I love hearing from God. He’s always talking and giving input into my life, but I don’t always take the time to listen. I don’t always take the time to tune out the noise of life. But I should. I think know life would be better if I did.

It’s hard to cut through the static at times, but the more I practice, the more clearly I can hear his whispers.

I don’t always like what he’s saying. I don’t always see the purpose in what he’s doing, nor how things are going to turn out. Sometimes his words are soothing. Sometimes they make me excited and energised. Sometimes the words are a rap over the knuckles. But whatever it is, it’s always something that brings growth. And it’s always something that requires a specific response from me. It always requires that I change in some way.

This week I’ve been getting a kick in the pants from the story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10. Three separate times this past weekend, this same story has come up, and each time the narrative has been the same.

Stop judging other people by what you see on the outside. God is looking at what’s going on inside…and you need to look at whether the words match up with the actions. Similarly, I need to stop worrying about what other people think of where I’m at (regardless of how much prestige or power they may appear to have on the outside) and concentrate solely on what God wants me to be doing. Get out of the boat and be God’s arms and legs to people.  Be challenged. Don’t get comfortable, that’s not what this life is all about.

What has God been whispering in your ear this week. What steps do you need to take?

Leadership books and conferences and blogs can sometimes appear to have all sorts of different advice that can boggle the mind from time to time, but one common thread is that leaders must continue to learn. There is never a point where it’s OK to sit back and think you knowit all, or be too busy that you don’t have time to read or attend conferences.

My favourite quote that helps me to remember this leadership law comes from Jeff Henderson of Buckhead Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He says:

Your capacity to learn reflects your capacity to lead.

Here’s the pile of books on my desk at the moment that I am learning from and developing my capacity to lead. I am grazing through about five of them at the moment, I’ve read one and continue to refer to it, and the others I am wanting to read before the end of the year. I have another four or five on audio book that I listen to in the car or while I exercise.

What are you reading to help your leading? How do you make sure you continue to learn as you lead?