Proverbs 18:17, NIV, “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.”
It can be easy to form an opinion when we hear one side of a story, but if there are two people involved, that means there are two stories involved. Therefore, we must be careful not to jump to conclusions. Even in our own lives, it is pretty easy to point fingers when we encounter conflicts, however, it pays to examine ourselves and see areas where we may have faults. This doesn’t mean the other person involved has no faults, it just means that in humility we realize that we, or those we love, may also have faults. Prayer is a huge help with this, the Holy Spirit will help us to see truth in every situation.
Satan is the accuser, who is always trying to accuse and condemn us (Revelation 12:10); I’m thankful that God is merciful, and willing to hear our side of the story when we go to Him in prayer and repentance. We should strive to extend the same kindness to others whenever possible.
Proverbs 11:13 NIV, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
It’s a blessing when God places trustworthy people in our lives who can keep a secret. Many individuals have been hurt because of people who betrayed them by gossiping. Gossip ruins reputations and destroys relationships. As children of God, one of our goals should be to love and protect people. Gossip does neither.
Photo by: Ben White of Michigan, USA 🇺🇸
Before we “share information”, we should take time to think before we speak, and consider our motives for sharing the information with others. We should also consider how our sharing will affect all of those involved, and even more importantly, we should pray regularly to ask God for strength to stay away from gossip and other ungodly conversations.
May God help us all to be trustworthy people who He can depend on to show His love to others, and help fulfill His purposes here on Earth.
📷 Photography above by Ben White, who says, “I consider myself a servant of Jesus Christ. I love finding beauty in simple things. I want everything I do to bring honor and glory to God...”.
Whatever season of life we are in, as Christians, we are called to be people who exemplify Christ like love, character, and service to God and others. In doing so, we become people who are set apart, people who shine in the darkness, people who, “lead like Jesus”.
I decided to start these, “Lead Like Jesus” posts to occasionally share inspiring lessons that I come across on my journey of learning to lead like Jesus. It’s a blessing that we can learn from one another, and apply what we learn to our lives, rather we’re serving at home, at work, or elsewhere in our communities.
Photo by: Christina Morillo of NY, NY USA 🇺🇸
In a Christian business ethics book, I recently came across an interview with Jim Sinegal, the president, CEO, and director of Costco Wholesale Corporation. He shared some insight on leadership.
But first here are a few facts about Costco Wholesale Corporation…
🔹Costco operates more than 782 stores as of 2019
🔹Costco employs more than 254,000 people as of 2019
🔹Costco has more than 98 million members who shop at its stores as of 2019
🔹Costco has earned over $138.4 billion in sales as of fiscal year 2018
Mr. Sinegal expressed the following thoughts about leadership. As leaders in God’s kingdom, we can apply these pointers to our daily life.
1. Good leaders are determined.
2. Good leaders know how to communicate effectively.
3. Good leaders are people of integrity.
4. Good leaders are consistent and have guiding principles that they follow.
5. Good leaders are responsible.
6. Good leaders consider how today’s decisions will impact tomorrow’s outcomes; in other words, they take time to reflect and make plans.
🍃Scripture Meditation and Prayer:
Proverbs 22:29 NKJV, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.
**Remember, as Christians we are ultimately working for King Jesus.
Dear Father,
Please help us to be people of integrity who implement godly leadership where ever we are. Help us to draw others to Jesus as we work with excellence in all our daily tasks. Thank you for the example we have in Jesus. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
I remember some years ago, I was making a copy on the copier machine at work. When I went to grab the copy off the machine, the paper was blank. I held the paper up to the light to see if I was missing something, but I wasn’t. The paper was really blank. As I held the paper up to the light, I remember the Holy Spirit gently speaking to my heart and saying, “Faith is not what is seen, but what is unseen.” I don’t know why God chose the copier machine to remind me to have faith, but I’m glad He did.
Photo: Leon Macapagal of Chicago, IL, USA 🇺🇸
As Christians, we get to live our lives by faith, having a confident hope in God, knowing that He will perform His perfect will in our lives. We can be sure of His love, be sure of His protection, and be sure of His provision. We are not limited by what we can see. The things we can see in the natural, are only a portion of the bigger things that God is doing in our lives, in the world around us, and especially in eternity to make preparations for our entrance into heaven.
John 14:2 NIV, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
Keep walking by faith and remain confident in the Lord’s ability to take care of you!
Thank you Mrs. Holliman at God’s Lovefor tagging me! Your faithfulness to the Lord is an inspiration. Please visit Mrs. Holliman’s blog to experience the joy of God’s Love. 🌼
Rules and Regulations of this Tag 🤗🍁
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
List fifteen of your small joys.
Nominate five other blogger friends who bring you joy
Fifteen Joys of Mine ⭐️❤️⭐️
1. Blogging and interacting with fellow bloggers
2. Reading good books
3. Eating delicious pizza and desserts
4. Learning and applying God’s Word to my life
5. A conversation with a good friend
6. Meeting new people
7. Helping others
8. Accomplishing goals
9. Taking walks
10. Spending time in prayer
11. God’s love in my life
12. The love of family and friends in my life
13. An enjoyable movie
14. Learning new things
15. Hearing testimonies of God’s faithfulness in the lives of others
Anyone of my followers who desire to participate in this tag, please feel free. I’d love to hear about your joys! 🥰
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”. (Matthew 11:28 NLT)
Jesus understands that we sometimes get weary. We carry burdens that leave us physically and emotionally drained. Plus, spiritually we are striving to know Him better, and understand His will for our lives. He’s not looking for our perfect performance. He’s looking for a relationship with us that is built on love and trust, which will lead us to obedience.
Photo by: Riccardo Bresciani
Jesus wants us to come to Him for rest daily. He wants to hear our voice in prayer, and He also wants us to spend time sitting quietly as we listen to His. What a comfort it is to hear the Master’s voice. As we rest in Him, we find the strength and encouragement that we need to continue on. He is our daily bread.
Ephesians 4:32 ESV, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Christ forgave us, and still forgives us every time we repent, so we are commanded to forgive one another. When others offend us, it can really hurt, but God is merciful and understanding. He is our ever present help who is willing to help us to forgive our offenders. He wants us to be free from the pain we feel, so we can be free to live our lives and fulfill our purpose.
Photo by: Vera Arsic
Although we are not always able to have a relationship with those we forgive for various reasons, forgiving them will help bring healing to our souls. God has wonderful plans for His children, and learning to forgive is an important part of those plans. Remembering all that God has forgiven us of is humbling, and it inspires us to show the same kindness to others.
“Forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you”.
Drawing Closer to Christ 