The Name

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:10, NLT)

Despite questions about his motives and his ambitions there is no doubt that Napoleon was a great leader. He is reported to have said, “I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; at this hour millions of men would die for Him.”

The name of Jesus is a powerful name that has motivated millions to worship, to serve and to pray. At His name demons flee and angels rejoice. Let us never be ashamed of it. Let us boldly proclaim it.

"God’s name is a place of protection— good people can run there and be safe. " (Proverbs 18:10, The Message)

In the Arena

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
(2 Timothy 4:7, NLT)

Former US President, Theodore Roosevelt showed he understood truly leadership when he said, "It's not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of good deeds could have done better.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena: Whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again...

"Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause...

"Who, at best, knows the triumph of high achievement...

"And who, at worst, if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

DAYLIGHTERS by Nico Bougas. available from amazon.com

Making a Difference

I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. (Isaiah 63:3, NIV)

Wilberforce was a member of the British House of Commons in 1785. After trusting Christ as his Saviour, he became concerned about how he should serve the Lord as a political leader. He became burdened about seeing slavery abolished in England.


Wilberforce began to campaign for legislation to restrict and then outlaw slavery. His speeches and motions in Parliament met with a great deal of opposition. For 20 years, the battle continued in Parliament. Wilberforce had to take his case to the public. He had to endure criticism and repeated attempts to blacken his reputation. He was mocked as the leader of a hopeless cause, but, after 20 years of campaigning, the English Parliament finally outlawed slavery, setting an entirely new public moral tone in England. In the United States 600,000 people had to die in a bloody Civil War to accomplish the same purpose.

From DAY LIGHTEERS by Nico Bougas. Available from amazon.com

Courage to Lead

THE COURAGE TO LEAD

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Leaders know that the best way to ensure success is to take chances. While the average man or woman fears stepping out into a new opportunity. Being overly cautious leads to failure because caution can lead to missed opportunities.

Tom Watson Sr, founder of IBM, understood this principle. A junior executive with the company once managed to lose over $10 million in a venture that was considered risky even by company insiders. When Watson found out about the disaster he called the young man into his office. Upon entering, the young man blurted out, “I guess you want my resignation?” Watson allegedly responded, “You can’t be serious. We’ve just spent $10 million educating you.”

You can’t lead without taking risk. You won’t take risk without courage. Courage is essential to leadership.

DAY LIGHTERS by Nico Bougas- thoughts to ignite your day. available from amazon.com