#329 Barnabas: Serving with Generosity
July 20, 2022 The first recorded action of Barnabas was one of extreme generosity. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:36-37, NIV). Barnabas sold a field he owned and […]
#307 Serving leaders ask themselves: “How am I growing?”
August 18, 2021 Serving leaders are passionate about growth since they understand that their growth unlocks the potential they possess. They also realize that their growth determines the growth of the organizations they lead. They recognize that growing themselves is one of the best ways they can serve those who follow. They reflect deeply on […]
#304 Serving leaders ask those who follow: “Who are you becoming?”
July 7, 2021 Serving leaders ask themselves hard questions about who they are becoming. As they gain clarity and direction about their focus, they also serve those they lead by encouraging them to walk the same journey of discovery. They desire that Paul’s instructions are helpful not only for their own lives but also for […]
#300 Boaz: Serving by Making Things Happen
(See special offer below!), May 12, 2021 We have already seen that Boaz was a man of great character. His heart to serve directed his actions as he treated others well, honored the weak, gave generously and kept his word. In this final issue we’ll reflect on how Boaz served by making things happen. 1 […]
#298 Boaz: Serving by Giving Generously
April 14, 2021 We have already observed that Boaz was a “man of standing.” His character shaped his leadership actions in the way he treated others well and in the way he treated the weak. His generous giving also reflected his character. Twice in the story Boaz gave generously to Ruth. 14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in […]
Speaking the Truth, without Self-Seeking
When Paul calls us as leaders to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), he clearly wants what we speak to be true. But when he explains that love is “not self-seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:5), Paul goes deep into our hearts to expose the reasons why we speak truth. What we say matters but our […]
Speaking the Truth, Without Envy
What leaders say matters. The way they say it also matters! Paul calls us to speak the “truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).Then he adds that love “does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4).So, servant leaders are called to speak “truth without envy.” Envy is a desire to possess what another other person has. This may be […]
Leadership Temptation: Compromising Character for Privilege
Jesus resisted using His calling for provision and He refused to use His charisma for promotion. But the devil had one more temptation for Jesus before He began His public ministry. 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this […]
Leadership Temptation: Using Charisma for Promotion
Jesus resisted the first temptation to use His calling to provide His identity, physical or personal needs. So, the devil brought a second temptation to Jesus as he will to all leaders. 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are […]
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 […]