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[ikirby79]

Unwavering Faith: Through Trials to Spiritual Resilience

I’m Kirby, a Missionary advocating for fatherless boys in the Midwest, and a retired Army combat veteran with 26 years of service. My story is about navigating life’s challenges, from personal trials to professional adversities, and how my unwavering faith has been the cornerstone throughout. Early Life and Military Career My journey began marked by the absence of a father figure. This early…

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The Transformative Power of Sacrificial Giving: Nehemiah 13:10

In the pursuit of our faith, we encounter powerful truths about sacrificial giving and its impact on ministry. This article centers on a recent study of Nehemiah 13:10, exploring biblical principles and practical insights that have inspired a deeper understanding of funding ministry. Let us delve into the transformative power of sacrificial giving and how it aligns with God’s heart for His…

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God's Provision in Ministry Funding: 1 Thessalonians 2:9

As missionaries and servants of God, we are often faced with the challenge of funding our ministry endeavors. In our journey to spread the gospel and serve others, financial support becomes crucial to sustain our work. The Bible provides us with valuable insights into how God’s provision plays a role in ministry funding. One such passage is 1 Thessalonians 2:9, where the Apostle Paul shares his…

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The Power of Partnership: Advancing God's Kingdom

In the pages of Acts 18:1-5, we discover a powerful example of the transformative impact of partnership and support in advancing God’s Kingdom. This passage highlights the story of Aquila and Priscilla, a devoted couple of believers, and the power of partnership with the Apostle Paul during his missionary journey. Through their selfless actions and practical support, we glean valuable insights…

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Understanding Money in Ministry: Lessons from the Bible's Levites

Imagine being called to do a job that’s more than just a job. It’s a mission – something that fills you with passion and purpose. This is what being in ministry feels like. But like any job, the ministry also needs money to run. Where does this money come from? How does God fund his work? The Bible offers some answers. Let’s look at an ancient group known as the Levites, as described in the…

[ikirby79]

@michalbuble concert KC rock on #fatherhood #family #fatherless #masculinity #men #faith #warriorGreens #toastmasters #toastmasters_international #toastmastersinternational #casa #courtappointedspecialadvocates #success #christian #christiantiktok #leadership #rblp #podcast #podcasting #podcasthost #veteran #truesuccess #purposedriven #purpose2impact #purposetoimpact #micahaelbuble #concert #music #datenight (at T-Mobile Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiWPCkqDZJx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

The work seemed almost finished, and opposition unfolded again in three ways. • Oppositions by intrigue • Opposition by innuendo • Opposition by intimidation Leaders get tired, and the stress of a project can take its toll. This is when attacks are effective on leaders. In the first attack, the gates only remained to be put in place, they weren’t yet safe, and rebuilding was still at significant risk. He received the first message to come and meet the opposition at a neutral location, “Let’s talk.” Nehemiah declined the invitation - he was focused and wouldn’t be distracted. He replied “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” There are two characteristics of leadership that we should discuss: •A leader must know how to say “No.” • Practical wisdom - he was not taken in by their invitation. He knew the opposition was scheming. But notice that he didn’t antagonize them. Cyril Barber says, “His ability to see the issues clearly and stand firm under pressure safeguarded him from succumbing to the wiles of his adversaries.” After the 4th communication to Nehemiah and his 4th refusal, the opposition began playing political hardball. The resistance starts pulling things out of a bag of “dirty tricks.” What makes this letter dirty was it was left open. Most letters were closed with a seal, but it was intentionally left open, and anyone could read it. Rummers could potentially hurt Nehemiah, spread back to the King, who gave him his leave and resources. Nehemiah would definitely be affected as the victim of all rumors always encounters some kind of damage and suffers due to its success or failure. What makes this so dangerous is that his opponents claimed he was trying to become King and lead a revolt. See comments below for the rest of the post. (at Saint Peters, Missouri) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiIFlGPuAnW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

Most successful attacks do not come from outside. The greatest threat is within the walls we create. The Cartoon Character Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us." What: Nehemiah 5:1-19, ESV The rich were taking advantage of the people. They would say, “these are different times," and "things have changed." Many people today say the same things in their defenses. The truth is that they weren't following the law and were soft with scripture. We have much of the same today in our society. Like then as it is today, the poor didn't receive it well and protested injustices. Nehemiah gets angry, and let's remember there is a difference between righteous and unrighteous anger. Franky Schaeffer - "There are times when anyone with a shred of moral principle should be profoundly angry." Nehemiah pondered after he got angry and didn't act rashly. He followed biblical principles for handling injustice. Matthew 18:15-16, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." Frank R. Tillapaugh - "What good was it to build a wall if there were people who were exploiting one another inside the wall." What good is it for us to build institutions and construct walls against evil if, within, people are indistinguishable? Two thoughtful considerations. 1. Disobedience to the law of God. • Stop playing loose with scripture • Become people of the book • Repent 2. Putting prosperity before other’s well-being. • John Wesley and George Whitefield preached in corn fields. We are part of a system that makes the poor poorer. We raise money to feed poor in other countries if it doesn't cramp our style but do nothing for those on our doorsteps. We need to get right within. Nehemiah succeeded. Why? • He was close to God • Hd his priorities right • Set a consistent example Jesus "did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:28) (at Saint Peters, Missouri) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiFnmCmumLL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Dealing with Opposition Opposition is almost always caused by success not by failure. Success Breeds Opposition Opposition is almost always caused by success and not failure. Nobody pays attention to people who are not successful. Why do people oppose success? • Some people are threatened by others' success. • Others are jealous • Some oppose others or their projects because they have a different agenda than they do. • Some feel excluded. • People suspect the motivations of those they oppose • Some people, especially leaders, lose face when others succeed. • Opposition comes from traditionalists. • A final reason for the opposition at least to spiritual work is that it is opposed by Satan. Five Dynamics of Leadership in order of importance. 1.) The leader and God 2.) The leader and his earthly superior or superiors 3.) The leader and the subordinates 4.) The leader and the task 5.) The leader and his opposition Nehemiah dealt with opposition by: • Do not retaliate. • He prayed • He went on working saying focused on Gods calling Category: BALANCE Action: Do not retaliate, pray, and get back to work. #fatherhood #family #fatherless #masculinity #men #faith #warrior Greens #toastmasters #toastmasters_international #toastmastersinternational #casa #courtappointedspecialadvocates #coaching #coachinglife #icf #internationalcoachingfederation #success #christian #christiantiktok #leadership #rblp #podcast #podcasting #podcasthost #veteran #truesuccess #purposedriven #purpose2impact #purposetoimpact #nehemiah (at Columbia, Missouri) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiDRVjfObfv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

Minion Pancakes at IHOP! Sam turns 9 this week and Andrew 7, so Grandma and Grandpa stole them today for their birthday and won't be back till tomorrow. So momma and I took the little one out to lunch. #fatherhood #ihop #pancakes #family #lunchtime #fatherdaughter #fatheranddaughter #fatherdaughterlove #familytime #familylove #familymeals #familyfun #familyislove #values #valuesmatter #christian #jesus #veteran #toastmaster #casa #leadership #warriorgreens #wakeupwarrior #minions #lifecoaching #coachingbusiness #icf #rblp #podcast #podcasthost (at Lansing IHOP) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgukcoHpO08/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

Sometimes people say leaders are born, leaders are readers, or Leaders are great teachers, storytellers, and so forth. Then I heard, "If you want to know if you are a leader, turn around to see if you have any followers?" Make sense, right? Leaders are supposed to have followers. I realized something quickly just wasn't right about this saying. I imagined being that leader and glancing over my shoulder, but realized that only matters sometimes. This is a tough one because I always imagined a leader with a bunch of followers. What I'm discovering is that those in significant positions have lots of followers. What I'm saying is whoever holds power can have a more substantial following regardless of how they lead. People want power and position so they can influence others and appear to be a great leader. Few do what matters and is important. For example, let's take Bill Gates, who recently donated $100 million to the coronavirus research because philanthropy matters to him. In 2018 be gave away $110 million and was 12th in the world in philanthropy. Last year he gave an estimated 4.78 billion. He's given away about 45.5 billion with his foundation. I'll be honest with you here. I've never really seen Bill Gates as a leader and didn't think much of him either. I don't know the guy and haven't done much research. I know he is the genius behind Microsoft, and I don't care too much for their products. It doesn't mean he isn't great at what he does and created an empire. I never really seen him as a leader from my position here in the world until I have seen what he was doing in the world of philanthropy with Warren Buffett. By giving away most of their wealth. When we do things that matter in other people's lives, in the world we live in sometimes we are alone. Being a great leader comes at a price. Sometimes you go at it alone, and everybody thinks your crazy. http://bit.ly/Beginners-Guide-Overcome-Fear (at Leavenworth, Kansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgXuk21Jq9q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

Very kind of the surgery team at Saint John’s Hospital in Leavenworth, KS to send me a note with some personal touches a week after my surgery. I was blessed with an amazing team, they made it fun and I have no complaints. Definitely made a lasting impression. I’ll be adding you all to my prayers. K.S. Ingles #leavenworth #hospital #surgeryteam #saintjohnshospital #kansas #veterans #nurses #medical #thankyou #gratitude #blessings #qualitycare #healthcare #blessings #blessed #surgery #surgerycenter #nurses #nursesofinstagram #medicaldoctor #healthcareheroes #healthcareworkers #healthcareprofessional (at Leavenworth, Kansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf4lfNfpUch/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

What are you focused on doing? #focus #mastery (at Leavenworth, Kansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf10VrYl51E/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

There are as many people out there that think our work and life should be separate, others believe our work and life are not compatible. I want to take the opposite view. ========================================= I believe every aspect of our lives is good for the profession we serve. I think when you show up at work as you would outside of work, make you a better boss. Authentic people make the best employees, and your values shape the company as an excellent place to do business and work. One reason! When you show up as anything else, your lying. Start telling the truth not only at work but at school, home, and everywhere else you engage. Lying will catch up to you eventually. Your brand is priceless. The brand represents the words that you say you will fulfill and the actions you take. It is how you show up every day in your public and private life. I've been doing some sales training lately. What I know is that salespeople who build relationships with their customers and don't lie about their products do very well. Trust is a currency that can earn big dividends. Have you heard the sales slogan that it's best to have one customer one hundred times than one hundred only once? ========================================= Managers and Execs need reports, so they understand how the company is working. They don't need you to hide disturbing and lousy news. Stakeholders depend on accurate information, not disguised. Organizations that don't punish bad news will be stronger than those where people are fearful of retributions if they tell the truth. #Trust #leadership #personalgrowth #success (at Kansas City, Missouri) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfzI2_7Lvm3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

Leadership done right is a powerful and humbling human experience. Great leaders willfully serve others. They demonstrate authentic leadership to those who serve them and extend influence. Exceptional leaders even encourage you to find satisfaction in your work as you help others. They discovered that joy comes from a service-oriented attitude. ========================================= A serving mentality is right for any profession. Consumers will come back to a business that makes them feel valuable, hears them, is serious about their needs, keeps commitments, acknowledges and corrects errors, and strives to earn your trust and confidence. Among all their other duties, leaders must oversee how you treat other people. They have to ensure the integrity of the brand through transparency and honesty. If your behavior and values in your personal life reflected your work, you would treat your customers like family. I won't try to sell anything people won't need, take advantage of uninformed buyers, push damaged or flawed products, and pull slick ones on my family. So, why would so many others do that to their customers, who, in turn, put money in their hands to feed not only your family but your organization's families? ========================================= My company's only goal is to make your life more satisfying. I will succeed when you succeed. #leadership #success #personalgrowth #service (at Leavenworth, Kansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfwq6Vvl_5o/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

Personal Growth is critical to your success. Use this guide to attract all you love, appreciate, and create new success and abundance in life that you desire and deserve. Access The Pocket Book Guide to Personal Growth v2.0 today! This is a collection of recommended tools and resources that men should use to achieve personal growth. http://bit.ly/personal-growth-guide #personalgrowth #success #fathers #husbands (at Leavenworth, Kansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfvU0Rrsscj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ikirby79]

If someone has wronged you in some way, How do you deal with the situation? #relationship #conflict (at Leavenworth, Kansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfui1FCpdUr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=