I have recently finished reading a book that I think is a must read for every person who is in a position of leadership: “The Serving Leader” by Ken Jennings and John Stahl-Wert”. (To look inside this book and read the first few pages, go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1576752658/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link )
(Web site for “The Serving Leader”: http://www.trinityplacepartners.com/servingleader/authors/index.html#links
For a long time, I have tried to understand how a leader could be a servant and how a servant could be a leader. I know that the answer is found in Jesus by investigating the example He modeled during His earthly ministry. But, in my frustration, I know that I am not Jesus and I have never been able to integrate leadership and servanthood.
The book that I have mentioned has helped me gain some decisive insight on how a leader can be a servant and how a servant can be a leader. During the course of my reading the book, I was convicted by the Spirit of God about some areas of pride in my life and some areas where I need to demonstrate humility, which is the primary quality of a servant.
The book is written, primarily from a business perspective, but it also is written from a religious perspective. You can find out more about the authors by going to: http://www.3rd-river.com/ (Ken Jennings) and http://www.plf.org/ (John Stahl-Wert). Stahl-Wert is an ordained pastor in the Mennonite Church and is a professor in the Department of Leadership Studies at Geneva College (graduate school) http://www.geneva.edu. Ken Jennings is a faculty member of the Bethel School of Leadership (which is associated with Bethel College and Seminary. I am trying to get more info).
If I could buy a copy of this book for everyone in leadership, I would in a heartbeat. That’s how important I believe this book is. Amazon has used copies of the book beginning at $2.20 plus shipping and I have always been pleased with the quality of used books bought through Amazon.
Because the Spirit of God will not leave me alone on this issue in my life, I have written the following. Some of it is original and some of it is adapted from: “Dying To Self” by Gene Warr, Video Tape, Wise Investments, Copyright 1977, International Evangelism Association. Gene Warr is one of my heroes who has since gone on to enjoy the presence of God in heaven. http://www.discipleshiplibrary.com/gene_warr.php)
(By the way, I am still working on this area of my life and I’m still working on what I have written below. I think it will take a lifetime considering how well I know myself).
_____________________________________________________________
What is a servant?
A servant empties himself of pride.
A servant doesn’t talk about himself but lets others talk themselves.
A servant doesn’t try to control conversations in a group of people.
A servant isn’t jealous.
A servant isn’t angry.
A servant isn’t greedy.
A servant isn’t malicious.
A servant isn’t slanderous.
A servant doesn’t exalt himself.
A servant doesn’t need to be recognized for what he does.
A servant doesn’t need to promote himself.
A servant doesn’t need to be the first in line and is actually glad to be the last one in line.
A servant doesn’t expect other people to serve him but looks for ways to serve others.
A servant understands that the rules apply to him just as much as they apply to everyone else.
A servant wants to be lowly.
A servant knows that he has no rights and expects no special privileges.
A servant wants to be crucified and wants to die to the flesh.
A servant doesn’t brag on himself and doesn’t need to feel important to other people.
A servant is glad when he is treated like a servant not just called a servant.
A servant isn’t hurt when he is forgotten or overlooked but he is happy for being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
A servant refuses to let anger rise in his heart and refuses to defend himself when his good is evil spoken of, when his wishes are ignored, when his advice is disregarded, and his opinion ridiculed, and takes it all in patient, loving silence.
A servant lovingly and patiently bears any insensitivity and annoyances from other people.
A servant doesn’t itch after commendation and truly loves to be unknown.
A servant rejoices, feels no envy, nor questions God when he sees others around him prosper and have their needs met while his own needs are far greater and in more desperate circumstances and have yet to have been fulfilled.
A servant humbly submits inwardly and outwardly when he receives correction and reproof from someone and allows no rebellion or resentment to rise up within his heart.
A servant doesn’t think more highly of himself than he ought to and considers every other person in his life a special gift of God, created by Him for a special purpose.
A servant is content with the level of God’s provisions of his financial, physical, and spiritual needs and trusts His Master to always take care of everything he needs.
And, finally, because he understands that the heart of Jesus lives within him, the servant knows that his humility and his lowliness are his gifts to the kingdom of God.
What is a servant?
Ah, now, that is something you will have to answer for yourself.
My Favorite Books
I have always had an interest in what books are being read, or have been read, by pastors, leaders, authors, etc. Here is a list of books that have been beneficial to me over the years.
My Utmost For His Highest-Oswald Chambers (best daily teaching devotional)
Streams In The Desert-Mrs. Charles Cowman (best devotional for daily comfort)
This Morning With God-Carol Adney, editor, InterVarsity Press (best daily devotional for Bible study: book is out of print but Amazon.com has used copies)
Hinds Feet On High Places-Hannah Hurnard (one of the best books on understanding trials we go through)
Lottie Moon-Una Lawrence (biography about great missionary to China, 1873 to 1912)
Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret-Dr. Howard Taylor (biography about great missionary to China, 1853-1900)
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael-Elisabeth Elliot
Autobiography of George Muller-George Mueller
Answers to Prayer-George Muller
Daws: A Man Who Trusted God-Betty Skinner http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0891097961/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (biography about Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators
The Navigator-Robert Foster (another biography about Dawson Trotman)
Through Gates Of Splendor-Elisabeth Elliot (The story of Jim Elliot and four other missionaries killed in Ecuador by Auca Indians in 1956)
Shadow of the Almighty-Elisabeth Elliot (The personal life story of Jim Elliot, including personal journals and letters, his love story,
his missionary preparation and experience)
Jungle Pilot by Russell T. Hitt (the story of the pilot who was killed in Ecuador with Jim Elliot and three other missionaries)
Brokenness-Nancy Leigh DeMoss http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0802412815/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Surrender-Nancy Leigh DeMoss http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0802412807/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Ablaze With His Glory-Del Fehsenfeld, Jr. (hard to find, out of print, used copies available, will be reprinted soon/one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Concentric Circles Of Concern-Oscar Thompson, Jr. (best book on evangelism) (first edition)
Love Must Be Tough-James Dobson http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/141431745X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (best book on relationships of any kind; dating, marriage, friendships, etc.)
Don’t Waste Your Sorrows-Paul Billheimer (spiritual growth through suffering and sorrow, finding God’s purpose in the midst of pain)
Communicating For A Change-Andy Stanley (great book for preachers and teachers) http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1590525140/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (written in allegory)
The Key To Triumphant Living-Jack Taylor (the key is: Christ in you!)
In His Steps-Charles Sheldon (what would Jesus do? Read entire book online at: http://www.kancoll.org/books/sheldon/ (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Tale Of Three Kings: a study in brokenness-Gene Edwards http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0842369082/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (allegory)
The Divine Romance-Gene Edwards http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0842310924/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (allegory, a majestic rendition of the love of God)
The Mind Of Christ-T.W. Hunt http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0805463496/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (I have learned more about the Christian life from T.W. Hunt than anyone else I know/one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Experiencing God (workbook)-Henry Blackaby (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Seeking Him (workbook)-Nancy Leigh Demoss (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
The following books are not “religious” books but the books have been beneficial to me in the ministry and in my personal life:
Tuesdays With Morrie-Mitch Albom http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/076790592X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (great book on dealing with a loved one or friend who is dying)
The following books deal with the subject of leadership from the business world and all of the following books are easy to read and written in the style of allegory. Once you start reading these books you might not want to put them down. Amazon has used copies at great prices. I have never been disappointed buying used copies from Amazon and I have always been surprised at the quality of the used books.
The Serving Leader-by Ken Jennings and John Stahl-Wert (I have tried to determine, in the past, how a pastor can be a leader and a servant at the same time. Also, I have tried to determine how a servant could be a leader. This book helps to understand how servanthood and leadership can work together. To read an excerpt, go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1576753085/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Who Moved My Cheese-Spencer Johnson (how to deal with change) http://www.scribd.com/doc/969701/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-by-Spencer-Johnson?query2=who%20moved%20my%20cheese%20free%20book%20download
The One Minute Manager-Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson (how to supervise people) http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688014291/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
The One Minute Father-Spencer Johnson http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688144055/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
The One Minute Mother-Spender Johnson http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688144047/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Precious Present-Spencer Johnson (your life is a precious present that you give to others in your life-you are important. Read the book online at: http://www.livinglifefully.com/flo/flopreciouspresent.htm and takes about five minutes)
Gung Ho!-Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/068815428X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
High Five-Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles (the importance of teamwork) http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688170366/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
The Fish! books deal with how to boost morale in the workplace. Easy to read, written in allegory. Go to: http://www.charthouse.com/content.aspx?name=home2 for more info.
Fish!- Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0786866020/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link The FISH! Philosophy is a simple way to build stronger relationships that equip you to face your challenges more effectively in an organization)
Fish Sticks- Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0786868163/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (boost morale in any organization)
Fish Tales-Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0786868686/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (real life stories of Fish! principles)
Fish For Life- Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1401300715/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (use Fish! principles to achieve your mission)
Schools Of Fish-Philip Strand http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1401303005/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (testimonies of teachers, principals, schools who put into practice FISH! principles-great for anyone in education)
Also for teachers:
Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire-Rafe Esquith http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0670038156/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
There Are No Shortcuts- Rafe Esquith http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1400030838/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
My Utmost For His Highest-Oswald Chambers (best daily teaching devotional)
Streams In The Desert-Mrs. Charles Cowman (best devotional for daily comfort)
This Morning With God-Carol Adney, editor, InterVarsity Press (best daily devotional for Bible study: book is out of print but Amazon.com has used copies)
Hinds Feet On High Places-Hannah Hurnard (one of the best books on understanding trials we go through)
Lottie Moon-Una Lawrence (biography about great missionary to China, 1873 to 1912)
Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret-Dr. Howard Taylor (biography about great missionary to China, 1853-1900)
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael-Elisabeth Elliot
Autobiography of George Muller-George Mueller
Answers to Prayer-George Muller
Daws: A Man Who Trusted God-Betty Skinner http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0891097961/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (biography about Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators
The Navigator-Robert Foster (another biography about Dawson Trotman)
Through Gates Of Splendor-Elisabeth Elliot (The story of Jim Elliot and four other missionaries killed in Ecuador by Auca Indians in 1956)
Shadow of the Almighty-Elisabeth Elliot (The personal life story of Jim Elliot, including personal journals and letters, his love story,
his missionary preparation and experience)
Jungle Pilot by Russell T. Hitt (the story of the pilot who was killed in Ecuador with Jim Elliot and three other missionaries)
Brokenness-Nancy Leigh DeMoss http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0802412815/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Surrender-Nancy Leigh DeMoss http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0802412807/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Ablaze With His Glory-Del Fehsenfeld, Jr. (hard to find, out of print, used copies available, will be reprinted soon/one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Concentric Circles Of Concern-Oscar Thompson, Jr. (best book on evangelism) (first edition)
Love Must Be Tough-James Dobson http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/141431745X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (best book on relationships of any kind; dating, marriage, friendships, etc.)
Don’t Waste Your Sorrows-Paul Billheimer (spiritual growth through suffering and sorrow, finding God’s purpose in the midst of pain)
Communicating For A Change-Andy Stanley (great book for preachers and teachers) http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1590525140/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (written in allegory)
The Key To Triumphant Living-Jack Taylor (the key is: Christ in you!)
In His Steps-Charles Sheldon (what would Jesus do? Read entire book online at: http://www.kancoll.org/books/sheldon/ (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Tale Of Three Kings: a study in brokenness-Gene Edwards http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0842369082/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (allegory)
The Divine Romance-Gene Edwards http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0842310924/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (allegory, a majestic rendition of the love of God)
The Mind Of Christ-T.W. Hunt http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0805463496/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (I have learned more about the Christian life from T.W. Hunt than anyone else I know/one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Experiencing God (workbook)-Henry Blackaby (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
Seeking Him (workbook)-Nancy Leigh Demoss (one of my textbooks for my classes at Fruitland)
The following books are not “religious” books but the books have been beneficial to me in the ministry and in my personal life:
Tuesdays With Morrie-Mitch Albom http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/076790592X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (great book on dealing with a loved one or friend who is dying)
The following books deal with the subject of leadership from the business world and all of the following books are easy to read and written in the style of allegory. Once you start reading these books you might not want to put them down. Amazon has used copies at great prices. I have never been disappointed buying used copies from Amazon and I have always been surprised at the quality of the used books.
The Serving Leader-by Ken Jennings and John Stahl-Wert (I have tried to determine, in the past, how a pastor can be a leader and a servant at the same time. Also, I have tried to determine how a servant could be a leader. This book helps to understand how servanthood and leadership can work together. To read an excerpt, go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1576753085/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Who Moved My Cheese-Spencer Johnson (how to deal with change) http://www.scribd.com/doc/969701/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-by-Spencer-Johnson?query2=who%20moved%20my%20cheese%20free%20book%20download
The One Minute Manager-Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson (how to supervise people) http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688014291/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
The One Minute Father-Spencer Johnson http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688144055/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
The One Minute Mother-Spender Johnson http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688144047/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Precious Present-Spencer Johnson (your life is a precious present that you give to others in your life-you are important. Read the book online at: http://www.livinglifefully.com/flo/flopreciouspresent.htm and takes about five minutes)
Gung Ho!-Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/068815428X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
High Five-Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles (the importance of teamwork) http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0688170366/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
The Fish! books deal with how to boost morale in the workplace. Easy to read, written in allegory. Go to: http://www.charthouse.com/content.aspx?name=home2 for more info.
Fish!- Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0786866020/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link The FISH! Philosophy is a simple way to build stronger relationships that equip you to face your challenges more effectively in an organization)
Fish Sticks- Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0786868163/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (boost morale in any organization)
Fish Tales-Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0786868686/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (real life stories of Fish! principles)
Fish For Life- Stephen C. Lundin http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1401300715/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (use Fish! principles to achieve your mission)
Schools Of Fish-Philip Strand http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1401303005/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link (testimonies of teachers, principals, schools who put into practice FISH! principles-great for anyone in education)
Also for teachers:
Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire-Rafe Esquith http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0670038156/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
There Are No Shortcuts- Rafe Esquith http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1400030838/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Marine Corps Leadership Traits
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/usmc/leadership_traits.htm
The 14 leadership traits are qualities of thought and action which, if demonstrated in daily activities, help Marines earn the respect, confidence, and loyal cooperation of other Marines. It is extremely important that you understand the meaning of each leadership trait and how to develop it, so you know what goals to set as you work to become a good leader and a good follower.
JUSTICE
Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.
JUDGMENT
Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.
DEPENDABILITY
Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you're supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.
INITIATIVE
Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.
DECISIVENESS
Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.
TACT
Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
INTEGRITY
Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.
ENTHUSIASM
Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.
Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done.
BEARING
Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.
UNSELFISHNESS
Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.
Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.
COURAGE
Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.
KNOWLEDGE
Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit's policies and keep up with current events.
Suggestions for Improvement: Suggestions for Improvement: Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don't understand. Study field manuals and other military literature.
LOYALTY
Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis!, (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the Marine Corps or your unit with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.
ENDURANCE
Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.
Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish
The 14 leadership traits are qualities of thought and action which, if demonstrated in daily activities, help Marines earn the respect, confidence, and loyal cooperation of other Marines. It is extremely important that you understand the meaning of each leadership trait and how to develop it, so you know what goals to set as you work to become a good leader and a good follower.
JUSTICE
Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.
JUDGMENT
Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.
DEPENDABILITY
Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you're supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.
INITIATIVE
Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.
DECISIVENESS
Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.
TACT
Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
INTEGRITY
Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.
ENTHUSIASM
Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.
Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done.
BEARING
Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.
UNSELFISHNESS
Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.
Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.
COURAGE
Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.
KNOWLEDGE
Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit's policies and keep up with current events.
Suggestions for Improvement: Suggestions for Improvement: Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don't understand. Study field manuals and other military literature.
LOYALTY
Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis!, (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the Marine Corps or your unit with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.
ENDURANCE
Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.
Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish
Where is your kingdom?
Alistair MacLean quotes a story about John Tauber, the German mystic of the 13th Century.
One day John Tauber met a beggar. "God give you a good day, my friend," he said. The begger answered, "I thank God I have never had a bad one." Then Tauber said, "God give you a happy life, my friend." "I thank God," replied the beggar, "I am never unhappy."
An amazed Tauber said, "What do you mean every day is a good one, and every day is a happy one." "Well," said the beggar, "when it is fine I thank God, when it rains I thank God. When I have plenty I thank God, when I am hungry I thank God. Since God's will is my will, whatever pleases Him pleases me."
Tauber looked at the man in astonishment. "Who are you?" he said. "I am a king," replied the beggar. "And where is your kingdom, Tauber asked?"
"It is in my heart", the beggar replied.
One day John Tauber met a beggar. "God give you a good day, my friend," he said. The begger answered, "I thank God I have never had a bad one." Then Tauber said, "God give you a happy life, my friend." "I thank God," replied the beggar, "I am never unhappy."
An amazed Tauber said, "What do you mean every day is a good one, and every day is a happy one." "Well," said the beggar, "when it is fine I thank God, when it rains I thank God. When I have plenty I thank God, when I am hungry I thank God. Since God's will is my will, whatever pleases Him pleases me."
Tauber looked at the man in astonishment. "Who are you?" he said. "I am a king," replied the beggar. "And where is your kingdom, Tauber asked?"
"It is in my heart", the beggar replied.
The Importance of Purpose
When Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain in 1492:
1. He didn't know where he was going.
2. When he got there he did not where he was.
3. When he returned he did not know where he had been.
4. But what he did know was that he had a purpose: His commission (purpose) that he received from the King and Queen of Spain stated:
“it is hoped that by God’s assistance some of the continents and islands in the ocean will be discovered…’
1. He didn't know where he was going.
2. When he got there he did not where he was.
3. When he returned he did not know where he had been.
4. But what he did know was that he had a purpose: His commission (purpose) that he received from the King and Queen of Spain stated:
“it is hoped that by God’s assistance some of the continents and islands in the ocean will be discovered…’
The following is from the book “More Than Meets the Eye” by Richard Swenson.
Our God is uncontrollable (that is, man cannot manipulate Him). If we want to come to Him we must come to Him on His terms. He gives us rest but only after He has shaken the foundations of our lives. He spoke the universe into existence. Nothingness obeys His voice.
He controls time, space, matter, and light. He monitors the position of every elementary particle. He is sufficient unto Himself. He does not need anybody or anything to accomplish His purposes. He answers to no one.
He obeys only His own counsel. He works on thousands of levels all at the same time. His scientific sophistication is unfathomable. His intelligence is so superior, according to Einstein, that in comparison “all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection.”
Look up the word “omnipotent”(all-powerful). Either He is or He isn’t. And if He is, we had better prepare ourselves to accept the consequences. God’s power is undeniable; His precision is impressive; His sovereignty is on display. Why then do we live in such a stupor? How can such power fail to dominate our every thought and action?
It is not that God has failed to clearly demonstrate His nature, or that He has been lax in instructing us. It is just that we are slow to understand. Out eyesight is dim. This world is too much with us.
What we need is a new vision of God. The real God. Not some vague image we fold up and stuff in the back drawer of life, but the kind of God who parts the Red Sea and shakes Mount Sinai.
Try to imagine what it would be like to cross into eternity for just ten minutes and sit in the presence of God. If we could do that and then return to live out our lives, what would change? Everything. And the change would be complete.
Our God is uncontrollable (that is, man cannot manipulate Him). If we want to come to Him we must come to Him on His terms. He gives us rest but only after He has shaken the foundations of our lives. He spoke the universe into existence. Nothingness obeys His voice.
He controls time, space, matter, and light. He monitors the position of every elementary particle. He is sufficient unto Himself. He does not need anybody or anything to accomplish His purposes. He answers to no one.
He obeys only His own counsel. He works on thousands of levels all at the same time. His scientific sophistication is unfathomable. His intelligence is so superior, according to Einstein, that in comparison “all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection.”
Look up the word “omnipotent”(all-powerful). Either He is or He isn’t. And if He is, we had better prepare ourselves to accept the consequences. God’s power is undeniable; His precision is impressive; His sovereignty is on display. Why then do we live in such a stupor? How can such power fail to dominate our every thought and action?
It is not that God has failed to clearly demonstrate His nature, or that He has been lax in instructing us. It is just that we are slow to understand. Out eyesight is dim. This world is too much with us.
What we need is a new vision of God. The real God. Not some vague image we fold up and stuff in the back drawer of life, but the kind of God who parts the Red Sea and shakes Mount Sinai.
Try to imagine what it would be like to cross into eternity for just ten minutes and sit in the presence of God. If we could do that and then return to live out our lives, what would change? Everything. And the change would be complete.
Top Ten Criticisms of All About Me Church
We, the deacons of All About Me Church, upon receiving from the congregation a list of complaints about our church, have listed the top ten criticisms and have decided upon the following solutions for these complaints:
1. “I want more depth in the sermons”: For all sermons, from now on, we will read from the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, therefore everyone in the congregation will be required to take Hebrew and Greek classes. Since these languages require constant study and usage, each member will be required to take these classes until they die.
2. “Nobody noticed when I was gone for three weeks”: From now on, each member of the congregation will be required to have placed on their ankle a tracking device so that we will know where they are at all times, including when they are at the lake, at the golf course, hunting, fishing, shopping, sleeping, etc. Also, when absent from church because of "sickness", each member will be required to bring a doctor’s note stating that the member was actually sick and had an excuse for being out of church. The church will also start using a phone tree system to give everyone a wake-up call on Sunday mornings so that they can get to church on time.
3. “Nobody cares about how I feel”: From now on, we will have a psychiatrist/psychologist/Christian counselor (the member will choose) available on Sunday mornings to help each member understand more about their feelings that no one cares about them. In addition, each member will be required to start caring for others in the congregation.
4. “I don’t know everybody anymore”: From now on, each member of the congregation will be required to memorize the names and faces of each member of the congregation, including each new member that joins hereafter. Also, each member will be required to wear a photo i.d. for identification purposes.
5. “The choir doesn’t sing my kind of music”: From now on, there will be no more choir or congregational singing but each seat in the sanctuary will be equipped with an IPOD and headphones to listen to your favorite type of Christian music during the worship service.
6. “We shouldn’t let those kinds of people into the church”: Beginning next week, each member will be required to have an “extreme makeover” so that everyone will look the same. Said makeover costs will be the responsibility of each member.
7. “All the church talks about is for me to give more money”: Beginning immediately, there will be no more offerings taken up during the worship services and each member will be required to tithe ten percent of their income by enrolling in a payroll deduction plan from their place of employment or enrolling in an automatic draft of their tithe from their bank account or credit/debit card. This way we will not have to ask for money again.
8. “The preacher talks too much about sacrifice”: Beginning next week, each member of the congregation will be required to play on a church softball team and advance at least one runner per game to another base by a sacrifice bunt or a sacrifice fly so that each person can say they sacrificed something during the week.
9. “The worship services are boring”: Beginning next Sunday, the baptismal pool will have a wave machine installed to make the baptisms more fun. Also, Barnum and Bailey Circus will provide us with clowns to perform during the welcome time and the Harlem Globetrotters will provide us with a demonstration of their basketball skills during the invitation.
10. “The church is not going in the right direction”: Beginning next Sunday, we will no longer have a pastor to preach and lead the church but instead each member of the congregation will be required to go before the church and “share” their feelings about which direction the church ought to be going. This should work out extremely well because so many in the congregation seem to know which direction we ought to be going because they have suddenly become experts in the field of church growth and church vision.
1. “I want more depth in the sermons”: For all sermons, from now on, we will read from the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, therefore everyone in the congregation will be required to take Hebrew and Greek classes. Since these languages require constant study and usage, each member will be required to take these classes until they die.
2. “Nobody noticed when I was gone for three weeks”: From now on, each member of the congregation will be required to have placed on their ankle a tracking device so that we will know where they are at all times, including when they are at the lake, at the golf course, hunting, fishing, shopping, sleeping, etc. Also, when absent from church because of "sickness", each member will be required to bring a doctor’s note stating that the member was actually sick and had an excuse for being out of church. The church will also start using a phone tree system to give everyone a wake-up call on Sunday mornings so that they can get to church on time.
3. “Nobody cares about how I feel”: From now on, we will have a psychiatrist/psychologist/Christian counselor (the member will choose) available on Sunday mornings to help each member understand more about their feelings that no one cares about them. In addition, each member will be required to start caring for others in the congregation.
4. “I don’t know everybody anymore”: From now on, each member of the congregation will be required to memorize the names and faces of each member of the congregation, including each new member that joins hereafter. Also, each member will be required to wear a photo i.d. for identification purposes.
5. “The choir doesn’t sing my kind of music”: From now on, there will be no more choir or congregational singing but each seat in the sanctuary will be equipped with an IPOD and headphones to listen to your favorite type of Christian music during the worship service.
6. “We shouldn’t let those kinds of people into the church”: Beginning next week, each member will be required to have an “extreme makeover” so that everyone will look the same. Said makeover costs will be the responsibility of each member.
7. “All the church talks about is for me to give more money”: Beginning immediately, there will be no more offerings taken up during the worship services and each member will be required to tithe ten percent of their income by enrolling in a payroll deduction plan from their place of employment or enrolling in an automatic draft of their tithe from their bank account or credit/debit card. This way we will not have to ask for money again.
8. “The preacher talks too much about sacrifice”: Beginning next week, each member of the congregation will be required to play on a church softball team and advance at least one runner per game to another base by a sacrifice bunt or a sacrifice fly so that each person can say they sacrificed something during the week.
9. “The worship services are boring”: Beginning next Sunday, the baptismal pool will have a wave machine installed to make the baptisms more fun. Also, Barnum and Bailey Circus will provide us with clowns to perform during the welcome time and the Harlem Globetrotters will provide us with a demonstration of their basketball skills during the invitation.
10. “The church is not going in the right direction”: Beginning next Sunday, we will no longer have a pastor to preach and lead the church but instead each member of the congregation will be required to go before the church and “share” their feelings about which direction the church ought to be going. This should work out extremely well because so many in the congregation seem to know which direction we ought to be going because they have suddenly become experts in the field of church growth and church vision.
Thirsty For God
A Journey Into Personal Revival
By Sammy Tippit
http://sammytippit.org/
I felt the tear trickling down my cheek as I stared at the broken piece of grass. It looked exactly like I felt – burdened and broken.
Three drops of water rested on that blade of grass and seemed to cause it to bend to the ground. I wondered if those drops were my tears. Life seemed so unfair. I found it difficult to understand what was transpiring. It was the third time that one of my best friends had been tragically killed.
I thought that I was as broken as a man could ever become. But that day was the early stages of God’s work in my life. It was the beginning of the greatest personal revival that I have ever experienced. When I hear someone speak about revival, they often speak of the spectacular. However, this work of God in my heart wasn’t flashy. It was a deep pruning.
I had just spoken at the memorial service of my friend and colleague, Billy Hobbs, after he was killed in an automobile accident. Our ministry hosted a dinner for out of town guests who traveled to San Antonio for the funeral. During the meal, I collapsed. The next thing I knew, an ambulance was transporting me to the hospital. Until then, I was a stranger to health problems. I only visited hospitals to comfort others. Now I found myself needing comfort.
After I was released from the hospital, I went to my favorite place of prayer. As I sat under the trees early that morning, I saw the blade of grass and felt my tears. What I didn’t understand at that moment was that revival was in the tears just as refreshing for the Earth was in the dew drops. The drops of water resting on the grass weren’t my tears. They were the teardrops from heaven, the morning dew that refreshes the Earth. In a similar manner, I was about to discover that the tears that flowed down my cheek would become the source of a great renewal in my heart.
Billy was scheduled to travel with me to Pakistan on a dangerous mission for a major evangelistic meeting in several cities in the country. Billy was one of the few people who were willing to go.
After Billy’s death, my son, Dave, said, “Dad, I’ll go with you.” Consequently, Dave, my wife, Tex, and I headed to Pakistan for the evangelistic meetings and a pastors and leaders conference. The trip was filled with the blessings of God as many hundreds responded to the gospel in this stronghold of terrorism. God also used the pastors’ conference to encourage those dear men who were on the front line of the battle for souls.
On the flight back to the United States, I became ill. By the time we arrived in the DFW airport, I was running a fever. I made it as far as the gate where the plane was leaving for San Antonio, but couldn’t go any further. I lay on the floor and began violently shaking. An ambulance was once again dispatched. While in the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, I told my wife, “If I can just get back to San Antonio, I think that I will live.” God enabled me to get home, but I arrived a broken man.
I told Tex, “I think that I have hit bottom. I don’t think anything else could happen. I am as low as I can go.” However, I didn’t understand that when God gets ready to revive a heart, He digs deep. I was still a long way from the refreshing.
A few months later, I traveled to my birth state of Louisiana for an area wide evangelistic crusade. I made a luncheon appointment with a long time friend, Wayne Jenkins, the Director of Evangelism for the Louisiana Baptist Convention. While Tex and I were waiting at the restaurant for Wayne and Martha, one of my staff called. “Sammy,” he said with a trembling voice, “The man who translates your materials in Pakistan has just been kidnapped by Islamic terrorists. They are demanding $60,000.”
Shocked would be a mild way of expressing what I felt. My mind was reeling. No seminary nor Bible college training could have prepared me for that moment. I had no idea what to do. I told my colleague that I would get back to him as soon as possible. However, he called once again. My translator had been brutally murdered. The details of his murder were horrifying.
When I returned to San Antonio, I went to my favorite spot. Life seemed so confusing, but the small still voice of the Holy Spirit spoke in the midst of the chaos, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6 KJV). “Oh, God, I don’t understand, but I choose to trust you,” I cried out as my tears fell to the ground and watered the grass.
Three weeks after my translator was murdered, my sister called me on the phone. “Sammy,” she said, “I have just received a letter from a man in Portugal who says that he has evidence he is our brother.” It felt like someone hit me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me. “God,” I shouted as I drove. “What is going on?”
My father died nearly 40 years earlier and my mother had been dead for about 10 years. Dad became ill when I was a small child and spent almost as much time in the hospital as he did at home. He grew up deep in the forests of southwest Louisiana, while I grew up in the capital city, Baton Rouge. My grandparents died before I was born. Thus, I knew very little about Dad’s background. Although I was named after his father, I don’t ever recall him talking about his father or mother. I didn’t know what to think. Yet, that was the beginning of the refreshing that was to come from the presence of God.
After numerous phone calls to Portugal and DNA testing, I learned that this man was not my brother. However, everything else he said was true. He knew more about my family than I did. I desperately needed to talk to someone. I told my pastor, “David, I don’t know who I am anymore. This has shaken me to the core.”
David looked at me and spoke what was the beginning of a great revival in my heart. “Sammy, you know who you are. You are a follower of Jesus Christ. You are a pioneer of the gospel. That’s who you are.”
In the days that followed, God set me on an amazing journey. Suddenly, I had an insatiable desire to discover my roots. My mother put me out of my home when I came to know Christ, and my father died shortly thereafter. Consequently, I decided to follow Jesus and never look back. But now, I found myself 57 years old and searching for answers.
During the next year, my search led me to Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Every day brought a new sense of God’s Sovereignty. All of my Christian life, I thought that I came from a non Christian background. My parents never brought me to church when I was growing up. I was completely surprised to learn that I came from an incredible history of pioneers of the faith.
My third great grandfather worked with Joseph Willis, a Baptist pioneer of the gospel, and he helped Willis plant some of the first Baptist churches west of the Mississippi River. My fourth great grandmother donated the land for the first Baptist church west of the Mississippi River. My grandmother (my father’s mother) was an incredible woman of prayer. The only thing written about her life spoke of her prayer life.
I’ve walked into revolutions, war zones, and the aftermath of genocide to preach the gospel. I’ve been threatened on numerous occasions - had knives put to my throat and guns to my head for proclaiming Christ. All these years, I thought that I was blazing a new trail. But I began to learn that I came from a long line of pioneers of the faith.
My people came from a multi racial background and were derogatorily called “Redbones” in Louisiana. Anthropologists have called them tri racial isolates. One historian has referred to them as Louisiana’s mystery people. They were mostly from Native American heritage, but to me, they were simply my grandparents – a people who loved Jesus and proclaimed Him in a very dangerous place at a dangerous time.
This discovery renewed my soul. As I learned my heritage, I longed for God to work deeply within me. Therefore, I cleared my schedule during the spring of 2006. The only engagement that I kept was at The Cove, Billy Graham’s training center in North Carolina. Our ministry was a cosponsor of the Heart Cry for Revival conference, and I was scheduled as one of the speakers.
Yet, I desperately needed God to speak to me. During the conference, Dr. Crawford Lorritts led an early morning prayer meeting and said, “Let’s not take prayer requests this morning. Let’s just pray.”
As people began to pour their hearts out to God, the Holy Spirit spoke deeply to my heart, “Sammy, you have been telling people how tired you are. You’ve told them about all your difficulties and how they have exhausted you. But you are a liar.” Those words were like a two edged sword cutting deep into my soul. I knew the truth. God’s word says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Is. 40:31 KJV).
The real reason that I had become exhausted in the midst of the fiery trials was because I had not waited upon the Lord as He wanted. I confessed my sin to God and to the group and asked for prayer. Dr. Lorritts spoke to me afterwards saying, “Sammy, I believe that God is bringing you to a new level of prayer. He has used you in the past, but I believe that He is going to do even greater things in the future.”
I didn’t know how true His words would become. God was attempting to bring me to a new level of intimacy with Him. Exactly one year after that conference, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I knew that God was in it. I embraced the cancer and said, “God, if you have permitted this cancer, then I want it to be for Your glory.”
As I went into surgery, I asked the surgeon if I could pray for Him. That was the last thing that I recall until I saw my wife afterwards. I spent the next eight days at home. People sent me books and videos to occupy my time. But my heart longed to be with God. I took my Bible and my IPod with worship music and spent time with God. Oh, how wonderful it was. Moments of worship turned into hours, and hours turned into days of worship. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. I spent the next three months reading the Bible and worshipping Jesus Christ. It was incredible.
When I first went home, I had a dream. I don’t put a lot of stock in dreams. Our source of authority is the Word of God. Understanding that, I could not shake this dream. I saw two Indians in the dream, an old man and a young boy. They were staring into the distance. Then I heard two words and they began to echo. “Wounded Deer. Wounded Deer.”
When I awoke the next morning, I couldn’t shake that picture and those words. “Wounded Deer.” I began asking God what it was all about and He led me to Psalms 42:1 which says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God” (NAS). That was it. God’s work and message was so simple. He was working in me to produce a longing for Him that was far beyond anything that I had ever known. As I listened to the voice of the Lord speaking to my heart through the Scriptures, I realized that I could never minister again as a strong powerful evangelist. I could only minister as a “Wounded Deer.” The only hope for a wounded deer is to live by the waters.
Once the doctor told me that I could resume my travel schedule, I purposed in my heart that I would not lose what I had found through these past few years which climaxed with my cancer surgery. I would look for the waters every day and drink. I can not preach until I have been to the waters. I cannot lead until I have been to the waters. I can do nothing without having been to the waters. There’s life and joy in the waters that flow from the throne of God. Hallelujah! His presence flows from the waters.
I took my first ministry trip three months after the surgery. My wife didn’t go with me because she stayed behind to help our daughter who having her first child. I flew northwards to Canada and rented a motel room before driving to the conference center in the mountains the next day. I drove about 15 miles down the highway and saw a sign that said, “Waterfalls.” I stopped and hiked back to the falls. And I drank. Oh, how I drank from the waters. After a couple of hours of drinking from the waters, I returned to my car and drove another few miles. At the town of Hope, two rivers merge. I stopped and went to the rivers and drank from the waters. I must have been there drinking and worshipping God for more than an hour. I then returned to my car and headed into the mountains. I passed by a lake and my heart cried out, “Stop and drink.” I found a quiet place at the edge of the lake and drank from the waters – the waters that flow from the throne of God.
And now, I’m once again running full force with the call of international evangelism. I’m going to war zones like Angola and Sudan and harvest fields like Brazil and South Africa. I am preaching on television and radio inside Iran. This time, I’m running, but not growing weary. I’m walking, but no longer fainting. I’m revived. Hallelujah. I’m revived.
Wait upon the Lord, and He shall renew your strength.
By Sammy Tippit
http://sammytippit.org/
I felt the tear trickling down my cheek as I stared at the broken piece of grass. It looked exactly like I felt – burdened and broken.
Three drops of water rested on that blade of grass and seemed to cause it to bend to the ground. I wondered if those drops were my tears. Life seemed so unfair. I found it difficult to understand what was transpiring. It was the third time that one of my best friends had been tragically killed.
I thought that I was as broken as a man could ever become. But that day was the early stages of God’s work in my life. It was the beginning of the greatest personal revival that I have ever experienced. When I hear someone speak about revival, they often speak of the spectacular. However, this work of God in my heart wasn’t flashy. It was a deep pruning.
I had just spoken at the memorial service of my friend and colleague, Billy Hobbs, after he was killed in an automobile accident. Our ministry hosted a dinner for out of town guests who traveled to San Antonio for the funeral. During the meal, I collapsed. The next thing I knew, an ambulance was transporting me to the hospital. Until then, I was a stranger to health problems. I only visited hospitals to comfort others. Now I found myself needing comfort.
After I was released from the hospital, I went to my favorite place of prayer. As I sat under the trees early that morning, I saw the blade of grass and felt my tears. What I didn’t understand at that moment was that revival was in the tears just as refreshing for the Earth was in the dew drops. The drops of water resting on the grass weren’t my tears. They were the teardrops from heaven, the morning dew that refreshes the Earth. In a similar manner, I was about to discover that the tears that flowed down my cheek would become the source of a great renewal in my heart.
Billy was scheduled to travel with me to Pakistan on a dangerous mission for a major evangelistic meeting in several cities in the country. Billy was one of the few people who were willing to go.
After Billy’s death, my son, Dave, said, “Dad, I’ll go with you.” Consequently, Dave, my wife, Tex, and I headed to Pakistan for the evangelistic meetings and a pastors and leaders conference. The trip was filled with the blessings of God as many hundreds responded to the gospel in this stronghold of terrorism. God also used the pastors’ conference to encourage those dear men who were on the front line of the battle for souls.
On the flight back to the United States, I became ill. By the time we arrived in the DFW airport, I was running a fever. I made it as far as the gate where the plane was leaving for San Antonio, but couldn’t go any further. I lay on the floor and began violently shaking. An ambulance was once again dispatched. While in the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, I told my wife, “If I can just get back to San Antonio, I think that I will live.” God enabled me to get home, but I arrived a broken man.
I told Tex, “I think that I have hit bottom. I don’t think anything else could happen. I am as low as I can go.” However, I didn’t understand that when God gets ready to revive a heart, He digs deep. I was still a long way from the refreshing.
A few months later, I traveled to my birth state of Louisiana for an area wide evangelistic crusade. I made a luncheon appointment with a long time friend, Wayne Jenkins, the Director of Evangelism for the Louisiana Baptist Convention. While Tex and I were waiting at the restaurant for Wayne and Martha, one of my staff called. “Sammy,” he said with a trembling voice, “The man who translates your materials in Pakistan has just been kidnapped by Islamic terrorists. They are demanding $60,000.”
Shocked would be a mild way of expressing what I felt. My mind was reeling. No seminary nor Bible college training could have prepared me for that moment. I had no idea what to do. I told my colleague that I would get back to him as soon as possible. However, he called once again. My translator had been brutally murdered. The details of his murder were horrifying.
When I returned to San Antonio, I went to my favorite spot. Life seemed so confusing, but the small still voice of the Holy Spirit spoke in the midst of the chaos, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6 KJV). “Oh, God, I don’t understand, but I choose to trust you,” I cried out as my tears fell to the ground and watered the grass.
Three weeks after my translator was murdered, my sister called me on the phone. “Sammy,” she said, “I have just received a letter from a man in Portugal who says that he has evidence he is our brother.” It felt like someone hit me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me. “God,” I shouted as I drove. “What is going on?”
My father died nearly 40 years earlier and my mother had been dead for about 10 years. Dad became ill when I was a small child and spent almost as much time in the hospital as he did at home. He grew up deep in the forests of southwest Louisiana, while I grew up in the capital city, Baton Rouge. My grandparents died before I was born. Thus, I knew very little about Dad’s background. Although I was named after his father, I don’t ever recall him talking about his father or mother. I didn’t know what to think. Yet, that was the beginning of the refreshing that was to come from the presence of God.
After numerous phone calls to Portugal and DNA testing, I learned that this man was not my brother. However, everything else he said was true. He knew more about my family than I did. I desperately needed to talk to someone. I told my pastor, “David, I don’t know who I am anymore. This has shaken me to the core.”
David looked at me and spoke what was the beginning of a great revival in my heart. “Sammy, you know who you are. You are a follower of Jesus Christ. You are a pioneer of the gospel. That’s who you are.”
In the days that followed, God set me on an amazing journey. Suddenly, I had an insatiable desire to discover my roots. My mother put me out of my home when I came to know Christ, and my father died shortly thereafter. Consequently, I decided to follow Jesus and never look back. But now, I found myself 57 years old and searching for answers.
During the next year, my search led me to Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Every day brought a new sense of God’s Sovereignty. All of my Christian life, I thought that I came from a non Christian background. My parents never brought me to church when I was growing up. I was completely surprised to learn that I came from an incredible history of pioneers of the faith.
My third great grandfather worked with Joseph Willis, a Baptist pioneer of the gospel, and he helped Willis plant some of the first Baptist churches west of the Mississippi River. My fourth great grandmother donated the land for the first Baptist church west of the Mississippi River. My grandmother (my father’s mother) was an incredible woman of prayer. The only thing written about her life spoke of her prayer life.
I’ve walked into revolutions, war zones, and the aftermath of genocide to preach the gospel. I’ve been threatened on numerous occasions - had knives put to my throat and guns to my head for proclaiming Christ. All these years, I thought that I was blazing a new trail. But I began to learn that I came from a long line of pioneers of the faith.
My people came from a multi racial background and were derogatorily called “Redbones” in Louisiana. Anthropologists have called them tri racial isolates. One historian has referred to them as Louisiana’s mystery people. They were mostly from Native American heritage, but to me, they were simply my grandparents – a people who loved Jesus and proclaimed Him in a very dangerous place at a dangerous time.
This discovery renewed my soul. As I learned my heritage, I longed for God to work deeply within me. Therefore, I cleared my schedule during the spring of 2006. The only engagement that I kept was at The Cove, Billy Graham’s training center in North Carolina. Our ministry was a cosponsor of the Heart Cry for Revival conference, and I was scheduled as one of the speakers.
Yet, I desperately needed God to speak to me. During the conference, Dr. Crawford Lorritts led an early morning prayer meeting and said, “Let’s not take prayer requests this morning. Let’s just pray.”
As people began to pour their hearts out to God, the Holy Spirit spoke deeply to my heart, “Sammy, you have been telling people how tired you are. You’ve told them about all your difficulties and how they have exhausted you. But you are a liar.” Those words were like a two edged sword cutting deep into my soul. I knew the truth. God’s word says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Is. 40:31 KJV).
The real reason that I had become exhausted in the midst of the fiery trials was because I had not waited upon the Lord as He wanted. I confessed my sin to God and to the group and asked for prayer. Dr. Lorritts spoke to me afterwards saying, “Sammy, I believe that God is bringing you to a new level of prayer. He has used you in the past, but I believe that He is going to do even greater things in the future.”
I didn’t know how true His words would become. God was attempting to bring me to a new level of intimacy with Him. Exactly one year after that conference, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I knew that God was in it. I embraced the cancer and said, “God, if you have permitted this cancer, then I want it to be for Your glory.”
As I went into surgery, I asked the surgeon if I could pray for Him. That was the last thing that I recall until I saw my wife afterwards. I spent the next eight days at home. People sent me books and videos to occupy my time. But my heart longed to be with God. I took my Bible and my IPod with worship music and spent time with God. Oh, how wonderful it was. Moments of worship turned into hours, and hours turned into days of worship. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. I spent the next three months reading the Bible and worshipping Jesus Christ. It was incredible.
When I first went home, I had a dream. I don’t put a lot of stock in dreams. Our source of authority is the Word of God. Understanding that, I could not shake this dream. I saw two Indians in the dream, an old man and a young boy. They were staring into the distance. Then I heard two words and they began to echo. “Wounded Deer. Wounded Deer.”
When I awoke the next morning, I couldn’t shake that picture and those words. “Wounded Deer.” I began asking God what it was all about and He led me to Psalms 42:1 which says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God” (NAS). That was it. God’s work and message was so simple. He was working in me to produce a longing for Him that was far beyond anything that I had ever known. As I listened to the voice of the Lord speaking to my heart through the Scriptures, I realized that I could never minister again as a strong powerful evangelist. I could only minister as a “Wounded Deer.” The only hope for a wounded deer is to live by the waters.
Once the doctor told me that I could resume my travel schedule, I purposed in my heart that I would not lose what I had found through these past few years which climaxed with my cancer surgery. I would look for the waters every day and drink. I can not preach until I have been to the waters. I cannot lead until I have been to the waters. I can do nothing without having been to the waters. There’s life and joy in the waters that flow from the throne of God. Hallelujah! His presence flows from the waters.
I took my first ministry trip three months after the surgery. My wife didn’t go with me because she stayed behind to help our daughter who having her first child. I flew northwards to Canada and rented a motel room before driving to the conference center in the mountains the next day. I drove about 15 miles down the highway and saw a sign that said, “Waterfalls.” I stopped and hiked back to the falls. And I drank. Oh, how I drank from the waters. After a couple of hours of drinking from the waters, I returned to my car and drove another few miles. At the town of Hope, two rivers merge. I stopped and went to the rivers and drank from the waters. I must have been there drinking and worshipping God for more than an hour. I then returned to my car and headed into the mountains. I passed by a lake and my heart cried out, “Stop and drink.” I found a quiet place at the edge of the lake and drank from the waters – the waters that flow from the throne of God.
And now, I’m once again running full force with the call of international evangelism. I’m going to war zones like Angola and Sudan and harvest fields like Brazil and South Africa. I am preaching on television and radio inside Iran. This time, I’m running, but not growing weary. I’m walking, but no longer fainting. I’m revived. Hallelujah. I’m revived.
Wait upon the Lord, and He shall renew your strength.
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