Leadership Styles

To begin my devotional time tonight, I listened to the song, "Every Victory," by Newsong. They remind us to stand on the Solid Rock and His principles. "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!...You have won! You have won and the enemy is forevermore underneath Your feet!" We serve a risen Lord, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Ultimate Leader!

The central verse that Maxwell uses for tonight is Proverbs 18:21, which says: "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (NIV) As leaders, we must learn to tame our tongues and to use them to build others up, not to gossip and not to tear them down.

Maxwell presents four leadership styles:

• Military Commander
• Chief Executive Officer
• Coach
• Poet

As the list goes down, each loses the attitude of, "I have absolute control over you," and toward a more personal, relationship-centered model.

For the military commander, "It's my way; no highway option." The CEO has more of a shared vision with his followers, but still presents a top-down management style. The Coach sees individual members as working together, forming a cohesive team; but it presents only the coach's vision. Finally, the Poet expresses, "The heart of the team." The Poet uses words wisely, knowing the power of the tongue.

The reflection question for tonight asks: "What style of leadership do you use?"

If you aren't sure, I suggest taking a personality assessment. My favorite is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI, test. Do a simple Google search for personality assessments and find one that is either in the style of MBTI or another highly recognized model, such as the Jung test. Answer the questions honestly. When you get the results, take them to heart. If they are different than what you want, train yourself to lead in the manner that you think you should or that better suits your situation. Also, there are situations where you probably have a mix of styles. In such situations, though, you will probably lean more toward one than the other. Regardless of the results, ask God to make you into the leader He wants you to be. Follow His direction. He'll never lead you down the wrong road!

God bless you!

Leading and Loving

Darlene Zschech's song, "Victor's Crown," provides great encouragement for us.

"You are ever interceding as the lost become the found. You can never be defeated, for You wear the Victor's crown. You are Jesus the Messiah. You're the Hope of all the world! By Your grace I live and breathe to worship You!"

"Hallelujah! You have overcome! You have overcome! Hallelujah! Jesus, You have overcome the world!"

"Every high thing must come down! Every stronghold shall be broken! You wear the Victor's crown! You overcome! You overcome!"

"At the cross the work was finished. You were buried in the ground. But the grave could not contain You, for You wear the Victor's crown!"

In John 16:33, Jesus tells us: "'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.'" We serve the risen Lord! He is in control. No matter what goes on, He knows what He is doing and is always in control!

The central verse that Maxwell presents is Isaiah 16:9, which says, "So I weep, as Jazer weeps, for the vines of Sibmah. O Heshbon, O Elealeh, I drench you with tears! The shouts of joy over your ripened fruit and over your harvests have been stilled." (NIV)

Isaiah grieves over those who act in ungodly manners. There is evil, trouble, and trials in the world. That will always be the case, until Christ destroys it once and for all. However, He guides us and comforts us, providing us with His peace! Even further, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (NIV)

While we see the bad in the world, we should pray for those involved. However, we must be careful not to judge those outside the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul says, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'" (NIV) Furthermore, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21, NIV)

The reflection question for tonight asks, "For whom in particular do you grieve?" It is okay to grieve. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, NIV) When you do grieve, make sure it is for a good cause. But you must not let grievous thoughts overcome you and drag you down for long periods of time. You must give it up to God and let Him heal you! "So 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...For I am the Lord, your God, Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:10, 13, NIV)

As leaders, we have followers who look up to us. It is not good for them to see us down and depressed over matters outside of our control. We need to make sure that we handle grievous situations properly. We need to do our part (pray for those in bad situations), and leave the rest to God. He is a big God; He knows how to handle any and every situation. Let Him be God. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

God bless you!

Empowering Others

As leaders, we need to remember Who we follow.

"In Christ alone my hope is found.
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This Cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease;
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh;
Fullness of God in helpless Babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Til on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid.
Here in the death of Christ I live,

There in the ground His body lay;
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again.
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine,
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death;
This is the power of Christ in me.
From a life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand.
Til He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I stand."

MercyMe sets forth powerful words of wisdom. We need to remember that He is where we can find help, always. "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1, NIV)

The central verse that Maxwell presents for tonight is Matthew 28:18, which says: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'" (NIV) I will go forward and continue what Jesus was saying there: "'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

Jesus' Great Commission allows us to empower others. "No matter how much work you can do, no matter how engaging your personality may be, you will not advance far in business if you cannot work through others," notes John Craig. We must not be selfish with the gifts and talents the Lord has bestowed upon us. We should help others as we have the ability.

Maxwell says, "Simply defined, empowering is giving your influence to others for the purpose of personal and organizational growth." That growth not only occurs in the one you empower, but in yourself as well.

Empowering others is one way you can leave a legacy. If you notice someone in particular who you feel would be a good "apprentice," take him or her under your wing. Train them. Influence them for the Kingdom's cause. Follow the Great Commission set forth by the King Himself!

Maxwell asks, "How do you empower others?" Share your leadership knowledge. It is inevitable that someone will need to follow in your footsteps. Who better than someone you have personally trained and can trust to move forward with your vision? Look to God for guidance in this matter, and in any other situation. Lean on Him and trust in His guidance!

God bless you!

Leaders Go Beyond Management

This evening, I listened to, "Lord, I Need You," by Matt Maher.

"Where You are, Lord, I am free. Holiness is Christ in me. Lord, I need You. Oh, I need You. Ev'ry hour I need You. My one defense, my righteousness, oh God, how I need You!" We must never become so comfortable or prideful that we forget our need for God. He is a necessity at all times and in everything. We should learn to include Him in everything, not just in some areas while leaving Him out of others. He is in control and knows what is best for us! We are His children, and He is our loving Father! He promises us that, "He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6b, NIV)

The central verse tonight is Proverbs 21:1, which says: "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases." (NIV) The king can be symbolic for any leader. He is in control! We must never try to take that control. We need to learn to seek after Him and follow His direction. After all, He is God and He says, "'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

Maxwell distinguishes leaders from managers. "While managers are often able to maintain a team at its current level, leaders are able to lift it to a higher level than it has ever reached before." That is not to say that leaders cannot also be managers, or vice versa. However, it does take more to be a leader than it does to be a manager.

Leaders are lifters. Many times, leaders arise in times of need. At such times as those, the team should not stay in its current state. The people need someone to guide them through the storm and to calm waters.

Leaders are also needed in good times. We should never underestimate God's ability to use us. Nor should we question when He can do so. God can use us anytime, if we let Him take the wheel and trust in His control.

Furthermore, even when your team is succeeding, continue to strive for greater heights. Push past the limits the world may put in your path. We serve a mighty God! "I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13, NIV)

No matter what situation you may be facing, remember that you can get through it with the Lord's help. Matthew 19:26 says, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV)

Maxwell poses this question: "How can you give your team a lift?" In what area of your team's performance do you see a need? When you find it, ask God for guidance on how to fulfill the need. Trust in Him and let Him guide you in the right path. "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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

God bless you!

Father Knows Best

"Let the pounding of our hearts cry: We will serve the Lord! We were made to be courageous, and we're taking back the fight. We were made to be courageous, and it starts with us tonight. The only way we'll ever stand is on our knees with lifted hands. Make us courageous! Lord, make us courageous!...Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God."

Casting Crowns portrays a wonderful picture of how leaders need to be. We must rely on God, free from worry and fear (except to fear Him). Joshua 24:15 tells us this: "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (NIV) Joshua knew where his strength came from: from the Lord above! He is the One we are to serve. In doing so, He will lead us and guide us. Psalm 23 tells us so!

The introductory Scripture that Maxwell presents is from Leviticus Chapter 26, verses 3, 4, and 12: "'If you follow My decrees and are careful to obey My commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit...I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people." (NIV) God set forth His law to His people, and even told them the rewards He offered! Why did the Israelites ignore Him so much??

Maxwell notes the following: "Many of our problems arise from ignoring God's Word when we don't think His instructions make sense." That is probably what went through the minds of His people at the time described above. Take the story of the Israelites and Jericho for example. They didn't want to listen to God because they didn't think that following His simple instructions would make the city walls fall down. They faced many setbacks because they failed to realize that, "God always knows what is best--for us and for our relationship with Him." (Maxwell)

We must all remember that God created us. "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." David makes this confession in Psalm 139:1-2 (NIV). God knows us, even what is on the inside. He really does know what is best for us. Many times we do not feel like our parents are guiding us right because we disagree with them at various times. However, God uses our parents to guide us. Even further than that, He is our Father! He really knows what is best for us!

"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) We are human. Therefore, we have limitations that God goes way beyond. We must never forget to Whom we belong and that He loves us and wants the best for us! "Be strong and courageous...The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:6a, 8, NIV)

The reflection question tonight asks: "What rules in your life do you struggle with at times?"

I think that one of the areas where this applies to me the most is worry. Worries overtake many of us and can be very overwhelming. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (See Matthew 6:25-27.) He goes further to say: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (See Matthew 6:33-34.) We must remember to keep our focus on God, let Him be God, and let everything else fall into place at His direction. He is in control!

What rules do you struggle with? Ask God to help you in those areas and then follow through with His direction, using Proverbs 3:5-6 as a guideline. He knows what you're going through. You're not alone!

God bless you!

Giving > Receiving

"You lead us by still waters into Your mercy and nothing can keep us apart. So remember Your people; remember Your children; remember Your promise, oh God!...Your grace is enough for me!" This song ("Your Grace is Enough"), by Chris Tomlin, expresses the truth found in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'" (NIV) No matter where we are, even in our weakest moments, God is there and can shine through us!

The central Scripture for tonight comes from Proverbs 31:8-9: "'Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.'" (NIV) Even when we do not have material things to give, we can give our voice and help others in need through encouragement, defense, and counsel.

Maxwell notes the following. "Giving is the highest level of living." "In life, it's not what you have that makes a difference. It's what you do with what you have." It's not about how much stuff you have, but how you use it to bless others and how you use it for God's glory. After all, anything good we have came from Him, for, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." (James 1:17a, NIV) Furthermore, "'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35b, NIV)

We should give what we can because Jesus gave all He had, down to His very life. We can never out-give God, but He does call us to give. We need to share the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Not only that, but we should do so with a glad heart and not begrudgingly, "for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7b, NIV)

The reflection question tonight asks: "What is your attitude toward giving?" I used to dislike giving. However, God has changed my attitude on the matter. I now have an attitude that reflects Acts 20:35. If you trouble giving with a cheerful heart, look to Him for help. He will guide you!

God bless you!

Partnership

Listen to these lyrics from the perspective of God speaking to you. "I love you more than the sun and the stars that I taught how to shine. You are mine and you shine for me too! I love you yesterday and today and tomorrow. I'll say it again and again: I love you more!" ("More," by Matthew West) God loves you so much that He sent his Son, the one and only, to die for you (see John 3:16). God is love!

The central passage for tonight comes from 1 Samuel 30:23-24, which says: "David replied, 'No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.'" (NIV) The men who fought in the battle wanted to keep all of the plunder for themselves and share none with those who stayed at camp. That was not what God wanted. Those who stayed behind also played a part in the plan.

Partnership is essential in many things. Leadership is one of them. You cannot do everything on your own. Even in cases where we are acting "alone," we must remember to let God guide us.

"The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" (Genesis 2:18, NIV) God even said it is not good for us to be alone. Why should we think any differently?

"'For where two or three come together in My Name, there I am with them.'" (Jesus in Matthew 18:20, NIV)

"...the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:6b, NIV)

Also, don't neglect the "little people." There is more to a team than those on the front end. Lots of stuff goes on in the background. Without the behind-the-scenes roles, plans would unravel--quickly.

Tonight's reflection question asks: "How do you encourage partnership?"

My recommendation is to put teams together with members who will complement each other. As the leader, you can be the one who assigns the teams. You need to know your team members. This will greatly help in your choosing the partnerships. Also, pray for God's guidance in choosing teams and partnerships wisely. Then, listen for His leadership.

God bless you!