Restart: Leading with ConfidenceSample

The story of Joshua has brought encouragement and inspiration to countless leaders. His life and example is a vivid image of the challenging responsibilities of leadership. As leaders, you and I can identify with Joshua on many levels. The book of Joshua was written as a record of the Hebrew people. But it was also recorded to inspire future leaders of God’s people to trust and obey his principles and laws. Take a few minutes to consider the mandates Joshua was given to guide him through one of the most momentous seasons of Jewish history. A Word of Promise – “I promised … I would give [you] this land.” A Word of Encouragement – “…be strong and brave!” A Word of Caution – “…be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you.” A Word of Wisdom – “Never stop reading The Book …”; “Day and night … think about what it says.” A Word of Assurance – “I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Although we have access to all of the tools and resources of the Information Age, many times we are so saturated with information and communication tools that we experience information overload. Our knowledge can become a million miles wide and one inch deep. When God advised Joshua about what it would take to be an effective leader, God told him that it was important to do two things: 1) “never stop reading The Book” and 2) “Day and night … think … about what it says…” What are some simple yet satisfying ways to do more than just “read” the Bible? Pray the Bible – Turn Bible passages into prayers that you pray over your life, congregation or family. Picture the Bible – When you read a Bible story, put your Bible down and open your imagination. Take some time to picture the story in your mind. Ponder the Bible – When Mary was first told that she would bear the Christ child, the Bible says she “kept thinking…and wondering about” these things (Luke 2:19). The Word of God is meant to be carefully considered, treasured, reflected on, and pondered. Pondering the Bible and journaling can go hand in hand. Practice the Bible – Lead your family or team in practically obeying biblical directives and principles regarding compassion and generosity through an act of service or compassionate ministry. Often pastors face the temptation to pull back in their personal Bible study and engagement. Consider this: If the people of God need the Word of God to live spiritually, then how much more do those who lead the people of God need it? SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT INVOLVES A LEADER’S CONSISTENT DEVOTION TO THE WORD OF GOD.