David and Absalom: Relationships
Leadership is all about relationships and the way we relate to those we lead. There is no leadership without relationships. But how relationships are viewed and developed varies greatly. In this reflection on the contrast between David and his son Absalom, we will examine their relationship with their followers. Both David and Absalom had relationships […]
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 […]
Daniel: A Steward of Dreams
Issue #167, October 28, 2015 Daniel’s story is filled with dreams beginning with his training in the king’s service to excel in the interpretation of dreams. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds (Daniel 1:17). As his life story develops, Daniel interprets two dreams for Nebuchadnezzar and the hand writing on the […]
Daniel: Leading with Excellence
Issue #165, September 30, 2015 Daniel correctly interpreted the handwriting on the wall only hours before a new ruler, Darius, overthrew the kingdom. Daniel was one of three highest leaders in the new government and lead with such excellence that the king was ready to promote him. This provoked jealousy among his colleagues and they […]
David: Choosing Friends
Issue #136, August 20, 2014 We have already recognized David’s skill as a shepherd, his heart as a faithful worshipper and his clarity of purpose in life. Yet, as an emerging leader David was alone. His family didn’t believe in him and only Samuel seemed to have a sense of what God was preparing to […]
Strong Leaders + Willing Followers = Great Results
Issue #125, March 19, 2014 Deborah led Israel during a difficult time in their history, a time of suffering and oppression. But under her leadership God’s people were set free from Jabin, the king who ruled over them. When the victory was complete Deborah composed a song that offers great insight for servant leaders. “When […]
Profiles in Bold Humility: Daniel, and Company
Issue #120, December 11, 2013 Not many of us live and work in the presence of the president or top leader in our nation. In this environment, the pressure to conform is enormous and it takes tremendous boldness to take a stand. But, Daniel and his three friends demonstrate that boldness with humility is possible […]
Passing the Baton: Why it’s Difficult
Issue #113, September 4, 2013 Whether it means turning the church over to a young leader, handing over the reins of a family business to the next generation, or releasing our children to be adults, the task of passing on the baton is difficult. Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will […]
Quality Assurance: Above Reproach
Issue #98, January 30, 2013 Every manufacturing business is concerned with the quality of their product because they recognize that substandard products will hurt their reputation and ultimately destroy their business. So they invest large amounts of time and money in quality assurance programs to protect their profit. Christian leaders should be even more concerned […]
Act Like Paul: Model the Way
Issue #89, August 29, 2012 What are common actions that the best leaders do well?* In the next five issues we’ll look at specific actions that all effective leaders do well and reflect on how Paul demonstrated the way servant leaders act in these areas. The first of these actions is to model the way. […]