Thursday, March 24, 2011

Lead!

I have been studying the book of Nehemiah. It's an account of Nehemiah's leadership role as the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. 
Nehemiah was met with opposition from foreigners. They lied about him and tried to lure him away from the task that God had given him. His workers had to be refocused half-way through as they were threatened by the same issues. The walls were completed in just 52 days and then they worshiped together.
In reading about Nehemiah, it makes me pray for my own leadership abilities. Nehemiah worked alongside his workers, unafraid of the dirty tasks. He was focused on what God had called him to. Nothing could stop him. I question my motives and work ethic, "Where and how do I lead?"
We all lead in some fashion. There are those who look to us for guidance, who follow our example. 
As a church leader, I want to be able to repeat the Apostle Paul's words to his followers, "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ." (1 Cor 11:1)
The bottom line is: lead those whom follow you, to Christ.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Taboo or not?

Today, I had a conversation about giving.
Some folks love to give. Others are stingy. It's got nothing to do with the person's location in the demographic cross section. There are affluent people who are stingy and miserable,  while some in poverty are filled with joy. The heart is the key. Self-ish or self-less
Within the church, it is one of those touchy subjects. I'm not sure why. The Bible talks a lot about money. That said, at a minimum it's ok to preach about and the reality is, it should probably come up more often.
Through the years, I have heard scores of testimonies about God's provision. How a person gave and God provided. That's just how He rolls. But the heart is still the key. Some give out of duty, others love to share their blessings. 
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 completely explains it. Give cheerfully and God will give all you need PLUS enough to HELP OTHERS. 
Man, I'm trying so hard to do that and the bottom line is: 
God is faithful so I GET  to help others.