Category Archives: Connection

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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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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.

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Avad – Worship & Serve

To Serve To Worship

When we use the word “worship”, usually the picture that emerges is people in church singing, perhaps hands raised. Worship is usually considered to be the first 20 minutes of a church service. Unfortunately, worship is reduced to a category of just singing. The ancient language of the Bible reveals so much more than singing.

Consider the Old Testament story of the Exodus 7:16 where Moses spoke to Pharaoh, “…. Let my people go so that we may worship/serve me in the wilderness.” Upon closer examination we come to understand the “Avad” is so much more than singing – it is more akin to singing while we are serving. Simply stated acts of service is worship.

In another scripture reference of Exodus 34:21 it is declared that six days you shall “avad” but on the seventh day you must stop working – Sabbath rest. Our English rendering of this passage is that we are to “work” for six days and rest every seventh. The word behind the translation is “avad”. Our work is more than merely physical/mental labor. According to Hebrew tradition our occupation should be viewed as serving others in a manner that honors God.

Think about the implication of that: God does not want us to worship Him 20-30 minutes once a week and then work the other six days. His desire is that we serve/worship every day even as we work. When you think about this expanded understanding about biblical Hebrew understanding, what is one thing that you would change in your mindset today?

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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Resurrection Pivot

How did the resurrection of Jesus Christ cause a pivot that went global? There are three pivots that took place. These pivots exposed what religion had become and by means of Christ’s life and death we see a new and different way to pivot.

How we view other Christians – This pivot was a refreshing breath of air, since the religion of the day had become an enterprise of rule keepers and punishment of Sabbath breakers. All of a sudden, the community of Christ referred to each other and “brothers & sisters”, welcoming all converts into their homes as family members. The trajectory of relationships was upon “whosoever” versus the religious elite. This relational community expanded beyond the nuclear family definition to accommodate every race and social strata who now declared their allegiance to a resurrected Christ.

How we spend our money – There are many things that could be said in this pivot discussion, but let’s start with a basic premise found in the following scripture passages; Matthew 19:16-30; 25:31-46; Luke 12:33; 14:33. Caring for others is the emphasis. The trajectory of money and resources in these passages indicates an ongoing intentionality of abundant generosity that is outward focused in the 1st century church. Failing to obey carries consequence in judgment (Matt 25:31-46). It is important to emphasize the trajectory of these scriptures is not in the direction of social power positions but in the direction of the silent voices with no one to speak on their behalf. The question for evaluation is how much of our church budgets indicate the intensity of this biblical trajectory? How much is spent on mortgages and salaries? 

How we study the Bible – The key pivot passage of scripture is Matthew 28:16-20; All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.e 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,f baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,g 20 and teachingh them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with youi always, to the very end of the age.”j [1] Early Christians eagerly soaked up the word of God like a sponge. There are 2 trajectories to consider. First of all, I am a disciple (translated pupil or student of). This does not conclude in an earthly destination with a certificate or diploma that declares, “I Am A Certified Disciple.” The destination here is Heaven, the ultimate graduation. Secondly, knowledge leads to actionable service to the world based upon the commands of Christ. Christ’s commands are what leads to servanthood living. Discipleship is more than a simple step program that is offered as a one-time experience. Discipleship is biblically centered and should be a standing value within the church. We can say that we value discipleship making however, remember that culture eats vision for breakfast. Is the disciple-making trajectory obvious? Is it easy to participate in?

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

e Da 7:13, 14; Lk 10:22; Jn 3:35; See 13:13; 17:2; 1 Co 15:27; Eph 1:20–22; Php 2:9, 10

f Isa 49:6; Mk 16:15, 16; Lk 24:47; Ac 1:8; 14:21

g Ac 1:8; 2:38; 8:16; Ro 6:3, 4; Gal 3:27; Col 2:12

h Jn 14:26; Ac 2:42

i Dt 31:6; 1 Ki 8:57; Hag 1:13; Mt 18:20; Ac 18:10

j Mt 13:39; 24:3

[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Mt 28:18–20). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

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Pivot – The Word of The Week

I did a Google search this morning on “Covid 19 Pivot” and discovered there were 36,4000,000 hits on this subject. The topics ranged from the pandemics’ shifts to Business’ pivoting, to Centers of Worship pivoting, to families pivoting, and to daily routines pivoting. It seems that pivoting is on everyone’s mind.

As I have perused the search topics, other digital platforms, webinars, teaching calls, and various news outlets this week, there seems to be three types of pivots ….

  • Refrainment Pivot
  • Repositioning Pivot
  • Realignment Pivot

Refrainment Pivot – It is obvious that as the spread of Covid-19 swept across the globe, the rules of social engagement were refrained. It is called “Social Distancing”.  Other terms or phrases that have emerged are, “Essential Workers”, “Tele-Doctor”, “Lock-down”, “Click-Shopping” “New Normal” and many others. The bottom line is we have been limited and, in many ways have had our daily routines radically disrupted. The necessary limitations are to prevent an even greater disaster. Refrainment Pivots are necessary at times for the greater good.

Repositioning Pivot – This type of pivot is a reaction to being refrained. The normal operations of business are radically altered; therefore, the models of business engagement must pivot for survival’s sake. Because of my life investment in ministry, I must say that I am encouraged in the vast pivots that have been made in all of our communities of faith. We have come to realize that having a digital presence is now the new normal. Brenden Burchard stated after the first announcement of shutting the nation down, “Over-night the world has become digital.” The emphasis being upon necessity. 

Realignment Pivot – There is a present moment aspect in which things become realigned simply because of the suddenness of the refrainment pivot that was thrust upon all of us. The REAL realignment is yet to occur. The many prognosticators that are starting to discuss what the New World will look like and how we will now respond post covid-19 are really not sure what to say. All of the opinions are based upon what we previously called “normal”. The only thing we can state with certainty is that all national or global crisis that have ever been faced all conclude with change taking place. There will be changes! The extent of these changes has not been formulated in our minds yet; we are still very much in the refrainment and repositioning pivots. There is a delay in what will be realigned due to our lack of comprehension of what is important and not what is urgent. That said REALIGNMENT is coming!

Tomorrow’s article will focus on Resurrections’ Realignment Pivot that changed the world.

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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Change Is Constant

Change is the one thing that we all can agree upon that is the most consistent in our life. You see the story of our life is most like a video versus a photograph. The video more accurately portrays our life.

The success of our life depends on our adaptability to new circumstances. Why is this so? God has placed us in a world of time; every second, every minute, every day holds the arrival of that which is brand new. Consider these three building-block insights….

  • Cowardice is our natural default position in the face of the unknown – “We have never seen this before”, “I have never experienced this before”. Cowardice is contagious along with terror and fear.
  • Change is best managed by acquiring COURAGE! According to “Common Sense Media” courage is said to be; “…. the ability to do something difficult even when there’s risk. Courageous people do and say what they think is right despite opposition.”
  • Courage is to be proactively cultivated through ancient biblical wisdom. It should be noted that every time the biblical phrase, “be strong and courageous” (chazek v’ ematz) occurs in biblical literature indicates that someone’s life is about to go through a major change.
    • The force of direction of the Hebrew, “be strong” indicates an action or force being applied from the outside – inside direction. Think of physical exercise. It is an outside series of movements that will strengthen the internal physical muscle group and over-all strength.
    • The force of direction of the Hebrew “courageous” indicates and action that originates from the inside and moves outward. The thrust here is moral courage to take a moral stance.

The more that life changes, the more we must depend on those things that never change!

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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Dry Riverbed

The Judean desert landscape around Jerusalem and Jericho has a number of dry riverbeds. The Hebrew language call them “Wadi’s.” A wadi is a dry riverbed in the midst of a barren wilderness. Even though a wadi is in the desert area, they are highly susceptible to flash flooding from rains in the high mountain regions.

It is generally understood, the story in scripture of the foolish man who built his house upon the sand is referring to a wadi – Matthew 7:24-27. Because of the flash floods, sand gathers at the bottom of a wadi. Your best protection is to build and stay on high ground. Flash floods are too unpredictable and little lead time to get out of the way of the rushing water.

Life is like that at times isn’t it? Rains come, the water rises, and the ground beneath our feet is washed away. Scripture states an obvious truth to any person who will listen – Build upon the rock above the wadi. Where is your home located? Remember your values will eat your life vision for breakfast. What you do testifies your values.

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