LEADERSHIP - LESSON FOUR

                                                      Leaders That Last   

   You will need your Bible and a pen & notebook to complete these lessons. You should be able to copy and paste these outlines to your word processor and print them without difficulty if you so desire. We recommend you record in your note book deep thoughts or questions that may arise as you study, and certainly record all things God reveals to your heart. Look over these notes frequently and use them even as you pray. God will cause you to grow in wisdom and understanding. Keep your note book with you throughout the day as much

as possible to record all God reveals to you and to review the things you have learned.

   We also recommend you make a habit of memorizing a scripture each week. This not only helps get the Word deep in your heart, but is also an excellent mental exercise.

 LEADERS THAT LAST

Spotlight scripture - Ephesians 6:13 & 14 

  The Word of God makes clear; “let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.” This is the key to continuing successfully, on track your whole life through. No matter what temptation or trouble the enemy sends your way, you can stand firm in your walk with God.

  Too often people consider the work of the enemy as so powerful and sin as such an insurmountable problem, that they condition themselves to fail. Nothing could be further from the truth! You are a world overcomer. The Word of God states it plainly. Sin has no authority over you. You have the God given capacity to cast it out of your thoughts and from your presence every time it shows itself.

 What we need to adjust is our focus. We learn from Jesus, our example, to focus on that which is good and those things which are heavenly. Our attention should be on His blessings in our life and how BIG our God is, not on how “big” the devil is! Today we will look at some simple things we can adjust in our focus, which will help us walk this life God’s way more consistently.

1. Appreciate the value of what God has provided. 1Tim 6:7-8

- We too often see what we have as inadequate or focus on what we don’t have rather

than what we do have. This isn’t healthy. Although we can use our faith to believe

for more, even expect it, we are told to always be content. Life does not consist of the

things a man has, but of who the man is.

2. See the beauty in the things of life. Matt 11:28

- Great strength and joy can come from slowing down our thoughts enough to view the

things around us for what they are. As men we can be so busy, even while sitting in

an armchair our thought process may be going 100 mph. What we actually may need

most is just to stop, look around and enjoy what is there. It’s not all about what we

are doing or planning. Some quiet times of simple enjoyment can be very beneficial.

3. Stand up for what you believe. Matt 5:16

- As men we can be most effective when we are involved in a vision or purpose larger than ourselves. The kingdom of God is just that; a cause much larger than ourselves. We can make a difference and need to, in order to feel self fulfilled. We have a purpose, and to not work in line with it is to likely face future regret. Stand up for what you believe. A simple email to a political party regarding a personal view on an issue, a face book status that speaks the word in love and other such things are simple tasks each of us can do. We have a voice. We must use it!

4. Laugh your whole life through.

A merry heart does good like medicine. Pro 17:22 (also see Po 15:13, 12:25)

- Laughter and joy are byproducts of peace, gifts of Holy Spirit. Don’t consider them less important than they are. The Word of God says the joy of the Lord is our strength. What are we without strength? WEAK! Be sure to laugh. If you can’t think of anything else to laugh at, laugh at the devil. He works so hard at doing evil, which only accelerates his coming date with the lake of fire. Laugh hard! It will do you good.