Word for the day: “The heart of a leader matters.”
Ephesians 1:18 (NJKV) The eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
Beloved Leaders,
In my leadership journey, I have discovered that my heart's temperament is integral to how I lead and serve others. Perhaps today’s message will provide a heart check and guidance for you in your leadership and life.
LEARN SOME POWERFUL LESSONS IN THIS SEASON OF YOUR LIFE.
Are you going through difficult times? If it does nothing else for you, it will open the eyes of your heart. Walking through troubled times is one way that God has of shifting your vision. When your heart breaks, there’s an opportunity for God’s compassion to connect in and envelop your heart in this season of your life. There are some powerful life lessons you are going to learn in this season of a challenge!
You’ll begin to look at others through the eyes of your heart and not through the eyes of quick, unrighteous judgment, wrongful conclusions, or self-interest. You’ll hopefully look at people and wonder what their story is, what their childhood was like, what caused them to be so happy or unhappy, and why they seem this way or that. You are more likely to understand that they are in some pain and trying to run from it or try to hide. Perhaps you’ll see their smile and demeanor and wonder if they’re truly happy or masking some inner, silent suffering or despair. God is presenting you with an opportunity in this season of your life; don’t miss it.
THE POST-LENT SEASON TIME OF THE YEAR IS WHEN YOU CAN TRUST THE LORD TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSES THROUGH OUR PAIN.
Jesus could have viewed His enemies merely as men carrying out a wicked plot. Instead, He saw them as human agents used by God to accomplish God’s bigger purposes. Jesus knew He had been sent into the world to offer His life as a pure sacrifice to pay the debt of man’s sin against God.
The wicked actions of his enemies enabled Him to fulfill God’s purpose of redemption. Therefore, Jesus was able to say from the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). When you are mistreated, a forgiving response demonstrates the love of Christ to your offender. In this way, you continue the ministry of Christ’s suffering and reconciliation here and now on the earth.
God can work through offenses to fulfill His divine purposes in your life and in the world. When you experience suffering, you can respond in forgiveness and trust God to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). This is one of the most powerful and valuable lessons I’ve learned. Don’t shy away from hard things. Instead, train yourself to become a person who can endure, embrace, and allow the Lord to guide you through life’s difficulties.
Quote James Baker, Jr.: As I look back on my own life, I can see that, although the times of testing seemed very painful at the time. I now recognize how significant they were in preparing me for what was in my future and destiny.
POINT TO PONDER
Now, you won’t always get answers to all that you wonder about people and figure everything out, but your heart will be softened by God's power. You’ll find that you have a level of compassion that most people don’t have. Let the Lord open the eyes of your heart today, and have a great week.
Do you know how to leverage life’s difficulties?
What is your perspective on the challenges in your life?
How do you understand Jesus in the handling of life’s challenges?
Currently, in your life, are you growing spiritually? Yes/No
When mistreated, do you have a heart that forgives?
The answers to these questions will provide some life-changing growth opportunities. I pray and trust God will give you the heart needed to serve those in your sphere of influence.
Special Thanks,
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr., and our leadership team are incredibly thankful to those aligned with us. Help us equip this generation of leaders for their God-given assignments. Your generous donation supports our labor of love, From Grace and Truth Leadership's mission to embrace, empower, and encourage leaders and emerging leaders globally.