"Norm!"

Doesn't it feel good to go where everyone knows your name?

Today's Scripture:

Know your sheep by name; carefully attend to your flocks.

Proverbs 27:23

A classic sitcom showed a recurring scene each week in which a man would enter the restaurant and everyone in the place would yell out his name in greeting. The scene exemplified the familiar line in the them song, "You want to go where everybody knows your name." Indeed, everyone does like to be known by name, as it is a form of intimacy and familiarity that expresses value and acceptance. God modeled this for your by telling Moses that he knew him by name in Exodus 33:17. But learning a name is just the first step in knowing a person. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told the disciples that the hairs on their heads were numbered and known by God. He knew more than their names.

Using a person's name in conversation helps you to connect with him.

One great way to keep track of information about a person is to keep a client card simply write the tidbits on the back of someones business card after you meet them. When you truly get to know those around you, you become intimately aware of their likes and dislikes, strengths and challenges, and burdens and celebrations. It is by knowing them that you can attend to their needs.

Your objective is to move your relationship deeper in the various levels of communication from superficial to significant. Purposeful communication can enhance your fellowship and build your opportunities for meeting the needs of others.

Selah people' and friends target two people with whom you have experienced only superficial conversation. Make it your goal to learn and remember one personal fact about each of them this week. We you see those people who you have now got to know better call them by name and see the smile that you put on their face. God knows each of by name so it is Godly for us to know our brothers and sisters by name as well.

"God's blessing upon you as you grow closer to those around you...your brother-in-Christ "Patrick" will be praying for you as you seek to grow closer to God and others."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ via mobile at the park in Mt.Olive

No Man Is an Island...

Leaders can't become great alone...

God provides courage and comfort by not having us go it alone.

Today's Scripture:

Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go.

Joshua 1:9

Being Moses's successor in leadership must have been intimidating. Imagine knowing that your mission was to complete the job that even such a great leader as Moses could not accomplish. Joshua was reminded several times to be brave in the tasks ahead of him. Just the foreshadowing of future challenges within this advice would induce apprehension for most. Yet, Joshua did face his mission with courage and strength.

A natural impulse of people in frightening situations is to grab for someone close. Even some automobiles have embraced this notion and can provide voice-activated rescue if you become lost or endangered. Somehow just the knowledge that there is someone else sharing in the frightening experience is comforting to those in fear. People seek comfort and courage by clinging to others. Leaders are not very different when an intimidating challenge appears. A natural impulse is to call out for someone or something that can bring comfort and dispel your feelings of fear.

If you are new to your position of leadership like Joshua, or if you are a seasoned leader facing a new adventure, your courage can be attacked by fear. In those times, be reminded that you can be bold and courageous because God is with you. You do not have to back down from a challenge or venture because you are intimidated. You do not have to face your fear alone. Grab onto God to capture courage and stand strong.

Selah people' and friends if there is a new undertaking or challenge that you have been delaying out of intimidation, share the idea with a friend, family member or colleague. When you have another's support, you may gain the confidence you need to conquer your fears.

"Go forth with a spirit of courage not in yourself but in the power that God gives each of us."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Gold-Medal Leader...

Are we trying our hardest to run the race of life to win?

Today's Scripture:

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

~1 Corinthians 9:24

Often, the difference between the runner who wins and the runner who loses is the motivation of the runner. The trophies or medals are not enough to motivate the tenacity needed for marathon or triathlete I tell this from my own personal experience.

However, more intangible rewards, such as integrity, compassion, courage, can be the fuel that keeps the runner in the race to win. An inner motivation must fuel the leader to run a winning race.

Without a goal, you have no reason to press toward what lies ahead. You can create goals for every area of your life, including family and spiritual goals. Equally as important as the goal is the real reward of achieving the goal. What you really want to gain from the experience is sometimes more than the superficial tangible prize. If your goal is to be the best sales person so you could win a cruise for your family, your success would be not for prestige or the honor of being the best but the motivating fuel would be your love for your family.

In leadership and in life, the goal is to finish your race. The way that you run your race will determine if your run was worthy of obtaining your prize. Your faithfulness to God and your commitment to others will help you to achieve success in your race. Run your race to win.

Selah people' and friends set three goals for yourself this week. For each goal, think of the character traits that you will need to move you toward achieving that goal. Target those traits and run your race to win, not just to finish.

"Peace be yours as you give 100% in this race called life."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Unconditional Love...

Have you been raised to stand on your own two feet...can you do it all alone?

Today's Scripture:

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

You are often admonished to know what you believe in. You believe in hard work, stewardship, and integrity. Or maybe you believe in talent, fate, or luck. Knowing what you believe can help guide your path in life. But a question can be posed. In whom do you believe?

From early in life you are encouraged to believe in yourself. "Trust your instincts and appreciate your gifts," you have been told. You may have been reared or raised to stand on your own two feet in independence. Self-awareness, capability, and confidence are indeed desirable qualities in a leader. However, trusting in your own abilities or potential will sustain you only temporarily with partial effectiveness.

It is not enough to have faith in yourself alone.

Faith in God is not based on ability, work ethic, or achievement. It is an expression of trust that God in his sovereignty will enable you to succeed. John 3:16 explains that when you believe in him, you will have not only temporary benefits, but God's eternal life-giving power. He is the source of all knowledge, power, and life. In the daily challenges of leading others, you can trust that God will empower you to accomplish your desires. When you feel powerless to resolve a matter, realize that your capability comes not only from your skill; you have access to the real power source that created you. Trust in his ability instead of your own. Allow God to show you a way where you see no way.

Selah people' and friends think about five areas of your life in which you are trusting in God alone to provide an answer or direction for you. Pray in faith and believe that he is the source of provision. I tell you this from my own experience that if you allow Him to God will take you places you never thought possible.

"Peace be yours as you choose today not to just have faith in yourself alone, but in our risen savior."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ via mobile @ Frema VW - Goldsboro, NC

The Golden Rule

How do you want to be treated?

Today's Scripture:

Do to others what you would want them to do to you.

Luke 6:31

What could be more embarrassing than being told that you have spinach in your teeth? Looking in the mirror at the end of a long day of important meetings and realizing that you had a green-stained smile all day and no one cared enough to tell you is humiliating. How you wish someone had said something. After all, you would have been kind enough to save someone else the same indignity. The golden rule seems simple enough. You have heard it since childhood.

But have you ever considered what it is that you want others to "do unto you"?

Until you have discovered what you want, you cannot deliver it to others.

Everyone seems to want his or her share of attention, approval, and opportunity from you. The needs of your followers can range range from a quick five-minute conversation to guidance on personal issues that affect their pro-fessional behaviors. Often, you are aware of needs that even they do not know they have such as training, correction, and motivation. The simplicity of the golden rule provides the essential wisdom you need to fairly divide your attention and approach your delivery.

The wisdom is quite simple. Do for them what you would expect for yourself. This wisdom fits all situations. It can save others embarrassment, provide awareness, or demonstrate concern. If you will treat others the way you want to be treated, you will produce a mutual acceptance and respect that enhances your leadership relationships.

Selah people' and friends when you doubt whether or not you should address an issue, ask yourself if your comments and behavior toward them are what you would want them to demonstrate toward you.

"Take time today to share the Love of God."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Equal Opportunity Deployment

Do you embrace diversity among friends, coworkers and all of God's people?

Key Scripture:

In Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free person, male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus. You belong to Christ, so you are Abraham's descendants. You will inherit all of God's blessings because of the promise God made to Abraham.

Galatians 3:28-29

Embracing diversity is inviting each person to contribute his or here unique intelligence, creativity, and passion for the common goal of creating a multifaceted reservoir of abilities. You have a kaleidoscope of talents and skills among those around you, whether it is a circle of friends, church community, family, or business. When you appreciate the various strengths of individuals, the whole group is strengthened.

To appreciate the strengths of others, you must provide an opportunity for them to utilize their abilities. Develop trust with a broader range of employees by providing opportunities for them to prove their capabilities. Before you assign a new project, search your staff for someone who can develop with the assignment. Cross training and peer training are great ways for you to make learning opportunities available to less-experienced members while utilizing experts as mentors. Moms are often great at allowing older siblings to teach younger siblings. Being a big brother myself with a brother 5 years younger I grew up training him. The same concept is effective with adults. The more you teach others, the more you learn.

Make an intentional effort to broaden diversity. Invite new friends to your child's next play date. Deploy the young in the good ol' boy system. Send the woman into the man's world. Allow the expert to challenge the rookie. Do not let professional or cultural "that's how it has always been" mentality to dictate opportunities. A diverse team stimulates creativity and builds people socially and professionally.

Selah people' and friends invite a diverse group of friends for coffee, lunch or dinner to discuss a ministry or project or just to learn about one another. You may be surprised at the hidden talents of those around you.

"Peace be yours as we grow in diversity and grow in Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Hugs and Handshakes

In Martial Arts we learn of honor and respect, how is it

that these who compete can shake hands, battle each other
hug and shake hands when the competition is over? Why
do we have trouble being able to hug and shake hands with
those whom we care about or don't even know who need it?

Today's Scripture:

By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Technology is great. It offers quick transfer of information, faster production processes, and immediate access to resources. However, reliance on technology has also brought with it dissociation from coworkers and customers. Technology lacks the human factor. For example, many school systems and large corporations now use automated services to receive call-ins from sick staff members. Although the system relieves the need for staff and is more efficient in handling the calls, there is no empathy expressed to the sick staff member.

With the luxury of email, voice mail, blackberry and multifunction cell phones, and fax machines, workers can go for hours, even day, with no real contact with coworkers, customers, or even their bosses. But people still have the need for a sense of belonging and purpose that comes through human touch and conversation. So, what are you to do as a leader? Where is the balance? I personally seek ways as a pastor, husband, father and friend to use the technology I have available to reach out to others through calls, emails, texts and yes even this blog as a means to share a thought and idea with people close to me, even if they are far away from me. Helping others with their troubles is a prime opportunity not only to please God but also to meet people's needs.

Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with others. The power of a handshake,hug or pat on the back can bring Hope to a discouraged member, friend or staff member. Although an e-mail note or e-card of encouragement is better than no comment or contact at all, it still is not as powerful as a personal conversation. Have a face-to-face encounter when expressing encouragement. Show empathy with a personal touch. Congratulate successes. Make eye contact to connect with others through your day and week. These actions create a sense of belonging and caring in a sometimes cold and isolated world.

Selah people' and friends slow down. Notice people's expressions. Does someone seem extraordinarily cheerful? Ask them why. Do you notice some one's hurried and frazzled demeanor? Stop and extend a hand or a hug. You could make another person's day.

"Peace be yours as you choose today to shake that hand, share that hug or just look someone in the eye and tell them just how much our God loves them."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ via mobile at Wayne Orthopaedics Goldsboro, NC