Mark Schultz sings "I Am." The song is from the perspective of God. "I am the One Who walked on water. I Am the One Who calmed the seas. I Am the miracles and wonders. So come and see, and follow Me. You will know. I Am the fount of living water, the risen Son of Man, the Healer of the broken. And when you cry, I Am your Savior and Redeemer, Who bore the sins of man; the Author and Perfecter; beginning and the end. I Am!"
The central Scripture for tonight is 2 Chronicles 26:5, 16: "He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success...But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense." (NIV)
John Maxwell says, "The choices we make nearly always reflect our true character." Keep that in mind as you go about your leadership endeavors.
Uzziah's reign began strong because he put God first and followed Him. In the New Testament, Jesus said, "'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'" (Matthew 6:33, NIV) Both the Old and New Testaments say that God is to be above all else. When we put Him before everything else, those other things fall into place.
Despite his strong start, Uzziah became self-centered and no longer put God first. As a result, his reign ended badly. He neglected the One Who gave him his successes and therefore suffered the penalty. The Bible gives many examples of what happens to those leaders who failed to follow the Lord.
We must remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33. God must come first. That is not optional if we want to be led by Him and enjoy His blessing on our lives. We have to remember that our leadership abilities were given to us by God, the Ultimate Leader.
The first and greatest commandment, spoken by Jesus Himself, is, "'"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."'" After that, the second greatest commandment is, "'"Love your neighbor as yourself."'" (Matthew 22:37-38, NIV)
There is a pattern in all of this: God first, then other things. It is critical to get that right. And that's not just for leaders, but for everyone.
Maxwell asks, "Examine your leadership--are you overstepping any lines?"
Think about that. If you feel that you are overstepping your role, pray that the Lord guide you so that you can correct the matter. Even if you are not overstepping, still ask Him to lead you. Pray something like this: "Father, please help me to put You first at all times. Forgive me for failing at that when I have done so, and forgive me for all of my other sins as well. Please lead me so that I can effectively lead others. Thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me! I love you! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen."
God bless you!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Monday, August 3, 2015
Deciding What to Follow
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!...Then like a hero who takes the stage when we're on the edge of our seats, saying it's too late, well let me introduce you to amazing grace!...Take a breath, smile, and say: Right here, right now, I'm okay, because the cross was enough...No matter what they say or what you think you are, the day you called His Name, He made you flawless. He made you flawless!" The song "Flawless" reminds us that, when God saves us, He makes us new. All of our sins are washed away! We are new! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (NIV)
The central verse for tonight is Numbers 20:12, which says, "But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust in Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.'" (NIV)
Maxwell gives two pieces of advice on making decisions. "Never make a major decision in an emotionally low time." Doing so can cause poor judgment. Then he says, "Choose to be proactive, not reactive, in your leadership." Make the right moves when taking action and don't act out of anger or irritation.
Maxwell presents four questions to ask yourself (each is a direct quote):
Honestly answering the questions presented earlier can help you to grow in your leadership. In his book Good Leaders Ask Great Questions, Maxwell says, "Questions are the basis of learning. But they are also a foundation for better leadership." Asking yourself questions not only teaches you more about yourself (when answered honestly), but it can also enhance your leadership!
You can pray the same prayer I did after reflecting on those questions. "Father, please forgive me for all of my sins and shortcomings. Help me to work on and fix the areas that need changing from the previous list. Grow me into a better leader, with You at the forefront. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!"
God bless you!
The central verse for tonight is Numbers 20:12, which says, "But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust in Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.'" (NIV)
Maxwell gives two pieces of advice on making decisions. "Never make a major decision in an emotionally low time." Doing so can cause poor judgment. Then he says, "Choose to be proactive, not reactive, in your leadership." Make the right moves when taking action and don't act out of anger or irritation.
Maxwell presents four questions to ask yourself (each is a direct quote):
- Am I a reactor or a creator when I lead?
- Do I play defense or offense when I lead?
- Am I a people-pleaser or a God-pleaser when I lead?
- Do I boss my calendar, or does someone else choose where I give my time?
The main theme I find form tonight's devotion is maintaining a level head and attitude during times of trial, and especially when angry or aggravated. Moses forfeited his part of God's gift to the nation of Israel because he acted in anger rather than following the Lord's directions. We can learn valuable lessons from that situation alone. However, it's not just about learning the lessons, but their applications as well. James 1:22-25 (NIV) says:
Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.The reflection question for tonight asks, "What do you learn about yourself from the questions above?"
Honestly answering the questions presented earlier can help you to grow in your leadership. In his book Good Leaders Ask Great Questions, Maxwell says, "Questions are the basis of learning. But they are also a foundation for better leadership." Asking yourself questions not only teaches you more about yourself (when answered honestly), but it can also enhance your leadership!
You can pray the same prayer I did after reflecting on those questions. "Father, please forgive me for all of my sins and shortcomings. Help me to work on and fix the areas that need changing from the previous list. Grow me into a better leader, with You at the forefront. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!"
God bless you!
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Building the Team
The song, "In Your Hands," by the band Unspoken, reminds us that we need to put everything in the Lord's hands and trust that He will take care of it. There will be times that He will call us to act, but we must remember that He is in control, and to let Him be in control of our situations. "Every sorrow, I leave it in Your hands. Every sickness, I leave it in Your hands. All my failures, I leave 'em in Your hands. Amen. I can leave it in Your hands...Every promise, I leave it in Your hands. Every healing, I leave it in Your hands. And my future, I leave it in Your hands. Amen. I can leave it in Your hands." These lyrics tell us that we should not only turn to God in our times of need, but also when we prosper. He is God all the time and is beside us always. He has promised to never leave us and to never forsake us! (See Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.)
Jesus said, "'Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'" (John 15:13, NIV)
Building a team and the sense of teamwork and cooperation is essential to the success of a group, organization, etc. Maxwell says, "Teams that don't bond, can't build." No single individual can do everything on his or her own. Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV) It comes down to strength in numbers.
In an effort to build camaraderie, you should schedule social activities away from the workplace. Maxwell says that such activities help individuals bond together as a team. And I agree. Sometimes it is necessary to get away form the daily work routine and usual atmosphere so that you can relieve stress and come together in a different setting.
I recommend planning such activities about once a month. Following are some activities that I suggest.
Even simple events can allow team members to socialize and build stronger, lasting relationships. Furthermore, even though professional development conferences may be held for work-related topics, there are still activities therein that can help build teamwork. And even more than that, if such an event is overnight, you can plan other social activities during times that the conference is not in session.
Maxwell asks, "How do you help your team bond?"
When I was President of the OSUIT chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the Official International Honor Society of the Two-Year College, I planned cookouts and game nights for my officers and members. Food has a funny way of bringing people together. And after we ate, and sometimes even before, we would play games. Most of the time we played Catch Phrase. That game requires groups to work together to come up with answers. Individuals must learn to communicate effectively, as well as learn how to understand what someone is trying to say. I highly recommend it for team building!
It is sometimes hard to remember, especially for me, that it's not all about work. It is healthy and oftentimes necessary to get away and just have fellowship with one another. As you plan your activities, make sure that they will provide opportunities for the team to work together, not just sit and do something as individuals. Plan events that make them come together.
Jesus said, "'Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'" (John 15:13, NIV)
Building a team and the sense of teamwork and cooperation is essential to the success of a group, organization, etc. Maxwell says, "Teams that don't bond, can't build." No single individual can do everything on his or her own. Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV) It comes down to strength in numbers.
In an effort to build camaraderie, you should schedule social activities away from the workplace. Maxwell says that such activities help individuals bond together as a team. And I agree. Sometimes it is necessary to get away form the daily work routine and usual atmosphere so that you can relieve stress and come together in a different setting.
I recommend planning such activities about once a month. Following are some activities that I suggest.
- Have a cookout.
- Go bowling.
- Go to professional development conferences.
- Go out to dinner.
Even simple events can allow team members to socialize and build stronger, lasting relationships. Furthermore, even though professional development conferences may be held for work-related topics, there are still activities therein that can help build teamwork. And even more than that, if such an event is overnight, you can plan other social activities during times that the conference is not in session.
Maxwell asks, "How do you help your team bond?"
When I was President of the OSUIT chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the Official International Honor Society of the Two-Year College, I planned cookouts and game nights for my officers and members. Food has a funny way of bringing people together. And after we ate, and sometimes even before, we would play games. Most of the time we played Catch Phrase. That game requires groups to work together to come up with answers. Individuals must learn to communicate effectively, as well as learn how to understand what someone is trying to say. I highly recommend it for team building!
It is sometimes hard to remember, especially for me, that it's not all about work. It is healthy and oftentimes necessary to get away and just have fellowship with one another. As you plan your activities, make sure that they will provide opportunities for the team to work together, not just sit and do something as individuals. Plan events that make them come together.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Let God Lead You
Meredith Andrew's, "Not for a Moment," reminds us that the Lord is always with us. "Not for a moment did You forsake me. After all, You are constant. After all, You are only good. After all, You are sovereign. Not for a moment will You forsake me...And every step, every breath, You are there; every tear, every cry, every prayer; in my hurt, at my worst; when my world falls down. Not for a moment will You forsake me. Even in the dark, even when it's hard, You will never leave me. After all."
The central verses for tonight are Genesis 32:24-25: "So Jacob was left alone and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man." (NIV) Maxwell notes, "God had to break Jacob to make him useful. In the breaking process, Jacob--the deceiving 'heel-catcher'--became Israel, a 'prince of God' who purposed to serve God rather than himself."
As leaders, we must remember that our giftedness as such has come from God. Therefore, we need to use our gifts to serve Him and lead in an ethical manner. We should seek the good of the group as a whole rather than having and following selfish hidden agendas. Maxwell says, "Consider your natural ability to lead a gift from God, but your character a gift to present back to God." Furthermore, "A leader who goes his own way and seeks to benefit only himself cannot be an effective instrument in God's hands," he notes. God gifted you with your leadership. In turn, you should use it to serve and glorify Him.
There will be times when bad things happen. We will be challenged. In those times, and in all others, we must remember to look to God, the Ultimate Leader, and rely on Him for help and guidance. John 16:33 says, "'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)
Maxwell asks, "What adversity are you dealing with right now? How are you allowing it to build your character?" When you face trials, do you rely on the Lord to guide you and get you through them? What do you do in such times? Those valleys are opportunities to build your character. "Remember, every time you stand up under the weight of adversity, you are being prepared, as Jacob was, to better serve God and lead people," according to Maxwell. Keep that in mind whenever you face issues. Put your problems in God's hands and let Him take care of you so that you can effectively lead others. Remember, He has said, "'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5b, NIV)
God bless you!
The central verses for tonight are Genesis 32:24-25: "So Jacob was left alone and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man." (NIV) Maxwell notes, "God had to break Jacob to make him useful. In the breaking process, Jacob--the deceiving 'heel-catcher'--became Israel, a 'prince of God' who purposed to serve God rather than himself."
As leaders, we must remember that our giftedness as such has come from God. Therefore, we need to use our gifts to serve Him and lead in an ethical manner. We should seek the good of the group as a whole rather than having and following selfish hidden agendas. Maxwell says, "Consider your natural ability to lead a gift from God, but your character a gift to present back to God." Furthermore, "A leader who goes his own way and seeks to benefit only himself cannot be an effective instrument in God's hands," he notes. God gifted you with your leadership. In turn, you should use it to serve and glorify Him.
There will be times when bad things happen. We will be challenged. In those times, and in all others, we must remember to look to God, the Ultimate Leader, and rely on Him for help and guidance. John 16:33 says, "'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)
Maxwell asks, "What adversity are you dealing with right now? How are you allowing it to build your character?" When you face trials, do you rely on the Lord to guide you and get you through them? What do you do in such times? Those valleys are opportunities to build your character. "Remember, every time you stand up under the weight of adversity, you are being prepared, as Jacob was, to better serve God and lead people," according to Maxwell. Keep that in mind whenever you face issues. Put your problems in God's hands and let Him take care of you so that you can effectively lead others. Remember, He has said, "'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5b, NIV)
God bless you!
Friday, July 31, 2015
Integrity: The Foundation
"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!
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!
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.
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