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Welcome to the Leadership Corner! Here you will find answers
to your questions about ministry development, spiritual growth and personal
enhancement. You will also find study notes that are tailored specifically
for ministry leaders, as well as other valuable leadership tips.
Last year was one of those years! Anything that could go wrong did go wrong. Recently, my staff and I were discussing all the adversity we endured in 2007. One dreadful event unfolded after the other, such as budget cuts, the loss of jobs, skyrocketing gas prices, economic turmoil and the unfolding of sin among ministry leaders. Members were leaving the church, churches were splitting, misunderstandings and all kinds of confusion was going on. It was madness! Many people (including myself) were excited when 2007 ended and 2008 began. We knew things were going to change for the better.
In January of this year our church went on a 30-day fast. We started making our confessions, praying and trusting God for specific breakthroughs and a better year. However, we went through the 30 days of glory fast and saw hell break loose again! The enemy’s persistence was somewhat amusing actually. But that’s life.
To my staff, CDMA members, partners and friends who may be experiencing the same pressures of life, stay encouraged! Refuse to get overwhelmed by the adversities of life. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed.” I am convinced that the way out of hard times is gratefulness. We must be grateful for all God has done and all He is going to do. Just begin to worship the Lord and give Him praise. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
We have to start thanking Him for life, health, strength, goodness, grace and favor that will overtake us as we praise Him.
Take a moment to observe what is going on in the lives of others around you. There is always someone experiencing a greater challenge than you. My first cousin who had been in the hospital battling cancer for a while, never made it back home. We have a CDMA pastor who is going through cancer treatment right now. There are CDMA members and church families suffering because their children are sick, in jail, on crack, or have turned to the things of the world. But even in the midst of these harsh realities, we have to worship God. I like what’s written in Psalm 121:1, 2
“I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Begin to worship God like never before. Thank Him, and enter into that place of rest. The Bible says there is yet rest that remains for the people of God. We will enter into His rest because it is for us.
When you reflect on 2007, remember the people and situations that could not be changed, consider how far you’ve come. You may not be where you want to be, but thank God you’re not where you used to be. You’ve moved forward and you have the victory in God. He comes in and changes your circumstances, when you maintain an attitude of gratitude!
Remain motivated and encouraged! Remember Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” I look forward to sharing more encouraging words with you. May God Bless You!
Meditation Scriptures:
1 John 5:4, 5
1 John 5:14, 15
Romans 8:37-39
Psalms 34:19
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LEADERSHIP CORNER