Ten Blog Tips
In quantitative terms, blogging is the most important thing I do. I view it as a form of digital discipleship. Not a substitute for one-on-one. But a great supplement. As NCC grows larger, I feel like it's a way that our congregation can know what is going on in my head and my heart at any given moment. Twitter takes that to another level by the way!
Blogging came pretty naturally to me because I've always kept a journal. But over the years I've learned a few do's and don'ts. Here are ten of them. I view them as my personal guidelines for blogging.
1) Stay Positive
Life is too short and the Kingdom Cause is too important for the sideways energy of negativity! In my opinion, too many blogs try to stir up controversy. And it's almost always someone who has a very small readership. A blog is not a license to go negative or take potshots.
2) Include Hyperlinks
Remember the fear that technology would turn us into nameless, faceless autobots? That it would kill community. Again, it's no replacement for face-to-face. But I think it's had the exact opposite effect. It brings people together in amazing ways. And one way that happens is by linking to one another.
3) Keep it Short and Sweet
It's a blog not a book!
4) Don't let commentors hijack your blog
Here is a personal rule of thumb. When people post comments I try to discern the spirit behind the comment. If I feel like someone is trying to bait me or hijack my blog then I resist the temptation to go there. Here's one lesson learned. If someone's comment is longer than your post they might have an agenda! I do think it's healthy to engage in respectful debate. But don't let it cross the line.
5) Tell Your Wife About It Before You Blog About It
Guess how I learned this lesson? If your family has to read your blog to know what is going on in your life something is wrong! One critical decision you have to make is how transparent you're going to be. I try to be emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually transparent. But I do have boundaries. For example, I don't post pictures of my kids.
6) If You Wouldn't Say it to Their Face Don't Blog It
Again, I think we need civility and respect. I think there are ways to rebuke, exhort, and correct via blog. But do it in a gracious and redeeming way. Here's the problem. That takes far more work! Meanness is laziness. Tactfulness is hard work.
7) Know Your Audience
Would you blog if no one read it? I think that's a good litmus test. Obviously, if you are blogging you are doing it so people can read it. But I primarily blog for myself--it's my journal. It's the way I keep track of what God is doing in my life. But you also have to be cognizant of your audience. I have two primary audiences: pastors and NCCers. From a numbers standpoint, pastors are my primary audience. From a personal standpoint, NCC is my primary audience. I also know their is a growing audience amongst those who have read one of my books.
8) Be Yourself
A blog ought to be as unique as you are. It takes a while to find your voice. But don't worry if it's different. Different is good. I ought to be able to figure out your personality type by reading a month of entries!
9) Find Your Rhythm
Part of blogging is finding a way for it to fit your lifestyle. I think it's critical that you be consistent. Consistency is key! But don't revolve your life around your blog. Your blog needs to revolve around you! By the way, I used to think that my blog supplemented my sermons. Not so sure. Now I wonder if my sermons supplement my blog.
10) Stay Positive
Great stuff!
Blessings,
Craig
Tuesday
"How About Them Celtics" Promotion
Man, has it been a great night. After having to sweat it out all week, finally a game in which I can enjoy the domination of the Lakers. What is the most amazing thing about it is how bad this team was last year. They were one of the worst teams ever. In one season they have gone from the worst to the best, from last to first, from the bottom to the top. It it the greatest one year turnaround in NBA history.
Ps 75:6-7
6 For exaltation comes neither from the east
Nor from the west nor from the south.
7 But God is the Judge:
He puts down one,
And exalts another.
NKJV
Exaltation means to rise from a low place, to ascend, to be promoted. Somebody reading this has had a horrible year, season... I want to encourage you, God can turn it around in one season if you won't quit. All it takes is just a couple of moves, adjustment, rearrangements. Maybe like Peter you have fished all night but caught nothing. Cast your net on the other side. You are about to get a net breaking, ship sinking harvest. One of the star players for the Celtics yelled several times, anything is possible if!
* Success silences the critics. What you going to say now?
* You are only one season from a turnaround, from the bottom to the top.
* Teams still win championships, not individuals. The key is finding out your strengths and building a team to complement your weaknesses.
* Doc Rivers had been labeled a average coach, in fact many fans called for him to be fired. Danny Ainge the General Manager was labeled a loser. The key is diligence, and diligence is doing a little thing a long time till the big thing happens.
* Success is not accidental or overnight, it is doing a little thing a long time till a big thing happens, it is taking one day at a time and living each day to the fullest.
* Maximize your opportunities and minimize your excuses.
* If man promotes you, then man can demote you, if God promotes you, no devil in hell can demote you.
Another interesting fact is they won their 17th championship on June 17th. Seven is the number of completion. Could it be that God is completing a season of your life, and you are about to be promoted to the top.
Blessings,
Craig
Ps 75:6-7
6 For exaltation comes neither from the east
Nor from the west nor from the south.
7 But God is the Judge:
He puts down one,
And exalts another.
NKJV
Exaltation means to rise from a low place, to ascend, to be promoted. Somebody reading this has had a horrible year, season... I want to encourage you, God can turn it around in one season if you won't quit. All it takes is just a couple of moves, adjustment, rearrangements. Maybe like Peter you have fished all night but caught nothing. Cast your net on the other side. You are about to get a net breaking, ship sinking harvest. One of the star players for the Celtics yelled several times, anything is possible if!
* Success silences the critics. What you going to say now?
* You are only one season from a turnaround, from the bottom to the top.
* Teams still win championships, not individuals. The key is finding out your strengths and building a team to complement your weaknesses.
* Doc Rivers had been labeled a average coach, in fact many fans called for him to be fired. Danny Ainge the General Manager was labeled a loser. The key is diligence, and diligence is doing a little thing a long time till the big thing happens.
* Success is not accidental or overnight, it is doing a little thing a long time till a big thing happens, it is taking one day at a time and living each day to the fullest.
* Maximize your opportunities and minimize your excuses.
* If man promotes you, then man can demote you, if God promotes you, no devil in hell can demote you.
Another interesting fact is they won their 17th championship on June 17th. Seven is the number of completion. Could it be that God is completing a season of your life, and you are about to be promoted to the top.
Blessings,
Craig
Monday
"The Father is Proud of You"
Matt 3:13-4:1
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?"
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying,"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
NKJV
I am blessed to have 5 beautiful smart girls. The four who are in school all made straight A's this year. That has to be the grace of God cause I didn't. I remember as a young father watching one of my girls in a dance recital. When it came to her part she stumbled and fell in the middle of the performance. While the crowd stared in silence as what appeared to be a failure, I stood up and applauded he saying, that is my girl!
In the text, we find Jesus leaving His hometown where he grew up facing the stigma of being labeled a bastard child. From the time He was born he had to face rejection. The religious leaders rejected Him, his brothers rejected Him, the politically correct rejected Him.
When he turned the age of 30 He walked out of His hometown to the waters of the Jordan where He was baptized by John. He came up out of the water and God leaned over the corridor of heaven and echoed these words, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased".
What is interesting about this statement is that the Jewish Custom was when a son had proven himself faithful and obedient, at the age of 30 the father would stand him in front of the crowd and he would utter these words, "This is my son in whom I am well pleased".
This means three things:
1) He was able to represent the Father in his affairs, when you saw the son, you saw the father.
2) He was ready to take over the family business (Kingdom Business).
3) His identity was secure, meaning that he had access and advantages, everything in the Father's house was his.
In Luke 15 we see this played out in the story of the prodigal son. Most preachers focus on the son who not knowing who he was, took his inheritance (pre arranged blessing for a appointed time) and went out and wasted it. Those who don't know their true identity will waste their time, energy and resources. After he repents (re - to return)(pent-the top), meaning to return to the top, or your rightful place, the father throws a party.
Imagine that, this son had been out in the world living it up, had missed Church for 4 consecutive Sundays, hadn't picked up his bible in weeks and the Father is celebrating him. The Father puts his best robe on Him (clothed in Christ) and his ring (sonship) on his finger. He then kills the best calf.
* The Father's affirmation and acceptance of you is not based on your performance but His.
* Even after a bad week, I can walk into the Church throw my hands up and worship, why? Because what I did does not change who I am.
* My blessing is not based on my behaviour but on my relationship. I am blessed because of my relationship with Him.
* The father affirmed Jesus before He preached one sermon, performed one miracle. He gave him 1) Approval 2) Affirmation 3) Acceptance (Identity).
* Your doing flows out of being.
* You are not what you did, you are who the Father says you are.
You are not your job, your prophet card, Reverend so and so,your money or success, you are first and foremost a son or daughter of God. Your identity is not based on your performance, it is based on your relationship. If you do well, will He love you more? If you do bad, will He love you less. God's greatest cheering for you, is not when you succeed but when you mess up. He stands up and says that's my boy. That's why Paul says, who will bring charge against God's elect (Rom. 8). Would you disown your child because they messed up? No you would love them even more.
This delivers me, because I know I am not perfect on my best day. It lets me know that though I have been dropped by life (Mephibosheth) and my feet are crippled, I still have a place at the King's table. In fact if you would peer under the table, you would see, everyone at the table has crippled feet. I can come out of my (Lodebar - a low place) not because I can bring myself out, but because He brings me out and by grace gives me a place at his table. Let me ask this question, does your low self worth have you lying on the floor like a dog, when you have a place at the King's table? Your earthy condition does not change your kingly position. Get up, wipe the dust off you feet , and sit in your place!
I like to belive this is what David was talking about when he said, God prepares a table in the presence of my enemies (Psalms 23), he annoints my head with fresh oil. Watch this, your trouble is nothing more than an invitation for your enemies to come see God pour out a new and fresh annointing on your life. He is about to bless you in spite of your inadequcies, failures, disappointments, shortcomings. He is not going to do it because you are that good, He is going to do it because He is that good!
Hear the voice of your father tonight, saying "This is my son and I am well pleased". No matter what people say or do to you, if you can get this you will keep on walking. When they say no, you know that the Father has a yes. If the door you thought would open is closed, it is because the Father has a bigger door that is about to open for you. When they ridicule you, keep on walking, when they point out your failures, keep on walking, when they lie on you, and leave you keep on walking. The father is ordering your steps...
Tomorrow God willing, the other son in the house (Luke 15).
Blessings,
Craig
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?"
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying,"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
NKJV
I am blessed to have 5 beautiful smart girls. The four who are in school all made straight A's this year. That has to be the grace of God cause I didn't. I remember as a young father watching one of my girls in a dance recital. When it came to her part she stumbled and fell in the middle of the performance. While the crowd stared in silence as what appeared to be a failure, I stood up and applauded he saying, that is my girl!
In the text, we find Jesus leaving His hometown where he grew up facing the stigma of being labeled a bastard child. From the time He was born he had to face rejection. The religious leaders rejected Him, his brothers rejected Him, the politically correct rejected Him.
When he turned the age of 30 He walked out of His hometown to the waters of the Jordan where He was baptized by John. He came up out of the water and God leaned over the corridor of heaven and echoed these words, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased".
What is interesting about this statement is that the Jewish Custom was when a son had proven himself faithful and obedient, at the age of 30 the father would stand him in front of the crowd and he would utter these words, "This is my son in whom I am well pleased".
This means three things:
1) He was able to represent the Father in his affairs, when you saw the son, you saw the father.
2) He was ready to take over the family business (Kingdom Business).
3) His identity was secure, meaning that he had access and advantages, everything in the Father's house was his.
In Luke 15 we see this played out in the story of the prodigal son. Most preachers focus on the son who not knowing who he was, took his inheritance (pre arranged blessing for a appointed time) and went out and wasted it. Those who don't know their true identity will waste their time, energy and resources. After he repents (re - to return)(pent-the top), meaning to return to the top, or your rightful place, the father throws a party.
Imagine that, this son had been out in the world living it up, had missed Church for 4 consecutive Sundays, hadn't picked up his bible in weeks and the Father is celebrating him. The Father puts his best robe on Him (clothed in Christ) and his ring (sonship) on his finger. He then kills the best calf.
* The Father's affirmation and acceptance of you is not based on your performance but His.
* Even after a bad week, I can walk into the Church throw my hands up and worship, why? Because what I did does not change who I am.
* My blessing is not based on my behaviour but on my relationship. I am blessed because of my relationship with Him.
* The father affirmed Jesus before He preached one sermon, performed one miracle. He gave him 1) Approval 2) Affirmation 3) Acceptance (Identity).
* Your doing flows out of being.
* You are not what you did, you are who the Father says you are.
You are not your job, your prophet card, Reverend so and so,your money or success, you are first and foremost a son or daughter of God. Your identity is not based on your performance, it is based on your relationship. If you do well, will He love you more? If you do bad, will He love you less. God's greatest cheering for you, is not when you succeed but when you mess up. He stands up and says that's my boy. That's why Paul says, who will bring charge against God's elect (Rom. 8). Would you disown your child because they messed up? No you would love them even more.
This delivers me, because I know I am not perfect on my best day. It lets me know that though I have been dropped by life (Mephibosheth) and my feet are crippled, I still have a place at the King's table. In fact if you would peer under the table, you would see, everyone at the table has crippled feet. I can come out of my (Lodebar - a low place) not because I can bring myself out, but because He brings me out and by grace gives me a place at his table. Let me ask this question, does your low self worth have you lying on the floor like a dog, when you have a place at the King's table? Your earthy condition does not change your kingly position. Get up, wipe the dust off you feet , and sit in your place!
I like to belive this is what David was talking about when he said, God prepares a table in the presence of my enemies (Psalms 23), he annoints my head with fresh oil. Watch this, your trouble is nothing more than an invitation for your enemies to come see God pour out a new and fresh annointing on your life. He is about to bless you in spite of your inadequcies, failures, disappointments, shortcomings. He is not going to do it because you are that good, He is going to do it because He is that good!
Hear the voice of your father tonight, saying "This is my son and I am well pleased". No matter what people say or do to you, if you can get this you will keep on walking. When they say no, you know that the Father has a yes. If the door you thought would open is closed, it is because the Father has a bigger door that is about to open for you. When they ridicule you, keep on walking, when they point out your failures, keep on walking, when they lie on you, and leave you keep on walking. The father is ordering your steps...
Tomorrow God willing, the other son in the house (Luke 15).
Blessings,
Craig
Friday
"Judah or Judas"
I found out yesterday that Judah and Judas come from the same root word.
Judah - Praiser or one who praises.
Judas - One who betrays.
Judah praises God. (Face kisser)
Judas kisses men (praises men)(butt kisser)
Judah is a yes God.
Judas is a yes man.
Judah has God motives.
Judas has self motives.
Judah is one who praises with all his might.
Judas is he that worships with his lips but his heart is far from God.
Judah has pure motives.
Judas has impure motives.
Judas attacks or judges in Judah what he is guilty of in himself. That's why the bible says do not be quick to judge, judge yourself, take the plank out of your own eye before you try to take the splinter out of their eye.
Whatever you attack in others is where you struggle yourself. You are quick to see in others what is enemy (in me). That's why Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. Paul only list one offensive weapon out of all the armor that is mentioned (Eph. 6). Why?
Our greatest enemy is not others, our greatest enemy is in me. God says I will take care of the enemies on the outside if you will take care of the enemies on the inside. The enemy destroys from the inside. Wherever you are quick to react is a place where you have not been healed. Wherever you are quick to judge is a place where you are guilty. Wherever you condemn others is where you are condemned. It is a heart issue. That's why the writer of Proverbs tells us to guard our heart with all diligence for from it flows the issues of life (Prov. 4:23). Meaning that most of our issues our self created.
Why do we need the armor of God if the battle belongs to the Lord. This sound contradicting but in reality God is saying of you can whip it in your head and heart you can whip it anywhere. God says I got it covered out here, you just take care of it in there.
Let me use King David for example. He had never lost a battle, He was successful in his reign, rich, powerful, famous, he was riding high. Then one day because of his own pride, complacency, when the Kings were to go to battle, he stayed home. In a moment of his own comfort he removed the guard from his heart and there began his downfall. He then begins a cycle of generational defeat in his lineage as he lusts after a woman, commit ts adultery, murders the husband, lies and covers it up... He later writes in Psalms 51 create in me a pure heart. Why?
If you keep your heart, God will keep your life. You can only be defeated from the outside. So when critics attack, talk about you, lie on you, manipulate situations to set you up, shoots darts out of secret places, exalt themselves when you have been faithful, you are passed over for a promotion for the lazy bum... Guard your heart, don't become a Judas, be a Judah. Don't complain, grumble, and judge them, judge yourself and praise God any how. If you take care of you, God will take care of them. The Battle is not yours, it is God's. Fight your battle, that is the battle of self.
Lastly how do you deal with the inside enemies and the outside enemies.
Gen 49:8-12
8 "Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise;
Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father's children shall bow down before you.
9 Judah is a lion's whelp;
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?
10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
Until Shiloh comes;
And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
* Judah (praise) puts his hand on the neck of the enemy (choke hold).
* The enemy is paralyzed by praise.
* One of the words for Praise means to rip the enemy apart piece by piece.
The Scepter will not depart from Judah... Until Shiloh comes.
* The Praiser always wins, he dominates.
* You can't lose when you praise.
* Praise until perfect peace (Shiloh) comes, why because as you praise the God of peace will crush the enemy under his feet.
How do you guard your heart and overcome the spirit of betrayal, praise your way...
Blessings,
Craig Sloan
Judah - Praiser or one who praises.
Judas - One who betrays.
Judah praises God. (Face kisser)
Judas kisses men (praises men)(butt kisser)
Judah is a yes God.
Judas is a yes man.
Judah has God motives.
Judas has self motives.
Judah is one who praises with all his might.
Judas is he that worships with his lips but his heart is far from God.
Judah has pure motives.
Judas has impure motives.
Judas attacks or judges in Judah what he is guilty of in himself. That's why the bible says do not be quick to judge, judge yourself, take the plank out of your own eye before you try to take the splinter out of their eye.
Whatever you attack in others is where you struggle yourself. You are quick to see in others what is enemy (in me). That's why Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. Paul only list one offensive weapon out of all the armor that is mentioned (Eph. 6). Why?
Our greatest enemy is not others, our greatest enemy is in me. God says I will take care of the enemies on the outside if you will take care of the enemies on the inside. The enemy destroys from the inside. Wherever you are quick to react is a place where you have not been healed. Wherever you are quick to judge is a place where you are guilty. Wherever you condemn others is where you are condemned. It is a heart issue. That's why the writer of Proverbs tells us to guard our heart with all diligence for from it flows the issues of life (Prov. 4:23). Meaning that most of our issues our self created.
Why do we need the armor of God if the battle belongs to the Lord. This sound contradicting but in reality God is saying of you can whip it in your head and heart you can whip it anywhere. God says I got it covered out here, you just take care of it in there.
Let me use King David for example. He had never lost a battle, He was successful in his reign, rich, powerful, famous, he was riding high. Then one day because of his own pride, complacency, when the Kings were to go to battle, he stayed home. In a moment of his own comfort he removed the guard from his heart and there began his downfall. He then begins a cycle of generational defeat in his lineage as he lusts after a woman, commit ts adultery, murders the husband, lies and covers it up... He later writes in Psalms 51 create in me a pure heart. Why?
If you keep your heart, God will keep your life. You can only be defeated from the outside. So when critics attack, talk about you, lie on you, manipulate situations to set you up, shoots darts out of secret places, exalt themselves when you have been faithful, you are passed over for a promotion for the lazy bum... Guard your heart, don't become a Judas, be a Judah. Don't complain, grumble, and judge them, judge yourself and praise God any how. If you take care of you, God will take care of them. The Battle is not yours, it is God's. Fight your battle, that is the battle of self.
Lastly how do you deal with the inside enemies and the outside enemies.
Gen 49:8-12
8 "Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise;
Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father's children shall bow down before you.
9 Judah is a lion's whelp;
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?
10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
Until Shiloh comes;
And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
* Judah (praise) puts his hand on the neck of the enemy (choke hold).
* The enemy is paralyzed by praise.
* One of the words for Praise means to rip the enemy apart piece by piece.
The Scepter will not depart from Judah... Until Shiloh comes.
* The Praiser always wins, he dominates.
* You can't lose when you praise.
* Praise until perfect peace (Shiloh) comes, why because as you praise the God of peace will crush the enemy under his feet.
How do you guard your heart and overcome the spirit of betrayal, praise your way...
Blessings,
Craig Sloan
Wednesday
"The Focus Of the Attack"
This is a statement that has helped me to understand the motives and operations of the enemy. We are in a war and it is not against flesh and blood but against the forces of darkness.
Sin is the result of mistaken identity. Every sin that is being committed such as gossip, bitterness, jealousy, slander, murder, stealing is the result of mistaken identity. When you know who you are and whose you are, you will not give place to the devil, you will live above reproach. When you know who you are, you won't run with just anybody, or go anyplace.
Proverbs 29:18
A people without vision will run wild, aimlessly.
A vision is simply a progressive ongoing word from God. It is God's word for your life. Discipline comes as a result of identity. For example if you know that you are to be a Olympic gold medalist, you will not eat what others eat, do what others are doing, but you will apply discipline as a result of the call that you have received. You will pay the price to become great. People that live a life of crime are many times the product of a broken home, absentee father. There was no voice to affirm their identity. The greatest thing that our children need is to know their identity. Shame on us for allowing society, MTV, Hollywood to shape our children. If you don't tell them who they are someone else will (false identity).
Here is where the attack starts. Jesus after being rejected for 30 years of his life, walks out of his hometown to the waters of the Jordan river. John points him out of the crowd and says "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world". Then as He is baptized in water the father speaks and says this is my son on whom I am well pleased.
Here is what I noticed:
* Jesus had not performed one miracle, one healing, preached one sermon and the Father was already pleased with him.
* Our relationship with the Father is not performance based on our part, Jesus fulfilled all the performing that needed to be done.
* When you are anointed and remain faithful in preparation and process, the Father will cause someone to point you out for greatness.
Lastly, as soon as Jesus received the affirmation of the father, he was driven into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The first thing satan did was say " If you are the son of God?" In other words temptation, trials and testing are attacking your identity. The war is always over your identity. But when you know who you are and whose you are, no devil in hell can stop you. You are unstoppable!
Result of Identity:
* They may take your coat of favor, but the favor is not on you, it is you (Joseph). Every time they take your coat, God is fitting you for a better coat (Pharaoh's coat).
* No matter what they do to you to cause your down falling, you will always rise.
* You will not bow to the peer pressure of society (Daniel).
* You can walk in the fire and not be burned (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego).
* You will ignore the criticism of your brothers (David and Eliab( (not fight battles without spoil), to face the giant and become a giant killer.
* You will know that God works all things together... (Rom. 8:28)
* You can't die until you have fulfilled your purpose (Peter Acts 12)
* The more they talk about you more blessed you are (Abraham Gen. 12).
* You will not allow intemidation to control you or influence you. In spite of...
* You will pay the price that others are not willing to pay.
Undestand every attack against os a result of you knowing your identity and them having a mistaken identity. Those who do not know who they are will attack those who know who they are.
This is your journey to discover who you are and what you are to do and to do it before you die. That's true success!
Blessings,
Craig Sloan
Sin is the result of mistaken identity. Every sin that is being committed such as gossip, bitterness, jealousy, slander, murder, stealing is the result of mistaken identity. When you know who you are and whose you are, you will not give place to the devil, you will live above reproach. When you know who you are, you won't run with just anybody, or go anyplace.
Proverbs 29:18
A people without vision will run wild, aimlessly.
A vision is simply a progressive ongoing word from God. It is God's word for your life. Discipline comes as a result of identity. For example if you know that you are to be a Olympic gold medalist, you will not eat what others eat, do what others are doing, but you will apply discipline as a result of the call that you have received. You will pay the price to become great. People that live a life of crime are many times the product of a broken home, absentee father. There was no voice to affirm their identity. The greatest thing that our children need is to know their identity. Shame on us for allowing society, MTV, Hollywood to shape our children. If you don't tell them who they are someone else will (false identity).
Here is where the attack starts. Jesus after being rejected for 30 years of his life, walks out of his hometown to the waters of the Jordan river. John points him out of the crowd and says "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world". Then as He is baptized in water the father speaks and says this is my son on whom I am well pleased.
Here is what I noticed:
* Jesus had not performed one miracle, one healing, preached one sermon and the Father was already pleased with him.
* Our relationship with the Father is not performance based on our part, Jesus fulfilled all the performing that needed to be done.
* When you are anointed and remain faithful in preparation and process, the Father will cause someone to point you out for greatness.
Lastly, as soon as Jesus received the affirmation of the father, he was driven into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The first thing satan did was say " If you are the son of God?" In other words temptation, trials and testing are attacking your identity. The war is always over your identity. But when you know who you are and whose you are, no devil in hell can stop you. You are unstoppable!
Result of Identity:
* They may take your coat of favor, but the favor is not on you, it is you (Joseph). Every time they take your coat, God is fitting you for a better coat (Pharaoh's coat).
* No matter what they do to you to cause your down falling, you will always rise.
* You will not bow to the peer pressure of society (Daniel).
* You can walk in the fire and not be burned (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego).
* You will ignore the criticism of your brothers (David and Eliab( (not fight battles without spoil), to face the giant and become a giant killer.
* You will know that God works all things together... (Rom. 8:28)
* You can't die until you have fulfilled your purpose (Peter Acts 12)
* The more they talk about you more blessed you are (Abraham Gen. 12).
* You will not allow intemidation to control you or influence you. In spite of...
* You will pay the price that others are not willing to pay.
Undestand every attack against os a result of you knowing your identity and them having a mistaken identity. Those who do not know who they are will attack those who know who they are.
This is your journey to discover who you are and what you are to do and to do it before you die. That's true success!
Blessings,
Craig Sloan
Tuesday
"Don't Give Them Too Much Power"
Why do we allow other's opinions of us to sidetrack us from the call. When we allow what others say to sidetrack us, we are giving them way too much power. God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, the base things, elementary things...
The enemies job is to create scenarios that are contrary to the call that you have received. What God has said to you is not a lie, it is what they say of you that is a lie. Jesus taught the disciples that there will always be some say (Mtt. 16), but what do you say? God never called you to win the popular vote, to fit in, to be accepted. If he was ostracized, criticized, ridiculed, talked about what makes you think you will receive any less. Let me encourage you with something that helps me to persevere. If all hell is fighting against you, then you are soing something right. If you are living in heaven now, then you are probably complacent and out of the will of God. Paul said through much tribulation... Persecution awaits me in every city... Jesus said in this world you will have much tribulation but be of good chear I have overcome the world. He has overcome your critics.
Let me use an example that is real to me. If God told you that you are to go to Africa. The moment you receive the word God has given you the permission, provision, and power to fulfill the word. The word you received comes prepackaged with everything you need. The battle that you face is over the word you received.
The seed eater comes immediately after the seed is sown (Mark 4). He doesn't come until God gives you the permission to do something. The enemies job is to surround you with people that say you are not able. It was the 10 spies who said we be not able that kept 2 million plus people out of the promise land (Numbers 13). Why? Because the enemy knew the only way he could keep them out was to get them to believe the lie.
Lastly, there are two facts about God and the devil we need to know. First, God is incapable of lying, it is impossible. That means if God says something that is totally impossible and ridiculous, it doesn't matter if all hell fights it, the lie would become the truth. Whatever He calls it, it will become.
Satan is the father of lies, meaning it is impossible for him to tell the truth. This means that whatever he whispers in your ear in the morning, the opposite is true. If he tells you that you won't have the money to go to Africa, get ready the money is on the way. If he tells you that you will die from that disease, get ready your miracle is on the way.
Which ever one you agree with will become your reality.
What do I do to keep the power:
1) Realize Your Critics are criticizing in you what they dream for themselves, they wouldn't know the truth if it hit them in the face. I have noticed that when someone wasn't willing to pay the price to become great, they become armchair quarterbacks, movie starts, politicians, pastors... Wherever they failed, they become a expert. They are obsessed with your demise. Only listen to those who have succeeded and are willing to help you. Why? Because critics operate out of the bitterness of their unfuliflled dreams.
2) Never allow others opinion of you to be your source of Confidence. If God said, it doesn't matter who likes it or not. God doesn't operate by Nelson ratings, or popular votes. He will choose to do the most impossible things, just to prove that He can. Great people have great enemies.
3) Keep speaking what God told you, no matter what. When you agree with the critics, you will see what they say. If you agree with God, you will see what He says. Say what you see (spiritual eyes) and you see what you say. The more impossible it is, the more credit God gets. He is going to show up and show off.
4) Realize those who verbally attack you are accusers of the brethren, they have not been sent by God. The sons of God are always peacemakers.
Lastly, how do you know that you are in the right place, doing the right thing? If you find a man of peace (people that need what is inside of you), then your blessing will rest upon that place. If there is no man of peace, then shake the dust off your feet... (Luke 10)
Blessings,
Craig
PS - Never give your emotions or feelings to critical people, in fact all people. If your confidence is in them, they will fail you. God is your confidence.
The enemies job is to create scenarios that are contrary to the call that you have received. What God has said to you is not a lie, it is what they say of you that is a lie. Jesus taught the disciples that there will always be some say (Mtt. 16), but what do you say? God never called you to win the popular vote, to fit in, to be accepted. If he was ostracized, criticized, ridiculed, talked about what makes you think you will receive any less. Let me encourage you with something that helps me to persevere. If all hell is fighting against you, then you are soing something right. If you are living in heaven now, then you are probably complacent and out of the will of God. Paul said through much tribulation... Persecution awaits me in every city... Jesus said in this world you will have much tribulation but be of good chear I have overcome the world. He has overcome your critics.
Let me use an example that is real to me. If God told you that you are to go to Africa. The moment you receive the word God has given you the permission, provision, and power to fulfill the word. The word you received comes prepackaged with everything you need. The battle that you face is over the word you received.
The seed eater comes immediately after the seed is sown (Mark 4). He doesn't come until God gives you the permission to do something. The enemies job is to surround you with people that say you are not able. It was the 10 spies who said we be not able that kept 2 million plus people out of the promise land (Numbers 13). Why? Because the enemy knew the only way he could keep them out was to get them to believe the lie.
Lastly, there are two facts about God and the devil we need to know. First, God is incapable of lying, it is impossible. That means if God says something that is totally impossible and ridiculous, it doesn't matter if all hell fights it, the lie would become the truth. Whatever He calls it, it will become.
Satan is the father of lies, meaning it is impossible for him to tell the truth. This means that whatever he whispers in your ear in the morning, the opposite is true. If he tells you that you won't have the money to go to Africa, get ready the money is on the way. If he tells you that you will die from that disease, get ready your miracle is on the way.
Which ever one you agree with will become your reality.
What do I do to keep the power:
1) Realize Your Critics are criticizing in you what they dream for themselves, they wouldn't know the truth if it hit them in the face. I have noticed that when someone wasn't willing to pay the price to become great, they become armchair quarterbacks, movie starts, politicians, pastors... Wherever they failed, they become a expert. They are obsessed with your demise. Only listen to those who have succeeded and are willing to help you. Why? Because critics operate out of the bitterness of their unfuliflled dreams.
2) Never allow others opinion of you to be your source of Confidence. If God said, it doesn't matter who likes it or not. God doesn't operate by Nelson ratings, or popular votes. He will choose to do the most impossible things, just to prove that He can. Great people have great enemies.
3) Keep speaking what God told you, no matter what. When you agree with the critics, you will see what they say. If you agree with God, you will see what He says. Say what you see (spiritual eyes) and you see what you say. The more impossible it is, the more credit God gets. He is going to show up and show off.
4) Realize those who verbally attack you are accusers of the brethren, they have not been sent by God. The sons of God are always peacemakers.
Lastly, how do you know that you are in the right place, doing the right thing? If you find a man of peace (people that need what is inside of you), then your blessing will rest upon that place. If there is no man of peace, then shake the dust off your feet... (Luke 10)
Blessings,
Craig
PS - Never give your emotions or feelings to critical people, in fact all people. If your confidence is in them, they will fail you. God is your confidence.
Guest Blogger Mark Batterson
A Gut Check for Growing Churches
Just thought I'd share the ten reminders I shared at Healing Place in their staff meeting. Think of them as a gut check for growing churches. These are personal reflections on our journey @ NCC.
The more we grow...
1) ...the greater the PRIVILEGE
I never want myself or anyone on our staff to have a sense of entitlement. We're only servants--I Cor. 3:5.
2) ...the more COMPLICATED things get
Sin complicates your life in negative ways. Growth complicates your life in positive ways. Learn to thank God for complications!
3) ...the harder it is to maintain UNITY
Vision is the key to unity! The larger you get the more frequently you need to cast vision. Unity doesn't happen by default--Eph 4:3.
4) ...the better STEWARDS we need to be
Growth raises the stakes. With greater responsibility comes greater accountability.
5) ...the more ABOVE REPROACH we need to be
I Corinthians 10:23 says, "Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial." As our leadership expands, there can be an unhealthy and unholy tendency toward the permissible end of the spectrum! Guard against it. As our influence expands, leaders need to move toward the beneficial end of that spectrum!
6) ...the easier it is to exist for those who ALREADY BELONG
As a church grows it is very easy to give in to centripetal force--we become inward-focused and ingrown. The Great Commission is centrifugal--go into all the world.
7) ...the easier it is to do ministry out of MEMORY instead of ministry out of IMAGINATION
The beginning of the end for every entreprenurial organization is the moment they stop doing what got them to where they are! You need to keep making mistakes. You need to keeping experimenting. Don't repeat the past. Create the future!
8) ...the more we have to remind ourselves of WHY we're doing what we're doing and WHO we're doing it for
There is a fine line between building Thy Kingdom and My Kingdom. As your circle of influence grows, you need to stay Christ-centered.
9) ...the more you have to guard your heart
As you grow, so does the target on your back. Leaders need to keep a pure heart in the midst of criticism and temptation. The blessings of God backfire when they produce pride. Stay humble.
10) ...the bigger our DREAMS need to get
The size of our dreams is one of the best barometers of spiritual maturity. People with a big God have big dreams!
Great blog,
Craig Sloan
Just thought I'd share the ten reminders I shared at Healing Place in their staff meeting. Think of them as a gut check for growing churches. These are personal reflections on our journey @ NCC.
The more we grow...
1) ...the greater the PRIVILEGE
I never want myself or anyone on our staff to have a sense of entitlement. We're only servants--I Cor. 3:5.
2) ...the more COMPLICATED things get
Sin complicates your life in negative ways. Growth complicates your life in positive ways. Learn to thank God for complications!
3) ...the harder it is to maintain UNITY
Vision is the key to unity! The larger you get the more frequently you need to cast vision. Unity doesn't happen by default--Eph 4:3.
4) ...the better STEWARDS we need to be
Growth raises the stakes. With greater responsibility comes greater accountability.
5) ...the more ABOVE REPROACH we need to be
I Corinthians 10:23 says, "Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial." As our leadership expands, there can be an unhealthy and unholy tendency toward the permissible end of the spectrum! Guard against it. As our influence expands, leaders need to move toward the beneficial end of that spectrum!
6) ...the easier it is to exist for those who ALREADY BELONG
As a church grows it is very easy to give in to centripetal force--we become inward-focused and ingrown. The Great Commission is centrifugal--go into all the world.
7) ...the easier it is to do ministry out of MEMORY instead of ministry out of IMAGINATION
The beginning of the end for every entreprenurial organization is the moment they stop doing what got them to where they are! You need to keep making mistakes. You need to keeping experimenting. Don't repeat the past. Create the future!
8) ...the more we have to remind ourselves of WHY we're doing what we're doing and WHO we're doing it for
There is a fine line between building Thy Kingdom and My Kingdom. As your circle of influence grows, you need to stay Christ-centered.
9) ...the more you have to guard your heart
As you grow, so does the target on your back. Leaders need to keep a pure heart in the midst of criticism and temptation. The blessings of God backfire when they produce pride. Stay humble.
10) ...the bigger our DREAMS need to get
The size of our dreams is one of the best barometers of spiritual maturity. People with a big God have big dreams!
Great blog,
Craig Sloan
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