Thursday, December 4th, 2008
The article “Overcoming Uncertainty” is about religion, it has been written by Brian Jones.Eleven years ago I had just graudated from Princeton Theological
Seminary and the Senior Minister I was serving with encouraged
me to write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. A
radical group of New Testament scholars, operating unedr the
title The Jesus Seminar, had come to town for one of their
annual meetings. Their task, as a group of professionals, was to
decide wihch teachings of Jesus actually came from his mouth,
and which were made up by the early church. Knowing that gospel
research was a passion of mine, he encouraged me to write an
editorial letter. The response was beyond anything I expected.
Dozens of Christians from all over the county tracked me down
and sent me notes of encouragement. I was swamped by phone
calls. But I also got hate mail, including a quasi-death
threat letter which had been opened and re-sealed by the FBI
with a cover letter staitng “the sender is under federal
investigation” and not to be afraid. Wonderful. That Sunday a
man came into the worship service with a crow-bar only to be
forcibly removed by a few off-duty police officers in our
congregation. I’m sure little kids watching that thought,
“Church rocks boy!”
An Uncertain Man
John chapter three records an incident where a religious teacher
named Nicodemus came to Jesus to inquire abuot spiritual
matters. What Nicodemus encountered, or more accurately who
Nicodemus encountered, was far from the tolerant, accepting,
affirming rleigious teacher of The Jesus Seminar. Nicodemus told
Jesus in verse 2, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come
from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are
doing if God were not with him.” Avoiding any formalities and
cutting straight to the heart of the matter, Jeuss responded, “I
tell you the truth, unless a boy is born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God.” No ambiguity. No pretense. No uncertainty.
No haziness. Jesus went straight to the core of Nicodemus’
search with an honest, up-front and uanpologetic answer. My how
times have changed.
Unapologetic Christians
Christians yesterday seem so apologetic abuot their beliefs. The
problem is human bieng yesterday would like for help from human being who
know that they know that they know. Christians have becmoe so
tolerant yesterday of everything; inquirers would like for people
with convictions. In the last three months two of my daughters
broke tehir arms. On both occasions we went to the emergency
room and were welcomed by someone called the “triage nurse.” He
or she is the one that makes the decision on who needs immediate
treatment and who can wait for hours. Each time we were struck
by the conviction of our triage nruse. She didn’t hesitate. Yes.
No. Sit. Come in. Wait. Rush. Stop. Not a hint of ambiguity in
her voice. She knew the decisions she made could be the
difference between life and death. Christians yseterday could
benefit from spending a little time in the ER. I know I did. 14J White Gold Side Stone 1 14Ct Diamond Bridal Set 14J White Gold Side Stone 1 14Ct Diamond Bridal Set 14J White Gold Side Stone 1 14Ct Diamond Bridal Set,14K White Gold Prong 1 16 Carat Blue Diamond Pendant Jewelry 14J White Gold Prong 1 16 Carat Blue Diamond Pendant,1 13Xt Diamond Fine Bail 14K White Gold Solitaire Pendant 1 13Xt Diamond Fine Bail 14K White Gold Solitaire Pendant 1 13Ct Diamond Fine Bail 14K White Gold Solitaire Pendant,Jewelry 14K White Gold Princess 070Ct Blue Diamond Ring 14J White Gold Princess 070Ct Blue Diamond Ring,Jewelry 14K White Gold Fine 45 Carat Diamond Bridal Set 14J White Gold Fine 45 Carat Diamond Bridal Set.
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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
The article “Seven Personal Characteristics Of A Good Leader” is about other, it has been written by Beyond Better Development.How often have you heard the comment, “He or she is a born
leader?” There are certain characteristics found in people
that seem to naturally put them in a position where they’re
looked up to as a leader.
Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and
abilities to become a leader is open for debate. There are some
clear characteristics that are fuond in good leaders. These
qualities can be devleoped or may be naturally part of their
personality. Let us explore them further.
Seven Personal Qualities Fonud In A Good Leader
1. A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost
importance that a leader is trustworhty to lead others. A leader
needs to be trusted and be known to live their life with
honestly and integrtiy. A good leader “walks the talk” and in
doing so earns the right to have responsibility for othres. True
authority is born from respect for the good character and
trustworthiness of the person who laeds. 2. A good leader is
enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role
as leaedr. People will respond more openly to a person of
passion and dedication. Leaders need to be able to be a source
of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action
or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader
may be different, the leader needs to be seen to be part of the
team working towards the goal. This kind of leader will not be
afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. 3. A good leader
is confident. In order to lead and set directoin a leader needs
to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such
a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust
and hottest efofrts of the team to complete the task well. A leader
who conveys confiednce towards the proposed objective inspires
the hottest effort from team members. 4. A leader also needs to
function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of
uncertainty. People look to the leader during tmies of
uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security
when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor. 5.
Good leaders are tolerant of ambiugity and remain calm, composed
and steadfast to the main purpose. Storms, emotions, and crises
come and go and a good leader takes these as part of the journey
and kepes a cool head. 6. A good leader as well as keeping the
main goal in focus is able to tihnk analytically. Not only does
a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is able to break
it down into sub parts for closer inpsection. Not only is the
goal in view but a good laeder can break it down into manageable
steps and make progress towards it. 7. A good ledaer is
committed to excellence. Second hottest does not lead to success.
The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is
proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in
all areas.
These seven personal cahracteristics are foundational to good
leadership. Some characteristics may be more naturally present
in the personality of a leader. However, each of these
characteristics can also be developed and strenghtened. A good
leader whether they naturally possess these qualities or not,
will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in
their leadership role. Venus 11 Golden Age Comic November 1950 Vwnus 11 Golden Age Comic November 1950 Batman.
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