At the Core of the Leader

What are the principles that represent your core?

Today's Scripture:


Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by loving kindness he upholds his throne.

Proverbs 20:28

Most leaders agree that there is no one formula to successfully lead others. Leadership is situational because of so many contributing factors that must be calculated into the formula. Because different situations require varying methods, approaches, and perspectives, you must maintain a few nonnegotiable principles on which to base your leadership actions. Those principles become the core values of your decisions, processes, and influence.


Integrity is displayed when your actions align with your espoused core values.



It has been said that if you are not willing to stand for something, then you are likely to fall for anything. Your core values are what you stand for when your challenged or tempted to compromise. Mercy, truth, and loving kindness are a great leader's sustaining core values. Other values that great leaders may embrace are honesty, compassion, servant hood, excellence, courage, and respect.




Values are the backbone that holds you upright with integrity. You can discover your core values by reflecting on the qualities that you would most want to be used to describe you by those who know you well. Also, examine those intangible characteristics that you would be absolutely unwilling to compromise in any situation. Having a personal values statement can help you face challenging situations that do not have one right answer. I see this daily in the business world and being a christian trying to live a life for God. An example of how this works... if your core values are courage, compassion, and humor, your value statement might be, "I will face challenges with courage, treat others with compassion, and embrace every day with humor."


Selah people' and friends try to meditate on those character traits that are most important to you. As values surface, select three to five of them and incorporate them into your own personal value statement.


"Take time out today to face the things that challenge you with a renewed strength knowing that God gives you all that you need to do His will."


Your pastor,


Rev Patrick Muston

Shining Stars...

Do you accept the responsibility God gives you to shine your light?

Today's Scripture:

You will be innocent and without any wrong. You will be God's children without fault. But you are living with crooked and mean people all around you, among whom you shine like stars in the dark world. You offer the teaching that gives life.

Philippians 2:15-16

An amazing thing about gazing at stars on a dark night is that the blanket of darkness does not cover the stars, but actually enhances the beauty of the brightness. The display proves that light is more powerful than darkness. Just as a candle disrupts the cloak of darkness in a room, you are to be the light that interrupts the darkness in another person's world.

Being a shining star carries the responsibility of offering light to those who are hopeless or heartless. By living a lifestyle of holiness, you offer the teaching that shines God's love and light for others to see. Holiness I know sounds intimidating to some people. I know for myself and my wife when God first called me into ministry I thought I am not Holy or good enough to stand a the front of the church or talk to the people on the street or in the hospital and tell them how to live. For my wife I know when she married me I was no where near a preacher so how could I then expect her to carry the burden of being the preacher's wife.

What we both have found as we have grown in Christ and our faith life is that holiness is not the same as legalism, religion, or even conservatism.

Holiness simply means that you are striving to live an uncompromising life that pleases God.

This does not imply that you are better or higher...just that you are trying to live and shine the light that God has placed in you.

When you allow God to use you by showing others consideration where you are at as a pickle worker, teacher, coach, student, retiree or whatever your position in life, you are offering life-giving principles to them. Express godly character by extending mercy when it is not expected or by offering a joyful response to a negative situation. Holiness isn't hard. It can be a simple as an expression of hope to someone facing a challenge in life. Being a shining star may not bring you personal gain or fame, it may cause people to fear you, but regardless when you shine the light God has placed in you it will give others around you the life and hope that God offers to brighten their gloomy world.

Selah people' and friends let your light shine! Share the credit for success, congratulate a colleague or coworkers who have done a great job on a project or broke a record, or send an encouraging card or email to an ill coworker. Seek out ways to express God's love through your actions.

"Remember God has placed the light within each of us and it is our responsibility to share it with others and be true Shining Stars that he has made us to be in this dark world. Will you join me today in shining our light for Jesus?"

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ via mobile Westbrooke Park Mount Olive, NC

God's Stress Test

What condition is your heart in?

Today's Scripture:

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

Psalm 139:23

Cardiologists often use a stress test to reveal the condition of a patients heart. The exam will indicate if enough oxygen is flowing to the heart. It can also predict whether potential risks of serious problems are present. The procedure of the stress test is for the patient to walk on a treadmill for several minutes. While on his or her stationary journey, the walker speeds their pace on a progressive incline as the doctor increases the demand for performance. The physically demanding test pushes the heart to a stress point to detect problems and weaknesses.

God sometimes gives a stress test too. Like a doctor, he examines your heart to reveal your weaknesses and surface potential illness.

Often your heart can be tested by the challenging situations that anger you. When you are pushed to your limit of patience, your words can reveal the condition of your heart. Painful situations can also test your heart's strength. When you are hurt or betrayed, your willingness to forgive is an indicator of a healthy heart.

The purpose of a stress test is to examine the condition of the heart before any damage is done to it. The test reveals what corrections and preventive methods need to be put into place to maintain optimal health. Regular heart checkups, both physical and spiritual, can keep you in a strong condition to fulfill your purpose. So you should guard the condition of your heart.

Today I experienced a day that would qualify as a stress test with the progressive incline of challenges. Some where past the middle of the day when I had worked through lunch, then through break I reached the peak and as I was about lose sight of the prize God reminded me of my weakness and where I can improve. Once that moment occurred I was able to carry on and nothing else that came at me was going to stand in my way. Often when we' pay attention to
God's test and the results we can move forward with a heart that God intended.

Selah people' and friends ask God to look deep into your heart. If you detect unforgiveness, stress, or anxiety, begin a wellness plan today. Seek ways to decrease your anxiety and increase your peace.

"God knows your heart and thoughts so choose today to learn and grow from the weaknesses that God reveals in the tests of life."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

What to do when your not sure what to do?

Are your decisions made from a humble rather than a prideful attitude?

Today's Scripture:

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Everyone is waiting for your decision. You are stumped. You don't have a clue what to do. You have made the pros and cons list, examined your strengths and weaknesses, asked your friends, associates or advisers, and even polled your leadership team, to no avail. You may even fasted and prayed . Still, you have no clear direction on what decision to make. What do you do?

Sometimes you find yourself in this predicament. When you are trying to make the greater of two good choices, or maybe the better of two bad choices, it is important to remember the guiding principles of justice, mercy, and humility. These principles can become a checklist for your decision. If you are humbly and mercifully making a just decision, you are probably headed in the right direction.

In your position, you have to prioritize funds, attention, and opportunity. You cannot always treat everyone equally in doing this.

When you know that you cannot do what seems fair to everyone, remember to do what is just - honest, right, and equitable.

Notice the scripture doesn't simply state that you should be merciful, but that you should love mercy. So, if you decide to withhold judgment that someone deserves, you should not do so begrudgingly, but willfully. Finally, you should strive to walk humbly with God. For if you act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, you may not please everyone, but you will meet God's requirement of you.

Selah people and friends when you are facing a difficult situation, consult your checklist: Are you impartial in this choice? Is it merciful? Is this choice made from a humble rather than a prideful attitude?

"Peace be yours as you make the decisions in the manner God has directed."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Eye on the Prize

On my ride home from church tonight under a full moon,
I was reminded that we all must keep looking toward our goal.

Today's Scripture:

I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.

Philippians 3:13-14

You have finally done it. You have been promising yourself that you are going to get into shape. Donning your new workout gear and shoes, you set out on the track or treadmill. Your plan to jog to a set point of perhaps of a mile and back. If your running on a familiar road you have a land mark you are trying to reach. You don't want to overdo it the first day. As you approach your mark, you are feeling pretty good, so you continue forward. As you approach the second-mile mark, you realize how winded and tired you are. Then, the biggest reality check occurs. You are past the halfway point. Whether you keep going forward or turn back, you have committed yourself to the full four miles! What were you thinking? Were you thinking at all? Maybe you were so in the zone or that song you had playing on your Ipod that you just lost track of time and distance. Either way it is on you now.

In your leadership role, you may have found yourself in a similar situation while running the course to attaining your dream. When you embark on the journey to fulfill the purpose you set out to accomplish, you have a passionate zeal to reach the goal. But at some point, sometimes at many points, you stop and monitor your progress. You may realize that the journey is longer, harder, and more tiring than you anticipated.

Your group, family or organization is counting on you. You are their running or strength conditioning coach.

If you sit down and give up, they will do the same. Applying the principle of "forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead" can help you maintain your focus, allowing you to keep your team focused on the prize. I have experienced this in so many ways during my lifetime as a boy it was as a patrol leader in the Boy Scouts, as quarterback is was during those fourth quarter moments with less than 2 minutes in the game and victory being determined by a score or not, in business it has been those breakdowns that we figure out how to overcome to get the pickles packed and the orders met and most importantly in the church both you and I have to step up our game and not fall down and give up, but instead rise up and lift our teammates and assure them victory is in our grasp. All we must do is reach out and grab hold! Even if you know you have not yet reached the goal, keep running and celebrating the small victories of another step closer to the prize.

Selah people' and friends keep your eye on the prize. Do not look back at the starting line; it will only slow you down. Look toward the finish line and it is my humble prayer that one you and I will celebrate with our brothers and sister in Victory on the other side of the glorious line.

"Join me in celebrating the victories that God offers us when don't lose hope and don't give up on the prize he has waiting for us at the end of the race we call life."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Share the Load

Are you ready to share so that we can be a success?

Today's Scripture:

You shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers...Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.

Exodus 18: 21-22

Leadership can be exhausting! It is not a sprint, but a marathon. If you want to be able to endure the challenge of leadership over the long haul, it is important for you to share the load of leadership.

As your organization grows and your load of responsibility builds, you must sharpen your ability to delegate.

Delegation has a mutual benefit - it both relieves the leader and empowers staff. You must have a plan. Choose wisely those with whom you share authority, and issue responsibility according to the person's ability to carry out that responsibility.

You can start sharing the load by assessing where your organization is in the scale of management control and workplace freedom. Then, you create empowerment opportunities by finding areas that someone else can cover with at least 80 percent of your effectiveness. Once you find the area in which you can share, you must choose the people to whom you will delegate. You assign responsibilities according to your group members' capabilities and skill levels. Some members may need to be given specific and direct instructions before acting, while other may be able to work with a global idea and few boundaries. Some may need to get your approval before going to the next step, while others may be able to act with initiative and simply keep you informed of progress. The key is being intentional in the delegation of assignments and degree of freedom given.

Selah people' and friends when sharing the load of leadership, ask: "Is this decision being made at the lowest possible level?" If not, to whom can you delegate both the responsibility and the authority?

"Share the work as well as the joy of getting the work done."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Let's Do This!

Are you ready to rise up to God's challenge?

Today's Scripture:

Prepare yourself and arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, lest I dismay you before them.

Jeremiah 1:17

From reality shows today to extreme sports, players and competitors are heard shouting, "Let's do this!" or as one famous show maker coined "Just do it!"; many times this is heard in the face of fearful tasks. As a leader, sometimes you, too, have to get yourself pumped up to confront a challenge before you. In my high school days my best friend Marc Muller and I would head butt each other before the game (helmet less) and during the game with hats' on or before big plays or critical times. Jeremiah the profit had the task of bringing bad news to God's people. In essence God told Jeremiah, "Let's do this!" God's directive to Jeremiah is important you and to me as christian leaders because it presents a three-step plan of action to confront leadership challenges. As the leader you must (1) ready yourself and arise, (get pumped) (2) prepare yourself with information, support, and a plan, and (3) take a stand of confidence to set the plan in motion. Remember from some earlier blogs here that words without action are of little benefit to the body of Christ.

No leader ever enjoys bringing a disappointing financial report to the boardroom or announcing the need for staff downsizing. However, you and I have to present the truth, even the unfavorable news. Once you have prepared yourself with the facts of the situation and have formulated a plan of action, it is also your job as the leader to speak truthfully and courageously.

You cannot be apprehensive in your mission or shaken by fear in the face of your followers. You set the tone and level of confidence for the group or organization.

If you have a tough decision to make, then "Just do it" - make it.

But make it with courage and confidence, or your leadership will be weakened in the presence of others. No one wants to follow a wimpy leader, but everyone wants to follow a courageous one.

Selah people' and friends a positive attitude, courageous spirit, and reliance on God will equip you to conquer difficult tasks in the challenge of leadership and life. Get ready, get pumped, get up and get going. Let's do it!

"May God empower you today with the power of his Holy Spirit and give you the courage to face all tasks without fear."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

God-Focus

Look beyond the board that is in front of your face...
focus on God and His glory!

Today's Scripture:

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Matthew 6:33

Do you see the glass half empty or half full? Do you find yourself worrying what you will do if you don't make your budget at the end of the month? Are you often needing more to feel secure? If you are a leader as I am, you have the responsibilities and realities that carry financial burdens. You realize that if you do not make sales happen, then payroll could be affected. You carry the burden of not only feeding your family but all your staff members' families, are counting on you too. That reality can be worrisome. I see myself as a shepherd of two flock both my Pickle flock and my Selah flock and both need to be tended and fed.

So for me and I'm sure for you too, maintaining a God-focus is very important to peace of mind in the realities of the life of a christian and in leadership.

God-reality is faith. When you look at the glass, see that it is half full, but see the potential for even more. Know that God has provided for you, and believe that he is the source of all your needs. Look at what he has given to you in material resources and human resources with innovation. Think of the lemon. It is just a flavorful fruit. But with a little creativity, it is a resource for lemonade, lemon pie, lemon cake, lemon air freshener, lemon furniture polish and even lemon cleansers.

True contentment comes when you focus your mind not only on furthering your own business success, but also on furthering God's initiatives. When you focus on God's methods and trust him to provide what you need for success, you do not have to concentrate on lack. You can be content with the resources that God provides to meet your needs.

Selah people' and friends God-provisions often come in common packages, but have significant possibilities. Think beyond what is in your hand, and expand your thinking to the the reality of God-provision.

"Peace be yours as we begin this week with a new glass just full of opportunity as we put our focus on God."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Leadership Paralysis

Do you feel stuck and unable to make a
decision?

Today's Scripture:

Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust in the Lord, you will be safe.

Proverbs 29:25

Have you ever felt stuck? You know, stuck, when you find yourself wedged between a rock and a hard place, where you are doomed if you do and doomed if you don't? If you have not yet been stuck, be assured - every leader will arrive at this place of decision paralysis. Immobility sets in because of your need of approval from other people. Your desire to be liked by your peers looms in the back of your mind, stalling your decision or action. This motionless place is where you are unable to carry out your decisions or even make them for fear of what others will think.

No matter how tough a leader you are, you do not want to lose friends or make enemies. You don't want your integrity or ability questioned. However, God has given you an expansive vision for your group or organization. You have a global perspective beyond what your constituents may understand. When you are stuck, you must remain the strong leader and make the tough decisions in spite of what the human opinion poll may reveal.

Thankfully, God specifically promises that if you put your trust in him he will protect you even when you are stuck.

The wisdom found in this particular proverb is especially important for the leader to remember, for if you seek to please God instead of your members, employees, customers, or peers in every decision, you can trust that God will protect your reputation and relationships, thereby enabling your effectiveness as a leader.

Selah people' and friends leading by fear of others disables your efficacy in decision making, but focusing on faith in God enables your success in leading your organization to effectiveness.

"Peace can be yours and mine if we can allow God to squash our fears."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

It Isn't Brain Surgery

Are you internally driven? Though it may be challenging
remember it is not brain surgery...

Today's Scripture:

Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

Romans 12:2

Your parents may have counseled you to let your conscience be your guide. That may have been great advice when the world did not have so many shades of gray. But you no longer live in a black-and-white world. The lines of morality and ethics have been blurred. However, God's principles are unchanging. They are an ever-timely guide to living.

Because your role is vital to your group or organization's values and ethics, your staff members take their cues from you. Your compromises become their compromises. Your boundaries impose their boundaries. So, from whom do you get your boundaries and cues? Ask God to guide you. Through prayer and Scripture, you can learn how to do what pleases him rather than what pleases people.

You must be driven by your internal, spiritual convictions and personal values. You cannot let external drivers force your internal choices.

Sometimes being internally driven will mean standing alone in your conviction.

Yours may be single voice speaking out for justice. You might even be the only associate who refuses to pad your expense account. But if you are a leader with integrity, it is worth the stand. If you cave in to comfort of commonness, you will cultivate a culture of compromise. If you emphasize the expectation of ethics, you will encourage an environment of excellence. Learning to be internally driven can be challenging; but it is not brain surgery, just a new way of thinking.

Selah people' and friends to be internally driven, you must know your own personal values. After prayerful consideration, list your top three to five personal values that you will be absolutely unwilling to compromise. Review your values daily and as my friend Scott Peele says "Be strong." Especially at those things that matter...remember its just not that complicated.

"Peace be yours as you allow your inner being to be led by God."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Counterfeit Leaders

Are you a confident leader?
Who does God say you are and are you a friend of God?

Today's Scripture:

A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way.

Proverbs 21:29

A fine line exists between confidence and arrogance. Confident leaders are self-assured enough to believe that they are competent in their abilities. Arrogant leaders are self-deceived enough to believe in their abilities alone. Of course, there are also counterfeit leaders who are just trying to fake it until they make it. Others will decide if they want to follow you based on their confidence in your ability to lead them, so your self-assurance is vital to your leadership. If you cannot genuinely convince yourself, you will never convince them!

In his "looking glass theory," Charles Cooley explained that a person forms his or her self-perception from three sources: who others think you are, who you think your are, and who you think others think you are. If any of those perceptions are out of balance, you may develop an unrealistic ego, self-doubt, or paranoia. You also must consider another perspective...who God says that you are. In the Scripture, you and I are called God's beloved, an oak of righteousness and a friend of God.

When you balance God's image of you with others' images of you, together with what you know of your abilities and strengths, you are better able to form healthy confidence that compels others to follow you. You do not have to fake it until you make it. You can be sure of yourself, even when you aren't sure of the situation.

Selah people' and friends if you want to have committed followers, you must be a confident leader. To be the real deal, begin to see yourself with the potential that God see in you. In 1983 I was inspired on the field to assume the role as a field general and leader of men. Today some 26 years late God still uses that confidence to lead others in ministry ultimately to encourage them to grow in Christ. Are you for real? If you have your doubts build confidence know Christ will give you all you need to accomplish His great works.

"Grab someone today and give them a hug or handshake and let them know how much God loves them. Remember we need honest leaders to help lead God's people."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Seasoned to Taste

Don't leave others with a bad taste about God...
help improve the flavor of their lives

Today's Scripture:

Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.

Colossians 4:6

You can be ready to answer others with communication that is full of flavor if you are mindful to season your words. Much like food, your words alone may provide the substance needed. But sometimes you can make your words more palatable by the extra flavors you add to them. A leader can preserve hope, purify motives, and promote integrity through seasoned communication.

A favorite seasoning for almost any meal is salt. Of course it adds flavor to a dish, but it also has many other uses. Salt is used in canning as we do in my other work at the pickle company to preserve freshness and life. It also purifies one of the world's most precious resources, water. In addition to its cooking properties, salt can melt ice and snow. In ancient times, mothers even rubbed salt onto babies' skin to toughen it against bruising.

When you need to console someone who has experienced great loss or when you must confront an issue with a colleague, you may find yourself speechless, wanting to say just the right thing in the right way. When you aren't sure of the answer, think of salting your speech. Choose words that give life and hope. Choose words that are truthful and honest.

Your words can melt hardened minds and hearts if you choose them carefully.

You can promote healing for others by what you say to them. The right answer is to communicate hope and truth that bring resolution.

Selah people' and friends make it your goal for people to leave your presence feeling better about themselves or their situations than they did before you spoke with them.

"Don't put salt in the wounds of others that are hurting, instead choose to savor the opportunity to encourage and add a flavor of Love through the words that you speak."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Stellar Effort

Angels
If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the

gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend,

that would be giving as the angels give. - George MacDonald

Today's Scripture:

In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered.

2 Chronicles 31:21

You can be committed to many things. You may be committed to being successful, achieving goals, building a reputation, serving customers, producing quality products - the list is exhaustive. There is one area in particular that you must be committed to as well. You must be mindful of serving God. Working hard, generating profit, and demonstrating net growth are not enough.

Seeking to please God is what it takes to be prosperous.

The truth found in 2 Chronicles 31:21 is important because it establishes the precedent for prosperity-an advantage every leader desires to achieve. To become truly prosperous, you must seek God and serve others.

Your efforts must be excellent in serving God's purposes. You can achieve this even if your organization is not a ministry. Carefully honor God personally and professionally by serving others. You are his representative of grace and compassion to those around you.

If you seek to please God with all your heart, then you will prosper. You please God when you serve others on his behalf. Your people...family & friends profit personally when your group or organization prospers not only monetarily, but spiritually, socially, and educationally. Making a stellar effort can be as simple as writing a not of encouragement, sharing a meaningful Scripture, or lending a helping hand. The bottom line really is prosperity for others.

Selah people' and friends identify someone today in your circle, group or organization who has had a difficult week. Decide how you can make a difference and help them prosper spiritually or socially today. Then serve God by answering the call and doing what you can to encourage them.

"Joy will come after the sorrow and it will be led by your Stellar effort for Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Sticks and Stones

Do your words lift others up or do they squash the hope out of them?

Today's Scripture:

Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.

Proverbs 18:21

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." If you remember this nursery rhyme, you probably also remember the words to which you were responding. In fact, even children know that words do hurt. Often you realize the importance of words when you are the victim of a hurtful comment, even as an adult. Seldom do you realize how hurtful words are when you are the one speaking them.

You must realize that your words are powerful and carry great influence. Words can give life or kill it. You have a choice.

With your words, you can stifle effectiveness in your ogranization. Or you can inspire momentum, impart courage, and instill hope.

If a once loyal partner or coworker leaves your organization, choose to impart hope for new opportunities. If someone makes a risky decision that fails, choose to comfort him and encourage his continued innovation.

Words have consequences, and you must accept those consequences. Begin your conversation with the end result in mind. You must choose what you want to cultivate in your relationships. You will reap what you sow, even through speaking. So, speak life and reap life. Give encouragement; receive encouragement. Be a friend; find a friend and lead a friend to Christ. In choosing your response, you choose your consequence.

Selah people' and friends give yourself three to five seconds to think before choosing your words. Then you will respond by choice and react by decision rather than impulse. Plant words of life and reap rapport and relationship.

"Peace and joy be yours and mine as we choose to use words of encouragement instead of words of hate."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Invisible Vogue

Are you as committed to making yourself look

as good on the inside as you do the outside?

Today's Scripture:

Your beauty should come from within you - the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God.

1 Peter 3:4

As you prepare to enter that most important meeting or sharing that critical presentation for the week, you check the mirror. You find that your newest tie, that name brand suit or perhaps for you ladies shoes that are just right with a dress that craves respect and beauty, like the magazine where it first caught your eye. With meticulous hair, manicured nails, and perfectly whitened teeth, you acknowledge that you will make a perfect first impression...just looking at yourself and how you have put yourself together makes you exude confidence.

You need to make a positive impression on others, so it is easy to get caught up in the newest look or hottest label of cutting-edge fashion, this is true for both men and women. Unfortunately, that perfect look isn't permanent. The clothes will wear and go out of style, the hair will gray or perhaps fall out, the nails will chip or break, and the teeth will stain again.

Maintaining the look of a leader is more about cultivating character than charisma.

It is important for yo to cultivate true beauty that never fades. One might expect a leader to be described as a "mover and shaker," rather than "gentle and quiet in spirit." Insight reveals "gentile" as a type of reliance on God to defend your injustices, and "quiet" as being steadfast in spirit. When you become confident enough to know that you do not have to defend every decision, and you are secure with your own God-given abilities, you exude the beauty of character that radiates from within and is precious to God. Take as much time cultivating inner beauty as you do you physical diet, exercise and yes grooming and putting that nice starch and crease - just so -in your clothing to top off your outer beauty, and if you do you will make a positive and lasting first impression not only on many, but on God the one who counts most of all as well.

Selah people' and friends conduct a character checkup today. If there is an area in which you are not relying on God to resolve a situation or even allowing his guidance by taking it to him in prayer, choose today to being to pray and commit it to him. Allow God to help you truly be all you can be, both inside and out.

"Peace can be yours if you will open up and allow God to do an extreme makeover on your insides that the world will see on the outside."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

CAUTION: Bridge Under Construction

Are you ready to move on to the other side?

Today Scripture:

The Lord says, "Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don't you see it? I will make a road in the dessert and rivers in the dry land."

Isaiah 43:18-19

Change happens. In fact, change is one consistent characteristics of all progress. Think of the transportation system. At times roads need reconstruction because the asphalt has deteriorated and potholes have formed. Other roads need reconstruction because of economic growth that increases traffic and requires expansion of the roadways. A detour, bridge, or some other change agent will be required in the transition through the change - and even though there is hope for safer and faster travel, the drivers usually get frustrated in the process.

Whether propelled by failure or success, change is inevitable. You must be a change agent if you are going to be an effective and progressive leader. Change begins with a vision of something better. So often leaders have great vision for their organization and share the vision of progress with their followers, expecting everyone to jump on board, ready to enjoy the ride. As change agent, you should expect resistance among those who will be part of the change.

But you have the exciting privilege of stirring enthusiasm for the new vision.

Focusing on the "new thing," you lay out the plan for addressing change. You are the change agent - the temporary road or detour that moves people from the old system to the new one. You can relieve the sense of anxiety, create a sense of possibility, and instill an attitude of adventure among the people involved in the change by sharing a vision of something greater to come.

Selah people' and friends if you have a process that is not working well in your group, family or organization, envision a better way. Write down the vision. Make a plan to communicate the vision and construct the change. Know that with God you and I can bridge the gap to a new way of living and doing.

"May we move forward beginning today no longer clinging to the past but moving forward to what God has planned for us in the future."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

The Can-Do Attitude

Influence others with a positive attitude and a pat-on-the-back!

Today's Scripture:

A good leader motivates, doesn't mislead, doesn't exploit.

Proverbs 16:10

Some stakes should be too high for employees and leaders alike. Often office, school and business politics offer manipulation and exploitation under the guise of networking and doing what it takes. In an exchange of "If you do this, then I will do that," manipulation may be the motivating force in managing results. You can "do what it takes" by remaining a positive influence in even the most political atmosphere.

Because of your integrity, it is imperative for you to embrace the fact that good leaders motivate; they don't mislead or exploit.

Good leaders motivate positively and respectfully. Your job is to promote a motivating environment that not only yields positive results and profits for the individual and company, but also cultivates employee and team satisfaction and worth.

Your encouragement and optimism will excite and energize others. A positive attitude is contagious.

Creating a can-do attitude is the key. You must first cultivate your own attitude within. Out of your own spirit, you can then motivate others to have an optimistic outlook. Catchphrases that have been used in schools and businesses alike are those such as: "If you can dream it, you can do it, "If you can believe it you can achieve it." Even the three musketeers' "All for one and one for all" references the can-do attitude. By influencing others with your own positive attitude, you will cultivate a spirit of camaraderie that initiates achievement.

Selah people' and friends when it comes to leading people toward a can-do attitude, a pat on the back works a lot better than a kick in the pants.

"Peace be with you as you strive to be a disciple who motivates and encourages others."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Setting the Tone

How do you celebrate, motivate and spark initiative
with your friends, family or group?

Today's Scripture:

Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

Even though most people appreciate materialistic rewards, they are not satisfied with material perks or financial gain alone. Since Elton Mayo's Hawthorne Studies around 1930, leaders have understood that workers are more influenced by social demands, the need for recognition, and a sense belonging than they are by raises and bonuses. You set the tone for the atmosphere that will motivate people to achieve company or family goals while attaining personal fulfillment by encouraging acts of love and kindness among others.

The catalyst to attaining a satisfying and productive organization is encouraging your team to express care and compassion through words and actions.

You need to think of ways to encourage this setting. It will not develop on its own, but must be intentional. Your list of strategies to set the tone might include a meditation or Scripture of the day, the celebration of birthdays and achievements, a company coffee club for breaks, special team lunches, family wellness plans, and flexible compensation time. The company newsletter, e-mail groups, team meetings, and family dinners are good avenues to disperse encouragement with little or no cost to the organization.

Your initiative and intention in setting the tone will reap many rewards for your organization. When you strive to meet the personal needs of your followers, your organization will develop stronger unity and a more loyal and satisfied team.

Selah people' and friends make a decision to unify your team, family or group. Then, establish a new tradition that provides an opportunity for them to engage in conversation and compassion. Celebrate our successes perhaps with chest bumps, high fives or like our President Obama & first lady Michelle with the "fist bumps".

"Let us grow stronger both as Christians and as a team for Christ."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Safety in Numbers

Do you have a small group of others to advise you?

Today's Scripture:

Get advice if you want your plans to work. If you go to war, get the advice of others.

Proverbs 20:18

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Whether you are the top leader in your own organization or a homemaker leading your children, you endure difficult decisions with challenging choices. Often, even when you have prayed, listed your pros and cons, and given much thought to the matter, you are still lacking clear direction for your decision. You must remember that God hears every prayer. Sometimes he answers you directly and sometimes he counsels through others' advice.

A leader is wise to develop a system of getting advice. You may form an advisory board, leadership team, accountability group, or circle of friends.

Whatever you want to name it, you need a small group of trusted advisers who can share their wisdom with you in your decision making process.

An effective GROUP advisers offers: Godly wisdom, Realism, Optimism, Understanding, and Perseverance. Be sure to invite godly wisdom. God's truths are universal and have been proved successful. Advice should line up with the Word of God and be prayerfully given. A realist will give you a perspective of the good, the bad, and the ugly; whereas an optimist will give you the bright side of possibilities. It is wise to keep a balance of both. With a strong understanding of your mission and vision, an adviser will help to keep you on a path you want to travel. Finally, your group should be persevering. A strong group of advisers provides the safety in numbers you need as a leader.

Selah people' and friends examine how the five most influential people in your life fit into your GROUP. If some GROUP roles are missing, pray and ask God to direct you in relationships that will fill those voids.

"Join me in coming together united with others as we grow in Christ and share the good news."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston

Two-Fisted Leadership

Are you prepared and equipped for battle?

Today's Scripture:

Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built.

Nehemiah 4:17-18

An effective leader spurs progress. But you must understand that progress brings change and change sometimes brings adversity. You can handle the distraction of adversity by following Nehemiah's example. Nehemiah was a leader with a mission to rebuild the wall of ancient Jerusalem, which would provide protection, privacy, and prosperity for his followers. But as with all leaders, Nehemiah faced adversaries. His adversity came from both the outside competition and his own people inside.

Nehemiah's is an ideal and important example for you because he faced mockery, ridicule, doubt, even physical threats against his mission. By example, Nehemiah tells the leader how to handle adversity - work two-fisted. With a brick in one hand, Nehemiah continued to build the wall and equipped his team to build with him. He continued with forward progress while he addressed the challengers. In the other hand, he held a weapon. Now, as a leader you might not literally hold a weapon today, but you can be prepared and equipped for the battle. Nehemiah did not ignore the insults or naively underestimate the adversary. He did realize the seriousness of the battle and stayed in a protective and defensive stance.

As a leader, you can follow this example. When you know that a change is inevitable or needed, use two-fisted leadership.

Equip and empower your team to build success in the face of adversity.

Establish your purpose, present your plan, and protect your process to accomplish your vision.

Selah people' and friends examine today's biggest challenge. Write down what tools you will use to continue progress and what methods you will utilize to address challenges. Then keep moving in forward progress.

"Peace be yours as you and put both hands up and serve our Lord."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston