MercyMe sings, "When life won't play along and right keeps going wrong and I can't seem to find my way, I know where I am found, so I won't let it drag me down. No, I'll keep dancing anyway. I'm gonna move...I'm not about to cave. Everything is about to change. There's gonna be brighter days." ("Move") These lyrics remind us that, no matter where we go, Christ is with us; He is where we are found.
2 Chronicles 29:36 says, "Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly." (NIV)
We must be willing to do what we are asking our followers to do. We can't just bark orders and then sit back while others do the work. It all comes down to one simple principle: Lead by example. Maxwell notes, "If they want to succeed, leaders must incarnate the life they desire in their followers."
Maxwell says that the top management principle is, "People do what people see." Even Jesus, God incarnate, practiced this principle. He provided for His disciples and did the things He asked them to do. He led by example. And He is with us through His Spirit, from the moment we accept His gift of salvation.
This evening's reflection question asks, "In what ways do you model a life you want others to lead?" Do you lead by example? Do you do the things you ask and expect your followers to do? Ask the Lord to help you in this matter. Father, please help me to lead by example and practice what I preach. I hold firmly to Your promise that You will never leave nor forsake me. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray! Amen!
God bless you!
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
Know Your Level of Influence
MercyMe sings the song, "Flawless," which says, "No matter the bumps, no matter the bruises, no matter the scars, still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless. No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is, no matter the pain, still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless!...No matter what they say, or what you think you are, the day you called His Name He made you flawless!" If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, your sins are washed away! You are white as snow, thanks to His love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and salvation!
Matthew 8:8-9 says, "The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, "Go," and he goes; and that one, "Come," and he comes. I say to my servant, "Do this," and he does it.'" (NIV)
There may be times when you are the leader, while at other times you are a follower. Sometimes other have skillsets that make them better suited to lead in a particular situation. You must be able to discern when you should step back and follow, and let someone else lead the charge.
When it comes to recognizing a leader, a title doesn't automatically grant someone followers. The true leader is the one to whom people look when questions need answered and when they need guidance. Maxwell says, "The prominent leader of any group is quite easy to discover. Just observe the people as they gather."
On the other end of the spectrum, as leaders, we should know who our true followers are. Careful observation can show us how much of an influence we really have within our organizations. There is a leadership saying that Maxwell has quoted in some of his books: If you think you are leading but no one is following, you are only taking a walk. Are you leading, or taking a walk all alone?
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you see yourself as a leader to those around you?"
Right now, I haven't yet built much of an influence because I have recently moved and haven't started school yet. However, as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa at my previous school, fellow officers, members, and advisors came to me for advice and guidance. Even now, one of the advisors and sometimes a couple of officers still look to me for help.
How would you answer the reflection question? Think about it and observe your level of influence with those around you. How much of a follower base do you have? If you find yourself lacking in leading others, pray a simple prayer like this: Father, please lead me and help me to effectively and successfully lead others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen! If you are a follower of Christ, the One who made you flawless, the Ultimate Leader, can help you in your times of need! Look to Him for guidance and trust in Him!
God bless you!
Matthew 8:8-9 says, "The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, "Go," and he goes; and that one, "Come," and he comes. I say to my servant, "Do this," and he does it.'" (NIV)
There may be times when you are the leader, while at other times you are a follower. Sometimes other have skillsets that make them better suited to lead in a particular situation. You must be able to discern when you should step back and follow, and let someone else lead the charge.
When it comes to recognizing a leader, a title doesn't automatically grant someone followers. The true leader is the one to whom people look when questions need answered and when they need guidance. Maxwell says, "The prominent leader of any group is quite easy to discover. Just observe the people as they gather."
On the other end of the spectrum, as leaders, we should know who our true followers are. Careful observation can show us how much of an influence we really have within our organizations. There is a leadership saying that Maxwell has quoted in some of his books: If you think you are leading but no one is following, you are only taking a walk. Are you leading, or taking a walk all alone?
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you see yourself as a leader to those around you?"
Right now, I haven't yet built much of an influence because I have recently moved and haven't started school yet. However, as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa at my previous school, fellow officers, members, and advisors came to me for advice and guidance. Even now, one of the advisors and sometimes a couple of officers still look to me for help.
How would you answer the reflection question? Think about it and observe your level of influence with those around you. How much of a follower base do you have? If you find yourself lacking in leading others, pray a simple prayer like this: Father, please lead me and help me to effectively and successfully lead others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen! If you are a follower of Christ, the One who made you flawless, the Ultimate Leader, can help you in your times of need! Look to Him for guidance and trust in Him!
God bless you!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Leadership Development Takes Time
"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 int he 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!'" (Steven Curtis Chapman, "Something Beautiful")
Exodus 2:15, 21 says, "When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well...Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage." (NIV)
It takes time to grow a great leader. Maxwell says, "God prepares leaders in a slow-cooker, not in a microwave oven." It takes development, patience, and work to grow into someone who can effectively lead. Granted, we may have positions of leadership and/or opportunities to lead early on, but that doesn't mean that we are fully developed in our leadership. God continuously trains and molds us to better serve Him. We must be patient and trust in His timing. Maxwell notes, "Waiting deepens and matures us, levels our perspective, and broadens our understanding." I know that having patience isn't always easy, but patience is a spiritual fruit for a reason, and we must learn to harvest it.
Today's reflection question asks, "How do you see God slowly developing you as a leader?" What have you been working on, or what do you plan on working on, that you feel God calling you to do to develop yourself? Be patient. God will carry you through!
Pray a simple prayer like this: God, help me to be patient when I need to be. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen! Trust in His timing. He knows what he's doing! He's turning your leadership into something beautiful!
God bless you!
Saturday, August 8, 2015
The True Leader
MercyMe sings, "You're the One Who conquers giants. You're the One Who calls out kings. You shut the mouths of lions. You tell the dead to breathe. You're the One Who walks through fire. You take the orphan's hand. You are the One Messiah! You are I AM!" ("You Are I Am") God does many things on our behalf. He is in control. After all, He is the Ultimate Leader. We should look to Him for provision and guidance!
Acts 20:40-41 tells us, "With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (NIV)
Maxwell says, "The proof of leadership is found in the followers." A position doesn't make a leader. A title doesn't instill principles in a person to make them into what it takes to lead. That takes work. And one has to earn the trust and respect of those around him to earn followers. "People listen to what someone has to say, not necessarily because of the message, but because of their respect for the messenger." (Maxwell)
Do your followers look to you when a question needs answered? If not, and they look to someone else, chances are you're not the real leader. People pay attention and listen when the real leader speaks.
If you find yourself in a position where your "followers" are not looking to you for guidance, develop relationships with your teammates and followers. Show them that you care enough to invest in them. That is a crucial step to gaining true followers.
Ask yourself, "What can you learn from people's reaction when you communicate?" We must learn to read our followers. Doing so helps us to communicate better because we can see when the message is getting across or when there is confusion. From there, we can take proper action and move forward effectively.
Pray this prayer: "Father God, please help me to grow a group of people who truly follow me. Grow me as a leader so that I can effectively lead others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!" Trust in God to guide you and lead you in the right direction. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (NIV) He cares for you!
God bless you!
Acts 20:40-41 tells us, "With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (NIV)
Maxwell says, "The proof of leadership is found in the followers." A position doesn't make a leader. A title doesn't instill principles in a person to make them into what it takes to lead. That takes work. And one has to earn the trust and respect of those around him to earn followers. "People listen to what someone has to say, not necessarily because of the message, but because of their respect for the messenger." (Maxwell)
Do your followers look to you when a question needs answered? If not, and they look to someone else, chances are you're not the real leader. People pay attention and listen when the real leader speaks.
If you find yourself in a position where your "followers" are not looking to you for guidance, develop relationships with your teammates and followers. Show them that you care enough to invest in them. That is a crucial step to gaining true followers.
Ask yourself, "What can you learn from people's reaction when you communicate?" We must learn to read our followers. Doing so helps us to communicate better because we can see when the message is getting across or when there is confusion. From there, we can take proper action and move forward effectively.
Pray this prayer: "Father God, please help me to grow a group of people who truly follow me. Grow me as a leader so that I can effectively lead others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!" Trust in God to guide you and lead you in the right direction. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (NIV) He cares for you!
God bless you!
Friday, August 7, 2015
Training our Successors
MercyMe sings, "No matter the bumps, no matter the bruises, no matter the scars, still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless! No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is, no matter the pain, still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless!" ("Flawless") These lyrics should remind us that God has made us perfect in His eyes through the blood of His son, Jesus, if we have been saved and have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. Yes, we will still make mistakes. But God has forgiven all of our sins (past, present, and future) through Christ!
The central verses for tonight are Numbers 27:18-20:
Maxwell presents four areas that we need to cover with our proteges when we train them:
The central verses for tonight are Numbers 27:18-20:
So the Lord said o Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, am an in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him." (NIV)Maxwell says, "The interaction of Moses and Joshua demonstrates that reproducing leaders is not a quick, simple process. It requires time, emotional investment, and sacrifice." Training our successors is no small undertaking; at least, it shouldn't be. We need to invest our resources in the proper amounts so as to produce the best leaders we can to follow in our footsteps. We should ask God for help and guidance to properly train those who will take our positions of leadership whenever we leave them.
Maxwell presents four areas that we need to cover with our proteges when we train them:
- Conviction, courage, and obedience from themselves
- Equipping from their mentor
- Vision from God
- Buy-in from the people
As we train our successors, we should remember these areas and guide them as best we can, enabling them to fulfill each area. With God's help, we can succeed in our training endeavors.
The reflection question tonight asks, "What are you providing to a potential leader you are training?" Are you training them fully so that they can take over without your help whenever you graduate, leave the organization, or leave the position for any other reason? Our successors must be properly equipped to take our places so that our organizations can thrive in our absence. With God, this is possible, for all things are possible with Him!
Father, please help us to properly train those who will eventually take our places. Guide us so that we give them the best advice we can, being led by You. Help us to instill in them the necessity to look to You for guidance and to trust in You, the Ultimate Leader. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Nothing is Impossible
Building 429 sings, "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!" ("Impossible")
Matthew 19:26 backs up what they sing: "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
The central Scripture for tonight is Proverbs 25:4-5, which says, "Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness." (NIV) We must remember to cling to God and allow Him to mend us and make us into better leaders and lead better lives overall.
Maxwell says, "But God gives every one of us a good enough start to be able to finish well. It's up to us to see to our character and build trust with others so that God can use our leadership." We must let God help us, but we must also remember that we need to take action and be responsible as well.
Things will not always be easy. We must continue on even when situations get tough. But we are never alone! Hebrews 13:5 tells us, "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (NIV) Not only that, but God gives us strength and ability to go beyond ourselves because, as MercyMe sings, "Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world!"
Furthermore, Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength." (NIV) Trust in Him to provide for you, help you, and lead you. Rely on Him for these things so that you can effectively lead others.
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How are you working to fulfill your potential?" What are you doing with the gifts God has given you? Are you exercising them and refining them? Use your gifts for God's glory. Don't let them lie dormant. Pray to Him and ask Him to help you and lead you. Never underestimate the power of prayer, even a simple one!
No matter what we go through, God is with us! Remember, we serve the God of the impossible, and nothing is impossible with Him!
God bless you!
Matthew 19:26 backs up what they sing: "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
The central Scripture for tonight is Proverbs 25:4-5, which says, "Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness." (NIV) We must remember to cling to God and allow Him to mend us and make us into better leaders and lead better lives overall.
Maxwell says, "But God gives every one of us a good enough start to be able to finish well. It's up to us to see to our character and build trust with others so that God can use our leadership." We must let God help us, but we must also remember that we need to take action and be responsible as well.
Things will not always be easy. We must continue on even when situations get tough. But we are never alone! Hebrews 13:5 tells us, "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (NIV) Not only that, but God gives us strength and ability to go beyond ourselves because, as MercyMe sings, "Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world!"
Furthermore, Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength." (NIV) Trust in Him to provide for you, help you, and lead you. Rely on Him for these things so that you can effectively lead others.
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How are you working to fulfill your potential?" What are you doing with the gifts God has given you? Are you exercising them and refining them? Use your gifts for God's glory. Don't let them lie dormant. Pray to Him and ask Him to help you and lead you. Never underestimate the power of prayer, even a simple one!
No matter what we go through, God is with us! Remember, we serve the God of the impossible, and nothing is impossible with Him!
God bless you!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Leadership Priorities
"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." Steven Curtis Chapman sings those lyrics in his song, "Something Beautiful." He goes further to say (from God's viewpoint), "'When I get through, you're gonna be amazed.'" There's no better place to be, or to put our trust, than the hands of God!
The central verse for tonight is Joshua 24:15: "'Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.'" (NIV)
Maxwell says, "Starting at home is always the key to affecting others in a positive way." Priorities are important, especially in leadership. We must be able to efficiently prioritize and organize our responsibilities. First and foremost, we must put God above all else. He is our Father, the Ultimate Leader. From there, we must take care of our families. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Does that put the importance of this topic in perspective? Maxwell reiterates, "If you have a family, put them first in your leadership. There's no legacy like that of the positive influence leader can exercise with their family."
The movie Courageous depicts this principle. Its tagline is, "Honor Begins at Home." Furthermore, Casting Crowns' song bearing the same title tells us, "We were made to be courageous. We were made to lead the way."
Tonight's reflection question asks, "Where do your influences begin?"
My mom raised me to believe in and rely on God. I trust Him to help and guide me. There are times when I fail, but, thankfully, God forgives me when I fall short. We should thank God for that wonderful gift! We can pray this simple prayer: "Father, please lead me so that I can lead others well. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!"
As leaders, it is critical that we have our priorities in the right order, especially when it comes to relationships. God must come first. Then we need to take care of our families. After that we can take care of others. Let God lead you so that you can lead others effectively.
God bless you!
The central verse for tonight is Joshua 24:15: "'Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.'" (NIV)
Maxwell says, "Starting at home is always the key to affecting others in a positive way." Priorities are important, especially in leadership. We must be able to efficiently prioritize and organize our responsibilities. First and foremost, we must put God above all else. He is our Father, the Ultimate Leader. From there, we must take care of our families. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Does that put the importance of this topic in perspective? Maxwell reiterates, "If you have a family, put them first in your leadership. There's no legacy like that of the positive influence leader can exercise with their family."
The movie Courageous depicts this principle. Its tagline is, "Honor Begins at Home." Furthermore, Casting Crowns' song bearing the same title tells us, "We were made to be courageous. We were made to lead the way."
Tonight's reflection question asks, "Where do your influences begin?"
My mom raised me to believe in and rely on God. I trust Him to help and guide me. There are times when I fail, but, thankfully, God forgives me when I fall short. We should thank God for that wonderful gift! We can pray this simple prayer: "Father, please lead me so that I can lead others well. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!"
As leaders, it is critical that we have our priorities in the right order, especially when it comes to relationships. God must come first. Then we need to take care of our families. After that we can take care of others. Let God lead you so that you can lead others effectively.
God bless you!
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