Tag: Faith

In the context of religion, one can define faith as confidence or trust in a particular system of religious belief, within which faith may equate to confidence based on some perceived degree of warrant, in contrast to a definition of faith as being belief without evidence.
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Are We Running Our Christianity like a Business?

Because I was born and raised in the USA, my soul is steeped in attributes promoted by the business culture: efficiency, cleverness, and the ability to get what I want by pushing my way through.

After all, from kindergarten I’ve been taught that

  1. You can do anything, if you only want it enough!
  2. When you work smarter, not harder, you get ahead!
  3. Be confident  – a positive attitude is the attitude of a leader!

The Business of Christianity

And because I always prided myself on being a good student, I unfortunately mastered these lessons, to the point that, when I learned about God and chose to live my life with Him (I’m really trying to avoid the vague term, “came to Jesus”). I brought years worth of corporate teaching into the relationship which was fine, really, in the new church Christian culture I had entered, because the same business maxims I had internalized were here as well, only with different wording:

  1. You can do anything in Jesus as long as you have enough faith, and express it the right way!
  2. When you lead the right life with Jesus — rise early for Quiet Time, participate in church activities, attend Sunday School, join small groups, and pray with positive faith – you’ll get ahead!
  3. Faith never expresses doubt or negativity Faith BELIEVES! If you have chronic problems in your life, it’s because you don’t believe enough!

Obviously, this is a simplification, and the entire U.S. Christianity message isn’t limited to these three statements, but the substance is there: these are some rules to help you succeed, get ahead, or (to put it more spiritually), live the abundant Christian life.

Rules Become Laws

But these rules don’t work, really, because they have nothing to do with Jesus, His words, His love for us, and His incredible example (which He’s constantly, and gently, teaching us to follow) of trusting our Father in heaven. All cultures bring their unique aspects – both good and bad – into the Christian arena, and because the U.S. culture is strongly influenced by making money and getting ahead materialistically, these particular idols set themselves up on the raised dais, well disguised behind esoteric terminology.

The Statements Are True, Sort of, But with a Twist

There’s nothing wrong with hard work, brainstorming, and taking initiative – indeed, because we are made in our Father’s image, we share his love for creativity and joy. But it’s very easy to confuse hard work with busyness, brainstorming with cunning, and taking initiative with pushing others out of the way – all actions not remotely associated with Christ’s work on earth – or in heaven.

When Jesus expressed confidence, it was in the love of His Father; when He prayed, it was frequently in an isolated place,  in conversation with His Father and ours; when He chided His disciples for their lack of faith, it was not prelude to punishment; when asked to define the greatest, most important commandment, He emphasized love – for God, and our neighbor.

Faith, hope, love, trust – these are not attitudes we put on like a suit; they are attributes we develop when we become like the children in our Father’s household. And children, as any savvy CEO will tell you, are not cutthroat businessmen.

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How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

The worship song entitled “Good, Good Father” (by Anthony Brown and Pat Barrett) reminds us that God is a good, good Father. That’s who He is. The goodness of God is a largely interesting and encouraging truth to meditate upon. This life, this world is filled with His goodness. That man is fallen and our world is broken do not contradict the truth that God is good. On the contrary, it further supports that we are upheld by the goodness of God.

Moral Rightness

What does it mean to be “good”? To qualify as good, the person or thing has to be morally right (or righteous). God fits the description. He is righteous and His judgment of rightness is consistent and unchanging. What is right will always be right. What is wrong will always be wrong. There is no swaying Him, there is no bribing Him. God cannot be good nor loving without being right. God cannot be all about love and none about judging wrong and falsehood. True love is right love. A love that is not founded on rightness is not real love. If you love someone, you don’t want anything wrong happening to them and you don’t want that person to be tangled in wrong affairs because you know the hurt and danger that may befall them if they persist in treading the wrong path. And God is that very same way with us.

The Devil has worked hard to blur the line that separates right from wrong. From generation to generation, the territory has been shrinking on the side of right while the side of wrong has been gaining ground. Rightness has become subjective. If it works for you, if that’s what you prefer, then it must be right. In the homes, children are growing up confused about what’s right and wrong because of parents who inconsistently uphold the measure of rightness. At times, discipline is severe; at other times, misbehavior and wrongdoing are overlooked. Sometimes, parents can be hard on children but lax on themselves. Sometimes, the parents do the very things they forbid their children from doing.

More than ever, we need to look to God for guidance. We need the Word of God to teach us what is indeed right and what is indeed wrong. We need to open the pages and allow God to correct our thoughts and emotions. In reading and applying God’s Word, we can truly learn to live and do right. God’s Word helps us see the issues we must strongly contend for. God’s Word also helps us discern matters that need understanding and freedom or liberty. Through the Bible, God teaches us what we need to be strict about and what we need to be forgiving and patient about.

Benefiting

What else does it mean to be “good”? To qualify as good, the person or thing has to bear a benefit (or advantage) to another. To be good for you, something or someone must actually be beneficial for you, helping better your life and personhood. God is exactly like that. He is good and He fills our lives with good things.

Psalm 103 says that He loads us with benefits. The favors He bestows on a daily basis are too numerous to count. But it’s good to try to keep tabs for encouragement and assurance. Try to at least count up to 10 blessings you receive from God each day and you will be more positive and joyful in life.

Romans 8:28 says God is constantly working out the details of our lives for our utmost good. In staying intimate with Him, we find guidance for daily living and decision making. God is a great influence, He will help us think and do right. He will also bring us to the right people we ought to surround ourselves with. He will position us in places that will better our character and state of living.

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Christian Expelled from University Over Anti-Gay Remarks Loses Appeal

Felix Ngole, a 39 year old devout Christian was thrown off a university course after branding homosexuality a sin on Facebook.

Felix Ngole, a 39 year old devout Christian was thrown off a university course after branding homosexuality a sin on Facebook.

Felix Ngole, from Barnsley in south Yorkshire, claimed that he was merely expressing a traditional Christian sentiment. Ngole was on a two-year Social Work Masters Degree course at  Sheffield  University in February 2016 after writing what the university deemed “derogatory” comments about gay and bisexual people on facebook.

Ngole, wrote during a debate on Facebook that;

“the Bible and God identify homosexuality as a sin”, and added  that “same-sex marriage is a sin whether we like it or not. It is God’s words and man’s sentiments would not change His words.”

He claimed that he was lawfully expressing a traditional Christian belief and claimed that university unlawfully prevented him from completing his postgraduate degree. But after reviewing rival claims at a trial in London this month, the deputy high court judge, Rowena Collins Rice, ruled against him.

Ngole said his rights to freedom of speech and thought, enshrined in the European convention on human rights, has been violated. His case was backed by the Christian Legal Centre, part of the campaign group for Christian Concern.

The university lawyers argued that Ngole showed “no insight” and said the decision to remove him from the social work course was fair and proportionate.”

They said the university had to consider his;

“fitness to practise as a professional social worker because  Social workers have considerable power over the lives of vulnerable service users and trust is a precious professional commodity.”

The judge was told Ngole had written comments during a debate about  Kim Davis, a state official in the US state of Kentucky, who point blank refused to register same-sex marriages. Ngole said he had argued that Davis’s position was based on the “Biblical view of same-sex marriage as a sin” and said that he was making a “worthwhile contribution” to an important public debate in which he was entitled to freely express his religious views. Ngole said   “I stand with Kim Davis”, a reference to the  Kentucky county clerk  who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licences to same-sex couples.

Ngole plans to appeal the decision, adding:

“I am very disappointed by this ruling, which supports the university’s decision to bar me from my chosen career because of my Biblical views on sexual ethics.

The universities solicitor Collins Rice said:

“Public religious speech has to be looked at in a regulated context from the perspective of a public readership.

The judge added: “Universities also have a wide range of interests in and responsibilities for their students – academic, social and pastoral. Where, as Sheffield does, they aspire to be welcoming environments for students from a diverse range of backgrounds, they must expect to be inclusive and supportive of that diversity.”

Officials at the Christian Legal Centre Said the Decision Was Wrong and Would Have A “Chilling” Effect.

Andrea Williams, the chief executive, said:

“That whiles Mr Ngole is entitled to hold his Biblical views on sexual ethics, he is not entitled to express them. This ruling will have a chilling effect on Christian students up and down the country who will now understand that their personal social media posts may be investigated for political correctness.”

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Whose Side are You On?

End of Year Prayers for Peace

There’s a battle going on and you’re in the midst of it, whether you know it or not.   It’s a world war.   I call it LOE (Life On Earth), and lo and behold, you are in it every waking hour.   You restless sleepers may even be experiencing it in your sleep!   There are only two sides in this war, and if you’re not on one side, then you’re on the other.   Do you need some help choosing sides if you haven’t done so already?   Do you want further information as you reconsider whose side you want to be on?

Frances Ridley Havergal wrote a hymn based upon David’s call to commitment given to his army in I Chronicles 12, and his army’s response to him.   Verse 13 says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse.”  The title of her hymn is:   WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?   Below I’ve written the first stanza of that hymn.

Who is on the Lord’s side?   Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side?   Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side, Savior, we are Thine.  

With our enlistment papers already signed, may we be clothed in His armor and standing together at the battle line.   May it be obvious to everyone we know and everyone we meet, that we are on the Lord’s side, and we will not retreat!

The Scriptures have already told us Who is ultimately going to win.   The question is:   “Who is going to win on your own battle field today?”   If you are on the Lord’s side, trusting Him as you pray, then you won’t have to worry, for you both will win today, hands down!

A NOTE ABOUT THE WRITER OF THIS HYMN:

Frances Ridley Havergal struggled with debilitating illness for most of her life.   She wrote several inspirational hymns as well as a book for invalids entitled “Starlight Through the Shadows”, dying at the age of 43 before completing the book.   Her sister added the final chapter from Havergal’s unpublished papers.   That chapter is entitled  “Marching Orders” and concludes with the words to this hymn:   “WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE”.

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Poem: The Unravelling of a Christian Marriage

Marry the wrong person, everyday is Martyrs Day.
Marry a lazy person, everyday is Labour Day.
Marry a rich person everyday is New Year’s Day.
Marry an immature person, everyday would seem like Children’s Day.
Marry a cheater or liar, everyday will become April Fool’s Day.
And if you don’t get married, everyday is Independence Day!

Marriage is the only school where you get a certificate before you start.
It’s also a school where you will never graduate.
It’s a school without a break or a free period.
It’s a school where no one is allowed to drop out.
It’s a school you will have to attend everyday of your life.
It’s a school where there is no sick leave or holidays.
It’s a school founded by God on the foundation of love.
The walls are made out of trust.
The door made out of acceptance.
The windows made out of understanding
The furniture made out of blessings
The roof made out of faith.

Be reminded that God is the only Principal and you are a student,
Even in times of storms, don’t be unwise and run outside.
Keep in mind that, this school is the safest place to be.
Never go to sleep before completing your assignments for the day.
Never forget  to communicate with your classmate and with the Principal.
If you find out something about your classmate (spouse) that you do not appreciate.
Remember your classmate is also just a student, not a graduate.
God is not finished with him/her yet.
So take it as a challenge and work on it together.
Do not forget to study the Holy Book (the main textbook of this school).
Start each day with a sacred assembly and end it the same way.

Sometimes you will feel like not attending classes, yet you have to.
When tempted to quit find courage and continue.
Some tests and exams may be tough but remember,
the Principal knows how much you can bear and yet it’s a school better than any other.

It’s one of the best schools on earth;
joy, peace and happiness accompany each lesson of the day.

Different subjects are offered in this school, yet love is the major subject.
After all the years of theorising about it, now you have a chance to practice it.

To be loved is a good thing, but to love is the greatest privilege of them all.
Marriage is a place of love, so love your spouse.

Whether you’re married, engaged, or still single, we hope that you have found wisdom and encouragement in this poem about marriage.  

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5 Books that Radically Influenced My Life

Guest Post by Brian Ahearn

I’m a reader. I love to read. Funny thing is, when I was young I hated reading. That was probably a function of having to read certain books versus getting to read what I wanted to. Once my love of reading took over it was pretty much the case that I’d read a book a week. That pace has slowed down in recent years with the explosion of Ted Talks, podcasts and other media for getting good messages out, but I still read several books a month.

Because I read so much people often ask me about my favorite books. What I’ll share with you are the five books that have radically  influenced my life.

The Bible  When I really began to take my Christian faith seriously I read through the entire  Bible  many times. In fact, I ended up writing my own commentary, a thousand-page Word document, where I put down thoughts about what I was reading and learning. My inspiration was to give the document  to my daughter Abigail so she would know what dad thought about God.

I equate all the years of reading to eating and living healthy. What I learned day-to-day became the foundation of my thinking, actions, and  shaped my worldview. I believe any good thing within me is a result of my relationship with God.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People  I read Steven Covey’s best selling book in the early 1990s. The habit  that struck me most was his admonition to “Begin with the End in Mind.” I took Covey’s advice and wrote a personal  mission statement.  In that document, I put down thoughts about how I wanted to be remembered when it came to my faith, family, personal well-being, and career.

The reason  The Seven Habits  was so influential was because I posted my mission statement  and have read it, or parts of it, for more than 25 years. It’s been a guiding force in who I’ve become and who I’m still striving to become.

Influence Science and Practice  I was introduced to  Robert Cialdini’s  work in 2002. His emphasis on how to  ethically persuade  people appealed to my moral side. The  research based approach  appealed to my analytical side. It was a match made in heaven!

It’s not uncommon for many people to spend nearly half of their waking hours trying to persuade others. My goal with Influence PEOPLE is to help them enjoy more professional success and personal happiness. If you read  Influence Science and Practice  and apply what you learn  you’re guaranteed to have more success and happiness. I confidently write that because the science proves you’ll be able to move more people (your boss, coworkers, direct reports, loved ones) to action.

Man’s Search for Meaning  I’ve written about  Viktor Frankl’s book  on a number of occasions. The following quote stands out above all else in this great work,

“everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms— to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

It sounds trite to say,

“It’s not about what happens to us, it’s about how we respond.”

However, when you read about Frankl’s account of the horrors he and others experienced, but  how so many found meaning in their suffering – some in death – you begin to realise life is about how we choose to respond.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs  was written by Carmine Gallo. I took seven typed pages of notes on this book! As I read I would flip over to  YouTube  to watch Jobs present to solidify my learning.

The reason I added this book to my top five is because it had a tremendous impact on how I present. Presentation, be it in a workshop, keynote or when  consulting, is primarily what I do with influence. Arguably, nobody did better than  Steve Jobs  so why not learn from the best?

To Do This Week:  I highly encourage you to look into one  of these five books. It’s my sincere hope that they have as much positive impact on your life as they’ve had on mine. If you can’t do that, how about sharing some of  your book recommendations in the  comments section. Thanks!

Brian Ahearn, CMCT ®, is the Chief Influence Officer at  InfluencePEOPLE. His Lynda.com course,  Persuasive Selling, will teach you how to ethically engage the psychology of persuasion throughout the sales process.

Originally Published on  July 24, 2017

Featured in:  Best Advice,  Careers: The Next Level,  What Inspires Me,  Writing and Editing,  Your Career

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33 of the Most Inspirational Leadership Quotes for You to Live By

We’ve all seen quotes designed to motivate or inspire us.  Well, according to a new study, people who post these ‘inspirational’ quotes also have lower levels of intelligence. However, Godinterest disagrees, and see’s some quotes as  universal nuggets of wisdom. You know the ones – those quotes that give you “Aha!” moments of inspiration or meaningful insights into  your personal and professional lives.  These are the ones you  want to print out and place on your fridge  so you’ll see them  every day.

This collection of inspirational quotes features some of the all-time classics you may know, as well as some lesser-known  ones  you’ll love too. If  you have any quotes you would have added, feel free to share in the comments section!

  1. “The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.” – Denis Watley
  2. “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” – Stephen A. Brennan
  3. “Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” – Fitzhugh Dodson
  4. “Goals are dreams with deadlines.” – Diana Scharf Hunt
  5. “You must have long-term goals to keep you from being frustrated by short-term failures.” – Charles C. Noble
  6. “Crystallize your goals. Make a plan for achieving them and set yourself a deadline. Then, with supreme confidence, determination, and disregard for obstacles and other people’s criticisms, carry out your plan.” – Paul Meyer
  7. “The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach.” – Benjamin Mays
  8. “Progress has little to do with speed, but much to do with direction.” – Unknown
  9. “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  10. “Goals help focus you on areas in both your personal and professional life that are important and meaningful, rather than being guided by what other people want you to be, do, or accomplish.” – Catherine Pulsifer
  11. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar
  12. “It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going.” – Brian Tracy
  13. “The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
  14. “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Horne, Lena
  15. “Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” – William E. Channing
  16. “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.” – Henry Ford
  17. “It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up again.” – Vince Lombardi
  18. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” E- Eleanor Roosevelt
  19. “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryun
  20. “Strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes.” – Kenneth Hildebrand
  21. “People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.” – Andrew Carnegie
  22. “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” – Wayne Dyer
  23. “The surest way not to fail is to be determined to succeed.”  – Richard B. Sheridan
  24. “A determined person will do more with a pen and paper than a lazy person will accomplish with a personal computer.” – Catherine Pulsifer
  25. “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” – Ella Wheeler Wilcox
  26. “It was courage, faith, endurance and a dogged determination to surmount all obstacles that built this bridge.” – John J. Watson
  27. “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” – Og Mandino
  28. “You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” – George Lorimer
  29. “We will either find a way or make one!” – Hannibal
  30. “That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.” – Unknown
  31. “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden
  32. “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” – William Feather
  33. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

 

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The Loss of Free Speech in the UK and How We Should React as Christians

Updated on 03.06.2017    Last week’s ruling by a magistrate’s court in Bristol, convicting two street preachers (Michael Overd and Michael Stockwell) of a public order offence, is just another example of the loss of freedom of speech for Christians in the UK.  The prosecutor argued that publicly quoting the King James Bible in modern Britain should “be considered to be abusive and is a criminal matter.”  During the trial, the prosecutor argued:

To say to someone that Jesus is the only God is not a matter of truth. To the extent that they are saying that the only way to God is through Jesus, that cannot be a truth.

The men were found guilty under Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 of using “threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person .  .  . and the offence was religiously aggravated.” Although last year British Prime Minister Theresa May said, “We must continue to ensure that people feel able to speak about their faith, and that absolutely includes their faith in Christ,”2  this is obviously not the case.

In many ways, being a Christian was like paddling downstream.   Most everyone and everything around you reinforced your faith.   But today is a much different day.   Here are today’s challenges.

In today’s world, it is a challenge to live a Christian life.  Our culture’s definition of free speech and tolerance now seems to demand silence for those who disagree.

The world, with all its religious diversity and moral complexity, is literally at our doorstep. Every moment of every day we are confronted with differing beliefs, values, and world views. The Bible is no longer an unquestioned authority and Christianity is losing its place as the dominant religion.

If a teacher were to read C.S. Lewis to  her class, she’d likely be fired from  her job and well if you tell people about Jesus, you are ostracised for being intolerant, a fundamentalist, or an extremist.

However, remember when the saint’s of God are in the fiery furnish and refuse to give up their faith people who have never seen God will see God in you.

How Should We Speak as Christians?

First, it is important to remember to pray and intercede for those in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

Are Afflictions Wordless Prayers? | Walter Bright.

Christianity is not about status or fame or being in control of the culture, but about  living day by day under the Lordship of Christ.

I am so glad when it comes to talking with God, we have freedom of speech.  We come before Him and He knows what we are going to say, even before we have uttered the words. (Psalm 139:4).

Whatever else we may think about Christian faith, it comes down to this: “Follow me.

The only reason we live is to make God known.

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19–20)

This is a spiritual battle, one in which we must stand firm even in face of those who would seek to silence the gospel.

 

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How to Cope with a Mis-Sold Job

How to cope with a mis-sold job

Everyone knows a story about a smart and talented professional  who has lost his or her passion for a role, who no longer looks forward to going to the office yet remains stuck without a visible way out.  Getting on the career ladder is a great thing, you start off at the bottom and work your way up, but sometimes you can get stuck and do not even realize it.

“One in Five Employees Claim They Were Mis-sold Opportunities When They Joined Their Organisation – Kelly Global Workforce Index (Kgwi).”

Commenting on the findings,  Debbie Pettingill, Director, Kelly Services UK and Ireland said

“Employee retention will become an increasing challenge for employers as we move out of the recession. As we move into a more candidate driven market, this trend is likely to accelerate. Our findings indicate that this problem is being exacerbated by the misrepresentation of job role or company culture at the interview stage, leading to the dissatisfaction of new hires.”

Most of us know what we are trying to escape a “mis-sold” job  resulting in a  narrowly defined career, inauthentic or unstimulating work, numbing corporate politics, and  perhaps  blackmail including direct  threats of being used as a scapegoat. A job where you are both overlooked and underappreciated.  One may ring true for some of you.

“Fewer than Half of Uk Employees Are Happy with the Way Their Careers Are Progressing According to New British Research.”

Why Would A  Company or Person Block Your Move?

Well, this could be because of his or her personal insecurity  i.e. as the team works well, why rock the boat? Comfort zone: sometimes the team gets too comfortable? Golden child syndrome: you’re working your butt off and your sponsor or other senior  is reaping the recognition from your amazing deliverables?

Working a job you don’t like can leave you feeling stuck, forgotten by God, and asking yourself questions like:

Why hasn’t God opened another door for me yet?  

Why is God not moving?  

Why would God leave me here in this job I hate?

But the truth is God has not left you. He’s not holding back on you. When you feel God is silent, that’s exactly when He’s moving!  Your situation does not change God. He still loves you and is with you no matter what.

Instead of looking at our situation from a perspective of fear and worry, we need to look at it through faith and hope.

What Can You Do About it?

Don’t fret, you can handover your work or completely leave the organisation and still stay sane. You might worry that announcing your intentions will cause your company grief, but ultimately you have to do what’s best for you no matter what!

Think and pray long and hard about how you’re going to drop this bombshell  as you  will need  to give notice. A  sound method is required to overcome the assault and possible backlash – including of course more prayer and fasting.

So how are you going to approach it? What’s your reasoning going to be?  How are you going to get them to understand exactly why you’re doing this?  What do you need to do in order to prepare for the big day?

Easy, you’re going to read this guide.

Strategy 1 – Remote Working Arrangement

This could  be a great approach if 80% of your  work can be  undertaken  remotely. However, while there is a very logical argument to be made in favor of working from home, many people equate remote work to a lack of productivity and laziness. These people do not realize that the switch from an office to working from home can actually lead to significant increases in productivity.

Strategy 2 – What’s in It for Me?

What’s in it for me?   That question sounds a little selfish, doesn’t it?  Maybe you  aren’t being compensated fairly, or you’re not happy with the effort vs return.  When you know your client and team needs you and you’re willing to stay for a price, don’t mess around.  Give them the real number or offer that will make it worth your while to stick it out for awhile.

Strategy 3  –  The Budget Cut

The re-structuring.  The downsizing.  The dreaded budget cut.  Whatever name you want to give it, this  can be terrifying  for a lot of professionals.  However,  if you’re  already thinking about leaving, so maybe it doesn’t have to be such a scary thing.  In fact, maybe it can be  extremely  positive for both  parties.

Strategy 4  –  The Ease Out

Still feeling weary  about leaving the organization.  Propose easing yourself out of the post.  Pick a time frame, maybe four weeks or so, and come up with a plan for slowly taking yourself out of the position.  This also allows you some time to slowly ramp down your time commitment.

Strategy 5 –  Burning Bridges in the Industry  

“Sometimes it’s about networking and being nice to people and not burning any bridges – but remembering to draw line where you must.”

There’s no harm in an early exit from a job you never plan to mention again or an interim role where you have clearly agreed on a start and finish date.  But if your manager is well connected to your industry you should try to leave on a good note.  Why? Because it’s a small world and the next hiring manager may put in a call to his or her former colleague  (a.k.a., your new manager) to get the unofficial scoop.  It happens, so if you’re going to leave anyway then try to fulfill your end of the deal.

Strategy 6  – Get Moving Fast

Imagine, for example, that you were hired to help the company manage multiple programmes and projects  across the globe, but a recent change in leadership means all efforts moving forward will be focused locally.

If you’re spending your days just trying to find ways to be productive or are undertaking a role you never signed up for, you have every right to pursue new opportunities. Of course, the first course of action should normally be to  discuss this with your manager to see if there are other roles you can take on. But if you know that this isn’t going to happen in the new world, get moving fast.

Strategy 7  – Your Dream Job Awaits

“When you’re being interviewed, always treat the interview as a 50-50 thing,” says Andy Dallas, a director at Robert Half International, recruitment consultants. “Ask what you can expect to be doing in your first week, month and three months. Ask what a successful year looks like.”

Dream jobs don’t come every day. So, if you have a chance at yours, take it quickly  and congratulate yourself for being strong enough to leave when you were unhappy.

Strategy 8 – Remeber to Be Patient  

We will not always be in a job we desire. Maybe you are fresh out of school and are working a job that has nothing to do with the degree you just earned. Maybe you are in a situation where you are working at a job where you are overqualified, overworked, and fed up. Maybe, for the most part, you love your job but get discouraged by the mundane tasks that take up time from doing the aspects of your job you love most.    

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” – James 4:10 NIV

Here’s the thing: God will still use this season to grow, develop, and prepare you. Any season that humbles us is preparing us for what God has next.

Any thoughts to share?

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Yes, You Are Called to Be a Leader for Christ

Yes, You Are Called to Be a Leader for Christ

Times are changing, and so are the ways people work and collaborate.  The idea of being a leader can be daunting.

When you consider the word  “leader  who and what comes to mind, perhaps your Pastor?  The BBC show the Apprentice? Your manager? A colleague at work in another team perhaps  or  an individual  who literally has “Project Leader”  on a business card or email signature?

Well, it may not be part of your job title, and you may even struggle to find the words in your job description, nevertheless, the call to follow Christ is a call to leadership.

In the Oxford ditionary a project Is defined as “an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim”

When you think “project”, you typically think about big things, such as:

  • Church building developments
  • Developing a new product
  • IT system integration
  • Writing a tender

But actually, many smaller activities  can also be classed as a project, such as:

  • Creating and delivering an internal training course at church
  • Creating and sending a church e-newsletter
  • Creating new  team processes

In fact, according to David Allen,  pioneer  of the productivity system Getting Things Done (GTD), a ‘project’ is  any multi-step action. In other words, creating a new ad campaign, outreach planning, feeding the poor initiative, even buying a new car or making a 3-course dinner for your significant others are  all different  types of daily projects  you manage.

What does this mean for people  not called project leaders?

Well, failing to realise this could mean that you are missing out on important lessons that the  people with the ‘project leader’ label on their business cards know only too well.

If  you  approach  your daily tasks  and projects with the mindset, “I can do this in a structured, organized way,” then the outcome will substantially improve. Additionally, it may seem glaringly obvious, but someone needs to own a project, and not  every church  organisation or team  has a certified project leader to call upon.

1.   Change your approach

“Stake Your Claim That This Is Now a Project You‘re Managing”

Professional project leaders have formal training on the best way on approaching a project and use methodologies which take time to master. However, this  just isn’t appropriate for people who are juggling the role of unofficial project leader alongside many other tasks.  

Simply changing your mindset can make a difference in how you approach the work.

2. Create an action plan

“Make a List of the Actions It Will Take to Get You to the End Goal”

It’s very easy to jump straight in and get moving on  a project. Spending time planning can seem like wasted time, but in fact, without good planning, you could be wasting your  time and energy on things that just aren’t needed. In other words, skipping the planning phase of a project is a sure-fire way of encountering problems  down the line. The basics of what you’ll need to establish include your project vision (or guiding light), what your project will deliver, the risks to the project as well as your budget, resources, and timescales  and don’t forget to pray before you start.  Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth. It is kryptonite to the Enemy and to all his ploys against you. Pray in the Spirit at all times and at every stage of the project.

3.  Set a realistic deadline

Without a Deadline Your Project Will Sit at the Bottom of Your To-do List and Will Go Nowhere

When it comes to assessing your timescales, you need to figure out what is realistically achievable, while not padding out your timelines too much.

4. Communicate regularly

Developing a Project in a Bubble Will Result in Problems Later On

Regular communication is vital.  Meetings, emails and even a quick trip to your colleague’s desk are all needed to make sure you have not missed anything important and  that  everyone in on the same page.

5. Faith is not a spectator sport.

The Opportunities are Endless and Harvest is Plentiful.

Finally, please remember aside from managing projects that faith is not a spectator sport. It’s easy to come to church to be entertained and not invest time in serving the church community. But Jesus isn’t here for our amusement. He didn’t die so we could experience cool sermons  alone. The Christians we remember throughout history were the men and women who did not wait on the sideline when there was work to be done.

There are many places to lead. The opportunities are endless and harvest is plentiful.

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Top 10 Project Management Myths Debunked

Since the dawn of time, mankind has used myths to make sense of the uncertainty that surrounds us.  In the early 1990s  a lot of  people believed that project management was the best kept secret in business.  However,  because project management was not  seen as a  prevailing profession at that time, it suffered from a lack of awareness  which was  in a sense, a double edged sword. Those who were knowledgeable in the practice of project management became extreamly valuable to organisations and pioneers for  the profession.

These early adopters were able to convince organisations that project management practitioners were needed.  Myths around project management began to form in the business community  and as the role of the  project manager was unclear, questions were raised as to what project management was  and what it could offer organisations.

The definition of the word myth is a “widely held, but false belief or idea.” Here, we’re going to examine 10 of the most pervasive PM myths that have emerged.

Myth #1 – Contingency pool is  redundant  

This is one of the most ‘mythical’ myths that has plagued the industry  for a long time. Coupled  with the tendency to presume that ‘real work’ is tantamount to implementation or building something concrete and you have the perfect recipe for project disaster.  The thought pattern behind this approach typically originates from budget constraints and/or having unrealistic expectations. As we all know, or should know, the unexpected happens quite regularly. An effective contingency plan is important as it aims to protect that which has value (e.g., data), prevent or minimise disruption (e.g., product lifecycle), and provide post-event feedback for analysis (e.g., how did we fare? did we allocate funds correctly?).

Myth #2 – Project Management software is too expensive

If your idea of project management software involves purchasing servers, and purchasing a software application from a major vendor for a small practice with 10  practitioners  then, yes, it  is too expensive. If, however, you have gone cloud and elected to use a powerful web-based project management solution (such as Smartsheet), then you are likely to save thousands of pounds while reaping the benefits of a pay-as-you-go price structure. The present, and future, lie in cloud solutions that provide equal, or superior, functionality at a fraction of the cost.

Myth #3 – Project Management methodologies will slow us down

Project  managers  have  a reputation of using  process-intensive  methodologies  that favour ideology over pragmatism. In some instances this may, indeed, be the case when  there is a mismatch between a specific project management approach and the organisation’s acutall needs (e.g., a process-driven method, such as PRINCE2, may not be appropriate for a slightly chaotic environment that favours an adaptive approach, such as Scrum). So, in sum, put down the paint roller (“Project Management isn’t for us!”) and take out your fine-bristled brush (“The Critical-Chain method may not be our cup of tea, but Agile on the other hand”¦”).

Myth #4 – Facts and figures are more important than feelings and perceptions

While facts are very important, projects are often derailed and sabotaged because of false perceptions.  The PM must pay attention to both fact and fiction to navigate through turbulent  organisational change.

Myth #5 – Project managers need to be detail oriented and not strategic in nature

While it is of the utmost importance for the project manager to understand how to read the details of the project, they must also understand how the project supports organisational objectives.  Having a strategic perspective adds great value to the skill-set of the project manager.

Myth #6  Rely on the experts in everything that you do

It is true, we do need to rely on the experts but our trust can not be a blind faith.  The job of the project managers in this area is twofold.  First we must extract information and second we must verify that the information is accurate.  A good example of this is asking a planner  to provide an estimate on the effort required to perform a task.  In some instances team members forget to include tasks which ultimately results in a faulty estimate.

Myth #7  All the battles have to be fought and won so that we can succeed

Project managers sometimes make the assumption that they need to stand firm to get the job done, however, coming to compromise  on a particular issue is often a better course of action  in order to  win the war.

Myth #8 Project Managers  can wear multiple hats  

Wearing different hats can be extremely confusing.  This is especially true if the project manager is asked to be a business analyst or technical expert on top of serving in their PM role.  They end up doing  both roles with mediocrity.  When we “wear two hats” we essentially tell ourselves that both hats fit on one head at the same time. However, what happens if the demands of two roles conflict  and what assurances do we have that we’re managing the inherent conflict of multiple roles  and the  risks the  roles introduce? Sadly, multiple roles become more common as we move up the management hierarchy in an organisation, and that’s exactly where potential conflicts of interest can do the most harm.

Myth #9  Once the risk register is created, it’s full speed ahead

Risk management provides a forward-looking radar. We can use it to scan the uncertain future to reveal things that could affect us, giving us sufficient time to prepare in advance. We can develop contingency plans even for so-called uncontrollable risks, and be ready to deal with likely threats or significant opportunities.  Too often, it’s not until a catastrophic event occurs and significantly impacts project progress that ongoing risk reviews are conducted.

Myth #10 Project managers can not be effective in their role unless they have specific technical expertise in the given field that the project falls  within

You don’t need to be an engineer to manage a construction project or a IT  technician to manage a software development project.  All you need is a  fundamental  understanding with strong PM skills to manage  the team.  Experience in the field helps but does not guarantee success.

Project management is challenging enough without the myths. The profession has come a long way since the 1990s and some of these myths are fading. However, we still see remnants of them in one form or another.  Great projects cut through false assumptions and confusion, allowing their teams to make smart decisions based on reality.

These are just 10 project management myths, what are yours?  

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Lecrae: “Jesus Muzik”

“Jesus Muzik” is the second single from  Lecrae’s second studio album,  After the Music Stops. It is critically acclaimed and was nominated for two GMA Dove Awards.  The song also features fellow  Christian hip hop  artist  Trip Lee. The lyrics discuss the problems with the content of secular  hip hop, and the importance for  Christians  of listening to  Christian music  to glorify God.

Christian Hip Hop (Originally Gospel Rap, Also Known as Rap, Gospel Hip Hop, or Holy Hip Hop) Is Hip Hop Music Characterized by a Christian Worldview.

One thing that is clear, is that for as long as we can remember  Christian flavored Hip Hop was looked upon as a step child of the genre.

Most Would Agree That the Extent to Which Christian Hip Hop Lyrics Are Explicitly Christian Seems to Vary Between Bands.

That is  until artists such as #Lacrae  Moore emerged a  Grammy Award–winning rapper who now, like it or not, represents the face of the gospel hip-hop movement  with hit  songs like “#Jesus Muzik,” “Don’t Waste Your Life” (based on the sermon by John Piper), and “Black Rose. Hashtag #Lacrae  has also been trending on Godinterest since Godinterest  introduced YouTube, Vimeo, Sound Cloud and various other social media post embedding.

Another thing that is clear is that Bible Christianity, if practiced properly, will make you extremely UNPOPULAR with the world, just as it did John the Baptist, and the early Christians in the Book of Acts.

And so we seem to have two main groups:

  1. A  large proportion of Christians that  say you can’t repackage secular  music and label it as being “Christian”  (it  maybe  “religious hip-hop”; but it  certainly  isn’t  Christian like), and
  2. A group  who  firmly believe that  it all depends on who your singing too?

So which group  are you and why?

 

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10 True Love Stories

The definition of love in the British and World English in Oxford dictionary states that LOVE is “A strong feeling of affection: babies fill parents with intense feelings of love their love for their country”.

However has love left you confused?

There are a few things most people say love isn’t. Some people say isn’t a feeling. Some people say that although real love is often accompanied by strong feelings, love does not equate with the sense of floating on clouds unlike the type of love that movies, television, and songs portray. Some people say that  friendships and relationships wouldn’t last long on emotions alone. In fact, most academics  say that knowledge is the basis of a healthy relationship.

However what does the bible say about love?

This verse certainly describes the characteristics of true #love.

“Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind. It Does Not Envy, It Does Not Boast, It Is Not Proud. It Is Not Rude, 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.” —  I Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

These qualities can most definitely  be found in #Jesus  #Christ, and should perhaps exist in all truly loving relationships.

Included below are some  of the sweetest and most heart touching #loving photos posted on #Godinterest  so far  during this  festive season.

A Soldier Meets His #Baby for the First Time.  the Bond Between Parent and Child Is One of the Strongest Connections in Nature.

We  Love Seeing Old Couples. It Gives Us  Hope That Can  Stand the Tests of Time. “Young Love Is a Flame; Very Pretty, Often Very Hot and Fierce, but Still Only Light and Flickering. The Love of the Older and Disciplined Heart Is as Coals, Deep-Burning, Unquenchable”. – Henry Ward Beecher

Forever Love in Cuba by RHahn

Gereational Thinking Means Thinking Beyond Yourself. Knowing That Every Action, Belief, Conviction You Settle for Now, Will Have a Definite Impact on the next Generation. This Is Such a Great Theme…

Jesus Replied, This Is the Work (Service) That Asks of You: That You Believe in the One Whom He Has Sent [That You Cleave to, Trust, Rely on, and Have Faith in His Messenger]. (’­John’¬ ’­6’¬:’­29’¬).

So Jesus Can Relate to Suffering and Pain. In Fact, His Essential Purpose in Leaving His Kingship in Heaven and Condescending to Take Mortal Form Was to Suffer. And It Started with His Birth.

 

Homeless and Impoverished Children Living in New Delhi, #India, Receive a Free Education from Two Volunteer Teachers.

 

Greg Cook Hugs His Dog Coco After Finding Her Inside His Destroyed Home in Alabama Following the Tornado in March, 2012.

You’re Never Too Young to Start Praying! Are  We Right? The Truth Is, We All Need a Moment with God, Whether It’s to Thank Him, Praise Him or Ask Him for a Little.

The scripture is God’s love letter to mankind, the most amazing Valentine card ever written and in its pages is the description of the ultimate act of love and sacrifice and also, Gods blueprints for true love and true romance.

And Now These Three Remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the Greatest of These Is .And now these three remain: faith, hope and  #love.

So what is your love made of, surface romance or real romance rooted in unselfish sacrifice? Is it about all you want to get from someone else, or all you want to give?

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What Would Jesus Pin?

The phrase “What would Jesus do?” (often abbreviated to WWJD) became popular in the United States in the 1990s and as a personal motto for adherents of Evangelical Christianity who used the phrase as a reminder of their belief in a moral imperative to act in a manner that would demonstrate the love of Jesus through the actions of the adherents.  This saying has become a guiding principle for many Christians.

As simple as it seems, the question—What would Jesus Do?—still leaves us  wondering.

However, we’re flipping that around and asking you the question, WWJP—Would #Jesus Pin? or Post?  Do You Really Want to Know?

First Peter 2:21 says that Jesus left us “an example, that we should follow in his steps.” So, it’s admirable and biblical to ask “WWJP  —What would Jesus Pin?”  

Everyone who knows anything about the gospels—and even those who don’t—knows at a basic level that Jesus was a friend of #sinners.  Yet we  find ourselves constantly challenged by Jesus’s example to make sure we do not turn away outsiders in a way that Jesus never would.

If the truth be told Jesus was a friend of sinners not because he winked at sin, ignored sin, or enjoyed light-hearted revelry with those engaged in immorality. Jesus was a friend of sinners in that he came to save sinners.

We  looked at the four gospels with the  above  question in mind and discovered seven priorities that guided Jesus.  He would seek the Father for the strength and wisdom to embrace, restore, confront, teach, serve, and equip the people around him.

These seven priorities should drive us back to the gospels to take a fresh look at how Jesus lived. As users of the social networking websites  we need to keep asking ourselves—#What Would Jesus Pin?  or Post. It’s a great question. But remember: If you’re not sure what Jesus actually did in his life, then you’re just guessing at what he might do in yours.

We’ve included some of the most compelling photos posted to Godinterest this week.

I love doing these portraits, and our friend suits them perfectly!

Lucky enough to go into the enclosure with Mia, this gorgeous female #cheetah at the WHF Centre in Smarden, Kent

A  Chinese paramilitary police recruit being shipped to start his service in the Zhejiang province began to tear up in this photo, taken on Dec. 12, 2010.

Kevin Berthia was talked out of jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge by this police officer in 2005. He has since become an advocate for suicide prevention and has started a family.

Starving boy and #missionary

True  #love

We  want to hear  from you, when you write a message, share a photo, or a video online, do you stop and think about what it says about you as a  believer?  

 

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David Cameron: I am evangelical about Christian faith

Prime Minister David Cameron speaks up on the significance of the Christian faith.

Cameron  has declared himself an “evangelical” about his Christian faith as he criticised some non-believers for failing to grasp the role that religion can have in “helping people to have a moral code”.

David Cameron famously described his Christian faith as being a “bit like the reception for Magic FM in the Chilterns: it sort of comes and goes”. Yet recently, the signal appears to have been amplified. Mr Cameron has already praised the contribution that Christians make to society, referred to Jesus as “our saviour” and spoken of the “moments of greatest peace” that he has experienced attending the Eucharist. But in a new article in the Guardian he appears to go further than ever before, urging Christians to be “more evangelical” about their beliefs – to “get out there and make a difference to people’s lives”.

In his third effort this week to highlight his own strong faith, the prime minister said he wanted to see a bigger role for religion in Britain as a Christian country and urged fellow believers to be more confident in spreading their views.

It comes after several big clashes between the coalition and the church, including a  letter this week from 40 Anglican bishops and 600 church leaders calling on all political parties to tackle the causes of food poverty. Previous tensions have been caused by Cameron’s decision to introduce gay marriage, and deep cuts in welfare benefits

Here in Britain “we don’t do God”.

Those who know him say that the Prime Minister has always had a quiet but profound faith, one that helped him come to terms with the death of his eldest son. But this candour is not only new, but something of a departure for those in his position. Tony Blair was certainly a committed Christian, but was urged by Alastair Campbell to keep quiet about it on the grounds that here in Britain “we don’t do God”.

Actually, the British sometimes do “do God”.

How refreshing, then, to have a Prime Minister who is willing to talk openly about the values that motivate him. How refreshing, also, to be reminded that, actually, the British sometimes do “do God”.

We are a Christian country, whose laws, ethics, language and culture are the product of a particular religious foundation. True, church attendance may be falling (although not everywhere, as the Archbishop of Canterbury has reminded us). But polls show that there is a lingering popular desire for the transcendent and the meaning that it brings to believers’ lives. And Christians – along with Jews, Muslims and other faith groups – continue to play a large role in education and charity.

 

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Jesus! We Can Help You Share Him Online.

Share Jesus Without Fear  

Do you want to share Jesus without fear? Perhaps the thought of sharing your faith in Jesus Christ causes feelings of fear and guilt in your heart.

Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This command illustrates God’s desire to include us in His wonderful plan to redeem mankind.

“We believe that the Gospel and social media should go together like peanut butter and jelly. The purpose of this site is to help YOU.”

With so many people in the world connected online, the Godinterest website aim is to help Christians share their faith in Jesus. People can then engage with the  content you post  and have  an opportunity to become a follower of Jesus.

This means that whenever you post meaningful content about Jesus on Godinterest you provide an  opportunity for others to be part of the greatest story on earth.

 

Rethink Sharing Your Faith

Everyone who interacts with  the  content you post will be presented with an opportunity to engage with the gospel.

This Is Just The Beginning

Interact with those who response to the media you post.

Start the conversation about what it means to be a follower of Jesus and if it’s appropriate, try to  help  connect them with either your church or a local church group in their area.

Also encourage them to use Godinterest  to share the really great news about Jesus with their friends.

Note: If this seems overwhelming, don’t stress! You don’t have to do everything at once, and you don’t have to be perfect. Try sharing existing content with Friends and Family.  

Question: What avenues have you discovered to share Jesus with the online world? What have you found challenging in doing so?

 

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