Tag: Effective Christian Leadership

True Christianity is faith in the works of Christ.  No other hope than Christ is the believer’s foundation. Through these blog posts, readers can become subscribers and tune in to insights.  Here, you can share what it means to walk toward Christlike in your faith. Effective Christian Leadership is a faith walk that serves first. Grow spiritual based on effective biblical leadership. The author shares posts related to faith and leadership with a global community. Subscribe and receive updates directly in your email. Share via Social Media platforms.

Ministry Leaders Must Revamp

Transforming Leader

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Ministry Leaders must revamp for understanding those that they lead! This is not that you leave Godly principles of Truth. However, there must be an assessment and a reflection of leadership in a particular season. This is an ongoing strategy. So, take out a plan and actively engage with the written vision. Ministry in this task is an intentional strategy. Update! Refresh the eyes! Allow God to give you what you need in this season.

Ministry leaders, where are you in your spiritual, emotional, and wellness plans? Be honest with yourself. First, your plans will reflect eternity. Therefore, the mindset looks toward hope. Second, do not allow emotional intelligence to establish the goals! Emotional intelligence can impede spiritual work.) Third, it is ok to restore, regenerate, re-energize.

Ministry Leaders Re-assess for Restoration

Now, ministry leadership assessments provide opportunities to reflect and grow. No matter what is going on, evaluation is a building block for growth and meeting goals; assessments are necessary before restoration. For example, every day God gives us new mercy in His assessment. Therefore, aim to see the goodness of the Lord because He has already provided grace.

The Ministry Leadership of Hosea

It is true that ministry leadership assessments can be a difficult thing for people. Not always do we want to follow what the Spirit says. Admittedly, too often we seek validation from others before moving on the Word of God. However, consider a person like Hosea (Hosea 1: 1-3). Even in a difficult situation, Hosea obeyed God.

Although Hosea did not understand God’s plan, but it worked out. The blessings of obedience to God is greater than the challenges.

A Ministry Leader of Restoration

The story of Hosea and Gomer is one of restoration. It is a powerful example of how God’s plan, love and promises. All of these things came together in the most unexpected ways. God can revamp your situation and restore it to greatness, too He has the power to restore, even for those who are walking in darkness. Moreover, God is more than anyone or anything against you.

A Ministry Leader of Discipline

You may not have considered that revamping would mean discipline. God’s discipline is for our good. He chastens His people for His purpose. He loves us that much that He will not leave us in the dark. If you are smart, you will listen and obey. Re-learning the same lesson may be more painful. Disobedience will call for much more discipline and re-learning.

Fresh Start

More importantly, because God is all-knowing, He gave you a fresh start today. Each day, He gives new mercy. What a testament of love. Undeserving as we are, He gave a fresh start again today.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen”, (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). It you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me (verse 13).

Discovery of Unusual Things

In re-assessing your plans, you may uncover the unusual; the peculiar thing that will take you to the next level. The prophet, Hosea, learned the meaning of healing and spiritual restoration. He discovered more about the love of God as the-healer-in-chief and spiritual restoration for His people. Additionally, you will find that revamping and restoration not only lifted you up but also others. Leave room and appreciation for others to be restored. Grace received is to be given.

These are personal assessments that make stronger leaders.

For more insight, check out links below

Return to Homepage

His Mercy – Not Ours

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The audio version of “Mercy”

God’s mercy is undeniable. Every day it is new. Think on this. Thousands of people walking into a center. Anxious to hear the speakers. The topic is simple. What is their take on “Religion, justice and the death penalty?” The truth is that no matter what, people differ on this subject. We can be grateful for his mercy.

Biblical Scriptures

Let us note that God loves justice. In Romans 9:15-16, God says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” I am so glad that God’s mercy does not depend on human desire or effort, but on his mercy only. Do you like what he said in this verse? 

And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy (Exodus 33:19 ESV).

One such scripture is about Jonah. Jonah was angry because of God’s decision to show mercy toward a disobedient nation. (Jonah 4). This narrative shows how God has deeper insights than humans. More than that, it shows that the very nature of God is mercy, justice, and divine. He genuinely cares for us and gives us new mercy. Even though we do not deserve such. For more blogs like this one, we suggest:

For one speaker’s view, listen to JEAN BETHKE ELSHTAIN: The Pew Forum on Religion in Public Life Conference at this symposium.

Homepage

When You Are Tested

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

When you are going through a test, it is not time to give in or give out. In this example, visualize the words of a supervisor to the worker.

“You are gutless, weak!” shouted the Official.  “You will get nothing from me.”  Acen, taken back, by the official’s harsh words, replied, “No, sir.  I am not weak.  But my children, my family, it is true that they need the food.  I need the money.  If I do as you ask, what will they learn?  The money to buy food will help our most dire situation. Yes, in this very moment, I need the help.  Today and tomorrow, I will have those needs for my family because those things are temporary. But, my integrity, their integrity must last a lifetime.”



When he returned home, he explained to his family, “I cannot, in good faith, do as he ask.  For the Lord, watches over us.  He will help us find another way.”

This is the story of one man who stood up to a bully, an official of deceit, dishonor, and untruths.
This story also mirrors the story of Jesus in the wilderness.  In Luke 4:1-13, led into the desert for forty days – Jesus. Jesus ate nothing during those days, and he was hungry.  He had a physical need.  Tested by his enermy.

The devil came to Jesus and tempted him on three different occasions while Jesus was hungry and the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, then…..you should do these things as proof of who you are.
First of all, Jesus knows who he is at all times.  Jesus understood that he was not on the enemy’s agenda, but He was on God’s agenda.  And when the time was right, God saw that Jesus prevailed.

The enemy seeks to destroy you.  Even though the official saw the need of the man and his family and he was in a position to help; the official chose to say, “Only if you do this thing evil thing for me. Prove to me that you are on my side.”

When you are tested, how will you stand?
This man chose to do good and not compromise his integrity, his faith.

Jezebel
There are many stories in the Bible of such evil doing among officials.  Take, for instance, Jezebel, who wrote letters to make demands to hurt the people (1 Kings). She hated those who trusted in God; especially Elijah the prophet, who spoke against her evil.

Jehoshaphat the King of Judah

He understood the value of trusting in the Lord (1 Kings 22). King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of Judah to help him fight the people of Syria. King Jehoshaphat insisted that he must hear from the Lord’s prophet. No other prophet, especially prophets of King Ahab. Micaiah, the Lord’s prophet, let it be known to them, “Whatever the Lord says, I will speak.”  In other words, it will not be what you may desire to hear, but I will speak the Lord’s truth.  This is an example of a test.

Will you speak truth to power?  Will you pass the test?

How will you stand?

The following blog posts are to encourage you in your journey also:

Homepage

The Fast that God Ordered

Notably, are the fasts that God ordered. Numerous are the mandated fasting by God to the children of Israel. Because of their disobedience, many were the orders of God to them to show their humility and repentance.

Fasting and Spiritual Strength

What is fasting? Fasting is often associated with abstaining from food and liquids, with the exception of water. As I write this blog post, I remember that my longest fasting was for torty days. Accomplishing that mission, still ministers to me. The purpose – to change a specific situation. The food choice – to abstain from all carbs and sugars. Giving thanks at the end of the fast, I gave God thanks for drawing me closer to Him. Thus, when questions come my way about fasting, I ask. “Is the fast that God ordered?”

Profoundly, I do not find it difficult to fast when it is the fast that God ordered.

Biblical Icons of Fasting

In no special order: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Asa, Daniel, Moses, David, Elisha, Mordecai Esther, Anna, Mary the mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, Jesus, Jesus’s disciples after His departure, and Paul are well-known icons in proclaiming a fast. With prayer and fasting, the victories of healing, miracles, and overcoming, God gave deliverance. To call for a fast, to break or interrupt, is spiritual.

On the other hand, Jesus’s disciples did not fast while Jesus was with them on earth. Only after Jesus ascended to the Heavenly Father did his disciples fast (Mark 2:20). God honors fasting that is for the purpose to glorify Him, not self.

Other Purposes for Fasting

Some reasons for calling a break: Discipline from immorality, mourning, and confession; to seek the Lord, show gratitude, discernment, and prepare for spiritual warfare. Ezra wrote, “So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer,” (Ezra 8:23). Fasting for guidance is given to us for victory in spiritual growth. It is not the only tool. However, it is a powerful one.

Faith is part of the process of a fast (break). Believe that God will answer. One promising scripture reads: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.” The continuing verses of Isaiah 58:9-12 remind us that God cares. To open the eyes of our heart, He is willing to do. He is willing to take away the yoke.

Strength in Your Now

In summary, fasting is to bring change and make a difference.  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  So, after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:2-3).

Prayerfully, as you lay hands on yourself, may God give you strength for the fast that He orders.

You may also like for your mind, body and spirit:

Homepage

Children Are Fighting: Understanding the Causes

Fighting through the Storm of Life

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Have you ever been in a fight?  Or have you ever witnessed neighborhoods fighting?  Have you ever been in a neighborhood fight?  For each battle, perhaps there is a different outcome. If the battle becomes too rough, you retreat – to live and fight another day.

Have  you ever heard someone run to your parents and proclaim, “Your children are fighting.”  When a fight occurs publicly, there is usually someone who runs ahead to tell of its occurrence. 

In battle, great warriors, will size up the enemy, continue to access if they are winning; and come to the conclusion that it is time to retreat – for they have determined if they will prevail.

Saul’s Fate

1 Samuel 31:1-13 tells the story of a battle fought by the Israelites against the Philistines.  Saul was their leader at the time.  It would be the last battle that Saul would fight against this enemy.  It is said that in this battle, the men of Israel withdrew and attempted to remove themselves.  However, the Philistines followed after them.  The story continues concerning the fate of Saul, his sons and his men.

For that reason, I only tell part of this story. Because it is true that not every battle is winnable for your glory.  This is an example of a battle that Israel lost.  While this story does not provide details of the battle, it does, however, tell the outcome.  In fact, Saul lost his life by his own hands.  Check your hands, people.  Check your own hands.  Is the battle you are fighting, is it yours?

David – A Different Warrior

David, on the other hand, fought his battles as the servant of the Lord. He writes in Psalm 18th how he suffered during battles.  David said that God rewarded him because of his (David’s) righteousness. Accordingly, God rewarded me.

Further into the scripture, David writes in verse 34, “ He trains my hands for battle. My arms can bend a bow of bronze. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.

Unfortunately, there are many who will fight a battle that God has not chosen for them.  They intervene into situations that are not honored by God. Rather, they choose fights to honor man and for self-glory.

God, your children are fighting.  Why are they fighting battles that are not yours?  Even so, why are they tearing each other apart?  Why are they engaging in unfruitful wars? 

David said that God is a battle-axe.  He recounted the victory that God had given him in Psalms 18:5-20 NKJV. Although he was surrounded death and was in distress, he reminds himself as to who is really for him. Read his words and remind yourself that God is with you in your fight for victory.

5 The cords of death encompassed me;
    the torrents of destruction terrified me.
6 The cords of Sheol encircled me;
    the snares of death lay in wait for me.
7 In my distress I called out: Lord!
    I cried out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
    my cry to him reached his ears.
8 The earth rocked and shook;
    the foundations of the mountains trembled;
    they shook as his wrath flared up.
9 Smoke rose from his nostrils,
    a devouring fire from his mouth;
    it kindled coals into flame.
10 He parted the heavens and came down,
    a dark cloud under his feet.
11 Mounted on a cherub he flew,
    borne along on the wings of the wind.
12 He made darkness his cloak around him;
    his canopy, water-darkened stormclouds.
13 From the gleam before him, his clouds passed,
    hail and coals of fire.
14 The Lord thundered from heaven;
    the Most High made his voice resound.
15 He let fly his arrows and scattered them;
    shot his lightning bolts and dispersed them.
16 Then the bed of the sea appeared;
    the world’s foundations lay bare,
At your rebuke, O Lord,
    at the storming breath of your nostrils.
17 He reached down from on high and seized me;
    drew me out of the deep waters.
18 He rescued me from my mighty enemy,
    from foes too powerful for me.
19 They attacked me on my day of distress,
    but the Lord was my support.
20 He set me free in the open;
    he rescued me because he loves me.

Lord, your children are fighting.  Are they fighting battles that belong to you?  Should you fight battles that are not yours?   Are they going into battles that will lead to death by their own hands? Will they listen to you, Lord? What will they do, Lord? What is your response? Lord, your children are fighting. Show them the causes and victory that you have in store for your children. Yours is a plan of winning.

For more like this one, we recommend:

man in blue dress shirt standing beside woman in black jacket

You have a choice to listen on the podcast at https://open.spotify.com/episode/5n9GFYckFsVYq3COf10kv6

Return to Homepage

Mental Health Matters: A Lesson from Simone Biles

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Mental health matters! Another look at this subject matter is warranted. I declare that you are an exceptional person to acknowledge that your wellness plan includes mental health and you will fight for that safe space.

If you have been following my recent blogs, you are aware that mental health was a focus in our summer sessions of “Safe Spaces for Children/Youth/Young Adults.” It is also a personal goal of mine for improving my overall health as I learn more about trauma, triggers, and strategies.

In the face of the world, Simone Biles, acknowledged that she needed to take a mental health break to be mentally and physically well. This is an example of an unselfish person, a brave person, a champion! She considered her team. She decided that she did not want her unhealthy state to affect their chances of winning gold negatively. This is what Servant Leadership is about – the ability and willingness to think and act in the best interest of not only yourself but others first. Putting others first is an example of serving and leading at the highest level. Added to her status, is another life change; from Simone Biles to Simone Biles Owens.

Sports Nana

As a “Sports Nana Supporter,” I have seen the disappointments of my own grandchildren. They are very competitive in sports. This includes gymnastics. The “highs” and “lows” can be brutally stressful. The physical injuries are painful and observable; but the impact on them mentally is a different type of scarring. You fear saying the wrong thing. They may shout out in pain or go silent. It is the silence that worries you the most.

Honestly, I have read articles about Sports Psychology just to cope with some of their feelings. I subscribe to and receive daily emails from The Daily Coach – Daily Email from George Raveling & Michael Lombardi. If you have a Nana or are a Nana, you understand this sentiment. My grandchildren are the joy of my life. Their mental state is always important for healing physically. So, I understand how difficult it can be to take one for the team.

I salute Simone Biles as a champion both on-the-field and off-the-field. She is also a Servant Leader NOW. Simone stepped up her leadership call by putting mental health first. Her focus is to heal herself in support of others. Hopefully, this example that she exhibited to the world, will heal someone else. So I define her as exceptional, extraordinary; an appropriate step that she took.

Our prayers for healing in all areas…

Update (PM)

I was surprised before the end of the day (July 28, 2021) that the decision by Simone Biles would be a controversial, political focus in our nation. To me, this is not political. Simone raised her voice to say, “I am not well enough to compete. It is not because of a physical injury; it is because of my mental health condition which can impact my physical state (paraphrased).”

This is an example of why it is difficult for our young people to trust us. It also shows why it’s hard for them to confide in us and ask for help. We have to be willing to listen, learn, reach out, and be available. People are hurting, mentally. There are not enough qualified therapists and pastors to address this epidemic. So I ask, “How can we build bridges of health that addresses all facets of mental health?”

Scripturally

God was the first to create a safe space for communication  with man – in the Garden of Eden  (Genesis 2; Genesis 3).  He developed a wellness plan that includes an extension of Himself (us) for our good; It is God who has given us the Spirit of Truth to guide us (John 16:13).  He wants us to freely come to him, it is to everyone who is burdened.  He will provide a rest that gives us hope and joy.  It is not based on gender, economic status, etc. It is because of His love for us. As His family, he has given to us different gifts to bless another.  Using and operating in our gifts will bring other sheep into the fold. By design,  we are in need of another; we are to show love and care for another. I did not say it, He did (1 Corinthians 13).

For more suggestions, link to these blog posts:

Return to Homepage

Powered by WordPress.com.

Up ↑