24
Mar
2020

God’s Plan is You!

Several years ago someone made this point about something else and I wish I could remember who it was so I could give them credit, sadly I don’t remember but here is the idea.

Every time something big and scary happens in the world I hear over and over that “God is still on His Throne” and “God has a plan”. What we tend to miss is this vital truth:

GOD’S PLAN IS YOU.

Psalm 115:16 says, “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: But the earth He has given to the children of men.”
And,
in Matthew 28:18 Jesus says “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” vs. 19 starts with “Go therefore”, and vs. 20 ends with “I am with you always, even to the end of the end of the age.” Further, Colossians 1:27 says the hope of glory is Christ in me and glory speaks of the fullness of God. If the fullness of God is in me, and it is, what does that mean?

I think the meaning is reflected in Exodus 14:14 – 15 where Moses says “The Lord will fight for you” and God’s reply is “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Isreal to go forward.” And that was before the Holy Spirit was given to each of us for the presence of God to actually reside in us. (Romans 8:9)

So, by all means, acknowledge that God is still on the Throne and that God has a plan, but don’t forget:

the hope of the world is Christ in you.

My Bible college professor used to say “The Word of God in your mouth is just as powerful as the Word of God in His mouth”. Wherever you go realize Christ is in you and live into that reality. Speak life and truth, take encouragement with you, serve with gladness, and ask God where you can show light and life in this dark world. Most of the time all it takes is a smile. Don’t hide your light under a bushel basket take the lid off and be bold, You have the infinite power of Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and the Healer of all mankind resident in you. (Ephesians 3:20)

God can do it all by Himself but he has chosen to work through his people, you and me. As my friend says “Be a blessing to someone today”.

Posted by Gary
10
Nov
2018

Never Apologize for Selling

Never, ever, ever, apologize for being a salesperson. We make the world move.

Posted by Gary in Sales
18
Sep
2018

Building Relationships #1

Not step one, and not necessarily the most important, although most certainly top 5.

Posted by Gary in Leadership, Personal Development, Practical
13
Sep
2018

My Favorite Tools

We live in an amazing time. So many great tools for keeping your ducks in a row. Whether your a digital or analog person there is a solution to keep you organized and on top of things.

I like digital tools because I can access them across multiple devices and platforms. Here are the tools I use to stay organized and help me keep my promises.

  1. Todoist I don’t know if I’d say it’s the best to do list. I haven’t used them all and I’m not really a fan of to do lists overall. (more on this later) I use it mostly for recurring tasks. I used the paid version for awhile but the free version works perfectly well. 
  2. DropBox This is one of the few tools I pay for. $99.00 a year gives me a TB of space which I can access from any device, any platform, any place, anytime. For the things I need access to from anywhere or want to never lose this is the best, and I have used them all.
  3. Google Calendar synced with my iPhone. If it’s not in my calendar it doesn’t exist. There are many others, I’ve just been using google calendar for so long and there is no reason to change.
  4. Kiwi for Gmail Love this app for my macbook. I used to use gmail online but I like having a desktop email client and this is the one I like best. 
  5. Native iPhone apps. I used to be a big PC guy but keeping them running was a full time job. Several years ago a friend gave me an old G4 and I’ve never looked back. Everything syncs, everything works, and I spend zero time cleaning it up or maintaining it. 
  6. Best Self Journal This one surprises people when I tell them about it. I mentioned I’m a digital guy but I love my best self journal. It’s a way for me to take time in the evening to reflect on today and plan tomorrow. In the morning I review my time blocks and my top 3 goals and priorities. It reminds me to be grateful and helps me to remember the big picture while planning the details. 

I used to use Insightly CRM but they changed the interface and ruined it. So I’m trying out several:
Less Annoying CRM I like this one. It’s not free but very simple. probably the front runner so far.
Zoho CRM It’s not bad but missing a few things I would like and way more stuff than I need, but it’s free.
CLOZE A lot to like about this one but the nice features are on the paid side. I’m considering it. 
HubSpot This one I’m just looking into. I’ll keep you posted.

Let me know what you’re using. I’m always on the lookout for things that are cheap, easy, and just work. 

Posted by Gary in Tools
11
Sep
2018

What is Relational Selling?

Relational selling means you work through the sales cycle while focusing on the needs of the person in front of the sale.

Posted by Gary in Coaching, Practical
06
Sep
2018

Action Cures Fear

Fear is real. Telling yourself it’s only in your mind doesn’t help. Rationalizing and trying to talk yourself into action doesn’t help. The hesitation only “fertilizes your fear” and makes it grow.

Posted by Gary in Coaching, Personal Development, Practical
04
Sep
2018

The Hardest Part is Starting

“Don’t get it perfect, get it going.” Gretchen Rubin in Better Than Before.

Posted by Gary in Personal Development
23
Jul
2018

How The Person I Want To Be Handles This?

When you find yourself in a tough situation, ask yourself the question.

“how would the person I want to be handle this?”

Several months ago my coach asked me to get clear on two things:
What do I want?
Who do I want to be?

He said “get crystal clear on these two things, and then live into them.”

At the time I thought I knew what he meant but later I realized I only partially understood what he meant. One of the ways to “live into” who you want to be is to ask yourself that question every time you find yourself in a place of decision. Whether it’s a tough spot or just decision time.

Ask yourself “how would the person I want to be handle this.”

Try it out, let me know how it works.

Posted by Gary in Coaching, Personal Development, Practical
07
Apr
2016

It’s All About His Presence

“It is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in their personal experience, they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into him, that they may delight in his presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God himself in the core and center of their hearts.”

Aiden Wilson Tozer
Chicago Illinois
June 16, 1948
From the Preface of: The Pursuit of God

What do you think the application is?

Posted by Gary in Church Growth, Discipleship, Faith, Intimacy W/God, Leadership, Pastoral Care, Worship

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