Tag: Sunset

Unlimited Possibilities…

What would we attempt to do if we knew we could not fail? Anthony Robbins says, “What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.”

An old Chinese proverb claims, “Limitations are the boundaries we place in our own minds.”

Leaders must know what they believe about themselves and recognize that with God all things are possible.

They must believe it, live as though they believe it, and influence others to believe it.

This is leadership!

God’s Word and Leaders…

Psalm 119 emphasizes God’s word and expresses a lesson for leaders.

The Psalmist asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word.”

The remainder of the text shares thoughts on how we fulfill this statement.

Seek God – With all my heart I have sought you.
Value His word – Your word I have treasured in my heart.
Speak His word – With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth.
Find joy in His word – I rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies.
Give deep thought to His word – I will meditate on Your precepts and regard your ways.
Remember His word – I shall not forget your word.

Listen, learn, and apply.

A Considerate Leader…

A considerate leader stands out.

They have a heart for others. Leaders are challenged to consider the good intention of others first. We live in a skeptical world. We tend to question the motive or intention of everyone, including those who deserve our greatest trust.

A considerate leader thinks about the needs of others. The needs are hard to recognize when we only experience superficial relationships. Leaders must get below the surface and learn the real need and consider how to provide it.

Consideration should be a part of a leader’s daily walk in relationships. Doing so exemplifies the compassion of great leadership.

Memories…

Memories are good and bad. There are times, events, and people we remember fondly because of the joy experienced. There are also times, events, and people we want to forget because of the negativity experienced.

It would be wonderful if our only memories were positive and fond. However, we know it does not work this way. Memories serve to help us if we learn to do a couple of important steps.

Repeat what works and is successful.

Avoid the consequences experienced and overcome.

If we do so, the future holds greater memories when we recall them.

The End of a Matter…

Solomon said the end is better than the beginning.

From a leadership standpoint, we learn the value of credibility and confidence.

When leaders reach the end of a matter it is an indicator of success, and success breeds credibility for those who follow.

As well, reaching the end of a matter strengthens confidence in the leader. As victory is achieved, leaders grow with confidence to accomplish more.

Our leadership is no different. As leaders achieve success, they anticipate the next challenge or goal and work with tireless effort to build upon their confidence to strengthen their credibility.

The Power of Passion…

What is it that drives our lives, especially as leaders?

Steve Jobs once said, “It [what you choose to do] has got to be something that you’re passionate about because otherwise you won’t have the perseverance to see it through.”

While we associate passion with excitement or enthusiasm, there is much more involved.

Passion is from a Latin word associated with suffering or sacrifice.

When leaders are passionate, it is seen by what they are willing to suffer, sacrifice, or give up in order to achieve the goal. 

When passion is present, leaders persevere to see it through.

Godly Counsel…

We are urged not to walk in the counsel of the wicked in Psalm 1. Later in the Psalms, David expresses the need to wait for the counsel of the Lord, because His counsel endures forever.

Leadership should always provide counsel based on the word of God. When leaders provide godly counsel, several beautiful things occur. 

1) God is glorified.

2) His people are built up in the faith.

3) Leadership is strengthened in righteousness. 

4) The future is secured.

Let leaders learn today from the example of Joshua (Jos. 9), then pursue and provide godly counsel.

Observational Power…

Relevant leaders practice observation. Observing how God works in our lives opens us up to the possibility of God using us to help others.

Consider this Chinese proverb, “If you want happiness for an hour––take a nap. If you want happiness for a day––go fishing. If you want happiness for a year––inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime––help someone else.” 

Look and discover what goes on in the lives of others, why it takes place, and how to show the light of Jesus.

Take a few moments to observe the special people placed on our path each day.

Trust…

Good leadership requires trust. In his book Canoeing the Mountains, Tod Bolsinger writes, “No one is going to follow you off the map unless they trust you on it.”

Introducing change challenges any leader to their core. The resistance to change discourages leaders, yet it is inevitable.

While not absolute, often times the problem exists because leaders have not gained trust while leading on the map in order to have people follow them off the map.

Trust is built over time and leaders do not gain trust simply because they have a title or position. When they demonstrate credibility and competence, trust grows.

Independence…

Tomorrow, our country celebrates its independence.

There is a beautiful comparison between our physical freedom and the spiritual freedom enjoyed in Christ.

The willing, loving, and gracious sacrifice of Jesus demonstrates the value of our freedom.

The greatest joy of celebrating our independence is to willingly, lovingly, and graciously help others celebrate the same by introducing them to the way, the truth, and the life. 

The abundant life promised by Jesus is one of freedom from the consequences of sin.

Our leadership should always help others understand the price paid for this celebration, physically and spiritually.