4 Attributes of a Leader

This week I attended our Leaders Conference with our Pastor/Bishop Nate Holcomb. Here are 4 attributes of a True Leader

1. Leaders do not brake under pressure. This means they do not allow the pressures of life to determine how they will react. It can be difficult at times as a leader. But one thing is when under pressure we run to the rock. Psalms 91:16 says with long life I will satisfy Him. Jesus said we will run and not be weary, walk and not faint. Many people are running to other objects for relief. We must run to Him.

2. Leaders cannot become bitter with Life. This is one of the greatest attributes about a true leader. We must not become bitter with the process. Isaiah 1:19 we will eat the good of the land if we are willing and obedient. We can eat and be satisfied if we are willing and obedient.

3. Leaders tell the truth and keep their word. Keeping your word and telling the truth is an attribute of a leader. You cannot say you are leading and not keeping your word and telling the truth. The bible tells us the truth will make you free. It's the truth that we must keep. Keeping our word even when it hurts will cause one as a leader to reach their full potential.

4. Leaders have to be patience. Stick to what God has spoken to you. You might have to change or reposition what you are doing, but you must have patience and move on when God instructs you. David asked the Lord, do I pursue my enemy and the Lord answered him one time to wait by the mulberry trees and when you hear the sound of the shuffling of the tress that is when you move. He had to be patience and move when God told him. It might not make sense, but it does make sense to follow God, so move on what He is speaking.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Fasting

Fasting is our way of clearing our spiritual channels so that we can acquire clear and precise direction and anwsered prayers. When Daniel fasted for 21 days, the bible tells us his prayer was heard the first time he prayed, but their was warfare in the heavenlies. It was only held up for 21 days, but God answered it.

During this 21 day fast, I encourage every one to paticipate in some form. God hears the prayer of the righteous. Here are some points on fasting.

1. Write down what you are believing God to do in 2012. The bible tells us to make the vision plan.

2. Have a daily confession.

Corporately fasting January 1st, 2012 - January 21st 2012 is much the same precept as praying in the morning to establish the will of God for the entire day. Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. It's not a punishment; it's a privilege! By making fasting a way of life, you can get closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before.

Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives. Fasting has to do with your future.As you fast, pray for God's direction and guidance. Focus your faith on your dream and God will show you how you can turn your vision into a reality according to His will.

1. Habakkuk 2:2 tells us to write the vision down. Take time and write down what you are believing God for. . Seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him.

2. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. Start with a clear goal and make a commitment to stick to your fast.

3. Finally be ready to grow in your walk like never before as you seek the Lord through the Biblical principles of prayer and fasting.

FASTING FOCUS SCRIPTURES
Matthew 6:33, Isaiah 58:6

Corporate Fasting: 2 Chronicles 20:34, Joel 2:15-16, Acts 27:33-37

TYPES OF FASTS (consult with your doctor prior to starting)

• Full Fast - drink liquids only (you establish number of days) consult with your Doctor
• Daniel Fast - (see below)
  
• 3 Day Fast - This can be any type of Fast
• Partial Fast - 6am - 3pm or sun up to sun down. This can be any type also (full, Daniel, partial, 3 day)

GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST
(Foods We May Eat)
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed
Peas
Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries,
Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava,
Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas,
Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries,
Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts,
Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers,
Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens,
Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach,
Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
Liquids: Water

(Foods to Avoid)
Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products

Reposition

Reposition – Your best is yet to come

In a few days, it will be the New Year. Maybe this year has been a year of drought and frustration. On the contrary, maybe this is been one of the best years of your life. Either way, I want to talk to you today about repositioning. In the bible, there was a man by the name of Isaac. He was told by God to stay in the region he was in but there was a famine. Due to the famine in the land, it seemed to complicate things. How could God want him to stay where there was great lack and despair? In a quick answer, it was to accomplish the assignment God set out for his life. Looking from the outside in, it would appear like Isaac missed God; but he didn’t. You see, as you read the account of this portion of his life in Genesis 26, you learn that he had to reposition himself. When he did, the bible explains he was able to break through. Are you at a point in life where you a need a breakthrough? I encourage you to do what Isaac did and reposition yourself. Isaac repositioned himself, dug a well, and named it Rehoboth which means more than enough room.

The process was a challenge. However, once he repositioned, he was able to move forward and accomplish all that God had set out for his life. In Matthew 3:9 it tells us not to think of ourselves too highly and to place our focus on knowing Him; Jesus. God may be calling you today to reposition your attitude, relationships, career track, health focus or something of the like; only you know. Whatever it is, start today to reposition. The bible teaches us Isaac removed himself from the place where nothing was working, repositioned in the same country, different region.

God desires for our life to be fruitful, even in hard times, but it can only occur if we reposition ourselves and have our souls anchored on the rock of Christ Jesus. I want you to think about this as we approach this next year. Where you are at and where does God desires for you to be? Write it down. You might have to forgive someone, or forgive yourself. You may have to ask for someone to forgive you. Listen to that still small voice inside. Decide today, not to take the past into the future. Instead reposition, so that you can have the life God intended you to have! I am confident that 2012 is going to be an epic year, I declare God’s best over your life and hold onto the hope in your heart that the best is yet to come!

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Reposition

Reposition – Your best is yet to come

In a few days, it will be the New Year. Maybe this year has been a year of drought and frustration. On the contrary, maybe this is been one of the best years of your life. Either way, I want to talk to you today about repositioning. In the bible, there was a man by the name of Isaac. He was told by God to stay in the region he was in but there was a famine. Due to the famine in the land, it seemed to complicate things. How could God want him to stay where there was great lack and despair? In a quick answer, it was to accomplish the assignment God set out for his life. Looking from the outside in, it would appear like Isaac missed God; but he didn’t. You see, as you read the account of this portion of his life in Genesis 26, you learn that he had to reposition himself. When he did, the bible explains he was able to break through. Are you at a point in life where you a need a breakthrough? I encourage you to do what Isaac did and reposition yourself. Isaac repositioned himself, dug a well, and named it Rehoboth which means more than enough room.

The process was a challenge. However, once he repositioned, he was able to move forward and accomplish all that God had set out for his life. In Matthew 3:9 it tells us not to think of ourselves too highly and to place our focus on knowing Him; Jesus. God may be calling you today to reposition your attitude, relationships, career track, health focus or something of the like; only you know. Whatever it is, start today to reposition. The bible teaches us Isaac removed himself from the place where nothing was working, repositioned in the same country, different region.

God desires for our life to be fruitful, even in hard times, but it can only occur if we reposition ourselves and have our souls anchored on the rock of Christ Jesus. I want you to think about this as we approach this next year. Where you are at and where does God desires for you to be? Write it down. You might have to forgive someone, or forgive yourself. You may have to ask for someone to forgive you. Listen to that still small voice inside. Decide today, not to take the past into the future. Instead reposition, so that you can have the life God intended you to have! I am confident that 2012 is going to be an epic year, I declare God’s best over your life and hold onto the hope in your heart that the best is yet to come!

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Attitude of Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! We pray that your day is filled with faith, family, friends and fun.

You might say, “Pastor, I’m thankful for today and to be alive, but it’s been a rough year.” Yes, my friend I know. 2011 has been rough for quite a few families. Not just economically, but relationally; there has been much transition.

I want to encourage you today and let you know, through every opposition, there is opportunity. Your best is yet to come! We can make excuses or we can make progress. Choose progress! Together, let’s take on an attitude of gratitude. Let’s not allow the fear of losing to be greater than the excitement of winning.

I want to speak faith filled words over your life. I want you to walk away with a hope that you can Begin Again, Dream Again and Live Again. You can reach your full potential through Christ. You are more than a conqueror.

God see’s your future and there are great opportunities ahead for you. Having a thankful heart opens up the abundance in our life.

Every Thanksgiving, at our home, we go around the dinner table listing three things we are thankful and grateful for. I encourage you to share with someone today, what you are thankful for.

Here are three you can start with:

I am thankful my future is bright!

I am thankful my best days are ahead!

I am thankful that there is hope for tomorrow and strength for everything we go through.

Life is what we make it. Thank you for sharing this short time with me on your Thanksgiving!

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving,

Pastor Mark Brown

Staging a Comeback

In life we are faced with some of the greatest opposition. These oppositions are meant to derail us from reaching our full potential in Christ. Jesus said in John 10:10 “the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but I (Jesus) have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” The only way to acquire and live an abundant life, is to allow Him to stage a comeback.

So, how does God stage a comeback? God is notorious about making His comeback in our lives. In the book of Romans, it tells us all thing work together for the good of them that are called by His name. It’s allowing Him to work all the good, the bad, and the ugly situations out in our lives. It starts with placing our disappointments, success, strengths, and weaknesses in His hand.

In the bible, God gave dreams and visions to a young man named Joseph. This man went through horrific times in life. In fact, he was falsely accused, lied about, and thrown out, all because of dreams he had. But he kept holding on and pressing forward when most would have given up. After 13 years, God promoted him and his dreams came to pass.

I want you to know just as God staged a comeback for Joseph, so is He staging a comeback for you. God is intentional about our success. He knows life has its opposition, but He knows how to position and set the stage for a great comeback. Your comeback may not take 13 years, it may be next month, next week, in two years, but know that God is working on your behalf.

I don’t know where you are in life or if you need a comeback in a certain area of your life, but if you give Him all of the problems, God will set the stage for one of the greatest comebacks in your life. Remember, this stage is set by God and not man, which converts to you and I succeeding because of the person who has set the stage.

Begin your comeback today.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Brown

It shall be

In Genesis chapter 37 we see here a young anointed man by the name of Joseph, which is the son of Jacob, in the beginnings of his life. Joseph was in the interlude of what was getting ready to thrust him into the destiny in his life. The bible records Jacob as loving Joseph above all his brothers and was given a coat of many colors by his father.

Through the process of time the young man had dreams which were very bold and exclaiming about his life. Little did his family know that these dreams where prophetic from God of what was to come, but like most religious families, they refused to receive them and became offended at what Joseph was telling them. Has God given you a vision in which you were so excited? However, bound and immature people try to discourage the vision because they want it for themselves or they simply cannot see you there. Don’t worry because God led Joseph through all the immature and death traps of the enemy and He will lead you though too.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark