Monday, January 20, 2014

Ignite 365: Do Not Be Anxious (20 of 365)



"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

It is interesting that the Word of God is compared to a lamp. It is quite obvious that even a small flame shines the brightest in the darkest time of the night. It is living and active as well!

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 19

The Law of the Lord is Perfect
Once again, David was so graphic in his descriptions on the glory and greatness of God. I imagine myself in the same spot where David was while looking at the sun. He likened the rising of the sun to a groom who prepares to leave his chamber and runs its course with joy.

Then, David focused on God's Word. He described how valuable the Word of God is - perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, to be desired more than gold, and sweeter than honey. He also mentioned the benefits of obeying God through His Word - he is warned, and a great reward is waiting for him.

Lastly, David uttered these words unto the Lord:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 19

God Rescues Lot | God Destroys Sodom
This described both the greatness of the goodness of God, and the severity of the wrath of God at the same time. We saw in the story how great is God's grace for the righteous (His child). Before God poured out His wrath on a very wicked nation, He waited for Lot to settle first and be safe. In the story, we could not compare the severity of His wrath to any other else. The whole region was destroyed by fire and brimstone, to the extent of pulverizing it so that nothing else was left from it - up to this date. This story also reminded us not to look back into our sinfulness when God has already given you the grace for freedom from sin, as to what had happened to Lot's wife who became a pillar of salt after looking back into Sodom with an unrepentant heart.

Lot and His Daughters
Lot had committed a sin of incest with his two daughters, that was when he was made drunk by them. Later, these two gave birth to Moab (which means "from father") who became the father of the Moabites, and Ben-ammi (which means "son of my people") who became the father of the Ammonites. It must be noticed that there were times that these nations, the Moabites and the Ammonites, were hostile against the Israelites later on.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 21:18–22:19

David Builds an Altar | David Prepares for Temple Building | Solomon Charged to Build the Temple
Remember when 70,000 men died because of a pestilence that God sent to Israel? It was because of the sin of David when he made a census of the whole nation - a sin of pride in his heart. Yet, it is after he repented (and the calamity was stopped) that David said these words when ordered to build an altar in a field where Ornan the Jebusite owned:

"No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

It is also interesting that at this same site will the Temple of the Lord be built by Solomon. David instructed Solomon to be faithful to the Lord. At the same time, David prepared the materials needed for the Temple of the Lord.

“Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed."


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 12:13–48

The Parable of the Rich Fool | Do Not Be Anxious | You Must Be Ready
Jesus was teaching us to focus on Him and His Kingdom more than the earthly pleasures and riches. From the Parable of the Rich Fool to the teachings about how God blessed the birds with food and the grass with "clothes" (and not even Solomon had worn such beauty), Jesus was teaching to look onto the life in eternity. Lastly, we were being instructed to be ready when that day comes when Jesus would come back again.

"Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

"Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more."


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://caffeinatedthoughts.com/2010/07/do-not-be-anxious-matthew-625-34/

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Ignite 365: A You A Pharisee? (19 of 365)



"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

It is interesting that the Word of God is compared to a lamp. It is quite obvious that even a small flame shines the brightest in the darkest time of the night. It is living and active as well!

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 18

The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress
This is a song of victory made by David when he was rescued from his numerous enemies and from Saul as well. It is interesting that David was so graphic when he described how the Lord showed His might and power. The vivid descriptions of mountains were trembling, great lightning appeared, and hailstorms and fires fell down. After all these, David once again acknowledged that God was the One who saved him, who gave him strength.


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 18:16–33

Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
It is interesting that just a few moments after God promised Abraham that he and Sarah will be having a son a year from that time, God revealed unto Abraham what He was about to do - He will go down unto Sodom and Gomorrah and see if they have done altogether according to the outcry against the gravity and wickedness of their sins. Lot, Abraham's nephew, was living there with his family. The moment Abraham heard this, notice how he intercedes for Sodom for the sake of his nephew, Lot.

"Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?"
From 50, it became 45. From 45, Abraham made his request into 40. Then from 40, he asked if God would still destroy the city if 30 righteous were found there. From 30, he lowered it to 20 righteous people. Lastly, from 20 righteous people, Abraham inquired if he would still annihilate the whole city if 10 righteous people are found there. It is interesting that on all of the requests Abraham made until the last one, God said:

“For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 21:1–17

David's Census Brings Pestilence
Here King David made a terrible sin. He ordered Joab and the commanders of his army to number Israel so that he might know it. This might seem to be too trivial to be a reason of the destruction of the whole Israel, but God saw what man could not. At a time when everything seems alright and there seems to be no problems at all, David acquired pride in his heart. As Matthew Henry commented, the census was not needed at all:

"(1.) It was a needless thing. there was not occasion at all for it. God had promised to multiply them, and he needed not question the accomplishment of that promise. They were all his servants, and he needed not doubt of their loyalty and affection to him. Their number was as much his strength as he could desire. (2.) It was a dangerous thing. In doing it he might be a cause of trespass to Israel, and might provoke God against them."

Because of David's sin, a pestilence was sent (that was after David chose it from the 3 options God gave him: 3 years of famine, 3 months of war, or 3 days of pestilence) into Israel that 70,000 men died. Then God saw it and relented from the calamity, and ordered the angel to stop the pestilence. And David realized his grave sin, and cried out:

“Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O Lord my God, be against me and against my father's house. But do not let the plague be on your people.”


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 11:37–12:12

Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers | Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees 
Jesus was teaching us not to be like the Pharisees who was so critical with the Law, that they even criticized Jesus for not washing His hands before dinner as the Law says, but full of greed and wickedness in their hearts. It was also with the lawyers who loaded burdens to people with lots of laws but even they, themselves, would not obey those laws. Jesus was teaching not to follow their ways of hypocrisy.

Now, are you a Pharisee?


Have No Fear | Acknowledge Christ Before Men
 Here, Jesus was teaching to fear God more than to fear men. He even said:

 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/2013/07/page/3/

Friday, January 17, 2014

Ignite 365: A True Christian? (18 of 365)



"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

It is interesting that the Word of God is compared to a lamp. It is quite obvious that even a small flame shines the brightest in the darkest time of the night. It is living and active as well!

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 17

In the Shadow of Your Wings
This was an another cry prayed by David. Just like the other psalms composed by David, he first poured out his emotions regarding a concern he was experiencing, the problem - his enemies surround him and would like to ambush him. He cried out that he remained holding fast on God's ways and did not wander from it. He pleaded his petition that God would hide him in the shadow of His wings. At the end of the day, he eventually praised God and renewed his faith on God.


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 18:1–15

Isaac's Birth Promised
We could remember that God already promised that a son will come out from Sarah. But since Abraham laughed when he first heard this, their son should be called Isaac (which means "he laughs"). Then at this part, Sarah heard the news again and she laughed too.

At that time, Abraham was already 99 years old, and Sarah was 90 years old. The promise was that a year from that time, a son will be born from Sarah. How many times have we been like them? The circumstances say that it is impossible, and no other human way can make it happen; and we easily lose faith. God showed in this story that in Him, nothing is impossible!


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 18-20
This recorded the great victories David and his men had. It must be noticed that every time David was successful in war, he would give thanks to the Lord immediately afterwards. The spoils of war was dedicated unto the Lord. And the result?

"And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went."


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 11:1–36

The Lord's Prayer
It is interesting that Luke, the writer of this book, pointed the readers to this call after Jesus taught his disciples how to pray:

“Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

It must be noticed that the attitude in being persistent in prayer is being taught by Jesus as well. How many times have we asked God for something, prayed earnestly and sought God's guidance through His Word and the counsel of godly men, and suddenly stopped praying when we sensed that God is not answering at all? Like the friend, and the son who asked for food in the above text, let us not stop in seeking God through prayer.

Jesus and Beelzebul | Return of an Unclean Spirit | True Blessedness | The Sign of Jonah
These are series of teachings of Jesus where He emphasized that the true blessed and the true followers of God are the ones who hear the Word of God and obey it.

"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

It can be noticed on His statement below:

"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

It is interesting that the person described here had never seen the Light in the first place. There are signs of "righteousness", but the heart was never surrendered to the Lord, along with all of its wickedness (of which should have been forsaken and repented of). As Matthew Henry commented,

"The house is garnished with common gifts and graces. It is not furnished with any true grace, but garnished with the pictures of all graces. Simon Magus was garnished with faith, Balaam with good desires, Herod with a respect for John, the Pharisees with many external performances. It is garnished, but it is like a potsherd covered with silver dross, it is all paint and varnish, not real, not lasting. The house is garnished, but the property is not altered; it was never surrendered to Christ, nor inhabited by the Spirit."

The Light in You
This is the description made by Jesus of a true follower, the mark of a true Christian that is. That a life completely surrendered unto Jesus Christ is a life of complete obedience to His Word. The Word, which is the Light, shines so bright in his life that it manifests in every thing that he does.


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://provoketive.com/2012/01/18/hope-for-hypocrites/

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Ignite 365: Don't Be Like the Priest (17 of 365)



"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

It is interesting that the Word of God is compared to a lamp. It is very obvious that even a small flame shines the brightest in the darkest time of the night. It is living and active as well!

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 16

You Will Not Abandon My Soul
Have you ever felt that it seems everything you do is a failure? Does it seem that all of your great plans are ruined, and your life is a total mess? It is comforting to read this musical piece by David. It was a song of desperation unto the Lord. David declared that apart from God, he was nothing. It is also interesting that David did not hesitate to pour out his emotions unto the Lord. He expressed his heart's concerns unto God, and at the end of this psalm, David found his joy unto God alone.

Let us learn this attitude from David. He knew who his God was - and is also the same today, a living God who listens, that is why he unhesitatingly poured out what he was feeling at that moment. And after expressing his desperation, David sought to find his hope and joy from the Lord. Oh, what a great faith David had!


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 17

Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision
God changed his name from Abram (which means "exalted father") to Abraham (which means "father of a multitude"). This was also the time when Sarai's name was changed to Sarah (which both means "princess"). God made a covenant with Abraham and his offspring as well at this time - the covenant of circumcision. Every male 8 days old and up should be circumcised, as part of God's covenant to Abraham, and Abraham to God, likewise.

Isaac's Birth Promised
God also promised the birth of Abraham's son, Isaac. Once again, God renewed his promise to Abraham that he would be a father to many nations through his son from Sarah.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 17

The Lord's Covenant with David
After David was established in his house, he thought of building a house for the Lord. However, through prophet Nathan, God informed David that it will be one of his sons who shall build the house of the Lord. Moreover, God made a covenant with David:

‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall waste them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house. When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’

God made a covenant with David that one day God will establish a kingdom from one of his own, forever. This was a foreshadow of the coming Messiah, the Savior, the Christ, of whom will be coming from David's lineage - his name is Jesus Christ!

David's Prayer
Once again, David showed his great faith, hope, and love for God. This was his prayer of thanksgiving for God's great blessings on him and his family. Several times the word "servant" came out of David's mouth. He considered himself a "servant" in front of the Lord, though his position was as high as the king.


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 10:25–42

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
This was the famous "Parable of the Good Samaritan". It must be noticed that Jesus used the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan as the characters of this parable. Both the priest (Teacher of the Law) and the Levite (Worship Leader) did not even care to help the dying "man from Jerusalem" (a Jew). Both of these people were men designated to work at the house of the Lord, and yet they did not practice what they are teaching!

Ironically, a Samaritan (a race with a conflict with the Jews) was the one who extended:

  • his strength (carried him unto his donkey) 
  • his time (even cared to take him into an inn which might be out of his original plan) 
  • his finances (2 denarii which is equal to 2 days' wage for a laborer)


Martha and Mary
This was another lesson that we can learn from. We can choose to serve the Lord through ministries in His church, but if we neglect the "Lord of the ministries", we tend to be irritable and the tasks might be done out of mere compliance - as manifested in Martha. We should focus on God, the One we are serving "through the ministries", and not be distracted on the "ministries alone".


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://loudcry.org/the-good-samaritan/

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Ignite 365: Compassion for the Lost (16 of 365)



"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 15

Who Shall Dwell on Your Holy Hill?
This is the question David asked on this Psalm. So, who really can dwell or live on God's holy place? As the Bible says in Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please him..."

David then listed several acts of faith:

  • walks blamelessly and does what is right
  • speaks truth in his heart
  • does not slander with his tongue
  • does no evil to his neighbor
  • does not take up a reproach against his friend
  • in whose eyes a vile person is despised (angry with the wickedness)
  • honors those who fear the Lord
  • swears to his own hurt and does not change (even if his oath means it will hurt him, he sticks to his oath)
  • does not put out his money at interest
  • does not take a bribe against the innocent


And the result? They shall never be moved. As Matthew Henry commented,

"The grace of God shall always be sufficient for him, to preserve him safe and blameless to the heavenly kingdom. Temptations shall not overcome him, troubles shall not overwhelm him, nothing shall rob him of his present peace nor his future bliss."

Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 16

Sarai and Hagar
Impatience in Sarai and Abram was manifested during these times. They tried to do it on their own because they felt God would not be giving unto them what He had promised long ago. This resulted to Hagar, Sarai's Egyptian servant, having a son from Abram, named Ishmael. Ishmael later became the ancestor of the Arab people.

How many times did we become like Abram and Sarai, where we feel that God has abandoned us already and would not grant us what He has promised? Focus on Him, He remains faithful, that is even in times when we are the ones who are unfaithful.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 16:4–43

David's Song of Thanks and Worship Before the Ark
David assigned some Levites for worship before the Lord. Also David composed a song to be sung by the Levites.


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 9:51–10:24

This described a person who has so much "Passion" for the Lord, but does not have "Compassion" for the lost. When they were rejected by the village, James and John said to Jesus:

“Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”

Jesus rebuked them, and some manuscripts add:

and he said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man came not to destroy people's lives but to save them”

May "passion" for the Lord and "compassion" for the lost be both found in us.

The next verses talked about the cost of following Christ. Also, when the 72 disciples came back to Jesus to report their great victories, Jesus said:

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

It must be noticed that Jesus shifted their focus on the greater reward that they have, rather than the momentary little victories at that time.


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://www.centerdigitaled.com/workforce/Compassion-The-Lost-Leadership-Quality.html

Monday, January 13, 2014

Ignite 365: 15 of 365



"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 14


The Fool Says, There Is No God
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." As Matthew Henry commented on it,

"If we apply our hearts as Solomon did (Ecclesiastes 7:25) to search out the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness, these verses will assist us in the search and will show us that sin is exceedingly sinful. Sin is the disease of mankind, and it appears here to be malignant and epidemic."

It must be noticed that the fool tries so hard to convince himself that there is no God. Furthermore, it says of man's corruption in his core.

"They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
 

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one."

David further cries out the consequences of the wickedness of man,

"...all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord?"

But in the end, David still hopes in the salvation that comes from the Lord.

"Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad."

This is a foreshadow of the coming Savior that would grant salvation, Jesus Christ!


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 15

God's Covenant with Abram
God fist made his promise to Abram when Abram was called by God in Genesis 12:1-3. In this chapter, God made it clear that the great nation will be coming from Abram's own son, though at that time Abram and Sarai were childless. Abram believed God's words and it is interesting that God counted that as Abram's righteousness; indeed, righteousness is by faith on the living God!

"And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness."

God promised not just a son, but also the land unto where his generations would live.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 15:1–16:3

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem and Placed in a Tent
Here King David commanded that the Ark be brought back to Jerusalem. It must be noticed that during the time of Saul, the Ark was not even sought. This means that in the reign of David, he made it sure to seek God first in everything and anything.

Also, this chapter described how David assigned back the proper designated works to the proper people (like assigning the work for the Ark to the Levites, etc.) He made sure that the proper order was brought back, for the Lord is a God of order. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
 

Gospels and Epistles: Luke 9:1–50


This is where Jesus performed a great miracle. After giving thanks to the Lord, Jesus fed 5,000 men from the initial 5 loaves and 2 fish. At the end of the day, 12 baskets full of food were left. How great is the Lord, indeed!



© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://www.hopewellonline.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=57420&mast=Events&PG=Events&CID=1328159

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Leadership Level 1: Position or Rights



If you would be given the chance to choose who to follow among the two, who would that be. Would you choose to follow a boss or a leader?

This question might seem to be tricky to some. They would ask, "Wait, aren't these two, a boss and a leader, just the same?" Are they?

John C. Maxwell differentiated these two in his book "Developing the Leader Within You".

  • The boss drives his workers; the leader coaches them.
  • The boss depends on authority; the leader on good will.
  • The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm.
  • The boss says "I"; the leader, "we".
  • The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown.
  • The boss knows how it is done; the leader shows how.
  • The boss says, "Go"; the leader says, "Let's go!"

Clearly, the boss has not gotten into the next level of leadership, yet. He remained in the first level, the entry level of leadership, called "Position". This level is also named as the "Rights" stage.

In this level, your title or your position is the only influence you have. Your security is based on your title, and not on your talent. In contrast with the other levels of leadership which are gained by ability, this level is often gained by appointment.

The negative part if you remain in this position and not thrive into the next level is that people only follow you because of your stated authority, and will not do so beyond that. Oftentimes, they will just do what they are required to do, and nothing more than that. They are usually characterized by an attitude of low morale. As John Maxwell said,

"When the leader lacks confidence, the followers lack commitment."
I remember a supervisor I had before. He was stuck in this level, and as a typical employee sensing his positional insecurity, I did what I had to do as his subordinate, his slave - and I did that only because I was needed to. It felt like I was just dragging my feet to work.


A real leader, however, is the person whom others would gladly and confidently follow. His mere presence gives inspiration and enthusiasm to his fellow workers. They enjoy working with him, which in turn, results to a more satisfied set of employees.

If you aim to proceed to the next level, these are the qualities John Maxwell listed that you must exhibit first, with excellence.

Leadership Level 1: POSITION or RIGHTS

  • Know your job description thoroughly.
  • Be aware of the history of the organization.
  • Relate the organization's history to the people of the organization (or be a team player)
  • Accept responsibility.
  • Do your job with consistent excellence.
  • Do more than expected.
  • Offer creative ideas for change and improvement.

Leadership is not just about position after all. It is a good thing if you already are in this level, but it is entirely a different thing to be considered as an effective leader. You really need to climb to the next level of leadership.

And we will be talking about that on the next post.



© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://blog.lamercanti.com/2013/11/07/sell-an-idea-to-your-boss/

Second image can be found in John Maxwell's book "Developing the Leader Within You"

Friday, January 10, 2014

Ignite 365: 14 of 365




"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 13

How Long, O Lord?
This is another cry from David consisting of the problem, his petition, and his praise. In the first stanza, four times he repeated the phrase "How long..." showing his great emotions feeling that the Lord had been so distant to him. This must be the time when King Saul was pursuing David trying to kill him. From one cave to another, David hid himself and his troop, fearing for his life and his crew's.

It is quite interesting that the next part of this psalm was a petition, appealing unto the Lord for help. It must be noticed that David did not rely on his own strength and skills to endure those hardships. After pouring out his emotions unto the Lord, he then sought for God's answer.

It must be noticed now that the last part became a stanza of praises. David, after pouring it all out unto the Lord, sought the Lord, and praised God afterwards (that is even though he was still in danger hiding in various caves). How great David's faith must have been!

What we can learn from David is that though it seems God is so distant and silent, we can always cry unto Him for help.


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 14

Abram Rescues Lot and Abram Blessed by Melchizedek
There was a time when the region where Lot lived were attacked. They were taken captive. When Abram learned about it, he immediately went with his "Rescue Team". The team was composed of 318 men. Imagine 318 men against numerous troops! But God was with Abram, and Abram succeeded. Then Melchizedek, King of Salem, blessed Abram. It must be noted that Melchizedek was priest of the Lord. Also, it was after this blessing that Abram gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 14

David's Wives and Children
This is the list of David's sons, and it must be noted that Nathan and Solomon are in the list, from whom Mary and Joseph will come from.

Philistines Defeated
One thing that is so consistent with David is that he inquired of the Lord before he went to any war. He asked "What should I do, Lord?", and God would answer back. How sweet their conversation must have been!

I believe God is the same God from the past. Like David, we can talk to Him and pour out our hearts, and God is listening. Just like what David did in Psalm 13.


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 8:22–56

Jesus Calms a Storm
This is where the disciples were rebuked for being of little faith. They panicked and thought of even dying, not even thinking that Jesus was just right there with them.

Most of the times, we are like the disciples. When things don't go as we planned, we panic and worry. Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?", then calms the storm.

Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon
It is weird that the men of the village feared Jesus with the disciples to the point of casting them away from the village. That was after Jesus healed this man who used to be possessed by a "Legion". A man who was running around like crazy, was turned to a calm man. Instead of giving glory to God for the miracle that happened and putting their faith on Jesus, they made the exact opposite - turn away from Jesus.

Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter
On both accounts (a woman who had 12 years of bleeding and a 12-year-old daughter who was dying), healing came because of faith - faith on Jesus Christ alone.


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://www.stevehackman.net/typhoon-usagi-calming-the-storms-in-our-lives-and-others/

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Ignite 365: 13 of 365



"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 12

The Faithful Have Vanished
This is a psalm of David that crying unto the Lord for help. Then the Lord aswered:

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”

It must be noted as well that the description of the Word of God as pure is found here, being purified in an eternal sense (seven in Jewish culture means "unending").

"The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." -Psalm 12:6


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 13:2–18

Abram and Lot Separate
This is part where Abram and Lot part ways. Lot chose the location near Sodom (for he saw that the land was good). This is also the passage where God made the promise again to Abram:

“Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.”


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 13

The Ark Brought from Kiriath-Jearim
It must be noticed that it is only at this time that the Ark of the Covenant be brought back, as requested by David. During the reign of Saul, the Ark was not sought at all. This must be true in every leadership. The Lord must be sought first in every plan. and in every aspect of his kingdom. David really must be the "man after God's own heart"!

Uzzah and the Ark
Uzzah was smitten by God for touching the Ark. This must be because of proud presumption and irreverence in Uzzah's heart. Everyone knows that the Ark must not be touched, but only by the designated persons and after certain preparations (cleansing, etc.). God really sees the heart and even the deepest motives and desires. May our worship be acceptable to Him!


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 8:4–21

The Parable of the Sower
This was pertaining to the Kingdom of God. The seed is the Word of God. The good soil are the one who hear the Lord's Word and obey it. He is also compared to a lamp put on a stand. And he is also accepted by Jesus as a member of his family. But it must be noted that being part of God's Kingdom is only by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://sallysjourney.typepad.com/sallys_journey/2011/05/outrageous-generosity-revisiting-the-parable-of-the-sowermark-4.html

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Ignite 365: 12 of 365



Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 11

The Lord is in His Holy Temple
While reading through this chapter, I remember the Legolas from the movie "The Lord of the Rings". Legolas was a veteran archer with stunning skills! On the other hand, the passage describes the exact opposite of his character. The archer was compared to a wicked man who bends the bow, fits the arrow to the string, and shoots in the dark at the upright in heart. However, the Lord is in His temple watching every creature, even the desires of their hearts are not hidden.


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 12–13:1

The Call of Abram

This is the part where God made the promise to Abram:

“Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Also, this is where God showed the place He will be giving to his descendants, Canaan.

Abram and Sarai in Egypt
Abram showed how selfish he was in this part. For his own sake, he even chose to give his wife, Sarai, to the Pharaoh, and he even wanted his wife to be regarded as his sister! It is by God's grace that He showed the Pharaoh the truth, and gave back Sarai eventually.

Abram and Lot Separate
This is the first part of their travel, Abram, Sarai, and Lot (Abram's nephew), from Egypt to Negeb.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 12

The Mighty Men Join David
These were the great and mighty men who joined David's army. They were also the ones who helped him until he became the King of Israel.
 

Gospels and Epistles: Luke 7:36–8:3

A Sinful Woman Forgiven
This was a contrast of a Pharisee (a self-righteous person) to a repentant sinner. The woman even used her perfume, a luxury at that time, to wash Jesus' feet, while the Pharisee did not even wash His feet when He arrived in his home. This was also the part where Jesus taught about the two debtors: one with a greater amount of debt. Jesus asked:

"A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

And the answer, of course, was the one with the greater debt! It is also the same with the person who really knows his wretchedness and hopelessness before God, leading him to completely put his faith on God's grace through Jesus Christ.


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Image can be found at http://jamestabor.com/2012/07/15/in-memory-of-her-marys-memorial/

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Ignite 365: 11 of 365



Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 10

"Why do You hide Yourself?", this is the cry of the psalmist seeing the wicked and the evildoers prosper in all they do. It seems every wicked and evil plan in their hearts "succeed". It seems the poor, afflicted, persecuted, or tempted believer continues to be the victim of their wickedness. The latter part of the chapter (verses 12-18) proclaims that God is the King forever and ever who will see that justice is done. The psalmist further cries out:

"The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 11

The Tower of Babel
Because of "pride", man united to build a high tower to reach the heavens to make a name for themselves. During those times, man has one language. God confused man with multiple and different languages and from then on the place was called "Babel" (sounds like the Hebrew for "confused").

Shem's and Terah's Descendants
This is where the name of Abram (later named "Abraham") is first mentioned. Noah has 3 sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. From Shem's lineage, Terah is born, and Terah is the father of Abram. Abram later will become the "Father of all Nations".


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 11

David Anointed as King
This is where David was finally and officially anointed as king of the Israel after the death of Saul. It must be noticed that David was first anointed by Samuel when he was tending the sheep in the field, probably aged 12-15, found in 1 Samuel 16:11-13.

"Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward."

When he was anointed as king again, this time by the elders of Israel. He was 30 years old as found in 2 Samuel 5:3-4:

"So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years."

Imagine waiting for almost 15 years before the promise from God was claimed! I believe during those waiting times, God was preparing David for a great responsibility.


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 7:1–35

Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant
This is where the great faith of the Centurion was noticed by Jesus. Being a great leader himself, the Centurion regarded himself as unworthy even to be visited by Jesus. In addition to that, he believed that even through Jesus' command, his servant can be healed, and it was given to him - his servant was indeed healed!

Jesus Raises a Widow's Son
This is the first account in the book of Luke where Jesus raised a dead into life.

Messengers from John the Baptist
John the Baptist asked Jesus through his two messengers if He was the One they were waiting for, the Christ. Jesus answered them by stating all of the miracles and wonders He has been doing:

“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Furthermore, Jesus proclaimed John the Baptist as:

"Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you."

© 2014 Erickson Ibana

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Image can be found at http://misplacedperson.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/life-in-the-tower-of-babel/

Monday, January 6, 2014

Ignite 365: 10 of 365



Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 9

This is another song by David. He recounts the wonderful deeds of the Lord in his life. No wonder David is called the "man after God's own heart". He gives thanks and exults in God. He sings praises unto the Lord for the great things in his life.


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 9:20–10:32

Canaan Cursed with Slavery
Verses 20-28 narrates the curse Noah gave to Canaan, his son's (Ham) fourth son. The curse is because of what Ham did when he saw his father's nakedness. This must mean a grievous act that equates such punishment as slavery.

Nations Descended from Noah
From Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, nations were born that filled the earth.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 10

Death of Saul
This describes the death of Saul and his sons. The Philistines killed Jonathan (David's friend), Abinadab, and Malchi-shua on Mount Gilboa. What we can learn from this is that Saul died because of his breach of faith. He did not put his faith in the Lord when he did not obey God's command. Saul also consulted a spirit medium which angered the Lord, showing he did not ask for the Lord's guidance instead.

Eventually, the kingdom is turned over to David.


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 6:17–49

This consists of:

Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude
Jesus teaches the crowd, and his disciples. Jesus also heals the sick and those who are possessed by unclean spirits.

The Beatitudes
Luke mentions here 4 areas of being blessed: those who are poor, hungry now, weep now, and those whom men hate because of the account of Jesus. Though Matthew mentions in his book a more detailed picture of the Beatitudes.

Jesus Pronounces Woes
Luke mentions the 4 areas of which is the exact opposite of the 4 areas he mentioned in the Beatitudes: woe to you who are rich, woe to you who are full now, woe to you who laugh now, and woe to you when all people speak well of you. Matthew has a parallel writings as well with such "Woes" (but are mostly pertaining to the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law).

Love Your Enemies
This is where Jesus teaches repaying good for the evil done unto you. This is being merciful, knowing that God is merciful as well.

Judging Others
This is where this is from. Also, this is where one is told of a parable of the man with a log in his eye seeing a speck in his brother's eye.

"For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

A Tree and Its Fruit
This is summed up as:

"For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Build Your House on the Rock
This is pertaining to the person who hears the Word of God and is obeying it with his heart (dug deep and built the foundation upon the rock), in contrast to the person who hears the Word of God but does not obey at all (built upon the ground without a foundation).


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Image can be found at http://inothernews.tumblr.com/post/51078632030/little-house-on-the-aerie-a-house-built-in-1968

Saturday, January 4, 2014

5 Segmented Levels of Leadership

Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell


In my previous post, we have learned that there are 4 distinctive Categories of Leadership. The main point that we could get from that is that everyone has equal opportunity to be a leader. The only needed ingredients are the desire to be one, exposure to leader models, and constant leadership training. The good news is that all three are attainable!

In connection with the former topic, I would like to clearly describe Leadership as how John Maxwell has defined it.

“Leadership is influence. That’s it. Nothing more; nothing less. My favorite leadership proverb is: He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk.”

He further defined leadership as the “ability to get followers”, and it is not to “achieve a position.” With this straightforward definition of leadership, we now ask, “How can I be a great leader? What do I need to know to gain more followers? How can I make people trust me to become their leader?”

What we are going to discuss now are the Levels of Leadership. Leadership is just like in any building, if you wish to go to the upper floors, you need to access either the staircase, the escalator, or the elevator. In Leadership, if you wish to proceed to the upper “floors” of leadership, you must first know what “level” you are currently at. 

As one saying goes, 

“Knowledge is power.”


5 Levels of Leadership

  Level 1: Position
The entry level of leadership. Your title or your position is the only reason why you are being followed.

  Level 2: Permission
John Maxwell describes this as, “If level 1, Position, is the door to leadership, then level 2, Permission, is the foundation.”

  Level 3: Production
The Permission level is more of what is called as the “Relationship” level. Climbing up another level to the Production level, this is what is called as the “Results” level.

  Level 4: People Development
In this level, your ability to empower others, makes them loyal to you as their leader.

  Level 5: Personhood
The highest level of leadership where people follow you because of who you are as a person.


We will be dealing with each of the Levels above in more details in my next posts, starting from the entry level: Position.

In the meantime, we will be keeping these reminders in mind. These are straight from John Maxwell himself.

  • The higher you go, the longer it takes.
  • The higher you go, the higher the level of commitment.
  • The higher you go, the easier it is to lead.
  • The higher you go, the greater the growth.
  • You never leave the base level.



The Five Levels of Leadership

I found this as true (based on my personal experience), that not all people respond in the same way to how I lead them. To some, I might be just a leader with the “position”. To some, I might be touching their lives already, the reason to make them follow me. I learned that the key to deal with different kinds of people is to take each person as a unique individual and deal with him in a personal way.

The last reminder John Maxwell was gave was to take other people, especially those with great influence, from within your group to the higher levels with you. This would help you create leaders as well, making your group an association of leaders helping each other out grow.

We will be talking about the first level of leadership next time.
For now, I hope you too would aim to get to the highest level of leadership!

© 2014 Erickson Ibana

First image can be found at http://www.amazon.com/The-Levels-Leadership-Maximize-Potential/dp/1599953633

Second image can be found in John Maxwell's book "Developing the Leader Within You"

Friday, January 3, 2014

Ignite 365: 9 of 365



Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 8

This is a song of David exclaiming how majestic is the Lord's Name! In this chapter, David wonders how a great and mighty Creator of the heavens and the stars would care so much for man who is created a little lower than the angels.


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 8:20–9:19

This is where God showed His covenant to Noah and to all the living creatures through the rainbow in the sky. In this covenant, God will never again destroy all flesh with flood.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 9

These are the lists of the genealogy when Judah was on exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith. For Israel, these are written in the Book of Kings of Israel. The last part repeats the genealogy of Saul.


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 5:1–6:16

This part has so much in it! Let's break these down into parts:

Jesus Calls the First Disciples
This is where Simon Peter encounters Jesus through a miracle He made with the catching of a great number of fish. Together with James and John, Simon Peter is told to "follow Jesus and be fishers of men."

Jesus Cleanses a Leper
What great faith the leper has when he exclaimed, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean!" And he gets healed.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
When Jesus saw the faith of the men who brought the paralytic through the roof, the man was healed and his sins were forgiven.

Jesus Calls Levi
This is where Levi, or Matthew, is called to follow Jesus. Matthew is a tax collector.

A Question About Fasting
This is more of saying that the time will come when Jesus will be taken from His disciples, and then they will be fasting. But while He is with them, they would rather eat and drink.

Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath
This is where Jesus rebukes the Pharisees who were so legalistic regarding the Law, that they forget who the Lord of the Law is. This is more of focusing on the "weightier things" rather than on "nonessential things".

A Man with a Withered Hand
This is related to the previous one. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees again on issues of "Is it unlawful to do good on a Sabbath?"

The Twelve Apostles
 This is where Jesus calls his apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

© 2014 Erickson Ibana

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Image can be found at http://jesusfootprints.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/calling-the-despised/

Two Logical Ways to Break a Habit





I remember the story of my father about the history of the place we are currently residing at. He vividly described that our place was once a farm field, and grass grew as tall as a man. I imagine the highways we have now were once grasslands, and I think it is due to the fact that it is a necessity to upgrade the roads to accommodate the ever increasing volume of vehicles.

Don’t you know that a habit is made just like a highway is formed? Wikipedia describes it as:


A habit is a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. Habitual behavior often goes unnoticed in persons exhibiting it, because a person does not need to engage in self-analysis when undertaking routine tasks. The process by which new behaviours become automatic is habit formation. Old habits are hard to break and new habits are hard to form because the behavioural patterns we repeat are imprinted in our neural pathways, but it is possible to form new habits through repetition. As behaviors are repeated in a consistent context, there is an incremental increase in the link between the context and the action. This increases the automaticity of the behavior in that context. Features of an automatic behavior are all or some of: efficiency, lack of awareness, unintentionality, and uncontrollability.


When an action is done, it is being imprinted as a thin pathway in our Nervous System (the sensory and control apparatus consisting of a network of nerve cells connecting to the brain). When the same action is repeated over and over again, the pathway becomes thicker and becomes the “automatic” pathway for such an action. At this time, it seems that it is already so hard to break that habit.

But, there is still a good news for you! If you are dealing with a bad habit that you wish to break, there is still a way to make that possible.

I remember what my mentor (Angelo Gratela) told me before, “Anything that are learned, can be unlearned.”

Here are 2 uncomplicated steps to break a habit; though, these are easier said than done, and most of the times you will see yourself fighting your “automatic” urges. However, when your motivation is low, you need to identify first what is the source of that apathy.

2 Logical Ways to Break a Habit


1. Recognize the reason why you now need to break the habit.


Most of the times when a habit has already been formed, it usually is unnoticeable. And when the habit has not been noticed at all, the consequences are usually not recognized at once as well. Let me give you a clear example. It is quite late already when one starts to realize that smoking is indeed very dangerous to his health. Usually, he begins to experience hardness of breathing and he easily gets exhausted. In some cases, one does not recognize it at all which leads to serious respiratory conditions.

However, if you recognize it at the early stage and consider its consequences, you are now taking the first step to break that habit. It is extremely helpful if you would take into account the entire consequences, which could include if it might have been affecting your loved ones or your intermediate family already. This will be your driving force to push you forward in breaking that habit.


2. Break the habit with a habit.


A solid paved highway is really hard to demolish, but it is not impossible to destroy one. An old habit that is not beneficial is also hard to break, but it is not impossible to crack one as well. The only way to break a bad habit is by creating new beneficial habits. Remember the concept of “neural pathways”? In creating new habits, you are making new “possible” pathways whenever the action is initiated. Repeating these would solidify a used-to-be narrow trodden path into a great paved highway! This could mean engaging into a certain sports or task where you feel challenged. Joining a community as your support group is also important. In this way, you have someone or group of people who you are accountable to.

Actually, this is also what the Bible says in Romans 12:21:

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

We are still on the 3rd day of January, the first month of the year. I hope that you would grab this chance to start building new helpful habits today!

© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://www.timothyhallinan.com/blog/?p=4047