#pastorashleybenjamin

[pastorashley]

[pastorashley]

[pastorashley]

Be a sound leader!

Through the pages of history we have seen Kings rising up and taking control over nations. Though its a democratic set up in most of the nationsnow, we can learn great lessons from the Kings and the way they ruled. It teaches us great lessons on how to fare in our workplaces too.

1. Injustice and wickedness when it prevails, its a threatens any kingdom. When we are in a position to take decisive acts against wickedness, we should do it.

2. Staying silent when things go wrong is never a good reaction. Be vocal in appreciation and also be vocal when things go wrong. Your voice can make all the difference.

3. Be the change you want to see. Initiate a movement for creating an awareness and acting on the issue that bothers you and step to see the change you want to see for the better.

4. Your Conscience is your greatest judge. Aim for a good conscience as you take decisions.

5. Stand for love. When there is hatred around , don’t add fuel to the fire. Take a stand for love, walk in love.

6. Faithfulness is another virtue that would establish you. Disloyalty to any system that you are accountable to will not work for your good. Stay loving, be loyal and be faithful in your words and works.

“A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being. Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure”(Proverbs 20:26-28)

[pastorashley]

Positions of influence

The history records of emperors and kings who led the great kingdoms and nations of the earth. Some kings were honest and kind, most of them were cruel and brute in their dealings. History reveals it all about these individuals who occupied high positions and how they fared. Their decisions mattered a lot as it affected those under them. Democracy is however different, its the people who have the power and the government is accountable to the people. We are also placed in influential positions in various levels of organisations and institutions.

Your position, authority and influence matters a lot and how you use it makes all the difference.

1. Be vigilant in your position. Many people take their positions for granted and fail to see the dangers, challenges and opportunities . Some time of introspection everyday on the state of affairs should be on our priority list. Many kingdoms were overthrown in a day because of the lack of vigilance. 

2. Be diligent in your work. Working sincerely with all integrity causes your influence and skills to expand. Be diligent and wise to be the best. Competitive spirit is not good. Be your best, do your best, everyday is a test. Be zealous through it all.

3. Exert positive influence. When when comes up in position we should strive to bless people around us. When we exert positive influence by blessing people around us, we contribute in the welfare of the system. See if anyone needs encouragement and support. Contribute positively to stabilize the systems you are in. 

4. Flee evil. In every system we see things against us. We should be aware of evil counsel,plots and tensions in the system. Be aware and be judicious in dealings. Make your leadership count and may it bless many.

“A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”(Proverbs 20:8)

[pastorashley]

Integrity and the generations!

We all love to make quick money. This world runs on currencies issued by the central banks of the country. The worth of a person in worldly terms is determined by how much currency he has. True wealth however is character. Many in the pursuit of wealth get into unhealthy habits and compromise their character. Making money is important but if it comes at the expense of character and cheating others, its definitely not worth it

1) Give importance to integrity. A man of integrity makes all the difference in the society and family he belongs to.

2) If you are given a choice to get huge amount of wealth and if your character is compromised never go for it.

3) If we gain wealth using illegal means and with impropriety, our generations will reap the evil consequences of it.

4) Wealth without character is a deep pit. Few people have escaped from the trap of the lure for money. Families are broken, hearts and emotions are shattered.

5) Learn to be contented with what we have. Contentment with godliness is great gain.

6) Be faithful in your finances and walk with integrity, the generations will be blessed because of you.

“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”(Proverbs 20:7)

[pastorashley]

The Fear of the Lord prevents from harm!

Fear and phobia is associated with many of us. Not all fears are bad. There is something called as a reverential fear that we associate with our parents, mentors etc. The Bible encourages us to have the fear of the Lord. He is an omnipotent God. He is an omnipresent God. Thus we need to honor and fear the Lord. How to have the Fear of the Lord?

1. Understand our limitations. We aren’t all powerful but God is and when we believe and trust Him, we tap on to the limitless power of God.

2. Search the scriptures. We need to have a knowledge of who God is and that allows us to fear and revere Him. With a closed Bible, you can’t fear the Lord.

3. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Every decision of us , we are accountable to Him. The soundness of our decision lies in the fact whether we are obeying the scriptures or not.

4. Without the fear of the Lord, sin abounds. We become habitual offenders and profane the name of the Lord, the church we belong and the family we have. So go on to know the Lord more and more.

5. We are never on our own . We have to give an account to the Lord who created us. Be a part of a Bible following, Spirit filled fellowship and be accountable.

6. Model high integrity and consistent work ethic. Live a life beyond reproach by fearing the Lord and honoring His name.

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm“(Proverbs 19:23)

[pastorashley]

Parenting and Discipline!

In this age where we hear about planned parenthood, abortions and accidental parents, we should have the basic understanding that children are a gift from God. They are like arrows in our hand and we determine their destination.

Some parents get vexed up when they bring up their children. They don’t like teaching, training, encouraging them and its a sad fact that folks in developed countries mostly leave the children to themselves from birth like giving them their own room. Watch them from a camera- seeing them crying and putting themselves to sleep . No wonder noone takes care of the elderly folks when they are old. Parenting is important and disciplining is an important aspect in bringing up our children.

1. You fight your genes said a preacher on parenting. The children inherit your traits and parents fight it out. Never dislike your children because of the ill mannerisms they have but teach them what is right and what is wrong.

2. Teaching the children involves spending time with them and speaking to them. These days we see a generation raised up with gadgets like ipads and cell phones. They will eventually become like a gadget with no humanness in them.

3. Model before the children the way they need to live. If they live in an environment of conflict they pick them up very early and become rebellious and disobedient.

4. Provide a right environment for them to grow. Weed out the negative influences that can affect them. This includes what they see in television,games they play and  what they view on mobiles and PCs.

5. When they do a mistake, talk to them and guide them in love as these days in many countries disciplining is prohibited. However its important that children know that wrong doings can have consequences. Do it without breaking the child’s desire to learn and grow.

6. In the garb of disciplining never abuse the child. Give respect to the feelings of your child and direct them ,train them in the right way.

7. Teach your children stories with good values. Bible stories and characters ,memory verses all expand the child’s knowledge and they learn great life lessons from them.

8. Teach them to love one another, care for one another and desist comparing them with others. Appreciate and reward the good they do as you discipline them for the bad.

9. See their talents and giftings and give them opportunity to excel in them. If they have a musical talent,encourage them to pursue music. If they have sporting and athletics, send them for coaching classes. Identify their giftings and areas where they can excel and help them in pursuing their passion which is profitable for them, the family and society.

10. Above all love your children,pray for them, spend time with them,get to know their world and guide them in love.

“ Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;    do not be a willing party to their death. “(Proverbs 19:18)

[pastorashley]

Revival in your generation!

We all long for a revival. The mundane spiritual atmosphere should give away and new life and vigor should come upon the people. The moment when complacency leaves, revival sets in. People are convicted of their sins and they repent and turn to the Lord. You hold the key for a revival in this generation. How to orient ourselves for a revival.

1. Never let go off the leather bound Bible. Its great using technology but when we leave the leather bound Bible, we lose the personal touch and we are prone to distractions. Have a marker, pen and a notebook to write what the Spirit speaks to us in the light of God’s word.

2. Never give less importance to prayer meetings and hype to praise . Its during prayer meets that the Holy Spirit empowers the saints and gives illumination regarding issues.

3. Never let go off the old hymns that were written from the experience of saints. The Spirit filled hymns always have been proven to be effective in ushering in personal revival as its deep and rich in meaning.

4. When hearing the Word, go in for action. You have to act upon God’s Word and it would bless you and you will be a blessing.

5. Never let go off fellowship and Bible Study. We have to exhort one another to spur one another for good works. When we speak to one another the Word of God, we go to great levels of understanding and wisdom. Fellowship meetings are much important in personal and corporate growth.

5. Comfortable christianity is never the call of the hour. Its time to sacrifice, go in for a deep commitment and initiate a move of God in your community.

“Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old--“(Lamentations 5:21)