Leadership

Esther agrees to go to the King

Esther is unique among the books of the Bible in that it is the only book in which the Lord God of Israel is never mentioned. But you can’t read this book without seeing the Lord’s hand of providence moving in the background, preparing the way of salvation for his people. Last time …

The Order to Cross the Jordan

God had commanded Joshua in verse 9 and now in this passage the newly appointed leader, Joshua speaks to the people and the people respond to support him. Joshua first told the leaders what God had told him, then the leaders quickly passed the message to their people. There was p …

Deacons Chosen To Serve

The early church was faced with a big problem involving money (v. 1). There were two groups: the Hellenistic Jews (Greek speaking) and the Hebrew Jews (Aramaic speaking). The Hellenists said that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. Tension developed …

Restoration and Leadership

In this passage of Scripture, Christ challenges Peter to leadership. The key issue is Peter’s love for the Lord Jesus and that should be a key matter with us today. It is interesting to note that Peter had denied his Lord three times, and now the Lord asks Peter three times, …

IllustrationWhy Geese Fly in Formation

Why Geese fly in formation. Two engineers calibrated in a wind tunnel why geese fly in formation. Each goose, flapping its wings, creates an uplift for the goose that follows. The whole flock gains 71% greater flying range than if they journeyed alone. That’s why the lead …

IllustrationThe Director of a Cemetery

General John Galvin, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and Commander-in-Chief of U.S. European Command was asked what it was like to be in charge of so many and various forces. His …

IllustrationYou are the pastor

George was 28 years old, single, and still living with his parents. One Sunday morning, George told his mother he wasn’t going to church. “First,” he said, “I’’m tired. Second, the people there don’’t like me. And third, the sermons are dull.” But George’’s mo …

IllustrationThe Preacher Who Became a Funeral Director

A preacher quit the ministry after 20 years and became a funeral director. When asked why he changed, he said: “I spent 3 years trying to straighten out John and John’s still an alcoholic, then I spent 6 months trying to straighten out Susan’s marriage and she filed for divo …

IllustrationLeadership — “I am the path” (E.Stanley Jones)

E. Stanley Jones told of a missionary who lost his way in the African jungle. He could find no landmarks and the trail vanished. Eventually, stumbling on a small hut, he asked a native living …

IllustrationLeadership is Responsibility

Peter Drucker, perhaps the most noted authority on leadership in the 20th century, says; “A leader is one who has followers. An effective leader is not someone who is loved or admired. He is someone whose followers do the right thing. Popularity is not leadership, results ar …