Recently when scheduling a guest for my radio show I had a comment regarding God. I told the guest that I was excited to see that she brings the book of Titus to her business; it is the inspiration for her. Her response to me was I never know what to say to folks in Los Angeles with all the liberal Christians and new age thinkers, they usually do not focus on what God’s word says, as it is with no modifications.
This brought to mind an interesting question what is the difference between giving it to God and giving it to the universe? As there are many “Christians” claiming they give it to the universe not to God. After doing some research and asking some experts what they mean by giving it to the universe I have found that there is a huge difference between God and the universe.
The universe is considered a supreme being whatever you may call it, according to several experts. Sometimes you may call it God, Buddha, mother earth, etc.; it is just a name because all these paths lead to heaven. We also found local churches in the Los Angeles areas that on their website the pastor was asked do you teach from the bible and the response back was “It is used only as a reference However, the version that is used is a metaphysical, Gnostic-inspired edition translated and interpreted from the original Aramaic, rather than the Greek translation used in traditional Christian churches such as the King James version, or the Saint Gregory version used by the Catholic church. Services and classes we refer to the world’s scriptures and sacred texts, as well as the writings of ancient and contemporary mystics, teachers, sages, philosophers, pundits, scientists, and even the enlightened person next door!”
So to address the issue of many paths all leading to heaven; this writer has to say false!
According to God’s Word, the Bible:
• John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
• John 17:3 And this is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.
Now to give it to God, by giving it to God we are surrendering our worries, cares and troubles to the creator of the heavens and the earth.
• Isaiah 40:28 “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.”)
By giving it to the one who created each of us and loves each one of us unconditionally we get to receive comfort and rest.
• Matthew 11:28 says Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
We have been given a free will by God to choose for ourselves what we will believe, we need to seek the truth and determine what we will live by. Giving it to God means you are giving your “it” to a living God not an inanimate object or someone dead that we have been told is the answer to all our burdens and desires. We have come to a time in this world where we need to stand up in boldness without fear for the truth the Bible brings forth.
• Mark 13:22 “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform miraculous signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones.”
Friday, January 22, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Creating a successful RoadMap for 2010!
Launching into a new year is always exciting as we plan our resolutions and move forward with excitement. However, only 8% of those that make resolutions actually keep them, ouch! So how can you as a start-up business owner/entrepreneur plan for 2010 and stick to it or keep focused? It is really simple create your own RoadMap to success!
A RoadMap directs and guides you as you begin a journey, and it can be modified as the journey launches. Just like on a vacation you may map out one direction then stumble upon something amazing and make a detour. The same is for your business, you map out the direction you desire to head then modify it as new ideas or opportunities come in your path. Be sure however, the opportunities and ideas are in you plan of vision. Too many times we branch out all over the place because it sounded good in the moment.
Part of the RoadMap creation is to identify your niche or target market, which is your ideal client base. In 2010 the second step to this part is to micro-niche your target. Micro-niching is taking it one level deeper, for example, your target market/niche is coaching, and in 2010 you would get deeper and perhaps market to new entrepreneurs or medical professionals. Coaching is a great one to use for an example to go deeper with, how many Life Coaches are out there now? They are a dime a dozen, so how do you set your practice apart from the other Life Coaches? Micro-Niche! Select a specific group you want to specialize in and market to them. The biggest fear in doing this is you will loose business, not true you will actually increase your business because you are seeking out a specific type of client.
Another key to a successful RoadMap is to do it in your own handwriting; yes that means pen/pencil and paper. The reason for this is to take ownership in what you have written, to many times when we put it all on the computer it becomes very cold and impersonal. I find that many will even deny some of their goals because it is not in their handwriting so you can’t prove it (yes this really happens). Take ownership in your dreams and take control of your RoadMap and you will be amazed at what can happen to your business!
A RoadMap directs and guides you as you begin a journey, and it can be modified as the journey launches. Just like on a vacation you may map out one direction then stumble upon something amazing and make a detour. The same is for your business, you map out the direction you desire to head then modify it as new ideas or opportunities come in your path. Be sure however, the opportunities and ideas are in you plan of vision. Too many times we branch out all over the place because it sounded good in the moment.
Part of the RoadMap creation is to identify your niche or target market, which is your ideal client base. In 2010 the second step to this part is to micro-niche your target. Micro-niching is taking it one level deeper, for example, your target market/niche is coaching, and in 2010 you would get deeper and perhaps market to new entrepreneurs or medical professionals. Coaching is a great one to use for an example to go deeper with, how many Life Coaches are out there now? They are a dime a dozen, so how do you set your practice apart from the other Life Coaches? Micro-Niche! Select a specific group you want to specialize in and market to them. The biggest fear in doing this is you will loose business, not true you will actually increase your business because you are seeking out a specific type of client.
Another key to a successful RoadMap is to do it in your own handwriting; yes that means pen/pencil and paper. The reason for this is to take ownership in what you have written, to many times when we put it all on the computer it becomes very cold and impersonal. I find that many will even deny some of their goals because it is not in their handwriting so you can’t prove it (yes this really happens). Take ownership in your dreams and take control of your RoadMap and you will be amazed at what can happen to your business!
Christians and business is there a connection?
Recently on FaceBook there was a question posted regarding Christians and their postings. The writer asked if it was inappropriate for a Christian business owner to post scripture or even offer prayer on FaceBook, wasn’t that taking it too far? My response to her was “If we are willing to accept profanities and sexual content then why can’t we accept positive postings reflecting one’s faith?”
You see the problem today is that there are many Christian’s conducting business however, not many Christian businesses. What is the difference? A Christian that conducts business keeps it reveled that they are a Christian unless directly asked and in many cases it is not even evident that the business owner is a Christian based on the way the business is ran and their attitude/words/actions. A Christian business puts Christ first in all their activities.
According to Matthew 6:33, …”But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Basically if we put God first in all we do He will bless and provide for us. So the question that can be asked at this point is, do you put God first in your business?
Sometimes I think we may be afraid to say we are a Christian in fear of chasing away potential business. However, I know for a fact that your clients/customers are looking for something more than all the hype and look/feel good stuff that was out there in 2009. They want honesty and integrity, which in most cases can be found in a Christian business. Keep in mind if they reject you because you are a Christian they are not rejecting you they are rejecting Christ.
Here is my challenge for each of us in 2010 as we step forward creating our RoadMaps and business plans may we each embrace Matthew 13:31-32; Here is another illustration Jesus used: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches." We never know whom we might touch by acting and living like a Christian in every aspect of our lives. Will you hear “Why not” or “Well done” when you stand before God?
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