Esther was beautiful. Everyone could see that. Eventually Esther becomes queen. No surprise there either. Truth is, beauty opens doors. It’s just the way life works, the way it always seems to be – or so it seems. People with beauty get unusual breaks, options, and possibilities that others never experience. Beauty opens doors the same as does athletic power,… Read more »
“What if I’m not the leader?” That was the question asked by a leader in a newer setting. Conflict was evident, and the leader was aware that people were not “following.” Sometimes what leaders mean by having others to follow is that he or she (the leader) has all power and others must simply respond with “yes” to any request or… Read more »
When Your Friends Go Crazy! He was going through a challenging season – major work decisions, high stress. Truth is, he was quite difficult to be around. Chaos, high tension and fear was the cloud following him. Others can be difficult to be around when they are going through a tough season. Of course, we can be just as challenging,… Read more »
I have a friend who pastored a church about a decade ago. Likely, people would have said he did an okay job. Progress was made, but it was nothing really outstanding. He went on to several other ministry assignments. The church then called another pastor and time continued to pass. Today the church is double the size! How did that happen?… Read more »
I recently was with a leader whose organization was struggling. On the good side, he wanted to lead well – to create future. On the down side, his struggle was now pouring shame into his mind and soul. “What is wrong with me?” “Why can’t I…?” As I sat with him, fire stoked in my soul. It occurred to me that this was… Read more »
Recently I was in a hot meeting. High stakes, strong emotions, people seeing differently. The good news is that they were people of integrity. Finally at one moment, I turned to a leader who was outspoken, strong and intense – all good qualities! My challenge was for him to lead. Lead the moment! Lead the way home so that those… Read more »
God’s gift to us of “calling” has been wired into us from creation! It has been overseen through the various terrain of our lives and through the threats, closed doors and mountains that stand in our way. That reality, that we have a calling overseen by the Most High God, is paramount to our passion, our determination, our self esteem… Read more »
Joshua 3 Joshua is now leading. The Lord has encouraged him. The people have encouraged him. The word has spread and the people have been given time to get ready. Now the moment begins. What are the leadership insights from this chapter? Communication- went throughout the camp Setting the stage for the Lord to move call to preparation (spiritually) Clearly… Read more »
Moses is away, meeting with God. The people were alone and feeling abandoned (feelings are not always reality!!!), so they turned to an idol. Idols are always made up gods. As a leader, Moses could have said, “I can’t be gone any more.” Leaders can often live out of the fear that if they are not present things will go… Read more »
What is God doing when you feel alone, abandoned and afraid? Moses was called to the presence of God (Exodus 32). The leader leaves the community. Yes, to meet with the Lord (leaders must lead from His Presence not from their own wisdom). The Lord was speaking with Moses, working with him. But… He was also working in those left… Read more »