MercyMe declares, "I hear a Voice and He calls me redeemed when others say I'll never be enough. And greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world...There'll be days I lose the battle; grace says it doesn't matter, 'cause the cross already won the war. He's greater! He's greater! I am learning to run freely, understanding just how He sees me, and it makes me love Him more and more!" ("Greater") These lyrics should remind us that God is greater than us, and that He is greater than any situation or circumstances we may be facing! He is greater!
2 Samuel 3:28-29 says, "Later, when David heard about this, he said, 'I and my kingdom are forever innocent before the Lord concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner. May his blood fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house! May Joab's house never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food.'" (NIV)
It is key that leaders have a proper perspective with regard to their positions in the grand scheme of things. Maxwell says, "When you forget whom you serve, you quickly fall prey to the basest human instincts. Leaders are not exempt." God is the Ultimate Leader, the very One Who gives the gift of leadership to those He chooses. As leaders, we must learn to submit to His authority over our lives and to not overstep our boundaries.
God is in control. It is ultimately His purpose that prevails. Who are we to contradict Him? In Romans 9:20, Paul asks, "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? 'Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"'" (NIV) Maxwell says, "God tells us that vengeance belongs ot Him. Leaders who cannot humble themselves to serve God and those He has raised up will eventually act out of selfish motives and hurt the kingdom." As leaders especially, we must be careful in this area!
It all comes down to one word: perspective. God first, others second, ourselves last. There are times when we lose this perspective, but we must learn to see things in proper, Godly balance. We should be servant leaders rather than positional leaders.
Maxwell asks, "What steps do you take to remain humble in situations that tempt a pride-filled reaction?"
My biggest suggestion: Pray!! Not only does praying help you by putting it in God's hands, it also shows that you have learned to submit to His authority. Not only that, but it shows that you recognize that He is in control and that He is greater than you. Praying is an example that pretty much illustrates everything I have described.
Pray this prayer: Father, please help me to always keep a proper perspective on leadership and on all other areas of my life, putting You above all. Thank You for Your many blessings bestowed upon me! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
Passion for your Vision
Big Daddy Weave sings, "Redeemed," in which he proclaims: "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. Now I'm not who I used to be. I am redeemed!...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!" What an awesome truth to realize! God has already won the war! He is with us always! We need to put our hope, faith, and trust in Him and let Him guide us.
Judges 6:12 says, "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, He said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'" God is with us, just as He was with Gideon, if we put our faith in Him, ask Him into our hearts, and believe in and confess Him! Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV)
Your followers need to buy in to your vision in order to move the organization forward. A vision in and of itself is not enough. Maxwell says, "Just because a person has vision and occupies a leadership position doesn't necessarily mean that people will follow." Your followers have to be able to see the benefits and purpose of your vision before they will join in.
Thus, it's not enough to simply communicate your vision, though that is a very important initial step. You must be able to instill in your followers the desire to come along and help make the vision a reality. They probably won't do that without encouragement, proof of its benefits and viability, and assurance that it will be worth the work put into it throughout the process.
Maxwell asks, "How do you ensure that everyone is on board with your vision?"
It starts with communication. From there, you must find a way to make them realize its potential and impose upon them some of your passion so that they are willing to go forward with the vision. According to Maxwell, "Buy-in is an ongoing process." It will not happen overnight. You must continue to lead your followers toward the vision and work with them to make sure they understand everything entailed, including its benefits for the organization and for each follower individually.
Pray this prayer: Father God, please help me to effectively communicate my vision to my followers and to instill in them a flame that will grow into a full fire of passion for the vision and for what it can do for the organization. Then help me to lead them effectively and efficiently so as to see the vision become a reality, to Your glory. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Judges 6:12 says, "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, He said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'" God is with us, just as He was with Gideon, if we put our faith in Him, ask Him into our hearts, and believe in and confess Him! Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV)
Your followers need to buy in to your vision in order to move the organization forward. A vision in and of itself is not enough. Maxwell says, "Just because a person has vision and occupies a leadership position doesn't necessarily mean that people will follow." Your followers have to be able to see the benefits and purpose of your vision before they will join in.
Thus, it's not enough to simply communicate your vision, though that is a very important initial step. You must be able to instill in your followers the desire to come along and help make the vision a reality. They probably won't do that without encouragement, proof of its benefits and viability, and assurance that it will be worth the work put into it throughout the process.
Maxwell asks, "How do you ensure that everyone is on board with your vision?"
It starts with communication. From there, you must find a way to make them realize its potential and impose upon them some of your passion so that they are willing to go forward with the vision. According to Maxwell, "Buy-in is an ongoing process." It will not happen overnight. You must continue to lead your followers toward the vision and work with them to make sure they understand everything entailed, including its benefits for the organization and for each follower individually.
Pray this prayer: Father God, please help me to effectively communicate my vision to my followers and to instill in them a flame that will grow into a full fire of passion for the vision and for what it can do for the organization. Then help me to lead them effectively and efficiently so as to see the vision become a reality, to Your glory. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Comfort in Christ
In their song "Thrive," Casting Crowns sings, "Just to know You and to make You known, we lift Your Name on high. Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide. We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It's time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive!...Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable; anything is possible!" The first part of that excerpt from the song shows us our purpose: to serve Him and make Him known. The second tells us what He gives to us: unspeakable joy, unsinkable faith, and unstoppable love! And through Him, all things are possible! (See Philippians 4:13)
The central verses for tonight are Psalm 40:1-2: "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (NIV)
God is with us always! Jesus even said, "And surely I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20, NIV) If you read Hebrews 13:5, you will see that God has promised to never leave nor forsake us! Look carefully at these two verses. Absolute terms are used. He is always with us and will never leave us and never forsake us! God is there with us all the time, in good and bad times, on the mountains and in the valleys. Maxwell says, "What great comfort and joy come to us when we understand that God is rich in grace and mercy, that He not only forgives, but restores and redeems!" We can also receive comfort knowing that He is with us!
Maxwell asks, "To whom do you turn when in trouble?"
No matter who you may turn to on earth, always remember to first turn to God! I also sometimes look to my mom for help. But above all, God is there no matter what!
Father, thank you for Your promise to be with me always! Thank you for your everlasting love and compassion toward your children! I love you! In Jesus' Name I pray! Amen!
God bless you!
The central verses for tonight are Psalm 40:1-2: "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (NIV)
God is with us always! Jesus even said, "And surely I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20, NIV) If you read Hebrews 13:5, you will see that God has promised to never leave nor forsake us! Look carefully at these two verses. Absolute terms are used. He is always with us and will never leave us and never forsake us! God is there with us all the time, in good and bad times, on the mountains and in the valleys. Maxwell says, "What great comfort and joy come to us when we understand that God is rich in grace and mercy, that He not only forgives, but restores and redeems!" We can also receive comfort knowing that He is with us!
Maxwell asks, "To whom do you turn when in trouble?"
No matter who you may turn to on earth, always remember to first turn to God! I also sometimes look to my mom for help. But above all, God is there no matter what!
Father, thank you for Your promise to be with me always! Thank you for your everlasting love and compassion toward your children! I love you! In Jesus' Name I pray! Amen!
God bless you!
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Fellowship with Other Believers
The band Jesus Culture sings a song called "Holy Spirit." There is one specific verse that I want to focus on tonight. It says, "Let us become more aware of Your presence. Let us experience the glory of Your goodness." Doing these things, and allowing Him to change us, is critical to growing in our relationship with Him and in our relationship with others.
Acts 2:42-44, 47 says: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (NIV)
Fellowship with others who will have a positive influence on you is very important. That is hard sometimes, especially if you are new to a town or organization, and I speak from experience. But fellowship with fellow believers can help you to grow spiritually, which will in turn overflow to other areas of your life. Maxwell says, "A life of continual growth is never easy, but a good environment makes the swim upstream a little less difficult."
He also notes, "If your current circumstances do nothing to help you grow, you're going to have a hard time enlarging yourself to reach your potential." To enrich yourself and your circumstances, spend time in fellowship with other believers who will support you and help you. This can help you to create a better environment for yourself, one that will help you grow closer to God and to others.
Maxwell lists eight characteristics of an environment conducive to growth (each is a direct quote):
Acts 2:42-44, 47 says: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (NIV)
Fellowship with others who will have a positive influence on you is very important. That is hard sometimes, especially if you are new to a town or organization, and I speak from experience. But fellowship with fellow believers can help you to grow spiritually, which will in turn overflow to other areas of your life. Maxwell says, "A life of continual growth is never easy, but a good environment makes the swim upstream a little less difficult."
He also notes, "If your current circumstances do nothing to help you grow, you're going to have a hard time enlarging yourself to reach your potential." To enrich yourself and your circumstances, spend time in fellowship with other believers who will support you and help you. This can help you to create a better environment for yourself, one that will help you grow closer to God and to others.
Maxwell lists eight characteristics of an environment conducive to growth (each is a direct quote):
- Others are ahead of you.
- You are still challenged.
- Your focus is forward.
- The atmosphere is affirming.
- You are out of your comfort zone.
- Others are growing.
- There is a willingness to change.
- Growth is modeled and expected.
Reflect on these questions: "Does your environment include the characteristics listed above? Which ones can be improved?"
After thinking about them and answering honestly, pray this prayer: Father, please help me to have more meaningful fellowship with other believers, and allow it to make us all grow spiritually and enrich our lives. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
Friday, August 14, 2015
Creating Momentum
In "Something Beautiful," 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 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.'"
1 Kings 3:28 says, "When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice." (NIV) Solomon displayed the wisdom he asked and received from God. His followers were amazed at this, and it probably created a stronger bond between Solomon and his people.
Your team may understand what needs to be done. However, they may not know how to do it or where to begin. As the leader, you must initiate the push forward, creating momentum. As things keep going, more and more followers may see and understand more clearly what needs to be done, and, as former Phi Theta Kappa advisor Lee Lawson would say, "jump on board."
You can play off the ideas of your teammates and followers, but with you in charge, they will more than likely look to you to make the first move. Maxwell says, "It takes a leader to create momentum." You need to be able to set the team off in the right direction and help them along the path to keep the momentum going. It takes action, and you must learn to take it when necessary and learn to recognize when the right time is to take such action.
Maxwell asks, "How do you build momentum?"
I would get followers behind my vision and move forward with their support. You can have an idea that you think is absolutely wonderful, but if you cannot communicate it to your followers or get them to back you up, your organization probably won't move forward with it. And even with the support of followers, "Strong leaders understand that to change direction, you first have to create forward progress." (Maxwell)
Pray this prayer: Father, please give me discernment to know when and how I should take action, and help me to get my team moving in a positive direction, building momentum as we go. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Fair Treatment, not Equal Treatment
MercyMe sings, "I hear a Voice and He calls me redeemed when others say I'll never be enough. And greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world...There'll be days I lose the battle. Grace says that it doesn't matter, 'cause the cross already won the war. He's greater! He's greater! I am learning to run freely, understanding just how He sees me, and it makes me love Him more and more!" ("Greater") We must remember the power that lives within us when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.
The central verses for tonight are John 21:21-22: "When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.'" (NIV)
Maxwell's main message for tonight is this: Do not treat everyone on the team equally. He uses a sports metaphor to describe this concept. If a player does very well, he should be rewarded for it. In contrast, a player who performs poorly needs different treatment so as to improve his performance. Giving both individuals the same treatment would hurt the team. Either one will feel like the coach doesn't value his skills, and is also punished unreasonably; or the other will not receive the necessary training to better himself because he is being rewarded when he didn't earn it. The two must be treated fairly, and thus, differently.
The same concept applies to other teams, such as those at companies. More training is needed for those who under-perform. At the other end, proper recognition must be given to those who excel. This balance can help strengthen the team because strengths are emphasized and weaknesses are addressed and worked on.
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you moderate your treatment of your players?"
I recommend holding each accountable for his or her responsibilities, but not chastising one person for not doing something that he or she is not responsible for. If it is John's responsibility to send an email, and he doesn't, don't put the blame on Susie, who was not the one at fault.
We should pray this prayer for guidance: Father, please help me to keep the proper balance of my treatment of my team members and followers. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen. After all, praying to God and trusting in Him gives us access to the One who is Greater than those in the world!
God bless you!
The central verses for tonight are John 21:21-22: "When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.'" (NIV)
Maxwell's main message for tonight is this: Do not treat everyone on the team equally. He uses a sports metaphor to describe this concept. If a player does very well, he should be rewarded for it. In contrast, a player who performs poorly needs different treatment so as to improve his performance. Giving both individuals the same treatment would hurt the team. Either one will feel like the coach doesn't value his skills, and is also punished unreasonably; or the other will not receive the necessary training to better himself because he is being rewarded when he didn't earn it. The two must be treated fairly, and thus, differently.
The same concept applies to other teams, such as those at companies. More training is needed for those who under-perform. At the other end, proper recognition must be given to those who excel. This balance can help strengthen the team because strengths are emphasized and weaknesses are addressed and worked on.
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you moderate your treatment of your players?"
I recommend holding each accountable for his or her responsibilities, but not chastising one person for not doing something that he or she is not responsible for. If it is John's responsibility to send an email, and he doesn't, don't put the blame on Susie, who was not the one at fault.
We should pray this prayer for guidance: Father, please help me to keep the proper balance of my treatment of my team members and followers. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen. After all, praying to God and trusting in Him gives us access to the One who is Greater than those in the world!
God bless you!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Question, but also Trust
The band for KING & COUNTRY sings, "My help comes from You. You're right here, pulling me through. You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders, Your shoulders. My help comes from You. You are my rest, my rescue. I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders, Your shoulders." These lyrics remind us that God carries us in our times of need.
Job 3:11 and 7:19 tell say, "'Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?...Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?" (NIV) Job questioned God. And Maxwell points out that God did not chastise him for that, but for doubting Him. Maxwell says, "God doesn't mind questions; it's doubt that He hates."
In John 20:27, Jesus said, "Stop doubting and believe." We must remember that God is in control, no matter what we go through. We need to have faith in Him and believe that He will never leave us and know that He will never forsake us, as He says in Hebrews 13:5.
When we pray, we can ask God questions. Some He may answer, some He may not. Maxwell says, "Leaders must never be afraid to ask hard questions of God, but neither must they demand that He answer." The most important thing is to maintain complete faith in Him and never doubt that He knows what He is doing. 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)
An Amish adage says, "Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child." When we go through trials, we must remember what Jesus said in John 16:33: "'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'" (NIV) We serve the risen Lord! Furthermore, earlier in John, Jesus said, "'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" (John 14:27, NIV) That sounds like more than a recommendation to me. Jesus is telling us not to be troubled or afraid. It goes back to having complete faith in Him, knowing that He will be by our side, as Tenth Avenue North sings.
Today's reflection question asks, "When do you question God?"
I have difficulty with this. I try not to question Him because I honestly feel like questioning Him shows lack of faith and trust. I need to learn the lesson in Job concerning asking questions of God. Maxwell notes, "When we, like Job, through trembling lips confess the awesome majesty of God, we may at last be ready for the awesome blessing of God." It is not bad to ask questions of God, but it is bad to doubt Him. I need to learn to separate the two.
John C. Maxwell sends out a daily email with a Word of the Day, along with a video. Today's word was Trust. I truly believe that God meant that for me.
Pray this prayer:
Father, please help me to always remember that You are with me always. Forgive me for doubting You every time I have done so. Please help me through my problems and provide for me. I know that in You I have everything I need, and I know that You will provide for me. Help me to maintain complete faith and trust in You. I know that You lift me up on Your shoulders. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
Job 3:11 and 7:19 tell say, "'Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?...Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?" (NIV) Job questioned God. And Maxwell points out that God did not chastise him for that, but for doubting Him. Maxwell says, "God doesn't mind questions; it's doubt that He hates."
In John 20:27, Jesus said, "Stop doubting and believe." We must remember that God is in control, no matter what we go through. We need to have faith in Him and believe that He will never leave us and know that He will never forsake us, as He says in Hebrews 13:5.
When we pray, we can ask God questions. Some He may answer, some He may not. Maxwell says, "Leaders must never be afraid to ask hard questions of God, but neither must they demand that He answer." The most important thing is to maintain complete faith in Him and never doubt that He knows what He is doing. 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)
An Amish adage says, "Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child." When we go through trials, we must remember what Jesus said in John 16:33: "'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'" (NIV) We serve the risen Lord! Furthermore, earlier in John, Jesus said, "'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" (John 14:27, NIV) That sounds like more than a recommendation to me. Jesus is telling us not to be troubled or afraid. It goes back to having complete faith in Him, knowing that He will be by our side, as Tenth Avenue North sings.
Today's reflection question asks, "When do you question God?"
I have difficulty with this. I try not to question Him because I honestly feel like questioning Him shows lack of faith and trust. I need to learn the lesson in Job concerning asking questions of God. Maxwell notes, "When we, like Job, through trembling lips confess the awesome majesty of God, we may at last be ready for the awesome blessing of God." It is not bad to ask questions of God, but it is bad to doubt Him. I need to learn to separate the two.
John C. Maxwell sends out a daily email with a Word of the Day, along with a video. Today's word was Trust. I truly believe that God meant that for me.
Pray this prayer:
Father, please help me to always remember that You are with me always. Forgive me for doubting You every time I have done so. Please help me through my problems and provide for me. I know that in You I have everything I need, and I know that You will provide for me. Help me to maintain complete faith and trust in You. I know that You lift me up on Your shoulders. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
God bless you!
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