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Showing posts from 2011

Leadership in the home

Introduction: Gen 18:19 reads, “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him”. It is generally estimated that more than half of marriages in some western countries end in divorce. Among the many reasons responsible for this, lack of submission from each of the partners owing to poor communication stands out. Wise men say that when you notice your neighbour’s moustache on fire, you better pour some water on to yours. Only fools and simpletons fail to learn from the mistakes of other people. Experience is a poor teacher, as it leaves ‘experts’ with bruises, at best. Discussions Why did Sarah refer to her husband as “my lord”? Gen 18:12, 1Pet 3:6 Discuss episodes and evidence of Abraham’s ability to command his household. Gen 13:8,9; 14:14-16 24:1-4 According to the following scr...

Leadership caveats

Introduction: Good leaders being impetuses to move any organisation/mission/vision are rare to come by. Their enthusiasm, goal-oriented principles as well as charisma are harnessed to meet objectives easily. Esther, Mordecai, Joseph and David all present different strengths we can learn from. In this study, we will discuss subtle caveats that have destroyed the performance of many leaders. Discussions ·          Identify factors that contributed to poor performance of some kings of Israel. 1Kings 11:26-31; 1sam 15:24 ·          What were Saul’s reasons for not attacking Goliath? 1Sam 17:11,25,33 ·          Jeroboam established a monument that became a constant referral for sin. What were the reasons for this action? 1Kings 12:26-31 ·          After Saul’s conquest of the Amalekites, he brought back sheep and Kind Agag. What where...

Mordecai: Faithfulness in little

Introduction: One does not always have to be in a “high” societal ladder in order to affect his generation. The impact is indeed greater at that level. However, not all people can be at that level at the same time. Besides, the journey to that point begins with little insignificant assignments. Text: Esther 3:8-15 1.       Identify Mordecai’s background and dedication to responsibilities. Background: Esther 2:5,6 To his dead relatives: Esther 2:7 His niece: Esther 2:11,20 The King: Esther 2:21-23 The Jews: Esther 4:13-17 2.       What was Mordecai’s societal status and how did he handle it? Esther 3:2 Esther 4:1 Esther 6:2 3.       Discuss outcomes of Mordecai’s faithfulness. Esther 6:4-11 Esther 8:2; 9:4 Esther 10:3 Summary: When we close our eyes in death, we are only remembered by what we have done. Those who live for themselves will be welcomed into eternal loneliness and regrets. You do not need to be...

Leadership principles: Obedience to authorities (Esther)

It is a mistake to assume that leaderships stumble on people in a random manner. Definitely time-proven principles are available to predict would-be successful leaders. Some of these disciplines might be perceived as retrogressive at the time they are given. However, it will definitely prove successful in the time of God's choosing. Text: Esther. 2:15-18 Discuss Esther's background; especially potential of being a queen and relate to any contemporary occurrences you may know Esther 2:5-7 Identify factors that helped Esther to climb to the ladder of authority in a foreign land Direct factors: Esther 2:7,15,20; 4:4-17 Remote factors: Esther 2:1-4; 4:14b Relate Esther and Modecai's history to how it may apply to us presently What practical ways can we put these principles to work in our church? Summary. When we surrendered our lives to Jesus, we permitted the reins of our lives to be drawn towards directions of God's pleasure. Endurance of His discipleship...

Restoration of good leadership

We all are looking forward to hitting a target, best described as 'fulfilment'. In other words, the yearning to become leaders is insatiable and is the pursuit of all human beings, depriving of which is met with frustrations.   Unlike the system in the world, we in the church can all become leaders without necessarily disenfranchising each other. We must thus lay aside self-seeking and learn together the principles of being successful leaders. Once done, we can be sure to be celebrated. The world wants good leaders and there are few that avail themselves the time for the right preparation. Once done, we do not need to struggle to find but our destinies will head-hunt us. Text: Numbers 27:17-19 1. Compare the performance of these people based on their previous backgrounds: ·          Saul: 1Sam 9:1-7 ·          David: 1Sam 17:12-29 ·          Joseph: Gen 37:2-13...

Restoration of purpose

Introduction: Purpose is simply defined as the essence of a thing, person of group of people. It is widely believed that when the purpose of a thing or person is not known, abuse is inevitable. In our present world, this statement can never be truer. Many distractions exist to portend disastrous trends in missed destinies. Our lives will only be fulfilled if we are able to rediscover and live out the reasons for our existence. Text: 1Kings 20:39,40; Judges 6:15; Luke 7:28; 16:10; Matt 19:21-24; Phil 3:7,8; Heb 12:1,2 1.       Discuss situations in which a purpose could be lost. 2Cor 10:12,16-18; Col 2:18; 1tim 3:6 2.       How can we rediscover our purposes? 2Chron 7:14; Prov 29:23; Isa 57:15; 2Kings 10:16 3.       Discuss safety nets we need to put in place to guard our God-given purposes. ·          Respect what others do, but stay on course ·     ...