| April 29, 2008 |
Vol 9, Issue 15
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 Get Ready to Lead!
"It's simple. We're just changing the world."
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"I can't influence the next generation because my life hasn't set a good example."
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Greetings!... In the next few issues of GRTL we'll tackle the myths about mentoring that keep older folks from reaching across the generations to bring blessing and secure their own legacy.
If you've ever felt that you can't exert a positive influence because of past sin, rebellion or foolishness, you'll find great encouragement in this week's newsletter!
First, though, I'd like to share with you some of the exciting responses we've had to the release of Handoff.
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We're sparking a movement with Handoff!
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 On April 16 my new book, Handoff, was released. It uses stories and practical applications to call this generation of adults to rise up and pass the baton of godly faithfulness in a natural and fun way. Here's some feedback: - "The shopping experience went smoothly and easily. I appreciate the email letting me know who is available to help with any order/shipping questions." Janice
- "What a fantastic book! I have given my boss the second copy, and am recommending the book to anyone who will listen!" Steve
- "It is such an easy 'common sense' approach to passing the baton and I look forward to mapping out a plan to use your ideas." Mary
- "Your book taught me MUCH and is such a blessing and understandable--I am a 'visual' person, yet I can chew on this book deeply." Tess
- "Providing a link for the download was a great idea. It would take me between several months and never to read the book, but I will finish it on CD today or tomorrow." John
As I mentioned last week, we've already authorized a second printing of 5,000 books to make sure we have plenty in stock. What makes this exciting is that we're not a big-time publisher with hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend on slick ads and displays. If Handoff succeeds it will be through the word of mouth efforts of those who long to see Christian adults mobilized to invest in the next generation. Please keep spreading the word. Let friends know about Handoff. Forward this e-mail to folks you think might be interested. Pick up multiple copies and give them as gifts. Why should we cower while Secular Humanists and Marxists prepare the next generation of leaders? Together we can turn the tide!Click here for special discounts and ordering options. |
| "I can't mentor others; I've just made too many mistakes in life." |
 Guilt is a big reason the baby boom generation doesn't want to mentor, disciple and coach the next generation. Many baby boomers know their past is marred by self-centeredness, premarital sexuality, drug or alcohol abuse and divorce. Even if they have renounced those things many baby boomers feel disqualified to have a positive influence on others.
Consider for a moment, though, the testimony of Solomon in Proverbs 4:1-4:
Listen, my sons, to a father's discipline, and pay attention so that
you may gain understanding, for I am giving you good instruction. Don't
abandon my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender and
precious to my mother, he taught me and said: 'Your heart must hold on
to my words. Keep my commands and live.'
Wait a minute! Solomon's father was King David, who committed adultery with Bathsheba (Solomon's mother) and even had Bathsheba's innocent, honorable husband killed to cover up his sin.
If living a blameless life was a criteria for giving wise counsel, David would certainly have been disqualified. Yet David did not use his sin as an excuse to avoid giving wise counsel to his son.
In Psalm 51 David recorded a prayer of confession, that he would be made clean and steadfast so that he could use his life as an example to those who had gone astray:
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to you. Psalm 51:10-13
If you believe you've been disqualified to give wise counsel to the next generation because of your past sins, pray Psalm 51, as David did, asking God to make you steadfast in the truth so that you can impart wisdom to the next generation.
Remember: your mess is your message!
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| What to say to make your mess your message |  "I wish I could mentor you based on having lived a perfect life, but that won't be the case. I've made many tragic errors that have hurt a lot of people and brought dishonor to God."
"Because of my past I must rely completely on God's grace and His offer of forgiveness."
"It's embarrassing to have to admit my sins, but I need for you to know that my counsel to you is based on the wisdom God has revealed, not on my having lived a blameless life."
"My point in telling you this is not to make excuses for myself or to give you an excuse for acting like I did, but to display the tragic effects of sin and the magnitude of God's grace."
"I understand if you're thinking, 'Why should I listen to you?' I don't blame you and I'm sorry that my example has led you to think that way. What I'm asking you to do, though, is not to follow my example but to learn from my mistakes and do what God has revealed is right."
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 From Jeff Myers: Make it a great week!
Today I'm privileged to do a book signing and kick-off party at Bryan College. I'll then travel to Colorado to participate in the Summit Ministries board meeting, and to additional meetings next week in Nashville, Orlando and Dallas. You can track our activities from the front page of our website. Thank you for your prayer and support as we call this generation of adults to rise up and pass the baton of godly faithfulness to the next generation!
Jeff Myers, Ph.D., President
Passing the Baton International, Inc. |
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