Listen for the God Moments

As a Christ-follower, there is a lesson I have learned about God. He is always speaking.

Now, in full-disclosure, I am not always listening. I would like to think that I am, but in all honesty, I know that I am not.

I allow all manner of distractions to get in my way. My distractions range from my wife and kids to television, games, work and a whole host of other things. I tend to think a lot, and every time I pause to focus on God in prayer, my mind races to think of as many non-God things as possible.

Fighting the Urge to Take Over

Those who aspire to become leaders all share one quality. I'll warn you ahead of time that it isn't earth shattering, or life altering. The quality that all leaders share is that they want to lead.

See, it wasn't that much of a stretch.

Likewise, because leaders want to lead, this means that they typically want to call the shots...grab the bull by the horns...make the big decision...be the chief of their tribe. For the majority of aspiring leaders, this is the driving force to lead.

Tone Deaf Does Not Make Good Music

You have a friend who loves to sing. Your singing friend sings all different styles of music. Your stylish, singing friend is tone deaf. Your flat-sounding, stylish, singing friend needs intervention.

I could stop right there with today's blog entry, but that wouldn't be very helpful. Today, I want to help out the tone deaf folks who want a singing career.

You know who you are. In spite of your mama telling you that you sing like a dove, deep down you know its more like a screech owl. I have good news. I'm here to help.

Come One, Come All

There is a belief out there in the church world that some churches are suited for older folks, and others are best for younger folks. Full disclosure: I used to believe this. But, not anymore.

I'm not sure where this idea got it's origin. Church historians in America can at least trace part of it back to the 1700s when the so-called "worship wars" began.

These intra-church battles over worship style are nothing new. Today's contemporary-verses-traditional is just the latest in the battle over preferences. But, it is only part of a bigger issue in the church, today.

Leaders Must Take a Break

It goes without saying that life in the western culture moves at increasing velocity. Everything moves faster as each day passes.

The corporate world's desire for more, better, faster has placed huge demands on the people who lead and work for organizations. But, is this drive to beat out the competition healthy?

In a word, the answer is "no." However, there is good news. It can be managed.

Proper Care and Handling of Your Finances

Has anyone ever asked you this question: If resources were not an issue, what would you like to accomplish in life?

It's a great question that seeks to discover your passion and goals. It's a question that challenges the questioned to think big, and to imagine the possibilities. It is a great motivational question.

But, unfortunately, it's also a pipe dream without the resources. And, all too often, the great dreams we have will never see the light of day, because we don't have the finances to pull it off.

Blog Re-post: Respecting the Leader or the Position: Part 2

This is part two of a post that originated last June. Enjoy.

Respect is always a two-way street. Yesterday, I wrote about this from the leader's perspective. Today, I write from the follower's view.

Respect works in both ways. A follower respects a leader, and a leader respects the follower. In both cases, respect is earned through a lengthy relationship building process, and can be destroyed in a single moment.