. . . you can be sure that he didn’t get there on his own." This quote came out of the introduction in the book Become a Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley. In the book he discusses how important it is for us to surround ourselves with likeminded people who are great partners. Folks that share common values and beliefs. Folks that do not accept excuses . . . and partners that hold us accountable.
For me, it is so easy to do in business, but where else did it need to play out in my life? Are the people I surround myself with . . . especially my Catholic male friends or close business partners, holding me accountable to being a bold and courageous Christian man? Do they and the activities I do with them support happy relationships and marriages, being great dads, and ethical businessmen? We are called to encourage one another. Christ encouraged His apostles and those who listened to Him speak. In turn the apostles encouraged each other and the people who listened to the Good News. We, as descendants and heirs, are called to the same. It is more important than ever to surround ourselves with people who have the same mindset. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. It is easy to live joyously when everything seems to be going our way (when His plan is in lock step with our plan). But at times when it is clear He is calling us away from our plan, it is the wise advice and encouragement of likeminded individuals who will be there to help us stay the course.
Growing up in Northwest Indiana, I am a Chicago Bull's fan. One can’t be a Bull's fan without speaking about Michael Jordan at some point. As great as Michael was as a player, he never stopped talking about how important the other men on his team were to him getting to the level he achieved. In the seven NBA championships he played in, he always had coach Phil Jackson there to give him an objective viewpoint . . . to help him stay the course when other outside voices and influences may have pushed him in other directions.
If ever you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, you can be sure that he didn’t get there on his own.
In today’s first reading (Acts 18:23-28), Paul left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples. He encouraged them. Also, later in the reading, it references Apollos beginning to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they helped to refine his thinking and clarify the Way of God. And when Apollos wanted to cross to Achaia, other men encouraged him, writing to the disciples to welcome him upon his arrival:
After staying in Antioch some time, Paul left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples.
A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the Scriptures that the Christ is Jesus.
In the Monthly Message from July 2011, Jesus encourages us to stay the course:
Lay apostles, it is important to recognize how, even in the first reading, Apollos passion was fueled by those who encouraged him. In the end, we see after his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the Scriptures that the Christ is Jesus. He was rejuvenated and emboldened by the encouragement he had received on his journey.
Thank you, Lord, for the people in my life who encourage me every day to be a better Catholic . . . a better Christian . . . a better fiancé . . . a better father . . . a better man.
In humility and gratitude,
Jay
For me, it is so easy to do in business, but where else did it need to play out in my life? Are the people I surround myself with . . . especially my Catholic male friends or close business partners, holding me accountable to being a bold and courageous Christian man? Do they and the activities I do with them support happy relationships and marriages, being great dads, and ethical businessmen? We are called to encourage one another. Christ encouraged His apostles and those who listened to Him speak. In turn the apostles encouraged each other and the people who listened to the Good News. We, as descendants and heirs, are called to the same. It is more important than ever to surround ourselves with people who have the same mindset. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. It is easy to live joyously when everything seems to be going our way (when His plan is in lock step with our plan). But at times when it is clear He is calling us away from our plan, it is the wise advice and encouragement of likeminded individuals who will be there to help us stay the course.
Growing up in Northwest Indiana, I am a Chicago Bull's fan. One can’t be a Bull's fan without speaking about Michael Jordan at some point. As great as Michael was as a player, he never stopped talking about how important the other men on his team were to him getting to the level he achieved. In the seven NBA championships he played in, he always had coach Phil Jackson there to give him an objective viewpoint . . . to help him stay the course when other outside voices and influences may have pushed him in other directions.
If ever you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, you can be sure that he didn’t get there on his own.
In today’s first reading (Acts 18:23-28), Paul left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples. He encouraged them. Also, later in the reading, it references Apollos beginning to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they helped to refine his thinking and clarify the Way of God. And when Apollos wanted to cross to Achaia, other men encouraged him, writing to the disciples to welcome him upon his arrival:
After staying in Antioch some time, Paul left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples.
A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the Scriptures that the Christ is Jesus.
In the Monthly Message from July 2011, Jesus encourages us to stay the course:
"How earnestly I ask the Father for greater blessings for you. How earnestly I prompt you, through the Spirit, to continue on in service. I know that there are times when you need encouragement, so at this time, I will send you evidence of either your progress or of the effect of your willingness to serve on others. Look for this, dear apostles, and then you will know that I am with you and that I am using your presence on earth."
Lay apostles, it is important to recognize how, even in the first reading, Apollos passion was fueled by those who encouraged him. In the end, we see after his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the Scriptures that the Christ is Jesus. He was rejuvenated and emboldened by the encouragement he had received on his journey.
Thank you, Lord, for the people in my life who encourage me every day to be a better Catholic . . . a better Christian . . . a better fiancé . . . a better father . . . a better man.
In humility and gratitude,
Jay
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