Think Victory! INTEGRITY

Proverbs 6:6 "Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise!"

When I consider a verse like this, I have to think that Solomon had a lot of time on his hands to study ants! Thankfully, he was able to illustrate through his study this next leadership quality of Initiative.

Ants don't wait around to be told what to do. They instinctively go about their life storing food and preparing for the time when no food will be available (winter and spring). The quality of initiative was also demonstrated through the leadership of Joseph when he interpreted the dream of the cows to Pharaoh in order to store grain for when famine came. His initiative not only saved Egypt, but was God's provision to Israel during their time of famine.

One important thing about godly initiative is that exercising it never runs ahead of God. What I mean is that when we take the initiative to do something for God, we ought to be sure that it is God directing us and not our own self-will. When we exercise self-willed initiative, we often get thrown into confusion. A prime example of this is the Tower of Babel. When the people in the settled in the plains of Shinar and Nimrod (boy, that's a mane!) led the effort to make a name for themselves by building a tower to reach Heaven. God decided to throw their language into confusion so they would not understand each other and would scatter throughout the land like they were originally commanded. (cf Gen. 9:1, 11:1-9).

Achieving God's purposes requires taking faith-filled risks (initiative). This always involves change. You must launch out into the deep. In other words, "if you want to walk on water - you gotta get outta the boat."

If money wasn't an issue and God offered you the opportunity to further His kingdom in whatever way you wanted, what would you do? Would you start a ministry? Would you go back to school? What would you do? What is your passion? Remember, your passions in life are to be used to further His kingdom on earth. Therefore, your passions come from Him!
Also, He is the God of unlimited resources (Psa. 24:1). However, like the nation of Israel when they faced the racing waters of the Jordan as they prepared to enter the promised land, you have to get your feet wet before you can walk on dry land. (Josh. 3:17). (from the pen of
Pastor Mike Woods, Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries for Men - America's KESWICK)

Great Quote: "We have a duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word." - William Barclay

Our world is in chaos. Some of your world's are in chaos. Nations are pursuing nuclear weapons. Armies are being built up around the world. The weather systems around the world appear to be off kilter. Coincidence? Or are they signs of the times? Dr. Jimmy DeYoung will be our guest Bible teacher for our 2007 Prophecy conference which begins Sunday evening, July 22, 2007. We still have some empty rooms left. Come and bring your family. If you have not already registered, call and ask for the "Freedom Fighter Special" which applies to folks who HAVE NOT registered for this 2007 conference. Call today - 732-350-1187. I look forward to seeing you!