TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

The definition of team building is the action, or process of causing a group of people to work together effectively as a team, especially using activities and events designed to increase motivation and promote cooperation.

 

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, I had the privilege of having a few members of the Bermuda Department of Corrections, formerly Her Majesty's Prison Service of Bermuda come by my giveaway garden called, “The Bountiful Harvest Garden.”

 

Congratulations to Acting Chief Officer W. Thomas for being so willing to organize these wonderful leaders from the Department of Corrections on their time off to come and help me early Sunday morning to prune and clean up 100 ft. of banana trees, and then pick vegetables. This was the perfect team-building exercise. 

 

The Bountiful Harvest Garden is a garden that gives away free fresh organic vegetables. I have been doing this for years, but since COVID-19, God put in my heart to dedicate one of my gardens to giving away free vegetables.

 

My greatest need in this ministry is heirloom non-GMO vegetable seeds. Secondly, I need help during the harvest time. Thirdly, help is always needed in and around the garden to keep the vegetables growing at their best through the growing season.

 

The Lord has shown me over the years, according to Proverbs 11:25, “Whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

 

Proverbs 22:9 says, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”

 

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17.

 

My friend, when we respect each other, we will respect God. When we respect each other, there would be no preferences; for the Lord does not show preferences to his chosen ones. He says, “I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:15.

 

The theme of the Bible is love in action through teamwork. This is the confidence the Lord would have you cherish in each other. Unless you do this more than you have done in your experience, you will not walk and work under the dictates of the Spirit of God. God would have you united in pleasant cords of companionship.

 

To every man, God has assigned some special line of service. As the Lord's workmen in whatever area of work you or I are called, serve His people. We are to open our plans one to another for the good of us all. These plans must be carefully and prayerfully considered; for the Lord will leave those who do not do this to stumble in their own supposed wisdom and superior greatness... As it has been said, “Teamwork makes the dream work!”

 

There are 15 benefits of team building.

1. Improved communication

2. Enhanced collaboration

3. Increased morale

4. Conflict resolution

5. Building trust

6. Increased productivity

7. Employee retention

8. Skill development

9. Breaks routine

10. Encourages creativity

11. Promotes diversity

12. Boosts employee well being

13. Provides feedback

14. Promotes leadership

15. Fun and enjoyment

 

For more on team building, go to - How to Basically - 

https://howtobasically.co.uk/the-15-benefits-and-5-negatives-of-team-building-activities/  

 

If your department or business would like to do some team building at one of our gardens, please call.

 

By GARDEN MINISTRY – Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

WATCH OUT FOR LEADERS WITH A CONNIVING SPIRIT (Part 4) – THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REAL LEADER AND A SCAPEGOAT LEADER

The Bible is a unique book made up of a variety of diverse subjects. Some of these subjects are historical, prophetical, the nature of God, the creation of the universe, and mankind, the origin of sin, and the fall of men. There are other subjects as the plan redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ.

The origin about the scapegoat is another subject that appears in the Bible as central to the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, revealed in Leviticus chapter sixteen is the most solemn Old Testament service. It is deliberately placed in the heart of the book of Leviticus, which is itself at the center of the Five Books of Moses, to help to illustrate the “most holy” character of this service. This day was a day of cleansing when the sins of the people was removed from them and the sanctuary. This service was a yearly service that occurred on the 10th day of the seventh month of the year, which is the month of October according to the lunar calendar.  

Today the word scapegoat refers to a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency. Society is made up of many types of people such as civilians, government leaders, religious leaders, and business leaders. Sadly, of the class who are leaders, including myself, many of these leaders assert that they want visibility and accountability from those under them such as coworkers, parishioners, and people within their organization. However, this type of behavior, or mindset is leveraged as a tool to identify and abuse people as scapegoats. In many ways at times, it makes the workplace, and church environment hostile and counterproductive.

When a government leader, church leader, company leader, or any other leader foster an accountable environment, it should really start with them first. Because they are at the very top. It doesn’t matter if you are a religious leader, the government, an owner of a business, a director of a company, or a manager, etc. If you want individuals to accept accountability on what they do, then we all need to model the same behavior. Because, we are not above the law! 

Leadership is a great opportunity to learn how to serve people better, and help them develop their gifts, talents, and strengths by being exposed to people who have experience and abilities in areas in which you wish others to grow. Some people love the title of standard leader, but there is a big difference between a real leader and scapegoat leader.

Scapegoat leaders tend to give high-risk projects, or pass legislation without talking to the people of the country, or the department which is to enforce the law. Scapegoat leaders pass laws or rules about new policies without giving guidance on the law, or feedback, even when there are high-impact decisions to be made. Scapegoat leaders set up others to take the blame if their bill, or project fails.

What to do if you are a victim of workplace scapegoating:

1.    Always remember, scapegoating is an insidious form of bullying. Early recognition of the telltale signs that you are being scapegoated in the workplace can help you stop it in its tracks. Left unchecked, scapegoating in the workplace, the church, and society can undermine your self-confidence and hurt your job performance, giving fuel to the perpetrator to use scapegoating as an outlet for their feelings of fear, anxiety, resentment, and frustration of their work.

2.    Never abandon yourself. Just because someone is treating you poorly, it is never okay to treat others the same way. Stay focus and do not abandon your high principles.

3.    Set personal boundaries. Don’t allow scapegoaters to steal away your joy.

4.    Keep Communication to a minimum, but communicate.

5.    Always take the high road.

6.    Before you look for another job, retire, or quit, ask yourself this question. What would Jesus do? Would He run from the problem, or would He stand firm through the problem?

 

How to Stop Scapegoating at Work

It is normal to wonder why you’re being singled out for scapegoating, but there may not be a reason other than your supervisor’s own insecurities. Instead of suffering in silence, trying harder and wracking your brain to figure out what’s going on, take action. Weigh the various options for addressing lift situation, including:

1.    Seek support and affirmation from friends and family. Consider meeting with a counselor, an advisors, or utilizing your company’s Employee Assistant Program, or seek wise counsel from a Chaplain.

2.    Remember, nothing justifies scapegoating, bullying or harassment.

 

How to become a real leader if you are a scapegoat leader

 

1.    One of the most important leadership qualities is the acceptance of personal responsibility. Leaders never complain, never explain. Instead of making excuses, they make progress. Whenever they have a set-back or difficulty, they seek wisdom from God and their team.

2.    Real leaders see themselves as victors over circumstances rather than victims of circumstances. They don’t criticize or blame others when something goes wrong. Instead, they focus on the solution, and on what can be done.

3.    Real Leaders are intensely action-oriented. They are constantly in motion. They try something, and then something else, and then something else again. They never give up.

4.    Finally, real leaders have integrity. They always tell the truth. They live in truth with themselves, and they live in truth with others. 

The acceptance of leadership is a great responsibility. It is both scary and exhilarating. Once you decide to become a leader in your life, you cast off the shackles of fear and dependency that hold most people back and pursue life with a positive attitude. With your own hands, you design your own future, and the future of others. You set yourself fully on the path to becoming everything you can become, with the help of God and others.

My friend, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.

If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore, he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29, 30.

Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.

 

We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement.”

May God help us all to become, REAL LEADERS! Have a HAPPY DAY. Blessings, Blessings, Blessing

 

Please leave a comment if you like, by going to comments. 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci 

WATCH OUT FOR LEADERS WITH A CONNIVING SPIRIT (Part 3) – DON’T COVER UP YOUR WRONG AS A LEADER

 

Deceivers are the most dangerous members of society. They trifle with the best affections of our nature, and violate the most sacred obligations. By George Crabbe.

The Bible says, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.

If you have just joined us, we are looking at lessons for today from the book of Joshua chapter seven.

If someone has done wrong, an admission of guilt orally or in writing can help them if they have committed a criminal offense. The word of God says, “Achan committed a criminal offense unto God. Although he acknowledged his guilt, it came too late for the confession to benefit him. Israel had gone to war against Ai, and they were defeated, because of Achan’s sin. Knowing that his wrong behavior as a leader had brought defeat, yet he did not come forward and confess his sin.

After a proclamation was made that a great crime had been committed, Achan still refuses to come forward and confess his sin. Then came the solemn investigation by the hand of God that his tribe was pointed out, then his family, his household, and then the finger of God was placed upon him.

After his sin could no longer be concealed, he admitted the truth. How often are similar confessions made in courtrooms today, but when it is too late. The pen of inspiration says, “There is a vast difference between admitting facts after they have been proved and confessing sins known only to ourselves and to God. Achan would not have confessed had he not hoped by so doing to avert the consequences of his crime. But his confession only served to show that his punishment was just. There was no genuine repentance for his sin. There was no contrition, no change of purpose, and no abhorrence of his evil.”

In the judgment, the guilty will stand before the bar of God, after every case has been decided for life or death.... “When the records of heaven shall be opened, (God) the Judge will not in words declare to man his guilt, but will cast one penetrating, convicting glance, and every deed, every transaction of life, will be vividly impressed upon the memory of the wrongdoer. The person will not ... need to be hunted out ... but his own lips will confess his shame. The sins hidden from the knowledge of men will then be proclaimed to the whole world.”

The word of the LORD to all of us is, “If have you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden.” Remember, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). May you have a great day. Blessings, Blessings, Blessing

Please leave a comment if you like, by going to comments. 

 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci 

 

WATCH OUT FOR LEADERS WITH A CONNIVING SPIRIT (Part 2) – THE SIN OF REFUSING TO BE TRAINED AS A LEADER

Today The American author, speaker, and pastor John Calvin Maxwell who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way."

Speaking about leadership development, Maxwell says, "The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them."

To help us understand this truth of the downward spiral of would-be leaders, let us look at Achan. The pen of inspiration says, “The sin of one man caused Israel to be beaten before the enemy. Something more than prayer was required. They were to get up and cleanse the camp of Israel.”

Today’s message is based upon Joshua, chapter seven. In Joshua 7:12, it says, “Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” Looking at Joshua seven, “Have you considered why it was that all who were connected with Achan were also subjects of the punishment of God? The answer is, "It was because they had not been trained and educated according to the directions given them in the great standard of the law of God.”

 Chan Master Fuchan Yuan says, “There are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage." Achan was lacking these qualities. "His parents had educated their son in such a way that he felt free to disobey the Word of the Lord; the principles inculcated in his life led him to deal with his children in such a way that they also were corrupted. The punishment to be followed by God reveals the fact that all were involved in the transgression.”

“The history of Achan teaches the solemn lesson that for one man's sin the displeasure of God will rest upon a people or a nation till the transgression is searched out and punished. Sin is corrupting in its nature. One man infected with its deadly leprosy may communicate the taint to thousands. Those who occupy responsible positions as guardians of the people are false to their trust if they do not faithfully search out and reprove sin…” 

“Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality." By Warren Bennis. But whenever a leader is infested with sin, their vision dim, and they are no longer able to translate a vision into a reality.  

My friend, as it is said, “The love of God will never lead to the belittling of sin; it will never cover or excuse an unconfessed wrong.... It has to do with all our acts and thoughts and feelings. It follows us, and reaches every secret spring of action. By indulgence in sin, men are led to lightly regard the law of God. Many conceal their transgressions from their fellow men, and flatter themselves that God will not be strict to mark iniquity. But His law is the great standard of right, and with it every act of life must be compared on that day when God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. Let us remember, “Purity of heart will lead to purity of life. All excuses for sin are vain. Who can plead for the sinner when God testifies against him?”

Today the invitation to all is, Come to God just as you are. Cast yourself wholly on His mercy, and see that there is no difficulty that cannot be surmounted in His strength. As leaders that are willing to be led by the spirit of the Living God, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." By Ralph Waldo Emerson. Enjoy the day before you and smile. Blessings, Blessings, Blessing

Please leave a comment if you like, by going to comments. 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci 

 

WATCH OUT FOR LEADERS WITH A CONNIVING SPIRIT (Part 1) – COVETOUSNESS AND DECEPTION

 

Today we begin a series entitle watch out for leaders with a conniving spirit. C. JoyBell C. said, “There are those whose primary ability is to spin wheels of manipulation. It is their second skin and without these spinning wheels, they simply do not know how to function. They are like toys on wheels of manipulation and control. If you remove one of the wheels, they'll never be able to feel secure, be whole.”

To help us understand this quote, the writer to the Hebrews said, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5, R.S.V.

The pen of inspiration says, “Achan had fostered covetousness and deception in his heart, until his perceptions of sin had become blunted, and he fell an easy prey to temptation. Those who venture to indulge in a known sin will be more readily overcome the second time. The first transgression opens the door to the tempter, and he gradually breaks down all resistance and takes full possession of the citadel of the soul. Achan had listened to oft-repeated warnings against the sin of covetousness. The law of God, pointed and positive, had forbidden stealing and all deception, but he continued to cherish sin. As he was not detected and openly rebuked, he grew bolder; warnings had less and less effect upon him, until his soul was bound in chains of darkness.”

What followed was shame, defeat, and death were brought upon Israel by one man's sin. That protection which had covered their heads in the time of battle was withdrawn. Joshua 6:17-19; Joshua 7. My friend, did you know that various sins that are cherished and practiced by professed Christians bring the frown of God upon the church, and also the nation?

Please note, the influence most to be feared by the church is not that of open opposers, infidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of Christ. Putting it another way, these are hypocrites. A hypocrite is someone who puts on a mask and pretends to be something they are not. 

These covetous and deception minded people are the ones who keep back the blessing of the LORD from His people and bring weakness upon the church, and nation, a reproach that is not easily wiped away.

Christianity is not to be merely paraded on the day of worship and displayed in the sanctuary; it is for every day in the week and for every place. Its claims must be recognized and obeyed in the streets, in the workshop, at home, and in business transactions with brethren and with the world.

A word to the wise today is, “It is better to die than to sin; better to want than to defraud; better to hunger than to lie. Let all who are tempted meet Satan with the words: “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee” Psalm 128:1, 2. Have a wonderful day. Blessings, Blessings, Blessing

Please leave a comment if you like, by going to comments. 

By GARDEN MINISTRY

BIBLE PROMISES ON THE SABBATH

 

Did you know the Sabbath is like the morning glory flower, growing amid nasturtium flowers? To help us understand this biblical truth, let us look at some of the promises on the Sabbath.

The Bible says the Sabbath is:

A GIFT OF TIME:
In the beginning, God gave humans the gift of sacred time to spend in fellowship with their Creator. Genesis 2:1–3.

FREEDOM FROM WORK:
Since sin brought exhausting toil, the Sabbath is a weekly rest from work for everyone, including animals. Exodus 20:8–11.

A BLESSING OF JOY:
Those who keep the Sabbath are promised joy and fulfillment in life. Isaiah 58:13, 14.

A SPECIAL BLESSING FOR OUR CHILDREN:
As we show our dedication to God by keeping His Sabbath holy, He promises to gather our children to Him and bless them. Isaiah 56:2–9.

SECURITY:
God has given us the Sabbath as a sign of our saving relationship with Him, giving us security in the midst of a world of falsehood and deception. Ezekiel 20:20.

RENEWAL IN CHRIST:
Jesus came as God in the flesh to show us how to live and how much God wants to save us from sin so we can live eternally with Him. He claimed the Sabbath as His holy day and then showed us how to keep it. Read Mark chapter 2.

HOPE OF ETERNITY:
God’s promise of a new world, free from sin, is concurrent with an unbroken cycle of Sabbath worship. Isaiah 66:22, 23.

In closing, the story is told of, “The Seventh Street, church youth group regularly went on outings. One night when the kids were returning in a church van from a pizza party, they saw an elderly woman, waving for help in a bad section of town. Her car broke down and she was alone. The kids immediately wanted to stop and help. 

 

The car battery was dead, and no one had jumper cables. The woman was afraid to leave her car there, and the kids didn’t want to leave her there. So they decided to push her car to the nearest service station. Eleven kids and one youth minister began pushing the vehicle, through two miles of the worst section of town. More than once, people offered to take the car off their hands. The group pushed for what seemed forever. When the service station came into view, everyone cheered. 

 

The woman was so grateful that she cried. “Not even my neighbors are so kind to me,” she said. She took each group member by the hand and gave each one a hug and a smile. As the group boarded the van for their journey back to the church, the woman thanked them again." 

 

My friend, it takes a special person filled with love to see a need, and offer help. In creation, God saw our need, prepared, and offered all mankind a place of rest called the Sabbath. Since creation week, God stops by all of us in our need and wills to push us through encouragement to a place of worship on the Sabbath day where we can meet with Him, and He with us. May we all be willing to accept His help, follow Him, and keep the Sabbath Day Holy. For further reading, look at Exodus 31:12-18. Have a Happy Day! Blessings, Blessings, Blessings.

BY GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci 

 

FOR YOU I AM PRAYING

As the power of the Holy Spirit moves over the earth today. Know that there are four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of strife, that it should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. Until the servants of the LIVING GOD are sealed in their foreheads. Revelation 7:1-3.

Today, let us be on our guard. Because, "The tempter is ever presenting worldly gain and honor to entice men from the service of God.

He tells them it is their over-conscientiousness that keeps them from prosperity. Thus, many are induced to venture out of the path of strict integrity. One wrong step makes the next easier, and they become more and more presumptuous.

They will do and dare most terrible things when once they have given themselves to the control of avarice and a desire of power. Many flatter themselves that they can depart from strict integrity for a time, ... and that having gained their object, they can change their course when they please. Such are entangling themselves in the snare of Satan, and it is seldom that they escape."

I am encouraging you to pray with me that the work of the Holy Spirit will have its way in the saving of many people today. If you find that your walk with God is not what it ought to be, keep holding  up your head and hold on. HELP IS ON THE WAY! For you, I am praying. Have great day. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings.

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci

THE CALL TO STOP THE WAR

The Bible encourages all to be peace makers. Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

It is said by them of old, "Those who have glimpses of the perfection of Christ's character will be filled with a longing to become like Him. They will desire to be peacemakers and to receive the blessing He has promised to the peacemakers....

The enemy of all righteousness will be ready to lead you into a course that will be the very opposite of that which the peacemaker should take. He who loves discord and strife will tempt you to act a part in connection with himself to stir up strife. He will lead you to think that you see in some brother or sister something that is wrong, and Satan will urge you to go and tell it to others; but Christ has told you to go to your brother and “tell him his fault between you and him alone.” The question today is, "Which leader are you going to obey? God, or Satan? It is my prayer that we would all follow God.

Watch "THE CALL TO STOP THE WAR" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/iBPopJyGl_4?si=d2Cuf1UZuhD2WlBV

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci