Discerning God’s Will March 19, 2012
Posted by marcday in Biblical Life-Coaching, Counseling, Growth, Leadership, New Life, Wisdom.add a comment
Christian leaders desire to understand and follow God’s will in all aspects of their life. I recently taught on this subject and have included some of the notes below. Perhaps these thoughts will help you discern God’s will for an important decision in your life.
Key Thought: Our obedience to God is NOT simply the fulfillment of duty. It is the avenue through which we 1) experience personal joy (John 13.17), 2) please God (1 John 3.22), and 3) express our love for Him (John 14.1, 21, 23). It is God’s desire that we learn and do His will for us (Col. 1.9; Eph. 5.17).
Heart ___PREPARATION___
1. We must be completely _SUBMITTED_ to God (Prov. 23.26: Eph. 5.18; Rom. 12.1).
2. We must be __WILLING__ to do His will, whatever this may be (Rom. 12.2).
3. We must deal with any known ___SIN___ in our lives (Rev. 2.5; 1 John 1.9).
4. We must __ASK__ God to show us His will (James 4.2).
God’s Perceptive (Revealed) Will
This concerns God’s will for us as described or commanded in the Scriptures. Christians should give special attention to the New Testament, since this portion of the Bible reveals the Lord’s will for His people during the present time. While all the Bible is profitable for us (2 Tim. 3.16-17), it is not all directed to us (e.g., sacrificial ritual of Mosaic law). God has not given us specific direction for every matter of daily conduct. He has left it to us to discern the rightness of those things that are not specifically dealt with in the Scriptures. The following guiding questions can help us in the discernment process.
Questions to Ask: Relating to God
1. Will this action __GLORIFY__ God (1 Cor. 10.31; Phil. 1.11; 1Peter 4.1; Matt. 5.16)?
2. Can I do this by ___FAITH___ in God (Gal. 2.20)?
3. Can I do this in the Lord’s ___NAME___ (Col. 3.17)?
Questions to Ask: Relating to Other People
Expressions of Christ’s love that governs our relationships with other people, whether they are saved or unsaved (John 13.34-35; Rom. 13.8-10; Gal. 5.13; 1 John 3.23; Matt. 5.44).
1. Will this action cause others to ___STUMBLE___ (1 Cor. 8.9, 13; 9.19-23; 10.24-29, 32; 1 Peter 2.12)?
2. Will this action promote the ___WELL-BEING___ of others (1 Cor. 8.1; 9.19-23; 13.4-7; 10.23-33; 14.26; Rom. 13.10)?
Questions to Ask: Relating to Ourselves
1. What effect will this action have on my ___BODY___ and ___MIND___ (Rom. 6.12-13; 1 Cor. 6.12-15, 18-20; 1 Thess. 4.3-7)?
2. What effect will this action have on my ___SPIRITUAL___ life (1 Peter 2.1-2; 2 Peter 3.17-18)?
- Will this action decrease my love for God (1 John 2.15)?
- Will this disrupt my fellowship with God (1 John 1.5-7)?
- Will it dull my appetite for His Word, prayer, worship, fellowship, and Christian ministry (1 Peter 2.1-2)?
- Does it conflict with my conscience (Rom. 14.5, 23)?
- Will it tarnish my Christian life and testimony (1 Tim. 4.12; 2 Tim. 2.22)
God’s Selective Will
This concerns God’s will for us in our choice of ___ALLOWABLE___ options, as in the selection of a school or in the purchase of a car. We must consider options and select the most suitable one according to our needs, interests, health, financial state, purpose, or circumstances. Then we must analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this option and decide whether or not it is best for us.
- We must ___EVALUATE___ this selected option in the light of God’s indicators.
- The teachings of Scripture and the impressions of the Holy Spirit through prayer and meditation on the Word.
- Our circumstances: Is it possible to pursue this option at this time?
- We should avoid considering more than one option at a time, for this can be confusing and misleading.
God’s Commitment Will
This consists of our fulfilling ___PREVIOUS___ commitments, promises, or obligations (Eccl. 5.4-5; 2 Cor. 8.10-11).
God’s Practical Will
Having asked the Holy Spirit for direction, we should do what appears to be the most ___REASONABLE___ thing in our circumstances (“common sense”; exercising sound judgment).
Leadership: Conquering Temptation March 1, 2012
Posted by marcday in Addictions, Anger, Audio, Biblical Life-Coaching, Counseling, Growth, Jesus, Leadership, New Life, Temptation, Wisdom.add a comment
All leaders share in a common battle against temptation. Some leaders engage in this battle under their own strength, but spiritual leaders use the resources offered in Scripture. Leaders can be tempted with pride, arrogance, greed, sex, power, wealth, compromise, influence, control, and more. Leaders who are truly successful (in leading themselves, their family, a group, or an organization) are competent in battling temptation. Their competence is rooted in a close connection with Jesus Christ–the vine of John 15.1-11. I recently spoke on this subject and have included the audio recording (above) a summary outline (below). I hope this helps you, the reader, be a stronger leader.
1. Realize that your __BATTLE__ is not against “flesh and blood” but against the spirit world and evil forces.
Eph. 6.12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” All of life is spiritual. Spiritual influences impact very joy, every conflict, every success, and every failure.
2. Believe (trust) that Satan’s power in any specific area can be __BROKEN__.
Acts 26.18: “… to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” – Jesus speaking at the Apostle Paul’s conversion.
Eph. 6.16: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
3. Utilize the powerful spiritual __WEAPONS__ given to you by God for the destruction of Satan’s power.
2 Cor. 10.3-5: “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”
1 Thess. 5.8: “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”
4. Stand firm by believing in the __NAME__ of Jesus.
Believing in the name of Jesus is a strong agreement and alignment with all that Jesus Christ represents: his absolute eternal authority over all things (Matt. 28.18), his absolute love for and commitment to his followers (John 17.19), his absolute perfection (1 John 3.5). [see Acts 16.16-18]
5. Stand firm by __OBEYING__ Scripture and talking __WITH__ God.
Eph. 6.17-18: “…and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
6. Stay firmly __COMMITTED__ to God’s truth and God-minded living.
Rom. 12.1-2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Eph. 6.14: “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…”
7. __TELL__ others __YOUR__ good news (gospel) about Jesus Christ.
Rom. 1.16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
8. __PRAY__ in the Spirit at all times.
Eph. 6.18: “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (1 Thess. 5.17)
Matt. 6.9-13: ““Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread, 12and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
9. Fight for __MORAL__ purity by putting God first (love) – not the world.
1 Cor. 10. 12-13: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (also 1 John 2.15-17)
Ten High-Risk Responses February 29, 2012
Posted by marcday in Biblical Life-Coaching, Communication, Growth, Peacemaking.add a comment
If you are wrestling with a difficult conversation, you need to be aware of ten high-risk responses that negatively impact progress towards a resolution. Try to stay away from these responses and watch your conversations improve.
1. Criticizing: Many people (supervisors, parents) think they must criticize if others are to improve. For them, criticism is a way of life. The problem is that no one likes to be criticized. Effective communication uses more productive approaches in guiding others.
2. Labeling: We live in a world of labels. If we can label the problem then we can fix it; so the thinking goes. If we label the person (derogatory names) then we can change or at least marginalize that person. Labeling prevents us from getting to know other individuals. They are no longer a person—just a “type.”
3. Diagnosing: Instead of listening, some people try to play emotional detective as they probe for hidden motives. Communication is eroded when one person diagnoses another and their so-called “problem” – especially when they lack expertise in the area in which they are offering a diagnosis.
4. Manipulative Praise: Praise is sometimes used as a gimmick to try to get people to change their behavior. When those with ulterior motives offer praise, there is often resentment of the effort to control or manipulate the person or the situation.
5. Ordering: An order is a solution to a problem that is sent coercively and backed by force. Coercion often results in resistance and resentment. Orders indicate that the other person’s judgment is unsound.
6. Threatening: Threats produce the kind of results that are produced by ordering others. A threat emphasizes punishment if the proposed solution is not implemented.
7. Moralizing: Moralizing is an attempt to support ideas with the force of social, moral, or theological authority. The words “should” or “ought” are often said or implied in moralizing statements. Direct scriptural teaching is always appropriate and is different than moralizing. Moralizing takes fallible human ideas and wraps them in a false sense of righteousness.
8. Excessive Questioning: Good questions have an important place in effective communication. However, some people ask questions constantly, turning a once-pleasant conversation into something that feels like a one-way interrogation. As the conversation “collapses” these excessive questioners ask more questions and further obstruct good communication. They have no sense of conversational dynamics. Of course, asking the occasional open-ended question is good but a steady stream of questioning gives the impression that one person is trying to manipulate the other.
9. Advising: Advice-giving is rarely helpful. Helping others “discover” truth is much more constructive. Offering guidance that is solidly grounded in Scripture is always good. However, much advice-giving is not Scripture-based and comes with a tone that implies the other person lacks the capacity to understand and overcome his or her problem. Further, many advice givers fail to fully understand the complexity of the problem. Consequently, they may offer advice that is actually inappropriate for a particular individual and his or her unique situation.
10. Diverting: Switching a conversation from the other person’s concerns to your own topic is called diverting. Many people dislike talking about heart issues such as affection, anger, conflict, and death. When these topics are being discussed they will divert the conversation to a topic that is more comfortable for them. At other times people will divert the conversation because of their own self-interest; lacking the social awareness and skills to listen effectively.
Ten Qualities of Biblical Leadership February 28, 2012
Posted by marcday in Jesus, Leadership, Uncategorized, Wisdom.add a comment
Leadership traits, qualities, and foibles can be observed on almost every page of Scripture. The essential difference between good and bad leaders in Scripture is that good leaders have God’s purposes foremost in their minds. Jesus himself is portrayed as the preeminent model of a leader, which in itself establishes the necessity of leadership from a biblical point of view. In the leadership of Jesus, Moses, Paul and others we find an unshakable devotion to God and His purposes. The character qualities of a leader who is passionate for God’s purposes may be difficult to uncover but can be discerned upon close inspection. I have observed in Scripture ten character qualities of godly leaders, which are briefly summarized below.
Jesus: Servant
The leadership style of Jesus is complex but can be summed up in the word—servant. In Matthew 20.25-28 and in John 13.13-17 Jesus teaches the importance of believers having the attitude of servant in their relations with one another. Jesus was a servant in the sense that first and foremost he served God and secondly he served people (see Matt. 22.37-39).
Moses: Commitment
Moses had a leadership style that is common to all the great leaders in Scripture—an intense devotion to God and God’s purposes. His anger in Exodus 32.19 flowed from a heart that was devoted to seeing the will of God fulfilled. Further, Moses was committed to his followers. In Exodus 32.11 Moses interceded for his people asking that the Lord turn from His anger towards them. Moses’ leadership style also demonstrates his commitment to his divine call from God.
Joseph: Integrity
Joseph’s leadership style is marked by integrity. As lord over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, Joseph certainly had the opportunity to execute revenge on his brothers for the evil they had done to him. Not only was Joseph a victim of physical violence, he was sold into slavery (Gen. 42.21-22; 50.15-20). But in one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, Genesis 50.20, we learn of Joseph’s integrity and his God-saturated thinking when he said: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Nehemiah: Focused
As cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah was not a scholarly priest or a prophet; he is what we would call a “layman.” Having direct access to the King, he had a unique opportunity to promote his own agenda, but Nehemiah demonstrates that he was intensely focused on the mission God had given him (Neh. 2.12). The work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem faced many potential setbacks, but Nehemiah remained focused on the task at hand. In one of the most famous statements in the entire book, Nehemiah said to his opponents: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” (Neh. 6.3).
Peter: Charismatic
Peter had a “take charge” kind of personality. He walked daily with the Lord Jesus Christ and had experienced both victory (Matt. 14.22-33) and agony (Luke 22.54-62) in his spiritual formation. On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2.14-41), Peter rose and preached Christ to the crowd and a great evangelistic move of God ensued (Acts 2.41). When Peter acted according to his own purposes we see blunders, but when he charismatically acted in fulfillment of God’s purposes we see great moves of God.
Barnabas: Encourager
The name Barnabas actually means “son of encouragement.” A sharp dispute arose between Paul and Barnabas over whether or not to take John Mark on their missionary journey. Barnabas felt that John Mark was worthy, so Barnabas separated from Paul and took his cousin, John Mark (Col. 4.10), with him. Apparently, Barnabas was effective at encouraging and mentoring this young man. In 2 Timothy 4.11 Paul requests that Mark come to him and mentions that he is very useful to Paul in the ministry.
Paul: Directive
The directive leadership style of the apostle Paul is most evident in his letters to Timothy and Titus. Paul says in Titus 1.5, “…appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” In 1 Timothy 1.3, Paul says, “As I urged you…,” which also confirms a highly directive style of leadership. Paul also needed to correct a disorderly situation in Corinth. In Titus the apostle urges Titus to be assertive in his leadership (2.15; 3.1, 10). His directive style is also seen when Paul is in chains (Acts 27). This style of leadership is especially needed when a given situation is chaotic or reflects godlessness.
Joshua: Courageous
Joshua had been told three times by the Lord to “be strong and courageous” (Josh. 1.6, 7, 9). Like any leader, Joshua faced times of fatigue and discouragement (Josh. 7.6-9) but ultimately Joshua’s courage was rooted in the absolute faithfulness of God and his promises (Josh. 23.14-15). One of the most interesting aspects of Joshua’s leadership is how he recovered from setback. Scripture records two times that Joshua went ahead of God and “failed to wait, pray, and walk by faith” and consequently experienced defeat (Josh.7-9). Leaders will make mistakes, but the true test of their leadership is what they do with those mistakes.
Daniel: Humility
Daniel’s humility and faith stand as something to be modeled by all leaders. Daniel’s heart was totally devoted to God. He stood firm in his Scripture-laden values, trusting God, when all indications suggested that compromise was the “smart” thing to do, if he wanted to move up in the kings court (Dan. 1.5, 8). Daniel was a humble man of prayer who sought wisdom and guidance through study of the Word of God (Dan. 9.2), rather than the seeking the opinions of men. The humility and faithfulness of Daniel’s heart provided the soil through which God could demonstrate his mighty works to the nations.
God: Visionary
God is the most visionary of all leaders (e.g., Gen. 3.15; Isa. 53; Rev. 19-20). God calls all leaders, and all people, to turn from unsatisfying worldly visions and seek a vision of complete fulfillment and everlasting life. God’s vision is embodied in Jesus Christ. In a world filled with deceit and confusion God breaks in with the hope (the Gospel) that there is a superior way—a preferred future. In a similar way, leaders today must set before their people a vision of a preferred future.
Summary
One clear observation is that the leaders portrayed in the Bible have traits that overlap in one way or another. Their leadership appears to be a matrix of styles that God employs in accomplishing his work. These character qualities form a solid biblical basis from which further inquiry can be made with respect to best practices in leadership. As one looks to the leadership qualities of secular leaders, living or dead, he (or she) must keep the biblical foundations in mind so as to not be misled into methods of leadership that ultimately are not pleasing to God.
