Tag: God's Word

Refuge of Home

Our children are influenced from a very young age. Our influence is far greater than we can imagine, until we see and hear the expressions of our influence expressed by our children.

Because this is true, as parents we need to give serious consideration to the words and activities expressed in our own lives.

We need to set the kind of standard we are comfortable seeing expressed in the lives of our children. We face enough challenges in battling the worldly influence surrounding us.

Use the home as a refuge that is sanctified by the teachings of God’s word.

The Faith of Leadership

When leadership is guided by God’s word, the results are significant.

There is confidence in knowing the direction is guided by God Himself. The wisdom and knowledge of God is the basis for the direction in His word. Leaders cannot go wrong with His guiding hand.

God’s word provides the greatest purpose for character formation. Leaders begin with developing themselves, and then lead others to demonstrate Christ-like character.

Leaders know there is strength when grounded in the truth. Overcoming the obstacles of leadership requires strength, not personal strength, but spiritual strength that is only found in truth.

Let us always lead by the faith.

Strong Leadership

We need to be strong in every area of life: physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.

Through the aging process we are all aware of the decline in our physical strength. There are times when a decline in emotional and intellectual strength also occurs.

The most frightening area connected to this decline in strength occurs in the spiritual realm.

Paul encourages Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Ep. 6:10-11).

Examining each piece of armor reveals a close relationship to God’s word. Our strength comes from what God provides through His word.

Reaching the Unlikely

Studying God’s word can produce challenging thoughts that should be reflected in how we live out what we believe and see taught in it.

If we know that God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and the receptivity is higher, then why are we not making greater efforts to lead those who are the most unlikely to the Lord?

Do we exert our efforts to teach those who seemingly feel as if they do not need God because of their affluence?

Should we not spend more effort leading those who have little or nothing in this life to a greater understanding of what God has prepared in the next?

Strong Leadership…

Strength applies to physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual areas of life.

Challenges occur when our strength declines, especially in the spiritual realm.

Perhaps we have seen or experienced personal struggles to remain spiritually strong and faithful.

During these times, Paul encourages Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Ep. 6:10-11).

Each piece of armor reveals a close relationship to God’s word. Our strength comes from what God provides us through His word.

His word helps us find the strength to lead others to our Lord.

Testing our Leadership…

Based on experience, most students prefer to skip tests.

However, tests are biblical and spiritual leaders will face them throughout their leadership.

Abraham is an example. God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering.

The New Testament letter from James speaks about the testing of our faith. The result produces endurance which leads to completeness.

With this in mind, how should leaders respond when tested?

Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Read God’s word and focus on the purpose.
Seek counsel from leaders who have passed tests.
Trust God’s use of tests to make us into His leaders.

Leading with All my Heart…

Throughout Psalms we find the phrase “with all my heart.” 

The Psalmist identifies several key thoughts connected to this phrase.

The most common thought is that of giving thanks. Imagine the power of leadership involved in giving thanks with all their heart. 

The second thought is about seeking the Lord. Spiritual leaders cannot be effective without a drive to seek a relationship with the Lord.

The third thought involves observing God’s law or word. Again, the very foundation of leadership must be based on God’s word.

With all my heart is a study worth applying.

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.

Leading with Confidence…

Leaders need confidence. Napoleon Hill says, “The world has the habit of making room for the man whose words and actions show that he knows where he is going.”

Leaders must possess a strong consistency in character. This lesson is not new.

For leaders to build a relationship of trust, their character must be defined by consistency, which may be one of the truest qualities connected to integrity.

When leaders demonstrate consistency in their words and actions, they can lead with confidence. Ultimately, both should be guided by the teachings of God’s word.

Finding Answers for Leadership…

Trials are part of life. Fear, anxiety, and frustration take control quickly. People seek answers.

When adversity occurs, or questions arise, where do leaders go to find answers?

Leaders provide guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety, and frustration. Where do leaders find these answers?

Prayer is a good place to start.
Spend time listening to God’s word. 
Counsel the wisdom of others.
Learn the value of trust.
Admit mistakes that occur.
Never miss an opportunity to learn. 

The more prepared we are for the questions plaguing others, the stronger our leadership becomes.