Recently I had a great conversation about academic faithfulness with students at a nearby college. The students were honest and open about their own struggles to be faithful to Christ in academic pursuits. What hinders academic faithfulness? Many responded that they were overwhelmed, fragmented, lazy, and only motivated by grades. We then discussed what practices might lead toward academic faithfulness. Prayer was mentioned. I asked, “How many of you pray about what you are learning?” Again, the group was honest: academics is rarely on their prayer list.

What follow comes from page 105 of The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness. This is a challenge to us all as we consider how to pray to the Lord of education:

Would you be willing to commit yourself to a week-long prayer experiment? Pray for your professors, for your classmates, for your research interests, for wisdom. If you are part of a prayer or Bible study group, pray about taking learning seriously. Pray before each class. A brief prayer will do just fine, and pray before you begin to engage your readings and assignments. We think that this is a good place to start the journey of academic faithfulness and this is something tangible that you can do. We also think that this experiment will help you to establish an important practice that in time will change you. Saying a little prayer like this before a class or before you study would be a good start:

God, I trust that you have called me to this institution, this major, this class. Help me to discern the lies, to retain valuable insights, and to contribute humbly as I may. I ask for your wisdom as I learn more about your world. Watch over me as I study and engage this material. Through my work here prepare me to serve in your kingdom.

Credits & Source: http://bit.ly/1yc9ScA

While you might have been able to slide by without taking notes in high school, learning to take good notes is essential for most college students. Taking poor notes, or not taking notes at all, can have a detrimental effect on your grades. Read on to learn some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your classes and readings.


Pay Attention
More essential than any note-taking strategy is paying attention. A lot of students make the mistake of taking so many notes that they're not in the here-and-now of the class. Others are surfing the Net, facebooking, texting, or tweeting. Focus on what the instructor is presenting, and make an effort to learn the material right then and there:

• Sit in a place where you can see and hear the professor clearly - the front of class is usually best (it's okay to be a nerd!)
• Clear your space of any distractions that could prevent you from focusing on the class
• If you're taking notes on a computer, turn off your wireless connection so you're not tempted to go online

The same goes for reading: Clear your space. Find a quiet, distraction-free spot, like the library. Take regular breaks so you can maintain the focus you need.

Get the Right Materials
Make sure that all of your note-taking materials are easily accessible in class or during a reading session. The following supplies can help you take good notes:

• Notebooks or binders, one for each class (3-ring binders can help you organize notes, syllabi and class handouts - you'll just need to invest in a good hole punch)
• Graph paper for diagrams, if applicable
• Pencils or pens (always keep extras with you)
• Highlighters
• Small sticky notes and/or flags

Take Good Notes in ClassRemember that you're a student, not a court reporter. You don't need to write down every word the instructor says. If you've done the reading before class (which is strongly recommended), you'll know what's in the textbook and won't need to write much of that stuff down.

Instead, write down info that isn't in the textbook and points the instructor emphasizes as important. Write in phrases, not whole sentences, and use abbreviations to save time and hand cramps. Here are some of the things you'll typically want to include in your notes:

• Info the professor puts on the board
• Facts you need to memorize, like names and dates (if this information is in your textbook, don't waste ink writing it down)
• Formulas you need to know, particularly in math or science courses
• Details emphasized by your professor (keep your ears perked up for signal phrases such as 'the most essential part is...' or 'this will be on the test')

Take Good Notes on Readings
You'll have a lot more reading in college than ever before, and you'll sometimes need to refer back to specific passages for class discussions, exams, and essays. Here are some methods for taking notes on key ideas:

• Highlight or underline text
• Use small sticky notes or flags, noting the line number, paragraph number, or first few words of text
• Write down info you want to remember in your notebook or on loose leaf paper, noting the page and paragraph numbers
• Record your thoughts in the margins as you read
• Write down any words or concepts you find challenging and want to spend more time on later

Organize Your Notes
Notes are pretty useless if they can't help you find information later. It's essential to write legibly and keep everything organized. There are no hard-and-fast rules for note organization, just find a system that works for you. Here are a few ideas:

• Write the course name and date at the top of each page, just in case some pages get separated
• Keep all of your materials and reading notes for each course together
• File your notes chronologically (this is where a 3-ring binder can come in handy)

Experiment and Find What Works for You
Ultimately, you'll need to decide which note-taking strategies work best for you. Fortunately, you'll get regular feedback through grades on exams and quizzes. If your grades are good, keep the system you've got. If your grades could be better, do some readjusting.

If you'd like additional help with note-taking or other study skills, look for an academic support or learning center on campus. If you're struggling due to a disability, contact your school's disability services office. They can help with any necessary accommodations, such as a note-taker or written transcripts of lectures.

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On our website now, The Jesus Film. 

Click on the image or HERE to watch the movie.

By: Steve Shadrach 

Only one percent of the world's population are college students and I commend you if you are one of the few and the proud that represent us in institutions of higher learning. It's one thing, though, to start college and quite another to finish it. In fact, most drop out somewhere along the way and just under 25 percent of Americans have actually completed a college degree.

My definition of college? A window of time God gives us to make critical decisions and prepare ourselves to live them out.

One reason students give up on college is because of "priority pressure," the constant stress of trying to choose what is good - versus what is best. If you're currently a college student, I know your life is swirling around you like a Kansas tornado, but unless you want to be picked up and swept away like Dorothy and Toto, read and heed the   "10 Essentials for Every Christian College Student."

1. Choose a Life Purpose - It is a choice and you get to make it. You have a free will, but an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God gave it to you. So why not revolve your life purpose - not your choice of major, mind you, but something much more basic - around the One Who gave you life in the first place? Don't let one more episode of (insert your favorite reality TV program here) go by before you've nailed this down. Lock your door, get your Bible out, and search.

As a sophomore I came up with: To glorify God through knowing Him and making Him known to others." Not original, but it was mine. Having a God-centered life purpose gets you up in the morning, helps you make good decisions, and looks cool on your bathroom mirror.

2. Develop a Biblical Worldview - I'm reading an intriguing book by Chuck Colson called How Now Shall We Live? that's giving me a major paradigm shift. After taking two Tylenol, I admitted that I had a puny, self-centered worldview and forced myself to ask, "Am I looking at life from my perspective or from God's?"

When we saturate our minds with the Word, we develop a God-shaped grid to run every song, movie and idea through.

3. Seek Out the Right Friends - My pastor says, "If you're trying to follow Christ, don't choose as your best friend someone who is running from Him." Studies show at least 50 percent of students have cheated and don't think it's wrong, almost one fourth are frequent binge drinkers, and cohabitation (us old timers call it "shackin' up') is at an all time high.

Be careful, getting tight with one of these folks could be more painful than watching an XFL football game on "ESPN Classic"! I'm not saying don't befriend non-Christians - that's the key to drawing them to Christ. But bind your heart to someone who is really seeking God: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Touche!

4. Join a Good Church - Away from home? No one to tell you to get up and go find one of those premium back-row seats at the fam's church? Now you can find out what you're really made of! Micro scooter yourself over to the late service of that local fellowship that:

1. Teaches the Bible as the Word of God
2. Has great worship
3. Welcomes you and your friends

Don't just sit and soak it in, though. Give your time, talent, and treasure to those folks. It will pay great dividends.

5. Form Consistent Study Habits - I'm a total hypocrite even mentioning this one because I don't think I cracked a book until midway through my junior year! Yeah, you can buy tests and papers via the Internet, and supposedly everybody does it, but why not keep your integrity intact? Besides, having a clear conscience and an educated mind is a powerful combination!

As I "matured" in college, I started going to every class, sitting in the front row, and finding the top student to study with. Stay focused and you'll get to be part of those 24 percent of U.S. citizens who possess a college degree. Be all you can be!

6. Initiate Personal Ministry - To balance out #5, I must say: Don't let your studies get in the way of your education! The biggest lesson you will learn at college is what God wants to do in your life - and through your life. Find a group that's trying to witness and disciple others. Pray about living on campus, starting or joining a small group Bible study, sharing your faith and seeing God change some lives for eternity.

If you really want to get radical, join the thousands of students who do short term summer mission trips. Look 'em up at www.ShortTermMissions.com.

7. Set up Dating Standards - Fifty-seven percent of collegians claim they're "sexually active." Think this is just locker-room braggadocio? Think again. Many are looking for sex without strings and relationships without rings. Over 16 million people are downloading their love life via online dating services. That's more people than have ever even heard of Roy Orbison's song Only the Lonely.

Here is a profundity: You will marry someone that you date! Commit yourself to only date others who have the kind of goals, faith and character you want in a mate someday. Think I'm being picky? Exactly!

8. Maintain a Proper Balance - Harry Potter's Professor Dumbledore sheds this light: "It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." Whether you like Harry's series or not, the prof's got a point. College is all about choices. With suicide now the third-leading cause of death among college age young people, it's time to adopt the foursquare life that Jesus sought in Luke 2:52: "He increased in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man."

WWJD? He chose not to sweat the small stuff, but instead to develop Himself mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

9. Appreciate Your Parents - OK, so my wife put me up to this one. It is amazing, though, how much smarter your parents get once you leave for college! You begin remembering all their laborious lectures and suspect that maybe they did have a sliver of wisdom in those thick brains! And if you catch fire for Christ, don't make the mistake I did and go home and tell your parents they're going to hell. People most often become Christians through the witness of a family member. So call them. Visit them. Tell them you love and appreciate them; and if they oppose you getting branded with a "tribal art" tattoo - hear them out!

10. Keep Graduation in Mind - Nearly one third of freshmen drop out of college their first year. Congrats if you are part of the remaining two thirds! Also, know that those with college degrees earn nearly twice as much as those without. But more important than a diploma or an extra zero on your paycheck is what kind of person you plan on being when you graduate.

My definition of college? A window of time God gives us to make critical decisions and prepare ourselves to live them out. 

Set goals, seek the Lord, build a deep foundation and understand that the end of your college career says so much more about you than the beginning.

Oh, and have some fun, too!

About the author Steve Shadrach lives in Conway, Arkansas with his wife, five kids, two pets and six college students. Some of the students want to call their homestead across from the campus "The Compound." Steve didn't think that sounded too good. Steve is the founder of Student Mobilization (StuMo.org).

Credits & Source: http://bit.ly/1lJcSsu

Whether you like to study or not, studying is a necessary part of college life. In fact, studying will probably dominate a significant part of your time. Before you hit the books, check out this guide to studying in college.


Quick Tips

• Avoid distractions at all costs. It will interrupt your ability to retain information.
• Approach each effort with a willingness to study and do the work.
• Use highlighters to emphasize certain points for easier reference later on.
• Take notes as you read new material. This will help you retain what you read.
• Don't write down everything your professor says. Only make note of the most important points.
• Always review your notes after a lecture. You will be more likely to remember everything you've learned.
• Prioritize what you need to study, and get the most important work out of the way first.
• Take breaks every now and then while you study. A five to ten minute refresher every hour will help you work better.

Come to Terms with Studying
When you are in college, there is always something better to do than study. This is why you need to come to terms with the fact that you are in college and need to study. If you choose fun over study time every chance you get, you will be lucky to pass your required classes. If it makes things easier, think about college as a full time job. You need to put in at least 40 hours into classes, labs, meetings, study groups, and homework. If you attend a school based on a foundation of rigorous coursework and competition, you might need to bump that number up a little higher.

Create a Study Schedule
Once you get a syllabus from each professor, you should probably start planning your quarter or semester. Planning early may help you stay on track. There is nothing worse than being forced to chug caffeine so you can stay up past 3 o'clock preparing for the next morning's class. Scheduling can also allow you to spread out the work, thus helping you to feel less overwhelmed. When writing down your schedule, try to make it realistic as well as challenging. Make note of important days like when papers and projects are due and when you have midterms and finals.

Stick to Your Study Schedule
It's great to make a study schedule, but the next step is sticking to it. Staying committed to your plan will probably help you to be more successful as well as reduce your stress level. When planning your schedule, you should allow a little wiggle room for unexpected life events. You never know when a party or a date might come up. If you need to put something off, it shouldn't dramatically interfere with your plan. Flaking out too often will leave you behind and overwhelmed.

Find a Good Place to Study
Finding a good study haven is as essential as making a study schedule. Some students prefer reading out on the lawns where they can sunbathe as well as study. Others prefer the library because they have access to a variety of materials, not to mention silence. Many libraries offer group study rooms, tons of desks, and common rooms. Still, other students simply prefer studying in the comfort of their own rooms. Regardless of what place you choose, make sure you feel comfortable and can concentrate.

Use the SQ3R Method
If you want to study smarter, not harder, consider using a proven study method, such as SQ3R. The SQ3R method is based on simple principles:

• Survey: Look over what you are supposed to study before you begin. This includes notes, chapter headers, chapter summaries, etc.
• Question: Ask questions as you read or study to get the basics of who, what, when, how, why. Don't be afraid to take notes in the margins.
• Read: You should read as carefully as possible. Do not scan words or let your mind wander.
• Recite: Stop studying periodically to recite what you remember. This will allow you to confirm you are retaining information before your proceed.

Credits & Source: http://bit.ly/1rtQOSP

Credits & Source: http://bit.ly/1lJaMsT

What happens when a romantic relationship goes wrong? In many cases, girls and women cling to these bad romances by telling themselves the bad excuses below.

If you want to help your kids build healthier relationships, take a look at author Dani Miser's list of "The Top 10 Excuses You Make to Stay in a Bad Relationship," which are accompanied by biblical insights.

The excuses are adapted from Miser's new book, Single Woman Seeks Perfect Man: Facing the Consequences of Unhealthy Relationships(Deep River Books, 2010).

The Top 10 Excuses You Make to Stay in a Bad Relationship and the Reason Why You Should Stop Making Them

Excuse #1: I'd rather settle for him than be alone.

What's wrong with being single? You're not alone (Hebrews 13:5). For real! Christians, you are totally complete in Christ, lacking nothing (Colossians 4:12)! If you are settling for an unhealthy relationship just to have a warm body near, you are missing the amazing indescribable intimacy God offers you; He will continue to politely step aside as you choose to accept less (Psalms 25:16). Seek to be complete in Him (Proverbs 8:17) first, and ditch this excuse before you miss the one He has purposed for you to marry (Psalms 139:16)! Give God a chance, for He is your provider (2 Corinthians 9:8) and is able to do abundantly above all that you could possibly ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)!

"…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Excuse #2: I'm Comfortable

Is change something that makes you cringe? Are you stringing a relationship along primarily because it has benefits? Money? Companionship? Image? Physical Intimacy? Fun? Nice, familiar routine? Let's face it: We all temporarily have turned to everything from shopping to food for fulfillment. Things…even relationships with benefits never can truly satisfy (Colossians 3:2). They are shallow tools the enemy offers, convincing you to wear a mask of contentment (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8). By faith, step out of the known to grasp the true and amazing unexplainable peace and joy (Isaiah 55:12) God offers to those who choose to trust in Him alone to meet all their needs (Proverbs 3:5)!

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water" (Jeremiah 2:13).

Excuse #3: I love him.

"But I looooove him!" If I had a nickel for every time I heard those words! Geez! I love my dog! I love my brother! I love my pet hamster! There is a difference in loving, being in love, and fully committed to the person you know you were meant to marry…for better or worse! You have to get out of the love boat to walk on the water. What I mean is, you have to move away from the one you love and walk out into the unknown toward God patiently until He brings you your one true love. Don't miss your reward! It takes faith (Hebrews 11:6)!

"'Lord, if it's you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to You on the water.' 'Come,' He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'" (Matthew 14:28-31).

Excuse #4: We've had sex.

I confessed to a distant cousin that I was having doubts about my recent engagement. My biggest fear was that I had to stay with him simply because I had had sex with him. Is this how you feel? Well, God  reminded me that sex outside marriage is a sin. Because you already have begun is really not an excuse to continue. Sex outside marriage brings horrible consequences to every area of life, leading ultimately to death (James 1:15). Is it a ride you want to continue? Ask God to cast this excuse down with your sin to the depths of the ocean (Isaiah 43:25) and exchange it for His perfect forgiveness. I did, and God helped me move from the pit of sexual sin to the one He created specifically for me!

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Excuse #5: We have a child together.

OK, so you're single and pregnant; or maybe you're single with children already. You have a great reason to abandon, not your kids, but the bad relationship that entangles you (Hebrews 12:1). Admit it: As children, most of us aspired to have better lives than those who raised us. Here's the kicker: Our starting point regarding relationships was the exact representation of what Mom and Dad modeled for each of us. My point…it is better to stay single and model contentment (1 Timothy 6:6) and trust in the Lord than to marry, model a bad relationship, and end up having to raise your grandchildren who, according to statistics, will do the same. The choices you make affect future generations (Exodus 20:5-6)! Ponder that!


"But showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments" (Genesis 20:6).

Excuse #6: I'm waiting until Mr. Right comes along.

Let's get serious! If Mr. Right crosses your path, he'll consider your low standards unattractive and immature. Your present relationship portrays evidence of the needy, insecure person you are choosing to be! The bad relationship you're in is a huge red flag to the Christ-like, confident mate you truly desire to be with. No—it's more like a stop sign! Don't allow a mountain of insecurity to cause Mr. Right to take a U-turn! Hanging onto mediocre relationships is like dumpster diving for trash when God is offering true treasure just around the bend!

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Excuse #7: We're engaged, already committed.

Have you agreed to marry him, but now you're having doubts? If there is doubt, don't! Use the valuable opportunity you have now for a time-out to reevaluate, or choose to live the rest of your life with regret! "But," you say, "I've already started planning a wedding, and I'm looking forward to a honeymoon." Get your eyes off worldly things and ask God to open your spiritual eyes (Isaiah 44:18). Doubt is a warning from the Holy Spirit! It's the opposite of peace. Patience is key (Galatians 5:22). Wait on God (Hebrews 6:15). You're at a fork in the road; choose your will or God's. Steps of blind faith will lead you to awesome treasure (Hebrews 11:1).

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5).

Excuse #8: I don't want to hurt his feelings.

Has your heart left the picture, but you're still hanging around because you'd like him to stay happy? Maybe you feel bad leaving him because he has spent so much time and money on you. You're not stock; this isn't an investment game! Have you tried to walk away but his craftiness persuaded you to stay? You're not a puppet; pull your heart's strings from his grip! Your people-pleasing nature coupled with his controlling tendencies are brewing up your worst nightmare. It's time to be concerned more with honoring God than your boyfriend (John 5:30). You're sacrificing your life to appease him; rest assured, God has good plans for him, too (Jeremiah 29:11)! Call this excuse what it is—guilt and manipulation—and learn how to say no! Better yet, say goodbye to Mr. Wrong.

"…We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

Excuse #9: He's good enough for me.

Maybe you're thinking, "I don't deserve any better"; or perhaps you assume you'd never land among the stars, so you've resolved never to shoot for the moon. Drop your self-construed measuring stick and pick up God's Word where good enough amounts to filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) for all of us! Our Father seeks to bless us, not because we deserve it, but because of His great love! Give Creator God (Genesis 1:14) the opportunity to bring the moon (your man) to you!

"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:6-8).

Excuse #10: He'll change for the better!

Down here in Texas, most of us girls like a little outlaw in our man! We are raised to be fixers. We've seen Mama fix everything from a boo-boo with a kiss to hamburger made to taste like steak! Naturally, we think we can turn a frog or even a snake into a prince with a kiss; but sometimes a snake is just a snake, and we wind up getting bit! Come on! Who are you kidding!? You can't change him, and he's comfortable the way he is. You be who God called you to be and let God do the changing (Philippians 2:13)! Truth be told, you need to run the other direction! Bad relationships are poisonous!

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:4).

© 2011 Dani Miser, Author of Single Woman Seeks Perfect Man (Deep River Books, 2010. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

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Putting others before ourselves is not natural nor comfortable. Yet, as Christians, we believe we are given a new nature at salvation. Part of this nature is summed up in Galatians 6:22 and 23. The fruit of the Spirit is all about putting others before oneself.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” ~ Galatians 6:22-23

Let’s look at some tips for putting others before yourself. This will include      5 attitudes you can take and 2 practical ways you can implement the new attitudes.

Consider Your Attitude

Be Compassionate

One of the many attributes that characterizes Christ is His compassion. Of course He was God, but He was also a man with a desire to serve others because of His love for them. Jesus Christ is our example.

We can ask the Lord to develop compassion in our lives. He said to His followers that those who are truly His disciples will show love to one another. It is probably easier to love fellow Christians than those who do not know our Father, but the example that Christ gave was of Him loving other people regardless of their spiritual condition.

Be Empathetic

Consider the needs of those around you. Try to put yourself in their situation and treat them as you would like to be treated. We call this the Golden Rule and it is found in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

We often talk about putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. That is a good way to think of empathy. When you are having trouble getting along with, or helping, someone else, try to picture yourself in the same condition or position they are in. How would you like people to treat you? Treat them the same way and you will become more empathetic to the needs of others.

Develop a Servant’s Heart

You have to yield to Him so that He can work in your life.

Find ways to serve others. This is the best way to develop a servant’s heart. Putting others before yourself is easier when you are serving them. But just because someone is in a serving position does not mean that they are serving with the right attitude. Maybe you have met the people who are involved in the service industry who don’t enjoy serving others. Even people in compassionate sounding jobs (working at a homeless shelter or working as a nurse for example) can have the wrong attitude about the people they are serving.

Develop a servant’s heart and attitude. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. You have to yield to Him so that He can work in your life.

Realize That People Think Differently

One of the reasons we find it hard to put others before ourselves is that different people think differently than we do. If my family thought exactly the same way I did then we might have fewer problems, but life would sure be boring. We like the diversity of thought that different people bring to a group. However, it can also be the source of friction. Try to learn see things from their perspective.

Don’t try to force everyone into your way of thinking. That is a sign that you are thinking more of yourself than you are of them.

Consider Their Welfare More Important Than Your Desires

Jesus Christ came to earth for the good of mankind. While we are trying to be compassionate and more empathetic we should see what others need. This does not mean we give them anything they want nor allow others to walk all over us. It means we try to find out their true needs and try to help them. Even if it is uncomfortable for us.

Put Your New Attitude into Action

Besides the above attitudes, here are a couple of things you can begin to do to put others before yourself and put these attitudes into practice.

Volunteer

Find a needy charity or service organization where you can spend time serving others. This could be volunteer time at a local library or soup kitchen. Homeless shelters and churches are always looking for people to volunteer for projects.

Try to find a project that will allow you to work directly with people. This will let you see the effect you have on people’s lives when you put others before yourself.

Take a Mission trip

When you go on a mission trip you are putting other people first. While it may be a personal adventure and quite thrilling to take a mission trip, it is also a way to serve. The people you meet on your trip will see that you have made a sacrifice to put them first. Of course, you should not go on the trip for the sole purpose of making yourself feel better. You should use the opportunity to see how you can put others first when involved in your everyday life.

Conclusion

Philippians 2:3-7, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

These verses tell us we should put others first. Then we are given the wonderful example of how Christ did this for us. How will you put others first today?

Credits & Source: http://bit.ly/1CYkr2T

There’s a ton of talk today about The Gospel. Can you help us give a clear definition of it?
To explain the gospel fully, it takes a combination of two perspectives – the global work of God to reconcile all things to Himself and the life, death, resurrection and future return of Jesus Christ. The combination of the two perspectives provides a more crisp, clear and lifelike expression of the story.

The gospel is the historical narrative of the triune God orchestrating the reconciliation and redemption of a broken creation and fallen creatures, from Satan, sin and its effects to the Father and each other through the life, death, resurrection and future return of the substitutionary Son by the power of the Spirit for God’s glory and the Church’s joy.

Where has the modern church failed in sharing and preaching the Gospel?
The Church historically and presently makes one of two errors when it comes to the gospel, legalism or license.  We try to lean on the law for justification or we do whatever we want because we have heard that God will forgive us regardless. Both of these errors are traps that rob of what Jesus called “life to the full” (John 10:10).  In our day it seems we are making both errors simultaneously depending on the church we worship with.  Some of us lean on a type of moralism that would dictate our relationship with God based on our actions instead of God’s. Others lack any real desire to pursue holiness because they believe to “pursue” (1 Tim 6:11) “strive” (Heb. 4:11) or “toil” (Rev.2:2)  would be legalistic and not leaning on the grace of God in Christ.  Our hearts burn to see people throw themselves on the lavish grace of our Savior and let that be the fuel that burns in the engine of the pursuit of holiness.

Are you a competent leader? Or are you an exceptional leader?

I know lots of competent leaders (and unfortunately incompetent leaders as well), but very few exceptional ones.

Competent- having suitable of sufficient skill, knowledge, and experience. Seems doable. Doesn’t seem like a stretch to try and be competent at your job and as a leader. Another definition of competent- adequate, but not exceptional. Wow, sign me up…. every since a child dreaming about what I would be when I grow up I dreamed of being adequate…. yeah, not real inspiring, huh.

How about being Exceptional as a leader? How about being the best in the world at your skill or area of expertise. How about being #1 in your industry as an organization. Striving to be better than average, above the norm, outside of the ordinary. That seems a bit more inspiring than adequate, average or suitable.

Being competent is the norm. Being exceptional is the unusual.  Work on being exceptional.

BradLomenick.com