THE STARTING BLOCK PRINCIPLE

Here we go again with the traditional, best opportunity of the year to start afresh and new, leaving failures and wasted efforts behind and planning for a bright and successful future.  So, how’s your New Years plan coming along?  It would be interesting to see the analytics on how many of us have our goals set and on target already versus how many of us have yet to formulate that new plan for the upcoming year.  

I dare not ask for response to this question for fear I may lose some of you because of my meddling.  But if you are one of those who has yet to initiate that plan or perhaps struggling a bit to get to the next few steps, let me offer this suggestion for you to consider to help you along.

What is your heart telling you that is important going forward with your life this  next year?  Take time to examine the priorities that your heart leads you to think about first because that is where your treasure is.  Then, when you’re getting in the starting blocks of this race, listen and feel the pulse of your entire mind, body and spirit and what it is trying to relate to you.

It isn’t so much the number of things you want to accomplish, the amount of money you want to make, the position in your company you desire to attain, the amount of time you want to spend with your mate and family,  but the importance they should be  in your life and future developement.  If you can do this, then you establish your priorities and thus the order of resolutions that you focus upon first to last.

Now why is this so important?  Experience and observation has proven that if we can stay aware and working on one to three of those priority items over the course of the next year, we will be doing really good.  First, the number of items listed can become lost and overwhelming over a period of time.  Second, if we slip and fail a time or two on any number of promises, we get discouraged and tend to just give up anyway.  Alas, we can more easily justify that we “just can’t do this anyway”, and quit all efforts we originally believed in and thought we should and could do.

So here is the ”STARTING BLOCK PRINCIPLE”,  to help you solidify your New Years Resolutions.

1. Seek answers from your heart with importance and meaning to your goal setting

2. Establish the priorities in order so you can focus on the most important issues first.

3. Minimize your list to limit confusion and frustration.  You can always add more.

Oh, and last….WRITE THEM DOWN. 

There is something impactful about writing your commitments to yourself that is much more meaningful than just saying them and usually forgetting them along the way.  If you would like a great scriptural reference to support this, read Habakkuk 2:1-3.

Blessings……..Rich Forster   KBJ  Publisher

IS IT ALL WORTH IT?

I have two snipits of encouragement for you business owners who are scratching your heads or working on controlling your blood pressure regarding your business.  The end of the year business challenges are enormous and the forethought and confidence to plan intelligently for the next year is at times overwhelming, especially if this hasn’t been a banner year for you.  I know from experience.

Well I don’t believe your alone with these concerns.  Then you may hear the cliche that says “have faith and hang in there, it’s gonna be allright”, and that isn’t the most reassuring encouragement either.  Our human minds are so fragile because our hearts are fragile.  Scripture says where your treasure is there your heart is also.  Let me suggest this about your treasure (your business).

Snipit one.  If it was going to be easy, everyone would be doing it and no one would make a dime.  There is a wonderful opportunity here to invite a qualified mentor or business professional and hopefully brother in Christ, who has a heart for you and what you are doing that can be of some help.  Often the forest is just too thick to see through to the trees and your vision is obscured.  A more experienced person or persons who can help you sort through the weak areas of your business can be invaluable getting you on the right track.  Humble yourself and go find them.

The second snipit is harder to swallow,  but here goes.  If your just in business to chase the dollar, you’ll probably be chasing it the rest of your life.  Success is all too often a result of passion and persistence more than anything.   I can assure you that with these two business principles, you will have a much greater chance for success.  The reason is, your heart is in it.  You see, the heart thing is so critical for every kind of work.  Whether its your business, your family life, your relationship building outside your family, it always comes back to a heart issue.  That was Jesus secret too.

Jesus had a heart and passion for what He did on earth which was to live and die for us.  His influence and teaching of those principles left lasting impressions on all His followers (employees) and thus the legacy for Christianity.  You will probably not have quite that level of  success but that type of effort will go a long way in your marketplace to help spread the gospel, and you won’t even have to use words. 

So here are your two snipits.  Remember if it was easy, everyone would be doing it and you would likely not be very successful.  Second, don’t just chase the money.  Put your heart into your business and stay the course and serve people.  Paul said “I reach for the prize, for the mark of the higher calling in Christ Jesus”.  He never gave up in his quest to be the best God called him to be.  By the way, he was a tent maker in the marketplace.  Remember?

Blessings….Rich Forster  KBJ  Publisher

IF I COULD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN

Today was a memorial service for a special man of God and healing evangelist, Oral Roberts.   In the last few months, I lost a high school classmate, and also another old friend from a few years ago.  I’m sure you all remember just a few months ago when one of the most gifted entertainment celebrities, Michael Jackson passed away.  Perhaps you have had a similiar loss yourself lately?  I don’t mean to be morbid or depressive by beginning this writing with such sadness and finality, but to see if you have similiar feelings as I do once in a while when friends, loved ones and respected ones pass on.

Death has a unique way of reminding us of our mortality doesn’t it?  I don’t know if it’s part of the aging process or perhaps a little spiritual nudge from the Holy Spirit reminding me to ask myself….are you ready?  Have you done all I designed you to do?  So I ask myself….if I knew I was going to die today, what would I regret if anything?  If I could do it over again, what would I do different?  Here’s a tougher one.  What if you knew you were going to die a year from today.  What if anything would you do different this next year? 

Not fun questions to ponder I know.  But that doesn’t change the fact that the inevitable is going to happen to us and maybe we should be asking ourselves not just what would we do for the next year but why?  Oh, now I really have your curiosity I’m sure .  The question can be applied to your life’s practices in general but let me narrow this writing down to your purpose in the marketplace.

Rev. 20:4  tells us we are going to rule and reign with Jesus during the 1000 reign and Rev. 22:4  says we shall rule and reign with Him forever and ever in Heaven.  So I’m wondering what we are going to rule and reign in Heaven on earth?   What a stimulating question.  Allow me to suggest a thought provoking answer.  Could it be that all the trials, tribulations and training we are going through on earth in this lifetime are training for this ruling and reigning John the Revelator is referring to? 

Whether you interpert this scripture this way or not but think maybe it  could be such, it offers a reasonable argument or hopefully incentive to apply yourself to your job and career to the very best of your God given ability.  Who knows?  God may have you slated for something similiar in eternity.

Now some of you may not be not too happy about that if your not in a field of work you really like.  So here’s your chance.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  To him who does well with a little, much more will be given to him.  Do these scriptures sound familiar?  If you going to stay on the sidelines your not going to get to play in the game.  You can start tomorrow with a fresh new approach to your work and with an attitude of doing your job a well as you or anyone else possibly can.  Applying God’s principles to your work will not only result in more success in your job, but your Godly influence will begin to impact those around you in a positive way to His cross.  

Now your positioned for promotion, so get ready.  Repeat this same process with your next work opportunity and before you know it, you will be successful in the career of your dreams.  And who knows?  God may be looking for a qualified soul to fill those shoes and more in heaven’s marketplace and you just might get a chance to do it over again, the right way.

3 WAYS TO PERSONAL SUCCESS

Here are not only three ways to personal success but I quarantee them to work.  How self fulfilling would it be to have someone ask you what it is that makes you so successful?  How do you do that?  The answer is to follow these three simple principles.

If you follow these three Kingdom principles in your everyday work life,  I promise you that you will not only be a successful person but you will influence many others in a positive way towards the cross.  There is hardly a  more thrilling occasion than when someone asks you why it is that you are always so upbeat, happy and successful and they want to know the secret.  Here are the three ways (scriptures) I invite you to read and study.

First scripture, Eccl.5:19 “your work is a gift from God”

Second scripture, Eccl.5:20 “your work is to be the joy of your heart” 

Third scripture, Col. 3:23  “whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord”

I speak from experience when I say I have tried this suggestion I am offering you and I promise you it works.  Your attitude is effected positively by this truth and you realize in your mind and heart that you are truely blessed.  God’s love will permeate your entire being as you realize He is actually giving you a gift, straight from His throneroom and for a Divine purpose.  Now if that doesn’t bring you joy, you really need to check your pulse!

“Working as if unto the Lord”,  may take some patience and practice but temper that effort with prayer and I guarantee you that it will get easier and easier.  Your loyalty and commitment to your company and/or superiors will be recognized and many more good things will start coming your way.

So go ahead and give this a try won’t you?  I would love to hear your feedback as you see the transformation in your life to personal success beyond your wildest dreams.  Read, believe and go do it and as you begin to recognize your new found successes, don’t forget to remember where they came from!!!! And to HIM be all the honor and glory,

Blessings…..Rich Forster     KBJ Publisher

The Real Need for Thanksgiving

This is the one day of the year, Thanksgiving Day, where most Americans stop and take a deep, calm breath to sincerely reflect and give credit to someone else for all their “blessings”.  The list of benefactors is varied and interesting to say the least and usually starts with God, then family, health etc.  Any list is fine and the priority order too I suppose.  What’s important is exercising the very process of giving thanks while acknowledging others and getting our minds off ourselves for a change.

There is in interesting calm that comes about within one’s mind when that pause is purposed for the reason of the season, giving thanks.  The very word “Thanksgiving”, incorporates two of the most needed and important principles in any language, “Thanks” and “Giving”.  Regardless of the order that we use the two words, they are both equally important on their own or together.

 I have not tried to impress you with any new revelation about Thanksgiving nor was that my intent in this writing.  I only want to challenge each of our readers with this thought on this very special Holiday.   It would seem to me that by my admitted lifestyle and my observation of others that this may very well be the only day of the year we purposely reflect on giving thanks and/or giving in general.  What if we each privately committed to ourselves to try and celebrate a Thanksgiving day once a month?  Some of us may even try to make that choice once a week.   And for anyone who has the courage to try, perhaps once a day!!!!

As Christians we are indeed blessed to have inspiration and permission to enjoy life, compliments of King Solomon’s  writing Ecclesiastes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.   He writes in chapter 4:18-20 NKJ, “Hear is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.  As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor, this is a gift of God.  For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart”.  That by the way is why we Christians should put God at the top of our priority list for thanksgiving and consider taking the challege I just presented you.

Now members and readers, let me say to you,. Thankyou for your interest and patronage in the Kingdom Business Journal.  We are honored and grateful to share these Kingdom principles and encouragement with you and believe your commitment to God’s plan for your life will be fulfilled in His Name.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Rich Forster    KBJ Publisher

Seek First the Kingdom

I think we would all agree that in the “good times”, we are  likely to be less dependent upon God to bail us out of various and asundry messes we manage to get ourselves into.  All it takes today is a fairly major catastrophe , like our economic system collapse, to upset our equilibrium and balance and “help me Jesus and I promise I will never make that same mistake again as long as I live…..I think” . 

Thanks to a forgiving, merciful and loving God, we get plenty of chances to do things over and get it right.  If your like me though, it seems like sometimes I lack the discipline to follow through with my well intentioned resolve.  So why is it that we forget so soon after our newly promised agreement is made and fall back into those same traps once again?  Maybe we have lossed our focus on a very important principle of life and business?

No matter what is is your seeking to resolve, a new job, starting a business or stewarding your financial budget plan better,  we often loose sight of what should be our top priority, “seeking first the Kingdom and His Righteousness, then all these things will be added to you,” Matt 6:33.  What is the Kingdom?  The Kingdom is Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost”, Rom. 14:17.  And where is the Kingdom of God?  It is within you, Luke17:21.

So check your motive and  focus first thing  if your in this pinch and retrace your steps back to your first love and top priority.  With righteousness, peace and the joy of the Holy Ghost, life just seems to be a lot easier to handle.  It’s a supernatural thing!  Getting on the same page with the Author and Finisher of our faith is a great place to be and He is an excellent Partner to have also, don’t you think? 

Rich Forster  KBJ Publisher

The Battle Plan begins in your Mind

We have a number of friends, brothers and sister in Christ, that have been negatively effected with this current economic debacle.  Some have lost six figured jobs and for others, they have yet to find gameful employment for over a year in some cases.  There are so many lessons for us to learn through the challenges of this fearful time that they are too numerous to list but surprisingly exciting for us at KBJ.  The reason they are exciting times is that our heart is to help the many who struggle in these times with a lack of business and/or job as we  possibly can with advice and practical business instruction while illuminating the spiritual parallel of that same principal as Jesus taught.   We believe too that it is especially important to encourage our fellow brothers and sisters with support to weather this battle with God like resolve and determination.

Today I just want to suggest one thing to those of you that are in this seemingly futile delimma, fearful and anxious, and so overwhelmed that you can’t see the forest through the trees.  There is no obstacle too large that it cannot be overcome with the ingenuity,  creativity and persistent resolve of a blood bought, mustard seed believing, child of the Living God.  It all begins practically with a plan of action.  In order to have or make a plan of action you must first understand and face your circumstances.   No matter how serious they sound, how bad they feel or how grim they appear, you need to thoroughly understand where you are in order to get where you want to go.  Once you face the truth of the situation, you can formulate a step by step plan that is attainable and celebrate every little victory you accomplish along the way.   Put your dreams back at the top of that list of goals, bathe the plan in prayer along with your fellow believers and present your plans to the Lord and they will succeed.  Now it’s time to take action.

It is a really helpful and a good idea to engage the help of a good friend, pastor or mentor to help you sort the truth from fiction from the start and along the way.  You don’t need to stress yourself anymore than you already may be but to measure your success you need goals or expectations along the way to measure progress and maintain your enthusiasm for positive action. 

So in summary, gather all the facts, good and bad and understand them.  Then formulate a plan to solve the more serious circumstance first and the others as you progress.  Present this plan to the Lord and trust He will honor your commitment because it will be glory to Him.  Include your dreams and destiny back into your daily life.  Build in some little success benchmarks to measure your progress.  And always know, God loves you and will never let His righteous fail.  It just may take a little more time than is comfortable for you for Him to develope His Divine plan perfectly for you.  We at KBJ are believeing for you and prayfully look forward to your testimony of God’s deliverence of your situation and your new assignment.

Rich Forster KBJ Publisher

I’m Moving!

I have been doing WordPress for over 1 year. I have a blog on my website and I have decided to change over to it.

I have over 300 post on this site, so take a moment and look around.

When you are done come and visit my new blogsite.

Simply click this link which will take you to our website home page and scoll to the bottom for the blog.

KINGDOM BUSINESS JOURNAL BLOG

Blessings

Lowell Lane
Kingdom Business Journal

AN AHA MOMENT!

It has been a very long day, but a good one.   I was up early, and unfortunately my wife was up early also with sick kids.   I did my devotion and answered some e-mails and got busy.  I

made calls all morning setting appointments and trying to a good start on the week.  I had an appointment this afternoon and one this evening.

I would like to talk about my appointment from this evening.  I met with a young man who has a ministry in Joplin and from a phone conversation we had, we decided to get together and talk.  Neither of us knew exactly why we were getting together, but we were to get together.  We visited and talked about kids, and life and then we really got started.  I knew he had a ministry, but I was not sure what he did.  He proceeded to describe what he did and what his ministry was all about.   At this point I still had no idea why we were meeting.  I told him it was  interesting, but I had no revelation for him.

We kept talking and I was able to share some similar stories, and then he asked me the question.  “I have this idea and passion but I have no idea how to make money with it.”  I thought to myself, join the crowd.   He was looking for answers and I said, I did not have any ideas but I would think about it.

Two weeks ago my partner and I met with a gentlemen who is a coach and Internet marketing expert.  We talked and in that conversation he was fact finding and trying to pull out of Rich and I what our giftings were.  He simply asked me a question, “What do your family, friends, and co-workers say that you are really good at?”   This question popped into my head and so I thought, well maybe it will work with this guy.  So I asked him the same question.

I believe that the Holy Spirit took over at this point.  The guy proceeded to tell me what he was good at and as I was taking notes a plan started forming.   There was one thing in particular that as I was sharing these ideas,  he had a look in his eye that was one of those,  AHA MOMENTS!    It was as if a light switch was turned on.

Now here is what is interesting.  Two weeks ago the guy in Kansas City asked me, “”What do your family, friends, and co-workers say that you are really good at?”  From that conversation a word was spoken, “HAND TO THE PLOW” and what came from it was that I had a gift to take an idea and be able to implement it from design to completion.  He had given me several ideas of how I could use that gift, but I walked away thinking, I have this gifting but what am I going to do with it and how could I make money with it ?   Déjà vu!

As I left this meeting tonight  I had an,  AHA MOMENT.

I just spent a little over an hour putting,  THE HAND TO THE PLOW!

Blessings!

Just mow the grass!

I am taking the Master Gardner class this year. We learned all about lawns last night. I was not expecting to learn that there is one thing that you can do to make a huge difference in the results of your grass.

MOWING- higher mowing heights encourage greater root growth of grasses and better competition against weeds. If you mow 1-2 times a week at 3-4 inches in height, you can reduce weed growth by 80%.

WOW!

If we consider just this one simple thing it can make a huge difference.

What is the one thing in your business that can greatly effect your results?

I heard someone the other day say, you need to be more effective than efficient. Do you spend more time on the computer updating records and organizing, or do you spend more time out talking to potential customers.

Let’s use this example to be more effective in our businesses.

JUST MOW THE GRASS!