Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah

There are countless books that have been written on the leadership savvy of Nehemiah. As I study this great book, and this great man's life, I understand why. There are several truths that I have gleaned from this book that I believe apply to leadership in all areas.

First, Nehemiah teaches us to prayerfully discern the will of God before we move into action. It was four months of praying that enabled Nehemiah to discern God's will. He searched the scriptures and found the guidance he needed for the task that God had called him to lead.

Second, he teaches us to wait patiently for the providence of God to open doors of opportunity. Nehemiah knew that trying to open doors and close doors are in God's power. We can make all the plans we want, but only God can direct our steps. Nehemiah surrendered and submitted to the sovereignty of God as he waited for God to give him success.

Third, Nehemiah teaches us to properly plan when doing God's work. It is so obvious that Nehemiah didn't just start casting vision or dreams before he planned. He knew that poor planning would leave the vision on the ground. Therefore, during his four months of prayer, he also planned. Nehemiah took time to plan and investigate before he initiated his vision. Many visions and dreams have never left the ground because leaders did not take time to plan and investigate.

Fourth, Nehemiah teaches us to expect opposition when doing God's work. Any time you move forward with God's work, Satan will oppose. Nehemiah showed that only by trusting God and determination could a task be accomplished.

Fifth, he teaches us that there will be people who question motives and agendas of others. Those people usually have their own agendas and questionable motives.

Last, he teaches us that a clear vision will inspire confidence and cooperation from the people we lead.

The principles are applicable in all leadership situations. Yesterday, a church member shared with me how he took the principles he has learned from Nehemiah and applied them to his work situation.

Let's lead in a way that glorifies the Lord.

A New Beginning: Resolutions

Nehemiah is God's story of a new beginning. It is also our story of a new beginning. Studying the first two chapters of this great book has inspired me to make some resolutions for 2010:

I will seek God's glory in everything I do.

I will ask God to break my heart with what breaks his.

I will find my satisfaction in the Lord alone. Therefore, I will pray more, fast more, read more, meditate more, study more, and love more for God's glory.

I will lead God's people to a deeper understanding of corporate prayer.

I will lead God's people to focus on his mission and purpose and inspire them to participate in that purpose individually and corporately.

I will spend more time prayerfully discerning the will of God before I lead a church into action.

I will patiently wait for God's timing and opportunities, and not try to take things into my own hands.

I will consistently trust the Lord to provide.

I will not be intimated by the enemy, but will determine to stand firm in the Lord.

I will not allow activity to become a substitute for spiritual vitality.

I will examine and investigate things before I initiate them.

I will lead the church in understanding God's mission and purpose for First Southern and how to properly plan in fulfilling them.

I will seek the Lord constantly because without his powerful presence I can do nothing.

I will be starting a new teaching series from the book of Nehemiah. I believe the Lord is going to speak to First Southern individually, but more importantly, corporately through this great book. We will learn how to do God's work, God's way, for God's glory. Hope you join me this Sunday!