Forever Password
“Access codes are a pain – I am going to use just one and put it on a post-it note on the front of my computer.”
Remember those early days of PCs when being locked out due to forgotten access codes created additional stress? Also do you remember the solution? In our office every enormous desktop computer had a yellow post-it note with passwords listed (often with strike-outs as the company required regular changes…).
As the word entered our vocabulary it made me think about the spectacular relevance of our God and scripture. In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he brilliantly writes of the work of Jesus the Christ and summarizes: “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” I can still recall the moment I read that verse in “the computer age” and marveled at the application.
Jesus is our access code, our password, our entry –
In the ancient world access was the permission to enter or the means of entrance. That hasn’t changed since the Spirit led Paul to dictate those words, never knowing the powerful use in the 21st century. To me it is a glorious use of word time travel. God gave Paul words which would translate into cyberspace.
And, this password never changes – it is the “same yesterday, today, and forever.”
So, as you struggle to open your device by digging deep to pull back the letters(upper and lower), numbers, and special characters, think of the gift God has given by His once and for all, never to be lost passcodes. In the gift of Jesus He opened the door for all of us to come into the presence of the Father.
There is no anguish to remember the right words, or effort to attempt multiple combinations… there is one forever access, one and only one name that works: the name of Jesus.
Prayer Network
by Brenda A. Smith, BWFLI.com, BreakfastWithFred.com
“I believe that enriching the spiritual lives of our students is a calling and privilege and will equip them to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives while leading them to intellectual, spiritual, and personal character development.” Dr. Kathy McKinnon, nursing professor, Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Dr. McKinnon’s goals speak clearly of her commitment not only to PBA, but to the cause of Christian higher education. “Enriching, leading, and leading….” We see these as callings of faculty members throughout the Christ-centered education community. It is often an uneasy and uncomfortable assignment. They need our prayerful support just as the schools need our financial underwriting.
In February let’s specifically ask the Lord to show us how to encourage students, administrations, faculty, and staff in their efforts to glorify the Lord while growing in academic and character excellence. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to be a faithful student and then to teach others. May that be our prayer for our friends-in-the-faith who dedicate themselves to the next generation.
How to be a Person of Influence
by Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.org, BWFLI.com
“Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before obscure men (Proverbs 22:29, NAU).”
The truth of these words of Scripture is evident in the Bible. Joseph was promoted to a position of great influence and power because the king (Pharaoh) recognized the skill with which he dealt with a crisis situation. Likewise, Daniel was also a man who was highly skilled, and thus his wisdom was sought after by more than one king.
Men and women who are diligent and skillful in their work will be recognized, and their skills sought after by those who hold positions of power. Let us pray for our college and university students, that God would equip them with great skill and wisdom, which will be evident to those in power, and thus, whose influence for the cause of Christ will be increased.
Sign up for the monthly Prayer Network newsletter to be delivered to your email on the first Monday of each month by clicking here.
Good Habits
Weekly Thought – January 25, 2022
Fred believed habits were the foundation of character – good and bad. He supported thoughtful consideration of personal and professional patterns, especially when analyzing any needed changes. These excerpts from a 1961 keynote address to the Printing Industry of America shows Fred’s forward thinking.
Good Habits
Nearly every organization runs on habit, just as we do personally. Most of our daily activities are habitual. This is one of the problems in reorganization. When the habit structure is changed it slows down activity. Successful reorganization requires time to rebuild habits.
Here are a few good habits to cultivate in your business:
1) Create a spirit that will withstand challenges. Don’t let people come with their reasons why it won’t work. Simply respond, “I know that. Tell me what we will have to change for it to work.”
2) Healthy change is good – status quo is usually no good. I like to think “status quote” is Latin for “the mess we are in.”
3) Accept ideas. You as a leader will have to accept a new idea before your organization will accept them.
4) Don’t delay failure. I have a friend who told me, “Fred, I never delay cutting short a failure that is funded with my money.” Good leaders don’t waste business dollars, either.
5) Get management on the offense. How many times do you see management fighting back instead of leading?
6) Develop the habit of good work. A friend of mine who is President of a pipeline company has developed the habit of training his employees to step back from their job and say, “That’s good.” In the news recently there was a story about a 12 year old boy who saved his sister from a house fire using rescue techniques in the Boy Scouts. The news reporter asked him what he thought. He confidently responded, “I did a good job.” That is a great habit.
7) Evaluate your sources of pride. The other day I met with a company’s leadership team. They quickly told me of accomplishments and sources of pride. On analysis, many of these were obsolete and should have been jettisoned long ago but their pride didn’t allow them to this examination.
8) Work smarter, not harder. Too many businesses brag on employees who are the hard workers. Unless this effort is combined with smart working, I give no credit. Taking time to think through a task, not just spend time working on it is working smart.
I haven’t told you anything you don’t already know. My job isn’t to tell you anything new, but to remind you good habits are a key to successful living. Find one habit and make it work for your organization…and your personal life, as well.
This week think about: 1) What are my most productive habits? 2) How long has it been since I did an evaluation of work (family, faith, friendship) habits? 3) Who can help me do an objective assessment?
Words of Wisdom: “Nearly every organization runs on habit, just as we do personally.”
Wisdom from the Word: “But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.” (Titus 2:1 NET Bible)