Lasting Words
Devon Booker plays for the Phoenix Suns. When he was 18 years old he left college and went into the NBA draft as the youngest professional basketball player. He studied Kobe Bryant, even mastering one of Bryant’s signature moves. He chose well when he looked to the seasoned star.
He tells the story of asking for KB’s signature on his shoes. “Be legendary” was the message written on them with the famous player’s signature. That has become a lifetime message, especially after the tragic helicopter death of Bryant.
Perhaps we aren’t top draft choices, G.O.A.T. level performers, or known throughout the world for our wealth, but several points jump out: 1) Play to your strengths; 2) Choose a mentor wisely; 3) Understand the cost of excellence; 4) Appreciate the joy of accomplishment; 5) Set bigger and bigger goals.
What would you want to hear from your mentor? What are you saying to those who come to you for “life lessons?”
The influence of others on us and ours on them is too often discounted. Think of the time words of encouragement enabled you to take that next difficult step. Consider a quick moment when your smile at a check-out counter may have brightened a tough day. What we say can have lasting impact – even beyond lifetimes.
The book of Proverbs tells us an apt word is like “apples of gold in settings of silver.” High value, wouldn’t you agree?
Prayer Network
by Brenda A. Smith, BWFLI.com, BreakfastWithFred.com
“Decisions we make during our college years bear fruit even as far as our eighties.”
The sapling that is planted by a young adult will grow offering shade, beauty, and an illustration of strength throughout a lifetime if proper nutrients, protection from the elements, and careful maintenance are secured. That tree reflects the path of the students who are planted by our Christian colleges and universities. They have a great start because the faculty, staff, and administrators who commit themselves to educating the whole person for the glory of God prepare the soil and implant the seedlings of faith praying for mighty oak trees for the Kingdom.
In April they are eagerly looking for the semester’s end, but also experience the stress of final projects, presentations, and performances. Please pray for focus and direction. And give thanks to our great God for His kind hand of protection over our friends who follow the Lord’s lead in Christian higher education.
How We Impact the Character of Others
by Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.org, BWFLI.com
I am a companion of all those who fear Thee, And of those who keep Thy precepts (Psalm 119:63, NAS).
May those who fear Thee see me and be glad, Because I wait for Thy word (Psalm 119:74).
May those who fear Thee turn to me, Even those who know Thy testimonies (Psalm 119:79).
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (Proverbs 27:6).
Here is the flip side of what we discussed last month. Now, the emphasis is not on how our choice of friends will impact our character, but on how our character will impact those who choose to associate with us.
“Community” is a word that is commonly used today, and rightly so (though some definitions of this term need correction). College and university years are times when we begin to form communities. Pray that the students in our institutions of higher learning become a part of a community that builds character and encourages godly conduct. And pray that there will be those students who attract others by their godly character, wisdom, and conduct. That is a key element in the edification (building up) of others.
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Victory Through Vision
Weekly Thought – April 22, 2025
Fred sat on numerous business and ministry boards. His gifts of discernment, connecting dots, and maximizing operations enabled him to contribute to the development of numerous organizations. Vision building is a critical element of any institutional infrastructure.
Victory Through Vision
David Rockefeller was once quoted as saying, “The number one function of the top executive is to establish the purpose of the organization. Like the hub of the wheel, everything else grows out of this priority. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (See Proverbs 29:18) The New American Standard Bible focuses on the way they perish: “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” To be restrained, and to be concentrated on purpose, is essential to accomplishment. That is why the leader must define the “why” of the organization.
A leader must personally the vision and be dedicated to it personally. As they seek to maintain the vision, leaders must keep in mind these essentials:
1. Define the vision specifically. Leaders disperse the fog.
2. Express it so other people understand it. Lingo without logic simply confuses and doesn’t galvanize.
3. Get both organizational and personal acceptance of the vision. Nodding heads without knowing hearts keep the motor idling.
4. Repeat the purpose over and over. The Old Testament patriarchs set up stones of remembrance to remind the people of their story. (See Joshua 4:5.7, My wife, Mary Alice, always sent the children out the door with the following: ‘Remember who you are, where you’re from, and what you represent.” She kept their purpose “ever before them.”
When you have a clear vision, you view everything in its light. A vision is a filter and a grid through which all activity flows. You come to see the need for a vision broad enough that everything you do can be tied to it. The focused vision will both include and exclude. Despite the work it takes to craft an effective vision, it is a far better alternative to perishing.
This week carefully consider: 1) How aware am I of the vision statements of leading businesses or ministries? 2) What would a family vision statement be? 3) Who has a good approach to vision casting?
Words of Wisdom: “To be restrained, and to be concentrated on purpose, is essential to accomplishment.”
Wisdom from the Word: “When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!” (Proverbs 29:18 NET Bible)