Tag: Sunset

A Godly Leader…

The Bible often speaks of being set apart, or holy. David emphatically claimed we should “…know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.”

This is such a powerful thought. God has taken action toward the godly for Himself, which highlights a special relationship between God and the godly. The result is followed by activity.

Tremble…and do not sin.
Meditate…and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.
Trust in the Lord.

The combination of these four areas provides a powerful foundation for the success of a godly leader.

Better Leadership…

If something is better, there is improvement from a previous condition or situation.

One of the key words in Hebrews is better. We live under a better covenant, based on better promises, because of a better sacrifice. The result is a better hope.

When we examine our character, attitude, work ethic, practice, or presence, can we say it is better than before?

Would we say the development of those who follow is better today than yesterday?

Perhaps the appropriate question is, “Will we do what it takes to make it better?”

Leaders make things happen, and what they make happen should be for the better.

The Future of Leadership…

How great would it be to have a crystal ball and see what the future holds? Or, would it be? We might not like what we see.

Leadership is about the future. Spiritually, nothing is more important than the future.

Pragmatically, however, leaders must consider what the future of their leadership looks like.

Questions abound, yet in the end, we must plan today to ensure a future of growth and stronger leadership.

The future of leadership must be built on prayer.
Leaders should prepare with God’s word as their guide.
Tomorrow’s leaders must be encouraged today to be ready.

What are the Possibilities?

Opportunity has been defined as circumstances presenting possibility. For someone to take advantage of the opportunity, one must see the possibilities. Nicholas Sparks said, “It’s the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee.”

When we look at our neighborhood, city, state, nation, or the global community, what possibilities keep us going? Can we see how God is working?

Leadership will not succeed if we only look for guarantees. The possibilities of what God can and will do through us must keep us going.

When leadership is fueled by possibilities, our vision expands toward greater achievement.

The Lord, Our Example…

Nearing the end of Psalms we find a poetic passage that highlights several areas about the Lord, declaring why He is worthy to be praised. He is…

Creator of heaven and earth.
Executor of justice for the disadvantaged.
Provider of sustenance for those in need.
Healer of the afflicted.
Exalter of the downtrodden.
Compassionate to the upright.
Protector of strangers.
Supporter of the orphan and widow.
Frustrater of wicked ways.
Ruler of all.

These ten words are laced throughout the Bible and provide strength to the weak, comfort for the discouraged, and protection for the vulnerable.
Leaders understand and practice the same.

Leading with Tenacity…Part 2

Tenacity is associated with grip, determination, and persistence.

The ability to grip something, or hold on firmly, is crucial for long-term success.
Determination presents an attitude of strength to endure the distractions.
Without persistence, leaders find themselves ready to give up and move on.

Tenacity, as defined in these areas, demonstrates the ability of leaders to take a group of people who might not otherwise continue and motivate them to heights unknown.

With it, leaders build confidence in their approach to the establishment of goals and the development of plans to achieve them.

Leaders must hold on with a tenacious spirit.

Leading with Tenacity…Part 1

When leaders face difficulties, which often plague our journey through life, what can be done to strengthen resolve and motivate perseverance?

The most obvious answer is a tenacious spirit that never gives up. No matter how difficult the challenge, quitting must never be an option.

Seek appropriate help.
Work harder than before.
Remember, you are not alone.

Life presents many twists and turns, some pleasant and others not so pleasant. Regardless of how difficult our journey becomes, the words credited to Winston Churchill still hold true today, “Never, never, never give up.”

The Heart of Leadership…

What we do for others is where leadership shines. Determining what is in the best interest of others must drive our leadership.

Lewis Carroll summarized it this way, “One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.”

We find this common thread throughout the Bible. Reading the book of Philippians quickly reveals the need to have the same mind as Christ, the mind of a humble spirit that regarded others as more important than Himself.

This is the heart of leadership and the future of the church in this world.

Self-aware Leaders…

David often expressed the impact of his actions on his relationship with God. He acknowledges his failings and the division it caused with friends, family and enemies.

In the midst of his penitent suffering, David says of his enemies, “They oppose me, because I follow what is good.”

David exemplifies a leader with self-awareness and reliance upon God.

Godly leaders face many challenges. They often fear people leaving, speaking against them, and facing opposition. Remember to follow what is good, even in the midst of the most difficult challenges.

David concludes, God will not be far away. He is salvation and deliverance.

Self-Control…

A former student, Bill West, summarized Kenneson’s approach to self-control in a powerful way.

The paradox of self-control is clearly stated, self-control is about being master over self by making self the servant (224). In both cases, the master, and subject are both self. Self-control should not be focused on self. While this at first seems to be confusing, Kenneson does a great job of explaining what he means.

Most people read the fruit of the Spirit as things to be done outward, towards other people, then come to self-control and see this as being focused inwardly. This is an incorrect assumption. Self-control, like the rest, is to be focused on others, or as Kenneson puts it ‘other-directed” (237).

I encourage you to get Kenneson’s book and read the depths of his approach to this subject.