There’s something beautiful and innocent about the answers children give. Why? Children simply speak the truth—as best as they understand it. I love these answers that some kids gave to questions about the Bible. See if they don’t prompt a grin: “Noah’s wife was named Joan of Ark.” “The fifth commandment is, ‘Humor thy father […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Leadership
Spiritual Leadership
None can deny that these are standard qualities found in “natural” leaders. But my question is: Are these qualities necessary in “spiritual” leaders, too? Before you answer too quickly, I would refer you to some biblical leaders who would’ve done rather poorly on a “natural” leadership test. The incredible thing is that God picked people whom we would have overlooked!
Read MoreAnalyzing Unselfishness
Someone who is truly unselfish is generous with his or her time and possessions, energy and money. As that works its way out, it is demonstrated in various ways, such as thoughtfulness and gentleness, an unpretentious spirit, and servant-hearted leadership.
Read MoreThoughts
Thoughts are the thermostat that regulates what we accomplish in life. If I feed my mind upon doubt, disbelief, and discouragement, that is precisely the kind of day my body will experience. If I adjust my thermostat forward to thoughts filled with vision, vitality, and victory, I can count on that kind of day. Thus, you and I become what we think about.
Read MoreFrom Analysis to Action
Leaders must go beyond analysis to action. One cannot lead without energy, motion, risk. Leaders are pathfinders, road makers, action takers. Cowardice, to put it bluntly, is an ungodly trait. God is not passive in the face of evil, nor is He indecisive.
Read MoreThe Power of Small Talk
Sometimes, pastors look at the “big talks” in the Bible—those blockbuster moments where hundreds turn to worship God—and the thought, If only . . .skulks into our minds. In those blockbuster moments, God intervenes in big, on-the-spot ways, regardless of our “job performance.” God’s man can do everything right, or everything wrong, and the Lord […]
Read MoreTwo Suggestions for Becoming Great
There’s something beautiful and innocent about the answers children give. Why? Children simply speak the truth—as best as they understand it. I love these answers that some kids gave to questions about the Bible. See if they don’t prompt a grin: “Noah’s wife was named Joan of Ark.” “The fifth commandment is, ‘Humour thy father […]
Read MoreThe Reckless Phony
LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart. (Psalm 15:1-2) Read 1 Kings 11:1-6. Mark Twain said, “Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows anybody.”1 Phony living could happen […]
Read MoreThe Enduring Value of a Mentor
There we sat, a cluster of six. A stubby orange candle burned at the centre of our table, flickering shadows across our faces. One spoke; five listened. Every question was handled with such grace, such ease—each answer drawn from deep wells of wisdom, shaped by tough decisions, nurtured by time. And pain. And mistakes and […]
Read MoreTrue Teamwork: What It Takes
As a lifelong admirer of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, I have devoured more than a few biographies about him. Among the best was Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, a volume that presents Lincoln’s brilliant political act of enlisting into his cabinet some of the men who had run against him. Surrounded by a […]
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