I have the opportunity to manage most of what goes on in the training center. Because of my position, I have quite a few people that are always assisting me in the ministry. We have several students that are always on hand to help and several graduates that are come in at any given time just to help in the ministry in whatever area we may need help in.
One of my hang ups, and believe me I have many more, is that I don't always encourage the workers that are around me. It's easy for me to deal out orders and expect jobs to be completed but it's another thing when it comes to encouraging or showing appreciation for the endless hours they have volunteered.
One of my greatest fears is that one day I will run off workers that are here to help in the ministry. As a 2nd man I want to assist Jefe in building our team for world evangelism, not destroy it. I know that to do that I have to be the encourager that God has called us all to be.
I wonder how many people in our churches and ministries have we run off. The pastor worked hard at winning them and getting them to be involved in the ministry, yet we ran them off. He did all the work to get them there, and we did all the work at getting them out of there.
Let us all be 2nd men that will aid the ministry of our 1st man. Let us be careful to care for people and to show them our appreciation. We always need to be thankful to God for them.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Exhort and Encourage
I received an email this morning from a good pastor friend of our church. He just wrote to say he appreciated our staff and ministry and prays this trimester at the Training Center will be the best yet. I can honestly say his email was a great encouragement. It was nice to know he was thinking about and praying for us.
His email this morning was a great reminder on how I should be all the time with everyone.
Now as a 2nd Man, I should also do all that I can to exhort and encourage the 1st man. What only took a few seconds for my pastor friend to write made an impact on my day. I have to constantly be thinking what I can say or do to make a big impact on the 1st man's day. With as many problems and challenges he faces on any given day, I should constantly be on the look out of how to lift him up by my actions and words.
Also as a 2nd man you need to help the 1st man be a better encourager. You can easily remind him to call people or even give him notes to thank people from the pulpit. There are hundreds of things you can do on a daily basis to help the 1st man encourage and exhort those he has the opportunity to influence and help. It's your job to make him more effective so make sure you're not wasting time.
We as Christians really have to start placing more value on what we say and do. We at times are so self centered and never think about others. Christ has done so much for us that it's about time we did things for others so He will be honored and glorified.
His email this morning was a great reminder on how I should be all the time with everyone.
Now as a 2nd Man, I should also do all that I can to exhort and encourage the 1st man. What only took a few seconds for my pastor friend to write made an impact on my day. I have to constantly be thinking what I can say or do to make a big impact on the 1st man's day. With as many problems and challenges he faces on any given day, I should constantly be on the look out of how to lift him up by my actions and words.
Also as a 2nd man you need to help the 1st man be a better encourager. You can easily remind him to call people or even give him notes to thank people from the pulpit. There are hundreds of things you can do on a daily basis to help the 1st man encourage and exhort those he has the opportunity to influence and help. It's your job to make him more effective so make sure you're not wasting time.
We as Christians really have to start placing more value on what we say and do. We at times are so self centered and never think about others. Christ has done so much for us that it's about time we did things for others so He will be honored and glorified.
Monday, June 23, 2008
My 2nd Man
I want to just take a while and go over why I am able to do what God has called me to do. I say a lot of things about what a 2nd man should be like but I usually put it in the context of what I do as a 2nd man. Well I couldn't do anything I am able to do if it wasn't for my 2nd man. This 2nd man is who really teaches me what hard work, sacrifice, determination, loyalty, character, and true love is all about. This 2nd man is who helps me to be what I am today.
My 2nd man isn't a man at all. She's a woman, a lady to be more specific. She's my wife, my best friend, my confidant. Her name is Amy Coffey and she is the greatest woman I have ever known. It really hit me today, as it does on several days, what a great wife, help meet, I really have.
We were dealing with some problems in the church this weekend and as always she was there to step in and help. She comforted the people involved and sacrificed herself, her family, and her time to be where she needed to be in the time of great distress. She has done things like this at any given time since I have known her. She is definitely known at the gates for her good works.
I am glad that I have a wife that always supports me in the decisions I make in the ministry or encourages me when I do things that I am not very comfortable in doing, like preaching.
She always lays her head on my shoulder not realizing that she is really the one holding me up.
When I was 24 years old I stole my pastor's daughter and married her before her dad could change his mind. What I got 8 years ago tmrw, is so much more than I ever could have imagined. She was a treasure waiting to be spent, and all these years that is al she has done, be spent for others.
I wondered if she would be a good missionary wife and love the people and be willing to spend time with the people. Most people would laugh at that thought now knowing that she is so much better in the ministry than I could ever be. She is a strength to people at all times.
I know I don't deserve what I have. I know I take advantage of the great gift God has given me. I know that I am the luckiest man in the world. I know that without her I would be a failure. She's the greatest and most beautiful person I know from the inside out. I pray to God that I never take for granted again what He has given me these past 8 years.
I am privileged to know my children have the greatest mom in the world watching out for them. I am honored to know that my children will learn what the right example is from a mom that follows after God. I am excited to know that I still have the greatest partner in the world working with me in the ministry.
I love You Amy and I want you to know that I love You with all my heart. I am glad you are my 2nd man.
My 2nd man isn't a man at all. She's a woman, a lady to be more specific. She's my wife, my best friend, my confidant. Her name is Amy Coffey and she is the greatest woman I have ever known. It really hit me today, as it does on several days, what a great wife, help meet, I really have.
We were dealing with some problems in the church this weekend and as always she was there to step in and help. She comforted the people involved and sacrificed herself, her family, and her time to be where she needed to be in the time of great distress. She has done things like this at any given time since I have known her. She is definitely known at the gates for her good works.
I am glad that I have a wife that always supports me in the decisions I make in the ministry or encourages me when I do things that I am not very comfortable in doing, like preaching.
She always lays her head on my shoulder not realizing that she is really the one holding me up.
When I was 24 years old I stole my pastor's daughter and married her before her dad could change his mind. What I got 8 years ago tmrw, is so much more than I ever could have imagined. She was a treasure waiting to be spent, and all these years that is al she has done, be spent for others.
I wondered if she would be a good missionary wife and love the people and be willing to spend time with the people. Most people would laugh at that thought now knowing that she is so much better in the ministry than I could ever be. She is a strength to people at all times.
I know I don't deserve what I have. I know I take advantage of the great gift God has given me. I know that I am the luckiest man in the world. I know that without her I would be a failure. She's the greatest and most beautiful person I know from the inside out. I pray to God that I never take for granted again what He has given me these past 8 years.
I am privileged to know my children have the greatest mom in the world watching out for them. I am honored to know that my children will learn what the right example is from a mom that follows after God. I am excited to know that I still have the greatest partner in the world working with me in the ministry.
I love You Amy and I want you to know that I love You with all my heart. I am glad you are my 2nd man.
Friday, April 11, 2008
John Mark
In Acts 12:25 we see a young man that decided to leave Jerusalem to become the 2nd man for Barnabas and Paul. His name was John Mark. He left his home town to travel first to Antioch where a good church had been established and then to the unknown world to take the gospel message to the world.
In Acts 13:4 the missionary team departed from Antioch to begin their missionary journey and by verse 13 John Mark couldn't take it anymore. He left on an emotional high from Jerusalem but when things started heating up he took off. Here we can see what not to do at a 2nd man.
Being a 2nd man means staying no matter how difficult the trials become. In the ministry there are going to be times when everything seems to be going perfect and then the other 75% of the ministry comes along. Remember that we have to take up our cross and follow Jesus. We have to die daily to ourselves.
Mark had a tremendous opportunity to help two of the greatest church leaders in history, and he threw it all away.
What will it take for you to turn your back on the 1st man? When he starts being criticized by others are you going look for the back door? When the money goes away are you going to run in the opposite direction? When the ministry just isn't fun anymore are you going to find the easy way out?
Determine in your heart today that no matter what situation comes along you will stand your ground. Jefe has made this statement hundreds of times since I have known him, "Never leave when everything is going wrong. Stick it out until everything is fixed. Not until then can you even consider leaving."
Make sure that you stick by the 1st man no matter what, and if God is moving you away, make sure it's not just because the job is too hard and not fun anymore. I am pretty sure when Jesus said to take up your cross he didn't mean for it to be easy.
In Acts 13:4 the missionary team departed from Antioch to begin their missionary journey and by verse 13 John Mark couldn't take it anymore. He left on an emotional high from Jerusalem but when things started heating up he took off. Here we can see what not to do at a 2nd man.
Being a 2nd man means staying no matter how difficult the trials become. In the ministry there are going to be times when everything seems to be going perfect and then the other 75% of the ministry comes along. Remember that we have to take up our cross and follow Jesus. We have to die daily to ourselves.
Mark had a tremendous opportunity to help two of the greatest church leaders in history, and he threw it all away.
What will it take for you to turn your back on the 1st man? When he starts being criticized by others are you going look for the back door? When the money goes away are you going to run in the opposite direction? When the ministry just isn't fun anymore are you going to find the easy way out?
Determine in your heart today that no matter what situation comes along you will stand your ground. Jefe has made this statement hundreds of times since I have known him, "Never leave when everything is going wrong. Stick it out until everything is fixed. Not until then can you even consider leaving."
Make sure that you stick by the 1st man no matter what, and if God is moving you away, make sure it's not just because the job is too hard and not fun anymore. I am pretty sure when Jesus said to take up your cross he didn't mean for it to be easy.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Jonathan- Part 3
Jonathan was definitely in a difficult situation. He had the relationship with his father the king on one side and then loyalty to his best friend who he knew was a man of God on the other.
In I Samuel 20:13 Jonathan affirmed David that he would not let His father do anything evil to him without Jonathan letting him know. He proved his loyalty. Our job as a 2nd man is to do all we can to make sure no unnecessary harm comes to the 1st man. We have to be ready to defend and protect. Nowadays it doesn't really mean we will hold up a literal shield in a battle, but it does mean that we will stand up against anyone that tries to hurt his name or his reputation. It means that if someone maliciously attacks his character we stand with him and show support.
To be a 2nd man there has to be loyalty. No matter what happens the first man has to know that his 2nd man is standing with him. If you can't be loyal than you can't be a 2nd man. Of course I am not talking in the context of defending any sin. We are talking about standing behind a 1st man who is sold out for the Lord as David was.
In I Samuel 20:13 Jonathan affirmed David that he would not let His father do anything evil to him without Jonathan letting him know. He proved his loyalty. Our job as a 2nd man is to do all we can to make sure no unnecessary harm comes to the 1st man. We have to be ready to defend and protect. Nowadays it doesn't really mean we will hold up a literal shield in a battle, but it does mean that we will stand up against anyone that tries to hurt his name or his reputation. It means that if someone maliciously attacks his character we stand with him and show support.
To be a 2nd man there has to be loyalty. No matter what happens the first man has to know that his 2nd man is standing with him. If you can't be loyal than you can't be a 2nd man. Of course I am not talking in the context of defending any sin. We are talking about standing behind a 1st man who is sold out for the Lord as David was.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Jonathan- Part Two
Many are not willing to be the 2nd man because they don't wan to play second fiddle. If they aren't the ones running the show they aren't going to play.
Jonathan according to the tradition of all the kings of the world was next in line. In everyone's eyes but God's he was to be the next king. Although his father wasn't willing to live with that, he definitely was.
Humbly Jonathan accepted the position God had for him. In I Samuel 18:4 Jonathan took everything that he was wearing that showed he was the king's son and put them on David. In chapter 20 and verse 4 Jonathan let David know that anything David desired he would do it for him. Jonathan was the prince but made himself a servant to the man God had already appointed to be king. He didn't rebel or fight against what God wanted. He joyfully accepted God's will and sought to live in it.
We need humble men like this working all around the world. We need men that are willing to help the head missionary or pastor accomplish all that God has put in their hearts. Are you humble enough to be this man? Are you willing to put aside your pride and your desire for fame to accomplish what God wants done?
We need to stop trying to set the rules and positions for our lives and let God take total control. When we surrendered our lives to do His will, that included us being willing to take 2nd place. Don't take control of your life again. Remember that God is our master as we are His slaves.
Jonathan according to the tradition of all the kings of the world was next in line. In everyone's eyes but God's he was to be the next king. Although his father wasn't willing to live with that, he definitely was.
Humbly Jonathan accepted the position God had for him. In I Samuel 18:4 Jonathan took everything that he was wearing that showed he was the king's son and put them on David. In chapter 20 and verse 4 Jonathan let David know that anything David desired he would do it for him. Jonathan was the prince but made himself a servant to the man God had already appointed to be king. He didn't rebel or fight against what God wanted. He joyfully accepted God's will and sought to live in it.
We need humble men like this working all around the world. We need men that are willing to help the head missionary or pastor accomplish all that God has put in their hearts. Are you humble enough to be this man? Are you willing to put aside your pride and your desire for fame to accomplish what God wants done?
We need to stop trying to set the rules and positions for our lives and let God take total control. When we surrendered our lives to do His will, that included us being willing to take 2nd place. Don't take control of your life again. Remember that God is our master as we are His slaves.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Jonathan- Part One
This past year at the Our Generation Summit I shared a message with everyone about being a 2nd man. I want to take a few blog posts and share those same points with you about a man who I believe is one of the best examples of what a 2nd man really should be like.
Being a 2nd Man doesn’t mean you have to be incapable or unproven to do the job of the 1st man. In I Samuel 14:6-15 we see that the King’s son Jonathan was a very capable man. He proved that he was a courageous man that trusted in the Lord with all his heart. It appears that he went up against a garrison of Philistines without any fear of death. He knew that God could use him just as he used men in the past, and don't forget, he fought the Philistines almost 4 chapters before David and Goliath were ever in the picture. From the inside out he was definitely capable and probably more qualified than his own father to be the next King.
You need to realize is that no matter what ministry the Lord has lead you to, you can’t be lazy and say “I don’t have to work or prove myself because I am not in the 1st man’s position." Be the man that knows God can use him to defeat a garrison of the Philistines. Let God use you to win great spiritual battles. Jonathan didn’t freely turn over his rightful place to David because he wasn’t qualified. He turned over his position because he knew that’s what God wanted.
Don’t settle for 2nd place so you can get an easier life. Take the position of the 2nd man because You are accepting God’s call on your life. Don't think the job is beneath you. If God has that for your life, follow him and do the job well with everything you have in you.
We have many weak pastors and leaders in our churches today because there isn't a 2nd man willing to stand up and be the Aaron or Hur that pastor or leader needs.
Being a 2nd Man doesn’t mean you have to be incapable or unproven to do the job of the 1st man. In I Samuel 14:6-15 we see that the King’s son Jonathan was a very capable man. He proved that he was a courageous man that trusted in the Lord with all his heart. It appears that he went up against a garrison of Philistines without any fear of death. He knew that God could use him just as he used men in the past, and don't forget, he fought the Philistines almost 4 chapters before David and Goliath were ever in the picture. From the inside out he was definitely capable and probably more qualified than his own father to be the next King.
You need to realize is that no matter what ministry the Lord has lead you to, you can’t be lazy and say “I don’t have to work or prove myself because I am not in the 1st man’s position." Be the man that knows God can use him to defeat a garrison of the Philistines. Let God use you to win great spiritual battles. Jonathan didn’t freely turn over his rightful place to David because he wasn’t qualified. He turned over his position because he knew that’s what God wanted.
Don’t settle for 2nd place so you can get an easier life. Take the position of the 2nd man because You are accepting God’s call on your life. Don't think the job is beneath you. If God has that for your life, follow him and do the job well with everything you have in you.
We have many weak pastors and leaders in our churches today because there isn't a 2nd man willing to stand up and be the Aaron or Hur that pastor or leader needs.
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