We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard. Nehemiah 4:21 “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6 NASB). Critics demoralise. Leaders encourage. When the critics spoke, the […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Leadership
The Price of Leadership
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 Anyone who steps into the arena of leadership must be prepared to pay […]
Read MoreThe Leader and Criticism
They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked. Nehemiah 2:18–19 Nehemiah knew that he and the people of Jerusalem were doing […]
Read MoreThe Walls of Your Life
“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.” Isaiah […]
Read MoreWhat You Are When Nobody’s Looking
After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. Nehemiah 2:13 It is not in the rush and hurry of activity that a person gains the respect of those around him; it is what he does when […]
Read MoreFaith and Careful Planning
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 Do you know that God honours order and organisation? Can you imagine what had previously transpired in Nehemiah’s mind in order for him to provide an immediate, on-the-spot answer? Nehemiah had a plan. You see, he had been doing more than praying […]
Read MoreThe King’s Heart in God’s Hand
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 MoreThe 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 […]
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