Archive for February, 2010

Most folks find themselves in some type of leadership role – and the vast majority are unprepared to offer guidance. As a leader, your words are powerful and have life-altering ramifications. It is your duty to insure these words have impact – for all the right reasons.

Everyone needs a cheerleader to urge them on, motivate them to be the best they can be, and to energize them to develop to their fullest potential. Encouragement is one of a leader’s primary roles.

Leaders who cheer others on leave an indelible mark in the lives they touch as they serve as mentor, teacher, trainer, guide, and confidant. Words of encouragement have the power to alter outcomes and rise above the day-to-day pressures of this world.

The apostle Paul wrote a note of encouragement to the people he led in a small coastal town and those words still inspire faith and hope in those who read them. “I thank my God every time I remember you” and later, “I have you in my heart.” [Philippians 1:3, 7] Paul’s words possessed the ability to spur teammates on to offer their best efforts. Those words still echo the same motivation to folks today.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Lord, May all of our efforts and encouragement to others have their beginning in You - - and may they be brought to completion by Your will. Amen.

I love you!

Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale

Jesus and His disciples knew the value of unity. While He was preparing His ministry, Jesus selected twelve interns to travel with Him and share in all His experiences. Twelve teammates – with unique personalities, customs, professions, dispositions, social status - - united in love and allegiance to Jesus [and the heavenly Father He informed them of]. In partnership, they journeyed the countryside impacting lives in every location they visited.

Early followers came together in order to receive encouragement and strength during a time of persecution and great hardship. The teammates were weak and vulnerable on their own, but together they were strong. United they were able. United they brought hope to those that were without hope. United they performed miracles [demonstrating God’s power] as they shared selflessly.

The principle of unity is still very important today. As we gather with other ‘teammates’, there must be a commitment to spend time together, listen to one another, and energize each other as we work together for the common good.

Unity is a component of our spiritual health that is similar to our physical health. A good diet and regular exercise lend themselves to a healthy body. In the same way, a steady diet of God’s Word and exercise in the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, fellowship - - lend themselves to a growing unity with God and our teammates. To stay healthy – we must work at it. At the beginning, development seems attractive and exciting. But we soon realize that work is involved and we are tempted to slow down or look for short cuts. We must remain mindful that the benefits of unity far outweigh our momentary inconveniences.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12

Dear Lord,
Help us remember that in Your world, relationships and unity are not everything; they are the only things. Help us remember that one’s net worth is determined by our heart’s work, especially with others - - in Your name. Amen.

I love you!

Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale