Just A Word Devotional Series
March
Subject: Just A Word: Wait
Date: March 1, 2010
Several years ago I was marveling at the success of a business owner that I knew personally in Charlotte , North Carolina . I asked him, “How are you able to be successful in a profession in which so many other people are doing the same things in better buildings and in better locations? He let me know that in essence he couldn’t build a better mouse trap as the old saying goes. He just became better at waiting for his time to come.
Great leaders have experienced great success by being great at waiting. They know that it is not just their great faith, but it is also their patience that lands great promise.
Listen, if you have prayed for patience there is a catch to it. You have to wait! A part of your answer to prayer sometimes comes in the form of problems from which only faith and patience can bring you out. Face it, how would you know that you have patience if you never have to wait?
When ministering to the saints that were experiencing persecution, he encouraged them not to count themselves out. In fact he exhorted them to…
count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
(James 1:2)
This reveals that when it seems that God is not doing anything to change what’s going on around us, He’s usually He is changing something within us! He is developing a patient character! James continues:
" But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect..." (James 1:4)
That is, we must allow the waiting period to spiritually mature us. This will ensure that we will not be found empty in any area in our walk with God.
When we are patient you are talking to God without saying word. Our body language is saying to Him "Lord, I trust You!" And when we rejoice in unfavorable looking circumstances we are patiently prophesying to your problems, letting them know that "our heart is fixed..." and we "will eventually come forth as pure gold." (Psalm 112:7, Job 23:10)
Do you know that you have great promise and you’re great at waiting for it to come to pass? Well, great! Great leaders have experienced great success by being great at waiting. They know that it is not just their great faith, but it is also their patience that lands great promises.
Today let’s remember, if we are in a hurry to get out of our trials, then we must hurry up and wait!
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength
They shall mount up on wings like eagles
They shall run and not get weary
They shall walk and not faint
(Isa. 40:31)
Subject: Just A Word: Just
Date: March 2, 2010
The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked:
but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
(Proverbs 3:32-34)
One day Charles O Finley saw a young man dancing in front of California’s Oakland Coliseum. Finley owned baseball’s Oakland A’s and gave the 11 year old Stanley Kirk Burrell an “A” for the astounding dance moves he performed in the coliseum’s parking lot. Unbeknownst to Burrell, the steps that he performed that day were his first steps to a fascinating future.
After Finley employed him as the A’s batboy he eventually picked up a bat and pursued his long time dream of becoming a professional baseball player. Never quite making it to at least a shortstop, his dream was stopped short after failing to make the cut with the San Francisco Giants among other Major League teams.
Nevertheless, the cuts inspired him to pursue his secondary dream to cut records. Taking MC Hammer as his stage name, which was given to him by either the A’s Reggie Jackson or the Milwaukee Brewer’s Pedro Garcia due to his resemblance to Hammerin' Hank Aaron, it soon became undeniable that Burrell was too legit to quit.
Hammer was the first rap artist to achieve diamond status for an album, and was considered to be the forefather of pop rap. However, Burrell’s rise to fame became a rags to riches to rags story due to his waste of time and wealth with friends and family. He, like many others before, brought perplexity into his own promotion by obligating himself to bring too many familiar people with him to the top.
Listen, the over involvement of friends and family in our future is a sure recipe for sure ruin. Their unjustified inclusion is a true equation of true inequality. Their holding down positions is a hold up to our aspiring to higher heights, or just remaining at them.
Great leaders know that being great at being impartial will impart great blessings upon their great leadership. You see, great leaders don’t just lead; they are driven by the need to be just. They understand that justice doesn’t mean just us.
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
(2 Samuel 23:2-4)
Too often we think that injustice is the practice of oppressive governments and cruel dictators who deprive their people of what is justly theirs. However, we can personally be just as unjust by excluding people whom we have yet to know from having the opportunity to be a part of our success. I mean particularly when the people closest to us have demonstrated that outside of just being friends and family they just are not qualified to hold down the positions with us at the top. It may be their attitude or their aptitude that will ultimately turn what God sent to bless into a mess.
Face it; many leaders have included too many familiars with them at the top who don’t have a clue about what it takes to stay on top. Some don’t even care. They just want to get paid and then be able to say “I told you so” if success suddenly turns into failure.
Are you great at putting great people into great positions in your life without showing great unjust partiality? Well, great! Great leaders know that being great at being impartial will impart great blessings upon their great leadership. They don’t just lead; they are driven by the need to be just. They understand that justice doesn’t mean just us.
Today let’s remember the old saying: familiarity breeds contempt. It is no wonder that it was the familiar people that threatened the promotion of Joseph, Jacob, Joshua, Jeremiah and even Jesus. Listen, God is Just. He wants us to be just like Him by not allowing our favor to be forfeited by our favoritism. By doing certain people a favor we may be forfeiting ours. The hold up in our position may be linked to the familiars we have placed in position. Let’s remember:
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
(Proverbs 11:1-3)
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
(Matthew 10:37)
The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
(Isaiah 26:6-8)
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
(Micah 6:7-9)
Subject: Just A Word: Longevity
Date: March 3, 2010
There is a great boxing strategy that I don’t greatly recommend. It is continue to take blows from the opponent until he tires out. Once he is overcome by fatigue then the other boxer can pounce on him with all the strength he has kept in reserve. That is, if he is still on his feet to be able to do so. You see, the only problem with this strategy is that it can backfire. Not necessarily in the boxer’s fight, but in the boxer’s future.
Although he is considered the greatest boxer of all time many sportswriters attribute Mohammad Ali’s demise in health to this strategy. He called it the Rope a Dope. Sadly what certain kinds of dope does to a destiny boxing blows do to a brain. It can stop a person’s longevity in being able to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.
Great leaders have great plans that assure great longevity. They know that avoiding to put up a fight on the frontend may eventually land them on their back ends.
Listen, the head and the body were not created for the purpose of taking blows. Of course, it is not sensible for anyone to think that they are going to get in the ring and never get hit. But allowing yourself to be hit all of the time will knock the senses out of you.
When dealing with the advancement of the Gospel Paul understood that in order to experience effectiveness and longevity he had to be strategic.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
(I Corinthians 9:26)
The apostle was first of all stating his intention on being strategically on the offensive. But in the next verse he shows that he knew that defensively he would experience his opponent’s spiritual counterpunches of which he was going to have to be prepared to absorb.
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…
(I Corinthians 9:27)
After all, how would it look if he told everyone else how to fight and he lost his own? With this in mind he states:
lest that by any means, when I have preached to others,
I myself should be a castaway.
(I Corinthians 9:27b)
Do you have great long range goals that will produce great longevity in the long run? Well, great! Great leaders have great fight strategies that assure great longevity.
Today let’s remember, Too many people want the results of fighting without putting up one. No battle, no belt! Nevertheless, there will be no prosperity as a result of our battle if there is no sensible battle plan. Let’s pray that we don’t spend our lives taking blows without landing ones that will shorten the fight and lengthen our longevity.
Subject: Just A Word: Xfactor
Date: March 4, 2010
And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho .
(Joshua 6:24-26)
The Chicago Bulls were down in one of their infamous NBA playoff series. They were in dire need of a big shot to assure them of victory. Naturally the ball was going to be put in the hands of Michael Jordan. With just seconds on the clock the entire world expected Jordan to take the last shot. However, to everyone’s surprise Jordan quickly passed the ball to an open John Paxon. The end result was a game changing basket that promoted the Bulls to the position of champions. Although Jordan was credited with the win the relatively unknown Paxon was recognized as one of the x-factors that made victory reality.
Listen, just when outcomes seem to be predictable an x-factor has the ability to show up and change the game. An x-factor is defined as an unknown but important special property.
Great leaders know that great favor is their great x-factor. They understand that the factor of favor causes the unexpected to give birth to the unbelievable.
Great Christian leaders, coaches, counselors, councilmen, and career advisors know that no one under the sphere of their leadership is unimportant. One decision in one moment of one day can change one’s destiny, and the destiny of those around them.
There was a prostitute that had something in common with such greats as King David, the Prophet Daniel, and the Apostle Peter. She was able to change a troubled past into a triumphant future by obtaining God’s favor.
31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
(Hebrews 11:31)
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
(James 2:24-26)
Although Joshua is credited for having the leadership skill set to conqueror the land of Jericho , it was a woman who decided she wanted to be and ex-harlot that became one of his x-factor for victory. Joshua, in turn, became a physical manifestation of the favor of God in her life and her families’.
And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive,
and her father's household, and all that she had;
and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day;
because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho .
(Joshua 6:24-26)
Have you realized that God’s great favor is the great x-factor that greatly changes the game for those whom the world considers to be greatly out of it? Well, great! Great leaders know that great favor is their great x-factor. They understand that the factor of favor causes the unexpected to give birth to the unbelievable.
Today let’s remember not to judge ourselves or others to be out of the game no matter how far we seem to be behind. As Paul asked the Roman believers:
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?
To his own master he standeth or falleth.
Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
(Romans 14:3-5)
Regardless of a person’s position or reputation God’s favor can change misfortune in a moment. The world may “x” certain people out, but it doesn’t mean a thing if they have the favor of God as their x-factor.
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
(Romans 8:31)
Subject: Just A Word: Questions
Date: March 5, 2010
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing:
but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Proverbs 25:1-3
I remember being told as youngster never to question God. At the same time I was told to “…have a relationship with God.” I said to myself, “How can I have a relationship with someone without ever asking any questions?”
Maybe in context they were saying we should never oppose God’s decisions. Ok, cool. Yet at the same time too many instances in the Bible records how positive life changes can take place and have taken place when people ask God questions in light of his plans for them.
Great leaders are great at asking great questions that inspire great change.
If you have never questioned anything in life then you have done the brain that God has given you a great disservice. Even when it comes to a person’s spiritual life there should always be a hunger to go higher. Jesus put it like this:
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:5-7
If we are not hungry for God we are suggesting that we don’t need anymore of Him or what He has for us. God forbid!
Sometimes satisfaction is symptomatic of a disease called settling. That is, settling for less than God’s best for us. Often people who settle never evolve in their spiritual lives to the point that they move from glory to glory.
Many times right results are linked to having the resolve to ask the right questions that stem from right motives.
In 2 Kings chapter 7 four lepers asked the question “Why sit we here until we die?” Their questioning inspired all of them to get up; and when they did all of heaven moved with them into victory.
In Jeremiah chapter 20 the prophet questioned the effectiveness of the calling of God in his life. When God answered him he renewed his strength saying, “…His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
In Job chapter 40 and 41 God spoke to Job out of a furious whirlwind for asking unenlightened questions. However, the end result was that Job became more relational with God. It is recorded in chapter 42:5 that Job testified, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” The reward for Job’s searching out a matter concealed by his trials ended up in his greater blessings!
10And the LORD turned the captivity of Job,
when he prayed for his friends:
also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
In I Samuel 17 David asked the soldiers of Israel when their destinies were put on pause by the Philistines, “…is there not a cause?” The teenager went on to slay Goliath and years later became the king of Israel.
Are you great at asking great questions? Well, great! Great leaders are great at asking great questions that inspire great change.
What determines whether people are kingly or not isn’t discovered in their bloodlines, but in what makes their blood boil. It is their willingness to search out truth that reveals the kingliness of their character.
Today let’s remember what many of our grade school teachers told us: There is no such thing as a dumb question. There are just people too dumfounded to ask. James put it like this:
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-7
You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives,
that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4:2b, 3
Today and always let’s remember that part of the reason for prayer, in the first place, is to give us an opportunity to ask God questions. If we do so with the right motives we should not be surprised if we experience positive life changing results.
Subject: Just A Word: Kindness
Date: March 8, 2010
…neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them;
but
hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to
their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon,
gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
(Nehemiah 9:16-18)
As the king of Babylon, God used the
unwitting Nebuchadnezzar as a tool to punish disobedient nations (Jeremiah
27:8). His historic life is attested in the Bible and in other ancient writings
as one of the world’s greatest kings of all times. He even captured the children
of Israel and placed them into the cruelness of Babylonian bondage as a reward
for their rebellion against their own God. Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance was so
supreme that He had an image constructed made of gold that he commanded his
subjects to worship. Those who refused to bow before it would be burned alive.
Nevertheless, His cruelness didn’t eliminate him as a candidate for the kindness
of God.
First, God had to deal with his conceit before demonstrating His
kindness toward him. Daniel records that for a period of time the king lost his
mind.
21… he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made
like the beasts,
and his dwelling was with the wild asses:
they fed him
with grass like oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven;
(Daniel 5:21)
Amazingly, God kept his throne in place
during the time of the king’s mental distress.
till he knew that the
most high God ruled in the kingdom of men,
and that he appointeth over it
whomsoever he will.
(Daniel 5:21b)
The great
kindness of God caused a great spirit of humility to rest on him during the
second part of his reign as the king of Babylon.
Great leaders
understand that they are the recipients of God’s great kindness. They, in turn,
know the importance of demonstrating kindness toward others.
When
looking at all that God did for Israel the Psalmist wrote,
“For his merciful
kindness is great toward us. …Praise ye the LORD.”
(Psalm
117:1-2)
Likewise afterward, King Solomon said,
“Thou
hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy,
according as he
walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart
with thee;
and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast
given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
(1
Kings 3:5-7)
Listen, not only are we recipients of God’s
kindness, but we are to be receptacles through which His kindness is conveyed to
others. You see, kindness is a communicable attribute of God. In other words, it
is a characteristic that He possesses of which we as believers possess as well.
When we demonstrate kindness, one of God’s great characteristics is put on
display.
While speaking about the virtuous woman, one of the ways the
proverb writer describes her is like this:
She openeth her mouth
with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
(Proverbs
31:25-27)
Similarly, when speaking to the church the Apostle
Paul emphasized that the way believers should demonstrate the character of God
is…
“By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by
the Holy Ghost, [and] by love unfeigned”
(2 Corinthians 6:5-7)
Are you great at expressing great kindness? Well great! Maybe God is
trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders understand that they are
the recipients of God’s great kindness. Therefore, they understand the
importance of demonstrating kindness to others.
Today let’s remember,
God demonstrated His kindness to us while we were yet undeserving. How much more
should we demonstrate great kindness towards those of whom we personally feel
greatly don’t deserve it? Let’s remember we have been the recipients of His
unmerited kindness. Let’s convey to others what God has conveyed to us,
undeserved great kindness.
For the mountains shall depart, and the
hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee,
neither shall
the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
(Isaiah 54:9-11)
Subject: Just A Word: Enable
Date: March 9, 2010
20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them
depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
(Proverbs 4:20-22)
After being
selected in both the National Football League and the Major
League Baseball drafts a young athlete was forced to make a
multimillion dollar decision. Which one of his childhood
passions would he choose to play and get paid tons of money? His
resolve was to follow a tradition that he was accustomed to in
the past, playing both sports.
While playing in two pro
leagues at a time he developed some impressive stats as a
professional baseball player. Although he played nine seasons on
four different teams in the majors, his greatest successes were
experienced on the football field. In the NFL, he excelled in
multiple positions including punt returner, kick returner, wide
receiver, and especially cornerback. Throughout his career he
played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Washington Redskins, the
Baltimore Ravens, and won Super Bowls with both the San
Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys.
However, long
before the name Primetime and Deion Sanders were mentioned in
the same sentence, Primetime was sentenced to do some jail time.
Ironically, it was a sentence given to him by his mother! You
see, although he had only committed an inconsequential juvenile
offense, as guardian she decided to teach the immature Neon
Deion a lesson by leaving him in jail for a while even though
the authorities were ready to let him go. In Sander’s book,
Power, Money, and Sex, he records that her unwillingness to
allow him to drive her crazy as a youth left him with a drive to
make something out of his life by the time he became an adult. .
Great leaders are groomed by those who refuse to be great
enablers. Enabling leads to learned disability. That is, people
who could do better for themselves learn to choose not to
because they know that they have people in their lives that will
reward them regardless of whether they do good or bad.
In
the Bible, to name a few, Jezebel enabled her husband Ahab to be
a self destructive poor decision maker. Ananias and Sapphira
enabled each other to lie to the Holy Spirit agreeing to give a
half hearted offering to the church. Eli enabled his sons Hophni
and Phinehas to fornicate with the women in the church without
correction. Jeroboam’s youthful friends enabled him to be
abusive to the people that he was fortunate enough to have the
opportunity to rule. The end result for all these individuals
was that their potential success was cut short because no one
ever was able to convince them that there were no short cuts to
success.
Enabling leads to the inability of those who
have ability, to develop it. When we make excuses for the
capable we handicap their capabilities and keep them from
operating at full capacity. Look, this may sound like an awkward
statement, but too many people want to–want to but hate to have
to. We help people to become successful as leaders when we are
able to find ways to develop want to in those who can and need
to.
Are you great at making others great by not
rewarding them when they don’t put forth great effort? Well
great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader!
Other great leaders are groomed by those who refuse to be
great enablers. For they know that correction breeds direction.
Today let’s remember the old saying: Give a man a fish, you
will feed him for a day, teach him how to fish, you will feed
him for a lifetime. Let’s make sure our great effort to help
people actually empowers them, and not simply enables them. The
results could cause their primetime to last a lifetime.
Subject: Just A Word: Return
Date: March 10, 2010
7… my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
(Hosea 11:7)
It is amazing that many of those who break into the forefront of success start from a background of failure. We could go on for days talking about people who advanced from famine to fortune, from rags to riches, and from destitution to destiny.
Those who have experienced the plague of poverty and then the promotion to prosperity usually have something in common; people and principles that helped them in the first place to make to first place.
Great leaders make great returns to what made them great. They know that their future is only as bright as their commitment to the proven people and principles of their past.
Through the prophet Hosea, God reminded the notorious nation of Israel of what had made them a noteworthy great nation in the past:
1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
(Hosea 11:1)
Through Isaiah, God reminded Israel and other great nations how he even raised up Cyrus the Great of Persia to rule over other nations.
2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings?
4Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
(Isaiah 41:2, 4)
I have a question. Why does God have to remind us that He is our rhyme and reason so much? Isn’t it because when we find ourselves in turmoil at the top we tend to overlook how we got to the top in the first place?
Too often Israel looked to other gods for deliverance during times when they were comfortable or in conflict.
2 As they called them, so they went from them:
they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
(Hosea 11:2)
Look, great corporations, competitors, coaches, and congregations discover that it is not the new innovative techniques that give them their cutting edge, but it is their commitment to what made them great in the past that puts them in power positions of the present.
Listen, when Ephraim and all of Israel returned to God and the principles that He taught them, so did their prosperity.
9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee:
(Hosea 11:9)
Are you great at remaining true to the truth about what made you truly great in the past? Well, great! Great leaders make great returns to what made them great. They know that their future is only as bright as their commitment to the proven people and principles of their past.
Today let’s remember the old saying, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!” Since we are not solely responsible for our success, then let’s not walk with the kind of swagger that suggests to others that we are. Let’s not break our commitment to proven people, proven principles, and a proven God who keeps proving Himself over and over again. Let’s return.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,
even the God of our salvation. Selah.
(Psalm 68:18-20)
Subject: Just A Word: Initiative
Date: March 16, 2010
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing."
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
(Luke 23:33-35)
Upon landing on the moon July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong stepped out of his ship and said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!” Now don’t get me wrong; the initiative to walk on the moon was a giant accomplishment for mankind, no doubt. But man taking the initiative to be kind to man while walking in the earth is even more gigantic!
Look, it is inevitable! At some point on earth we are going to have an ugly, unfriendly encounter with someone. Sometimes the dispute may initially be our fault. Other times someone else may be the guilty party in initiating a display of unjustified anger toward us. Then, of course, there is the possibility of both us and the other party being wrong; God knows. But it shouldn’t stop with God knowing. It should stop by us knowing we need to be big enough to take the first and initial steps toward reconciliation.
Great leaders are great at taking the initiative to restore great relationships. They know that dealing with mankind demands a great deal of maturity in order to be kind to man.
First, we must make sure that we are not the initiators of causeless commotion. We should not be the progenitors of aimless anger. Jesus put it like this:
…whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother,
Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say,
Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:21-23
Second, we ought to be mature enough in our walk with God to understand that there are people who won’t like us and they won’t justifiably know why. This dilemma is a part of being a partaker of Christ’s suffering. As it is written,
But this cometh to pass,
that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law,
They hated me without a cause.
John 15:24-26
Listen, Jesus forgave people who didn’t ask to be forgiven. How mature is that? It takes a serious walk with God to forgive people who are CRUCIFYING you, especially without a cause.
This is the mark of a mature child of God: forgive people regardless of whether they are looking to be forgiven. This might mess with our theology a bit, but it’s obvious that He forgave us before we had the sense to ask. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. By the time a person confesses to God, Jesus has already pleaded for them to be forgiven way back on the cross. That’s intercession!
Are you becoming great at looking over the insensibility of those who have greatly offended you? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders are great at taking the initiative to restore great relationships. They know that dealing with mankind demands a great deal of maturity in order to be kind to man.
Today let’s remember, the greatest steps for mankind are the ones we take towards being kind to man. Let’s consider this question: What false friend or true enemy are you pleading the Father for like Jesus did for us?
Here’s a little homework, the next time someone “crucifies” you in public don’t wait for the pain to go away - pray for them on the spot. Jesus did! And since you are not literally being nailed to the cross grab their hands if possible and pray to the Father on their behalf. Remember, “They know not what they do.” Take the initiative.
But if ye do not forgive,
neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Mark 11:25-27
Subject: Just A Word: Nimble
Date: March 19, 2010
19The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like
hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
(Habakkuk 3:19)
There is a trend that
most people follow when they become fortunate enough to obtain
some degree of financial prosperity. They usually leave their
former environments for greener pastures.
Far be it from
me to criticize them for doing so, but I do have a word of
caution for those who do. Don't be surprised if your attempt to
move away from trouble doesn't work. Trouble has a way of
putting our addresses on its navigation system.
Listen,
the poor and the prosperous both have something in common,
trouble. Great leaders develop the great ability to stand in
places where others take great falls. They have been graced with
the ability to be nimble during times and on terrains in which
others fall short.
The prophet Habakkuk noted a time in
which Israel had become an environment in which many where
falling to a host of vices. Since God had stopped blessing them
due to their disobedience, innocent people like Habakkuk had to
suffer. The prophet poetically described Israel's plight saying:
..the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be
in the vines;
the labour of the olive shall fail, and the
fields shall yield no meat;
the flock shall be cut off
from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
(Habakkuk 3:17)
Nevertheless, during
this time spiritual and socio-economic recession his resolve
was:
18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in
the God of my salvation.
(Habakkuk 3:18)
He went on to describe that God gave him the grace be like a
sure footed animal; a hind which has the ability to climb to
higher heights even on steep and rocky terrains! In essence the
prophet was saying that God didn't change the environment for
him, God changed him to be able to stand in his environment.
Sometimes a move is necessary for advancement in life. Other
times God will give us the grace to move nimbly into greater
blessings without having to move outside of our contrary
surroundings.
Are you great at taking a great stand and
climbing to greater heights in greatly unstable evironments?
Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great
leader. Great leaders have been graced with the ability to be
nimble enough to stand in environments where others take great
falls.
Today let's remember that movie stars, managers,
moms, and men of women in every economic state can find
themselves in unstable and steep circumstances. But we must many
times make great stances in greatly contrary circumstances. We
will never be nimble enough to run away from trouble; but we can
be graced to be nimble enough to be sure footed no matter what
comes. Let's pray that we don't go through life moving around
just to be noticed. Everyone in Israel noticed the hinds because
of their ability to be nimble in places others could not. Let's
pray not to be noticed, instead, let's just pray that God causes
us to be nimble.
Subject: Just A Word: Snow-Day
Date: March 23, 2010
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel,
who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men.
He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.
1 Chronicles 11:21-23
By the time I got to school I couldn't feel my toes anymore; just a sharp tingling sensation that didn't go away until all ten of them thawed out. I was just glad to be in school after having walked several miles from my home to my school in New York.
Despite having to tread through several inches of snow and ice during the winters of both my middle and high school years, I don't remember school, or anything else for that matter, being closed down due to the weather. The only thing I remember was wishing they would close school on snowy days like they did in the south. Nevertheless, the mindset up north was if you can manage to get to the grocery store or work in the snow then it is inexcusable for kids to miss something as important as school.
Great leaders avoid making great excuses. They know that greatness is birthed when they keep moving during times when a great deal of others don’t.
Listen, there is no doubt in my mind that Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was aspiring for greatness during the reign of King David. But as busy as a king was in those days the only way an unknown person could get recognition was by performing some noteworthy act which he could place on his combat résumé and obtain audience with His Majesty.
Solomon suggested that a lazy man uses the possible presence of a roaming lion in the streets as an excuse not to come outside. As it is written:
13 The lazy person says, "There's a lion outside!
I might get killed out in the street!"
(Proverbs 22:13)
On the contrary, Benaiah saw the presence of a great lion as a great opportunity to aspire for greatness. Walton, Matthews, and Chavalas note that lion chasing was the sport of kings and heroes. The custom was to chase the lion into a pit and cast a net over him subduing him for the kill.
What made Benaiah’s exploit so outstanding was the fact that he chose his chase on a snow-day! Fighting a lion was dangerous enough without doing so while his footing would have been slippery in the southern Palestinian highlands.
In my humble opinion, Benaiah’s righteous kill on that day may not have only been for prestige, but also for purpose. You see, a loose lion nearby a city could easily prey on an unsuspecting civilian. By reducing the population of lions, neighborhoods could reduce the possibility of someone becoming the main course of the menu of the King of the Jungle. Maybe Benaiah acted on what other great leaders know: great problems can be prevented if they resist taking great comfort and instead do great combat.
Are you great and at seizing great opportunities and avoiding great excuses? Well great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders avoid making great excuses. They know that greatness is birthed when they keep moving during times when a great deal of others don’t.
Today, let’s remember that Benaiah’s exploits promoted him to the position of the body guard of king. At least one reason was because he used the presence of the lion not as an excuse, but as an opportunity. Look, the lions we kill today eliminate potential problems tomorrow and prepare us for the promotion that God has promised. Let’s not make slow days of our snow-days; at least as long as there is a threat to someone’s existence. Let’s put on our snow gear, there’s a lion to kill!
Subject: Just A Word:
Internship
Date: March 24, 2010
15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had
a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said
of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." 16 "I
cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give
Pharaoh the answer he desires."
(Genesis
41:15,16)
One of the major ways of making
our dreams come true is by helping others with theirs. The world
seems to know this principle better than many of us so-called
believers.
A young inner city kid driven by a dream was
afforded the opportunity to attend Howard University in
Washington, DC. However, his greatest lessons were learned
outside of the classroom where he spent his free time promoting
parties. Making the most of his connections he traveled
frequently between Washington to New York. Eventually he dropped
out of school in order to better focus on his self appointed
internship with New York’s Uptown Records.
Although he
was working for free his enterprising persuasiveness and passion
for his craft caused him to land deals with unknowns launching
the group Jodeci and signing Mary J. Blige. Rapidly he became an
executive at Uptown Records where he learned the ins and outs of
the music industry before developing the multi-million dollar
industry Bad Boys Entertainment.
After Grammys, MTV
awards, cologne, and a successful clothing line, Shaun P. Diddy
Combs is a modern day demonstration of how it is possible to
move from the inner city to internship, and from internship to
international phenomena. Listen, it was all started by helping
someone else with their dream.
Great leaders are first
usually great interns. They know that greatness is learned by
serving under those who are already great.
In a sense,
Moses was the intern of Pharaoh, and Joshua the intern of Moses.
Elisha the intern of Elijah, and David was the intern of Saul.
The disciples were the interns of Jesus, and Timothy the intern
of Paul. Here’s the principal: studying under success breeds
great successors.
But, even if we are not destined to be
someone’s successor we are as believers at least destined to a
success. Listen, Joseph took the down way up himself by first
having a dream, being hated for it, thrown into a pit, becoming
the servant of Potiphor, and ultimately placed into prison.
Nevertheless, his ability to literally help Pharaoh with his
dream promoted him from prisoner to the position of power he
always dreamed about.
Hey, are you willing to do a great
internship that will cause someone else’s great dream become a
great reality? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into
a great leader. Great leaders are usually great interns first.
They know that greatness is learned by serving under those who
are already great.
Today let’s remember, if we need
help we must first discover who we ought to be helping. Help
begets help; so let’s stop hoping and start helping. It may be
the first step in helping your own God given dream to become a
God granted reality.
Subject: Just A Word: Reset
Date: March 25, 2010
2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
(Psalm 62:2)
On the way out of the house this morning I noticed that what used to be a minor drip had turned into a major continuous flow in my bathroom sink. After the plumber replaced the old faucet set which had obviously been there since the house was first constructed he asked me, “Is there anything else”. I said, “Oh yeah, my garbage disposal hasn’t worked for quite some time.” Less than a minute later he called me into the kitchen to show me where the reset button was on the bottom of the unit. “It probably got too hot. I know you can’t see it but when the unit seems flooded just reach under it and press the reset.
Great leaders are great at resetting whenever they are greatly overwhelmed. They know that taking on a great deal of garbage will cause their lives to be a great mess.
Listen, everyone has a lot of garbage thrown at them at different times in their life. The question is: How are they going to dispose of it?
For the bulk of David’s kingly career he managed to stay on top of his circumstances by knowing when and how to reset.
All too often too many of us push on trying to be some kind of Superman or Wonder-woman without acknowledging where our strength comes from. Look, although he was the king, David was quick to acknowledge that he was not the King of Kings. Thus, we constantly see him throughout the scriptures imploring God for help as in Psalm 62:
…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
(Psalm 62:2)
In essence the king was saying that what he was going through was so overwhelming that he could not handle it on his own. But why am I saying this? After all, none of us has ever gotten to this point; now have we?
Listen, are you great at knowing how and when to reset? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders are great at resetting whenever they are greatly overwhelmed. They know that taking on a great deal of garbage will cause their lives to become a great mess.
Today let’s remember to acknowledge the fact that we need a higher place to reset. Too many times our days start off like this: On your mark, get set, go! Let’s change it to this: On your mark, reset, go. We don’t need to get swept away by the flood of our circumstances. Let’s make time to pray. As in my plumbing situation, it always costs to fix a flood, but it doesn’t cost a thing to reset. Let’s pray. Let’s reset.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
(Psalm 40:2)
Subject: Just A Word: Youth
Date: March 26, 2010
2 Twenty and five years old was [Hezekiah] when he began to reign;
and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem.
(2 Kings 18:2)
You may be new to it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be true to it. All too often people count themselves, or even others out of leadership roles due to their youthful age or their lack of official experience in a position.
However, if we were to tell the truth we could talk about droves of individuals who have degrees in their position, but not one degree of knowledge on how to execute their post. This fact is why we see plenty of instances in the scriptures where youth and upstarts were used by God juxtaposed those who were older and more certified to lead.
Great leaders don’t wait until they are of a great age to walk in greatness. They know that the greatest time to do something great is when they are summoned by their great God!
To name a few, David, Mary and Joseph, were mere teenagers when God favored them to emerge to the forefront. The aforementioned Hezekiah began his reign as king at the relatively young age of 25; only to be outdone by Jehoash who was only seven when he began his kingly reign.
Look, leadership starts from the heart to the head, not the head to the heart. Often God bypasses those with the right knowledge in order to train someone else younger who has the right heart. God revealed to Samuel this truth before appointing young David:
…man looketh on the outward appearance,
but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:6-8)
When John was writing the church he specifically pointed out how the young men’s strength was an important leadership quality saying:
I have written unto you, young men,
because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you,
and ye have overcome the wicked one.
(I John 2:14b)
Just as well, when Isaiah prophesied about the manifestation of the Kingdom of God he spoke of youth having authority to reign over the animal kingdom.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
and a little child shall lead them.
(Isaiah 11:5-7)
And finally, the Apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy not to feel incompetent in ministry due to his relative youthfulness. He encouraged him to fearlessly lead any age group saying:
Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
(1 Timothy 4:11-13)
Are you great at not allowing your youthfulness to be a great hindrance to your great calling? Well, great! Maybe God is making you into a great leader. Great leaders don’t wait until they are of a great age to walk in greatness. They know that the greatest time to do something great is when they are summoned by their great God!
Today let’s remember, if we hear his voice, let’s not harden our hearts. What may seem premature to us is obviously mature enough for God. Let’s not despise the call of God. Instead, let’s make sure that we conduct ourselves in such a way that no man will despise the fact that we are but youth.
Subject: Just A Word: Knowledge
Date: March 29, 2010
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:
because thou hast rejected knowledge,
I will also reject thee,
that thou shalt be no priest to me:
seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God,
I will also forget thy children.
(Hosea 4:5-7)
America is known nationally as being the world’s greatest Superpower. One reason is because of its military strength. However, it would not be as powerful a country if it were not for its intelligence organizations. The work of the CIA and FBI keeps the United States abreast of potential terrorist threats that aids its military in setting up counterattacks, special force units, and defense systems for the security of our nation.
Great leaders possess great intelligence. They understand that obtaining great intelligence is the great undertaking of that keeps them from being greatly overtaken.
Intelligence causes us to understand two things. First, it gives us insight on the composition of the enemy. Although our problems are manifested in the natural they begin from a supernatural root.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Ephesians 6:12)
Second, intelligence reveals the capabilities of the enemy who takes people without knowledge into his grasp. Paul encouraged Timothy to teach those who lack knowledge so
…that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,
who are taken captive by him at his will.
(2 Timothy 2:25-26)
Since power without intelligence leads to a downfall Peter encouraged believers to add knowledge to the power that they already possess.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue knowledge;
(2 Peter 1:4-6)
Have you realized that possessing great power demands the possession of great intelligence? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders possess great intelligence. They understand that obtaining great intelligence is the great undertaking of that keeps them from being greatly overtaken.
Today let’s remember that rejection can ultimately disqualify us from protection. That is, the rejection of knowledge. Let’s not forget the law as Hosea encouraged Israel not to. Instead let’s do as Solomon said, “…get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:6). Let’s daily gain intelligence through His word, for
…the people that doth not understand shall fall.
(Hosea 4:14)
Subject: Just A Word: Noble
Date: March 30, 2010
8 But the noble man makes noble plans,
and by noble deeds he stands.
(Isaiah 32:7-9 NIV )
Wendy’s, Burger King, McDonalds, and Hardees all have something in common. They all sell a bunch of bull, just packaged differently. They also usually exist on the same street many times located right next to each other. Although they may have tried, these restaurants have made it to the proverbial top without driving one another out of business. They did so by just taking care of their business and leaving everyone else’s alone.
As believers, making it to the top, wherever that is, has some degree of importance. But what’s more important is how we get there.
Great leaders possess great nobility. They know that great character is foundational to maintaining great success.
To be noble is to be full of great moral incentive for doing great things. It is to be driven by godly principals in planning and decision making. Noble people understand that they don’t have to pull someone’s people, plans, or projects down in order to build theirs up.
Listen, God promised to make Israel the “head and not the tail”. However, they were to do so by remaining noble to God and his principles; not by standing on their brother’s heads and by kicking their sister’s tails on their way to the top.
Noble people understand that the best way to be competitive is to compete against themselves; fixing their own flaws, and getting victory over their own vices.
Hey, are you great at aspiring for greatness without plotting against those who are attempting to do the same? Well, great! Great leaders possess great nobility. They know that having a great moral incentive is foundational to maintaining great success.
Today let’s remember, if restaurants and even many political campaigns have realized that criticizing others only causes people to question their credibility, then why shouldn’t we as believers be noble enough to judge not? Let’s be a blessing to ourselves and others by being noble. Let’s make it our business to mind our own. By doing so, when we make it to the top we may be able to stay a while. Let’s be about the business of minding our own. Let’s be noble.
7 The scoundrel's methods are wicked,
he makes up evil schemes
to destroy the poor with lies,
even when the plea of the needy is just.
8 But the noble man makes noble plans,
and by noble deeds he stands.
(Isaiah 32:7-8 NIV )
Subject: Just A Word: Kindred
Date: March 31, 2010
32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. 33 And he answered them, saying, “Who is my mother, or my brethren?” 34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, “Behold my mother and my brethren! 35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:32-35)
You have heard the old saying that “blood is thicker than water”. That may be true, but trouble can reveal that companionship is thicker than kinship. As it is written:
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:16-18)
Great leaders have great relationships with great people they are not greatly related to. They know that a great friendship can yield greater rewards than kinship.
One of the most important questions in life is not “Who is kin to us?”, but “Who is committed to us?” All too often those related to us have devastated us. Some of the worst treatment, comments, and advice many of us have received have not come from the hated but the related.
Even relatives that are not hateful may still not be very helpful. This is why the proverb writer stated:
Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
(Proverbs 27:9-11)
Jesus made sure that people could identify with him outside of his earthly genealogy. Jesus, understanding the need for people to know that their relationship with God was spiritual in nature, did no special favors for his immediate family. Instead he revealed that His favor, friendship, and kinship were with all of those who simply did the will of God.
Listen, are you great at recognizing that people who are united with your great call should be viewed as great kin? Well, great! Great leaders have great relationships with great people they are not greatly related to. They know that a great friendship can yield greater rewards than kinship.
Today let’s consider this: Is blood truly thicker than water? Listen, genes don’t necessarily protect us from jealousy. After all, the first murder recorded in the Bible was committed by a man who killed his own brother! How thick is that? Let’s be thankful for healthy kinship. But let’s be just as thankful for healthy friendship. For a true friend is true kin.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24)
Subject: Just A Word: Sacrifice
Date: April 1, 2010
He that loveth his life shall lose it;
and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
(John 12:24-26)
After multiple years of being unsuccessful in giving birth to a child, a young couple finally gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. The amazing thing about the conception was that the young couple was no longer young. In fact, the wife was 91 and her husband was 100!
One would think that after having to travel such a long road to success that God would allow the AARP lovebirds to spend their senior years without any challenges. Instead, God demanded that the boy, now a young man be offered up as a sacrifice!
Great leaders are great at making great sacrifices. They know that greatness comes when they are willing to let something else great go.
Hey, we really don’t know how great our love is for God until we are greatly challenged to give back what He gave to us. All too often people work hard to achieve their goals in life only to become bound by their success.
In order to reveal the character of Abraham God challenged Him to demonstrate that he was not in bondage to what He was blessed with. True to form, Abraham met God’s challenge head on.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son
(Hebrews 11:17)
The patriarch’s history with God gave him an astounding resolve. That is, Abraham truly believed that what he was about to give up via a sacrifice was only going to miraculously come back to him anyway!
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up,
even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
(Hebrews 11:19)
Because his love for the “Blesser” superseded his love for the blessing, Abraham not only received his son back, but he also gained a greater revelation of the heart of God.
Look, are you willing to let go of something that you love greatly in order to demonstrate your great love for God? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders are willing to make great sacrifices. They know that greatness comes when they are willing to let something else great go.
Today let’s remember, where there is no true sacrifice there will be no true success. The reason we may not be getting anything out of life is because we don’t put anything into it. Life is not about what we get, but what we give. And ironically, giving is what causes us to get. So whatever we get, let’s be sure that we are willing to give.
Let’s sacrifice.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,
cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
(Matthew 10:7-9)
Subject: Just A Word: Unique
Date: April 19, 2010
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be;
and that which is done is that which shall be done:
and there is no new thing under the sun.
(Ecclesiastes 1:8-10)
Being king helped Solomon to realize an important fact. The only thing new to life is our lives. No matter how unique we think our ideas are there is someone who has already thought it, done it, and printed a t-shirt that looks like the one we had in mind.
A great venture for our lives is not to bend ourselves out of shape trying to be unique when it is much more useful to be united. That is, united with people, plans, and purposes, that mirrors ours.
Great leaders strive to do what’s useful verses trying to do what’s unique. They understand that there is no need to reinvent the wheel, just the people that ride on them.
First of all, let’s realize there are no new problems. Everyone is faced with the same kind of temptations. The enemy may launch what we consider to be new attacks, but closer examination reveals that he is just using the same old tactics:
…the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life…”
(1 John 2:15-17)
Our temptations include at least one of these three elements. In light of this fact the Apostle Paul emphasized that we should realize that our warfare is common to others; nothing new.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(1 Corinthians 10:12-14)
Secondly, there are no new causes. Whatever new stance we take has been stood for before. Someone somewhere is already waving the same banner that we are having stitched up. It may be a different color, cloth, or characterization, but the same cause; nothing new. Even the Apostle John had to be corrected for his perception of Christian separatism. As it is written:
38 And John…saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40For he that is not against us is on our part.
(Mark 9:38-40)
Jesus also expressed His passion for spiritual unity verses uniqueness as recorded in the Gospel of John, saying:
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
(John 10:16)
Listen, as believers, the last thing we need to construct is a new denomination, we just need to make a commitment to stand up for old but true doctrine. Jude put it this way:
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(Jude 1:2-4)
Hey, have you realized that you save great energy by not trying to be greatly unique? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader! Great leaders strive to do what’s useful verses trying to do what’s unique. They understand that there is no need to reinvent the wheel, just the people that ride on them.
Today let’s remember, there are no new problems, therefore, there are no new solutions. The only way we can overcome old issues is with new attitudes. Let’s take on attitudes that unite us. Ironically, it is unity that makes believers unique.
Subject: Just A Word: Zenith
Date: April 23, 2010
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
(2 Timothy 2:18-20)
As a child I remember hearing a man saying “The quality goes in before the name goes on” at the end of each Zenith television commercial. Looking back I always felt that it was one of the greatest advertising slogans of all time, although it may not have been the catchiest. Even back then it was obvious to me that they were claiming to have produced the best product on the market from the inside out.
Great leaders can only reach their great zenith by possessing great internal qualities. They know that a great name means nothing if they don’t have great qualities to back it up.
Despite today’s fascination with extreme makeovers the fact remains that unless change takes place from the inside out then makeovers are not as extreme as they claim to be. Until we, as believers, become the best we can be both inwardly and outwardly we will have lived life short of the glory of God.
Face it, real change is an inside job. No matter what we do to the outside, it is what takes place on the inside that determines whether we will be able to stand the test of time. An inside job can only be done by someone who has the key. Thus, what happens to us internally will be determined by who or what we grant the key to our heart.
Similarly, Peter expressed that quality change is an inside job. Looking at what Jesus did on the cross and through His resurrection Peter revealed to the church that believers have been…
“given…exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature”
(2 Peter 4:1a)
Much like Zenith, God has put His very nature in us before He put His name on us. We have the potential to demonstrate the nature of God in our daily lives. Yet potential and production are two different things.
This is one of the reasons for trials. Little reveals our inward quality like outward tribulation.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
(2 Timothy 3:11-13)
Believers who have matured in exercising the nature of God demonstrate so during hard times and represent the Name well!
Are you great at representing God’s great qualities especially during great trials? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders reach their great zenith by possessing great internal qualities. They know that a great name means nothing if they don’t have great qualities to back it up.
Today let’s remember, we can’t use the name of Jesus like some kind of magic wand. We must be willing to walk in the nature of God before if we expect to continue to walk in the blessings of God. If we think that all we have now is all that God has for us then we have deceived ourselves. If we can truthfully proclaim like Paul at the end of our lives, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” then we can truly say we have reached our zenith.
Subject: Just A Word: Snares
Date: April 26, 2010
5 Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground
where no snare has been set?
Does a trap spring up from the earth
when there is nothing to catch?
(Amos 3:5)
After one of Tiger Woods' reported affairs, one of his mistresses alleged that the only thing he offered her at the end of the date was one of Subway's Five Dollar Foot-longs. Feverishly the media focused on what kind of multimillionaire buys a woman a sandwich for a night of sex? Personally I think what’s equally fascinating is what kind of woman feels comfortable using such an event as a show and tell?
Great leaders avoid great snares. They know that their great power attracts great prowlers who see them as prey for the plunder.
Just like a Tiger can be tackled, a believer can likewise fall into blunder. Despite our redemption we like anyone else have to beware of snares.
The scriptures identify various snares that can trip up the triumphant. Solomon pointed out several traps the enemy sets to snare us. I’ll line some of them up in a way that we can remember them.
The S in snare is for spiritually illegal sex. The wise king said:
“I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.”
(Ecclesiastes 7:25-27)
Let the N in snare stand for nosiness. Putting our two cents in everyone’s business can mess up our own.
A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
(Proverbs 18:6-8)
The A in snare can stand for acquisitions. It is important that we only acquire God’s wealth God’s way.
A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
(Proverbs 21:5-7)
As for the R, it can stand for reverence. It is important that we revere God more the people. Ungodly reverence for people produces ungodly results.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
(Proverbs 29:25)
Finally, the E is for expectations. It is important we are aware of our times and surroundings. If we don’t expect evil times to come we won’t be prepared to withstand and overcome them.
Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.
(Ecclesiastes 9:11-13)
Are you great at detecting the enemies’ great snares? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader! Great leaders avoid great snares. They know that their great power attracts great prowlers who see them as prey for the plunder.
Today let’s remember, in the past we may have been greatly triumphant, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get caught up in a great trap. If some of us are already caught up in a snare let’s come back to God. He will break its hold! Then we will be able to say,
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
(Psalm 124:6-8)
If some of us are not snared then let’s keep it that way. Let’s pray like David:
Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
(Psalm 141:8-10)
Subject: Just A Word: Volcanoes
Date: April 27, 2010
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
(Proverbs 29:21-23)
Today there are about 1,900 volcanoes which are considered to be active. Active simply means that they demonstrate volcanic activity levels which make them likely to explode again. Even volcanoes that are dormant (showing no signs of exploding) are likely to become active again at some point.
What’s more fascinating to me than the volcanoes themselves are the people who chose to live beside them.
Great leaders don’t become comfortable with people whose tempers are greatly volcanic. They know that their untimely eruptions don’t just affect them, but everyone around them.
Solomon warned:
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
(Proverbs 22:24,25)
People who consistently demonstrate that they cannot control their anger are walking volcanoes. Having compassion for them is great; but having companionship with them is a great headache.
You may not agree with this but in my humble opinion there is no such thing as anger management. Managing anger is like managing a volcano. There are too many factors in the Earth that are out of our control that will cause volcanoes and volcanic personalities to erupt again.
Listen, only one person can stop a volcano, God. And the only way to help volcanic people is by lovingly directing them to submit to Him. Until then appointing, or employing them may be a great mistake despite the fact that they may possess great gifts.
Are you great at partnering with people who have great temperament? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders don’t utilize people whose tempers are greatly volcanic. They know that their untimely eruptions don’t just affect them, but everyone around them.
Today let’s remember, recently a volcano erupted causing great peril for the people that lived nearby. It also stopped air travel in that region. Listen, eruptions affect the destinies of people near and far. As leaders let’s be careful not to appoint those who are explosive. And let’s make sure we are not equally as volcanic.
Subject: Just A Word: Yield
Date: May 14, 2010
24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.
25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard
(I Chronicles 11:24, 25)
Despite the fact that both Phil Jackson and Glenn Rivers were not the best players on their respective NBA franchises they have emerged as two of the top coaches in the league. They are testaments to the fact that they didn’t have to be in the forefront, they just had to be a great fifth complimentary role player to the front four.
Great leaders are great role players. They understand that leadership doesn’t mean that they have to always lead the ship. Many times they just need to yield themselves to playing a powerful role that will ensure the success of the team.
Listen, taking a secondary role doesn’t mean we have secondary significance. Too many times we fall prey to thinking that leading from the background requires us to at some point take our ground back. Forget about it! The ground we all stand on is the Lord’s. In fact:
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
(Psalm 24:1)
Face it. There are some people that possess a God given skill set that makes them great as go to persons. But don’t get it twisted. It is the people that we don’t see or pay attention to that set the stage for the opera, the circus, and even the church service to be a success.
The scripture records that Benaiah was a valiant warrior. Although his resume’ reflected the fact that he had great leadership qualities he played a secondary role to three other warriors of his day.
Nevertheless, King David saw his significance and gave him a powerful role as head of his guard. This may have not have been as popular a role as far as others were concerned, but it was his background role that kept not only David’s kingdom intact, but David’s son Solomon’s as well..
Hey, are you great at playing a significant role in the great success of others? Well great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders are great role players. They understand that leadership doesn’t mean that they have to always lead the ship. Many times they just need to yield themselves to playing a powerful role that will ensure the success of the team.
Today let’s remember, real power is in the background support.
Although it is in the background at the time, it is the sun that causes the moon to glow at night. It is only the moon’s position to its power source that causes it to have any earthly significance at all. But when the morning comes, without moving from its position, it is the sun’s time to be significant. Let’s stay in position. We’ll cause someone else to shine. We also will emerge victorious in the morning. Let’s yield.
Subject: Just A Word: Walls
Date: May 19, 2010
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
(Proverbs 25:27-28)
In antiquity one of the reasons walls were built around cities was to protect people from other ill wishing peoples. On a personal level it is important for us to have walls up in certain areas of our lives to keep malicious people from taking advantage of us. Yet if we lose control, the question is no longer “How can we protect ourselves from certain people?” but rather, “How can certain people be protected from us?”
There was a female evangelist who testified about going on a date with young gentleman. After dinner he drove them to a stop in a serene secluded area. She immediately blurted out, “Take me away from here!” “For what…?” He said, “…I’m not going to do anything to you.” She responded saying, “I’m not worried about what you might to do to me; I concerned about what I might do to you!”
Great leaders exercise great self control. They know that they must daily possess great restraint since they are just one test away from a bad testimony.
We may not want to admit it but, all of us have the potential to snap. This is a truth that Texas school teacher Sheri Davis knows too well after being caught on tape physically reprimanding a student for allegedly harassing another special needs child.
Over the previous years Sheri had won the teacher of the year award. Yet during that dreadful day Sheri explained that she was under extreme pressure due to the unruliness of multiple numbers of students; especially the one she regretfully assaulted. You see, it was state testing time and she came prepared to administer tests; but didn’t know that the students came prepared to test her.
Unfortunately, her walls were broken down that day, and she proceeded to breakdown a young man she felt at the time deserved it. She just snapped!
Now before we become over critical, let’s think back on a few times when we snapped ourselves.
In John 15:5 Jesus states:
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Nothing includes teaching.
Listen, branches that snap too easily are either connected to something dead, deprived, or dying. But the branches that snap the easiest are the ones that are not connected at all.
Snapping is an indicator of a bad connection. If we find ourselves snapping easily then it is high time we check our connection to our Source. Look, there are plenty of causes, companies, campaigns and community groups that we can easily get connected to, but the fact remains: “without Me ye can do nothing”. Without Him we are bound to snap.
Paul who himself said, “…in me dwells no good thing…” admonished the Galatians’ church to not just live in the Spirit but also walk in the Spirit. He revealed that one of the major indicators that show believers that we’re connected to God is self control.
“… the fruit of the Spirit is …self control…”
(Galatians 5:21)
Going through our days recognizing that we are branches that need to remain connected will cause us to bare the fruit which is evidence to a consistent devotional life.
Are you great at demonstrating great restraint? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders exercise great self control. They know that they must daily possess great restraint since they are just one test away from a bad testimony.
Today let’s remember, that fact that believers are called branches simply means that we are a resource, but we are not The Source. If anyone benefits from the fruit we as branches bare it is only because we have by grace remained connected to our Source.
Hey, America wouldn’t even know who Sheri Davis was had she not made a mistake. Let’s not make the mistake of judging her. Let’s pray for her, her school, and the young man she injured. By doing so we may rebuild a wall that will help them get connected, help us stay connected, and keep us all from snapping.
Subject: Just A Word: Zoo
Date: May 20, 2010
… for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
(1 Corinthians 4:8-10)
During this recession it has been amazing to see the number of businesses that have closed down. It is equally amazing to see how many businesses have actually stayed open. One of the most peculiar successful businesses in my mind is the zoo. In Alabama , for instance, the Montgomery Zoo has thrived during this time of economic turmoil. One of the reasons is because of its innovate program and wise budget cuts.
Maybe another reason why zoos like Montgomery are such a great attractions is because wildlife parks have the distinction of being able to showcase the wild in a controlled environment. Man eating gators, bears, and lions can all be viewed by people without the fear of becoming the main course.
Great leaders become accustomed to being great spectacles. They know that people are in awe of their ability to possess great power and still maintain great control.
Especially during challenging times believers standout as spectacles. Peter identified in his epistle that what makes believers so outstanding in their ability to standout in situations where the rest of the world refuses to standup. As it is written:
“Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you”
(1 Peter 4:3-5)
People watch what we do, waiting for us to go wild like the rest of the world when we are under fire. But to their amazement mature believers remain under control in their environment like a bared bear, a locked in lion, or a gated gator.
Our secret? Simply this: Galatians 5:24 states…
4 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Look, our wildlife is not just caged, it’s crucified! And there it will remain unless we painfully pull ourselves off of the cross and resurrect a wild life of ruin.
Are you comfortable with others watching you operate at full strength under full control: Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you a great leader. Great leaders become accustomed to being great spectacles. They know that people are in awe of their ability to possess great power and still maintain great control.
Today let’s remember, Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and endowment of the believer with His Holy Spirit has taken authority over the zoo in you. Believers are not just individuals who have been classically conditioned; but we are people whose spiritual condition has been classically converted so that we can go through trials with class.
Look, let those of us who are mature remain mature. Let those of us who are childish remain accountable and prayerful until we put childish things away. Let’s give the Holy Spirit full control, and let’s leave the wildlife at the zoo.
Subject: Just A Word: Justified
Date: May 24, 2010
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
(Romans 8:29-31)
Great leaders are the great recipients of great justification. They know that the only reason they are greatly qualified is because they are greatly justified.
Before we get cocky about your accomplishments we need to review what God has already accomplished on our behalf to ensure our success.
First of all, He foreknew us. Like the Apostle Paul, Peter understood this fact and addressed believers as…
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ…
(1 Peter 1:1-3)
Understanding before time how believers would react to His grace – God, secondly, predetermined a plan for our lives that when followed guarantees our ability to overcome.
It was after He already foreknew and predestined us that He followed through by, thirdly, calling us! Wow! That is, the call to conformed to the likeness of Jesus. This call inspires us to walk out God’s power of character and His passion to convert mankind to reconciliation with their creator.
Nevertheless, none of this great status would be possible without great forgiveness! No great leader greatly deserves to lead due to the great fallen state in which we were born. Therefore, Paul reminds them Roman church that “…those He called He also [fourthly] justified…”
The word justified transliterated from the Greek is the term dikaloo. It implies the fact that a person is made right with God; not by his own merit. Thus, our salvation and success is totally undeserved. This fact should inspire us to serve God and man with both a justifiable hope and genuine humility.
A re you greatly aware of the fact that your greatness linked to what was plotted out by a Great God? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader! Great leaders are the great recipients of great justification. They know that the only reason they are greatly qualified is because they are greatly justified.
Today let’s remember we were set up to be set up. That is, to be “…the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, a lender and not a borrower…” However, although we are called to be the head, let’s not let it get to our heads. It was what we God did ahead of Him calling us that has gotten us and will get us ahead. We were and are justified!
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,
and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(Romans 5:1, 2)
Subject: Just A Word: Creative
Date: May 25, 2010
…God, who quickeneth the dead,
and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
(Romans 4:16-18)
During his prime he was an All-American athlete. He won multiple letters as captain and nose guard of his varsity football team. He was a tremendous dunker on his basketball team, as well as a fascinating runner and high jumper on his track team. By the time he graduated from Madison High School in Florida he had accumulated 13 varsity letters despite the fact that Mr. Carl Joseph was born with only one leg!
Great leaders possess great creativity. They know that starting off with less doesn’t have to stop them from ending up with more.
Creativity is a communicable attribute of God. That is, it is a characteristic that our creator possesses which He expects for us to possess. Creativity is also the first characteristic that God revealed to Moses of which the patriarch recorded in Genesis:
”In the beginning God created…”
(Genesis 1:1)
As we all know, God didn’t curse the darkness, like many of us do. Instead, He turned on the light; as the old saying goes.
Look, creativity is also a characteristic that employers look for as well. In a recent Business Week article, creativity was listed as the most important characteristic that top CEOs look for when hiring and/or maintaining their staff. Hey, even according to the parable of the talents, it is a characteristic that The Top CEO looks for as well. In the parable God is portrayed as rebuking the servant who buried his talent.
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
(Matthew 23:27, 28)
Listen, are you great at producing more although you may start off with a great deal less than others? Well, great! Maybe God is trying to make you into a great leader. Great leaders possess great creativity. They know that starting off with less doesn’t have to stop them from ending up with more.
Today let’s remember, almost anyone can hold down what is; but great leaders look for other great leaders who can create what isn’t. Let’s not look at the lack of a resource as a lack of The Source. Let’s be willing to run on our last leg. Like Carl Joseph, let’s use what God left us with to push ourselves and the team to a faster pace and to higher heights. Let’s call those things that be not as though they were. Today and always, let’s be creative!
Have comments?
You can reach Glenn Usry at: forgiven77@bellsouth.net
Usher Communications © 2010
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