Head-dibs

Sanders, J. Oswald. 2007. Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer . Chicago: Moody. “It is perhaps surprising that in the century that saw around 100 million people die because of the lunatic beliefs of political ‘leaders’, people in our time should have become obsessed with leadership and its applications in diverse fields—religious, military, political, entertainment, sport, arts and more.” (Spillane and Joullie, 2015, viii). Blackaby and Blackaby agree, indicating that “bookstore shelves overflow with leadership theories” (Blackaby and Blackaby, 2001, x). How has Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders maintained for so long in the presence of boundless leadership material? First printed in 1967, Sanders’ book is among the first in present-day literature to make an impact. The present volume under review exists as the third reprinting, last revised in 2007. Regardless of the publication date, this work has contributed to the works of many Christian ...

Nehemiah met opposition head-on, giving it no chance to get a foot-hold nor give it any room to grow. His response was swift and direct. He was able to do so because:  Nehemiah defined his mission. Nehemiah came to repair a wall. “Let us rise up and build” (2:18). When the opposition came casting doubt asking, “what is this thing that you are doing?” (2:19), he was able to answer them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build.” (2:20b) Nehemiah narrowed his focus. His critics have no heritage, right or memorial in the city (2:20c) but with a defined mission in mind, Nehemiah focused on his target and let nothing distract him from hitting it (3:1-32). Nehemiah’s focus was so narrow that he was able to name those who were rightfully there to support the mission.  Nehemiah set a guard. Nehemiah protected his workers and their work. (Neh. 4:9-23) Any difficult endeavor tends to weaken just after the half-way mark....

Daniel is the model of a leader who preserved spiritual integrity within a hostile environment. Here are some principles for strengthening spiritual leadership while serving through unstable and unfavorable circumstances: TAKE YOUR STAND : Daniel took God’s name on himself, being identified as a child of Israel (1:3). “Daniel purposed in his heart” (1:8) not to misrepresent God. He kept the 1st through 4th commandments forcibly! This is the foundation upon which the rest of his life was built. He knew what he stood for, his convictions. KNOW YOUR “WHY” : Daniel’s “why” was his love for God. This defined his values. Under pressure, he was able to lean on his “why” and not defile himself. Daniel was among those “in whom there was no blemish . . . gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand” (Daniel 1:4) which indicates he had a solid “why” to think and act as he did--his purity got him noticed. FIND YOUR PURPOSE : Only after Daniel and his friends had proven...

Solomon was seen to be a man of great wisdom and understanding (1 Kings 4:29-30) yet by the end of his life one wonders how such a man could come to such a complicated end. There are two vital observations where one would find the answer. The first observation regards Solomon directly while the second observation begins with Solomon and projects forward with a principle that any man or woman should heed. First, Solomon was untested. He “grew up in the royal palace in Jerusalem, witnessed the intrigues of his half-brothers . . . and saw his father restored from exile. He never experienced the hardship that had forged his father into a godly leader.” (Howell 2003, 102) One point of contrast regarding the handling of hardship is seen in Solomon’s father David’s quick and deep repentances against the absence of repentance in Solomon’s life altogether. Second, “wisdom is not a spiritual reservoir that guarantees spiritual success: obedience alone would secure personal and national blessing...

Saul came from a privileged background. If his life could be summed up in a word, one might choose the word “entitled.” This mindset would drive his heart away from God and would become his downfall. David, on the other hand, came from a very unassuming background. If his life could be summed up in a word, “responsible” comes to mind. While David committed sins of his own, he also took responsibility and discipline for his actions. This stands as an example to the people. An entitled man does not do this. Throughout his life, David demonstrated a pursuit of God’s heart, acting as lead-worshipper in the kingdom. David’s commendation as a leader is seen in his accomplishing everything God wanted of the nation of Israel since the Exodus, including the conquest of the land, to establish a nation who observes God’s commands (2 Samuel 7:8-11). In this sense, David meets the criteria for being the “man after God’s heart” (1 Sam 13:14), who “shares God’s heart for leading the people to obey...

FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT Samson’s “rule of life and work” (Judges 13:12) was made clear before his birth, being a dedicated Nazarite that would “begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5). No formative details of his upbringing are given except that he grew, the LORD blessed him and the Spirit of the LORD moved upon him (Judges 13:24, 25). Each time the Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson (13:25, 14:6, 14:19, 15:14 and 16:28) are the times Samson shows incredible ability. These are also the times he accomplished the LORD’s purposes for his life, reminding both Philistines and Israel that out of the decay of Philistine oppression, God will accomplish His purpose of restoring sweetness to Israel (Judges 14:14) FILLED WITH HIMSELF Samson’s leadership was marked by UNSTABLE RELATIONSHIPS, as he was often found among the Philistines with careless abandon. The LORD allowed Samson to be where he needed to be. Samson’s leadership was marked by UNREALISTIC DEMANDS...

Gideon’s story begins in Judges 6 where we hear the Angel of the LORD initiate Gideon’s leadership with “the LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor” (6:2). The LORD moves him into leadership with a simply command, “go” followed by “have I not sent you?” (6:14). Nobody speaks that way in regular conversation and reading too fast, one misses the long pause “in the white spaces” where Gideon must have stood there after the first command to go. The reluctance is profound for, after prodding (“have I not sent you?”) Gideon responds with questions and a challenge for a sign, which the Angel of the LORD delivers. Gideon’s first task at home was to lead by uprooting idolatry and instituting worship of the true and living God who fulfills His promises, resulting in a new name and public reputation for Gideon. Interesting to note that Gideon’s tearing down the altar was at night. Which means that the sacrifice burned on the new altar (at night) could be seen by anyone. Hard to hide a fire at...

While the Israelites were doing evil in the sight of the LORD, they simultaneously cried out for deliverance from the cruelties of their neighbors as well as from the iron-chariot oppression of Sisera. Deborah sat under her tree and managed the lawsuits and complaints of neighbors against neighbor so the situation with Sisera seemed to be no surprise. The moment of crisis was not sudden or unexpected but a long-standing one. Deborah speaks to Barak as if she’s had enough of evil in general, asking a question that seems to have been asked of him already but went ignored, “ Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you . . . ” (4:6) Her steady obedience stands out brightly in stark contrast against the dark disobedience of Barak and the nation of Israel. God is ready to work when somebody obeys. Barak’s response to Deborah echoes with the strains of God promising Moses that His presence will go with him and the nation, to which Moses responds “ If your presence will not go with me,...

JOSHUA PUBLICLY RECOGNIZES OBEDIENT SERVICE The tribes of Israel and their cities are set within geographical boundaries with Joshua settling a measure of dispute in the assignments (Joshua 13-21:45). Joshua has a special word for the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, noting their obedience to Moses, the servant of the Lord, as well as to himself, even keeping the LORD’s charge to them (22:2-3). There is no record that any other person or tribe received this kind of recognition in this context, but Joshua saw their long-standing obedience and made their example evident to the other tribes. JOSHUA PUBLICLY REWARDS OBEDIENT SERVICE Joshua blesses Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh (22:6-7) as he did Caleb (14:13). This blessing made these tribes conspicuous among the other tribes, especially the half tribe of Manasseh who returned to their land with the spoils of their enemies (22:8). There is no record that any other person or tribe in this context received t...

Alfred Hitchcock pioneered a filming technique called the "dolly zoom.” Focusing on character or object, this technique zooms in up-close while at the same time physically pulling the camera away. Exodus 33:7-12 feels like the Hitchcock effect. Exodus 33:7-11 zooms in on Moses, yet “all the people” and each man worshipping in his tent door (33:10) is drawn into the picture by backing out and showing where everyone is in relation to the tent of meeting. We do not hear the prayers of everyone who sought the name of the Lord (Ex 33:7); instead, Exodus 33:12-17 brings us inside, where we get to eavesdrop on one of many conversations Moses had with God. Exodus 33:12-17 gives a look at how intercession is central to Moses’ leadership. We hear Moses talking to God saying something like, “I’m not feeling very confident. I’m feeling alone here. What assurances do I have? Oh, by the way, I am leading are Your people.” At first, these words sound like Moses is talking about himself and tryi...

 "When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died: 'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."  [Genesis 50:15-21 ESV] 1. ...

The introduction to the textbook underscores the overabundance of literature available on the subject of leadership. Spillane and Joullie (2015, viii) emphasize the concern of this growing preoccupation, writing in their introduction, “It is perhaps surprising that in the century that saw around 100 million people die because of the lunatic beliefs of political ‘leaders’, people in our time should have become obsessed with leadership and its applications in diverse fields—religious, military, political, entertainment, sport, arts and more.” [1] The definition of biblical leadership on page 3 of the textbook offered for personal consideration and opinion reads as “Biblical leadership is taking the initiative to influence people to grow in holiness and to passionately promote the extension of God’s kingdom in the world.” This definition instantly reveals its objective authority, being “biblical.” Biblical leadership is not a display of raw human power or will power, subjective ratio...

(Marcus Aurelius) Take one minute to listen to Dr. Maxwell on this subject:

“Make sure you’re not made ‘Emperor,’ avoid that imperial stain. It can happen to you, so keep yourself simple, good, pure, saintly, plain, a friend of justice, God- fearing, gracious, affectionate, and strong for your proper work. Fight to remain the person that philosophy [the love of wisdom] wished to make you." (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.30) " Because I'm the (title), that's why! " is a sign that a person has lost sight of identity and purpose. Don't let success (or lack of it) influence and change your character. Pursue wisdom and make your mark on the world from the inside out.  Marcus Aurelius was hand-picked for the job of being god-among-men. He was not born into the position nor did he aspire after the title; nevertheless, his predecessor saw what he could become and Emperor he became. Marcus left the above-written note for himself as a reminder to not let it go to his head (in so many words) but to be shaped by wisdom. 

How does a shirtless dancing guy help us understand 2 Corinthians 9:2? Join us Sunday at Calvary Chapel Blythewood to find out!

Humphreys, Kent. Shepherding Horses: Understanding God’s Plan for Transforming Leaders . Oklahoma City: Lifestyle Impact Ministries, 2010 Humphreys builds this leadership book on an allegory designed to narrow the field of influence concerning leaders. He proposes that within the flock for which the pastor is responsible as shepherd, horses have infiltrated. These horses are for Humphreys symbolic of strong workplace leaders within the church--and these leaders must be tamed. Humphreys begins by asking “What did Jesus do?” as the perfect shepherd. He proposes that horses are trained when they respond to the gospel, understand God’s principles, work, reproduce and relate to the Father. He continues by building on a vision that he suggests will transform cities and churches. The principle hinges on the the way leaders are equipped as ambassadors through relationships, understanding each other contextually and affirmation. The allegory on which the premise of the book is buil...

Continuing my personal study of the life of Moses, I came across that famous moment of hesitation when he asks God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and that I would bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Interesting question. First, the question sounds philosophical, “Who am I?” Moses is an older man now, so is he really wrestling with identity? Is this mid-life crises? Perhaps there may be some allowance for this, and it may be permissible if it were not an excuse to obey God. You know, “Ok God, I worship you and all, but if you really want me to do something, I’ll be over here trying to figure out who I am.” God does not play the “I AM” game because He knows who you are and that’s enough for Him. Since He is the great “I AM,” who do you think you have to be to obey Him? The only way to answer what seems like a philosophical problem is to return to the creator who says to the one He calls, “you are not alone.” Second, the phrase, “who am I” is connected to two ...

How do you know you are "doing it right" as a leader? One way to tell is look at other leaders, such as Paul. Have you ever wondered what happened to all those churches Paul planted? Whatever became of the churches Paul wrote, such as the Corinthian church? They had so many problems. We read in 1 Corinthians the church: was divisive (chapters 1-4); had misunderstandings regarding Paul’s ministry (chapter 4); fornication was occurring (chapter 5); believers were suing one another in court (Chapter 6); sexual immorality was rampant (chapter 6); there were marital issues (chapter 7); questions about Christian liberty and idolatry (chapters 8-10); The Lord’s Supper was out of control (chapter 11) and finally, doctrinal mis-understandings needed clarification (chapter 12). So what was the outcome?Whatever happened with the Corinthians church? Well, there is another letter, a 2 Corinthians. Maybe we can find out what happened since the first letter. Here we find Paul appealing t...

Reading through Acts 7:17-29, a few thoughts come to mind. First, our present time and national circumstance is not very much unlike those of Moses’ day. National leadership is highly controversial, operating with a kind of amnesia regarding how we came to be a nation and the great men and women who got us this far. Notable leaders are not merely forgotten how they went about doing those things that made them great. There is a great reversal from the “how” (the blood, the prayers, the sweat, the tears) to the “who”, those who use immoral and unethical means to accomplish personal agenda. The Church exists in context. We are “the called out ones” within a nation of not remembering. More on this momentarily. Second, the pragmatism that drives our national direction includes atrocities such as the exposure of our children. Just as Pharaoh killed the children of Egypt, we too are a culture of infant death. Abortion has been killing children for years and presently there is great debate co...