Life can be very rewarding and fulfilling. It can also be very difficult at times. Two of the hardest things to do are handling criticism and confronting people, not that we should love confronting people (!) but learning how to do so in a loving manner. The apostle Paul once wrote in Ephesians 4:15 that one … Continue reading The Art of Loving Confrontation
Think Win/Win
In his best selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey noted that when it comes to healthy relationships, mature people think “win/win”. Win/Win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all situations, agreements and solutions. With a Win/Win solution, all parties feel good about the … Continue reading Think Win/Win
Navigating Transitions
At a recent conference, I shared a message about "Navigating Transitions". Here is a summary of the main insights I shared: 1. Trust God for the Future. Life is a journey with many seasons. We can have a sense of where we have come from, where we are now and where we are going. Seasons … Continue reading Navigating Transitions
The Power of Priorities
“Most major goals are not achieved because we spend time doing second things first.” Robert J McKain “You cannot overestimate the unimportance of practically everything.” John Maxwell “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” William James. Knowing what is important (our priorities) and focusing our time and efforts on … Continue reading The Power of Priorities
First Things First
Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you (Jesus). Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least. Good is the enemy of best. Establishing priorities is essential to life and ministry effectiveness. Not every task or project is created equal. The … Continue reading First Things First
Jesus’ Preparation for Ministry
At the age of 30 (Luke 3:23), Jesus began turning his attention towards his ministry to the people His Father had sent him to. Jesus’ preparation for ministry included his baptism in water (Luke 3:21-23), his relationship with his Father, the empowerment of the Spirit (Luke 4:1-2), and his defeat of the devil and his … Continue reading Jesus’ Preparation for Ministry
What Leaders Do
Last Thursday night, we had our first All Leader's Summit at CityLife Church. It's always good to get tighter with such an enthusiastic and committed group of people, who help care for our congregation and lead our various ministries. At the meeting, I took some time to review what it is that leaders actually do. … Continue reading What Leaders Do
The Power of Focus
Proverbs 4:25-27 says (Message Bible translation): Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. Here is some good and helpful advice for life: 1. Look straight ahead. We need to have a … Continue reading The Power of Focus
How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.5)
5. Believe that God is with you. Joshua 1:5, 9. “I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you … God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Joshua was promised God's constant, personal, un-ending presence - “I will be with you; I won’t give up on you, … Continue reading How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.5)
How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.4)
4. Don’t walk alone. Joshua 1:2. “Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people.” Joshua's journey was not a solitary journey. It was a community walking together. Joshua was moving forward with the elders, the leadership community, and all of Israel. He challenged them to help each other (Joshua 1:12-15). They were to stick together. … Continue reading How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.4)
How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.3)
3. Follow God’s instructions. Joshua 1:8. “Don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed." God have given Moses the ‘book of the law’ to … Continue reading How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.3)
How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.2)
2. Face your challenges. Joshua 1:6, 9. “Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors … Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged.” God said to Joshua three times, “Be strong & courageous!” He must have known that challenges were ahead - … Continue reading How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.2)
How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.1)
Last night at our church leader's meeting, I shared some thoughts from the life of Joshua as an encouragement for us to be courageous leaders today. Here is a summay: Joshua 1:1-9. After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses ‘assistant: "Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross … Continue reading How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.1)
A Call to Courage
The apostle Paul finished his letter to the church at Corinth, which was facing many challenges at the time, both internally and externally ... "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." 1 Corinthians. 15:58. NLT … Continue reading A Call to Courage
Halftime Australia
Only one hunderd years ago the average human life span was less than 50 years. Today, we are one of the first generations to live long enough to have two considerably lengthy halves of life. Even at the age of 50, although you will have already had 30 years of work and contribution, you have … Continue reading Halftime Australia