When the velocity of cash flow is like a gluttonous bubble, the phrase “market share” is overused without understanding. During recessions the phrase is not used as much. Regardless of good economic times, or bad, the phrase has less relevance to a solid enterprise than sales people think.
A well thought out enterprise defines market by initially answering the question, “Who are the buyers?” The most faithful buyers are buyers who recognize they cannot do without and want what the enterprise is selling. The buyers’ perceived value of what the enterprise sells is greater than the price so the buyers buy.
There is something to sell today, but most importantly tomorrow and days, weeks, months, years, or decades after tomorrow, on which buyers will spend more compared to their spending in the past. A solid enterprise, after identifying buyers, answers “What do the buyers want to buy?”
After the enterprise identifies buyers and identifies what the buyers want to buy then, and only then, should the enterprise figure out how to supply the buyers with what they want. The enterprise must communicate to the buyers that the enterprise has what the buyers want. The bottom line is the enterprise must figure out who to sell to, what to sell, and how to sell it – and in this order.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
IS JESUS ENOUGH?
I trust most everyone knows the best answer in Sunday school class is Jesus. He is also the answer to who we are to serve as our king. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33.
Have you noticed that the majority of discussion about Matthew 6:33 revolves around the things added to us humans. Most people hope in the tangible: things they can see, touch, and keep for themselves. “[B]lessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29b. Belief is hoping in the intangible and something you do not control.
The world today knows nothing about serving a king and seeking someone else’s kingdom. In the name of democracy, to free humans from serving anyone above themselves, people kill each other all of the time. The United States of America was founded on rebellion from a king. Of course when people kill and rebel they believe they are doing so for the right reason: to overcome tyranny.
Left to ourselves we humans do not know how to conquer the tyranny of sin. Jesus gives us the only way. He makes “the way” easy for us: trust Him and serve Him as king. The bottom line is we do not know how to serve a king and we do not know how to look out for the best interests of our King’s kingdom.
One of the great attributes of our God’s character is He helps us with the gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit despite ourselves. Our King Jesus teaches us to trust in our Heavenly Father who looks out for our best interests. "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17. Our Father knows it is in our best interests to trust Jesus and to add to His kingdom. When we do not know how to serve our King, Jesus continues to give us Himself. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:19.
Is King Jesus enough for you?
Have you noticed that the majority of discussion about Matthew 6:33 revolves around the things added to us humans. Most people hope in the tangible: things they can see, touch, and keep for themselves. “[B]lessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29b. Belief is hoping in the intangible and something you do not control.
The world today knows nothing about serving a king and seeking someone else’s kingdom. In the name of democracy, to free humans from serving anyone above themselves, people kill each other all of the time. The United States of America was founded on rebellion from a king. Of course when people kill and rebel they believe they are doing so for the right reason: to overcome tyranny.
Left to ourselves we humans do not know how to conquer the tyranny of sin. Jesus gives us the only way. He makes “the way” easy for us: trust Him and serve Him as king. The bottom line is we do not know how to serve a king and we do not know how to look out for the best interests of our King’s kingdom.
One of the great attributes of our God’s character is He helps us with the gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit despite ourselves. Our King Jesus teaches us to trust in our Heavenly Father who looks out for our best interests. "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17. Our Father knows it is in our best interests to trust Jesus and to add to His kingdom. When we do not know how to serve our King, Jesus continues to give us Himself. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:19.
Is King Jesus enough for you?
Friday, May 14, 2010
MISSING OUT
When you are getting around in the morning, do you feel like you are missing out if you do not say good morning to Jesus and thank God? Do you miss out when you do not read His Word?
My daughter, when she was a baby, would struggle going to sleep. Her struggle was the greatest in her grandparents’ house at night. She did not want to miss anything. I believe this is why she stays up until three in the morning now that she is in college.
Would a warrior feel he is missing out on something if he did not have armor and weapons? “[P]ut on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” Ephesians 6:13a. What makes us Christians march onward into the battle of the day without looking upwards in the morning? “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” I Thessalonians 5:8.
I pray I long for God’s Word forever. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deutoronomy 6:6-9. I trust the Holy Spirit will encourage me to feel like I am missing something when I do not spend time with my heavenly Father.
My daughter, when she was a baby, would struggle going to sleep. Her struggle was the greatest in her grandparents’ house at night. She did not want to miss anything. I believe this is why she stays up until three in the morning now that she is in college.
Would a warrior feel he is missing out on something if he did not have armor and weapons? “[P]ut on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” Ephesians 6:13a. What makes us Christians march onward into the battle of the day without looking upwards in the morning? “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” I Thessalonians 5:8.
I pray I long for God’s Word forever. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deutoronomy 6:6-9. I trust the Holy Spirit will encourage me to feel like I am missing something when I do not spend time with my heavenly Father.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
ENTHUSED IN JESUS
My experience with enthusiasm, as played out in my life, is that something new excites me then I eagerly am interested in the new thing. For example, when I first became interested in the precious metals gold and silver as speculation, I studied books, talked to experts and others, read blog entries, attended auctions, looked at websites, searched garage sales and flea markets, traveled to coin shops, and learned how to learn about gold and silver. I got excited.
However the luster wore off. My pursuit of making the right moves at the right time became work. With work there is toil and a choking out of the fun. I question whether I am chasing worthless idols. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Jonah 2:8.
God uses in His Word an analogy to get readers enthused about chasing Jesus. “[I]f you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5. God is calling us to get excited about Him.
The origin of the word enthused literally means in God. The Holy Spirit arouses enthusiasm about Jesus in us. We must respond with dedication to Jesus and with thanksgiving. We then will serve others and witness Jesus for adding to His Kingdom. “[T]hey gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” II Corinthians 8:5b. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15a-b. Enthusiasm in Jesus is real simple: love God, love others, go.
However the luster wore off. My pursuit of making the right moves at the right time became work. With work there is toil and a choking out of the fun. I question whether I am chasing worthless idols. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Jonah 2:8.
God uses in His Word an analogy to get readers enthused about chasing Jesus. “[I]f you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5. God is calling us to get excited about Him.
The origin of the word enthused literally means in God. The Holy Spirit arouses enthusiasm about Jesus in us. We must respond with dedication to Jesus and with thanksgiving. We then will serve others and witness Jesus for adding to His Kingdom. “[T]hey gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” II Corinthians 8:5b. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15a-b. Enthusiasm in Jesus is real simple: love God, love others, go.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
GOD, OTHERS, GO
I want to love Jesus better. I want to stretch towards Him, as He is my King. I want to attend to His Words as I search for silver. “[Y]ou look for it as for silver” Proverbs 2:4a
Jesus wants all to come to Him and know Him. I do not want to get in the way and block another’s gaze towards Jesus.
I confess I draw attention to myself. When I try to get noticed, I sin. While someone observes me I am like a paid servant to pride. I thank you Jesus for forgiving me over 2000 years ago.
Holy Spirit I ask You grow my devotion to the Father through Christ Jesus. Keep me away from opening my mouth to reveal the evil in my heart to others. “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:4.
Help me add to Jesus’ kingdom with thanksgiving. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” II Corinthians 2:14. Help me pray for enemies. “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” II Timothy 2:25-26.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
MOTIVATION
How concerned is our society about motive? How often do we hear in police shows about a criminal's motive?
We are motivated to do something either because of need or due to passion. Do we first learn motivation by need rather than passion?
Those of us who are parents could do everything for our children even after they become adults. We could consume ourselves to meet their every need until the day we die. How then would our adult children ever become motivated to do something for themselves? Every person must face their own needs to become motivated to help themselves.
We learn motivation from our own need unless stopped from doing so by parents or government. Once we embrace our very own motive to do something, we can begin a search for our passion. On this journey we can eliminate the things we are not passionate about. When we focus on our passion, we become motivated not due to need but because of the strong emotion attached to our passion. A person motivated to do something out of passion cannot be stopped and is contagious.
"I can do everything through [Jesus] who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
We are motivated to do something either because of need or due to passion. Do we first learn motivation by need rather than passion?
Those of us who are parents could do everything for our children even after they become adults. We could consume ourselves to meet their every need until the day we die. How then would our adult children ever become motivated to do something for themselves? Every person must face their own needs to become motivated to help themselves.
We learn motivation from our own need unless stopped from doing so by parents or government. Once we embrace our very own motive to do something, we can begin a search for our passion. On this journey we can eliminate the things we are not passionate about. When we focus on our passion, we become motivated not due to need but because of the strong emotion attached to our passion. A person motivated to do something out of passion cannot be stopped and is contagious.
"I can do everything through [Jesus] who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Friday, April 23, 2010
MOVE ONWARD FROM YOUR SUFFERINGS
"We are dumb sheep after all. Without suffering, we go astray. Through God's Word we can obey our Father in Heaven: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." Psalms 119:67
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hears by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:2b-5. Have you come to the point of hope in your sufferings? Focus on Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word.
"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalms 119:71. Have you come to the point of believing your suffering was good? Do your sufferings turn you to Jesus and His Word?
We are motivated in two ways, passion and need. Because we are sinners we have no passion for moving towards righteousness. Fortunately Jesus come to us.
Suffering to the point of need finally motivates us. The Holy Spirit was given to us so we would move towards Jesus in our need.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hears by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:2b-5. Have you come to the point of hope in your sufferings? Focus on Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word.
"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalms 119:71. Have you come to the point of believing your suffering was good? Do your sufferings turn you to Jesus and His Word?
We are motivated in two ways, passion and need. Because we are sinners we have no passion for moving towards righteousness. Fortunately Jesus come to us.
Suffering to the point of need finally motivates us. The Holy Spirit was given to us so we would move towards Jesus in our need.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
THANK THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR BELIEF IN JESUS
How do humans believe? What is the definition of the term “belief”? Is believing in something or someone more of a mystery compared to a behavior? When does the Bible talk about beliefs?
After the transfiguration of Jesus, Mark records the following:
When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9: 14-24.
Does believing include the admission of unbelief? Do humans by themselves not have the strength to believe?
The man needing help from Jesus for his boy talked to Jesus. When humans now talk to Jesus most call such talking prayer.
[T]he Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26. How often do humans rely on the Holy Spirit when talking to Jesus?
Jesus is always the answer. He told His disciples after He cleared the temple "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24. Past tense relying on God in the present is belief. The most clear past tense communication for the glory of His Kingdom is thankfulness.
After the transfiguration of Jesus, Mark records the following:
When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9: 14-24.
Does believing include the admission of unbelief? Do humans by themselves not have the strength to believe?
The man needing help from Jesus for his boy talked to Jesus. When humans now talk to Jesus most call such talking prayer.
[T]he Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26. How often do humans rely on the Holy Spirit when talking to Jesus?
Jesus is always the answer. He told His disciples after He cleared the temple "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24. Past tense relying on God in the present is belief. The most clear past tense communication for the glory of His Kingdom is thankfulness.
Monday, March 29, 2010
DO WE KNOW HOW TO SERVE THE KING?
Most Christian congregations following a “church calendar” like celebrating the Easter festival, conducted services this past weekend about Palm Sunday. Publishers of Bibles using subtitles refer to this day occurring a week before Jesus’ crucifixion as The Triumphal Entry.
Luke’s account is the single Gospel continuing:
41. As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42. and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (emphasis added).
I hope to recognize God’s coming to me every moment the Holy Spirit is directing me. Do we as siblings in Christ recognize God’s direction? What are the consequences if we are not individually and corporately focusing on God’s will? How satisfied are we with what Jesus said the day after His entry into Jerusalem:
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (emphasis added).
Mark 11:24
All but Luke’s Gospel quotes exactly from Psalm 118:26 which is what the people shouted when Jesus entered Jerusalem:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
Historians guess this Psalm was recorded around when the Isrealites were exiled but had written permission to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. What exactly I am building here on earth and what is my purpose? How do I go about learning to serve a King? What is it that I want from Jesus?
A phrase from the mission statement of Youth for Christ is “to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus.” Paragraph five of Youth for Christ’s statement of faith says:
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
Let us continually recognize the Holy Spirit will teach us to better make Jesus our King as we serve together in His Kingdom.
Luke’s account is the single Gospel continuing:
41. As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42. and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (emphasis added).
I hope to recognize God’s coming to me every moment the Holy Spirit is directing me. Do we as siblings in Christ recognize God’s direction? What are the consequences if we are not individually and corporately focusing on God’s will? How satisfied are we with what Jesus said the day after His entry into Jerusalem:
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (emphasis added).
Mark 11:24
All but Luke’s Gospel quotes exactly from Psalm 118:26 which is what the people shouted when Jesus entered Jerusalem:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
Historians guess this Psalm was recorded around when the Isrealites were exiled but had written permission to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. What exactly I am building here on earth and what is my purpose? How do I go about learning to serve a King? What is it that I want from Jesus?
A phrase from the mission statement of Youth for Christ is “to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus.” Paragraph five of Youth for Christ’s statement of faith says:
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
Let us continually recognize the Holy Spirit will teach us to better make Jesus our King as we serve together in His Kingdom.
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