What a helpful article this has been. I am so blessed to be part of this community since every time I read what is shared here, it brings a lot of light and value to my leadership. Thank you so much for sharing.
Now, I would like to add that the hardest thing for me has been to take care of myself, especially my physical body. As we have experienced a lot of growth in our organization, I have been so involved in making it work that the last thing I thought about was taking care of my body. This is definitely a must-do on my list of priorities for this coming month. Thank you.
This topic of contentment has really been on my mind lately. This morning as I was reading through Hosea 4, it was especially insightful. It says 3 times in that one chapter, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge," "...which take away the understanding of my people," ...a people without understanding will come to ruin."
But in verse 16 it says, The Israelities are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow?" This took me to Psalm 23.... if we always want to go and do whichever way seems best to us, how can He lead me into HIS way? I've really been studying Psalm 23 and taking time to meditate upon it.
In Exodus 13:17-18, Father God took the Israelities another way. He did not lead them the way that seemed most logical, or the easiest, or the shortest,... He lead them the least likely....
Father God always knows best, He is a GOOD, GOOD Father.
I thought your sermon on the similarities of the Christian walk to that of a farmer last Sunday was so good and goes rihht along with the principle of contentment. My mind has been on that concept ever since. The scriptures you brought out were so applicable too.
I have found in my own life, and from observation to those around me, that emotional woundedness deepens the craving that our world's temptation for that, "never enough" mentality can get ahold in our lives. I believe that that can only be quieted by the healing life of Jesus through His Holy Spirit.
Jesus needed to keep re-directing the disciples that He wasn't interested in a flashy,earthly military "kingship" but what the Father wanted was something much different, to the dismay of the disciples.
Which leads right into the point of boundaries, wow, that was good! I don't care what level of employment/leadership a person is in, your identity is ultimate. Do not let upper, or lower, management cross personal boundaries!!!
Hey friends, we are highly capable, intelligent human beings, we are not anyone's puppet!
The best employers I have been privileged to work under their leadership, were those that recognized our gifts and talents and allowed us to fly free. Sure, of course we have guidelines,... but they didn't babysit us. Managers that micromanage, suffocate their greatest team members!!
I've had managers that understood that concept and those whose need for power and control forced people to mass exodus.
What a helpful article this has been. I am so blessed to be part of this community since every time I read what is shared here, it brings a lot of light and value to my leadership. Thank you so much for sharing.
Now, I would like to add that the hardest thing for me has been to take care of myself, especially my physical body. As we have experienced a lot of growth in our organization, I have been so involved in making it work that the last thing I thought about was taking care of my body. This is definitely a must-do on my list of priorities for this coming month. Thank you.
This topic of contentment has really been on my mind lately. This morning as I was reading through Hosea 4, it was especially insightful. It says 3 times in that one chapter, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge," "...which take away the understanding of my people," ...a people without understanding will come to ruin."
But in verse 16 it says, The Israelities are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow?" This took me to Psalm 23.... if we always want to go and do whichever way seems best to us, how can He lead me into HIS way? I've really been studying Psalm 23 and taking time to meditate upon it.
In Exodus 13:17-18, Father God took the Israelities another way. He did not lead them the way that seemed most logical, or the easiest, or the shortest,... He lead them the least likely....
Father God always knows best, He is a GOOD, GOOD Father.
Just thought I'd share.
Blessings to ya'll
Proverbs 16:25 NIV
[25] There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.16.25.NIV
My favorite song right now:
Enjoy
https://youtu.be/BLDEt9KP2O0?si=WO_QTmjBxd9dXr9K
Excellent points Pastor!
I thought your sermon on the similarities of the Christian walk to that of a farmer last Sunday was so good and goes rihht along with the principle of contentment. My mind has been on that concept ever since. The scriptures you brought out were so applicable too.
I have found in my own life, and from observation to those around me, that emotional woundedness deepens the craving that our world's temptation for that, "never enough" mentality can get ahold in our lives. I believe that that can only be quieted by the healing life of Jesus through His Holy Spirit.
Jesus needed to keep re-directing the disciples that He wasn't interested in a flashy,earthly military "kingship" but what the Father wanted was something much different, to the dismay of the disciples.
Which leads right into the point of boundaries, wow, that was good! I don't care what level of employment/leadership a person is in, your identity is ultimate. Do not let upper, or lower, management cross personal boundaries!!!
Hey friends, we are highly capable, intelligent human beings, we are not anyone's puppet!
The best employers I have been privileged to work under their leadership, were those that recognized our gifts and talents and allowed us to fly free. Sure, of course we have guidelines,... but they didn't babysit us. Managers that micromanage, suffocate their greatest team members!!
I've had managers that understood that concept and those whose need for power and control forced people to mass exodus.
Great, thought-provoking read, Pastor, thank you!