Category: Christian Leadership

Judges 2:10 – “After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel.”

Following success, it’s easy to kick back and rest, to assume that current knowledge and achievements will foster future success.  That’s a dangerous attitude.  Unfortunately, it’s the one that the ancient Israelites adopted after the death of Joshua and his generation.  And that’s why week four of the NIV Leadership Bible year-long study focuses on the importance of leading a learning organization.

When nations, organizations, or teams stop learning, they’re setting themselves up for failure.  “Those who don’t learn from history are destined to repeat it” summarizes the situation the Israelites faced in the book of Judges.

God used Josiah to bring about radical reform to the nation of Israel.

Click here for more about what Josiah did and other lessons we can learn from Jim Collins’ How the Mighty Fall

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Leaders need courage to make the tough decisions they’re faced with every day.  In the Bible, Joshua faced a crisis in leadership.  God recognized Joshua’s need for courage and did three things to strengthen his faith.  First, God reminded Joshua of his faithfulness to keep his promises.  Second, God commanded Joshua to meditate on the words Moses recorded, so he would have the wisdom and encouragement needed to lead the nation.  Third, God promised to be personally present with Joshua…always at his side.  The same sources of courage available to Joshua are available to us as leaders today.

This week’s reading from the NIV Leadership Bible on Courage parallels that of Dennis Rainey’s 2011 book, Stepping Up:  A Call to Courageous Manhood.

Click here to learn more