1 Samuel
We cannot expect people to grow if they are not grounded in reality. Growth implies an understanding of who you were, who you are, and where you want to go. Take any of those three dynamics away and what growth does happen becomes far more haphazard. Our growth is a
The concept of the servant leader is a rare commodity in the world. People like fame. People like power. People enjoy being in positions to make decisions rather than having decisions made for them. Because of this, people actively seek positions of leadership. That doesn’t imply, however, that those
1 Samuel
God calls us to point people to Him and to be a blessing to those whom we lead. God deserves the praise. People learn to love God by experiencing His grace, love, and mercy. We are best suited to serve God when we are focused on Him and looking for
1 Samuel
When our actions are guided by emotion without the balance of reason, we run the risk of living in extremes. Emotions take us from valleys to mountaintops and back to valleys. They are exceptionally useful; emotions help us determine what is worth a response. The problem, however, is when emotions
1 Samuel
Human beings – human governments – can never provide the same degree of love for its people than God is able to provide. This is one of the most reprehensible flaws of typical socialism. Under socialism, the state embraces the responsibility to care for its people. Unfortunately, the state is far less
1 Samuel
God gave us a logical brain so we can sift through our emotions, understand what is important, and make sound choices about His leading. This is one of the greatest divisions between humans and the remainder of the animal kingdom. I love my dog, but if I ask her to
1 Samuel
God frequently exceeds the expectations of those who live with a judgmental heart. God doesn’t care what kind of box we try to put Him in; He will work His way in His time. He doesn’t act according to our assessments. When our heart is critical, we often
1 Samuel
So long as we trust God to empower and guide us, what does our own experience level and social status matter? The prior sentence feels dangerous. It allows for unproven and immature leaders to take leadership roles. It counters human ability to vet candidates and denies attempts at gatekeeping power
1 Samuel
Spiritual leadership is never a path to social elite status. God did not send Jesus to assert His superiority over us; God sent Jesus to us to serve us because we could not save ourselves. God’s model in Jesus is one of servant leadership. Those who follow Jesus should
1 Samuel
God is the focus. He is our creator. He put the universe in motion. His hand is where the blessings of life – both big and small – originate. As Saul and his servant come to Ramah, they meet some young women coming out to the town’s well to draw water.
1 Samuel
To impact the world requires forward thinking, not reactionary responding. It is always easier to deal with life when we anticipate. Anticipation gives an opportunity to plan responses before they are needed. Forward thinking people have an opportunity to shape the world around them. Saul, the man who becomes the
1 Samuel
When a human is our king, they take because it is due to them. My country doesn’t exactly have a king, but America certainly does have a government. The rules governing what the government takes are substantial. The tax laws, including the IRS regulations that go along with them,