The scripture says the Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Did you know He doesn’t eat beef? And He does’t need money! The only reason He has those cattle (yes it is an analogy but follow along) is for us! And as the perfect Father, He knows when to give to us and how to give to us…. Read more »
Holy leaders are a gift to the people. They are evidence of God’s love for us! Isn’t that striking? When we ponder how much the Lord loves us, one expression is the leaders He places over us! The sacrifice of a leader is an expression of our value! The willingness of a leader to lay down their life (which could… Read more »
Somewhere along the line we began to doubt the motives of nearly every leader. It is true that the soul of the leader is always experienced by the people who trust that leader and follow. Some do indeed take advantage of their position, thinking they “deserve” privileges and more. But many leaders lead out of a pure heart. And when… Read more »
I’ve been around churches and church leaders for years. One statement often coming from those involved in the worship ministry of the church is this, “We need to teach our people to worship.” In my case, I have often encountered that as a disappointed response to how that particular church is expressing their worship. Things like hands raised, shouts, etc. are expressions of worship. That… Read more »
I was a bit surprised at the words I was hearing. Someone was choosing to take offense. Yes, choosing. No offense was given, nor intended. But offense was still taken. It is amazing how we live in the story in our heads. This story was that in a crisis someone didn’t think they were supported. So now the question is would they in turn… Read more »
The disciples were arguing, not differing, but arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. Everyone wants to be seen, to be significant, to be important. In the next story section of Mark 9, Jesus says some rocking words, “Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” Salt, in the context would be Kingdom values, Kingdom lifestyles,… Read more »
Our church had been through a long season of challenge. The leaders had made the shift and the focus was clear. I then said to the Lord, “We need a blessing. Would you send us people?” The response was immediate, “No chance!” It was shocking, but somehow didn’t seem like a rebuke. “If I send you people now you will shift back to your… Read more »
Why would we allow you to lead us? Yes, the key word is allow, for leadership is always about choosing to follow. Why would we allow you to lead us? Because we like you? We like many people whom we would not follow to the future. Yes, “like” is a powerful force, but getting people to like you does not mean they will follow… Read more »
Life without wonder is lived small, lived in the confines of our thinking, our ability, our limitations. Wonder opens our imagination. Wonder calls us to live in majesty, in the amazement of a God to whom nothing is impossible. Wonder opens us to possibilities and future. Leaders need wonder. Leaders need to be captured by the majesty of the Lord who orchestrates future, who calls… Read more »
It was a season our church wasn’t doing well. Our income had bottomed out and the bills were mounting. Then, as providence would have it, our giving was even lower. As I drove away I crashed in my spirit. But the Lord began to speak to me tenderly. “Would you like for me to speak to you about this?” He asked. I was hurt… Read more »