Understanding Relevant Leadership:

• Everyone is called to lead.  Each one lead one.
• Leadership starts in the here and now.
• Lead in a way that relates to those who are following.
• Relevant leadership inspires not requires.
• A true leader leads with a vision not a need.  (Prov.29:18 Where there is no vision the people perish.)
• Relevant Leaders don’t just lead, they teach others to lead.
• Relevant Leadership meets more than just needs.
• Everything rises and falls on leadership.
• Lead in a way that leads to life change.

Amazing Example of Leadership by the Prophet Elijah.  Read 1 Kings 18:1-2, 20-46

The Core of Relevant Leadership:

1. Expectation (v.1-2) Vision inspires and passion expects.

2. Preparation (v.20-35) If you fail to prepare you prepare to fail.

3. Perspiration (v.32-33a)  Anything worth doing is going to require work and hardship.

4. Participation (v.33b-35)  The greater our unity the greater our impact.  All of us are better than anyone of us.

5. Presentation  (v.30a, 36-38) You have to step out to find out. (Walk 2×4) (Not performance)

6. Posture (v.41-42) Lead from your knees.   Power in prayer

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12

Leadership begins with having a Biblical understanding of faith.  Are you trusting God, or are you allowing the famine and drought to hold you back.

What about the famine and drought in your life?

Are you expecting God to deliver you?  Are you making preparations to receive the rain?  What is your posture toward God? 

When you can’t see the rain, don’t lose hope.  Continue to look at what God is doing in your life.  It may even begin with a small glimpse of a cloud. (v.43-45)

When you lead with boldness and relevance, God’s hand will be upon you. (v.46)

Our first Core Value is “Real Love” – Love God Passionately and Love Others Compassionately

In Mark 2:1-2 we are give a beautiful picture of what “Real Love” really looks like.

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6. Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?  10. But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12. And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”     (Mark 2:1-12 ESV)

Passion: They had a passion to see Jesus and hear the Word of God.  V.1-2

Compassion: They had compassion on the paralytic and brought him to Jesus v.3 (Greek Paralyticos)

Passion: They were determined to get this man in the house v.4

Passion of Jesus: Forgave of Sins v.5 (Passion of Christ) Jesus saw their faith (Greek Pestis – conviction, passion, compassion)

No Compassion: Scribes v.6-9

Compassion of Jesus: Healed the paralytic v.10-12

“We never saw anything like this!” v.12

Apply V.A.L.U.E. to the Value of this story, and personalize it:

Vision – Do you believe God is going to use you to love the unloved?  In order to love the unloved you have to first love yourself, and in order to love yourself you have to love God.  This is where value begins.  What is your vision of yourself?  You have to valyou in order to value.  You can’t valyou if you let others define you.  How does God see you? Hate your insecurities.

Attitude – Be confident, but not conceited.  Humble people do not think less of themselves, they just think of themselves less. Passion without Compassion is Pride.  Reclaim your mind over negative thinking.

Leadership – What steps are you personally taking to passionately love God more intensely, and compassionately love others greater.

Unity – We all have to get on the same page and love people.  From the moment we walk in the church doors to the moment we step out into the mission field.

Excellence – Stop doing stuff half-donkeyed.  Laziness and Convenience kills excellence.

2 Characteristics of Spiritual Paralytics

1. Preferences
2. Conveniences

Preferences paralyze Passion

Conveniences cripple Compassion

Put aside your preferences and crucify your conveniences.  “I am crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Galatians 2:20

• God continues to show himself faithful.
• The theme that has defined my life as of late is trust.  Am I fully trusting God and the people he has put in my life to accomplish his purpose.  Too often pastors try to carry a load by themselves God never intended for them to carry alone.
• We wrapped up the foundation series a few weeks ago, and I am excited about our 2 part Mosaic series.  Last week we took some broken plates and tiles and had everyone contribute a piece to the mosaic art.  It turned out amazing.  We will use it as a center piece at our new location in April.
• The next big thing we have coming up is planning our Easter weekend experience.  We have decided to include Good Friday, and plan to have our first communion service as a church.  I want to keep it simple.  Maybe some candles, homemade unleavened bread, wine and juice, and a time filled with prayer and repentance.  Reverence will be our focus. I want to keep Easter Sunday simple as well since we are only a few months into our planning process.
• We are a matter of weeks away from having to find a new location to have our planning meeting and worship.  We have found a location and hope to put down our deposit in the next few weeks.  One of the biggest obstacles we face is finding chairs to use.  Renting is out of the question, and most churches I know would be unable to let us borrow any for the time we need.  I have spent a lot of time praying about this, and sure enough God came through.  I came across an ad tonight for 70 chairs and 9 tables for $385.  I priced these exact chairs online, and they totaled over $2000.  I go to pick them up tomorrow.
• I am so excited about the salvation our church experienced a few weeks ago, and the addition of baby Chance Edward Ramirez and his upcoming baby dedication.
• I am so proud of our leaders and volunteers at Restore Life Church.  At most churches 10% or less of the church serves.  At Restore Life we are the opposite – 90% serve .
• I’m not a big numbers guy, but we had a high attendance of 31 a few weeks ago.  We are expecting another attendance record  breaker this Sunday.  Pray God blows the doors open!!
• Four areas our church plant has to creatively excel: 1. Leadership and Teaching  2. Hospitality and Greeting  3. Atmosphere and Aesthetics  4. Outreach and Service
• Learned this a long time ago from my Pastor Shannon O’dell:  ”You can tell a lot about a church by their bathrooms.”  So true.
• We are praying about starting a monthly marriage workshop call “Restore Romance”.  My wife Katie is really excited about this.

I could go on forever so I think I will stop there.  Long story short, God is working!!

If you do not have a church home you should prayerfully consider joining us, or visit us online at RestoreLifeChurch.com.  We meet Sundays at 11:00am at Beaver Lake Aviation, Rogers Arkansas. (Rogers Airport)

Classes will be held on a quarterly 9-10 Week basis with a special emphasis class/certification to finish each quarter up. The program will consist of 10 different levels of certification, and at the completion of each level students should have an understanding of many self-defense techniques, survival skills, trapping and hunting, stalking, bushcraft, primitive weapons, medicinal and edible plants, survival fishing, navigation, and basic tactical and firearm training. Many other topics will be discussed.

Ideal participants will be ages 10 and up. (Mature 8-9 y.0. will be considered) Men and women alike are encouraged to join. Classes will be held at various locations throughout Benton County, Arkansas.

Check out the RESTORE LOST ARTS PAGE for more details, and also “Like” us on Facebook.

 PRIMITIVE – PRACTICAL – PREPARED

I am praying…

1. for God to move in ways that I have never experienced before.  
2. for greater vision than I am capable of envisioning.
3. for a platform of influence that allows me to have a greater impact in my community.
4. for a more passionate marriage that encourages others.
5. for an attitude of humility and honor.
6. for the wisdom to balance my time evenly with my kids, and the patience to love them and instruct them prior to reproof.
7. for the discernment to lead boldly without excuse.
8. for a deeper intimacy in my prayer time.
9. for perseverance to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
10. for the strength to commit to multiple periods of fasting.
11. for a fresh perspective on  the needs and hurts of those around me.
12. for a better understanding of grace, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration.
13. for a spirit of victory. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57

What are you enVISIONing for 2013?

If you fail to envision, your vision will fail.

• We all have a vision for what the perfect Christmas would look like if everything went our way, but the reality is Christmas is not about you or me.  It is about Christ.  God’s precepts, principles, purpose, and plan takes priority over our preferences.
• Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18).  You may feel like this Christmas couldn’t get any worse, but realize God doesn’t waste suffering.  The suffering you are experiencing right now will make you or break you.  You choose.  I love what Deut. 30:19-20 says about choosing between life or death, or blessing or cursing.  It is up for you to decide.  The same applies to this Christmas.  You are the one that will decide if this Christmas will be a blessing or a curse.
• The only way to experience the dream Christmas you hope to achieve in the future, is to relinquish the ghost of Christmas past.  Stop letting your past haunt you.
• You are not defined by your present circumstances.  You can have more burden than any one individual should have to bear, and still make the best of this Christmas.  Keep your heart fixed on Jesus, and your mind set on God’s Word.
• God never promised comfort or convenience. God promises peace – Peace on Earth and goodwill to men.
• Remember that when your feelings begin to overwhelm you, that feelings are misleading, but Biblical Truth is steadfast.   Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding – feelings (Prov. 3:5-6).
• Don’t expect your kids to be grateful and generous, if you’re not publicly displaying gratitude and generosity.
• Remember to relax.  Kick back, sip on some egg-nog (spiked or unspiked up to you ), listen to some Christmas music, and celebrate God’s provision and protection.
• If your feeling lucky pull your spouse under some mistletoe, and show them some Holiday love.
• Hug your children, and don’t forget to let kids be kids.  In fact, stop and remember what it was like when you were a kid – imagination, creativity, fantasy, and the magic of Christmas.
• Hold your head high, and get ready for an awesome 2013.
• Shameless plug: Make plans to attend Restore Life Church’s Vision XIII (13).

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE WILLIAMS FAMILY!!

Zombies have become a popular form of entertainment, because I think many of us can relate to them; walking around feeling dead inside.  I am guilty of it myself, but when I do start feeling that way I am quick to remind myself of who I have dwelling inside of me.  I have the Spirit of God inside of me, and I have everything to live for.  One of the best deterrents from mediocrity and settling for less is to always be setting goals and high standards for yourself.  You may not always meet your goals, but be sure to celebrate when you do.  God desires the best for you, and His best is not always an end result, but sometimes it is found within the experience.  The same applies to your goals and standards.  You’re going to fail and screw up; it is inevitable, but have you ever stopped and asked yourself – “What does God want me to learn from this.”  Sometimes His best is in experiencing your worst.  It is an accumulation of our values and experiences that make us who we are. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

Here is my challenge…

• Don’t settle
• Continually challenge yourself
• Search for the significance in the insignificant
• Discover God’s best in your worst
• Lead in spite of circumstance
• Strive, strive, and strive again

What are you striving for?

STRIVE /striv/  1. Make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.  2. Struggle or fight vigorously. 3. Experience great endeavor   dictionary.com

12 PRINCIPLES TO EXPERIENCING THE PRESENT OF CHRIST PRESENCE

G IVE EXPENSIVE (Valuable and of great cost) GIFTS

O PTIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES – Be intentional and accomplish significant task

D E-CLUTTER & ORGANIZE your life.  Un-hoard

S IMPLIFY & DO LESS – Requires removing things from your schedule (soccer, dance, etc.)

-

P LAN YOUR PERFECT LIFE – Dream big – Milestones. What you believe you will achieve.

R ESTORE RELATIONSHIPS & SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES

E XPECT BIG THINGS – Poverty mindsets & negative perspectives. Be passionate & positive.

S TOP & BREATHE – Realize God is in control.

E XPRESS EXPECTATIONS – Stop assuming everyone knows what you expect.

N OURISH YOUR MARRIAGE – Be intimate (in to mate) – Date your mate.

C UT THE CRUD – Grow up.  “I’m gonna take my ball and go home.”

E XPERIENCE CHRIST PRESENCE IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE   -   EMMANUEL Christ w/ Us

BECAUSE OF THE PRESENT OF CHRIST PRESENCE WE HAVE THE GIFT OF:

HOPE:        ISAIAH 9:2, 6-7                      O’ COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

JOY:          LUKE 2:1-20                          JOY TO THE WORLD

LOVE:        MATTHEW 2:1-12                  OH HOLY NIGHT

PEACE:     JOHN 14:27; 16:33                  SILENT NIGHT

ETERNAL LIFE:    JOHN 3:16                   WHAT CHILD IS THIS

Feel free to apply and share these principles.  Attached below is the Leader and Student Guides for this lesson plan.  Use them to God’s glory.

THE PRESENT OF CHRIST PRESENCE LEADER

THE PRESENT OF CHRIST PRESENCE STUDENT

I am thankful for:

1. My amazing wife who loves me unconditionally.  She is God’s greatest blessing in my life. 
2. My adorable kids who bring me so much joy.  They teach me more about myself everyday.
3. My awesome friends and family.  I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to surround myself with.
4. My ambitious church Restore Life, where people are excited about growing in their faith and serving the Lord.
5. My audacious God who is more than enough. 

The list could go on forever, but I find reflecting on the essentials makes me appreciate everything else that much more.  I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving day!!  What are you thankful for?

Why plant a new church in a community that already has so many churches?

I would love to be able to tell you, because we have some extraordinary strategic plan that no one else knows about, but the reality is simple.

1. God told me to.
2. I feel led to reach the bent, bound, and broken.  Restore Life Church is about reaching the fringe and outcast, the forgotten and forsaken.
3. Let’s be honest… certain people are going to reach certain people.  There is a church for everyone, and your church may not be it.  A new church may be exactly what and who it takes to reach certain individuals.  Also, planting a new church is the fastest way to fulfill the great commission.
4. It is my prayer to see Northwest Arkansas so over-saturated with churches and the Gospel of Christ that you can’t help but experience the power of the Holy Spirit.  I believe the local church is the hope of the world.  It is time that churches start acting like it.  Let’s stop our bickering about who has what territory, and just work together to reach a lost and dying world. 

Here is the fact.  We need your support.  I need you to be praying for us.  I need you be encouraging us, and I need you to consider financially supporting us.  I’m not going to ask for some superficial amount.  I’m simply asking that you pray about whether or not God is leading you to financially give to this ministry.  It could be a one time gift or a recurring gift. Also, if your church is would consider giving to Restore Life Church I would love to come and share our heart and vision with your congregation.

“REACHING THE BENT, BOUND, & BROKEN.”