Saturday, December 21, 2019

Embrace Betrayal as a Friend

According to my understanding of the following scriptures, Judas was one of two betrayal relationships Jesus carried while he ministered in person on Earth.

The other betrayer was never mentioned by name but only referenced as "the disciple whom Jesus loved"

The underlining principle of embracing betrayal as a natural aspect of leading a healthy organization is covertly evident in these passages.  John 21:18-19; John 13:14-30; Matthew 27:1-11; John 21:15-25; Psalm 41:9






I define betrayal as a good idea or person that knowingly or unknowingly exposes an organization, a group, and/or a person to danger.  Fear of embracing betrayal limits the power and influence the Holy Spirit has on an organization.

It is important to note that not all danger leads to harm.  Those that walk in the Spirit understand "...that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose  - Romans 8:28



To him who has an ear let him hear:

18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

 - John 21:18-19 New International Version (NIV)





enclosure
Martin A. Briggs

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

My Physical Appearance and why God loves me Just the Way I Am





When I initially saw this image I was immediately disappointed by my 'aging' appearance.  Then the Lord spoke to me and remind me of how much he loves me just the way I am.

 I find it interesting that of all the miracles Jesus performed he never addressed cosmetic concerns. I believe God granted Jesus unlimited power to perform any miracle he wanted.  Yet during Christ's three-year ministry did he ever address physical appearance?  For example, Jesus never made someone taller, younger, thinner, or any other variable that we would consider making us physically attractive.

The Lord only healed enough to restore a person to normal function.  I do not recall any biblical testimonies that after a person was healed that their physical appearance was enhanced.  No one ever claimed someone looked younger or better after Jesus healed them.

In conclusion, I realized this morning these two facts.  First that God loves the way I look just as I am.  Last that God loves my appearance all the same throughout my entire lifespan.

Our Father God created us to with timestamps of when to be born, how long we are to live, to die, and ultimately enter the afterlife.

As we move through those phases our appearance changes.  What was once new becomes old.  What is old will die, and what dies gives birth to new life.  Jesus only sees beauty in our appearance as we progress through all five stages.

I choose to embrace my body as it advances through the aging process.  I love my appearance as it is and as it shifts through time.  Thank you, Jesus my love for accepting my body, my face, my entire appearance as I am as I age and as I walk closer to your eternal glory.

enclosure 
Martin A. Briggs


Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Book of Revelation Word Sleuth





Judgement and throne
Rev 3:21, Rev 6:10-11, Rev 11:18, Revelation 20:4, Rev 20:11-14   


Greatness
Revelation 19:5; Matt 23:11-12; Luke 9:46-48; Luke 22:24-30; Mark 9:30-37

Greatness is in direct correlation to:
- belonging to a small group community
- serving that small group community
- welcome children meaning the least among us and the next generation
*the Lord is favorable on striving for greatness and is not oppose to competition

Radiant
Rev 1:14;Exodus 34:29-32

Being in the presence of the Lord makes you physically
- shone: to send out rays
- radiant: sending out light; shining or glowing brightly
- shining
- glow

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Podcast Reflection: Faith Driven Entrepreneur

I felt led to attend 'faith driven' entrepreneur connection gatherings with business believers in Atlanta.  On one of those occasions a gentlemen with great persuasion encouraged me to starting listening in on a podcast called Faith Driven Entrepreneur.   His words were greatly accepted and I have been consuming as much of the content that I can with as much available time as I can give it. 

I have turned my car rides into learning sessions from top business and thought leaders throughout America.  The purpose of this journal entry is to record all of the inspirations that I receive from the messages.  




I have listened in on several podcast thus far but the four aforementioned podcast are what I feel led to retain in my soul.  These first four are the ones I listened to over the last 4 weeks.  

EPISODE 60 - HOW AN INTERVIEW WITH HULK HOGAN ON THEIR WEDDING DAY STARTED A $40 MILLION BUSINESS WITH JEFF AND ALLY DAVIDSON OF CAMP GLADIATOR

What I learned: that I would like to help expand Camp Gladiator to Birmingham and a reminder of how powerful it is to cut things that are not working.  Trimming an organization back to an essential healthy being is far more effective then having a larger organization that is ineffective.  Growth happens best from the foundation of a healthy organization not matter how small it is.  

Episode 57 - Combating Loneliness with Community: Scott Weiss from Ocean Accelerator 

What I learned: that I think Birmingham could benefit from working with Ocean Accelerator to build one in our city.  

Episode 51 - God Owns it All: Alan Barnhart, CEO of Barnhart Crane and Rigging

What I learned: The Bible is full of warnings of how difficult it is to maintain a healthy faith life and be rich at the same time.  Mr. Barnhart made a good point when he said the probability of keeping solid in the faith and being rich is like the Jesus states about as easy as it is for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle.  I totally agree with the idea principal of choosing to live a modest lifestyle and using the significant profits God provides engaged in Kingdom investment.  Be careful not to use profit as a way to personally consume or prop your identity on it.   This is such a great and sobering warning for all who feel the call of God to serving him through the mission of business.  This not only means I personally have to watch out for my spirititual condition but that I am also having to work with business leaders who also are struggling in a significant manner in retaining their right relationship with God.  

Episode 50 - Doing Good by Gaming the System – Yu-Kai Chou, Pioneer of Gamification and Creator of Octalysis Prime Framework

What I learned:  Gamification is something I had never heard before and is a thought process that I choose to retain as I engage my business endeavor.  Please truly are more engaged when their is a level of contributing to something greater than themselves, when competition is on the line, and belonging to a community.  

enclosure (for now)   

Monday, June 3, 2019

The Violent Take it By Force

There's always a cost to self if you're going to capture your God given dream



Achieving our divine design will require sacrifices and a aggressive pursuit by force

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Evangelist Martin A. Briggs

After speaking with Pastor Deric Thomas while shooting hoops he encouraged me to study Apostle Andrew and Philip the Evangelist.  Pastor Deric felt those two biblical characters would help me to better understand my biblical identify.  Although his advise was given to me several weeks ago I kept it in my mind to research the biblical characters just as soon as possible.

Between the time of speaking with Pastor Deric and this journal entry my wife Kayla encouraged me to complete a spiritual gift assessment in which it was revealed that my spiritual gift was that of evangelism.  Today I finally had the opportunity about two weeks from the time of my completing the assessment to study Andrew and Philip.  Andrew from what I can see was is not mentioned much in the Bible however he appears to he helpful in making a connection between the Greeks and Jesus.  Connecting is certainly a spiritual gift that I can relate and have for years accepted as a spiritual gift.

Philip was to help the overlooked and was actually referenced as a evangelist.

Evangelist a bringer of good tidings or good news or information.  I now accept my broader gifting beyond connecting is actually rooted in Evangelism.  Bringing good news that Jesus brings to my awareness to those he has instructed me to share it with.

Thank you Jesus for this revelation and for using Pastor Deric Thomas of Tapestry Church and my beloved wife for bringing me to this understanding.  This inspiration of identity is helping me to grown and heal as I walk the journey of life. 

Sincerely,

Martin


References: Matt 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:7; Luke 6:14; John 12:20; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5, Acts 21:7-9; Acts 8:4-8; 

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Criteria for ULECx Investment




The purpose of this message is to articulate what we feel is the minimum requirements for capital infusion from The ULECx Market into a start up or rising company.  Ultimately we feel these criteria are the keys for success. 

1) Credit Score - The average personal credit score is 687 with the best being 723 or higher as they have a 5% or better probability of delinquency.

2) Culture builders - Must be committed to utilizing their company as an outlet of The ULECx four core values love God, love people, pursue excellence, and choose joy.  We are looking for business owners committed to building staff committed to these four core values and pour them into the market place.

3) Cash Cow - Must have what I call a cash cow out side of the business that supports the personal financial needs of the owner

4) Two Feet in - The primary owner is 100% committed and vested into the business.  Has no commitments on his or her time to any other business or projects outside of personal endeavors.  If married that the spouse although not involved in the business is 100% committed to the success of the endeavor.

5) In Demand - their is a high probability that the service or product rendered is a need of come defined base of consumers

6) Market Demographics - a market demographic study has been completed and a well grounded knowledge of how many customers are available.  A list of each potential client, including, name, phone #, email, is very helpful.

7) Personal commitment to Marketing and Sales - the owners commitment to the marketing and sales process must be priority number #1

8) Attractive Logo & Brand Presence - an attractive logo that has distinguish the brand is extremely important.  Building great market material and online presence around that brand is key

9) Strong delivery - strong operational systems to deliver promised services or goods on time and meets customer expectations every time

10) Hiring Pipe Line - has a strong system of producing a strong hiring pipeline to help keep the company growing

11) Cash Only Policy - requires little to no debt to launch the business.  If debt is required a clear plan to pay off the debt within 1 - 3 years is best

12) Significant start up cash on hand - it takes a minimum of  $10k to truly launch any enterprise.  To include cost for legal incorporation, accounting, and marketing.  Does not include build out and other cost related to equipping the company. 

13) Multi-million $ in production - company must be able to project the ability to grow to at least a multi-million dollar revenue producing company with at least state wide reach.  Nationally if possible.

14) Partnership - having one additional close partner is highly valuable.  A key manager with vested interest in the business is great aspect of success.  A married couple will suffice, however a partner not sharing the same household is an even great advantage 

15) Infrastructure - a commitment and proven dedication to excellent back office administration in the Seven Lanes 

16) Pricing structure - the owner has a pricing structure that includes enough space for profit, his wage, manager (franchisee) wage, employee wage, and overhead 

I am sure their are other criteria we will add over time but this is what we can think of at the moment

enclosure