Leadership Lessons Podcast

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 4, Pastor Daniel addresses another hard topic in leadership—opposition. Sometimes we avoid these subjects, but God never does. He addresses reality head-on and we are wise if we learn from what He has to say. Nehemiah faced real opposition to God’s direct call in his life. Listen to what God has to teach us about it from Nehemiah 4.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams describes his own experience with opposition and how God has taught him personally to respond. It’s not fun, it’s not easy, but it’s real. “You’ve got to expect opposition. This is spiritual warfare, and Satan is not going to lay dead and do nothing and just let you preach the Word without him trying to stop you.” Buckle up.

‘I have spent many years of my life in opposition, and I rather like the role.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

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“The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground, and we must be on our guard at all times.” - Warren Wiersbe 

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When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. - Proverbs 10:19

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Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! - Psalm 43:1

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But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. - Titus 3:9

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“Paul did not call the believer to enter into spiritual warfare. He simply announced it as a fact: we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but (we do wrestle) against principalities and so forth. You are in a spiritual battle. If you are ignorant or ignore that fact, you probably aren’t winning the battle.” - David Guzik (referring to Ephesians 6:12)

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“The best way we can fight the devil is to walk in the Spirit (through prayer and action).” - Robert McMceyne

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“Be encouraged! Through Christ we can be victors over the forces of darkness not victims of their evil schemes.” - Chuck Swindoll

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 4, Pastor Daniel tackles the subject of criticism and how all of us as leaders will face it. The Bible does not shy away from hard topics like this. Nehemiah dealt with it himself. Criticism is just part of leading people and getting things done. God has called us as leaders to have an impact in this world. Some people won’t like that. As. leaders we need to expect criticism and be prepared to handle it, not avoid it. Pastor Daniel examines Nehemiah’s response to criticism and the tactics used by his enemies. We can learn from his example.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his own experience with criticism in ministry. No one likes being criticized. Listen to the criticism and see if there is any weight to it. See if there is any truth to it. Learn from it and correct what may need corrected.

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do.” - Benjamin Franklin

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Criticism is: 

1) the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes 2) the act of expressing disapproval or noting the problems or faults of a person or thing

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“Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing, and you'll never be criticized.” - Elbert Hubbard

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. - 1 Peter 4:12

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you  will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 

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“God had one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial.” - Charles Spurgeon

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“He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” - Abraham Lincoln

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Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21

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Shakespeare called ridicule “paper bullets to the brain.”

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“The things people say may hurt us, but they can never harm us, unless we let them get into our system and poison us.” -Warren Wiersbe 

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 3, Pastor Daniel talks about those who did not help to build the wall. They were there. They could have helped, but they chose not to. God gives us the opportunity to join Him in the work He is doing here on earth. We can miss out on the work of God if we aren’t careful and do not put our hands to the plow. We know there is work to be done. Jesus said in Luke 10:2 “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Don’t miss out on what God has called you to do.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares about what to do when people don’t come to church to serve. Only a handful of people actually help and get involved. “We keep praying that God will move in people’s hearts and continue to make the needs known.” A look at one of the harder sides of ministry from someone who knows. 

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” - Thomas Edison

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“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” - Henry Ford

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Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity…For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. - Psalm 133:1,3

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For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.

- 2 Timothy 4:10

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Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. - Proverbs 6:6-11

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Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.  

- Ephesians 5:15-18

Pastor Daniel talks about how a great vision takes a great team to accomplish it. How you are serving Jesus and His church, matters. In Nehemiah 3 we see very clearly the importance of teamwork as Nehemiah joins together with many people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Working alongside others is God’s way of getting things done. This is His design and His plan. We see it throughout the entire Bible. Pastor Daniel highlights the many ways this chapter illustrates God’s wisdom and purpose in teamwork. God uses us where we are with what we have to give.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares what God has taught him about teamwork throughout his many years of ministry. God will show you the people He has called to be on your team. What about a difficult team? Pastor Joe will tell you. 

“Not one of us is as good as all of us.”  - Pastor Bruce Zachary

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“It’s not that I’m so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.” Albert Einstein

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Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 40:10

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For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? - 1 Corinthians 12:12; 27-31

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“We had hundreds of thousands of people all dedicated to doing the perfect job, and I think they did about as well as anyone could ever have expected." - Neil Armstrong

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“Each of us has a unique opportunity to create something right where we are. It doesn’t require special authority or a fancy title or having the corner office…Jesus argues that the best leaders, (are) the ones who align with his vision for leadership, (who) will lead as servants who are aware of their responsibility and who answer to a higher calling.” - Clay Scroggins, How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge

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As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. - 1 Peter 4:10

Pastor Daniel talks about how great vision requires great work, from Nehemiah 3. In this chapter, Nehemiah and the people begin the actual physical work of rebuilding the walls around the city of Jerusalem. Praying, having vision, and planning must result in carrying out the work. By faith, we must be doers. We are blessed when we apply God’s word through our actions. Each person working on this project is listed by name in this chapter. God sees our work and acknowledges it. It matters to Him. Don’t give up!

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his thoughts on God’s design for His people to have a good work ethic. God is not going to do the work for us. He gives the vision, we do the work. It is not easy, but it is worth it. You never see the hand of God unless you keep going and move forward.

Matt 7:24-27 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

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For God is not unjust so as to o overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. - Hebrews 6:10

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“Any interpretation of the Bible that limits God and encourages people to be lazy instead of busy in the ministry is a false interpretation and must be abandoned. If the Lord is to be pleased with us and glorified before an unbelieving world, we must hear His Word, believe it, and act upon it, no matter what the circumstances.” - Warren Wiersbe

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“A great many of people have got a false idea about the church. They have got an idea that the church is place to rest in…to get into a nicely cushioned pew, and contribute to the charities, listen to the minister, and do their share to keep the church out of bankruptcy, is all they want. The idea of work in the church — never enters their minds.” -DL Moody

Pastor Daniel talks about the importance of planning. Nehemiah was a planner. He had an answer for the king when he asked him what how he could help because he (Nehemiah) had prayed and thought about what he would need. The work of planning must be done well. Pastor Daniel discusses two aspects of planning: 1)Planning is biblical and 2)Planning is not God. You’ll want to listen to this episode that is jam-packed with helpful tips on how to plan. 

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his own lifelong observations on planning. God is a planner. He sets things in order. We are to follow His example. He wants us to use our time wisely, just like ants do. (Proverbs 6:6-11) Don’t be lazy! Some straight talk from Pastor Joe!

“The presence of faith does not mean an absent of organization” - Chuck Swindoll

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“Admittedly, planning is hard work. Thinking isn't as exciting as involvement, but without it confusion is inevitable. Good leaders do their homework!” - Chuck Swindoll 

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John Piper (who wrote a whole book called Think) says, “Thinking is one of the important ways that we put the fuel of knowledge on the fires of worship and service to the world.”

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“Plans are worthless, planning is essential” - President Dwight Eisenhower

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“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” - Mike Tyson

Pastor Daniel talks about the practice of silence and solitude in leadership. Nehemiah spent time alone with God, actively seeking His presence and guidance when there might have been other things that seemed more important. This is the same battle we face as leaders, to see God Himself as the most important resource. Seek Him first.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams gives examples from his own life and ministry of how spending time alone with God has played an essential role in fulfilling God’s purpose. You are not responsible for the results of what has called you to do. You are responsible to prioritize God and listening to His voice in order to know what to do.

“If you think that being extremely busy equates itself with spirituality, learn a lesson from Nehemiah. It is not in the rush and the hurry of activity that a person gains the respect of those around him; it is what he does when he is alone.” - Chuck Swindoll

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“You can’t building a reputation on what you’re going to do.” - Henry Ford

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“Listening is central to the development of humility.” - Dan Rockwell

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DEFINITION: Silence—staying still (not speaking), taking time to process, think, plan and pray. / Solitude — taking rest and taking time away from others

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Jesus said, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”  (Matthew 5:6)

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“When you walk by faith and seek to lead, you will encounter the hostility of people who walk by sight.” - Chuck Swindoll

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“Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground not a playground.” - Warren Wiersbe

Pastor Daniel looks at Nehemiah’s humility in asking for help. He asked God first, he asked the king and he asked the people of Jerusalem to come alongside him to build the wall. What are the lessons we can learn about asking others for help in ministry? Why does it matter to God?

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his own experiences in recognizing his need for help and what a critical role teamwork plays in ministry. No one can do ministry alone. God has called us to be in community. We work better together. 

“Nehemiah was quick to call for help. His favorite position when faced with problems was kneeling position.” - Chuck Swindoll

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“The filling of the Spirit is essential for spiritual leadership.” - J Oswald Sanders

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“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” - Michael Jordan

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“Great things in business are never done by one person; they're done by a team of people.”  - Steve Jobs

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“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.”  - Babe Ruth

Pastor Daniel talks about a subject that is critical to every leader—persevering in prayer. Perseverance is doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. We know that Nehemiah’s prayers to God were not answered immediately. He prayed and kept praying, through sadness and the burden for his people. God teaches us much as leaders through perseverance in prayer.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams tells the stories of his own perseverance in prayer and how God has used difficulty and delay in building his own faith and shaping him into the leader God wants him to be.

George Muller (a great man of faith and prayer) said, “The great fault of the children of God is, they do not continue in prayer; they do not go on praying; they do not persevere. If they desire anything for God’s glory, they should pray until they get it.” 

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“Little prayer, little power, much prayer, much power.” - Rick Warren

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“God’s child can conquer everything by prayer. Is it any wonder that Satan does his utmost to snatch that weapon from the Christian or to hinder his use of it.” - Andrew Murray
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Hudson Taylor said, “Satan the hinderer may build a barrier about us, but He can never roof us in so that we cannot look up.”

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“Sometimes a failure to persist in prayer proves that we were not serious about our request in the first place. At other times God wants us to persist in prayer in order to strengthen our faith in Him. Faith would never grow if all prayers were answered immediately.” - Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines

Pastor Daniel talks about the value of character in a leader. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king. This was essentially the role of a servant, but this person played a critical role for the king. The Bible has a lot to say about the value God places on a person’s character, who we are on the inside. This is a great discussion on an important subject in leadership.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares about the role of character in a pastor’s life. It’s definitely not about perfection, but about allowing God to shape and mold you over a lifetime of surrendering to His will and purpose for your life. 

“True greatness is not measured by the headlines a person commands or the wealth he or she accumulates. The inner character of a person is the true measure of lasting greatness.” - Billy Graham

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I love how God chooses differently than the world would pick to raise up leaders… - Pastor Daniel

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“Character is expressed through our behavior patterns, or natural responses to things” - Joyce Meyer

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The great and legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”