Happy New Year
May 2024 bring you joy and fruitful service in the Lord’s Kingdom.
Happy New Year from all of the SALT family.
Tag: Sunset
Fearless
When someone is fearless, we tend to think about the absence of fear.
Consider another possibility as it relates to leadership.
Reverse the word and examine the idea of less fear.
It is doubtful that a leader reaches a point where they have no fear. Various events in life and leadership will always create times of fear. During those times we can demonstrate less fear, but what makes it possible to do so? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:4.
Enduring life’s challenges is an ability strengthened by victorious faith.
Trust that God will keep His promise.
Obstacles are temporary. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Change does not occur quickly or easily. Once we are in our comfort zone, getting out to think or try something different is not usually on the agenda.
Neale Donald Walsch says, ”Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.”
The success of leadership depends on the ability to recognize the limits of our comfort zone and how life begins at that point.
I am not talking unscriptural, but when ideas and plans are introduced that make us uncomfortable, maybe life is just beginning.
Opinions, Objectives, Opportunities
Anytime we lead people there will be opinions, objectives, and opportunities.
Opinions vary from one person to the next and everybody has one. Leaders must harness these various opinions and channel them in a direction that achieves the goal.
Objectives also introduce numerous challenges. Not everyone shares the same objective.
Opportunities abound when leading people who possess various opinions and objectives.
The opportunity to learn from the opinions and objectives of others and direct the energies behind them into an effort that brings unity to the whole is powerful.
If it were an easy task everyone would do it. For those who do, the long-term rewards are eternal.
Share the Blessing
What are the odds, out of all the people on earth who have never heard the name of Jesus, you and I were fortunate enough to hear it?
Why were we blessed to hear the Gospel when many in the world hear an altered version if they hear it at all?
Maybe you have never considered these questions, but we need to recognize the responsibility that comes with this opportunity.
Should we keep it to ourselves? Can we really go through each day without considering the numbers of those who walk through life unaware of what awaits in eternity?
This blessing is meant to be shared.
Merry Christmas
From our family to yours, we pray this is a wonderful and blessed holiday season for you and your family.
Follow the Map
When traveling, we understand the need for a map or plan to reach our destination in a proper amount of time.
Physically, we make application daily. However, when we think in terms of spiritual matters, what happens can be a completely different story. Yet, the spiritual approach is no different.
We know the destination and we desire to get there. We anticipate arriving, but what will it take to get there?
Since our destination is heaven, the map/plan provided by God can be found throughout the pages of His word. Follow the map He provides and we will get there.
Kindness
The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness, notice what occurs.
Providing benefit to another person becomes a priority.
An individual’s value is raised to a higher level.
Unity is exemplified through our efforts to serve one another.
Outreach to the world reflects the nature of God’s love.
Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so we can display our Christian light and glorify God.
Opportunity
An opportunity involves circumstances presenting possibility, either to be gained or lost. We cannot take advantage of opportunities if we are unable to see the possibilities.
Leadership involves the ability to see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities the moment they arise.
Consider two significant questions: 1) Do we really see the possibilities of reaching out to the souls around us? 2) Are we ready to take advantage of the opportunities God presents?
Unless we see the possibilities and are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities the urgency of sharing the message of Jesus fades to indifference.
Seek, Ask, and Knock.
I Can
Eliminating the word “can’t” from the vocabulary is vital to the development of strong leadership. We have all heard, “It can’t be done.”
Bo Bennett said, “Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done.”
The way we see our families, the church, the world, and even ourselves takes on a new perspective when we realize we can do it.
Instead of approaching it like Moses, “Who am I that I should go and deliver this people?” we need more like Isaiah, “Here am I, send me.”
Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”