Principles
Dr. Franklin Santagate presents various writings centered around a biblical principle of the Kingdom that will mentor Christian marketplace men and women. God does everything according to a pattern based upon a principle of His Kingdom. Biblical principles are the foundation for Christian men and women for success at home and in the workplace.
Faith During Famine
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
We are in a famine in our economy. Many Christian businesses and families are facing difficult times. Some have lost their business, home and employment. The pressure of financial uncertainty is sometimes overwhelming. Instead of trying to solve our problems in our own strength, we must seek the leadership and direction from our Heavenly Father. He loves us. He cares for us. He keeps us. Our belief and faith must not falter in this day of adversity. We know it is hard. It is in this crucible of lack, the crisis of not knowing how the bills will be paid, that we find it mandatory to hear from our Father.
Let me share with you ten ways God speaks to us. First, there are five ways He speaks to us from heaven: 1) Audibly; 2) Spirit to Spirit; 3) Dreams; 4) Visions; 5) Angels. Second, there are five ways our Father speaks to us from earth: 1) Reading of the Word; 2) Preaching of the Word; 3) Prophecy confirmed by the Word; 4) Circumstances of life;5) People. Now we know God is not limited to these ten channels, but these are the frequencies we experience most often.
Hearing from God certainly helped Isaac – it will help us! He was looking at the earthly circumstances and was going to submit to the system of the world to help him through the famine. But he heard God and had the faith to believe God. In obedience, despite what he saw, he sowed in the land of the famine and God prospered him.
Let’s get our directions from our Father to have the peace we seek.
Let’s pray: Precious Father, we ask You to lead and guide us each day. We want to be where you want us to be. We want to be doing exactly want you want us to be doing. We commit to seek you each day for your wisdom for our life. We have needs, and you know those needs before we even ask. If there is anything delaying or keeping our needs from being met, reveal it to us so that we can address it immediately. Thank you Father for hearing us. By faith we know You will meet all our needs. In Jesus name, amen.
Genesis 26:1-3 (NKJV)1 There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. 2 Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you.
Genesis 26:12-14 (NKJV)12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Pressure Under Peace
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
I titled this “Pressure under peace” instead of “Peace under pressure”. Because we are to put pressure under peace, not allow our peace to come under pressure. A Christian’s battle ground is always the soul – the mind, will and emotions. Here we see in the first scripture that God is the one who keeps us in perfect peace, not us. The qualification for this blessing is to keep our mind “stayed” on God because that is where our trust is – in Him! To keep your mind “stayed” on Him means to depend, to lean on, to establish your thoughts on His Word.
Pressure does not make the person. Pressure only reveals what is in the person.
If pressure is revealing a soul deficiency in a particular area, take the Lord’s scriptural supplement – His Word for that issue – and memorize and meditate on it until it is your stronghold of refuge. This is a place where we can come to when pressure seems to overwhelm us. We are to “trust in the Lord forever” because the Lord is our “everlasting strength.” It took me a long time to realize His strength is much stronger than mine.
Worry is a substitute for prayer. If you have time to worry, you have time to pray.
In our second scripture, we are commanded never to worry about anything, but to bring all of our needs to God in prayer while giving thanks. Just think. If we do this, then God’s peace, beyond anything we can do, think or imagine, will guard (Paul’s military term literally means “to garrison” - to keep and protect) your thoughts and emotions.
Remember, pressure is required for stringed instruments to be played.
It takes just the right amount of stress and pressure to maintain tune and make great music. True of great instruments, true of you. Some pressure allows you to perform well.
Let’s pray. Precious Father, there are so many sources of intense pressure coming at us from all directions. We believe your Word and commit not to worry, but to make every pressure point a prayer point to bring before You with thanksgiving. And with faithful expectation know You will protect, keep and guard our thoughts and emotions and bring us into your restful peace. We pray and believe this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NKJV)3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yahweh, the Lord, is everlasting strength.
Phil 4:6-7 (GW) 6 Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 7 Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Authority or Abdication
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Jesus restored to us, the redeemed, the kingdom authority Adam lost.
Jesus speaks some of His most profound words right before His ascension to heaven. We choose to rule or relinquish this authority with our choice – our only freedom.
He gave us authority over the spiritual kingdom with the power over demons.
No longer under the control of Satan, the redeemed, through the authority of Jesus, have all authority over the spiritual kingdom.
God restored our ability to speak to Him, and Him with us, like Adam in the garden.
As His redeemed sons and daughters, we have the privilege of talking, praying, asking and communing with our Father through our reconciled spirit to spirit union.
We have authority over the animal kingdom.
Now we are no longer required to use the sacrifice of animals to cover our sins, but because of the cross of Jesus, we are redeemed and restored to reign again over the deceptive snake of the Garden and the animal kingdom.
We are to rule over the plant kingdom.
All natural poisons come from the plant kingdom. Addicting plants like the tobacco, marijuana, poppy and hemp plant rule over men and women as does alcohol made from hops, barley, corn, rye, and wheat plants. Jesus has given us freedom to rule over the plant kingdom with His authority.
We have dominion authority over the curse.
We are to pray for the sick in body, mind and spirit and they will recover. Remember, it is not us that does the healing and restoring to wholeness – it is the Lord.
Jesus confirms His word by confirming our belief and actions with miracles.
He wants to show that He is who we say He is to a lost world who needs Him. If we are obedient to act as led by the Holy Spirit, the supernatural becomes natural.
Let’s pray. Dear Lord, let us believe all of Your Word. Let us rule the kingdoms of this earth through Your authority. We believe You will confirm Your Word with signs and wonders as we are obedient to speak according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We pray and believe this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.
Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV) 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Meat or Milk
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
The pattern of meat eaters is knowledge, understanding, wisdom and skill.
Paul likens maturity to meat and immaturity to milk. He terms the immature a “babe.” A babe is defined by the Greek as one “who does not speak.” He used this Greek term to support his claim that they should have been teachers “speaking” the Word of God by this time. To grow in kingdom maturity, there is a progression.
First is knowledge of God’s words and ways – His principles and statutes.
We renew our mind by the reading, study and obedience to His Word. Jesus, the living Word, is the truth, the way and the life. The more we base our life on truth, the better will be our way and the greater will be our life.
Second is understanding, which is the correct interpretation of knowledge.
We can have the knowledge of God’s Word but possess an incorrect understanding. Without correct understanding, our words and actions can lead to foolishness.
Third is wisdom, which is the anointed use of understanding and knowledge.
This demonstration with words and walk (actions) reveals a mature understanding of knowledge that is defined as wisdom.
Finally is skill, the practiced use of wisdom.
These are those who qualify as meat eaters, ones who are of full age and by reason of use (morally experienced) have their senses exercised (solid judgement) to know what is good and what is evil. This is clearly being “skilled in the word of righteousness.”
Let’s pray. Father, give me knowledge of Your Word and ways, your commandments, statures and principles. Holy Spirit, lead and guide me into the truth and correct understanding of all of God’s Word. Father, give me wisdom which you promise to give liberally to those who ask. I commit to become a person skilled in Your Word, mature and strong in my stand for the kingdom. Jesus, strengthen me so my words and walk are Christlike. I pray in the name of Jesus, the Son of the Living God. Amen.
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV) 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Discipline: Despise or Delight
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Discipline is spiritual training.
Training that corrects, molds, and perfects the mental abilities and moral character of a person. Thus, to discipline simply means to impose order upon disorder within the mind, heart and spirit. Spiritual disciplines are tools of training for the spiritually unruly which will cause growth in the knowledge of God, growth in maturing in the character of Christ,
and growth in living an effective Christian life-style.
Superficiality is the curse of our age. Discipline is the blessing of our life.
The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. Discipline enables the “fruit of the Spirit” to come to a bountiful harvest in our lives, bringing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Christlike discipline is liberation from the stifling slavery of self-interest and fear.
Our ordinary method of dealing with ingrained sin is to launch a frontal attack. We rely on our will power and determination to never to do it again; we pray against it, fight against it, set our will against it. But it is all in vain, and we find ourselves once again morally bankrupt or, worse yet, so proud of our external righteousness that “whitened sepulchers” is a mild description of our condition. The will has the same deficiency as the Law – it can deal only with externals. We must contend for a mandatory transformation of our minds.
The needed change within us is God’s work, not ours.
The demand is for an inside job, and only God can work from the inside.Our world is hungry for genuinely changed people. Leo Tolstoy observed, “Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.” Let us be among those who believe that the inner transformation of our lives is a goal worthy of our best effort.
(Edited for Principles from Richard J. Foster’s Celebration of Discipline.)
Let’s pray. Father I pray for a spiritual revival of the discipline of my life. Lead me, guide me Holy Spirit down the paths I may not have traveled. I desire a peace that passes all my earthly senses so I may rest in the confidence I have quieted the wind and waves of the carnality of my life and come to t he shores of God’s rest. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” .
Proverbs 3:11,12) “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in”
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Earthly Purpose. Eternal Destiny.
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Purpose is temporal.
For example, a chair has purpose—it holds people. A chair fulfills its purpose day after day, but there will come a time when it will break; its broken legs will not allow it to fulfill its purpose. It will be discarded, and even though it fulfilled its purpose well, its time will end. Before our end, while on this earth, we have a God-given purpose to fulfill.
Destiny is eternal.
Destiny supercedes time and is the spiritual reason God calls us to accomplish certain things for which we will be remembered. The earthly side of destiny – purpose – has to do with personal heavenly rewards earned here on earth. We will be rewarded in eternity for fulfilling our purpose.
All rewards given in heaven are earned on earth.
Our earthly purpose speaks of our legacy. Some seek a personal legend. God calls us to leave a legacy. Our descendants may never know us, but they should know the integrity, character, and principles we lived by. These should live on through our descendants.
The depth of our discipleship determines the greatness of our destiny.
Is our relationship with God as a convert, or a disciple? Many today are trained to listen and be content with sermons, but not to study the Word of God for themselves. Jesus said ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ Look at the requirement of our relationship with God—abide in His word…then we are disciples…then we will know the truth…then we will be made free.
The difference between a disciple and a convert is growth and maturity.
If we abide in God’s Word, we can expect to grow in our relationship with Him and know His truth, becoming disciples that have the spiritual means to fulfill our purpose so that we can eternally live our destiny according to His will.
Let’s pray. Father, I commit to diligently abide in Your Word. I seek to know and fulfill my earthly purpose in order to live my eternal destiny. Holy Spirit, lead me into truth as it lights my path to walk in the ordered steps of my Lord and Saviour. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:27 (NKJV)
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Relationship Requisite
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives. – Anthony Robbins Communication is the real work of leadership. – Nitin Nohria
Relationship is the basis of all life.
Relationship is the foundation of life. True of all business and personal relationships. When communication stops, the death process begins, and eventually the relationship dies. This process is dramatically demonstrated in nature. If a plant is prevented from receiving light, death begins, during which its leaves wither and turn yellow. If the light continues to be blocked, the plant will die. With the proper light the plant thrives.
Quality communication is the success key for all relationships.
Even in nature, communication is vital. For example, mankind has a necessary relationship with oxygen; we must breathe it to live. We breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Trees breathe in carbon dioxide and, through photosynthesis, exhale oxygen. If the balance of the oxygen-carbon dioxide relationship changes drastically, abnormal symptoms, such as pollution begins to increase, affecting not only the air we breathe
but also the quality of life. With the right balance the air is fresh and pollutant free.
Real relationship requires connecting communication.
Relationship, as defined by Webster, is a state or fact of being “the relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship.” Unless there is a common connection, a basis to communicate, there can be no relationship.
With quality communication, the relationship thrives.
In the marketplace, if a contacts decide not to communicate, abnormality will set in and the relationship will begin to deteriorate. It is the same with every relationship: death proceeds from the lack of communication. In fact, the clinical definition of death is “no communication.” With consistent, honest and open communication, almost any situation can thrive, despite the circumstances. Commit to being a great communicator.
Let’s pray. Father I pray for an intense improvement in my communication with You. Let me be consistent in our relationship. And let me be a blessing with my communication to others. Let my words edify the hearer. I pray my word is my bond, upgrading all my relationships with truth. I commit to growing in my leadership by working on my communication skills. I ask you Holy Spirit, to lead me in my communication. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please forward to anyone you wish.
Faith: Spiritual Vision
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Thomas and Missouri are similar: Show me and I will believe.
There is no need for faith if you can see in the natural. Jesus told Thomas, (the disciple from Missouri), “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Faith is a concrete substance.
It cannot be read, touched, or engaged by our senses. Faith is a spiritual “substance” upon which we confidently stand when we see nothing, but know something is true.
Faith is a convicting evidence.
Faith convicts our hearts with the evidence of the unseen. We know truth, even though sometimes we don’t understand truth, because of the measure of faith given to us by God in order to please Him by our obedience and faithfulness to the leading of His Spirit.
While the natural eye is eye of the soul, faith is eye of the spirit.
We know from scripture that the eye is the window to the soul. But our spirit “sees” the things of the spirit by faith. Everthing we receive from God, we see by faith, and believe.
While faith is the eye of our spirit, vision is the eye of our faith.
Vision is what faith sees and believes in. Vision is the unseen future seen by faith, which is confirmed by the Word and Spirit. Godly vision will always be about strenthening, edifying and blessing others while building the kingdom according to the principles of God.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the measure of faith that you have given me. Increase my faith in areas where I have no faith or little faith. Take my little faith and increase it to great faith. I know that without faith it is impossible to please You, Father. Open the eye of my spirit to Your truth, so I can see by faith. And open the eye of my faith, so my spiritual vision can know the plans you have for my life and my future. I know they are good and I know you have purpose for my life. Give me vision for my life. Let me live my life full of faith and vision. I pray in the strong name of Jesus, the Son of the Living God. Amen.
John 20:25, 29 (NKJV) 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
John 20:25 (NKJV) 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Heb 11:1 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Dreams Determine Destiny
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Dreams can reveal your destiny for greatness.
The two dreams that angered his brothers revealed the greatness of Joseph’s destiny. There was no lust for power, greed or malice in Joseph’s heart when he shared his dream with his brothers. However, God allowed the anger and jealousy of his brothers to put him on the path from the pit to the palace.
Dreams are the segue to your significance.
God had a great purpose for Joseph. He was to use his God-given gift to interpret dreams as stepping stones to fulfill his purpose. The management of the food supply came into his stewardship to save the people of all countries, including his family Israel.
Dreams can become the way out of your difficult circumstances.
The butler and the baker each had their dream interpreted when they were in prison with Joseph. The butler forgot Joseph, until the Pharaoh needed his dreams interpreted. Joseph’s gift took him out of prison.
Dreams can show you strategies in times of prosperity for challenges of tomorrow.
Joseph told Pharaoh concerning his dreams, “God has shown you what to do.” He then interpreted the dreams with such clarity that it was obvious God was with him.
Dreams can propel you into significant leadership.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”
Don’t let difficulties of life dampen your dreams.
Dreams are like stars…you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny. - Anonymous
Let’s pray. Father, speak to me in dreams. Reveal the dreams You have authored in my life. Holy Spirit, ignite my dreams that have been covered by the ashes of life’s failures and difficult circumstances. Kindle a fire in me that is vibrant. Let me dream anew. Birth in me a new vision born from great dreams. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 37:5-7, 9 (NKJV) 5 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. 6 So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” 9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Vision is Vital
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Every great vision is born out of a dream.
All significant accomplishments are birthed from a dream and realized from a vision.
Great leaders of companies, ministries, marriages and families have clear vision.
Leaders cast vision in order for others to participate and partner in the vision’s realization.
“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion.”
-Theodore Hesburgh, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame
It’s common for leaders to equate goals, purpose or mission with a vision.
However, there is a distinct and important difference between these key parts of a success plan.
A great vision creates the power for mission, purpose and goals.
The scriptures teaches us about the lack of vision and the power of vision.
Without the power of vision, we live out someone else’s dream. Our dream dies.
With the power of vision, we create our destiny and live our dream.
That’s the choice. If we let someone else build our life, they will always build it too small.
“A person who walks in anther’s tracks leaves no footprints. Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and make a trail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
A vision is like a lighthouse that illuminates rather than limits, gives direction for your destination.
Almost all successful individuals and organizations have one thing in common: the power and depth of their vision.
Let’s pray. Father, speak to me in visions. You have authored destiny in my life. Holy Spirit, bring clarity to the vision for my life, my marriage, my family, my business or ministry. Birth in me a new vision born from great dreams. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: -Acts 2:17
Without a vision, the people perish. -Proverbs 29:18
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Write or Wander
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Writing the vision is the first step for acquiring strategies to accomplish significance.
Vision is the bullseye, the bottom line, the brass ring by which all decisions are measured. Something may be good in itself, but if it does not contribute fully to the vision, it will distract, delay and disrupt. With vision in place, all resources (human, capital and time) can be invested in vision-relevant strategies.
Lacking a written vision will result in loss of time, talent and treasure.
Without a vision map to track our progress, we have no way of tracking performance.
In other words, without a destination, any road will take you there. A lack of vision, mulitple visions, or a foggy vision creates confusion and diffusion of direction.
Having a written vision will result in effectiveness, efficiency and excellence.
A vision provides the benchmark to measure if we are doing things right (effectiveness), doing them right the first time (efficiency), and excelling at both (excellence).
In writing the vision, remember that a vision is a defined future.
A vision statement should describe the outcome. It can actually be written in past tense.
It describes the vision and describes the results of the vision. Everyone should know what happens as a result of the vision being realized.
Writing the vision plainly is the key to everyone being able to read and run.
A well-written vision brings clarity and focus of direction to whoever reads it. The best vision statements are short with a high degree of memorability.
A great vision creates a unity of motivation, mobilization and momentum.
When all know and understand the vision and are moving forward in unity, significant accomplishments are realized. The vision should be plainly presented in multiple marketplace applications that become consistent reminders for all team members in order for them to remain in agreement, which is the place of power.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, I need clear vision for my life, my marriage, my family, my place in business or ministry. I desire to know what You have authored in me. I want to know what it is that You want me to accomplish while I am on the earth. Give me clear vision as I place myself in Your hands for direction so that I can be fulfill my purpose in the Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Integrity: The Heart of Character
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Several times the Hebrew word for integrity is translated upright or uprightly.
Proverbs 10:9 says “He that walks uprightly walks surely.”
Proverbs 10:29 says “The way of the Lord is strength to upright.”
Proverbs 28:6 says “Better is the poor that walks uprightly, than he that is perverse in his ways though he be rich.”
What is integrity? There are three definitions of integrity from the dictionary.
1-It is the condition or quality of being complete; undivided or unbroken; wholeness
2-It is an unimpaired condition
3-It is moral soundness or uprightness.
Contractors and engineers refer to the integrity of steel.
There are times when you can have two pieces of steel that both look great on the outside – but when one of them is put under stress and pressure, one supports the weight, one breaks under the pressure. One piece of steel has integrity; the other does not.
Integrity is resolute character. It is character that cannot be changed or polluted.
Integrity will produce character…it is the parent, if you will, of character. A person who has integrity, but had not developed character, eventually will develop character. Character
deficiencies are simply a lack of integrity. If a person has integrity and sees a character flaw, he or she will say, “I need to deal with that. I cannot let that stay in my life.
Character is what you do. Integrity is who you are.
The saying “It’s not if you win or lose, its how you play the game.” is true. Why? Someone will always outplay the best team on any given Sunday. But in the game of life, the final score will always find the winner the one with integrity.
Integrity is your guide and guard.
If you have integrity, it will serve as a guide to direct you in your decisions. Proverbs 11:3 says “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.”
Let’s pray. Father I pray for a walk of integrity. In any area of my life where there is a character deficiency, bring it forth in my conscious mind and let me repent of it. I repent of all known acts that were sins against the principle of integrity…I commit to walk with integrity before you, my spouse, my children, my friends, in the marketplace and more importantly, when I am alone. I will be known as a person of integrity and principle. I pray in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Marketplace Multiplication
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
There is a four-step pattern to increase and multiplication in the marketplace.
1. Identity: The presented profile of your purpose.
Millions are spent on creating a product or service brand. When an entity or person
advertises, he/she promotes the brand identity and its uniqueness to the target person, audience or market. The advertisement must “speak” to the need, want, or desire for the reader, viewer or listener to “identify” with the message. If the message is cluttered or unclear, the pattern ends here. If the message is potent and clear, the pattern continues to the next step.
2. Involvement: The perception of promise pulls a person to look closer.
When an advertisement is read, seen or listened to, a promise is made for a product or service. A person’s style, speech and dress (their “personal brand”) is a promise statement. The advertised product, service or person must present a promise to meet or exceed the need, want,or desire for the pattern of increase to continue.
3. Investment: The purchase of the promise.
If the promise is powerful enough, a purchase of the product or service, the hiring of a person is consummated. The purchaser perceives the brand or person will perform the promise proving the purpose for the investment.
4. Increase: The proof of the promise through performance.
Once the product, service or person performs as promised, the promise is proven true in the mind of the purchaser. Both the purchaser and the “brand” realize an increase and the relationship’s perceived value is multiplied.
Truth is performing the promise of your word. True of our business. True of our Christian walk at home and at work. Let our word be true.
Let’s pray. Father, let me walk in true confidence of my identity with You. Let me not shirk from my “brand” as a Christian. I pray for the walk of Peter, not as he denied you, but as he stood for righteousness and spoke boldly of the promise on Pentecost, resulting in a great increase for Your kingdom. I ask you, Holy Spirit, to lead me in building my personal brand for Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Keys to Kingdom Significance
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
All Kingdom significance is gained by an active, recurring pattern of the abiding Word in our lives: Revelation, Inspiration and Application.
1. Revelation: Engaging the truth.
All of life and truth come to us by revelation of the Word. Since the word is alive and powerful, it demands acceptance or rejection. Revelation about blessing is usually accepted with enthusiasm. However, when revelation is about change that will cost us, we sometimes become paralyzed by the price to pay. Engage the Word.
2. Inspiration: Embracing the truth.
Truth will challenge our citadels of thought error. It will inspire us to act. Acting on truth usually requires change. Change is actually the constant in life. Only the Word, after a period of abiding, can create change. Embrace the Word.
3. Application: Employing the truth.
Spiritually unemployed: Those who do not employ the truth of life. They know of Jesus, about Jesus, can speak things pertaining to Jesus, but have not employed His Word to work for them. The Word of God employed in our lives will create Kingdom significance.
Employ the Word.
This pattern is true of every aspect of our lives.
True of our marketplace positions. True of our ministry. True of all relationships. With the continuing, repeating pattern of revelation, inspiration, and application active in our lives, we will mature in the Word and be able to do great exploits of significance for the Kingdom of God.
Let’s pray. Father, I commit to abide in Your Word. Holy Spirit, lead me into all truth. Reveal the Word to me that is necessary for change, so I can become more like Jesus. Strengthen my life by the Word. Help me apply the principles of the Kingdom without hesitation. May I never grow lukewarm about seeking Kingdom understanding through Your Word. May Your Word be vibrant and alive in me more and more each day. By faith, I receive revelation, inspiration and application of the Word in my life. I pray in the of strong name of Jesus. Amen.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NKJV)
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Casting Vision Creates Unity
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Vision is what faith sees and believes to be true.
Belief in a vision is faith for the future. Vision sculpts into minds the mountaintop summit out of the marble of impossible. Great vision dispels doubt and unifies belief in the uncharted.
Defining vision with pictures, similes, and metaphors is powerful communication.
Paint a vivid vision of your life, marriage, family, business or ministry with strategic story-telling power. Parables that portray the impossible and illustrate the future inspire and instill belief in the vision. The adage is true… “If you can see it, you can have it.”
Casting vision frequently builds unity.
Vision is seed. Sow it often. It will reap a harvest of focus for those who are helping you build whatever God has called you to do. When people rally around a common cause, a great vision, or noble purpose, nothing can stop them because of their unity. The film “Any Given Sunday” presents the premise that any team with unity and focus can beat a far more talented team. Anyone who played sports know this to be true.
Focused unity creates significant reality.
We see the people in Genesis 11 say “let us make bricks.” Then someone cast a vivid vision by saying “let us build a city and a tower whose top is in heaven.” They went from making bricks to building skyscapers because someone unified their focus by declaring a vision. God saw the people’s vision and unity and knew it would become a significant reality when He said, “Indeed the people are one…now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” If God says it that setles it. Cast vision. Create unity. Realize significance.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, lead me by Your Holy Spirit as I lead my spouse, my family, my business or ministry. Let me see the vision clearly and cast it often as I create unity, focus and realize significant accomplishment in this earth for Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Acts 4:32 (NKJV) 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they
had all things in common.
Matt 13:47 (NKJV) the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea…
Matt 13:45 (NKJV) the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls…
Matt 13:44 (NKJV) the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…
Matt 13:31 (NKJV) the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man sowed…
Matt 13:33 (NKJV) the kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid...
Matt 13:24 (NKJV) the kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed …
Matt 18:23 (NKJV) the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king…
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Mission is a Message
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Vision: whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)
Mission: the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
Vision is management’s master painting of a defined future.
Vision is where we are going and why.
Mission is management’s leadership creating the momentum toward the vision.
Mission is what we are doing and for whom.
Vision vests us with the power of potential.
When leaders cast vision, they sow seeds of inspiration, motivation, and unity for a defined future.Vision casting launches the hearer, reader, or viewer into a momentum of enthusiam, encouragment and excitement about the envisioned future. It compels those who buy-in (leader, employee, customer) to embrace change and to do whatever is necessary to believe in the vision.
A mission statement is the company’s compass.
The mission is the path, while vision is the destination. Knowing the path allows us to comfortably make adjustments to keep the company on course and moving in the desired direction. Mission serves as a guide for daily operations and as the foundational benchmark for decision-making.
Mission moves us with managed momentum.
Leadership manages with firm commitment toward vision. Mission fuels the confidence of your organization, obliterating the mediocre and raising a standard of excellence.
Mission must remain current and realistic.
While mission describes what we do and for whom, it is important to remember that market
conditions can change, and we may find our mission too narrow or too broad. The mission must provide focus for what we are doing for our client or customer. For instance, Apple’s mission
statement on the bottom of press releases describes personal computing. But more people now know them for iPods. Some rework of the mission statement may be necessary.
Mission statements should be potent, cogent and piercing.
Mission statements are a clarion call to all about the quality of what we do and for whom.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the vision for my life, marriage, family, business or ministry. I ask that my mission, the path and the way to my vision is clear. Order my footsteps and give me Your Word to light my path. Make my steps sure and my mission clear. Let me not stray to the left or right but let my heart stay on You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.
Measure Your Mission
by Dr. Franklin Santagate
Here are Ten Key Questions to evaluate the effectiveness of your Mission Statement.
Examine the Mission Statement quarterly to avoid Mission Mis-Statement.
Does our Mission Statement:
1. Focus on meeting our customer or client needs?
Meeting customers and clients needs is more valuable than describing product or service.
2. Describe the company’s customers or clients?
If they can’t identify with the company, the company will never have their business.
3. Explain what needs are met or exceeded for the customer or client?
Present a compelling promise that can be delivered – it builds customer and client loyalty.
4. Commit how the company will serve its customers or clients ?
Rule number one: Customers come first. Rule number two: Read rule number one again.
5. Reflect the current market environment?
Be in step with the ebb and flow of the company’s industry.
6. Center on the company’s core competencies?
Sync mission, marketing, sales and advertising with the company’s strengths.
7. Motivate and inspire employee commitment?
Company employees reflect excitement when they speak of the company mission.
8. Present a relevant and realistic message?
Embody and encourage a “can do” attitude.
9. Speak a message that is specific, short, sharply focused and memorable?
Strive for a mission statement that is potent, piercing and powerful.
10. Communicate clearly?
Make sure people understand the intent and content of the statement.
Let’s pray. Father, I pray for clear discernment as I work, manage, lead and build with the gifts and resources You have given me. Thank You for insight and clarity. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Proverbs 27:24 (Living) Watch your business interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and your herds;
“Principles” is published as a service and a blessing. Please copy and forward to anyone you wish.