Undivided

Undivided

Psalm 86 records a prayer of David. In his distress, he reflects on the greatness and faithfulness of God, and reminds himself that there is no other god like the Lord. He finds peace in the midst of trouble by trusting in the Lord. In verse 11, he prays, teach me your way Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.

Just like David, it is a good idea for us to ask the Lord to give us an undivided heart. Why? Because verse 11 continues to tell us that the outcome of an undivided heart is the ability to fear the Lord. This is not fear in the sense of spooky or scary. Rather it means living in a way that honors and respects the Lord.

What does it look like to live with an undivided heart? Think of it like this. Sometimes we separate life into two different categories, everyday life and spiritual life. We view our everyday life as the usual activities and demands of each day, such as going to work, taking care of family, relaxing at home, and being with friends, while we view our spiritual life as prayer time, reading the bible, and going to church.

Living with an undivided heart means not making a distinction between how we approach everyday life and spiritual life. Rather than separating them, we integrate them. We don't elevate or minimize one over the other, we see them both as equally valuable and meaningful. In other words, they don't compete one against the other, but they support and enhance each other. We strive to live for God all the time, not just when we are doing spiritual things.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Following the call of God by learning to live with an undivided heart.

He is Counting on You

He is counting on you

1 Timothy 1:12 has fascinated me for many years. The Apostle Paul writes, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.

Here we discover some very important keys to living in the will of God. First, we see that Jesus is the provider of the strength and ability we need. Secondly, we see that the Lord is counting on us to be faithful with what he gives. And third, we see that the purpose of what he gives us is to serve him.

The most amazing part of this verse is the realization that Jesus is counting on us to be faithful. Paul said that he received the strength he needed to serve the Lord because the Lord considered him to be trustworthy. What a marvelous thought, that the Almighty God of the universe is considering us to be entrusted with his call, his purpose, and his strength. 

As I mediate on this, I find it to be both humbling and inspiring. Knowing that the Lord is counting on me to be faithful causes me to become more dependent on him, because I know I cannot fulfill his expectations on my own. And knowing that the Lord has called me into his service is stimulating and  encouraging. There is nothing greater to live for, and that gives me confidence that he will supply what is needed for success.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Learning to navigate the call of God upon our lives. Embrace the call because he is counting on us to be faithful and trustworthy.

Think About It

Think About It

The start of a new year seems to be a time when people tend to focus more on making plans and setting goals. After the busy holiday season, it's a good chance to reflect on where we're headed in life and make any needed adjustments. Looking back to last year can help us decide how we need to move forward in the new year. Here are a few things to think about.

Am I making more friends? Did you make the effort to meet new people and add to your circle of friends in the past year? Have you given yourself the opportunity to sharpen others and likewise be sharpened through a wider network of influence? If not, think about how you can improve in this area during the new year.

Am I learning new skills? Did you read any good books or take any new classes to improve your skill set? Have you subscribed to any podcasts, developed better study habits, or invested in your personal growth somehow last year? If not, think about how you can improve in this area during the new year.

Am I sensing clear direction from God? Did you spend last year living with a strong sense of mission? Do you feel like you have been impacted by a specific word from the Lord? Are you moving aimlessly along the current of life, or are you staying focused by listening for God's voice? Think about how you can improve in this area during the new year.

Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about personal development. Building stronger faith. Gaining a stronger sense of purpose. Growing leadership ability. If you're looking to make some positive changes in the new year, think about Empower. Visit www.empowernbca.com for more information.

Bigger and Better

Bigger and Better

The new year has begun and as always, the Lord is at work. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we have been made new in Christ so that we can do the good things he has planned for us long ago. Before the world began, God was working his plan, and now many years later, he is still working out that plan. Let's continue to pray for God's plan to be accomplished, perfectly, completely, and consistently, all of our days.

What is God's plan? The previous two verses make it clear. Ephesians 2:8-9 read, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so no one can boast. His plan is that we would receive his saving grace by faith, and then to become his testimonies to others about that saving grace.

God's plan is simple. It is to make his family bigger and better. Quantity and quality. More people in Christ and more Christ in people. God is unchanging, yet he is not stagnant. Although he remains the same forevermore, he is also fresh and life-giving at the same time. When we determine to follow his plan, we will find ourselves growing bigger and better.

Bigger faith, bigger vision, bigger prayers. Better character, better dreams, better goals. That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Helping people to grow bigger and better through discovering and navigating the wonderful plan of God.

An Excellent Spirit

An Excellent Spirit

The book of Daniel has long been one of my favorites. It is a story of a young man who overcomes great challenges through unyielding devotion to the Lord. He is one of many who are taken captive to a foreign land by an invading army. There, he is faced with constant opposition to his faith, yet he remains true to his beliefs and eventually becomes a very influential leader among his captors. It is an inspiring story of how powerful an impact one can make through dedicated service to God, regardless of their surroundings.

One of the things that distinguished Daniel from the rest was his spirit of excellence. Although he was a captive from another country, he was promoted to one of the highest offices in government. Over and over, his enemies tried to bring him down, but his excellent spirit caused him to keep rising above. He earned a reputation for being faithful, faultless, and exceedingly wise.

A spirit of excellence gets people's attention. It opens doors of opportunity and closes mouths of critics. It builds respect and breaks down barriers. It creates confidence for some and confusion for others. We don't always know what to call it, but we lean in when we see it. An excellent spirit is highly valuable and incredibly rare.

God is the purest definition of excellence. He is above all, and without equal, yet he expresses his excellence graciously and honorably. The nature of his excellence is to benefit others, rather than to trample and dominate them. The spirit of excellence is the spirit of Christ. 

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Developing a spirit of excellence through devotion and service to Christ. We are called to carry the excellence of Christ upon us.

Giving Tuesday

How to be Thankful

How to be Thankful

With this being Thanksgiving week, the subject of being thankful is on the minds of many people. The Bible has much to say about thanksgiving. It's more than our American celebration of turkeys and touchdowns. For the followers of Christ, being thankful is to be a lifestyle.

What happens when being thankful doesn't come naturally? Can we learn to develop a thankful heart? Are there things we can do to inspire and activate thankfulness in our lives? Yes, I think so.

The Bible teaches more than just the need to be thankful, it goes further by also explaining why we can be thankful, how we can be thankful, and what we can be thankful for. While there are many Scriptures we could look at, I especially like Psalm 116:12-14.

Here the writer asks himself an interesting question. How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me? In other words, how can I properly and adequately give thanks to the Lord? Then he answers his own question by saying, I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

As he reflects on his desire to thank the Lord, he realizes the impossibility of doing so, since the Lord has need of nothing and everything we have came from him in the first place. However, he also recognizes that receiving what the Lord offers, his cup of salvation, is the best way to honor God. Humbly and eagerly accepting from the Lord is the best way to show thanks. The paradox is that we give to the Lord by taking what he freely offers.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Learning to live with a thankful heart by receiving the gifts and callings he has for each of us, and fulfilling his purpose for us among the people of God.   

The Future is Now

The Future is Now

It's vitally important to have dreams and goals for the future. The bible tells us in Proverbs 29:18, where there is no vision, people live in unrestrained and undisciplined ways which produces confusion and disorder. However, looking ahead should not prevent us from seeing the opportunities at hand right now.

It's not uncommon for us to get so focused on where we want to go, that we can easily lose sight of current realities. By current realities, I mean things like relationships, situations, needs and opportunities that are part of our lives right now that could be a link to our desired future. We must not limit our dreams in light of our current realities, but neither should we underestimate the connection our current realities can play in helping us achieve our goals.

A healthy balance is usually a good thing. Let's keep moving toward our goals without ignoring the possibilities that surround us right now. Rather than waiting for something special to happen, understanding what you have available to work with right now is often the best place to get started. Acting like our calling is a future event is a common behavior that holds people back. Our calling does involve the future, but the future is built on what we are doing today.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Growing into our God-given calling by getting busy with present opportunities to learn and serve. Because the future really is now. 

Under Construction

Under Construction

The story goes that as a man was walking through a large city one day, he came across a large construction site. Curious, he asked one of the workers what they were doing. With no emotion, "Laying bricks" was all he said. Still curious, the man asked a second worker what they were doing. Without looking up, the second worker replied, "Earning a paycheck". Finally, the man encountered a third worker, to whom he directed the same question. This time, however, he received a much different response. The third worker stopped for a moment, looked the man right in the eye, and with
excitement on his face and awe in his voice, he answered, "I am building a cathedral". 

How is it that outwardly, people can appear to be doing the same thing, yet inwardly they are experiencing different realities? It's all about attitude. It's all about perspective. It's all about seeing the bigger picture. That's what Empower is really all about. Sure, we are a school with classes and teachers and books. But there is much more. Empower is a mindset, it is an understanding of how God wants to make you into someone who is making a difference. Down deep, that's what we really want. We want our life to matter, we want our life to make sense, we want our life to count for something special.

The third worker from our story got it. He saw beyond the daily grind. He saw beyond the task at hand. He saw the lasting result of his labor. It was under construction, but he was empowered by his vision, which transferred into empowering his activity. His inward reality impacted his external performance. From where I sit, that is a good example of living empowered.

A Place Called There

A Place Called There

The account of Saul's conversion to Christ is an amazing story. It appears three times in the Book of Acts, in chapter, 9, 22, and 26. When something is repeated that often in Scripture, we need to pay attention. His experience left a lasting impression on Saul (who later became known as the Apostle Paul), and it became the driving force of his life. He used his story to convince others of their need for salvation, and of Christ's mandate to preach the gospel to all men.

As Paul recounts how he had a vision of Jesus along the road to Damascus, we can learn from his experience. After an intense light from heaven knocks him to the ground, he hears the voice of the Lord. He responds with two question. First, who are you Lord? And secondly, What should I do?

These two questions sum up the hunger of the human heart. Within each human soul, there is a desire to know God and to know how we can honor him. The Lord answers his questions by saying, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, and then he tells him to go into Damascus, THERE you will be told what you are assigned to do.

Why didn't Jesus just tell him everything right then and there? Why was Saul instructed to go into the city to receive further information? Could this be a pattern for us to follow? Just like Paul, do we also have a place called there, where we will receive what our hearts long to know? Of course, God can do whatever he likes, and I don't think everyone's experience is exactly the same. However, I do think  this story highlights an important truth for us all. There are places and people that God intends to use to help shape and direct our lives. 

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. To be a place where people can come to learn more about what God wants them to do. To be a place called there.

Destiny Road

Destiny Road

Destiny is an interesting yet often confusing concept. We all like to believe there is something good out there waiting to happen for us. However, there are plenty of differing ideas on how this is supposed to work.

Is it fate? Some heavenly force that predetermines all of life for us. Or is it personal responsibility? Picking ourselves by the bootstraps and pushing through the obstacles of life with grit and a positive outlook? Maybe it's a combination of both, knowing that God has a plan for us, yet also being aware of our need to search it out and follow the plan with faith on Destiny Road.

Destiny involves a destination. There is a place we need to get to. But it's more than just that, it also involves the path we take to get there. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that as believers in Christ, we enter into a relationship with him that includes a God-ordained plan for us. There is a path prepared for us to follow, yet we must apply ourselves to the pursuit of this destiny or we may miss it. 

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Helping people grow in faith and in their understanding of following God's plan for their lives. Are you confident that you are on Destiny Road?

Built to Last

Built to Last

There used to be a time when things were built to last. Advertisers would tell you about the long-lasting quality of their products. But things have changed. We now live in a disposable society where having the latest and greatest things seems to be of primary importance.

It doesn't take long before a newer version of things comes along, and entices us to upgrade. Upgrading is great, and the constant stream of innovation has made the world a better place in many ways. However, when it comes to following the call of God, let's not forget the value of standing the test of time.

Jesus said in John 15:16, You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Lasting value and enduring impact is the goal of God's call on our lives. We are not called to be a flash in the pan, here today and gone tomorrow. When the Lord gets hold of our lives, we are built to last.

We need not be opposed to new things. We should take advantage of all the tools at our disposal to serve the Lord. Yet, let us guard against the cultural mindset that can blind us to our true purpose. Let's not just live for today, let's keep the big picture in view. Let's stay on the cutting edge without forfeiting our commitment to bearing fruit that will last.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Growing disciples that will remain. Developing leaders that will endure. Making an impact that is built to last. 

Time Change

Time Change

Here we go again. This weekend we change the clocks again. The spring and fall ritual of moving up or turning back the clocks one hour.

Time is an interesting thing. It controls and directs our lives in so many ways. It's one of those things that we all seem to want more of. Yet no matter how hard we try, we each feel the limitations of time. Whether we change the clock an hour ahead or an hour back, it's still ticking. Each day still has only 24 hours.

There is so much we could do, if only we had more time. Rather than wishing for more time, maybe the better approach is to make the most of the time we have. The Bible calls it "redeeming the time". (see Ephesians 5:16)

A friend of mine was recently badly injured in a motorcycle accident. He spoke of lying on the road after the accident, not sure if he would survive. He felt regret that he had not done more for the Lord during his life. Thankfully, he did survive and is now recovering. But his story challenges us to take a hard look at our lives. How are we using our time?

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Helping people redeem the time by seeking out the call of God on their lives, and preparing to follow the call wholeheartedly. There is no greater use of our time than to spend it in the service of our Savior. 

 

Traits of a World-Changer

Traits of a World-Changer

It's been jokingly said that there are three kinds of people. Those who watch things happen. Those who make things happen. And those who don't know what happened. There is some truth to this statement, and it gives us something to consider. How are we changing the world?

History records many people who have impacted the world in profound ways. Freedom fighters like  Moses, Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela. Inventors like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, and Alexander Graham Bell. Explorers like Magellan, Christopher Columbus, and Lewis & Clark. And the list goes on of thinkers, writers, musicians, scientists, humanitarians, and soldiers and statesman who have left their mark.

Not everyone has made such large or noticeable contributions. Countless others have been a great blessing just by being a loving parent, a good friend, or a faithful employee. Being a world-changer doesn't necessarily mean being famous. But there are several common traits we can identify among those who make a significant difference in the world.

First of all, they live with a strong sense of purpose. They don't live randomly or haphazardly. They have visionary focus and an intense feeling of mission. Secondly, they live by their convictions. Most people have no trouble verbalizing their beliefs. Having the courage and commitment to live by those beliefs isn't as common. Lastly, they are people of action. They understand that while change begins with ideas, it must eventually be converted into meaningful action. World-changers and difference-makers follow through with strategic action.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Developing the traits of a world-changer. How are you changing the world? 

The Chosen

The Chosen

The choices we make in life are of immense value. They determine the outcome of so many things. For this reason, praying for wisdom to choose wisely is of utmost importance.

In Matthew 22:14, Jesus ends one of his parables with these words, Many are called but few are chosen. The call goes out to everyone. However, not everyone chooses to respond to the call.

Like most things, there are differences of opinion in how this is interpreted. Regardless of your view, it still is clear that answering the call should be a priority. This one choice supersedes all others.

God loves us and invites us into his family. God loves us and invites us into his purposes. God loves us and invites us into his plans.

The best choice to make is to respond to the call. It won't be easy. There will be sacrifices and struggles, but in the end it will be well worth it.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Creating an environment where people can answer the call. Once and for all and one day at a time. Because the choices we make, end up making us. 

The Finish Line

The Finish Line

There are endless ways to measure success in life. People look at things like power, prestige, and possessions to gauge their level of the good life. Those things have their place and serve their purpose, however, there is a greater scale to measure what really matters.

It all begins with taking a long range view of life. Most people don't like to think about it, but there is a finish line in life. It's not how we start but how we finish that matters most.

There is a higher calling in life. We are made for something bigger than ourselves. Deep within, there is a sense of significance waiting to be awakened. It speaks not only of what we do in life, but also why we do it. It brings us into contact with what really matters.

In John 17, Jesus is praying in the garden. He is preparing to sacrifice his life on the cross. He reflects on what has been done and what is still to be accomplished. He prays for his disciples and the future of the church. But before that, in verse four, he makes a profound statement. He says to the Father, I have brought glory to you on the earth by completing the work you've given me to do.

With that one statement, he sums up the measure of what really matters. With the end quickly approaching, the thing that stood out to him the most in that moment was his readiness to finish what God had asked him to do. That is the mark of a successful life. The finish line says it all.

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Getting your focus on the finish line. Not only figuring out what God has called you to do, but also getting a deep sense of why. Because when all is said and done, the higher calling is how we measure what really matters. 

Do It Again

Do It Again

Of all the attributes of God, the one that seems to stand out more than any other is his faithfulness. He is good, and merciful, and holy, and just, and so much more, but without his faithfulness, we couldn't count on those aspects of his nature. We wouldn't know what to expect from day to day. In other words, his faithfulness encompasses every other one of his attributes. His faithfulness reveals what he is at all times. He is what he is again and again.

This is vitally important for us to learn. We are called to follow the Lord and be conformed into his likeness. We are called to reflect his glory and be expressions of his greatness. Not just sometimes. Not just on good days, or when we feel like it. He is a full-time Jesus and following him is a full-time commitment. We are called to live out who he is again and again.

Herein lies one of the basic elements of success. Faithfulness. Whoever you are and whatever you do, you will never fulfill your potential without faithfulness. No matter the field of endeavor, success is the result of identifying best practices and consistently repeating them over and over. It's simply a matter of showing up day after day and achieving peak performance again and again.

Champions are those who find a way to live faithfully. Faithful to vision. Faithful to purpose. Faithful to values. They are consistent and dependable. They are tried and true. They are who they are again and again. That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Developing faithful followers of Christ who will do what they are called to do. Again and again. 

Right Voices Lead To Right Choices

Right Voices Lead to Right Choices

One of the most common prayer requests is for direction and guidance. We face many decisions on a daily basis, and each of us at some point will be searching for answers. Tuning into the right voices helps us to make the right choices.

Whether we use an online search tool, social media, or we simply phone a friend, seeking help with making decisions is a part of everyday life. Learning who to listen to can make all the difference. When it comes to getting advice, why not go straight to the top?

Psalm 119:24 tells us that the Scriptures can become our counselor. The Lord can speak to us through his word and give us the counsel we need. Talking things over with a trusted and qualified friend is always helpful, too, but the Word of God must be the first place we go to for answers.

Nobody knows more about everything, and nobody cares more about you than the Lord. James 1:5 says that God graciously grants us wisdom when we ask him for it. I just read this morning about an airline pilot in Indonesia who was sensitive to the voice of God and took off before he was scheduled, avoiding an earthquake which happened minutes later, sparing the lives of 144 passengers and crew.

Not all of our decisions will be that consequential, but getting direction from God always serves us well. That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about, developing our ability to walk with God and serve him effectively. Because right voices lead to right choices. 

Keep the Fire Burning

Keep the Fire Burning

Sitting in front of a fireplace on a cold day can be a very enjoyable experience. There is something special about the sights, the sounds, and the sensations coming from the heat, the glow, and the crackle of the fire. But sooner or later, the fire is going to dwindle unless someone takes care of it.

Fire requires three things, fuel, oxygen, and ignition. Tending the fire means we need to supply it with one of those three elements to keep it going. We may need to throw more wood on the fire, we may need to let it breathe, or we may need to rekindle the flame.

In much the same way, our spiritual lives need attention to avoid going dim. Jesus said he would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Jeremiah spoke of God's word burning within him like fire in his bones. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room in the form of fire.

God wants to light a fire within each of us. He wants our hearts to burn with love for him and for the souls of humanity. The Bible calls our God a consuming fire, and he doesn't want us living in lukewarm and apathetic ways.

In Luke 24, Jesus appears to two disciples as they walked the road to Emmaus. At first they didn't recognize him, but eventually they realize it was the resurrected Christ. After he vanishes from their sight, they say to each other, did not our hearts burn within us as we walked together and he taught us the Scriptures along the way?

When was the last time your heart burned within you as Jesus walked alongside of you and taught you from the Scriptures? That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Making a time and a place for the fire of God to capture our hearts and keep the fires burning.

Either Or

Either/Or

We live in a world filled with so many choices and a multitude of options. From a menu of endless television stations to entire grocery aisles dedicated to cereal or toothpaste, we love having options. From choosing a paint color or ordering an ice cream cone, we have plenty of choices.

That may be true when it comes to making purchases or seeking entertainment, but when it comes to how we live our lives, we really only have two choices. Romans 12:2 says we will either conform to the pattern of the world or we will become transformed by the renewing of our minds. It's an either/or proposition. Every single one of us will fall into one of those two groups.

Romans 12:2 goes on to explain that it's the renewing of the mind that enables us to find God's perfect will. Either we will or we won't. Either we do or we don't. Either we conform to the ways of the world and live according to it, or we are transformed by renewing or mind and live according to the teachings of the bible.

In a world filled with so many choices and a multitude of options, there is one decision that matters most. Will we be conformed or will we be transformed? Will we go along with the pattern of the world or will we discover and follow the ways of God? In a world overflowing with choices, the truth is that it's still an either/or life. Will we do the best we know how, or will we know how to do what's best?

That's what Empower NBCA School of Ministry is all about. Providing an environment where one can become transformed by renewing their mind through a consistent and systematic study of the scriptures. This is the gateway to the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.