Wealth and riches which never lose their value and which can never be stolen are offered to all who wish to receive them.

Have you ever wanted to be truly blessed, and your life enriched abundantly?

Many people seek this but do not know where to find such wealth.

God shows us how we can be blessed, and He indicates the path of blessing, and for blessing. Of course, He also warns us what will happen if we ignore His ways.

There is a very real blessing to be received and enjoyed when a man takes his counsel from men of God.

Blessed is the person who comes to God, and God’s Word, and to God’s men, for advice, and help in time of trouble and need.

If we take the wrong counsel and advice, we will find ourselves hanging around in the company of those who do not know Jesus or keep His Word, and that will do us no good.

Today when we think of leadership we think of corporate Chief Executive Officers, talking heads on political talk shows and management gurus. There was an era when leadership meant men living and dying for their beliefs. While this happens occasionally today – professional military people, firefighters, law enforcement offices and a few other rare instances. During the era of the American Civil War, Americans from the North and the South routinely died for their causes. The men who led them are after one hundred forty five years still examples for us today.

Integrity

The men who led soldiers into battle – at all levels of the military North and South often left careers and families to serve. Many senior officers on both sides had attended West Point and had gone on to lucrative careers as engineers and businessmen. Others at various ranks left businesses, professional practices or political offices to lead men in battle. They were not looking for financial gain or in most cases not even glory. Rather they were looking to serve the cause they believed in. And once the stepped into those leadership roles they lived their beliefs and put their lives on the line for them every day.

Leaders who want to give positive and dynamic and successful leadership could not do better that study the leadership presented to us in the book of Acts. Why do I write so strongly on this?

The book of Acts in the New Testament in the Bible is a vitally important book. Each book is important because each book is the Word of God, but the Book of Acts shows us clearly and specifically how a man comes into The Church of Jesus Christ.

Come with me on a journey through part of the Book of Acts. But hear me on this vital point – more importantly than reading these words, is the reading of the Scriptures, the Word of God, itself. If you want to exercise true valuable read Acts Chapters 1 and 2.

If we did not have the book of Acts what would we make of the rest of the New Testament?

Who Is This Jesus Christ? Is it not very interesting that spirituality comes under the banner of Self Improvement? Here is Someone Who can help us improve in ways in which no other person can. Yes, that is some claim but it is true.

The incarnation (or birth) of Jesus Christ was the most important watershed in history. We date our days from His birth, but very few people really know who HE is.

This is an increasingly violent age, with an escalation in terrorism and various people trying to take over and rule. Problems are many, no matter where one looks, and the only solution is Jesus Christ. Again that is a big claim to make, but then we have a big God.

Some of us have known that, but now we also need to know why we know that. Once you know and see Jesus Christ, you can never be the same again.

Can we have agreement that:

• A minute has 60 seconds?
• An hour has 60 minutes?
• A day has 24 hours?

Then how can you run out of time given that time is a constant? What is really happening is that you are having to do more with the same amount of time. Now the solution should not be managing time, but rather better management of yourself or what some call is self-leadership.

Many time management training programs focus on giving you specific time management strategies, but fail to address self-leadership strategies necessary for personal and professional success. Both skill sets must be connected to avoid repeating time management courses that many individuals take at least two if not more times.

So how can you do more with the same? First, take the time to put your purpose together using a written purpose statement. Answer the question why are you here? Then identify what gifts do you bring to the table of life?

Debate rages about what are the differences between leaders and managers. There are many articles and books written on this topic and yet for anyone to progress in their career it will be essential for them to recognise the difference.

Management and leadership are a continuum along which we progress in our careers if we aspire to the top jobs. You could argue that good managers make good leaders. I would disagree. There are many examples of outstanding leaders who have qualities far in excess of those required to be a good and effective manager.

The roles are different. Managers control; they operate within boundaries, like order and follow direction. Leaders on the other hand accept additional responsibility and challenge established order. Leaders will take risks, seek opportunities and use personal appeal and charm to get things done.

God has laid the burden of this subject upon my heart and therefore I have the duty to tell it like it is. I know, people like glad tidings because they are easy to accept. This message is a warning which is to say, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!” If you heed this, it will be the best tidings you will ever hear.

Do you ever feel you need this type of support? I don’t know if this man felt he needed it but Someone did and produced the goods! The situation must have been extremely serious to demand such powerful help.

Turn in your Bible to Acts Chapter 23, and there discover what I mean. It is personal, pertinent and powerful.

Paul is on trial in Jerusalem for his belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is what is at stake. This is what has been causing trouble everywhere he preached and taught, and as he speaks the Jerusalem Courtroom is divided. Paul brings to the surface the underlying divisions. Some Pharisees arose and flew their flag – “We find nothing wrong with this man.” – and the dispute within the Sanhedrin deepened.

Paul was on the verge of being torn to pieces, as the violence increased. The Roman Commander issued orders for Paul to be rescued once again – for his own safety.