Ron Harris

I’ve got a question...

OK...I’ve got a question for you. Actually, I have several questions for you. And I don’t have the answers. You do.

My friend Bob Tiede compiled a long list of some of the questions he has used as he has promoted the idea of leading with questions. As those in charge, we often fall into the trap of always giving directives and providing answers. Bob’s experience is that greater leadership is achieved by asking questions.

So I thought today I would list some of the questions Bob and some of his leadership friends have asked. I think you’ll find they are great lead-ins to productive times with those who serve with you. Here we go...

• When was the last time you tried something new?
• What gets you excited about life?
• What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
• What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?
• If not now, then when?
• Which activities make you lose track of time?
• How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
• Which is worse, failing or never trying?
• What has life taught you recently?
• What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?What’s the one thing you’d like others to remember about you at the end of your life?
• What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
• What are your top five personal values?
• What is your number one goal for the next six months
• What is your greatest challenge?

These are interesting questions, and not ones that have easy answers. Let me make a suggestion. Take one question each day for the next few weeks. Maybe in the morning at the start of your daily routine, sit down and ponder one of these probing questions. Write down the answer or the thoughts they elicit from you. It will be a good, life-building exercise.

Many times, we get so busy with life, work, family, and daily challenges that we fail to consider who we are and what drives us forward. These kinds of questions can help you get a new picture of yourself...and may even challenge you to reorient yourself to be all that the Lord intends for you to be.

Judy and I had the joy of living in Greece many years ago. We often traveled to Delphi and took in the beautiful ruins of that amazing culture. It was there that a Greek carving was found at the entry to the temple of Apollo with words attributed to Socrates, “Know Thyself.”

This phrase is a reminder that we need to understand our values, our driving philosophy of life and work, and what is most critical for our daily living that brings a sense of both joy and accomplishment. All good things.

Yet, as Christ-followers and those called by Him to serve His purpose, we need to go beyond the good philosophy of the day. We need to know and understand God’s Word in a way that it guides us in all areas of our life.

Jesus used questions as he taught his disciples and other followers. In John’s account of Jesus’ teaching, he quotes the Lord as asking, “For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” (Luke 14:28 NLT) Jesus was saying you need to consider what it will take to be my disciple. Make an honest assessment of the facts and situation. Know yourself. Know the challenges you will face.

So, today...this week...take time to ask yourself these probing questions. And add this one to those I previously gave you.

• Lord, what do I need to do today to effectively serve you in these important days?

God’s best...

by Ron Harris

What? Another list????

I’m sure it is human nature, a desire to simplify life to a small list of things to do or be. It seems every speaker or leadership expert has a list. I’m thinking of making a list...of everyone who makes lists!

Having said all that, I came across a list by a speaker and author who seems to have a solid perspective. Steve Gutzler has a faith perspective on many of the things he writes and speaks about. At the start of a new year, I thought his “Definite Dozen” was appropriate. I won’t list all 12 of Steve’s things he does each week, but I’ll mention a few that resonated with me. His main point was to develop your own list of things that will help you be all the Lord wants you to be as you serve Him. Here are some of the things on Gutzler’s list, and some of my thoughts on these points.

• Read daily – Along with some recreational reading, be sure to include things that will help you in your professional realm. And, of course, begin with God’s Word. It will set the perspective for everything else.
• Build an inner circle – Gutzler suggests three to five close friends who will inspire, push and support you in all you do. Pick those friends wisely.
• Forgive and move on – This speaks for itself.
• Laugh daily – Life can be hard, and the pressure can build constantly. Find a way to laugh each day. It may be that one of those close friends can provide that kind of input in your life. One of my greatest mentors would call me often and we would spend much of the time laughing. A blessing.
• Think one size bigger – No, this isn’t about your clothes after the holiday feasting! It is about doing your best, and beyond. No small thinking allowed. Think bigger.
• Pray for wisdom – This should be at the top of the list for those of us in ministry leadership. The challenges are great. The days are critical. The time is urgent. The message of hope in Jesus is important. Pray for the Lord’s direction daily...and see where He takes you and your ministry.
• Give – Think more about how you can give...time, talent, treasure...than what you can receive. We know the scripture, but do we live as if we believe it? The writer of Acts gave himself as an example and urged all to follow the words of Jesus.You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 20:35 NLT

So... what would you include in your dozen or so things to do daily...weekly? What would you be like at the end of the year if you made and followed such a list? Remember. Think big! God does.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20 NLT

God’s best...

by Ron Harris

An exercise in futility?

Flipping the calendar pages in recent days may bring a bit of frustration. As leaders, it falls to us to plan for the days ahead...to lead our teams forward to the next event or the next goal.

But as I sit and start to plan for this coming year, I fight the attitude that says, “Is this just an exercise in futility?” Covid and all its emerging variants...and the travel protocols that go with them...keep changing almost daily. Travel, conferences, flights, meetings, and many other scheduled events must get unscheduled, rescheduled, then unscheduled again and again. Frustrating!

But you must lead...and you have to plan. Even if those plans get changed. Yogi Berra was an American icon, a baseball player and coach. He often messed up the language in trying to say something, so much so that his sayings became known as Yogi-isms. Example: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” Or “You can observe a lot by just watching.” Here is a favorite: “Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.” Funny!

Yogi Berra also said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” And Yogi is right!

The old saying is true: If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

In spite of the challenges you are facing as you look ahead for the ministry, you must plan. Yes, those plans will very likely change. But not all of them. And you will have set most of the course for the ministry. And those who serve with you will have a sense of how the future will shape up.

Management consultant Peter Drucker understood things can change, but he still valued the effort. “Plans are worthless, but planning is invaluable.” There needs to be forward movement in ministry. If not, it becomes stagnant and unproductive. When the team senses that the leader is frustrated and uncertain because of the uncertain days, it makes it much more difficult to see the light ahead.

John Maxwell wrote about leading through frightening times. Among the great insight he shared was this on painting a brighter picture:

When things are frightening, the world seems small and dark; to counteract that, you must paint a picture that’s bigger and brighter. We must point beyond the fear to a brighter day, to remind people of what the Psalmist said: “Nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.” Leaders must communicate to their people the hope on the other side of the fear.

So, even if it is frustrating...even if you have to change the plans again and again...set a good example for your ministry team and plan for the best days ahead. Yes, you may have to sprinkle your plans with the biblical phrase, “If the Lord allows...,” but that’s OK. It is all in His hands.

I’m planning for the greatest year ahead for MEDIAlliance. How about you and your ministry? If the Lord allows, what will you be doing in 2022?

God’s best...

by Ron Harris

In? Or out?

Do you wonder sometimes if you are in God’s will...or if along the way you have slipped off the path He has for you? Many times those thoughts come when we are facing unusual or unrelenting challenges. Funding for the ministry is lagging...or lacking all together. We don’t sense God’s direction, or even His voice. Every turn seems to lead to another roadblock. What’s happened? Are we out of God’s will?

Some years back I was reading a devotion by my dear friend Joni Eareckson Tada. If there was ever one who had life-long challenges, it’s Joni. A broken neck in a diving accident as a teen. A life of living in a wheelchair. All the challenges that being a quadriplegic brings. That could certainly lead to questions about God’s will. Yet Joni had some profound insight that helped me better understand how we serve the Lord.

Think of the journey that Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was over 100 miles. A five-day journey by foot. We don’t know if Mary rode a donkey or not. But for someone ready to deliver a baby, it could not have been comfortable. Pain. Exhaustion. Frustration. And then to arrive to find no place to stay.

So, here’s the question. Was Mary in God’s will or not in God’s will? With all she and Joseph were going through, were they on the right path for their lives? Joni Eareckson Tada reminded me that the ease of the journey is no measure of being in or out of God’s will.

If we are not careful, we will equate ease of life with being in God’s will. And... hardships probably mean we are out of God’s will. Right? Not necessarily so. The plan that the Lord has for you and for me may take us down some rough roads. There may be hardships, hurts, challenges, and roadblocks on your journey. But that may be the Lord’s way of showing you His power and His presence as you seek His strength and wisdom.

I don’t know what the coming year may bring, but there are several things I do know.

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 NASB

You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

Psalm 16:11 NASB

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 NLT

And the LORD is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB

Don’t let the challenges of life move you off the plan set out for you. The Lord is with you.

God’s best...

by Ron Harris

What difference does it make?

I’ll keep this short. It is Christmas week, and if your calendar is like mine, it is full to overflowing!

Here’s the question: What difference does Christmas make?

The merchant will point to the spreadsheet and show how much their store depends on Christmas sales to provide adequate profit for his or her business.

To the restaurant owner, they will point to all the economic challenges that Covid has brought and say that the food service business during the holiday time is critical for their survival.

The student... they will comment on how much they need a break from their studies, and, often their semester finals.

But many would simply say...Christmas is a nice holiday. But if we didn’t have it, we would come up with something to take its place.

There is a phrase written by Ralph Sockman many years ago that has resonated with me.

“The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable.”

Oh, I know. Theologians might point out that Jesus was in a cave. There probably wasn’t a door, much less a hinge. Okay. But think what Sockman was saying. Jesus’ birth changed everything!

Sinful man had a path to be reconciled to a holy God...because of Jesus. The birth of Jesus fulfilled the prophesies made hundreds of years before...and thereby confirmed the faithfulness of God and the truth of His word.

More importantly for me...Christ’s birth...in that stable in Bethlehem...provided a way for ME to have my sins forgiven and for me to have the hope of heaven.

All that “hinged” on what happened over two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem.

As you buy and give gifts, as you join family and friends around the table to fellowship and eat, as you take a break from the routine events of life...don’t forget that the greatest gift ever came from a loving heavenly Father...a gift that changes everything! Truly... God’s best...

Merry Christmas!

by Ron Harris

Making a list...checking it twice!

This time of year in the U.S. you can hear kids (and parents) singing that little song of Santa:

He’s making a list.

And checking it twice

Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice.

Well, if you run a ministry or Christian organization, there is probably a list you should be checking twice. It’s your database of supporters and friends. Periodically you should be going over the list to be sure it is accurate and consistent. If we do physical mailings, we know the cost is going up, up, up. We should not be wasting money on letters going to wrong addresses. Keep the list accurate. It may take some effort to ask for the person’s best address or email, and whether they want you to use a home phone, office phone, or mobile phone when you contact them, but it will pay off.

There is one little thing that is important but often overlooked. It’s the salutation, the way you address that person on your list. I learned something many years ago from...of all people...Amazon about effective communication via email. I have known for a long time that people want a personal touch. It’s one of the reasons that a hand-written note to a donor can be so effective in maintaining a good relationship.

But even when you are doing a mass mailing or a group email, you can still maintain the feel of a personal correspondence. That’s what I learned from Amazon. Way back when the online marketer was mainly selling books, Amazon did an interesting thing. If I ordered a certain book, along with the confirmation of my order came a message like this:

Hi, Ron. Thanks for your order. By the way...people who ordered Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby also ordered these books.

Then would come a list of theology or devotional books by Christian authors similar to Dr. Blackaby. It made me feel like I had a friend at Amazon who was thinking about me. And...they called me “Ron.” Of course, I knew it was all generated by computer, but it left a good impression.

More often than I would like to acknowledge I receive letters and emails from ministries that start out…

Dear Ronald L.,

Or even worse...

Dear Ronald L. Harris,

While that is my name, middle initial and all, none of my friends would ever address me that way. The communication just screams that it was done by an impersonal computer. A little thing? Yes. But it is one of those things that may determine if a person keeps reading your important communication.

Throughout the Bible we see instances where God calls people by name...where Jesus addresses his disciples and friends by name.

In Exodus we see indications of the friend-like relationship God had with Moses.

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

Exodus 33:11 NLT

I recall the encounter of Jesus with his good friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary could not pull herself away from Jesus’ teaching, while Martha was focused on preparing a meal. When Martha complained, Jesus admonished her, and he made it very personal.

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42 NLT

A person’s name is important. And if you want your communications to have the impact you intend, do all you can to personalize it. Check that database. How are you addressing your good friends?

By the way, if I get your name wrong, please let me know! I value you as a friend and as an important part of our ministry.

God’s best...

by Ron Harris

Let it go...

It has been quite a job getting back to normal at the Harris home. A flooded house with the need for major reconstruction meant almost all our stuff had to be boxed up and taken to storage. Furniture, books, kitchen goods...and way too much of things we no longer need. It has been a big process in sorting through the myriad of boxes and deciding what stays or goes.

The folks at Thomas Nelson Publishers posted a list of things that we should be tossing out of our spiritual lives, too. It hit home with me as I related it to the things we were needing to discard around the house. Let me share a few.

Let Go of Grudges  

So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Luke 17:3-4 NIV

Notice that this passage in Luke requires readers to act; to be on the alert: “Watch yourselves” when it comes to relationships. It’s as if Luke knew that we would always struggle with loving and forgiving our fellow man. Fast forward to today and we see that he was right.

Letting go of grudges requires something more from us than passivity. It requires an acknowledgement that we bear the grudge and then the willingness to not only forgive the wrongdoer but to set them free. And when we set them free, we set ourselves free, too. See how that works?

Box Up Hurt 

Jesus wept. 

John 11:35 KJV

These two words – “Jesus wept”—prove, as well as any others, that Jesus truly experienced human emotions. On this occasion, He was in deep mourning. He’d just been told that His good friend Lazarus had died.

Weeping is that deeper groaning—that gut wrench that comes from a heart that literally, physically, feels like it’s breaking. And these words “Jesus wept” continue to remind us today that Jesus understands the affairs of the heart.

Your hurt is your hurt and no one can or should minimize it. Admittedly, hurt is hard to let go of. But could this be time to part with some of it? Painful memories? Broken promises? When you box up hurt, you make room for joy to move in.

Shred Perfectionism 

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:15-16 NLT

There’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that we are called to be holy. The bad news is that we think “holy” means “perfect.” We’ve watched and listened as the media has painted a picture of perfection and convinced us that if we only work extra hours, try harder, augment our appearance, and spend more, we too can become the perfect employee, the perfect spouse, the perfect parent, the perfect hostess, and the perfect adult child. Enough already!

Only one Person is perfect. And through the power of His Spirit living in you and your devotion to prayer and the Word, He will make you—not perfect—but holy.

Send Inferiority Packing 

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

God sees you clear to the heart, too. He sees your lovely heart. He applauds your giving spirit. He appreciates your kindness toward others. He knows your genuine concern for your fellow man. Any inferiority you may feel doesn’t come from God. Inferiority is a tool the devil uses to try and convince us that we’re not good enough. You, my friend, are “ferior!”

God—the creator and ruler of the universe says so!

So... along with the boxes in my garage, I need to go through what is in my heart and be sure to get rid of those things which do not please God and are in opposition to His Word for my life.

Will you join me in that process? Grab a box and let’s begin!

God’s best...

by Ron Harris

Your biggest enemy in ministry?

Looking across the many things the Lord has led me through, I realized that I was not fully prepared for most of them. I must admit that if there was anything people would call “success” where I have served it was not of my doing. The only time I would come close to success was due to my desire to be obedient to God’s call in my life.

I remember as a young person telling my pastor, who had been the only pastor I had known in my life, that I felt God leading me to work in media. He looked at me and said, “Why would anyone want to work with equipment rather than people?” Not exactly the most encouraging words. Or the time I graduated from college, and my main prof asked me what I would now do with my degree in Radio/TV/Film. Others were heading to on-air radio; some were beginning a career in television directing and producing. I said, “Whatever it is, I want to see people’s lives changed.” I think I just got a blank stare from that prof.

As I think of those early days...and many to follow...I contemplate where I would be if I had simply listened to what others thought instead of sensing the Lord’s direction. It would have been a vastly different story.

My friend and mentor Dr. Henry Blackaby was speaking to pastors on the topic “The Pitfalls of a Leader.” In that message he caught my attention (as he usually does). He talked of the church he pastored in Canada, one I visited many years ago. He told of the various accomplishments of the church and then admitted he didn’t have a clue how to lead the church to do those things. Then Dr. Blackaby said, “If I had taken inventory of my gifts, I would never have attempted what was needed.” And to the ministry leaders, Henry Blackaby said:

“One of the great pitfalls for the ministry is to take an inventory of your gifts and then base your ministry on those gifts. Let God decide what He wants you to do, and He will equip you for whatever He assigns.”

Jesus said we are to deny ourselves, take up His cross, and follow Him. If we launch out into ministry based on our own strengths and talents, guess who gets the credit? We do. If we are simply obedient to God’s voice and launch out trusting Him for all that is needed, it is obvious to us and those all around us that the Lord is the one who deserves the credit for the blessings that flow...for the lives that are changed.

We get into the midst of tough days of ministry, and we think we just need to try harder. We need to work harder. We need to read more leadership books. We need to set aside time to get a fresh vision for our ministry.

My friend Dr. Jack Graham says, “Trying harder is not God’s plan. Trust Him. Rely on the Lord’s resources, not your own.” You can try and over-try. And become exhausted from the human effort. That’s not what God intends. Trust God. Jack Graham said it well. “You can’t over trust the Lord!”

I know...you have some pretty strong questions.

“What happens to my ministry if I do this?”

First of all, it is not your ministry. It’s God’s ministry. Just trust Him to do for His ministry what is needed to accomplish His purpose.

“My staff and stakeholders are looking to me to set the vision.”

Why are you setting the vision? As Dr. Blackaby told those pastors, “The servant doesn’t have a vision. The Master has the vision.” Our role is to be obedient to that Master and work to accomplish His vision. His vision. His glory.

This might be a good time to get with the Lord in prayer...and seek His word and His way for His will...in your life and in the ministry where the Lord has placed you.

God’s best...[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

by Ron Harris

The past is the future...maybe.

by Ron Harris

Well...it happened again!

I shouldn’t be surprised…but I always am. I’m reading a familiar verse in Scripture and… boom…the Holy Spirit hits me with something I hadn’t seen before. We often talk about the Bible being a living, breathing message from the Lord to us. So, you see, we shouldn’t be so surprised.

A couple of Sundays ago I was reading Acts 3 and the very familiar story of Peter and John healing the lame man on the way to the temple. The man had been at the entrance each day for probably 40 years. He was begging for a little money to help him in his pitiful life. No doubt he looked at Peter and John expectantly. Peter knew exactly what he wanted…but also knew what the man really needed.

Peter said, “I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!” And grasping him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.

Acts 3:6-7 NASB

Here is where I had a bit of an epiphany. Peter didn’t just say, “Get up and walk,” and then go on his way. Peter reached out, grabbed the man’s hand, and raised him up. And in reading the passage more closely, it was after Peter lifted the man up that the healing miracle happened.

So… what does this have to do with you and me, with media and leadership? I believe that God wants us to expect great things that will serve His purpose and give Him glory. But the Lord wants us to not just speak truth…but to act on that truth. Peter was involved. He was committed. It was not only the Lord’s reputation at stake, but it was also Peter’s reputation as well. What if the man was still lame? What if he got up, but his feet and ankles still wouldn’t work? How would that advance the cause of Christ? Peter was willing to put himself out on a limb for the Lord.

One more thing struck me. Peter and John were on their way to the temple. I’m guessing they had been that way many, many times before. And I’m certain they were focused on God’s mission for their life in those early days of the church. After all, things were just getting started. Thousands had been added to the kingdom in recent days. Those folks needed leadership. What’s one more day for this crippled man? Aren’t the thousands more important than the one?

Except…

Except this man cried out, and God’s Spirit spoke to Peter’s heart. This man. This one. This time. Right now.

Henry Blackaby says, “It’s easy to become so busy that you are oblivious to those in need. Your schedule can become so full of accomplishing good things that you are of no help to the people around you.”

I have to examine myself on that one. Ministry can be consuming. Most leaders are focused. And most Christian leaders are focused on building up the Lord’s ministries and the Lord’s work. Guess what? That may not be our most important assignment. The most important thing we can do for the Lord Jesus is to be obedient. Right then…when God speaks.

What if Peter had said, “Hang on, I’ll come back this way after I have ‘served the Lord?’” Wouldn’t that have been okay? Except. If we know what the Lord wants us to do…and we say “wait,” then we are not being obedient.

Again, Henry Blackaby: “Delayed obedience…is disobedience.” Ouch!

When God’s Spirit speaks to us, that is not an interruption. It is the Lord Jesus giving us orders. Orders to follow. Right then. Your cry to God is not an interruption for God. Don’t let His voice in your heart seem like an interruption to you.

God’s best…

by Ron Harris