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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

Singing my prayers to Him...




" I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
I Corinthians 1:4-9 (NLT)

I want every pastor/pastor's wife reading this today to remember that you have everything you need to do what is on your plate to do today as long as you are filled with Him. You are anointed. God has strategically placed you where you are. It is God that puts the Word in your mouth and gives you knowledge, and yes, the eloquence as you speak forth whether it be to your church tonight or in a counseling session. I have all that on my plate today -- preaching, counseling, etc., and I expect the Spirit of God to work through me, because I am leaning on Him to do that which only He can do.

I Corinthians 1 was where I was at in the Word this morning and I was reminded of so much as I read it. First of all, THANKFULNESS for the gifts God has given me, because I belong to Him. He has given me what I need to give out to others in the church. Isn't that awesome? Because of Him, I have something to give.


I am bringing God's Word to our congregation tonight (Larry and I share the pulpit - every other Wednesday night I speak, and tonight's my night). I believe God has given me a powerful Word tonight on the gifts of the spirit that will stretch and edify our church. Thanks be to God!

This morning as I went to prayer I was prompted to sing my prayers instead of just speak them. I'm not saying we should do this all the time - it's just something God directed me to do for today. And with adoration to God I just poured out to Him in prayer through a spontaneous song what was in my heart as I sat at the keyboard in my office. When I was done, I read a passage in Come Away My Beloved (by Frances J. Roberts) and this is what portions of it said:

"Show me your hand. I have fashioned it to bring glory to My name. For My Name is above every name and praise and glory belong to Me and in Me every living thing shall rejoice. For I will cause a light to shine out of the darkness, and in that palce where you have walked in defeat, there I will cause victory to break forth. I know your works. Your heart has been an open book My Spirit has read. Yes, and I know your every desire, and I know your every need, and I go before you, and I shall bring it to pass. In the morning, lift your heart in song. In the evening, let your requests be known. And My peace will keep you, and My grace shall be your support. For as the shepherd leads his sheep, you will known with certainty that I go before you. I will bring you to a place of broad pastures, of enlarged vision, of increased fruitfulness and abounding blessings and nothing shall prevent me!

I believe this is a Word for YOU today too! Sing His praise in the morning. In the evening let your requests be known. He is there to meet them. I am believing for a powerful day/evening, for me, and for you!

Comments

Tara Sloan said…
Deanna, you are reading my mail! Thanks for being obedient!
Melissa Davis said…
Pastor Deanna,
I really loved this post, very encouraging especially since I've been singing prayers to God for the last couple of days - go figure, and I'm not even a singer -lol.

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