# New Mercies Daily!
MESSAGE TITLE:
“The Art Of Leading God ‘S Way: Biblical wisdom for today’s leaders”
DATE: 18/02/25
BY: EFFIONG ETOK
Carrier of God’s Word
Proverbs 11:14 (NIV):
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Great leaders are not defined by their titles but by their character, courage, and impact on the lives they lead.”
INTRODUCTION:
The Bible is filled with examples of leaders who rose to greatness through faith, wisdom, and courage. Each leader faced unique challenges, yet their leadership left a lasting impact because they aligned their actions with God’s purpose. Today, let us examine their lives and learn valuable leadership principles to guide our journey.
MAIN MESSAGE:
Effective leaders are either born or made. True leaders are forged through challenges, refined by values, and guided by vision. Now, the question is: Who are you?
Examples of Leaders from the Bible and Their Lessons:
1. Abraham – Leadership with Generosity and Wisdom (Genesis 13:8-9)
Abraham displayed selfless leadership when he allowed his Nephew Lot to choose his share of the land first, prioritizing peace over personal gain. Despite Lot’s poor choice, Abraham later risked his life to rescue him from captivity, showing compassion and responsibility for his family.
•Lesson: True leaders prioritize peace, act selflessly, and protect those under their care.
•Reflection: Are you leading with wisdom and selflessness, even when it costs you?
•Prayer: Lord, give me Abraham’s heart to lead with generosity, wisdom, and compassion.
2. Joseph – Leadership with Vision, Integrity, and Forgiveness (Genesis 41:39-41)
Joseph rose from slavery to become Egypt’s Prime Minister through wisdom and divine insight. Despite betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, he never complained publicly. His leadership shone through strategic planning during the famine and his remarkable capacity to forgive his brothers, prioritizing purpose over pain.
•Lesson: Great leaders lead with vision, maintain integrity in trials, and forgive without bitterness.
•Reflection: Are you leading with vision and a forgiving heart despite your challenges?
•Prayer: Lord, grant me Joseph’s wisdom, integrity, and a heart ready to forgive.
3. Moses – Leadership with Humility, Perseverance, and Mentorship (Exodus 3:10-12; Numbers 27:18-20)
Moses, chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egypt, exemplified humility, perseverance, and a heart for mentorship. Despite personal insecurities, he guided the Israelites through trials, bore their complaints with patience, and maintained deep communion with God. He mentored Joshua, preparing him to succeed as Israel’s leader by sharing his wisdom and publicly anointing him before the people.
•Lesson: True leaders raise successors, lead with humility, and persevere through challenges.
•Reflection: Are you nurturing the next generation of leaders?
•Prayer: Lord, help me to lead with Moses’ humility and prepare others for greatness.
4. Joshua – Leadership with Vision, Determination, and Family Commitment (Joshua 1:6-9; 24:15)
Joshua succeeded Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land. His leadership was marked by obedience to God’s instructions, unwavering faith, and a commitment that extended to his household. He boldly declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), showing that true leadership starts at home and influences the larger society.
•Lesson: Vision, obedience to God’s word, and leading by example within one’s household are crucial for successful leadership.
•Reflection: Are you leading with a clear vision and ensuring your household is part of your faith and leadership journey?
•Prayer: Lord, give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to lead like Joshua, both in my community and within my household. Amen.
5. Deborah – Leadership with Courage and Wisdom (Judges 4:4-9)
Deborah was a prophetess, judge, and military leader who guided Israel with courage and strategic wisdom. She inspired Barak to lead the army and assured him of victory through faith in God.
•Lesson: Effective leaders empower others and lead with boldness.
•Reflection: Are you inspiring others to reach their full potential?
•Prayer: Lord, give me the courage and wisdom to lead like Deborah.
6. David – Leadership with a Heart for God (1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 13:22)
David was anointed king because of his heart for God. Despite his failures, he repented sincerely and remained a leader after God’s own heart.
•Lesson: A leader’s heart matters more than their title. True leadership is about humility, repentance, and worship.
•Reflection: Are you leading with a heart that seeks God’s will?
•Prayer: Father, give me a heart for You and a spirit of humility like David.
7. Daniel – Leadership with Integrity and Consistency (Daniel 6:4-5)
“They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” Daniel’s leadership stood out because of his integrity. True leadership demands consistency between what we profess and what we practice.
•Lesson: Your leadership is only as strong as your character.
•Reflection: Can those around you trust you when they are not watching you?
•Prayer: Father, give me the grace to lead with integrity, no matter the cost.
8. Esther – Leadership with Influence and Courage (Esther 4:14-16)
Esther risked her life to save her people, declaring, “If I perish, I perish.” She used her influence for a higher purpose.
•Lesson: Great leaders use their position to serve and protect others.
•Reflection: How are you using your influence to help those around you?
•Prayer: Lord, help me to use my influence for Your glory and the good of others.
9. Nehemiah -Leadership with Determination and Focus (Nehemiah 6:3)
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem despite opposition from enemies. When they tried to distract him, he said, “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.”
•Lesson: Effective leaders stay focused on their mission and do not succumb to distractions.
•Reflection: What is distracting you from your assignment?
•Prayer: Father, help me to stay focused on my purpose and ignore every distraction.
10. Jesus Christ (The Greatest Leader) – Leadership Through Service (John 13:14-15)
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” Jesus, the greatest leader, knelt to serve His followers. Leadership is about adding value to others, not extracting value from them.
•Lesson: Your leadership will be remembered by the lives you touched, not the titles you held.
•Reflection: Are you leading with a heart to serve or to be served?
•Prayer: Lord, make me a servant leader, willing to stoop low to lift others high.
11. Paul – Leadership Through Mentorship and Legacy (2 Timothy 2:2)
“And the things you have heard from me… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Paul understood that a leader’s legacy is not what they achieve but who they raise. Moses raised Joshua, Elijah mentored Elisha, and Paul empowered Timothy.
•Lesson: True leadership multiplies.
•Reflection: Whom have you mentored so far? Who will carry your vision forward?
•Prayer: Lord, help me to raise leaders who will surpass me and extend Your kingdom.
12. Peter- Leadership Through Transformation and Boldness (Acts 2:14-41)
Peter went from a man who denied Christ to one who boldly preached on Pentecost, leading 3,000 souls to salvation. His leadership was transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.
•Lesson: God can transform your weaknesses into strengths for His glory.
•Reflection: Are you allowing God to transform you into the leader He designed you to be?
•Prayer: Lord, transform my life and make me a bold leader like Peter.
Reflection and Personal Challenge: A Call to True Leadership
As you contemplate the lives of these 12 great leaders, let these questions weigh heavily on your heart:
1•Can you sincerely say that your life reflects the character and actions of these godly leaders?
2•Are you leading with the same vision, integrity, and sacrifice they displayed, or have you strayed into self-centered leadership?
3•What leadership qualities are you truly nurturing-are they building God’s kingdom or your personal empire?
4•If you were to stand before God today, would He see a legacy of service, compassion, and impact-or a heart driven by pride, position, and power?
A FINAL PLEA:
Beloved leaders, let the weight of this message sit deeply within your soul. Let it break you if necessary. For brokenness before God is the doorway to true greatness in His kingdom. Titles will fade, positions will pass, but the lives you touch and transform will echo into eternity.
The question still stands, and it demands your answer-not with words, but with your life:
1.When you stand before God, will your leadership show a heart that lifted others-or one that exalted itself?
2.May those who need to weep, weep. And may those who need to repent, repent. For the time to lead God’s way is now.
Lord, break me and remake me, in Jesus’ Mighty. Amen!
