Tag: SALT

An Extraordinary God…

Is it extraordinary or extra – ordinary?

Either way, God worked through ordinary men and women in the Bible and made them extraordinary.

Intrigued by a burning bush, Moses approached to examine what he had never seen before. On God’s mountain, he learned how an ordinary bush can be extraordinary when it is on fire with divine activity.

We are just ordinary human beings, but when we are on fire with the divine activity of God in our lives, everything changes.

Nothing miraculous, just a simple understanding of who God is, what He has done, and what He will do.

Now that is extraordinary.

Finish Strong…

There is something about the grand opening, the starting gun, the first day, or the kick off that strikes at the heart of people to get them on board.

Because we are often a short-sighted and an immediate-satisfaction oriented people, the long range goals seldom come to fruition.

Weariness, stress, slow movement, and discouragement set in and cause us to forget or lose sight of the excitement the original goals provided at the beginning.

In leadership circles, the idea of finishing well is becoming more prevalent. We need leaders who know how to start but also how to finish well.

The Great Choice…

Wayne W. Dyer pointed out, “With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.”

We all know someone who became bitter at the difficulties that challenged their faith and caused them to leave the Lord.

We also know others who faced giant trials in life and chose to remain strong in and dedicated to their faith.

The difference is a choice. Read Job and make the right choice.

Potentially Powerful…

What value does potential have in your life? Potentially, a great deal. However, every person on the planet has potential.

In a recent article by Rory Vaden, Rory talks about how potential is meaningless if we do not take steps to act in ways that fulfill that potential.

Every person has the potential to lead, but our potential means little if we don’t take necessary steps to become that person of influence.

Reflect on your potential, then consider how you can get to work on achieving that potential and become the leader the Lord desires in you.

Leadership Opportunities…

An opportunity involves circumstances presenting possibility, either to be gained or lost. If we are unable to see the possibilities, we will not take advantage of the opportunity.

Leadership requires us to see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities when they arise.

Few people turn down an opportunity to double an investment in a short period of time. We know we have to strike while the iron is hot.

The same is true spiritually. Unless we see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities, the urgency of sharing the message of Jesus fades to indifference.

Seek, Ask, and Knock.

The Precedent…

A precedent occurs when a previous event or action becomes an example or guide that is considered for similar circumstances in the future.

Throughout scripture we learn both what should be done and what should not be done based on a precedent established.

By definition, application of biblical events and actions are powerful examples that must be considered for similar circumstances in the future.

The terminology we use states, “If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.” Some of the greatest lessons on leadership are based on these biblical precedents.

Fearless vs Less Fear…

The word “fearless” conjures up several thoughts, primarily to be without fear. However, reverse the word – “less fear.”

Various events in our leadership will always create times of fear. Fear is not eliminated, but we can demonstrate less fear, but how? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:3.

Faith!

Enduring life’s challenges is strengthened by victorious faith. Others have also overcome; see the great cloud of witnesses.

Trust in God’s promise; run with endurance the race set before you.

Even the greatest of obstacles, at their best are still temporary; keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Words of Kindness…

The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness several results occur.

The desire to benefit the person is demonstrated.

The value or worth of the individual is elevated.

The fruit of the Spirit testifies to being more Christlike.

The goal of unity is exemplified by serving one another.

The outreach to the world is built on a foundation of love.

Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so our light can be displayed and God glorified.

Patient Leaders…

Successful leadership does not consist of leading people in the same way because people are not the same. Timber Hawkeye resounded this thought, “Flowers only bloom when they are ready. People are the same way.
You cannot rush or force them open just because you think it’s time. Be patient.”

The principles of leadership never change. People, however, learn and advance differently. Some pick up on the process quickly, while others learn at a slower pace.

Any attempt to rush or force people into places or positions when and where they are not ready simply frustrates everyone involved.

Messengers of Hope…

Life is filled with highs and lows. At times, we are on top of the mountain, and other times we walk through the valley.

David understood this when he wrote the twenty-third Psalm.

He understood what was ahead of him, not behind. Even though he walked through the “valley of the shadow of death,” God was with him and he would dwell with God forever.

As leaders, we are messengers of hope.

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