Showing Kindness at the Office

Here's a good resolution to set and one that should be easy to carry out. Here are some practical ways to show kindness to others at the office:

Note special occasions. If your office posts a monthly list of employee birthdays, send a short email - just a simple note wishing them a great day.

Ask how someone is doing –and wait for a response. The next time you ask someone, “How are you doing?” stop them and really listen to their answer. Hint: You may have to follow up by asking, “How are you really doing?” or "On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rate that?"

Pick up the slack. Help someone. Offer to make their copies when you're through with the machine. Stay late to help someone meet a deadline.

Reprimand kindly. If you must reprimand someone, follow Christ's command to treat others as you could like to be treated. Do it privately and kindly. If appropriate, offer to help the person in his area of struggle. If you receive a reprimand, control your temper. Take a walk, cool off, and request to speak with your supervisor privately if follow-up is needed. If you have a true difference of opinion, express it professionally while showing respect for your supervisor’s authority.

Be generous. Buy a $3.50 box of Girl Scouts cookies from a coworker's child, pay with a $5 bill, and tell her to keep the change. Practice going the extra mile.

Recognize Someone. Every week, pick out one person – it could be the janitor or the boss – and thank him or her for doing their job well.

Provide Laughter. Laughter is good medicine. Post a cartoon in the break room. Leave a mystery gag gift in someone’s chair. Lift someone’s spirits. But always be sensitive and appropriate in your subject.

Write it down. Keep a supply of note cards in your desk drawer. When someone is on your mind, take it as the Holy Spirit’s prompting to drop a line to them saying that you’re thinking/praying for them.

Remember the quote from Mark Twain: "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

Copyright 1998, Dik Lapine and Christianity Today International/BuildingChurchLeaders.com. Used with permission.

THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN ....

FOR EDUCATION STAFF: GBREA Workshop at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, January 19 & 20 with Allan Taylor, Dillard Wilbanks, and Steve Parr plus breakout conference leaders- http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=890161

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Fresh: Reviving Stale Faith by Kerry Shook, explores ancient disciplines and reveals the irony of how patterns of the past are really practices that promise to revive faith. - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/fresh-reviving-stale-faith-leader-kit-P005470699

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Stolen by Chris and Kerry Shook, things that rob us of our passion, joy, peace, strength, spiritual inheritance, and dreams - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/stolen-dvd-leader-kit-P005469705

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Group Insights Leader Training Kit by Les Parrott & Bill Donahue, provide a small group leader insights for deepening the small group experience - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/group-insights-leader-kit-P005487574

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/group-insights-leader-kit-P005487574

FOR DISCIPLESHIP STUDY: Honor Begins at Home - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/honor-begins-at-home-the-courageous-bible-study-leader-kit-p005325609

FOR CHURCH & COMMUNITY MINISTRY: Courageous DVD and Site License for Church showing - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/courageous-dvd-and-site-licenses-M00000213

FOR COMMUNITY MINISTRY: October Baby movie coming in March 2012 - http://octoberbabymovie.net/

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Sunday School in HD Conference at FBC/Woodstock, March 15 & 16 - http://sundayschoolinhd.org/

COMING NEW BIBLE STUDY CURRICULUM: The Gospel Project, Trevin Wax, editor, a description of the dynamics of this new curriculum coming in Fall 2012 - http://trevinwax.com/2011/11/21/the-gospel-project/

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

(author unknown)

Santa lives at the North Pole .................
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh .............................
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes only once a year ...............
JESUS is always with you.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies ......
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...............
JESUS stands at your life's door and patiently waits to enter in.
You have to wait in line to see Santa ......................
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap .................
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ..................
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is 'Ho, Ho, Ho' ........................
JESUS says 'Cast all your cares on me."
Santa's little helpers makes toys ....................
JESUS creates new life, mends wounded hearts, and repairs broken homes.
Santa may make you chuckle but .......................
JESUS gives you joy that becomes your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree ..................
JESUS became your gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious that there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. Remember to keep Christ in Christmas and that He is the reason for the season.

Yes, Virginia, there may be a Santa Claus, but JESUS IS BETTER, even better than Santa Claus.

THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN .......


FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: 2012 GBREA Conference at Johnson Ferry/Marietta - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=890161

FOR CHURCH MINISTRY: Secure a 'Courageous' movie viewing license - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Movies-&-Videos/LifeWay-Films?intcmp=iTeam1-LWMain-Hero1-CourageousSiteLicense-20111128

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Honor Begins at Home study (available January 17, 2012) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/honor-begins-at-home-the-courageous-bible-study-leader-kit-p005325609

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Seven Daily Sins: How the Gospel Redeems Our Deepest Desires by Jared Wilson - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-daily-sins-dvd-leader-kit-P005474748

FOR WOMEN'S MINISTRY: Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break by Kelly Minter (available February 1, 2012) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/nehemiah-a-heart-that-can-break-dvd-leader-kit-P005461775

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Fresh: Reviving Stale Faith by Kerry Shook - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/fresh-reviving-stale-faith-leader-kit-P005470699

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY: Grouping Adults in Sunday School webcast by David Francis and Bruce Raley; a free 10 minute video helps you effectively group adult in Bible study experiences where they can relate to God's Word and to other people. - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Leadership-Training-Webcast-Grouping-Adults-in-Sunday-School

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY: Using E-mail in the Adult Class webcast by Sergio Arce and Bruce Raley; download this 10 minute video that encourages viewers to learn to use emails as a significant means of communication when use as an additional 'touch point' - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Leadership-Training-Webcast-Using-Email-in-the-Adult-Class

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY: Using the Learner Guide in Bible study webcast by David Apple and Alan Raughton; this 10 minute training video will provide ideas to encourage your class members to use their learner guides to enhance their Bible study experiences - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Leadership-Training-Webcast-Using-the-Learner-Guide-in-Teaching

What's In a Name?

• Big Mac
• Pistol Pete
• Iron Mike
• The Golden Bear
• The Big Unit
• The Rocket
• The Admiral
• The Mailman

It's a part of our culture to nickname our favorite athletes. We like to give them special names that refer to their unique abilities or their extraordinary achievements, names that describe their stature or their personality.

Believe it or not, men and women in Bible times were named the same way! Esau means "red" or "hairy." Moses means "to draw out" (Pharaoh's daughter drew him out of the bulrushes). Often when someone had a special encounter with God, He gave that person a new name to reflect the change in his or her character or purpose. Abram, "exalted father," became Abraham, "father of many nations." His wife Sarai became Sarah, "princess." Jacob, "the deceiver," became Israel, "prince of God." Simon became Peter, "the rock."

The Bible also gives us many names that describe the attributes (characteristics) of God. Here are just a few: the Almighty, the Creator, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Righteous Judge, the Holy One. The Bible also tells us that one day God will give each of us a special name — a secret name — that no one else knows. It's just between him and us (Revelation 2:17). At that time, he will also write his own name upon us.

But God has given the most precious name to his Son, Jesus Christ, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). That's the Name above all names!

Finally, there is a special name that Jesus calls each of us – “friend”. Think of it, we have such a mutual, loving, intimate relationship that Jesus calls us “friend”. That ought to make you feel good all over.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ....

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FOR PASTORS: LifeSpan Strategy Explained - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Why-LifeSpan-can-make-a-difference-for-your-church
For further explanation, listen to Bret Robbe's audio file on LifeSpan - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/lifespan-spiritual-growth-strategy-pastors-churches

FOR CHURCH STAFF: 2012 GBREA meeting, January 19 & 20, 2012 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, Keynote speakers include Allan Taylor, Dillard Wilbanks, and Steve Parr - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=890161

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: GBC VBS Jumpstarts 2012 - http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=4896&theparentnavigationid=4665&viewcontentpageguid=21295215-cf53-4da9-9def-823920d33a16

SMALL GROUPS: Rooms by James Rubart - See a video description at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9rFrnRKQw4 See study material at- http://www.lifeway.com/Product/rooms-the-small-group-experience-leader-kit-P005459272

WOMEN'S MINISTRY: James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-leader-kit-p005371580

PARENTING: Raising Boys and Girls, understand the differences in raising our sons and daughters (can also be a valuable training opportunity for children's and student leadership!) - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Raising-Boys-and-Girls

The Bible and Golf

Have you ever watched professional golfers and been awed by their ability to land a shot from two hundred yards away just a few yards from the hole? You wonder how they can judge the distance to the hole with such precision. Do they have an internal GPS system that enables them to guess the distances on the course with uncanny accuracy?

Not really. What they have is a yardage book. A yardage book is a map of each hole on the course that gives distances from various landmarks on the hole to the green. Decades ago Arnold Palmer and his caddy began drawing rough yardage charts with little pictures of trees, fairways, greens, sand traps and such of the various holes on all the courses they played. Jack Nicklaus was the pro who really made yardage books popular. Today along with the maps many pro golfers will keep what essentially is a personal journal of how they have played each hole of the course, what clubs they have used from various distances, what the wind was doing, and so on, and what happened to their shots.

Wouldn't it be nice to have yardage books for the tough decisions we make in life? Should I date this person or not? Should I go to this or that school? Should we buy this house? In our technological age, we want specifics. We want everything mapped out. We want to remove all the uncertainties from life. We want to be able to use our past experiences to predict exactly what will happen in the future. But God hasn't chosen to work with us in that way. He has given us an essential book of guidance that we can't do without, but we still have to use judgment in how to apply what it teaches. Most important, we need to be walking with God in prayer and trust. (by Craig Brian Larson)

There are several resources available to help your congregation to read 'life's yardage book'. As we approach the new year when many people commit themselves to reading the Bible through in one year, here are some options you can provide:

1. LifeWalk - a monthly devotional guide that leads a reader through the Bible while providing historical context and life application. - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/lifewalk-devotional-january-2012-P005107653-2012-01


2. Reader's Guide to the Bible: A Chronological Reading Plan - a plan that guides a reader through the books of the Bible set in chronological order plus gives 'coaching tips' for each day's reading. - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/readers-guide-to-the-bible-a-chronological-reading-plan-p005414497


3. Reading God's Story - the Bible companion piece to the Reader's Guide - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/reading-gods-story-P005306873


THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ...


FOR CHURCH SOFTWARE: Digital Church, solutions for online giving, online registration, online small group administration, church membership, etc - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Services/Digital-Church-Tools?type=services


FOR CHURCH STAFF: 2012 GBREA meeting, January 19 & 20, 2012 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, Keynote speakers include Allan Taylor, Dillard Wilbanks, and Steve Parr - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=890161


FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Secret Church Simulcast, November 4, 7:00pm - 1:00am, Bible study on family, marriage, sex and the gospel - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Secret-Church-Simulcast-with-David-Platt


FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power of Christianity, an eight week study of power of the gospel on humanity - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/gospel-revolution-recovering-the-power-of-christianity-leader-kit-P005467771


FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Presence: Overwhelmed by God, a six week study on facets of God's presence in our lives - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/gospel-revolution-recovering-the-power-of-christianity-leader-kit-P005467771


FOR DISCIPLESHIP: James by Beth Moore, an eight week study for women on the book of James - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-leader-kit-p005371580


FOR EVANGELISM: Bridges: Christians Connecting with Muslims, a six week study that equips Christians with understanding their Muslim neighbors and to lovingly share their beliefs with them - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bridges-christians-connecting-with-muslims-leader-kit-P005189799


FOR PARENTS: Raising Boys and Girls: The Art of Understanding their Differences, a six session study to understand how our children develop as they grow - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/raising-boys-and-girls-the-art-of-understanding-their-differences-leader-kit-P005324579

Five Commitments of a Bible Study Leader

By Kay Harris, Discipleship Journal #141

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 helped me pinpoint five commitments I want to keep as I teach the Word:

When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I didn't think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, so that your faith might not be based on men's wisdom but on God's power. (HCSB)

1. I will teach, not impress (v. 1).

I need to check my motives and my teaching style. Are my students new Christians? I must drop the religious lingo. My teaching methods also need to match the preferred learning style of the generation and gender I am teaching. For instance older adults may respond to a lecture format, while younger adults generally prefer lively discussion.

2. I will teach only Jesus (v. 2).

I must refrain from elevating my opinions above Scripture. As I share my experiences and tell what has worked for me, I need to ensure that what I am touting as truth is indeed from the author of truth.

3. I will be vulnerable so that in my weakness His strength is felt (v. 3).

Students are hungry for teachers who can relate to their needs for forgiveness, direction, and hope. While I do not need to share inappropriate details, I do need to let my classes know that I have sinned and I do struggle. Such transparency creates a safe environment and draws students to the only one who is perfect: God.

4. I will invoke the Holy Spirit’s presence and power (v. 4).

I can let a busy schedule or pure neglect keep me from praying about my lesson or for my class. Big mistake! After all, it is not my message that will reach hearts or change lives, but “a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”

There are times I don’t feel as if the Holy Spirit shows up as I prepare or teach. But if I have sought Him through prayer, I can proceed with the assurance that He is working in my students.

5. I will build God’s kingdom, not mine (v. 5).

When I’ve spent hours studying, praying for, and standing in front of my students, it’s tempting to expect honor, a measure of dependence, and even allegiance from them. However, I want them to be dependent upon their relationship with God, not their relationship with me. I encourage my students to compare what I say with God’s word, and I’ve committed to admit when I am wrong.

THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN .....

FOR SENIOR ADULTS: "Life Lessons from Mayberry", September 20-22, Ridgecrest, NC - glean wisdom from Andy Griffith and the underlying biblical truths on which it was based - http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/mayberry


FOR SENIOR ADULTS: Fall Celebration, October 18-21, Ridgecrest, NC - a great time of worship, Bible study, conferences, food, fun, fellowship, and friends - http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/fallcelebration-278


FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Festivals of Marriage, October 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, Ridgecrest, NC - a beautiful fall getaway for enhancing a marriage - http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/festivalofmarriage

FOR WOMEN'S MINISTRY: James, Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-leader-kit-P005371580

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Presence by JD Greear - based on Exodus 32 - 34, a study that focuses on the realities of God's presence, absence, and power - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/presence-dvd-leader-kit-P005371604

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power of Christianity by JD Greear - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/gospel-revolution-recovering-the-power-of-christianity-leader-kit-P005467771

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Living the Life by McQuilken Robertson - a study on God's commandment - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/living-the-life-1-member-book-P005371577

FOR COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Relate: a biblical approach to our various human relationships - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/relate-member-book-P005126271


FOR COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Secret Church with David Platt, November 4 - a study on family, marriage, sex, and the Gospel - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Secret-Church-Simulcast-with-David-Platt

'COURAGEOUS' Answers

We are less than two months away from the world-wide premiere of Sherwood Pictures latest project, "Courageous". By now, I assume you have heard or seen something about the movie. You may have taken advantage of an opportunity to see a special screening of it. I hope you have sensed the impact this movie holds on our fathers, our churches, and our communities.

Here are some answers to anticipated (and already asked) questions:

Q1. Where is a list of places where the movie is scheduled to be shown that opening weekend?

A1. The Courageous website (www.courageousthemovie.com) is a cornucopia of information and promotional help. On this site, you can type in your location's zip code and find out where the nearest scheduled theater is. You can also go ahead and pre-order your tickets on this site.

Q2. How do we go about reserving an entire theater for a showing of Courageous?

A2. On the website, you'll see a section that details how to be an Action Squad member for this purpose.

Q3. What can we do to get our church involved in using Courageous as a community outreach?

A3. There is a Church Campaign Kit ( http://www.lifeway.com/Product/courageous-church-campaign-kit-P005371570) that has some great ideas and resources to do this. It contains a copy of the small group study, Courageous Living; four sermon ideas; plus other promotional ideas.

Q4. Where can we get promotional material for the movie?

A4. The Courageous Starter Pack (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/courageous-starter-pack-P005422171) contains a large banner, various posters, and multiple samples of bulletin inserts, promotional tickets, etc. church members can use to promote the movie.

Q5. What small group study options are there?

A5a. Courageous Living is a 4 session study that is video supported (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/courageous-living-bible-study-leader-kit-P005371695). This can be used as a men's study or co-ed study.

A5b. The Resolution for Men (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-resolution-for-men-P005324584) is a study book that can be used in a men's small group that enjoys a book discussion approach.

A5c. The Resolution for Women (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-resolution-for-women-P005446991) is a study book similar to the book listed above that is targeted for women.

Q6. Will there be any other 'Courageous' themed studies?

A6a. At the beginning of next year, 'Honor Begins at Home' will be released. It will be an 8 week study that has clips from the movie and will contain a DVD copy of the movie.

A6b. Beginning next year, there will be a new approach to men's ministry that will be offered by LifeWay which will incorporate a series of studies to help men to live courageously. More information on this will be released shortly.

OTHER THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN ....

SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: 'EXCELerate Your Sunday School' Workshops around the state; find the closest one to you at - http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=9520&theparentnavigationid=4896&viewcontentpageguid=8b0dda97-1270-4907-a821-59c8df31a24b

PRE-TEEN MINISTRY: for samples, videos, and other 'stuff' check out FLYTE (Faith, Life, Together), www.lifeway.com/flyte

WOMEN'S MINISTRY: Two new Beth Moore studies, 'James' & 'So Long Insecurity' - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Popular-Authors/Beth-Moore?CID=RDR-BethMoore

WOMEN'S MINISTRY: '5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son' - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/5-conversations-you-must-have-with-your-son-leader-kit-P005342723