When asked to speak about gifts, ministry gifts, spiritual gifts, and Leadership, I find there is no better source book than the Bible. If there is, I would like you to tell me where I can read it.

Isaiah knew his gift as a prophet, and he exercised it.

Nehemiah knew his many gifts too Prophetic Leadership to the nation Inspired Administration Practical Organiser as the walls of Jerusalem were being rebuilt and Burdened Prayer. Not many know about the Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah, who was cupbearer to the king. He was more like or confident or type of Prime Minister, and he had been born as a slave and prisoner in modern day Iraq, which was then Babylon.

There are so many fine leaders with amazing qualities. We can deal with a few in this brief article.

Jesus Christ knew where had come from and where He was going and that gave him security to face the future, and confront the enemy which was awaiting him. This security also enabled him to take towel and basin of water and wash the disciples feet. That was the job given to the lowest servant in the household. None of the disciples was willing to risk taking that role and task that night, when they were about to celebrate the Passover in the Upper Room, but Jesus did and gave an example of servant leadership.

That strong early Christian called Paul knew his gifts and gifting.

He had been a bad leader in the sense that he was leading those who were bad and wicked and up to no good, but once he was born again, he became a great leader evangelist apostle missionary preacher pastor and teacher and writer. He had tried to wipe out the Christian Faith, such was his detestation of these men and women who believed in Jesus, and he ends up becoming a pioneer for God. Jesus Christ took his natural gifts and transformed them into becoming supernatural gifts.

O, what the living God can do when He gets His reigns on a rascal. That is why I always like speaking to rascals! If they and God meet, they will do what quieter fellows would not dare to do. Think of Paul, empowered and equipped by the Holy Spirit, travelling all around the Middle East in these dangerous times.

Paul was able to say, I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

When you know the living God and the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ - which involves much more than just believing then you are convinced in a way that no-one else in the entire world can convince and reassure you. Paul was such a man. He was totally convinced about the ability of Jesus to look after him no matter what the world and people threw at him.

He had the gift of cautioning people. In one letter he wrote, Do not be hasty in the laying of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. He was writing to young and emerging leader.

How young leaders need to hear that today, as well as those who are not so young keep yourself pure. That counsel and advice could save you from years of heartache.

Paul also had the gift of encouraging.

We see that throughout his ministry and particularly when writing these three pastoral letters to Timothy and Titus.

There is so much available regarding Leadership, and it is all there is only people would pay attention, give serious heed, and put into practice the principles which cannot be improved upon.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Sandy Shaw sandyshaw63@yahoo.com

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