Mike Sansone

Continuous Improvement – Better Than Delayed Perfection

February 22, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

Continuous Improvement is better than Delayed Perfection – Mark Twain

Novice to Expert is more than a single step. The way things change these days, it might be a lifelong journey.

Improving is one of the key pieces in how we work at SmallBizTracks. Once we embrace a beginner’s mindset, we can learn – and then improve as we apply what is learned. Improving a little bit at a time allows you to modify, measure, and master as you grow.

Small steps often lead to big results. To be sure, small steps make change easier to navigate.

Always Carrying

February 20, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

I’ve done my best at always having a Bible at the ready. For a long time, I would have a small Bible in my pocket. The writing had become too small for my eyes.

For the past few years, I’ve carried a thin Bible behind the small of my back. Like a sword in its sheath, my Bible is ready to share with others or protect myself.

It is true, my mobile devices have Bibles to read, most often YouVersion or BlueLetterBible apps. You can connect with me on the former here: Mike Sansone on YouVersion

But if I’m at Panera and someone from across the way sees me studying God’s Word, they are more likely to recognize the book in front of me. My taps and swipes on a phone look like I’m texting or on Facebook.

If you ever join me for coffee, bring your Bible. (Don’t worry, I often bring extras).

Intercession Schedule: Praying for Pastors

February 17, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

I recently wrote about a burden on my heart to be praying for pastors, along with leaders and workers in the ministry. I’ve created and am practicing a weekly routine that helps me focus each day.

Sunday – Praying for Passion

I pray for pastors to find and follow a renewed passion, allowing them to preach and teach however the Holy Spirit guides them. I also pray for a zeal and love for Christ, His bride, His Kingdom, and the lost and hungry.

Monday – Praying for Family

I pray for the time and opportunity for a focus on the family. Praying for a protection of love and health, for a time to build a stronger bond away from work.

Tuesday – Praying for Personal Pursuits

I pray for time for the worker of the Gospel to re-create and recreate. Praying also for personal development in pursuits of physical or mental refreshment. Most importantly, for time during the week for the worker to find time for personal intake and conversation with God.

Wednesday – Praying for Preparation

I pray for preparation of heart, mind, and body as the coming weekend approaches. Praying for unctions of message and methods to be clear, for distractions to be minimal, and for workers and assistance to be plentiful.

Thursday – Praying for Health

I pray for the health of pastors and workers, along with their family’s physical needs. I pray for peaceful and plentiful sleep.

Friday – Praying for Provision

I pray for provision for the pastor and ministry worker: provisions of time, of sustenance, of materials and resources, of finances, and again for workers and assistance.

Saturday – Praying for Protection

I pray for a hedge of protection to be placed around the pastor and ministry worker as the weekend gets in high gear. I pray for protection of his family, for his conversations, and against spiritual attacks of many kinds.

Side Note

The list above is simplified and general. There are often specific prayers for specific people. If you are considering praying for your pastor, ministry leader, missionary, or worker – and I pray you are burdened so – please use this as desired.

And pastor … there is a prayer cover over you. Daily. And then eternity!

Praying for Pastors

February 6, 2016 by Mike Sansone Leave a Comment

A burden on my heart grows. I can feel the tears welling up – almost from within my cheeks. A burden to pray. Every day. For my pastor(s).

Every day I must pray For Pastor:

For protection.
For provision.
For preparation.
For renewed passion.
For health.
For family time.
For their personal pursuits.

I am blessed to count many pastors and ministry leaders as friends. Having once stood behind the desk, and now with a view from a pew, I have a sense of the trials and turmoil associated with such position.

Pastors are under continual spiritual attack, threats, and temptation. Oh, that we might pray daily for the person and practice of the pastor.

Oh, that we might.

Daily.

This burden I have is not to win over the pastors in my life. Or even to thank them (though I am grateful). The burden is a gift from God. He loves my pastor(s) more than I can ever imagine.

Yes Pastor, I love you. But … this one is for God.