LEADERS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

"Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright." 

Proverbs 28:16 (The Message)

People today are desperate for leaders, but they want to be influenced by someone they can trust, a person of good character. If you want to become someone who can positively influence other people:

Model consistency of character - Solid trust can only develop when people can trust you all the time

Employ honest communication - To be trustworthy, you have to be like a good musical composition: your words and music must match.

Value transparency - If you're honest with people and admit your weaknesses, they appreciate your honesty. And they are able to relate to you better.

Exemplify humility - People won't trust you if they see that you are driven by ego, jealousy, or the belief that you are better than they are.

Demonstrate your support of others - Nothing develops or displays your character better than your desire to put others first.

Fulfill your promises - One of the fastest ways to break trust with others is in failing to fulfill your commitments. – John Maxwell

This little encouragement is courtesy of Pastor Mike Wells one of our powerful LEADERS within the REFUGE Ministry.  

Mike has the daunting task of overseeing the 1^st Phase of our work.  Each week Mike is challenged with new men who are in the first steps of their journey in recovery as well as orchestrates for many their first introduction to a lasting and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.  Mike is powerful evangelist for the gospel and daily bears witness to the truth that is 2 Corinthians 5:17 (MSG) - ...anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new…

So thank you Mike for sharing today’s encouragement.

The question is are we ready to lead today? 

I say this quite a bit, people are not as interested in what we SAY as followers of Christ as much as are they in watching us DEMONSTRATE our faith. 

Folks grow tired of rhetoric. 

Folks want to see how we lead in times of adversity, pressure, or when we think “no one is watching”. 

John Wooden once remarked that “The true test of ones character is what they do when no one is watching.”

I will be “transparent”, that challenges me often!

So the encouragements for today are clear.

Will we MODEL consistency and honesty today?  Are we willing to put our character on display?  Will today be directed by a humble spirit or will personal agenda’s and pride dictate? Remember, God blesses those who are humble Matthew 5:5 (NLT). 

Will the needs of others supersede our own?(…in humility value others above yourselves Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

And lastly can we be counted on to walk in integrity?  If we promise will we deliver?

GOD HAS called us to LEAD.  

Maxwell has given us some simple steps.

The question is will we?

“Leaders instill courage in the hearts of those who follow. This rarely happens through words alone. It generally requires action.” – Andy Stanley

I love you all

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