"Living water, flowing through, God, we thirst for more of You. Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire: 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!" (Casting Crowns, "Thrive")
Those lyrics remind us that with God, all things are possible. If we keep our focus on Him, He will guide us and provide for us. With Him, we will gain the victory! (See Psalm 60:12.)
The central verse for today is Proverbs 16:12: "Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness." (NIV)
Maxwell says, "Ethical principles are not flexible. A little white lie is still a lie."
The foundation of our leadership needs to include integrity. Without it, "being a person of influence becomes impossible." (Maxwell)
Maxwell also reminds us that our other qualities, like trust, dignity, and respect, are built upon the foundation of integrity. If that foundation is cracked, the structure starts to become unstable. The bigger the crack and the more it expands, the more instability it creates.
Today's reflection question asks, "How seriously do you take your integrity?" Take it seriously. Build your leadership on a foundation of sound ethical principles, including integrity. Ask God to help you and strengthen you so that you can build and maintain a solid foundation with Christ at the center!
God bless you!
Friday, July 31, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Connect with Your Followers
Mark Schultz sings, "Even when it feels like the light is fading and I've lost my way, still I'm holding onto the One Who's making all things possible! Even when it feels like my heart is breaking, hold on. There is strength, knowing I belong to the One Who's making all things possible! My God is strong and mighty! My God is faithful! My hope is in the Lord, for He is able!" These lyrics remind us of God's presence and power in our lives. We must remember to trust in Him, follow Him, and let Him guide us!
The central Scripture for tonight is Exodus 19:3-6, which says, "Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, 'This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Now if you obey Me fully and keep My covenant, then out of all nations you will be My treasured possession. Although the whole earth is Mine, you will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.'" (NIV)
Maxwell says, "Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand." God presented His message to His people, in the following order. He described His love for them. Then He told of the victories He won for them. Then He spoke about their future as He had it planned. (Maxwell) The Father touched the hearts of His children before setting forth His requirements. Similarly, leaders should connect with their followers before asking anything of them. God is the best example we can follow! Psalm 18:30 tells us, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." (NIV)
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you connect to your people?" I was honestly unable to come up with an answer for this. That question should not be that difficult to answer. Such a situation tells me that I may not have been connecting to my followers very well. For those of us who find ourselves in that predicament, we can ask God to help us better connect with our followers. We must show them that we care about them. We cannot distance ourselves from our teams and expect to be successful. However, with God's guidance, such situations can be corrected. We should look to Him for guidance and follow His direction.
God bless you!
The central Scripture for tonight is Exodus 19:3-6, which says, "Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, 'This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Now if you obey Me fully and keep My covenant, then out of all nations you will be My treasured possession. Although the whole earth is Mine, you will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.'" (NIV)
Maxwell says, "Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand." God presented His message to His people, in the following order. He described His love for them. Then He told of the victories He won for them. Then He spoke about their future as He had it planned. (Maxwell) The Father touched the hearts of His children before setting forth His requirements. Similarly, leaders should connect with their followers before asking anything of them. God is the best example we can follow! Psalm 18:30 tells us, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." (NIV)
Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you connect to your people?" I was honestly unable to come up with an answer for this. That question should not be that difficult to answer. Such a situation tells me that I may not have been connecting to my followers very well. For those of us who find ourselves in that predicament, we can ask God to help us better connect with our followers. We must show them that we care about them. We cannot distance ourselves from our teams and expect to be successful. However, with God's guidance, such situations can be corrected. We should look to Him for guidance and follow His direction.
God bless you!
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Building Your Team
MercyMe's song "Greater" says, "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! He's greater! He's greater! 'Cause 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!"
The central Scripture verse for tonight says, "It was just before the Passover Feat. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love." (John 13:1, NIV)
Maxwell defines three groups of people on a team: starters, bench players, and inner circle members. The first group is comprised of those who directly influence the organization, adding value to it. The second has an indirect impact. And without the third, and most crucial, group, the team would fall apart. The key is to keep the team in transition, making bench players starters and elevating starters to be inner circle members. (Maxwell)
The reflection question for tonight asks, "How well do you treat you[r] 'inner circle members'?"
Heed Maxwell's advice: "If your treatment of key people doesn't match their value, you run the risk of losing them." Recognize your people for their achievements. Invest in your team. Show your people that you care about them!
Let God guide you in choosing your teammates (when the choice is yours) and in building your team. You cannot do everything on your own. You need a good, solid, strong team to help and support you.
The central Scripture verse for tonight says, "It was just before the Passover Feat. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love." (John 13:1, NIV)
Maxwell defines three groups of people on a team: starters, bench players, and inner circle members. The first group is comprised of those who directly influence the organization, adding value to it. The second has an indirect impact. And without the third, and most crucial, group, the team would fall apart. The key is to keep the team in transition, making bench players starters and elevating starters to be inner circle members. (Maxwell)
The reflection question for tonight asks, "How well do you treat you[r] 'inner circle members'?"
Heed Maxwell's advice: "If your treatment of key people doesn't match their value, you run the risk of losing them." Recognize your people for their achievements. Invest in your team. Show your people that you care about them!
Let God guide you in choosing your teammates (when the choice is yours) and in building your team. You cannot do everything on your own. You need a good, solid, strong team to help and support you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Positive Confrontation
Steven Curtis Chapman's "Something Beautiful" reminds us that God is in control. "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." Remember to trust in God and give Him your problems, relying on Him for help along the way.
The central verse for today is, "Then Nathan said to David, 'You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul."'" (2 Samuel 12:7, NIV)
Nathan needed to confront David and remind him who he was: the Lord's anointed leader. God appointed him to his position. Further, He led David positively and delivered him. God is in control. He knew what he was doing when he chose you to be a leader.
Maxwell notes that, "Confrontation can be a win-win situation, a chance to help and develop your people--if you do it with respect and with the other person's best interests at heart." Furthermore, "Each time you build up your people and identify their problems, you give them an opportunity to grow." (Maxwell)
Confrontation, while not usually easy, is sometimes necessary to correct a difficult situation or negative behavior. However, you should confront with positive intentions and in the right manner.
Maxwell presents ten guidelines for positive confrontation. (Each is a direct quote.)
Maxwell asks, "Is there someone you need to positively confront? How can you do so?"
If you are unsure whether or not you need to confront someone about a particular issue, ask God for guidance, then listen to His voice and follow His direction. Trust that He will lead you down the right path. He knows what He is doing!
God bless you!
The central verse for today is, "Then Nathan said to David, 'You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul."'" (2 Samuel 12:7, NIV)
Nathan needed to confront David and remind him who he was: the Lord's anointed leader. God appointed him to his position. Further, He led David positively and delivered him. God is in control. He knew what he was doing when he chose you to be a leader.
Maxwell notes that, "Confrontation can be a win-win situation, a chance to help and develop your people--if you do it with respect and with the other person's best interests at heart." Furthermore, "Each time you build up your people and identify their problems, you give them an opportunity to grow." (Maxwell)
Confrontation, while not usually easy, is sometimes necessary to correct a difficult situation or negative behavior. However, you should confront with positive intentions and in the right manner.
Maxwell presents ten guidelines for positive confrontation. (Each is a direct quote.)
- Confront ASAP.
- Address the wrong action, not the person.
- Confront only what the person can change.
- Give the person the benefit of the doubt.
- Be specific.
- Avoid sarcasm.
- Avoid words like "always" and "never."
- If appropriate, tell the person how you feel about what was done wrong.
- Give the person a game plan for the problem.
- Affirm him or her as a person and a friend.
Maxwell asks, "Is there someone you need to positively confront? How can you do so?"
If you are unsure whether or not you need to confront someone about a particular issue, ask God for guidance, then listen to His voice and follow His direction. Trust that He will lead you down the right path. He knows what He is doing!
God bless you!
Monday, July 27, 2015
Building Credibility
"Hello, my name is Child of the One True King! I've been changed. I've been saved. I have been set free. Amazing Grace is the song I sing. Hello, my name is Child of the One True King!" Matthew West reminds us that our identity is in Christ. No matter what the world may tell you, you are His child, if you have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. Use that to battle any negativity the world may throw at you!
The central verse for tonight is Proverbs 17:2, which says: "A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers." (NIV)
"Our influence has less to do with our position or title than it does with the life we live." --Maxwell
If we do not act with honesty and integrity, we will not gain the trust and respect of our followers, even if we have titles. A title doesn't make a leader; it's about what's on the inside. Don't think that your position automatically entitles you to followers. You must earn them. Be a person that others will want to follow.
Put God above all. He is the Ultimate Leader. If you lack wisdom in this, or any, matter, ask Him for guidance and wisdom. James 1:5-6 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (NIV) Trust Him to lead you. Then follow Him so that you can effectively lead your followers.
Maxwell notes that, "The key word is credibility." He mentions five questions that we should ask ourselves concerning our credibility. (Each question below is a direct quote.)
1. Are you the same person no matter who's with you?
2. Do you make decisions based on how they benefit you or others?
3. Are you quick to recognize others for their efforts when you succeed?
4. Do you work harder at your image or your integrity?
5. Have you recognized that credibility is a victory, not a gift?
The reflection question tonight asks: "How are you doing when it comes to credibility?"
This is something that only you can answer. Review the questions above. How do you "score" yourself with each one? If you find areas that need working on, make necessary changes. Ask God to help you. He cares for you and wants the best for you! Let Him lead you and mend you. Follow His guidance, because you can never go wrong with the Lord!
God bless you!
The central verse for tonight is Proverbs 17:2, which says: "A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers." (NIV)
"Our influence has less to do with our position or title than it does with the life we live." --Maxwell
If we do not act with honesty and integrity, we will not gain the trust and respect of our followers, even if we have titles. A title doesn't make a leader; it's about what's on the inside. Don't think that your position automatically entitles you to followers. You must earn them. Be a person that others will want to follow.
Put God above all. He is the Ultimate Leader. If you lack wisdom in this, or any, matter, ask Him for guidance and wisdom. James 1:5-6 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (NIV) Trust Him to lead you. Then follow Him so that you can effectively lead your followers.
Maxwell notes that, "The key word is credibility." He mentions five questions that we should ask ourselves concerning our credibility. (Each question below is a direct quote.)
1. Are you the same person no matter who's with you?
2. Do you make decisions based on how they benefit you or others?
3. Are you quick to recognize others for their efforts when you succeed?
4. Do you work harder at your image or your integrity?
5. Have you recognized that credibility is a victory, not a gift?
The reflection question tonight asks: "How are you doing when it comes to credibility?"
This is something that only you can answer. Review the questions above. How do you "score" yourself with each one? If you find areas that need working on, make necessary changes. Ask God to help you. He cares for you and wants the best for you! Let Him lead you and mend you. Follow His guidance, because you can never go wrong with the Lord!
God bless you!
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Have a Plan: Part II
To begin my devotional time this evening, I listened to the song "Mom," by Garth Brooks. Listen to the song, or at least read the lyrics below. (Lyrics found on A-Z Lyrics.)
----------------------------------------------------------
A little baby told God, "Hey, I'm kinda scared;
Don't really know if I want to go down there.
From here it looks like a little blue ball,
But that's a great big place and I'm so small"
"Why can't I just stay here with you?
Did I make you mad, don't you want me to?"
God said, "Oh, child, of course I do,
But there's somebody special waiting for you."
So, hush now baby don't you cry,
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is makin' sure you're always gonna be alright;
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong.
It's almost time to go and meet your mom.
You'll never have a better friend,
Or a warmer touch to tuck you in.
She'll kiss your bruises, your bumps and scrapes.
And anytime you hurt, her heart's gonna break.
So, hush now baby don't you cry,
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is makin' sure you're always gonna be alright;
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong.
It's almost time to go and meet your mom.
Now, when she's talking to you,
Make sure you listen close
'Cause she's gonna teach you everything
You'll ever need to know,
Like how to mind your manners,
To love and laugh and dream.
And she'll put you on the path
That'll bring you back to Me.
So, hush now little baby don't you cry,
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is making sure you're always gonna be alright;
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong.
Come on child,
It's time to meet your mom.
----------------------------------------------------------
These lyrics remind us that God is in control. Even before we were born, He knew us. He is in control from then on throughout our entire lives. No matter what we go through, it is not too tough for Him to handle. And, best of all, He is with us! And he will strengthen us if we rely on and trust in Him! God, the Ultimate Leader, knows what He is doing.
The central verse for today is Numbers 2:34: "So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family." (NIV)
Planning is essential. So is making sure that God is included in your plans. Be prepared. You should give careful consideration to plans before you begin a venture. Planning hleps to reduce the margin of error. Above all, make sure to let God lead and guide you. Rely on Him for direction. Be careful, though. When asking for His guidance, you must listen to His voice so that you know when He is calling you to action.
The reflection question asks: "How are you charting your course right now?"
I am preparing for graduate school. Classes start three weeks from tomorrow!
What are your plans? How are you planning for your next venture? Make sure that you do plan so that you have something to go by as you begin. I have said it several times, but it is very important: Make sure that you include God in your plans. He is the Ultimate Leader. Who better to have in control than the Creator of the universe?
God bless you!
----------------------------------------------------------
A little baby told God, "Hey, I'm kinda scared;
Don't really know if I want to go down there.
From here it looks like a little blue ball,
But that's a great big place and I'm so small"
"Why can't I just stay here with you?
Did I make you mad, don't you want me to?"
God said, "Oh, child, of course I do,
But there's somebody special waiting for you."
So, hush now baby don't you cry,
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is makin' sure you're always gonna be alright;
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong.
It's almost time to go and meet your mom.
You'll never have a better friend,
Or a warmer touch to tuck you in.
She'll kiss your bruises, your bumps and scrapes.
And anytime you hurt, her heart's gonna break.
So, hush now baby don't you cry,
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is makin' sure you're always gonna be alright;
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong.
It's almost time to go and meet your mom.
Now, when she's talking to you,
Make sure you listen close
'Cause she's gonna teach you everything
You'll ever need to know,
Like how to mind your manners,
To love and laugh and dream.
And she'll put you on the path
That'll bring you back to Me.
So, hush now little baby don't you cry,
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is making sure you're always gonna be alright;
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong.
Come on child,
It's time to meet your mom.
----------------------------------------------------------
These lyrics remind us that God is in control. Even before we were born, He knew us. He is in control from then on throughout our entire lives. No matter what we go through, it is not too tough for Him to handle. And, best of all, He is with us! And he will strengthen us if we rely on and trust in Him! God, the Ultimate Leader, knows what He is doing.
The central verse for today is Numbers 2:34: "So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family." (NIV)
Planning is essential. So is making sure that God is included in your plans. Be prepared. You should give careful consideration to plans before you begin a venture. Planning hleps to reduce the margin of error. Above all, make sure to let God lead and guide you. Rely on Him for direction. Be careful, though. When asking for His guidance, you must listen to His voice so that you know when He is calling you to action.
The reflection question asks: "How are you charting your course right now?"
I am preparing for graduate school. Classes start three weeks from tomorrow!
What are your plans? How are you planning for your next venture? Make sure that you do plan so that you have something to go by as you begin. I have said it several times, but it is very important: Make sure that you include God in your plans. He is the Ultimate Leader. Who better to have in control than the Creator of the universe?
God bless you!
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Have a Plan
"On this I'll 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!" Newsong's lyrics to "Every Victory" remind us that, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12, NIV)
The central verses for tonight are 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 8-9: "After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go...But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." (NIV)
Paul had a plan for his travels. He didn't just wander from place to place aimlessly.
We, as leaders, must also plan. There may be instances that require us to act on a whim, but for the most part, we need to have things carefully sorted out so that everything within our control is taken care of. Not only do we need to do this for ourselves but for our followers as well. We should show them that we know what we're doing. And when we don't, we must remind them to rely on and trust in God, reassuring them that He is guiding their leaders. After all, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12, NIV) He is every victory!
The reflection question asks: "What kind of plan do you have?"
Right now, I plan on starting graduate school in August. I hope to join at least one student organization and serve in a leadership capacity. I enjoy being a leader, and rightly so, since that is the gift that the Good Lord has bestowed upon me.
What are your plans? Do you have any? If you don't, you should probably sit down and really think about where you are going and where you want to go. If there is any deviation between the two, make some corrections. What do you need to do to get where you want to go? Make sure to include God in your plans! Proverbs 16:3 says: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (NIV)
God bless you!
The central verses for tonight are 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 8-9: "After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go...But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." (NIV)
Paul had a plan for his travels. He didn't just wander from place to place aimlessly.
We, as leaders, must also plan. There may be instances that require us to act on a whim, but for the most part, we need to have things carefully sorted out so that everything within our control is taken care of. Not only do we need to do this for ourselves but for our followers as well. We should show them that we know what we're doing. And when we don't, we must remind them to rely on and trust in God, reassuring them that He is guiding their leaders. After all, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12, NIV) He is every victory!
The reflection question asks: "What kind of plan do you have?"
Right now, I plan on starting graduate school in August. I hope to join at least one student organization and serve in a leadership capacity. I enjoy being a leader, and rightly so, since that is the gift that the Good Lord has bestowed upon me.
What are your plans? Do you have any? If you don't, you should probably sit down and really think about where you are going and where you want to go. If there is any deviation between the two, make some corrections. What do you need to do to get where you want to go? Make sure to include God in your plans! Proverbs 16:3 says: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (NIV)
God bless you!
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