Leadership Temptation: Using Calling for Provision
Leaders face temptations like everyone else, but they also face unique temptations because of their leadership gifts, calling and roles. Jesus faced these temptations at the beginning of His leadership journey, and shows all servant leaders how to identify these tests and how to resist them. In the first of three temptations, Matthew records the […]
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: The Birth of a Dreamer
Issue #213, August 9, 2017 The story of Joseph’s life in the final 14 chapters of Genesis gives us more details than almost any other biblical figure. Joseph was certainly not perfect but his story is one of very few that contains no major character flaws or failures. All of us can learn many lessons […]
Hearing the Voice of the Father
Issue #212, July 26, 2017 Every child longs to hear words of love and affirmation from their father. Some hear these precious words but unfortunately many do not. Those who do not hear these words often live their lives trying to hear the same words from others. Jesus heard these words from His Father at […]
Who Am I? A Question of Identity
Issue #207, May 17, 2017 Moses had a life-changing encounter with God who appeared to him in the burning bush. God called Moses to become a leader and to bring the people out of slavery. “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10). […]
John the Baptist: Clarifying His Identity
Issue #175, February 24, 2016 The first recorded words of John the Baptist focus on his identity. The Jews sent people to ask John who he was. They thought perhaps he was the Messiah for whom they were waiting with expectation. But John quickly said he was not the Christ, Elijah or the prophet. They […]
David: The Search for Significance
Issue #132, June 25, 2014 David overcame great obstacles on his journey to become a leader after God’s own heart. Early in his life, he struggled with the key question which all leaders must answer, “How do I measure my significance?” The answer to that question and the basis on which we answer it profoundly […]
Leading From or Towards Intimacy—Part 3
Issue #96, December 19, 2012 In the past two issues we looked at Jesus as an example of a leader who led from a position of intimacy and Martha as an example of one who led towards intimacy. Jesus was able to wash feet freely; Martha couldn’t even wash the dishes without complaining! How can […]
Moses: Dealing with Discontent
Issue #55, May 4, 2011 Three days after the exuberant celebration of victory over Pharaoh’s army, Moses faces a huge leadership challenge. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” (Exodus 15:24) A few weeks later, more challenges: In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. (Ex. 16:2) […]
Moses: A Background Check
Issue #48, January 26, 2011 In the next series of articles, we’ll reflect on the life and leadership of Moses. Why Moses? Consider these credentials. He was called the most humble man on the face of the earth and spoke to God face to face unlike any other prophet. He led a large group (likely […]