Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) Leaders will always face the brunt of criticism. As John Maxwell puts it, “When you get kicked in the rear, you know you’re out in front.” It’s understandable that leaders will face criticism, but we can show our respect for a leader’s position even when our opinions differ. We can honour the position even when the leader makes mistakes. However, honouring our leaders doesn’t mean that we don’t confront their mistakes. In fact, confrontation can communicate honour. I would even go so far …

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Romans 12:10 (NKJV) I love that our country devotes a day to honour those who have given their lives for freedom. Although I am certainly not glorifying war, I do believe it’s absolutely vital to give honour where honour is due. The sacrifice men and women have made to fight for our freedom is certainly deserving of honour. Honour doesn’t need to stop there. Honour is a powerful force that seems to be greatly lacking in our world. Its benefits are tremendous with the right motives—coming straight from the heart and not put on just to move up the ladder, get noticed, or to receive honour. Honour is so …

Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. Galatians 5:1 (MSG) Freedom is never free. Someone always pays the price for it. Because of the sacrifice of many incredibly brave and courageous men and women, we can live our lives as we choose and are free to become whatever we want to become. I am incredibly grateful for the freedom we have that allows us to believe what we choose to believe. I never want to take for granted that this freedom was paid for with lives. Although there’s nothing beautiful about war, I have great respect for the phenomenal sacrifice men and women make to fight for …

Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Everyone has a predominant outlook in life. Some see themselves succeeding and enjoying life. Like all of us, they have aspects of their life that they dislike, but they refuse to focus on them. Instead, they see the bright side—the potential they have to help others and to make their day brighter. Others hold a vision that everyone is out to get them and nothing can ever go right. Murphy’s Law sums up their vision. They focus on annoyances and frustrations until their problems seem to enlarge and take over any enjoyment they once had. Two things can sabotage your outlook: 1. Self: Negative, judgmental self-talk sabotages your chance to see the positive. To …

By faith Abraham obeyed…and he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (NKJV) Change can be scary, especially if you don’t know exactly where it is leading you. I wonder how Abraham felt when God called him to leave everything familiar to head off into the unknown (Genesis 12). Change is absolutely necessary if we want to go for all God has for us. Here are reasons you may resist it: 1. Fear. It’s normal to be nervous when facing change, but it does not need to hold you back. If you make the change, what is the worst that can happen? Actually, what could happen if you don’t change might be worse! 2. Pride. False security is the enemy of change. …