This Week’s Bold Step

We’re a culture that’s obsessed with books on leadership. At last count, Amazon currently offers 57,136 books with the word “leadership” in the title but in a recent study, only 35% of employees felt inspired by their boss. Clearly, there’s a disconnect between the number of books being written and how bosses are leading their people. One would have to consider that with all the great leadership advice available at our fingertips, why are so many bosses ineffective leaders?

Leadership is fundamental to the success of any organization as it was in biblical history. Two contrasting examples of leadership styles that offer valuable lessons for today’s leaders are David and Saul. If you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to be one, there are timeless insights you can glean from the lives of these two men.

David represented a leadership style that was characterized by humility, courage, and a dependence on God. Despite his shortcomings, he was marked by his heartfelt repentance, a reconnaissance of his failures, and a determination to improve (Psalm 51). Ultimately, David would become a revered king of Israel that remained faithful to his people and to God leading with an empathetic nature that inspired those around him.

Conversely, Saul, the first king of Israel, demonstrated a leadership style that was primarily driven by fear, selfishness, and pride. Though he was initially humble and reluctant to lead, over time, his insecurities, power struggle and disobedience to God led to his downfall. He was plagued with trust issues which led to impulsive decisions. At no time did he seek wise counsel from others or from God.

In our culture today, understanding these leadership styles can equip you in your own leadership journey. Whether you’re a manager of a company, a coach of a sports team, or a parent of young children, you are a leader when people count on you. Leadership isn’t just about getting results, but about finding the confidence and strength in God and His unique purpose and mission for each one of us.

God is calling you to make a difference in the here and now to those around you!

This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.

To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/

The post A Tale of Two Kings | Bold Stepper Weekly appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

The Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:8

Read Psalm 121

We often play our favorite songs in the car while taking a road trip with family or friends, or sometimes we listen in the privacy of our headphones or earbuds while flying from one airport to another.

There is a collection of songs in the Psalms that were a sort of playlist for travelers. It is believed that the Songs of Ascents (Ps. 120–134) were sung by God’s people as they journeyed to Jerusalem to observe the pilgrimage feasts as commanded by God (Lev. 23). For many, this road was long, arduous, and even dangerous with threats from both man and beast. But despite these challenges, we see God’s people praising and thanking Him, crying out to their Maker with an immovable faith and a clear direction of where they are heading.

What an insight for us today! Do we praise and petition the Lord as we journey from place to place each day, hour, or even through each stage of life? Do we have a clear awareness of where we are headed and where our strength comes from? The psalmist writes that “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” (Ps. 121:1). Lifting our eyes upward ahead to the mountains that surround Jerusalem (Ps. 125:2) is a picture of praying, asking for God’s help and strength now while knowing Him and focused on our final destination. In Christ, our present help and destination is in Him and His presence where we will dwell with Him forever (Ps. 23:6).

While we travel the bumpy road of this earthly life, may Christ be the soundtrack of our lives, for He is the One who made heaven and earth (v. 2). May we lift up our eyes to the hills around Jerusalem, knowing it is the cross and crown of Christ on which we stand and journey.

Go Deeper

What is a Song of Ascent? Why did people sing while on their journeys? What application does this have for our lives today?

Pray With Us

Lord Jesus, may we follow the Psalmist’s example to trust You and seek our protection only in You. May we remember that our help comes from You, “the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:2). We lift our eyes to You!

This Devotional is from Sing to the Lord: Music in the Bible written by author Dr. Brian Lee

Find more edifying, Christ-centered devotionals and other great resources at www.todayintheword.org

The post Songs For The Journey | Today In The Word appeared first on 93.7 The Light.