A Breath of Belief

10.29.10

A Breath of Belief

Last night I spoke with a close friend.  

This brother has traveled many miles with me, a few years ago in my life.  He saw the "raw" Rob.  The brilliantly untamed high D, moderate I personality I was born with.  He saw the crazy, carefree Rob, full of life and joy.  He saw the entrepreneurial Rob, overflowing with ideas, strategies, and tenacity to succeed.  He saw the ferocious fire in my eye, unresolved and focused on the goals.

This brother has first hand experienced my vision, discernment, then activity of taking bold moves to achieve what I set out to accomplish.

This brother marched back to back with me, 15 years ago for a solid 6 year season... sharing ideas, dreams, concepts, excitement, stories, thrills, failures, .... all of it.

He has seen much of which I've tried so hard to passify in the most recent years.

I ask myself, WHY have I tried to stuff who I "use to be" down deep into the abyss?  

Is it because I have responsibilities now in my life, and "full throttle" living is irresponsible?

Is it because I grew tired of living genuinely "On Fire?" and find it more sustaining to live predictably?

Is it because somewhere along the line I forced my thought patterns to a more practical plan?

Or maybe it wasn't nearly all that strategic...?

... is it because I fell asleep at the wheel of my life, and have floated from defaults to defaults, simply thinking this is what success is suppose to be?...

Ugh.

Regardless of HOW/WHY I have found myself in the place of conflicted complacency, the reality is I've now identified that I no longer wish to stay here.  

I look at my close friend, my brother, my comrade... and I see him chasing (and CATCHING) dreams.  

I respect him, greatly for what he's accomplished.  Sure, there may be a few things I'd have done differently... but by in large... he is STILL chasing the dream.  And he's doing it!

Every time we speak (sometimes 6 months go by between phone calls) it's like we pick up right where we left off.  Reminisce about old stories of years gone past... dream about what the future will hold.  

My friend inspires me, most likely, because he really KNOWS ME.  He knows the "Rob" before life through water on my fiery parade.  He know the "Rob" before I put thousands of pounds of responsibility on my own shoulders.  He knows the "Rob" before the trade off between dream and default was made.  

He knows the "Rob" that is desperately trying to resurface for air.

For now, I'll take a hit off my brother's oxygen tank... even if it is 6 months between.

Powerful Transformation

10.26.10

Powerful Transformation

At the start of 2010, I took my "New Year's Resolutions" to the cross.  My prayer and cry was for God to reveal to me patterns, goals, or things in my life that He wanted me to work on.  

I'm a fixer.  I am change agent.  I'm a do-er.  I like the strategic "knock down list," because it allows me to race to the finish and get all items done in record time.

But God had other plans.  

Sure He gave me some divine revelations regarding work, family, and friends... But at the heart of it all, and I do mean it ALL, was SCRIPTURE. 

God revealed to me, plain as day, that unless I'm tapped into the flowing pipeline of His never changing WORD (Logas) that I would be rendered ineffective in all other areas of my life.  He told me to fill myself up with His love, so that I could be poured out to those around me that I love. 

By starting every day (except a short handful) off by reading the One Year Bible, reflection on the truths, and intimate prayer with Him, God has slowly melted away ice on my heart I didn't even knew existed and began to transform my mind to be more in alignment with His.  

Our present day prayer requests have many times been answered before by God!  All we need to do is experience it through his word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true 

and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

  

It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

Positively Strategic

10.22.10

Positively Strategic

As an innovator, I'll be the first to admit many of my ideas are "out there" and less than practical in many cases.  Recognizing this, it is critical for me to partner with others to help me flush out ideas and refine them into true plans for implementation.  I'm the dreamer, others are the engineers...

It's amazing how the "gravity" of life pulls a person down to the ground, with very little effort.  To the emotionally intelligent, this fact should be considered law or rule.  (perhaps John Maxwell has written a book on this?)

At any rate, life's gravitational pull tries to discourage, manipulate, or derail visions and dreams of the future.  Without an intentional "counter-strategy" to offset the affects of life's pull, an entrepreneur or innovator has no chance to survive...

My plan is simple:  Try to fill my ears, eyes, and mind with more positive than negative.

Here's how I do it:

1.  Start my day in the WORD of God- I read the One Year Bible every day

2.  Spend time, real time, praying

3.  If time permits, read 15 minutes in a book that helps me grow in an area of my life

4.  Drive time = sermon time.  I download many sermons, weekly, from inspirational pastors on fire for Christ... and listen to them.

5.  Hang around with people that build me up, and don't tear me down.

What are some ways that you fill yourself up with encouragement and positive energy?

....

Encouragement from the field

10.21.10

Encouragement from the field

Last night, I took a seasoned business veteran out for dinner.  His background includes starting $15M annual sales companies from scratch, investing profits into income producing assets, and organizational leadership.  Though the industries we serve are different, I admire his will and drive to grow, create, and innovate something of value from "thin air."

Best of all... he is a believer.

We talked about leading a company as a Christian man.  We talked about business trends over the past 30+  years of his experience in business ownership.  We talked about how he took his first steps.  

I shared with this man my vision.  My idea.  My "Drum Beat" concept.  

(((Pause: have I ever mentioned how vulnerable I feel after sharing my vision with someone else?  It's an equivalent feeling to driving to the office in the dead of winter, and realizing you are ONLY wearing your snow suite.  no clothes.  COMPLETELY vulnerable, exposed, and so hopeful the other person won't notice.)))

So, I laid it out there... in full.  My plan.  

He loved it.  He saw value in it.  And he told me he thought I could really make this work!

Oh the sweet feeling of confirmation!  Affirmation!  Validation!!

I can't even begin to describe the confidence boost this is to me.  I greatly respect this man for his accomplishments and experiences... and to have encouragement radiate from his spirit into mine... amazing.  

I praise God for this encouragement from field.  

The question I find myself reflecting on now is...

WHO IN MY LIFE COULD BENEFIT FROM THIS TYPE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM ME?

Who can I speak belief into?  What effect might that have?  

How about you?

Write it down

10.17.10

Write it down.  

One of the significant events in the Fall season for me is my chance to retreat for one to full day to what I call my "DAWG" day.  DAWG is an acrostic for Day Away With God.

It's simply my day to go hang out with the Triune God for a full day and night.  

I bring my journals... all of them.  I reflect on some of the prophecies God has spoken and fulfilled in my past. The previous years worth of journal entries serve as amazing encouragement, and real confidence booster in my trust and hope in God to provide.

He has given me some incredible prophecies in years past.  Most that just cannot be excused or explained by human effort... and it is SO COOL to look back and reflect on the fulfillment of those prophecies.

But none of that could have happened, had I not written them down!

The discipline of writing down prayers, prophecies, and experiences with God has proven to be one of the foundational elements to strengthening my faith.  

When I'm discouraged, I can pick up my journal, and read the hope that has been fulfilled.

When I'm confused, I can pick up my journal and see the clear focus and vision God has given me for my life.

When I'm wrestling with a topic in my mind, it helps to pray it through ink... scripting my prayers in real time.

If you haven't yet tapped into this simple, encouraging, and relationship strengthening exercise of writing down your experiences with God, I would encourage you to do so!

Try it for 30 days.  5 minutes per day.  And just see what He reveals to you!

~R

Jeremiah 30:2 (New Living Translation)

² “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Write down for the record everything I have said to you, Jeremiah.

Pray for your city

10.16.10

Pray for your city

As an entrepreneur (or at least, a hopeful)... AND as a follower of Christ, it is a natural fit to integrate my prayer life into my business world.  

My wife and I pray over opportunities, daily.  

"Heavenly Father, open the doors you want us/me to walk through, and close the ones you do not."

I believe prayer is a POWERFUL tool that refines our faith, and gains the attention of God who is just waiting for us to ASK so He can BLESS.

But here's the deal: God instructs us to pray for MORE than just our own economies!  He wants us to pray for the economies of our city!

 

Jeremiah 29:7 (New International Version)

⁷ Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

God has placed us in a local community (our city) for HIS purpose.  For HIS plan.  God wants us to pray over the prosperity of those around us, knowing that if they prosper, so will we.

Oh, how this scripture gripped me today!  

I realized I've been more focused on asking God to bless the plan I feel he has given to ME. 

ME.

Not US.  Not WE...

but (selfishly) ME.

God loves me, I know this... but what impact could be made into the Kingdom of Heaven if an entire City, State, NATION gave credit to our AWESOME God for their prosperity?!

What impact could be made in the advancement of God's people if entire nations bowed before Him in prayer, asking for God to bless their neighbor BEFORE they asked for blessing themselves?!

As an entrepreneur, and a follower of Christ... I commit to praying for the growth, prosperity, and success of businesses I may never step foot in or do business with... in order that God be given the Glory and Honor and Praise.

Pray for them to follow the will of God.

Pray for them to give credit to Christ for all good gifts.

Pray for them to consult the Holy Spirit before making that next big decision.

Pray for them.

Will you join me?

Divine Provision

10.11.2010

Divine Provision

Truthfully, all entrepreneurs go through emotional "seasons" of doubt, excitement, discouragement, belief, and inspiration!  (sometimes all in the same day!)

With that in mind, I suppose it would be safe to assume this radical emotional continuum is "normal."  Right?

Or, maybe God wants me down on my face... surrendered, weeping, and completely Christ-centered SO-THAT His name can be glorified through His Divine Provision.

Consider your entrepreneurial "frustrations" to be little reminders that we can do nothing without the perfect love and provision of our Mighty King.

Deuteronomy 28:12 (New Living Translation)

¹² The Lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.

God Moves

10.06.10

God Moves

Last night, God moved.  It really makes me wonder... I'll bet God moves more often than I give Him credit for...

But this time, I won't neglect to recognize the "God sized" moves that happened.  

Prayer request heard, and prayed for.

Scripture became "God Breathed" and Rhema entered in.

Opportunity and provision has fallen on my lap.

Confession of anger, bitterness, and frustration has invited true JOY in.

Reconciliation with a loved one has shown unconditional love.

The prodigal ME feels like I've come home.

Wow, I don't deserve this feast... Yet my Abba Father still calls me friend, son, beloved one.  

Thank you God.  Thank you Dad.  Thank you wonderful counselor, everlasting father, king of all kings, LORD of lords.  

Even in 2010, God Moves.

EntreLeadership Simulcast November 5th

Hello!

Thank you for your interest in the Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership live simulcast event, hosted by Kentwood Community Church. 
Attached, please find PDF flier, with further details. For tickets to the Kentwood Community Church simulcast site ($39/pp) please contact "Renee Diaz"  RDiaz@kcconline.org

Incidentally, 100-300 local area businesses should be in attendance at this event. 

Because we are a church that believes in the power of God through local business leaders, we’ve made accommodations for 10-15 booth / expo spaces in our main lobby during this event.  The spaces are completely free.  We simply ask that companies expo-ing purchase 10 tickets for the event. 

Should you decide your company would like to take advantage of this free pin-point exposure, I’ll be happy to connect you with the more information…  email EntreInnovator@gmail.com for more details.

Please let me know if you have any questions / concerns / ideas!


Blessed to serve you,

Rob

A quote from E-Myth

10.04.10

P. 199-200 of E-Myth by Michael Gerber

"The work we do is a reflection of who we are.  If we're sloppy at it, it's because we're sloppy inside.  If we're late at it, it's because we're late inside.  If we're bored by it, it's because we're bored inside, with ourselves, not with the work.  The most menial work can be a piece of art when done by an artist.  So the job here is not outside of ourselves, but inside of ourselves.  How we do our work becomes a mirror of who we are inside."

Wow.  I love this statement.

So, the way to change our output is to change our input.  Allow transformation to take place.

Seasons of Discontent

10.03.10

Seasons of Discontent

Have you been asked the question, "how are you doing?"

Wow.  It seems like the "auto-response" to a question like this is instant. "Fine" or "Great." or "Pretty Good."

But is that REALLY the truth? 

I was asked this question last night.  Fortunately, I was asked by a brother in Christ behind closed doors where the distraction of the "hustle bustle" couldn't be my scapegoat.  He asked, and I felt the Holy Spirit prod me to "go there."  

So I did.

I told him how discontent I've been recently... In my efforts at work, in my efforts in marriage, in my personal growth.  I had reasons for all, but they were only excuses.  

The fact of the matter is that I have been conflicted with feelings of hope AND frustration over many areas of my life recently.  This has caused me to seek God's will for my life in the NOW.  

The game plan I thought existed years ago has changed.  The vision remains the same, but the strategy changes.  I guess this is normal.

My brother in Christ became the face of the Holy Spirit last night, as he listened attentively.  He asked meaningful questions that helped me process my agitation.  He reflected back statements that I had spoke previously (from today's talk and many prior).  I truly felt him connect at a heart level of what "I'm going through." 

And then a precious gem fell from his words...

"Rob, I think God uses seasons of discontent in our lives to inspire us to grow."

Like a tri-lingual translator on Red Bull, I felt the Holy Spirit connect my brothers words to multiple situations in my life today.

... this is why I've stirred your heart up at the work place, Rob!

... this is why I've given you a spirit of faith, and a risk tolerance.  

... this is why I've given you and your wife a small group of couples to speak truth into your life!

... this is why I've placed you in totally "other" worship environments, to grow and stretch your perspective of Me. 

... this is why I've revealed a calling, a vision, and a purpose to you... TODAY

... this is why I've given you a mentor, Rob. Someone who has been through this before.

... this is why I've given you community.  So when you fall, you won't be left alone to pick yourself up.

It makes sense now!  God cares about the condition of my heart more than the condition of my circumstances! 

In fact, it is not beyond Him to use my circumstances (even if means changing them in a self-perceived negative way) in order TO condition my heart!

 

Philippians 4:11-12 (New Living Translation)

¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

How else could I learn how to handle frustration? fear? anger? bitterness? lack? want? need? hunger? 

God is bringing me through this season to teach me spiritual survival skills that I will need in the future. 

He's preparing an awesome and holy future for me... just may not be "happy" all the time.

God is using this season of discontent in my life, to catalyze change, surrender, and prayer that would not have happened otherwise...

...your situation is no different.