TOPIC:

SELF-MANAGEMENT, KEY TO SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP

BY: MOSES AKINYETUN

Introduction

     Leadership is a field. It has been said that leaders are both born and made. In making of leadership, one of the ingredients that make and promote leadership is Self-management.

     Though leaders are called and appointed to manage peoples, empires, nations, communities and establishment, the issue of self-management holds key for any leader that wants to succeed. Any leader who fails on self-management will definitely fail in other areas of life.

One of the things that distinguishes our Lord Jesus Christ from other religious leaders is this issue of self-management.

Under this topic, I want to discuss seven areas a leader should self-manage.

1. A Leader should Manage his/her Emotion:

Everything falls and rises on leadership. The buck-stop at leaders table. When things are going on well, leaders are praised, but when things fall apart, leaders are held responsible. Apart from this, constant criticisms from those that are expected to support their leaders often make the emotion of leaders to be high. Failed vision, expectation, promises and weak loyalty from followers contribute in no small measure to the emotion of leaders. Another thing is the challenges at home front.

Current statistics show that:

• One out of five victims of fatal accident five had been quarrel with another in the six hours preceding the accident.

Moses was one of the best leaders the world has ever produced, but he failed in emotion management. – Number 20:10-12

Israel constant murmuring against Moses and their total disbelief in God who saved them miraculously from the iron grips of the Egyptians made him to rage and rave. He could not manage his emotion well and was denying entering the Promised Land.

The actions and reactions of any leader could be negatively affected if the emotion is not properly managed.

2. A leader should Manage his Time

Time is the only raw material any leaders need to accomplish his vision. Most of the times, the workload of a leader is more than the available time. Time is a fixed resource, nobody can add or subtract from it, this nature of time creates headache for any leader that wants to make a mark. Leaders needs time to eat, sleep, romance with the members of his/her family and for recreation.

The key to successful leadership is not creating more time in one life or packing more activities into one’s day but to focus more on priorities.

Time proceed second by second, minute by minute hour by hour despite leaders’ effort to manage it. Good leadership hinges on making the best choices on with ones’ time.

Any leader who wants to optimize his productivity must focus on priorities every day. Priorities itself should be properly managed.

80% of the time – work when you are strongest

15% of the time – work when you are learning

5% of time – work in other area

A leader of the American army during World War II was General George Marshall. His effectiveness as a leader was his ability to distinguish between the important and the unimportant.

A leader should be ready to say POLITELY no to unimportant things that may rob him of attending to unimportant things.

Leaders who are deluged by their schedules are leaders who have failed to say no when they should have. God does not give people more than they can handle, but people regularly assume responsibility for things they should not be doing.

3. A leader should Manage his Energy

Excessive load which leaders bear make their energy to wane and sag. Some leaders have suffered premature death due to their inability to manage their energy.

Leaders should be careful not to run themselves out in the name of deadline, busy and mandate. “A leader who allows himself to be overburden in the name of beating a deadline will soon become a dead person”. It is better to arrive “late than being ‘a late’”.

Jacob made a statement that can help any leader “and he said unto him, my Lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herbs with young are with me and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die” – Gen. 33:13

The issue here is that no leader should overdrive himself. Overdriving leads to untimely and unfortunate death. Every leader should watch out for Energy drain: A B C

A – Activities without Direction:   Doing things that have no bearing to the growth of their organization or doing things that are not important.

B – Burden without Action:            Not being able to do things that really matters. Actions unburden burden. When a leader carries a burden without action, before long such leader will crash under the weight of the burden.

C – Conflict without Resolution:    Not being able to deal with what matters. Accumulated conflicts in the heart of any leader can sap or drain energy and death is imminent under such condition.

4. Leaders should Manage his Thinking

“Your mind will give back to you exactly what you put into it”

Every leader should be mindful of the kind of though he puts into his heart.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he Prov. 23:7. The fate or destiny of any organization is tied to the leader. If therefore a leader stuff his heart with defeats and failure, his organization will experience the same, a leader should manage his thinking very well.

5. A leader should Manage his Word

“Words are very powerful! Everything that is in existence is created by words”

Words are very powerful. It is the most invisible force. Words can destroy, words can build up, words can bring encouragement and discouragement, and words are powerful.

6. Leaders should Manage their Home

A leader should never do anything at the expense of his wife, husband and children.

“One that ruleth well his own house having his children is subjection with all gravity” – I Tim. 3

“A leader should know that life is like a ship on a voyage or on high sea, at the end of the voyage, the ship would definitely berth at the shore”.

As a civil servant, your final shore after the retirement is your home. As a self-employed, your final shore is your home after a day’s work or old age. As a clergy, your final shore is your home after retirement.

Let love saturate your home. Be affectionately connected with your wife and children. Don’t break their hearts because of your work.

Conclusion

The Epistle to the Timothy by Apostle Paul is what every leader needs to excel and successful.

I Tim 3: This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a Bishop (leader) he desireth a good work. A Bishop (leader) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober of good behavior, given to hospitality act to teach.

Self-management in leadership involves the contents of the Epistle of Paul to Timothy. It contains sixteen elements.

LET US CONSIDER THEM:

1. Must be blameless – This refers to life that are devoid of faults. It is a life that is constantly improves on himself/herself through the help of the Holy Spirit.
2. Husband of one wife – A life that is not polygamous and promiscuous. Sexual purity.
3. Vigilant – A life that is constantly careful of not falling into temptation. A life that is not over-confident about sins.
4. Sober – A life that have a heart that is contrite, that quakes at the word of God. A life that is ready to change or repent anytime the word of God comes out irrespective of the bearer. David was a good example of this, there are some leaders that see themselves as too high to accept rebuke from both the seniors and juniors.
5. Of good behavior – This is a life with sound character, position; power and personality are all misconceived sources of influence for leaders. Christian leaders should demonstrate specific characters that confirm their legitimacy as spiritual leaders. Good characters make leaders to be approved by God and men. Character and not educational qualification will give us Credibility. “Credibility is the foundation of a leadership” Leaders must be well mannered and normally peaceable.
6. Given to hospitality – A leader must be like God in giving. God is a hospitality Being. A leader must not be tight fisted. A leader must emulate the old Patriarch Abraham who entertained angels unawares – 18: 1 – 8
7. Apt to teach – This is a life that seek knowledge everyday to help himself and the followers. A leader should be aseeker and distributor of knowledge.
8. Not given to wine – This is a life that separate himself from alcohol and gluttony.
9. No strike – This is a life that is not violent at home and work place. He is completely gentle and not using acidic or derogative statement against anybody.
10. Not greedy of filthy lucre – This is a life that does not love money. Some leaders live a life that anything that goes. A leader must pass the test of money anytime and anyday.
11. Patient – This is a life that believers in God’s timing. He does not rush ahead of God.
12. Not a brawler – This is a life that eschews noise and violence in all its ramification.
13. Not covetous – This is a life of satisfaction in what God has given. He does not covet another man’s wife or property.
14. Ruleth his own house well – This is a life that can be called a ‘family man’. His family is not an object of reproach.
15. Not a novice – This is a life that have full knowledge of his work and leadership. He is versatile in leadership.
16. Good report of unbelievers – This is a life that have good credential s even among the unsaved ones.

Above all, any leader who wishes to be successful in the race of leadership must work to manage himself before he can manage others.

God bless you.

WHEN MANNA CEASES

BY: PASTOR RICHARD TAIWO OLOGBONYO (NCM).

    There are three sets and categories of people in this world of ours. They include: TENANTS, WANDERERS, LANDLORDS. The children of Israel at some points passed through these three phases.

They were TENANTS in Egypt for a period of 430 years due to a covenant God had made with their Ancestor Abraham – Gen.15:13-14. Though as we all know that Tenants are to pay “something” for their stay but in the case of the Israelites, they didn’t pay any rent initially, but on the long run, they paid dearly – Exo.1:6-10. Their sojourn into Egypt dated way back to Joseph. Joseph’s story which we are very familiar with, He (Joseph) came into Egypt as a result of Opposition… Gen. 37:28 “Opposition is a tool for positioning one in a position of prominence” He (Joseph) was also sent to prison for an offence he didn’t commit Gen. 39:7-33… from slavery he moved into imprisonment but in all of these his stars was shining till he got connected to the King. “Joseph went into Egypt as a slave unwillingly and all that came through him ended up being slaves unwittingly” Majority of us has turned ourselves to economic slaves unconsciously through trips to the “city and overseas” – your movement must be a function of God’s direction not your own discretion.

WHAT ISRAELITES LEARNT IN EGYPT

     They learnt God’s selective care – Gen. 47:27 They learnt God’s mercy in child bearing – Exo. 1:19 They had the experience of God’s manifold blessing God’s covenant of favor on their departure – Exo. 11:2-3 God’s covenant of defense – Exo. 14:19-20. WHAT THEY DIDN’T LEARN IN EGYPT. Though they were treated to a grand and a rousing welcome, they were introduced to royalty upon arrival, they were also given the best of lands in the land of Egypt and on top of all, and they were not subjected to any form of taxation. But in all of these enjoyments, they never thought about their future – this was their greatest mistake ever. From the phase of being TENANTS, they got to another phase of life – WANDERING – They became WANDERERS. Between the times one is released from the bondage and actual realization of one’s dream, there must have been a phase of WANDERING. God didn’t grant them a direct flight to Canaan; instead He made them pass through a season of WILDERNESS. Their prayers didn’t erase the wilderness because the wilderness is part of the syllabus which must be covered. A man with a dream wanders with his dream in His mind. The people you encounter in the course of the wandering determine the length of your journey.

WHAT ISRAEL DIDN’T LEARN IN WILDERNESS

     In their entire sojourn in the wilderness they never learnt to appreciate God, all they did was to complain; do we also praise God in tough times? Learn to give thanks to God even in problematic times. In order to enjoy the best from God. One must learn to give up the Good and the Better. Manna is a temporary food for those who are themselves in an impermanent stage or conditions.

“Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren't rubbed in but rubbed out. Fellowship happens when mercy wins over justice.” 
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” 
― John Joseph Powell, The Secret of Staying in Love

“What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life--to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?” 
― George Eliot, Adam Bede

“And as ridiculous as it may sound, sometimes all any of us needs in life is for someone to hold our hand and walk next to us.” 
― James Frey, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible

“We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.” 
― Lucy Mack Smith

“Remember: He WANTS your fellowship, and He has done everything possible to make it a reality. He has forgiven your sins, at the cost of His own dear Son. He has given you His Word, and the priceless privilege of prayer and worship.” 
― Billy Graham, Hope for Each Day: Words of Wisdom and Faith

BE THERE!!!

ON THE 23RD OF JUNE 2017.

IT'S GOING TO BE AWESOME IN GOD PRESENCE

WORSHIP EXPERIENCE 
@GOFAMINT CHURCH ODE REMO, OGUN STATE.
BY: 10:00PM.

CONTACT: 08147448853

DAY 2
17TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE

GATEWAY (ICT) POLYTECHNIC SAAPADE CHAPTER

IN VIEW OF THE ONGOING NATIONWIDE ASUP STRIKE, ALL STUDENTS SHOULD PROCEED ON A WEEK MID SEMESTER BREAK STARTING FROM 31/01/2017.

NOTE: LECTURES RESUME ON 06/02/2017.

GSF family song lyrics

We are children of God's sweet family,
Dwelling together in love and unity,
Gofamint students fellowship good success family,
We have been commission to preach the gospel news, x2.

So you are my brother, you are my sister,
Bring your hands in love as we join our hand together Dwell in unity.
Gofamint students fellowship good success family we have been commission to raise the godly gem.

We lift up holy hands to worship to our Kings x3

Thanks

God bless as you listening

1.     I declare and decree that the devourer will not consume any of your ordained blessings, in Jesus name.  2.     I declare and decree that the oil of gladness that the lord has assigned to your head shall not run dry, in
        Jesus name.
3.     I declare and decree that you will not enter into any vehicle or building of destruction's in Jesus name.     4.     I declare and decree that all your expectations will be fulfilled in Jesus name.
5.     I declare the best is yet to come as your life has only begun,your days are getting increasingly
        brighter,more beautiful and more fruitful.
6.     I declare that God will continue to be the source of your love,wisdom and power in Jesus name.            7.     I declare that you will walk by faith not by sight in Jesus name.
8.     I declare that you are who the bible says you are,can do what the bible says you can do, and will have
        what the bible says you can have.
9.     I declare that you have a sound mind filled with good thoughts,not thoughts of defeat in Jesus name.


1.     All through 2017, you shall be celebrating.
2.     Year 2017, is ordained for your dramatic change of levels.
3.     Year 2017, shall accelerate your steps in destiny.
4.     Year 2017, when men experience disappointments, you will be divinely appointed.
5.     In year 2017, God will order your footsteps.
6.     In year 2017, you will sing a new song of joy.
7.     In year 2017, favour shall locate you from the four coners of the earth.
8.     In year 2017, his blessings shall overwhelm you,in Jesus name.

From the President...

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to earth as a baby so many years ago.  Thank you that He paid the punishment for my sins by dying on the cross.  And thank you that He rose again to prove that death was truly defeated. I place my trust in You to be my Savior. Guide me through the dark times of my life and give me courage to live for You.  Amen.

Gracious, loving and merciful God, on this Christmas Eve, as the light of your Word penetrates our hearts, as we are reminded of the gift of life and faith, as the glories of the heavenly hosts are echoed in our church, we open ourselves up to your Spirit and give you thanks.   We are grateful, Lord Jesus, that your story has become our story, and we celebrate your birth.  

Continue, we pray, to instill in us a profound sense of your abiding presence, and help us to take to heart the wonder of your love, that we may walk in your ways and delight in your will.

Help us, Lord God, to be the faithful, gracious, loving, giving and forgiving people you would have us be.

HOLINESS key to a successful Christian race

DIVINE EMPOWERMENT: AN IMPERATIVE NECESSITY

AIM:To emphasize that it is only when we are powered by God that we can lead an all-round successful life.

KeyText: “God has spoken once,Twice I have this:that power belongs to God” (Ps.62:11) NKJV.

INTRODUCTION: In life, only the empowered succeeds! We all desire success in every area so four lives,but our desires, however fervent, do not necessarily produce success. Not even effort guarantees success (Rom.9:16). The reason is because every effort to succeed without empowerment is in futility. Thus, empowerment is crucial to our success.

Man’s desire for power is as old as man himself, when Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent’s promise that eating the fruit from the forbidden tree would make them to be “like God”, alluded to having control, a yearning which has remained at the core of our power pursuits (Gen.3:1-6). In fact, God created man a powerful being (Gen.1:26-28).

As Christians, we must know that until we are endued with power from on high, we will not make any meaning and success what so ever on this earth.

WHAT IS EMPOWERMENT? Ps.68:35.

The terms powered, empowered and empowerment have become contemporary by word with definitions which include; to give authority or power to, to enable or permit, to give ability to.

But one of the most accepted contemporary definitions describe empowerment as the “process by which individuals and groups gain power, access to resources and control over their own lives. In doing so, they gain the ability to achieve their highest personal and collective goals”.

Today, people seek various sources of power in order to achieve the facts as stated in the definition of empowerment above. The quest for power, however, is not in itself odd. The challenge, rather, lies in the source from which we seek it. We need power to enable us accomplish our purpose in life. Unfortunately, many across the world are not empowered enough. What we need is not partial empowerment, but total empowerment, which can only be derived from one source Divinity.

Christ Our Mentor of Divine Empowerment:

Lk.1:35;4:14-22;Acts.10:38.

When Jesus came on His messianic assignment to the earth, He came in the Spirit of power. But you will remember that for the first thirty years, He had no identity. But when He was endued with power, His fame went abroad.

The Bible says, “He returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee”, and He announced, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”. And within the space of three and a half years, Jesus with twelve men, largely illiterate, was able to establish the global phenomenon that has become Christianity, stretching from Judea to the rest of the world, lasting through centuries, surviving persecutions, transcending cultures and language, and transforming the entire world. The world indeed does have alot to learn about empowerment from Jesus.

Holy-Spirit: The Force Behind Divine Empowerment:

Is.11:1-5; Lk.4:18; Zech.4:1-6; Joel.2:28,29; Acts.1:8.

Our access to divine empowerment is not by ourstrength and ability but by the anointing of the Holy-Spirit (ISam. 2:9b). Jesus the messiah came to this earth, He had no impact until the Holy Ghost came upon Him (Matt.3:16). When the Holy-Spirit came upon the disciples in Acts 2, they exploded with power and went from there to turn the world upside down.

We have to hunger and thirst for the out pouring of that power upon our life, it will compel every thing around us to start working. The unction of the Holy-Spirit is what guarantees motion in life. Without the Holy-Spirit we are going no where. The anointing of the Holy-Spirit destroys and levels every mountain on our way, to create an highway of prominence, glory and honour for us (Zech.4:7).

Ways To Assessing Divine Empowerment: Lk.10:19; Acts.2:38,39.

Can we access this divine empowerment? The answer is yes and in fact, it is meant for us. God’s divine empowerment is available to every one though with a caveat; that we must ask (Matt.7:7,8). Some of the ways we can access it are high lighted below:

By going to the source(Acts.4:12; Jhn.1:3,12,13).

By faith (IJhn.5:4,5; Ps.1;1-3; Rom.10;14-17; Matt.17:20).

By waiting on God in prayer and fasting (Matt.17:20,21;Is.40:28-31,49:23;Lk.24:49; Acts.1:4,12-14,2:1-4,4:31).

By having fellowship with fellow Christians (Acts.2:41-47,4:32-37; Heb.10:25).

By obedience (Phil.2:13).

Truth To Note In Order To Receive And Remain In Divine Empowerment

Yearn for and continue in righteousness (Ps.45:7; Matt.3:15;Acts.2:38).

Keep walking in humility (Prov.18:12,16:18; IPet.5;5,6)

Do not be selfish (Phil.2:3,4;Gal.6:9,10).

Have a pure motive (Acts.8:14-21).

Use it to the glory of God (ICor.1:31; Jer.9:23,24).

Divine empowerment enhance our getting to the kingdom of God (Lk.10:19,20; Acts.7:55,56)

CONCLUSION

As Christians, we are to transcend the natural by taking advantage of the anointing and deal with the problems of life supernaturally. This is God’s will for us, and He has made the anointing available to empower anyone who believing embraces its power through Jesus Christ. We can master this natural realm with a power that is infinitely beyond it.