How Well Do You Know Yourself?

I wrote recently in a blog concerning knowing your purpose.  I think we need to look back a bit and see that if we are going to know our purpose, we must first know ourselves.  John Maxwell in his great book, The Fifteen Invaluable Laws of Growth, writes in the second law – “The Law of Awareness - you must know yourself to grow yourself.” 

John goes on to say, “to grow, you must know…your strengths and weaknesses, your interests and opportunities. You must be able to gauge not only where you’ve been, but also where you are now. Otherwise you cannot set a course for where you want to go.” 

Think about this statement!

How well do you know yourself?  What motivates you?  What do you like?  What are you good at doing?  What energizes you?  This will take time to reflect and understand, because if we ever intend to grow our businesses, our families, our finances, our future, we must first grow ourselves.  To do that we must be fully aware.

John asks some probing questions in his book: 

1. Do you like what you’re doing now?

2. What would you like to do?

3. Can you do what you would like to do?

4. Do you know why you want to do what you would like to do?

5. Do you know what to do so you can do what you want to do?

 6. Do you know people who do what  you’d like to do?

7. Should you do what you’d like to do with them? 

8. Will you pay the price to do what you want to do?

9. When can you start doing what you’d like to do? 

10.  What will it be like when you get to do what you’d like to do?

Take time to review these questions?  Meditate and reflect on them as they apply to you!  You’ll begin to know yourself.  It’s a beginning to a lifetime of growing to become the person you were made to be.

Two great days in your life:  

1. The day you were born

2. The day you discover why?

Do YOU Know Your Purpose?

Purpose – the why for our existence – that which defines us as a person – that which causes us to be unique.  Do you know your purpose?

Our children and youth are tested often during their lifetimes, to judge how much they know, and what they know.  Sometime between elementary school and high school, they will take aptitude tests, psychological assessments, and ‘giftedness’ evaluations to determine what is the ‘bent’ or interests.  The sad thing is that after all those tests, they may end up wandering and drifting along through life, without a sense of direction and purpose. We are discovering that many college graduates cannot find jobs in their field of study and expertise, and they are either unemployed or are settling for jobs that make them feel unfulfilled.

Do YOU know your purpose in life?  What is your direction? 

John Maxwell writes in his book Your Roadmap For Success , “Nothing can take the place of knowing your purpose.” I believe that each of us is made by our Creator and a portion of His image is in us. That means we each have a destiny – a purpose.  We are NOT here by accident!  The problem comes when you don’t know that purpose.  Years are wasted searching, usually by trial and error, for a reason.  Many miserable days are spent doing “work” that produces no satisfaction emotionally, and that nagging feeling that you are on a “cruise to nowhere”.   John talks about that in his book.  In many of the coastal ports of America, cruise line companies offer “cruises to nowhere” (day cruises) – in other words, you pay to take a ride at sea, only to return in a few hours to the same port you left, having went nowhere!  Does this describe the way you feel? All that effort, and you’re seemingly going nowhere?

Now let me quickly let you know that SUCCESS in life is a journey --- not a destination.  Also, beware that success relates to your direction, and not your destination.  Since success in life is a journey, you ought to know your direction. Have you ever heard someone say,  “You can’t get there from here?”  That means you are not headed in the right direction!  Which way are you headed? 

You must know your purpose, so you can set your direction!

One of the ways you can begin to determine your purpose in life, is to spend time reflecting on who you are?  What do you like?  What activities bring you the most satisfaction?  What energizes you?  If you’ll stop and listen to yourself, ask the tough questions, and be honest with yourself, you’ll begin to uncover that inner purpose for your life. 

Need help in asking those questions?  Need help in finding your purpose?  That’s what I would like to do --- come alongside you as a friend, and help you unlock that destiny inside of you.  Contact me.

GROWTH IS NOT AUTOMATIC

So many of us think that because we are alive, growth is automatic.  Yes, we grow physically automatically – or at least it seems that way to us.  We’re born as babies, and because our parents feed us and nurture us, our bodies do seem to grow automatically.  We get larger, taller, and heavier as life goes on, one birthday at a time.  We learn to walk and talk, mostly by trial and error.  Then we’re off to school to learn even more about what life is all about.  We go through the processes of time, and one day we ‘graduate’ – first with a diploma, then maybe with a degree. Then what?

I came across a statistic recently that blew my mind:

            One-third of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives. 42 percent of college graduates never read another book after college. 80 percent of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year. 70 percent of U.S. Adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years  

           [http://mentalfloss.com/article/27590/who-reads-books]

           

I think we assume that because we go to work everyday – at whatever job you have – that you are learning and growing because you “show up”.  Unfortunately, that just does NOT mean you are growing intellectually, socially, spiritually, etc.

If you want to truly grow in your family life, your business acumen, your spiritual walk with God, and your leadership abilities, then it will require a deliberate, intentional decision and action to make this happen.  Growth is NOT automatic!

John Maxwell writes in his New York Times Bestselling book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, “Growth doesn’t just happen.”  He calls it the “Law of Intentionality”. He quotes Jim Rohn who says, “You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.”  In other words, you have to make a decision to grow – you have to be determined to grow – and you have to take action in order to grow.

Are you growing?  Or, are you stuck, using and believing what you’ve always believed? Are you doing things the way you’ve always done them?  You do know that one definition of “insanity” is “doing the same things over and over, and expecting different results”?

What do you want out of life this year?  What results are you expecting this year?  Then, whatever your goals, they must begin with growth.  Do you need some help in growing yourself this year? Then let me come alongside you in your growth journey. Let’s grow together.

Don Railey's Leadership Web Page

YOU'RE THE LID

Some 17 years ago, my mentor and friend, John Maxwell published a multi-million dollar best seller book, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Over and over again, John defines leadership as ‘influence.’  His famous statement was and is, “everything rises and falls on leadership”.  In my journey, I have discovered these laws working in my vocation and calling – the ministry.  For the past forty plus years, I have lived out these laws – for better or worse. 

The first law he writes about is called “The Law of the Lid.”  John clearly states, “Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness.”  What I have seen in every organization that I have led or have been a part of, the top leader sets the bar, and the organization follows.  In other words, the organization cannot exceed the abilities of the top leader – he or she IS the Lid.  I’ve seen so many churches or non-profit organizations being frustrated with their level of growth.  The answer which we don’t always like to hear, is that the leader is the one who moves the bar higher, ONLY as they improve their own leadership abilities. 

John writes, “The higher you want to climb, the more you need leadership. The greater the impact you want to make, the greater your influence needs to be.”

Are you frustrated as a leader that others are not following as you like? Are you expecting results that just are not happening in your church, organization, or civic group? What kind of leader are you?  How well do you understand the power of your influence in your organization?  Would you like to go to the ‘next level?’

Whether I like it or not, I, as a leader, AM the Lid of my group.  They will not go beyond the level of my leadership.   I am determined to raise the bar – to lift the lid! That means I am on a journey of leadership growth.  

Want to join me?  Need some help?  I would be honored to come alongside you and let’s journey together toward excellence. Contact me and let’s take the journey together this year. (click the link below)

Don Railey's Leadership Web Page

Affirming

By definition the word "Affirm" means:
: to say that something is true in a confident way

: to show a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea)



We hear this word used a lot today in society, concerning social interactions - and lately it is being used to describe churches.  We are all aware of the term "political correctness" --- I still struggle to define this term --- it's really not about "political" at all -- unless the government is trying to dictate what is correct   [I think sometimes this is exactly what it means].

This "affirmation" is being presented as a "badge" of acceptance, and is usually used by the minority or people who consider themselves "down-trodden".

The poor want to be affirmed.  The minority races want to be affirmed.  The "gay" community wants to be affirmed.  The people who are here in America without citizenship want to be affirmed (I really don't like the term "illegal aliens" -- they are not aliens, they are people).  

Churches are now putting themselves forward as being "affirming".  What does that mean??  We used to see huge banners and signs on church building stating "Everyone Welcome"!  But, usually that meant, "everyone who looks like us, is welcome."   Martin Luther King Jr. is credited with saying that "Sunday morning is the most segregated day of the week".  

Today churches are wanting to be open to ALL people -- and that is often a challenge.  I wonder if in our effort to reach people, are we compromising what we stand for?

If the definition of "Affirm" is really to "say something is really true in a confident manner" - or "to show a strong belief in or dedication to something" -- then we cannot compromise our beliefs and our doctrine on the altar of "correctness".

If your church says they are "affirming" and what it means is... everyone is welcome to come and you are not required to change, because we accept you as you are, no matter what --- I have a problem with that.  

Yes the church is that "hospital" for sick people -- everyone is welcome at the cross -- but NO ONE leaves the cross unchanged!  I love the statement I heard from Pastor Rod Parsley years ago -- "God loves you too much, to leave you the way He found you!" - That's the Gospel (Good News)!

Come as you are -- leave a different person!  We are seeing too many churches downplaying the truth of the Bible to the extent that no body is changing anything!  Frankly, if my trip to church doesn't change me -- it wasn't worth the trip!

Am I calling for condemnation?   A thousand times NO! 
Am I calling for compassion? YES  
Am I calling for the truth?  YES -- the truth spoken and demonstrated by LOVE!

I affirm you as a person!
I affirm you as a person for whom Christ died on the cross to save!
I affirm you as a human who is made in the image of God!
I affirm that we are all sinners in need of a Savior!
I affirm that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God - the only Savior of mankind!
I affirm that God is in the process of changing each of us, by His grace and mercy!
I affirm that as I allow the Holy Spirit to work in me - I am changing - and you will too!

Now that is affirmation!  

That IS the business of the church -- not to please everyone - not to judge anyone - but to point everyone to the Cross, where change happens!

Towel & Basin Challenge

According to Bill Saporito in Time Magazine (September 1, 2014), "Americans give more than $300 Billion annually to charitable causes.  We're a generous lot.  Then again, there are a lot of hands out.  More than a million charitable organizations are asking for those dollars, and many of these organization are inefficient, even if they are well-meaning."

Then comes the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and money for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a fatal disease that attacks the nervous system).  From July 29 through August 20 of this year, the ALS Association has raised more than $31 million to fund research --- more than all they raised in 2012.

People go on social media --- dunk themselves with ice water -- make a  $10 donation - and challenge their friends to do the same in 24 hours.  It's like this phenomenon has taken over social media --- ordinary folks to famous folks are getting involved --- even former President George Bush has done it.

As I have watched person after person getting wet --- I am reminded of the greatest challenge ever given in all of history -- I call it the Towel & Basin Challenge.

Jesus Christ, just before He went to the Cross for the sins of this world, met with his disciples in a room --- he picked up a basin of water, and a towel -- and he knelt down and started washing the feet of these men.  He then said to them --- do this to each other.

What did Jesus mean?  Was He instituting some sacrament in the Church?  There are some who believe so -- but I think Jesus was simply telling these disciples, these followers of Jesus to serve one another -- to be willing to serve others.

In a sense the folks dunking themselves with ice water are doing so to raise awareness and funds for research of a dreaded disease, in hopes that one day ALS can be conquered.  There are so many needs -- so many causes -- so many diseases needing money for research -- so many people in need!

Why not turn out attention to someone nearby in need -- to some family in your community in need - then remember the basin and towel -- do something to serve them!

Take them a meal -- buy then lunch -- mow their lawn -- help watch their children so that the single Mom can have a few minutes to herself, to go to the store -- sit and talk with that elderly person -- visit with them -- there is something YOU can do.

If you want to dunk the ice bucket -- go for it!

What would happen is 400 million Americans each reached out and accepted the

Towel & Basin Challenge to do something today for someone in need nearby?

Do you think we could start a revolution of service?

I challenge you!

ISIS -Islamic State in Iraq and Syria

It's hard to imagine such cruelty -- such barbaric acts -- yet we are witnessing war crimes happening daily in the Iraq and in surrounding Syria.  Once again, the Middle East is a cauldron of trouble, distress, and distrust.  They called themselves I.S.I.S. -- Islamic State in Iraq & Syria --  This renegade, yet quite organized, group of terrorist are literally "taking the world by storm".  They had slaughtered Christians and anyone who is not radical Muslim throughout Syria and Iraq -- burned down churches -- chased people into oblivion -- forcing them to hide out in caves and mountainous areas of the Kurds.  Our President ordered air strikes against them to slow them down -- ordered humanitarian supplies to be air-dropped in the mountains for the people who have fled for their lives - so that they will not starve.

Just recently we have read reports that perhaps some of Saddam Hussein's "weapons of mass destruction" may have been found by ISIS in the underground hideouts.  What the free world could not find before -- perhaps now, the terrorist have found some those weapons.  We hear reports that many weapons and equipment which the USA left behind in Iraq, may now be in the hands of ISIS --  all this makes you want to say, "God help us!"

Take a look at the map - and see how they are advancing all across the region.

While Israel is dealing with Hamas (another puppet terrorist group, sponsored by Iran), the region is boiling with violence.  By the way, who do you think is sponsoring this ISIS group --- of course, Iran and Syria -- these folks are sworn enemies of the Great Satan (America) and Little Satan (Israel).

By the way, don't forget that while the world's attention (through the media) is on Israel and Hamas, and now ISIS and Iraq --- IRAN continues their march toward developing a nuclear weapon(s).  Sounds like a bad Hollywood movie --- bad in the sense that it is a horror flick!

Remember I wrote back in April about the Four Blood Moons --- and the results would be something earth shaking in the Middle East -- in the next two years -- well .......  can't you see the signs ??  ... can't you hear the sounds ??

Pray for the people of this area -- especially the peace-loving people -- the Christian people!

Pray for the Church of Jesus Christ  (the real Body of Christ)  - that WE will awaken to the reality that "time is short" --- I'm not a doomsday preacher!  But - folks it's time to finish the task.

You ask, what?  I'm glad you asked!  The TASK is to "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God"  -- that has nothing to do with religion - it has to do with Kingdom -- it has to do with Jesus Christ being LORD -- RELATIONSHIP -- it has to do with people being at peace with God!