Greetings!
I was encouraged today with a very simple word from the Lord: "Just do the next thing!"
Sometimes the "next thing" is to write a letter, make a phone call, or visit a shut-in. Sometimes, the "next thing" is to stop and pray, read the Word, or write in your journal. Sometimes, the "next thing" is to clean your desk, or the car, or your room (that's usually just for kids, but not always!), or maybe it's to put away the dishes, take the trash out or mow the lawn!. You get the idea, the "next thing" is often times a simple action that seems so insignificant, that it just doesn't appear to be a "God thing", so we brush it off. When in reality if we will simple just do the "next thing", then the next thing is easier to do, and then it's easier to do the next thing, and the next, and the next. Until all those little "next things" make up your whole day!
I was also reminded that if the church would adopt this "do the next thing" attitude, then it could move from feeling overwhelmed with a daunting task and just focus on the "next thing". Actually, this is what Dr Conrad Lowe taught us in the Church Consultation Seminars he taught. I have taken that phase and applied it to my own life and we have repeatedly used it when we do church consultations. We have become overwhelmed with the big picture that we have become paralyzed to do the simply, insignificant, "next thing", so we oftentimes just keep doing what we have always done, hoping to get a different result. They say that is the definition of insanity!
Oswald Chamber's timeless devotional, My Utmost For His Highest has helped me see that this is indeed a spiritual truth that God wants us to learn. Consider these two quotes:
"We look for visions from heaven, for earthquakes and thunders of God's power... and we never dream that all the time God is in the commonplace things and people around us. If we will do the duty that lies nearest, we shall see Him."
"When the Spirit of God comes, He does not give us visions, He tells us to do the most ordinary things conceivable... whenever God comes, the inspiration is to do the most natural, simple things—the things we would never have imagined God was in, and as we do them we find He is there."
Chambers referenced the scene in I Kings where Elijah is running from King Ahab. He is hungry and tired and very depressed. (Ever been there?) In that scene God sends an angel to him who says simply, "Arise and eat" (I Kings 19:5). What was Elijah's "next thing" he needed to do? Get up and eat something! Sometimes just moving forward in the most basic way is all God needs from us. With our obedience comes the solution we are seeking.
I hope this thought will help you or someone else who is feeling overwhelmed and even depressed. What "next thing" is God asking you to do? Get up, do whatever it is, and find Him there.
I am praying for you and keep asking the Lord to give you wisdom in the simple things!
"Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways.'" Haggai 1:5 (NIV)
Blessings!
Dayton
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, December 5, 2008
Bishop's Health Update
Dear friends,
First of all, let me say, "thank you," for all the prayers, encouraging cards, calls and emails I received. They were an great encouraged. I received so many that I could not reply to all of them.
I have been set free from "house arrest" and have the doctor's release to drive again. I guess they didn't want me on the road not knowing what lane I was driving in or where I was going! I had to cancel several appointments and travel plans, but I am doing fine. Praise the Lord!
The doctors did diagnose the problem as a "TIA", which is commonly called a minor stroke. That means that the blood (and, therefore, the oxygen loss) flow was only temporarily restricted, so the effect is not serious. The doctors ran numerous tests and took lots (and I do mean lots) of blood to see if they could determine if I had a heart attack or where the restriction or blockage came from. I began to wonder if I would have any blood left in me! But, "thanks be to God", there is no indication of any restriction or blockage anywhere. So, I am very grateful for that. But, this kind of stroke is a warning that something went wrong, so I am disciplining myself by reducing the sodium, sugar and fat in my diet, as well as, exercising more. I will need to monitor my cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as, my blood pressure. So, it was a wake up call, to say the least!
I returned to the office on Tuesday and obviously have been trying to dig my way out of the "stuff." But, I am delighted to back in the flow. It has been an extremely busy week but enjoyable. Somethings may have gotten overlooked, so I forgot to do something or follow up on something please remind me. I have had a little memory loss. It's like I know it is there, but I can't seem to pull it out of my brain. Fortunately, it seems to be only very minor things. I can't afford to forget any more than I already do!
As I learn how to take the "easy yoke" of the Lord, He is teaching me every day about His grace and peace. The Lord had prompted my heart with a promise from Isaiah 26:3-4 before all this happened, so I have been in "perfect peace" (shalom, shalom) as my "mind is steadfast because I (he) trust in you (the Lord)." I am sure I will be sharing more of what the Lord has been impressing on my in the days ahead.
Lynn and I both want to express our heart felt appreciation for all your encouragement and prayers. We cherish your friendship and prayers.
Grace and peace,
Dayton Birt
First of all, let me say, "thank you," for all the prayers, encouraging cards, calls and emails I received. They were an great encouraged. I received so many that I could not reply to all of them.
I have been set free from "house arrest" and have the doctor's release to drive again. I guess they didn't want me on the road not knowing what lane I was driving in or where I was going! I had to cancel several appointments and travel plans, but I am doing fine. Praise the Lord!
The doctors did diagnose the problem as a "TIA", which is commonly called a minor stroke. That means that the blood (and, therefore, the oxygen loss) flow was only temporarily restricted, so the effect is not serious. The doctors ran numerous tests and took lots (and I do mean lots) of blood to see if they could determine if I had a heart attack or where the restriction or blockage came from. I began to wonder if I would have any blood left in me! But, "thanks be to God", there is no indication of any restriction or blockage anywhere. So, I am very grateful for that. But, this kind of stroke is a warning that something went wrong, so I am disciplining myself by reducing the sodium, sugar and fat in my diet, as well as, exercising more. I will need to monitor my cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as, my blood pressure. So, it was a wake up call, to say the least!
I returned to the office on Tuesday and obviously have been trying to dig my way out of the "stuff." But, I am delighted to back in the flow. It has been an extremely busy week but enjoyable. Somethings may have gotten overlooked, so I forgot to do something or follow up on something please remind me. I have had a little memory loss. It's like I know it is there, but I can't seem to pull it out of my brain. Fortunately, it seems to be only very minor things. I can't afford to forget any more than I already do!
As I learn how to take the "easy yoke" of the Lord, He is teaching me every day about His grace and peace. The Lord had prompted my heart with a promise from Isaiah 26:3-4 before all this happened, so I have been in "perfect peace" (shalom, shalom) as my "mind is steadfast because I (he) trust in you (the Lord)." I am sure I will be sharing more of what the Lord has been impressing on my in the days ahead.
Lynn and I both want to express our heart felt appreciation for all your encouragement and prayers. We cherish your friendship and prayers.
Grace and peace,
Dayton Birt
Friday, November 28, 2008
Bishop's Health
Bishop Health
As many of you have heard, I had a episode this past Friday that required me to be hospitalized. What happened is, I apparently had a mini stroke and experienced some disorientation, double vision, and was not aware of how I drove myself to Hopewell.
I left the house about 8am, to travel to Tidewater for a meeting with some pastors. While coming up to a red light, with cars stopped, I lost my concentration and bumped into the car in front of me. Thank the Lord, there was no damage. After getting out and exchanging phone numbers, I went back to the car and just sat there. Finally, the cars behind me honked the horn, so I continued driving down Rt 10 East. I should have gotten on I-95 South but I passed it and then I began having double vision. The cars looked like they were going through the trees and grass in the median to my left, so I tried to follow them. When I began to run of the road, I realized I was making a mistake, so I tried to move over to the right lane, but the cars honked their horn and so I stayed in the far left lane. That is basically the last thing I can remember until I arrived in Hopewell, about 6 miles down the road. In Hopewell, I remember thinking, "If I can just get to the RM Furniture Store maybe someone can help me." I don't know how I got there, but I found myself on the wrong side of the street, stopped, confused and disoriented. I called my wife and said "Something is wrong with me. I am in Hopewell and don't know how I got here." She works for Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, so she put someone else on the phone and they walked me through some instructions and then called the ambulance. The next thing I remember is, I am in the Hopewell Emergency Room. Wow! What an experience!
As I look back on the experience, I believe the Lord was with me keeping me from getting on I-95 or I-295. I would have been driving at a much faster speed and with the disorientation and double vision I experienced, it could have been fatal. I am so grateful for the Lord's protection and supernatural provision.
The doctors have run every conceivable test and have not been able to find out what caused, what they believe was a mini stroke. The doctors released me from the hospital on Sunday, but do not want me to drive until they feel certain I am not a risk for a repeat episode. I hope to be back in the office on Tuesday, Dec 2nd. I will be checking my email from home if you need to get in touch with me.
Obviously, an experience like this shakes you at the core of your being. It makes you reevaluate your priorities and your personal responsibility to care for your own body and mind. Because the doctors believe it was a mini stroke they have focused on my circulatory and neurological system. They have found that my blood pressure was high and that my cholesterol levels were not within a safe range. So, I am having to do some soul searching to decide how I am going to be a good steward of the body the Lord gave me. I am the one responsible for my own health, diet, exercise and a slower pace of life.
I am sharing the details of my experience because I believe as a leader we should model honesty and openness. It may also be a reminder for others to take care of themselves better. We only have one body and when that is gone our work on earth is done. So may we all be reminded, that a lot of people are depending on us - family, friends, co workers, etc. Let's not disappoint them.
Thank you for your prayers. I will keep in touch as things progress.
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
As many of you have heard, I had a episode this past Friday that required me to be hospitalized. What happened is, I apparently had a mini stroke and experienced some disorientation, double vision, and was not aware of how I drove myself to Hopewell.
I left the house about 8am, to travel to Tidewater for a meeting with some pastors. While coming up to a red light, with cars stopped, I lost my concentration and bumped into the car in front of me. Thank the Lord, there was no damage. After getting out and exchanging phone numbers, I went back to the car and just sat there. Finally, the cars behind me honked the horn, so I continued driving down Rt 10 East. I should have gotten on I-95 South but I passed it and then I began having double vision. The cars looked like they were going through the trees and grass in the median to my left, so I tried to follow them. When I began to run of the road, I realized I was making a mistake, so I tried to move over to the right lane, but the cars honked their horn and so I stayed in the far left lane. That is basically the last thing I can remember until I arrived in Hopewell, about 6 miles down the road. In Hopewell, I remember thinking, "If I can just get to the RM Furniture Store maybe someone can help me." I don't know how I got there, but I found myself on the wrong side of the street, stopped, confused and disoriented. I called my wife and said "Something is wrong with me. I am in Hopewell and don't know how I got here." She works for Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, so she put someone else on the phone and they walked me through some instructions and then called the ambulance. The next thing I remember is, I am in the Hopewell Emergency Room. Wow! What an experience!
As I look back on the experience, I believe the Lord was with me keeping me from getting on I-95 or I-295. I would have been driving at a much faster speed and with the disorientation and double vision I experienced, it could have been fatal. I am so grateful for the Lord's protection and supernatural provision.
The doctors have run every conceivable test and have not been able to find out what caused, what they believe was a mini stroke. The doctors released me from the hospital on Sunday, but do not want me to drive until they feel certain I am not a risk for a repeat episode. I hope to be back in the office on Tuesday, Dec 2nd. I will be checking my email from home if you need to get in touch with me.
Obviously, an experience like this shakes you at the core of your being. It makes you reevaluate your priorities and your personal responsibility to care for your own body and mind. Because the doctors believe it was a mini stroke they have focused on my circulatory and neurological system. They have found that my blood pressure was high and that my cholesterol levels were not within a safe range. So, I am having to do some soul searching to decide how I am going to be a good steward of the body the Lord gave me. I am the one responsible for my own health, diet, exercise and a slower pace of life.
I am sharing the details of my experience because I believe as a leader we should model honesty and openness. It may also be a reminder for others to take care of themselves better. We only have one body and when that is gone our work on earth is done. So may we all be reminded, that a lot of people are depending on us - family, friends, co workers, etc. Let's not disappoint them.
Thank you for your prayers. I will keep in touch as things progress.
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
9/2/08 True Diligence (Part 3)
continued from 8/15/08
2. You will be in control of the situation, rather than have the situation control you.
Solomon says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack will be put to forced labor”(Proverbs
3. You will experience true fulfillment.
It seems that a vast majority of people are in a perpetual state of hunger. Not for food, at least, not in
Redemption Ministries
Friday, August 15, 2008
8/15/08 True Diligence (Part 2)
There are a number of rewards for those who are truly diligent:
1. You will gain sure advantage - “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage” (Proverbs 21:5 NASB).
Think about it, would you rather pursue a project having a strong and unshakable advantage or having a handicap? Solomon assures us that those that are truly diligent (“steadily diligent” AMP) will gain an insurmountable advantage over those who are not. Whether we’re competing against companies, individuals, circumstances or even simply time, diligence will give us a unique advantage (“tend only to plenteousness” AMP). This will result in greater productivity, achievement, wealth and fulfillment.
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
8/15/08 - The Power of Effecitve Commuication
Friends of Redemption Ministries,
The older I get and the longer I am in ministry (wow, I never thought I would say that!), the more convinced I am, that communication with one another is one of the greatest challenges facing those in the ministry today. Proverbs 16:23 says, "The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds persuasiveness to his lips." Dr Gary Smalley has said that ineffective communication is the number-one problem in relationships.
The recent edition of the Issachar File, which comes from the office of Bishop, James Leggett, reviewed a book that offered "10 Communication Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know." I have include the book brief below. It has some very interesting insights. If you find that the culture in your congregation is not healthy consider Booher's opinion that, "Leaders lead; they take responsibility for the communication culture. Managers maintain; they go with the status quo"
As leaders, we have a responsibility to create a culture of "relational integrity", a term I picked up from Pastor Craig Walker, the new pastor of Living Word Church.
So remember. what you say, and how you say it, can have a life-changing impact on others.
Again, Proverbs speaks so powerfully to that point. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (15:4). The Hebrew word for "wholesome" literally translates to "healing" or "curative". So, a "healing tongue" is like a tree of life! And trees of course, are not only alive, but they provide life to others. Their leaves provide us with oxygen to breath, their fruit provides us with food to eat, and their roots provide stability to our soil. The same could be said of a person who communicates with healing words. His encouraging communication improves not only his life but the lives of those around him.
However, the opposite is also true. Proverbs 15:4 continues, "perverseness therein is a breach of spirit." Perverseness literally means distortion or viciousness. When we communicate in a away that is dishonest or verbally vicious, we run the risk of breaking a person's spirit. When a person's spirit is broken by another, not only does the relationship suffer, but the person can be emotionally scarred forever.
So pastor/ shepherd, servant of Christ, choose your words, and how you frame them, wisely!
Grace and peace.
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
The older I get and the longer I am in ministry (wow, I never thought I would say that!), the more convinced I am, that communication with one another is one of the greatest challenges facing those in the ministry today. Proverbs 16:23 says, "The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds persuasiveness to his lips." Dr Gary Smalley has said that ineffective communication is the number-one problem in relationships.
The recent edition of the Issachar File, which comes from the office of Bishop, James Leggett, reviewed a book that offered "10 Communication Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know." I have include the book brief below. It has some very interesting insights. If you find that the culture in your congregation is not healthy consider Booher's opinion that, "Leaders lead; they take responsibility for the communication culture. Managers maintain; they go with the status quo"
As leaders, we have a responsibility to create a culture of "relational integrity", a term I picked up from Pastor Craig Walker, the new pastor of Living Word Church.
So remember. what you say, and how you say it, can have a life-changing impact on others.
Again, Proverbs speaks so powerfully to that point. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (15:4). The Hebrew word for "wholesome" literally translates to "healing" or "curative". So, a "healing tongue" is like a tree of life! And trees of course, are not only alive, but they provide life to others. Their leaves provide us with oxygen to breath, their fruit provides us with food to eat, and their roots provide stability to our soil. The same could be said of a person who communicates with healing words. His encouraging communication improves not only his life but the lives of those around him.
However, the opposite is also true. Proverbs 15:4 continues, "perverseness therein is a breach of spirit." Perverseness literally means distortion or viciousness. When we communicate in a away that is dishonest or verbally vicious, we run the risk of breaking a person's spirit. When a person's spirit is broken by another, not only does the relationship suffer, but the person can be emotionally scarred forever.
So pastor/ shepherd, servant of Christ, choose your words, and how you frame them, wisely!
Grace and peace.
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
8/5/08 - True Diligence (Part 1)
Friends of Redemption Ministries,
I believe there is an accelerated advancement coming soon to Redemption Ministries. The relationships we have with one another has the potential to unify our hearts, strengthen our commitment to each other, and encourage each other to pursue our purpose with passion and diligence.
I believe “diligence”, may very well be be the key to achieving your purpose. Proverbs 22:29 says “Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings” .
True diligence involves much more than “persistent and hard-working effort in doing something”. But according to the wisdom of Solomon, we must add at least two qualities to the typical idea of diligence. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right” (NASB). The key words here are “pure” and “right”. Solomon uses the word “pure” not just in the sense of a moral or ethical value, but rather about work in its purest form. This word is more akin to a mining term than an ethical term. The idea there is that when one is digging for gold, he must find a rock, melt all the impurities and what is left behind is “pure gold”. This is the “pure” side of diligence. Its investing your day, hours, and minutes in whatever is your “work” to bring a return on your time and effort.
The other side of diligence is the “right” side. It’s about doing it “right” - expeditiously, efficiently, and effectively. In other words, doing it to the highest standards possible, regardless of what is demanded or expected. This would mean bringing creativity, persistence, and others into the effort to achieve an extraordinary outcome. Diligence is a learnable skill that combines creative persistence, a smart-working effort rightly planned and rightly performed in a timely, efficient, and affective manner to attain a result that is pure and of the highest quality of excellence.
Wow! That sounds a bit much. But, remember, “Even a child…” So, why did I go into all this after mentioning the importance of a relationship within Redemption Ministries? Because it is human nature to follow the path of least resistance. We need to be motivated to choose diligence over our natural inclinations to “go with the flow”. Our relationships with the family of Redemption Ministries and beyond have great power to propel us toward our potential. So find someone to pull you up and motivate you to be diligent.
My prayer is that each church, pastor & minister will pursue their full kingdom potential with diligence, passion and integrity. May the honor of our efforts please him in everything we do. Please check back weekly for my continued teaching of the rewards of becoming truly diligent.
Until He comes again, I remain
Hooked for the Cause,
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
I believe there is an accelerated advancement coming soon to Redemption Ministries. The relationships we have with one another has the potential to unify our hearts, strengthen our commitment to each other, and encourage each other to pursue our purpose with passion and diligence.
I believe “diligence”, may very well be be the key to achieving your purpose. Proverbs 22:29 says “Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings” .
True diligence involves much more than “persistent and hard-working effort in doing something”. But according to the wisdom of Solomon, we must add at least two qualities to the typical idea of diligence. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right” (NASB). The key words here are “pure” and “right”. Solomon uses the word “pure” not just in the sense of a moral or ethical value, but rather about work in its purest form. This word is more akin to a mining term than an ethical term. The idea there is that when one is digging for gold, he must find a rock, melt all the impurities and what is left behind is “pure gold”. This is the “pure” side of diligence. Its investing your day, hours, and minutes in whatever is your “work” to bring a return on your time and effort.
The other side of diligence is the “right” side. It’s about doing it “right” - expeditiously, efficiently, and effectively. In other words, doing it to the highest standards possible, regardless of what is demanded or expected. This would mean bringing creativity, persistence, and others into the effort to achieve an extraordinary outcome. Diligence is a learnable skill that combines creative persistence, a smart-working effort rightly planned and rightly performed in a timely, efficient, and affective manner to attain a result that is pure and of the highest quality of excellence.
Wow! That sounds a bit much. But, remember, “Even a child…” So, why did I go into all this after mentioning the importance of a relationship within Redemption Ministries? Because it is human nature to follow the path of least resistance. We need to be motivated to choose diligence over our natural inclinations to “go with the flow”. Our relationships with the family of Redemption Ministries and beyond have great power to propel us toward our potential. So find someone to pull you up and motivate you to be diligent.
My prayer is that each church, pastor & minister will pursue their full kingdom potential with diligence, passion and integrity. May the honor of our efforts please him in everything we do. Please check back weekly for my continued teaching of the rewards of becoming truly diligent.
Until He comes again, I remain
Hooked for the Cause,
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
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