Iron Sharpens Iron: It's Business Not Personal

By Jodi L. Serino-Barbour

With all that is occurring in our world today, a consideration of the disrespectful behaviors of the sons of Eli is not only timely, but it is necessary. We need to understand what happened with the sons of Eli, not just as it pertains to the church, but because the abuse of authority is manifesting all around us and showing up in those who work in government, in the judicial system, in big business, in the educational department, all the way down to in the home. These behaviors have been tolerated to the point that, like cancer, it has gotten far out of control and it needs to be addressed openly, honestly, and authoritatively by those who are in positions to stop the abuse.

Where everyone is looking to place blame, and argue the issues, no one is looking to address the core of the problem - abuse of authority, by confronting it at its root. What is the root? Iron Sharpens Iron is a series that intends to not only expose the root cause of what we see happening all around us but also address questions such as, Who ministers to the minister? Where are the counselors for the counselor? Where are the ones who will stand in the gap as a brother’s keeper? What are the consequences when there is no one who will stand in the gap? Today, good leadership is under attack. The good are suffering because of the bad, and much of this has been because the responsibility of holding one another accountable has been neglected by those who held the responsibility to do so. A blind eye has been turned towards the bad behavior of some which has resulted in a detrimental breakdown within one of the largest institutions known to mankind. Which institution do you think this is - Government, religion, or both? In the first of the series, It's Business, Not Personal the root cause of the issues that plague us today is clearly identified. We also discuss who is affected, and how this issue should be addressed. Then, there is an unexpected twist revealing that there is more to what we see going on than was initially thought. Iron Sharpens Iron is definitely a must-read for all who hold positions of authority. It is a reminder that abuse of any kind is not to be tolerated, and there are consequences to be had when this abuse is not addressed properly according to the standards that have already been laid out by the ONE who places all superior authorities in their positions. (Romans 13:1-5)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jodi L. Serino-Barbour
• Release date: Jan 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005051174

Jodi L. Serino-Barbour

Mrs. Jodi Lynn Serino-Barbour, a native of Chicago, Illinois, currently (and happily) resides in sunny Florida. She is the wife of the Entrepreneur and Founder of New Praise Radio - Christian Internet BDS/MEDIABASE Radio Station - Radio Personality, Jerry R. Silvers. She is a mother of seven and a grandmother of 16. She is an artist, a singer, a networker, an encourager, and an inspirational speaker and writer who is making her mark in this world as a published author and a publisher who helps others to become published authors also.Jodi graduated from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, in June of 2019, where she obtained a Master’s Degree with distinction in Business Administration. Directly after graduation, in July 2019, Jodi founded JODILYNNSB Publishing and Editing Company where she began her journey of being an indie author with the publishing of the following titles:* Portrait of A Survivor (a true story) tells how the author, with help, became not just a survivor, but an overcomer of domestic violence* They Called Me – THE MASTERMIND (a true story) is a spiritual warfare book, unlike all others. It teaches you how to become skilled in using your spiritual weapons of warfare through visual learning tools and activities that enhance practical application.* COMFORT and ENCOURAGEMENT – A Word of Encouragement For Those Suffering With A Terminal Illness and Comfort For The Grieving Heart – (inspired by true events) is a 2 in 1 book that is designed to be a keepsake journal that comforts and encourages not only those dealing with grievous sicknesses but also those who are grieving over the death of a loved one.* Keep On The Watch – A Comprehensive Study and Comparison of Noah’s Day To Our Own, (available on AMAZON.com) is an in-depth look at Genesis chapters 6 – 8 to see how our day compares to Noah’s day as Jesus stated in Matthew 24:37* I Am A Giant Slayer - Recognizing and Overcoming the Giants in Your Life exposes the giants that are walking the face of the earth today and presents strategies for not only how to see them but how to overcome them by looking at the examples of three Giants slayers found in the bible - a woman, a man, and the young man David.* Giant Slayer - The Training Manual presents an overlooked demographic of giant slayers (the elderly) and then provides extensive training in how to Dress for Battle in one's whole armor of God. This book birthed the online school I Am A Giant Slayer (TheArtisansPEN.org)* 24 Hours is only 51 pages in length, but it is also one of the most powerful books written by Jodi Serino-Barbour because it has us look at how we use the most valuable commodity we all have that once spent cannot be replaced. That commodity is time. We will all be held accountable for how we spent it on judgment day.* Encouraging and Empowering Kingdom-Minded Men and Women in the Ministry of Business does just that by breaking down barriers that keep us from receiving the help that we need, and pointing us in the direction of the open door that awaits us on our journey.These are only a few of what Jodi L Serino-Barbour has poured out in her journey toward becoming a prolific writer.Alongside writing, JODILYNN SB PUBLISHING and EDITING CO. expanded to become JODILYNN SB’s P.E.N. (Publishing, Editing, and Narrating) which not only includes the release of audiobooks narrated by Jodi; but, also includes her being released on an even greater platform - Smashwords. Her growth continued in 2022 and led to Jodi Lynn publishing under the business name The Artisans PEN (Publishing, Editing, and Narrating) and then opening an online school based upon her Giant Slayer books.Jodi Serino-Barbour enjoys her connection with Smashwords which opened the door for her to be published on even more platforms for her e-books and her audiobooks. She is very excited about this new level of growth, and she looks forward to bringing her previously published books over to this platform.Would you like to read more from Jodi or hear some of her radio broadcast shows that aired from 2014 to 2019 on the New Praise Radio?Copy the links below in your web browser’s address bar:•To view books written and /or published by Jodi L Serino Barbour: bit.ly/booksbyjodilynn•To view the latest audiobooks by Jodi L Serino-Barbour: bit.ly/jodilynnspeaks•To listen to an MP3 of Jodi’s radiobroadcast: bit.ly/DIAL911•Visit Jodi’s website: abasilenceministries.wordpress.com

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Copyright © 2020 by Jodi L. Serino-Barbour

All rights reserved.

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise – without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Holy Bible, Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

Published by:

Jodi Lynn SB Publishing and Editing, Pensacola, FL 32526 * [e-mail] Phone: [phone]

ISBN-13: 979-8-656-31781-8

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS #: 2020911707

Printed in the United States

Cover Image: by Malte Wingen on Unsplash

This book is dedicated …

… To everyone who ever had to do anything afraid

… To everyone who conquered their fears

… To everyone who "Just Did It!

For conquering your fears

For overcoming your struggles

For letting God use you in a mighty way

THANK YOU

1 Corinthians 1:25-31 New International Version (NIV)

25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.

FOREWARD

By Reverend Dr. Chinita Richardson

Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

When I think about this verse, I consider the analogy and the mutual benefit of two iron blades working together to make the edges become sharper, making the knives to be more efficient and able to cut and slice anything presented to them. This is such the case with the word of God. Hebrews 4:12 speaks about the double edge sword and it is this reflection that speaks to the need for each of us in times of fellowship and interactions that we sharpen one another for success. What is most important during our journey on earth is that for every person we meet, we learn something new that makes us better at what we do for they are purposely chosen by God to offer us blessings from God.

This proverb also requires fellowship with one another. As brothers and sisters in the Lord’s kingdom we must come together for seasons of fellowship and prayer. This same practice is spoken about in Acts 2:42-47. The saints devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, communion and prayer in all gatherings which celebrated opportunities for sharpening one another. This is certainly a beautiful expression of what it means to be our brother’s keeper. When two or more are gathered in the name of the Lord, blessings happen. Matthew 18:20 shares with us the promise of grace when we gather together. That’s amazing! In grace he will listen as we sharpen one another in fellowship. Malachi 3:16 is an example of God’s listening ear and how he remembers those who fear him and are obedient to his grace.

Furthermore, James 2:8 shares with us to be exhorted to love one another. Iron sharpening iron gives us this opportunity. The apostle Paul directs us to carry and share the issues and burdens that we face daily. He encourages us to lament over our sins and teaches us how to repent and rejoice over the conquest of sin. The best way to approach this lesson is to first love one another. When we first love one another, we learn to treat ourselves with love and reflect the same love to others.

Jodi, in her love for Christ, is truly an example of what iron sharpening iron looks like. Throughout her journey on this earth she has reflected much love. She is an author of many titles, a minister, preacher, and a phenomenal woman who loves and protects her family with love, prayer and support. She has carried the burdens of others to help them find strength in God. It is the fragrances of divine unity that she displays which is similar to the relationship of David and Jonathan, son of Saul, in 1 Samuel 23:16. When David was being pursued, Jonathan was there to help him find strength in God.

When I first met Jodi, she too, helped me to find strength in the Lord. She took the time to fellowship with me. She listened to my concerns, wants and needs as I began a new pastorate. She listened with care and was very attentive to my needs as she reflected her love for Christ and for me. Jodi offered me books to read and displayed ways I could better my ministry in which at times I was too afraid to make the first steps. But, that did not matter to Jodi. She was willing to take me by the hand and walk me through steps of success that would make me a better leader. For that I will always love her dearly.

Because, to use the analogy, my knife was blunt when I met her, I was less effective and less useful in stewardship and servanthood. I was many miles away from home, in a new church with new people who had experienced hurt and lack of spiritual growth, and there was Jodi. Jodi spent time with me exhorting, encouraging, praying, admonishing, sharing God’s Word, praying over God’s Word and our church and I became sharper, and more cutting in my ministry that the Lord had assigned to me. Too often when we think about sharpen one another we think about food and fun and not sharpening one another with the Word of God. I am grateful to Jodi that she got it right and fed my soul. She continues to feed my soul and for that I am grateful.

Finally, as I continue to use the analogy, my knife has been sharpened. I shine more because all of the dullness has been rubbed off thanks to Jodi and her continued prayer and support. Likewise, we all will shine better for our Lord if we do the things mentioned in this wonderful book. Jodi exemplifies what it means to be our brother’s keeper through the practice of iron sharpening iron. Through this great message, we will be united in harmony. Psalm 133:1 says: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. Therefore, as Hebrews says, And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25) Enjoy!

Rev. Dr. Chinita Richardson, M.Th, MAT, M.Div, D.Min

Senior Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Book One: Iron Sharpens Iron - It’s Business, Not Personal

Defined

iron

adjective [ before noun ]

UK

/aɪən/ US

/aɪrn/

very strong physically,