Nehemiah: Visions Respond to Need
Issue #77, March 14, 2012 We have examined the foundation of Nehemiah’s vision to build the wall. It was based on his character and birthed in prayer. In this issue we’ll observe that Nehemiah’s vision was not about himself but about others. It came as a response to the report he received about Jerusalem. They […]
Nehemiah: Vision is birthed in prayer
Issue #76, February 29, 2012 The first response of Nehemiah to the desperate needs of his city was prayer. “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). His heart was deeply stirred by the report from Jerusalem […]
Nehemiah: Vision is based on Character
Issue #75, February 15, 2012 With this issue we begin a series of reflections on the life of Nehemiah, a great servant leader with strengths in many areas. We will focus on one aspect of his leadership which every leader needs: vision. Nehemiah lived in exile, born and raised in the Persian empire where he […]
Leading by Association
Issue #74, February 1, 2012 “You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.” This quote by Charlie “Tremendous” Jones is one of my favorites and speaks to servant leaders about the influence of those with whom we associate to impact our lives. […]
Grace to lead in a new year
Issue #73, January 11, 2012 As we enter 2012 I've been reflecting on why New Year's Day is a significant event around the world. While we know that nothing really changes from December 31st to January 1st, the mental change is profound and results in massive celebrations in every time zone. I conclude that New […]
Tame that Tongue: Grace to Change
Issue #72, December 28, 2011 In the last three issues we examined the “big three” sins of the tongue: Talking too much, lying, and gossiping. James reminds us that as leaders we are held to a higher level of accountability because of our influence (James 3:1). So, let’s conclude this series by looking at five […]
Tame that Tongue: Gossiping
Issue #71, December 14, 2011 Gossip, the third of the “big three” sins of the tongue, is perhaps the most damaging. Gossip is simply saying things about others that should not be said. Gossip focuses on sensational or private information. It is often untrue, but at times may actually be correct information. However, gossip never […]
Tame that Tongue: Truth or Lies
Issue #70, November 30, 2011 A 2009 study found that men tell lies six times a day and women 3 times! Whether or not that is true, we live in a world filled with deception and lying is one of the big sins of the tongue. God’s expectation is clear, “Do not lie to each […]
Tame that Tongue: Too Many Words
Issue #69, November 16, 2011 In the last issue we acknowledged the amazing power servant leaders have in their tongue, “The power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). James cautions leaders that they will be held accountable for how they use their tongue and warns us that “no man can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). […]
Tame that Tongue: Understand the Power
Issue #68, November 2, 2011 The strongest muscle in a leader’s body is the tongue. With our words we can build or destroy, create friends or enemies. Our words can encourage or discourage; they can speak truth or lies; they can bring peace or tension. Our words can cut like a knife, or heal like […]