We Have Considered 9 Strategies 1.Vision & Victories 2.Personal example 3.An optimistic faith 4.Endurance 5.Body language 6.Humility 7.Controlling conflict 8.Lighten up 9.Demonstrated faith

1 Peter 2:19-20 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

Hebrews 12:7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

2 Timothy 4:5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

We Are Admonished… To endure

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

We Are Admonished… To endure To not grow weary

Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

We Are Admonished… To endure To not grow weary To build up self

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

We Are Admonished… To endure To not grow weary To build up self To build up brethren

1 Corinthians 14:12 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

We Are Admonished… To endure To not grow weary To build up self To build up brethren To build up the church

1 Corinthians 14:12 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. To EXCEL in building up the church

2 Corinthians 8:7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. To EXCEL in the grace of giving

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;10. for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, To EXCEL in love

1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. To EXCEL in our Christian walk

Excelling in building up the church Excelling in the grace of giving Excelling in love Excelling in our Christian walk Part of the ENDURANCE strategy NOT Just “Getting by…”

Excelling in building up the church Excelling in the grace of giving Excelling in love Excelling in our Christian walk Part of the ENDURANCE strategy Part of the LIGHTEN UP strategy NOT Just “Getting by…”

Fear,Fear, weariness in well doing,weariness in well doing, a “rut” leading to stale actions without passion…a “rut” leading to stale actions without passion… are dangers to ANY organization striving to achieve, excel, and push forward. are dangers to ANY organization striving to achieve, excel, and push forward.

It is precisely the “excelling” organization that needs the ability to be creative, solve problems, and push forward under pressure.

We Need “Tenacious Creativity” Not just the ability to “endure,” but the ability to excel and overcome under pressure.

The devil roars… Discouragement Temptation Apathy Worldliness Etc., Problems are Inevitable

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. FAITH for things that can’t be handled

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. FLEXIBILITY to adjust to people, situations Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

1 Chronicles 12:32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. The ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND the times

We Need “Tenacious Creativity” Adjusting to difficulty in every area 1. In evangelism 2. In edification 3. In benevolence 4. And in our work as individuals

Just a Few Examples of “Tenacious Creativity” 1.Focus on new move-ins, visit, invite, take a cake… 2.Have people over for a “game night” 3.Send cards, offer to pray for distressed 4.Help those in need- financial, food, clothing 5.Shove snow, mow, rake, help out 6.Go with folks to tests, surgeries 7.Be active in community affairs, service organizations, schools, etc.

We Need “Tenacious Creativity” Not just the ability to “endure,” but the ability to excel and overcome under pressure. Christians who will be leaders need the ability to push forward in faith, excel in their service, and continue to overcome and “create” ways to do the will of God in the face of a stubborn world. Philippians 3:14