The Kingdom of God doesn’t arrive with fanfare—it grows from something small, often unnoticed at first.

Jesus frequently used parables to explain deep spiritual truths in ways that His audience could easily grasp. One of His most famous comparisons is the parable of the mustard seed, where He describes how God’s Kingdom expands within and through us. This blog is based on a sermon I preached at Five Lakes Church on February 2, 2025. You can find the sermon video here.

The question is: What does this tiny seed teach us about how the Kingdom of God works in our lives?

What is the Main Message of the Mustard Seed Parable?

A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds a person can plant, yet it grows into a massive tree that provides shade, shelter, and nourishment. Jesus used this image to show that God’s work often starts small but grows into something beyond what we expect.

Matthew 13:31-32 (NLT) – “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

The Kingdom of God always starts small—but it never stays that way.

How Does the Kingdom of God Work in Our Lives?

People often assume spiritual growth happens all at once, but the reality is that God’s Kingdom grows in stages. First, IN us – When we accept Christ, the Kingdom begins as a seed of faith in our hearts. This internal transformation starts small but grows as we trust and obey God. Then, THROUGH us – As we mature in faith, we influence those around us. Our actions, words, and decisions reflect God’s expanding work through us. God’s Kingdom doesn’t just work in us for our benefit—it grows through us to impact others. The question isn’t “Is the Kingdom growing?”—but “Am I allowing the Kingdom to grow in me?”

Three Key Principles for Kingdom Growth

1. Start Small and Dream Big

Every great movement starts with one step, one act of faith, and one moment of obedience. Small beginnings shouldn’t be dismissed—God often works through what seems insignificant. Every big dream begins with tiny steps. The greatest men and women of faith started with a single “yes” to God. Faithfulness matters more than flashiness. God isn’t impressed by size—He’s looking for obedience.

Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) – “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

You’ll never move forward if you’re waiting for the perfect conditions to start pursuing God’s purpose. Stop waiting. Start planting. The Kingdom doesn’t come through giant leaps but through faithful steps.

2. Plant the Seed

A seed left in a pocket will never grow. The potential is realized only when you take action. No seeds grow unless they’re planted. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality. Taking action is the first step to seeing Kingdom growth in your life.

James 2:17 (NLT) – “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

You’ll never see what God can do if you never step out in faith. The mustard seed is small, but once it’s planted, it takes root, grows, and bears fruit. What Kingdom seed is God asking you to plant today?

3. Focus on Growth, Not Perfect Starts

Too often, people hesitate because they don’t feel ready or qualified. But growth is a process, not an event. You can’t force Kingdom growth—it happens in God’s timing. You don’t have to be perfect to start—God works through progress, not perfection. Faithfulness is what determines your future, not how perfect your start was.

Philippians 1:6 (NLT) – “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Stop waiting for the “right time”—the right time is now. The Kingdom grows one small act of obedience at a time.

What Holds Us Back from Kingdom Growth?

Many people never plant their seed because they allow these three growth killers to hold them back:

Perfectionism – “I have to get everything just right before I start.”

Procrastination – “I’ll start tomorrow.”

Comparison – “I’ll never be as good as them.”

These things keep us stuck instead of growing. But the truth is:

God doesn’t need you to be perfect—He needs you to be available.

Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.

You’ll never move if you’re waiting to have all the answers before you obey. God calls us to step out in faith first—then the growth comes.

Life Application: How to Take the Next Step

This week, put action behind your faith with these four steps:

Identify a specific seed God is calling you to plant.

Take action—plant the seed! Even if it’s small, start.

Nurture it daily through prayer and study.

Confront the enemies of growth—perfectionism, procrastination, and comparison.

Reflection Questions:

What small step is God asking you to take today?

Are you letting the Kingdom work both in and through you?

What’s holding you back from planting seeds for God’s Kingdom?

How can you replace comparison with faithful action this week?

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

Trust the Process of Growth

Your life may not yet look like what it’s meant to be, but God knows the potential He’s planted within you. The seed doesn’t look like the tree—but the tree is already inside the seed. If you plant your faith in God’s hands, He will bring growth in His perfect time. The Kingdom of God grows through small acts of faith, persistent obedience, and trust in God’s process. Don’t let fear, excuses, or distractions keep you from starting small and dreaming big. The only question is: Will you plant the seed?

You don’t build your life around Jesus—you build it on Jesus.
Many people search for signs, boundaries, and markers of God’s Kingdom as if it’s something external to be located. But the truth is, the Kingdom of God isn’t a geographical territory or a political movement—it’s a spiritual reality with one defining center: Jesus Christ.
This blog is based on a sermon I preached at Five Lakes Church on January 26, 2025. You can find the sermon video here.

The question is: What does it mean to center your life on Jesus, and how do we avoid the things that pull us away?

What Is at the Center of God’s Kingdom?

Every Kingdom has a center of power—a throne, a ruler, or a governing authority. The Kingdom of God is not centered on a place, an idea, or a religious system—it is centered on a King.

• Jesus is the unshakable foundation of God’s Kingdom.
• Jesus is the eternal ruler who will never be replaced.
• Jesus is not just a part of the Kingdom—He is the Kingdom.

Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT) says, “Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.”
Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, God’s Kingdom endures forever. Why? Because it centers on the only eternal foundation. When we grasp this, we realize that the Kingdom of God isn’t just a concept—it is a living reality within every believer who has surrendered to Christ. If Jesus isn’t at the center, your life is off balance.

Why Do We Struggle to Keep Jesus at the Center?

We are pulled in different directions daily by competing kingdoms that demand our loyalty. Some are obvious; others are more subtle.

• Political kingdoms pressure us to place our hope in governments, policies, and leaders instead of Christ.
• Cultural kingdoms—social media, entertainment, sports, and personal ambitions—often consume more of our time and energy than God’s Word.
• Personal kingdoms make us want to be our own ruler, where we make the rules and control the outcomes.

Many people want Jesus in their life—but they don’t want Him on the throne. The danger is that we try to make Jesus revolve around our lives rather than centering our lives on Him. We say:

• “I’ll surrender as long as I get to keep control.”
• “I’ll obey as long as it aligns with what I already want.”
• “I’ll follow Jesus, but only when it’s convenient.”

This self-focused faith leads to conditional surrender, which looks for personal benefits instead of Kingdom transformation. In reality, Jesus doesn’t revolve around your life—you revolve around Him.

How Does Christ Live In and Through Us?

The powerful truth is that the Kingdom of God isn’t achieved—it’s received. You don’t work your way into it—you are born into it. Colossians 3:3 (NLT) says, “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”  When you receive Christ:

• Now, your identity is found in Him.
• Now, your purpose is driven by His mission.
• Now, your life is a reflection of His rule.

The Kingdom is not about adding Jesus to your life—it’s about letting Jesus become your life. The Kingdom isn’t something you achieve—it’s something you receive.

What Prevents Us from Centering on Jesus?

Powerful forces are working to pull us away from Jesus as our center. The Bible warns us about these obstacles:

• Cultural narratives that reject absolute truth—We live in a world that says, “Create your own truth.” But Jesus didn’t say, “I am a truth.” He said, “I am THE truth.” (John 14:6)
• The spirit of Antichrist that opposes Christ’s expression on earth—The Bible teaches that the spirit of the Antichrist works to diminish Jesus’ authority and replace it with self-rule and false ideologies. (1 John 4:3)
• Distractions from competing “truths” and rival kings—Everything from social media to success culture tries to pull us away from our Kingdom focus.
• Division among believers through discord and distrust—The enemy thrives in division. When the Church is distracted by infighting, it loses its Kingdom effectiveness. (John 17:21)

The biggest threat to your faith is not always a significant crisis—it is often a slow drift away from Jesus as your center. Distractions don’t have to destroy you—they have to derail you.

How Can We Represent God’s Kingdom?

The Kingdom of God isn’t just for you—it is meant to be displayed through you. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) says, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us.”

As Kingdom citizens, we are called to:

• Represent Jesus well in how we talk, live, and love others.
• Reflect His character through humility, grace, and boldness.
• Advance His mission by making disciples and spreading the Gospel.

You are not just a citizen of the Kingdom—you are its billboard.

Life Application: How to Keep Jesus at the Center

This week, take an honest look at your life and ask:

• What competing “kingdoms” are taking priority?
• Am I trying to make Jesus revolve around my life, or am I surrendering to Him?
• How can I better represent Christ as His ambassador in my daily interactions?

Choose one area where you’ve maintained control and intentionally surrender it to Christ’s authority. This might be:

• Your schedule—Prioritizing time with God over distractions.
• Your relationships—Surrendering bitterness, unforgiveness, or control.
• Your career decisions—Trusting God’s direction over personal ambition.
• Your habits—Letting go of anything pulling you away from Christ.

Write down specific ways to demonstrate that Jesus—not your preferences—is central to this area of your life.

Surrender isn’t about losing control—it’s about giving it to the One who knows best.

Final Thought: The Kingdom is in Jesus, and Jesus is in You
The Kingdom of God isn’t just near—it is here. And Jesus isn’t just a part of your life—He is the source of it.
When you align your life with this truth, you tap into the power, peace, and joy of living under God’s rule with Christ at the center.

Jesus at the center isn’t just a saying-it’s a lifestyle. The Kingdom of God is already victorious. The question is: Are you living with Jesus at the center of your life?

Champions Aren’t Made in the Arena; They’re Built in the Gym

Leadership isn’t about the public platform but the unseen disciplines that shape us into people God can trust with influence. Just like athletes train for a game, leaders must train for ministry. Without preparation, consistency, and dedication, a leader will find themselves overwhelmed by the weight of their calling. The strength for public ministry is forged in the quiet moments of discipline. Today, we’re stepping into the Kingdom training gym to strengthen our spiritual disciplines, ensuring we are equipped to lead with endurance, wisdom, and resilience.

The Gym of Leadership
Imagine walking into a gym and immediately loading up 315 pounds on the bench press without warming up or ever having trained for it. It’s a terrible idea—a sure way to get injured. Yet, many leaders do the same thing in ministry. They step into leadership roles without building a foundation in spiritual disciplines and then wonder why they struggle under the weight of leadership responsibilities.
Ministry leadership is not just a position; it is a calling and a responsibility. The weight of it, if not adequately supported by spiritual strength, can crush those who carry it. Many leaders enter ministry with passion and vision, but without the structure of prayer, fasting, study, and rest, they quickly find themselves exhausted, overwhelmed, and ineffective. Success in ministry is not about charisma—it is about character and endurance. Leaders build character and endurance through spiritual disciplines practiced in private long before being tested in public.

1. Prayer → The Oxygen of Leadership

Prayer is the very oxygen of leadership. Without it, a leader is gasping for air, trying to sustain themselves on their own strength. The Bible commands us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV), not as a religious ritual but as a lifeline to the wisdom and power of God.

Consider Daniel, who prayed three times a day even when doing so put his life at risk (Daniel 6:10). His consistency in prayer was so well-known that his enemies had to outlaw prayer to trap him. Likewise, Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” attributed the power of his sermons not to his eloquence but to the hundreds of people praying beneath the sanctuary while he preached. Prayer isn’t just a habit but a source of supernatural strength.

Ministry leaders are expected to counsel, preach, solve problems, cast vision, and care for people, often without a break. Without a deep and consistent prayer life, they operate on their own strength, leaving them vulnerable to burnout, discouragement, and frustration. In his early leadership, Moses tried to bear the burden alone until his father-in-law, Jethro, warned him, “You will surely wear yourselves out, for this thing is too much for you” (Exodus 18:18, NKJV).

Yet, many leaders struggle with prayer. The biggest hindrances? Busyness—thinking there’s no time to pray. Distractions—allowing social media, notifications, and mental clutter to steal focus. Inconsistency—only praying in crisis moments. To combat these obstacles, schedule prayer like an appointment, make it a daily habit and use Scripture as a guide. The purpose of prayer is not “emergency roadside assistance”—its purpose is to be our constant connection to the source of all strength.

Reflection: How strong would your relationship be if you spoke to your spouse as often as you talk to God? If your leadership effectiveness was measured by your prayer life, how strong would it be?
Application: Schedule a non-negotiable daily prayer time. Treat it as essential as eating or sleeping.

2. Fasting → The Weight Room of the Spirit

Fasting is the spiritual weight room—it builds endurance, dependence on God, and spiritual authority. Jesus Himself declared, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21, NKJV). Some breakthroughs, victories, and deliverances only happen through fasting.

Consider Moses, who fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). Or John Wesley, who wouldn’t ordain anyone into ministry unless they fasted twice weekly. These men understood that ministry isn’t just a job—it’s a battle. Spiritual forces are actively working against Kingdom leaders. Without the spiritual authority gained through fasting, leaders are more vulnerable to temptation, discouragement, and opposition.

The main barriers to fasting are fear of weakness (“I’ll be too weak without food!”), misunderstanding (“Isn’t fasting just for monks?”), and legalism (turning fasting into a performance rather than a way to seek God). But when done right, fasting is a tool that strengthens spiritual resilience.

Best Practices: Start small by fasting one meal or a half-day. Always combine prayer and fasting—fasting without prayer is just dieting. And remember, fasting isn’t just about food; sometimes fasting from social media, entertainment, or validation-seeking is just as powerful.

Reflection: What do you find hardest to give up? That may be the very thing controlling your heart.

Application: Identify something your heart is overly attached to and fast from it this week.

3. Devotions & Bible Study → The Playbook for Success

A leader who does not regularly engage with Scripture is like an athlete playing without a playbook. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Without a deep well of Scripture, leaders risk making choices based on emotions, pressure, or popular opinion instead of God’s truth.

Ezra, a scribe and priest, devoted himself to studying and teaching God’s law (Ezra 7:10). Billy Graham read five Psalms and one chapter of Proverbs daily for decades. These leaders knew that decision-making in leadership must be rooted in God’s Word.

However, many leaders struggle with Bible study due to lack of time, feeling unqualified, or inconsistency. The solution? Set a reading plan and journal insights, and apply what you read [Five Lakes Church uses the S.O.A.P method of devotion found here]. Knowledge that is not combined with action is wasted.

Reflection: Do you treat the Bible like a software agreement—scrolling to the bottom and clicking ‘I agree’ without reading?
Application: Choose a new book of the Bible to study deeply.

4. Rest & Sabbath → The Recovery Room

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NKJV)

Before making significant decisions, Jesus took time to rest and be alone with the Father. Before choosing His twelve disciples, He spent an entire night in solitude (Luke 6:12-13). Modern leaders must recognize the importance of this practice. Without rest, even the most passionate leaders can burn out. No matter how fulfilling, leadership can become exhausting without a rhythm of rest built into it. Many leaders believe the work of God depends solely on them, pushing themselves past healthy limits. In truth, the Kingdom of God thrives when leaders lead from a place of renewal, not exhaustion.
Chick-fil-A is a strong example of honoring the Sabbath principle. By closing on Sundays, they prioritize obedience to God and demonstrate that true success is not based on human striving but on God’s blessing. When leaders take rest seriously, they acknowledge their dependence on God rather than their own ability to work harder.

The weight of endless ministry without rest can have severe consequences. After his great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah fell into deep despair. He reached a breaking point, crying out, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life” (1 Kings 19:4, NKJV). God did not rebuke Elijah for this prayer. Jehovah God invited Elijah to rest. Before giving him further direction, God provided food, water, and time for Elijah to sleep. This powerful example shows that God values our well-being and understands our physical limitations.

Yet, many leaders struggle to embrace rest due to several hindrances. Guilt convinces them that resting is unproductive. Overcommitment leads them to say yes to everything, leaving no room for renewal. Disregarding boundaries means personal time is sacrificed on the altar of busyness. However, ignoring rest does not make a leader more effective—it makes them more vulnerable to burnout, resentment, and even moral failure.

To combat these challenges, leaders must implement best practices for Sabbath. Scheduling rest should be as intentional as scheduling work. Without setting aside time for recovery, exhaustion will become the default state. Turning off devices is crucial—digital noise constantly demands attention, making it difficult to be fully present in moments of rest. Finally, leaders should engage in activities that genuinely rejuvenate them, such as worship, spending time in nature, or being with family.

Observation:  If God took a day to rest, why do we think we’re too important to do the same? How many leaders have burned out simply because they refused to embrace the Sabbath?
Application: Schedule a weekly Sabbath and commit to it. Protect this time as fiercely as you would any other important responsibility.

5. Worship → The Pre-Game Anthem

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24, NKJV)

Prayer is communication with God—bringing our needs, interceding for others, and aligning ourselves with His will. Worship, however, is exaltation—it magnifies God, not our requests. Worship makes God bigger in our eyes—not because He changes, but because our perspective does. When we worship first, our prayers are shaped by who God is, not just what we need.

Jesus understood the power of worship, even in difficult moments. After the Last Supper, He and His disciples sang a hymn before heading to Gethsemane (Matthew 26:30). This wasn’t just tradition—it was declaring God’s greatness before facing His ultimate trial. Similarly, Corrie ten Boom, imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, chose to worship in her barracks. She and her sister Betsie even thanked God for the fleas in their room—later discovering that the fleas kept the guards away, allowing them to hold Bible studies secretly. Worship shifts focus from our circumstances to God’s sovereignty. It reminds us that God is in control no matter what.

A strong personal worship habit avoids seeking people’s approval rather than God’s presence. When leaders anchor themselves in worship, they are less likely to become addicted to affirmation. The addiction to affirmation of others often leads to insecurity, comparison, and self-promotion. King David certainly had significant failings in his life. However, he did learn to strengthen himself in the Lord through worship, even when everything around him was falling apart (1 Samuel 30:6).

Some of the biggest hindrances to worship include distractions—allowing our minds to wander or thinking about tasks while singing. Self-consciousness can also be an obstacle, making us more worried about how we look rather than whom we are exalting. These distractions make the focus of our worship-us-not God.

Best Practices:  Worship before work—starting the day with praise sets the right tone. Be expressive—engage fully in worship without holding back.
Observation: Some people only worship if their favorite song is playing or the atmosphere is “right” for them. This mindset makes worship about personal preference rather than God’s worthiness.
Application: Worship before starting your daily tasks. Make it a priority rather than an afterthought.

6. Serving → The Strength Test

“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11, NKJV)

In John 13, Jesus—King of Kings—knelt to wash the dirty feet of His disciples. Washing feet was standard when roads were dirt, and most wore sandals. Having their feet cleaned when entering a house was refreshing and kept the house clean. However, washing feet was generally reserved for the lowest servant in the household. Yet, Jesus said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15, NKJV). Servant leadership is not just a theory—it is the very nature of Christ.

Mother Teresa modeled this truth through her lifelong service to the sick and the dying. She didn’t wait for a platform or a title—she served. Leadership isn’t about position; it’s about action.
Leaders who fail to embrace serving as a discipline become entitled, expecting others to serve them instead. Over time, this mindset destroys relationships, credibility, and ministry effectiveness. Jesus made it clear: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12, NKJV).

Some leaders avoid serving due to pride and entitlement—believing they’ve worked hard enough to be exempt from small tasks. Others feel too busy, caught up in big-picture responsibilities, neglecting hands-on ministry. However, faithful service is not about doing everything but leading with a servant’s heart in every task.

Best Practices: Lead by example—never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do. Serve outside your comfort zone—step into areas where help is most needed. Make service a lifestyle, not just an event.
Observation:  If you think you’re too important to serve, you may need a humility check. Jesus washed feet—some of us barely want to stack chairs.
Application:  Find a way to serve outside your usual role this week. It could be cleaning up after an event, setting up chairs, or volunteering in an unfamiliar area. Do it without seeking recognition, and watch how God blesses it.

Conclusion: Train Daily. Lead Strong. Finish Well.
What kind of leader will you be? Which of these disciplines do you struggle with the most? Leadership is not built in moments of public applause but in the private training grounds of discipline.

Challenge:  Commit to strengthening one spiritual discipline this week.
Prayer:  Lord, strengthen us in private so we can be effective in public. Amen.

You are either alive in the flesh or in the Spirit—but both cannot rule you. The phrase “born again” is often used in Christian circles, but many people struggle to understand what that means. It’s not just about praying a particular prayer or making a religious decision—it’s about a radical transformation that changes how you think, live, and interact with God. Being born again doesn’t mean turning over a new leaf—it means receiving a new life. It’s not self-improvement; it’s a spiritual rebirth. This blog is based on a sermon I preached at Five Lakes Church on January 19, 2025. You can find the sermon video here.

The question is: What does it mean to be born again, and how do we live a Spirit-led life?

What Does It Mean to Be Born New in Christ?

In John 3, a religious leader named Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, seeking answers. He was a man who had devoted his life to religion—following the rules, obeying the law, and doing all the “right” things. But Jesus’ response shattered his expectations:

John 3:3 (NLT) – “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus was confused. “How can an old man be born again?” Jesus wasn’t talking about physical birth—He was talking about spiritual rebirth. Being born again means starting fresh, leaving behind your old way of thinking, living, striving, and stepping into the new life Jesus offers.

You don’t just “join” the Kingdom—you are born into it.
You don’t just modify your behavior—you receive a new identity.
You don’t just believe in Jesus—you become alive in Him.

Think of it this way: When people immigrate to a new country, they often bring parts of their old life with them—their customs, traditions, foods, and traditional ways of doing things. You cannot immigrate into the Kingdom of Heaven. You must be born into it. You don’t bring anything from your old life when you are born again. It’s not about adapting—it’s about being transformed.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) – “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

How Does the New Birth Begin?

The process starts with belief. The idea of belief can quickly become overcomplicated by well-meaning people who desire everyone to receive everything God has made available to them. However, Jesus made it clear:

John 3:16 (NLT) – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Faith is the currency that gives us access to the Kingdom. Just like you can’t function in a country without currency, you can’t engage in the Kingdom without faith.

Faith is the key that unlocks the door to new life.
Faith is the hand that reaches out to accept God’s grace.
Faith is the engine that drives transformation.

But belief isn’t just mental agreement—it’s heart transformation. When you truly believe, your desires, actions, and identity shift. Being born again isn’t about becoming a better version of yourself. It’s about becoming an entirely new creation in Christ.

Why Is Living by the Spirit Instead of the Flesh Important?

Every person has two competing forces inside them:
The Spirit – Leading us into life, peace, and alignment with God.
The Flesh – Leading us into selfishness, sin, and separation from God.

Being born again means that our spirit has been made new, but our flesh still tries to take control. That’s why living a Spirit-led life is essential.
To live by the Spirit, you must:

Submit your mind to Christ – Let His truth reshape how you think.
Let the Holy Spirit guide your decisions – Even when it’s uncomfortable.
Put aside your natural inclinations – Resist the urge to follow feelings over faith.
Follow God’s leading – Even when it requires sacrifice.

Romans 8:5 (NLT) – “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”
A Spirit-led life doesn’t happen by accident but through intentional surrender.

What Makes Living by the Spirit Challenging?

Living by the Spirit is not easy. Why? Because we have three powerful enemies working against us:

1. The Flesh: The Battle Within
Our carnal nature fights to keep control. The Bible describes three primary ways this happens:
Lust of the Eyes – The craving for more (materialism, comparison, envy).
Lust of the Flesh – The craving for pleasure (addiction, self-indulgence, impurity).
Pride of Life – The craving for status (arrogance, self-sufficiency, rebellion).

We often try to “manage” our sin instead of surrendering it. But you can’t manage what Jesus came to crucify.

2. The World: The Pressure to Conform
We live in a culture that glorifies:
Power over humility
Consumption over generosity
Self-gratification over self-sacrifice

When the world says, “Follow your heart,” Jesus says, “Follow Me.” When the world says, “Do what makes you happy,” Jesus says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.” The world applauds comfort—but the Kingdom demands commitment.

3. The Enemy: The Voice of Deception
Satan’s goal is simple:
Distract you with busyness and entertainment.
Deceive you into thinking you don’t need God.
Destroy your faith by making you doubt God’s goodness.

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) – “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.”

Satan doesn’t need to destroy you if he can distract you. That’s why staying rooted in God’s Word is essential. The only way to fight deception is to stand on the truth.

Life Application: How to Walk in the Spirit

Living by the Spirit isn’t passive—it requires an active pursuit of God. If we are truly born again, we should not settle for a life of religious routine. Instead, we should seek everything God has for us, including the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1. Ask the Right Questions
Too often, people approach faith with a bare minimum mindset:
“Do I have to?”
“How far can I go before it’s sin?”
“Is this really necessary?”

But a surrendered heart asks:
“How can I get closer to God?”
“What more does He want to do in my life?”
“What else has He made available that I have yet to receive?”

Jesus said in Luke 11:13 (NLT):

“If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

The Holy Spirit is not a bonus feature of Christianity—He is the power source. And God doesn’t just want you to receive the Holy Spirit; He wants you to walk in the fullness of His gifts.

2. Ask to Receive Every Gift God Has for You
When you are born again, you are saved from sin and empowered to live a supernatural life. God has not reserved His gifts for a select few. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to every believer who asks for and seeks them.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT) – “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”

These gifts include:
The Word of Wisdom – Supernatural insight and divine strategy.
The Word of Knowledge – Revelation of things not known naturally.
Faith – A supernatural ability to believe beyond the ordinary.
Healing – The power to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Miracles – The ability to operate in supernatural interventions.
Prophecy – Speaking forth God’s truth with power and authority.
Discerning of Spirits – Identifying the spiritual forces at work in every situation.
Speaking in Tongues – A heavenly prayer language for spiritual edification.
Interpretation of Tongues – Understanding and communicating messages spoken in tongues.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT):

“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.”

God is not stingy with His gifts. He is waiting for you to ask! Have you ever prayed to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Are you walking in everything God has made available to you? What would change if  you fully embraced the power of the Holy Spirit?

3. Let Go of Fleshly Desires
One of the biggest reasons believers fail to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit is because they are still clinging to the flesh.

Where are you resisting God?
Where are you choosing comfort over calling?
Where are you avoiding surrender?

Galatians 5:24-25 (NLT) – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

The more we let go of our fleshly desires, the more room we make for spiritual power.

4. Take a Step Toward Jesus
Walking in the Spirit is not about waiting—it’s about moving. What practical action can you take this week?

Maybe it’s finally getting baptized—publicly declaring your faith.
Maybe it’s serving in ministry— and stepping into your Kingdom assignment.
Maybe it’s letting go of bitterness—choosing forgiveness over resentment.
Maybe it’s asking God for the baptism of the Holy Spirit—surrendering fully to His power.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT):

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve resisted the Spirit’s leading, and commit to surrendering it this week. Whether it’s stepping into a spiritual gift, breaking free from sin, or embracing obedience, take action.

The Spirit-Led Life is a Powerful Life

The Kingdom of God requires full commitment. You can’t live with one foot in and one foot out. You can’t settle for a powerless Christian life when God has offered you the fullness of His Spirit.

Acts 1:8 (NLT) – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.”

God’s gifts are not for a select few but for you. But you must ask, receive, and step out in faith. So the question is: Are you walking in everything God has for you?

The Kingdom Requires Full Commitment

When you are born again, you are new. Your old life is gone. The Spirit is now your guide.

Galatians 5:25 (NLT) – “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

You cannot halfway surrender to Jesus. You are either all in or holding back.

Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve resisted the Spirit’s leading and commit to surrendering it this week. Take action, whether it’s baptism, serving others, or addressing a specific sin.

The Kingdom of God demands full commitment—and the reward is eternal.

You are part of an economy. Whether you realize it or not, every organized group, nation, and system has an economy—rules for exchange, ways to distribute resources, and a currency that makes transactions possible. The Kingdom of God is no different. It has its own economy, and faith is its primary currency.

This blog is based on a sermon I preached at Five Lakes Church on January 12, 2025. You can find the sermon video here.

The question is: How does the Kingdom’s economy work, and what does faith have to do with it?

What is the Kingdom Economy?

The Kingdom of God is present wherever people live in submission to God’s will. Earthly financial systems, trade policies, or market trends do not govern it. Instead, it operates according to:

God’s Promises – Every transaction in the Kingdom is based on God’s character and faithfulness to fulfill what He has spoken.

Repentance & Righteousness – To function in God’s economy, we must turn from sin and align with His ways.

Believing the Good News – Accessing the Kingdom starts with faith in Jesus Christ.

The world’s economy depends on buying and selling, effort and reward, scarcity and competition. But in the Kingdom of God, everything flows from faith.

How Does Faith Work as Kingdom Currency?

Every economy has a currency that allows transactions to take place. In the world, that might be dollars, euros, or cryptocurrency. But in the Kingdom of God, faith is the currency that gives access to everything God has made available. Without faith, you cannot engage in Kingdom transactions. The Bible makes this clear:

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) – “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”

Faith is not a wishful feeling—it’s how we interact with God’s Kingdom.

Key Aspects of Faith in God’s Economy:

• Faith shows the reality of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:1).
• Faith provides evidence of things we cannot see.
• Faith gives us access to God’s grace and favor (Romans 5:2).
• Every kingdom interaction requires faith—salvation, healing, provision, or direction.

Do I Have Enough Faith?

Do I have enough faith? Many people ask this question. We wonder, Do I have enough faith for God to move? Here’s the truth: God has already given every person a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). The issue isn’t whether you have faith—it’s where you’re placing it.
Think about it: When you drive your car, you have faith that other drivers will stay in their lanes. You have faith in business, believing your paycheck will arrive at the end of the month. You have faith in science, expecting that gravity will still work tomorrow. You even have faith in chairs—you sit down without testing them first. So the real question isn’t “Do I have faith?” but “Where am I placing my faith?” If we can trust cars, employers, and gravity—why do we struggle to trust God?

How Does the Kingdom Economy Work?

God’s economy does not operate because we earn our way or work our way into Kingdom success. We can’t accumulate enough to buy our way into Kingdom success. The Kingdom economy operates on petition, trust, and alignment.

Petition Over Purchase – In the world, you buy what you need. In the Kingdom, you petition the King and trust His provision.
Faith Opens the Door – You don’t get what you earn; you receive what you believe in alignment with God’s will.
Trust in the King’s Response – Sometimes God says yes, sometimes He says wait, and sometimes He says no. Faith means trusting that His answer is always good.
Alignment is Key – If our desires are not aligned with the King’s purposes, our requests will always feel unanswered. James 4:2-3 (NLT) says:

“You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

God is not a vending machine where we put in faith and get whatever we want. Faith aligns us with God’s will so that our requests match His Kingdom’s purposes.

Why Do We Struggle with Faith?

Faith isn’t hard because God is unreliable but because faith requires surrender. Faith means:

• Trusting God’s timing even when we want things now.
• Submitting to His will rather than pushing our own agenda.
• Believing without seeing the whole picture.

Think about it this way. Imagine you’re walking in thick fog. You can only see a few steps ahead, but you trust the path is there. That’s how faith works. You don’t need to see the whole journey—you need to trust the One leading you.

Life Application: How to Grow in Kingdom Faith

Faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about where you place your trust. This week, challenge yourself to:

• Evaluate your faith – Where are you placing your trust? In God or in human systems?
• Surrender your desires – Commit to consistent, faith-filled prayer instead of controlling outcomes.
• Pray over what you’ve given up on – List three things you stopped believing God for and start praying over them again.

Reflection Questions:
What dreams have you stopped believing in God for?
Are your prayers aligned with God’s Kingdom mission or just personal desires?
In what areas of your life do you need to shift your faith from the world’s systems to God’s economy?

Faith Isn’t About Controlling God—It’s About Trusting Him Faith isn’t a tool to manipulate God into giving us what we want. It’s a way to confidently approach Him, knowing His will is better than ours, His timing is perfect, and His promises never fail. You don’t need more faith—you need to place your faith in the right place.

“The Kingdom of God isn’t built on earning—it’s built on believing. Faith is the currency, and God is the King who always provides.”

1. What is the Kingdom of Heaven?
2. Why did Jesus establish it?
3. What does it mean for your life today?

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

1. A religion
2. A political movement
3. A church denomination

3 Key Features of the Kingdom of Heaven

How do you know if you’re living in the Kingdom? You’ll see the evidence in your life—healing, justice, forgiveness, and a changed heart. The Kingdom doesn’t orbit around you—it’s anchored in Jesus.

Why Did Jesus Establish the Kingdom?

1. Restoration – Returning humanity to our original purpose of ruling with God.
2. Representation – God called you and me to reflect the culture of Heaven on Earth.
3. Relationship – The Kingdom is not about control; it’s about walking in a personal relationship with the King.

Why Is It Hard to Center Our Lives on Jesus?

• It Denies the Truth of Jesus. It pushes the lie that Jesus is just another religious figure, not the King of Kings.
• It Opposes Christ’s Work in You. It whispers, “You’re not good enough. God doesn’t care about you.”
• It Distracts with Competing Kings. It tempts us to center our lives on politics, culture, careers, or personal ambitions instead of Jesus.

The Kingdom Calls Us to Surrender and Represent the King

“You’re not just a citizen of the Kingdom—you’re its billboard.”

The Church Is Already Victorious

Next Steps

1. Reflect – What “kingdom” are you living for right now?
2. Respond – Surrender an area of your life where you’ve resisted God’s authority.
3. Represent – Live boldly as an ambassador of King Jesus this week.

BALANCING THE TRUTH OF CHRIST’S BIRTH AND THE FANTASY OF SANTA CLAUS AT CHRISTMAS

During Christmas, Christians grapple with the delicate balance of nurturing their children’s belief in the profound truth of Jesus Christ’s birth while deciding what to do with the enchanting fantasy of Santa Claus. Some avoid or dismiss the idea of Santa completely. Other Christians embrace Santa wholeheartedly, going so far as to fill out gift tags “from Santa.” For most, there is an ongoing dynamic tension between the truth of Christ’s birth and allowing children to enjoy the excitement and joy stirred by the fantasy of Santa.

The profound and eternally significant narrative of Jesus Christ’s birth is a cornerstone of our Christian faith. Understandably, parents, driven by a desire to impart spiritual truths while surrounded by modern culture, could lash out at the cultural icon. Some may view the jolly figure as a distraction, potentially diluting the holiday’s religious significance. This was my view for many years. I consistently spoke the truth of Christ’s birth and condemned the idea of Santa Claus.

Soon after having our first child, we moved to California. I was an Associate Pastor in a church far more conservative than any other church I’d been part of. Our Pastor said he would speak about the Wonder of Christmas as Christmas approached. As expected, the topic of Santa Claus came up in his sermon. I waited for the anticipated condemnation of the jolly fat man who vied for attention with my Savior on the day we celebrate His birth. That condemnation never came. In fact, my very conservative Pastor spoke about how children grow up too fast. Life and circumstance suck the wonder out of life too soon. He suggested that children often learn the truth about Santa long before they can comprehend the truth about Jesus. His point made sense to me.

As I have grown and developed as a husband, father, Pastor, and teacher, this idea has continued solidifying. There are reasons for refuting Santa completely and for enjoying the fantasy. The most crucial point is that the reality of Christ’s birth is being taught.

There are some best practices I encourage. Allow me to share them with you.

1. Be Consistent: I have wondered about those refusing to enjoy the fantasy of Santa because “it is antithetical to truth” while giving their children Easter baskets or taking them Trick or Treating on Halloween. Consistency in your expressions of faith may be more important than whether or not you allow your child to take a photo with Santa at the local mall. For clarity’s sake, a case against a believer in Jesus participating in the fertility symbolism of the “Easter Bunny” or the myriad of historical issues with believers participating in Halloween activities is at least as easy to make as a case against Santa. Whatever your decision, be consistent.

2. Consider Timing: Many parents enjoy seeing the joy on their child’s face when they discover the coin under their pillow after losing a tooth. They are convinced that the Tooth Fairy took their tooth and paid them for the privilege. No one expects their teenager to believe in the Tooth Fairy. The timing for that kind of innocence is over in their life. With few exceptions, the same is true about those who believe in Santa. They will grow up soon enough. If they are 30 and still believe in Santa – it’s time to gently share the truth with them. Conversely, true belief and understanding of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection are usually too grand for children to truly understand. By the time they begin to grasp the truth surrounding the birth of Jesus, their belief in the fantasy world will have faded.

3. Enjoy Santa, Teach Jesus: Don’t weave the story of Santa into the story of Jesus. They are not equivalent stories that can share space. One is ultimate truth, and the other is complete fantasy. I compare it to the enjoyment of superheroes. Many enjoy stories of superheroes who save the world. They don’t bring those stories together with the story of the Savior of the world. One we enjoy. The other we teach. The difference between enjoying and teaching comes in how you direct and correct the understanding of content. If your child gets the name of a superhero wrong, you will probably let it go. If they answer a math question incorrectly, you correct that. Why? Because one is fantasy and the other is truth. When Santa is being discussed, there are no ‘truths’ to be ignored or corrected. When teaching Jesus, teach what Scripture says.

4. Live Your Faith: If your faith is in Santa Claus, you will live as if he were real. You’d never teach your child to thank family and friends for Christmas gifts because they came from Mr Claus. You would personally expect gifts from Santa and be disappointed when they don’t arrive. Why? Because you believe in Santa – and are living your faith. If your faith is in Jesus, you will accept His salvation, obey His commandments, love His body, support His church through financial generosity and service, and play your part as a believer within His church. Your children will ultimately follow what you live more than what you say.

Allowing children to enjoy Santa Claus’s fantasy need not diminish the true meaning of Christmas. Many argue that a child’s mind can understand the spirit of generosity and selflessness embodied in Christ’s teachings, as demonstrated by Santa, long before they can truly comprehend the sacrifice and gift that Jesus indeed was. The fantasy of the Santa Claus is precisely that – a fantasy. It can, however, provide a canvas on which children can paint their imaginations. It fosters creativity, kindness, and the joy of anticipation.

Ultimately, the key lies in fostering an environment where the truth of Christ’s birth is clearly understood and the fantasy of Santa Claus is enjoyed and then grown out of. Encouraging children to understand Santa’s fun and fictitious nature while emphasizing Christmas’s spiritual depth can be accomplished. Doing so can allow Christian families to create a Christmas experience that is both meaningful and enchanting for their children, allowing them to embrace the wonder of the season while holding dear the eternal truth it represents.

I have been asked repeatedly for my thoughts on the vote on August 8th concerning Issue 1. We recognize that our faith family is  made up of people on both sides of the issue. I also feel the responsibility to offer guidance on issues that impact topics Scripture speaks to. Lastly, I incorrectly said October 8th instead of August 8th in the video. I apologize for that. The voting date is between now (early voting) and August 8th. August 8th is the actual date.
With that said, I offer my thoughts.

Pastor Micah Sutton

In the series Visions & Dreams, we are talking about the Apostle Peter quoting the Prophet Joel saying, “[NKJV] Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, we talked about the young men seeing visions. You can access that teaching on podcast or video via Facebook, YouTube, or FiveLakes.church.

We learned that this language is male-specific. It’s not that women can’t receive vision from the Lord; In fact, Joel said that generations of both men & women would prophesy – or repeat what they heard [prophets don’t create prophecy, but repeat what they’ve heard]. In this prophecy, Joel & Peter are calling out that this is part of the expected experience of Godly men. The information I’m sharing in this video applies to both men & women.

What is vision? Vision is the ability to wisely consider and plan for the future.

[ESV] Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

ESV uses the word ‘prophetic,’ clarifying the meaning of vision; It’s a vision connected to things of God; Not a selfish vision but a God-sized/focused vision.

When vision is lost, restraint is lost. Vision = restraint. There are God-given visions and visions born from our own desires:

Lust of the flesh

Lust of the eye

Pride of life

Joel/Peter said vision is connected to Heaven. The ability to have vision is a God-given gift. Some people have stronger natural vision than others. What if that vision was connected to Heaven? It produces a world/destiny-changing vision.

4 Attributes of a God-given Vision:

1. Kingdom-focused: God’s vision is never self-focused.

Kingdom vision is not focused on our ownership but on our stewardship. We may own houses, property, companies, and assets of many kinds. We don’t and can’t own the vision of the church. This is a reality I had to wrestle with as a younger pastor. I’m naturally entrepreneurial – Kristy & I have owned several companies, and I’m confident that I could build a strong business.

The vision God birthed in me is to build His Kingdom through the local church. No matter what I give to the church – I’ll never own it. That’s true about the church & it’s true about the vision God gives you. If you are a business owner & your vision is just about your business – it’s not a God-given vision.

IT’S NOT BAD – it’s just too small & too self-focused to be God’s vision. If your vision is to impact the world in a way that honors Christ & you are funding that from your business’s profits, that’s Kingdom Vision!

We steward God’s vision, and we pass it to the next person God calls to carry it.

Because God’s vision isn’t self-focused, we never outgrow it. There is no end to God’s Kingdom, so outgrowing its potential is impossible. This means that there is life long opportunity to make a difference.

2. Unifying in nature: God’s vision can’t be accomplished alone.

God always brings people together; From Adam/Eve to Church – God multiplies His Kingdom by a unified effort. If you can accomplish it alone – the vision isn’t big enough. It isn’t God-sized. It also clearly reveals that anyone claiming a vision that destroys unity – isn’t clear about the origin of that vision. Since creation, everything comes from something – so multiplying to expand the Kingdom is not disunity but the ultimate result of unity. It’s how babies are born.

3. Elevational in purpose: God’s vision is never to diminish.

God’s vision always elevates those in and around it. There are times when our pride is broken so our spirit can rise up. This brokenness is to build up.

We humble ourselves so He can lift us up in all things. Personal humility is a choice that results in elevation as God elevates. When we serve His vision, it pushes us to elevation: in our own lives, in the lives of those we touch, and in our community.

4. Salvation oriented: God’s vision always draws people to Himself.

He has never given a vision on earth that didn’t have more people in Heaven at its heart. Any vision in life that does not have more people knowing Christ as its ultimate purpose cannot be given by God. It may be children, employees, customers, coworkers, or friends who are impacted

It may be an impact by a personal witness, a testimony of God’s ability to bless beyond imagination. It may be the funding of Kingdom work from resources gained in the marketplace. It could be revealed in many ways, but it will have the intention of Filling Heaven and Emptying Hell!

These are 4 Attributes of vision that God gives. There may be more, but I think these give us the ability to assess the vision of our life and see if we are on the right track. If so – press on! If not – don’t freak out or feel despondent. Just begin asking God to expand your ability to see His vision for your life. I believe he will answer that prayer.

In the series Visions & Dream, we are talking about the Apostle Peter quoting the Prophet Joel saying, “[NKJV] Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, we talked about the young men seeing visions. You can access that teaching on podcast or video via Facebook, YouTube, or fivelakes.church.

We learned that this language is male-specific. It’s not that women can’t receive vision from the Lord; In fact, Joel said that generations of both men & women would prophesy – or repeat what they heard [prophets don’t create prophecy, but repeat what they’ve heard].

In this prophecy, Joel & Peter are calling out that this is part of the expected experience of Godly men. The information I’m sharing in this video applies to both men & women.

What is vision?

Vision is the ability to wisely consider and plan for the future.

[ESV] Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no prophetic vision, the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

ESV uses the word ‘prophetic,’ clarifying the meaning of vision; It’s a vision connected to things of God; Not a selfish vision but rather a God-sized/focused vision. When vision is lost, restraint is lost. Vision = restraint. 

There are effective visions and ineffective visions.

Three Attributes of Effective Vision:

1. 1. Connects with your creation: The resources needed to complete the vision are ones you either currently possess or can gain with effort over time.

If your vision = be a NFL lineman & you look like me – it is not an effective vision – so adjust your vision. It doesn’t mean you must have the resources right now [strength, relationships, knowledge, money, etc.]. It DOES mean you must be able to gain them over time.

1. 1. Strength – exercise

1. 1. Relationships – networking & being the kind of friend you desire to have

1. 1. Knowledge – school or training programs/apprenticeships

1. 1. Money – savings, loans, investors or other access to capital

If the vision connects with your creation, then you have the God-given ability to rise to the levels needed to see your vision come to pass.

2 Greater than the obstacle: your attraction to the vision must be greater than your fear of the resistance.

It must be strong enough to push you to overcome the obstacles. A typical motivational technique is to put a reward at the end of the effort. It may be ice cream, the possibility of a date, feeling/looking good after exercise, or a raise/promotion – the promised reward focuses effort.

The same is true when refusing things that hurt the vision. When wanting to do wrong (steal), hurt another (abuse/kill), lash out angrily (physically/etc.) the vision for something greater restrains them.

If your attraction to the vision is greater than your fear of resistance, it will consistently move you toward completing the vision.

3. Achievable within one’s lifetime: you see the end from the beginning.

The vision of a young man references things you have the time needed to accomplish the goal. In another lesson, we will explore the dreams of the old men – these are things that extend beyond our lifetime into our legacy.

A vision has defined parameters, methods explored, & timelines set. Neither the parameters nor the specifics of the vision are set in stone/unchangeable. The direction and desired general destination is solid. It’s the realm of young men.

If your vision is God-focused or self-focused, these three things will differentiate an effective vision from an ineffective one. In our next supplemental video, I’ll talk about 4 Attributes of a vision that God gives.

Check out this bonus content to the sermon series, War & Peace. For the full series visit: https://youtube.com/fivelakeschurch

My family and I will intentionally engage in 21 days of prayer and fasting this week. These are 21 days when we will give up certain things that we desire and focus more intensely on communicating with God through prayer. Why would we do that? Why would anyone choose to go without something they wanted if they could access the object of their desire? They would only do so if they desired something greater.

Fasting in General

Fasting is simply abstaining from something that one normally enjoys. There are many types of fasts. I’ll list a few in this blog, but abstaining from anything for a planned period is a fast.

Simply put, fasting is engaged in order to change a result. Many people have the experience of having blood tests ordered by their doctor. Often, the order will include a time of fasting before the blood for the test is drawn. This is done so the blood will have time to return to its natural state without any additional chemicals being added through something ingested.

Fasting with a Spiritual Objective

The same is true with those who fast with a spiritual objective. The goal is to change the result of living in this natural world. We are tripartite beings made up of body, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and spirit. Most things around us feed the humanistic side of our soul and please the body. What you feed will lead. Feeding the natural desires of the flesh causes it to become strong, allowing our natural desires and inclinations to become more powerful than our spiritual desires. This is why it’s so easy to fall into sin, but doing righteous things often seems difficult.

Fasting is saying “No” to our natural desires. Fasting alone develops self-control. Fasting connected with prayer, reading of scripture, and intentional times of worship both weakens our carnal nature and strengthens our spiritual nature. Starving our flesh while intentionally feeding our spirit allows our spiritual nature to gain control.

Jesus healed a young boy that the disciples were unable to heal. They asked why He had been successful where they had failed. He responded that this kind (spirit, situation, issue) can’t be handled except through prayer and fasting. We know that all power is held in the name of Jesus. Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “I’m the only one who could have dealt with this issue.” His focus wasn’t on His person, but on the strength gained in prayer and fasting allowing the believer to deal with this “kind” of situation. He wasn’t speaking about just this specific boy and his specific problem, but referencing a classification of issues and problems.

Salvation is by grace through faith. When you receive Christ you gain all that He has to offer. The level of spiritual authority you operate in can apparently vary according to your spiritual strength. Spiritual authority isn’t earned by good works, but it is focused by discipline and self-control. Jesus clearly revealed that denying one’s flesh while feeding one’s spirit resulted in the ability to exert greater authority in specific moments.

In “biblical” terms, we fast to bring our natural man into submission to our spiritual man. We say, “no” to natural cravings and “yes” to spiritual desires.

While fasting does not make you more or less saved or loved by God, it does reorient the focus of authority in your life.

You can’t stay still. My grandfather once told me, “When you stop moving, you start dying.” In life, the only direction to move is forward. You may gain or lose, but going backward is never an option. Moving forward intentionally is only accomplished by bringing new things into the world. If new children stopped coming into the world, humanity would cease to exist within 100 years. The same is true about invention, business development, church advancement, and almost anything else you can think of. Without birth, there is only death, and ultimately, life ceases to exist. Your life doesn’t escape this universal reality.

You can be thirty years old and be a dead man walking. You have many years of existence left before you, but that experience looks void of life. This experience can be triggered by a dead-end job, a relationship that is going nowhere, or a dream that didn’t pan out. Whatever the cause, the future doesn’t have to remain lifeless. The key is generating new life within your existence.

Choices reveal our ambitions.

The question is how to accomplish that. How does one go about jumpstarting new life when the future looks dead? Let me suggest a pattern of thought you can embrace to birth new life within your existence.

Don’t mistake “new” for “big”

A common mistake is to think generating “new” means a complete overhaul of life as you know it. Growth and development may necessitate great change, but it rarely begins there. Jumpstarting new birth can begin with something as small as taking time to drive down an unknown road, taking a grandchild for a walk, or helping a stranger. Experiencing something new physically can jumpstart creativity in other areas of life. Accept the new experience even if it isn’t a big experience.

Question to ask: How can you deviate from your normal pattern and engage with fresh stimuli today?

Determine your ambitions

Everyone is ambitious about something. Choices reveal our ambitions. Some people will stay up all night gaming risking a rough day at work. Their choice reveals their game focused ambition to be greater than their job focused ambition. Others choose to go to bed early in order to maximize their effectiveness during daylight hours. In both scenarios, choices are revealing ambitions.

In determining ambitions the concept of right and wrong doesn’t apply. Accurately identifying ambition is the important element. Analyzing the choices you are currently making can illuminate the ambitions of your life. New birth can be awakened when ambitions are recognized and intentionally engaged.

Question to ask: What do the choices I’m making reveal my ambitions to be?

Identify a need

Engaging in your “new” will usually address an existing need. There is never a lack of need. Recently I observed an older gentleman loading his car at Costco. He had a number of heavy items and he was struggling to get them out of his cart. The need was obvious. It won’t take long to identify a need near you once your mind and eyes are open to new life.

What if your ambition, that thing you are passionate about, could meet the need of another person? A recent commercial advertising Microsoft’s new Xbox Adaptive Controller features friends gathering at the home of their friend Owen who has Escobar Syndrome. They watch with bated breath as he accomplishes a big in-game achievement with the help of Microsoft’s gaming device. Microsoft was successful in matching an ambition (selling gaming products) with a need (disabled gamers unable to use traditional devices).

You will be able to match a need with your ambitions once ambitions are determined. In this commercial, I see several other ambitions matched with needs. The ambition to create community revealed by the boy running from house to house gathering friends matches the need for community in all the kids. The ambition to celebrate achievement revealed in all the kids cheering Owen’s victory meets the need to be admired we all share.

The need doesn’t have to completely fulfill every ambition of your life, but it should connect in some way. Connecting your ambition to a need can jumpstart new birth as you engage your ambition in a unique way.

Question to ask: What need can I identify today that connect to my ambition in any way?

Decide to make a difference

I saw the gentleman’s struggle as I unloaded my Costco cart into my truck. It triggered my ambition to reveal Christ to the world in every way possible so I determined to make a difference. Once completed with my task I walked across the parking lot and offered to help. At first, he was hesitant. He said, “I don’t need your help.” I answered, “Maybe not, but I’m offering it.” He then asked, “Why do you want to help me?” I answered, “Because I hope someone would help my father or grandfather under similar conditions.” He agreed to my help and we completed the job quickly. He was grateful and I left feeling happy about making a difference.

This was a simple thing, but it made a difference. Your engagement may not be a “big deal” to you, but it makes a difference in the life of another. Remember, new doesn’t mean big. Unloading a cart for a stranger may be new to you. It addresses an existing need and makes a difference. Deciding to make a difference in even the most trivial of ways jumpstarts new life within your existence.

Question to ask: Have I decided to make a difference in the world even in ways that seem trivial to me?

Let your imagination run

A small question creates a huge impact. The question is “What if?” What if a small difference could be made every day. What if your ambitions could make a difference in the world. Don’t try to imagine making a difference in the life of millions. Imagine your ambition making a difference in the life of one. Imagine being that friend that brings the community to Owen. Imagine being that person who cheers on a victory won by another. Imagine the look of surprise on a person’s face when you benefit them unexpectedly. Imagine what could be experienced in the world if you engage in making a difference.

The two words “what if” open the door to incredible possibilities. New life begins to flow as the imagination is unleashed. At that moment age doesn’t matter and restrictions fade away and the coals of what could be begin to glow again. Life is reignited.

Question to ask: What if…?

The impact of following this pattern of thought may surprise you. By addressing your expectations and focusing your ambitions on helping others you will ultimately help yourself. You will experience the benefit from the principle of sowing and reaping.

Notice the focus of this pattern of thought. It wasn’t wealth, relationship, or reputation that we focused on. The focus is on making a difference. When you focus on making a difference in the world a difference is made in you.

It’s rivalry week in college football. I live in Northwest Ohio right on the border of Ohio and Michigan. This place is like few others during rivalry week. We are in Ohio but less than an hour away from the University of Michigan. This is where the line is drawn between the University of Michigan fans and The Ohio State University fans. Both teams have devoted fans living here in force!

Rivalry between schools is mostly done in good fun. The atmosphere is heightened as the opponents face against each other determining who is the better team. In many cases, the greatest reward for winning is the bragging rights that come with the victory. In your life, the reward is not that benign.

The rivalry game of your life is played with or without your knowledge. Your opponent’s name is Time. Every second time gains the advantage as you move closer to the end of your game. Those who are certain of their ultimate future should not fear death but should respect the reality of the opponent.

Recently a relatively young man told me he and his wife were planning a great vacation. They work hard and he said, “We don’t want to wait until affording the trip is easier, but we are not healthy enough to enjoy ourselves.” This is a family that recognizes the rival they are facing.

Time will not stop to allow you to accomplish the goals and realize the dreams you have for your life.

Life is rhythmic. We launched this blog a few years ago, and I was consistently writing, but then I wrote a book. It’s as simple as that. I couldn’t do both effectively, so I took a break from blogging. Now, the book is complete, and I’m back!

I wrote a book called NOEL because I saw a need to be addressed. Information is everywhere. Bookstore shelves and websites can be browsed, and information about how to create almost anything can be discovered. The information is wonderful and has helped people achieve great results through the application of that knowledge. I think the stories of great success and happiness are fewer than we would like to imagine.

The stories of people who pushed to achieve great things being destroyed by the process are easier to find. They thought they had what it took but discovered that success was harder to achieve than the information implied. They knew the steps to take but didn’t know how to navigate the process in a healthy and productive manner. The result is that something new was created, but the creator was left broken and hurt.

God created mankind to be creative. It is in the fabric of our DNA to create new and unique things from the structure of our lives.

The problem is that I believe God created mankind to be creative. It is in the fabric of our DNA to create new and unique things from the structure of our lives. What we create may be different, but creation is something our Father placed within us. The question in my mind became, “How does one give birth to a God-designed destiny and remain healthy in the process?”

I was pondering those questions when I began reading the New Testament again. Reading about Mary’s conversation with Gabriel affected me like never before. I began a study of the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She impacted the world more than most as she gave life to a God-designed destiny like no other. What’s more impressive is that after seeing her son willingly give His life for others, she didn’t simply walk away. She witnessed his death but doesn’t disconnect with the destiny she birthed. We find her gathered with 119 other people in a 2nd-floor room in Jerusalem waiting for the Promise of the Father. I’d read this before, but this time it seemed like a roadmap for the successful birthing of destiny was outlined before me. That revelation moved me to share that outline with those who know God has designed them for more!

You are perfectly capable of living out certain dreams. Work hard enough and you can buy a car, home, or the latest technological gadget. The God-designed destiny within you is different. It will stretch you beyond what you think you can bear and bring out of you what you didn’t know existed. When God places a vision, a dream, into your life, it is rarely small. It will almost never seem possible. It will always provoke a sense of destiny.

I believe God has created a future with you in mind. Something for which He has specifically designed you. There is a job to complete, a destiny for you to fulfill. Your destiny will be unique to you, but the process of giving birth to that destiny will have commonalities with others. Mary had a destiny that only God could design.

Using her life as a template NOEL reveals the process of giving birth to a destiny that everyone experiences. It explores the tragedies and victories of moving into your future and offers proven solutions to some of the journey’s greatest obstacles. Books about creating almost anything fill bookshelves, but how to positively navigate the process is less accessible. NOEL is your guide to moving intentionally and strategically while remaining healthy through the process. It’s about bringing your God-designed destiny to life.

If you know God has designed you for more I offer this roadmap to you. Click this link and begin bringing your God-designed destiny to life!

Get The Book

The images of the destruction the southeastern part of Texas has experienced are overwhelming. Hurricane Harvey devastated many lives.

Emotions stirred as we watched families wading through filthy water, searching for dry ground. Many have acted while watching parents carry children in an attempt to escape with their lives. We have heard the twenty-four-hour news coverage telling the same basic story over and over. They have said, “This area has never flooded, but this time it did, and this family lost everything.”

It is a story of devastation and grief, but at some point, you are ready to change the channel or stations. You care, but the situation is overwhelming. Those dealing with this reality are tired from their work to recover. The rest of us are dealing with compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is when repeated exposure to a tragedy experienced by others begins to desensitize you to the situation.

I’ve traveled through several third-world nations. I’ve been affected by the beggars suffering from disease and children afflicted by deformations and poverty. I’ve also been horrified at the callous nature of the local population as they walk by, avoiding those in need. I also understand.

Those who walk through the hurting throng are not bad people. They are overexposed. They see the need every day and have become desensitized to the horror. The issue is that the need doesn’t go away because we have become accustomed to its presence.

As leaders and Christians, we are encouraged to refuse to allow ourselves to become tired of doing good [Galatians 6:9-10]. Paul is not telling us to fight getting tired. A good night’s sleep cures the physical weariness stemming from physical labor. The emotional weariness from being consistently exposed to great needs is much more dangerous. Unaddressed, this emotional weariness results in those who can do something refusing to do anything.

Unaddressed, this emotional weariness results in those who can do something refusing to do anything.

Paul’s focus is the spiritual and emotional weariness that results from engaging in a task that is ongoing. This could be anything from feeding the homeless to helping the victims of a hurricane. The need is obvious and the numbers of those needing help are staggering. Many are driven by compassion to do good, but everyone experiences compassion fatigue at some point. There is only so much you can do, only so much you can give, and only so much attention you can devote to the need. The question becomes, how do we avoid compassion fatigue in our lives? How do we avoid weariness in doing good?

Let me give you three steps to avoiding compassion fatigue:

1. Create distance in your attention

Standing in front of the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Oahu, Hawaii you can read the names of the many who died in that attack on the United States of America. The closer you get to the wall of names the fewer names you can see without adjusting your position. If you get close enough you will only be able to focus on one or two names. The closer you get to a dramatic need the harder it is to see anything else. Creating distance allows you to gain perspective. Your perspective does not change the need or the response. Perspective gives your heart and emotions time to rest as you process the situation. You become healthier.

A practical thing to do is get away for a day. If you can’t do that physically, do so mentally. You may watch a comedy. You could play a round of golf. I often use exercise as a time to relax my mind and emotions while pushing my body. Allowing your heart and emotions time to rest provides the ability to engage in the fight long term.

2. Create a safe space from which you can respond

When facing overwhelming need there is a tenancy to want to give everything you have to end the crisis. The problem is that ending one crisis does not end the need. Scripture tells us that the poor will always be with us. The fact is “need” will always exist. This does not mean we should give up and go home. It does mean that we must engage strategically so we can be helpful for the long term. Creating a safe space means establishing personal boundaries within which you will operate.
Adopt the practical step of budgeting a monthly amount you can give to external needs. Others should budget their time in a way that will keep them healthy. Once your boundaries are created operate from within those boundaries.

There may be times when an extra sacrifice is necessary. Proper boundaries will allow a unique situation to be addressed from a healthy reserve. The practical reality is that you are a finite resource. If you give everything you have you will no longer be a resource at all. You will have nothing to give.

3. Celebrate the wins

My last point for this blog is celebrate the wins! If all you ever see is the need, the cost, the effort, and the sacrifice, eventually the value is lost. Value is realized when one steps back from the cost and recognizes the gain. If the gain matches or exceeds the cost a win needs to be celebrated! Take the time and gain the perspective needed to experience the joy that comes with the wins.
In some situations, the win can be hard to find. My mind goes to the feeding of the homeless. They are still homeless and still in need after the meal is given to them. The win will not be found in broad scale thinking. The win will be found in narrowing the focus.
Your job is to define what you are impacting. Feeding the homeless is not ending homelessness. It is providing a moment’s respite from a life of uncertainty in this person’s life. Focus on that moment, count the win, and celebrate.

A celebration can be anything from a huge party to a smile exchanged between people who know they just accomplished something good. Choose a celebration that connects with your heart and make it happen.

At this writing, our church has partnered with other non-profits to help in the relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. The saddest story would be that the need existed, but no one could or would respond. It would be sad if those positioned to bring help and hope to the devastated were so calloused, so hardened, so tired from the constant pull of the need that they simply ignored the situation entirely. My prayer for you is that you will not become weary in well doing. Be proactive in ensuring that is your story. There is a world that needs us.

I say, “the supremacist movement of any race is sinful in its origin.”

In considering this statement, it is important to begin from the starting point of – God has always been, is today, and forever will be. God said, “Let us make man in our image.” God was the Creator and man was the created. Adam was formed, and God breathed the breath of life into him.

The Supreme One in this picture was and is God. The subordinate was and is man… all mankind. In no way did God create any human superior to another. As individuals, we have different abilities and gifts, but our essence is the same. As races of humans, we share many common strengths and weaknesses. To value one race above another demands the devaluation of some of those created by God in favor of others. It is the devaluation of those Jesus died for because he died for all (2 Cor. 5:15). This is not only wrong in the context of culture but demonic in origin. A racist individual claiming Christianity is only fooling himself or herself. Forming a group with like-minded people does not justify one’s beliefs. It simply aids the deception.

The principle that all men are created equal is both Christian and American.

Scripture reveals that, as believers, we operate on two levels. As individuals, we work out our salvation and operate in our ministry functions. At the same time, we are one cohesive body of Christ joined with every other believer in the Kingdom of God. This is a unique reality that brings challenges but also great benefits. This means that while you may minister in a singular moment, seemingly standing by yourself, you are never alone.

As teams work together, there are always opportunities for conflict and misunderstandings to arise. It is human nature. We have the choice to be part of the solution or exacerbate the problem. I encourage you to choose to be a solution-finder! We must always remember that our fight is not with the people around us but with the spiritual forces fighting against God.

A short-term decision is usually better than no decision at all.

The whole plan is necessary to receive the whole benefit. Don’t pick the pieces you like and leave the rest thinking you are going to get the benefit of the whole plan!

We have a healthy diet in our home, but recently, we enjoyed a “cheat day.” It was a day of debauched eating! We indulged in several delicious deviations from our norm.

The next morning, Kristy and I sat in the living room, drinking our coffee. She looked at me and said, “You led me astray!”

I asked, “How did I do that?”

She responded, “You lead me into eating ice cream! Then you made me eat several slices of pizza. We then ended the evening with several blueberry muffins!”

I laughed and responded, “First, you made the muffins. Second, if I had been “leading you,” you would have also exercised for an hour!”

The retort was classic as she said, “Well, I’m not a cult follower.”

She wasn’t feeling too good simply because she had accepted part of the plan but not the whole plan! That never turns out well.

Many of us see a plan to do great things. We are smart enough to recognize its potential in our lives, so we adopt it into our world. Getting into the plan, we begin to feel its effects in our lives.

The initial effects of most plans cause us to feel stretched and uncomfortable. We are doing new things or old things in unusual ways. This causes us discomfort. Because we feel “full” and uncomfortable we decide to put off the next part of the plan.

While Kristy was feeling bad, I was feeling fine. Why? Because I finished living out the plan. You can periodically eat junk food without terrible effects by following through with a good workout!

You started this thing for a reason. Remember what it was and keep going!

I encourage you, follow through with the whole plan! Here are three points that will help you maximize your follow through:

1. Keep the end in mind.

It is most important to remember why you started when you are in the middle.

I have a friend that runs marathon races with his son. He said, “Sometimes the only thing that keeps me going in the middle of a race is anticipating the look on my son’s face when we cross the finish line together.”

You started this thing for a reason. Remember what it was and keep going!

2. Take baby steps if you have to.

Many of us work hard to get it done! Sometimes the effort to get it done can wear us down so much that finishing becomes an impossibility. Finishing a few minutes later is better than not finishing at all.

My uncle Barry Sutton is a wise man. Years ago he told me, “I have rarely regretted a decision I’ve been slow to make, but often regretted things I’ve rushed into. Being second to make a decision is rarely negative.”

Break down your decisions. Slow down and break the strides down into smaller steps if you need to.

3. Keep moving.

No matter how small the steps are if you keep moving you will finish. The greatest distance will be covered if you take one step at a time.

Sometimes I can’t make decisions about what needs to be done in five years or even five minutes. Sometimes the biggest decision I can make is to put my right foot in front of my left foot. Then I will decide to place my left foot in front of my right foot. There are times the steps must become that small for me to keep moving forward!

If you will keep moving you will finish the plan you’ve adopted!

The great news is that when you finish that plan all its benefits are released into your life. Anything that you can plan for you can do!

Recently, I read Psalms 138:8, which says, “The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” [NLT]. Notice that in a single verse, David declares a truth about God and his doubts about the very truth he declared. On one hand, he understood that the Lord would work out his plans for David’s life. On the other hand, David felt the need to cry out, “Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

Sometimes, even the strongest leaders struggle with the very things we declare. We know God has a plan, but we fear tomorrow because we don’t see the outcome. We sing about God’s power to break every chain but aren’t certain if He can break the chain in our lives. We declare God’s ability to handle anything life can throw at us and fight anxiety over the situation in our lives at the same time! This is neither unusual nor wrong.

Reliance doesn’t mean quitting. It means moving forward knowing that He is working on your behalf at the same time.

The calling of every leader is to declare things they have not seen. Every day, they lead others in battles they’ve not won themselves. This juxtaposition in life can cause leaders to operate feeling fake or insincere. It can cause people to speak down when trying to lead up. It can even cause leaders to walk away from leadership completely.

Here are three things to do when even you don’t believe what you are declaring. Thank you for allowing me to share them with you!

Recognize

Recognize that victories come through tests. As a leader, you are inviting others to live life with you. Thus, your tests are usually going occur when others are around. Leaders carry weight so others don’t have to carry it. Leaders remain strong enough to do what is right because it is right. I encourage you to develop at least one up-line relationship to whom you can express your issues. Your downline does not need to hear them.

Relax

Every leader before you has experienced this unique dynamic in leadership. In fact, the leaders you follow may be feeling this weight right now. You are not fake, you are real. You are dealing with life as you work to lead others in the great effort to succeed. God knew what you were dealing with before He called you. He still called you. Relax, He is going to help you deal with it.

Rely

Rely on God’s promise to work out His plan for your life. You don’t have to make something happen. Focus on doing your best today and trust that He will handle the situation you face. Reliance doesn’t mean quitting. It means moving forward knowing that He is working on your behalf at the same time.

You will lead people dealing with a multitude of issues. Some of their issues may be like your issues. Declare God’s faithfulness into their lives. Rejoice with them in their successes. Recognize the test we are in, relax knowing that we are not alone, and rely on God to work it out for good! Lead strong!

Leaders project strength. That is the goal, but it is not always the truth. It’s not that leaders are liars but that no one can always be strong in everything. Every leader has areas in which they are weak. The team leaders work with makes the difference between a leader whose weaknesses are liabilities and a leader whose weaknesses become strengths.

In my personal devotion time, I was reading about the death of Stephen. Stephen was so devoted to Christ and the church that he was willing to die. He did not die quietly. It struck me that while facing death, Stephen took the time to tell the story of Israel. As he described the great leader, Moses Stephen said, “…he was powerful in both speech and action.” [Acts 7:22; NLT]

Stephen was speaking to people who revered Moses and knew their history. This description should have seemed slightly off to these educated listeners. Moses was a great leader and powerful in action, but he was not a powerful speaker. Moses’ great weakness was his speech. In his first meeting with God, Moses said, “I can’t do what you are asking of me because I can’t speak. I stutter.” [My paraphrase] Moses recognized his area of weakness. He did not try to hide this but was using it as an excuse to avoid his leadership responsibilities. It would have worked if God did not have an answer.

I’ll paraphrase God’s response, “True, but I am with you and you can ask your brother Aaron to speak for you.” Thousands of years later, Stephen described Moses to educated men who were looking for a reason to kill him. Stephen said, “Moses was powerful in speech…”. More important still, Stephen mentions powerful speech before he mentions Moses actions. Parting the Red Sea, manna raining from the sky for years, and water coming from a rock on more than one occasion would seem to overshadow the strength of Moses’ stuttering speech, yet no one disagrees! Why did they recognize Moses’ weakness as strength?

Moses’ weakness became a strength when he allowed the team God gave him to carry the weight.

Moses’ weakness became a strength when he allowed the team God gave him to carry the weight. God gave Moses the words, Aaron spoke those words in Moses’ place, and Moses received the reputation as a powerful man in speech. This wasn’t wrong. This is everyone playing their part on the team.

There are three things that could have made this wrong:
1. Moses could have failed to recognize his weakness and operated in pride.
2. Moses could have taken credit instead of being given the credit.
3. Moses could have used the team’s efforts to further his own agenda.

There were also three things that made this right. You can follow these three steps to have the same thing happen in your life!
1. Moses did recognize his weakness.
2. Moses accepted the help of the team and the credit the team’s success brought.
3. Moses used the team to benefit the vision.

It is impossible for leaders to always speak from strength no matter how hard we work at doing so. There are times when what you have will not be enough. Fearing the discovery of weaknesses the temptation to hide them and fight for credit will arise. These are the critical moments that will define both your leadership potential and legacy.

If you allow your team to carry the burden your potential is long and legacy great. If you refuse to acknowledge your weaknesses and attempt to hide them from the world your potential and legacy will be short and unremarkable. You make that choice. If your team is successful you may receive the credit. That’s ok! Accept what is given and give what is required.

Moses is arguably the world’s greatest leader. Let’s follow his lead. His greatest weakness was described as one of his great strengths. By accepting his coaching, your great weakness may become your great strength too!

I’ve struggled to be consistent with personal devotion time for most of my life. I’ve been a pastor, teacher, and preacher for just under 25 years. Devotional time should have been simple for me, but it wasn’t. Engaging in study for sermon or lesson preparation dominated my time.

The danger in this was that preparation for lessons and sermons focused on others and kept the application of God’s word outside of myself. Personal devotion is the time for God to speak to me about me. I needed that to change. Devotion time became consistent in my life in 2013.

In the last few weeks, I’ve had several inquiries about how to develop this time. Some have asked how I engage in my personal devotional time. Allow me to outline my personal devotional process. I pray it helps you in your own pursuit of inspiration from scripture.

Maybe God is instructing or encouraging you. He could be revealing a new promise or even correcting you in a particular area of your life.

I became consistent in devotion time in October 2013 after meeting Pastor Wayne Cordeiro. He is the senior pastor of New Hope in Oahu, Hawaii. He introduced me to the S.O.A.P. method of doing devotions. He wrote about the reason behind this method in his book The Divine Mentor: Growing Your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior.

The simple and effective method works like this…

1. Choose a passage of scripture to read. I read the twelve-month chronological bible reading plan on YouVersion. Choose what works for you. Taking the “guesswork” out of the moment by choosing a structured plan has helped me. As you read, notice what idea springs to your mind. God will often speak to you through thoughts that align with His Word.
2. Write down your thoughts on the reading in the following pattern. I use the notes function on the YouVersion app. Others enjoy writing their thoughts on paper. It doesn’t matter how you journal your thoughts. It does matter that you are consistent.
3. Many wonder, “How do I know what to write?” Use the S.O.A.P method by following this outline.

S stands for Scripture: Look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

O stands for Observation: What caught your attention in this scripture? Was it a word or phrase? It could be an idea. In this step write down what you observe in the scripture.

A stands for Application: Personalize what you have read. Ask the Holy Spirit, “What are You saying to me through this scripture? Why did you bring it to my attention?” Ask yourself, “How does this scripture apply to my life right now?” Maybe God is instructing or encouraging you. He could be revealing a new promise or even correcting you in a particular area of your life. Whatever it may be, write down how you can apply this scripture to your life today.

P stands for Prayer: This is where you ask God to help you apply what He has revealed to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

I enjoyed the following devotional in March of 2016. It illustrates what I’ve outlined above.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 1:3 (NLT) “Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus,”

OBSERVATION:
Luke carefully investigated everything he had heard. He did not accept everything just because he heard. Before he accepted it as truth he had to do the investigation himself.

APPLICATION:
In my life I cannot afford to accept things just because I’ve heard them. I must be willing to put in the time, energy, and effort to find out if the things that I’ve heard are actually true. If they are true I must accept them. If they are not true I must refuse them. Truth is not determined by whether I like what I’ve heard or not, but whether or not it is reality.

PRAYER:
God, help me take the time needed to do proper investigation of truth. Help me not to become impatient or refuse to recognize truth simply because I may not like where it leads.

Pastor Wayne wrote the book The Divine Mentor to inspire all to engage in daily devotions. This method has made me successful in developing a daily devotional time with God and I’m better for it. This is a book everyone needs to read. You can buy The Divine Mentor here.

The greatest enemy many Next Level Leaders face is themselves. Every leader experiences hardships. Hardships develop a leader. There are situational hardships, relational hardships, cultural hardships, environmental hardships, and personal hardships. The job of a Next Level Leader is leading through each of these. It is a tragic moment to learn that the hardship faced is completely of our design.

In the early days of marriage, Kristy and I were both working. We had no children, rented a small apartment, and our expenses were low. They were low enough that my small income could cover all our bills as well as provide both clothing and food. This left Kristy’s entire paycheck available for saving or spending.

I wish I could say we developed a huge savings account and paid for our first house in cash, but that would be a lie. We could have saved, but we spent. We went places, did things, and enjoyed life.

The odd reality is that we never had enough money. When our car needed repair, we used a credit card. We outspent our income for years. Our reward was a large amount of credit card debt and no savings.

When we finally realized the cost of our actions, we were living in the wilderness called debt. No matter where we looked, there seemed to be no end to the vast wasteland. More devastating still was the understanding that we did not have to be there! We choose that way of living. We had arrived exactly where planned to be. This was a wilderness of our design.

We were losing, but we wanted to win! The day revelation dawned was the day we changed our plan.

The price of change is high, but it’s the only offer that has the possibility of a better outcome.

You created the wilderness you are living in. You walked there step by step through the choices you made. You carved the path with every decision made about money. You set its boundaries by determining which relationships you developed or let slip away. It’s time to change your plan!

Here are a few keys that allowed Kristy and I to revolutionize our life and lead a great team into success.

Key 1: Be willing to change your plan.

Many leaders see the problem they face but that the cost of change is high. The old phrase is, “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.” You are going to pay a price somewhere. You get to choose what price you pay!

The price of staying the same will increase the problem and offer no exit plan. It will maintain the status quo for a time, but it will all unravel.

The price of change is high, but it is the only offer that has the possibility of a better outcome.

Key 2: Make the commitment to work together.

Usually changing the plan means changing a lifestyle. Changing things that teams have become accustomed to is hard work. Changing the lifestyle of your team requires complete buy-in.

Be open about the situation. Don’t hide the issue, the plan, the cost, or the vision for victory. Your team cannot buy into a cause they don’t understand. Your team will not buy into a vision without a victory.

Key 3: Be bold enough to say, “NO!”

A leader will never progress without developing the ability to say, “NO!”. A plan will not change until you stop moving in the direction that is hurting your team.

Saying “no” to yourself first is the best way to lead your team into this new reality. Saying “no” to the team after personal sacrifice minimizes the negative impact. Their buy-in will mirror yours.

Key 4: Develop the strategic “Yes.”

You need wisdom for the strategic “yes”. Learning to say “no” will close the wrong doors. “Yes” takes advantage of the opportunities that are beneficial. Each “yes” must move the team toward the final goal of the organization. This means each must be specific in it’s intention.

Your life and leadership will go to the next level when you live with intention. The instant Kristy and I made the shift in our thinking life got better. Developing these four keys in your life will do the same for you!

You may remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. She was the little girl wandering alone in the woods when she happened across a small house. Entering the house, she saw three bowls of porridge. Eating out of each, she discovered that one was too hot, another too cold, and the third was just right. There were three beds on the second floor. Trying each of them, she decided that the first was too hard, the second was too soft, but the third was just right. Goldilocks approached the porridge and beds like most people approach leaders.

Goldilocks was determining what was best for herself. She was not considering that she was eating someone else’s porridge and judging someone else’s bed. People will encounter a leader’s personality and determine how it fits them. Even if it fits today, their needs and desires shift throughout their life. What is perfect today may be unacceptable in twelve short months.

Leadership is hard and soft at the same time and in the right places.

The mistake most leaders make is trying to fit every person and situation. Even if every bowl was adjustable and every bed a Sleep Number somebody would find a problem. The effort to achieve this unachievable goal is the death of many leaders.

In Ezekiel 32 God teaches the prophet the proper approach to leadership. He does so by giving a unique command to the prophet. God commands Ezekiel to weep over the nation He was judging. This lesson can help everyone go to the next level in their leadership.

God was not making a mistake in judging Egypt but wanted Ezekiel to care for the nation even as it was being judged. Leadership is hard and soft at the same time and in the right places. A Next Level Leader leads with a soft heart and a firm mind.

Let’s break this down…

1. God commanded Ezekiel to weep.

Weeping is a sign of a soft heart. Becoming callous to people and situations will limit a leader’s effectiveness. The old adage says, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

A leader who has the ability to weep with those who weep will never lack followers. Conversely, a hard-hearted leader may dominate for a time but will eventually walk alone.

2. The weeping did not change God’s mind.

A soft hearted leader is in danger of vacillating and achieving nothing. A Next Level Leader must be able to feel the weight of the decision without changing the decision. Doing what is right, knowing the cost, is the ultimate weight of leadership.

The military leader orders the charge knowing some solders will die. The business leader decides to hire or fire recognizing the risks involved. The spiritual leader speaks truth understanding it may not be accepted. The Next Level Leader is sensitive to the cost of achievement and moves forward anyway.

The soft heart that lacks a firm mind will be a great friend and lead no one.

I want to be where the people are
I want to see
want to see ’em dancin’
Walkin’ around on those
(Whad’ya call ’em?) oh – feet

These are the lyrics from the song Part Of Your World sung by Ariel in the classic Disney story The Little Mermaid. It is a song of dreams, hopes, and aspirations. It is a song from a young girl’s heart who sees a life beyond what is familiar. It is a soaring song with heights reaching far above anything Ariel understands. It’s a song that most Next Level Leaders are familiar with. Your song has different lyrics, but the sentiment is exactly the same.

I heard the song recently while attending a school play my son was part of. This hearing brought a new appreciation for the story as I saw it through the eyes of a leader. There’s much to learn from what seems to be a simple story.

Here are two major takeaways every leader can use:

The only thing known about the unknown is that there will be a price to pay.

As I write this blog, I’m watching the sunrise. Looking across the backyard, I can see the black of night fading into grays, oranges, and yellows. Light is peaking through the limbs of the trees, and the top of the sun is just beginning to crest over the barn’s roof. It is a beautiful sight. While this is happening, I have a running soundtrack in my mind. There is no music playing, but I can hear the orchestra playing. The strings are plucked as the light filters through branches, the flutes and piccolos joining in with the birds as they sing. It is not real but an internal soundtrack heralding the day. The soundtrack is upbeat, light, and airy. This is going to be a good day.

The power of a soundtrack can easily be seen in the film industry. In this video on Now You See It’s YouTube channel, the creator reveals the power of a soundtrack in an enlightening video titled How Film Scores Play with Our Brains.  The talented author reveals by explaining an example of how a soundtrack can change everything.

As a leader, you are writing the score with your words, actions, and attitude. Nothing the Next Level Leader does is without effect.

This is true in your world as well. When you do something you love, you might turn on uplifting, jamming music. If things are not going well, the world can hear the doleful sounds of sorrow emanating from your speakers. This is normal and natural.

A relatively new method of film craft, however, is to do away with the musical score completely. Doing so gives the viewer a more “real life” feeling, leaving out the manufactured emotions the soundtrack creates. Personally, I don’t like it.

The soundtrack sets the tone, and without it, the moment seems to fail to rise to the extent of its potential. We just don’t get everything out of the moment we could without the music pushing us toward that place. The tone is not set, thus a tragedy with a comedic soundtrack results in conflicting emotions and confusion.

Next Level Leadership provides the soundtrack for the life of their team.

What soundtrack do you want to provide to those around you? To help you answer that question, ask these following questions:

1. What kind of story are you determined to tell?

The soundtrack to a horror show differs vastly from that of a heroic adventure.

2. What feeling do you want others to carry with them after spending time with you?

The music heard at the closing of the scene has everything to do with how people walk away.

3. What would you like to see the cast around you achieve?

The soundtrack you provide will either provide a tower on which they will stand or a sea in which they will drown.

As a leader you are writing the score with your words, actions, and attitude. Nothing the Next Level Leader does is without effect. An “attaboy” in the right moment can lift the spirit to new heights while a annoyed look or snide remark can bring a low moment lower. A kind word in a moment of failure can lift the spirit enough to try again. The negative word can take the joy out of a great win.

We could take a lesson from scripture and say, “speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) Providing the right soundtrack will elevate your team and accomplish your goals more effectively.

There is no doubt that you will not always feel like providing the uplifting smile or encouraging remark, but you are a leader. The soundtrack is not there to impact the musician or director. The soundtrack exists to transport the hero and audience to success and achieve the greater goal.

Next Level Leaders have a greater goal than themselves in mind. The score they provide is pushing toward that goal. Don’t let your team go through their day without a soundtrack. Encourage them. Lift them up. Why? Because that’s what a Next Level Leader does!

A Next Level Leader shines brightest when trouble is greatest. In the darkest of places, the smallest of lights seem bright. A Next Level Leader is a bright light in the darkness of an uncertain world.

As I wrote in a previous blog, I recently discovered my life message. It is woven through my everyday life without me even thinking about it. It makes its way into my conversations without effort. When I told Kristy…my wife of over 19 years, about it, she didn’t even blink because I talk about it all the time. My life message is, “God did, so you can.”

What do I mean by that?

Everything about scripture reveals that God did, so you can! Philippians 4:13 says it this way, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It can’t get any clearer than that!

God’s promise does not make everything easy, but it does make the impossible, possible.

*Recorded at Grace Church Humble Campus on September 4, 2016

You have a purpose. God designed you with a specific plan in mind.

We are all called, collectively, to fulfill the great commission. We each have crucial roles to play. We have destinies to fulfill. I believe that each of us contains a God-embedded life message that has been divinely placed into our souls

Your life message is the unique, God-ordained spark, providing the catalyst for action in your life. Your life message will inspire, provoke, challenge, and even condemn you.

Your life message inspires you to stretch to accomplish goals that seem unachievable. It provokes you to action when sitting back would be easier. It challenges your thinking to expand. Your life message will condemn you when your life does not align with the declaration God has placed within you!

A few months ago, I discovered my life message. This message can be seen in everything I do. It is woven through the tapestry of my daily thoughts. It is heard in the vocabulary I use and the attitudes I adopt. I was so moved by the revelation that I immediately called Kristy, my wife of almost nineteen years, to tell her about it. When I shared this amazing news, she responded with a short, “Of course.”

I asked, “What do you mean, ‘of course’?”

She said, “Anyone who knows you would know that is the message of your life. You talk about it all the time!”

Well…here I go again. The message of my life is “God did, so you can.” This is the all-encompassing revelation that empowers, convicts, and directs my life. Sharing that truth is the focus of my existence.

God created the earth so you can exist
God saved Noah so you can be here today
God called Abraham so you can claim the promise of Abraham
God sent His Son so you can be saved
God gave you a life plan [scripture] so you can live a great life
God sent His Spirit so you can be empowered to effect change in the world

Everything about scripture reveals that God did, so you can! Philippians 4:13 says it this way, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It can’t get any clearer than that!

Some may say, “The focus of life should be Christ…not you!” I agree. Because God revealed Himself in Christ, you and I have the ability to know Him and worship Him. If God had not revealed Himself, we would not know who or what to worship. Again, God did, so you can!

Anytime I talk about what God did to empower you to live out His will, I get excited. I am passionate about what is possible! This is the message that God is consistently speaking from my life.

That is my life message. What is yours?

When you know your life’s message you can answer the question, “What message is God declaring through your life?”

A Next Level Leader is most effective when they leave no doubt about where they are going or how they are going to get there.

In this series of posts, I am revealing three leadership examples every leader lives out while working with their team.

Most leaders desire to unmute their leadership and lead strong. The struggle is that their words, lessons, and rants aren’t really making a difference in team performance. If that is you, your leadership may be muted. You are saying the right things, but your team can’t hear you. The example you live out is impacting the team more than the words you are saying. It’s time to unmute your leadership.

The first example you lead with is your confession. The second example you lead through is your correction. The third team-impacting example you give is your direction.

Clear direction produces a healthy team. The converse is also true. An unclear team is an unhealthy team.

How you lead in direction will determine the health and effectiveness of your team. Your downline will duplicate the example you give them. If you are unclear, your whole organization will eventually reflect that reality.

Changing yourself is the only way to ensure your weaknesses don’t become the weaknesses of the entire organization you lead.

A Next Level Leader is strongest when they handle negative things in a positive way.

In my last post, I connected with leaders who want to unmute their leadership. Leaders are often frustrated by the fact that their words, lessons, and rants aren’t making a difference in the lackluster performance of their team. Your problem may be that your leadership is muted. You are saying the right things, but your team can’t hear you. The screaming reality of your example is drowning out your words. The most impactful lessons you will ever teach will be taught as others see what you do vs hear what you say.

In this series of posts, I am revealing three examples of how every leader lives out while leading their team.

The first example you lead with is your confession. The second example you lead through is your correction.

A leader can make or break a team by how they exemplify correction.

At some point, every leader will be tasked with the correction of a team member. Improper correction will mute your leadership and make you less effective. Both you and your team will suffer because of it.

The examples of improper correction are many. In this world of abuse at every level, people are too familiar with the pain, embarrassment, and discouraging effects of poorly executed correction. The result of poor correction is the reduction of influence in that person or team’s life. That leader has been muted.

Care enough to be clear.

Jesus was the world’s greatest leader. He began without a birthright and started the greatest movement the world has ever known. His legacy remains strong today and still grows in strength, influence, and pure numbers. Yes, Jesus is still the greatest leader because he is still alive, and how he lived out his life shows us something unique about Next Level Leadership.

I began thinking about this when I read about the reunion of the movie High School Musical cast. On Wednesday, the 20th of January, it was one of the highest search terms used in Google. Over 200,000 people searched for information on the reunion within a few hours of its announcement. That number was just a drop in the ocean of people impacted by the movie.

Yes, the global response to High School Musical was incredible. A USA Today article reported Monique Coleman, who played Gabriella’s nerdy best friend Taylor McKessie, as saying, “Throughout the years, there have been so many young people that have come up to me and said that, ‘This movie is the reason I believe that I can do something that I didn’t know I could do.’”

Personally speaking, I could understand that statement if it had been directed toward Daniel Day-Lewis. His role as President Abraham Lincoln in the movie Lincoln certainly inspired me to become a better leader. I confess, however, that I struggled to recognize the reason for the impact of High School Musical.

It caused me to ask the questions: “Why did this movie connect with so many people in such a powerful way? What leadership lessons can we learn from its success?”

I realized that Jesus and High School musical both have a few things in common. These commonalities could explain why they both successfully lead people and impact culture. They are as follows:

1. They both connect to the inner heart of humanity.
Your social role may not reflect your inner heart. I’m guessing that most people feel that way. Maybe they are sitting at the accounting desk eight hours a day, but they are dreaming of making the big sale or moving into an artistic endeavor. Their education, connections, and experience have them in a place that is financially successful, but their heart is not engaged.

Troy and Gabriella were both successful parts of their peer groups. He was the basketball star, and she was joining the scholastic decathlon team, but both of them longed to sing. One may think, “Being a basketball star would be awesome!”, but not if singing was in your heart.

Jesus spoke to people who were captives in their own country. Israel was ruled by Rome and not by choice. They wanted to be free, but there was no earthly way that could ever become reality. Jesus spoke to them and said, “…if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” [John 8:36] Millions of people have connected both to Jesus and this movie because they feel trapped by a social order. They are doing what needs to be done, but their heart is far from engaged. The Next Level leader speaks to that reality in their lives.

Questions: How are you speaking to the inner heart of those you lead?

2. They both speak to the possibility a dream.
Troy and Gabriella were caught between what was and what could be. They remained in the cliques they had been invited into, but they recognized a bigger world. They knew their future did not have to look like their present.

Jesus offered the same thing to his followers. The world they lived in didn’t have many opportunities for advancement. If these fishermen and outcasts wanted more out of life something drastic was going to have to take place. “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” [Matthew 19:26]

A leader looks for the opportunity to tap into the dream of the one they are leading. They are relied upon to see past the mundane reality of what is and speak to what could be.

Questions: What potential do you see in the people you are leading? Do you speak to that potential?

3. They both explore the dark reality of betrayal.
Just when everything seemed to be going so well, the cliques begin to fear losing Troy and Gabriella. The basketball team tricked Troy into saying terrible things about Gabriella, and their relationship seemed to be over. More drama erupts when Gabriella decides to give up on auditioning for the musical. In the movie the betrayal was couched in love.

Jesus was betrayed with a kiss. [Luke 22:48]

A leader addresses the issues of disappointment and betrayal. Everyone faces both at some time. Leading well through betrayal is a fundamental requirement for a Next Level Leader.

Questions: How do you handle disappointment and betrayal? Are you willing to forgive and move forward? How do you speak to that reality in the lives of those you lead?

One more note on this subject. Bishop Franklin Jones was dying of cancer. There are fewer greater betrayals than that of the body turning on itself to the point of death. When he realized God was going to transition him to Heaven, he gathered his sons and told them, “I’ve shown you how to live, and now I’m going to show you how to die.” A leader leads no matter the disappointment or betrayal.

4. They both result in ultimate victory.
Fear not! Not only do Troy and Gabriella win their respective competitions, but they secure the lead roles in the school play. There is a huge celebration in the gym to commemorate the school’s great achievements. Victory is achieved!

Jesus looked like he was down for the count. The stone had been rolled in front of the tomb in which he was laid. There seemed to be no hope for those who followed this incredible leader. That despair lasted until the third day. It is almost impossible to think about the level of hope brought by the one you follow arising from their grave. Jesus spoke victory and he delivered victory. [1 Corinthians 15:3-8]

A leader who speaks to what could be, but never delivers is soon standing alone. Those who follow you may not see the victory until you point it out. It is your privilege and responsibility to recognize your victories and celebrate them fully! Everyone loves a story with a good ending. Make sure you lead into ultimate victory!

Question: What victories has your team experienced in the past 30 days? Have you celebrated that victory? How will you celebrate?

You may be leading a Fortune 500 company, a store front church, or just yourself. It doesn’t matter who you are leading; the principles remain the same. The leader who speaks to the needs of those following will always have a following. Be sure you are leading to the Next Level.

“I have a dream…” is one of the most well-known phrases from a speech given by anyone at any time. It rivals the first lines of the Deceleration of Independence in the minds and lives of those born and raised in the United States of America. The man who said those words is among the greatest Next Level Leaders of all time. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. inspired an oppressed people to rise up and a dominant people to change their views of what should be. On this day of remembrance, I honor the virtue of his cause and the value of his life. The world is a better place because Dr King was part of it.

There are many lessons to be learned from Dr King’s life. Here are five that will help you get to your next level:

1. See the extraordinary.
He saw the day when “little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers”*. There is no progress without a dream.
To achieve your next level, you must be able to see past what is and into what could be. Dr King had a dream because he could see a possibility that others could not see. What possibilities do you see for your life? When was the last time you allowed yourself to dream? Can you see the extraordinary becoming reality in your life?

2. Recognize reality.
Doctor King was not blinded by an unrealistic understanding of the situation. He was deeply and personally aware of the realities he was facing. There can be no “next level” without the recognition of the current level.

To move forward you must know where you are. How else can you accurately judge your progress? Don’t fall into the trap of ignoring reality. Doing so will only slow your movement forward. Do you recognize your reality? Can you summarize your current situation with clarity? Knowing where you are will help you navigate to where you are going.

3. Don’t lash out and never bow down.
His was a revolution of noncompliance. He never bowed down, accepting the current situation, but refused to be pushed to violence or hatred. He championed the applying of steady pressure against the intolerable until it gave way to the acceptable. The acceptable was pressured until it revealed the incredible. The Next Level will rarely be sustained if gained by harsh or sudden means.

Weight loss achieved by refusing to eat for a month is usually regained once eating resumes. Information memorized for a test by last minute cramming may pass the test, but will often be forgotten soon after. Your Next Level is too important to be gained and lost quickly. Resist the urge to make sudden, radical changes. Don’t lash out and don’t bow down. Instead, apply steady pressure. Lean into your Next, and the steady pressure will result in long lasting life change. You may find yourself many steps higher than you thought you would ever go.

4. Speak to what could be.
My pastors, brothers Brett and Scott Jones, often say, “Words create worlds.” Dr King’s words created much of the world we live in today. He knew that speaking only to the terrible reality that existed would do nothing to inspire change. Change is only inspired by consistently repeating the dream of what could be.

To what are you speaking in your life? What worlds are your words creating? Do you verbalize your dreams or keep them bottled up inside? I encourage you to write down your dream and repeat it often. Repeat it often even if it’s only to yourself. Speak what could be into your life. Your Next Level depends on it.

5. Don’t do it alone.
The list of men and women who worked with Dr Martin Luther King Jr is long. There were many black Americans as well as many white Americans who joined the cause he so eloquently spoke for. His dream of hands being held across racial boundaries was coming to pass within the movement he championed. It was from there that it move out into the world around them. Movement to the Next Level is rarely accomplished alone.

Who are you connected to? To quote Pastor Scott Jones, “Life moves at the speed of relationship.” It is impossible to lift yourself by yourself. When you speak your dream others will decide to join your cause. Be careful who you let speak into your dream, but refuse the temptation to stand alone. By letting others in you will multiply your chance of success many times over.

Dr King’s life is a great example of what is possible to achieve from a life lived dedicated to experiencing the Next Level. Follow his lead and achieve the Next Level in your life.

*”I Have A Dream…” speech given in 1963 Copyright Martin Luther King Jr.

Next Level Leadership is a big statement. It indicates that Micah Sutton can somehow lead people to the next level God has for them in their lives. It is a big statement, and it is completely true. I am a Next Level Leader.

Next Level Leadership is about helping someone move to their next level. Moses was a Next Level Leader. He took people out of slavery and led them to become a nation. Joshua was a Next Level Leader who led a wandering people into becoming a stabilized and land-owning nation. Each time, this was the “next level” for Israel.

I don’t believe I’m either Moses or Joshua to a nation, but I may be either of them to someone… or hopefully a few someones.

Next Level Leadership is about helping someone move to their next level.

You can afford anything God is calling you to. If God has called you to build a multinational business, a large sanctuary, or a quaint coffee house, you can afford to make it happen. Not because you are rich but because of God’s mercy.

The Law God gave Moses was very tough. It was so tough that Paul the apostle revealed that no one could live up to that law. That’s why God gave the law of sacrifice. The one who desired a relationship with God would bring an offering to the Tabernacle and give it to God. Their sacrifice would be the payment for their sin. In most areas, what God said was final, but God made one exception.

In Leviticus 14:21, God said, “But anyone who is too poor and cannot afford these offerings…” (NLT). God gave a substitute for His original law. He so wanted His children to be successful that he graded on a curve based on personal economy! Remember, God was so specific that He literally specified which finger the priest was to use in offering a certain sacrifice. In this situation, however, God said, “This is what I want, but I’ll tell you what I will accept if that’s what you can afford.” The most incredible part of the story is that the results were the same. The one who could pay it all was no more forgiven than the one who was thankful for the curve.

God is more concerned with your success than in judging you for failure.

What you do matters. You can launch someone forward or hold them back from progress. Recognizing that fact is critical to being a leader. Avoiding mistakes is preferable, but everyone makes mistakes sometimes. What do you do when you have done something so big that it has stopped everyone around you from moving forward?

Miriam, Moses’ sister, could enlighten us on that subject. She had criticized God’s appointed leader, and God was angry. As a result, she developed leprosy, which, in those days, was incurable. Moses and Aaron both pleaded for Miriam’s life. God spared her, but there were consequences for her actions.

Scripture says, “But the LORD said to Moses, ‘…keep her outside the camp for seven days, and after that she may be accepted back.’ So Miriam was kept outside the camp for seven days, and the people waited until she was brought back before they traveled again.” (Numbers 12:14-15)

What must have been like to have the entire population of Israel waiting on you to live out the negative effects of your sin? No one could move forward for seven days because of what Miriam had done. Everyone knew her sin, and everyone was paying a price for it.

Maybe you have made a terrible mistake in your life. It may seem like you are fighting for your life. Stop fighting.

Here are four steps to moving past your greatest mistakes:

Those you lead need you to be healthy.

How many 11-day miracles have you turned into a 40-year journey? Your choices can change the blessing of God into a trial. That is exactly what Israel did when God delivered them from Egypt.

Moses said, “Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea, going by way of Mount Seir.” (Deuteronomy 1:2-3 NLT) The key word here is “normally”. Israel changed what God meant as a temporary transition into a permanent placement for a whole generation.

How awesome it would have been for the generation that walked out of Egypt to walk into the promised land! Their life would have been easier. Their children would have started off stronger. Their nation would have been in perfect alignment with God’s plan for their lives.

Don’t change God’s plans for your life. Step into them on the timeline He has designed for you!
Here are three ways you can walk into your promise on God’s timeline:

God will never bring you out of one thing without ushering you into your next thing.

*Recorded at Grace Church Humble Campus on August 12, 2015