Jeremy R. Geerdes Posts

I cannot tell you how many times I have needed one or more of the lessons that Benaiah was given to teach. The fact is, I have contented myself to do nothing when, if my church is to see ongoing revitalization, I must be the lead doer. I have allowed myself to be paralyzed by the wrong perspective. I have fallen into the trap of focusing on what I do not have at my disposal. And I have wrestled with the temptation of pride. Indeed, this may be the most insidious temptation for any revitalizing leader: it manifests in the spotlight as bravado, and in the shadows as resentment. May we look always for revitalizing leaders to demonstrate these characteristics, and more, may we strive always to realize them in ourselves!

Abishai may be overshadowed in the Bible by his brother and uncle, but his loyalty and leadership were instrumental in David’s rise to power in the wake of Saul’s death and return to power in the aftermath of Absalom’s insurrection. Time and again, he delivered results, demonstrated boldness, and leaned into the team. When leading revitalization, each of these things is absolutely essential. Revitalizing leaders must, therefore, learn from Abishai and endeavor to strive after him in their own ministries.

The story of Gideon bears many lessons for those who would lead revitalization. Some of them are positive, and some are negative. As we seek to recruit and be leaders for the wave of revitalization that must happen in the North American Church, we must heed these lessons.

The truth is, people who have a long-haul faith will listen to the word of God, want to obey, produce, and endure.

Jesus was never interested in fame or drawing a crowd because he knew that, if that was his focus, then his life would be little more than a flash in a pan: as soon as he was gone, he would begin to fade from people’s memories.

The result of Christians’ unity and generosity was effectiveness. They were able to fulfill the commission that Jesus had given them, and if we will commit to these things, God will make sure that we are effective, too. We will see changed lives, signs and wonders, real unity, and profound generosity. We will see God working in and through us in ways that no one else can fathom, let alone explain. And as a result, we will see men, women, and children put their faith in Jesus.

Collaborate, serve, follow, and make friends. Because in faith and life, that is the only way to go far.

Boldness, faithfulness, strength, wisdom, and selflessness are essential to a long-haul faith. We must, therefore, ask ourselves in which of these we excel. More importantly, in which of these could we use some improvement?

Matthew’s faith endured for the long haul, and if we will abandon sin, never abandon sinners, and always remember our own need for a Savior, our faith will endure, too.

To the very end of his life, Elisha was a man of powerful faith. He had a long-haul faith, and if we want to have even a fraction of the faith he did, we would do well to learn from him.