July 17, 2011
February 12, 2010
It's Not Just What You Do, It's When You Do It
It's Not Just What You Do, It's When You Do It
Then the king said to me, "What do you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. Nehemiah 2:4
Good leaders understand that timing is everything. Nehemiah spoke to the king about Jerusalem, but not until four months after he first heard about its broken wall. He began praying about the ruined wall in December, but not until April did he approach the king about rebuilding it. What was he waiting on?
No one knows for sure, but Nehemiah might well have been waiting on:
1. His ownership of the burden and vision.
2. A foundation of prayer to be laid.
3. His own readiness with a plan.
4. The king's mental and emotional mood.
5. The season when he could move quickly.
6. A trust to deepen between him and the king.
How do you know when to move in leadership? How does asking at the right time increase your chance for success?
The Maxwell Leadership BibleDecember 30, 2009
Are You a Navigator? A Leadership Law
December 30
Are You a Navigator?
The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.
Proverbs 16:1-3
Effective leaders practice the Law of Navigation, which says that anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. The verses in Proverbs 16 remind leaders to:
- Check the source of their wisdom
- Check their motives
- Check the outcome they are pursuing
Consider five key words to understanding how God helps leaders to navigate their way through life:
- Process - God's plan usually unfolds over time. What is He revealing progressively?
- Purpose - God wants to accomplish His purposes. Why were you created?
- Potential - God will use your gifts and passion. Does this goal fit who you are?
- Prioritize - God will ask you to adjust your time and energy. What steps must you take?
- Proceed - God will eventually require you to act. When should you start?
The Maxwell Leadership Bible
December 16, 2009
Good Leaders
Good Leaders
Own Up to Their Mistakes!
And David said to God, "Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, O Lord my God, be against me and my father's house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued."
1 Chronicles 21:17
Times of failure not only reveal a leader's true character, but also present opportunities for significant leadership lessons. Following a major victory over the Philistines, King David made a major mistake. The king chose to listen to Satan, stopped trusting God for the defense of his nation, and undertook a census.
David's willingness to take responsibility for his foolish action demonstrated his depth of character. He repented and accepted punishment from the hand of God, trusting in the grace of God. Even so, David's error snuffed out the lives of seventy thousand Israelites. When leaders mess up, many people suffer.
Many leaders attempt to hide failures, blame others, or run from God. But David admitted his failure and repented. Although he faced many difficulties, David worked to restore his relationship with God and did whatever he could to minimize the consequences of his failure in the lives of others.The Maxwell Leadership Bible
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