Margin- Chapter 1

(A few friends and I are reading this book together. Each week we are reading one chapter. On Fridays, I am posting my comments, then giving them the opportunity to add their thoughts as well. If you would like to join us or simply find out more about the book, you can read about it here.)

Chapter 1: "Marginless Living"

- In introducing the topic, the author showed what margin and marginless look like.  He then pointed out that "Marginless is culture; margin is counterculture."  (pg. 13)  In starting this book, I found it helpful to be reminded that seeking to establish margin will go against the flow.  Therefore, it will be difficult.

- He correctly pointed out that marginless living is rampant despite all of our modern conveniences that make life easier.  My mind went to the Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder which Viola and I have been reading.  Laura's family worked hard and had to do many things by hand.  However, they found time to have quiet evenings together reading, sewing, and listening to Pa's fiddle.  Something close to that is my goal!

- He phrased it that he "purchased back margin," something "that cost me significant income."  (pg. 16)  It helped me to again realize that establishing margin in my life may cost me something that I think I want now, but in the end, I will be glad I gave it up.  The blessings will outweigh the cost.

- I'm sure each of you "fellows" has felt pressure because of all that needs to be done.  I certainly have as well.  For me, I think a lack of margin is often a big contributor to that pressure.  Hence, this book is for me.

- As ministers, part of our job is to apply the Bible to practical life situations.  I think it is important for us to understand this problem because we will be ministering to many who are facing it as well.

- I liked this: "Pain first gets our attention- as it does so well- and then moves us in the opposite direction of the danger."  (pg. 17)  Unfortunately, I often don't try to move the other direction; I just wiggle around to try to get it to stop.

I've had my say, what say you?
[For your information: Be careful of trying to add too long a comment.  (Don't think that'll be a problem for this chapter.)  In the last reading project a couple of guys found out the hard way there is a limit.  I tried to find out what it is, but couldn't.  You have been warned- don't come crying to me now if it happens!]

Discussion on Chapter 2

Top 10 Moses Leadership Principles

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While our nephew was visiting us last year, we studied the life of Moses.  More specifically, we studied the principles of leadership that are evident in Moses' life.  Each night, we read a passage and jotted down the leadership principles we saw.  Then, we would review the principles we had seen that night as well as the previous one.

Early on, John started calling our review the "Top ___ Moses Leadership Principles."  (For those of you who don't know- he was taking it from ESPN's Sportscenter program, when they show the top 10 plays of the day.)  His repetition of that each night led us to consider making our own top 10 list once we got through everything.

We have whittled and whittled down to just our top 10.  We are not saying they are the most important, just the ones that stood out the most to us.  Here they are:

10. A good leader is not jealous nor insecure in his position. Numbers 11:29
- When other men were prophesying in the camp, Joshua thought Moses should tell them to stop.  Moses replied, "Would God that all the LORD's people were prophets."

9. A good leader will listen to his followers’ explanation. Numbers 32:20-22
- When Moses first heard of the two and a half tribes' desire to stay on the east of Jordan, he did not like it.  However, he remained calm and listened to the reasoning behind their request.
 

8. A good leader will clearly and thoroughly communicate with his coworkers. Exodus 4:28
- When God paired Aaron up with Moses, Moses shared the instructions and signs God had already told him.

7. A good leader is not afraid to delegate responsibility. Deuteronomy 1:17
- Moses appointed leaders to help him in judgment.  If the matters were too difficult for them, they could come for help.  Otherwise, he let them use their abilities.

6. A good leader praises his followers when they do right. Exodus 39:43
- After the workers finished making the tabernacle and everything for it, Moses saw their work was as God had commanded, and he blessed the workers.

5. A good leader will make decisions and choices based on faith. Hebrews 11:24,27
- This passage reveals to us that Moses' leaving the royal household of Egypt was an act of faith.

4. A good leader is not responsible to force others into decisions. Exodus 10:6
- When Pharoh would not listen, Moses delivered God's message, turned and walked out of the great leader's presence.  He allowed Pharoh the responsibility to make his own decision- good or bad.

3. Though he may have opportunities to benefit himself, a good leader will put the interests of his followers first. Numbers 14:12-20
- After Israel's sin, God offered to wipe out the nation and start over with Moses and his descendants.  Moses pleaded with God for the same people that had complained to him many times.

2. A good leader does not compromise God’s way. Exodus 10:9,25-26
- As the plagues troubled Egypt, Pharoh offered to let Israel go if only certain of them went.  Each time, Moses refused to compromise.  He was only going to do it God's way.

1. A good leader does not try to instill loyalty to himself but to God. Deuteronomy 13:3-4
- As Israel prepared to cross into the promised land, Moses challenged the people to obey the Lord.  That was Moses' practice: calling people not to follow him, but to follow the Lord.

Which one of our top 10 do you find the most challenging?

 

First Time Duet

Here is our first duet in Russian (at least part of it).

Hughes Song