Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Taking the Mystery out of Leadership

Archive for the tag “Faith”

16 Jun 2025

Jesus, His Authority, and Your Boldness

The Gospel of Mark has a recurring theme that notes the authority of Jesus over various entities and in various contexts. Note the following:

[Mark 1:27 ESV] And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

  • Jesus exercised authority in His teaching of the Word and over evil spirits.

[Mark 2:10-12 ESV] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–he said to the paralytic– “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

  • Jesus has authority to forgive sins and heal physical illnesses.

[Mark 2:27-28 ESV] And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

  • Jesus has authority over the Law and its application.

[Mar 4:39, 41 ESV]  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. …  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

  • Jesus has authority over the physical world – the wind and the waves.

[Mar 3:14-15 ESV] And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

[Mark 6:7 ESV] And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

  • Jesus can delegate His authority to His followers.

Now, given this reality of delegated authority, what do you need authority to accomplish in your life and ministry? You have that His authority as a Christ-follower and His servant leader. Do not let the world intimidate you into silence or shy away from faith initiatives you know the Lord has asked you to undertake. Act boldly, in the power and authority of the One who has called you and empowers you to accomplish all He desires in and through you.

[Proverbs 28:1 ESV] The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

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24 Mar 2025

Leading from Fear or Faith?

He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” Mark 4:40 ESV
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 ESV

Kingdom leadership demands a reliance upon the faithfulness and power of God, rather than self. As we have noted, fear is not condemned for it is a God-given emotion. But when our behavior is controlled by fear instead of faith in God then we are on dangerous ground.

The word is only used three times in the NT, twice in the synoptic gospels (Matthew and Mark) in describing Jesus calming the storm and His rebuke for their lack of trust in Him. The third use is found in Revelation 21, and we note that it leads the list of characteristics of those who will experience the ‘fiery lake of burning sulfur… the second death.’

The inclusion of cowardice in the Revelation 21 list at first glance may appear out of place. Certainly John did not mean to equate murderers or idolaters with the cowardly, did He? Yes, He did! For those controlled by fear trust their own abilities and resources to protect themselves and seek their own safety. Kingdom leadership is casting off from the safety of the known into threatening unknown because Jesus said to. It is obeying Him with our whole heart, not just when it’s easy or convenient.

The Lord launches Joshua into his new leadership role with this exhortation (Joshua 1:6-7 ESV): Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

May we all be courageous leaders who lead from faith, not fear, confident in the truth that the Lord is faithful to His promises.

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10 Feb 2025

One Blessing After Another – Really?

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'” From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. John 1:15-16 NLT

In John’s opening words of his record of the ministry of Jesus he makes a summary statement regarding the life of a disciple of Jesus – “… We have all received one gracious blessing after another.” One blessing after another? Really? Let’s note the context of this proclamation.

In the previous verse, John reminds us of the life and ministry of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for Jesus. He was faithful to fulfill his mission, yet in doing so, was imprisoned by King Herod and ultimately beheaded as Herod reluctantly granted the vengeful request of his daughter. Imprisonment and beheading do not, at first glance, appear to be ‘one blessing after another.’

Or take the Apostle John’s own example. History tells us that he wrote this gospel account while in exile on the island of Patmos where he spent many years. He had seen his brother, James, beheaded by Herod years previously and now had spent years in exile due to his faith (see Revelation 1:9).

And yet, John affirms that we have all received one gracious blessing after another. How can he make this statement given the reality of life? And the question, we find the answer – the reality of life!

For this life on earth is short-lived. We are foreigners and nomads on this earth, fulfilling our numbered days until such time as our purpose is fulfilled and we then fall asleep (see Hebrews 11:13; Acts 13:36). Paul’s perspective was that the trials we face in this life are nothing when compared to what awaits us after we die. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 NLT

And finally, it is a ‘gracious blessing’ – literally ‘one grace upon another’ for our Heavenly Father does not give us what we deserve, but because of His love and grace we obtain blessing through the sacrifice of His Son for us. Therefore, when the trials of your leadership seem overwhelming, you will find His gracious blessing in the midst of it, should you even be called to end your race, for He is faithful.

Keep your gaze heavenward and you will rise above the turmoil of life.

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07 Oct 2024

Risk Management and Faith

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. … In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. Ecclesiastes 11:4, 6 ESV

Life is full of risk and there are always risks to be considered in every decision or endeavor. To simply ignore potential threats and hope for the best is foolishness. In the above passage, it there is a sustained 50 mph wind blowing, a farmer who sows by hand scattering seed to the wind would be very foolish to assume that his sowing would yield a good harvest. Better to wait, let the wind die down, and then act. But if the farmer waits for the ‘perfect weather’ he probably will never act. Don’t ignore risk, but don’t let possible difficulty paralyze you to inaction. As the author states several chapters before, “There is a time for everything…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

In Ecclesiastes 9:4 (NIV) the author states, “Anyone who is among the living has hope–even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” Yes, death is the destiny of all of us (see Ecclesiastes 7:2). The dead lion could have assessed the risk of attacking the water buffalo and decided the risk was worth the reward. Or he could have ignored the potential threat of the buffalo’s horns and paid the ultimate price. In both cases the lion died and lost chance for future conquests. Yes, there is a time to die, but don’t go there while foolishly ignoring potential risk.

Having assessed the potential risk in a decision, there comes a time to act. Faith calls us to focus our attention on Christ, trusting in Him for the outcomes. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:31 NIV) We consider, we assess, we decide and then we act. But those actions are steps of faith, not flesh, for “…we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) ESV

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12 Aug 2024

Fear God, not People!

Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king. 2 Kings 1:15 ESV

Twice before the wicked king Ahaziah had sent groups of 50 soldiers to capture Elijah as he sat on a hill and bring him back. And on each occasion the Lord had miraculously intervened with fire from heaven killing those who had come to take him captive. Now a third group of fifty soldiers arrives with the same intention, but having a captain with a different attitude. This captain pleads for the life of his men, asking Elijah to spare them and have mercy on him as well that they might not suffer the same fate as the previous two companies.

Now one might expect that God would once again do what He had done twice before – fire falls from heaven and consumes the soldiers. It makes sense. But this time God tells Elijah to surrender himself to the captain and willingly go with him. And God adds an interesting reminder for Elijah, “…don’t be afraid of him.” And so, Elijah got up and went down the hill with the captain and his men to the king. There Elijah faithfully delivers the message to the king that he will soon die because of his evil actions. And Elijah leaves the king unharmed.

God’s ways can change, but God Himself never changes (Malachi 3:6). It would be easy for Elijah to question why should I surrender the third time, when I know this captain and the king he represents have plans to harm me? God anticipates this response from Elijah and reminds him not to be afraid just because it’s a new way of doing things this time. He is capable of protecting Elijah using a variety of means.

Kingdom leaders must not be presumptive upon how God will act based upon previous experiences. God may continue to follow a previous pattern or He may change His ways. “Our God is in heaven and He does whatever pleases Him.” (Psalm 115:3) Elijah himself had been fed by ravens for a season and then was told of a change. He was to go to a widow who would feed him in the next season of his life.

The constant and dependable is God Himself and His Word. The ‘how’ of His actions are varied. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Nothing that God directs us to do will be contrary to His Word, the Bible. Remember A.W. Tozer’s words, “Be assured that anything that comes to us from the God of the Word will deepen our love for the Word of God.”

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08 Apr 2024

When God Says “No”

And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” … And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. … And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:35-36, 39, 41 ESV

Three times Jesus asked His Father to change the plan. He asked in faith. He asked specifically. He asked personally. And implied, not stated, His Father said, “No, Son. We are going ahead with Plan A tomorrow. You will die on the cross as a sacrificial atonement for the sins of the world.”

When God says “yes” to our requests it’s an easy acceptance. But, when God says ‘no,’ we must submit ourselves to His loving, perfect plan for us – whether we agree with, understand it, and regardless of our feelings about His answer. This attitude was modeled by the Son in the Garden when He said, “….Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

David’s baby son was very sick. He prayed and fasted, asking God to heal his son. But in the end, his infant son died (see 2 Samuel 12:15-22). God told him ‘no.’

The demonized man who had been miraculously healed, begged Jesus to let him join the team. Jesus told him ‘no’ – go home and tell your family and friends what God has done for you (see Mark 5:18-20).

James and John asked for Kingdom seats on the right and left of Jesus. They were told ‘no’ – those seats were already taken by someone else (see Mark 10:35-40).

Paul asked the Lord three times to heal him and remove his ‘thorn in the flesh.’ And three times God told him ‘no,’ that ‘thorn’ will remain with you for the rest of your life (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

When God tells you ‘no’ regarding something that seems so ‘yes’ to you, what will you do? Will you rage against the Almighty, shaking your fists? “How dare You not agree with me!  Explain yourself!” 

Will you shrink back, become despondent, and bitter towards your Maker? The clay questions the Potter, “What are you doing? I demand an answer that makes sense to me.” 

Or will you surrender your plans, desires, and your feelings to Him who is good and all He does is good. Will you be able to trust Him with everything – yes, everything? His grace is sufficient for all things.    

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25 Mar 2024

Jesus and the Easy Button

Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:9-12 NIV

‘Easy’ means – to do without much labor. ‘Easy’ and ‘difficult’ are comparative words – easy compared to what? Difficult compared to what? In Mark 2, Jesus was being challenged about His ability to forgive sin. The context was could He heal a paralyzed man who have been dropped through the roof in front of Him. Jesus said, “Which is easier… Forgive his sins or heal his paralysis?”

Now had this been someone else, they probably would have said, “Which is harder…. or …. Which is more difficult…?” But Jesus said, “Which is easier…” He can say that because everything is easy for the Son of God! Nothing is difficult, hard, challenging, or even stretching. He’s God! Thus, His words are so appropriate – which of these two issues are easier? They are both easy for God! And so, to prove to those who were challenging His authority to forgive sins, He healed the paralyzed man with a word, “Take up your mat and go home.”

Kingdom leaders daily face difficulties and challenges that for us are stretching, hard, and sometimes bewildering as to the way forward. We must remember the One who walks with us. For Him these things are not difficult. Turn your eyes and mind towards Him for whom all things are easy. He has promised to never leave or forsake you (Matthew 28:20). Lean into Him and find Him faithful. Ask for His help.

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29 Jan 2024

God Eats Pressure for Breakfast!

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NIV

Note that while Paul was in the midst of carrying out his God-given mission he found himself in the midst of severe trials. This was not due to any disobedience, lack of faith, or poor decision making on his part. These troubles were all part of God’s good plan for him and his team (note the use of ‘we’). 

Paul describes these difficulties in the province of Asia (primary city, Ephesus) as bringing “great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure.” Note the qualifiers he uses: ‘great pressure’ and ‘far beyond’ what was possible to endure in his own strength. This was a very, very difficult time for them. And then, he adds how they felt about it all, “we despaired of life itself… we felt we had received the sentence of death.” He did not want his readers to miss how bad things were. They had assumed that this was the end – they were preparing to die. 

And then the shift in narrative comes, “But this happened….” Paul is now writing having come through the ‘valley of the shadow of death’ and is reflecting on what God had done. He now sees that God had allowed these extreme trials to force more dependence on Himself rather than their own abilities and resources. God, who does raise the dead back to life eternal, handles all threats easily for they are not threats to Him. Nothing is too hard for Him (Luke 1:37). God eats pressure for breakfast!

So, are you facing challenges that are stretching you far beyond your ability to endure? May it force you to your knees in dependence, keeping your eyes fixed upon Him. Hebrews 12:1-2

Posted in #1 KNOW- How a Leader Thinks, #2 BE - Who a Leader Is and tagged , , , , ,
24 Jul 2023
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Believing God for the Impossible

“Look at the nations and watch–and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5 NIV

When God invites into a journey of faith and affirms His will for us by giving us His promises for our life and leadership, a question often arises in our hearts and minds. “How can this be, Lord?”

Note what Mary says when told by Gabriel that she would be the mother of the Messiah. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:37) Gabriel’s response was to point her to the One who had made the promise, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 ESV)

We are to focus our hearts and minds upon the One who makes the promise – the One whose power and faithfulness stand behind all He says. Focus on the One who cannot lie and who does not change. And let Him take care of how it will all work out. He will surprise you!

In fact, if you can try to imagine how God will work, it’s almost certain that He will not choose that way to answer you. For He does “above and beyond what we can ask or imagine.” You can even imagine how He’s going to do what He’s going to do!

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Have you been focusing on ‘how’ God will answer instead of focusing on who and what He has promised, leaving the ‘how’ to Him? Trust Him to figure out how it will all work! He’s really good at doing the impossible!

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10 Jul 2023

Let Go and Let God – Really?

There is a dynamic tension that Kingdom leaders face in how much do I, the leader do, and how much do I let God do? This tension is manifested in leaders being people of action – we are not satisfied with the status quo. We want to make something happen! And yet, for those who lead in the Kingdom of God there is a balancing pull to not take control and depend solely upon yourself and your own abilities. Wanting to see God’s hand and power displayed through our leadership. One extreme might push us towards frenetic business, trying to make things work the way we hope. While the other extreme calls us to a passiveness that sits and waits for God to show up and do His God-like stuff. Neither seems correct.

When tempted to passivity, I’m reminded of the truth in Colossians 3:23 NIV – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… We are called to work with our whole hearts on whatever we endeavor for we are serving Christ our Lord by this work. Thus, laziness or a half-hearted effort is not honoring to Him who died for us. Yes, work and work hard when you do. Give it your all!

But when you do work, remember this in Proverbs 21:31 NIV – The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD. Yes, we engage in our work initiatives with all we have, holding a standard of excellence worthy of the King of kings. But we leave the outcome of the battle with Him. He is the one who determines the results. Should my efforts go well, I thank Him. Should they not, I thank Him by faith that He is doing something good that I do not understand at this moment. I trust Him regardless of my outcomes.

Our human fears and insecurities will tend to push us to want to take control and try to assure an outcome. Yes, we give lip-service to God, but we are really trusting in our own strength and abilities to effectuate and outcome. We shy from fully committing our way to the Lord and by our actions communicate that God needs our help.

God says this – The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV

And again, He says – He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV

So, it’s a both-and, not an either-or course. Yes, we work. And yes, we trust in Him. Just don’t move off the center to trusting more in your own efforts than trusting Him to work on your behalf.

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