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Years ago, I began a daily meeting with leadership expert John Maxwell. Each morning before the sun comes up, I grab a cup of tea, spend time with Jesus and the Word, pray, and then study something John had written or listen to one of his leadership podcasts. The routine was not always completed in the same order, but seldom has there been a day when one of these steps was not incorporated into my daily schedule. I can't begin to tell you how much this early morning routine has meant to me over these many years, but I can tell you that I have never regretted a moment I've spent with my two early morning friends.
A couple of mornings ago I listened to a message John shared that spoke to my heart and reaffirmed the value of my early morning discipline.
I share with you just a few of the priceless lessons he shared in a recent message. While what he taught was not new to me—I had heard the lessons before—but this particular morning I was once again reminded of the value of those early morning hours of a quiet time spent with Jesus and John.
Whatever I know about pastoring and leading has largely been derived from those early morning hours I spent with these dear friends who shared bothspiritual and leadership principles that have forever impacted my life.
In a recent message he shared titled "A Winner's Mindset" John spoke of three very valuable truths that I would leave with you.
#1 Never stop learning and growing.
It's what you've learned after you've learned it all, that really counts (John Wooden).
Leadership is developed not discovered. You don't become a leader overnight. Learning leadership is a lifelong study. The moment you stop learning, you stop leading (Rick Warren).
Growth does not happen in a day but daily.
#2 Don't let anyone steal your dream.
Failure is only a balloon prick away. Don't hang around with dream busters. There are too many people around who want to trash your dreams. Be a fire lighter and not a fire fighter. Be the wind beneath someone's wings and not an anchor in their boat.
Dreams are fragile, so guard them carefully. They are like bubbles that are floating close to jagged rocks. It only takes a little wind and they burst (Bob Beale). All your dreams will come true if you have the courage to pursue them. Don't hang around with cop outs, drop outs, burn outs, or strike outs.
#3 You can spend your life in any way you want, but you can only spend it once.
You call the shots. The value of life lies not in the length of your days, but in the use that we make of those days. You may live long, but yet only live a little. Two things are necessary for your success—to know your purpose and realize your gifts and then do something with them that will outlive your life.
The above are practical truths with significant spiritual implications.
You and I are never too old to begin to learn something new, so if you haven't already begun a quiet time with Jesus or considered a commitment to developing your personal leadership skills, I hope my challenge will jump start one of the most valuable early morning times you will ever spend.
May we heed the words of Paul who exhorts us "to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
 | Tom Crenshaw serves as Connections Pastor of the New Monmouth Baptist Church (non denominational) where he previously served as a three year interim.He has been married to Jean for almost 50 years, and they have four children, all of whom are teachers.Tom loves perennial gardening, umpiring high school baseball, coaching baseball and football, fishing for small mouth bass, rooting for his favorite team, the Cleveland Indians, and listening to ‘real’ country music, the classic kind. Learn More » |
This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.
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