Promised Land

Procrastination :Begin Now

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 06:46:00 -0800

“Tomorrow is the only day in the year that appeals to a lazy man”.

Procrastination is the sole habit that will get you nowhere. Procrastination is suicide on the instalment plan. The key is to avoid being idle. Determine never to be idle... It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing something. Laziness grows on people; it begins in cobwebs and ends in iron chains. The more one has to do, the more he is able to accomplish. There is no fatigue so wearisome as that which comes from lack of work. Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired. The only thing wrong with doing nothing is that you never know when you're finished.

No matter what is cycling through your head at this very moment, it’s never too late to start, to change things in your life. Yes it’s not that difficult. Often the hardest part to getting started is overcoming that overwhelmed feeling – the one that occupies your mind when you contemplate all that you have to do at once.

You think about how long it will take; what sacrifices you have to make. You become bewildered by the endless details and fall back to the comfortable feeling of saying you’ll start next Monday or at the beginning of next month or next year!

Today is the day you put that kind of thinking behind you. Now is the time. Today, focus on taking the first step toward your most cherished goal. Take care of the first detail right now, whatever it may be. Start exercising, dieting or looking for a new job, start writing, preaching, talking etc. You know what you need to do.

It’s not too late to get started.

The Four Why’s of Procrastination

Four of the most common reasons we put things off:

1. We think it's difficult
2. We think it's time consuming:
3. We think we don't know enough.
4. We think people will judge us if we go wrong.

The next time you have to do something, consciously tell yourself:

1. It's not so hard.
2. It won't take that long.
3. I'm sure I can do it, or at least learn as I go.
4. No one really cares about what I'm doing; they're worried about their own problems

Today’s Affirmation: I put all negative thinking behind me and I’m working toward my goals. I am starting NOW!! It's always too early to quit, but never too late to start!

Inspirational- inspire, inspire, inspire

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 05:12:00 -0700

"We are hoarding potentials so great they are just about unimaginable."

"Humanity has only scratched the surface of its real potential."

"You are within God. God is within you."

When was the last time you were truly inspired by someone to change your life forever, if ever? Effective spiritual leaders are able to move out from their own imagination to the inspiration of others. It is only when the imagination of the leader is transfused into the inspiration of the follower – that true leadership occurs.

Principle 1

“When the imagination of the leader is transferred

into the inspiration of others, leadership occurs.”

As long as a vision or a dream is only an ethereal imagination in the mind of the leader – nothing will happen. But when the inspired imagination of the leader becomes inspiration in the heart of the followers– sanctified leadership occurs. It is only when imagination produces inspiration – that change takes place! A leader must move the heart before he can move the head. When the inspiration that has illumined his mind and inflamed his heart results in the inspiration of others – leadership takes place. So there must be an inspirational transfer. It is when the inspired imagination that has captivated the mind of the leader–captivates the heart of the follower –that motivational inspiration takes place!It is inspiration that is transformed into the motivation that moves people from information to application.

Principle 2

“Only inspiration produces motivation

that moves people from information to application.”

This move from inspiration and information to application is one of the highest purposes of leadership. Authentic leadership takes place when true spiritual change takes place in people’s heads and hearts to the degree that there is a corresponding change in behaviour that is the result of their change in belief. So it is only when Biblical information is inflamed by spiritual inspiration that belief is translated into behaviour.

The Bible is very clear then, that the purpose of truth is not just to inform us – but to transform us! That’s why transformation of belief must result in reformation of behaviour. It is only then that we truly “…know the truth” to the degree that the“…truth has set us free” (Jn. 8:31-32). When the Bible speaks about ``knowing the truth,” it means that we know the truth by experience. The emphasis is not upon information – but rather upon application. Obviously information must precede application because people cannot apply truth that they do not know. But for transformation to occur, there must be a move from information to application – which is usually brought about only by inspiration! Then and only then doe’s authentic spiritual freedom occur.

Principle 3

“Biblical truth is not just to inform us –

but to transform us.”

Therefore,good inspirational Biblical leaders are agents of godly change in personal lives, marriages, priorities, churches, organizations, societies, and nations.

Principle 4

“Transformation occurs when inspiration results in motivation

that moves people from information to application.”

Further Leadership Insights

-What people want most from an admired leader (is) someone who can ignite the “fire in the belly” (inspire) and is willing to take risks…even if this is not a character trait of their own… (Herman Cain, Leadership is Common Sense, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1997, p. 9.)

- A person’s determination can be inspired to a higher level. Their belief in something can be inspired, their inner energy can be inspired, their faith can be inspired, their motivation can be inspired to a higher level, and so forth. Inspiration is motivation plus emotion…A leader’s ability to inspire is determined most by the ability to communicate with words and symbolic actions…(Herman Cain, Leadership is Common Sense, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1997, p. 28.)

- A leader must be able to inspire people to achieve more than they would if he/she were not the leader…winning inspires…Tangible results will always inspire but when results are sometimes slow to materialize, the critical ability to inspire in creative ways is what distinguishes “leadership” from “positionship.” (Herman Cain, Leadership is Common Sense, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1997, pp. 30-31.)

-It’s wonderful when the people believe in the leader. It’s MORE wonderful when the leader believes in the people. (John Maxwell)

- Leaders are pioneers. They are people who venture into unexplored territory. They guide us to new and often unfamiliar destinations. People who take the lead are the foot soldiers in the campaigns for change…the unique reason for having leaders – their differentiating function – is to move us forward. Leaders get us going someplace. (Kouzes and Posner, The Leadership Challenge).

- Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can. (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

- Vision is the world’s most desperate need. There are no hopeless situations; only people who think hopelessly. (Winifred Newman).

- Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts. (Winston Churchill)

- Courage is fear holding on a minute longer. (George S. Patton)

- Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re scared. (Eddie Rickenbacker).

- A good example of the kind of courage we are to exhibit can be found in the lives, and deaths of the apostles. Stephen was stoned by the Jews, as we read in Acts. Tradition tells us that James was beheaded in AD 36. So righteous was James at his final visit to the Roman judge that the man who turned him in became a Christian and was beheaded with him. Thomas was murdered by a dart while ministering in India. Simon was crucified. Mark was drawn with ropes into the fire, where he was burned to death. Bartholomew was crucified and then beheaded. Andrew also was crucified. Matthew was run through with a spear. Philip was crucified and stoned to death. James was pushed off a temple and then beaten to death. Paul gave his neck to the sword and Peter was crucified upside down. Together these men could agree with Paul, “we are of good courage, I say, and prefer to be absent from the body and be at home with the Lord.” They got their wish. (John Foxe, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs).

- The problem with most leaders today is they don’t stand for anything. Leadership implies

movement toward something, and convictions provide that direction. (Don Shula).

- Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you, you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end, requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men to win them. (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

-Execution requires extraordinary communication efforts…The information has to be clear and consistent, for with today’s technology everyone gets the word at the same time. It has to penetrate the barriers of different nationalities and cultures. Being a great communicator entails many traits. You need to connect with people on a number of levels, each of which summons a different skill. You have to present a dignified and authoritative persona, yet you have to be highly personal, and often informal, for even in the era of easy mass communication, any message is received only one person at a time. You have to understand complicated technical issues yet simplify the concepts for the general public. (Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York, NY: Basic Books and Perseus Publishing, 2001, pp. 147-148.).

· The most important thing a leader can do to communicate is to keep the bigger picture in focus. (Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York, NY: Basic Books and Perseus Publishing, 2001, p. 149.)

Integrity- Is Everything

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 03:51:00 -0700

Integrity

What is Integrity? –Integrity is the highest level of our character, for character is of the heart. At the centre of our heart is who we truly are. Integrity is the heart of character, and character is the heart of leadership. It is our truest self. Therefore integrity is when we connect with our soul and spirit. In our human form, it is an alignment of what we think, feel and do. It is living our truth. Proverbs 22:1 says that a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Principle I

“The heart is where integrity resides, it is born there and there it dies”.

The greatest crisis in leadership today is an integrity crisis! Whether in secular activities or in the church-there is a growing integrity crisis at every level of leadership. As a result, people in both the world and the church have lost confidence in their leaders. Too many secular and spiritual leaders have been guilty of moral and monetary transgressions. Abuse of power and position have become rampant! There is a growing tolerance between private morality and public performance. The size of that gap is the size of the integrity crisis.

Principle II

“Character is what you are in the dark”

The German writer and theologian, Gunter Krallman, defined integrity this way:

“Integrity is oneness of inner and outer life, congruence between inward disposition and outward action. To its main components belong purity, truthfulness and consistency”.

A true test of integrity is what we are and do when nobody sees us. So integrity is consistency-oneness- between who you are privately and who you are publicly.

By Krallman’s definition then, both the secular world and the spiritual world are filled with leaders who lack integrity! Too many in our world have bought into the tragic lie that private immorality does not affect public morality! A person may still be able to temporarily maintain some public leadership effectiveness before men without moral integrity-but not before God.

Principle III

“Your reputation is what people say about you. Your character is what God know about you”

In God’s eyes, the heart of man is the heart of the issue. The story of King David in the old Testament clearly demonstrates that truth. David thought that his “secret adultery” with Bathsheba was hidden from his subjects- but God exposed it to his whole kingdom! Finally David cried out in repentance: Surely you desire truth in the innermost being...Ps 51:6

Principle IV

“The heart of man is always the heart of the issue”.

David learned that he could not separate his “inner man” from his “outer man”. Who he was secretly in hidden recesses of his innermost being- ultimately manifested itself in his outward behaviour. It became the most costly lesson of his life-but through it he learned that no leader can long separate private immorality from public morality.

There is no leadership issue more crucial to God than the matter of integrity. Simply put, integrity is the very heart of character. Over and over again the Bible highlights the issue of private and public integrity. Prayerfully consider the following verses if you want to be a man or woman of integrity:

1.Till I die, I will not deny my integrity!......(Job 27:5).

2.David prayed: “I know that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity”...(1 Chron 29:17)

3.David also wrote: “In my integrity you uphold me... ”(Psalm 41:12).

4.It was said of David: “And he shepherded the people with integrity of heart, and guided them with a skilful hand”....(Psalm 78:72).

5. God promised Solomon: “If you will walk before Me in the integrity of your heart...I will establish your throne”....(1 Kings 9:4).

6. Nehemiah said of Hananiah: “I put him in charge of Jerusalem because he was a man of integrity who feared God”...( Neh 7:2). God entrusted him with the whole city of Jerusalem! Can God trust you like that?

7.Even the enemies of Jesus affirmed His integrity: “We know You are a man of integrity and that You teach the word of God in truth, and You are not partial to anyone”...(Matthew 22:16).Can your enemies say that of you?

8.Integrity was of paramount importance to Paul, who wrote : “We are taking pains to do what is right (integrity), not only in the sight of God, but also in the eyes of men”.....(2 cor 8:21).That is integrity of lifestyle and ministry!

9.As Paul mentored young pastors like Titus, he exhorted them to set the example of integrity: “In your teaching show integrity ”....(Titus 2:7). He was telling Titus to practice what you preach. Don’t preach it-if you don’t practise it!

10.Proverbs promises: “ The man of integrity walks securely... ”(Proverbs 10:9).It is also true that the minister of integrity walks securely.

11.Ultimately only people of integrity will eternally dwell with God. “Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill?”asked King David. “He who walks with integrity... ” (Psalm 15:1-5).

Principle V

“Integrity is the heart of character, and character is the heart of leadership. To lose your integrity is to lose your leadership”.

We can only be leaders of integrity when we walk by the Spirit and the word within the accountable relationships of the Body of Christ.

Insights on integrity :

1. Crisis doesn’t necessarily make character, but it certainly does reveal it. Adversity is a crossroads that makes a person choose one of two paths: character or compromise… (John C. Maxwell, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, 1999, p. 3.)

2. There can be no friendship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity… (Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1989, p. 185.)

3. Steven Berglas, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School and author of The Success Syndrome, says that people who achieve great heights but lack the bedrock character to sustain them through the stress are headed for disaster. He believes that they are destined for one or more of the four A’s: arrogance, painful feelings of aloneness, destructive adventure-seeking, or adultery. Each is a terrible price to pay for weak character… (John C. Maxwell, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, 1999, p. 5.)

4. One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present. When you defend those who are absent, you retain the trust of those present… (Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1989, p. 196.)

5. Gentlemen, try not to become men of success. Rather, become men of value. (Albert Einstein).

6. Live so the preacher can tell all the truth at your funeral. (John Maxwell)

7. Integrity is the storehouse of wealth. Your giftings may bring success, but integrity is where you store it. Lose your integrity and before long you will lose whatever wealth and success you may have achieved. (Unknown)

Idealism 2- A high Cost to Pay

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:13:00 -0700

IDEALISM (PART TWO)

Principle I

``Great ideas come with great price tags!’’

The Bible is full of the biographies of fallen, sinful leaders-just like you and me-who were still used by God. Nonetheless, the more their lives were cleansed of sin and pride- the more powerful and effective their leadership became. It is paramount therefore for every Christian leader to spend a lot of time studying the lives and leadership of people like Moses, Joshua, Deborah, Esther, Samuel, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul etc. The Bible portrays them is stark realism. The Holy Spirit reveals each of them with great transparency. There is no cover-up of their sins. No justification of their failures. No glossing over of their mistakes. No air brushing of their blemishes. We see each of them in all of their humanness and fallenness.

Yet we see God using these men and women over and over again to accomplish His ultimate purposes. He alone is the sovereign Leader of the universe that ultimately superimposes His will over the will of man. That’s why history is His Story – not ours! Therefore, the supreme example of Godly leadership is that of the Lord Jesus. In Him was no sin…no fault…no pride…no ego…no failure…no mistake (II Cor. 5:21;Heb. 4:15; I Pet. 2:22; I Jn. 3:5). So only the ideas that motivated His life are worthy of authentic Biblical leadership.Therefore, every great leader in history who has positively impacted the world, was to some degree motivated by the same ideals that were perfectly incarnated in the life and leadership of the Lord Jesus.

Principle II

Pay the high Price for your ideas no matter what

Dr. Martin Luther King

A good recent example of the positive – but painful – impact of leadership idealism is that of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. The leadership vision that he demonstrated was perhaps the most revolutionary one in America politics in the Twentieth Century. The transforming power of an idea whose time had come is echoed in the famous speech that Dr. King gave in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. His riveting speech resounded with the phrase: “I have a dream!” It was his dream of racial equality and reconciliation that sparked the Civil Rights Movement that changed the political and social history of America! The dream inflamed King’s heart – and ignited the hearts of millions of black and white Americans – as well as millions of other oppressed people around the world.The dream of one man soon altered forever the political, social, and economic landscape of America! The dream ultimately cost him his life – and the lives of many of his friends and associates. That’s because great ideas usually come with great price tags!

PRINCIPLE III

“Ideas change leaders, and leaders change the world.”

Great ideas not only transform the life of the leader –they also transform the lives of the followers. That’s why Jesus warned His disciples: “Because the world has hated Me, it will also hate you” (Jn. 15:18). As long as ideas remain only as ideals or idealism in the mind of the leader – they will not cost him much. But when the ideas begin to be expressed and applied to life – they will meet resistance…opposition…hostility. That’s because new ideas always challenge the status quo…the pet paradigms…the customary way of doing things…the accepted norm. Therefore, ideas change leaders – and leaders change the world! So the ideas and ideals that change a leader become the vision that transforms people…society…politics…businesses…churches…nations…destinies forever!

Closing question:

· Are you willing to pay the price to see that idea fulfilled?”

Further Leadership Insights on Idealism

· The Law of the Big Picture: “The goal is more important than the role.” (John Maxwell, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork)

· If you are pursuing a vision God has birthed in your heart, there will be moments along the waywhen you will find yourself standing in awe of what He has done on your behalf. In those moments your attention will be drawn away from the work of your hands to the faithfulness of your heavenly Father. Your visions are not only avenues God will use to do something through you. They are also avenues God will use to do something in you. For the natural response to His intervention is worship, surrender, and obedience. (Andy Stanley, Visioneering)

· Visions demand constant attention. Stay fully engaged. Visioneering calls for bold leadership.Develop a healthy intolerance for those things that have the potential to impede your progress toward what could be and should be – those things God has put in your heart to do. (Andy Stanley, Visioneering)

· In order to do more I’ve got to be more. (Tim Rohn)

· Most of us plateau when we lose the tension between where we are and where we ought to be.(John Gardiner)

· My goal is not to build big churches. It is to build big people. (Jack Hayford)

· Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least. (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)

· The difference between leaders and managers: Managers have as their goal to do things right. Leaders have as their goal to do the right thing. (Warren Buffett, financier)

· If you really know what you want out of life, it’s amazing how opportunities will come to enable you to carry them out. (John M. Goddard)

· We will not be accountable for gifts we do not have, but we will be accountable for the gifts we do

have. The Question: “Are we willing to give up some things we like to do, to move on to those things we must do?” (Satenig St. Marie)

· Prayer is after all, a very dangerous business. For all the benefits it offers of growing closer to God, it carries with it one great element of risk: the possibility of change. In prayer we open ourselves to the chance that God will do something with us that we had not intended. (Emily Griffinwrote in Clinging)

· The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say “Thank you.” In between, the leader is a servant. (Max Depree)

· The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wants me to do; the thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die. (Soren Kierkegaard)

· Will the real leader please stand up? Not the President or the person with the most distinguished title or the longest tenure but the role model. Not the highest paid person in the group but the risk taker. Not the person with the largest car or the biggest home but the servant. Not the person who promotes himself or herself but the promoter of others. Not the administrator but the initiator. Not the taker but the giver. Not the talker but the listener. Why do we want to lead and who are we benefiting? (Bill Pollard)

· The pace of events is moving so fast that unless we can find some way to keep our sights on tomorrow we cannot expect to be in touch with today. (Dean Rusk)

· The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it’s the same problem you had last year. (John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State for Eisenhower)

· The safest road to hell is a gradual one – the gentle slope, soft under foot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without sign posts. (C. S. Lewis)

· The story we’re called to tell and live and die by is one of risk confronted, death embraced.What’s more, Jesus calls us to walk the narrow way, take up a cross with Him, daily. It’s terribly risky business. Ask that bright company of martyrs that quite recklessly parted with goods, security, and life itself, preferring to be faithful in death rather than safe in life. (William H. Willimon)

· If you want to know God’s plan for your life, just do the next little thing He tells you to do. (Oswald Chambers)

· Impossibilities vanish when a man and his God confront a mountain. (Robert Schuller)

· I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. (William Penn)

· Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment, and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey. (Harold V. Melchert)

· Life is full of unforeseen detours. Circumstances happen which seem to completely cut across our plans. Learn to turn your detours into delights. Treat them as special excursions and learning tours. Don’t fight them or you will never learn their purpose. Enjoy the moments and pretty soon you will be back on track again, probably wiser and stronger because of your little detour. (Steve Penny)

· God is too good to be unkind. He is too wise to be confused. If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart. (C.H. Spurgeon)

· (American Express’s Kenneth Chenault) “The battle at home and around the world is going to be for ideas and nontraditional thinking, and we have to look at the entire global marketplace as the playing field.” (Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York, NY: Basic Books and Perseus Publishing,2001. p. 79.)

· The New Economy is foremost about people, and about creating an environment in which they can be productive and able to take advantage of changing opportunities. (Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York, NY: Basic Books and Perseus Publishing, 2001, p. 230.)

· In an era of heightened competition, the vision had better be spectacular, but the more spectacular the vision, the more difficult it is to execute. (Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York, NY: Basic Books and Perseus Publishing, 2001, p. 134.)

· …while vision is a prerequisite for being a great CEO, it is the failure to execute well that gets chief executives in trouble. (Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York, NY: Basic Books and Perseus Publishing, 2001, p. 165.)

· CEOs make the point over and over that the company must stand for something beyond mere profitability, although that is a precondition for success. Their companies must radiate these values over a long period of time, through swings in the business cycle and other shifting factors.They must communicate their values in a clear and understandable way to all their constituencies.(Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York, NY: Basic Books and Perseus Publishing, 2001, p. 117.)

Idealism- An Idea Whose Time Has Come

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:03:00 -0700

IDEALISM (part one)

Principle I

“Ideas rule the world- for good or ill”

Idealism is a common characteristic among all leaders- the root word for idealism is the word idea. So idealism means that a person has been captivated by an idea. History has proven over and over again that an idea is the world’s most powerful force for change.

Ideas originate in the mind and spirit of a person. They are thoughts, concepts, revelations, bursts of inspiration, insights that cause a whole new way of thinking. It is a new way of perceiving things in some area of life. It is a “burst of light” that enlightens a person. The lights are suddenly “turned on” at a point of darkness or confusion. That’s why an idea is often demonstrated graphically by a “light bulb turning on in a person’s mind.”An idea brings illumination in the individual’s mind.

This burst of illumination may be a spiritual idea, a scientific idea, a social idea, an economic idea, an educational idea, a political idea or an aesthetic idea. But regardless of the area, it is an idea whose time has come. It is an idea that will spark change... revolutionize thinking... necessitate a new paradigm ... offer a new pattern to follow... provoke social upheaval, produce new ways of doing things...transform living patterns.

Principle II

“The most powerful force in the universe

Is an idea whose time has come!”

The vision of this idea often seems like idealism to others-but it is a reality in the mind of the leader. It is an insight that forever alters his sight! It becomes the glasses, the frame of reference, the prism through which he views life. To the leader, this idea is not idealism-but realism! It so real that it has focused his life. It is the vision...the idea...the dream that has given his life both purpose and passion!

“The vision needs to be powerful and credible.”Jeffrey E. Garten, The Mind of the C.E.O., New York,

Therefore, every effective leader has been captivated by a vision…a dream…an idea. It is not that the leader has an idea – but rather that the idea has the leader! It is that which captivates him…motivates others…and oftentimes intimidates everyone else! For the Apostle Paul, his idea came through a“heavenly vision.” As a result, it changed his faith…his life…his values…his priorities…his relationships…his direction…his purpose…his destiny…his all.

He was willing to give up everything and count it “loss” in order to fulfil his new heavenly calling. Compared to it, everything else was mere “rubbish” (Phil. 3:7-8). For the rest of his life, he was captivated and motivated by this “heavenly vision.” Later in his life Paul could say: “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” (Acts 26:19). He did not have the vision – the vision had him! He described it this way: “…I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Phil. 3:12).

On the Damascus Road, Paul did not “…take hold of Christ.” No, it was “Christ who took hold of him!” That’s always the way it is with God-size ideas. They do not originate on earth – they originate in heaven. They are not born in a moment of time – but are birthed in the eons of eternity. They are not conceived in the mind of man – but are conceived in the heart of God! Therefore, all authentic spiritual ideas come through divine revelation – not through human reason.

PRINCIPLE III

“The leader does not have an idea –

The idea has the leader!”

History has proven over and over again that not all ideas are equal. The fallen and darkened mind of man generally conceives of more evil ideas than edifying ideas. Because of the sinful nature of man, the majority of his ideas are manipulated by the devil…tainted by the flesh… corrupted by culture…polluted with mixed motives. The very fact that human history is “written in blood” – demonstrates that most of man’s ideas are inflated by pride…coloured by prejudice…and darkened by hate.

Every human system of government has to some degree been based on racism, tribalism, segregation, caste, apartheid, sexism, elitism. The persistence of these social and political ills demonstrate the enslaving power of negative ideas! Tragically then, both history and contemporary experience demonstrate that all of our social, cultural, political, economic and educational norms are leavened by evil ideas. What the Bible records of man before God destroyed the world by the flood seems to still be true:

“The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time” (Gen. 6:5).

Every leader – and especially every Christian leader – must ask God to purify and refine his ideas. He must humbly confess that every human idea is to some degree polluted by the “world, flesh and the devil” (I Jn. 2:15-16). If he is honest with himself, he knows that his heart is filled with “mixed motives.” Therefore, since the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden – every idea of man has been tainted by sin. Throughout human history, there has only been one Man who has been the incarnation of perfectly pure ideas – and that is Jesus Christ! It is only as a leader learns to think with the “mind of Christ” (1Cor. 2:16) through the Spirit and the Word – that his or her ideas will be both glorifying to God, and edifying to man!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“What is the idea that motivates your life? Is it a God-centered idea – or a

man-centered one?

· Is it an idea that will exalt your name – or His Name?

· Will your idea extend His Kingdom – or your kingdom?

· Does your vision have transforming power in it – enough to change you and

change others?

· Is it an idea that will benefit mankind – or just you?

Leadership Attributes and Characteristics

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Attributes of Leadership

1.Idealism (we will start with this on the next post)

2.Integrity

3.Innocence

4.Imitator

5.Inflamed

6.Influential

7.Indigenous

8.Individuality

9.Independent

10.Intelligent

11.Informed

12.Intuitive

13.Industrious

14.Initiative

15.Innovational

16.Involved

17.Intensity

18.Imagination

19.Inspirational

20.Interpersonal

Leadership Characteristics
This is an alliteration using 20 "P" words. They are as follows:

1.Purposeful              11.Precipitators

2.Prophetic                 12.Pace-Setters

3.People-Focused       13.Planners

4.Pragmatic                 14.Predictable

5.Positive                     15.Punctual

6.Passionate                16.Persistent

7.Patient                      17.Perfectionist

8.Perceptive                18.Partners

9.Problem-Solvers       19.Powerful

10.Promoters                20.Prayerful

Leadership is always manifested through a person. We all tend to make the I...the self...the ego, the center of our own little universe. Leaders tend to do the same thing-which usually results in self-centered leadership. However, when the BIG "I" has been negated by self-surrender, it becomes a cross "+"- which results in Christ-centered leadership, or servant leadership! It is my prayer that this blog will result in less egocentric leadership and more Christo-centric leadership.

David's Leadership

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:02:00 -0700

History of King David
David was born around 1040 BC in Isreal, he was the 8th and youngest son of a man by name, Jesse. We do have a rough idea as to what David looked like, he was handsome short red head! according to 1 Samuel 16:12, 17:42.

David spent his youth working as a shepherd taking care of his fathers flock. One day a certain Prophet by name Samuel came along to anoint David and told him he would be king of Israel, after God finally lost patience with the foolish and corrupt King Saul (1 Samuel 16:1-13).This transition would be gradual and take place over many years. So back David went to tending the sheep. Durning this time he spent many hours in Gods presence, no doubt coming up with quite a few psalms. He whiled away the hours by playing harp and flute.

David also played for and served King Saul quite a few times as musician and armour bearer (1 Samuel 16:21-23), no doubt Saul would have tried to kill him if he knew that he would soon replace him as King, something which he tried to do later on.Life as a shepherd was not easy, especially if you are going to be determined to look after every sheep at whatever cost, another parallel we can find with Christ, being our Good Shepherd, with David this meant fighting lions and bears (Samuel 17:34-35).

An invading Philistine army set up camp on one side of the Elah Valley, not that far from Davids home.. The King Sauls army lined up opposite but did nothing, a certain Gaint by the name of Goliath, stood infront of Sauls army and taunted them, laying down a challenge to send out best fighter to fight to death , the winner takes all so to speak. Everyone was too frightened to face this giant, apart from one young man who came to the camp to visit his brothers, outraged at what he saw and heard, David demanded he fight Goliath for insulting His God whom he loved.The resulting duel was short and brief, a single stone to the head of Goliath sent him crashing to the ground, and with David cutting his head of and holding it high, the Philistines fled and Israel saved.Saul became jealous of David, as his fame quickly grew and he become more popular than him.

Young David—Unseen Potential
In his youth, David did not look like a king or a warrior. He came from very humble beginnings. He was the forgotten child, the youngest of eight brothers; his family did not see the potential that he had. As a boy, he did not receive affirmation from those around him. There is no doubt that David’s greatest battle growing up was not against the bear or the lion that he slew while protecting his father’s sheep, but it was overcoming the obstacles created by other people who tried to put limitations on him and did not see his potential.

When David was young, his father Jesse did not see his kingly potential; he only saw a shepherd boy. Some would look at the responsibility of watching sheep too menial. Walter A. Elwell states, “Little is known about David’s early life. As a boy, he took care of his father’s sheep, risking his life to kill attacking bears and lions. Later, David publicly acknowledged God’s help and strength in protecting the flocks under his care (1 Sam. 17:34–37).” David knew God would help him, because he utilized his time watching his father’s sheep, to develop his relationship with God.

Growing leaders will make sure their relationship with God is a priority. There is a tendency of allowing the doing of leadership to take priority over the being of leadership. When leaders develop their relationship with God, then the doing of leadership becomes possible. David took time to write songs, pray, and meditate and in the process, God prepared him for his future. He simply gave himself to the task before him, utilizing his time to hone the skills necessary to be the best shepherd he could be. When the Prophet Samuel came to David’s home to anoint a new king for Israel, David’s father never dreamed the Prophet would anoint David, so he left him to tend the sheep. Samuel had to force Jesse to call David in from the field. When David finally arrived and stood before the Prophet, God spoke to Samuel and said David would be the next King.

David—Growing In Negative Situations

It would be some years later before David would assume the throne and during the interim years, David did not sit idle instead he used these years to perfect his leadership skills. Maxwell states, “The capacity to develop and improve their skills [is what] distinguishes leaders from their followers.”[3].” One of the mistakes many potential leaders make is assuming a position of leadership before they are ready. David Day and Stanley Haplin argue, “Without the individual preparation for the demands and challenges of leadership, many will find themselves in over their heads. David would be in over his head if he assumed the throne too soon.

Training and development is a part of the growth process for any leader, and David is no exception. During his youth, David was willing to serve others even though he had been anointed king.[5] Elmer Towns argues, “David’s training as a growing leader began with an opportunity to serve King Saul in the palace.”[6] In this context, God had placed David in a situation where he could observe a failed leader. There was a gradual decline and debasement of Saul’s character; and as David grew from a child into a hero in war and a scholar in peace, so Saul, from being a hero, degenerated into a moody and resentful tyrant.[7] From the vantage point of the palace, David learned from Saul’s negative leadership model and even though there were potential dangers surrounding David’s situation in the Palace, he maintained a servant attitude.

Servant Leadership
Having the heart of a servant became an important attribute of David. When his father asked him to check up on his brothers while they served Israel in the battle against the Philistines (1 Sam. 17), David did not hesitate to go. Upon his arrival, he visited with his brother’s who refused to see their younger brother as one anointed to be a king and they wanted him to leave the battlefield. Charles Simon argues, “God had ordained that David should possess the throne of Saul; and by this means he began to educate, as it were, the youth for his destined office.”[8] David heard the enemy mocking and threatening God’s people. After observing how fearful everyone was, he boldly proclaimed that he would face the enemy Goliath and was confident that God would deliver Israel.

David stood before King Saul and was given the opportunity to use the King’s armor. In this instance, David uses great wisdom; he refuses to use the King’s armor because he had no training in the use of armor. Hanz Finzel contends, “After falling into leadership, we tend to do what is natural—we ‘wing it.’ And that’s what gets leaders into trouble, because good leadership practice is often the opposite of conventional wisdom.”[9] Had David, used the King Saul’s armor to do battle against Goliath, he would have followed the conventional wisdom of the day. Instead, he chose to use what others saw as useless; a sling shot and five stones and God delivered the enemy into his hands. David is growing in his leadership skills.

Imperfect David

David was not perfect. He made mistakes, as any leader will do. John Maxwell in his book Leadership Gold quotes William Saroyan, “Good people are good because they have come to wisdom through failure. We get very little wisdom from success.”[10] David gained wisdom from his failures, for example: in the situation with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). David was supposed to be on the Battlefield with his men, leading them, instead, he is at home watching his neighbor’s wife. This led to a series of negative events that negatively affected David, his family, his friends, and the entire nation of Israel. As Hans Finzel said, this is what happens when you “wing it.”

Growth

Growth as a leader does not happen only in the best of times. Most never think of failures as a way of growing, and yet, as J. Oswald Sanders contends, “Most Bible characters met with failure and survived. Even when the failure was immense, those who found leadership again refused to lie in the dust and bemoan their tragedy.”[11] David’s failures were not final. David willingly responded to the word of the Lord through the Prophet Nathan and with a pure heart repented of his actions. Even though he had to reap what he sowed, he did not allow his past to determine his future. As Maxwell states, “The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.”[12] David served Israel for 40 years. He expanded their territory, united the all the tribes, and God blessed him with a promise that his throne would never end (1 Kings 2:45).

Summary of Leadership Skills by David

David is a prime example of what a growing leader should look like. Even though he was not perfect, God raised him to be a leader of his people. He made mistakes, but his humility allowed him to subject himself to God’s judgment. In turn, God blessed him and the entire nation of Israel. In Maxwell’s book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, he describes the Law of the Lid, which states, “Leadership ability is always the lid on personal and organizational effectiveness.”[13] This means, the stronger the leadership, the more effective the organization will be. David’s growth, from a humble shepherd to King of Israel, affected the entire Nation of Israel. Under his leadership, the people united, their influence grew, and so did their effectiveness. Dr. Towns stated that a growing leader is one who is not satisfied with just attaining a high level of competence but continues to seek ways and areas where he can improve.[14] David learned to grow in the midst of adversity and trial and in the end, is still one the greatest Kings to ever serve a Nation.

Bibliography:
Day, David V., Zaccaro, Stephen. Leadership Development for Transforming Organization. Mahwah, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers, 2004.

Elwell,Walter A. and Beitzel, Barry J. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1988.

Finzel, Hans. Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make. Colorado Springs, NexGen, 2000.

Maxwell, John C. Failing Forward Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones For Success. Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000.

________, Leadership Gold. Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008.

________, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000.

Sanders, J. Oswald. Spiritual Leadership, Principles of Excellence for Every Believer. Chicago Moody Press, 1994.

Simeon, Charles. Horae Homileticae Vol. 3: Judges to 2 Kings. London, 1832-63.

The Pulpit Commentary: 1 Samuel, ed. H. D. M. Spence-Jones Bellingham, Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004.

Towns, Elmer. Biblical Models For Leadership. Mason, Cengage Learning, 2007.

________________________________________

[1] John Maxwell, Failing Forward Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones For Success (Nashville, TN.: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000), 11.

[2] Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988), 581.

[3] John C. Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Nashville, TN.: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000), 24.

[4] David V. Day, Stephen Zaccaro, Leadership Development for Transforming Organizations (Mahwah, NJ.; Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers, 2004), 6

[5] Ibid., 581.

[6] Elmer Towns, Biblical Models For Leadership (Mason. OH.: Cengage Learning, 2007), 96

[7] The Pulpit Commentary: 1 Samuel, ed. H. D. M. Spence-Jones (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004), 297.

[8] Charles Simeon, Horae Homileticae Vol. 3: Judges to 2 Kings (London, 1832-63), 204.

[9] Hans Finzel, Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make (Colorado Springs, CO.: NexGen, 2000), 13

[10] John C. Maxwell, Leadership Gold (Nashville, TN.: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000), 108

[11] J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, Principles of Excellence for Every Believer (Chicago Il. Moody Press, 1994), 134

[12] John C. Maxwell, Leadership Gold, 157

[13] John C. Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, 8

[14] Elmer Towns, Biblical Models For Leadership, 97

Christian Leadership

sarsah4@hotmail.com (Enim) — Sat, 8 May 2010 04:52:00 -0700

Matthew 5:14-You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Where is Christian leadership?Where are the God fearing fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters? As Christians we are leaders wherever we find ourselves. Christian leadership is so much needed in our society more than at any time in history.The world lacks godly leadership and is therefore imperative for christians to stand up and let their light shine out so that all men might see. As christians we are commanded to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.

How have we fallen short of this command and have become equally yoked with the world and our behaviour and character pattern is now modelled by the worldly standards, rather than by the Bible, our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E). We have all fallen short of this, and the first step, is we ought to acknowledge that we have erred, ask for forgiveness from our Heavenly father and go back to the original way of doing things, then can we make impact in our generation and leave a proper legacy for the children yet unborn, and hand over to them safely the unadulterated truth.

Who is a leader? Some of the common ideas that others include in leadership definitions include exerting influence, motivating and inspiring, helping others realize their potential, leading by example, selflessness and making a difference. For perspective, I have included several other common definitions :

Leadership Definition :
The Collins English Dictionary. leadership (n) 1. The position or function of a leader. 2. the period during which a person occupies the position of leader: during her leadership very little was achieved. 3. a. the ability to lead. b. (as modifier): leadership qualities. 4. the leaders as a group of a party, union, etc.This dictionary definition of leadership focuses on the position (singular or collective), tenure and ability of leaders. As such, it misses key points about the purpose and hallmarks of effective leadership.

Leadership by :

Dr. Martin King Jr.-The time is always right to do what is right.

Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mother Teresa-Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.

Donald H. McGannon-Leadership is action, not position.

Robert F. Kennedy-Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope... and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.

Mahatma Ghandi-You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Anne Frank -How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

Norman B. Rice-Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.

Peter Drucker : The forward to the Drucker Foundation's "The Leader of the Future" sums up leadership : "The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers." To gain followers requires influence (see John Maxwell's definition below) but doesn't exclude the lack of integrity in achieving this. Indeed, it can be argued that several of the world's greatest leaders have lacked integrity and have adopted values that would not be shared by many people today.

John C Maxwell : In the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell sums up his definition of leadership as "leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less." This moves beyond the position defining the leader, to looking at the ability of the leader to influence others - both those who would consider themselves followers, and those outside that circle. Indirectly, it also builds in leadership character, since without maintaining integrity and trustworthiness, the capability to influence will disappear.

Warren Bennis : Warren Bennis' definition of leadership is focused much more on the individual capability of the leader : "Leadership is a function of knowing yourself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own leadership potential."

Leadership Definition from Christian perspective -Is the process of influencing the behavior of other people toward a christlikeness in a way that fully respects their freedom.(1 cor 11:1-Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ).Paul instructed the corinthians to immitate him as he immitate christ. He says in Philipians 4:9 that "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice". And the God of peace will be with you. So clearly leadership is about a positive "ACTION". A positive action will always elicit a positive reaction in the followers or desciples.

Again the emphasis on respecting the freedom of followers or desciples is an important one, and one which must be the hallmark of Christian leadership. Jesus influenced many diverse people during his ministry but did not force people to follow Him.

Leadership Assessment
Therefore the question is: Are you are man or woman of your words? what do you say at the work place or wherever you find yourself and what do you do about your words? how do you behave infront of work colleages,family, church etc, and when no one is watching? Do you have a consistent character pattern?Can one put into action your life style?Can someone trust you or have belief in you? Is you life teaching others anything positive? Can your life change this generation and the next positively? I believe its time we assess ourselves individually and through prayer improve upon every area of weakness in our lives as christians so that we can be examples for the world.The Key is ACTION. The key is in the doing because faith without action is dead, and remember a positive action will result in a positive reaction in people around us. Action and reaction are always equal and opposite. You either Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way! Do something about your leadership skills today!Act Now!

Let your light shine before men and may the God of peace be with you!!

Comments from you: Are you a leader or a coward? How is your life affecting your family and friends?What verses or insights stand out to you in this reading? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless
Enim