Category Archives: Connection

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Chaos

Whenever you visit Galilee in the north of Israel you are drawn to amazing beauty of the Sea of Galilee. One of the obvious things missing to a Westerners eyes is the lack of resorts and 5-star Hotels that potentially could be lined around the water’s edge,

Lately I have been drawn to the preciseness of the Hebrew language all over again. My graduate study focused upon the study of Greek. Hebrew took second place. Notice the Hebrew word for water is mayim, this term comes from a root word mem which is defined as “chaos”. 

One of the first century gospel writers, Mark stated; 45 wImmediately he xmade his disciples get into ythe boat and go before him to the other side[1]….” Notice the translated term “made” used by Christ. He literally was forcing his disciples to get in the boat to set sail to the other side. From a Hebrew standpoint Christ was sending his disciples into CHAOS. Ironically, chaos is exactly what occurred when a severe storm arose threatening their survival. The narrative goes on to tell us that Christ came walking to the disciples on top of the “chaos” (water). Notice His words “…. Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.”

The image of a Savior walking on top of chaos communicates that He is in charge. We know that all storms in life come to an end. The Covid-19 pandemic will end. Knowing that a crisis reveals a person the question to ponder is; “What chaos are you facing today?” Your answer does not lay within you. Your response by faith is to realize there is a Christ who walks on top of all chaos! Believe Him.

w For ver. 45–51, see Matt. 14:22–32; John 6:15–21

x [Matt. 8:18]

y ver. 32

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mk 6:45). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

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Leadership When It Matters Most

A Crisis Reveals The Leader – It Does Not Make The Leader

For the most part I believe we are beyond the initial “freak-out” emotions of the start of this pandemic. We are settling in to the “new normal” of daily life. Think for just a minute about your daily routine 3 weeks ago versus now. There have been many pivot points necessary for survival and simply just to have some normalcy. 

Here are three quick hit ideas about Leadership When It Matters Most…

A Crisis Moves Us

  • When something bad happens it never leaves us the same – a new normal emerges!
  • The important question to ask is; “Is the current movement being imposed upon us positive or negative?” Am I doing better? Am I doing less?
  • When a crisis first hits the movement is always negative! We are caught by surprise, unprepared, did not see that coming.
  • The good news is that we are all in this together. We are all making adjustments. Now that we are 2-3 weeks into this crisis it is now time for some decisions that need to be made right now!
  • Are we going to allow what is happening to me modify what is in me? A crisis reveals the leader, it does not make the leader. If who you are on the inside is solid, Christ-centered, and calm – do not allow the fear of the day take this away from you.!

A Crisis Reveals Who The Real Leaders Are

  • That is a fact!
  • There used to be a TV program from the late 1950’s called “To Tell The Truth.” A celebrity panel questions contestants in an attempt to determine the actual person associated with a story.
  • Coivd-19 is playing this game with us in real time – Will the real leader stand up?
  • Motivational leadership is going to have a hard time in this current environment. Leaders are needed to not only know the way, but, show the way. The infatuation with digital technology and the clumsy efforts that we all are doing presently will give way to solid leadership that allows the values of the organization to emerge by means of technology. 
  • The MESSAGE is more important than the use of technology – it is only a tool to reveal the core of why we exist. Transformation into Christlikeness!

A Crisis Tests A Leaders Confidence

  • There is NO COVID-19 playbook
  • All of us are attempting to refine our message and what platform will help us communicate effectively.
  • Leadership requires many shifts of methodology and systems.
  • I am currently offering a PODCAST SERIES on the Maxwell book Leadershifts. Here is the link to  first episode this series – LeaderShift. This series is located at www.shepherdsadvantageinc.com – You can scroll to discover each episode.
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Time Shifting

If the people you seek to engage have choices, they are likely to make a choice in the direction of their self-interest.

So, the question becomes WHEN?

Consider the High School student that lights up a cigarette on a Friday night – is it in their self-interest to do so? Perhaps! Consider the person 40 years later if it was a good idea to be influenced by peer pressure to start a lifetime habit that leads to expense, illness, and poor health. Was it worth it? The answer would be NO!

When we attempt to offer a way to change behavior, we are really attempting to change their time-reference. In this Week of Passion, we are not inviting people to merely stop doing “that” and start doing “this”. We are asking, “All things being the same and given your life circumstances presently, how meaningful and purposeful will your life be by not accepting the offer of Passion Week?

The offer of a crucified Christ is not; “Do you think this is a good idea?” Instead, When will the offer of a crucified Christ be the change you need to make?

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Yeshua – Salvation

William Shakespeare once asked, “What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell so sweet.” I believe his point was that who you are is more important than what you are called. When it comes to Jesus, who He is matters as much as His name.

The name of Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua, meaning “salvation”. Think about the Luke 19:9, “…Today salvation has come to this house.”  Jesus – Yeshua was literally standing in the house. Biblical pun.

Consider Exodus 15:2; “The Lord…has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2; Surely God is my salvation…”

We all have a name. Our name identifies us and for some, it defines our credibility and our reputation. Scripture makes it clear there is only one name that can shine light in the darkness, bring hope to the hopeless, and heal the brokenhearted. That name is SALVATION. How would your name change if your identity and reputation were built on the name of Jesus?

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Life’s Most Persistent and Urgent Question

What are you doing for others?

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’“ Dr. King once said to an audience in Montgomery, Alabama in 1957. It is hard to believe that it has been 63 years since this question was asked.

Currently in our nation we are witnessing unprecedented generosity and good-will toward each other. The need is great, and the heart of America is shining through. AWESOME! The context of the original speech was an America that segregated people and limited their access and possibilities. We were gripped by an ideological pandemic of segregating people groups as an acceptable way to act in America. 

Today, we are gripped by a biological pandemic that is literally costing thousands of people’s lives. Who started it and Why are issues for global leaders to sort out? Yet we are serving our fellow man in amazing ways.

Faith-based organizations have been guided by ancient words from the 1st Century in Matthew 28:16-20 NIV; “16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Faith-Communities pathway and the content that drives our purpose is embedded in these ancient words. Do you hear what it is saying? Do you see how this persistent and urgent question can be answered? Do we understand the answer to the question, “What are you doing for others?” demands an infinite-minded response. In other words, the strategies we choose are bigger than the days of our lives.When this pandemic passes from us, my prayer is that we will live out BIG “C” (Church/Kingdom) behaviors. I do not want to go back to little “c” goals (Religious “isms, territorial/turf debates, placing an eternal God in a box).

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The Great Question of Life

What questions are you attempting to answer?

“Life’s most persistent and most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King

Author Tom Rath’s most recent book entitled, Life’s Great Question,” is a direct response to Dr. King’s question. On April 4, 1968 Dr. King was fatally shot and his life on earth ended. Yet, his often quoted question remains with us as relevant and very contemporary.

In Rath’s book he states; “Knowing who you are—and who you are not—is essential. But it is only the starting point. All the talent, motivation, and hard work in the world will not be valued or remembered if it does not help another human being. … Real growth is the product of following your contributions more than your passions. Simply asking, ‘What can I contribute?’ leads to a better path and result than starting with yourself. This applies far beyond the realm of careers.” A growing body of evidence suggests the single greatest driver of both achievement and wellbeing is understanding how your daily efforts enhance the lives of other people.

It is also noteworthy to realize when we are making meaningful contributions to others’ lives leads not only to improved work outcomes but also leads to enhanced health and wellbeing. WOW! What a work perk! Understand that meaningful work accomplished daily leads to better health and well-being. Please take notice, I did not say busy work!

Realize that we all are participating in a global pivot that is flushing out this great question of life; “What are you doing for others?” 

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“This Was Their Finest Hour”

Leaders Distinguish Themselves In Tough Times!

3 Key Insights

What is your current goal as a leader?

TRUISM: You cannot lead effectively if your goal is to be a people pleaser. Every leader will face tough times and it is in these times that reveals the true nature of what is on the inside. Every change, every challenge, and every crisis requires a tough call, and the way those are handled is what separates good leaders from the rest.

How do you know when you are facing a tough call and need to be at your best as a leader? You will know when the decision is marked by these three insights.

Tough Calls Demand Risk – Larry Osborne once observed about highly effective leaders is how little they have in common and yet have one particular thing in common; effective leaders are willing to take a risk. You cannot afford to play-things safe and please people at the same time. Progress in a crisis will require certain risks. Are you willing to make those type of decisions?

A Tough Call Brings With It an Inward Battle – It has been stated that all the significant battles are waged within self. Often these internal battles occur far from the spotlight of leadership and casual  observers are not even aware of what is happening. Pastor/Leader Charles Swindoll stated; “Courage is not limited to the battlefield…The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner test, like remaining faithful when nobody’s looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you are misunderstood.” You must win this inner struggle first!

A Tough Call Will Distinguish You As A Leader – It does not do any good to complain about how tough these days are while we lead various enterprises. Former New York City Major Rudy Giuliani stated, “When the right person is the leader, he does better during tough times.” When there is a rapid shift of momentum, a good leader will give direction and courage to keep moving forward.

Winston Churchill stands as a historical personality of making tough decisions in the face of a protracted WWII. In his famous speech he said…“But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth[e] last for a thousand years, men will still say, “This was their finest hour.“

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Peace

What does PEACE mean to you? Some people may define peace as a “stress-free” day. To others peace may be what is felt while looking at the beauty of a sunrise or sunset. The ultimate question is not defining the term but rather, are you pursuing peace?

In ancient Jewish traditions, peace was more valued than truth. Rabbis would argue in situations where peace and truth were in conflict with each other that peace is the first step in any resolution. Consider the Hebrew term for peace, SHALOM. This term implies being wholly unified with God and others. Andy Stanley has stated that you as an individual are more important that my view. How many times have we witnessed situations in which being right was of greater importance than people?

Peace WITH God, peace OF God, and peace with EACH OTHER. This sort of peace attracts people to the truth.

The question to ponder today; Does my life demonstrate peace like this? How can I attract people to God TODAY through the peace that I am displaying?

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Breath

Breath of Heaven

19 From the west,s people will fear the name of the Lord,

and from the rising of the sun,t they will revere his glory.u

For he will come like a pent-up flood

that the breathv of the Lord drives along.a [1] Isaiah 59:19 NIV

Recently I have become reacquainted with the beauty of the Hebrew language. So much of this language is based upon word pictures and symbols. It is as though each word conveys emotion and experience, not just information. Isaiah gives us an emotional perspective of God showing up as one who guides the flood-tides by His breath. The image of crashing ocean waves is what comes to mind for me.

The question of WHY or SO WHAT is valid at this point. One textual rendering of this verse allows for the breath of God driving our enemies away from us. All of a sudden, the power of God (pent-up flood…) showing up to fight against our enemies now means something more than mere crashing waves.

When the “breath of Heaven” motif is brought into first century Christianity we see two distinct places where this shows up; the dove descending at Jesus’ baptism and the day of Pentecost. In both illustrations we see the Holy Spirit tearing open the heavens and swooping down upon Jesus, identifying him as the Messiah. We then see the Holy Spirit tearing open Heaven again and coming down upon the upper room congregation. Both illustrations demonstrate the breath of heaven showing up with purpose and power.

What does this mean for me personally today? A determined Spirit is accessible at a time that I need Him most. TODAY is a good day for His breath!

s See Isa 49:12; See Mt 8:11

t See Ps 113:3

u Ps 97:6; See Isa 24:15; 35:2; 40:5; 52:10; 66:18

v See Isa 11:4

a Or When enemies come in like a flood, / the Spirit of the Lord will put them to flight

[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Is 59:19). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

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To Turn Back

Garry Brackett Executive Director Shepherds Advantage Inc

I don’t about you, but I have been doing some introspection during our national quarantine. I have been giving attention to my salvation confession of faith. I have started this reflection at the point of my salvation as a very young sixth grader. Moving through time in this journey of reflection I have been repeatedly reminded of the ancient wisdom that repentance is so much more than feelings of regret and being sorry. Ancient wisdom has reminded me that t’shuva is an action word that implies turning back.

Again, t’shuva (Hebrew) is more than feelings of guilt or regret – while there are those emotions – it is more about making a course correction in your life. It is about turning away from where you are currently headed and turning back toward God.

Salvation is point action that starts us on an entirely new trajectory of living. However, there are a number of “U-Turns” that are required. Think about it this way. Have you ever had your GPS to tell you to make a “U-Turn” after missing the correct turn you needed to make? If you “Turned-Around” you were living in the definition of t’shuva. There are times that we need to make spiritual U-turns.

Our spiritual U-turns involve a change of course in your life. Theologian Abraham Heschel states that a t’shuva in a man or woman’s behavior is also about a change in God’s judgement. When we t’shuva, God promises to take control of the wheel and direct us toward His will and ways.

During our national quarantine, I feel that God is calling nations, civic leadership along with institutions in the public sectors and non-profit sectors to t’shuva – turn around walk in the direction of God’s calling!

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