Be Responsive

From the book The Management Methods of Jesus, by Bob Briner:


'Nowhere in any of the gospel accounts do we find Jesus telling someone to wait. He never said, "I'll get back to you" or "Don't call me, I'll call you." He never put anyone on hold.


Jesus took care of business on the spot. He answered questions, turned water into wine, fed the multitudes, and healed the sick of body and soul instantaneously.


We, of course, don't have the perfect insight and miraculous power of Jesus, but we should follow his example to the greatest extent we can. Unresponsiveness has all too often become the norm in American (and other parts of the world) business. It seems that fewer and fewer executives return phone calls or answer their mail in a timely way. This presents a wonderful opportunity for those who follow Jesus' example of responsiveness. By returning phone calls and answering correspondence promptly, and by getting people the answers they need as soon as possible, you will begin to stand apart from run-of-the-mill managers. Once again the example set by Jesus turns out not only to be good sense but good business too.'

Pursue What You Need Forever, Not What You Want Today

From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:


'We are happy when we get what we want. Aren't we? 


Actually we are happy when we get what we want only if what we want serves our needs. Getting exactly what we want at any given minute would be the same as a child getting candy for every meal. While happy when first given the candy, he will over time grow tired of candy and have rotten teeth. 


View the search for a happy relationship not as a process of immediate satisfaction but as a means to pursue your fundamental needs.


Couples who pursue a hedonistic form of happiness, seeking to fulfill their desires regardless of consequences, endure twice as much conflict as couples who pursue more altruistic forms of happiness - that is, happiness based on creating feelings of unity and mutual satisfaction.'

More Winning Quotes

"Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favorable do nothing."
   -  William Feather


"No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently."
   -  Agnes de Mille


"To be faithful to your instincts and the impulses that carry you in the direction of the excellence you most desire and value...surely that is to lead the noble life."
   -  George E. Woodberry

The Riches of God's Grace

From the In Touch devotionals (www.intouch.org):


'Imagine an elderly couple living in a dilapidated farmhouse. They can barely afford a few groceries and the medicines they need. There isn't even enough money to keep the heat on all the time.


Then a short while after they both have died, a huge deposit of oil is discovered on the old homestead. All their years of poverty were lived out sitting on top of untapped wealth.


Sadly, many Christians go through life like that elderly couple. Such believers have distilled Christianity down to its most basic parts: God saved me and someday I'll go to heaven. Jesus Christ offers an abundant life now (John 10:10), but they aren't living it. Spiritually poor Christians fail to tap into the reservoir of God's grace. Eternity begins the moment we are saved; there is no reason to wait until heaven to start enjoying the Lord's riches.


God has lavished His grace upon believers. We receive righteousness, freedom from legalism, and an unbreakable union with our Father. In return, He desires that we invest time and energy in our relationship with Him. As believers open themselves to God, everything He has to offer flows freely into their lives. Our connection to Him makes it possible for us to live joyful, contented lives rich with blessing.


True wealth isn't measured by your bank account or automobile. Believers, as joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), have access to God's riches, which include unspeakable joy, unconditional love, and peace beyond understanding. Invest in your spiritual life, and enjoy these blessings of grace.'

Vision

From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:

'Leaders not only have an eye on the horizon, they can see just beyond it. They have a vision.

One of the marks of leadership is the ability to look beyond the immediate to a better, brighter tomorrow. For example, leaders look at vacant land and see a thriving business. They see a skeletal framework and envision a skyscraper. They meet with a casual acquaintance and anticipate a future partnership.

Leaders are not satisfied with the status quo. They have an inner desire for the next level. Time and inconvenience are mere pawns to be moved toward the ultimate capture. Leaders imagine a future that is better than the present - and they look for ways to make it happen. 

Leaders are not that interested in what's happening now. They're more interested in what's happening next.'

Winners are visionary.

The Most Powerful Thought

From the book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:


'Consider this:


If you think you can, you can, and if you think you can't, you can't. You will always prove yourself right; you are always creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.


Whenever you are feeling knee-deep in negativity remember this: the biggest most powerful thought is always the positive one; it will sweep all else away with its intention, focus and determination. Never underestimate the power of positivity; it will always empower and uplift you. Always choose to think the biggest thought. 


Keep believing in life and keep believing in yourself.'


Winners master positive thought.

Team Building

From the Today God Is First devotionals (www.todaygodisfirst.com):


'Building a good team is key to the success of any enterprise. Jesus chose twelve unique individuals to build His world-changing enterprise. He intentionally chose several who had similar backgrounds. Peter, James, and John were fisherman. Matthew and Simon the Zealot came from opposing political views. Matthew came from an industry considered corrupt - he was a tax collector. It is clear Jesus chose those who had a skill set first, then changed the character of the individual. He mentored each one.


A good team needs to have team members with different viewpoints as well as those who are specialists in a particular area. It is noteworthy that Jesus chose someone expertise in handling money. Taking a team of twelve around the country required money and the ability to manage it. I'm sure Jesus spent a great deal of time with Matthew mentoring him on the proper use of money. He had to reshape his thinking about money.


Once the team was formed Jesus spent time molding His team into a cohesive unit to operate in unity. He corrected them when correction was needed. He taught them what it meant to love one another. He washed their feet. He taught and modeled servant leadership. Before you put a team together sit down and make a list of the skills you want represented on your team. Then recruit and invest spiritually into your team. Who knows, your team might just change the world, too!'

Teach, Teach, Teach

From the book The Management Methods of Jesus, by Bob Briner:

'...Most of the legendary corporate giants, from Henry Ford to Tom Watson to Ross Perot (to Warren Buffett), have been persistent and motivational teachers. They may well have received their inspiration from Jesus Christ, the greatest of all teachers.

Jesus was often called "rabbi", which means "teacher", and he taught constantly. His teaching brilliance is revealed in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which are full of his remarkable insights.

Great corporate leaders don't hide in executive suites, plotting strategy. They find ways to teach, to inculcate those around them with their business ideas and ideals. Be like Jesus. Be a teacher. Be a success.'

Health is Mental and Physical

From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:

'The maximum enjoyment of life follows the pursuit of the care and feeding of both your body and your mind.

Symptoms of distress in your life need to be understood in the context of your entire body, not just the immediate area affected. Think of health as a broad goal for both your body and your mind.

Doctors found that patients with a physical ailment who received a combination of physical and mental therapies were two and a half times more likely to maintain a long-term successful recovery than patients who received treatment only for their physical condition.'

More Winning Quotes

“Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself had a fool for his master.”
   -  Ben Jonson

“Security can only be achieved through constant change, through discarding old ideas that have outlived their usefulness and adapting others to current facts.”
   -  William O. Douglas

"The difference between one man and another is not mere ability...it is energy."
   -  Thomas Arnold

Confronting Closed Doors

From the In Touch devotionals (http://www.intouch.org/):

'Facing a "closed door" can be extremely frustrating. The apostle Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missionary journey to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit. Eventually the apostle was stuck in Troas with the sea before him and closed doors behind.

How strange it must have seemed to Paul that God would prevent him from spreading the gospel. But he knew this wisdom from the book of Proverbs: The Lord will make a straight path for anyone who chooses to trust God rather than himself (vv. 3:5-6). Instead of getting angry or trying to force his way into new territory, Paul got on his knees.

The Bible does not record how long he and Timothy lingered in Troas, but we can be sure that the apostle did not move until the Lord revealed the entrance to a new mission field.

Christians in a period of watchful waiting should view the situation as a chance to seek not only God's purpose but also His guidance. This is the time to ask the Lord why He has barred the way forward—perhaps the timing is wrong or we need to deal with unconfessed sin. Whatever the reason, we must be sensitive to the Spirit's leading. We want to be ready for the door that will open.

When an opportunity is blocked, God has a reason. And He is providing love and protection, even in your disappointment. The Lord is also keeping His promise to work everything for your good (Rom. 8:28). When one door has closed, a greater one is about to open. Be wise and watch for it.'

Networking

From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:

“I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.”
     - Woodrow Wilson

‘Leaders know the facts of life. The pipeline to achievement is learning to recognize those circles of influence and seeking to penetrate them.

The process is important. Aspiring leaders make it a point to identify the leaders in an organization. Who is making a mark on the corporation? Whose ideas generate the interest of others? Whom do the associates gravitate toward? Once that circle of influence is identified, the aspiring leader seeks to form a spiritual network.

They work with the circle members, investing time and effort in helping them reach their goals. They share information with them, insights that eventually will be reciprocated. And most important, they learn from them. They copy their best, and they sort out their worst through filters of character and spiritual commitments.

Networking – great leaders have learned the truth in the old maxim, “It’s not only what you know, but who you know that counts.”’

Nine Important Things

From the book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:

‘Know these things and your life will transform:

• Dreams can come true – believe in them.

• How to say what you mean – life will be a breeze.

• Expect the best – you get what you expect.

• Forgiveness creates happiness – decide to let go.

• How to say no – you will stop being a victim.

• Everything changes – bad times will pass.

• How to accept a compliment – smile and say thanks.

• Persistence pays – don’t take no for an answer.

• How to smile dazzlingly – it will light up your life.’

When Your Sails No Longer Have Wind

From the Today God Is First devotionals (http://www.todaygodisfirst.com/):

‘Imagine for a moment you began an exciting sailing adventure. You've been trained to navigate and sail on the ocean and be ready should trouble arise. You are confident you can handle the challenge. However, midway in the journey your resources have dried up. It almost seems God has intentionally destroyed all the skills you have to deal with the weather and the obstacles and your sails are now damaged. Even your engine has broken down. And to make matters even worse, your oars were lost overboard. You are stuck in the middle of the ocean and there is no wind to propel your boat. You are, as they say, "up the creek without a paddle."

All of this leads you to the end of yourself and you say, "Lord, I don't know why you brought me out here only to die." The silence is deafening.

Finally, the Lord speaks, "Yes, you are right. I did bring you out here. I did destroy your sails. I did break your engine. And yes, I do want you dead. Not in a physical sense, mind you, but in a spiritual sense. In order that you may LIVE."

"You see my child, you are nothing without Me. You cannot do anything without my grace and power in your life." The sailor quietly yields. Suddenly, a gentle wave lifts the front of the boat. An easterly wind blows through the broken sail moving the boat in the right direction. You realize God is moving your boat! Your role now is to steer it.

Do your sails no longer have wind to move you? Is your engine broken? Does it feel like God has propelled you into the open sea only to stop midway with no options?

Perhaps He is saying it is time to die in order that He might live through you. Give the Lord total control today and you will see His wind moving through your tattered sails.’

Insist on Absolutes

From the book The Management Methods of Jesus, by Bob Briner:

‘…we hear that it is not politically correct to insist on absolutes. From truth to justice, all things are relative, they say. It’s how you feel about it that counts.

Please don’t try to run your business (or your life) by this nonsense. Jesus insisted that some things are true and others false, that some things are right and others wrong, that some things are good and others evil. He even insisted that there is only one way to be reconciled to God, and that one way is through faith in Him.

Talk about tough! Talk about dogmatic! Jesus never equivocated. Sincerity didn’t count with Him if what you believed was sincerely wrong.

A lack of absolutes can lead to all kinds of problems, from petty thievery to major crime. It leads to shoddy products and shoddy practices in the marketplace. “I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong” is a common defense…

As a company and as a manager and as a person, teach the right was, insist on the right way, be an example of the right way to do business (and to live life).

Follow Jesus’ example.’

Put Stuff In Its Place

From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven

‘Understand the limited value of the things you can buy. The pursuit of all things bigger and newer drives people to jump on an unfulfilling treadmill of getting money and spending money. Define the things you truly value, but do not let yourself get caught buying for the sake of buying.

…consider how much of what (you) have is really necessary….

…clutter drains energy and creativity, and that getting rid of it opens the door to greater productivity, personal growth, and peace.

People for whom materialism was the main priority had the lowest life satisfaction.’

Winners understand that materialism has limited value.

More Winning Quotes

"Optimism is essential to achievement and is also the foundation of courage and of true progress."
   -  Nicholas Murray Butler

"Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience."
   -  Eddie Rickenbacker

"Opportunities multiply as they are seized; they die when neglected. Life is a long line of opportunities."
   -  John Wicker

"There is a very real relationship, both quantitatively and qualitatively between what you contribute and what you get out of this world."
   -  Oscar Hammerstein II

When the Odds are Against You

From the In Touch devotionals (http://www.intouch.org/):

Judges 7:1-8

'The story of Gideon offers scriptural guidance for times when the odds are overwhelming and defeat seems imminent. No matter what your challenges are, the Lord is able to demonstrate His awesome power and deliver you.

God uses difficulty to build faith.
Gideon was willing to believe God and go up against an army four times larger than his own. Trusting the Lord is a process which must be learned through experience. At times God takes the people He uses and places them in impossible situations—in that way, they discover that He is faithful. We may prefer to acquire faith by reading a book, but the Lord knows that the best classroom is a place of utter helplessness.

God may require us to do what seems unreasonable.
The Israelites were already outnumbered, but the Lord instructed Gideon to reduce the army to a mere 300 men. That made the odds 450 to one! Although God's ways may seem illogical to us, His wisdom and power are far greater than ours, and His plan can be trusted.

God leads us to do that which brings Him glory.
The army was now so small that its men could in no way take credit for the victory. The Lord delights in demonstrating His awesome power and glory through our weakness and inadequacy.

Consider life's challenges as opportunities for the Lord to build your faith and prepare you for (His purposes). He uses those who are willing to obey Him even when the task seems illogical or impossible. And He takes pleasure in showing His faithfulness to those who trust in Him regardless of the situation.'

Emotional Burnout

From the book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:

'We all have times when everything gets too much and we become emotionally drained.

If you are feeling exhausted, and there is no medical reason for your condition, then it's time to stop and evaluate your situation.

Check your emotional state.

• Are you going through an emotional crisis?
• Have you taken on too many responsibilities?
• Are you carrying an emotional burden?
• Do you feel as if there is nowhere to turn?
• Are you looking after yourself (good nutrition, enough exercise, enough sleep)?
• Do you feel empty inside?

If you need help, ask for it. Put yourself first right now.'

Careful - even winners can have emotional burnout.

Failing Forward

From the Today God Is First devotionals (http://www.todaygodisfirst.com/):

'...Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs have been through a number of failures in life, but they usually don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons.

Our failures serve to help many people who are also experiencing failure in their lives. God will always have a redeeming value in our failures if we let Him reveal His life through them.

If you hope to succeed, learn everything you can from your failures.'
 
Winners are not afraid to fail.

Have a Plan

From the book The Management Methods of Jesus, by Bob Briner:

'It is amazing how few companies have a master plan by which they chart their course and measure their progress. Even fewer individuals have constructed a plan for their lives with short-term, intermediate, and long-range goals. This is a fundamental mistake.

Jesus had a plan and adhered to it unfailingly. This is a major reason for his success. He knew where he was going, and he went there. Nothing deterred him.

A fundamental management principle then, both for individuals and for organizations, is to have a plan to which you are deeply committed, and then set out with determination to accomplish it. Without a plan, you have nowhere to go, nothing toward which to direct your energies. Without a plan, you can only react to circumstances. A plan puts you in charge of your energies and activities. You become proactive, not reactive.'

Winners know that a plan puts them in charge of their energies and activities.

Couch Time Affects Body and Mind

From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:

'Rest is a crucial part of our lives - but it cannot become the central part of our lives. Too much time on the couch or the recliner degrades the ability of our bodies and minds to function. They require regular use to continue functioning.

...an active mind keeps the brain and body healthy. The brain is like any other organ in the body. It ages better, with more health and better function, when it is used. The thinking brain is like a star athlete: through regular practice it can simply outperform. And any kind of activity that uses the brain can fortify it.

Researchers tracked almost two thousand people age sixty-five and older over seven years. Those who engaged in leisure activities that required active brain use - such as reading, playing a game, even just talking with friends - reduced their risk of Alzheimer's by 38 percent. Conversely, the more time people spent in inactive pursuits - such as lounging on the couch - the slower their brain response was and the weaker their immune system became.'

Winners regularly engage their bodies and minds.

More Winning Quotes

"All that a man does outwardly is but the expression and completion of his inward thought. To work effectively, he must think clearly; to act nobly, he must think nobly."
   -  William Ellery Channing

"You cannot escape the results of your thoughts....Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your vision, your ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire, as great as your dominant aspiration."
   -  James Lane Allen

"Our best friends and our worst enemies are our thoughts. A thought can do us more good than a doctor or a banker or a faithful friend. It can also do us more harm than a brick."
   -  Frank Crane

The Holy Spirit: Our Teacher

From the In Touch devotionals (http://www.intouch.org/):

John 14:25-26

'If you are going to take instruction from someone, you want to be certain that person is well qualified, right? It's interesting, then, that so many believers neglect the greatest Bible teacher available. We read religious books, consult friends, and tune into a favored preacher before we will get on our knees. While those sources can point us in the right direction, only the Holy Spirit illuminates God's Word to our hearts and minds.

Asking someone to explain God's Word seems easier than seeking to understand it through the Holy Spirit's power. But consider what a person misses by forsaking Him. Who better to instruct believers about the Scripture's depth and breadth than the One who wrote it (2 Peter 1:20-21)? The Spirit laid His message on the authors' hearts, and they dutifully recorded it, each in his own unique voice.

Furthermore, as a member of the holy Trinity, the Spirit knows the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:10). He is often called the Spirit of truth, because He understands everything. The Spirit recognizes our emotional and mental state and can identify exactly where we are in our Christian growth. Therefore, He can reveal to our minds passages that will encourage, challenge, or convict us as needed.

We have a teacher of divine quality. He will help us to learn and grow, guide us through difficult passages, and shed light on why the Lord allows certain challenges our life. When it comes to aiding God's people to know His Word, no one is more qualified than His Spirit.'
 
Winners don't just spend time doing things ABOUT God, they actually spend time WITH God. Have you talked to God lately?

Venture

From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:

"Life without risks is not worth living."
   -  Charles A. Lindbergh

'...tenet of leadership: It's risky.

The paths of opportunity have a few speed bumps. Plans fail. Funding evaporates. Markets change. Allies desert. It's a jungle out there! But great leaders have learned to be survivalists. They nourish themselves as they can. They form alliances. They envision a strategy. They resist surrender.

Leaders understand the risk and are willing to take it. They know that life doesn't come with a money-back guarantee, that there is no guarantee of success in any endeavor. But they're still willing to lead the charge...

Leaders are willing to pay a price. They're prepared to barter what they have for what they might gain. They're motivated more by the prospect of success than by the fear of failure. They're adventurers. They're not willing to stay on the porch.'

Winners are willing to take a risk.

Look Out For Others

From the book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:

'Everyone struggles with self-doubt at different times in their lives, so look around and see who could do with your support at the moment. You can make such a difference to the way that someone is feeling.

Try one or all of the following:

• Listen well - show that you care
• Demonstrate your appreciation in a tangible way
• Send a letter or a card - this can mean so much
• Plan an outing; just meeting for a drink can make all the difference
• Keep in touch, even when the bad patch has passed'

Winners look out for others.

Good Things Versus God Things

From the Today God Is First devotionals (http://www.todaygodisfirst.com/):

'The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good things" and "God-things."

Each of us must have the discernment to know when God is leading in a matter, or if it is simply a good idea. There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.

As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Workplace believers are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.

Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good thing" or a "God-thing."'

Winners strive for God things.

Success to Significance

From the book Half Time, by Bob Buford:

'The first half of life has to do with getting and gaining, learning and earning. [success]

Most do this in the most ordinary of ways: getting an education, entering the work force, starting a family, buying a house, earning enough money to provide for needs as well as a few wants, setting goals and climbing toward them. Few leave time in the first half for listening to God.

The second half is more risky because it has to do with living beyond the immediate. It is about releasing the seed of creativity and energy that has been implanted within us, watering and cultivating it so that we may be abundantly fruitful. It involves investing our gifts in service to others - and receiving the personal joy that comes as a result of that spending. This is the kind of risk for which entrepreneurs earn excellent returns much of the time.

True entrepreneurship is not foolhardy, nor does it require particular courage. It merely seeks to gather and examine as many facts as possible about the market and the environment that might impact a decision. And then a decision must quickly be made. Likewise, for the second half of life to be better than the first, you must make the choice to step outside of the safety of living on auto-pilot.

You must wrestle with who you are, why you believe what you profess to believe about your life, and what you do to provide meaning and structure to your daily activities and relationships.
[significance]

There is a risk in this decision: In tossing aside the security blanket that keeps you safe and warm in your cautiously controlled zone of comfort, you may have to set aside familiar markers and reference points. You may feel, at least at first, that you are losing control of your life.

Good for you!

It really is good for you to surrender control and, in the process, come more fully to your senses - those senses that enable you to be aware of life's adventures and its rewards.'

Winners believe that the second half of their lives can be better than the first, and figure out ways to revitalize the second half so that they don't just have mere success but also true significance. 

Winners Are Made, Not Born

From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:

'The great successes of our time are just extraordinary people whom fate smiled on. Aren't they?

In truth, people who get ahead get where they are by strategically following a pattern that produces success. They learn what it takes to get ahead. We understand that to build a house it takes a plan - a blueprint. But we sometimes forget that to build a successful life it also takes a blueprint.

Case studies of business executives reveal that 98 percent see their position as the result of plans and strategy and that more than 50 percent credit using a successful person as an example to help define that plan.'

Winners make themselves winners.

More Winning Quotes

"If we are ever to enjoy life, now is the time, not tomorrow or next year....Today should always be our most wonderful day."
   -  Thomas Dreier

"In the darkest hour the soul is replenished and given strength to continue and endure."
   -  Heart Warrior Chosa

"It takes time to succeed because success is merely the natural reward of taking time to do anything well."
   -  Joseph Ross

"Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience."
   -  Benjamin Franklin