19:40:44Welcome everyone to my blog site and more importantly my first real blog post. I wanted to set the stage for why I'm doing this and what you can expect in blog entries to follow. Why "Armor-Bearer.com"? What's that tag-line mean ("Serving and Supporting in the Spirit of Armorbearing")?
I've been micro-blogging since earlier this year via Twitter (@DouglasLess) and many of my "tweets" seem to focus on topics of service, leadership, management, life lessons, and famous quotes in an attempt to inspire, motivate, encourage, and maybe even to challenge folks a bit. My passion for leadership really came into focus three years ago when it was made clear to me that we need to examine and strengthen our beliefs if we are to change our impact and effectiveness with those around us. Thanks to some awesome Bible-based teaching and connecting with successful Christian leaders - I'm discovering more and more how to use my talents in a God-honoring way.
So, Armor-Bearer.com was spawned from two related things - a Bible passage that hit a chord with me and the opportunity to deliver my first sermon just one month ago with that very Bible verse as the centerpiece of the message. The passage comes from the Old Testament, in First Samuel chapter 14, Verse 7:
"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
The armor-bearer that said these encouraging 16 words was that of Jonathan, the prince and son of Israel's King Saul. Jonathan, a mere teenager at the time, was about to embark on what seemed like an impossible mission of entering the enemy encampment of seasoned Philistine soldiers by himself while the rest of Saul's discouraged, nearly defeated, army lay sleeping. The armor-bearer believed in Jonathan and by saying "I am with you heart and soul" his faith actually helped to increase Jonathan's faith and together these two young men start a battle that conquers an army.
These words resonated with me - when was the last time I've told anyone I was with them "heart and soul"? And is there someone in my life that would say the same to me - that they are with me, with me all the way. God is looking for people that have that kind of heart, who are willing to encourage those they are called to serve - he even gives them a name - he calls them Armor Bearers.
I realize that I've been focused for so long on family and career that I've not made the time or space in my life for an armor bearer friendship. So, I created Armor-Bearer.com because as Christians we need each other. Every man and every women needs someone to walk through this life together - someone who will be with you heart and soul, no matter what.
I personally want to be considered a modern day armor bearer to my friends, family, church, church leaders, and clients - someone you can count on to support you, help you, and benefit you especially when you face trials or great challenges.
Cheers!
 |
|