FATHERS DAY - EXCELLENCE IN THE MARKETPLACE

TEXT: 

Colossians 3:23-24,
Matthew 5:15-16 ,
Corinthians 3:3-4

INTRODUCTION
To achieve excellence in our individual marketplace, as Christian fathers, we should be imitator of God. Ephesians 5:1

Jesus is our example. He is a perfect example of excellence in a marketplace.


DEFINING KEY TERMS Marketplace:
A marketplace is any place where you interact for the purpose of economic gain.
A marketplace could also be seen as a point where one exact some form of influence on another person or group of persons.

Excellence: Excellence is a state of consistent exhibiting some measure of distinction.

VIRTUES NEEDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE MARKETPLACE 1. Knowledge: Of great importance is knowledge in order to achieve excellence.
       Knowledge of what to do
       Knowledge of how to do what (skill)
       Knowledge with whom to do what (network mentors and coaches)
       Knowledge of what to use (money, men, materials)

2. Discipline
Discipline as a virtue helps one master the act of focus which is of utmost importance in making excellence an habit at our marketplace.

There are several distraction in the marketplace and focus is needed to achieve on set target.

3. Diligence
- You need diligence to achieve excellence
- You need to stay focus and honest with yourself.
- You need to always remember that reward is not meant for intention on purpose but for achievement of purpose.
- When you are diligent, you are on the path of lifting.

4. Decision: Right decision at the right time makes a lot of difference.

5. Character: Appearance and Christian work ethics.

HINDRANCE TO EXCELLENCE IN THE MARKETPLACE
- Fear
- Intimidation
- Pressure of life
- Lack of knowledge
- Negative self image

REWARDS ON EXCELLENCE IN THE MARKETPLACE
- Something always changes within us.
- God puts us in bigger ponds
- New levels are reached.
- We receive favour to grow even more.
- We excel in our gifts and callings
- There is upward mobility in the direction of our future.

CONCLUSION Don’t be contented with where you are now regardless of how successful you judge yourself to be. Strive for excellence. The heavens are wide open. There is enough room for every star to shine.

Developing Proper Conscience Part 2

Developing Proper Conscience Part 1

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT. Work & Destiny. Choosing Your Life’s Work

PSALM 139:13-16

•  God made you with the ability to function in many different capacities
• God wants you to have a career that you can love  
• God wants you to have a career that is worth having             

I. DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN CAREER AND CALLING

A.  Exercise caution in seeing a particular job as a “calling”
B.  Regardless of your specific career, every believer has a general call from God that will affect how you function in the marketplace

1. We are called …

• with a holy calling
• by grace  
• by the gospel

2. We are called unto …

•  his purpose
• liberty/freedom 
• peace  
• fellowship  
• his kingdom & glory  
• eternal life  
• glory & virtue 
• blessing

3. We are called to be …

•  saints
• sons/children  
• disciples

 II. THE FOUNDATION TO CHOOSING A LIFE’S CAREER

A. Understand yourself

NOTE: “The design of something reveals the function of that something”

B. Understand your world

C. Understand the times

III. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THIS INFORMATION?

• Research career choices that seem to fit you
• Interview people who are involved in those careers
• Make a choice

Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Trust him to lead you into the career that will bring glory to God and bless humanity. His Spirit is very much willing to guide you. Put your trust in Jesus today!

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT Obtaining FREEDOM from FINANCIAL Bondage

“If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... Therefore if the son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” – Jn. 8:31-32, 36, NKJV

I. SOME KEY WORDS RELATED TO FINANCIAL BONDAGE
     A. Bondage
     B. Slavery
     C. Subjection
     D. Debt
     E. Interest
     F. Borrowing
     G. Credit buying
II. GOD’S DESIRE IN THE AREA OF FINANCIAL BONDAGE
     A. God wants his people free
     B. Jesus’ sets captives free
    C. God desires you walk in freedom
III. FRUITS OF FINANCIAL BONDAGE
     A. Bitterness and sorrow
     B. Despair
     C. Essential family needs unmet
     D. Always playing catch up, never having control
     E. Passing on a negative inheritance
     F. Inability to hear the message of deliverance
IV. ROOT CAUSES OF FINANCIAL BONDAGE
     A. Inability to trust God
     B. Covetousness
     C. Greed
     D. Lack of self-discipline
     E. Over-indulgence
     F. Lack of knowledge
V. BIBLICAL POINT OF VIEW AGAINST BORROWING
     A. It makes you a slave
     B. It presumes on a future that no one knows
     C. It removes your finance as a major avenue of God’s guidance
     D. It encourages lack of faith
     E. It keeps you from a necessary dependence on the body of Christ
VI. WAYS TO GET FREE AND STAY FREE FROM DEBT & FINANCIAL BONDAGE
 A.Getting out of debt:
    1.Confess your fault and forsake old ways
    2.Determine not to incur any new debt
    3.Be willing to make sacrifices
    4.Be willing to adjust your standard of living
    5.Consider the sale of certain non-essential items
    6.Stay clear from things that tempt you
    7.Set up a realistic plan to service your debt
    8.Ask God to help you
B. Staying out of debt:
    1.Establish a pay-as-you-go system
    2.Pray about your major purchases
    3. Do research and seek counsel
    4.Seek to excel in your work
    5. Develop a strict budget for handling regular finances
    6. Cultivate a spirit of contentment
    7. Establish a monthly savings policy
    8. Become a tither and a giver
Conclusion: Financial solvency plays a major role in achieving your destiny. Following the principles of Jesus is the only guaranteed way to break away from financial bondage into financial freedom. But it all starts with a relationship with Jesus!

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT Managing Financial Resources

 “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.” – Hag. 2:8, NKJV

  “To get money is difficult, to keep it more difficult, but to spend it wisely is most difficult of all” “The proper use of money is the only advantage there is in having it”

 

I. BIBLICAL FOUNDATION TO THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES  

A.             A.God is the Lord of our finances and all other life’s possessions Psalm 24:1,Phil. 4:19,Deut. 8:18 

2. God has laid out the purposes for money  1Tim 5:8 , Deut. 8:18,Isa. 58:6    
3.  Our finances are affected by the law of sowing and reaping  Luke 6:38,Prov. 22:7,Prov 19:17 The borrower is servant to the lender     
4.  Personal contentment positions you for stewardship  Prov. 16:5-6, Gal 5:26

II. FINANCIAL KEYS TO MAINTAINING THE BLESSING OF GOD AND GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU      

A.             A.  Keep service to God and the pursuit of righteousness as the goal in all financial matters    

2. Maintain the tithe as a constant reminder of your stewardship of the remainder     
3.  Avoid financial scheme that violates fixed laws governing finances     
4. Make it a goal to live debt free    
5.  Use a wise accounting system    
6.  Establish a monthly savings policy     
7. Develop sales resistance    
8.  Shop around for the best before you buy     
9. Counsel with others, especially your spouse over financial decisions    
10.  Make plans to lay up inheritance for your children’s children    

Seeking to achieve destiny requires good management of financial resources. The key is found in your relationship to God, the owner of ALL the finances you may need. Jesus is the way. Put your trust in him now!

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT - Achieving Destiny Prosperity & Success

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jer. 29:11, NKJV

I. GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER AND TO BE SUCCESSFUL 

   A. Prosperity and success mean many things in the Bible – 

1. Having a personal relationship with Jesus 
2. Having godly offspring 
3. Meeting godly goals in life 
4. Experiencing rest from personal enemies 
5. Having favor and high esteem before God and people 
6. Having good friendships 
7. Being free from bandage that enslave 
8. Knowing a deep inner peace and rest in the spirit 
9. Having physical health and strength 
10.  Having an abundance of material goods
11. Having respect from those who know you
12. Having a long, enjoyable and satisfying life 
13. Having personal security for the future

I. GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER AND TO BE SUCCESSFUL

  B. God has a view on the prosperity and success of his people –

1. God is interested in the prosperity of his children 
2. God often promised prosperity as a reward for obedience 
3. God’s commands are given to make us prosper 
4. God enjoys blessing his people when they live in obedience 
5. Obedience leads to prosperity among God’s people BUT disobedience reverses the flow of prosperity among God’s people 

I. GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER AND TO BE SUCCESSFUL
   C. You must put yourself in the position to receive God’s prosperity in your life (see the table)
   D. Other factors revealed in the Bible that will affect your prosperity –

1. Co-signing a note for anyone 
2. Not caring for your own family
3. Loving pleasure
4. Charging exorbitant interest on loans

I. GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER AND TO BE SUCCESSFUL
   E. Why people are tempted to seek prosperity through unjust means –

1. When making riches becomes the goal in life 
2. When they see the prosperity of the wicked 
3. When they refuse to understand that God only blesses in his own way 

II. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE BLESSED BY GOD IN HIS OWN WAY

1. Joseph 
2. King Hezekiah 
3. Daniel 

God prospers his people his own way. His purpose is that we do his will. It starts with trusting your life to Jesus in salvation. It continues with living in obedience to his word and the leading of his Spirit.

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT Managing your time.

Achieving Destiny

Managing Your Time -                                      

A man ordinarily has time to do all the things he really wants to do.
The only person who saves time is the one who spends it wisely.
Time is like money, you can only spend it once.

I. HOW TIME IS MANAGED
    a. It is by managing yourself
    b. It is by accepting the need to change and willingness to work out the change
 II. GOD’S RELATIONSHIP TO TIME MANAGEMENT
      a.  Only God can manage time.
      b. God set the example.
      c. God cares about our use of time.
      d. We can redeem our time.
      e.  Planning is a God-pleasing activity when done in deference to Him.
      f. God wants you to put Him first in your use of time.                                                                           III. TIPS FOR TIME SCHEDULING                                                                                                           a. Develop a weekly schedule                                                                                                                 b.Make wise use of time off and legal holidays
c. Use Sundays to reflect on the week ahead
d. Learn to handle interruptions
e. Learn to restrict time-consuming activities
f.  Learn to rate various tasks
g. Plan for rest and recreation
h. Put the “big rocks” in your schedule first before you fill in with others
 IV. OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME IN TIME MANGAGEMENT
a. Motivational problems                                                                                                                       b.Laziness
c.Procrastination                                                                                                                                d.Over-activity

 “It is easy to shoot and draw the arrow afterward”
 “What you do when you have nothing to do reveals who you are.”

 You must learn to dominate time and use it just like God.
 Trust your life to Jesus as your personal saviour and Lord now and you will become a child of God.
 The one and only way to allow the power of God to help you to dominate time and get personally disciplined is to Trust your life to Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord now.

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT Achieving Destiny - GET ORGANIZED

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the tings which are seen were not made of things which are visible” – Heb. 11:3, NKJV

Those who desire to excel are seen in the way they organize their lives to achieve their goals:

I. GOD’S RELATIONSHIP TO ORGANIZATION

1. God is a God of order and arrangement 
2. God is very systematic in his approach to problems and project 
3. God wanted Adam to share in his attribute 
4. God has given to everyone work to do 
5. God wants everyone to increase in the capacity to get the job done 

II. TIPS FOR PERSONAL ORGANIZATION

1. Recognize your need; Find someone who is doing well and follow them 
2. Rigorously maintain an appointment book Do things on time. Make sacrifice to accomplish this 
3. Plan out the week in advance 
4. Keep paper and pencil handy at all times Make lists of things you should do 
5. Do the unexpected at the first available opportunity 
6. Have and maintain a place for everything 
7. Organize your environment. Organization begets organization.

Be like our God. Get organized! The only way provided for you to be like God is the way of the new birth. Trust your life to Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord now and you will become a child of God.

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT. Setting Goals and Establishing Priorities.

Introduction
The differences between purposes, goals, and achievements

A. PURPOSE:

B. GOAL

C. ACHIEVEMENT

1. OBJECTIONS TO THE SETTING OF GOALS
a. It violates the principle of faith and believing God
b. It is not specifically referred to in the bible
c. Goal setters are driven people and are not fun to be
d. It sets you up for failure and brings guilt with it

2. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE GOALS
a. They make life meaningful, interesting, and exciting
b. They are an effective way to measure your effort
c. They give you target toward which to aim your faith and confession
d. They help you to stay focused and motivated
e. They force you to stretch and move from mediocrity to excellence
f. They keep you moving on the path to ultimate success
g. They keep you fresh and alive

3. HOW GOAL SETTING RELATES TO THE WILL OF GOD
a. Goal setting before the Lord is more of goal discernment
b. When God’s goals are discerned and set, God will cooperate with you in reaching your goals
c. Goals must be submitted to God and be in harmony with his purpose for your life
d. Goals can be your statements of faith regarding what you believe to be God’s will for your life
e. These statements of faith can become your faith confession as you work out our destiny.
 f. Goals can be affected by some or all of the following areas of your life – friends, family, circumstances, personal needs, and culture

4. SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD GOAL following characteristics are necessary for goals to be effective
a. Goals should be SPECIFIC e.g. I will pray for 10mins daily NOT I want to grow up spiritually
b. Goals should be REALISTIC and ACHIEVABLE e.g. I will read through the Bible this year NOT I will read through the Bible in 30mins
c. Goals should be MEASURABLE e.g. I plan to graduate with my law degree in 6yrs NOT I want to be an attorney.

Achieving destiny is not by accident but it requires conscious efforts of a discerned will of God and walking in it through goals setting and right priorities.

PERSONAL LIFE MANAGEMENT Achieving Destiny Understanding Christian Stewardship

  1 Cor. 4:1-2, NKJV

Christian stewardship is “the practice of systematic and proportionate giving of time, abilities and material possessions based on the conviction that these are a trust from God to be used in His service for the benefit of His kingdom.” B. Schiedler
I. STEWARDSHIP: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND THE BELIEVER A. God is the owner of ALL things – Gen. 14:19; Job 41:11; Ps. 24:1; 50:10-12; 89:11; Hag. 2:8
B. The believer is a steward – Mat. 25:14-30; Lk. 19:11-26

II. STEWARDSHIP: AREAS THAT NEED TO BE RECOGNIZED AND PRACTICED
A. Giving your life back to God – Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 6:19-20
B. Wise and honorable use of time – Ps. 90:10-12; Pr. 24:30-34
C. Wise investment and cultivation of individual talent and abilities – Mat. 25:14-30
D. Proper understanding and use of one’s possessions – Mat. 6:19-21; Col. 3:1-4
E. Careful and purposeful use of all finances – 2 Cor. 9:6-8

III. STEWARDSHIP: THE PRIMARY QUALITIES OF A GOOD STEWARD
A. Faithfulness and loyalty
B. Industriousness – Mat. 25:26; Rom. 12:11
C. Discipline and obedience – Col. 3:22-24; Titus 2:9
D. Fruitfulness and productivity – Mat. 25:30
E. Humility and a servant’s heart – Mk. 10:43-45; 1 Cor. 4:7

IV. STEWARDSHIP: TRUTHS JESUS EMPHASIZED IN HIS TEACHING ON STEWARDSHIP
A. We lose what we do not use
B. Use your talents to bring increase to God’s kingdom
C. Use great wisdom as you use your talents
D. You are responsible to become all that God has made it possible for you to become in Christ
E. There is a day of reckoning before God
F. The industrious will be rewarded by the Lord
G. The wicked and the slothful will be judged by the Lord
H. Faithfulness over natural material things will qualify you for true spiritual riches


The conclusion is that believers are stewards and therefore responsible to manage/administer for God the things God has committed to us in this life.

MEGA PRAISE 2014

MEGA PRAISE!!!

WHILE YOU WAIT…

Acts. 16:25

•       “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

Introduction

•       Expectations are met in time

•       There is a period between desire and acquire; expectations and manifestation: that’s the wait-ing

5 Things To Do While You Wait

1.  Remember that God is ever faithful.

Mal. 3:6;

Lam. 3:22-23;

Isa. 54:10;

2Tim. 2:11-13.

2. Waiting on God is active.

Lam. 3:24-26

5 Things To Do While You Wait (cont’d):

3. Be more open to His guidance and obey it.  Ps. 85:8; 32:8

4. Pray and make positive confessions.

Num. 14:a28;

2 Cor. 4:13

. 5. Praise God in faith

Acts. 16:25

Conclusion:

•       Praise your way to victory today as you hold on to God’s truth and faithful. Praise your miracles into manifestation as choose not to waiver in faith. You will soon join me on the line of testifiers. 2014 is for our ADVANCING!