How Some Try To Squelch A Dream (Gen. 37:18-28)

Read Genesis 37:18-28.

Joseph's brothers tried three approaches to eliminate his dream:  kill him (assassination), confine him (pit), sell him.  These tactics are used against "dreamers" today.

1.  Kill -- not physically, but internally.  The main weapons of assassination are gossip, lies, criticism and character generalization.  A dreamer is torn down verbally (to his face and behind his back) until he becomes a walking dead man.  He is still "there" but now he is tamed and in his "proper" place.  Respect, honor and credibility have been stripped.

2.  Confine.  This is done via the "pits" of control and threats.  A leader becomes tolerated but useless.  Everything he says or attempts is sabotaged by votes at the board meeting or influential conversations in the parking lot.  To the leader it seems someone is always watching, ready to trip him up.

3.  Sell. How is a pastor or leader "sold"?  He gets fired because hostile board members were able to convince enough members (who barely attend services or participate in the welfare of the ministry) to vote for the leader's removal.  The root of such wickedness is control.  Some people would rather remain selfish than have to change.

If you are a pastor, department head or ministry leader, you must understand that the above is what can happen to you once you announce and pursue vision.  Those who do not have a vision persecute those who do.

Preserved & Prolonged (Prov. 20:28)

Read Proverbs 20:28.

Rulers, to be successful, need both truth and mercy. It is mercy (MEV) that is mentioned twice.  I would've expected truth to be mentioned doubly. Perhaps the double mention of mercy is to remind us that leadership, while it has principles and rules, is primarily about people. Our pursuits and decisions affect people. Let's not minimize truth; rather, let us maximize mercy. To whom can you show mercy today? What will that look like?

Learning From Joseph (Psa. 105:17-19)

Read Psalm 105:17-19.

Joseph was misunderstood, misrepresented and mistreated until the day of fulfillment came.

1. Having a dream or call does not mean exemption from suffering and perseverance.
2. The way you learn to lead is by enduring hardship and remaining true to God.  Disadvantage doesn't mean disqualification.
3. Don't squander your adversity.  God deems it necessary.  To fight against His preferred method of training is to prolong both your deliverance and other people's sustenance.
4. You're not suffering for nothing.  Joseph had a dream, but did he realize the full significance of it?  You suffer for the dream so that others don't suffer during it.

The Unprofitable Servant (Mt. 25:30)

Read Matthew 25:30.

In context (Mt. 25:24-27), "unprofitable" (Mt. 25:30) is not defined by lack of results but by lack of effort.  The Master did not give this servant a trust he couldn't manage (Mt. 25:15).  What's behind the lack of effort?

• Comparison with others.  Remember, you don't have another man's assignment, gifts, perspective, history, education, etc.  Faithfulness is about implementation before it is about increase.
• A skewed perspective of the Master.  Yes, He is exacting, but He is also fair and loving. Remember, He didn't have to entrust you with anything!
• Self-pity.  Your assignment isn't as glamorous as someone else's.  You get easily discouraged and believe subconsciously that you don't deserve success.  All you can talk about are failure and hardship.
• Laziness.  The assignment becomes about preservation rather than expansion.  You get easily overwhelmed, so you pull back and keep things safe and manageable.  You enjoy talking about hard work but that's all you do -- talk.
• Suspicion of the "successful."  You think that, somehow, others are in an ideal environment or have an unfair advantage.  It is actually envy that is at work here.  Because you are envious, you won't reach out for help.

Five Essentials of Self-Leadership (Scott Hagan)

Scott Hagan presents five essentials of self-leadership.  Though his target audience is church planters, Scott's content applies to all those in Christian leadership.  You can view the 14-minute video here. Good stuff.

Unfinished Business (1 Kin. 2:5-8)

This passage occurs near the end of David's life. This is a list of his unfinished business. Live in such a way that you die without unfinished business.

1. Watch out for unrestrained zeal. That was Joab's problem. He was a pragmatist whose zeal wasn't tempered by wisdom. Wild passion makes you a loser, even if it appears temporarily you've won. Being zealous isn't the problem.  The problem is misplaced, misdirected zeal.

2. Watch out for unrestrained speech. That was Shimei's problem. Even if God had sent him to curse David, it is evident Shimei went above and beyond God's limits. He added to God's purpose and intent.  May God grant us words of grace (Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6), especially when we're called upon to confront or rebuke.  Pour water, not gasoline.

3. Watch out for insufficient kindness. Barzillai never complained David wasn't kind enough. It bothered David that he hadn't done enough. We get to where we are in life because of God's kindness and man's. You can never be thankful enough. Thankfulness is a discipline that should be constantly expressed.  Be kind (Col. 3:12; Eph. 4:32).

Are there any loose ends you need to tie up?

The Spirit of Absalom (2 Sam. 15:1-6)

The spirit of Absalom is alive and well today! It is marked by two things: (1) It secretly and systematically undermines the integrity, intent and tactics of current leadership; (2) It boldly promotes itself as a more reasonable, competent choice versus current leadership.

If you had to summarize the spirit of Absalom in one word, it would be "stealing." Absalom "stole the hearts of the people." Leaders would do well to remember the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal."

If I might recommend a resource....  A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards.

Clearing the Smogwebs

You might have heard about the smog in Beijing.  Can you imagine living in that?

There is another smog that isn't industrial.  You know it as lethargy, indifference, apathy, leaving your first love, "the blah's."  Call it what you want, leader.  You know when it has you in its death grip.  When you lead, your vision is clouded.  When you think, your conclusions are indecisive.  When you're with people, you're "there" but not present.  When you're worshiping, you're in motion but not in the Spirit.  When you relate, everything seems toxic.  When you witness or preach, there is no fire in your bones.  Let's not even talk about getting nothing from prayer or Bible reading.

If you want to escape the smog, if you want to be "Claritin clear" (Do you remember the commercial?), if you want to regain spiritual passion, go on an extended fast (Unless you've fasted three days or more, you probably don't know what I mean.).  During your fast, pray specifically that God would lift the smog (If you don't pray during the fast, all you're doing is starving yourself.).

Questions:

• What's the longest you've fasted?
• Was it long enough to experience the clarity I mentioned?
• Why not schedule your next fast right now

Why Executives Fail Miserably

People fail.  That's part of being human.  Sometimes people fail miserably.  Sometimes executives fail miserably.  Forbes Magazine recently posted a great article explaining why.  Certain factors were evident among a large spectrum of candidates.  You can read the article here.  It's titled "The Seven Habits of Spectacularly Unsuccessful Executives."

How many of the 7 apply to pastors who have failed?  What strategies or tactics should pastors implement now to prevent (or at least retard) failing miserably?


"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it." (Prov. 22:3)

The Five Responsibilities of the Pastor-Leader

This afternoon I logged in for a brief webinar with David Putman.  His subject:  "The Five Responsibilities of the Pastor-Leader."

• Personal growth
• Vision
• Communication
• Lead the team.
• Fundraising

What do you think about the list?  Did he miss anything important?  Leave a comment below or e-mail Ronedski@yahoo.com. 

Roots and Fruits (2 Kin. 19:30)

1. It is roots and fruits.  Maturity is character and competency, stability and productivity.
2. Roots precede fruits.  Competency without character won't last.
3. There are more roots than fruits.  Do you want more productivity?  Build more roots.  Strengthen your character.
4. Roots and fruits have discipline in common.  You don't accidentally extend roots or produce fruit.  Both character and competency require intentionality.  Whatever you leave to chance gets blighted.
5. Only a remnant will mature.  Not everyone takes the time or invests the discipline.  Be one of the minority.

Notes from EntreLeadership Podcast (October 9, 2012)

In the most recent episode of EntreLeadership Podcast, Chris LoCurto interviewed John C. Maxwell on the subject of personal growth.  Here are some nuggets from Maxwell.

• If you're at the head of the class, your'e in the wrong class.  Be where you can learn something.
• You will never continually grow accidentally.
• Each day you are either repairing yesterday or preparing tomorrow.  Invest more time preparing.
• A rubber band adds value only when it is stretched.  Comfort and growth aren't compatible.
• Leave your comfort zone but not your strength zone.
• Be around people who are brighter, faster, and more experienced than you.
• When you stop growing, doors stop opening.  Opportunity is proportional to growth.

More Attacks from the Opposition (Neh. 6:1-14)

When you work for God, it doesn't take much to annoy critics, skeptics and enemies.  We're now in Nehemiah chapter 6.  Three more attacks are launched.  Previous attacks are found in chapters 2, 4, 5.

1. The opposition attacked Nehemiah's momentum by suggesting an unnecessary meeting (6:1-4).  Insight #1:  Activity isn't the same as productivity.  Insight #2:  You can fill your day and get nothing important done.  Insight #3:  Say no to things that divert attention and disturb momentum.
2. The opposition attacked Nehemiah's reputation through verbal and written messages (6:5-9).  Insight #4:  When you do what God called you to do, you WILL be attacked.  Ask God for grace not to respond inappropriately.  Insight #5:  You answer to God first.
3. The opposition attacked Nehemiah's knowledge of Scripture, to see if he would self-incriminate (6:10-14).  Insight #6:  Know what the Bible says and means.  Read it regularly, systematically, throughly. 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17.

These attacks were due to Nehemiah's character and competence.  If you're never attacked, it's probably because you're content with the unimportant.  Only serious threats warrant the enemy's interference and retaliation.  Attacked?  Be encouraged.  You're doing something right!

Three Key Traits for Leaders (Neh. ch. 5)

1. Courage (5:1-13).  Stand for right.  Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.
2. Sacrifice (5:14-19).  Settle for less.  Just because something is your due doesn't mean you have to take it. Leadership is selfless.  It exists for the people's benefit, not the leader's preservation.
3. Discipline (5:16).  Stay on task.  Identify the main thing and don't get sidetracked.

Joab Isn't Listed (2 Sam. ch. 23)

In this list of great warriors and impressive accomplishments I find it interesting Joab himself is not mentioned except in the phrase, "brother of Joab."

Loyalty and passion (That was his track record.) don't make you great. At some point you have to do something -- take a risk, seize a challenge and overcome, exceed the ordinary, demonstrate determination and control. You need more than a title or position. Competence without character leaves you without a positive legacy.

Leadership Lessons from Steve Jobs

• Work hard and love what you do.
• Energetically celebrate launches and successes, then go back to work.
• Live intentionally.
• Don't give in to lazy thinking.  If it can't be done, do it anyway.  There is always a way.
• Every detail matters.  It's not right until it's right. 
• Simple is effective.
• Invest adeequate time for preparation.  Make the presentation "you," though it's not about you.
• Do your one thing consistently, passionately and excellently.

Breaking Barriers

Thoughts from Perry Noble's Leadership Podcast for April, 2011

• The secret to growth:  Listen to God and then do what He says.  Repeat.
• Discern your motive for wanting to break the next barrier.  Is it really because you want to see more people saved?
• God sends a harvest when you're ready to keep it.  Don't despise seasons of preparation.  Sometimes your current infrastructure can't handle all the success God wants to bring you.
• Before God does a great work through you, He does a great work in you.
• People won't champion a cause they can't understand.
• Your church is probably 2 to 3 changes away from doubling in size.

Observations from John 13:1-11

1. Great leaders are great servants. If you won't serve, don't even think about leadership.
2. Find the one thing not being done because it is too lowly or unglamorous; do it until someone else volunteers.
3. Beware the mental trap that suggests, "I shouldn't have to do this." Why not? Why not you? It is not a question about obligation ("I have to.") but about willingness ("Will you?").
4. Apathy isn't broken by thought or itention; apathy is only broken by action. Everyone knew the 26 feet should be washed. Everyone waited for someone to do it. Nobody moved. At least not for a while. Finally, the leader moved. Jesus became the servant. He did the job any one of the others could've done.
5. You can't wear the robe and the towel at the same time. The robe represents title, authority, position and comfort. The towel represents service, lowliness, discomfort, and humility.
6. Sometimes you don't have to create an opportunity; you just have to seize the one that is already there.

Losing Your Contribution

I don't mean you've lost your position or title, but that you're losing your impact or contribution. Others would say you're not losing it, but you've asked yourself enough questions to at least consider it.

You might be losing your contribution when...

• You're the only one who shows up for a scheduled event. This happens enough that it's a pattern.
• You're tired of having to frame something minor and make it look major just so it won't appear you're losing momentum.
• There is little excitement or support for spiritual initiatives: prayer meetings, missions giving, evangelism training, outreach events and the formation of small groups.
• The prevailing, all-too-easy solution for annoyances, grievances, mistakes or offense is for people to get up and leave: no meeting, no working it out, no conversation, no praying it through.

Questions and Considerations:

1. Are you losing your contribution?
2. If so, can it be regained? What will it take to regain your contribution?
3. Just as there is a possibility you've lost your contribution, there's an equally strong possibility you haven't. You can promote and lead, but you can't force involvement and following.