True Success

This is from TED (if you are unfamiliar with TED check it out). Aside from that, Coach Wooden offers some sound wisdom on how to define success. Remember all truth is God's truth. It's all around us - we must have ears to hear and eyes to see it (Matt. 13:16). How do you define success? What did success look like when you achieved it in the past? What would the ultimate success look like if achieved? Add a comment and talk it up.

The Modern Roman Road

The current issue of Covenant magazine had an interesting article. Dr. Chapell wrote:

"First-century Christians had a temendous challenge before them as they attempted to respond to Jesus' Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). Taking the gospel from Jerusalem to all nations would have seemed a daunting task for this small group of ragtag disciples. And yet the Lord provided both the means (in the form of an extensive system of Roman roads that made travel throughout the empire easy and safe) and the power (in the form of his indwelling Spirit) for them to do as he commanded. The result was an amazing transformation not only of many individual lives but of the world as well."

It's interesting how the Lord uses the developments of advanced civilizations to spread the gospel. I believe that the internet is the modern Roman Road. Taking the gospel to all of the military society seems a daunting task for this ragtag disciple. Yet, we serve the Lord who is more than able. He has a vested interest in seeing the Name of His Son disperse and be glorified. I believe that through the use of the modern Roman Road (such as this blog) an amazing transformation not only of many individual lives, but of the entire military society will result. In the coming days I am going to talk more about the use of this blog and other social network technology to induce change in the minds of leaders that will result in the exponential effect of transformation in the spheres they influence. If you are such a leader interested in seeing your area of responsibility be impacted for Christ hit this site daily and tell others about it. Quantity can have a quality all its own ;-)

Making Men-Catchers

The following post is adapted from The Resurgence that is adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

Matthew 4:19: And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Our desire should be to be men-catchers as we lead; and the way to attain to that sacred art is to be ourselves thoroughly captured by the greatest Leader and the One who has captured us. When Jesus draws us we shall draw men. The man who leads souls is like a fisher upon the sea. A fisher is dependent and trustful. He is diligent and persevering. He is intelligent and watchful. He is laborious and self-denying. He is daring, and is not afraid to venture upon a dangerous sea. He is successful. He is no leader who never leads anyone. See the ordination of successful leaders. They are made, not born; made by God, and not by mere human training. See how we can partake in the Lord's work, and be specimens of his workmanship: "Follow me, and I will make you."

P.S. Scroll over any verse citation on this site and the full Bible verse referenced will pop up (I've added "reftagger"). Here's an example: Josh. 1:6-9

Standards Through Sincerity

From "Cut of His Jib:"

"Unless and until officers conduct themselves at all times as officers, it is useless to demand and hopeless to expect any improvement in the enlisted ranks. Matters of correct attitude, personal conduct, and awareness of moral obligations do not lend themselves to control by a set of rules or to scientific analysis...Many methods of instruction and different approaches to teaching them will present themselves. Each naval officer must consider himself an instructor in these matters and the future tone of the naval service will depend on the sincerity which he brings to this task."

Admiral T. C. Kinkaid
United States Navy
1947

Ensign 101

A good read worth passing on.

Ensign 101

Two Absolutes

As a Naval Officer and Christian it does not get anymore foundational than these absolutes:

"There are only two absolute rules of thumb at sea: Don’t let the people in the water tank, and don’t let the water in the people tank." [unknown Sailor]

"All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments: love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." [Jesus]

The Faithful Centurion

The Faithful Centurion

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."

Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."

The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof [humble]. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." [understand authority]

When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.

May we lead humbly, fully understanding the authority structure we are placed, while boldly making our requests made known to the God who is more than able - and so doing astonish the Lord with our great faith, such that He acts to bless those under our care.