Shoes, Sin, and Savior

My excitement began when I put on my brand new pair of silver high-heeled shoes! While I don’t have an obsession with shoes, most women [like me] feel pretty confident slipping their feet into a new pair of sandals, wedges, boots, flats, heels, or tennis shoes. I am no exception.

Yesterday, I was “pumped” gracing my feet in this new pair of shoes for their first time. My shoes and I were going out-on-the-town for the first time to Sax Fifth Avenue in Houston’s Galleria to enjoy lunch with my good friend Dorothy. I stepped out of the house with my serotonin level bouncing high!
   

My New Shoe from T.J. Maxx



As I pulled out of my driveway, I noticed my garbage man (okay, sanitation worker) had come, and I needed to bring the garbage can to the back of the house. I exited my car and dragged the garbage can to its resting place. But then the unthinkable happened. I was heading back to my car and I stumbled on the front of my right shoe. Right then and there, I experienced grief, regret, and discouragement all at the same time. Nothing affects a girl’s mood more than getting a tear in a brand new pair of shoes tear the first time they wear them.

But, I continued to the Galleria with the express thought that I would stop at the shoe repair store on my way home and see if the cobbler could somehow prevent my shoe from tearing more. On the drive to the Galleria, my tiny tear somehow became a BIG rip in my mind. When I walked into the Galleria, I was so conscious of the tear in my shoe that my mind even thought, "The Galleria is so fancy that no one should be wearing a torn shoe here." Crazy, right!

After a lovely lunch with my friend, I decided to drive directly to the cobbler to fix this problem before it got out of hand. In my mind, the cobbler had all of a sudden become elevated to having a doctorate degree in 'Shoe Repair.' If anyone could fix my shoe, he could!

I arrived at the shoe repair shop, parked my car in the parking lot, and began pondering and contemplating whether I should go in or not. I finally decided that I was putting way too much emphasis on my new pair of shoes. To make a long story short, I decided not to spend $10.00+/- to get a small tear fixed when my shoes only cost $39.00. I drove home without entering the hallowed doors of my savior –THE COBBLER.

So, why am I compelled to tell my shoe story? It is because all through the day my mind was drifting to find a spiritual meaning to this event. For now though, let’s pretend the small TEAR in my shoe is SIN and the COBBLER is THE LORD.

Just like the cobbler wants to fix our shoes, God wants to fix us. When you and I first sin, we would be wise to go to the Lord immediately to get our sins forgiven and deal with it before we sin more. We all sin, but do we always turn to the Lord after one little bitty sin? Sometimes we do, but other times, we wait until our sins mount. The longer we wait to go to the expert, the problems and consequences of our sins (our tears) get bigger and bigger.

Take the prodigal son. He went off with his inheritance. Excited about his new adventure, he squandered his wealth and became involved in ungodly behavior. He enjoyed himself until one day, he found himself eating with the pigs. His sins accumulated, but finally he decided he had it better at home and he returned to his father. And, the good news is his father accepted him. It would have been best if the 'prodigal son' never left home and sinned, but he did.

Sometimes however, we  try to avoid our Father. When avoiding Him, He will be constantly pursuing us to come to Him or to come back to Him. When we postpone or reject God, our situation and consequences usually get worse. The longer we wait the harder it becomes, but remember that God continues to pursue us until the days of pursuing are over.

Whether we have been involved in a crime; had an abortion; deceived our spouse, or other actions, God still loves us. He cares about us, and He will continue to put spiritual people, spiritual literature, spiritual songs, and more in our pathway as he convicts us to return to Him. Our Heavenly Father sees the small tears (sins) in our life, and He wants to fix them as soon as possible before they turns into large tears that come with more dire consequences.

By deciding not to go to the cobbler, I didn’t get the small tear in my shoe fixed. But, it’s just a shoe!!!

 

The Village Cobbler / Town and Country, Houston, Texas

 

Our lives are more important than a shoe. God is there to heal all the small tears and big tears in our lives. When we turn to Him, we experience true freedom and well-being. Actually, it can mean the difference between heaven and hell. Wherever you are in your spiritual walk, choose God. Don’t wait. He loves and cares for all of us.

Make God the Master Cobbler in your life. Today!

Bible Verses:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

But if we keep living in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NIV

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.  And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.  Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.  And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:11-24 ESV

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Thank you for being with me today. Lord, show me my sins – even those little ones that I barely notice. I confess both the small sins and the big sins to you right now. Let me quickly recognize when I hurt others. Lord, you are better than a cobbler who is limited to their expertise. You can fix everything. I ask you to fix me and forgive me for where I have failed you. And trust you as my personal Lord and Savior. Amen.



 

 

I hope you enjoyed my blog today, but I’ve got to run. I saw these really cute pair of red strappy sandals . . .

Patti

And don’t forget COMMENTS are always welcome!

Books by Patti Londa Greene: Awaken Me: a devotional prayer journal and God, and God, It’s Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study

I'm NOT gifted in that!



Serve and Help Others!
Belizean Beach, Belize, Central America

Have you ever taken a ‘spiritual gifts’ inventory survey? They are surveys that help define where you are best-suited to serve in the body of Christ. Whenever I take these surveys - and I have taken plenty of them - I find myself scoring consistently high in certain areas and scoring consistently low in other areas. Through my survey results, I have come to understand that God has fashioned and knit me together just how He wants me to be by the gifts He has bestowed upon me.

But, I have also learned that just because I score low in some areas, God may still choose to use me in those areas that I just don't feel comfortable, capable, or even care to be involved in. 

While the main thrust of this blog is not to teach about specific spiritual gifts, I want to show you how we can operate and be used by the Lord outside of our high-scoring spiritual gifts.

But, what are the spiritual gifts? The major spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible that can be used effectively by believers within the church are:

Leadership
Administration
Teaching
Knowledge
Prophecy
Discernment
Exhortation
Shepherding
Faith
Evangelism
Apostleship
Service/Helps
Mercy
Giving
Hospitality*

If you would like more information about discovering your spiritual gifts; what specific gifts encompass; and take a spiritual gift survey, please click on the link below by Lifeway Christian Resource. There is nothing like knowing what your spiritual gift(s) are. Knowing creates peace: It creates confidence: And it creates the knowledge that God knows exactly what He is doing in our lives.

http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_PDF_Discover_Your_Spiritual_Gifts.pdf

Sharing the truth about our gifting is tough. We don't want to sound proud and righteous if we possess certain gifts. On the other hand, we hate to admit that we have a very hard time working within the reins of other gifts. In school, most of us want to score high in every subject, but spiritual gifts don’t work that way. In a true confession, I share that I am consistently low in the gift of the Service/Helps ministry.  Maybe that is because I don’t particularly like to cook. So if you are sick, please be happy I have given you a McDonald’s gift card instead of trying to make you a gourmet meal! Or maybe it is because I live in a state of fatigue and serving requires energy. I just don't know.

But, even though I score low in this area, I recognize that God still wants me to serve and help my friends, family, and the body of Christ. It is important to understand God can and will use you outside of the realm of your spiritual gifts. You are not required to operate only in your high scoring gifts.

Periodically, we are asked to step out of our comfort zone. I like animals, but I am not a huge animal lover. But one day, I was truly impressed to take a friend to the vet to comfort her as she experienced the tough decision to put her dog down. Not my comfort zone, but God used me. And, I was totally blessed being with her during this sad time in her life. 

When God leads you or I on a mission outside of your gifting, think of it as the Lord stretching us through the Holy Spirit. When God sets us apart for a mission, He can use any gift or personality trait to fulfill His purposes. The Lord will walk beside us empowering us to fulfill His goal. I find it so exciting and adventurous to see the new and sometimes bizarre ways God might use me, like the time I witnessed to a Buddhist only to be told they could not except the Lord because their relatives were on the mantle (in a jar)! Let's approach our life with the attitude that we are ready to be used by the Lord in whatever area He wants to use us. 

Sometimes we are on receiving end of gracious acts of service or help from others. Sometimes we aren't. I have experienced both and benefited from both. I was once in a position where I was ostracized without a real or tangible explanation of why. I went through speculation, hurt feelings, anger, and loneliness. I was particularly hurt because the criticism came from fellow believers. It was a tough time and it stayed with me for a long time. Even today, 20 years later, I think about it. At the time, I remember wishing someone (a real human being, besides my husband) was walking this road with me. However, God allowed me to walk through this experience alone. I was alone with my feelings and emotions - with only God to talk to. I didn't like going thorough those emotions by myself. None of us like suffering alone. But, that experience has made me more sensitive to the sufferings and ill-treatment of others. It has given me a little more “Discerning Smarts” to recognize someone who is inwardly suffering or needs some help.

We all need encouragement at times in our lives: Some more than others.
While serving and helping is tough for me, I need reminders on how to do it. As I share some tips on how we can help others, think of the people you know. Maybe you are desperately in need of help from others right now. Or maybe it’s time for you to help someone else.

"Follow where He leads"
Lekki Conservation Centre
Lagos, Nigeria

How to Serve and Help Others

• Be practical.

Ask yourself what you can practically do to help others. Can you bring a meal? Can you take their child to soccer practice? Can you make some calls? Usually, people don’t want to be an imposition on others, but use your judgment and try to put yourself in their shoes to see what you can do or offer. I have found rather than saying, “Call me if you need anything,” it is better to say, “I’m stopping by the grocery store and I can pick up some groceries for you. What do you need?”

• Be there.

Maybe a person just needs someone to listen to them. It is amazing how we can help by just listening. We don’t even have to respond. I think Job’s friends would have been a lot better off in the "Service/Helps Department" if they just listened to Job instead of feeling they had to point out his failures and inconsistences.

• Be kind and patient.

Recently my husband broke 6 ribs (in 2 places each) – OUCH! Believe me, there is a reason I am not a nurse. Just being in the hospital made me nauseous a few times. The smells, sounds, and sights in the hospital were not my cup of tea and a few gags occurred in my system!

While recuperating, I had to put my husband socks on his feet. I had to pick up everything he dropped. I had to help him put his arm in his shirt and jacket. But, I didn’t mind, because I love him!

You may encounter similar events like this. If so, give your time, love, kindness, and patience to the needed recipient.

Remember also that it takes time to heal – whether healing is in the area of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.

• Be an encouragement.

Encouragement can come in many forms. It can be a timely note or a phone call. It can be giving hope or security. Just ask the Lord how you can encourage those He brings in your path. He will show you. To use an old cliché, “You may be the only Jesus someone sees.” Think about how Jesus would encourage those in need, then as Nike says, "Just do it."

God may not call you to help in every situation you encounter. But, if God is giving you the ‘holy hunch’ to be involved in a person’s life, take the role with enthusiasm and thankfulness! And see where God leads it.

You may not be called to use your top level gifts in every situation, but go with His leading. Whatever it is, let Him have His way with you. Let's praise God for whatever He chooses to do with our lives.

Like vocalist Darlene Zschech sings in I give you my Life, let’s give the Lord all of our life without limiting our service to Him and see what He can do.

I give you my Life by Darlene Zschech

This is my desire, to honor You
Lord, with all my heart I worship You
All I have within me, I give You praise
All that I adore is in You

Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul, I live for You alone
Every breath that I take, every moment I'm awake
Lord have Your way in me

Lord, I give You my heart

I give You my soul, I live for You alone
Every breath that I take, every moment I'm awake
Lord have Your way in me

Bible Verses:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 ESV

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV

Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
Matthew 25:44-45 ESV

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 12:6-8 ESV

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for creating me exactly how you wanted me to be. Thank you for using me for Your glory. Lord, show me areas where I can grow. Lead me to people I can help. Let me recognize your leadership in my life. Allow me to always give glory and honor to your Name. Amen.

God Bless You.
Patti Greene

*The gift of tongues is excluded from this blog as we are concentrating on the major gifts used within the church body.

And don’t forget COMMENTS are always welcome!

Books by Patti Londa Greene Awaken Me: a devotional prayer journal and God, It’s Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study

Bibliography

Fischer, Sharon. “What to do when you don’t know what to do.” Worldwide Challenge, June 1983.“Spiritual Gifts Survey.” Lifeway Christian Resources. (2003). Web 5 July 2015.

<http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_PDF_Discover_Your_Spiritual_Gifts.pdf>.

Zscheck, Darlene. “I give you my heart.” <http://www.songlyrics.com/darlene-zschech/i-give-you-my-heart-lyrics. 3 July 2015>.

Leadership Part 2: Nehemiah

My husband is a manager in the corporate real estate profession. If you were to ask him how difficult it is to get a building project started, he would definitely tell you that it is not the easiest thing to accomplish. There are a lot of factors involved, like what country are you going to build it; what are the legal laws of the land; how much money is needed; who would be involved; how obstacles should be handled, and the timeline for completion. Nehemiah faced similar obstacles as he attempted to fulfill his spiritual calling to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.

 

10 Leadership Skills [Book of Nehemiah]

 



Last week, we looked at the first 5 leadership skills using Nehemiah as a model. We saw how Nehemiah was delving into his project with faith in God, compassion, and a huge goal in mind. As a refresher, the first 5 leadership skills were:

1. Make your voice and presence known to those who count.

2. Spend time planning your project(s).

3. Stand up for what is right.

4. Set clear expectations for performance.

5. Surround yourself with the best talent possible.

To read, Leadership Part 1: Nehemiah, click here http://bit.ly/1H4DwDe

 

Leadership Skills

6. Be humble and acknowledge that God is your strength.

The book of Nehemiah and the book of Ezra are thought to have originally been one book. It is obvious that Ezra, the priest and scribe, and Nehemiah were colleagues. After the completion of the wall, the people needed some reconstruction of their own. We find Ezra and other Israelites gathering by the Water Gate worshiping, reading the Law, teaching the people to acknowledge the Lord, and encouraging them to study and understand the words of divine instruction. Then, on this HOLY DAY, we see Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites rejoicing. If you are in a ministry role, after a big project (like Vacation Bible School), the workers need to regroup and be encouraged again to stay working for the Lord and seeking again to please Him as they move forward. If in the ministry, do you encourage your employees (or volunteers) to humbly worship, read the Bible, encourage them to study God’s Word, and reiterate that God is their strength? If in a job situation, when a remarkable job is completed, do you just let their “high” accomplishments go or do you praise them and encourage them to continue on with their good work? The letdown after a big project can loom for a long time, but as leaders, we can prevent that with a little time spent afterwards looking forward to the next project, the next ministry, or next learning opportunity.

“And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. . . And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.’ And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.”

Nehemiah 8: 6, 9-12

7. Correct and admonish when needed.

The time will come when someone who works for you needs correction and admonishment. It is a tough and sensitive issue that leaders face. Nehemiah was able to lessen the load by pre-handling this by giving his men an example from the past explaining what Moses said to the people who rebelled and were disobedient. What better way than to pre-warn people of consequences that might come when correction, admonishment or even firing needs to occur by talking about it beforehand. How wise.

“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time. You warned them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’ Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen.”

Nehemiah 9:28-29

8. Obey the company or ministry policies.

Companies, churches, organizations, and families have policies and/or rules of ethics. They are there to be abided by unless, of course, they are against God’s laws; in that case, decisions and prayful considerations need to be made on a course of action. If your ministry (individual or group) does not have policies, it may be time to develop them. Many ministries have or are developing boards or foundations to oversee their own activities to be sure they are operating under an authoritative source. In Nehemiah 10, the purpose was to join and bind the people together with an oath to follow God’s laws, commands, regulations, and decrees. Regulations and codes of behavior are very important in both corporate offices, ministries, and even within homes, especially where children are growing up under the instructions of their parents.

“The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand— all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.

Nehemiah 10:28, 31



Glorious Wall at Brookwood Café, Brookshire, Texas

9. Celebrate the achievements of others.
Nehemiah celebrated the dedication of the wall with gladness. In both businesses and churches, we see achievement awards, 10-year anniversary recognitions, and “Good Job” certificates. All these play an important place among those who have worked alongside of you to achieve the goals the Lord has given you. You may not even be aware that those who are working for you are inwardly proud of their own personal accomplishments through “your” project. If you close a deal at work, how about a party to acknowledge the good and steadfast work of your employees? How about throwing a dinner to thank those who volunteer their time and effort in the ministry? And, what’s wrong with some ice-cream for good grades?

“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.”

Nehemiah 12:27

10. Define roles and responsibilities AGAIN.

And finally, in Nehemiah 13, we see that Nehemiah had left Jerusalem during the 32rd year of King Artaxerxes. But, when he returned, he found the house of God in disarray. Widespread shenanigans were going on in his absence. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah proceeded to command that the chambers be cleaned. He contended with the officials and asked them why the house of the Lord had been neglected and forsaken. He reproved the nobles and warned them. He cleansed them from everything heathen and he started all over again with defining roles and responsibilities [Nehemiah 7:65] In ministry and work, redefining roles and responsibilities, is not a one-time thing. It must be continually taught. Just as in our lives, we must continually be in the Word of God and hear God’s expectations continually. It isn’t just going to church on Sundays. It isn’t just going to a conference. It isn’t praying only in our time of need. Our bosses or ministers will not always be around to instruct us as was the case with Nehemiah. When he wasn’t there, the people turned into ungodly activities. We, as individuals, must remember that is our duty to continually be in contact with the Lord. We can’t live in someone else’s shadow. And, as a leader, we need to constantly remind those working alongside of us to be responsible and obedient with or without "the leader or boss" around. This chapter reminds me of the idiom, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” Let’s be responsible ourselves and teach those who are under our leadership to always act like the CAT’s around!

“But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God.”

Nehemiah 13:6-7

In conclusion, let’s celebrate Nehemiah’s contributions. His administrative skills were outstanding. He completed the work God assigned to Him. He faced obstacles honorably. He acknowledged his strength came from the Lord. If only he were here, I’d throw him a party of grain, legumes, and domesticated beasts to celebrate the legacy he left behind to the family of God!!!

Bible Verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.

Luke 15:23

Prayer:

Oh mighty God, thank you for the leadership roles you have placed me in. Let me be an example to others through your strength. Give me wisdom and humility so I can lead as you want me to. Let me rejoice at the achievements of others. In YOU alone I trust.

God bless you.
Patti Greene

 

If you are reading this blog from the official blog page and you would like to receive notification when new blogs are posted, please fill in your email address in the “Follow by Email” block on the upper left portion of the blog. http://plgreene.blogspot.com
And don’t forget COMMENTS are always welcome!

Books by Patti Londa Greene
Awaken Me: a devotional prayer journal
God, It’s Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study

“Nehemiah: Who wrote the book?” The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Charles R. Swindoll. [21 June 2015.]

Stedman, Ray. “Nehemiah: Rebuilding the walls.” Authentic Christianity. [June 21, 2015.]

Wallace, Wanda T. and David Creelman. Leading people when they know more than you do. Harvard Business Review. 16 June 2015. Web.

Leadership Part 1: Nehemiah

Many people associate Nehemiah as a prophet or priest, but he wasn’t in the ministry at all. He is like most of us - serving the Lord in a layman’s capacity. The book of Nehemiah opens with Nehemiah in Shushan sometime between 420-455 BC. However, most scholars suggest the book starts around 444-445 BC. Nehemiah’s claim to fame is his re-building the wall around Jerusalem. The temple had ­­­­been rebuilt, but there were no walls to protect or fortify the city. Nehemiah traveled to Israel leading the 3rd journey of Jews back to Israel after being in Babylonian captivity for 70 years. His reputation was of a humble man with an upright character. He led by example as both cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes II of Persia and civil governor of Jerusalem. He exhibited determination and leadership to fulfill the calling the Lord bestowed upon him.



Briefcases



Each one of us is in some type of leadership role. It might be as a minister, a church member, a boss, a teacher, a parent, a politician, or a business owner. Today we are going to look at the first 5 leadership skills using Nehemiah as our model. We can be a masterful leader in the various positions God has called us to whether in the office, ministry, or home. Next week, we will continue with 5 more leadership skills Nehemiah possessed.

Leadership Skills

1. Make your voice and presence known to those who count.

When Nehemiah heard that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down and its gates had been destroyed, he sat down and wept. He mourned for days and prayed to God. It was the Lord to whom he first made his voice and presence known. Then in the first part of Nehemiah 2, he addresses the King. Notice that when Nehemiah fervently prayed over this need, God put it in his heart to be the person to meet that need. After praying about a situation or issue, often we find ourselves to be the one or part of a group to help with that matter. As with Nehemiah, we all have projects or goals that the Lord has given us or that we want to accomplish. Let’s accept God’s calling and see if we can utilize some of Nehemiah’s strategies to succeed.

 

"Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned."

Nehemiah 1:6 ESV.

2. Spend time planning your project(s).

Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem with a good reputation from Shushan. His reputation followed him, and the people already respected him. He could have immediately told his workers what to do. But, as a leader, we find him taking the time to evaluate the situation; then spending time planning before approaching others. How often do we involve ourselves in a project without the adequate preparation? Probably too often. In this chapter, we see Nehemiah laying out his strategy for meeting the goal of restoring the wall around Jerusalem.

 

"I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire."

Nehemiah 2:13 ESV.

3. Stand up for what is right.

While being a Godly man, Nehemiah became angry when he heard about the injustices in Jerusalem. Nehemiah and his men were called feeble. They were being taunted. He personally was ridiculed by Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, Ammonites and Ashdodites. They were angry because God had purposed His plan in Nehemiah’s heart to restore the wall. Nehemiah prayed while his enemies were conspiring to go to Jerusalem to persecute, hinder, and try to stop the progress on the wall. But, Nehemiah was confident in what God had called him and his men to do. He talked to the nobles, the rulers, and the people and made a plan to prevent the injustice from occurring. When on the job, do you ever see injustices? If so, we would be well-advised to follow Nehemiah’s example – to pray – then talk to the right people about it.

 

"And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night . . . And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."

Nehemiah 4: 9,14 ESV.

4. Set clear expectations for performance.

Even while men were conniving against Nehemiah, we can deduct that Nehemiah had his game plan in motion. His men knew exactly what to do. How do we know this? We know this because his men finished the project in 52 days. That was an amazing feat. Nehemiah did not leave his men to fend for themselves without direction. He gave them specific and sensible instructions. The men of Jericho, the Levites, the Priests and the other builders knew exactly what part of the wall was assigned for them to build. These workers enjoyed working for someone they respected and that had clear plans and guidelines in place. As leaders, we also should make our expectations clear to those working with and alongside of us.

 

"The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God."

Nehemiah 6:15-16 ESV.

 

Wall -Used by Permission from Thinkstock.com



 

5. Surround yourself with good talent.

After the wall and all the gates were built, Nehemiah gave his brother Hanani (a relative and colleague) and Hananiah (ruler of the palace/court) charge over Jerusalem. But why? He gave them the job because they had already proven they were worthy of handling the mission. Nehemiah was honoring the hard work and trustworthiness he had already observed in them. When we need to ask someone to take charge of a job or project, do you find yourself asking the person you think is the most capable? Most of us do. However, sometimes leaders try to do too much themselves without delegating. When we reach the stage of being an overseer (being in a leadership role), it is time to move away from being the specialist and become the generalist who sees the big picture using the talented people you have charge over. Nehemiah did.

 

"Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many."

Nehemiah 7:1-2 ESV.

Spoiler Alert: Check back next week with Green Pastures by Patti: Inspiring Stories about Prayer and Bible Study for the next 5 leadership traits entitled Leadership Part 2: Nehemiah

• Acknowledging God as your strength;

• Correct and admonish when needed;

• Obey the company or ministry policies;

• Celebrate the achievements of others; and

• Define the roles and responsibilities AGAIN.

Bible Verses:

 

Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Proverbs 11:14

 

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Galatians 6:9

 

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.

Psalms 78:72

 

Prayer:

Oh Lord, help us to see opportunities to be servants for you. Let us also see areas where you want us to be leaders. Let us follow your leading and be the best leaders we can. Give us your directions, your wisdom, and your skills. Let us live our lives seeing life from your perspective. We love you. In Jesus' Name.

God bless you.
Patti Greene

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Books by Patti Londa Greene

Awaken Me: a devotional prayer journal
God, It’s Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study

 “Nehemiah: Who wrote the book?” The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Charles R. Swindoll. [21 June 2015.]

Stedman, Ray. “Nehemiah: Rebuilding the walls.” Authentic Christianity. [June 21, 2015.]

Wallace, Wanda T. and David Creelman. Leading people when they know more than you do. Harvard Business Review. 16 June 2015. Web.