There are two words that have been the guiding light of my life and ministry.  Years ago someone wrote two words in the back of my Bible and these two words have influenced and impacted me more than any other combination of words that I know.  They are simply…Stay Teachable.

The writer of Proverbs said, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:8-9).  I honestly believe that …

TEXT: Psalm 63:1-11

Introduction:

The title of the psalm is consistent with its context- it was given while David was in the wilderness.  This psalm was more than likely written while David was running from Absalom his son.  David’s search and thirst for God was very real and it began early in the day.

1. David’s Search for God (v1-2)

A. It was an Early Search (v1a)

• “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee”
• The words “early” and “seek” both imply the period that belongs to the morning.
• David understood the importance of starting the

Fred Smith contends, “In every significant event there has been a bold leader, a shaped vision, and most often, an adversary.”  This principle rings true from Genesis to Revelation.  The Bible is full of men and women who triumphed in the face of insurmountable odds, daunting enemies, and impossible circumstances.  As a spiritual leader, you too will find yourself in precarious situations throughout the course of your ministry; situations that are never addressed in seminary training, situations that cannot be resolved through text-book solutions.  It is during those dark moments of faith that we must rely on the strength of …

The frontlines of any battle are subject to the most heated warfare.  In the fight of faith, spiritual leaders are enlisted as first-infantry soldiers in the army of God; so to expect anything less than a battle is a misnomer.  Wrestling with principalities and powers is never easy business, but it is part of the preacher’s calling; it is part of his development.  The more adamant we are to the things of God the more adverse the affliction can be.   In his book, The Discipler’s Manual, F.E. Marsh states, “Great characters and great souls are like mountains-they always attract storms; …

In his book, The Top Ten Leadership Commandments, Hans Finzel documents the leadership principles that are exhibited through and in the life of Moses.  The burning-bush believer seemed to experience every possible angle of leadership during his tenure.  From his failed attempts to his frustrating angst to his final admonishments, Moses was a man who knew the ups and downs of being out front.

Finzel cleverly engraves Moses’ experiences on tablets of stone, and lists the top ten “commandments” one might glean from observing his life and ministry.  Finzel does more than just offer another leadership list of qualities …