Thursday, February 7, 2013

Leadership Perils and Insights

Leadership Perils and Insights by Keith Cook

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.:" Proverbs 3:5,6

There are many joys and rewards in being a Christian leader. Working with believers to do the work of the Lord is a joy in and of itself. Seeing people come alive as they do the will of God is so exciting. Seeing the fruit of one's labor and seeing co-workers and peers working as a team brings satisfaction and inner peace. But there are some perils that face leaders of every generation.

Some of the perils and pitfalls facing leaders include:

1. Letting need get you to focus on it over God's call
2. Letting friendship get in the way of a direct word from God
3. Taking a short cut from God's plan
4. Being set up by the devil - surviving being blindsided by co-workers, friends, Christians
5. Thinking everyone is on the same page  - how pride in work can remove light

Some of the JOYS of being a leader include:

1. Seeing someone mature and rise above others
2. Seeing someone devour the Word
3. Seeing the fruit of one's labor
4. Being able to share a Vision from God
5. Putting feet to faith and dreaming big dreams with a Vision from God

HOW TO MISS GOD

1. Listen to fame above the voice of God
2. Listen to friends above the voice of God
3. Listen to family above the voice of God
4. Listen to spouse above the voice of God

HOW TO SETTLE FOR LESS THAN GOD'S BEST

1. Go do something anyone can do
2. Go do something someone else should do
3. Go do something small when there is something grand to do
4. Being tied down with the stuff of missions, ministry or church work when God has faith works for you to do

A MAN (or Woman) OF GOD

1. Is a man of the book - the Bible
2. Is a man of prayer - takes devotional life serious
3. Is a man of action - does not just talk about it but actually does what is on his heart
4. Is a man after God's own heart - wants to glorify God in his body and through his life

Observations from years of ministry with both young and old:

1. You have not heard from God if you are not spending time in Bible Study and Prayer.
2. You have not heard from God if you are avoiding mentors in your life.
3. You have not heard from God if you are not still listening for and to His voice every moment.

Many have a thought, desire, fear, opportunity, and begin to talk and plan before they pray. They begin to plan before they get spiritual confirmation.  They run ahead of God. They get a word from God and never look back or get new light on what God has said or may be saying now.

Choose this day not to be a short sighted leader. Listen moment by moment to the voice of God. Swallow your pride, go back on the attack, get back in the battle for souls. Do the work of the evangelist in this generation.

Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will give you the heart and vision of a leader. Allow Him to mold you into a leader that will bring glory and honor to His name.

On The Go Prayer Focus: On The GoAudio Podcasts and Radio Ministries. Currently we are producing various programs which go over the internet and international airwaves. Pray that God will continue to bless the On The GoAudio Podcasts and that He will expand the listening base. Visit OnTheGo.org to hear past broadcasts.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

On The Go Daily Devotion for February 7, 2013
Brought to you each day by
On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2003, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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