Leadership Tips & Training Do It Now!

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.
- Deuteronomy 30:11

In January, many of us made New Year’s resolutions that unfortunately have already been broken! Many times people make resolutions that are unrealistic or overwhelming and, therefore, unattainable. We often set ourselves up for failure because the goals we set may be vague, unrealistic, or they may have been made without any thought given to how the goal would actually be attained. We usually end up saying with Paul, "for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate." Romans 7:15 No matter what the reason for a broken resolution or commitment may be, there is hope for us today. The hope is found in the Word – God’s Word!

In Deuteronomy 30:11, God assures us that today we can accomplish whatever He has set before us. The two key words in this verse are NOW and TODAY. God is NOW directing each of us to accomplish a task or a goal that is in His perfect plan and He assures us that it will not be too difficult for us. Wow, what a promise! God assures us that we can do whatever it is He has asked us to do, TODAY. I like those short-term goals, don’t you? His goals for us are always within reach. God’s goals are specific, realistic and practical. He gives us His commands in His Word, which are not vague, unrealistic or without plan. In fact Jeremiah 29:11 says He knows the plans He has for us and they are always for us to succeed – be victorious- in His plan. TODAY, do not be discouraged that you have not met your goals, instead believe that you can do it NOW!

I often hear new First Place leaders say, "I am overwhelmed! I do not know where to start or how to accomplish all that is required of me as a First Place Leader." First Place leadership can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, if God has called you to lead or begin a First Place ministry, then He has promised that this task will not be too difficult for you. To help leaders be successful, First Place offers workshops. First Place Workshops provide training for new and seasoned leaders and equips them to implement and lead a First Place class. There have been many requests for workshops in California, Colorado, Ohio, and Illinois, just to name a few. First Place has trained Workshop Leaders who are ready and available to lead workshops. Great! We have the requests for workshops and those who can lead the workshops and now all we need are churches willing to host a workshop. If you think your church would be willing to host a workshop for your area, I would love to hear from you. Please read more about workshops in Leadership Tips. Your church will be instrumental in multiplying the ministry of First Place by training leaders. The task may seem overwhelming, but remember that what God has called you to do NOW is not too difficult, nor out of your reach – TODAY!

Seeking Christ First – TODAY!

Love,

Nancy Taylor
Leadership Training Director



Nancy Taylor is the First Place Leadership Training Director and joined the First Place staff in 1997. Nancy teaches leadership principles to First Place Leaders throughout the country and at Houston's First Baptist Church where she coordinates all the First Place groups. Nancy also speaks at First Place workshops, rallies, retreats, and conferences, where she delights her audiences with humor and encourages them with boldness. She writes a monthly article, which includes helpful tips for leaders, for the First Place E-newsletter, and was a contributing writer to the Today is the First Day devotional book. Nancy is the resident First Place Bible Concordance because of her love for Scripture memory.