The Attributes of Leadership

What makes a good leader?

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:3-8

Great leadership starts with integrity and honesty. They should be trustworthy and strong decision makers. They should not be intimidated by the opinions of others and have the ability to stand alone confidently. They should know how to delegate and negotiate.

They should have empathy for others and lead with compassion. They should be sensitive to their environment and evaluate issues that arise. Leaders should have wisdom on how to handle and resolve conflicts. Having a great sense of humor is an asset. They should be aware of changes and not be afraid to pivot or change direction, if needed. They are accountable for their actions.

They should listen and observe and never make assumptions. They should lead with resilience, perseverance and determination. They should face fear with courage and not be afraid to take risks. They should not micro-manage their team or staff but encourage and support their associates and develop their strengths.

These are just a few characteristics of strong leadership.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4


Defying the Odds | Pick up Your Stones

And David spake to the men that stood by him saying what shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and take away the reproach from Israel for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Sam 17:26

In the climate we live in today, we are facing giants on every side. We are unsure of our present situation and wonder about our future. If we perceive the environment with our natural eyes, the giants we face seem insurmountable and overwhelming to fight. We cannot fight these giants in our own strength, but we have all the tools and resources through the Spirit of the Most High. We are more than able to defeat and conquer the enemies, tactics, schemes, strategies, and plots that are destroying the fabric of our country, our region and our family.

David said, “Moreover, the Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, go and the Lord be with thee. 1 Sam 17:38

And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, also he armed him with a coat of mail, And David girded up His sword upon his armor, and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said unto Saul, I cannot walk with these; for I have not tested them. And David put them off him. 1 Sam 17:39-40

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherds’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 1 Sam 17:40

The equipment and weapons Saul provided was the standard protection made for war. Saul believed he was equipping David with the best gear for the job, but David felt otherwise. He had to use what he felt was comfortable for him. Something so simple as a handful of rocks seemed so unpredictable to slay a giant, but David had to fight according to the way he was accustomed to.

What is in your hand? How do you fight your spiritual battles? Is it the battle cry of praise and worship? Fasting? Prayer? Speaking the Word? Or a combination of all of the above? We must understand how to war in the Spirit in these difficult times ahead. We must be able to stand in opposition in unfamiliar territories and uncomfortable spaces. Our eyes must be fixed and focused canceling out all distractions and turbulence from the enemy’s camp.

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37

What are you facing today? Are you facing fear or anxiety? Do you need to shift your perspective or mindset? Are you confused or disoriented? Are you frustrated or angry? Do you need healing in your body? Pick up your stones.

The Lord will contend with our enemies that every attack is null and void. The fear that we carry is false evidence appearing real.

David said to the Philistine, thou comes to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defiled . 1 Sam 17:45

This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand, and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee, and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines, this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And, all this assembly shall know that the Lord save thee not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hands. 1 Sam 17:46-47

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. 1 Sam 17:49

So David prevailed over the Philistine, with a sling and a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him but there was no sword in the hand of David. 1 Sam 17:50


It’s all an Illusion

The enemy’s greatest tactic and strategy is deception. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy but God comes to give us life more abundantly. John 10:10

If the enemy can blind the eyes of the lost he has won the victory and if he can blind the eyes of a believer he has defeated his greatest opposition. He goes through great lengths to use smokescreens to distort reality and construe misinformation. He is the father of all lies. He will challenge your actions, ideas, motives, character or whatever else he can use to plant, fear, doubt, frustration, or confusion in your mind.

In all effort, he plots, schemes and plans evil devices to destroy or hinder your spirit. If he can gain access to your spirit, heart or mind, he can tamper with your emotions, attitudes, belief systems, thoughts and worst of all your heart posture or composure. He enjoys to provoke, aggravate and taunt you.

The Father’s faithfulness overrides the devil’s wickedness.

Once you have a stony heart, the Holy Spirit cannot dwell there. He desires to plant seeds of bitterness, hate, jealousy, envy, strife and all out destruction in your life.

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

As a believer, you have authority and power to uproot the seeds that the enemy tries to plant inside your heart or mind. He slithers slowly and gently when he’s aware that you understand his agenda. He proceeds when you are weak or tired.

As a believer, you must constantly be on guard at all times. It states in Ephesians 6 that you should put on the whole armor of the Lord so you will be able to stand in the evil day.

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Esph 6:13

The world is under a great delusion. The truth has blinded the eyes of the masses but there are a few who have awaken to the dark lies and secrets of the enemy. It is slowly being exposed to the masses.

As we become enlightened to the truth, we have a responsibility to expose the truth to others.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

We will also be held accountable by the Lord for hindering the assignments of the Lord and for the preparation of Jesus return.

Where much is given, much is required. If you have heard that wisdom, you know it means  we are held responsible for what we have. Luke 12:28

So, we must continue to work diligently with our hands to the plow to build the house of the Lord for His glory.

He is coming back for His church without spot or blemish. Eph 5:27

Don’t allow yourself to fall into deception due to a lack of faith, old belief systems or mindsets. It can be pretty scary when you look at the world through the intricate lense with your natural eyes, but we must learn to walk in the Spirit using wisdom and discernment to clear the smokescreens and the traps of the enemy.

Continue to ask the Lord for extra courage and strength so that you will triumph in victory. Amen!