Trademarked

By Ray L. Kincaid

We've all been trademarked by something or someone.

The only question is, by what or whom?

You are about to experience a remarkable book that will change how you live. Trademarked is packed with leadership wisdom that can be immediately applied to your life. From biblical leadership principles to the power of words, this boo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: May 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685564896

Ray L. Kincaid

Ray Kincaid and his wife are Christians and entrepreneurs. A large portion of their life has been dedicated to establishing businesses and furthering God's ministry-two things they have consistently proven are not mutually exclusive. They are retired now and live in southern Florida. They stay busy keeping up with great-grandchildren and ministering in their local community or speaking at other places.

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Trademarked

Ray L. Kincaid

Trilogy Christian Publishers

TUSTIN, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Trademarked

Copyright © 2022 by Ray L. Kincaid

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Cover design by Jeff Summers

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-68556-488-9

E-ISBN: 978-1-68556-489-6

Contents

Foreword by Dr. John M. Hunte vii

Preface ix

A Message from the Author xi

1. Gems of Distinction 1

2. Biblical Principles for the Everyday 7

3. Goal Setting 25

4. Stewardship 31

5. Christians in the Workplace 45

6. Laymen in the Church 53

7. Diamonds in the Rough 69

8. Attributes of God 83

9. Worship 93

10. Our Inimitable Creator and His Unique Creation 97

11. Succession Planning 103

12. Disappointments 109

13. Overwhelming Grace 119

14. The Importance of Our Words 129

15. Our New Nature 133

16. Urgent or Important? 141

17. Trademarked 145

Conclusion: An Important Word from John 153

References 157

Ray Kincaid, businessman, Christian leader, teacher, family man, and mentor to many, has written Trademarked out of the fullness of his life and experience. We can learn from Ray. He speaks to us as one who has struggled as we all have struggled and has also had great victories. Ray is a man who relies on God, with practices in his life that we can all emulate. In this book, he sees and shows what it means to obey the teachings of Christ. He is practical and biblical. This book offers help to us all.

—Roger C. Palms

Former editor Decision magazine

Foreword

For almost twenty years, I have had the privilege to call Dr. Ray Kincaid my friend. As the headmaster of a Christian school, I have been challenged by his wisdom, experience, and passionate desire to see others come to Christ.

Even though Ray never held the official title of pastor, he has been sought out by pastors in many congregations as well as summer camps and other businesses to share his life story of what God has done and continues to do through His humble servant. Through reading this book, the reader will experience some of those timeless messages that will now continue to further impact lives for eternity.

Ray Kincaid’s life truly demonstrates what God can do through a person who is totally committed to His calling. Every reader will be challenged and inspired to do more for the kingdom as is mandated by Scripture. I have been blessed to speak with Ray on a regular basis for many years now. By reading this book, you will experience firsthand what I have been by knowing the author. A company that he and his wife founded has the motto, Focused on your success. The writing of this book further demonstrates that his passion is for the success of others.

Dr. John M. Hunte

ECS Headmaster, Fort Myers, Florida

Preface

The layman need never think of his humbler task be inferior to that of his minister. Let every man abide in his calling wherein he is called. And his work will be as sacred as the work of the ministry. It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular. It is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart, and he can thereafter do no common act. All he does is good and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For such a man living itself will be sacramental and the whole world a sanctuary. The test by which all conduct must finally be judged is motive.

—A. W. Tozer

A Message from the Author

If you were told there were valuable gemstones in your backyard, what would you do? You would head out with a shovel and find them, wouldn’t you? Of course! Because that is the only logical response to learning you have valuable assets just under your nose and within your grasp. In the Church, those valuable assets are called laymen. And far too often, they sit in their pew Sunday after Sunday going unnoticed and unused.

We all know our pastors are trademarked by God as His servants. Every Sunday, they stand in the pulpit and preach. Each week they study God’s Word and serve their flock. Some even wear the outward trademark of a clerical collar. But we must not forget that laymen should be trademarked by God as well! Maybe they don’t wear a special collar or share weekly from the pulpit. But their lives, actions, and impact should reflect God’s trademark nonetheless.

Over the years, I have become increasingly concerned and passionate about the use of laymen in God’s ministry. Far too often, the clergy overlook their most valuable opportunities—the body of their church. And many times, the laymen don’t make an effort to be used or allow their pastors to see their willingness to serve. The cause of this is varied, and responsibility for it lands on both parties. Complacency, convenience, uncertainty, ignorance, fear, and arrogance are among some of the reasons for it. But I believe that ultimately the shepherds of the Church will be held accountable for the stewardship of their greatest resource—the laymen.

The following book is a compilation of messages I have taught, lessons I have learned, and stories that have impacted my life—all arranged by topic. I want to honor those people I have been privileged to know and be influenced by in my life. I want to speak to both the clerical audience as well as the everyday layman. Because God’s truth isn’t reserved for only a few special people. The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of qualification, education, gender, or ethnicity (Mark 13:10; Romans 1:16; Romans 16:26).

The most important thing anyone can ever do in this life is to trust in Jesus Christ. This urgent decision will determine our eternal destiny. If you do make this important decision in your life, I would love to hear about it. Please reach out to me, Ray Kincaid, at [e-mail]. It would be my pleasure to hear from you!

Chapter 1

Gems of Distinction

Upon reflection, most of us realize that our lives have been impacted by gems of distinction. My definition of a gem of distinction is this: They are persons who demonstrate strong faith in God, love, and concern for others and exude encouragement to all who know them.

Our lives are made up of bits and pieces of the gems of distinction with whom we interact. For example, they can be our parents, relatives, friends, those we work with, or people we know through the schools and the churches we attend.

My reason for writing this chapter is to gratefully remember the gems of distinction who have been a meaningful part of my life. My hope is that you, too, will remember the gems of distinction who have spoken into your life. May we always remember those who set Christlike examples, encouraged us, sometimes challenged us, always prayed for us, and were always there for us. Borrowing the thoughts of the apostle Paul found in Philippians 1:3–5, I thank my God upon every remembrance of the gems of distinction in my life and the joyous fellowship we had in the Gospel.

These gems are individuals who sparkle and reflect the true light of life—Christ Jesus. They are special, unique, distinct gems. They have been prepared by God’s Spirit to be our encouragers and/or prayer partners. What are gems, if not treasures? And truly, these people have become exactly that in our lives.

If you are a bright young person, you are probably eager to explore and experience what life may have in store for you. If you’re my age (eighty-plus), you may be reflecting on and enjoying fond memories and even some of the challenges, disappointments, and heartaches you have coped with. You probably have many treasured memories of people you have met and places you’ve been. You remember the people who helped you experience the beauty, serenity, delights, and opportunities experienced on the river of life. As you proceed down this river, expect to encounter twists, turns, rapids, and rocks. Perhaps, if you are like me, you may even capsize a time or two—maybe more.

The brightest and best young people look for older people who display godly character and are well on their way