How well are you leading others?

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Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them… the one who leads, with zeal….  --Romans 12:6, 8 Whether you spend your days in an office, at home raising children, or serving in a ministry position, you will probably find that you’re involved in some form of leadership. That’s why today I’d like to encourage you with four great leadership qualities from the life of Nehemiah that you can apply to your situation: Nehemiah was a man of integrity who was respected. The people saw in him a man they could believe and follow, and they were inspired to action. Nehemiah maintained strong interpersonal relationships. He took a personal interest in knowing each person and what they were doing. Every individual was important to him.  Nehemiah knew how to encourage people. He noted the hard workers and affirmed them, giving honor where it was due. Nehemiah never said a word about what he did. He was the kind of man who was willing to let others take the credit and to share the victory with others. These are simple yet important qualities that set great leaders apart. In whatever situation you find yourself today, consider how you can adopt some of Nehemiah’s valuable leadership qualities. YOU HAVE INFLUENCE! SO BE DILIGENT TO LEAD OTHERS IN A WAY THAT IS PLEASING TO GOD.

The Rejected Ruler

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.”

Luke 19:11–14

God as the creator of everything is the only rightful ruler of the entire universe. Yet since before the world was created, there has been rebellion against Him. Satan led an angelic revolt meant to replace God on the throne. Adam defied the only command he had been given to do something in direct disobedience to God’s instruction. Israel rejected God for the false idols worshiped by their neighbors. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of His day because they feared they would lose their privileged positions.

The world does not want God to rule over them. “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us” (Psalm 2:2–3). While rebellion against God by the world is still sinful, it is not shocking. But many Christians also struggle with the issue of obedience to God’s commands. Often it is not that we do not know what we should do, but that we would rather go our own way. We do not have that right, because we do not belong to ourselves. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Today's Growth Principle: 

The best way to affirm Christ’s ownership of your life is to obey Him with glad surrender.