Must follow orders immediately and correctly.
In order to be a good leader, one must be a good follower. And being a good follower means taking care of things quickly and efficiently.If you aspire to become a leader, then the one you serve today must be able to depend upon you to carry out his directives. Here are some simple keys to help you become a better follower so that some day you may be a better leader:
First, write everything down. I know you're probably thinking" Boy, what a revelation!" But let's be practical. God had everything written down for us so we would not forget anything. We dare not do any less for ourselves. Write down the orders of your leader just as a waiter write down an order for food. Make sure your leader gets exactly what he ordered.
Second, ask your leader to explain anything you don't understand. Make sure you have the correct information before you leave to carry out the order. Many times we misrepresent our leader because we misunderstand what he means.
Third, treat your orders as highest priority. When asked to do something, do it immediately! Great results will come when you put your heart into carrying out instructions quickly and correctly.
# 8. Must be a support to his leader. ( to be continued 48hrs)+++
You will prosper
Here are fourteen Abundant Living Personalized Confessions, which will help to move you into the mainstream of God's abundance:
1) To be "abundantly" blessed,I will diligently obey the voice of the Lord and the commandments of His word.
2) God is the source of all my abundance
3) I am increasing and succeeding in all that God has called me to do
4) My checking and savings accounts are blessed,in Jesus' name
5) My children are blessed
6) God's blessings make me rich,and He adds no sorrow with it.Prov 10:22.
7) God's peace rules in my heart and life.
8) I love the Lord my God with all my heart and mind,and I love my neighbor as my self(Matt 22:37-39
9) To love God means that I am quick to obey Him
10) I am a lender, not a borrower Deut:28-12
11) I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath Deut:28-13
12) The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come to give me life and life more abundantly John 10:10
13) My tithe (10% of my gross income) belongs to the storehouse( church) where I attend and am fed spiritually (Malachi 3:10)
14) As a tither,God promises to rebuke the devourer (Satan) and open the windows of heaven and pour me out a blessing there is not room enough to receive. Abundance! Malachi 3:10,11
1) To be "abundantly" blessed,I will diligently obey the voice of the Lord and the commandments of His word.
2) God is the source of all my abundance
3) I am increasing and succeeding in all that God has called me to do
4) My checking and savings accounts are blessed,in Jesus' name
5) My children are blessed
6) God's blessings make me rich,and He adds no sorrow with it.Prov 10:22.
7) God's peace rules in my heart and life.
8) I love the Lord my God with all my heart and mind,and I love my neighbor as my self(Matt 22:37-39
9) To love God means that I am quick to obey Him
10) I am a lender, not a borrower Deut:28-12
11) I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath Deut:28-13
12) The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come to give me life and life more abundantly John 10:10
13) My tithe (10% of my gross income) belongs to the storehouse( church) where I attend and am fed spiritually (Malachi 3:10)
14) As a tither,God promises to rebuke the devourer (Satan) and open the windows of heaven and pour me out a blessing there is not room enough to receive. Abundance! Malachi 3:10,11
6. Must possess endless strength
So as to thrust, press and force his way under harsh treatment.
For what glory is it,if,when ye be buffeted for your faults,ye shall take it patiently? ye take it patiently, this is acceptable to God. 1 Peter 2:20
This passage makes it very clear that there will be times in the midst of battle when you and I will feel that we are being wrongfully treated. These types of situation's are bound to arise, but do not allow Satan to put resentment into your heart. Learn to give the situation over to the Lord and endure what comes patiently; God will be pleased with you.
It may be that in your heart you made the right decision. But in the eyes of your leader, it may seem wrong. Such times will develop character in you, if you will walk in love, allowing the Spirit of God to take charge of the matter. Your strength will always come by encouraging yourself in the Lord, as David did in 1 Samuel 30:6.
The easy thing to do is quit, saying," well, no one around here appreciates me; I was rebuked and I know I was right in what I did. " Do not give into the flesh get in prayer and stay there until 1 Peter 2:20 has become apart of your being. Victory will spring forth and you will say with David of old, "I will bless the Lord at all times." (Ps.34:1)
To be continued+++
For what glory is it,if,when ye be buffeted for your faults,ye shall take it patiently? ye take it patiently, this is acceptable to God. 1 Peter 2:20
This passage makes it very clear that there will be times in the midst of battle when you and I will feel that we are being wrongfully treated. These types of situation's are bound to arise, but do not allow Satan to put resentment into your heart. Learn to give the situation over to the Lord and endure what comes patiently; God will be pleased with you.
It may be that in your heart you made the right decision. But in the eyes of your leader, it may seem wrong. Such times will develop character in you, if you will walk in love, allowing the Spirit of God to take charge of the matter. Your strength will always come by encouraging yourself in the Lord, as David did in 1 Samuel 30:6.
The easy thing to do is quit, saying," well, no one around here appreciates me; I was rebuked and I know I was right in what I did. " Do not give into the flesh get in prayer and stay there until 1 Peter 2:20 has become apart of your being. Victory will spring forth and you will say with David of old, "I will bless the Lord at all times." (Ps.34:1)
To be continued+++
No Hard Hearts
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him."(2 Chronicles 16:9)
The Pharisees had a heart condition that grieved Jesus. Their hearts were hard and insensitive. If you'll look in Mark 3, you'll see what I am talking about.
God was right there in there midst, and they, of all people, should have realized it. They knew the Scriptures backward and forward, and Jesus fit every messianic prophecy written there. But the insensitivity of there hearts literally blinded them to who He was.
The hearts of the Pharisees were also hardened to the needs of the people around them.
Just think about what those Pharisees were doing.
1. Criticizing the Minister of God
2. Protecting their religious traditions instead of obeying the Word of God.
3. Worrying about there own welfare rather than that of those around them.
I think to one degree or another every one of us, has fallen prey to the same mistake that the Pharisees did. Letting the tender warmth of God's love grow cold inside of us.
I know it's true because if it weren't, we'd be seeing tremendous moves of God among us. We'd be seeing revival on every corner.
That's what God longs to do. God longs to pour out His Spirit in supernatural power and abundance through His church . But we've developed a heart condition that's holding Him back.
Ask Him to give you the kind of heart that will allow Him to show Himself strong on your behalf.
Scripture reading: Mark 3:1-6
(more on God's armor bearer tomorrow)+++
The Pharisees had a heart condition that grieved Jesus. Their hearts were hard and insensitive. If you'll look in Mark 3, you'll see what I am talking about.
God was right there in there midst, and they, of all people, should have realized it. They knew the Scriptures backward and forward, and Jesus fit every messianic prophecy written there. But the insensitivity of there hearts literally blinded them to who He was.
The hearts of the Pharisees were also hardened to the needs of the people around them.
Just think about what those Pharisees were doing.
1. Criticizing the Minister of God
2. Protecting their religious traditions instead of obeying the Word of God.
3. Worrying about there own welfare rather than that of those around them.
I think to one degree or another every one of us, has fallen prey to the same mistake that the Pharisees did. Letting the tender warmth of God's love grow cold inside of us.
I know it's true because if it weren't, we'd be seeing tremendous moves of God among us. We'd be seeing revival on every corner.
That's what God longs to do. God longs to pour out His Spirit in supernatural power and abundance through His church . But we've developed a heart condition that's holding Him back.
Ask Him to give you the kind of heart that will allow Him to show Himself strong on your behalf.
Scripture reading: Mark 3:1-6
(more on God's armor bearer tomorrow)+++
4: Must walk in agreement with and submission to his leader
In order to be an armorbearer, you must have it settled in your heart that according to Romans 13:1,2 all authority is ordained of God. You must make up your mind to submit to your pastor in the same way that you would submit to Jesus.
Most Christians do not understand the true meaning of submission to authority. The Bible teaches that all authority has been instituted by God Himself, so to refuse to submit to God's delegated authority is to refuse to submit to God,
"Oh, but I will always submit myself to God!"
This is a comment I hear quit often. But how can a person claim to be submitted to God if he or she refuses to submit to God's delegated authority?
We must look not at the person, but at the office he occupies. We do not regard the man, but the position. We obey, not the individual himself, but God's authority in him. Anything less than full submission is rebellion, and rebellion is the principle on which Satan and his kingdom operate.
It is sad to think that we as Christians can preach the truth with are lips, but go right on living by satanic principle in our everyday lives. How can we expect to preach the Gospel to others and to bring them under God's authority if we ourselves have not yet fully submitted to that authority?
There is a spirit of Independence at large in the Body of Christ today. Independent churches produce independent spirits. We must break this spirit and begin to rightly discern the whole Body of Christ.
The Apostle Peter tells us: Likewise,ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elders...1Pet.5:5
There are no conditions to this command, except in the case of an elder who is giving directives which are in direct violation of the scriptures. Then the individual believer must obey a higher authority, which is God's Word.
Always remember this: God will never establish you as an authority until you have first learned to submit to authority.
5.Must make the advancement of his leader his most important goal.
To be Cont. (48 hrs)+++
Most Christians do not understand the true meaning of submission to authority. The Bible teaches that all authority has been instituted by God Himself, so to refuse to submit to God's delegated authority is to refuse to submit to God,
"Oh, but I will always submit myself to God!"
This is a comment I hear quit often. But how can a person claim to be submitted to God if he or she refuses to submit to God's delegated authority?
We must look not at the person, but at the office he occupies. We do not regard the man, but the position. We obey, not the individual himself, but God's authority in him. Anything less than full submission is rebellion, and rebellion is the principle on which Satan and his kingdom operate.
It is sad to think that we as Christians can preach the truth with are lips, but go right on living by satanic principle in our everyday lives. How can we expect to preach the Gospel to others and to bring them under God's authority if we ourselves have not yet fully submitted to that authority?
There is a spirit of Independence at large in the Body of Christ today. Independent churches produce independent spirits. We must break this spirit and begin to rightly discern the whole Body of Christ.
The Apostle Peter tells us: Likewise,ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elders...1Pet.5:5
There are no conditions to this command, except in the case of an elder who is giving directives which are in direct violation of the scriptures. Then the individual believer must obey a higher authority, which is God's Word.
Always remember this: God will never establish you as an authority until you have first learned to submit to authority.
5.Must make the advancement of his leader his most important goal.
To be Cont. (48 hrs)+++
God's Armor Bearer
All credits to Terry Nance of Agape Church, Little Rock.
Function of an Armorbearer:
As we look at the function of an armorbearer, I would like for you to allow the Holy Spirit to quicken your heart and reveal to you where you may have failed to flow with your spiritual leaders. Make a quality decision to rid yourself of any trace of rebellion, strife, contention, competitiveness and unforgiveness; determining to faithfully fulfill your rightful place in the Body of Christ.
The main function of one who is designated as an armorbearer is that of service; he is to help and assist another. Let's look at some of the different forms this service takes.
Duties of an Armorbearer
An armorbearer...
1. Must provide strength for his leader.
By his very presence, a true armorbearer will always display and produce an attitude of faith and peace.
If you are to be successful in service as an armorbearer to your pastor, he must sense the joy and victory which is an integral part of your lifestyle. That alone will minister to him. It is great relief to the pastor to know that he does not have to carry his assistant physically, mentally and spiritually. Many times I have seen pastors drained physically and emotionally because there associate was always in need of something. Your pastor has plenty of sheep to take care of; he doesn't need another. You should be assisting him giving him much- needed rest in mind and body by demonstrating that your faith is strong and active.
2. Must have a deep-down sense of respect for his leader, and acceptance for, and tolerance of, his leader's personality and his way of doing things.
God made us all different. At least fifty percent of the time, your pastor's way of doing things will differ from yours. That difference should not be allowed to cause a problem for you or your spiritual leader.
Several years ago, I learned a secret which has helped me to flow in harmony with my pastor. I determined that if the end result of my pastor's plan is to build and extend the kingdom of God and win souls for Jesus, then I am willing to flow with the plan.
Our goal is the same, our methods different. But what does it really matter whose methods are used, as long as the goal is reached?
If you will adopt this attitude toward your pastor, there will be a knitting of hearts between the two of you. He will know that you are not there to argue with him or to challenge his decisions, but that you are there to work with him in achieving his God-given objectives.
3. Must instinctively understand his leaders thoughts
I can hear what you are probably thinking right now: " My pastor and I just dont think alike."
That's right; no two people do. And that is one of the problems which must be dealt with in being an armorbearer to another.
Instead of complaining about your differences, begin to discover and confess your agreement: "In Jesus' name, I understand how my pastor thinks and I flow with him in the sprirt of understanding."
Remember, the disciples were with Jesus for three long years and yet thay did not begin to think as He thought until after He had died, been buried, and resurrected, ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Ghost. Just as God's Spirit was eventually imparted to these men, after a period of time your pastor's spirit will come upon you, and you two will become likeminded.
4. Must walk in agreement with and submission to his leader.
To be continued(48hours)+++
Function of an Armorbearer:
As we look at the function of an armorbearer, I would like for you to allow the Holy Spirit to quicken your heart and reveal to you where you may have failed to flow with your spiritual leaders. Make a quality decision to rid yourself of any trace of rebellion, strife, contention, competitiveness and unforgiveness; determining to faithfully fulfill your rightful place in the Body of Christ.
The main function of one who is designated as an armorbearer is that of service; he is to help and assist another. Let's look at some of the different forms this service takes.
Duties of an Armorbearer
An armorbearer...
1. Must provide strength for his leader.
By his very presence, a true armorbearer will always display and produce an attitude of faith and peace.
If you are to be successful in service as an armorbearer to your pastor, he must sense the joy and victory which is an integral part of your lifestyle. That alone will minister to him. It is great relief to the pastor to know that he does not have to carry his assistant physically, mentally and spiritually. Many times I have seen pastors drained physically and emotionally because there associate was always in need of something. Your pastor has plenty of sheep to take care of; he doesn't need another. You should be assisting him giving him much- needed rest in mind and body by demonstrating that your faith is strong and active.
2. Must have a deep-down sense of respect for his leader, and acceptance for, and tolerance of, his leader's personality and his way of doing things.
God made us all different. At least fifty percent of the time, your pastor's way of doing things will differ from yours. That difference should not be allowed to cause a problem for you or your spiritual leader.
Several years ago, I learned a secret which has helped me to flow in harmony with my pastor. I determined that if the end result of my pastor's plan is to build and extend the kingdom of God and win souls for Jesus, then I am willing to flow with the plan.
Our goal is the same, our methods different. But what does it really matter whose methods are used, as long as the goal is reached?
If you will adopt this attitude toward your pastor, there will be a knitting of hearts between the two of you. He will know that you are not there to argue with him or to challenge his decisions, but that you are there to work with him in achieving his God-given objectives.
3. Must instinctively understand his leaders thoughts
I can hear what you are probably thinking right now: " My pastor and I just dont think alike."
That's right; no two people do. And that is one of the problems which must be dealt with in being an armorbearer to another.
Instead of complaining about your differences, begin to discover and confess your agreement: "In Jesus' name, I understand how my pastor thinks and I flow with him in the sprirt of understanding."
Remember, the disciples were with Jesus for three long years and yet thay did not begin to think as He thought until after He had died, been buried, and resurrected, ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Ghost. Just as God's Spirit was eventually imparted to these men, after a period of time your pastor's spirit will come upon you, and you two will become likeminded.
4. Must walk in agreement with and submission to his leader.
To be continued(48hours)+++
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