Tag: God

Trusting God’s Leadership…

One of the common themes throughout the Psalms encourages God’s people to seek refuge and trust in Him. Notice the thought expressed in Psalm 118, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

When we trust in ourselves, we can easily become frustrated with our lack of abilities.

When we trust in others, we often become disillusioned to the role of humanity.

Overall, leaders must set the example of trust and dependence upon God. We must learn to trust with all our heart and seek refuge in Him, rather than ourselves or others.

Leaders and Prayer…

One of the great thoughts of scripture, and certainly needed in leadership, is the confidence of God answering prayers.

David writes, “On the day I called, you answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”

How can we have the confidence today?

1) In keeping with God’s will (James 4:15; 1 John 5:14).
2) In faith (Matthew 21:22; James 1:5-8).
3) With persistence (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
4) Without anxiety and with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
5) By devotion (Colossians 4:2).

The list continues throughout the Bible and, of all people, leaders must demonstrate they are people of prayer.

Leading in Uncertain Times…

In light of recent events, it seems appropriate to consider how to respond in these uncertain times.

1) Remember every person was created in the image of God. The beauty of this thought should motivate us to reach out with the same compassion God demonstrated toward us.

2) Leadership is about people. We do not lead objects, but people. Until leaders look through the eyes of God and the lens of humanity, this thought will be challenging.

3) How would we want someone to treat us if the roles were reversed? It is difficult in the midst of comfortability to reverse the circumstances and picture the need.

4) The need for salvation overrides any other possible reason for inactivity. Everyone needs Christ and Christ died for everyone!

Let us lead with these in mind.

Following the Right Leader…

When we question our leadership, consideration should be given to the followers. Have we really considered where others end up when they follow our leadership?

The choices are limited.

1) Closer to or further away from God…
2) More spiritually or more worldly focused…
3) Stronger or weaker in faith…
4) Growing or declining in knowledge of God’s word…

There may be more possibilities, but the point is the same. Our leadership should be important enough to consider the destination reached by following our leadership.

Blaze a trail that when others follow they end up following the right leader.

Blessed Leadership

The idea of blessed is key throughout the Psalms. 

Psalm 1 begins with it and the thoughts expressed have great significance when applied to leadership.

First, leaders must be careful where they go and who they listen to regarding their responsibility.

Second, the heart and success of leadership are the result of following the path provided by God.

Third, the contrast indicates there are consequences when one fails to follow the righteous way.

Leaders have an opportunity to lead others on the right path. The responsibility is great, but the rewards of a fruitful life and eternal prosperity are worth the price.

Leading with Renewal…

Various phrases within the Psalms provide depth in their meaning for the life of leaders.

David seeks God’s forgiveness for his sin and pleads with God to create a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit.

During difficult seasons, where and how do leaders receive this renewal?

1) Going to the source of renewal is a good place to start. Plead with God.
2) Spend time listening to what God says. 
3) Reflect on what has been done by God through our leadership.
4) Seek counsel with others who have experienced similar trials.

May God always renew a steadfast spirit in the times when needed most.

Unlimited Leadership…

The power of the mind is amazing. However, a Chinese proverb says, “Limitations are but the boundaries we place in our minds.”

The Old Testament account of the ten spies demonstrates this limitation. How they saw themselves kept them from seeing how God would lead them to victory.

Denis Waitley said, “It’s not who you are that holds you back. It’s who you think you’re not.”

Leaders are held back, not because they lack ability, but they see themselves as incapable of accomplishing the task.

We must recognize who God is and all He will do through the power that works within us.

Thirsting for God…

A thought expressed throughout the Psalms is thirsting for God. One of the most common analogies is the song, “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for You, O God.”

The various qualities, principles, axioms, and requirements for good leadership all carry a significant weight in leadership development.

In the spiritual arena, the key to true leadership is based on thirsting for God.

The idea of thirsting involves a need, want, craving, an insatiable desire. Do we understand this thought when considering a spiritual application?

When a relationship with God is characterized by thirsting, leaders strengthen their leadership.

Grateful Leaders…

Two of the most unused, yet needed and powerful words, are “thank you,” but why should leaders be thankful.

Leaders should express gratitude because…

1) God placed them in this position to glorify Him.
2) The opportunity to influence others for Jesus is the greatest work on earth.
3) Hope is the message provided through godly leaders.
4) Others trust leaders to show them the way.
5) Leadership makes a difference on an eternal scale. 

Leaders must recognize why they should be thankful as much as the action of showing gratitude.

Our God is great who has given us leaders!

Committed to Lead…

David expresses the need to be silent before God and praise Him. He then says, “And to You the vow will be performed.”

A vow indicates one who enters an agreement, which they are committed to fulfill. 

Performed indicates that when the vow is paid it completes the agreement so that both parties are in a state of peace (Theological Wordbook of the OT).

A leaders first responsibility is to God first and then to those they lead. They must be committed to fulfill the responsibility to which they have entered as leaders.

When they do, both parties enjoy a state of peace.