Marc Estes

Several years ago, Dr. Ruth Berenda and a group of fellow psychologists rediscovered the dramatic power of societal pressure. In an experiment they invited ten teenagers into a room where three charts were displayed. Each chart had three lines of different lengths. The group members were asked to raise their hands when the teacher pointed to the longest line on each chart. One teen in each group did not know that the other nine teens had been instructed to raise their hands when the teacher pointed to the second longest line. The lone teen frequently looked somewhat confused but cast a wrong vote with the other nine students. Dr. Berenda’s data revealed that 75 percent of the teens allowed peer pressure to override their own better judgment.

We all need the affirmation to choose what is right rather than what is popular, which is much easier said than done. I am firmly convinced that the reason so many are persuaded by their surroundings, is their lack of identity in who Christ intended them to be. Many today allow the voice of society to define their value and worth, which always ends in disappointment. It is amazing to see what people are willing to risk losing for the sake of gaining the ‘approval’ of others.

Yet God’s view of you will allow you to be a persuader, not persuaded. We are first and foremost to be God pleaser, not a man pleaser (Eph. 6:6).  If we focus on what pleases God and how He values us, we have a great chance of not being persuaded and manipulated by the world and it’s opinion of us. Here are my top ten faith-builders which describes what God says about me!

1. I am God’s child.
2. I am God’s friend.
3. I am adopted into His family.
4. I am complete in Christ.
5. I have a future and hope.
6. I am part owner of God’s Kingdom.
7. I am a citizen of heaven.
8. I am significant.
9. I am special.
10. I have a purpose.

The next time that you are tempted to do something to impress someone else, ask yourself the question, “Am I being persuaded or am I persuading.” You might even print out this little list and  put it in your wallet or purse. It just might save your bacon one of these days!

I was greatly moved by this video and the evidence of God moving upon the country of Haiti in their darkest hour. This is one video that didn’t make it to the top of the evening news, but has made it to the top of my blog for sure. With over 1,000,000 people praying and fasting for three days, 3,000 confirmed salvations of which 101 voodoo priests were saved, is worth passing this move of God on to those that doubt that God can work “ALL THINGS for his good.”  Please click below and pass this post on and let the nations see our God moving in Haiti!

I am excited to add a new dimension to my blogging experience by offering some free resources that I believe will help you in developing yourself as a leader and those around you. It has always been a passion of mine to strengthen young leaders. Although I will be the first to admit that I don’t have it all figured out myself, I still would like to share what I have with those who might find the information useful.

I just added a new page to my blog, “RESOURCES.”  I have posted about ten different resources for you to use. There are some leadership notes, and Evangelism Handbook and a few charts that I have mentioned in previous blogs that have been frequently requested.

I would really like to see if these tools are helpful for you. Would you PLEASE review them and give me some feedback. I would really appreciate it.

Pastor Marc

All of us are aware of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. After watching the late night news, I was overwhelmed with compassion and concern as I thought about the thousands that were stuck in rubble and many more sleeping on the streets. As I sat in my warm bed and house, I felt crippled as to what I might do to help those in need. I am sure this calamity  has weighed heavy on all of our hearts. If you are like me, you find yourself  wondering, “what can I do? The need is so great, yet my resources are so limited.”

After much prayer, I really felt that there is something I can do, and you can make a difference with me.  The wonderful part of modern-day technology is the power to network in a rapid fashion. At the press on one button, I can send this information to thousands of people, who can in turn send to their relationships. In a matter of a day hundreds of thousands can be a part, and if we all do a little, we can accomplish alot,  resulting in making a major impact.

There are three things I would ask you to consider doing:

1. Pray - There is power in prayer. Take a few minutes today to pray for the rescue efforts. Pray for the people that are trapped to be found and that God’s peace would cover them. Pray for the Aid to get to the people (food, water and medical supplies). Pray for God’s grace to be with those that have lost a love one.

2. Donate -I understand that times are tough, but also know that God will take care of your needs as you help those in need. I also understand it is a challenge to find an organization that will use the monies donated in an ethical manner. While I know that no matter how much I give it will barely make a dent in the needs, I also know that if each one of us gives even a few dollars, it will add up and it WILL help. The organization that I am recommending to you is one that is connected with our church network. Pastors Marc and Lisa Honorat are great pastors that we are connected with in Haiti. Their organization, Haiti Arisehas been key in response to the hurricanes that have ravaged Haiti in recent years. They are proven in addressing both the natural and spiritual needs of the people of Haiti. Haiti Arise has feet on the ground in Port au Prince. To make a disaster relief donation to this ministry go to: www.HaitiArise.org These wonderful people can be trusted and you can be assured that all monies will go immediately to meeting the needs.

3. Pass this blog post to a friend -On the bottom of this page is a “Share” button. You can simply click this button, send to your Facebook or MySpace friends, or email it to someone.

Thanks for taking the time to make a difference today. God will bless you as a result!

Marc

I just had my wonderful friend George upgrade my blog and add some more bells and whistles. Most of the changes you will not see, but there are many great benefits on the back side that will help me to better communicate to all those you that come to my blog.

One of the new features is a “Share This” button at the bottom of each post. This simple tool will allow you to forward any post that you feel is worthy to share with others. You can send a simple email, or if your REALLY like what you read, you can forward to your Facebook or MySpace page.

Do me a favor. Find your favorite post and do your good friend Marc a favor and share it with the world. I would appreciate it!

Marc