Category: Uncategorized

Joy…

Joy exceeds simple pleasure. Kenneson claims joy is the byproduct of our desire for something more outward.

The other-directedness nature of joy shows why it is so closely connected to love. If love be related to God’s grace, the gift exemplifies a significance between these two Greek words: charis (grace) and chara (joy).

Scripture connects suffering with joy, and “living joyfully despite persecution and affliction does not require one to deny the reality of suffering or pain” (63).

We cultivate joy when we rejoice in the opportunity to worship God, nurture contentment, and learn to enjoy children.

This is only the beginning.

Love…

Cultivating love is one of the greatest challenges to our Christian walk and leadership.

Considering the loose way we use love is borderline blasphemous. Kenneson says, “…some may justifiably doubt whether a word that can be applied with ease to both God and pizza can illuminate the character of the Christian life” (37).

Love is unmerited, steadfast, suffering, and knows no bounds. God’s very essence is love.

Consider the “other-directedness” nature of God’s love toward you and me in the death of Jesus.

In an environment based on self-interest, one that puts a price on everything (and everyone), cultivating love will require our devotion to building relationships.

Fruit of the Spirit: Part 1…

In his book, Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community, Philip Kenneson expresses  the need to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in an “other-directed” approach, rather than “self-directed.”

Kenneson opens with “Dying on the Vine,” an examination of where we are spiritually.

Leaders can ignore, deny, or neglect the reality of the present situation, or take steps to form a different direction, one directed toward others to help them walk more closely with God.

Join me over the next two weeks as we look at his discussion of the fruit of the Spirit.

The Power of Listening…

In leadership, communication becomes critical to the success of building relationships and reaching goals.

Leaders who communicate well are able to articulate the vision, inspire the actions of others, and strengthen the character of an organization to achieve long-lasting rewards.

However, the foundation for these three areas requires the ability to actively listen.

When leaders do not listen, they communicate a lack of concern or care about the other person.

If leaders take time to be silent, remove distractions, focus on the person speaking, and truly listen, amazing results occur.

Leaders build stronger relationships, encourage followers, and take steps to achieve their goals.

Pleasing Everyone…

An effort to please everyone is doomed to fail. Marco Rubio said, “We live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity.”

Sadly, the adage about the “squeaky wheel” is true. Those who complain the most and loudest tend to get action.

The church needs leaders who… 1) examine scripture to ensure decisions are biblical, 2) do not follow the flow of modern popularity, 3) never rush a decision, but do not hesitate between two opinions either, 4) make the decision, 5) remember, not every decision will please everyone.

The responsibility of decisive leadership is crucial to the future.

Fearless Trust…

Throughout many of the Psalms, David writes about his fearless trust in God.

Leaders need a relationship with God that exudes trust in Him to provide everything needed to fulfill His will. How does this develop?

In a word “seeking” Him.

Seek a dwelling in the house of the Lord every day.
Seek to behold the beauty of the Lord.
Seek to meditate in His temple.

If leaders seek these three areas, they develop a greater relationship with God and others.

Leading with Hope…

Daily challenges often cause leaders to step out of leadership and discourage potential leaders from taking the role.

Life is filled with problems, difficulties, and suffering.

If the greatest leader who ever walked this earth dealt with challenges, we should never think our life and leadership will be exempt from them.

True leadership learns how to deal with those challenges. How?

Rely on God for guidance.
Develop a strong determination to lead.
Seek help from seasoned leaders.
Above all, understand challenges are temporary.

Better days ahead. Let us lead with such hope.

Pressure in Leadership…

Pressure has multiple meanings: 1) Continuous physical force exerted on an object, 2) Persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make or coerce someone to do something.

There is no doubt leadership comes with strong elements of pressure.

How do leaders handle pressure when it arises?

The best place to begin is with fervent prayer.

Learn to relieve pressure through activity. Exercise is a start.

Create expectations that are achievable and realistic.

Break big chunks into smaller ones and focus on one at a time.

Never forget the purpose of perfecting us into the people God wants and needs us to be in His service.

Two Powerful Leadership Questions…

Two words with three letters establish the most powerful questions a leader can ask.

The first is why? This question determines the purpose behind decisions made and actions taken.

Why pursue this direction?
Why is this work important?
Why is this the best course of action?

The second is how? Once we know the purpose, we must determine how we will fulfill it.

How will we accomplish this task?
How should we handle obstacles?
How can we get others involved?

If leaders take the time to determine the answers, the path to success is much clearer.

The Value of a Leader’s Time…

How do we use the time God gives us? Frank Bucaro said, “This is the beginning of a new day. I have been given this day to use as I will. I will use it for good, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain and not loss; good and not evil; success and not failure; in order that I shall rejoice in the price that I paid for it.”

If leaders learn to follow these ideas, their leadership will abound in blessings far beyond what could be further expressed.