The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1 There are few areas of life in which we live or work that do not come ready-equipped with a superior—a boss or other authority figure. It is our task to develop qualities of leadership […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Leadership
The Priority of Prayer
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7 Prayer is primary—but not theoretical prayer. […]
Read MoreFour Marks of a Spiritual Leader
“O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel.” Nehemiah 1:5–6 Nehemiah, touched by the need of his people, “sat down […]
Read MoreLeaders Are Made, Not Born
“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed […]
Read MoreEnough Is Enough
Today’s devotional has one primary objective: to help you enjoy yourself, your life, and your Lord more . . . without feeling guilty or unspiritual. Yes, enjoy! In our work-worshiping society, that is no small task. Many have cultivated such an unrealistic standard of high-level achievement that a neurotic compulsion to perform, to produce, to accomplish the maximum is now the rule rather than the exception. Enough is no longer enough.
Read MoreFollow Jesus as Your Shepherd
Everyone follows someone. Even the leaders we most admire walk in someone else’s footsteps. It’s not a matter of if we’ll follow someone, because we all do. The question is whom? We long to follow someone who will lead us the right way. We’re like sheep, looking for a shepherd who truly cares and knows […]
Read MoreHoudini’s Secret, Part Two
Yesterday I told you a story about an amazing feat by Harry Houdini in which he escaped from locked handcuffs before a roaring crowd—incredible stuff! He later admitted that he stopped repeatedly to address the crowd because he needed their applause to keep up his enthusiasm! Two things set Houdini free: (1) his knowledge of what he knew to be true and (2) the cultivation of his own enthusiasm.
Read MoreThe Problem with Progress, Part Two
Though in time we may laud their boldness and radical qualities, in their day most progressive dreamers are seen as permissive, wild-eyed extremists. I came across a rather remarkable letter purportedly written over one hundred and fifty years ago by Martin Van Buren to President Andrew Jackson. The contents? A strong, critical warning that the “evil” new railroads would disrupt business, boost unemployment, and weaken our nation’s defense.
Read MoreThe Problem with Progress, Part One
Looking back on it, it is admirable, almost heroic. We salute visionaries of yesteryear. They emerge from the pages of our history books as men and women of gallant faith. We shake our heads in amazement as we imagine the herculean courage it took to stand so confidently when the majority frowned so sternly. Yesterday’s progress earns for itself today’s monuments of stone.
Read MoreAn Essential Ingredient for Leadership
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skilful hand. (Psalm 78:70–72 ESV) God is always on the search for men and women of integrity. […]
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