2008 has been incredible. Now we are looking into 2009. I have been thinking lots today about goals and dreams for 2009. None of what I am thinking will happen unless God allows it to and we labor like crazy to accomplish great things. I need great leaders around me to accomplish what I am dreaming about. I cannot do this alone.
I spent some time with my dying uncle yesterday and realized how I want to live the next 30 -40 years ... One word describes it! Radical! Real Radical. We will not hold anything back this coming year and I can't wait.
Who knows how long we have? Let's run after it harder than we ever have before!
Showing posts with label Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vision. Show all posts
God is Big!
Does your vision expand, refine itself, and become more focused as you grow as a leader? Mine does!
I started this church with full confidence that God was going to do something big. Not because of who I am, because of who I believed Him to be. God has taken me through the good times and the tough times. He is building me as a leader and refining the vision He has for Barefoot Church.
When we started I was thinking God was going to do something big by putting a church in a community that changes lives. God was bigger than my definition of Big.
Then God showed me that He wanted to plant a church in a city that would change lives. God was bigger than my definition of Big.
Now God is showing me that He wants our church to reach into multiple locations. God is bigger than my definition of big.
I continue to grow in my relationship with God and continue to learn that God does things bigger than I can ever think of. He does more than I can imagine. I just have to keep following and expanding as He directs.
How about you? Do you continue to let God grow you? Expand the vision that He gave to you? Refine that vision in your heart? Do you become more focused on what He has called you to do? It is an amazing ride when you allow Him to challenge, stretch, and develop you. He does this through many sources, all you have to do is pay attention and keep in step! May we all continue to see that God is bigger than us!
I started this church with full confidence that God was going to do something big. Not because of who I am, because of who I believed Him to be. God has taken me through the good times and the tough times. He is building me as a leader and refining the vision He has for Barefoot Church.
When we started I was thinking God was going to do something big by putting a church in a community that changes lives. God was bigger than my definition of Big.
Then God showed me that He wanted to plant a church in a city that would change lives. God was bigger than my definition of Big.
Now God is showing me that He wants our church to reach into multiple locations. God is bigger than my definition of big.
I continue to grow in my relationship with God and continue to learn that God does things bigger than I can ever think of. He does more than I can imagine. I just have to keep following and expanding as He directs.
How about you? Do you continue to let God grow you? Expand the vision that He gave to you? Refine that vision in your heart? Do you become more focused on what He has called you to do? It is an amazing ride when you allow Him to challenge, stretch, and develop you. He does this through many sources, all you have to do is pay attention and keep in step! May we all continue to see that God is bigger than us!
Change...
We have been changing some processes and ministries around at Barefoot Church. We are always doing this... it is part of our culture at Barefoot.
Whenever we change things in our home, workplace, or relationships, we will get a little push back from others. Change makes things a little uncomfortable for all of us, but I have found that change is one of the greatest ways to grow people and get to the next level in our lives.
I was praying about this last Friday morning while I was running on the beach. Here are a few things that came to my mind about change. It was as the Lord was impressing upon my heart... "Push through the push back" because:
Change is great… It propels the vision forward.
Change is great... It keeps everyone alert.
Change is great... It allows others opportunity.
Change is great... It keeps everything fresh.
Change is great... It allows growth, strength and builds courage.
Change is great... Don't be afraid to change.
These are a few thoughts about change... It seems hard, but change is good for all of us. Change makes us think and change will refocuses us on why we do what we do. Is God leading you to change something today?
Whenever we change things in our home, workplace, or relationships, we will get a little push back from others. Change makes things a little uncomfortable for all of us, but I have found that change is one of the greatest ways to grow people and get to the next level in our lives.
I was praying about this last Friday morning while I was running on the beach. Here are a few things that came to my mind about change. It was as the Lord was impressing upon my heart... "Push through the push back" because:
Change is great… It propels the vision forward.
Change is great... It keeps everyone alert.
Change is great... It allows others opportunity.
Change is great... It keeps everything fresh.
Change is great... It allows growth, strength and builds courage.
Change is great... Don't be afraid to change.
These are a few thoughts about change... It seems hard, but change is good for all of us. Change makes us think and change will refocuses us on why we do what we do. Is God leading you to change something today?
Your Next Step
Everyone should have a next step... A next step produces strength, growth, and development.
Proverbs makes it clear, if you don't have a vision, then you will perish.
My prayer is that everyone would get a vision and focus on it. This will help you in taking your next step. Lots of people say, "I don't know what to do." I ask, "what is your vision"... Take a step towards that and run after it hard.
What is the vision for your marriage? If it is to be in love passionately with your spouse, do something small for him or her today. That is a step! A great marriage takes work. It is the steps you take that will make the difference. Great marriages don't happen overnight.
The same is true with your finances. The same is true with everything else you do in life. Have a vision and take a step each day towards that vision. You will wake up one day and say "WOW"!
When you start, the people around you may think you are a little crazy. They cannot see what you see. However, take a step today and in ten days you will be ten steps closer.
It takes faith to take steps. You have to believe in order to take the steps. You won't see the results until you let go and take that step. You may fall down, but get up and keep trying. That is how a baby learns to walk and that is how you will learn to run!
Proverbs makes it clear, if you don't have a vision, then you will perish.
My prayer is that everyone would get a vision and focus on it. This will help you in taking your next step. Lots of people say, "I don't know what to do." I ask, "what is your vision"... Take a step towards that and run after it hard.
What is the vision for your marriage? If it is to be in love passionately with your spouse, do something small for him or her today. That is a step! A great marriage takes work. It is the steps you take that will make the difference. Great marriages don't happen overnight.
The same is true with your finances. The same is true with everything else you do in life. Have a vision and take a step each day towards that vision. You will wake up one day and say "WOW"!
When you start, the people around you may think you are a little crazy. They cannot see what you see. However, take a step today and in ten days you will be ten steps closer.
It takes faith to take steps. You have to believe in order to take the steps. You won't see the results until you let go and take that step. You may fall down, but get up and keep trying. That is how a baby learns to walk and that is how you will learn to run!
Change...
"Write your vision in stone and draw your plans in the sand". This was a quote I heard used yesterday in a leadership talk by Arturo De la Mora, from Flamingo Road Church, as he spoke with our staff.
I have been reflecting on that quote throughout the night.
We leaders can have a clear and compelling vision, but if we are not flexible in getting it accomplished, we can bottleneck things with our stone written plan and our vision will be erased in the sand.
I have watched visions and dreams die over and over again with those who are not willing to change. Why? They stop learning and listening for better ways to get the vision accomplished. They get attached to methods and traditions and the main thing dies in their hand. I believe change is a catalyst for growth and is one of the keys in accomplishing our dreams. When a leader gets attached to a process or program the potential that they have in them starts fading fast.
Sometimes the furniture needs to be rearranged or thrown out to get better results. Are you willing to move it for the dream to be accomplished?
Processes and programs are tools and vehicles to get you to where you need to be. Do not start worshiping them. This is basically what Jesus was saying all the time to the Pharisees in His day.
What do you need to change today to accomplish the vision that God has placed in your heart? Look, listen, pray, and step out in faith... It works. Keeping the main thing, the main thing!
I have been reflecting on that quote throughout the night.
We leaders can have a clear and compelling vision, but if we are not flexible in getting it accomplished, we can bottleneck things with our stone written plan and our vision will be erased in the sand.
I have watched visions and dreams die over and over again with those who are not willing to change. Why? They stop learning and listening for better ways to get the vision accomplished. They get attached to methods and traditions and the main thing dies in their hand. I believe change is a catalyst for growth and is one of the keys in accomplishing our dreams. When a leader gets attached to a process or program the potential that they have in them starts fading fast.
Sometimes the furniture needs to be rearranged or thrown out to get better results. Are you willing to move it for the dream to be accomplished?
Processes and programs are tools and vehicles to get you to where you need to be. Do not start worshiping them. This is basically what Jesus was saying all the time to the Pharisees in His day.
What do you need to change today to accomplish the vision that God has placed in your heart? Look, listen, pray, and step out in faith... It works. Keeping the main thing, the main thing!
Eating Frogs
Today I was reading an excerpt from Brain Tracy's book "Eat That Frog" it reminded me that I have to go ahead and get the difficult things done 1st each day. When I do, I will have the energy and momentum to get everything else done that comes my way throughout the day.
I wonder how many opportunities we miss because we sit around and worry about the difficult decisions we have to make, instead of eating the frog.
I had a leader tell me this past week that the decisions we make will determine how we and others reach our potential. He also said, many of these decisions are hard to make, but go ahead and make them because it opens the door for opportunity for you and others.
Once you have prayed, processed, and sought counsel what keeps you from making the hard decisions? I think whatever that is stands in the way of us and others reaching our potential.
Some decisions are hard to make, but when we "eat the frog" we will be free to move forward in doing what we are created to do. Do you have a frog to eat? Eat it so that you and others can become all God created you to become.
I wonder how many opportunities we miss because we sit around and worry about the difficult decisions we have to make, instead of eating the frog.
I had a leader tell me this past week that the decisions we make will determine how we and others reach our potential. He also said, many of these decisions are hard to make, but go ahead and make them because it opens the door for opportunity for you and others.
Once you have prayed, processed, and sought counsel what keeps you from making the hard decisions? I think whatever that is stands in the way of us and others reaching our potential.
Some decisions are hard to make, but when we "eat the frog" we will be free to move forward in doing what we are created to do. Do you have a frog to eat? Eat it so that you and others can become all God created you to become.
Five days and counting down...
Only five days until the big Exposed Party... At 8p.m. on Sunday night we will kick off one of the biggest parties ever. Free prizes, Great prizes on the internet, lots of food, and great games... Don't miss it, tune in to www.exposedpastor.com for all the fun. Five days and counting... that's not long! 24/7 live feed on the internet for 4 straight weeks. Hope you will join us!
Sunday Night Wrap Up moved to Monday Night Live Feed...
Today was awesome! Thanks to all who serve at Barefoot Church. We have some high capacity volunteers...I am amazed each week in seeing how many new faces are serving. Thanks to all of you!!!
We are not doing Sunday Night Wrap Up this week due to the live feed we are doing here tomorrow night. Join Nolan Knight and me, here, at claynesmith.com, tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with our live broadcast. We will be talking about our God given temperament. You will be able to chat with us as we discuss how we are wired. This should be an awesome tool in helping us learn how to live in our sweet spot and reach our full potential. Hope to see you here tomorrow night at 7p.m.
We are not doing Sunday Night Wrap Up this week due to the live feed we are doing here tomorrow night. Join Nolan Knight and me, here, at claynesmith.com, tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with our live broadcast. We will be talking about our God given temperament. You will be able to chat with us as we discuss how we are wired. This should be an awesome tool in helping us learn how to live in our sweet spot and reach our full potential. Hope to see you here tomorrow night at 7p.m.
Don't Mess with the Vision...
Below is an email I received today from a person who attended our church this past weekend. This is why Barefoot Church is lead the way Its lead. This is how we believe God is using the church on the planet. It's about helping people step towards our God. He desires a relationship with them.
"Hi This was my first time at barefoot church and I enjoyed the service. I rarely
attend church and at this time do not believe in God. However I was impressed with
yours , I felt very comfortable and plan to attend again."
Don't mess with the vision. This is what we are white hot about at Barefoot. Helping people step towards Christ and with Christ...Helping them reach their God given potential.
To this person who wrote this...We are passionate about you and our God is too. Thanks for the email and you are welcome anytime.
"Hi This was my first time at barefoot church and I enjoyed the service. I rarely
attend church and at this time do not believe in God. However I was impressed with
yours , I felt very comfortable and plan to attend again."
Don't mess with the vision. This is what we are white hot about at Barefoot. Helping people step towards Christ and with Christ...Helping them reach their God given potential.
To this person who wrote this...We are passionate about you and our God is too. Thanks for the email and you are welcome anytime.
The Shave...
I talked on Sunday about finding your sweet spot. Not only is God asking me to shave things out of my life and work in my sweet spot. He's also challenging me to encourage others around me to do the same. I believe this makes for an unstoppable team.
This is a hard concept to drive into driven people's heart. We think the more we do, the more can happen. So we get "BUSY". I would agree with this to a certain extent. However, doing everything is not getting more done. We should always work hard, extremely hard at what we do. We should also encourage those around us to work hard at what they do.
Having a slack work ethic is not what I mean when I say, "do less". I mean doing less things. This will give us more time to work in our sweet spot. BIG DIFFERENCE. Start shaving some stuff and fluff and watch what happens. You will be freed to run after the vision God has placed in your heart.
What is God asking you to shave, so you can succeed?
This is a hard concept to drive into driven people's heart. We think the more we do, the more can happen. So we get "BUSY". I would agree with this to a certain extent. However, doing everything is not getting more done. We should always work hard, extremely hard at what we do. We should also encourage those around us to work hard at what they do.
Having a slack work ethic is not what I mean when I say, "do less". I mean doing less things. This will give us more time to work in our sweet spot. BIG DIFFERENCE. Start shaving some stuff and fluff and watch what happens. You will be freed to run after the vision God has placed in your heart.
What is God asking you to shave, so you can succeed?
God Smiles...
Tears of joy fill my eyes as I make my way back into my office here at the church today.
I just walked through our building and there is about 50 people working and volunteering and it is Tuesday morning. What an encouragement to me as a pastor and what encouragement it is to the heart of God to see such a passionate people.
This has got to be one of the greatest places on the planet to pastor a church... The people here just flat out rock!!!
Thanks to all of you who believe God and give of your money, time, and energy... I think He has a big honkin' smile one His face as He looks down on this place and sees His children so passionate about His kingdom... Let's keep the petal to the metal!
Pastors, release your people to do the work of the ministry... It is absolutely amazing to see what God does through them.
I just walked through our building and there is about 50 people working and volunteering and it is Tuesday morning. What an encouragement to me as a pastor and what encouragement it is to the heart of God to see such a passionate people.
This has got to be one of the greatest places on the planet to pastor a church... The people here just flat out rock!!!
Thanks to all of you who believe God and give of your money, time, and energy... I think He has a big honkin' smile one His face as He looks down on this place and sees His children so passionate about His kingdom... Let's keep the petal to the metal!
Pastors, release your people to do the work of the ministry... It is absolutely amazing to see what God does through them.
What's in Me, That's Gotta Be?
What's in you that's just gotta be?... I believe God puts the be in our hearts, so that we will drive hard. I have been asking myself lots of vision questions lately.
I have come to the conclusion that you know you have a vision when you say, "What is in me has just gotta be?"
I believe that is what vision is... A birthing of something in us, that we are willing to go after with all we have. A no hold bars approach to fulfilling what's in us. Releasing what we hold on to for that purpose.
What has God called you to do? Ask yourself... "What's in me that's just gotta be? What's keeping you from doing it? Take it to the one who has placed the vision in your heart!
I have come to the conclusion that you know you have a vision when you say, "What is in me has just gotta be?"
I believe that is what vision is... A birthing of something in us, that we are willing to go after with all we have. A no hold bars approach to fulfilling what's in us. Releasing what we hold on to for that purpose.
What has God called you to do? Ask yourself... "What's in me that's just gotta be? What's keeping you from doing it? Take it to the one who has placed the vision in your heart!
The Church Planter/Pastor...
I have reviewed Titus 1:1 again at lunch. What a powerful verse. This should be the life verse of every Church Planter and Pastor in the world.
Titus 1:1 - (NLT) - This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.
WOW... If you are a church leader let this one sink deep into your heart!
I think if I am ever asked to speak to church leaders this is my passage. Church Leadership 101.
Titus 1:1 - (NLT) - This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.
WOW... If you are a church leader let this one sink deep into your heart!
I think if I am ever asked to speak to church leaders this is my passage. Church Leadership 101.
Learn to Lead...
We have had a blast at the C3 conference! Not only have we had fun, we have learned lots and been encouraged by many. We have met many great leaders over the past few days and they have spoken into our lives.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop leading. Here are a few things I have found helpful in learning from others.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop leading. Here are a few things I have found helpful in learning from others.
- Get around leaders and LISTEN to them talk to each other. You will learn lots by just listening.
- Watch and take notes. Having open eyes is very important in learning. I take the meat of what I see and spit out the bones. I know I cannot have or produce everything I see, but I can take ideas from what I see and put them to work in my environment.
- I always talk to those who work under the leader... I learn from those who the leader has poured their life and vision into. If you talk with these people, you will learn what is important to the leader. This is a huge principle for all of us to learn. Many times we only want to talk to the person in charge, but lots can be gleaned from those who are in the workings of the vision. They have great insight!
- Ask questions... I do like to share what God is doing in my life, we all do. However, when I get around leaders I go into the question asking mode. I don't learn by talking about me, I learn by asking questions about what they do.
The Team
I am just thinking about and praying for the team I serve with this morning. I love the team and what God is doing through us. I pray that each person on the team would strive to reach his or her potential this day. God can and will do great things through us when we have His vision and plan out in front of us and we run hard after it.
We have lots of things going on and I am jazzed about every single one of them. People are taking their next steps on their journey with Christ and we are getting to play a vital part in this! WOW!!! I thank God this day for the resources that He continues to give us to carry out His great plan... It is amazing!
I pray that the team always sees the greatness and potential we have out in front of us... What an opportunity. God has given each of us a vital role in this service... What can we do to change the world today?
May we keep dreaming, executing, and running hard after the vision that we are allowed to be a part of. I love being on this team!
We have lots of things going on and I am jazzed about every single one of them. People are taking their next steps on their journey with Christ and we are getting to play a vital part in this! WOW!!! I thank God this day for the resources that He continues to give us to carry out His great plan... It is amazing!
I pray that the team always sees the greatness and potential we have out in front of us... What an opportunity. God has given each of us a vital role in this service... What can we do to change the world today?
May we keep dreaming, executing, and running hard after the vision that we are allowed to be a part of. I love being on this team!
Movement...
When you are moving and making decisions, things will happen...You can bank on that statement! Some of them are good, some of them are bad, some of them may make sense, and some of them may not. Movement brings challenges, but movement also brings celebration.
When you are moving, be sure to always study on the below truth:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Keep moving, acknowledge the Lord, and He will keep you on the right path.
When you are moving, be sure to always study on the below truth:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Keep moving, acknowledge the Lord, and He will keep you on the right path.
I know the Feeling...
Do you every hear a story and say, "I know the feeling?"
Today as I read this blog... I said, "I know the feeling?"
I am overwhelmed with what God is doing through Barefoot Church and how He is challenging us every day. Take some time to read the above blog entry... Reflect on what God has done through Barefoot in such a short time. Be encouraged to press forward and know that He can, if we will!!!
Today as I read this blog... I said, "I know the feeling?"
I am overwhelmed with what God is doing through Barefoot Church and how He is challenging us every day. Take some time to read the above blog entry... Reflect on what God has done through Barefoot in such a short time. Be encouraged to press forward and know that He can, if we will!!!
Get in on the Action...
Easter is just around the corner and we are having a planning meeting for our Easter services this Thursday. I can't wait! Not only am I excited about the message we will share, I am excited about going to three service times on Easter. This means that more people will have the opportunity each week to hear about Jesus, the One who can change their life.
Yes, we will do three services on Easter and we will be doing three services each weekend following Easter. This will open up another hour for people to come and hear... and it will open up another hour for people to serve and grow. WOW!
I want to say thank you to all who serve each and every week. You are AWESOME! The Kingdom is growing because you serve. I also want to challenge you with something! Are you up for it?
Invite someone to serve with you. This will help us in launching our third service on Easter Sunday! This will bring you great joy when you see someone get in on the action because you invited them. You will be thrilled! Like a parent who sees their child get it or like a coach who sees his or her players get it! Man, bringing people with us on the journey is one of the coolest things we can do.
Also, on a quick note... Ride by the church building on Main Street if you have the opportunity. We have an addition on the side! Our children's ministry is exploding!
Yes, we will do three services on Easter and we will be doing three services each weekend following Easter. This will open up another hour for people to come and hear... and it will open up another hour for people to serve and grow. WOW!
I want to say thank you to all who serve each and every week. You are AWESOME! The Kingdom is growing because you serve. I also want to challenge you with something! Are you up for it?
Invite someone to serve with you. This will help us in launching our third service on Easter Sunday! This will bring you great joy when you see someone get in on the action because you invited them. You will be thrilled! Like a parent who sees their child get it or like a coach who sees his or her players get it! Man, bringing people with us on the journey is one of the coolest things we can do.
Also, on a quick note... Ride by the church building on Main Street if you have the opportunity. We have an addition on the side! Our children's ministry is exploding!
365 Days of Difference...
A new year is just around the corner... If God grants you 365 days in 2008, what will you do with those days?
It is the time of the year that many of us start thinking about the new year. This year I want to suggest something...Why don't you stop and spend some time in prayer, asking God, what He wants for you and out of you in 2008.
God has positioned you to do something great for His Kingdom. What will it be? Whenever we are using our time, talents, and treasures to do something great for God, we are fulfilled.
God has placed great people all around us. He desires for us to team up with those people and do something great. I believe in the potential He has placed around me. That's You!!!
Yes... I believe in you because God created you. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through us. May we plant the following words deep into our hearts as we prepare to launch into the new year.
Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"
It is the time of the year that many of us start thinking about the new year. This year I want to suggest something...Why don't you stop and spend some time in prayer, asking God, what He wants for you and out of you in 2008.
God has positioned you to do something great for His Kingdom. What will it be? Whenever we are using our time, talents, and treasures to do something great for God, we are fulfilled.
God has placed great people all around us. He desires for us to team up with those people and do something great. I believe in the potential He has placed around me. That's You!!!
Yes... I believe in you because God created you. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through us. May we plant the following words deep into our hearts as we prepare to launch into the new year.
Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)