He had me memorize scripture from the time I could speak. He had me read scripture to him each morning before school.

I have listened to him sing praises to His God. I have watched him read from the Bible and pray everyday. I have heard countless sermons he has preached throughout my life.

He is the best evangelist I know. He has led more souls to Christ than I can count. I learned a work ethic from him that has carried into my ministry today. I am constantly learning the lessons he taught and continues to teach.

I did not understand or appreciate his leadership growing up. I took for granted the hours of prayer on my behalf and the times he would ask “have you read your Bible today?”

However, there are no words to express how thankful I am for all he has done to mould me into who I am.

Today, he celebrates 76 years of life. Happy Birthday to a loyal, loving, faithful, and godly leader: my dad, Harold Turner. I have been blessed and I pray I can provide my children with the godly leadership I have seen in him.

The use of the word hand represents a significant concept throughout scripture. In the Old Testament we read of the contrast between Israel’s deliverance by the hand of the Lord and oppression by the hand of Israel’s enemies.

The idea of God’s hand is key in several books throughout the Old Testament.

God’s hand holds both consequence and reward. It creates fear and hope. The writer of the book of Hebrews expresses it is a “terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The writer also expresses how Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God. The right hand of God is a place of prominence and power.

Peter reminds us to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

What does this have to do with leadership?

The hand of leadership must not create fear, but provide hope.
The hand of leadership needs to lead with humility.

There is prominence and power by the hand with which we lead. We have an opportunity to make a difference with the use of our hand. Let us use our hands to serve our God and others.

Wisconsin politicians and unions, government shutdown, protests in Egypt, Libya, and potentially Saudi Arabia, NFL negotiations and talks of a lockout all raise numerous questions.

Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, upheaval of nations, and the idea of climate change (a.k.a. “global warming”) all leave people wondering if we are living in the end times.

What on earth is happening?

Short of causing a minor coup with my own personal opinions, we have responsibilities as spiritual leaders.

Our responsibility can be summed up with two words. Think souls! We may never have the answers to the political, social, financial and religious turmoil facing the world today. However, we can fill a need born in the past, faced in present, and continuing into the future. Think souls!

Regardless of the nation: Regardless of the political leadership: Regardless of gender: We all have a soul and there should be a sense of urgency. Our family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers all struggle in life and have the same need. So, regardless of what on earth happens, think souls.

An upside means there is also a downside. The downside represents the negative. The upside is positive. No one likes to think about the downside. We like the upside.

In a recent trip to Oklahoma City, my flight home was delayed. Regardless of the amount of time, being delayed in getting home is never a positive event. The delay was certainly the downside. However, the upside is the plane arrived and we were able to finally reach home.

Why is it life and leadership cannot all be the upside? Is there a purpose to dealing with the negative struggles challenging life and leadership?

Spiritual leaders know the downside helps in developing an appreciation for the upside.
God’s perfecting power in our lives results from enduring the downside.
The downside is designed to equip us with an ability to help others who are suffering.

The difference is determined in the way leadership approaches these challenges. The downside is the fact challenges and problems are going to come. The upside is they are only temporary.

Lead with the hope of knowing there is an upside.

What is it about the other side of the fence? At some point we all have a tendency to admire and desire something we see on the other side of the fence. After all, the grass is always greener on the other side, right?

The other side might take the form of material objects, our job, living in a new location, or a relationship.

Consider a few ideas about the “greener” side.

1) If something appears to good to be true, it generally is.
2) Most often, the other side is not always what it first appears.
3) An inappropriate desire for the other side leads to sin.
4) Focusing on the other side distracts us from the present work.
5) Remember, someone else is looking with desire to our side of the fence.

Leadership has a responsibility to stay focused on the goal ahead. We must also help followers avoid being distracted by what appears to be greener grass on the other side of the fence.

Children can be challenging. Raising them properly requires patience. It can often be hard to understand young children trying to communicate.

Our grandchildren talk, but I generally need an interpreter, because I have no idea what they are saying. At times, I just nod or say, “is that right?” But I would not trade a minute for every word. At times I wonder if they understand all I try to say to them.

I know their parents are leading them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. I want my life to be an example as well. In order to do so, it will take patience. It could be these precious children need to be patient with their parents and grandparents. But we all know it is parents and grandparents who must be patient.

Leading is not easy, especially in areas of communication. We must be patient. Spiritual leadership requires patience.

We should know misunderstandings exist.
We should look to ourselves first when there is a problem.
We should remember most issues are resolved with better communication.
And we must realize it takes time. Be patient.

Power is often associated with leadership. The problem arises when leadership abuses power, or bases their power on an inward self-centeredness.

One of the key words in the New Testament is the word power. Paul’s use of this word is primarily focused on the gospel and Christ. Romans, Ephesians, and Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth all place an emphasis on this word.

It should be noted, this word is not always translated as “power.” In 1 Corinthians 3:11, Paul literally writes “no man has the power to lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ.” Another passage worth reading is Ephesians 3:20, “now to Him who has the power to make it happen…according to the power that works within us.”

Spiritual leadership must be built on the power of God.

When our leadership turns inward and self-centered, it will fail.

Leadership is about power, but the power comes from our God through His gracious gift, Jesus.

He is the power to save. He is the power to make it happen. He is the power to lead.

Prayer can be a subject often taken for granted. The application to how we draw closer to God, grow spiritually, or endure trials is often just to pray more.

I am not trying to downplay the importance or use of prayer. In fact, I believe it is one of the most powerful, unused, tools in the Christian arsenal.

We have listened to and probably led numerous prayers.

What is prayer? How should we pray? Why do we pray? Does prayer really influence God?

The book of James emphasizes prayer. Seven times in the last eight verses of the book, James uses prayer.

Several controversial issues could be discussed from this section. However, this is not our purpose.

Three keys to spiritual leadership rise to the top.

1) Elders are identified as righteous men who are to pray.
2) The working prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
3) Turning sinners from their error will save them.

Leading people to salvation must be at the heart of a righteous leaders’ prayer.

…is an often used phrase and the title of a hit song from the late 70’s. The song expresses confidence to defeat whoever or whatever is faced.

I am not suggesting we ask God to allow Satan to throw his best shot. I remember Job. God knew Job’s limitations and, short of death, allowed Satan his best shot. Job lost his possessions, children, and health.

My interest here is the confidence to endure whatever Satan brings. Spiritual leaders are going to face challenges. Rest assured, Satan will throw everything God allows in an attempt to stop our work.

How can we develop the confidence to withstand Satan? The answer is based in Ephesians 6:10-18. We need the Lord’s strength and His armor. Herein lies the power to defeat Satan’s best shot.

Every piece of armor is vital for equipping spiritual leaders with confidence.

God knows our limitations.
We must not leave off any piece of armor.
We cannot fight unprotected.
We must prepare before, not during, battle.
The war will be fierce.

We must hit Satan with our best shot. The Lord will be victorious. We will win!

…is a familiar idiom. It is the moment of truth, not talk, but action.

In athletics, it is being a clutch player. I played basketball in High School. I used to shoot free throws for hours. At times I would make 90-95%. In practice I was at the top of my game. However, stepping up to the line during the game is where the rubber met the road.

When it counts is where athletes learn how good they are…or not.

I read and discuss leadership in several venues. I love the subject. I especially enjoy discussing it with men I admire as leaders.

However, there is a difference in learning and doing.

When tough decisions must be made, the rubber meets the road.
How mistakes are handled is where the rubber meets the road.
Our response when receiving criticism is where the rubber meets the road.

Here is where true leadership is discovered. Let us stand strong when our leadership is tested.

There are those who see what needs to happen, those who make it happen, and those who make it happen when it counts.

Be a clutch leader.