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CHAPTER 1

ANGER

As a leader, your ability to properly manage and channel your anger sets an example for those you lead — be sure you speak and act with love.

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Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated — it can only bring harm.

Psalm 37:8

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A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

Proverbs 14:29

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A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1

"But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, 'You fool!' will be subject to hellfire."

Matthew 5:22

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Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, and don't give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 4:26–27

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Lord, may Your Holy Spirit guide my words and actions when I'm feeling angry so that I can lead by a godly example.

ANXIETY

Beneath our anxieties is the need to feel in control of our circumstances — but our peace is found in remembering that all things work together for the good of those who love God.

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"Therefore I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying?"

Matthew 6:25–27

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"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful."

John 14:27

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

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For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

2 Timothy 1:7

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Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:6–7

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Heavenly Father, I entrust to You my family, my work, my church, and the people who look to me for leadership — may Your peace guard my heart and mind.

AUTHORITY

As a leader, you hold an important position of authority — seek wisdom in all your decisions from God, who is ultimately in control of every sphere of life.

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Then he said to them, "Give, then, to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Matthew 22:21–22

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Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth."

Matthew 28:18

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Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.

Romans 13:1

For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow — in heaven and on earth and under the earth — and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9–11

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Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God's will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.

1 Peter 2:13–15

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Dear Jesus, I praise You for granting me wisdom and grace to be a mirror of godly authority to others, and I willingly submit to Your authority in all things.

BLESSINGS

We can experience deep joy when we take notice of the abundant blessings in our lives and praise and thank the Lord for such bountiful grace.

"May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24–26

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:16–17

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Heavenly Father, thank You and praise You for all the ways You have blessed me, most of all with the gift of Your own Son.

CARING

A godly leader isn't one who seeks power or advancement but cares for the people around them as Jesus, the Good Shepherd, cares for His church.

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"I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:34–35

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Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10

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Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4

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Dear Jesus, grant me the opportunity to extend caring and compassion to those I encounter who may need encouragement today.

CHANGE

Leading a group, school, organization, or movement is fraught with ongoing change and uncertainty, but you can rest in the promise that Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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"Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."

Isaiah 43:18–19

"Because I, the Lord, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed."

Malachi 3:6

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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

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Lord Jesus, no matter what the future brings, may I take heart that You are with me until the end of the age.

COMPASSION

Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves and also love our enemies — we demonstrate compassionate leadership by acting in the best interests of others.

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Yet he was compassionate; he atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often turned his anger aside and did not unleash all his wrath.

Psalm 78:38

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When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34

Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Ephesians 4:32

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Lord, may Your Holy Spirit fill my heart and soul with concern for those who depend on my leadership so that I may be a willing conduit of Your love.

CONFIDENCE

Rising to leadership and its various challenges may test your confidence, but remember that the power that created the universe and raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you.

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Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

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It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.

2 Corinthians 3:5

I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

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So don't throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God's will, you may receive what was promised.

Hebrews 10:35–36

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This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things. Dear friends, if our hearts don't condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commands and do what is pleasing in his sight.

1 John 3:19–22

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Heavenly Father, grant me inner strength and confidence as I trust You to provide everything I need to excel in the good work You have given me to do.

CONFLICT

We can walk in the Spirit, rather than according to the flesh, by resisting pride and the need to be right that we often feel in conflicts with others.

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Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:14–18

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"If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he won't listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. If he doesn't pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you."

Matthew 18:15–17

Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, and don't give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 4:25–27

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A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1

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What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don't they come from your passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask.

James 4:1–2

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Lord Jesus, may I imitate Your grace and gentleness in any disagreement or confrontation with my family, colleagues, and those under my leadership.

COURAGE

Having courage doesn't mean you feel no fear — rather it means you're willing and ready to proceed despite the fear.

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"Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

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I always let the Lord guide me.

Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

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Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13

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For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

2 Timothy 1:7

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Dear God, please grant me Your strength and presence so that I may face this day and its challenges with courage.

CREATIVITY

Being made in the image of God means that every person is also endowed with the creativity of the Creator.

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So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.

Genesis 1:27

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I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.

Psalm 139:14

Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.

Proverbs 22:29

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All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.

John 1:3

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For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

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Lord Jesus, through whom all things were made, guide my mind, heart, and hands to create goodness and beauty in every area of my life.

DEPRESSION

When your heart is heavy and your mind is burdened, hold fast to the truth that God comforts us in all of our afflictions so that we may be able to comfort others with His love.

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The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned, King forever. The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:10–11

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"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

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Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Don't hide your face from me, or I will be like those going down to the Pit. Let me experience your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in you. Reveal to me the way I should go because I appeal to you.

Psalm 143:7–8

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Dear Jesus, You were a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief — please fill my heart with Your strength and bring me peace.

DISCERNMENT

The Holy Spirit is our ever-present Helper who grants us wisdom so that we can lead according to the perfect will of God.

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So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?

1 Kings 3:9

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And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:9–10

Don't stifle the Spirit. Don't despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:19–22

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Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

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Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1

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Holy Spirit, may I be open and receptive to Your prompting so that I discern what is right and good in all things.

DISCIPLINE

A godly leader cultivates self-discipline by doing the right thing at the right time in the right way.

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Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.

Proverbs 12:1

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The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.

Proverbs 13:24

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Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth; a rod of discipline will separate it from him.

Proverbs 22:15

Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:27

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No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

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Heavenly Father, may Your hand guide me and correct me so that all I do and say will glorify You.

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Excerpted from "God's Grace for Leaders"
by .
Copyright © 2018 B&H Publishing Group.
Excerpted by permission of B&H Publishing Group.
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