Devotionals

    September 2nd, 2006

    Mario Cash enriched us and challenged us in his devotional on Leadership at the NMIC Men's Ministry
    meeting today (9/2/06). Here are some notes from his talk in case you missed it.

    You are ordained by God to lead.

    One of the best sources for the information and growing is the Leadership Summit, and it is a great value with
    the LCC discount from being a host. Invite a friend or coworker. They will be blown away.

    For Christians, once they accept Jesus as their personal savior, the questions are What now? or What's next?

    Being a Christian is more than the Sunday "show up and throw up" where you just "show up" on Sunday and
    have the preacher "throw up" the sermon of the week and then go back to your way.

    Ephesians 4:15 "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that
    is, Christ."

    The question is not whether the church will convince you of God. It is will Jesus the advocate convince God
    about you.  Believing in God is not worth anything regarding your salvation. Following Him (receiving) is the
    requirement for salvation.

    How to approach evangelism if you are new to it - build friendships first.  When you can speak to someone
    about anything,then you can talk to them about anything (like Jesus).

    John 3:1-6 (Nicodemus visits Jesus at night) - "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless
    he is born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to spirit."

    Romans 12:1-2 (Living sacrifices) - "offer you bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God".

    We are called to evangelism, not recruitment.  Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission) - "Therefore go and
    make disciples of all nations..."

    The decision to accept Christ is analogous to buying a ticket. It is not the equivalent to taking the trip or
    reaching your destination.

    Leaders demonstrate these qualities:
    1. Commitment
    2. Character
    3. Care

    Develop a deeper love for God maturing to the point where you can see with the eyes of Jesus.

    Matthew 22:34-40 (religious leaders question Jesus about the greatest commandment) - "Love the Lord your
    God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." and "Love your neighbor as yourself."