Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated 50 years ago today, in the evening, while standing on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee.
The night before he was killed, Dr. King spoke at a church in Memphis. He had been receiving death threats for over 10 years but never shied away from public appearances.
"We've got some difficult days ahead, but it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop."
"And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but I'm not concerned about that now, I just want to do God's will."
Let us all honor the memory of Dr. King by beginning every day with the strong desire to do God's will. This isn't a day to muddle through and hide in a crowd or a cubicle. This is a day of progress as led by the Holy Spirit.
A memorial plaque was placed at the Lorraine Motel where King was shot. The inscription is from Genesis 37:19-20 (abbreviated):
"They said one to another, Behold, here cometh the dreamer. Let us slay him and we shall see what becomes of his dreams."
So much good has come from the dreams of Martin Luther King Jr.
What will be said of your dreams in 50 years?
Dr. Steve Greeneis the publisher and executive vice president—Media Group, Charisma Media. Sign up here for Dr. Greene's leadership e-newsletter.
The Holy Spirit is not surprised or panicked by any circumstance. (Pixabay) The Holy Spirit Leads Us Through the Valley of Circumstances - DR. STEVE GREENE CHARISMA MAGAZINE
"The art of leadership is a relative constant; only the circumstances change over time." —Adrienne M. Harrison, A Powerful Mind: The Self-Education of George Washington
Many leaders are effective through several seasons of calm and predictability. A few stumbles may occur along the way, but the overall effectiveness of the leader is at least moderate.
But circumstances change. Vibrations turn into earthquakes and the leader is challenged in new and threatening ways. If it is true that character is tested in fire, then perhaps leadership is validated in the midst of change.
Effective leaders prepare their teams for change. Change is constant, so it's only a matter of time before leaders must face a set of circumstances that require a change in "how we do things here."
A change in circumstances shouldn't cause a change of heart. The love of a leader shouldn't diminish in the heat of a battle.
When a team becomes unstable, a leader will demonstrate strong stability. There will be no doubt in the office that the circumstances are not insurmountable as the leader over-communicates a plan. Communication increases in clarity and frequency.
The Holy Spirit is not surprised or panicked by any circumstance.
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Marketplace ministers, listen up. Charisma Media Publisher and Executive Vice President-Media Group Dr. Steve Greene is getting strategic prophetic words from the Lord these days about Kingdom builders in the business world.
As he was preparing a business training program this morning, the Lord told him to begin to write as he was led by the Holy Spirit. Consider these powerful prophetic words:
The Lord says to those who serve customers today to serve others as you would serve Me. Serve with humility and not only out of duty. You seem to be going through motions that repeat with a daily boredom.
Know you not that you have served My angels? Unaware of My presence?
Give love unto the people I send you this day as you would give to Me if I asked for your help.
You have been gifted with a ministry of helps. You are called to serve the one who stands near you seeking help.
You are called to change the outcome of someone's day today. Serve the unlovely with your full capacity and with your full heart.
This is the day I have made for you to serve My people and My angels I will send your way.
This is in line with my 2017 prophecy about the angels of abundant harvest being released. You can read that at angelsprophecy.com.
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There was a good show to watch on television last week. That in itself is news!
NBC released Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors last Thursday and delivered an audience of over 13 million viewers. It was the most watched film on broadcast television in almost five years. The movie is the first in a series of movies based on Dolly's songs.
Alyvia Alyn Lind was cast as the young, 9-year-old ball of fire, Dolly. We watched a 2015 rendition of Little House on the Prairie and cheered for the squirt as she fought, spat, kicked and sang her way through her struggles. She connected.
This movie brought a discussion of faith and family values back into the living rooms of a hurting America. We are desperate for an end to killings and the bad news that flows like a flooded river from our television sets.
To step back into a simpler time and place was therapeutic and encouraging.
The movie spoke often of faith. The message was soft but clearly spoken. I thought about it as a morning devotional. It reminded me of how I want to represent my faith to others. Dolly as a 9-year-old was already a leader in her family and in the classroom. She took stands even if it meant a trip to the woodshed with her father. She was a model of love and acceptance.
The faith of a leader is shown as much by what we won't do as it shows in what we will do.
We need more faith-based movies. More War Rooms and movies like God's Not Dead. The large viewing audience made it clear that we want Christian values in our homes.
The Coat of Many Colors is a welcome nudge into the reason for the season.
Today's Scripture
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb 11:1).
Dr. Steve Greeneis the publisher and executive vice president—Media Group, Charisma Media. Sign up here for Dr. Greene's leadership e-newsletter.
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There are literally thousands of articles online about why the millennial generation is disillusioned with church, church culture and church politics. And while I applaud the attempt to wrap one's head around the issue, I've noticed that most of the articles seem to be written by people who know nothing about the millennial generation. Weird.
I've talked with thousands of young people over the years who have told me,"I'm just sick of church." I've heard everything under the sun when it comes to one's reasoning for leaving, and I believe many of them carry a lot of heavy truth. Here are some of them ...
1. "It's not authentic."
2. "It's too corporate."
3. "I don't like the political side."
4. "I feel like I can't be open about my struggles."
5. "I hate the cliques."
6. "It's too judgmental."
7. "Their attempt at being relevant comes off as cheesy."
8. "They don't spend enough time outside of their building."
9. "They aren't really welcoming of people who are different from them."
10. "They focus too much on what they know instead of whom they are showing love to."
And while I believe not all churches deal with the complaints I mentioned above, it's safe to say there are many who probably do. That's why I'm writing this. This needs to be discussed.
Authenticity Is Key
If churches want to see more millennials walk through their doors, they need to stop trying to entice them with free stuff, and instead allow their spaces to be filled with authentic relationships and transparent conversations. The Acts 2 church was a perfect example of this.
"They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers. Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common. They sold their property and goods and distributed them to all, according to their need. And continuing daily with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart" (Acts 2:42-46).
Some people say there is a decline in millennial church attendance, while others say they don't see much of a change at all. We must realize that just because millennials aren't showing up to church buildings doesn't mean they aren't part of a thriving community of believers, or are without a biblical relationship with God.
Millennials aren't looking for brighter lights. Millennials aren't looking for more free coffee. They want Jesus-founded authenticity, a safe-place to share burdens, real answers to real questions and a community of action.
Jarrid Wilsonis a husband to Juli, dad to Finch, pastor, author, blogger, founder of Cause Roast. He's helping people live a better story. For the original article, visitjarridwilson.com.
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If I seek to be a spirit-led leader, I must expect to hear the Holy Spirit say "no."
"They went throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they came near Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not allow them" (Acts 16:6-7).
Imagine the work of Paul and his missionary team in preparation to enter into Phrygia. Surely they had a strategy. The region was not unknown to them and the culture was probably one they understood well. The region seemed like a perfect opportunity for a church plant. We read later in Acts 19 verse 10 that the region was indeed a fertile ground for ministry.
"All who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus."
It's not always easy to understand a "no." But we do have insight into the direction of the Holy Spirit in this case. Perhaps the Holy Spirit knew the time was critical for Paul to meet Dr. Luke. Perhaps the ministry in Macedonia was more important in a timing sense.
I wonder how many ministers and leaders miss a "no" from the Holy Spirit. World history would have been impacted had Paul not been obedient in this one seemingly simple decision to "obey" a "no." Many leaders are challenged when they hear the word "no." Some see "no" as an invitation to press on and find a way. For some, "no" is simply a suggestion.
The difference is that Paul heard a spiritual "no." We don't know how Paul heard from God, we only know that he did. We also know Paul moved with instant obedience to the Holy Spirit.
As we lead our organizations, we must develop confidence in our knowledge that we hear God. We must stay open and willing to hear the word "no."
We must sharpen our eyes and ears and soften our hearts to become willing to hear that our big idea isn't of the Lord. He protects us from ourselves. If we truly expect to receive the favor of God, we must be ready to hear Him say, "No, my son. Not at this time. Check back with me in another season."
Help us, Lord, to receive the favor of a "no."
NOODLING
Here's something I'm trying or thinking about today ...
This is not an endorsement or recommendation. It's just noodling.
I read Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi a few months ago. I reviewed it again this past weekend.
The book could have been titled, The Missing Puzzle Piece to Platform Development.
"Build your audience first, then create your product." My favorite section of the book addresses "content tilting." There is always a niche for your message.
We only need to find the intersection between our heart and a unique message arc.
PLATFORM TIP No. 13
To help you develop content, stay focused on your "why." Pray over your personal why. Ask the Lord for more depth of understanding.
Why do you do what you do?
Your platform message is waiting in the answer to your why.
If you lose your why, you'll lose your way.
Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?
Send for my free series of lessons titled, "The Fundamentals of Creating, Curating and Developing Content for Multiple Platforms." Send your request to: platform@ministrytodaymag.com.
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