“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy”
Power is one of the biggest idols in our world today. If you’re honest with yourself, deep down most of us crave power.
Power is one of those things that we can easily be consumed with, and when we are, we do all sorts of terrible things to gain power and keep it. We step on people. We cheat, we lie, we steal, and we turn our backs on God.
Funny thing is, God wants to give us power. Let me put it another way. God wants to exercise power through us. He doesn’t want some egotistical alpha-dog brat running around abusing power. He wants a humble servant that allows God to do amazing things through him and then turns around and gives God all the credit.
Paul prays that the Colossians are strengthened with all power. Think about that. Paul wants the Colossians to experience strength based on all of God’s power. That’s a lot of strength, and it’s available to those that will accept it for the glory of God rather than for their own empire-building.
Notice something else really cool here. Most people assume that power is used to overcome, to win, to destroy, and to lead. Paul is praying power for a different reason: endurance and patience.
Weird, right? Paul wants the Colossians to have power so they can be patient and endure what they are going through. Not to overcome it, not to destroy evil, not even to defend themselves, but to endure the hardship at hand and to be patient for God’s working.
The Christian leader does not crave power. They rely on God’s power, which He gives us freely in the Holy Spirit. We use this power not for our gain, but to strengthen us in godliness.
Christian Leadership Principle: Power is not something that we should want or use in our discretion. God exercises His power through us as He sees fit, and we are to glorify Him in it’s use.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Ephesians 3:14-21
Prayer: Father, help me not to crave power. Help me to recognize Your power and to glorify You for it. Give me your power to strengthen me for patience and endurance. In Christ’s name, amen.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Day 69: 2 Thessalonians 3:2
“and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.”
Not all have faith. We should know this, but the way we act betrays us. Why are we shocked when people do evil, wicked things? Why are we surprised when people hurt us, or mock us, or do anything bad?
Why are we even surprised when believers do dumb things?
Paul says it very clearly: “For not all have faith.”
If you’re going to be a Christian leader, one thing you will have to do is get used to the fact that unbelievers act like unbelievers. They don’t hold the same values as you and me, and they don’t think the same way as you and me. They don’t have the Holy Spirit to guide them, and they haven’t given their lives to Christ. In effect, they are still playing for the other team.
Getting mad or being shocked by the behaviors of an unbeliever isn’t something you want to do. You’ll be mad and shocked all the time. Instead, understand why people act the way they do, and remember that sin is real, and the hold of sin over people’s lives is real. Pray for people. Work with them. Love on them.
Look at the first part of this prayer. Paul is praying that we be delivered from wicked and evil people. This is the other thing about people who don’t have faith. Many times they will try to bring the faithful down. Throughout history, Christians have been the target of persecution all over the world. Sometimes the persecution is light, and sometimes it leads to death.
A Christian leader has to deal with those that don’t believe in Christ. It’s our job. We are to love and share the gospel with them. We are to heal the sick, care for the poor, and help those that are helpless. We don’t always get thanked for our efforts. Sometimes we get spit on. Sometimes we get killed.
Christian Leadership Principle: A Christian leader understands that unbelievers don’t act like believers. They understand that people who under bondage to sin will act like it. We love them anyway. We also pray to be delivered from those who seek to hurt us, all the while loving those very people and sharing the gospel with them.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 12:9-21
Prayer: Father, give me understanding. Help me to see people as You see them. Help me to understand when people do bad and harmful things, and save us from evil and wicked people. In Christ’s name, amen.
Not all have faith. We should know this, but the way we act betrays us. Why are we shocked when people do evil, wicked things? Why are we surprised when people hurt us, or mock us, or do anything bad?
Why are we even surprised when believers do dumb things?
Paul says it very clearly: “For not all have faith.”
If you’re going to be a Christian leader, one thing you will have to do is get used to the fact that unbelievers act like unbelievers. They don’t hold the same values as you and me, and they don’t think the same way as you and me. They don’t have the Holy Spirit to guide them, and they haven’t given their lives to Christ. In effect, they are still playing for the other team.
Getting mad or being shocked by the behaviors of an unbeliever isn’t something you want to do. You’ll be mad and shocked all the time. Instead, understand why people act the way they do, and remember that sin is real, and the hold of sin over people’s lives is real. Pray for people. Work with them. Love on them.
Look at the first part of this prayer. Paul is praying that we be delivered from wicked and evil people. This is the other thing about people who don’t have faith. Many times they will try to bring the faithful down. Throughout history, Christians have been the target of persecution all over the world. Sometimes the persecution is light, and sometimes it leads to death.
A Christian leader has to deal with those that don’t believe in Christ. It’s our job. We are to love and share the gospel with them. We are to heal the sick, care for the poor, and help those that are helpless. We don’t always get thanked for our efforts. Sometimes we get spit on. Sometimes we get killed.
Christian Leadership Principle: A Christian leader understands that unbelievers don’t act like believers. They understand that people who under bondage to sin will act like it. We love them anyway. We also pray to be delivered from those who seek to hurt us, all the while loving those very people and sharing the gospel with them.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 12:9-21
Prayer: Father, give me understanding. Help me to see people as You see them. Help me to understand when people do bad and harmful things, and save us from evil and wicked people. In Christ’s name, amen.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 68: Titus 1:7b
“He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,”
A while back we looked at the first part of this verse. Remember what this is; this is Paul telling Titus what makes a good elder, a leader in the church. If we were smart, and I’m hoping you are, then we would do well to look at this verse and measure ourselves by it.
Without trying to sound like a broken record, this whole verse is about a leader’s character. If you wanted to boil it down, we would probably hearken back to Luke 10 and say: “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Character is the backbone of a leader. It is the first part of a two part definition of leadership. Your leadership is dependent on your influence, and your influence is dependent on your character.
Notice the things that Paul lists here. Each of these bad character examples hurt other people to make life easier for you. Arrogance and quick-temperedness keep your feelings from getting hurt without understanding the point of view of others. You can’t think straight or minister when you’re haughty or angry.
Being a drunk may make your day easier to handle, but you tend not to do anything other than drink. No ministry gets done, and the people suffer.
Violence hurts other people for your own pleasure. A minister cannot be violent. It just doesn’t work.
Finally, a leader cannot be greedy for gain. Gain becomes your god, and you quickly concentrate on gain, rather than your Lord and Savior. Your relationships with people become a vehicle for your own gain, rather than you giving yourself away for them. Greed is the antithesis of Christ’s love.
Character matters. More than you know, it can sink you or sustain you. Paul warns us that a person with bad character cannot be allowed to lead in the church.
How is your character? Do you fit the mold that Paul sets forth in Titus as a leader? Character takes a lifetime to develop, but it is easily set back. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of Paul’s list.
Christian Leadership Principle: Godly Character is essential to leadership. Character turns into influence, which you have to have to lead.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 4:10-19
Prayer: Father, guide my character. Mold me into a greater likeness of Your Son. Guard my ways, Lord, and help me to develop my character to better serve You. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
A while back we looked at the first part of this verse. Remember what this is; this is Paul telling Titus what makes a good elder, a leader in the church. If we were smart, and I’m hoping you are, then we would do well to look at this verse and measure ourselves by it.
Without trying to sound like a broken record, this whole verse is about a leader’s character. If you wanted to boil it down, we would probably hearken back to Luke 10 and say: “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Character is the backbone of a leader. It is the first part of a two part definition of leadership. Your leadership is dependent on your influence, and your influence is dependent on your character.
Notice the things that Paul lists here. Each of these bad character examples hurt other people to make life easier for you. Arrogance and quick-temperedness keep your feelings from getting hurt without understanding the point of view of others. You can’t think straight or minister when you’re haughty or angry.
Being a drunk may make your day easier to handle, but you tend not to do anything other than drink. No ministry gets done, and the people suffer.
Violence hurts other people for your own pleasure. A minister cannot be violent. It just doesn’t work.
Finally, a leader cannot be greedy for gain. Gain becomes your god, and you quickly concentrate on gain, rather than your Lord and Savior. Your relationships with people become a vehicle for your own gain, rather than you giving yourself away for them. Greed is the antithesis of Christ’s love.
Character matters. More than you know, it can sink you or sustain you. Paul warns us that a person with bad character cannot be allowed to lead in the church.
How is your character? Do you fit the mold that Paul sets forth in Titus as a leader? Character takes a lifetime to develop, but it is easily set back. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of Paul’s list.
Christian Leadership Principle: Godly Character is essential to leadership. Character turns into influence, which you have to have to lead.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 4:10-19
Prayer: Father, guide my character. Mold me into a greater likeness of Your Son. Guard my ways, Lord, and help me to develop my character to better serve You. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 67: Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Have you ever heard words on a page described in such a way? How can words that are up to 6,000 years old be so powerful?
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, working through each author in every word. That’s what makes it so powerful. You may read another old book and be moved by the words and emotions, but only in the Bible do you have the author living inside you to teach you, convict you, and show you the ways of God.
That makes the Word of God a very powerful weapon indeed.
And why is it so powerful? Because it has power. Real power. The kind of power that can change your life and the lives of others.
So here comes the big question: Are you using this very powerful weapon?
A Christian leader should be steeped in the word. The Word of God should just ooze out of them no matter what they’re doing. Our whole life should be a testimony to the Word of God and be an example of living it’s message.
So here’s the thing: you can’t be a testimony to the word or an example of its message if you’re not reading it. You can’t just sit at church, hear a sermon, and soak this stuff up. You have to be in the word all the time.
Having a daily Bible time is a smart idea, and I’m going to bet that you find yourself bored throughout the course of the day, so use that extra time to pick up your Bible and read. Carry one with you. I prefer a pocket New Testament when I’m on the go, and they serve as a handy evangelism tool when you’re talking to somebody about Jesus.
These are the words of life that we’re talking about here, and the way that the writer of Hebrews talks about it, we shouldn’t be taking it so lightly.
Christian Leadership Principle: The Word of God is very powerful, and has real power. A Christian leader should be in the word as much as possible, learning and living it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Prayer: Father, help me to fall in love with Your word. Help me to love it and live it, soaking it up. Teach me from it. Help me to teach others. Thank You for Your Word and the power it has in my life. In Christ’s name, amen.
Have you ever heard words on a page described in such a way? How can words that are up to 6,000 years old be so powerful?
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, working through each author in every word. That’s what makes it so powerful. You may read another old book and be moved by the words and emotions, but only in the Bible do you have the author living inside you to teach you, convict you, and show you the ways of God.
That makes the Word of God a very powerful weapon indeed.
And why is it so powerful? Because it has power. Real power. The kind of power that can change your life and the lives of others.
So here comes the big question: Are you using this very powerful weapon?
A Christian leader should be steeped in the word. The Word of God should just ooze out of them no matter what they’re doing. Our whole life should be a testimony to the Word of God and be an example of living it’s message.
So here’s the thing: you can’t be a testimony to the word or an example of its message if you’re not reading it. You can’t just sit at church, hear a sermon, and soak this stuff up. You have to be in the word all the time.
Having a daily Bible time is a smart idea, and I’m going to bet that you find yourself bored throughout the course of the day, so use that extra time to pick up your Bible and read. Carry one with you. I prefer a pocket New Testament when I’m on the go, and they serve as a handy evangelism tool when you’re talking to somebody about Jesus.
These are the words of life that we’re talking about here, and the way that the writer of Hebrews talks about it, we shouldn’t be taking it so lightly.
Christian Leadership Principle: The Word of God is very powerful, and has real power. A Christian leader should be in the word as much as possible, learning and living it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Prayer: Father, help me to fall in love with Your word. Help me to love it and live it, soaking it up. Teach me from it. Help me to teach others. Thank You for Your Word and the power it has in my life. In Christ’s name, amen.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 66: 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”
Judgement is a very serious thing. Several times throughout the scripture, especially in the New Testament, that we will be judged by the same measure that we judge. A lot of people don’t understand that correctly.
What that basically means is that if we judge by a certain standard then people will hold us to that same standard. In other words, ‘what goes around comes around.’ Seems right, doesn’t it.
What Paul is saying here is something completely different. Paul is saying that if someone judges him he doesn’t take it too personally. Why? And How can we come to that same place? It seems like a good deal to me. A lot of times we spend way too much time wondering what other people think of us, our performance, our clothing, etc. Paul says “eh. I don’t care all that much.”
Paul understands that real judgment comes only from God. Someone on earth may call you a loser. So what. You’re only a loser if God says you’re a loser. Paul says he doesn’t even judge himself. That’s smart stuff. We’re nowhere close to smart enough to even pass judgment on ourselves.
This verse brings us great freedom. We can’t be truly judged by other people, or ourselves. God alone judges us. You realize what that means, right? The next time you’re down on yourself remember that God may see things different. In fact, it’s not even our place to think about it.
When someone else gets judgmental, think nothing of it, you stand or fall to God alone.
God is the ultimate judge, and He judges righteously. Neither other people or ourselves are remotely capable of that, so leave it to God.
Christian Leadership Principle: God alone judges us. We aren’t capable, and neither are other people. Don’t let them define the reality; let God do that.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 14:10-12
Prayer: Father, help me not to judge myself. Give me the wisdom to see that you alone judge righteously, and help me not to give weight to the judgment of myself or others. In Christ’s name, amen.
Judgement is a very serious thing. Several times throughout the scripture, especially in the New Testament, that we will be judged by the same measure that we judge. A lot of people don’t understand that correctly.
What that basically means is that if we judge by a certain standard then people will hold us to that same standard. In other words, ‘what goes around comes around.’ Seems right, doesn’t it.
What Paul is saying here is something completely different. Paul is saying that if someone judges him he doesn’t take it too personally. Why? And How can we come to that same place? It seems like a good deal to me. A lot of times we spend way too much time wondering what other people think of us, our performance, our clothing, etc. Paul says “eh. I don’t care all that much.”
Paul understands that real judgment comes only from God. Someone on earth may call you a loser. So what. You’re only a loser if God says you’re a loser. Paul says he doesn’t even judge himself. That’s smart stuff. We’re nowhere close to smart enough to even pass judgment on ourselves.
This verse brings us great freedom. We can’t be truly judged by other people, or ourselves. God alone judges us. You realize what that means, right? The next time you’re down on yourself remember that God may see things different. In fact, it’s not even our place to think about it.
When someone else gets judgmental, think nothing of it, you stand or fall to God alone.
God is the ultimate judge, and He judges righteously. Neither other people or ourselves are remotely capable of that, so leave it to God.
Christian Leadership Principle: God alone judges us. We aren’t capable, and neither are other people. Don’t let them define the reality; let God do that.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 14:10-12
Prayer: Father, help me not to judge myself. Give me the wisdom to see that you alone judge righteously, and help me not to give weight to the judgment of myself or others. In Christ’s name, amen.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 65: James 1:14
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
Remember last week when we were talking about temptation, and how you shouldn’t go around shaking your fist at the sky and blaming God? Well, here’s part two.
In today’s verse James explains how temptation is connected to none other than you know who. That’s right: you.
James says that temptation is a direct result of our own desires, and how we are lured and enticed by them into sinning against God.
So…what does this mean? What it means is that we can’t blame God because in the end we let ourselves be lured by our own evil, selfish desires. We can’t blame anyone but ourselves in the end, because we allow it to happen.
So how do you stop it? Well, that’s the hard part. You can’t. Not completely, and not this side of heaven. We won’t be perfect, but through God’s grace, we can sure slow temptation up. Here’s how.
Ask God to show you where your evil desires tempt you. He’ll do it. It might be painful to face, but He’ll do it.
After that, it’s a simple matter of staying away from those things that entice and tempt you to sin. Easy, right? No; easier said than done.
Pray for strength to stay away from those things that tempt you to sin. Flee from them. Don’t be surprised when you are tempted to drink when you’re standing around at a party with tons of alcohol. Don’t be surprised when you’re tempted to look at that porn site when it’s favorite on your browser.
Staying away from the things that tempt us is just smart. And as a Christian leader, you should know to stay away from the hot stove…because it will burn you.
Christian Leadership Principle: Temptation comes because we allow ourselves to be enticed by our own greed and evil desires. Stay away from those things that tempt you.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 26:11
Prayer: Father, show me where I am week in character, and where I would be tempted to disobey you. Give me strength to flee from those things and situations. In Christ’s name, amen.
Remember last week when we were talking about temptation, and how you shouldn’t go around shaking your fist at the sky and blaming God? Well, here’s part two.
In today’s verse James explains how temptation is connected to none other than you know who. That’s right: you.
James says that temptation is a direct result of our own desires, and how we are lured and enticed by them into sinning against God.
So…what does this mean? What it means is that we can’t blame God because in the end we let ourselves be lured by our own evil, selfish desires. We can’t blame anyone but ourselves in the end, because we allow it to happen.
So how do you stop it? Well, that’s the hard part. You can’t. Not completely, and not this side of heaven. We won’t be perfect, but through God’s grace, we can sure slow temptation up. Here’s how.
Ask God to show you where your evil desires tempt you. He’ll do it. It might be painful to face, but He’ll do it.
After that, it’s a simple matter of staying away from those things that entice and tempt you to sin. Easy, right? No; easier said than done.
Pray for strength to stay away from those things that tempt you to sin. Flee from them. Don’t be surprised when you are tempted to drink when you’re standing around at a party with tons of alcohol. Don’t be surprised when you’re tempted to look at that porn site when it’s favorite on your browser.
Staying away from the things that tempt us is just smart. And as a Christian leader, you should know to stay away from the hot stove…because it will burn you.
Christian Leadership Principle: Temptation comes because we allow ourselves to be enticed by our own greed and evil desires. Stay away from those things that tempt you.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 26:11
Prayer: Father, show me where I am week in character, and where I would be tempted to disobey you. Give me strength to flee from those things and situations. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 64: Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
The fact that Jesus was a carpenter is kind of amusing when you look at this scripture. In the book of Ephesians, Paul uses a lot of building metaphors to show his readers what God is doing with the church and each of us individually.
This, coupled with the fact that Jesus wielded a hammer to build, and then built His church with His blood, is amazing. Jesus has always been in the building business.
This set of verses from Ephesians 2 is one of my favorites. We, meaning you and me, are part of God’s workmanship. He is building us. This has enormous implications for every Christian, and especially you Christian leaders. God is putting you together, piece by piece, making you into what He wants you to be: Like Jesus.
If you can’t do everything you want to right now, or everything you think you should be able to do, don’t fret, and don’t get frustrated. God is building you, and he’s using everyday life to do it.
Now, if all that wasn’t enough, there’s more: We were created in Jesus for good works. We were created for good works (advancing the Kingdom of God) and are being built up by God. Notice that all this is God’s doing, and not ours? You should probably take note of that, just in case your pride has told you that you are somehow responsible for any of this.
All right, one last note on this verse, because I know we’re everywhere with this today: God prepared all of this beforehand, so that we can do them now. This is amazing. God isn’t just making this up as He goes, and He doesn’t have some recipe that He’s just following, hoping everything turns out okay.
God put all of this into motion before you were even created, and it’s just for you. He knows every hair on your head, and God has a personalized growth and good works plan just for you. He prepared it especially for you.
If that’s not encouraging, than I don’t know what is.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God is in charge of our growth as Christians and as Christian leaders. He prepared all of this before we were created and tailored it just to us.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Psalms 139
Prayer: Father, thank you for wonderfully and fearfully creating me. Thank you that you didn’t leave me on my own, but are growing me and building me into what You want me to be. In Christ’s name, amen.
The fact that Jesus was a carpenter is kind of amusing when you look at this scripture. In the book of Ephesians, Paul uses a lot of building metaphors to show his readers what God is doing with the church and each of us individually.
This, coupled with the fact that Jesus wielded a hammer to build, and then built His church with His blood, is amazing. Jesus has always been in the building business.
This set of verses from Ephesians 2 is one of my favorites. We, meaning you and me, are part of God’s workmanship. He is building us. This has enormous implications for every Christian, and especially you Christian leaders. God is putting you together, piece by piece, making you into what He wants you to be: Like Jesus.
If you can’t do everything you want to right now, or everything you think you should be able to do, don’t fret, and don’t get frustrated. God is building you, and he’s using everyday life to do it.
Now, if all that wasn’t enough, there’s more: We were created in Jesus for good works. We were created for good works (advancing the Kingdom of God) and are being built up by God. Notice that all this is God’s doing, and not ours? You should probably take note of that, just in case your pride has told you that you are somehow responsible for any of this.
All right, one last note on this verse, because I know we’re everywhere with this today: God prepared all of this beforehand, so that we can do them now. This is amazing. God isn’t just making this up as He goes, and He doesn’t have some recipe that He’s just following, hoping everything turns out okay.
God put all of this into motion before you were even created, and it’s just for you. He knows every hair on your head, and God has a personalized growth and good works plan just for you. He prepared it especially for you.
If that’s not encouraging, than I don’t know what is.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God is in charge of our growth as Christians and as Christian leaders. He prepared all of this before we were created and tailored it just to us.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Psalms 139
Prayer: Father, thank you for wonderfully and fearfully creating me. Thank you that you didn’t leave me on my own, but are growing me and building me into what You want me to be. In Christ’s name, amen.
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