Leadership that Matters: The Power of Vision, Purpose and Example

Leadership is a vital aspect of any organization, community or group. It involves the ability to guide, direct and inspire others towards a common goal and purpose. According to Lord Montgomery, leadership is the capability and will to rally people to a common purpose and character with a divine confidence.

Leadership incorporates a clear purpose and vision, which is the fuel for inspiration and mobilization. Without a vision, leadership is impossible. Proverbs 29:19 reminds us that "A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond." Therefore, a leader must have a clear vision of where they are leading their followers in order to generate passion for accomplishment.

Leadership is by example. The rise and fall of anything begins with the leader. Therefore, a leader must lead by example and set the standard for their followers to follow. Psalms 55:11-14 reminds us that "11 Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. 12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of GOD."

Leadership is not just about the leader, but also about the people they are leading. Leaders don’t fail on their own, people make them fail. A leader must be able to influence, inspire, rally, direct, encourage, motivate, induce, mobilize, and activate others to pursue a common goal and purpose while maintaining mentor, confidence and courage.

Mindful and Healthy: How to Keep Your Mind in Tune with God

Keeping our mind healthy is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. There are several ways we can do this, including:

1. Meditating on the word of God: This involves reading, studying and reflecting on the Bible and its teachings. When we fill our minds with the word of God, we are able to align our thoughts and actions with His will and purpose.

2. Confessing God's word loudly: This involves speaking the word of God out loud, rather than just reading or thinking about it. When we confess God's word, we are declaring it over ourselves and our circumstances, which helps to renew our minds and align them with God's truth.

3. Walking in the conscious of God's presence: This involves being mindful of God's presence in our lives and allowing it to guide and direct us. When we are aware of God's presence, we are able to trust in His guidance and protection.

4. Being conscious of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is always with us, and by being aware of His presence, we are able to receive His guidance and direction.

5. Walking in the fear of God through saying no to sin: The fear of God is a healthy fear that helps us to stay away from sin and align our lives with God's will. When we say no to sin, we are able to maintain a clear conscience and a healthy mind.

All these tips aligns with Philippians 4:8 which says "Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things."

The Path to Maturity: Understanding the Four Keys of Christian Spiritual Growth

Are you looking to deepen your faith and experience Christian spiritual growth? Look no further than Matthew 5 in the Bible, also known as the Sermon on the Mount. In this passage, Jesus lays out the characteristics of those who are blessed by God, also known as the Beatitudes. Here, we will highlight four key points from the Beatitudes that can help you on your journey towards spiritual maturity.

1. Embrace mourning: In Matthew 5:4, Jesus says "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." This passage deals with the emotional pain we all experience and reminds us that when we feel broken, we can turn to God for comfort. When a storm hits, it's important to remember to run to God instead of relying on external sources to soothe our pain.

2. Hunger for righteousness: In Matthew 5:6, Jesus says "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." This verse emphasizes the importance of having a deep desire to please God and to be like Him. This is true humility and is the primary requirement for being a mature Christian.

3. Be a peacemaker: In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." As a child of God, it is our responsibility to work towards unity and to bring others together. Being a peacemaker doesn't mean being passive or weak, it means avoiding things that divide God's people and instead striving to bring them together.

4. Stand for Christ: In Matthew 5:10, Jesus says "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." In today's society, it can be easy to shy away from sharing our beliefs in fear of persecution. However, as we deepen our faith and experience spiritual growth, we learn to be bold and stand up for Jesus, even in the face of opposition.

By embracing mourning, hungering for righteousness, being a peacemaker, and standing for Christ, we can continue to grow in our faith and become more like the blessed individuals described in the Beatitudes. Remember to always turn to God in times of need, to constantly strive for a deeper understanding of His love and to always stand for righteousness

Seeking God's Will in Decision Making: A Bible-Based Guide

Making decisions can be difficult, but when we trust in God and seek His guidance, the process becomes much easier. Here are some steps to help you make decisions that align with God's will:

1. Begin with prayer - Start by committing the decision to prayer and framing your attitude in trust and obedience. Remember that God has your best interest in mind, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

2. Define the decision - Determine if the decision involves a moral or non-moral area. If it's a moral area, you will likely find clear direction in God's Word. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

3. Be ready to accept and obey God's answer - Make sure your will is fully submitted to God's, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

4. Exercise faith - Remember that decision making is a process that takes time and requires faith, as stated in Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

5. Seek concrete direction - Gather information by researching what the Bible says about the situation and gaining practical and personal knowledge.

6. Obtain counsel - In difficult decisions it's wise to get spiritual and practical counsel from the godly leaders in your life. A pastor, elder, parent, or simply a mature believer can often contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to hear. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)

7. Make a list - First write down the priorities you believe God would have in your situation. These are not the things that are important to you, but rather the things that are most important to God in this decision. Will the outcome of your decision draw you closer to God? Will it glorify him in your life? How will it impact those around you?

8. Weigh the decision - Make a list of the pros and cons connected with the decision. You may find that something on your list clearly violates the revealed will of God in his Word. If so, you have your answer. This is not his will. If not, then you now have a realistic picture of your options to help you make a responsible decision.

9. Choose your spiritual priorities - By this time you should have enough information to establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Ask yourself which decision best satisfies those priorities? If more than one option will fulfill your established priorities, then choose the one which is your strongest desire! Sometimes God gives you a choice. In this case there is no right and wrong decision, but rather a freedom from God to choose, based on your preferences. Both options are within God's perfect will for your life and both will lead to the fulfillment of God's purpose for your life.

10. Act on your decision - If you have arrived at your decision with the sincere intention of pleasing the heart of God, incorporating biblical principles and wise counsel, you can proceed with confidence knowing that God will work out his purposes through your decision. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

Wisdom: The Key to Prosperity and Good Success

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge correctly, and divine wisdom is the correct application of the knowledge of God. Knowledge, on the other hand, is simply having correct information. It's important to remember that knowledge doesn't become wisdom until it is applied.

When it comes to the importance of wisdom, it's a crucial aspect of life. Proverbs 4:7-21 states that wisdom is the principle subject of life and that you can't live longer than your wisdom. Here are some other important points to consider:

1. Wisdom has many different aspects or facets. In Ephesians 3:10, it states that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God is made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

2. Wisdom can act as a weapon for protection. Ecclesiastes 9:18 states that wisdom is better than weapons of war, because even one sinner can destroy much good.

3. Wisdom is necessary for reigning or ruling. Revelation 5:7 states that the one who is seated on the throne holds the scroll, indicating that wisdom is necessary for leadership.

4. Wisdom allows us to shine. Daniel 12:3 states that those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the sky above, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever and ever.

5. Wisdom is better than weapons of war. Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 states that the words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools, and that wisdom is better than weapons of war, because one sinner can destroy much good