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Feb 23, 2020

Characteristics of a Leader

Characteristics of a Leader

Speaker: Valson Abraham

Category: Sunday Morning

Dr. Valson Abraham brings six characteristics of King David that give insight into his being "a man after God's own heart."

This is an important passage about the life of King David. David is the most mentioned person in the Bible having the fullest biography. As we study David, we see how God deals with a man and shapes a person for ministry. In David, we see how the Holy Spirit guides and illuminates us and works through our successes and our failures. As God gives this high compliment of David as "a man after God's own heart," we can see God's pattern for ourselves and our ministries. 

Acts 13:22 David was found to be a man after God's own heart. He served his generation well.

I Samuel 16:18 Then one of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse, the Bethlehemite, who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.

In 1 Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to go anoint another king. In Verse 18, David is introduced to King Saul with six characteristics. These six qualities are to be found in every man and woman of God to serve the generations well.

1) Skillful - David was anointed by the Holy Spirit to minister to soul and spirit through the harp. We've all been given a "harp." The Bible is our "harp." We are to each become skillful in all of it and expose ourselves to the full counsel of God. It will bring deliverance to people, will free people from fear, guilt, and shame, and will bring healing that comes from Heaven. This Word brings the mind of God, reveals the will of God, empowers the people of God, and gives the promise of the hope that we all need as we face the future. 

2) Brave - David was brave and strong and knew no fear. He could face any situation. He had muscle and strength to kill a lion and a bear with his bare hands. God used him to kill a giant because he trusted God. 

3) Man of War - David was a good soldier and was careful in choosing his battles. He brought the tribes together and established Israel and the city of God, Jerusalem. 

4) Speaks Well - David was prudent in speech and spoke as a judge speaks. He weighed his words and was not afraid of public opinion. David was fair and used his words wisely so that there was no confusion.

5) Handsome - David was handsome which also has the meaning of energetic, diligent, and enthusiastic. Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. David served fervently and longed to be in the presence of God. Whatever he did, he did with enthusiasm. 

6) The Lord was with him - The Spirit of God was controlling David, infusing him and granting wisdom and understanding. David had the greatest thing - The Lord with him. Others could see that he had the Lord with him.

The world is looking for people who carry God's presence. These six qualities are to be found in every man and woman of God to serve the generations well. These qualities are fitting to remember as we pray over Pastor James and his wife, Kelly. 

We pray that the Lord's presence will be with Pastor James and Kelly as they lead and feed God's people, as they minister and lead the church into higher heights and deeper depths. We pray that the Lord's presence will continue to be strong in Pastor Dennis as he continues his ministry and teaches and trains the next generation.

What does it mean to be a man after God's own heart?

Are there any of these qualities that you have developed with ministry in mind?

How has God used some of these qualities in yourself?

Spend time praying for Pastor James and Pastor Dennis to lead this church into higher heights and deeper depths.