David and Absalom: Intimacy
David is a servant leader that we admire in many ways. He is known as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). And David led well. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psalms 78:72).But David’s son Absalom provides a very different picture of leadership. Absalom was […]
Gideon: Sabotaging Potential
We have followed the story of Gideon from the time he was hiding in fear until he led the people to a great victory. It is exciting to watch as Gideon sees his potential, begins to shape it as he grows as a leader and finally how he shares this with others on his team. […]
Gideon: Sharing Potential
God helped Gideon to see his potential and he began to shape it with his first leadership action, demolishing the altar of Baal. But God’s calling for Gideon was to deliver his people from the Midianites. Reaching this goal required Gideon to share his potential with others. So he called men around him to go […]
Gideon: Shaping Potential
In the last issue, we examined how the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and called him a “mighty warrior.” Gideon was just beginning to see his potential to be a leader. But that potential was not yet shaped. Servant leaders can learn how to shape their potential by observing the next steps in […]
Gideon: Seeing Potential
The Book of Judges tells the story of a difficult time in Israel’s history. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6). In this context God raised up a series of leaders to deliver the people from their enemies. When the Midianites oppressed Israel, God called Gideon. […]
Joseph: Recognizing the Purpose of the Dream
Issue #222, December 13, 2017 As Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, he showed that he finally understood the purpose for which God gave him the dream. What he understood about the purpose of his dream as a mature leader was very different from what he thought as a 17-year-old. And now, do not be […]
Joseph: The Fulfillment of the Dream
Issue #221, November 29, 2017 The fulfillment of Joseph’s dream is one of the most dramatic and emotional stories in the Bible. After their first visit, Joseph sends nine of his brothers back home and keeps one in prison. Joseph’s father does not want them to return to Egypt but the famine finally forces action. […]
Joseph: The Unfolding of the Dream
Issue #220, November 15, 2017 Joseph is leading at last! He’s a national leader overseeing the process of collecting and storing grain during the seven years of abundance. In the evening he goes home to a wife and two sons! All seemed well. Joseph had settled for the “dream job” without accomplishing the dream. But […]
Joseph: A Substitute Dream
Issue #219, November 1, 2017 After 13 years of bitter disappointments everything changes for Joseph when he is called by the king to interpret another dream. In the morning he is a prisoner but by evening he’s the prime minister of the most powerful nation on earth! Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has […]
Joseph: Learning Who to Trust for the Dream
Issue #218, October 18, 2017 As Joseph interprets the dream of the cupbearer he sees a glimmer of hope for his own life and asks for a favor in return. “Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh's cup in his hand, just […]