Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Which of you by worrying can add a cubit to his stature? (Matthew 6:26)
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, man's foundational needs are physiological. These needs - food, drink, and clothing - are the literal requirements for human survival. If they are not met, the human body cannot continue to survive. Although Maslow's hierarchy is incomplete - in that it does not include man's need for God - it does speak to those natural elements that cause man to worry and become anxious. Nothing creates anxiety and worry like the feeling that one will run out of food and natural provision.
This is why Jesus addresses this issue head-on during His Sermon on the Mount. He states in Matthew 6:25, "Therefore I say to you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" As if that were not enough, He continues in verse 26 to challenge us to look at the birds of the air and learn from them.
What can we learn from birds?
Jesus states, "For they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feeds them." Whoa, you mean birds do not work, yet our God feeds them? Now isn't this a violation of God's economic principles of sowing and reaping? The Apostle Paul makes it very clear in II Thessalonians 3:10b, that "If anyone will not work, neither should he eat." God Himself states in Genesis 3:19a "In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground."
Why does God give birds preferential treatment? He does not. Jesus is teaching us about a law higher than the law of sowing and reaping--the law of sovereignty. The law of sovereignty is God's complete authority and power over His entire universe. The way laws work is that any law can be overridden by a higher law. For instance, according to the law, it is illegal to drive past a red traffic light. However, if there is a policeman driving his car with his siren on, not only can he pass the red light, but if you are blocking his car, you must move to make way for him.
The law of sowing and reaping states that if a man will not work (sow), he shall not eat (reap). The law of sovereignty, however, states that God has authority and rule over the entire creation, and He will provide for anyone He chooses in any way He chooses. The lesson here is that if God can feed a non-working bird that is not made in His image and likeness, what about you and me, who not only are made in His image and likeness, but also work to bring Him glory?
Why did Jesus use this example? I imagine that He was ministering to people who were worried about their provision, not necessarily because they were not willing to work, but perhaps because they could not find jobs as a result of discrimination towards Jews in a Roman colony.
In their day, just like today, there was possibly limited job availability. Maybe there were people who had jobs, but who were not making enough money to meet their basic needs. As one of my friends puts it, they had more days in the month than they had money. I am sure that there were businessmen in His midst who were unfairly and heavily taxed which impacted their profitability. Some may have been forced to close their businesses, and others may have faced low demand since customers themselves were economically challenged.
The questions the people must have asked Jesus were, "How will we feed ourselves and our families? How will we pay our workers and pay our expenses?" Jesus responded by saying, "Do not worry; do not be anxious; do not take the problem into your own hands. God has not forsaken you; man does not live by bread alone."
To illustrate His point, He pointed to the birds of the air. God, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, the Sustainer of life, the Creator of all things, the Faithful Wonder Himself feeds them.
He,
El Elyon - the Lord most high,
El Shaddai- the God who is sufficient for the needs of His people,
Jehovah Elohim - the Eternal Creator,
El Olam - the Everlasting God,
Jehovah Jireh - the Lord our Provider,
Jehovah Shalom - the Lord our Peace,
Jehovah Shammah - the Lord is present,
Jehovah Rohi - the Lord our Shepherd,
Jehovah Huseemu - the Lord our Maker,
Jehovah Eloheenu - the Lord our Maker,
He cares for them!
Now if God takes care of birds that do not work, what about you and me who are not only created in His image and likeness and whose difficulty is not as a result of slothfulness on our part or even our lack of a desire to work? Will God not take care of us in the midst of circumstances outside our control? Even if our circumstances are due to mistakes on our part, we serve a God who is merciful, kind, gentle, generous, forgiving, and who works all things "together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28.
How are you doing? Have you lost your job? Is revenue down? Are you worried about meeting your needs, meeting payroll, or paying the bills? Follow Jesus' instructions: look at the birds of the air and know that you have more value than they do. My prayer for you is that, "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19. Think about His goodness in the morning and thank Him for His faithfulness as you lay down at night. He will take care of you.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
What Is Planning?
See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. (Exodus 25:40)
Planning is the ability to tap into the mind of God and gather the necessary details on how the vision He gave you will be implemented. It requires you to carefully do your research so you can effectively support and communicate the assumptions you make throughout the plan based upon the revelations that the Lord has given you.
Planning is essential to the success of any business. It is key to not only starting the business but to managing the business as well. Can you imagine Moses building the tabernacle of God without a plan from God, or Jesus fulfilling His purpose on the earth without the blueprints of the Old Testament to make references to and be guided by? Effective management begins with planning, which leads to setting goals. Planning is the most important function in establishing a business. The sad reality is that most entrepreneurs do not bother to plan. The excuse often is time, know-how, or they just feel it is not necessary. No doubt about it, planning is hard work. It involves thinking and thinking is hard work. In essence, planning is solving future problems before they occur, making decisions, speculating on the future (both far and near), setting objectives (long and short range), considering alternatives, and making choices. Planning for the future requires flexibility to cope with the unexpected. You must set timetables and establish priorities; decide on the methods to be used and the people who will be involved. You must analyze the existing situation, formulate and apply targets, logic, and creativity to all details in between. Planning gives purpose and direction to your daily activities. Without it, your activities are aimless and uncoordinated. Whether you are a start-up business or a growing business, if you have not developed a plan or updated you existing plan, it is essential that you do so, not just for your sake, but for the sake of those who are called to co-labor with you.
Keys to successful planning:
1. Seek the Lord for clarity and direction
2. Determine the type of plan and engage your team
3. Clarify your purpose and mission
4. Update your internal and external assessments
5. Develop your strategy or operation plan
6. Update your financial plan based on your new strategy
7. Develop your monitoring systems
Eliminate the excuses, overcome the procrastination, discipline yourself, and write your plan. Just doing it will be a reward in itself.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Planning is the ability to tap into the mind of God and gather the necessary details on how the vision He gave you will be implemented. It requires you to carefully do your research so you can effectively support and communicate the assumptions you make throughout the plan based upon the revelations that the Lord has given you.
Planning is essential to the success of any business. It is key to not only starting the business but to managing the business as well. Can you imagine Moses building the tabernacle of God without a plan from God, or Jesus fulfilling His purpose on the earth without the blueprints of the Old Testament to make references to and be guided by? Effective management begins with planning, which leads to setting goals. Planning is the most important function in establishing a business. The sad reality is that most entrepreneurs do not bother to plan. The excuse often is time, know-how, or they just feel it is not necessary. No doubt about it, planning is hard work. It involves thinking and thinking is hard work. In essence, planning is solving future problems before they occur, making decisions, speculating on the future (both far and near), setting objectives (long and short range), considering alternatives, and making choices. Planning for the future requires flexibility to cope with the unexpected. You must set timetables and establish priorities; decide on the methods to be used and the people who will be involved. You must analyze the existing situation, formulate and apply targets, logic, and creativity to all details in between. Planning gives purpose and direction to your daily activities. Without it, your activities are aimless and uncoordinated. Whether you are a start-up business or a growing business, if you have not developed a plan or updated you existing plan, it is essential that you do so, not just for your sake, but for the sake of those who are called to co-labor with you.
Keys to successful planning:
1. Seek the Lord for clarity and direction
2. Determine the type of plan and engage your team
3. Clarify your purpose and mission
4. Update your internal and external assessments
5. Develop your strategy or operation plan
6. Update your financial plan based on your new strategy
7. Develop your monitoring systems
Eliminate the excuses, overcome the procrastination, discipline yourself, and write your plan. Just doing it will be a reward in itself.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Help the Business Development Center in Rwanda--with clean hands
Good morning! The training program at the Rwanda Business Development Center is launching August 23, 2010. Our vision is to build a self-sustaining Center in order to help entrepreneurs start and grow hundreds of businesses that employ thousands of people.  |
| Hand sanitizer from Clean Hands Pure Heart |
Thursday, August 12, 2010
heading for Rwanda!
The last few weeks have been non-stop, as John and Jason have been preparing to leave for Rwanda and Hanisha and I doing our best to keep up! It's exciting to see how the Lord has opened the door for us to do entrepreneurship training there.
The first class is on August 23! Check out the new website for the Center in Rwanda: http://www.bdcrwanda.com/. What do you think?
The first class is on August 23! Check out the new website for the Center in Rwanda: http://www.bdcrwanda.com/. What do you think?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Birthing an Ishmael
by Patrice Tsague
So Sarai said to Abram, "see now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her. And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai." Genesis 16:2
Patrice's last devotional was entitled "Hope Deferred" which many responded very well to. It seems many of us know what it feels like to have our hope deferred, but thank God for Jesus who is our hope. The hope He gives, the world cannot take away!
One of the consequences that occurs during the times when we feel as though our hope is deferred is that we commit adultery with the maid and birth Ishmaels. Ishmael represents the planned, but illegitimate, outcome of impatience.
In Genesis 12, God comes to a business man named Abraham and makes him a promise to take him to an unknown land, full of blessings, make him into a great nation, and bless many through him. Excited about the promise, Abraham obeys the Lord and leaves his country. He takes his wife, a young nephew, his servants and his possessions. Several years later, Abraham, who experienced enormous blessings from the Lord, realizes that should he die, one of his servants would have to take over the family business, since he did not have any children. He goes before the Lord and asks God to bless him with a child who would be heir of his enterprise. God not only promises him a child, but God also promises him a nation.
Unfortunately, God did not act fast enough for Abraham's wife Sarah who, due to a lack of patience, suggested that Abraham conceive a child with her maidservant Hagar, which Abraham did. The result was Ishmael; the planned illegitimate outcome of taking things into their own hands due to a lack of patience. How many of us have files in our offices full of Ishmaels? The problem with birthing Ishmaels is that you will have to live with them. You can make the choice but you cannot choose the consequences. One of my pastors used to say, "Choices are long lasting and life changing". Abraham and Sarah had to live with the consequences of Ishmael, which created family issues over inheritance, and favoritisms; issues that continue today in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel. If you are considering committing adultery with an alluring new idea that promises to take you to your hopes quickly and cause you to easily avoid the trials and tests that you are facing, stop and think about the long-term devastating effect of birthing Ishmael. It will not just affect you, but it will also affect those who will come after you for generations to come.
How do you avoid birthing an Ishmael?
1. Be willing to endure the suffering and humiliation of delayed hopes.
2. Count it all joy and rejoice in your challenges, knowing that this is the will of God concerning you.
3. Embrace the lessons that God wants to teach you during the times of waiting.
4. Do not allow others to lure you into new ideas, no matter how promising they may seem.
5. Count the cost.
6. Trust that God is faithful.
7. Keep your eyes on the prize - Jesus. He is your hope and will never defer His promises.
We relocated to Portland in December of 2009 and joined a local church that was not just committed to marketplace ministry, but demonstrated its commitment with the fact that services were held within a hotel that it owned and operated. The pastor/founder of the ministry, a great friend and author of a book called "Mission Based Entrepreneurship Revolution," had a vision to take this model across the nation and the world.
This past May, five months after we arrived in Oregon, a fire destroyed the sanctuary portion of the hotel where our church met for worship services. Within that same week, due to circumstances beyond the church's control, the hotel facility was sold to a non-Christian company. These circumstances caused many within the congregation to become perplexed. What happened to the dream we had and what would become of our vision?
What makes me proud to be a part of this congregation and the leadership team of this church is the heart of the people. My friend and Senior Pastor of the church boldly declared that we would not quit nor stop, neither would we birth an Ishmael during this difficult period. Instead, we would patiently seek the Lord, regroup, and more than ever, commit ourselves to building a model of a sustainable strategy that funds social justice and educates others around the nation and the world on how to do the same.
It is easy to quit when our hope is deferred. It is even easier to birth an Ishmael, because Ishmaels make us feel as though we have accomplished something. Ishmaels seem to temporarily remove humiliation and disappointment, but they always bring long-term devastating effects that are irreversible. Are you currently flirting with a project or idea that you know is not in line with God's original vision for you? Seek the Lord for the grace to say, "No Lord, not my will but Your will be done."
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
So Sarai said to Abram, "see now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her. And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai." Genesis 16:2
Patrice's last devotional was entitled "Hope Deferred" which many responded very well to. It seems many of us know what it feels like to have our hope deferred, but thank God for Jesus who is our hope. The hope He gives, the world cannot take away!
One of the consequences that occurs during the times when we feel as though our hope is deferred is that we commit adultery with the maid and birth Ishmaels. Ishmael represents the planned, but illegitimate, outcome of impatience.
In Genesis 12, God comes to a business man named Abraham and makes him a promise to take him to an unknown land, full of blessings, make him into a great nation, and bless many through him. Excited about the promise, Abraham obeys the Lord and leaves his country. He takes his wife, a young nephew, his servants and his possessions. Several years later, Abraham, who experienced enormous blessings from the Lord, realizes that should he die, one of his servants would have to take over the family business, since he did not have any children. He goes before the Lord and asks God to bless him with a child who would be heir of his enterprise. God not only promises him a child, but God also promises him a nation.
Unfortunately, God did not act fast enough for Abraham's wife Sarah who, due to a lack of patience, suggested that Abraham conceive a child with her maidservant Hagar, which Abraham did. The result was Ishmael; the planned illegitimate outcome of taking things into their own hands due to a lack of patience. How many of us have files in our offices full of Ishmaels? The problem with birthing Ishmaels is that you will have to live with them. You can make the choice but you cannot choose the consequences. One of my pastors used to say, "Choices are long lasting and life changing". Abraham and Sarah had to live with the consequences of Ishmael, which created family issues over inheritance, and favoritisms; issues that continue today in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel. If you are considering committing adultery with an alluring new idea that promises to take you to your hopes quickly and cause you to easily avoid the trials and tests that you are facing, stop and think about the long-term devastating effect of birthing Ishmael. It will not just affect you, but it will also affect those who will come after you for generations to come.
How do you avoid birthing an Ishmael?
1. Be willing to endure the suffering and humiliation of delayed hopes.
2. Count it all joy and rejoice in your challenges, knowing that this is the will of God concerning you.
3. Embrace the lessons that God wants to teach you during the times of waiting.
4. Do not allow others to lure you into new ideas, no matter how promising they may seem.
5. Count the cost.
6. Trust that God is faithful.
7. Keep your eyes on the prize - Jesus. He is your hope and will never defer His promises.
We relocated to Portland in December of 2009 and joined a local church that was not just committed to marketplace ministry, but demonstrated its commitment with the fact that services were held within a hotel that it owned and operated. The pastor/founder of the ministry, a great friend and author of a book called "Mission Based Entrepreneurship Revolution," had a vision to take this model across the nation and the world.
This past May, five months after we arrived in Oregon, a fire destroyed the sanctuary portion of the hotel where our church met for worship services. Within that same week, due to circumstances beyond the church's control, the hotel facility was sold to a non-Christian company. These circumstances caused many within the congregation to become perplexed. What happened to the dream we had and what would become of our vision?
What makes me proud to be a part of this congregation and the leadership team of this church is the heart of the people. My friend and Senior Pastor of the church boldly declared that we would not quit nor stop, neither would we birth an Ishmael during this difficult period. Instead, we would patiently seek the Lord, regroup, and more than ever, commit ourselves to building a model of a sustainable strategy that funds social justice and educates others around the nation and the world on how to do the same.
It is easy to quit when our hope is deferred. It is even easier to birth an Ishmael, because Ishmaels make us feel as though we have accomplished something. Ishmaels seem to temporarily remove humiliation and disappointment, but they always bring long-term devastating effects that are irreversible. Are you currently flirting with a project or idea that you know is not in line with God's original vision for you? Seek the Lord for the grace to say, "No Lord, not my will but Your will be done."
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Hope Deferred
by Patrice Tsague
Hope deferred makes the heart sick but when desires comes it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
The recent economic crisis of the last two years swept away the hopes of many individuals and kingdom business stewards. Some had plans to make a great impact in the kingdom; some believed God to retire from one career so they could be repurposed into another area of ministry; some planned to get out of debt, give more to the work of the kingdom, and expand their businesses or start new businesses. But the crisis depleted their savings, reduced their income and brought many to the point of bankruptcy. The Bible states that, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…” The delay of hopes and dreams has caused many to lose their Godfidence and some have even quit.
Hope is an anticipation of a desired future. Hope keeps you going when nothing around you seems to work. Hope is the heartbeat of future dreams and goals. When you have no hope, no matter how realistic your goals or how rewarding the promise may be, you will not have the strength to continue to persevere. You will quit!
What causes our hopes to be deferred? Our hope is deferred when we put our hope in the wrong thing. Whenever our hope is bound by anything tangible, it is at risk of being deferred. We live in a sinful world and no matter how comprehensive our plans, how righteous our walk, or how worthy our goals, they may not always come together the way we envision them. Our hope must always be based on the unchanging nature and character of Jesus Christ.
In Luke chapter 24, Jesus had just been crucified and we find two of His disciples traveling to a village called Emmaus. As they travel, they begin to talk with sadness about what had just occurred in Jerusalem. As they talked, Jesus Himself draws near to them and asks them why they are so sad. They proceed to recap how their leader was condemned to death and crucified when their hope was that He would redeem Israel, but now that hope had been deferred. Jesus rebuked them for their faithlessness, reminded them of the Scriptures, and revealed Himself to them. They were hopeless because they had taken their eyes off Jesus, forgotten the scriptures and were solely focused on their short term loss and immediate desires. Whenever we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our circumstances, our hope gets deferred.
If we do not properly manage our deferred hopes, we may allow our faith to be shipwrecked or we may begin to lean on our own understanding and “help God out” by creating our own path. That was the case with Abraham and Sarah as they were waiting for the child of promise. They became impatient and began to feel as though they were getting too old. So they made arrangements with their maid for her to carry a child for them. The result was Ishmael. That act has caused problems until this day.
How do you prevent your faith from shipwrecking or birthing an Ishmael when you faith is deferred?
Remember that deferred does not mean denied.
Make sure your hope is based on God’s will for you.
Distinguish between God’s will versus your personal dreams and desires.
Make sure your hope is anchored on your faith in Jesus Christ – Jesus must be your hope.
Know that God will work all things together for your good.
Keep in mind that your timing is not God’s timing.
Rejoice, for such is the will of God concerning you.
Like you, my wife and I have been on a long journey to realize a vision that we believe to be from God, but we did not realize would take this long. We constantly have had to renew our faith and keep our eyes on Jesus so we can persevere. What keeps us encouraged is the joy of seeing the many lives that have been transformed and the kingdom businesses that are creating jobs and resourcing the kingdom due to our obedience. There is also the joy of knowing that we are being used by the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. The struggles help to keep us on our knees, maintain a level of humility, and keep our eyes on Him.
Has your hope been deferred? Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, neither yield to the temptation of creating your own path, nor give up. Rather, endure the suffering that comes with the sense of loss and personal disappointment with joy, knowing that He who began a good work in you shall complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. He will work all things together for your good because you love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick but when desires comes it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
The recent economic crisis of the last two years swept away the hopes of many individuals and kingdom business stewards. Some had plans to make a great impact in the kingdom; some believed God to retire from one career so they could be repurposed into another area of ministry; some planned to get out of debt, give more to the work of the kingdom, and expand their businesses or start new businesses. But the crisis depleted their savings, reduced their income and brought many to the point of bankruptcy. The Bible states that, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…” The delay of hopes and dreams has caused many to lose their Godfidence and some have even quit.
Hope is an anticipation of a desired future. Hope keeps you going when nothing around you seems to work. Hope is the heartbeat of future dreams and goals. When you have no hope, no matter how realistic your goals or how rewarding the promise may be, you will not have the strength to continue to persevere. You will quit!
What causes our hopes to be deferred? Our hope is deferred when we put our hope in the wrong thing. Whenever our hope is bound by anything tangible, it is at risk of being deferred. We live in a sinful world and no matter how comprehensive our plans, how righteous our walk, or how worthy our goals, they may not always come together the way we envision them. Our hope must always be based on the unchanging nature and character of Jesus Christ.
In Luke chapter 24, Jesus had just been crucified and we find two of His disciples traveling to a village called Emmaus. As they travel, they begin to talk with sadness about what had just occurred in Jerusalem. As they talked, Jesus Himself draws near to them and asks them why they are so sad. They proceed to recap how their leader was condemned to death and crucified when their hope was that He would redeem Israel, but now that hope had been deferred. Jesus rebuked them for their faithlessness, reminded them of the Scriptures, and revealed Himself to them. They were hopeless because they had taken their eyes off Jesus, forgotten the scriptures and were solely focused on their short term loss and immediate desires. Whenever we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our circumstances, our hope gets deferred.
If we do not properly manage our deferred hopes, we may allow our faith to be shipwrecked or we may begin to lean on our own understanding and “help God out” by creating our own path. That was the case with Abraham and Sarah as they were waiting for the child of promise. They became impatient and began to feel as though they were getting too old. So they made arrangements with their maid for her to carry a child for them. The result was Ishmael. That act has caused problems until this day.
How do you prevent your faith from shipwrecking or birthing an Ishmael when you faith is deferred?
Remember that deferred does not mean denied.
Make sure your hope is based on God’s will for you.
Distinguish between God’s will versus your personal dreams and desires.
Make sure your hope is anchored on your faith in Jesus Christ – Jesus must be your hope.
Know that God will work all things together for your good.
Keep in mind that your timing is not God’s timing.
Rejoice, for such is the will of God concerning you.
Like you, my wife and I have been on a long journey to realize a vision that we believe to be from God, but we did not realize would take this long. We constantly have had to renew our faith and keep our eyes on Jesus so we can persevere. What keeps us encouraged is the joy of seeing the many lives that have been transformed and the kingdom businesses that are creating jobs and resourcing the kingdom due to our obedience. There is also the joy of knowing that we are being used by the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. The struggles help to keep us on our knees, maintain a level of humility, and keep our eyes on Him.
Has your hope been deferred? Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, neither yield to the temptation of creating your own path, nor give up. Rather, endure the suffering that comes with the sense of loss and personal disappointment with joy, knowing that He who began a good work in you shall complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. He will work all things together for your good because you love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Beloved Community
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. -Acts 4:32
How would you like to be a part of a community where in spite of external persecution, trials and tests, everyone is in one accord with complete integrity, trust and transparency? A community where out of the surplus of trade, the needs of the suffering and vulnerable are met so that essentially none suffers any lack of material provision? This type of community sounds unreal and even impossible to achieve - but not only is it real but very possible. This type of community did exist within the original Christian community; it was how the church began. It was a beloved community led by compassionate and just leadership. It was a community that adhered to the doctrines of scriptures. It was a community that grew in spite of persecution. It had a stable micro economy that self corrected when there was any internal economic issues because it had a clear mission and vision.
So what happened to that beloved community? How did we get so far from where we started? Unfortunately, today's Christians have a reputation for being the poor and needy in society. Even the word "Christian" doesn't equate with integrity anymore since Christian's cheat, lie and steal just like the rest of the world. Unity among us is a slogan, and prosperity is a catch phrase for church growth but has nothing to do with empowering individuals. Stewardship is a gimmick used to increase giving within a local assembly rather than a way to better care for all that God has entrusted us. Individuals give not with a pure heart but as a way to manipulate God into blessing them. As a result, the harsh reality we face is that Christians would rather not do business with other Christians because of perceived mediocre products and services. Also, Christian consumers conclude that being a Christian business means giving discounts and free services to all who call on the name of Jesus. This creates a spirit of entitlement that calls for everything Christian to be free or at a reduced cost.
If we, the disciples of Jesus, are to fulfill the mandate of the great commission, we must renew our commitment to restoring that beloved community. What is a beloved community? It is a redemptive network that unashamedly recognizes Jesus Christ as Lord; adheres to the bible as its governing principles and is committed to establishing the kingdom of God within a micro level that will be so powerful and be such a light that it will influence the macro economy towards a more righteous system of Government and commerce. It is a community that is in the world but not of it. It is a redemptive network that is self sufficient, sustainable, and profitable. A community that is uncompromising in its principles but compassionate in its approach, a community that is the envy of the world. How do we build this community?
There are seven key guiding principles and concepts that are essential to establishing a beloved community:
1. There is one Lord, one Savior, one King, Jesus Christ - Acts 2:36
2. The bible is the basis for all activities with clear rules of engagement - Acts 2:42, Acts 5:1-11
3. Leadership is called and is held accountable - Acts 1:15-26
4. The Holy Spirit is active and alive - Acts 2:1-4
5. We are all stewards - Acts 4:32
6. Individuals and industries are profitable - Acts 4:34-37
7. We have compassion for the needy and the lost - Acts 3
Are you a part of a beloved community? Let us each commit to joining with others to build these communities throughout the world, beginning with our homes and our churches. Imagine a network of beloved communities throughout the world that is lighting up the world and restoring flavor in a rotten world to ensure that God's redemptive purpose for the world is accomplished.
Through Biblical Entrepreneurship we are committed not just to build kingdom businesses, but to create a community of kingdom business stewards who provide God-honoring services and products in a God-honoring way and are contributing to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This is our contribution towards the building of the beloved community. We can build kingdom businesses - but unless they become a part of a community whose purpose is to fulfill the mandate of Christ, we have failed in our mission. Join us as we attempt to build that which is impossible without Christ - let us build the beloved community as we wait for Jesus to come. Come soon, Lord Jesus, come.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
How would you like to be a part of a community where in spite of external persecution, trials and tests, everyone is in one accord with complete integrity, trust and transparency? A community where out of the surplus of trade, the needs of the suffering and vulnerable are met so that essentially none suffers any lack of material provision? This type of community sounds unreal and even impossible to achieve - but not only is it real but very possible. This type of community did exist within the original Christian community; it was how the church began. It was a beloved community led by compassionate and just leadership. It was a community that adhered to the doctrines of scriptures. It was a community that grew in spite of persecution. It had a stable micro economy that self corrected when there was any internal economic issues because it had a clear mission and vision.
So what happened to that beloved community? How did we get so far from where we started? Unfortunately, today's Christians have a reputation for being the poor and needy in society. Even the word "Christian" doesn't equate with integrity anymore since Christian's cheat, lie and steal just like the rest of the world. Unity among us is a slogan, and prosperity is a catch phrase for church growth but has nothing to do with empowering individuals. Stewardship is a gimmick used to increase giving within a local assembly rather than a way to better care for all that God has entrusted us. Individuals give not with a pure heart but as a way to manipulate God into blessing them. As a result, the harsh reality we face is that Christians would rather not do business with other Christians because of perceived mediocre products and services. Also, Christian consumers conclude that being a Christian business means giving discounts and free services to all who call on the name of Jesus. This creates a spirit of entitlement that calls for everything Christian to be free or at a reduced cost.
If we, the disciples of Jesus, are to fulfill the mandate of the great commission, we must renew our commitment to restoring that beloved community. What is a beloved community? It is a redemptive network that unashamedly recognizes Jesus Christ as Lord; adheres to the bible as its governing principles and is committed to establishing the kingdom of God within a micro level that will be so powerful and be such a light that it will influence the macro economy towards a more righteous system of Government and commerce. It is a community that is in the world but not of it. It is a redemptive network that is self sufficient, sustainable, and profitable. A community that is uncompromising in its principles but compassionate in its approach, a community that is the envy of the world. How do we build this community?
There are seven key guiding principles and concepts that are essential to establishing a beloved community:
1. There is one Lord, one Savior, one King, Jesus Christ - Acts 2:36
2. The bible is the basis for all activities with clear rules of engagement - Acts 2:42, Acts 5:1-11
3. Leadership is called and is held accountable - Acts 1:15-26
4. The Holy Spirit is active and alive - Acts 2:1-4
5. We are all stewards - Acts 4:32
6. Individuals and industries are profitable - Acts 4:34-37
7. We have compassion for the needy and the lost - Acts 3
Are you a part of a beloved community? Let us each commit to joining with others to build these communities throughout the world, beginning with our homes and our churches. Imagine a network of beloved communities throughout the world that is lighting up the world and restoring flavor in a rotten world to ensure that God's redemptive purpose for the world is accomplished.
Through Biblical Entrepreneurship we are committed not just to build kingdom businesses, but to create a community of kingdom business stewards who provide God-honoring services and products in a God-honoring way and are contributing to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This is our contribution towards the building of the beloved community. We can build kingdom businesses - but unless they become a part of a community whose purpose is to fulfill the mandate of Christ, we have failed in our mission. Join us as we attempt to build that which is impossible without Christ - let us build the beloved community as we wait for Jesus to come. Come soon, Lord Jesus, come.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Good Fight
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I Timothy 6:12
Temptation can be great in volatile economic times for individuals and businesses to be distracted from their primary mission or to give up on their assignments altogether. When the forecasts look bleak and there are indicators such as rising unemployment, foreclosures, decreased revenues and net loses - the burning question in many business people's minds is, "Why continue?" Yet it is in times like these that Kingdom businessmen and women must remember that they started their businesses to meet a marketplace need, create a profit and fulfill the Great Commission in the marketplace.
Do you ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" or "Is there a higher purpose than just making money?" If the focus of your business has become simply to make money, or if your business model is purely transactional, your business could falter. My question to you is this, "Are you involved in the good fight?"
Life is a fight and no matter what you are doing you are fighting - either for something or against something. You have to make sure that you are fighting for the right reasons and against the right enemy. The good fight is a battle against the works of darkness for the soul and destiny of humanity. In the marketplace, this battle is waged through the venue of commerce. Your business must deliver (with passion!) a product or service that meets clear needs in people's lives, or you will not survive tough economic times.
Great battles are won or lost not based on the might of an army, but based on the magnitude of the mission and the selflessness of the army's purpose. If an army goes to war just for the spoils of victory and the satisfaction of destroying an enemy, the soldiers will not remain inspired during the difficult times of the war. If, however, their mission is significant and their cause is greater then themselves, then no matter how difficult the war, they are prepared to die for what they are fighting for and that which gives them a great advantage.
This is a time to reflect on the reasons you entered into business in the first place. Review your purpose and mission and ensure that it is for a cause bigger than yourself, then realign your activities with your purpose and mission.
Those who are engaged in the good fight cannot lose. The fight was already won at Calvary by our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ. The battle is not ours. It is the Lord's. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)
What are you fighting for?
Make sure you are fighting the good fight, then you will have the stamina to make wise business decisions in tough times that will produce profitable physical and eternal dividends.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Temptation can be great in volatile economic times for individuals and businesses to be distracted from their primary mission or to give up on their assignments altogether. When the forecasts look bleak and there are indicators such as rising unemployment, foreclosures, decreased revenues and net loses - the burning question in many business people's minds is, "Why continue?" Yet it is in times like these that Kingdom businessmen and women must remember that they started their businesses to meet a marketplace need, create a profit and fulfill the Great Commission in the marketplace.
Do you ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" or "Is there a higher purpose than just making money?" If the focus of your business has become simply to make money, or if your business model is purely transactional, your business could falter. My question to you is this, "Are you involved in the good fight?"
Life is a fight and no matter what you are doing you are fighting - either for something or against something. You have to make sure that you are fighting for the right reasons and against the right enemy. The good fight is a battle against the works of darkness for the soul and destiny of humanity. In the marketplace, this battle is waged through the venue of commerce. Your business must deliver (with passion!) a product or service that meets clear needs in people's lives, or you will not survive tough economic times.
Great battles are won or lost not based on the might of an army, but based on the magnitude of the mission and the selflessness of the army's purpose. If an army goes to war just for the spoils of victory and the satisfaction of destroying an enemy, the soldiers will not remain inspired during the difficult times of the war. If, however, their mission is significant and their cause is greater then themselves, then no matter how difficult the war, they are prepared to die for what they are fighting for and that which gives them a great advantage.
This is a time to reflect on the reasons you entered into business in the first place. Review your purpose and mission and ensure that it is for a cause bigger than yourself, then realign your activities with your purpose and mission.
Those who are engaged in the good fight cannot lose. The fight was already won at Calvary by our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ. The battle is not ours. It is the Lord's. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)
What are you fighting for?
Make sure you are fighting the good fight, then you will have the stamina to make wise business decisions in tough times that will produce profitable physical and eternal dividends.
Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
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