The Productive Christian

Mastering Your Self-Esteem

2008-08-17T11:56:00.003-07:00

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What does God have to say about self-esteem? Well, actually nothing. But he does have quite a bit to say about how He created you and just how valuable you are. Let's take a look at how what God says about you can help deal with low self-esteem issues

How to Master Your Tongue

2008-08-17T11:56:00.001-07:00

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You might be surprised to learn just how much the Bible has to say about the tongue, speaking, speach, words and our mouth. This message will help you become more aware of just how powerful your tongue is and provide you with several ways to control it.

How to Master Your Sexual and Sensual Desires

2008-08-17T11:55:00.001-07:00

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All of us have them, so how do we gain control over them so that we enjoy them as God wants us? How do we live satisfying lives without having our desires destroy us and those around us?

How to Master Your Attitude

2008-08-17T11:54:00.003-07:00

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Have you ever said, "That person has a bad attitude!" Or "Let's try to have a positive attitude about this." Well, what do we mean when we use the word attitude? What does our attitude have to do with our success and productivity in life? What kind of attitude does God want us to have? What kind of attitude did Jesus have? We'll answer all of these questions in this message.

Mastering Your Time

2008-08-17T11:54:00.001-07:00

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Where you are right now is a direct result of what you have done and thought in the past. Therefore, where you end up in the future will be a direct result of what you think and do now, in the present. We cannot control time, but we can control what we do and think. Therefore, we can control to a great degree the quality of our live and most importantly, how much we take advantage of the opportunities give us.

When Things Go Wrong - Do This. . .

2008-08-17T11:51:00.001-07:00

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As sure as you're watching or listening to this, things are going to go wrong at some point during your life. Probably during the next week or so. So the question is not whether things will go wrong, but how will you handle them? How will you respond? Will you come through that experience better or worse off? This message will help you gain a brand new perspective on what to do when things do go wrong.

In Your Presence

2008-06-01T18:45:00.001-07:00

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Written, directed and performed by Luc Victor & the Friday Night Group

The Art of Living the Christian Life

2008-05-04T15:10:00.001-07:00

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Did you know that it is impossible for us to live the Christian life on our own? In this message Michael discussess the A.R.T. of living the Christian life.

Why Worry When You Can Pray Pt 2

2008-04-26T19:54:00.001-07:00

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In this message Michael discusses 8 smart reasons to pray instead of worry.

Why Worry When You Can Pray Pt. 1

2008-04-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

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Worry is a part of life. In Matthew 6:25 Jesus acknowledges this. However, He also acknowledges that worry cannot change anything. So why do we worry so much? How does this worry affect us? What does worrying say about our relationship with God? In this two part series Michael will address these issues and more.

A Taste of Our Caribbean Worship II

2008-04-13T10:39:00.001-07:00

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CLAP You Can Perform Any Task

2008-04-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

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One of the wonderful things about scripture is that you can find principles, patterns and applicable truths for daily living. In this message, we'll explore what I'm calling God's Project Management System. If you ever find yourself leading a team or serving on a team, this message is for you.

A Taste of Our Caribbean Worship III

2008-04-13T09:26:00.001-07:00

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CLAP You Can Do It - And Here'ss Why

2008-04-05T07:36:00.001-07:00

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As we'll see in this story of Moses and the Israelites, God gave him a goal or mission to accomplish, accompanied him throughout the entire venture. Gave him access to both supernatural and natural resources and provided him assistance as he needed it. Listen and see if you can discover how this story might apply to your life and you reflect on what God is calling you to do.

You Are A Genius

2008-04-05T05:47:00.001-07:00

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Whatever God is calling you to do will almost always require that you learn something new and different. However, many people have had negative experiences with learning, so they shy away from the challenge. This message will help you understand that you can learn anything you need to learn to accomplish whatever God is calling you to do. You'll learn how to step on the G.A.S. to accelerate your learning experiences and get you on the way to accomplishing God's call on your life, no matter what field or area that may be.

CLAP - Creating Your Masterpiece

2008-03-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

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Inside of each one of us is a masterpiece of some sort waiting to get out. It may be a new procedure, recipe, building design, cure for a disease, technological invention, painting, song or even something we haven't thought of. Whatever it may be, the question to ask yourself is, if God is asking you to create or design it, will you say yes? This session shares 6 qualities you'll find on God's creative team.

C.L.A.P. - You're On A Mission from God - Michael Williams

2008-03-11T10:31:00.001-07:00

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Before a military unit is sent out, they are given a mission. It is then up to the lower level commanders to plan around that mission so that they accomplish it in the most efficient way. God has given each of us a mission in life. Along with this mission God has provided us with the resources and opportunities we will need to accomplish it. Understanding what your mission is will not only help you be a better steward or manager of God's resources, but it will also make life more exciting, fulfilling and satisfying. Watch as Michael shares how this works.

C.L.A.P. Think this Way - by Michael Williams

2008-03-11T10:28:00.001-07:00

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This new series, entitled, "C.L.A.P. You Have No Limits" will further explore how to remove self-limiting attitudes and beliefs so that God can use us more effectively. In this message, "Think This Way!" we look at Philippians 4 and what that tells about how to think.

Keep in mind that the content and quality of our thoughts determine, influence and affect every other area of our life including how much or little God is able to do through us. This message encourages us to have an "I can" attitude about everything and anything God may be calling us to do.

By the way, do you recall from the previous message what C.L.A.P. stands for?

God's View of You - You Are Forgiven

2008-03-01T10:40:00.003-08:00

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Have you or someone you've known ever felt guilty for no reason? Growing up in certain kinds of homes or attending churches where the predominant message is "don't do this and you should't do that. . ." can add to unsubstantiated feelings of guilt. This message will show you how to deal with this type of guilt as well as guilt as a result of actual wrong doing.

God's View of You - You Are Loved

2008-03-01T10:40:00.001-08:00

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Life experience as well as endless studies tell us that low self-esteem, self-confidence and a poor self-image are related to many of the bad decisions people make in life. Those factors are also found at the core of why people get into bad relationships, participate in self-destructive behaviors, get pregnant, commit crimes and generally achieve far less in life than God has planned for them.

If this is true, then why doesn't the Bible say anything about increasing our self-esteem, self-confidence and improving our self-image? Well, the Bible does address those issues, but not in the way we would expect.

God's View of You - You Belong

2008-03-01T10:39:00.001-08:00

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A very common and basic human need is the need to belong. This need often motivates us to change how we act, how we think and sometimes our entire value system just so that we can belong to a certain group or with a certain person.

4 Reasons Some Disobey God & 4 Strategies for Obedience

2008-03-01T10:38:00.003-08:00

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Michael shares 4 Common Reasons people disobey God and 4 Strategies we can use to counteract them.

7 Big Benefits of Obedience - Michael Williams

2008-03-01T10:38:00.001-08:00

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Most people would agree that we tend to be more motivated to do those things which provide us with more or greater benefits. Well, this message helps us understand clearly 7 Big Benefits for Obeying God.

God's View of You - You Are Capable

2008-03-01T10:37:00.001-08:00

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You are capable of being, having and doing far more than you could ever imagine. But to be the most fulfilled you'll want to find out what you're specifically designed to do. And, this may be many different things.

In this message you'll learn the C.L.A.P. method for thinking about your potential from God's perspective. You'll also learn 3 very specific reasons why many people do not do even a fraction of what they're capable of doing.

God's View of You - Pt. 1. You Are Loved

2008-02-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

If this is true, then why doesn't the Bible say anything about increasing our self-esteem, self-confidence and improving our self-image? Well, the Bible does address those issues, but not in the way we would expect.

We're beginning a series entitled, "God's View of You" and in this first part we discuss how the God approaches the issues addressed above.

Watch the complete message here

or Watch the first 10 minutes.

The Maximum. . .

2008-01-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!

We recently had our first Friday Night of Praise and Worship service at Maximo Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, FL. As I was preparing for the message last week, I was struck by a few key verses in John 15 that tells us exactly how to increase or maximize our value contribution to our society.

Here's the text: 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains¹⁵ in me – and I in him – bears¹⁶ much fruit,¹⁷ because apart from me you can accomplish¹⁸ nothing. 15:6 If anyone does not remain¹⁹ in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire,²⁰ and are burned up.²¹ 15:7 If you remain²² in me and my words remain²³ in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.²⁴ 15:8 My Father is honored²⁵ by this, that²⁶ you bear²⁷ much fruit and show that you are²⁸ my disciples.

By remaining in Christ, which means obeying Christ, our thoughts, attitudes, desires, habits and more are transformed. So, when we make a request of God, the very content of that request is such that it is more likely to be aligned with what Jesus would have requested if He were in our situation.

If the request or the answer to it will in some way glorify God, then God will answer it. Keep in mind that we may see His answer later than when we expect, meaning there is a delay.

So let's summarize, when we live a life where we are bent toward being obedient to Christ, we can have the confidence to ask for what we want because what we want will usually be what God wants for us. We can also have the confidence to know that God will grant us our request because He wants us to be fruitful or productive. What service or products we produce as a result of this granted prayer will glorify Him because they have come through you, but from the source (vine) which is Christ. Does this all make sense?

I'm still mining the depths of these passages as I learn something new and different each time I study it. I look forward to your thoughts.

I'm attaching a link to our first service (audio) here.

How to Become A More Productive (Fruitful) Christian - The Combination

2008-01-03T09:47:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends, how can we make our lives count for something that lasts beyond us? How can we use all of our human and physical resources to more effectively serve others and fulfill our own lives?

A wise multi-million dollar custom home builder told me recently that he often admires people who make a real difference in people's lives. He went on to say that he realized at some point in his career that if he chose not to accept a job to build a home, someone else would. In other words, there were others out there equally as capable of building homes for wealthy and they would simply find one his competitors if he were not able or willing to accept the job. But, he went on to say, in your field, if you don't help someone, there's a good chance no one else will.

There are some services or ministries, in the business, religious and nonprofit world that only you and I can provide because of our unique mix of experiences, personality characteristics, gifts, talents, education and interests. And, if we don't do it, no one else will or can for that matter.

In John 15 verses 1-17 Jesus shares with his disciples and us the image of a vine and how its branches must remain attached to the vine in order to bear fruit. It is only in this state of being attached or connected to God the Father through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we are able be fruitful or productive. Therefore, we can only be productive in our life when we are being and doing what God has called and equipped each of us to do. Furthermore, we can only do that if and when we are in an intimate relationship with God.

So maximum productivity = intimacy. The more intimate our relationship with God, the more productive we can be. This installment is entitled, "The Combination" because there is a three part combination to developing and maintaining an intimate relationship with God.
I'll be posting a video and/or audio message soon which will deal with this issue in more depth, so check back in next couple of weeks to see it.

The Key to Increased Productivity cont.

2007-12-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

The key to increased productivity for the believer is to maintain a HOT relationship with God through Christ. What does this mean exactly? Maintaining a HOT relationship with God means maintaining the following: 1. Honest - Being honest with God about where we are in life, things we struggle with and areas we need to improve in is the best way to build and maintain an intimate relationship with God. 2. Open - If you really think about it, how can we actually hide something from an omniscient God :-) But, guess what, we do it all the time by ignoring certain issues and/or refusing to think or talk about them with God. 3. Transparent - It is always best in any relationship to be who we really are. Most people can see through facades anyway and even if they can't they often know something is not quite right. Being ourselves with God is a good policy because it helps us be real with ourselves and others.

Listen to this message here. . .

The Key to Increased Productivity

2007-12-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

Key Verses: John 15:3-4 Here Jesus gives us the key to increasing our level of productivity and thereby increasing the quantity and quality of our service to our society. I use these terms because there is both a spiritual and material benefit to increasing our productivity. The spiritual benefits are numerous, but here are a couple: 1. In order to truly produce the kind of "fruit" or outcomes God requests and requires of us, we must be walking in a close, intimate relationship with Him through Christ. So the first benefit is the peace and confidence of having a close relationship with God 2. We are able to see and take advantage of opportunities that only God can open for us. We will be able to walk through doors that we would have otherwise never known were there or been prepared to walk through. One possible and major material benefit is that of greater career satisfication and often increased income. There are many factors that affect our income, but certainly the value the market places on what we do is one them. So if we are producing something or several things of great value to our market, we will be compensated accordingly.

Listen to this message here. . .

How to Be More Productive

2007-12-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

In order to make this your best year yet, you will more than likely need to make a few small improvements in a couple of key areas of your life. What are those areas? How do we identify them? Where do we get the inner strength to make the necessary changes? In this message, we'll begin to answer these questions and more.

Listen to this message here. . .

Let's Make this Year Your Best Year Yet - An Intro

2007-12-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

This year will be your best year yet. How do I know this, you ask? Well, God wants you, and for that matter, all of us to be increasingly more productive in each and every area of our life. We see this in the entire chapter of John 15. Wherever it says bear fruit, it can be translated, produce fruit. Clearly Jesus is instructing His listeners how and why He wants them to be more productive. This message will introduce you to this entire process and prepare you for your best year yet.

Listen to this introduction here. . .

Love

2007-09-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why finding and maintaining happy, satisfying relationships are so difficult? Do you find yourself either being attracted to the same dead-end relationships over and over and over and
over . . .?

Well I'm about to begin a series that will address those questions and many more. I work as a relationship educator and have been married for more than 18 years! And, I'm only 40 years old. I've been to seminary, traveled throughout Latin America and have taught and designed many programs, workshops, seminars, and sermons on subjects that relate specifically to how to experience the very best in life. And one thing I've discovered (this isn't new information) is that relationships are everything! Your relationship with God, your significant other, coworkers, classmates and everyone else IS the most important area of your life.

So why not invest a little time to improve, enhance and otherwise make better your ability to have honest, open and transparent relationships.

In our series, we'll start with how you can deepen the most important relationship of all.

Don't forget to visit: theproductivechristian.com for podcasts and additional resources.

Que Dios Te Bendiga! (May God Bless You!)

A HOT Relationship With God

2007-09-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel like you could talk to God about anything? The kind of relationship where you and God talk about more than blessing your family and friends and finances. Perhaps you know or see people who seem to have this kind of deep and personal relationship with God.

Well you can have it too. And, my prayer is that after reading this article you will be well on your way to one of the most intimate and exiting relationships you’ll ever have.

Someone may ask, “Why would I want a deeper relationship with God? What are the benefits?” One of the major benefits is that you will be more fulfilled, satisfied and productive. As you learn more about God, you begin to walk more in step with Him and that’s when life really gets exciting. If you truly want to live life to the fullest, getting on and staying on the same page with God is critical.

I believe there are three secrets to developing and maintaining an intimate relationship with God. Why do I call them secrets? Because, sometimes they seem to be hidden from common view, elusive almost. Most of us desire to be closer with God, but for some reason we can’t seem to get there or stay there for long. So how do we do it?

Secret #1. Honesty

The naked truth is, God already knows what and how we think. He knows our inner desires, all the good things we’ve done and the things we wouldn’t dare want anyone to know. God knows our dreams, desires, goals and more importantly, the wonderful things He’s designed you to do and become.

Why tell Him something He already knows? Being transparent with God has an opening and clarifying effect. It clears the air and establishes an atmosphere of truth and honesty. Now you and God can talk, really talk. There’s no secrets between Him and you. Another effect it has is helping us be more honest with ourselves. Sometimes we lie to ourselves about what’s really going on inside of us. It’s too difficult to face so we ignore things, or excuse them. Once we’re honest with ourselves, we’re left with the question, “Now what am I going to do about this situation or area of my life?” And, this question continues to surface until we either take action or avoid it again.

Acknowledging the elephant in the room has a clearing effect and this is what God wants so that He can have open and honest communication with you.

Secret #2. Obedience

Jesus says in John 14:21, 23 that those who love Him will keep His commandments. They will obey Him. And, if they obey Him they are demonstrating their love for Him and will be loved by Him and the Father. But, there’s a bonus, Jesus says, “I will love [them] and manifest myself to [them].” In verse 24, He says, “. . .and We will come to [them] and make Our home with [them].” Wow! If you really want to move past a casual relationship with God, Jesus tells us how right there is those three verses.

What about those times when you know what you’re supposed to do, but don’t feel like doing it? Ahh, I’m glad you asked. Ask God at that very moment to give you both the will and desire to do what you know you should do, whether you feel like it or not. If you still fail, don’t worry, don’t have a pity party, just get back on track as quickly as possible by being honest with God about what you did or didn’t do, ask for forgiveness and press on.

Ask God to help you be successful the next time and keep moving forward.

Secret #3. Time

In any relationship, time is an essential element for intimacy. Quantity usually takes priority over quality and here’s why. Some things are only revealed as we spend more time in the presence of another.

The more opportunities we have to experience that person in different situations, the more we get to know them. It is this way with our relationship with God as well.

How much time is enough? That’s between you and God. Spend as much time as possible thinking about and sharing your most personal thoughts and feelings with God. The more you do this, the more you open the channels of communication with God and thereby grow closer to Him.

Summary:

Honesty - Be transparent with yourself and God at all costs at all times.
Obedience - Do it anyway, even when you don’t feel like it. When you don’t feel like it, ask God to give you the will and desire to do it.
Time - Think about God, talk to Him and listen to Him whenever and wherever you can.

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