the tipping point for him...and for his village.

If we want to think long term we need to go real and go small.

2008-04-22T14:51:00.003-04:00

The Real Tibet

I spent the day in Kathmandu, Nepal training new entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses that provide for their families and give back to their communities. One of the new friends I have met in this training lives in Tibet. He is thoughtful, diligent and committed to bring real hope where he lives.

Back at the hotel CNN reported tonight on continued riots on the streets here in Kathmandu protesting the Olympics being held in Beijing.

But, I met the 'real' future of Tibet. He was not a protestor or a rioter. He is an upstanding person wanting to leave poverty and give back. The world needs alot more people like my new friend. I wish the news would tell his story about bringing real change to Tibet and not the same old rag about protests and riots.

2008-04-16T16:47:00.002-04:00

Small is Big
I met today with the leader of an amazing 12 step program for teenagers struggling with various types of addictions.
What works in his world? Not the big splash event, but the slow steady consistency of being there, building trust and then offering real solutions.
We need more of the small, more rabbits and less monoliths, less elephants if we want to affect change in our world

Big is not better -- small but real, in the long run, will outlast the splash. The smaller the more intimate, the more trustworth and lasting.

2008-04-10T18:33:00.003-04:00

What's the Price of Freedom
I've been following the Olympic torch -- the symbol of freedom. First it was a "lock down" for villages in Kazakhstan so there would be no uprising, Tibet is up in arms, and San Francisco protestors de-railed the USA stop.
Have you ever wondered how hard is must be for the Chinese govt to try to control every voice, opinion and effort?
Here is a real reason to protest. Right now they have sentenced two Christians to prison in the Xinjiang province -- for being Christian? One might face the death sentence.

2008-04-04T21:45:00.006-04:00

Forgiveness is Simple Really I have spent a good many hours with folks this week who have a hard time forgiving others. Seems they want people to change first before they will extend forgiveness.
Hmmm...there is a secret to prolonged emotional pain -- it's holding on to the memory and the incident where hurt began and not moving forward.
Jesus said that freely we have recieved and freely should give. The first step in finding healing is to not demand that the other person changes, but to begin to change yourself. Asking forgiveness can be the first step toward restoration.

2008-03-31T21:16:00.002-04:00

Attacked for His Faith

A dear friend emailed me from the Middle East that another friend, Ramzi, had been arresting for choosing to follow Jesus. He didn't deny his citizenship, his family, or his friends -- but they denied him.

I only know of one description for this type of persecution -- ungodliness. We must be relentless in our commitment to speak out against this intolerant vicious violent behavior.

2008-03-21T06:53:00.004-04:00

It's Good Friday Today Christians all over the world celebrate "Good Friday." A better meaning is Holy Friday. It's the day that Jesus willingly chose to suffer and cruelly die on a cross for the sins of the whole world.

As I reflect this morning on the price that Jesus paid for my own sin I am also reminded that matters of great value require sacrifice, suffering and endurance.

May God grant you the privilege to walk with Him -- to endure through difficulty until joy appears.

2008-03-02T22:26:00.004-05:00

Trust
I'm still thinking of the Nehemiah story. It seems that people followed his leadership because he had authenticity and credibility. These are character qualities that build trust.

I trust God, my wife, my children and a few friends.

Who do you trust? In today's world of the slick and glossy I want to be trustworthy, because trust seems to be the one currency that won't devalue.

2008-02-29T13:05:00.003-05:00

mPOWR Training Manual is done!
We finally finished the training manual to help mPOWR micro-biz in the developing world. If you want a copy let me know.

2008-02-29T12:49:00.006-05:00

Time to Pitch In
I'm reading the story of Nehemiah (from the Bible) this week. Turns out that the people who see "what's wrong" and choose to pitch in and improve the situation ultimately feel better about themselves.

On the other hand, people who speak loudly about the problem but don't have a hand in the solution turn out to be critical, bitter and friendless.

There is really not much of a choice, is there?

2008-02-28T21:13:00.005-05:00

Today my book, "Unleash His Spirit," was published. You can get it through Amazon.com right here.

It is a 31 Day devotional tool written from my own desire to re-discover a life of freedom and abundance found in God and His covenant. Enjoy!

2008-02-11T10:09:00.001-05:00

Real, Agile and Small
I met with several very bright people last week who spent 3 hours trying to convince me that the future of bringing lasting hope to the poor and marginalized belongs with big centralized initiatives.

As much as I respect the vision and drive of the "big," I still contend that the future belongs to the agile and the small. Most of the people I know want to make a difference in their world and to them that includes less and less of a priority to fund or join a big organization.