Tag: leadership

The focus is for taking bolder steps toward effective leadership that is transforming as servant leaders. Blog posts give readers professional and personal strategies for engaging to strengthen leadership that ministers and grow integrity. The author shares posts related to faith and leadership with a global community for healthy living as servant leaders. Reading and sharing is powerful.  You can Subscribe and receive blog updates directly in your email. Share via Social Media platforms.

 

Psalm 37 – Don’t Worry, Do Good

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He (the Lord) delights in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand,” Psalm 37:23.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Psalm 37

Over a decade ago, I changed my license plate tag at part of my validation of speaking Psalm 1 over my life.  Why? I have a promise from God. If I delight myself in the Word (2) meditate on the Word, both day and night., then something special will happen. The reward will be that consistently; I will be like a strong tree even in rough waters. My leaves will flourish and bring forth fruit in its season. To think that I will not be out of season! Yet, there are qualifying conditions for this to happen. They are:

  • Allow my steps to be ordered by God
  • Delight in the Lord’ way.
  • Do not worry about such things as evil
  • Do not be envious.

Dealing with Evil and Good; Righteousness and Unrighteousness

First, the very first verse reads, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity (Psalm 37:1). Frankly, I had to change my mindset. In this scripture, and those like this, my thinking changed. How? I found that to give so much thought about the evil in the world, is a waste of valuable time and energy. On the other hand, it is much more productive to think on the authority that God has given to me. Thus, changing my approach to situations brought “new life.”

Evil is unrighteousness. But God deals with it. It is much more fruitful to remember that at this very moment God has given new mercy, today! Therefore, to rise up in a new day, I ask Him to order my steps and help me to do the good that pleases Him. So, to you, “Relax and rest in God!” The comptroller of this world is at the helm and knows all things.

Promises from Psalm 37

Verse 4 of Psalm 37 tells you to, “Delight yourself also in the Lord. And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  How do I delight in the Lord? Take a look at the action words in Psalm 37. You will see i.e., commit, rest, cease, wait, inherit, trust, refrain, and laugh. Put these words in your toolbox for fighting a good fight. Knowing to cutoff and escape the enemy’s territory is yours.

Also, consider verse 13 which says that the Lord laughs at the wicked. God laughs because He knows that He has prepared their defeat. So, we can stand in agreement of verse 6 that tells us that the wicked will be cut-off. More than that, focus on what the righteous will inherit. The righteous will inherit eternal life. Your inheritance is forever (verse 18). The treasures of this world are temporary. No treasure of a righteous or unrighteous man is carried to the grave (verses 9, 28, and 31).

The Good

The righteous man cannot be satisfied when his belly is filled, and his neighbor is starving (Psalm 27:3).  The righteous man cannot be at peace with a system of injustice when the Lord says He loves justice.  The Lord sees the days of the upright.  He knows that the inheritance of the righteous is forever. So, we build our trust in the Lord and do good (Psalm 27:3). Therefore, we depart from evil and are instruments of good (v 27). 

Even the more, the righteous speaks of wisdom and his tongue talks of justice.  The law of his God is in his heart; none of the steps of the righteous man shall slide.

A Final Thought

Finally, the psalmist said in Psalm 37:25 of himself as a witness to the Word, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

In summary, we encourage you to read other blogs for your leadership from our site:

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

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    Understanding the Importance of Safe Spaces in Faith Communities

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    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    Diverse group of people sitting in a circle in a large room with tall windows

    The importance of safe spaces – Are you willing to be an advocate for providing safe spaces across generations? How much support will you give in addressing the “silence” of others who are hurting? Are we failing and recycling hurt?

    What are Safe Spaces?

    In faith communities, safe spaces have three identifiable characteristics: (1) People cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit; (2) People reproduce Christlike behaviors to ensure the safety of those they serve; and (3) People communicate the unifying message of God’s resolution for eternal wellness.

    The primary difference between Faith communities and other communities is their foundation is biblically established. That foundation is the belief system that God is always in control of His creation (Psalm 24:1); Colossians 1:16). The gifts and talents that people possess are from the Creator. These exist to serve others. Therefore, it is vital to reproduce safe spaces, as Christ did, to openly discuss challenges and provide spaces of healing spiritually and emotionally.  

    The elements that constitute a safe space in faith communities are love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues are not the achievement of human effort; rather they are the accomplishment of cooperating with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person who has the assignment of transformation to produce Christlike behaviors. He is the guide of choice for our producing Christlike behaviors in the way we live among our communities. Submission to the Holy Spirit will shape the individual’s character and actions. In cooperating with the Holy Spirit, the individual will spiritually mature as a result of transformation and consistent practice of these elements. In this regard, the individual builds up a level of safety. What happens when this is not available to individuals, are empty spaces of anxiety and feeling out of control.

    A survey released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that six in 10 adults (60%) agree that their faith or spirituality is an important factor in supporting their mental wellness. Despite this, among those who belong to a religious community just half (52%) say their religious community discusses mental health openly and without stigma.

    Creating safe spaces for faith community members is Christlike behavior.

    Why Are Safe Spaces Important?

    There are four good reasons as to why safe spaces are valuable for faith communities.

    (1) Reduce anxiety and loneliness – A 2023 Barna study shows that church small groups reduce loneliness by 40% among Christian attenders. Too many members suffer in silence due to shame and culture traditions.

    (2) Foster spiritual and emotional support – God uses people to do the work through people. We are spiritually and emotionally created for each other.

    (3) Support Pastors – The idea that only the pastor can provide comfort is falsehood. All faithful leaders should be willing and able to offer this support community members.

    (4) Evangelize and build a healthy community – Church health is both spiritual and physical. God cares about fellowship as a body of faith believers in Him. This builds relationships for the Kingdom.

    In essence, we should be willing to build safe spaces for faith communities, to provide spiritual and emotional growth of the community.

    How to Create Safe Spaces in Faith Communities

    First, be open in building partnerships of support. Faith communities’ that have been successful, largely provide support for training pastors in mental wellness. Organizations such as, The APA (American Psychiatric Association) Foundation, have consistently organized experts to support faith communities. For years, this organization through a partnership, offer experts on the role of faith and mental health through its Mental Health & Faith Community Partnership. Together, nearly 40,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses.

    Second, encourage conversations about mental health and welcome experts in the field. Statistically, faith members report that they are more willing to seek professional help when the pastoral leadership suggests this type of support system (Psychiatry.org). Good counsel is a component of spiritual leadership and maturity.

    Case Studies: Successful Safe Spaces

    Quoted by Gitnux, “Nearly one in five Christians faces mental health challenges each year, highlighting the need for better support systems within faith communities,” (Gitnux.org). A study conducted by the research market data company, Gitnux, asked, “How common are mental health struggles among Christians, and what do the numbers say about faith and treatment in 2025?” This market data affirms that creating safe spaces for faith communities is a viable resource. The results have been positive for those faith communities who offer these safe spaces. For example, statistics from Christianity Today 2024 reveal the success of Pastor training programs increase congregant help-seeking by 35%. Statistics by Lifeway Research 2022 shows that 68% of churches with mental health ministries saw 30% higher member retention.

    Finally, it is not too late to begin accessing the needs of safe spaces for the faith community where you serve. Wellness is about the healing of the mind, body, soul and spirit.

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    Non-Negotiable Principles of God

    God's Principles Stand

    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    Absolute

    The non-negotiable principles of God still stand. Character matters; integrity matters. His established principles are for our good. But to understand the principles of God, you must start with the understanding that God is absolute; God is complete. Nothing started without God. God created everything. Everything needed in Earth was created by God. No one can change the ordinances of God. For instance, the sun and moon are set by the ordinance of God. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West. The moon shines at night in different time zones of the world. God establishes ordinances that no one can change, because He is God. What God commands, no one can change. The word “ABSOLUTE” is defined as unconditional; complete’ the absolute causation of our existence.

    Unconditional

    Everything operates according to the principles of “the absolute causation” of our Creator. From ancient days to present, court officials, kings, princes, priests, prophets, teachers, lawyers, physicians and everyday people have fumbled in their quests to change the principles of God. They cannot.

    In similar fashion, the principles of God are unconditional. Obedience is, for example, the way to please God; it is unconditional. The cure for sin is Christ for the human condition that seeks to satisfy the desires of the flesh. God’s unconditional requirements are more than political laws manifested as statutes to change moral behavior into a submission of God’s will. From ancient to present, there are not enough laws that can be written to make people submit to God’s standard. From the beginning, God’s plan is an unconditional love by God under the condition of freewill.

    Failure to Comply

    Subsequently, laws to address moral principles by which persons should follow in society have continued to frustrate and drive unwanted changes due to increase in selfish desires. On the other hand, without boundaries, the imagination of humans cannot be restrained (Genesis 11:7-9). Even though failure to comply to moral standards or codes continue, overall, the system is meant to implement a system of “justice” for the human condition. Notedly, the system continuingly fails the least who can afford it. The incarceration rates are one of the products of societal ills. There is hope in Him.

    Not in Opposition of Self

    God cannot be in opposition of Himself. He is Truth. He operates on principles of who He is (Malachi 3:6). Not all who declare to have His Spirit has His Spirit. He says so in His Word. As it was then, so it is now. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers,” Matthew 7:21-23 NIV. As previously stated, God is not in opposition of Himself.

    God’s integrity holds for His people. He requirements remains so for His leaders. An example of what are ethical principles is that of the leadership of Job.

    Job spoke these words regarding integrity and truth concerning the true God: “…I refuse to say one word that isn’t true.  I refuse to confess to any charge that is false.  There is no way I will ever agree to your accusations.  I will not deny my integrity even if it costs me my life.  I’m holding fast to my integrity and not loosening my grip – and, believe me, I’ll never regret it,” Job 27: 3-6, The Message Bible of Contemporary Language.

    Summary

    Undoubtedly, there are opposition to the principles of Truth. What are these principles? Servant Leaders must operate in the principles of God.  Aim to rightly divide and walk in the Word of God.   We do not sit in judgment of others; we discern God’s Truth. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul. Love another as God has said that we must do.  The Spirit knows and bears witness of that Truth.  Therefore, pray for discernment and God’s wisdom.  We pray as in Romans 18, i.e., in view of God’s mercy, to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship; that we do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will and if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Finally, Lord, your face and voice, I seek.”

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    “I Am Not Built for the Pit”

    Isaiah 53:3-5 NIV

    Gardenias Garden Podcast “I Am Not Built for the Pit” Isaiah 53 is a reminder that we have hope. The pit is not your destiny.

    This podcast episode was first published in 2021. It is still relevant, right now. Today, this is a reminder of your rightful position. You have a calling in this life to live abundantly. Do not fret. Get up and rise.

    This is a story about the love of a farmer for his pet. What a tragedy to lose what you love to the darkness of a pit. There is one who loves you more than the farmer in this story and He does not want to lose you. Per Isaiah 53, Jesus was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! (Isaiah 53:5)

    Will you live beyond the pit? As that wise goat did, use the opportunities, to change your position and live.

    Fate of Your Enemy

    Consequently, the one who works overtime to create your demise, will lose. As a deceiver, the evil one will go into the bottomless pit (Revelation 30:1-3).

    A punishment to last forever. In the end, destruction is for the evil one. It is for the one who seeks to deceive. A lake of fire is his reward. There is a future of torment that awaits him (Revelation 20:10).

    A Greater Reward

    Your future is greater. Yes, 3 John 1:2, are the thoughts towards you – to prosper and be in health. Even the more, for those who have Christ, you will receive a far better reward (Revelation 21:1-3).

    You are not built for the pit. You are made to rise up and live in Him. Do you believe that?

    Even though, in our story, the farmer and the goat may recall the pit experience, the pit was not their destiny in life.

    For your encouragement, we pray that these blog posts reach and bless you from:

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    Understanding God’s Calling: A Reflective Journey for Servants

    Man kneeling on grassy hill with hands slightly raised, facing sunrise over foggy mountains
    Winding dirt trail through grassy hills with sunset and mountains in background

    Why has God called you to this winding road of roughness?

    Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

    The Nature of God’s Calling

    Yes, God interrupted your plan. A calling from God is a disruptive and self-surrendering plan for His purpose. It is the personal acceptance of God’s assignment for your life. Jesus is the supreme example of self-surrender to God’s plan. His prayer is an example of a willingness to submit to God’s will above his own. “Father [Jesus prayed], everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine (Mark 14:36).” Thus, surrendering to God’s calling is not for cowardly or robotic persons.

    Personally, I did not want to accept the challenge of my calling from God. Truthfully, I thought about what others might think. To me, my rational points made sense i.e., lack of knowledge concerning much of the scriptures was a great argument. After more than a year, my senseless arguments to God did not let me “off the hook.” In the very moment that I let go, and said, “Yes,” God’s response was, “Now, I will send you where you need to go. They will know that I sent you.” With that acceptance, my bed became a place that I could finally sleep peacefully. No more sleepless nights about that matter. Surrendering to your calling from God is obedience.

    Reflective Practices for Understanding Your Calling

    Again, Jesus is the supreme model for walking in obedience in your calling. To understand the blessing of surrendering, you must maintain practices for strengthening and developing your trust in God. The following are just a few examples:

    • (1) Prayer Life – Your prayer life is not a public performance for displaying how well you pray. Jesus condemned prayers given to make you appear spiritual. Rather, the prayer life that Jesus desires for us is to bring salvation – one more for Jesus. The focus of your prayer life relevant to your calling is salvation, Luke 10:2; 1 Timothy 2:3-5.
    • (2) Meditation on God’s Word – Meditation is the powerful connection of God’s word. God sheds light on your situation when you meditate on the Word. This connection builds your personal relationship with Him for walking in your calling. In examining things that are happening in this world, God’s Word brings clarity to daily situations. Meditation supercharges you and builds your faith in a confused world. The reality is that life has its problems, but God has the answer in the Word because He is the Word. Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6). Therefore, we must daily turn our focus on what God says. We must reiterate that God is in control and we can rest in him. For the believer, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night,” Psalm 1:2.
    • (3) Journaling – Journaling is therapeutic. Writing or drawing our feelings and thoughts reduces anxiety. We can express ourselves in a creative way to God. I have several different types of journals, including a praise journal. We are individuals. Each person gets to choose what is best for that individual. The way you choose to journal is a personal choice. It is the expression of your heart to God; your pondering (Psalm 111:2). How ever you choose, the focus is to optimize your optimize mental health and spend time with God.

    Challenges in Discernment

    Quite often, others share with me the feelings of being challenged while seeking to understand their calling. These challenges are often the result of tradition, busyness, past life, and lack of preparedness in theology. As previously stated, accepting the calling from God is not for the coward. Nothing surprises God. He is aware of common place challenges in people. It is where God chooses. He will equip you with what is needed to accomplish His work (Ephesians 3:20). To overcome the doubts and fears related to God’s calling is to be obedient. Being a people-pleaser will hinder your calling from God. Although your call is to the people, it is to please and follow God. You will not be able to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). A surrendered heart to God means to please God (Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).

    Fulfilling Your Purpose through Service

    Fulfilling your purpose through service can be uncomfortable. This is because we often think in terms or short-term goals. On the other hand, a view of long-term eternal gain is our reward. Jesus said, “I come to serve.” The scripture of Matthew 20:26- 28 is one example of how we are to serve. In other words, serve with humility. A servant leader must possess humility. A servant is not greater than the master (John 13:16). We are not greater than the One who called us into this ministry. In fact, we are the least among God’s children. We do not deserve this type of mercy and compassion from God. Remember that Jesus humbled himself on the cross and submitted his will to save us. Every sin that you and I are guilty of, Jesus gave his life for it. With compassion and humility, we are to serve others.

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    The Challenges of a Servant of God

    Lone tree on a grassy hill overlooking rugged mountains and lakes with dramatic clouds

    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    Quite often my friend Stacey reminds us that “It is not easy, but it is durable.” In this post, I ask you, “Is it durable?”

    I believe that we stand in agreement that a Servant of God has challenges. Life is challenging, yes! Still, how durable is life as a Servant of God?

    Count it All Good

    First of all, the scripture of James 1:2-4 (count it all joy) is a familiar and quoted one among believers. However, I believe the mindset must agree with the spirit in order to do just that. How can I feel joy in the midst of my troubles? Moreover, how can you express joy in the midst of challenges? Emphatically, God is not asking us to do more than we are capable of. In fact, what he wants from us, is trust. Trust him during these times. That can make the situation DURABBLE!

    Additionally, having a capable mentoring group or circle of friends, who fear God, will lighten your burdens. That small group of friends will share experiences that give support and relieve much of the stress that otherwise you would endure alone.

    Thirdly, look for things that will make you laugh in those times. Laughter is good for the soul. Proverbs 17:33 speaks how good it is to have a spirit of laughter.

    Approval

    Whose approval are you looking for? In the process of life, we want the approval of others. That is normal. However, be honest and ask, “Whose approval do I really need?” As a Servant of God, his approval matters most!

    In serving God, his ways will really surprise you. Because of your transformation, God’s strategies will change how you now handle situations. For instance, before transformation, your heart was hardened. Do you remember how Saul was changed to Apostle Paul? In this instance, you see how transformation in the heart brings Paul to seek God’s approval more than any man. Thus, consider the situation or challenge, and seek God’s wisdom for pleasing Him. Again, that makes it DURABLE!

    Control

    Finally, we like to be in control. Hence, challenging situations makes us feel out of control and uncomfortable. It is impossible to be in control of everything in your life. A good example of being out of control is that of a fig tree. The fig tree must have certain conditions to grow. It needs sunlight, soil and water. But it can only grow under certain conditions. For instance, the soil must be well-drained. Although it needs water, overwatering will damage the root. It needs the sunlight, but the branches require protection from the sun’s harshness. Thus, the fig tree must rely upon the control of the Creator to flourish and bear fruit. In making of the tree, it is the Creator who knows and understands the hard and dry seasons of the fig tree.

    One such writer, Habakkuk, wrote that although the fig tree has no blossoms, and no fruit is on the vines, I will rejoice in my connection to the Lord – my salvation. How can he do must a thing? Habakkuk recognize s that God is always in control. Whether in dry challenging seasons, God has you (Habakkuk 3:17). He knows what it takes to make you grow to meet your challenges.

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    If you enjoy poetry, one wonderful place about leadership to explore is called “Imperfect Taylor.” where others share.

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