No matter the struggles or hardships that we go through we should always remember and keep in mind that our life’s example is being watched more than we can ever fully know. When we claim to be followers of Christ and doers of His commands, we hold a responsibility heavier than we often realize. What we say and do in the midst of our struggles speaks directly to the strength of our faith in the Lord. We can’t claim to have perfect peace and then murmur and complain when a tough situation comes our way. We have to be grounded in our beliefs so that we may practice what we preach. Our faith walk must line up with our life’s walk so that all who hear our profession of faith may also see our faith in action when trials or tribulations come our way. (1 Corinthians 10:6-13) (Psalm 91:2-11) (Psalm 46:1-5)

I encourage you to always be example minded. Lead others as you have been led. Encourage others as you have been encouraged. Show others that we can walk in peace despite the storms that rage all around us. When we have our eyes of faith fixed on the Lord there will be nothing that will be able to steal our joy or make us question God’s goodness, God’s mercy and God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. When we understand that our life’s testimony reflects directly upon the Lord who has graciously saved and redeemed us, I believe we will become better witnesses of His mercy and grace so that we may consciously portray our life as a light to the world that all will be drawn to and would want to emulate. Leading our life in this manner is sure to draw many to know the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 26:3-4) (Philippians 4:5-9)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to think of your life and how it can be used to be an example that others would be encouraged through.


FOUR TRAITS OF EFFECTIVE LEADERS

A young officer in the Army discovered that he had no change when he tried to buy a soft drink from a vending machine. He flagged down a passing private and asked him, “Do you have change for a dollar?”

The private said cheerfully, “I think so. Let me take a look.”

The officer drew himself up stiffly and said, “Soldier, that is no way to address a superior. We'll start all over again. Do you have change for a dollar?”

The private came to attention, saluted smartly, and said, “No, sir!”

Each of us commands some authority. There are or will be those we guide, supervise, rear, mentor or lead. Some of us will be effective and others will feel as if we're running a cemetery: we've got a lot of people under us and nobody's listening.

Much has been written and taught about leadership, but I find that at least four traits are common in all people of authority who effectively elicit cooperation and respect from those who look up to them. Whether you are a parent, whether you find yourself in the workplace, sitting on a volunteer committee or teaching some-one a new skill, these traits will help you effectively guide those who would seek to follow.

These good leaders are . . .

Listeners. They take time to listen to the suggestions and concerns of those they endeavor to lead.

Encouragers. They don't try to do it all themselves. Neither do they motivate by force or guilt. They encourage others and help bring out their best.

Assertive. They say what needs to be said without being unkind. They tell the truth as they see it, openly and frankly.

Decisive. They know what needs to be done and they make timely, even difficult decisions when necessary. But they can also take charge without running over the people in their lives.

In short, good leaders L-E-A-D!

It's said that the trouble with being a leader today is that you can't be sure whether people are following you or chasing you. But those who will develop these four traits are sure to find that their authority will be valued and respected.

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

John 13:12-17 “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, He said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus declares “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”

1 John 4:10-12 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. 


Today’s Selected Poem: BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem71.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: THE SPARROW
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony56.htm

In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry