One Thing is Needed

I read this post from Joseph Prince today and I wanted to share it with you.  It's something I really needed a reminder of.  Our baby girl that is due October 1st is named Mary, as in Mary the sister of Martha.  I chose this name because she chose the one thing that was needed.  Funny how soon we can forget our own convictions!  I hope you enjoy Joseph's post.

George Müller, who lived in the 1800s, cared for more than 2,000 orphans in his five large orphanages. But he never allowed his huge responsibility to take him away from the Word of God. He said that every day, he would set aside time to study the scriptures until his inner man was happy in the Lord.

Once, Müller met a man who worked between 14 and 16 hours every day. He told the man, “You are destroying your health. You don’t have time for your family and, most importantly, you don’t have time to nourish your inner man with the Word of God.”

The man replied, “I hear you, but I can’t see how I can cut down my working hours and spend time in the Word because even with the 14 to 16 hours I put in each day, I still can’t put enough bread on the table for my family.”

As the man walked away, Müller said, “He doesn’t believe that if he gives time to God’s Word first, God will take care of all his needs.”

Likewise, do you really believe that every day, only one thing is needful? Even if the bills don’t get paid, the children are not making any headway in their studies and the office work is not completed, all these things can wait. Only one thing is needful — that you spend time in the Word of God.

When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister Mary had left her to serve alone (Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and hearing His Word), Jesus defended Mary by saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)

My friend, you will not lose out when you take time to sit down and listen to God’s Word. Even your health and well-being will be blessed. (Proverbs 4:22) So take time today to meditate on His Word. It will make your way prosperous (Joshua 1:8–9), and give you divine health and good success!

Learning to Lead

Just finished up a quick read, Leadership 101 by John Maxwell.  Even though it's not a big book, its loaded with great leadership nuggets.  I highly recommend you read it if you have not already.  Above is an illustration from the book that outlines 5 levels of leadership.  I am a visual learner, so this really made an impact with me.  You see, you have to have the foundation of level 1 laid to proceed to level 2.  Then you must have each level of structure from levels 2-4 if you will ever have the chance to reach level 5 leadership.  You cannot neglect the lower levels even as you grow to higher levels of leadership.

Being a leader is hard work.  It doesn't happen on accident.  Where are you on this graph?  What things do you need to change today to ensure you grow as a leader tomorrow?