You are a leader. Maybe you are a strong leader or maybe you don't see yourself as a leader at all. But by God's design, you are a leader. How can you strengthen your leadership? It starts by understanding what leadership is. Those who have been in M3 since this past winter know that leadership is intentional influence. When you intentionally influence someone to choose God's way, that is godly leadership. If you skillfully influence your child to do what at first he didn't want to do, that is parental leadership. If you carefully convince someone to buy something from you, that is sales leadership. If you persuade your wife to wash the car while you watch the game that is dreaming! :)
Leadership is intentional influence. We all need to continually grow in our leadership or abilities to influence or persuade others. But how do we do that? What are the elements of effective influence or gentle persuasion? Our passage in Proverbs (16:16-33) gets us started with the first principle of gentle PERSUASION.
P- Pleasant words- "Pleasant words are persuasive" NLT. If we want to persuade others, we need to keep our words pleasant or sweet in tone. People are most receptive to our words when they are sweet. That's why yelling, sarcasm or a sour tone fails so miserably with family members. I've seen that I am much more persuasive with my sometimes testy teenage son, when I keep my words and tone pleasant. If I resort to angry demands, I may get the demanded behavior, but I have damaged the relationship. As Josh McDowell has said, "Rules without relationship lead to rebellion." So keep your words and tone pleasant. Yep, easier said than done in times of tension, but it's worth striving for and apologizing for when our words and tone are unpleasant. So persuade with pleasant words. People are far more apt to go along with you if they can get along with you.
E- Encourage- Many of you are excelling at encouraging others on the blog. If you are weak in this area, work out this muscle. It will become very powerful for you. What if your child didn't get a good grade in one of his classes? Encourage him or her in what they did well at. Apply this bit of horse sense and encourage your wife often as well. This can change a Nag into a thoroughbred. People blossom when you water them with encouragement and whither under faultfinding. Be a good finder, not a fault finder.
R- Rapport- You've just met a new person you'd like to win over as a customer, friend or future employer. What's a good ingredient to include? Rapport (Ah, one of those funny French words that have letters at the end that never get pronounced. It means agreement or accord.) Build rapport with people by talking about things you discover that you have in agreement or in common. You often hear the statement that opposites attract, but actually the more you have in common, the stronger the relationship. Want to refresh a relationship? Revisit enjoyable things you have in common. "Remember when we did so and so together?" People like to follow people they like. Pointer for papas: Seek to like, or at least show an interest in, what your children like. Build rapport!
S- See their bright future- Leaders see a better future for others. They are not trying to persuade people for selfish ends. So see and share how much better off others would be following your pointers. When you talk to men about joining M3, share how you see their lives making a great impact on others. See their family tree of many spiritual sons in the faith. We men are wired to make an impact. We hate the thought of living and dying for nothing, of never fighting for a cause that was heroic and made a difference in the world. We long to hear our Father say, "Well done!" So point out the great future a man or your child can have.
We are on the verge of discovering the most powerful principle of persuasion. But to keep this from getting any longer, we will reveal it and the remaining principles of PERSUASION tomorrow.
Closing note: These principles of persuasion are not a clever bag of manipulative tricks to get what you want. They are all found in God's word and are rooted in love. Love seeks the best for the other person. As loving leaders we are seeking to influence or persuade people for their good. Manipulation takes advantage of others. Godly persuasion seeks to bring advantage to others. Increase your leadership by influencing people in ways that are better for them. Love is the greatest!
1.-Share a time when someone influenced/persuaded you to do something good that you were hesitant to do at first. Perhaps it was to jump out of perfectly good plane to skydive. What made them persuasive? Or you could share about a time you helpfully persuaded an adult or child when they were hesitant. What do you think made you persuasive with them?
2.-Read Prov.16:16-33 and write on your MP3 card a verse or phrase that grabbed your interest. Also please write it out for us. Today for time's sake, you don't have to explain why you like it.
Announcements
I'm happy to welcome Mark (Marcos) Estrada to M3. When I first shared the vision of M3 with Mark back in September, he liked it a lot, but his crazy schedule of work and school prevented him fully participating. Mark serves with Homeland Security and before that as a Marine Master Sergeant, leading troops in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. So glad to have you fighting with us Mark!
Welcome to June and a new tab on the Scoreboard to put your points on ( coincidentally, the tab is named, June). Please make sure to put your 5 or more points up each day. Today's points would represent all that you've done over the weekend.
Speaking of scores, here are the scores form last week. As you can see, most all of you hit the goal average of 5 points a day (25 per week) or more. Others were way above that as you can see. Way to go! Some of you just joined us, while others faced tough challenges. But you are overcomers. This week will be a great week for us all. You will also see a U for Unstoppable by your name if you were Unstoppable this past week on the blog. (This U is not to be confused with the U on the scoreboard that represents those of you who have earned and received your Unstobbable award pin.) I noticed that almost all who were unstoppable scored 25 points or more and vice versa. Go for it!
| Fire Team 1 | Fire Team 3 | Fire Team 5 | |||||||||||
| Eddie Morales | U | R4 | 83 | Robert Roman | U | R1 | 82 | Jack Rogers | U | R4 | 74 | ||
| Phil Raymond | 23 | Guillermo Baez | 16 | Andre Vargas | 31 | ||||||||
| Alex Dyckman | U | 28 | Vince Diaz | U | R1 | 33 | Armando Hernandez | 24 | |||||
| Ismael Andrade | U | R1 | 59 | Antonio Palomar | U | R1 | 32 | George Doherty | U | 27 | |||
| Gary Remson | R1 | 13 | Nic Palhegyi | 9 | Roger Vinlasaca | U | R1 | 56 | |||||
| James Schmidt | U | 28 | Osiris Alday | U | 38 | John Martinez | 0 | ||||||
| William Dyckman | 12 | Fire Team 4 | Fire Team 6 | ||||||||||
| Fire Team 2 | George Rabiela | U | 28 | Dave DeBoer | U | 25 | |||||||
| Sam Vargas | U | R2 | 40 | Mike Pagan | U | R2 | 24 | Ed Lake | 0 | ||||
| Oscar Nunez | U | 35 | Rich Guardiola | U | 12 | Horacio De La Torre | |||||||
| Marcos Rico | 0 | Dave Heidekruger | U | R1 | 25 | ||||||||
| Israel Fuentes | U | 39 | Chuy Cervantes | U | 26 | ||||||||
| Flo Juarez | U | 10 |
1. My lifelong friendship with Pastor Andrew has led me to do some interesting things, jump into a freezing lake, roll in snow with just shorts on, jump through fire, etc. Whenever we try to convince the other person to try something foolish and dangerous, if the other person is hesitant, one of us always just reminds the other, "think of the memories" and then it's usually enough to convince the other to jump.
ReplyDelete2. There’s a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. (Proverbs 16:25 MSG)
What a fun and memory making friendship. So to that age old parental question- "If your friend asked you to jump off a bridge, would you do it?" just respond, "Think of the memories!" :) By the way, did you two ever jump off the Yorkville bridge? Keep your hands up, not out, otherwise ouch!
DeleteDave awesome to have a friendship like that. A Jonathan/David friendship. Super encouraging to grow with someone and just share life together. I value that in some of my close brotherly relationships as well.
DeleteBrother Dave D, sounds like a great guy to befriend, how fortunate you are "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
Deleteproverbs 16;16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose under rather than silver. Dave G won over me and my friends by encouragement.. . in 1988 .We read the book of Ephesians when I had stopped going to church back in the 90s I would think of Ephesians 4;26 ' in your anger do not sin ' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
ReplyDeleteGlad you got back on track bro! Good verse.
DeleteDave Garrett, encouraging men of God everywhere since 1988. (That's when I was born!) : ) Flo awesome to see you apart of M3 having a long standing relationship with Dave and especially with Jesus. Holding on to scripture in our hearts and minds has power to change our hearts and minds.
DeleteThanks James. Thanks Eddie, although I had left church GOD didn't leave me, some people learn by wisdom I have to get burned to learn, I feel like toast....Proverbs 15;32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. GOD bless you guys and everybody in mp3
DeleteSo good we can now daily connect Flo! Diane and i both said yesterday, how easy it is to talk with you.
DeleteThanks Dave your encouragement is why Martin came from Texas to see you.
DeleteBrother Florencio, I'm glad the Word of God continued to minister you and you decided to come back :-)
DeleteGood Job Dave. Your comment was funny Eddy.Flo is putting you out there. Seasoned veteran!
DeleteGreat testimony of returning to God. May God continue to guide your paths.
DeleteGreat stuff Flo!! Proud of you brother!
Delete1. After listening to a very convicting message from pastor Mark on how we as men need to be more involved and join a men's group I went to check out "A taste of New Life", where the different small groups are being represented.
ReplyDeleteThe first group leader I talked to was Robert Roman, I continued talking to other leaders and came back to him after I had finished visiting all the booths.
I returned to talk to Robert because he was very excited and passionate about his group and I could tell he was very sincere and convinced about his calling to do so. Several others that I talked to didn't seem to be fully knowledgeable or convinced about their group, but Robert gave me confidence that if I wanted to learn and grow spiritually it was his group I should join.
I was surely blessed in the coming months as I attended his group, not only that but after a year Robert persuaded me to step up and start taking a more active role in leading a group. This let me to start mentoring and helping out in small groups.
I thank the Lord for Robert's godly example and his passion for God's word, surely he has influenced many of us to seek God and make Him a priority in our lives. Thank you Robert for being a great example for us to follow.
2. Prov 16:20 "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."
Way to step up brother!
DeleteRobert is definitely an encouraging brother. Something about when a man is encouraged...it's like building courage to take the step into the unknown. Glad you responded the way you did. Now you're in a position to do the same for other men. You're Actively pursuing God and pursuing men to point them to God. Blessings!
DeleteBrother Roger, you're kind encouraging words brings me to tears of appreciation. It's moments like this that remind me that whatever we do for the Lord has eternal value for His glory, honor and praise! God is using you mightily as an instrument in His hands to lead because you have humbly availed yourself. "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
DeleteExcellent Roger and what a well deserved tribute to Robert!
DeleteAwesome Roger. Way to step up. Robert Roman-well done! Keep up the good work brother.
DeleteROBERT ROMAN!!! he a great brother. great words roger.
Delete1. I remembered a time when my friends wanted me to call off work to go play paintball. I kept saying I can't I need to be at work. They kept consistently making excuses why I needed to be there. Since they were so persistent. I decided to take off work and go with them.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 16.21.ESV The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
Be there or be square...glad you're not making excuses to get in the word daily. You're unstoppable Jimmy G Buckets.
DeleteLike getting paint on your clothes, glad you're character is not now being stained James.
DeleteBrother James, persistence can wear us down. Thanks for your honesty :-)
DeleteJames so glad you are part of M3. Your continued dedication to God is an inspiration to all.
Delete1. I remember going through some tough times. My mom encouraged me to find a place to help and serve. She said, "hurt, help, heal. When you're hurting find someone to help. It takes the focus off of your situation." It was really impactful and life changing. I started volunteering at a homeless shelter were I quickly realized that my breakup with a girl was such a small problem compared to what some other people were facing. I thought most of these guys would trade lives with me in a second. I actually met a few guys who I made a relationship with and still continue to talk with to this day.
ReplyDelete2. I noticed a few things in the verses today:
21The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.
23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.
Wise and discerning hearts make prudent lips, which produce gracious words that promote instruction. What we speak does flow from the heart. The condition of our heart impacts much of our life.
Brother Eddie, "hurt, help, heal." love it! "quickly realized" the power of perspective ;-)
DeleteTo have a mother in the word that's good, and to listen to her is even better. It takes guts to volunteer at a homeless shelter { you see anybody with paint ball stains.... just wondering .lol }
DeleteAnd what wise and discerning words of advice from you mom Eddie- "Hurt, help, heal."
DeleteLet us know how things are going in Mexico.
Great words of wisdom to meditate on when going through a hard time. I also experienced something similar, after starting to attend a small group and listening to some of the hardships some of my brothers were going through I learned to be thankful to God for my many blessings and start to reach out and be a blessing to others.
DeleteSome great wisdom from your Mom! I like that!!
DeleteGood post and verses, Eddie! I really like the advice and saying your mom gave you: "Hurt,help,heal." My grandma used to give me similar advice when I was wallowing in self-pity. It is very, very helpful.
DeleteI first gave my life to God at the a men's retreat, but I was not planning on going to it. My friend said that he needed someone to go with. He also offered to pay for it. How could I turn him down :) I thought I was helping him out and I went. Little did I know that he knew everyone attending from the Melrose Park location. At the retreat, I expressed my disbeliefs to the leader. He prayed for me to have faith and showed God's love towards me. I started my walk with God.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
Show men how to fish is more important. God will make you fisher of men!
Brother Sammy, now that's a good friend :-)
DeleteWhat clever persuasion! :)
DeleteSo glad you went and yielded to the persuasion of the Spirit.
Wow that is an awesome friend, I can see that you also do the same when you are reaching others for Christ.
Delete1. I recall when my mother persuaded me to attend trade school back in "88". I've skydived before, but for the record it was my decision, lol :-D
ReplyDelete2. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" Proverbs 16:18
Haughty= Condescendingly prideful "disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant" (Dictionary.com)
Brother Marcos Estrada, welcome to M3! Looking forward to reading your postings, God bless you :-)
Ah, a skydiver! I've toyed with it, and just may once the kids are out of the house. Just being cautious :)
DeleteBrother Dave G, it's perfectly safe! I'll even go with you, but you have act quick because I may change my mind! LOL :-D
DeleteI don't feel the urge to respond to the urgency :)
DeleteIt was a pretty girl that talked me into jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. :) But I would probably do it again.
DeleteI like the addition of dictionary .com.
Delete1. As I built my career over the years, I studied books and closely analyzed many Managers/ Leaders and their styles and practices for success and those not so successful. I watched topExecs slam their fists as they demeaned other Managers in meetings, joked regularly about important issues so no one knew the severity of issues, never delved into issues as to how to resolve issues-- but only to criticize others and lay all the burden on others. But I also noted successful Managers who led by great positive persuasion and as a great example. I utilized all these valuable practices both to avoid bad practices and good persuasion practices to develop others skills and decision making abilities. I became a solid Manager by earthly measures-- as I helped others to develop good analytical and decision skills. As I became very busy, I began to abandon my good practices of helping others develop and I just quickly answered their inquiries.
ReplyDeleteOnce I realized what I was doing I resorted back to my original style. Now it's appropriate to use my good practices to enhance the Kingdom of God.
2. Did it
That is a golden self evaluation nugget Jack- "As I became very busy, I began to abandon my good practices of helping others develop and I just quickly answered their inquiries." Oh may we always focus on developing others. That is our focus as you know in M3. I enjoy answering Bible questions, but that is far from developing multiplying MANLY men.
DeletePS- Happy Anniversary!
Great testimony Jack of how God is using your past experiences to build up God's kingdom. So glad you are part of M3.
DeleteSounds like you were seeking godly wisdom before you ever knew the term.
DeleteGreat to hear that the goods things you learned in the past are now being used for the kingdom of God.
Delete2. Proverbs 16:21 " the wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction."
ReplyDeleteBrother Jack, great observation and implementation skills :-)
DeleteI have to say brother Dave Garret talked me into something great, joining the M3 group. My life has changed noticeably and as I continue to grow in GODS word I feel a it upset at myself, because I waited so long to take the step. I am so grateful to brother Dave for the phone calls and emails prior to me joining, now I live by the words of "no sleep till I read"
ReplyDeleteGracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 NIV)
Ricardo I am so glad that your were open to the calling of God to get closer to Him. So glad you are part of M3.
DeleteAh, you make me smile for joy Ricardo! And you're just getting started! You're going to have a great M3 family tree as you continue forward.
DeleteVery good post Ricardo. The way Dave Garret has impacted you in such a wonderful way by persuading you to join M3, you now have the ability to impact other men around you in the same powerful way. May God use you this week as a persuading influence that will guide some of the men to take steps toward joining M3. Be a great blessing brother.
DeleteHe who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32 NASB)
ReplyDeleteI needed this verse this weekend. This is a good reminder that real man keeps himself under control. when we think of a real man we think sword shattering, guns blazing storming a stronghold. A real man is calm and cool under stress and attack. Anger makes you weak and you lose control. Self control keeps you alert, calm, and sober.
Good words nick.
DeleteYes Nic, but it's easier said than done, isn't it?!
DeleteAny thoughts on persuasion?
Brother Nic, cool, calm and collective in Christ Jesus ;-)
Delete1. I would like to give thanks to my wife for always encouraging me in my line of work. Their have been many times in the beginning of my career I just wanted to walk away. Working in the construction trades I would be called some pretty hurtful names. She would always encourage me to ignore it and it will pass. It did but I learned a valuable lesson. NEVER to treat new employees the way I was treated. This has made have respect our new apprentices and they respect me. Over the years people have mellowed out.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was laid off in 2010, my wife stood by my side. I felt like I let my family down but she always encouraged me. She made me feel important and capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I got a job and finish 2 years of college. One thing I learned is that behind a strong man is even a stronger women supporting him.
2. Proverbs 16: 20 NIV "Whoever gives heed to instructions prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord."
Horacio I am so glad that you have a godly wife that supports you and that you recognize that you are able to face hard times because of her being there next to you.
DeleteVery good sharing Horacio! "One thing I learned is that behind a strong man is even a stronger woman supporting him." And someone quipped, "And a dumbfounded mother-in-law." :)
Delete1- I guess the best time I got persuaded well was when I went to go buy a mattress. This was my wife and I first " big" purchase together as a married couple. The fact that the guy ask us key questions to get the best mattress for us. The other thing that got me was the fact the way he described the mattress with such great details was so cool. He could have made us purchase more expensive mattress. He didn't he sold us the right mattress for us. That was a person who cared about the customer not his own commission. Like in my Job I do what's best for my customer not what's best for the company. I believe by doing that I keep my customer and get new customers, because of my superior customer service.
ReplyDelete2- Proverbs 16:20 NIV
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, [a] and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
Good business practice, u will prosper brother
DeleteExcellent Vince! That's the way I like to sell too. Represent what you believe in and then gently present/persuade according to what would best suit them.
DeleteBrother Vince, may the Lord give you any more opportunities to make wise decisions together with your wife. " Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4
Delete1) I remember when I met a chaplain that kept telling me to go to a weekly bible study group.he said to me if you go I can promise you that your spiritual growth will start coming through. I went because I believed that he ment everything he was telling me it felt genuine.
ReplyDelete2)Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Good stuff Andre! Thank God for that chaplain!
DeleteI'm so glad you met that chaplain Andre and you accepted his gentle persuasion.
Delete1 I have 3 friends who have persuaded me to take a job in Kazakhstan. I was a bit hesitant at first to take a job in any country that ended with a “stan”, but they told me that since it is a former Soviet country the people aren’t very radical in their Muslim beliefs. They also explained that the workload allows for a more balanced life and that the potential for savings is much better than in Singapore (they have all previously worked with me in Singapore). They addressed the fears of safety and highlighted the positives such as lighter workload and improved savings.
ReplyDelete2 I like verse 32 a lot. It is more of a challenge to subdue your anger and control your tongue than to subdue a city.
That is quite a change in scenery, brother Edward. I will keep you in my prayers throughout the transition and after its completion. Your friends were clearly diligent in their persuasive tactics, God bless you.
DeleteAnd Ed, I believe the Lord will use you much in Kazakhstan to sow kingdom seeds in many lives.
DeletePS- Osiris is a teacher too- teaching 8th graders.
1.- Back in 1978 after watching the Spinks / Ali fight, Claudio a friend of my brother persuaded me to apply for the electrical apprenticeship program from the IBEW Local 134 union. At that time I though I was set in my career path, I had just started working as a detail mechanical draftsman and was working for a consulting engineering firm that was contracting me out to work for other companies. Who would think to leave a just started trade with clean working conditions, good wages and switch to another unknown trade that required one to work in inclement physical dirty construction conditions. Claudio was a union electrician and sure gave a good sales pitch for the union apprenticeship program, a good skill trade where only I few would be accepted into the program. He explained the 4 year curriculum program to me, the qualifications, expectations, sacrifices and commitment required to complete if accepted into the apprenticeship program. He sold me on it and I set out on inquiring more information I could about the apprenticeship and enlisted the assistance from the urban league to test me and prepare me in the application procedure. I follow through on all this advise and have been in this electrical trade since 5/1979. Thank you Dave n M3 for providing me the vehicle to revisit n retrieve pass memories. God has been their with me all this time, guiding and putting people in my life and directing my path. Prov. 3:5 "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". 2.- "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord."
ReplyDeleteYour spirit of gratitude is, no doubt, pleasing to the Father. You make a great observation that by retreiving our memories of the roads we have traveled in life, we can better recognize God's grace and presence throughout the journey. God has been with you all this time. What a beautiful and comforting notion. We are never alone, for we are in the best of company when we invite the Lord to walk beside us each day.
DeleteIsn't it great to travel down memory lane with friends to see how the Lord has been at work behind the scenes?!
DeleteWay to go Armando, God is working powerfully in your life. As you continue to soak up God's word more and more and more, like a sponge, Wisdom will start pouring out of your mouth and your lifestyle will reflect wisdom and godliness :) Keep it up :)
DeleteAfter years of struggling through my relationship, my wife convinced me to begin attending New Life Community Church. More importantly, she convinced me to seek strengthening my relationship with God. For years I fought her on this point. We had both beeen raised Catholic and I was comfortable with my Sunday Mass routine, but deep down I felt an unfilled void. My wife never forced me to attend; she encouraged me. Sometimes, she'd attend New Life while I attended Mass. Still, she persisted to invite me and would play Pastor Mark's CD's on the car radio during roadtrips.
ReplyDeleteFinally, our marriage was in the ropes. I wasn't seeking to become a man of God...I was avoiding it. I didn't know what it meant to be a man of God beyond attending Church regularly and trying my best to lead a moral life. I relented and attended service with her. That day, I learned of the Men's Retreat and felt the inexplicable urge to sign up and go. I didn't know any of the men who'd be attending, or what I'd gain from the experience. I only knew that my previous efforts to be a better man and husband had missed the mark. That experience awakened me, and I have been traveling down a new road in the company of God and godly men since.
Sometimes, a sense of urgency and the loving persistence of someone who loves you is all the persuasion you need. I could have kept on avoiding a necessary change, but where would I be today if I had? Certainly not here.
I had trouble choosing between the following verses, so I wrote down both: Proverbs 16:31-32 "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."
Brother Osiris, I had a similar experince and I guess that's why our wives are often referred to as our better halves, lol :-)
DeleteGreat testimony. Your wife sounds like she has good boundaries respecting your right to reject what she knew was best for you while at the same time exercising her love by offering it to you.
DeleteSo glad you have a godly spouse Osiris who is also wise in using loving and patient persuasion with you.
DeleteKeep up the good work Osiris. You got some encouraging stuff.
Delete1.-I was persuaded to follow Jesus by a good friends. He was at peace and happy and I wanted some of that joyful peace. As Christian, I now persuade friends to follow Jesus. Amen.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Great job Oscar! I can't think of anything better to persuade people to do than to follow Jesus!
DeleteI'm smiling reading your words Oscar. :) May the Lord use you and your gentle persuasion in the lives of many people to help them follow Jesus.
DeleteI can think of too many times I was persuaded for doing something good. There is one that I can remember what is going around with my family. So since me declaring Jesus as my Lord and savior a little over three years ago there has been a consistency of one day my family coming before the Lord and see what I see in Him. We'll now not long ago my niece wants to go to church with me and know more of Jesus. The only thing she lacks is being able to get up in morning haha... but one step at a time. I guess what making me persuasive is wanting to make God's Word attractive!!.
ReplyDeletepro.16.24.niv Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Thats beautiful Ish! I love that u encourage your family and share the good news with them :)
DeleteYes Ismael, gentle persuasion is one step at a time. By that you are also making God's word attractive. Very good!
DeleteAwesome Ish!! Keep up the great work of being a light to your family man, I see you as such a great tool in the Lord's hand.
Delete1) When Daniel C. shared about M3 with me there was urgency and excitement in his voice, he also shared the benefits he saw in his own life through his involvement with M3.
ReplyDelete2) 16:24 Pleasant words are a honey comb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.
And I'm so glad you were interested Antonio. It's been so good to regularly connect with you via M3.
DeleteBrother Tony, "shared the benefits he saw in his own life through his involvement with M3." something special about a personal testimony!
Delete1)
ReplyDeleteOur family volunteered to cleanup one weekend a month at our previous church. It was an opportunity for the whole family to minister together. It was a lot of hard work of dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, cleaning windows, wiping down benches and mopping floors etc. I challenged my 4 kids that if they were diligent, and everyone worked together without complaining and whining that we could be done in 2 hours and I we would all enjoy a surprise treat. It turned out to actually be fun as everyone busily did their assignments without anyone slacking. What I hoped persuaded them most was reminding them of the blessings of doing the work together with a good attitude. We were serving and pleasing God. We were ministering to our congregation. The church really looked good when we were done. And it took less time with everyone working together. The treat was just the icing on the cake.
Proverbs 16:17 > The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
I choose to walk along the well traveled path of those who are wisely guided by the fear of the Lord. That path goes around and avoids the marked evil traps of God's enemies. That keeps me clear of those things that God hates and opposes. In doing so, I will preserve and guard my soul from certain great harm and my life will not be wasted.
Wow that it amazing David! I love how u got the whole family involved to help do some good service work. Props to h brother!
DeleteGreat illustration Dave of gentle persuasion! And you modeled what you were wanting from your kids.
DeleteSo looking forward to having your son Josh join us. What a fine son you have!
Wow Dave :) Your godly influence resonates with not only your family, but everyone on this M3 team, especially myself :)
Delete1. The first Thursday of every month I have the privilege of going into a men's recovery treatment center and speaking to them. We go there and encourage the men to change there lives and let them know they do not have to get high anymore. We persuade them to go to recovery meetings and to let God into there heart. We share our experience, stregnth, and hope with these men and just pray that it helps somebody. Sometimes these men leave the rehab and change there lives and other times they leave and get high and end up dying. I do still talk to a few guys that have made it out and now have over a year clean. It works if u work it ;)
ReplyDelete2.Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honey comb, sweet to the soul and healthy to the bones.
Wow Phil! Praise God for what you're doing! That's life and death persuading.
DeleteThat is awesome Philip. God is using you powerfully, so please keep on being "Intentionally Influential" on God's word and with His ways, with these guys :)
Delete1 – One time I can think of that I was persuaded was when my wife persuaded me to get up really early on a Friday morning to go to a live radio broadcast for Moody Radio. That was the first time I head of New Life or Pastor Mark. But he left enough of an impression on us that we came back for service that Sunday.
ReplyDelete2 – Proverbs 16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
Wow George! How that one act of gentle persuasion from your wife affected your life and future!
Delete1
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was first learning to swim and the instructor convinced me to dive in the deep water for the first time and I eventually dove in with some added fear but I did not need any assistance as I had been in that class for several weeks.
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Did it; verse 16:32 caught my attention because it speaks to a very valiant and quality trait:
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Wow, that was literally "sink or swim". I am so glad you swam :)
DeleteThanks Gary. Learning to swim gives me some helpful thoughts regarding training others.
DeleteThese "PERSUASION" tips are great reminders. So often we find ourselves as men in a situation with others that, had we only trained and equipped ourselves, we could have used these to change lives or at least direct someone's gaze to a path that leads to something better. While all leaders should know how to Intentionally Influence, it is something I think All Christians should work on learning, and learning well. Too many times, I have shrunk back, not feeling adequate enough to talk to someone about big decisions in their life, to share the gospel, to counsel someone. Had I devoted more time to developing these things in me, I could have (and will still) stand in the gap.
ReplyDelete1) I remember taking a stand and making a decision to walk with the Lord. Subsequently soon after, I was baptized. I felt energized. I felt like those decisions I never wanted to make were finally made, and I truly felt like the "cap" was taken off of my spiritual life, allowing me to go and grow how ever the Lord led me.
One day, a couple months later, I was speaking to my group leader and good friend, Eric Reyes, about how I was doing spiritually. We were in the crowded chapel, and as we spoke, he really laid out what he felt my future in the short term holds....a Mission trip.... He told me how happy he was to see me grow. Pleasant Words (P). He Encouraged (E) me to go on a trip, and in my gifts. Eric already had Rapport (R) with me from our friendship. He Seen (S) and had a vision of an awakened spiritual life and bright future for me if I went on one. He then placed Urgency (U) in my path. "Take that trip within a year". So I took his counsel and challenge, and less than a year later I flew to Queretaro, Mexico. There my relationship with Christ took on a New Life (no pun intended) and I developed some of the strongest brotherhood friendships I have ever had. All this set me on the path I am because someone decided to Intentionally Influence.
Imagine what we could do if 30+ Men of God all did this to that effect...
2) My chosen verse is:
Proverbs 16:32 "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."
So awesome to see how, while God does honor the warrior, in His eyes (and just as important) is the man that simply lives by His ways. Maybe not "Glamorous", just "Godly".
Way to go Willy. Yes, I agree with everything that you just wrote, I seen it happen before my very eyes and I see just how blessed you are :)
DeleteGood post, Will! I'm really glad you took that mission trip. I'm also glad to have witnessed your spiritual growth. Your life has been a great encouragement, and just seeing you enjoying the life that God gave you makes me very happy. :)
DeleteBrother William, well said "So awesome to see how, while God does honor the warrior, in His eyes (and just as important) is the man that simply lives by His ways. Maybe not "Glamorous", just "Godly".
DeleteExcellent William! Good words- "Imagine what we could do if 30+ Men of God all did this to that effect.."
DeleteI'm imagining. :)
1.I've been persuaded by brothers of this group to be unstoppable. I was starting to miss a few days here and there but people kept me in check to keep at it. I'm on a good streak right now as I haven't missed for a few weeks.
ReplyDelete2.Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Way to go Chuy, God is working powerfully in your life. As you continue to soak up God's word more and more and more, like a sponge, Wisdom will start pouring out of your mouth and your lifestyle will reflect wisdom and godliness :) Keep it up :)
DeleteBrother Chuy, I'm proud of you, keep it up brother :-)
DeleteYes, Chuy I expect to be able to present you with your Unstoppable award pin at our next meeting. Keep blazing forward.
Delete1. This has happened a few times in my life and career, when Clients would call me and ask if I can help them purchase an Investment Property, so that they can attempt to make some extra money. I do not always work with "investors", but in these cases, I told them that I would help them. After after some probing questions, many of these clients would tell me that, they were planning on purchasing these investment buildings strictly as a real estate investment, however, they were going to apply for a bank loan and planned on stating they were going to live there, as an owner occupant, so that they can qualify for a much lower down payment ( 5% down) and better mortgage terms. They were planning on intentionally lying and committing bank fraud, to avoid putting 25% down and paying a bit higher interest rate. I persuaded them, most were Non-christians, after asking for the Lord's help, NOT to commit bank fraud, and I shared my testimony, quoted scriptures, prayed with many of them, and warned many of them that they would be opening a door to satan in their lives. Needless to say, they all thanked me and never purchased them by committing bank fraud. It is ironic,but after pleading with them not to do this, many told me that they did not have any peace and many were getting nervous just thinking about lying this way. It reminds me of a very powerful verse:
ReplyDelete1 Timothy 6:9-11 states, " Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness."
Wow! God is soooo good all the time, to the believer and the non-believer :)
2. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Brother Israel, wow, integrity and fear of the Lord! I have an entirely new outlook on your profession and the quality work you do. God bless you :-)
DeleteWow Israel! You are so politely bold! Outstanding!
Delete1.The best decision was accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.My brother in law who is a pastor ,Victor and his wife Nancy.
ReplyDelete2.pro.16.16.niv How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
Brother George, God surrounded you with His vessels to minister to you, how wonderful!
Delete1. To be honest, there have been many times that I have been persuaded to do something and ended up with some of the best experiences. One of the times was when my mentor Jose asked me if I would like to be an NGL under him. I was a little nervous at first; however, because of the encouraging words he spoke as well as my respect for him, I accepted the offer. I'm very glad I did; it was a wonderful experience that I very much enjoyed. I also learned a lot during my NGL mentoring sessions with my mentor.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
So glad you decided to join M3 as well Alex! What a great family tree I believe you will have!
DeleteYep Alex, I have seen you do so many good things since you joined NGL way back when. Encouraging to see!
DeleteBrother Alex, I'm glad you accepted his invitation "because of the encouraging words he spoke as well as my respect for him".
ReplyDeleteWell I have always been persuaded and encouraged but they have been for the wrong things in life, now I have been learning and being encouraged in a different spiritual way and I have to be honest. I get lazy and overwhelmed with every day life but the persuasion from everyone here and people I have met with in the church, keeps me going.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 16:24
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
And this verse is so true to every day life, I have to work on this a lot at times. Good night everyone