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What To Do First to Make a Profit

The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat  ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're  not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director.  Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year.  God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started inve
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Wisdom


Proverbs 4:5-9 "Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” (NLT)

Right now Larry and I have just started our "Proverbs: Wisdom Keys for Living" series on Wednesday nights. I'm encouraging the church, as I have many times before, about reading the chapter of Proverbs that coincides with the day of the week. This is a great habit to get into. You always know what Proverb you are supposed to be reading each day - you need no bookmark.

Here in this passage as with many others, we notice that wisdom is always referred to as "she". Last night someone raised a hand as I was teaching and asked, "why is wisdom always referred to as she?" As I often do, I turned the question right back to the people and said, "okay somebody, why do you think?" Even Dr. Watson said, "I have no idea!"

Then Larry said, "Truthfully, my guess is that Solomon decided to refer to wisdom a "she" so he wouldn't have to be nagged by all his 600 wives!" That brought hysterical laughter from those in attendance. Then Pastor T redeemed the day by raising his hand and saying, "Wisdom is called she because wisdom is a GOOD THING." I said, "Aw T...and Misty wasn't even in the sanctuary for you to get the bonus points for that one!!!" (Again, insert hysterical laughter here.)

There are some things I don't know about Proverbs, as many times as I've read them. But this I do know. Solomon wrote them as a priceless treasure to be found. The treasure contains all the advice we would ever need for here and now in this life, to be effective. Advice about marriage, parenting, relationships, money, you name it, it's all there.

To not pursue wisdom is foolish. To not want to listen to those who have more experience and impart their wisdom to you is foolish. The Bible says if you prize wisdom, she will make you great! The Bible is our foundation for wisdom - our rule book for living. But then God gives people, who are ordained to speak into our lives.

I want to be great. That's why I don't want to shirk wisdom. Just yesterday I was able to get a mentor's wisdom and I took it in as pure gold. I don't care if I'm 80 years old - I'll find a mentor who is 81! I believe in it that much.

Comments

Melissa Davis said…
God bless you Pastor Deanna,

Thanks for the post on Wisdom, I feel the same way and whether you know it or not you have been a mentor to me. There's a lot that you say in your post and newsletters that I take to heart and use.

I will also, starting today read a Proverb that coincide with the day. Forgive me for intruding (lol) but I dont want to miss my blessing.
7:34 AM
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