Tag: God

Catch Your Breath

Few areas of life are more challenging than taking time to just breathe. I am amazed how often God has a way of working in our lives to help us see the need to “stop and smell the roses.”

I have seen a strong work ethic from both family and friends.

I never recall a time when something did not need to be done. Life was full…and busy.

I understand the reality of the old adage “the older you get the faster time goes by.” As I age, and the pace of life steadily increases, I realize the need to take a moment to catch my breath.

Fearless

When someone is fearless, we tend to think about the absence of fear.

Consider another possibility as it relates to leadership.

Reverse the word and examine the idea of less fear.

It is doubtful that a leader reaches a point where they have no fear. Various events in life and leadership will always create times of fear. During those times we can demonstrate less fear, but what makes it possible to do so? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:4.

Enduring life’s challenges is an ability strengthened by victorious faith.

Trust that God will keep His promise.

Obstacles are temporary. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Share the Blessing

What are the odds, out of all the people on earth who have never heard the name of Jesus, you and I were fortunate enough to hear it?

Why were we blessed to hear the Gospel when many in the world hear an altered version if they hear it at all?

Maybe you have never considered these questions, but we need to recognize the responsibility that comes with this opportunity.

Should we keep it to ourselves? Can we really go through each day without considering the numbers of those who walk through life unaware of what awaits in eternity?

This blessing is meant to be shared.

Follow the Map

When traveling, we understand the need for a map or plan to reach our destination in a proper amount of time.

Physically, we make application daily. However, when we think in terms of spiritual matters, what happens can be a completely different story. Yet, the spiritual approach is no different.

We know the destination and we desire to get there. We anticipate arriving, but what will it take to get there?

Since our destination is heaven, the map/plan provided by God can be found throughout the pages of His word. Follow the map He provides and we will get there.

Kindness

The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness, notice what occurs.

Providing benefit to another person becomes a priority.

An individual’s value is raised to a higher level.

Unity is exemplified through our efforts to serve one another.

Outreach to the world reflects the nature of God’s love.

Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so we can display our Christian light and glorify God.

Hope

Life has highs and lows. There are times we are on top of the mountain, and times when we walk through a valley.

As leaders, we are messengers of hope. People can endure almost anything if they know there is something better ahead. This is the power of hope.

We must help others recognize that our hope is not built on the promise of a better physical life, but something beyond this life and beyond compare.

Hope was the driving force for the early church, even in the face of death.

Better days are ahead, maybe not in this life, but God holds eternity.

Success

Success relies on the help we receive from or the help we provide others.

Marianne Williamson claims that “success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others.”

From a leadership perspective, we find this in biblical application. Biblical success is directly related to our passion, i.e. understanding that passion involves sacrifice, and sacrifice is affiliated with what we give up. When we sacrifice for others, our leadership influence soars.

When our talents and abilities are used to serve others, leadership is at its best. How will you rest tonight?

Suffering Leaders

Jesus suffered on numerous occasions at the hands of religious leaders who sought to eliminate this threat to their position and power.

The ultimate suffering, however, did not come at their hands, even though they instigated the procedure.

Jesus would encounter suffering beyond imagination, as He was beaten, ridiculed, mocked with a crown of thorns, spit upon, scourged, and nailed to a cross at the hands of Rome.

Suffering is not often seen as greatness, rather a stumbling block and foolishness. To those who are saved, however, it is the power of God.

The higher we go in leadership the greater the sacrifice we must make.

Prepare Future Leaders

Too many congregations struggle with poorly equipped and, at times, unqualified leaders, or no leadership at all. Most leaders have no idea who will fill this needed role in the days ahead.

Each congregation needs a plan for training, equipping, and developing leaders to prepare for the spiritual warfare facing the church.

God’s people need to recognize the challenges before us and the current leadership must rise up to prepare leaders for tomorrow.

We currently suffer the consequences of past generations that failed to plan. We need a vision related to who we can be as the Lord’s kingdom in the next generation. This will impact our children!

A Godly Image

We live in a society that thrives on image. There is great concern for the appearance of things, how others see us.

Sadly, many people render service only to an earthly image. The concern is limited to doing the least possible rather than excelling beyond what is required.

The beauty of godly leaders is demonstrated when they constantly strive to please the Lord.

People always watch: our families, people at work and our neighborhood, as well as fellow Christians. They all watch.

When we consider our conduct before others, is it because we want to please those who are watching or is our motive to please God?