Study in Philippians, Part Four: The Path To Humility
April 18, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
TUESDAY IRONMEN meetings are from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. SHARP. We meet at The Lodge in Buckhead, 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
We have a very simple purpose at IRONMEN – To encourage and equip men to become a positive impact for Jesus, at home, at work, and in the community. God’s Word clearly demonstrates that He did not intend for us to live independently, but interdependently by connecting with one another. Our hearts confirm this need for us to encourage one another and to challenge one another.
Philippians 2:3-11 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very natureGod, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very natureof a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Bryan Dunagan led us in this study in Philippians.
cursus honorun: "the race for honors"
Rome was the most status conscious society in the ancient Mediterranean world. No city was more obsessed with status than Philippi. The order, from top to bottom, was as follows:
- Senate: top of the top: TOGA!
- Equestrians (status designated by what they "drove")
- Decurans: Known as the Elite (about 2% of the Roman population)
- Roman Citizens- had rights: vote, own property, owed due process of law.
- Freedmen- had liberty but did not have the rights of a citizen.
- Slaves- no rights
Paul and Timothy, by contrast, saw themselves as "slaves of Christ." (Philippians 1:1)
Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)
Key point: We must humble ourselves in pursuit of Jesus.
"If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you're not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed." -C.S. Lewis
Questions for consideration:
- In what ways does the Philippi honor-driven culture mirror the world we live in?
- What are your reactions to C.S. Lewis' words about humility?
- What is the one specific, measurable way you can humble yourself, give up a little status, and forego ego to serve someone?
Peachtree missions Ecuador trip is June 22-29.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
What's In Your Library? Les Brown
April 18, 2012 by Doug · 2 Comments
What's In Your Library? Les Brown
Les Brown's life itself is a true testament to the power of positive thinking and the infinite human potential. Leslie C. Brown was born on February 17, 1945, in an abandoned building on a floor in Liberty City, a low-income section of Miami, Florida, and adopted at six weeks of age by Mrs. Mamie Brown, a 38 year old single woman, cafeteria cook and domestic worker, who had very little education or financial means, but a very big heart and the desire to care for Les Brown and his twin brother, Wesley Brown. Les Brown calls himself "Mrs. Mamie Brown's Baby Boy".
"You've got to be HUNGRY!" -Les Brown
In the early 90s as a young man in the insurance business Les Brown was one of my favorite sources of inspiration and motivation. Over two decades later his voice and message is more powerful than ever.
"My mission is to get a message out that will help people become uncomfortable with their mediocrity. A lot of people are content with their discontent. I want to be the catalyst that enables them to see themselves having more and achieving more." -Les Brown
Les spoke three times for High Achievers. He was one of our most popular, passionate, and powerful speakers. You can listen to Les Brown's full length High Achievers seminar, Live Your Dreams Now, in week 11 of your High Achievers intro membership. Membership is just $9.95 a month. I challenge you to listen to him and not be motivated.
Get, be, stay HUNGRY!
Study In Philippians, Part Three: Rejoice Always
April 17, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
TUESDAY IRONMEN meetings are from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. SHARP. We meet at The Lodge in Buckhead, 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
We have a very simple purpose at IRONMEN – To encourage and equip men to become a positive impact for Jesus, at home, at work, and in the community. God’s Word clearly demonstrates that He did not intend for us to live independently, but interdependently by connecting with one another. Our hearts confirm this need for us to encourage one another and to challenge one another.
Study In Philippians, Part Three: Rejoice Always
Message: Circumstances don’t matter as much as our attitude does.
Philippians 1:12-18 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Paul's Single Minded Purpose
- Paul’s message was not for us to judge how people spread the Gospel, but rather rejoice that the Gospel is being spread.
- Paul didn’t let the distractions of the world keep him from pursuing his Single Minded Purpose.
- Phil 19… Paul’s not afraid to die
- Phil 27… Paul says to ignore our circumstances and maintain our life worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
This allowed Paul to live a Bold life.
Lessons from Paul
- Current circumstances were not as important as what he did with them.
- When we speak or live faithfully for Christ during difficult situations, we encourage others to do the same.
- Paul’s single minded purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ and to become more like HIM everyday
- Happiness is temporary… Joy is eternal (Joy is a command in the Bible)
“Most people are about as Happy as they make up their mind to Be.” – Abraham Lincoln
Paul's Secret to a Joy Filled Life: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
- 16 Rejoice Always Definition: Rejoice (v) to be glad (syn) celebrate, delight
- 17 Pray Continually
- 18 Give Thanks in all circumstances
Chuck's New Armament: RPG (Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks)
NO Jesus. NO peace
KNOW Jesus. KNOW peace.
Questions for consideration:
1. What does it mean to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel (27-30)?
2. Why are our attitudes and actions so important in the midst of suffering or difficult times?
3. What difficult circumstances are you currently facing and how can God be glorified in that situation?
Peachtree missions Ecuador trip is June 22-29.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Cutting Through The Online Clutter, by Doug Grady
April 11, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
Cutting Through The Online Clutter
Gary Vaynerchuk, star of Infusioncon 2012
Just last week I attended a three day event called Infusioncon. Some really smart online and offline marketers shared their often not-so-simple strategies for getting your message and ultimately your product to your prospect. It was over 40 hours of training in various aspects of marketing, including, but not limited to:
CRM, QR codes, SEO optimization, sales automation, social media marketing, content development, keywords, geo-targeted social media integration, link building, mobile marketing, membership sites, automated webinars...
Have I lost you yet?
It was at times overwhelming. The "key points" portion of my notes alone was two full pages. If you sometimes feel like you are drowning on a sea of online noise, you are not alone. Let's begin with a fun fact I learned on day two. According to Google CEO Eric Schmidt:
Every two days now we create as much information as we did from the dawn of civilization up until 2003.
Are you kidding me? Wow! Is that why I just went through three days of intense marketing training? How do you win the battle for people's attention in an "attention deficit" world? Here are a few broad strokes for you:
- Listen. While the vast majority of marketers, salespeople, and social media pontificators constantly strive to out-shine, out-talk, or out-shock for attention, you automatically distinguish yourself by investing time to listen. Seek out conversations about your business. Respond to people who express an interest in you. Join groups with common interests. Don't just contribute, edify the contributions of others by acknowledging their comments and posts. The search function on twitter is a great tool for this.
- Pinterest is now the third highest ranked social media site. Check it out.
- Last year smart phones out sold computers- how's your mobile marketing plan?
- Video content is huge. Youtube is now the #2 search engine on the web.
- Don't try to do it all yourself. Effective marketing requires vision, strategy, and tactics. Very few of us are strong in all three. Find people who are strong in the areas you are not. Don't have an adequate budget? You might be able to create synergy with skilled professionals without monetary compensation. On occasion I have been able to help with strategy for organizations in exchange for tactical assistance.
- Be consistent. If you're going to be an effective marketer (online or otherwise), don't expect to "show up and throw up" on special occasions and expect to be taken seriously.
- Get personal. Write a letter. Make a house call. Call someone just to say hello.
"Twitter marketing is about listening, not talking." -Gary Vaynerchuk
At the height of my personal overwhelm toward the end of day two, something clicked for me. I don't need anything new to be successful. And neither do you. This actually gave me the freedom to relax, take a breath, and continue learning through the rest of the trainings. While my head is still spinning with a vast array of new ideas and technological game-changers, I know in my heart that true success can be achieved right now without ever turning on a computer.
On The Bus with Jon Gordon
April 10, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
Jon Gordon endorses my book, The Ripple Effect
On The Bus with Jon Gordon
Jon Gordon and I go way back. Back before he opened up the Park Bench in Atlanta in 1996; before he started the Phoenix Organization shortly thereafter to mobilize young adults for community service; way before he wrote his first book. I knew him then to be a peer and a businessman. I know him now to be a best-selling author and keynote speaker, a man of faith, and a friend.
Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, and college coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, Training Camp, and The Seed. Today Jon shared his wisdom at the Peachtree Ironmen's Big Breakfast.
"God doesn't pick the best, he picks the most willing." -Jon Gordon
Here are a few of the highlights from today's keynote with Jon:
- Being positive can be learned. Focus on developing positive energy and self-talk. Eliminate energy vampires.
- God doesn't pick the best, he picks the most willing.
- Not everyone is going to get on your bus.
- Have a vision statement for you and your family.
- Declare a one word vision to live by. Jon gave several examples: intentional, motivated, purpose. I chose "faith."
- Invite God into your marriage.
I'm on the bus Jon- thanks for driving.
TUESDAY IRONMEN meetings are from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. SHARP. We meet at The Lodge in Buckhead, 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
Ironmen Ecuador trip is June 22-29
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
High Achievers membership options
Change Your Mind, Change Your World, by Doug Grady
March 28, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
Change Your Mind, Change Your World, by Doug Grady
After watching a PBS documentary on Steve Jobs last week this quote stuck with me:
"Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again." -Steve Jobs
There was a time in my life I didn't think I could change much of anything in my world. I changed my mind.
"When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change." -Dr. Wayne Dyer
The turnaround in my life came from accepting that God had a plan for me and that I was not living it. This change in perspective eventually brought about massive changes in every area of my life. If you are taking on a change in your life, your environment, or the world around you, it begins with changing your mind.
Your mind is powerful. It can be stubborn, stuck, and stagnant. You can tell it "yes" but it still says "no." It can delude you into a life that is not much more than a slow, just-comfortable-enough death. Or you can change your mind.
You can change:
- the way you talk to yourself. That little voice in your head is always telling you something. Listen to it. If it is not consistent with the world you want to live in, you can choose a different voice.
- your input. Change what you read, what you watch on television, what you pay attention to online. Consciously add mental inputs that nurture you and grow you as a person. Let go of some of the garbage that pollutes your mind. Access to a High Achievers membership (just $9.95/month) is a great way to do this. You will receive one personal development program each week in your email box from the best in the business.
- your focus. One of the simplest, most powerful ways to change your focus is to develop a sense of gratitude. Each day list at least 20 things you are grateful for. If this is difficult or uncomfortable for you, do it anyway.
- your attitude. This one can take awhile. Consistently maintaining a better attitude is often a by-product of the first three changes. If you choose to, you can change your attitude right now.
"Change happens in an instant." -Tony Robbins
Change is a choice. Make one simple choice today to change the course of your life. You may not think you can change the world, but you can always change your mind.
More simple choices...
Study In Philippians, Part Two
March 28, 2012 by Doug · 2 Comments
TUESDAY IRONMEN meetings are from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. SHARP. We meet at The Lodge in Buckhead, 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
We have a very simple purpose at IRONMEN – To encourage and equip men to become a positive impact for Jesus, at home, at work, and in the community. God’s Word clearly demonstrates that He did not intend for us to live independently, but interdependently by connecting with one another. Our hearts confirm this need for us to encourage one another and to challenge one another.
Study In Philippians, Part Two
Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Today, led by Chuck Roberts, we continued our study in Philippians. You can find it in your Bible.
Philippians is a letter in the following format:
- Salutation
- Sender
- Recipient
- Greeting
- Thanksgiving/prayer (table of contents)
- Body of Letter
- Closing commands (paraenesis: ethical instruction and exhortation)
- Unrelated moral maxims (Romans 12:9-13)
- List of virtues and vices (Col. 3:5-17)
- Prolonged homily (extremely short sermon) on a topic (Philippians 4:13-18)
- Conclusion
- Peace wish
- Personal greetings
- Kiss
Backdrop of Philippians 1:1-11
- Paul is likely in prison in Rome
- Paul is expressing gratitude for gifts: the church in Philippi sent Paul resources to make ends meet
Questions for consideration:
- How have others helped you grow and serve? What did they do to help you grow?
- How do you pray for others?
- Pray with specificity
- Engage your brain when you pray
- Imagine the Lord there with you
Big Breakfast April 10 with Jon Gordon, author, The Energy Bus.
Peachtree missions Ecuador trip is June 22-29. Pray about it.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
A Lifestyle Of Achievement, by Doug Grady
March 22, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
A Lifestyle Of Achievement, by Doug Grady
The High Achievers Lifestyle of Achievement award was created to recognize extraordinary men and women who truly embrace a lifestyle of high achievement. There were three criteria for the "HALO" award. I was looking for someone who:
- Plays BIG. Someone who is fully engaged in a mission that can change the world in a powerful, positive way.
- Walks their talk. It was critical that this person be the same "on stage" and "off stage"; someone who lives their mission, not just talks about it.
- Intentionally helps others. I wanted a person who was willing to put people over profits. Who truly cared for others, not just themselves.
And the award goes to...
The recipient of the first ever HALO award is Day Adeogba. Day has been a long time player in the world of health and fitness. However, his mission, teachings, and example go way beyond that of a personal trainer.
For over 14 years Day has worked with CEO's, executives, and athletes in the areas of health, fitness, and success. Day created YourDay Inc in 2004 and is currently the president. Here is a bit of Day Adeogba's philosophy:
The YourDay BALANCE Game
Balance – Believing all life and nature coexist equally.
1. Understand some Basic Principles in life
A. For every choice there is a consequence
B. Health is pro life
C. Balance is the precursor to longevity2. Build a healthy relationship to body(self) and life
A. Create a Purpose – serve life and others
B. Awaken your Passion – love to do what you do
C. Love life – Enjoy the ride! Enjoy each day!3. Balance out your health and fitness – A New Game – A New Paradigm
• If the experience of life is the game then there is an athlete in everyone
• Your Body is the Vehicle – Life is the Road – Health and Fitness is the Test Track
• 50% of results comes from consciousness(belief); 30% - put in and take out; 20% movement
• Your Health and Fitness is the Truth about your relationship to life.Check out Day's character fitness blog.
Doug Grady, Day Adeogba, David Alexander
Just yesterday on the High Achievers facebook page someone asked me what it meant to be a high achiever, specifically referencing a "six and seven figure income." This has never been part of my definition, although there is a very good possibility this may show up when you:
Play BIG, walk your talk, and intentionally help others.
Congratulations to Day Adeogba.
Who in your world best exemplifies the three criteria for the HALO award? Connect with us on facebook and tell us about your nominee!
Join us and embrace a lifestyle of achievement.
Study In Philippians
March 20, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
TUESDAY IRONMEN meetings are from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. SHARP. We meet at The Lodge in Buckhead, 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
We have a very simple purpose at IRONMEN – To encourage and equip men to become a positive impact for Jesus, at home, at work, and in the community. God’s Word clearly demonstrates that He did not intend for us to live independently, but interdependently by connecting with one another. Our hearts confirm this need for us to encourage one another and to challenge one another.
Study in Philippians
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Today, led by Mark Crumpler, we began a study in Philippians. You can find it in your Bible. If you can't find your Bible, this is your first assignment.
Paul’s theme throughout Philippians is JOY.
JOY:
- Is commanded
- Is a choice
- Is a spiritual discipline
- Is cultivated by deliberately practicing gratitude
Four statements about Philippi:
- Philippi is a place you never planned to be. It is where God places you while you are trying to get someplace else. Acts 16:9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
- Sometimes the most strategic places you can invest your life are also the most difficult and uncongenial. Acts 16:12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that districtof Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
- There is an aspect of following Jesus that the surrounding culture will find disturbing and contrary to what it values. Acts 16:20-21 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”
- Deep joy is possible in the most difficult places. Not only is it possible, it brings about a new reality. It is contagious. Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Questions for consideration:
- Where is your Philippi? The place you didn’t plan to be?
- Do you live the kind of life that ‘disturbs the city’ or challenges the prevailing culture where you are?
- Where is the most strategic sphere of activity and/or influence in your life?
- Do others know you as a joyful person?
See you Tuesday, March 27th at 7am. Invite a man in your life.
Big Breakfast April 10 with Jon Gordon, author, The Energy Bus.
April 21-22: Hike to Springer Mountain with Ironmen. Contact hazen.dempster@troutmansanders.com
Ironmen in Ecuador is June 22-29. Pray about it.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
One Simple Choice, by Doug Grady
March 14, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
One Simple Choice, by Doug Grady
In retrospect, it may have been more for therapy than for any other purpose. On October 31, 2010 I published an article called The Ripple Effect. It contained glimpses of a painful journey out of a very dark place.
What began as a simple 30 day commitment to physical exercise led to an ongoing awareness of what was showing up in my life as a result. From this one choice all kinds of extraordinary happenings surfaced.
My struggle seemed to resonate with others. The more I observed the more I wrote. Eventually my life turned around.
The Ripple Effect is now a published book. The following is an excerpt...
Consider your life as a series of ripples. The experiences in your life and your response to them have led you to exactly where you are now. It is not an accident.
One simple choice can change the course of your life.
You can choose right now to reconnect with your higher purpose. You can take the first step toward an unrealized passion or let go of an unhealthy habit. You can throw your hat in the ring. You can choose a daily, weekly, or monthly commitment. You can choose to do nothing at all. Each choice will have ripples.
"If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice." -Geddy Lee
Don’t worry about making the perfect choice. Perfectionism nourishes procrastination and can keep you stuck. Choose something. Choose simply. Choose powerfully. Choose now.
“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” –Cavett Robert
Honoring your choice will not always be easy. Don’t let your ripple die the death of most New Year’s resolutions. Breakthroughs happen in the daily grind of consistently doing what you said you would do. The road ahead will undoubtedly contain many twists and turns; unexpected pain and exciting breakthroughs; setbacks and victories.
“I took the road less traveled, now I have no idea where in the world I am.” –Anonymous
Become acutely aware of what is showing up in your life. This is source of the power of the ripple effect. Record in your journal:
- What level of integrity did you operate in today?
- What ripples* are surfacing?
- How do you feel?
*Ripples are defined as the breakthroughs, experiences, realizations, people, things, additional commitments, and other results showing up in your life since you made your choice.
Finally, share with others you know what you are doing and your ripples. This is in essence how this book came to be.