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First Fruits
Tithing, the one word that seems to strike fear into the hearts of men and women alike. Some people loath it, others embrace it and even others exploit it’s use. In the end, it is a subject I am not comfortable with simple because I have seen tithing used and abused by many in Christendom and is part of the reason why JAMA does not ‘pass the plate’ or seek to raise funds for the ministry. As He said when we started, “Give it all away for free and I will provide for the ministry.” He has been faithful, we have never lacked for any need and at times He delights in giving us gifts.
So instead of going on some diatribe about giving, let me touch on my own experience with tithing. I first started giving 10% in 1997. I felt this is what the Lord wanted me to do and so I gave 10% of the gross from my paycheck every 2 weeks. To my amazement, I found that some how 90% seemed to go much further and provide more than 100% of my check. I know, makes no sense in logical terms, but the simple reality is that is what we have seen happen year after year after year. It just works…
Noah’s Building Plan
When ever I feel overwhelmed by what the Lord is asking me to do, I think about what Noah accomplished with zero knowledge of his task. It hadn’t even rained ever…yep, look it up…it had never rained. Imagine being asked to do something and knowing you have no clue on how to accomplish the task. Overwhelming would be an understatement.
That’s where we find ourselves these days. At times we are overwhelmed by all the Lord is asking us to do in our business and lives. He constantly stretching us, taking us to new heights. In doing so, I have found I don’t want to go back to where I was before. He stretches us so we can reach our potential, not what we see, but what He sees.
Recognizing the Religious Spirit in the Workplace
Just when you start to think you have it together for the Lord, He asks you questions you may not want to answer or admit you are struggling with. I find myself once again grappling with ‘organized religion’. What does that mean?
Having just celebrated the greatest day of any Christ followers year, the resurrection of Jesus, I’m wrestling with the ‘marketing’ of today’s church. Jesus told us in John 6:44 that no man comes to the Father that is not draw. So I often think why do we need gimmicks to help God do anything? After all He is the God of the universe and if He is drawing someone, then it won’t matter what you or I do or say.
Sweating Outcomes
Letting go of my compulsive need to work to provide for my family was something I’ve had to get over the last few years. For a very long time, I was consumed with the thought that I had to ‘make it work’ to ensure my family was taken care of. It was a brutal time for me as an individual and not a lot of fun for those around me. While much better than I was, I’m still working to completely release the need to work long hours to the Lord.
This has been a process that started several years ago when the Lord had me go on a 14 days fast. If you’ve never fasted, it’s an experience like none other…and don’t believe those people who tell you you will move beyond being hungry, that’s simply not true. When I was not praying or reading, I was thinking about what I was going to eat when I was done.
Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
With the growth in our business, it has become increasingly difficult to maintaining my focus. At times it seems like I’m being pulled in 6 different directions all at once. Add a little attend deficit disorder (look it’s a squirrel) and it can become down right maddening. It had gotten so bad, a few weeks ago I forgot to grab my shaving kit on the way out the door for a race. While certainly not life threatening, it illustrated my loss of focus.
To help us center our attention on the streaming business, we’ve stepped back from the web design side of our business and are no longer taking on new accounts. Last week I had to shutdown a pet project of mine, the 18 month old Drag Race Report website, which was similar to the Drudge Report. While it did not see a tremendous amount of traffic, it was something I enjoyed doing.
Consider the Source – Series Recap
Throughout the Bible, God shows us He is a provider. He tells us not to worry because He knows all our needs. Still, most of us find it hard to trust God when it comes to our job performance, bank account, or relationship status. Why do we struggle entrusting God with our future? How do we learn to live with open hands in a world that tells us to hold on to what we have?
What’s Your Brand?
Reputation is everything in business. If you do not do what you say you will, sooner or later the emails and phone calls requesting your services will stop. We want to be know as a company with a can do attitude that says what it’s going to do and does it with no fuss.
There are times when things happen that are beyond your control and cause a problem or your ability to complete a task. This is when you have to do your best to make it work. We always want to be seen as part of the solution, not part of the problem. If that means you move 3 times, then so be it.
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