These are lessons I’ve learned in 26 years of ministry. I spent 13 years as a Minister of Students and 13 years as a Lead Pastor and Church Planter.
STAY HUMBLE – When we humble ourselves God will lift us up. You must be willing to do whatever it takes. Sometimes you just have to keep your mouth shut and pay your dues. Faithfulness today leads to God’s blessings tomorrow. Don’t promote yourself, Let God promote you.
James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”
STAY POSITIVE – Even when everyone around you is negative… stay positive! We have so much to be thankful for as Christians. A smile doesn't take much effort but it can make a huge difference.
STAY PURE – Keep a pure heart and a pure mind. This doesn’t mean that we are perfect, just forgiven. Get into God’s Word everyday and seek His face in prayer.
Psalm 24:1-5, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior.”
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY – Take time to exercise, eat well. You are modeling for others how to take care of yourself.
TAKE INITIATIVE – Don’t wait for someone to ask you to do something. If you see a need… meet it! I would rather have to pull somebody back in that is too aggressive than have to push someone to get stuff done.
STAY TEACHABLE – Ask a lot of questions and do a lot of listening. Resource yourself.
THINK BIG – Don’t dream small, don’t think small. Dream Big. Always remember that NOTHING is impossible with God. Dream big and go for it. But be patient when it doesn’t happen in your timing.
Henrietta Mears, “There is no magic in small plans. When I consider my ministry, I think of the world. Anything less than that would not be worthy of Christ, nor of His will for my life.” Henrietta Mears was a world changer! She was a College and Young Adult minister at Hollywood Presbyterian and Founder of Gospel Light press.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP – Decide now that you are not only going to start strong but you are going to finish strong! Paul says, I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the race.
2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.
AMEN to every one of your lessons. You have an awesome perspective on living life through and for our King of KINGS. Thanks for sharing.....I'll be passing this on and praying it can touch each one of their hearts as it did mine!
Posted by: Tonya Palmer | October 13, 2011 at 01:59 PM
DeThank you for your thoughts and comments; they will be helpful to me as I begin my ministry in KAIROS. L. CUMMINGS
Posted by: L. Cummings | October 14, 2011 at 05:41 AM