"The mountains shake before You; the demons run and flee, at the mention of the Name King of Majesty. There is no power in hell nor any who can stand before the power and the presence of the great I AM!" These words remind us that God is above all. It should also help us to keep in mind that He is in control.
The central verse this evening says, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, Who makes things grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6-7, NIV) I believe that Paul is saying that God uses His people to do various things, but it is Him Who is ultimately in control of everything.
For the most part, no matter what you do, there is some sort of score, something that is used to measure success or failure. In sports, there is a game plan, but there is also the scoreboard. "You see, the game plan tells you what you want to happen. But the scoreboard tells what is happening." (Maxwell)
These can also be taken symbolically and applied to things that are not sports. The game plan represents your plan of action. Such plans are detailed, possibly with step-by-step instructions. In contrast, the scoreboard represents reality, how things have actually played out. Chances are, the two measurements differ, whether a little or a lot.
Maxwell asks, "What do you focus on more: the game plan or the scoreboard?"
I would say that I probably focus more on the game plan. However, like many things, it depends on the situation at hand.
I don't think that it is more important to focus on one more than the other. Each has its place. As leaders, we must definitely have things planned out. However, we should keep in mind that there will probably be things that come up, causing us to change those plans. We should keep an eye on what is actually happening (the scoreboard) so that we know where we are in the present and how we need to adjust our paths to make it to the desired destination. Above all, though, we must keep our focus on God, Who will be with us along the way, no matter what, because He will never leave us nor forsake us! He has promised us that! See Deuteronomy 31:6 for proof!
God bless you!
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Lead by Example
Tonight's introductory song was, "Redeemed," by Big Daddy Weave.
"Then You look at this prisoner and say to me, 'Son, stop fighting a fight that's already been won!' I am redeemed! You set me free! So I'll shake off these heavy chains and wipe away every stain. I'm not who I used to be. I am redeemed!"
"But when I hear You whisper, 'Child, lift up your head,' I remember, O God, You're not done with me yet!"
"I don't have to be the old man inside of me, 'cause his day is long dead and gone, because I've got a new name, a new life; I'm not the same; and a hope that will carry me home. I am redeemed!"
Remember, no matter what you are going through, if you are saved, you belong to God! You are redeemed! He will never leave you nor forsake you!
The beginning verse for tonight, Exodus 33:8, says, "And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent." (NIV)
Maxwell says: "Modeling provides the basis of all true leadership." Moses lead the Israelites by being a model for them to follow. Yes, there were times that he failed; he was human. However, God was still able to use him, even in his down moments.
"The number one management principle in the world is this: people do what people see," according to Maxwell. You cannot expect your followers to do something that you yourself are not willing to do. You must lead by example.
To be an effective, Godly leader, you must remember to put God first and to make time for Him. Spend time alone with Him. Worship, pray, listen, read His Word. As you strengthen your relationship with the Ultimate Leader and grow closer to Him, your leadership will grow stronger and your life as a whole will be better. Remember to keep your focus on Him!
Maxwell presents five ways to grow your relationship with the Lord:
1. Separate yourself regularly.
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16, NIV)
2. Seek God with all your heart.
"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV)
3. Risk being watched and scrutinized.
"But instead, one brother goes to law against another--and this in front of unbelievers!" (1 Corinthians 6:6, NIV) Act in Godly manners, because others are watching you.
4. Learn to listen and obey God's voice.
"I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints--but let them not return to folly." (Psalm 85:8, NIV)
5. Enter covenant partnership with God.
"'My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, adn they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father's hand.'" (John 10:27-29, NIV)
We can use Moses as an example to follow, as he did those things.
The reflection question for tonight asks, "From the five points above, how can youl ead by example in your own life?"
I thought about that, and called this to mind: Follow God so closely that others see Him through me and have to go through Him to get to me. God needs to be number one. When you have that priority straight, other things will fall into place. "Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
God bless you!
Monday, July 6, 2015
Connecting is Crucial
I began tonight's devotional time with Meredith Andrews' "Not for a Moment." She sings: "After all, You are constant. After all, You are only good. After all, You are sovereign. Not for a moment, will You forsake me!" Scripture backs up these lyrics. "'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV, emphasis added)
The central Scripture for tonight comes from Luke 5:4, 10-11: "When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.'...Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men.' So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him." (NIV)
Jesus made a connection with His disciples. Connection is critical. To be an effective leader, you have to connect with your followers. Find common ground. Establish relationships. Make sure they know that you care about them and want them to succeed.
Maxwell notes that you must first figure out where your followers are. Next, you have to go toward them, so as to make contact. Then you can connect with them.
Jesus put these into practice as He called His disciples. He still does so today as He calls us. He knows where we are. Psalm 139 reflects this. (The psalm below is in the NIV translation.)
"O Lord, You have searched me and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in--behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,'
even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
They speak of You with evil intent; Your adversaries misuse Your Name.
Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against You?
I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Not only does He know where we are, He moves toward us. Even further, He actually connects with us! The Parable of the Prodigal Son gives us information about that.
"Jesus continued: 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, "Father, give me my share of the estate." So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men." So he got up and went ot his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:11-20, NIV)
The reflection question tonight asks, "How do you connect with others?" Figure out a way that works well for you and follow it. Ask God to guide you and help you to connect with others. Bear in mind that you cannot effectively connect (in a Godly manner) unless you are first connected with the Lord. Take one step toward Him, and He will run to you!
God bless you!
The central Scripture for tonight comes from Luke 5:4, 10-11: "When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.'...Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men.' So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him." (NIV)
Jesus made a connection with His disciples. Connection is critical. To be an effective leader, you have to connect with your followers. Find common ground. Establish relationships. Make sure they know that you care about them and want them to succeed.
Maxwell notes that you must first figure out where your followers are. Next, you have to go toward them, so as to make contact. Then you can connect with them.
Jesus put these into practice as He called His disciples. He still does so today as He calls us. He knows where we are. Psalm 139 reflects this. (The psalm below is in the NIV translation.)
"O Lord, You have searched me and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in--behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,'
even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
They speak of You with evil intent; Your adversaries misuse Your Name.
Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against You?
I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Not only does He know where we are, He moves toward us. Even further, He actually connects with us! The Parable of the Prodigal Son gives us information about that.
"Jesus continued: 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, "Father, give me my share of the estate." So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men." So he got up and went ot his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:11-20, NIV)
The reflection question tonight asks, "How do you connect with others?" Figure out a way that works well for you and follow it. Ask God to guide you and help you to connect with others. Bear in mind that you cannot effectively connect (in a Godly manner) unless you are first connected with the Lord. Take one step toward Him, and He will run to you!
God bless you!
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Leading by David's Example
Tonight, I began my devotional time with the song, "Worn," by Tenth Avenue North. My favorite Christian band gives us the following lyrics:
"And I know that You can give me rest, so I cry out with all that I have left: "Let me see redemption win! Let me know the struggle ends, that You can mend a heart that's frail and torn. I wanna know a song can rise from the ashes of a broken life and all that's dead inside can be reborn, 'cause I'm worn." God can give us strength when we are weak. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)
The central Scripture reference tonight is 1 Samuel 26:9, which says, "But David said to Abishai, 'Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?'" (NIV)
In order to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower. Maxwell contrasts Saul and David to illustrate this principle. Saul:
"And I know that You can give me rest, so I cry out with all that I have left: "Let me see redemption win! Let me know the struggle ends, that You can mend a heart that's frail and torn. I wanna know a song can rise from the ashes of a broken life and all that's dead inside can be reborn, 'cause I'm worn." God can give us strength when we are weak. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)
The central Scripture reference tonight is 1 Samuel 26:9, which says, "But David said to Abishai, 'Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?'" (NIV)
In order to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower. Maxwell contrasts Saul and David to illustrate this principle. Saul:
- Was self-conscious from the beginning
- Presumed the priestly office
- Disobeyed God in the little things
- Lost integrity by covering his sin
- Failed to submit to God-given authority
- Was preoccupied with his own fame
In contrast, David:
- Displayed God-confidence from the beginning
- Didn't assume any right or privilege
- Obeyed God in the little things
- Maintained integrity by respecting Saul
- Consistently submitted to authority
- Desired to increase God's reputation
There are clear differences in the descriptions that Maxwell notes. As leaders appointed by God, we should model our behavior after David's leadership, not Saul's.
The reflection question tonight asks: "How can you follow David's example of leadership?"
I make the suggestion to ask God for guidance a lot, but that's because it is important to do so. We need to get our advice and guidance from God, His Word, and other trusted, Godly people. There is no difference in this case. You can ask God for His guidance on how to use David as a leadership example to model, and then follow that guidance. God will not lead you astray!
God bless you!
Friday, July 3, 2015
The Importance of Selflessness
I began my devotional time tonight with the song, "The Words I Would Say," by Sidewalk Prophets, because it really helped me last night. I felt like God spoke to me through the song and helped me to give up my concerns and worries to Him.
"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You're gonna do great things, I already know. God's got His hand on you so don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray. These are the words I would say...From one simple life to another, I will say: Come find peace in the Father!"
These lyrics point us to God and reminds us that He is always with us!
The central verse for tonight is Ephesians 5:2, which says: "And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (NIV)
As leaders, we should be selfless, helping others for their benefit. Maxwell presents four ways to do so:
1. Be generous.
2. Avoid internal politics.
3. Display loyalty.
4. Value interdependence more than independence.
We should give of ourselves for others for their well-being as well as that of the team. Praise of the team as a whole should be more important than letting self-pride set in. Leaders should always be loyal so as to foster unity, leading to team success. (Maxwell) Rather than letting selfishness take root, a leader should focus on teamwork, forming a web of interdependence among team members.
The reflection question tonight asks: "How can you cultivate an attitude of selflessness in your own team?" As the leader, you can conduct team-building exercises and use other activities to create a spirit of teamwork among members of the group. Ask God to lead you so that you can effectively lead your team!
God bless you!
"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You're gonna do great things, I already know. God's got His hand on you so don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray. These are the words I would say...From one simple life to another, I will say: Come find peace in the Father!"
These lyrics point us to God and reminds us that He is always with us!
The central verse for tonight is Ephesians 5:2, which says: "And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (NIV)
As leaders, we should be selfless, helping others for their benefit. Maxwell presents four ways to do so:
1. Be generous.
2. Avoid internal politics.
3. Display loyalty.
4. Value interdependence more than independence.
We should give of ourselves for others for their well-being as well as that of the team. Praise of the team as a whole should be more important than letting self-pride set in. Leaders should always be loyal so as to foster unity, leading to team success. (Maxwell) Rather than letting selfishness take root, a leader should focus on teamwork, forming a web of interdependence among team members.
The reflection question tonight asks: "How can you cultivate an attitude of selflessness in your own team?" As the leader, you can conduct team-building exercises and use other activities to create a spirit of teamwork among members of the group. Ask God to lead you so that you can effectively lead your team!
God bless you!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Give Up to Move Forward
"Just believe what He said. He said, 'I won't give you more, more than you can take; and I might let you bend, but I won't let you break. And ohhhh, I'll never ever let you go!' Don't you forget what He said!" These lyrics from Group 1 Crew's song, "He Said," remind us to rely on God's promises, which can be found in His Word. He is always with us and promises us protection, peace, and to never leave us!
The central verse for this evening comes from Numbers 6:21, which says: "'This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the Lord in accordance with his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford. He must fulfill the vow he has made, according to the law of the Nazirite.'" (NIV)
In Old Testament times, a Nazirite would make a vow in an effort to get closer to God. He would give up certain things or practices in order to draw nearer to God through his sacrifices.
The application behind these practices can help leaders today. Fasting from certain things can help you strengthen your relationship with God through self control, integrity, and sacrifice of self-image. Maxwell mentions these three areas with reference to Numbers 6:21. Leaders can strengthen their disciplines by showing self-control; increase integrity by staying away from potentially harmful things; and deny themselves by refusing materialistic, worldly "trends." Not only can these principles help you as a leader, but they can help you in your relationship with God, which will help your life all around!
The reflection question for tonight asks, "How can you apply the principle behind the Nazirite in your own life?" I have given some broad examples. However, if you wish to follow this example, you should find specific things or areas in your life that you can sacrifice in order to better yourself and strengthen your relationship with God. There may even be things that you need to give up. Ask God to help you with those areas. Stay strong in Him and rely on Him. Isaiah 41:10 says: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Rely on His help and guidance!
God bless you!
The central verse for this evening comes from Numbers 6:21, which says: "'This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the Lord in accordance with his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford. He must fulfill the vow he has made, according to the law of the Nazirite.'" (NIV)
In Old Testament times, a Nazirite would make a vow in an effort to get closer to God. He would give up certain things or practices in order to draw nearer to God through his sacrifices.
The application behind these practices can help leaders today. Fasting from certain things can help you strengthen your relationship with God through self control, integrity, and sacrifice of self-image. Maxwell mentions these three areas with reference to Numbers 6:21. Leaders can strengthen their disciplines by showing self-control; increase integrity by staying away from potentially harmful things; and deny themselves by refusing materialistic, worldly "trends." Not only can these principles help you as a leader, but they can help you in your relationship with God, which will help your life all around!
The reflection question for tonight asks, "How can you apply the principle behind the Nazirite in your own life?" I have given some broad examples. However, if you wish to follow this example, you should find specific things or areas in your life that you can sacrifice in order to better yourself and strengthen your relationship with God. There may even be things that you need to give up. Ask God to help you with those areas. Stay strong in Him and rely on Him. Isaiah 41:10 says: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Rely on His help and guidance!
God bless you!
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
God's Leadership
Unspoken's song, "Start A Fire," is what I began my devotional time with tonight.
"Start a fire in my soul, fan the flame, and make it whole, so there's no doubt or denying. Let it burn so brightly that everyone around can see that it's You, that it's You that we need! Start a fire in me!...We carry the news that You have come to save! Only You can save!...Start a fire in me!" God gave us His Spirit so that He is with us always. Since He is with us, He will guide us and help us to share His Word!
The beginning Scripture that Maxwell presents is Psalm 23:1-3: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV) In Psalm 23, David paints a very vivid picture of how God leads us!
In the Bible, the term "shepherd" denotes a leader. The shepherd's rod stands for correction and his staff represents direction. (Maxwell)
John Maxwell points out ten functions that Jesus, our Shepherd, performs. I have also provided Scripture, along with references, to back up the claims. He:
Confidently leads (Psalm 23:3)
"He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV)
Provides necessities (Matthew 6:31-33)
"'So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'" (NIV)
Feeds and anoints (Psalm 23:5)
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." (NIV)
Guides and directs (Psalm 31:3)
"Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your Name lead and guide me." (NIV)
Loves unconditionally (Romans 8:37-39)
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV)
Renews and restores (Psalm 23:3)
"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." (NIV)
Gives rest (Matthew 11:28)
"'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (NIV)
Corrects and comforts (Proverbs 3:11-12, Philippians 4:6-7)
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in." (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guiard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
Protects from harm (Psalm 121:7-8)
"The Lord will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (NIV)
Furnishes permanent shelter (John 14:2-3)
"'In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'"
As leaders, we can take on some of these functions. God can give us the ability to pass along confidence, provision, guidance, renwal, comfort, correction, and, above all, love. We can pass these on to others and show them Christ through us!
The reflection question tonight asks, "In what ways do you lead as a shepherd?" What areas listed above do you utilize in your leadership? We should use Christ, the Ultimate Leader, as our model in our leadership! He is perfect, so there is no way that we can go wrong following His example! Ask God to help you lead like Him. Then, follow His direction!
God bless you!
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