Unspoken sings the song, "Good Fight." Singing from the perspective of God, they remind us to, "Keep fighting the good fight! Keep letting your light shine! 'Cause I'm never gonna leave you; always gonna see you through to the other side. Keep fighting the good...fight!"
Mark 10:45 says, "'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'" (NIV)
Leadership is more about being there to serve and help others than it is about being served. Maxwell says, "Once you have modeled a willingness to pay your own price for the potential of the team, you have the credibility to ask others to do the same." Jesus is the greatest example of that. He gave up many things, even His own life, for His followers. He modeled for us the principle of sacrifice. Leaders should look for the good of the team and do what they can to help make sure the team is successful.
Maxwell asks, "How do you show your willingness to sacrifice to your team?"
I have used this example before. As President of Phi Theta Kappa, I personally put in time to help my team earn points to win Club of the Year, when we were in third place, and quickly losing that, and over 200 points in the hole. We got a game plan together and carried it out. It was a lot of work, and we had to sacrifice our own time, but it was for the good of the team and it helped others in the process. (By the way, we won Club of the Year.)
Father, thank You for everything You have done for me. Thank You for Your sacrifice so that I may have eternal life, and many blessings while alive here on earth. Please help me in my times of need. Strengthen me and help me to show others how to find strength in You rather than looking to material things. I love You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Good Fight
Monday, September 14, 2015
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Guidance from the Spirit
TobyMac sings, "Steal My Show." In it, he tells God, "If You wanna steal my show, I'll sit back and watch You go. If You got something to say, go on and take it away. Need You to steal my show. Can't wait to watch You go. So take it away!"
This is one of my favorite songs. I used to sing it before I began meetings when I was President of Phi Theta Kappa. Regardless of whether you hold a leadership position or not, you can pray this to God. However, it especially applies to leadership because it allows leaders to realize that God is above them. He is the Ultimate Leader, and sometimes we just need to step back and give Him control. He may be telling us something to do or something to say to our followers. You should always pray, "Lord, steal my show," and let Him take control. There's no better position to be in than in the Lord's hands as He uses you for His glory!
Isaiah 19:11-13 says, "The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, 'I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings'? Where are your wise men now? Let them show you and make know what the Lord Almighty has planned against Egypt. The officials of Zoan have become fools, the leaders of Memphis are deceived; the cornerstones of her peoples have led Egypt astray." (NIV)
That is an example of what happens when leaders do not let God have control. No matter what, the Lord is in control.
Maxwell gives four elements that we should pay careful attention to if we wish to have lasting leadership: Character, perspective, courage, and favor. Character is on the inside and is a major contributor to our leadership choices. Perspective allows us to see problems and opportunities form multiple angles so that we can make informed decisions before we act. Courage helps us to push forward in spite of fears or potential problems. And favor enables us to have backup, from God and from men, the former much greater and more important than the latter.
Today's reflection question asks: "Which element or elements do you need to focus on more?"
My answer to that is courage. I let my insecurities and fears interfere with my leadership when I should lift it all up to the Lord and let Him guide me.
Pray this prayer: Father, thank You for Your many blessings to me. May I never take them for granted. Please guide me in my leadership. Help me to positively build my character, bestow Your favor upon me, help me to see from the right perspectives, and give me courage to face whatever may come my way, knowing that You are always with me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Steal My Show
This is one of my favorite songs. I used to sing it before I began meetings when I was President of Phi Theta Kappa. Regardless of whether you hold a leadership position or not, you can pray this to God. However, it especially applies to leadership because it allows leaders to realize that God is above them. He is the Ultimate Leader, and sometimes we just need to step back and give Him control. He may be telling us something to do or something to say to our followers. You should always pray, "Lord, steal my show," and let Him take control. There's no better position to be in than in the Lord's hands as He uses you for His glory!
Isaiah 19:11-13 says, "The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, 'I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings'? Where are your wise men now? Let them show you and make know what the Lord Almighty has planned against Egypt. The officials of Zoan have become fools, the leaders of Memphis are deceived; the cornerstones of her peoples have led Egypt astray." (NIV)
That is an example of what happens when leaders do not let God have control. No matter what, the Lord is in control.
Maxwell gives four elements that we should pay careful attention to if we wish to have lasting leadership: Character, perspective, courage, and favor. Character is on the inside and is a major contributor to our leadership choices. Perspective allows us to see problems and opportunities form multiple angles so that we can make informed decisions before we act. Courage helps us to push forward in spite of fears or potential problems. And favor enables us to have backup, from God and from men, the former much greater and more important than the latter.
Today's reflection question asks: "Which element or elements do you need to focus on more?"
My answer to that is courage. I let my insecurities and fears interfere with my leadership when I should lift it all up to the Lord and let Him guide me.
Pray this prayer: Father, thank You for Your many blessings to me. May I never take them for granted. Please guide me in my leadership. Help me to positively build my character, bestow Your favor upon me, help me to see from the right perspectives, and give me courage to face whatever may come my way, knowing that You are always with me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Steal My Show
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Developing Leadership Abilities
Steven Curtis Chapman sings, "And God says, 'I'm gonna turn it into something different. I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all in the hands of the Father. Give it up; give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful...'When I get through, you're gonna be amazed!'" ("Something Beautiful")
Exodus 13:11 tells us, "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent." (NIV) Joshua needed training.
Some people are able to take charge right out of the gate, seemingly born with the right skills to do the job. Others must take more time to develop themselves. But no matter what, some level of training and experience is needed to turn someone into a great leader.
Maxwell lists three keys for developing a new leader: encouragement, training, and opportunities. If someone discovers leadership potential in another, the former should encourage the latter to develop his or her abilities. A developing leader needs to go through training to fine-tune his or her skills. Afterward, those skills must be put to the test as opportunities to lead are presented. Leaders who have proper training and experience can make a great impact.
Today's reflection question is: "What kind of an impact player are you?"
Sometimes I make a great impact, but other times I may not. It depends on the situation and how well suited I am to make a difference in that particular area. You must know yourself and your abilities and know when you can make the best difference based on your skills and experience.
No matter what situations you are presented with, remember that with the Lord's help, he can turn it all into something beautiful if you rely on Him and put it in His hands!
Father, Thank You for Your many gifts to me. Help me to develop and refine the leadership abilities You give me. Help me to make a positive impact for Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Something Beautiful
Exodus 13:11 tells us, "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent." (NIV) Joshua needed training.
Some people are able to take charge right out of the gate, seemingly born with the right skills to do the job. Others must take more time to develop themselves. But no matter what, some level of training and experience is needed to turn someone into a great leader.
Maxwell lists three keys for developing a new leader: encouragement, training, and opportunities. If someone discovers leadership potential in another, the former should encourage the latter to develop his or her abilities. A developing leader needs to go through training to fine-tune his or her skills. Afterward, those skills must be put to the test as opportunities to lead are presented. Leaders who have proper training and experience can make a great impact.
Today's reflection question is: "What kind of an impact player are you?"
Sometimes I make a great impact, but other times I may not. It depends on the situation and how well suited I am to make a difference in that particular area. You must know yourself and your abilities and know when you can make the best difference based on your skills and experience.
No matter what situations you are presented with, remember that with the Lord's help, he can turn it all into something beautiful if you rely on Him and put it in His hands!
Father, Thank You for Your many gifts to me. Help me to develop and refine the leadership abilities You give me. Help me to make a positive impact for Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Something Beautiful
Friday, September 11, 2015
Fostering the Spirit of Teamwork
Jeremy Camp sings the song, "Not Ashamed." He declares, as we all should, "I'm not ashamed of the Gospel! I'm not ashamed of Jesus Christ! I will stand and boldly say that this is my life!" We should be sharing Christ with others, not hiding Him in shame. Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (NIV)
Today's central Scripture is Acts 18:24, 26-27: "Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus...He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him...On arriving, eh was a great help to those who by grace had believed." Apollos was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but proclaimed it boldly. We should do the same. Sometimes we do not, but with God's help, and with the Spirit's guidance, we can! And it helps to have friends who will encourage and help you along the way.
Individuals who come together as a team have the capability to create synergy, bringing together more than the sum of the parts. However, before synergy can be realized, there are a few other dynamics that have to fall into place.
Trust is the biggest key. According to Maxwell, "Trust makes it possible for people to rely on one another." If the team wants to accomplish anything positive, the members have to trust each other, rather than looking over one another's shoulders the whole time. After trust is established, relationships can be built. Maxwell says, "As people who care about each other grow together and work toward a common goal, they get to know each other better." This step is crucial to team development, and it can help to further solidify trust. Creating relationships can lead to fostering interdependence, where team members rely on one another instead of each individual trying to work on his or her own. All of that taken together can lead to the creation of synergy.
Maxwell asks, "How can you cultivate an attitude of partnership?"
I just shared my thoughts on that. What comes to mind when you ask yourself that question?
Pray this prayer; Father, thank You for the people You have brought into my life and for the lasting relationships that have been established. Please help me to foster a spirit of teamwork in my teams. With Your guidance, we can build relationships founded on trust. Help us to work together cohesively as a team so that we can accomplish great things, to Your glory! And through it all, help me to never be ashamed of You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Not Ashamed
Today's central Scripture is Acts 18:24, 26-27: "Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus...He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him...On arriving, eh was a great help to those who by grace had believed." Apollos was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but proclaimed it boldly. We should do the same. Sometimes we do not, but with God's help, and with the Spirit's guidance, we can! And it helps to have friends who will encourage and help you along the way.
Individuals who come together as a team have the capability to create synergy, bringing together more than the sum of the parts. However, before synergy can be realized, there are a few other dynamics that have to fall into place.
Trust is the biggest key. According to Maxwell, "Trust makes it possible for people to rely on one another." If the team wants to accomplish anything positive, the members have to trust each other, rather than looking over one another's shoulders the whole time. After trust is established, relationships can be built. Maxwell says, "As people who care about each other grow together and work toward a common goal, they get to know each other better." This step is crucial to team development, and it can help to further solidify trust. Creating relationships can lead to fostering interdependence, where team members rely on one another instead of each individual trying to work on his or her own. All of that taken together can lead to the creation of synergy.
Maxwell asks, "How can you cultivate an attitude of partnership?"
I just shared my thoughts on that. What comes to mind when you ask yourself that question?
Pray this prayer; Father, thank You for the people You have brought into my life and for the lasting relationships that have been established. Please help me to foster a spirit of teamwork in my teams. With Your guidance, we can build relationships founded on trust. Help us to work together cohesively as a team so that we can accomplish great things, to Your glory! And through it all, help me to never be ashamed of You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Not Ashamed
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Thinking in the Right Perspective
Kutless sings, "What Faith Can Do." Its lyrics are quite powerful and can help us when we are down. "It doesn't matter what you've heard; impossible is not a word. It's just a reason for someone not to try...I've seen dreams that move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling. I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new. That's what faith can do...When the world says you can't, it'll tell you that you can!" Remember, regardless of what you may face, you can handle it if you act in faith and keep your faith in the Lord! He will never leave you nor forsake you! (See Hebrews 13:5.)
Today's key Scripture comes from Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)
Maxwell presents a paradox that comes with spiritual leadership: "We are to get wisdom and understanding, yet we are not to lean on it apart from the Lord." I found that Ecclesiastes can shed some more light on this perspective. That book's essential message can be found in Chapter 12, verse 13b: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." It all comes down to having the right perspective. We must keep God first, no matter what we do. No matter what we set out to do, we must always remember to keep God at the forefront.
Maxwell presents several characteristics that should be present in the thinking of godly leaders. We are to think:
Today's key Scripture comes from Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)
Maxwell presents a paradox that comes with spiritual leadership: "We are to get wisdom and understanding, yet we are not to lean on it apart from the Lord." I found that Ecclesiastes can shed some more light on this perspective. That book's essential message can be found in Chapter 12, verse 13b: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." It all comes down to having the right perspective. We must keep God first, no matter what we do. No matter what we set out to do, we must always remember to keep God at the forefront.
Maxwell presents several characteristics that should be present in the thinking of godly leaders. We are to think:
- Big
- About other people
- Continually
- About the bottom line
- About continual growth
- Without lines
- With victory in mind
- Intuitively
- About servanthood
- Quickly
These characteristics can help guide our thoughts and actions. We should remember that God's purpose and plan is bigger than ours. Godly leaders ought to put other people and their concerns ahead of our own. Continual thinking can show that we are, "not satisfied with today's answers." (Maxwell) The bottom line, or the results of our work, should help guide us. We should always seek to grow closer to God, the Ultimate Leader, and to grow in our abilities to lead. We should remember that God is above all; we should not try to limit Him with boundaries. We need to keep in mind that, "With God we will gain the victory." (Psalm 60:12a, NIV, emphasis added) We should develop our intuition to sense what we need to do. We ought to be servant leaders, serving others and leading by example. Finally, we should be able to find a working solution quickly and act on it when time is of the essence. All of that starts with our thinking. We must think before we act.
Maxwell asks, "How do you think?"
Sometimes I possess some of those characteristics in my thinking, but sometimes I do not.
What about you? Is your thinking guided by those characteristics? Do you think in the right perspective?
Pray this prayer: Father, thank You for Your many gifts to me. Please lead and guide me, and help me to think as I should when I should, with the focus on Your and Your guidance. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
What Faith Can Do
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Renewing Your Team
The band Unspoken sings, "Every sorrow...every sickness...all my failures, I leave 'em in Your hands. Amen. I leave it in Your hands...Every promise...every healing...and my future, I leave it in Your hands. Amen. I can leave it in Your hands." ("In Your Hands") Remember, no matter what you are facing, you can leave it in God's hands, and there's no better place for it! God knows how to take care of anything better than you could ever imagine on your own. Trust in Him! Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)
Numbers 21:7, 9 says, "The people came to Moses and said, 'We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.' So Moses prayed for the people...So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived." (NIV)
That situation that Moses and the other Israelites found them in may have seemed bleak. However, with God's direction, Moses provided a solution, a way to mobilize the people again.
As a leader, you may find yourself in situations where your team is stuck, unable to make further progress. They may be tired, disappointed, or uninspired. They probably cannot move themselves in such situations. Therefore, it is your job to start moving forward again.
Maxwell recommends four actions to help a team that lacks energy to move (each is a direction quote):
In Your Hands
Numbers 21:7, 9 says, "The people came to Moses and said, 'We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.' So Moses prayed for the people...So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived." (NIV)
That situation that Moses and the other Israelites found them in may have seemed bleak. However, with God's direction, Moses provided a solution, a way to mobilize the people again.
As a leader, you may find yourself in situations where your team is stuck, unable to make further progress. They may be tired, disappointed, or uninspired. They probably cannot move themselves in such situations. Therefore, it is your job to start moving forward again.
Maxwell recommends four actions to help a team that lacks energy to move (each is a direction quote):
- Investigate the situation.
- Initiate belief.
- Create energy.
- Communicate hope.
It is your job to figure out what is causing the negative situation. Maxwell says, "When morale is low, the only way to get the ball rolling is to start pushing it yourself." To do so, you can fight against that negativity by showing your followers that you believe in them and in the cause. You must then give them energy by having it yourself and causing it to rub off on them. (Maxwell) Finally, make sure they know that there is hope for them and for the cause. By following those steps, you can renew your team and get them moving forward again.
Maxwell asks, "How can you utilize the four keys above to improve morale in your team?"
Every situation is unique. As the leader of your team, you probably know information that is specific to your case. With that information in mind, ask yourself that question. What can you do in your specific information to get your team moving again?
Pray this prayer: Father, thank You for all You have given me. Please help me to positively lead my team, no matter what the situation may be. I put my situation, trust, and faith in Your hands, along with anything negative that has come or may come. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Building Credibility
Building 429 sings, "Impossible." They remind us that, "We can rise above the typical and be anything but usual. We know, we know, we know that there's no such thing as impossible. And nothing is unreachable when we trust the God of miracles. WE know, we know, we know that there's no such thing as impossible!" And God's Word confirms that. Matthew 19:26 says, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV) No matter what problems you are facing, you can overcome them with God, for nothing is impossible with Him! That mindset can greatly help you as a leader and in all the other parts of your life as well.
1 Samuel 3:19-20 says, "The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord." (NIV)
Samuel grew in his leadership abilities, and quickly at times. How? He relied on God for guidance. We can learn a valuable lesson from his life: God is the Ultimate Leader, and we, like Samuel, should submit to His authority and look to Him for direction.
Maxwell notes, "Samuel exhorted, he affirmed, he corrected, he prophesied, he reminded, and he taught the people." We can take on several of the things Samuel learned to do in his leadership. If our followers are discouraged, we can exhort them, which means to strongly encourage them, according to Google. When we see someone with great potential, we can affirm them. If someone is in the wrong, we can correct them, but we must do so gently and in love. We can remind our followers of the vision if they lose sight of where they are going. And we can teach them along the way. But through it all, we should also follow another part of Samuel's example. Maxwell says that, "He spoke the truth, and he spoke it in love."
The reflection question for today asks, "What can you learn from Samuel to build your own credibility?"
Those examples that I just mentioned would be great ways to start. All of those things that Maxwell listed helped Samuel build his credibility, and they can help us to do the same. While we may not all be prophets, we can take on the other areas.
Father, thank You for gifting me with leadership, and thank You for giving me direction and examples to follow in Your Word, the Holy Bible. Please guide me and lead me so that I can effectively and efficiently lead others. Help me to display Your love through it all. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Impossible
1 Samuel 3:19-20 says, "The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord." (NIV)
Samuel grew in his leadership abilities, and quickly at times. How? He relied on God for guidance. We can learn a valuable lesson from his life: God is the Ultimate Leader, and we, like Samuel, should submit to His authority and look to Him for direction.
Maxwell notes, "Samuel exhorted, he affirmed, he corrected, he prophesied, he reminded, and he taught the people." We can take on several of the things Samuel learned to do in his leadership. If our followers are discouraged, we can exhort them, which means to strongly encourage them, according to Google. When we see someone with great potential, we can affirm them. If someone is in the wrong, we can correct them, but we must do so gently and in love. We can remind our followers of the vision if they lose sight of where they are going. And we can teach them along the way. But through it all, we should also follow another part of Samuel's example. Maxwell says that, "He spoke the truth, and he spoke it in love."
The reflection question for today asks, "What can you learn from Samuel to build your own credibility?"
Those examples that I just mentioned would be great ways to start. All of those things that Maxwell listed helped Samuel build his credibility, and they can help us to do the same. While we may not all be prophets, we can take on the other areas.
Father, thank You for gifting me with leadership, and thank You for giving me direction and examples to follow in Your Word, the Holy Bible. Please guide me and lead me so that I can effectively and efficiently lead others. Help me to display Your love through it all. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Impossible
Monday, September 7, 2015
Avoid Self-Promotion
Jeremy Camp sings, "He Knows." "He knows! He knows every hurt and every sting. He has walked this suffering. He knows! He knows! Let your burdens come undone. Lift your eyes up to the One Who knows!" It is comforting to know that the Lord knows what we are going through, no matter what it is, good or bad. Jesus Christ, God incarnate, walked this earth as a man. He felt our temptations and our joys. He knows what we face, and He can help us through it, if we just look to Him for His unfailing love!
Judges 9:1-2 says, "Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to his mother's brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother's clan, 'Ask all the citizens of Shechem, "Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal's sons rule over you, or just one man?" Remember, I am your flesh and blood.'" (NIV)
Leaders should not be proud. Rather, "Godly leaders must remind themselves of the Lord's instruction: 'Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time' (1 Peter 5:6)." (John Maxwell) Pride can cause one to put themselves above others to the point that the leader degrades others. Such self-promotion is not a godly attitude.
It is okay to have a position that is higher that someone else's, but a leader should never use that to put others down and hurt them. It is God who has appointed leaders, "for there is no authority except that which God has established." (See Romans 13:1.) Instead of having a self-centered attitude, a leader should focus on working cohesively with others for the benefit of the entire group.
Maxwell asks, "How do you resist self-promotion?"
I thank God for my achievements. That helps me to remember that He has given me what I have. Furthermore, He knows what I need, and what I want, even before I ask for it, as Psalm 139:4 says.
Whether you struggle with this or not, pray this prayer: Father, thank You for all that You have given me. Please keep pride from setting into me. Help me to always remember that, "every good and perfect gift" has come from You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
(See James 1:17 for the verse I quoted in that prayer.)
God bless you!
He Knows
Judges 9:1-2 says, "Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to his mother's brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother's clan, 'Ask all the citizens of Shechem, "Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal's sons rule over you, or just one man?" Remember, I am your flesh and blood.'" (NIV)
Leaders should not be proud. Rather, "Godly leaders must remind themselves of the Lord's instruction: 'Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time' (1 Peter 5:6)." (John Maxwell) Pride can cause one to put themselves above others to the point that the leader degrades others. Such self-promotion is not a godly attitude.
It is okay to have a position that is higher that someone else's, but a leader should never use that to put others down and hurt them. It is God who has appointed leaders, "for there is no authority except that which God has established." (See Romans 13:1.) Instead of having a self-centered attitude, a leader should focus on working cohesively with others for the benefit of the entire group.
Maxwell asks, "How do you resist self-promotion?"
I thank God for my achievements. That helps me to remember that He has given me what I have. Furthermore, He knows what I need, and what I want, even before I ask for it, as Psalm 139:4 says.
Whether you struggle with this or not, pray this prayer: Father, thank You for all that You have given me. Please keep pride from setting into me. Help me to always remember that, "every good and perfect gift" has come from You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
(See James 1:17 for the verse I quoted in that prayer.)
God bless you!
He Knows
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Handling Poor Performers
Tenth Avenue North sings the song, "By Your Side." It is written from the perspective of God talking to His children. "I'll be by your side wherever you fall, in the dead of night whenever you call. And please don't fight these hands that are holding you. Yeah, My hands are holding you." God's love isn't dependent upon our actions. Nor is His presence with us at times and not others. When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, His Spirit dwells inside you. He will never leave you nor forsake you (see Deuteronomy 31:6). He is always by your side!
Acts 15:38 says, "But Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work." (NIV)
Sometimes it is necessary to step up and make the tough decision to let someone go from the team. Maxwell says, "Some of the toughest decisions a leader faces concern poor performers." A poor performing colleague who cannot be trained (taught how to do the work) or transferred (to a position that more suits his or her skills) needs to be terminated (cut from the group). (Maxwell)
Such a person is holding the team back. It is a hard decision to make, but as a leader, it is one that you may need to make at some point. However, should that time come, handle the situation in such a way that there is no hostility, if you can prevent it. A professor of mine says to handle others with diplomacy. That is very necessary, especially for leaders.
Maxwell asks, "Do you need to make a tough call in your life?"
Is there someone on your team or in your organization who needs to be trained, transferred, or terminated? If you are fighting answering that question, especially if it comes down to termination, chances are, that is the move you need to make. But remember, you are not alone. God is by your side!
Pray this prayer: Father, thank you for being by my side. Please guide me in my leadership. When I am faced with a situation involving a poor performer, please guide me in the right direction and reveal to me what I need to do about it. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
By Your Side
Acts 15:38 says, "But Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work." (NIV)
Sometimes it is necessary to step up and make the tough decision to let someone go from the team. Maxwell says, "Some of the toughest decisions a leader faces concern poor performers." A poor performing colleague who cannot be trained (taught how to do the work) or transferred (to a position that more suits his or her skills) needs to be terminated (cut from the group). (Maxwell)
Such a person is holding the team back. It is a hard decision to make, but as a leader, it is one that you may need to make at some point. However, should that time come, handle the situation in such a way that there is no hostility, if you can prevent it. A professor of mine says to handle others with diplomacy. That is very necessary, especially for leaders.
Maxwell asks, "Do you need to make a tough call in your life?"
Is there someone on your team or in your organization who needs to be trained, transferred, or terminated? If you are fighting answering that question, especially if it comes down to termination, chances are, that is the move you need to make. But remember, you are not alone. God is by your side!
Pray this prayer: Father, thank you for being by my side. Please guide me in my leadership. When I am faced with a situation involving a poor performer, please guide me in the right direction and reveal to me what I need to do about it. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
By Your Side
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Comfort
Mandisa sings, "Good Morning." In it are these lyrics: "It's a good morning! Wake up to a brand new day. This morning, I'm stepping, stepping on my way. Good morning! You give me strength, You give me just what I need! And I can feel the hope that's rising up in me!" The Lord's strength can carry us through the day, no matter what we are faced with. His love never ends, and it never fails!
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (NIV)
Comfort can be one of the most powerful tools a leader can possess. Maxwell says, "We are to empower others with the power God gives us." Comfort can lead to establishing relationships, which is critical in good leadership. Being there for our followers even when they are having difficulties can show them just how much you care about them. Doing so proves that you are willing to go beyond mere words by stepping up and taking action when needed.
Maxwell asks, "Whom in your life do you need to comfort right now?"
Who do you know that needs your comfort, whether that be your physical presence or comforting words? You can comfort someone even if you cannot be physically by his or her side.
Looking back at Mandisa's lyrics can show us that our source of strength is the greatest one available. Our strength comes from the Father! We cannot say that we do not have enough to give someone, especially in this area. Material possessions may be tight, but we can always show others the love, comfort, and presence of the Lord in our lives.
Pray this prayer: Father, thank You for the comfort You give me. Please continue to comfort me and help me to extend that comfort to others, showing them Your love. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (NIV)
Comfort can be one of the most powerful tools a leader can possess. Maxwell says, "We are to empower others with the power God gives us." Comfort can lead to establishing relationships, which is critical in good leadership. Being there for our followers even when they are having difficulties can show them just how much you care about them. Doing so proves that you are willing to go beyond mere words by stepping up and taking action when needed.
Maxwell asks, "Whom in your life do you need to comfort right now?"
Who do you know that needs your comfort, whether that be your physical presence or comforting words? You can comfort someone even if you cannot be physically by his or her side.
Looking back at Mandisa's lyrics can show us that our source of strength is the greatest one available. Our strength comes from the Father! We cannot say that we do not have enough to give someone, especially in this area. Material possessions may be tight, but we can always show others the love, comfort, and presence of the Lord in our lives.
Pray this prayer: Father, thank You for the comfort You give me. Please continue to comfort me and help me to extend that comfort to others, showing them Your love. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Friday, September 4, 2015
Maintaining Integrity
Kutless sings, "I've seen dreams that move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling. I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new. That's what faith can do!" ("What Faith Can Do") Faith in God is the most important thing for a person to have. It creates a relationship with the Lord, when we accept His gift of salvation! And with His help, "It doesn't matter what you've heard; impossible is not a word. It's just a reason for someone not to try." "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37, NIV)
Proverbs 11:1 says, "The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." (NIV) That comes down to one word: Integrity.
It is important for leaders to have and maintain integrity. Maxwell says that, "Integrity is not what we do, so much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do." It starts on the inside. Furthermore, according to V. Gilbert Beers, "A person of integrity is one who has established a system of values against which all life is judged." That points to faith. And for me, and I hope for you, that is faith in the One True God, the Creator of heaven and earth.
I am going to use an example from IT (more specifically, information security). In that field, integrity is defined as, "security actions that ensure that the information is correct and no unauthorized person or malicious software have altered the data." (Ciampa, Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals)
Now, let's take that definition and apply it to leadership. As a leader, I should exhibit moral (correct) behavior and remain firm in my beliefs (not allowing others to sway me in the wrong direction), in order to keep my path, if the correct one, from being maliciously altered. That's integrity.
That's not to say that I am perfect. I will inevitably mess up. That comes with human nature. However, I should get right back to the correct path, being guided by the Holy Spirit. With the Lord's help, I can maintain my integrity.
Maxwell says that, "People with integrity are 'whole' people; they can be identified by their single-mindedness."
Maxwell asks, "Would you consider yourself a 'whole' person?"
All-in-all, I would consider myself to be a 'whole' person, guided by the Lord.
What about you?
Pray this prayer: Father God, please help me to maintain integrity. Forgive me when I sin, lift me up when I fall, and help me along the path of righteousness. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
That prayer referenced Psalm 23:3b, "He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV)
God bless you!
Proverbs 11:1 says, "The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." (NIV) That comes down to one word: Integrity.
It is important for leaders to have and maintain integrity. Maxwell says that, "Integrity is not what we do, so much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do." It starts on the inside. Furthermore, according to V. Gilbert Beers, "A person of integrity is one who has established a system of values against which all life is judged." That points to faith. And for me, and I hope for you, that is faith in the One True God, the Creator of heaven and earth.
I am going to use an example from IT (more specifically, information security). In that field, integrity is defined as, "security actions that ensure that the information is correct and no unauthorized person or malicious software have altered the data." (Ciampa, Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals)
Now, let's take that definition and apply it to leadership. As a leader, I should exhibit moral (correct) behavior and remain firm in my beliefs (not allowing others to sway me in the wrong direction), in order to keep my path, if the correct one, from being maliciously altered. That's integrity.
That's not to say that I am perfect. I will inevitably mess up. That comes with human nature. However, I should get right back to the correct path, being guided by the Holy Spirit. With the Lord's help, I can maintain my integrity.
Maxwell says that, "People with integrity are 'whole' people; they can be identified by their single-mindedness."
Maxwell asks, "Would you consider yourself a 'whole' person?"
All-in-all, I would consider myself to be a 'whole' person, guided by the Lord.
What about you?
Pray this prayer: Father God, please help me to maintain integrity. Forgive me when I sin, lift me up when I fall, and help me along the path of righteousness. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
That prayer referenced Psalm 23:3b, "He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV)
God bless you!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Establishing Relationships
Casting Crowns sings "East to West." "Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west? 'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been rising up in me again. In the arms of Your mercy I find rest, 'cause You know just how far the east is form the west: from one scarred hand to the other!" Psalm 103:12 says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (NIV) I love the illustration that Casting Crowns gives at the end of the chorus. Just how far is the east from the west? From one pierced, scarred hand of Christ to the other as he hung on that cross, all so that our relationship with Him could be restored!
1 Kings 12:16 says, "When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king, 'What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse's son? To your tents, O Israel! Look over your own house, O David!'" (NIV)
The establishment of relationships is one of the most important concepts any leader needs to understand. Without a solid connection, your followers will not go along with you for very long. You must first show them that you care about them and their well-being. As Maxwell says, you have to touch a heart before you ask for a hand. Otherwise, you may very well end up in a position similar to Rehoboam's, where his people abandoned him because he failed to connect on a personal level.
Take the example of Christ. He came to earth to reconnect with His creation. As sinners, we have failed to stand up to His perfect standard. We deserve punishment. However, He loves us so much, each of us individually, that He came to die for each of us! Think about this: If you were the only sinful person, Christ would have still come and died, for you. It is a personal relationship that He came to restore to each and every one of us, a relationship between the Father and us. Now that is personal!
Maxwell asks, "How do you connect with individuals?"
Make friendships, where appropriate. Connect with others in your career field and build a professional network. Connect with your followers individually.
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to build strong, positive, lasting relationships with those who follow me. Help me to show them Your love and connect with them on a personal, individual basis. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
1 Kings 12:16 says, "When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king, 'What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse's son? To your tents, O Israel! Look over your own house, O David!'" (NIV)
The establishment of relationships is one of the most important concepts any leader needs to understand. Without a solid connection, your followers will not go along with you for very long. You must first show them that you care about them and their well-being. As Maxwell says, you have to touch a heart before you ask for a hand. Otherwise, you may very well end up in a position similar to Rehoboam's, where his people abandoned him because he failed to connect on a personal level.
Take the example of Christ. He came to earth to reconnect with His creation. As sinners, we have failed to stand up to His perfect standard. We deserve punishment. However, He loves us so much, each of us individually, that He came to die for each of us! Think about this: If you were the only sinful person, Christ would have still come and died, for you. It is a personal relationship that He came to restore to each and every one of us, a relationship between the Father and us. Now that is personal!
Maxwell asks, "How do you connect with individuals?"
Make friendships, where appropriate. Connect with others in your career field and build a professional network. Connect with your followers individually.
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to build strong, positive, lasting relationships with those who follow me. Help me to show them Your love and connect with them on a personal, individual basis. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
"Failing Forward"
Newsong sings, "On this I stand, on this alone: All my hope, all my strength, and all my confidence is in knowing I've received every victory. Through the cross, through the blood, it is finished, it is done! I am saved. I am free. You are every victory! Oh, You have won! You have won! And the enemy is forevermore underneath Your feet!" ("Every Victory") No matter what we may go through, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12, NIV)
Matthew 26:74-75 says, "Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, 'I don't know the man!' Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." (NIV) Disowning Christ was one of Peter's big failures.
Maxwell says that, "Failure is simply a price we pay to achieve success."
As leaders, we should not be afraid to fail. It's bound to happen; we are human. However, there is a good way to deal with our failures. Maxwell calls it, "failing forward."
When we make mistakes, we should step back and analyze the situation. We need to ask questions and seek honest answers. Then we need to make positive change so that we learn from our failures and know how to avoid them in the future. It all boils down to learning from our mistakes. After that, we can move forward in a positive direction.
Maxwell asks, "How does this new definition of failure alter your mindset about making mistakes?"
It can help us to view our mistakes in a positive light, to learn from them rather than fear them.
How does your viewpoint change from the way Maxwell describes failure?
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to learn from my mistakes and make positive changes so that I don't repeat the same mistakes. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Matthew 26:74-75 says, "Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, 'I don't know the man!' Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." (NIV) Disowning Christ was one of Peter's big failures.
Maxwell says that, "Failure is simply a price we pay to achieve success."
As leaders, we should not be afraid to fail. It's bound to happen; we are human. However, there is a good way to deal with our failures. Maxwell calls it, "failing forward."
When we make mistakes, we should step back and analyze the situation. We need to ask questions and seek honest answers. Then we need to make positive change so that we learn from our failures and know how to avoid them in the future. It all boils down to learning from our mistakes. After that, we can move forward in a positive direction.
Maxwell asks, "How does this new definition of failure alter your mindset about making mistakes?"
It can help us to view our mistakes in a positive light, to learn from them rather than fear them.
How does your viewpoint change from the way Maxwell describes failure?
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to learn from my mistakes and make positive changes so that I don't repeat the same mistakes. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Leadership Heritage
In his song, "Do Everything," Steven Curtis Chapman sings, "While I may not know you, I bet I know you wonder sometimes, Does it matter at all? Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of the One Who made you, 'cause He made you to do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face. And tell the story of grace with every move that you make, and every little thing you do!" Sometimes we may be faced with the feeling of being unimportant or worthless. In such times, remember these things: God doesn't make junk, He created you for a purpose, and even if you are not doing anything "big," God can still use you! Just follow Him and trust in Him, even in the little things. You must prove faithful with little before being trusted with much. (See Luke 16:10.)
1 Chronicles 9:1 says, "All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel. The people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness." (NIV)
It was very important to the Israelite nation that they kept record of their family lines. It helped them in many ways, even when they were in exile. That is probably why a lot of the historical books in the Old Testament contain details of genealogies.
As leaders, we can use this as a pattern to go back and see where our leadership "heritage" lies. While we may not actually have a genealogy of leadership, we can look to see where the potential, practice, and passion began. Doing so could help us grow in our leadership today.
Maxwell asks, "Where is your leadership heritage? How do you honor it?"
I have been involved in leadership activities since high school. Looking back to that helped me to realize that leadership is my spiritual gift. That is quite a powerful discovery! God brought it to mind and I reflected back on the activities I had been involved with in high school and up to that point in college. God revealed a powerful thing in me that day!
How do you answer those questions?
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to discover my leadership heritage, and use it to grow me as a leader today. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
1 Chronicles 9:1 says, "All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel. The people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness." (NIV)
It was very important to the Israelite nation that they kept record of their family lines. It helped them in many ways, even when they were in exile. That is probably why a lot of the historical books in the Old Testament contain details of genealogies.
As leaders, we can use this as a pattern to go back and see where our leadership "heritage" lies. While we may not actually have a genealogy of leadership, we can look to see where the potential, practice, and passion began. Doing so could help us grow in our leadership today.
Maxwell asks, "Where is your leadership heritage? How do you honor it?"
I have been involved in leadership activities since high school. Looking back to that helped me to realize that leadership is my spiritual gift. That is quite a powerful discovery! God brought it to mind and I reflected back on the activities I had been involved with in high school and up to that point in college. God revealed a powerful thing in me that day!
How do you answer those questions?
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to discover my leadership heritage, and use it to grow me as a leader today. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
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