Lin's Lessons by Lin Johnson

Lin's Lessons:
The Leaders's Ship

A leader doesn't have to announce themselves because their presence alone, renders the appropriate introduction.

Do you remember being in school, sitting in the class room for the first time, waiting for the teacher to come in? And when the teacher arrived, he or she appeared to be scanning the students before ever saying a word. It is because the moment a teacher steps into a classroom of children, they have the ability to identify who's leading the pack. There is an innate aura that comes from a natural born leader.

Sometimes, the person leading isn't even aware that they carry that characteristic. As children, the ability to lead must first be recognized. By young adulthood, the power to lead has begun to develop. As an adult the skill to lead is refined.

But regardless of when or how the leader in you begins to appear, there is always a responsibility that is sometimes joyful and light and often times, tiring and heavy. Similarly, like the cocoa skin you got from your Mom or the never-ending height you inherited from your Dad, there is nothing and I do repeat nothing that you could do to change the leader God created you to be. The only decision you make is how to use it wisely.

Wise leadership....saying it almost feels like an oxymoron and seems so far fetched in today's times. Does it still exists?

There was a time when it was easy to point out the good teacher, the moral abiding policeman or even the truth telling preacher. I am just of the belief that this does NOT have to be the days of ole.

As a leader, who has so often been doubtful about my propensity to lead, I have come to the conclusion that the greatest challenges aren't just about leading but more often than not, being assured of where am I "leading" to. However, being obedient to Christ by lending my ear to His voice of instruction, I have become confident in my walk and it has empowered the leader He created me to be. Through my relationship with Him, I have found this to be true, no leader leads alone. Good leaders are concerned about developing leaders and don't care much about having fans. You must have a set vision but the ability to adjust with the journey. Great leadership WILL test you. It will question your motive, push your patience and toughen your skin. Great leadership will teach you the difference between fruitful endevours and fruitless expeditions. It requires your commitment and transparency. It will evoke humility and truth. Sometimes it will reward you, often times it will not. But it won't kill you! Being a leader isn't for everybody or just anybody. It is for those who are willing to fight for others while sacrificing themselves. For those who know that it's never about looking down to see but looking over to help. It is for those who know that the job is the reward.

" A Leader's Journey"
An "efficient" Leader knows....that you must first be an effective follower.

A "true" Leader knows....NOT to say "go" but "come"

A "committed" Leader knows...... It's not about being fascinated with the journey but being faithful to the destination.

A "wise" Leader knows..... That the loss is not the focus but its lesson is what's fruitful

An "anointed" Leader knows...... that with God your steps are ordered but without God there is no place to go.

Leaders are not always in leadership and being in leadership is not indicative of being a leader. Jesus was the ultimate example of leading with a servants heart. He was dedicated to the plan: life for the follower, the instruction of Heaven and the cost of the call.
Are you a LEADER?

Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then said I, “Here am I. Send me!”

Bitter Like Naomi? By Tremayne Moore

Bitter Like Naomi?

This was on my spirit yesterday morning. So many times when we read Ruth, we're focusing on chapter 1 and verse 16; or on Ruth finding Boaz. Rarely do we talk about Naomi, and that's who we're going to talk about today. I believe this is going to set someone free who experienced a loss and is bitter as a result, but as Jessica Reedy said, you must believe it gets better.

In the first chapter of Ruth, we find that Naomi lost her husband to death. A few verses down, she lost her sons. See, when you're grieving, there's a strong tendency to push people away. That's what Naomi was trying to do with her daughter-in-laws. Now, those who have grieved before (or are currently grieving) can testify to what Naomi was doing. I want to encourage those who are grieving (or who need to grieve) to grieve. Granted, I know the loss of my father will come in stages; but anyway, Jesus said blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.

Part of me wants to jump ahead to say something, but I'll refrain for now. When Naomi was pushing her daughter-in-laws away, Ruth was adamant in staying with Naomi. See, Naomi felt that this was the Lord's doing and that she was being punished. When Ruth & Naomi reached Bethlehem, Naomi wanted to be called Mara - which means bitter. Now I will say what I want to say. I know there are a lot of people who might be grieving (or covering their pain with a smile) either the dead or the living. What am I talking about?

You're grieving the loss of a spouse
You're grieving the breakup of a friendship, relationship, marriage
You're grieving the loss of a child
You're grieving the death of a dream
You're grieving a financial setback, bad investment deal.
You're grieving your childhood abuse, the pain yourself to endure.

And for some of you reading, you feel like Naomi and/or walking around with Mara as your nickname (and not realizing it). Believe me, I've walked around with Mara as my nickname so you're not alone. But it's time to get better - in His time. God doesn't want you bitter at the world because of what the enemy has done in your life. The past should not scar your future especially to the point you penalize the future due to your past. God has so much in store for you - the best is yet to come!

Of course, I can't end this blogpost here. There's one more thing that needs to be said: in Ruth 2:20, Naomi declared this to Ruth; "May he (Boaz) be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" What she's starting to understand is that God never forsakes those He's called. He's called you right where you are. You may feel bitter right now, but you can feel better once you allow the grieving process to run its course.

Blessings:

The Mayne Man

3 Things You Can Do To Turn 40 Into 30! by James Thomas

3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO TURN 40 INTO 30! By James Thomas

It’s 6am. As you awake to get ready for your work day, you get out of bed and walk to the bathroom. Turn the lights on and yawn one more time just to wake up a bit more. You look at yourself in the mirror and say, “Man, another gray hair.” You look at your eyes. They look older to you, a little bit more…dull. Crow’s feet are more noticeable. You take a step back, look at what used to be a flat stomach. “What happened to me,” you whisper to yourself. “I used to be an athlete, I used to be a stud!” 

Seems like no matter how much sleep you get, you’re always tired. Your sex drive ain’t what it used to be. Your confidence is shot. You used to look like you were built for battle. Now yo'u just bulge out on all sides. So how do you get it back? How do you unleash the inner warrior? Here are 3 THINGS YOU MUST DO in order to get your sexy back.

1. Move from Motivation to Inspiration

You can do anything you set your mind to. But honestly, throughout the course of working for 8 hours, coming home to be a dad and spouse, your mind just wants to relax right? Then you see a fitness infomercial and get fired up to get exercising. I used to deal with this struggle. One minute I was up ready to burn every calorie in my body, the next minute you couldn’t get me off the couch from watching “LOST.” Motivation isn’t bad, but it’s like putting gas in a car. Once you run out, you have to put more in. When you’re motivated. You start, then stop. You start, stop. You start, then finally you stop period. When you’re INSPIRED you don’t have reasons because all you want is results and you’ll do whatever it takes to get them. 

2. Get Your Nutrition Up To Speed

Anytime I train a person, I ask them a series of questions. I remember setting up a training session with this one guy and before I could even ask a question, he gave me a list of, “what I ain’t gon’ do’s!” He says, “I’m not eating any salads, spinach, fruits. I don’t really like water, and I’m not giving up fried chicken!” Crazy right? Look, I understand food is the hardest part of fitness to get under control. But without it you’ll be doing your spin classes in vain. Remember the general rule of thumb about health and fitness. 80% nutrition, 20% exercise.

3. Get Physical

I know there are a million and one workouts and exercise plans being marketed every day. From stay-at-home workouts, to going to the gym, to putting on fat reducing clothes! Whatever you choose to do, just stick to it. Most people fail or stay on the start-stop train so long they never see any real results. If you're not sure what to do consult a personal trainer or fitness coach. Someone who can help guide and coach to success. 

Transformers by Jeffrey Moore

“Salt speaks of inward character that influences a decaying world; light speaks of the outward testimony of good works that points to God.”-Warren Wiersbe
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The loud and seductive messages of the world must be overcome by a consistent living message of love. People are confused about right and wrong, relationships, the future as well as the past. They are also confused about identity, the mystery of intimacy, and their struggle with inadequacy. And for the most part, the Bible isn’t recognized as a primary authority. It’s just another voice in the confusion. To overcome this handicap, we must offer clear, pertinent answers to the world’s greatest needs.  This is done in person – not in speech – We must be Salt & Light to a Chaotic World.
As Jesus is the message so are WE the message. It is not about what we do – it is about what we are – and that changes what we do! The Bible must be demonstrated as a relevant, down-to-earth message of healing. We must start living so people will listen when we speak. We must start being the transformed life in their presence.
If we are to be salt and light interrelating with people in our world to bring them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we must prepare and present our life-changing message for those who need it most.
We have been judging the world and talking to ourselves when we really ought to be judging ourselves and talking to the world — in ways they will listen. It seems every Christian group has its “holy huddle.” Their whole purpose is to hold on until Jesus returns. They are not interested in talking so people will listen, because they believe no one ever will listen. Such people will embalm our ministry if we let them. We must love them, care for them, and listen to them, but never allow ourselves to be managed by them. We’re building partnerships to build relationships with those who are open to the message of SALT AND LIGHT.
A transforming community that transforms the community!
Salt and Light Transforms by “Being” the message of life and hope.
By being the Salt and Light we carry out the SANA Mission "We exist to empower singles for the purpose of transforming their communities."

What Are You Bringing to the Table?

What are you bringing to the table?
As singles searching for our soulmates, we are often admonished to ask ourselves what are we bringing to a relationship and potential marriage? Many singles conferences, singles groups, books, one-on-one coaching and even online dating services repeatedly remind us to take inventory of our best attributes so that we know our worth and we know what we have to offer a mate. The purpose then, is to compare what you have to offer another person with what you need from that person to ascertain if you are a match.
What DO you bring to the table? Well, our culture says that a man should have a job and a car and good credit and be able to wine and dine the lady. Likewise, the woman should have her own job/career/money, car, good credit, and be able to take care of herself---basically, not need a man. In celebrity marriages the parties sign pre-nuptial agreements to protect what they bring to the table in the event of the demise of the marriage. In too many cases, the individuals continue to function as two separate entities,  simply sharing living quarters under the guise of “marriage.” And it looks good from the outside. From the outside looking in, he goes to work every day, pays the bills, mows the lawn---he’s doing his part. He’s a real man. Likewise she keeps herself attractive for him, does not refuse sex EVER, keeps the house clean , and does not nag him about money. So why then is it that marriages still fall apart? And why are we surprised?
Well the answer to that is long and complicated and various. But I do have a proposition about what we bring to the table and how that affects the success of our marriages. Perhaps we’ve got it all wrong about what we should bring to the table and contribute to the marriage. Perhaps, it should be deeper and more personal than the shallow general requirements of having a job, car, and etc. Perhaps we should bring our PURPOSE to the table. Yes, you read that right. Your purpose. What am I getting at? Here it is: Men and women of God have certain duties and responsibilities to fulfill as husbands and wives. These responsibilities and duties are like a code embedded in our spiritual DNA and they are only activated by the presence of our respective mate’s PURPOSE. Let me explain. 
About a year ago, I ended my last serious relationship of a year and a half. It was miserable. We fought more than we got along but I held on because he had promised to marry me. There was no ring, or plans for blending our families. Whenever I brought up premarital counseling or a discussion about where we might live he got upset, offended and shut down. After a huge argument in front of my children, family and friends, I was done. Tired.  In a moment of frustration and utter pain, I mumbled, “I would rather be single for the rest of my life than to go through this!” At the moment I said that out loud I made a decision. I ended the relationship and I threw away all of my plans for a wedding. I turned my focus to my children and my job, and my PURPOSE. I got involved in SANA (Single And Not Ashamed) and my purpose began to take shape and become more clear. And when I wasn’t even looking for him, my soulmate showed up.
By pursuing my purpose, I literally called forth and activated my soulmate to show up in my life. Why? Because he was predestined to cover me and my purpose as the man of God he is.  He is ordained as my biggest supporter, my rock, my protector, my prayer warrior. My purpose—what God created me to do in this world---activates my soulmate’s role in my life. Similarly, he was pursuing his purpose when he found me. I was predestined to undergird him and his purpose with prayer; I am his biggest supporter, his soft place to fall, and as his rib—the protector of his heart. My role in his life is activated by his PURPOSE.  
So what should you bring to the table? FOCUS on your PURPOSE. Leave the matchmaking to God. As sons and daughters of the King we have arranged marriages anyway…but that is a topic for another day.  Put away the lists of must haves, deal-breakers and non-negotiables.  Turn off your clock and shut down your time-table. I know it sounds easier than it is. But when you get tired of the merry-go-round of chasing a marriage, and you whole-heartedly chase God, you will find it getting easier and easier. Is this not what Jesus meant when He said His yoke is easy and His burden is light? Is this not what He meant when He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you?”
#whatareyoubringingtothetable
#FOCUSonyourPURPOSE

Spiritual Warfare by Jeffrey Moore

You and I are at war! In fact, we are engaged right now in the “mother of all battles.” No war in history can compare with the battle you and I are fighting. It can either be the cause of your greatest joy as a Christian, or of your deepest pain.The war I am talking about is the spiritual warfare that you became a part of the day you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.This war affects every area of your life. There is no way you can avoid the conflict. There is no bunker or foxhole you can crawl into that will shield you from the effects of this battle between the forces of God, and the forces of Satan.A lot of Christians don’t even know they’re at war. But others can see the results of the battle in their lives, because they have become casualties of spiritual warfare. They are discouraged, depressed, down-trodden, and defeated. Others suffer marital and family casualties. Divorce, conflict, and abuse are some of the battle scars these believers bear.Since we are at war, and since there is so much at stake both here on earth and in eternity, we’d better find out what spiritual warfare is about and how to fight the battle successfully.
It’s hard enough to fight an enemy you can see. It’s much harder to fight someone you can’t see. In his classic statement on spiritual warfare, Paul wrote: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”(Eph 6:12).
This verse identifies the enemy, Satan and his demons. People can be bad, no doubt. But as bad as people can be, they are merely conduits for this greater battle. Satan has been successful in getting us to fight people rather than fighting that which is causing people to be the way they are.All of us have tried to change people who are not doing right. What we need to understand is that what happens through people, including you and me, has at its root something much larger. This fact does not excuse the wrong things people do. They are still responsible. But it helps us focus on the real enemy.
Even though the battle we are talking about is spiritual in nature, it has very definite effects in the visible, physical realm. You know you are in a battle when you get shot and start bleeding. We are seeing the “bleeding,” the result, of spiritual warfare in at least four areas of life today. 
Many believers are seeing the wounds of spiritual warfare in their personal lives. This doesn’t mean these people are doing something really bad. It could be that they have a problem such as uncontrolled anger.Our emotions can give the devil an entry into our lives. To see the relationship between your emotions and spiritual warfare, look at several familiar verses in Ephesians: “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Eph. 4:25-27)Please notice that failing to control anger grants the devil an opportunity to get a foothold in your life. Then he can use it as a base of operation to launch more intense spiritual attacks against you.Many Christians are suffering today because of anger that was not resolved yesterday—and anger is just one of an assortment of human emotions. If Satan can seize our emotions, he can destroy our function by crippling us emotionally or leading us into all manner of destructive and addictive behavior.
Spiritual warfare also has an impact on church life. Paul told Timothy to watch out for “doctrines of demons” that will infiltrate the church (1 Tim. 4:1). The church is being undermined in many places today by teachers who claim to teach the Bible, but are teaching doctrines from hell. Anyone can quote the Bible. But we need to be like the Bereans, who checked out what Paul and Silas were teaching them to see whether their teachings agreed with Scriptures (Acts. 17:11)
According to passages like Daniel 10, entire nations are influenced by the invisible battle in the angelic realm. Satan is called “the prince of the power of the air” with good reason (Eph. 2:2)There is no place we can go to escape the effect of spiritual warfare. We need to learn how to fight. Our ability to deal with the spiritual realm will determine whether we win or lose in the physical realm.Satan’s job is to get us to ignore the spiritual realm or give it low value. If he can divert us from the spiritual realm, he can divert us from finding spiritual solutions.
We are surrounded by our spiritual enemy, but the battle is not for land or anything physical. This battle is for glory. The issue is who is going to get the glory in the universe? Who is going to be worshiped? Satan essentially said to God, “You cannot have all the glory in creation. I want some of the glory for myself.”God’s response was, “My glory I will not give to another.” (Is. 48:11)Satan said, “You are going to share glory with me. Let’s go to war.”The battle is for glory, for the thrown of creation. Praise God the outcome has never been in doubt, but the battle goes on every day in our personal, family, church, and community lives as to who will get the glory by what we do.That’s why Paul told us, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1Cor 10:31)
What is Satan’s battle strategy in spiritual warfare? Paul outlined the strategy of the devil. Speaking to this carnal church, the apostle wrote, “I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” 2 Cor 11:3Satan’s battle strategy is simple. He is out to deceive us, to trick us into believing his lies and temptations. He’s been at his plan for countless years, and he’s good at it.Paul even said that Satan can disguise himself as an “angel of light” 2 Cor. 11:14
Folks the battle is real and around us every day.  SANA is doing a great thing for the kingdom of God.  Satan is angry that we are banding together.  He will do anything to kill, steal, and destroy this group.  We as leaders must focus on our mission and give all glory to God.  We will at times have attacks against the group as a whole and individuals, but we are united together in Christ.  We are one voice, one heart, one love.  Mary Smith and I lead the respective prayer teams for the SANA community.  We are not only here for you individually but the group as a whole.  Mary is one of the most anointed intercessors for the Kingdom I have ever met in my life.  She is in tune and walking with the sprit like no other.  We have witnessed how the enemy tried to destroy this group.  We band together and unite when these type of attacks occur.  Today, I call on each of you to be in prayer for the group and each of its members.  Our time on this earth is short.  We see prophecy occurring around us daily.  We will not be silent, we will stand boldly for each of you; we will stand in the gap for Jesus.  The time is NOW!  Put on the armor of God, raise the shield of faith, pull the sword of the spirit and fight!

Welcome to the SANA Blog!

Principles of Honoring Godly Leadership for Kingdom Impact

by Erika L. Adams

Greetings SANA family! My passion for the ministry of encouragement combined with my passion for leadership development inspired the framework for what I would like to share with you today.

Many of us in the SANA community have been blessed to serve under transformational leaders in a variety of settings. We fully understand the impact that such leaders have had on our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. What can never be overstated is the importance of honoring leaders who lead with a servant’s heart and operate in a spirit of excellence.

To demonstrate these points, I would like to uphold our SANA co-founders as examples of visionaries who embody the characteristics of humility and undeniable anointing for innovative, global impact. Pastor Ced Reynolds, Pastor David Burrus, and Christine Gates have accepted the charge to build a nation of leaders who are empowered to transform their communities. This gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate! I would like to offer three simple words to help us develop the proper mindset for honoring leadership God’s way:

EXALT: to hold something or someone in high regard

EDIFY: to uplift; to speak well of

ENCOURAGE: to inspire with courage; to reassure; to give support

Honor is a biblical mandate. The Word of God offers several instructions for honoring Godly leadership. These life-giving tools are designed to generate excitement and a desire to give honor where it is truly deserved.

"Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith." (Hebrews 13:7).

Core Principles:  Remember, think about, and imitate your leaders

"The greatest among you must be a servant." (Matthew 23:11)

Core principle: Acknowledge the greatness in servitude

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3).

Core principles: Selflessness, lowliness of mind, esteeming others

"Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:13).

Core principles: Honor leaders who steward their organizations and communities in a way that generates respect and increased confidence

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).

Core principle: Honor leaders who live by the Word of God and explain its practical truths with accuracy

"Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders." (Deuteronomy 1:13).

Core principle: Honor leaders with a reputation for leading with integrity, wisdom, and understanding

"Then I heard the Lord asking, Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us? I said, Here I am. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8).

Core principle: Honor leaders who boldly and willingly respond to God’s call

"But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten." (Exodus 18:21).

Core principle: Honor leaders who are honest and capable of building both small and large teams

Holy Spirit is calling us to reflect on these scriptures regarding our SANA leadership with the goal of duplicating a culture of edification and genuine reverence for authentic leadership. The quality of leaders we have must never be forgotten! This is the will of the Lord. ~LadyE

*Note: Scriptures provided are from the New Living Translation