Author Archives

Garry Brackett

BA - Fort Wayne Bible College
MAR - Trinity Evangelical Divinity
D.Min - Grace Theological Seminary
Birkman Certified Coach
John Maxwell Certified Team Member
Myers/Briggs Certified
FIRO-B Certified
TKI Certified
25 Years Executive Coaching

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Shabbat – A Period of Rest

From the time of creation, the seventh day was set aside as a day of rest (Gen 2:2); it was a time to celebrate, to rejoice in work accomplished, and to praise the Creator. Today, most Christians and Jews observe every seventh day as special, whether they recognize Saturday or Sunday. The Hebrew word shabbat, “Sabbath,” is formed from the root shabat, meaning “to cease,” “to desist,” or “to rest.” In the Old Testament, while ordinary work ceased on this day, sacred activities were encouraged, and feasts or festivals sometimes coincided with the Sabbath. The religious high point of the year was the Day of Atonement, which was also called a shabbat shabbaton, “a Sabbath of complete rest,” yet there was a great deal of religious activity carried out by the High Priest and other Levites (Lev. 23:32; 16:31).[1]

The need for Israel to focus upon God one day per week was absolutely necessary to keep them from being so preoccupied with their work. Numbers 15:32-36 shows us the seriousness of breaking the Sabbath – death! Additional worship unto God was expected by offering two one-year old male lambs were to be sacrificed on the Sabbath. Even the land was to rest every seventh year.

When you transition into the Biblical New Testament, we see Christ and his disciples observing the Sabbath. However, Christ would teach the Sabbath was created by God for man’s good and not his oppression. Christ would declare that He was Lord over the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28). The true “Sabbath” of God, true rest in and with Him through Christ, is the goal and purpose of every believer. With joy, we strive to enter that rest (Heb. 3:10, 11; Rev. 14:13).

The Covid-19 Pandemic has radically altered how we do business and church. No one is exempt! The suddenness of this pandemic has forced a surge of nervous energy to simply cope with a new reality. Six weeks into this crisis, we are still nervous, yet we remain busier now than ever. There is a new reality that is going to settle upon every person, home, business, and church. History tells us that every significant crisis brings about social change that will not look like the “old-normal.” However, there is an ancient truth that is just as real today as it was in Genesis 2:2 when the sabbath is first mentioned – Shabbat! Stop the nervous energy and shut down, form a Sabbath day of true uninterrupted rest. It is perhaps the most important spiritual, mental, and physical thing you can do for yourself during this pandemic and post-pandemic.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

[1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 157). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

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Pandemic Shepherds

The Lord is my Shepherd is perhaps the single most recognized phrase from the Bible. “Generation after generation, both Christian and non-Christian alike, have taken comfort and encouragement from David’s portrayal of God as a faithful and compassionate Shepherd. This despite the fact that the majority of people living in urban and suburban areas have never seen a flock of sheep, let alone a shepherd tending his animals. Such is the power of the shepherd image in Scripture”.[1] What do we understand about the role of a Shepherd in the biblical context? The Shepherd was responsible for leading the flock to pasture and water, shelter, protection, care, and healing in the case of sickness or injury.

There is an interesting transition in the life of David that takes place in Psalm 78:70-72; “He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfold, from following nursing ewes, he brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, Israel His inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” The skills learned from a nomadic lifestyle are now brought to the table of leadership discussion to lead National Israel. Today this transition asks, How do you shepherd in a National/Global pandemic?

In response to the question, Max Dupree states the first responsibility of leadership is to define reality. So, what is reality currently? A pandemic can be compared to a hurricane. There is a ramping up of preparation and endurance until the front of the “eye-wall” has passed. Then a momentary reprieve before the back side of the storm passes. Then calm and many times sunshine appears as though nothing has occurred. Yet devastation is everywhere. By all indications, Covid-19 has peaked and now is in decline. We are all anticipating getting out and becoming social once again. HOWEVER, the back side of the storm is about to pass.

Extensive research in disaster mental health has established that emotional distress is ubiquitous in affected populations. Ubiquitous simply refers to that which is omni-present; it is everywhere you look. Covid-19 has consumed our daily life! Prolonged traumatic exposure leads to PTSD-like systems. For example, when you have trouble sleeping, anxiety, substance abuse, relational difficulty, lack of purpose, forgetfulness of key facts, anti-social behaviors, and loss of ambition to name a few. 

In preparation for our return to socialization we would be wise to pause and consider our own mental health. At a minimum we should set aside some time for reflection about how are we honestly feeling today. As a next step we can take a mental health screening assessment. This screening is completely anonymous and no personal information is required. If needed, schedule a medical visit with your physician. Physical issues can be masked as mental/emotional issues. 

I believe the most important issue of mental/emotional health is to set “Bright Line” parameters on your daily routine. Effective daily routines begin the night before. Here are some suggestions to consider.

  • Shut down all computer/entertainment screens one hour before you go to bed.
  • Go to bed at a consistent time nightly.
  • Get out of bed at a regular time daily – Sleep lost is never gained.
  • Eat Healthy – Feed the body properly so the mind can function efficiently.
  • Exercise – walking is one of the most-simple yet effective exercises you can do for yourself.
  • Do not “binge-watch” entertainment – over-stimulation of the mind is unhealthy.
  • Have a set time for bible reading – prayer – writing – reflection
  • Learn the discipline of 90-minutes of deep work cycles without interruptions – Stop trying to conquer your mountain in a day. 
  • Learn the discipline of journaling – This is not “Dear diary………”
  • Learn to eat cake! – Be good to yourself.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

[1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 170). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

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The Improvement Shift

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Our differences can make a positive difference – Maxwell

A few years ago in Harvard Business Review they gave a definition of TEAM. “A team is a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, set of performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable.” (Katzenbach & Smith, “The Discipline of Teams”. March-April 1993).

To underscore an important truth, our differences really can make a difference in our teams, organizations and personal lives. Here are three powerful truths about team diversity.

  • Diverse Teams Fill in The Knowledge Gap
  • Diverse Teams Fill in The Perspective Gap
  • Diverse Teams Fill in The Experience Gap

Consider these six barriers to diversity
Fear of Conflict – All great relationships that last over time require productive conflict in order to grow. This is true in marriage, parenting, and business. Conflict does not have to be taboo.

Insufficient Personal Work – It has been reported that 75% of white people don’t have any non-white friends. It is reported that 65% of black people don’t have any non-black friends. Do you think that personal work is required? More specifically it requires humility, intentionality, time, love, and energy.

Unwillingness To Deal With Prejudice – From an unknown source; “The world is like a hand and all of the people its fingers. If you hate and destroy one group of people, you lose a finger, and the grasp of the world is less.”Arrogance – Some leaders are so confident in their own genius that they can’t imagine other people adding value to their work – the less similar they are, the less they can contribute.

Personal Insecurities – The best antidote for personal insecurity is to think about helping other people and putting them first.If your insecurities surface because of other’s strengths of differences – start working on them. If not, then the team and your leadership ability will suffer greatly. Failing To Be Inclusive – If there people in your charge that do not feel included, they will disconnect and will not bring their best talents and gifts to the table.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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Leaders Go First

Every team needs a leader. Every country needs a leader, and the family of God needs a leader. Jesus Christ is that leader. The Greek word for “leader” literally means “the first one to lead the way.” It is derived from archē which means “the first,” and ago which means “to lead.” To express this idea of leadership, archēgos is a low frequency Biblical word occurring only four times and is generally translated in Acts 3:15; 5:31 as the “Prince,” and as “the author” (founder/trailblazer) in Hebrews 2:10; 12:2.[1]

If the trajectory of the word, the direction of action or the example in which to follow, means “go first”, then how would we apply this in leading through a global pandemic? At the top of this list is the notion the only reason a leader should be a leader is because their driving passion is to help other people. From the local civic leadership position all the way to the national level of civic leadership we are watching these leaders demonstrate genuine care for the citizens or in some cases enforce heavy-handed regulations. Citizens are being awakened to genuine care and what it looks like – these leaders are going first. 

Here are three practices that are necessary to be a “Go First Leader”.

  • Believe In Yourself – I have met successful leaders in which some people did not believe in them. However, I have never met a successful leader who did not believe in themselves. Understand this belief starts on the inside then expresses itself outward to others. You must become bigger on the inside before you can become bigger on the outside.
  • Set Expectations For Yourself First – If you wait for your congregants to establish expectations, you’re not leading. Spiritual Leaders must establish upfront where the congregants are going, what vision you expect them to accomplish, and what it means to be part of this church. This means establishing expectations for your own work—and living up to the expectations you set first.
  • Keep Your Commitments First – To be a successful faith leader, you must continually make commitments. Commitment is key. But the first and most important commitment that any leader makes is to him or herself. A commitment to integrity. A commitment to responsibility. A commitment to selflessness.

Effective pandemic leaders communicate often, demonstrate resolve to find solutions to difficult problems, and communicate genuine concern for the people. Evaluation of civic and faith leaders are based upon the people answering three questions internally; (1) Do you care for me? (2) Can you help me? (3) Can I trust you?

[1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 321). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

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No Prophetic Voice?

The Bible states in 1 Samuel 3:1; “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; There was no frequent vision”.[1](Emphasis added). To any scholar of the Bible, the underscored phrase is anathema! Perhaps this verse is the backdrop to Proverbs 29:18; “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”[2] The prophetic vision and law in this passage should be viewed as one-in-the-same in this passage. In other words, without the foundation of God’s Word embedded within our spirit, the spirit of home, the spirit of our children, and our hope for eternity, individually we will cast off God’s voice as a restraining spiritual force in our life.

It should be noted that “prophetic vision” has an additional meaning in the Hebrew culture. It not only included “forth-telling” of God’s words already in hand, but also “fore-telling” of that which is to come [Scripture is clear on punishing false prophets]. This phrase can be illustrated in the diagram below. The study of words impacts the individual either upon the person, outside-in the person, moving completely through the person, below the person, and inside – out from the person. “Prophetic vision” assumes a position of reception of the vision (circle) from a source outside of and higher than the person (arrow). My prayer of application of this fact would be; “God give me a vision that is bigger than my systems but in alignment with your Word – AMEN!

The Covid-19 pandemic has radically altered our weekly routine. For many this has caused a very real sense of anxiety. The definition of anxiety; Heightened sense of vulnerability and a diminished sense of power. Business models are shifting and being realigned. Educational models will perhaps see the biggest shift at the college level. Churches are re-evaluating the Great Commission mandate and the outcome in my opinion will be a renewed focus on discipleship. Without sounding like a prognosticator, according to the CDC[1] here is the reality of the pandemic’s impact on America as of 4:00pm, April 16th:

Total Cases: 632,548

Total Deaths: 31,071

Indiana Cases: 8955

Make no mistake this pandemic has been sudden, and the outcomes have been tragic in terms of human suffering and pain. Yet, this is an opportunity for deep reflection regarding the trajectory of our life, family, and faith. As we evaluate our trajectory may it never be said “….the Lord was rare in those days; There was no frequent vision”.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[2] Ibid.

3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html. ACCESSED 17, April, 2020.

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Pardes – Garden

In the book of Genesis, we see God walking through the garden searching for His people. Particularly the verse reads that man and woman “heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden” (Genesis 3:8). One of the Hebrew words for garden is pardes, a word that Rabbi’s use to study the scriptures. Rabbi’s use pardes as an acronym for the four levels of understanding the meaning of every story in scripture. These four levels of comprehension are:

  1. P’shat – the literal or surface meaning of the story.
  2. Remez – The implied meaning of a passage. This word means “hint” so it goes beyond the literal meaning to the symbolic meaning of a story.
  3. Drash – The deeper meaning. This is how a story connects with other stories in scriptures.
  4. Sod – The hidden meaning or mystical meaning. This refers to the teaching that comes from a story through inspiration or revelation.

The letters PRDS create the Hebrew word “pardes”. The Rabbi’s say that studying the Bible is like being in God’s garden or paradise. As you study the Bible you are walking in the garden of God. Just like the Genesis story – God is calling you!

As we move through a radically different daily routine in this national and global quarantine, surely, we realize that we have been handed an amazing gift. The gift of a slower pace so that we can reflect upon God’s words. Is your current life pattern still helter-skelter that is filled with meaningless activity? Please understand this pandemic is a global pause and this pause has given us the gift of time for reflection and learning deeply the scriptures once again. It is a time for re-connection with family. It is time for reflecting on our life trajectory – where are we really headed? It is a time to consider God’s calling and my current life goals. It is time to walk through God’s garden – Do you hear Him calling you?

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

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Courage + Trust + Respect + Growth + Excellence + Resiliency + Alignment

Mark Divine is a retired Navy Seals Commander. What you may not know is that he left Wall Street (where he received his MBA and CPA credentials) at age 25 to try out for the Seals. STOP! Let that piece of awesomeness sink into your spirit – that took courage! He started in BUDS class #170 with 185 “studs”. Nineteen finished! Commander Divine distinguished himself as a leader among leaders in that group of nineteen.

In his recent book Staring Down The Wolf, Divine writes, ““You may know that the analogy of the fear wolf comes from a Native American tale of a negative wolf that resides in the minds of humans. This wolf operates from fear, is hungry for drama, catastrophizes, and has incessant negative self-talk….But there is also a second, positive wolf residing in the heart. This one has an appetite for love and connection, is not addicted to drama, and is optimistic and focused on others.

In the context of being a former Wall Street MBA, CPA, Navy Seal Commander, Mark Divine uses Native America folklore to illustrate the importance of feeding your life with activity that points you in the direction of your fullest potential. You are stronger than you realize. You have the ability to go further than you imagined. Long before Native American folklore, there was another man that walked the earth and declared, ….for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4 ESV. John’s contemporary, Paul would write from prison, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 NKJV.

Covid-19 is our modern “Fear-Wolf”. However (Romans 8:31-39 NIV), states; 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b]neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Starve the FEAR Wolf – Feed the POSITVE Wolf!

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Mindset – Fixed Vs. Growth

Author Carol Dweck states, “For twenty years, my research has shown that the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life. It can determine whether you become the person you want to be and whether you accomplish the things you value…..”

You may be asking yourself how can a simple belief have that kind of power to transform? The author  suggests this all starts with a belief that either your qualities are carved in stone or a fixed mindset. The growth mindset however, suggests that you believe your qualities can be cultivated through application and experience.

A person who believes their mindset is fixed would also believe they  are born with a certain swagger – you either have it or you don’t. From this perspective your life experiences either prove you have it or you don’t. This in turn produces a type of fear that we do not want to be perceived as an idiot or that we are first class screw-ups.

The growth mindset is much different. There is a belief that by means of hard-work, diligent persistence, coupled with years of passion and training for the long haul of life, that in fact you can achieve a large amount of swagger. 
So which is it for you? Fixed or Growth? Carol Dweck states, “The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it even (especially) when it is not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

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Fall Seven – Rise Eight

They say that in times of crisis people show their true character. Anyone can be cooperative, patient, and understanding when things are going well, and life is good. But it is the noble man or woman who can behave with grace and compassion and even kindness when times are very, very bad. 

Japanese culture and ways of thinking cannot be adequately addressed in a short space, but this Japanese proverb reflects an important and shared ideal: “Nana korobi ya oki” (literally: seven falls, eight getting up) means fall down seven times and get up eight. This speaks to the Japanese concept of resilience. No matter how many times you get knocked down, you get up again. Even if you should fall one thousand times, you just keep getting up and trying again. 

Take a moment to pause and think about some facts. Covid-19 is not the worst crisis known to mankind. We need only look back just a few years ago at the H1N1 virus. It was estimated that between April 2009 – April 2010 there were 60.8 million cases with 274,304 hospitalizations, 12,469 deaths in the America alone. Globally there were over 250,000 deaths in the first year.[1]The results of the Spanish Flu 1918-1919 were one-third of the global population was infected. It was reported there were 675,000 deaths in America.[2]

We will get through the Covid-19 pandemic. How do I know? God is still on the throne and in charge of all things. This pandemic will reveal the “Growth Mind-Set” leaders versus the “Maintainers.” How do I know? Every crisis before has revealed the innovators in a post-crisis world. These will be the new leaders that emerge. If Covid-19 is your first time to get knocked down or your one-hundredth time, I say to you respectfully – GET UP! In the face of difficult odds, this is your time for resilience and personal growth. Winston Churchill stated; “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” This is your opportunity for growth, development, critical thinking, writing, creating, exercising, reading, home projects, family time, devotional-meditative time, relationship building, and walking into your dreams and hopes one micro-step at a time, daily!

[1] https://www.biospace.com/article/2009-h1n1-pandemic-versus-the-2020-coronavirus-pandemic/ ACCESSED 15 April, 2020.

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-pandemic-h1n1.html  ACCESSED 15 April, 2020.

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Mashach – To Anoint

The Lord told Samuel to “anoint” (mashach) David to be King in Israel (1 Samuel 16:3). At that time David was a shepherd boy, but he turned out to be Israel’s greatest king. The Hebrew word “mashach” means to anoint to smear with oil. The oil used in this process was the most holy anointing oil prepared according to a special formula (Exodus 30:22-33). This formula consisted of myrrh, cinnamon, aromatic cane, cassia, and olive oil. This oil was used to anoint Aaron the High Priest, and Prophets.

Why anoint someone? God instructed Samuel to anoint David because He looked into David’s heart. Samuel’s anointing of David with oil resulted in the Spirit of the Lord entering David’s life with power for that time in history. The anointing was an outward sign of God’s examination of what He saw in David’s heart. Do not miss the words of 1 Samuel 16:13; “….and the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward….” God enabled David to accomplish God’s plan “for such a time as this.”

Do we need an anointed voice today? Look at Peter’s use of Psalm 2:1-2 (NLV) in applying it to Jesus the anointed one. 

“Why are the nations so angry? 

Why do they waste their time with futile plans? 

2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; 

the rulers plot together 

against the Lord

and against his anointed one.[1]

The name Jesus means “Anointed One”!  Today we have been anointed in Jesus Christ by means of the Holy Spirit – “You have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge” (1 John 2:20). As spiritual leaders of congregations and Priests of our home homes recognize that your place in this Covid-19 pandemicis to be the anointed voice over our congregations and on behalf of our families. For this season, you have the anointing of heaven in the power of the Holy Spirit to speak God’s truth into this pandemic and over our nation. Do not worry about getting out of the box of traditionalism – there is no box currently to get out of. We are all in the same position – uncharted territory!

Your personal autonomy and self-reliance may be restricted to prevent the spread of this global virus, but your anointed message from heaven should not be muzzled. SPEAK!

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 2:1–2). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.