10 Lessons from the Fonz
During my recent teaching trip to Nicaragua, I was privileged to meet an outstanding pastor named Alfonzo, who is growing a church among the poor in a Managua barrio.
I nicknamed him "The Fonz." He doesn't know a lick of English, so I thought he would enjoy learning a phrase or two.
I taught him how to give the thumbs up and say, "Hey, Cool Dude!" The missionaries rolled their eyes and joked about the gringo who was corrupting this poor Nicaraguan pastor.
One morning, "The Fonz" gave a devotional talk. A bilingual friend translated it to me. I didn't catch every word -- but the words I caught, caught me!
Thus, I would like to pass what I learned on to you:
Ten Lessons from the Fonz.
1. On Faith:
Who are you trusting? God or man? God will never fail you. People will always fall short. God, alone, is our provider. We must LIVE by faith and FULLY trust our God.
2. On Excellence:
Be your best for Jesus! Don't make excuses and give him your second best. Don't give him "just enough to get by", but rather, serve the lord WHOLEHEARTEDLY!
3. On Focus:
Set your eyes on Jesus. Look ONLY to Him. To do that, you have to look up, because Jesus lives on top of the mountain. Quit looking down at your situation. Look up and start climbing. Go where Jesus is, and you will be on the moiuntain top too.
4. On Holiness:
As ministers, we must be HOLY in our daily lives -- in everything -- in the little things. Our holiness is our power, authority and influence. We will not have the anointing if we are not committed to holiness in the way we live.
5. On Witnessing:
Your life is your greatest witness. Always look for an opportunity to to share the love of Jesus and to bless others.
6. On Marriage:
Husband love your wife. Wife, love your husband. "Jesus Loves Me" is a command to love my spouse.
7. On Laziness:
Some people are "leaners." They always lean on other people, and operate on the energy extended by others. They never exert -- but only lean.
If you are going to lean -- Lean on Jesus!! When you lean on Jesus, He's going to give you a boost and shove you forward!
8. On Ministry:
Serving God is the highest privilege. Bringing his love and blessing is our greatest fulfillment. Nothing else comes close in comparison.
9. On Survival:
How am I going to survive? By faith!! God is real! God is good! God is true! We can always count on his provision. I don't have to fret about my survival, because God has the situation under control.
When facing a big problem, God will bring creative ideas for the solution. That is divine intervention!
10. On Wisdom:
Doublemindedness is the enemy of wisdom. It brings instability. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Ask for wisdom, or the 'mind of Christ", and you will receive the gift of single-mindedness.
I nicknamed him "The Fonz." He doesn't know a lick of English, so I thought he would enjoy learning a phrase or two.
I taught him how to give the thumbs up and say, "Hey, Cool Dude!" The missionaries rolled their eyes and joked about the gringo who was corrupting this poor Nicaraguan pastor.
One morning, "The Fonz" gave a devotional talk. A bilingual friend translated it to me. I didn't catch every word -- but the words I caught, caught me!
Thus, I would like to pass what I learned on to you:
Ten Lessons from the Fonz.
1. On Faith:
Who are you trusting? God or man? God will never fail you. People will always fall short. God, alone, is our provider. We must LIVE by faith and FULLY trust our God.
2. On Excellence:
Be your best for Jesus! Don't make excuses and give him your second best. Don't give him "just enough to get by", but rather, serve the lord WHOLEHEARTEDLY!
3. On Focus:
Set your eyes on Jesus. Look ONLY to Him. To do that, you have to look up, because Jesus lives on top of the mountain. Quit looking down at your situation. Look up and start climbing. Go where Jesus is, and you will be on the moiuntain top too.
4. On Holiness:
As ministers, we must be HOLY in our daily lives -- in everything -- in the little things. Our holiness is our power, authority and influence. We will not have the anointing if we are not committed to holiness in the way we live.
5. On Witnessing:
Your life is your greatest witness. Always look for an opportunity to to share the love of Jesus and to bless others.
6. On Marriage:
Husband love your wife. Wife, love your husband. "Jesus Loves Me" is a command to love my spouse.
7. On Laziness:
Some people are "leaners." They always lean on other people, and operate on the energy extended by others. They never exert -- but only lean.
If you are going to lean -- Lean on Jesus!! When you lean on Jesus, He's going to give you a boost and shove you forward!
8. On Ministry:
Serving God is the highest privilege. Bringing his love and blessing is our greatest fulfillment. Nothing else comes close in comparison.
9. On Survival:
How am I going to survive? By faith!! God is real! God is good! God is true! We can always count on his provision. I don't have to fret about my survival, because God has the situation under control.
When facing a big problem, God will bring creative ideas for the solution. That is divine intervention!
10. On Wisdom:
Doublemindedness is the enemy of wisdom. It brings instability. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Ask for wisdom, or the 'mind of Christ", and you will receive the gift of single-mindedness.
'The Fonz' from Nicaragua may be poor in the materialistic sense, but his message is rich. Many 'rich' in the world need to listen to this 'Fonz'.
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