"If I appear great in their eyes, the Lord is most graciously helping me to see how absolutely nothing I am without Him, and helping me to keep little in my own eyes. He does use me. But I am so concerned that He uses me and that it is not of me the work is done. The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it and he used it. The moment he throws it aside; it becomes only old iron. O that I may never lose sight of this."
- Samuel Brengle (diary entry)
Showing posts with label Rafael Castillo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rafael Castillo. Show all posts
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Monday, August 06, 2012
Evolution of Assignment
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Let's trace the evolution of Peter's assignment together.
1. Peter’s revelation comes from God. When we “get it” – it’s because the Holy Spirit turns on the light bulb, figuratively speaking. I’m all for reading, learning and studying but knowledge by itself is only half the battle. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in the right way – and that takes revelation from the Holy Spirit! According to Jesus, Peter answered correctly ONLY because his Father in heaven revealed it to him!
2. Peter’s revelation led to an assignment. To whom much is given much is required. I’ve discovered that God doesn’t allow us to see things, learn things or know things without a responsibility and purpose. Peter goes from revelation to assignment: on this rock (Peter), I’m going to build my church. What an honor it is when God gives us an assignment in his kingdom work.
3. Peter’s assignment comes with authority. God is not going to reveal Himself, His purpose without giving us the keys - which denotes authority to fulfill our assignments. If I say you can borrow my car, I must leave you the keys – giving you the access and authority to drive the vehicle. Jesus was giving Peter the keys, empowering him (and us) to build His church. Jesus will give us what we need to get the job done. Be encouraged!
4. Peter’s God given authority resulted in spirit empowered deliverables. When God reveals Himself, His purpose and grants us the keys – something on earth should look different. Peter's post pentecost sermon, Cornelius house visit, church letters and the like influenced his known world. Earth was impacted by his efforts to build the church and expand the kingdom. We can all ask ourselves, what on earth looks different because of our influence and leadership?
Prayer Points:
+ God, reveal yourself to us in a greater way so that everything we say and do will flow from a revelation of who you are.
+ God, reveal your specific assignment to us like you did for Peter. Lord, make it clear!
+ God, since much will be required of us, give us the courage and faith to steward both assignment and authority, properly.
+ God, help us to produce Spirit empowered deliverables, on earth as it is in heaven.
Life On Purpose,
Ralph
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Rules of Engagement
As part of my summer reading, I picked up Colin Powell's memoir entitled: It Worked For Me | In Life and Leadership
The opening chapter begins with his "13 Rules" for Life and Leadership.
The "Powell Principles" actually inspired Willow Creek's, Bill Hybels to pen his own book of leadership proverbs called: Ax-i-om - another great read for anyone serving in a leadership capacity.
Leaders identify, articulate and frequently share phrases, sayings, quotes, proverbs which help them to communicate their leadership philosophy and to guide them through various decision making processes.
I found Powell's "13 Rules" to be both encouraging and challenging reminders on my own leadership journey...
I hope you find them to be equally helpful to you.
1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
"This rules reflects an attitude and not a prediction. A good night's rest and the passage of 8 hours will usually reduce the infection." Give it a little time.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
Get mad...then get over it! =)
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
"Loyalty is disagreeing strongly, and loyalty is executing faithfully."
4. It can be done!
"Don't surround yourself with instant skeptics. At the same time, don't shut out skeptics and colleagues who give you solid counter views."
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
"Don't rush into things...you will have to live with your choices"
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
"Superior leadership is often a matter of superb instinct. When faced with a tough decision, use the time available to gather information that will inform your instinct"
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
"We are taught in the military to take full responsibility for everything your unit does or fails to do, and what you do or fail to do. Since ultimate responsibility is yours, make sure the choice is yours and you are not responding to the pressure and desire of others."
8. Check small things.
Check small thinks a.k.a Sweat the small stuff a.k.a the devil is in the details a.k.a the little foxes spoil the vines.
9. Share credit.
"Share the credit and take the blame. Whenever you place the cause of one of your actions outside yourself, it's an excuse and not a reason."
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
Be angry - sin not!
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
Set vision and set up to fulfill vision.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
"How many cynics built empires, great cities, or powerful corporations?"
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
"Perpetual optimism, believing in yourself, believing in your purpose, believing you will prevail, and demonstrating passion and confidence is a force multiplier. If you believe and have prepared your followers, the followers will be believe."
Consider adding this book to your summer reading and consider coming up with your own lists to share with others.
I still have stripes to earn and dues to pay so my advice is borrowed, stolen and plagiarized. Here are a few of "my" leadership axioms...
+ character is king
+ measure twice, cut once
+ real recognize real
+ are you smoking what you selling?
+ people buy YOU before they buy WHAT you're selling
+ facts are your friends
+ sometimes a teacher, always a student
+ what you 'do' is not who you 'be'
+ life...on purpose!
I'll keep working my list...what is your list look like.
Ralph
The opening chapter begins with his "13 Rules" for Life and Leadership.
The "Powell Principles" actually inspired Willow Creek's, Bill Hybels to pen his own book of leadership proverbs called: Ax-i-om - another great read for anyone serving in a leadership capacity.
Leaders identify, articulate and frequently share phrases, sayings, quotes, proverbs which help them to communicate their leadership philosophy and to guide them through various decision making processes.
I found Powell's "13 Rules" to be both encouraging and challenging reminders on my own leadership journey...
I hope you find them to be equally helpful to you.
1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
"This rules reflects an attitude and not a prediction. A good night's rest and the passage of 8 hours will usually reduce the infection." Give it a little time.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
Get mad...then get over it! =)
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
"Loyalty is disagreeing strongly, and loyalty is executing faithfully."
4. It can be done!
"Don't surround yourself with instant skeptics. At the same time, don't shut out skeptics and colleagues who give you solid counter views."
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
"Don't rush into things...you will have to live with your choices"
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
"Superior leadership is often a matter of superb instinct. When faced with a tough decision, use the time available to gather information that will inform your instinct"
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
"We are taught in the military to take full responsibility for everything your unit does or fails to do, and what you do or fail to do. Since ultimate responsibility is yours, make sure the choice is yours and you are not responding to the pressure and desire of others."
8. Check small things.
Check small thinks a.k.a Sweat the small stuff a.k.a the devil is in the details a.k.a the little foxes spoil the vines.
9. Share credit.
"Share the credit and take the blame. Whenever you place the cause of one of your actions outside yourself, it's an excuse and not a reason."
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
Be angry - sin not!
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
Set vision and set up to fulfill vision.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
"How many cynics built empires, great cities, or powerful corporations?"
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
"Perpetual optimism, believing in yourself, believing in your purpose, believing you will prevail, and demonstrating passion and confidence is a force multiplier. If you believe and have prepared your followers, the followers will be believe."
Consider adding this book to your summer reading and consider coming up with your own lists to share with others.
I still have stripes to earn and dues to pay so my advice is borrowed, stolen and plagiarized. Here are a few of "my" leadership axioms...
+ character is king
+ measure twice, cut once
+ real recognize real
+ are you smoking what you selling?
+ people buy YOU before they buy WHAT you're selling
+ facts are your friends
+ sometimes a teacher, always a student
+ what you 'do' is not who you 'be'
+ life...on purpose!
I'll keep working my list...what is your list look like.
Ralph
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