Week 4: Ecclesiastes 2: 4-9

4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.

5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.

6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.

7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and
flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.

8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers,
and a harem as well—the delights of the heart of man.

9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

Let’s be honest, reading about all the stuff the Teacher had is without a doubt impressive; however, the words that jump beyond the page for me are “In all this my wisdom stayed with me.” My immediate response upon reading this was, what does wisdom mean in this context? Furthermore, does wisdom actually have a context or have I misinterpreted it’s meaning all together? Before I traveled down that rabbit hole something occurred to me; the Teacher knew the difference between the road signs and his destination.

How many times have you driven somewhere you’ve never been and got excited when you saw a road sign that told you how many miles you had left until you reach your destination? If you’re anything like me, you get a little smile on your face knowing that you’re heading in the right direction. My smile usually serves dual purposes because it also means I get to tell my lovely wife “I told I knew where I was going”. Both responses are fairly common and also reasonable. The foolish thing to do would be to park on the side of the road, take all of our luggage out of the trunk, and set up for vacation under the road sign. The sign is exactly what the name implies; it is simple a sign. To say my point in plain language, the Teachers life style was simply a sign of success. He knew his calling was much bigger than his accomplishments, so no matter how great of a ruler he had become or wealth he had amassed, he kept in mind that an attachment to his worldly possessions (which ironically can only move in one direction….into the ground) would only hinder his upward journey into the holiness of God.

If you’ve entered into the mission of entrepreneurship with an eye full of riches and a heart hungry for fame, you’ve sadly mistaken the road sign as your destination, and your wisdom has not stayed with you. If you’ve purchased new homes, new cars, new clothes, new retirement accounts, new friends, new husbands, new wives, etcetera, but have not remained humble, charitable, and righteous, you have also sadly mistaken the road signs for your true destination because your wisdom has not stayed with you (Proverbs 10: 1-7, Matthew 5: 1-20).

The creation story (Genesis 1: 1-31) is a perfect example of what it means to move beyond the road signs. Prior to creation nothing existed. Most Christians are enamored by God’s ability to simply speak things into existence. While this is all well and good, it’s not what he said that proved his wisdom and power, it was the words that were never written that is truly impressive. Take for instance the flower (generally speaking). When God spoke plants into existence he didn’t create just one, he created many; however, he didn’t stop there. He also the complex cell structure of every species of flower and the ability for those cell structures to feed on sunlight through photosynthesis. For photosynthesis to work correctly he also had to create the processes it needed, which fundamentally works by converting sunlight into energy. When he created light he also had to create the atoms, protons, and electrons necessary to bring it into tangible existence. He also had to create heat to excite the protons so that they would bounce off electrons to kick start the “light-making” process. As the light fed the plants, the plants fed the humans. In order for mankind to identify the plants, God had to create individual markings and designs to differentiate the types of plants that were available to eat. I could continue down this path to show you the depths of God’s wisdom, but I’ll assume you get the point. God doesn’t stop at the road signs, he continues until he has reached his destination (Philippians 1:6)

The secular world is trying to wrap it’s brain around the idea of destination versus road sign with a fairly new and fashionable business term, Conscious Capitalism. This is the an excerpt from consciouscapitalism.com:

“For several decades, companies emerging out of the culture of the 60s have been cultivating a new genre of Capitalism. This is a Capitalism that recognizes the power of purpose and the principle of interdependence. It is a Capitalism the sees leaders as stewards and facilitators. And it is a Capitalism that embraces the cocreative, generative nature of business, and is directed towards fulfilling the potential of business and the marketplace to be a powerful force for positive change. This is a Conscious Capitalism, embodied by Conscious Capitalists.”

This is the worlds attempt to keep their wisdom with them, and it’s “working”. John Mackey, CEO of industry giant Whole Foods and many other powerful voices are making Conscious Capitalism a household name. Why aren’t we, the keepers of the Truth and representatives of the Creator of our universe, speaking up (Colossians 2: 8-23)? While we dance and shout all over our churches for the brand new house we WANT to buy, these people are changing the world. While we try to impress sister so-and-so or brother so-and-so with how busy we want them to THINK we are, these people are shaping the minds of our children. While we play “look at me on my blackberry and laptop” games in the local coffeehouse , these people are recruiting the leaders of today and tomorrow at our colleges. Stop celebrating the road signs! We still have a many, many miles ahead of us.

I really don’t want to end this on a negative note, so I won’t (or at least I hope I won’t). Trying to figure out where to go in this last paragraph, I’m reminded of a rapper that had a song that said “I’m stuntin’ (showing off) like my daddy”. I want to be clear that I’m not trying to say that creating a comfortable life for yourself and your family is wrong because it’s not. God created an empire by his own power, for his own glory and being created in his image and likeness explains our need to amass things in order to build an empire of our own. However, sin has polluted our desire to honor him with obedience (i.e. rule over all things on the Earth. We are conversely ruled by things). We now, like the Israelites, seek to build our own tower of babel to draw all men unto us (Genesis 11: 1-9). In our case, the unified language we speak is the dollar bill. If the unfortunate collapse of our economy is viewed through the omniscient eyes of our Father, one can not help but to see his gracious hand saving us from utter destruction yet again. This isn’t the way most people see things, so they are fighting, clawing and defending every ounce of worldly success they can find. Very little thought is given to the fact that God is working ALL things out for the good of them that love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Do me a favor, the next time your driving and you see a road sign that says you have x-amount of miles left, take a look around you then hit the accelerator just a little bit. When you do that, thank God that he’s still taking you where you need to go. After you’ve done that, thank him for where you’ve been. Finally, thank him that your not traveling alone. We’re all headed somewhere, but without the wisdom of God we’re unpacking our cars hundreds of miles away from the glory and comfort of God’s purpose.

How many of you are just like me, Class A+ Procrastinators?

Did you know having good intentions can still be a form of disobedience? Procrastination is very deceptive and Proverbs 3:27,28 instructs us not to do it. Often, we do not see putting things off as disobedience because we intend to obey God; it is just that we are going to do it when–when we have more money, when we are not so busy, as soon as Christmas is over, after we get the kids in school/college, when we return from vacation, after the snow is gone, etc. Remember, the best intentions do not produce results. Ask God to help you take action in a timely manner in every situtation.

So, what are some strategic solutions to helping Class A+ Procrastinators; Proverbs 4:5 instructs us to get “skillful and godly Wisdom,” and here are some of the results that you can expect as you apply wisdom in your life.

Wisdom will always lead you to God’s best. Wisdom teaches that you will not keep friends if you try to control and dominate everything that goes on in your life and theirs. You will not keep friends if you talk about them behind their backs or tell their secrets. Wisdom says, “Do not say things about others that you would not want people saying about you.”

Wisdom will guide you in money matters. You will not get into debt if you do not spend more money than you make. A lot of people never have fruitful ministries because they think they can run a ministry without good business principles. The Holy Spirit does not need to speak in an audible voice to tell us that we cannot have more money going out than we have coming in. Wisdom tells us that we will get in trouble if we do that.

Wisdom will not let us get overextended in our commitments if we listen to her. No matter how anxious we may be to accomplish things, wisdom says we need to take time and wait on God to give us peace about what we are to do and not do. It has been very difficult for me over the years to learn to say no to certain speaking opportunities, but I have learned that it is not wise to wear myself out trying do to so much that I end up not doing a quality job.

To God, quality is more important than quantity. Many times wisdom leads us to say no to things we would like to say yes to. Wisdom may also lead us to say yes to something to which we would like to say no. Having an opportunity that will stretch you outside of your comfort zone may cause you to say no, because you are afraid you might fail. But Wisdom may be telling you that you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you, and although you may have never done this or that, or tried this or that, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try. How do you ever grow beyond what you are capable of if you never put yourself in a situation where you know exactly what you are made of. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Wisdom is our friend; it helps us not to live in regret. I think one of the saddest things in the world would be to reach old age and look back at your life and feel nothing but regret about what you did or did not do. So many people are playing it safe. In case you haven’t noticed, “You can’t get out of life ALIVE!” It’s always more fun on the field than it is in the stands. Failure is merely feedback. The sorrow is not in the falling down, the tragedy is in never having tried in the first place. Wisdom helps us make choices now that we will be happy with later.

A word of advice to all my soon to be reformed Class A+ Procrastinators, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can to today, maximize your moment!

Be Encouraged. [Excerpts from Joyce Meyer Amplified Bible] 

Linda Dillard

Founder/CEO & Relationship Strategist for Power In Progress, LLC

Why does it always take a tragedy to wake us up out of our unconcious state of selfishness before we are willing to help one another? Apparently, Hurricane Katrina was not enough for us to sustain a long lasting commitment to love one another as we love ourselves.

The US has no Interest in Haiti

How unfortunate it is that it took a devastating Earthquake in Haiti before the world woke up. What amazes me is that Haiti has been an impoverished country for many years. The fact that the United States has no vested interest in Haiti in terms of what it can get from the people or country of Haiti is irrelevant. Why must God get our attention by allowing such mass destruction to occur?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

I have often wondered why bad things happen to good people? It’s sad to know that we have all contributed in some way due to our mass consciousness of caring about self only.

In 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 (amp), “And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifest istself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. [Isa. 55:10; Hos. 10:12]

11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

12 For the service that the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God’s people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God.”

God will provide us a seed to sow

In times like these, it’s easy to withhold seed because we are uncertain if we will have enough. But a seed can never multiply and bear fruit until it has been planted. Whenever we invest in God’s people at home or abroad, we can rest assure that God will continue to provide seed for us to sow, and those in whom we sow seed will cry out to God with thanksgiving.

I say to the many of you who were like me before I read this passage, there is so much money and aid needed for these hurting people, how will I know if my seed will be used for that which it was intended?

What’s your motive?

 Well, we can thank God that he does not judge our outward appearance but our heart and our motives. Whether our seed ever gets to where it is intended, God will still honor our heart to give and you will be blessed. For those who misuse the seed, and cause even more suffering because of their lack of integrity, God is in control of that as well. So give, so seed.

Our job and our responsibility is not to judge others for what they are or are not doing, our only responsibility is to make sure we are doing what we are suppose to do. We serve a God that never slumbers or sleep, and he is always on top of his game. Let our business be a reflection of how we are, not just who we are. Whether your are providing aid to Haiti, or giving your left over food from your resturant to a shelter, orphanage, or a parent who waits table and would welcome the extra food to feed their family, when you have a need, sow a seed.

So take heart my sister, my brother; Love thy neighbor as thyself (Mark 12:31).  In so doing, the recipient of this goodness, kindness, and charity will cry out to God in thanksgiving. 

Be Inspired,

Linda Dillard
Founder/CEO Power In Progress, LLC
Relationship Strategist

Week 3: Ecclesiastes 1: 18

18 For in much [human] wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

The Truth Hurts!

Over Come Fear

When I first started my business I thought the whole world would eventually see me as the fraud I really was. I had never done even an inkling of the things I truly believed in my heart I was capable of. In hind sight, I’ll admit that it wasn’t healthy to have those doubts, but at the time I don’t think the world had enough books or the internet websites to placate my fears of not knowing enough. My quest for knowledge was insatiable. Now, almost a year later, I’ve found a way to overcome those fears, but the habit of reading about everything my brain can form into words is firmly rooted into my psyche. I guess the common terminology of my “condition” would be defense mechanism or maybe an instinctual survival tactic. My wife of 9 months would unfortunately refer to it as a detriment to our young marriage. To be completely candid, I simply don’t agree; not because I think she’s wrong, but because I “need” to be smarter than my consumer to remain the expert that I am. Consumers will only buy from me if they don’t know as much as I do; especially in my field……of dreams. I’ve tricked my mind into believing that people want to buy what I know, not what they need. That truth has almost brought me to tears during times our financial drought. That truth has literally made me feel so bottled up with knowledge I could feel my bones begin to shake from the pressure.

My story is in no way germane; it’s the story of every entrepreneur. We’re all chasing tomorrow because the limitations of today have also exposed the limitations of our humanity. Knowledge & ingenuity become our remedy for the brokenness that has eaten a God shaped hole through the depths of our hearts. “…he who increases knowledge increases sorrow”

Our human knowledge is a depreciating commodity

I’ve seen the pious become the destitute. I’ve seen the poor become rich. I’ve seen the hated become heroes. I’ve seen the glow of life in a child’s smile become a gnarled grin of deceit. I’ve seen knowledge become sorrow. You’ve most likely seen it too. Remember the people carrying boxes outside of Lehman Brothers? Do you remember seeing the cars empty out of the GM and Chrysler plant parking lots? Do you remember the look on the face of Bernie Madoff as he was walked through the sea of cameras entering the court house? I sat in on a support group about two weeks for people that have recently lost their jobs. The meeting was full of accomplished executives from the top companies in our area who were now using each others shoulders to cry on. The magic carpet ride was truly over for these people, but like a dog returning to its vomit (Proverbs 26:11) they are reading self-help book after self-help book, learning twitter, taking classes, even cutting their hair and buying younger looking clothing to appeal to employers. Our human knowledge is a depreciating commodity that will never be worth the price we put on it.

95% of High Ranking Executives lost their Jobs

95% of the people that attended the support group were high ranking executives at one time. All I could think as I looked around that room was how far the mighty had fallen. The speaker that day was a life coach. She opened her lesson up with the statement “I’m just thanking Father, Mother God for this opportunity.” It was at that moment I realized how dangerous knowledge was apart from God. Our words are poisonous arrows thrust deep into the flesh apart from the grace, mercy and understanding of God. The people in the meeting were distraught because all the knowledge they had accumulated became nothing in a matter of seconds, and here I was to plug my new project. They didn’t need a new project! They needed a Savior to fill the God shaped hole the loss of their job left in the middle of their heart. Although they were there to find a job to put the remnants of their tattered lives back together, what I actually heard was “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:2). How many of you know what David meant when he penned those words? I know I do!

Dr. Linda Seger has a extreme passion for reading, writing and film production, you’ll see later in the interview. She is an entrepreneur who has travel the world and is a living example of a person enjoy life. Many individuals dream like hers, but are afraid to make risk to get it started and they forget how powerful our God is. He says it himself He’ll give the desires of our hearts. We just have to make the first step and trust him, Linda did…why not you?

Find out more about Dr. Seger and her new book at www.lindaseger.com or Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success.

1. How did you get started in as a script consultant and writing books? Why did you want to make a career out of a script consultant verses just being a writer?

Well, I do, of course write non-fiction books. have always been interested in reading, (fascinated with reading when I started reading around age 6, I expect… and started reading loads of books by the time I was 7). Then, I got interested in writing, and started writing poetry, short stories when I was 10, and even wrote a novel when I was 13 (My only novel…about 25 pages long.) I got interested in script writing as a result of working in theater… and from directing theater where I began to analyze scripts. Then, I taught theater in college, and as part of my Th.D. in Drama and Theology, I developed a method for analyzing scripts which then became my business as a script consultant. Script Consulting developed out of my love for drama and my love for great literature.

2. Almost 30 years in this industry from writing books, conducting seminars, speaking, consulting, running a business and traveling, is writing scripts still your number one passion? Or, has one the others taken precedent over script writing?

The script consulting is a great joy to me, because I work with creative people, and I exercise my own creativity by working with their scripts, thinking about ways to improve them and solve script problems. But it’s really the combination that I love-consulting, writing books, and doing seminars. I love writing the books, and sharing ideas. and the Seminars are a way for me to express myself publicly, to meet others, and to figure out how best to communicate these ideas. So, it’s the combination.

3. In 1981, what made you to decide to start you own business verses working for another company?

Well, no one wanted me!!! (smile!) the college where I was teaching had over-extended the Drama Department and suddenly about 6 of us were out of a job. I lived near Los Angeles so I decided, with my background in Drama, perhaps I could get into the film business. But I was over-educated, older than many starting out (I had already been a college professor) and my skill was in scripts, not necessarily in administration, or working in a corporation, or…and I didn’t know anyone, so I didn’t have any advantage of knowing someone in the business. I started doing story analysis, and found, fairly quickly, that all my previous work served me well. Then, one day, a writer who I met was having trouble with his script and I suggested I apply my Doctoral Dissertation which focused on a specific way to analyze scripts, to his script. He said to me, ” I’ve struggled with this for 5 years…and in one hour you told me what to do.” At that point, I realized I had something here, and also realized that the industry had many scripts out there that didn’t work. I was not a corporate type, but realized eventually that I was an entrepreneurial type. So, I was partly forced into it by circumstances, but when I started my business, I realized this was my great joy and that I was good at this.

4. How was your faith tested when you took the risk of starting your own business?

It was a huge leap of faith. I didn’t know if I was being stupid, or being called. I finally just took the leap, and as time went on, felt I was doing exactly what I was meant to do. I did have various tests…at certain points, my ego would get in charge, telling me that I was really ’something’, or that I should try to work for a studio and maybe some big wig would thank me at the academy awards, but I felt God was telling me that much of my work would always be with new writers. Although I do work with very successful writers at times, and that’s a joy too, but many of my clients are new, and I feel that I’m nurturing their creativity and their self–expression.

5. What are you thoughts about Christians becoming Entrepreneurs? Do you feel it’s okay for Christians to aspire to be wealthy?

Being an Entrepreneur and a Christian is a fitting combination, because God is very creative about calling us to unusual jobs. It takes a leap of faith to become an Entrepreneur… I don’t know how people do it without faith, unless they have rich relatives!

I believe prosperity is, or can be, a by-product of our work, but that we do have to keep in mind our spiritual principles and not be tempted to have pride, or to get greedy, or to buy into the world’s ideas of what we-re supposed to have (I.E., Money, Big Cars, Fame, Fortune, ETC.) I did struggle with what would happen if I began to do well… What would I do with all that money if I got it? Well, I’m not making millions, but I have certainly done better than I expected, and I began to think about how to be wise with money (saving for retirement, ETC.) but also there are so many people and places that need our help. I’m involved with a charity in the Philippines… (Wodeef- Women’s Economic Development and Earth Foundation) that helps women start businesses, helps educate the children, and has a farm which I bought for them which teaches sustainable agriculture and helps fund the city branch of the charity. I also think it’s important to develop a sense of sharing and to realize that we are blessed if we can help others. We are blessed because we have the money to help others, and we are blessed in the process of helping others.

I have tried to develop a stronger social consciousness about how people struggle in our world. I’ve spent a great deal of time trying to be more aware of those who are poor and oppressed. This has included studying what is called ‘Liberation Theology’, meaning Theology that deals specifically with Jesus’ words about ‘I’ve come.. to bring release to the captives, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.’ So I’ve tried to be more aware of the variety of struggles that people have.

After some years of thinking about the homeless, I made the decision to almost always give when I see a homeless person…and I also try to always look them in the eye and give them a blessing. I realize I’ve been blessed, and they are struggling. (And I don’t make judgments about their situation, or if their dishonest.) So, it’s important if we have much, to share.

6. One of my most favorite quotes is by Bessie Stanley who says it best about “Success”:

What is your definition of success? Do you feel you have reached it and if so, how do you know?

Success is being blessed, able to do the work we love, to make a living at it, to contribute goodness to the world, and to delight in life.

I have reached success in my professional life and my personal life. Perhaps I know I’m successful partly because I have surpassed my dreams, but also because people give me feed-back to let me know that I am doing work that is helpful to them, or they let me know that my books have helped them and touched them.

But success is not about coasting. One has to maintain it, and keep expanding. Blessing, as I mention in my spiritual steps book, is about expanding, flourishing, abundance, and goes out to others and comes back to ourselves. It’s circular.. and that means that one does keep expanding.

7. Speaking of Success, can you tell us about your most recent book “Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success”? What was it that inspired you to write this book?

Spiritual steps was inspired by an award given to me by Regents University in 2000- The Candlelight Award. It is given every year to a Christian who is a ‘Light to the Entertainment Industry.’ I asked what kind of a thank you speech they wanted at the ceremony, and they said up to 30 minutes. That made me think about how my career had been nudged, pushed, pulled, and guided by God. As I thought about various steps along my career, this book began to evolve.

I also began to think about how we often think of spiritual tests and spiritual challenges as being part of the failures and problems in our lives – unemployment, illness, bad marriages, kids on drugs, ETC. Yet, I found that there was a whole different set of spiritual tests about success, and had realized that there were few books about these challenges. And, as I looked at my career, I began to try to define what those challenges were.

And, 9 years later, that became this book.

8. What is the most important take away, you want the readers to receive after reading “Spiritual Steps on the Road Success”?

I’d love readers to reflect on their own route to success, and perhaps to find some gems that will help them remove any barriers to their success. Hopefully, the book will also help readers discern some of the subtle and unexpected challenges on the road to success- and how to handle those challenges being aware and guided by the presence of God.

9. What else is on the horizon for you? Any new business endeavors?

The Third Edition of my first book, Making a Good Script Great, will be published in February. I am writing a book on subtext, called Writing Subtext for the Screen: What Lies Beneath, which is due at the end of March. I have 2-3 books on spirituality that I’m trying to sell. As far as new business endeavors, I do want to do more speaking on spirituality. I’ve given several speeches recently on this subject, and would like to expand that part of my life. That also includes writing more books on the topic.

10. What is your favorite scripture? Why did you choose that one?

Of Course, there are many favorite scriptures that pull at me at different phases of my life, but probably my favorite is Proverbs 8:22-31. In this scripture, the writer is describing how wisdom was with God at the creation. Wisdom, over the years, has become an increasingly important concept for me. I think it takes wisdom to be in business and try to have Christian standards in the way one does business. But, this scripture is also about creativity. Wisdom, who is a creator, delights God. She plays in his presence. She is a master craftsman. And she loves being with us human beings. The scripture reminds me to always take joy in my work. To be delighted with creativity and to love playing with other creative people and playing, and being, with God!

During a time when the key to restoring our nation and renewing the global economy are entrepreneurs, here is a message to encourage the heart of every believer who has had to whether a storm during a very difficult and trying year.

The Bible Wants you to Live Great

Many people think that what’s written in the Bible has mostly to do with getting people into heaven – getting right with God, saving eternal souls. And all those are a part of the Bible, however, equally important that the Bible is concerned with is living here on this earth – living well, living with enthusiastic sanity.

Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves in. In Proverbs 3:26 (Message), “No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.” “For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger]. (Prov. 3:26, Amp).

You Can Succeed in Any Business

I just wanted to remind you that no matter what business your in or service you provide, Jesus says in John 14:12-13, “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. And I will do [I myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], so that the Father may be glorified and and extolled in (through) the Son. [Exod. 3:14] We know that trials and tribulations must come, and we should welcome them. In our weakness, He is made strong. I believe because of the lack and suffering that many are feeling right now it is creating an opportunity for God to do his best work.

God Promises Us that He’ll Keep us from Danger

I want all of you to know that no matter what you are facing in your business today, what difficult decisions you may have to make, that God has not forsaken you, and when we continuously put our trust in Him because he cares for us, He keeps his promises. He has promised each one of us that he would keep our foot from being caught in a trap or some hidden danger. Knowledge is something you know, Wisdom is something you own! When your confidence, firm and strong is in Him, he will keep you from falling.

Set Your New Year’s Goal for 2010

Trust that every setback is a setup. 10 symbolizes totality or all inclusiveness. For all that we have endured in ‘09, it’s time to get excited because in 2010, it all comes together. It is your time, it is your season. When God is for you, it’s better than the whole world against.

Always Seek Wisdom

Be encouraged my brothers and my sisters, “Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! (Prov. 3:6 Message) What the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good. Let us return to childlike faith, that if he said it, then it will come to pass. Rejoice, this is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Linda Dillard
Founder/CEO Power In Progress, LLC
Tap Into the Power, Walk Into the Light

Suggested Reading:

Your Road Map for Success

John C. Maxwell. Thomas Nelson 2006, Paperback, 256 pages, $3.99

Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success

Linda Seger. Monarch Books 2009, Paperback, 188 pages, $7.67

Society say Happiness is determine by money, sex, drugs

Today’s society tells us that happiness is measured by external pleasures or “temporary highs”; success, money, “friends”, sex, drugs, appearance, etc. As long as we are solely relying on external pleasure to make us happy, real happiness is unfortunately very unlikely. The deceptive belief is that “our problems” are mere inconvenience and can be “fixed” by indulging in external pleasure.

True happiness is determine by internal peace

Does this concept really work? Think about it… we are all searching for external pleasure to make us happy but yet we are all still searching for happiness at the same time? Fact is, external pleasure just isn’t enough. Venting to your girlfriends or getting your nails done may feel good in the moment but will not make your problems go away. Your true person is not who you portray to the world but who lies beneath the surface. And true happiness is not defined by external pleasure but rather internal peace and achieving true love thru Jesus Christ. No matter who or what we are, we ALL have wounds and struggles in life. Without them, there would be no need for God.

Can’t Replace Internal Wounds with External Pleasure

If we are not seeking God to heal our wounds then we are relying on external pleasure to make us happy, we live life in circles, making the same mistakes over and over, never really experiencing unconditional love for ourselves or others. So the bottom line is this, no matter how hard we try, we cannot escape our problems, and we cannot replace internal wounds with external pleasure.

The good news is that your wounds can be healed thru the blood of Jesus Christ! Isaiah 53:5 says: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by His wounds we are healed.” True healing comes from Jesus, not people, or things. Trust in him!

Suggested Reading:

The Pleasures of Loving God

Mike Bickle. Creation House 2000, Paperback, 215 pages, $5.00

Intended for Pleasure

Ed Wheat. Revell 1997, Hardcover, 288 pages, $11.25

With the Christmas season just around the corner, many are considering the purchases they will be making for their families for Christmas. The economy has affected some Americans and some seem not to have been affected by it. Never the less, many are thinking about others who are less fortunate than we are. Some are in the habit of giving to causes such as the Angel Tree Giving program which ensures that children of incarcerated parents receive a Christmas gift.

One of the many lessons that Jesus taught to the disciples was that of giving to others. He said in Matthew 5:42, “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn thou not away.” Some may find this difficult to do during the economic crisis, but God, “who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, ” (Ephesians 2:19 NIV) is faithful.

Make It a Habit to Give

Jesus’ attitude toward the poor widow in Mark 12:42-44 who gave her last farthing makes it clear that everyone is capable of giving. He emphasized that those who give out of their poverty give more than those who give out of their abundance. The lesson here is that even though people struggle with providing food for the family, they should make it a habit to give something to someone in need. God promises to bless us when we give.

The HIV/AIDS virus has dramatically affected Africa’s families, particularly the children under fifteen years of age. Eighty percent of the world’s children under fifteen years of age who are afflicted with AIDS live in Kenya. Many of the children have lost one or both parents to this disease and are living in orphanages.

The Lord Promises that we will never be Homeless

God has always called his people to provide for widows and orphans. He say in Jeremiah 7:6 (KJV) that “If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.” The Lord promises that we will never be homeless as long as we take care of the widows, orphans and foreigners and treat them with dignity. We will have a home to call our own. In addition, we must not cause the death of innocent victims nor worship any god other than God.

It is our reaction to situations such as the HIV/AIDS problem in Africa that determine whether we we are true disciples of Jesus. Jesus would not abandon these women and children. He would heal them, feed them, clothe them, and teach them. In doing so, he glorifies the Father.

Jesus says in John 15:8, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit: so shall ye be my disciples.” Therefore, by ministering to the the widows, orphans, and strangers, we will bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

Suggested Reading:

Spiritual Discipleship

J.Oswald Sanders. Moody Publishers 2007, Paperback, 176 pages, $8.50

The Blue Sweater

Jacqueline Novogratz. Rodale Books 2009, Hardcover, 304 pages, $10.99

The Bible is full of stories where its characters were told not to fear. Some were told not to fear by God and doing so would only get disapproval by the Lord. But is the act or disposition of fear in a person deemed as a sin? There is no mention of fear in the 10 commandments. In many Bible passages we are commanded to fear God. Just what is fear in relation to sin?

There are Three Types of Fear in the Bible

You will find throughout the Bible that fear comes in basically three different categories. The first category is fear from a lack of trust in God, the second is reverent fear of God himself, and the third is an instinctive fear placed in us by our Creator to avoid danger. The first category of fear is the one we as Christians should not have.

Fear that is Healthy for You

We’re referring to the fear that is healthy for us to avoid danger. We don’t place our hands on a hot stove because we know we will be burned. We don’t walk too close to the edge of a cliff or bridge because we might fall. We don’t corner a stray dog because we might get attacked. This is fear that is wired into us by God’s design and is not sin at all.

When Healthy Fear Becomes Sin

In many instances the fear that God does not want you to have is also the same fear that God wired into us to protect ourselves. You might ask what kind of double-speak this is? But actually, it is the beauty of the power of God. He helps you overcome fear that naturally you should have.

For example, when Jesus wanted Peter to walk on the water, he wanted him not to have a natural fear that he was created with. That fear was the fear of drowning. But this is how God shows us he has conquered fear.

Fearless is Not Analogous to Insanity

Also understand that Peter knew exactly what Jesus was telling him to do. It was the same for many Bible characters where they were told by God to fear not. The point is that if you jump from a tall building thinking that God will save you just because you had no fear, you will probably die. God probably didn’t tell you to jump from the building.

Many differ on opinion here, but God gave you common sense too. Learn to discern when God is telling you to do something and when he is not. The key is asking for wisdom and guidance in decision making.

Fear is usually a Predecessor to Sin

Probably the biggest problem with fear that makes it closely-related to sin is that throughout the Bible, it is usually a predecessor to disobedience to God and therefore leads to sin. Take for example the Israelites when they thought Moses had died upon the mountain. They feared and then got involved in all sorts of idolatry and immorality. Yet it was not the fear but the lack of trust in God, idolatry and immorality that were the sins.

Fear is an Indicator of a Heart Problem

It could be said that fear is like a symptom of something serious going on in a person’s heart towards God. It is best described in 1 John 4:

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

So, is fear sin? No. Fear is more of a symptom or reaction to a heart problem in your relationship towards God. If you love God, and have childlike faith and trust in God, it should cast that fear out of you. Overtime, you should find yourself fearing less as God fills your heart with his love.

Suggested Reading:

Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There

Ruth Graham. Howard Books 2009, Hardcover, 288 pages, $5.94

Fearless

Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson 2009, Hardcover, 224 pages, $12.43

Everyone knows that prices are high—especially where gasoline is concerned. And high gas prices affect prices on other goods and services too. So it is extremely tough for a young couple with small children just starting out. And this is the reason why both the husband and wife work outside of the home. They both need to work so that enough disposable income will come into the household to pay the expenses plus buy things for a better quality of life. But many young mothers want to stay at home with their young children during their formative years and are torn between having a career and being a mom.

If they have a career, they will help their family with living expenses at the expense of time with their children. If they are a mom and do not have a career, income will be low and they will have to struggle as a family. It is probably safe to say that your family needs multiple sources of income and expense management in order to be able to pay for everything. But those multiple sources of income should not be from both parents working outside of the home.

Let’s start with expense management or budgeting. Let’s start with the single most expensive money pit we have in our homes: the second car. Seriously consider getting rid of it or at least not driving it every day to work. Use public transportation. You are young—ride a bike. Look at how to cut your vehicle expenses by cutting your vehicles.

Generating any kind of significant income from home is difficult. Don’t believe those claims many make that you can earn thousands of dollars in a short time and do very little work. It will not happen. Honest home jobs usually are found in careers of writing, web design, language translation, and computer programming. And even if you have skills in these fields, you will find that trying to make any kind of significant income from home with them can consume many hours which will rob you from time you’re your children too.

The best is to find your niche and market your own product for selling outside of your home. That takes time too but you can set your own hours as you try to build product recognition and sell it. People working from home have been known to design creations in apparel and jewelry that they can sell from a website or catalog.

So your best bet in shaking off dependence on two incomes is to closely look at and cut nonessential household expenses and then look at ways to generate income from your home in such a way as to not consume too much of your time away from your small children.

Remember that the first years of your child are the formative years. This is a time when you will be able to form a special bond with your child and keep in mind that you will never get another chance to do it again. This is when you as a Christian parent will have the time you need to teach your child about God and be able to do it every day. Keep this Bible passage from Deuteronomy in mind:

Deuteronomy 6:7 (KJV) – And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

The verse tells us to teach the ways of the Lord to our children. When? You teach them when you sit in your house (at the dinner table), when you walk to and fro, when you lie down to rest, and when you get up in the morning (and feed your children breakfast). When both parents work outside of the home, they don’t have time to this. Remember, you do not get a chance to do it over with your kids.

Suggested Reading:

The Working Parents Handbook

Ellen Melinkoff (Contributor). Fireside 1996, Paperback, 320 pages, $2.93

Working Mom’s 411

Michelle LaRowe. Regal 2009, Paperback, 224 pages, $5.77