Evangelist Joshua Orekhie Ministries

EJOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL:

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

TOPIC: THINK AND ACT LIKE A LEADER

OPENING SCRIPTURES

“And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.” (Deuteronomy 28:13)

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

“But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43–45)

MEMORY VERSE

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Begin today’s devotion with songs that honour the Lord as King and Shepherd: “Lead On, O King Eternal,” “The Lord’s My Shepherd,” and “Make Me a Servant.” Thank God for the privilege of being called to influence your world for Him. Surrender your mind, your gifts, and your influence to the Lord, the greatest Leader of all.

Think and Act Like a Leader – EJOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL: October 14, 2026

Beloved, one of the greatest mistakes you can make in life is to wait until somebody gives you a position before you begin to think and behave like a leader.

Leadership is not merely about occupying an office, bearing a title, controlling people, or receiving public recognition. True leadership begins with your mindset, your character, your decisions, and your willingness to take responsibility.

There are people who desperately want to become leaders but are unwilling to develop the qualities that make leadership effective. They want authority without accountability, respect without good character, success without discipline, and recognition without sacrifice.

Beloved, the system does not work that way. Before you desire a leadership position, ask yourself honestly whether you have the attitude and maturity required to handle it.

A person may be the head of a department and still lack leadership qualities. Someone may own a business but treat his employees poorly. A parent may have authority over his children but fail to demonstrate the very values he expects those children to practise.

A pastor may have many followers yet struggle with humility, accountability, and personal discipline. Having people under your authority does not automatically make you a good leader. A title can give you a position, but only character can give you true influence.

Leadership begins with the way you think. If your thinking is careless, fearful, selfish, or irresponsible, it will show in your actions. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Before you can act like a leader, you must learn to think like one.

A follower sees a problem and complains, but a leader begins to search for a solution. A follower waits for someone else to act, but a leader asks, “What can I do to improve this situation?” A follower blames everyone, but a leader accepts responsibility for the part he can change.

Beloved, the difference between a follower and a leader is often not in their position but in their thinking. And before you try to lead others, learn to lead yourself. Examine how you manage your own life.

Can you keep your word? Can you control your temper? Can you organise your time? Can you complete your responsibilities without someone pushing you? “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). If you cannot rule your own spirit, you will struggle to lead other people well. The first person you must lead is yourself.

A leader must also learn to think beyond his immediate feelings. Many people make big decisions when they are angry, excited, hurt, or under pressure, and later they regret it.

A leader considers the consequences of a decision before acting. He asks: Who will this affect? What information do I still need? What could happen if I act hastily? “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (Proverbs 14:15).

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” (Proverbs 14:29). Feelings are real, but they must not be allowed to drive the car of your decisions.

Beloved, leaders take responsibility. When something goes wrong, an immature person quickly searches for someone to blame. A leader examines the situation honestly and asks, “What did I overlook? What could I have done differently? How can this problem be corrected?”

If your instruction was unclear, clarify it. If your decision caused harm, acknowledge it. If you overlooked something important, correct it immediately. Do not hide behind excuses.

In the garden, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Adam even pointed at God, saying, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:12).

Yet each person was responsible for his own decision. Growth begins when you stop blaming others for choices that belong to you. Taking responsibility does not mean accepting blame for every person’s actions.

You are not responsible for another person’s sin, rebellion, or wrong choices. It simply means being honest about the part that belongs to you, and refusing to hide behind excuses when you genuinely contributed to the outcome.

Beloved, true leadership is often revealed in times of crisis. Anybody can look like a leader when everything is going well. But when trouble comes, the real leaders rise. Look at the apostle Paul on the ship to Rome. He was not the captain. He was not the owner of the ship.

He was a prisoner in chains. Yet when the storm raged for many days and everyone lost hope, it was Paul who stood up and said, “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship” (Acts 27:22).

He encouraged them to eat, gave thanks to God in front of them all, and “Then were they all of good cheer” (Acts 27:36). In the storm, the prisoner became the leader. Beloved, leadership is not about the title on your door; it is about the influence you carry when others are afraid.

When King Jehoshaphat heard that a great multitude was coming against Judah, he was afraid. But he did not run, and he did not pretend to have all the answers.

He gathered the people to seek the Lord and prayed, “O our God… we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

A leader is not someone who never feels afraid or confused. He is someone who turns the people’s eyes to God in the time of trouble.

A leader must also have compassion. Jesus did not see crowds as numbers;  He saw people. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

He said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Some leaders only see people as tools to achieve their goals. But a godly leader cares about the people he leads, their pain, their families, and their future.

A leader must pray for the people he leads. Samuel told Israel, “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).

He considered it a sin not to pray for the people under his care. Jesus Himself, “rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). If you are a parent, pray for your children by name.

If you are a boss, pray for your staff. If you are a pastor, pray for your members. Your leadership will be powerful in public only when it is strong in prayer in private.

A leader must also be dependable. If you repeatedly arrive late, abandon assignments, break promises, or keep giving excuses, people will struggle to trust you, no matter how anointed or talented you are.

Leadership is built on credibility, and credibility is built when your words and your actions agree. Jesus said, “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay” (Matthew 5:37).

The psalmist described the righteous man as one who “sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not” (Psalm 15:4). In other words, he keeps his word even when it costs him.

Beloved, leadership is not about controlling people. Some people believe that becoming a leader gives them the right to insult, intimidate, or silence others. They shout at their staff, embarrass their members, and threaten their families.

That is not the leadership Jesus demonstrated. Christ had all authority in heaven and on earth, yet He took a towel and washed the feet of His disciples. Then He said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).

He showed that true leadership is expressed through service. Jesus said, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matthew 20:26).

Kingdom leadership does not begin with the desire to be served; it begins with the willingness to serve. If you are too important to serve others, you are not ready to lead them.

So serve people without looking down on them. Those under your care should experience dignity, fair treatment, and clear direction. Paul told masters, “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1).

He also told them to treat their servants well, “forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him” (Ephesians 6:9).

Remember, the people you lead today are also God’s children, and you will give account for how you treated them.

A good leader celebrates the success of others. King Saul became jealous when the women sang, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” The Bible says, “And Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Samuel 18:7, 9). Jealousy destroyed Saul’s leadership.

But look at Moses. When Joshua came running to complain that two men were prophesying in the camp, Moses answered, “Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29).

And John the Baptist, when his disciples left to follow Jesus, said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Beloved, a secure leader is not threatened by the gifts of others. He rejoices when those under him rise.

A good leader admits mistakes and protects the people. When David sinned by numbering the people and a plague broke out, he did not blame his commanders.

He cried out to God, “Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house” (2 Samuel 24:17).

He was willing to carry the consequence rather than let the people suffer. Leaders who refuse to admit mistakes lose respect, but leaders who humbly acknowledge them gain trust.

Beloved, leadership must begin at home. Eli was the high priest of Israel. He judged the nation for forty years. But at home, his sons were wicked. God said, “his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” (1 Samuel 3:13).

Eli led the nation but failed to lead his own household, and judgment came upon his house.

Paul said a leader in the church must be “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:4–5). Do not become a great leader outside while your home is falling apart.

Your first congregation is your family. Remember also that leadership comes with accountability. “Obey them that have the rule over you… for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account” (Hebrews 13:17).

James warned, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48).

Beloved, leadership is not only a privilege; it is a stewardship. One day you will give account to God for how you led the people He placed under you.

A wise leader also takes care of himself. Many leaders burn out because they never rest. Elijah was so exhausted after his great victory on Mount Carmel that he sat under a juniper tree and asked God to take his life.

God’s first prescription was not a rebuke but sleep and food (1 Kings 19:5–7). Jesus told His disciples after a busy season of ministry, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Rest is not laziness; it is wisdom. A tired leader makes poor decisions.

A good leader prepares for the future. Moses knew he would not enter the promised land, so he prepared Joshua.

He called Joshua before all Israel and said, “Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers… And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7–8).

Moses did not hold on to power. He prepared the next generation. Beloved, a leader who does not prepare a successor is building something that will die with him.

A leader must communicate clearly and listen carefully. Many problems in homes, churches, and organisations come from unclear instructions and poor listening. People cannot follow what they do not understand. “Write the vision, and make it plain” (Habakkuk 2:2).

And a leader must be a good listener. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13). Listen before you judge, and explain before you expect.

A leader must also have vision. Vision is the ability to see beyond the present condition and recognise what can become possible. When others see only an empty piece of land, a leader may see a school, a ministry, a business, or a community centre.

When others see a troubled person, a leader may see someone who can be restored, trained, and empowered. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).

Nehemiah demonstrated this kind of leadership. When he heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, he did not limit himself to crying and complaining.

He prayed, he sought permission from the king, he inspected the damage, he developed a plan, and he mobilised the people to rebuild. Nehemiah understood that prayer and planning must work together.

When the enemies threatened to attack, he said, “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night” (Nehemiah 4:9). He prayed, but he also set a watch. Beloved, some people only pray but never plan; others only plan but never pray. A true leader does both.

A leader must remain teachable. In Exodus 18, Jethro observed that Moses was carrying too much responsibility alone. He said, “The thing that thou doest is not good… for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone” (Exodus 18:17–18).

He advised Moses to appoint capable people to assist him. Moses was the great man of God who had seen the burning bush and divided the Red Sea, yet he listened and changed his approach.

A leader who cannot receive advice limits his own growth. Seek counsel from people who are wise, honest, and willing to challenge you respectfully. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

Surround yourself with people who can speak honestly to you. Not everyone around you should be afraid of your reaction. If people can only tell you what you want to hear, you will keep making mistakes without recognising them.

King Ahab surrounded himself with four hundred prophets who told him what he wanted to hear, and he hated Micaiah because he told him the truth (1 Kings 22:8).

Ahab went to battle and died. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:6). A wise leader values truth more than flattery.

A good leader develops others and delegates responsibly. Jethro did not only tell Moses to share the load; he told him the kind of people to choose: “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” (Exodus 18:21).

Delegate to people who are capable and trustworthy, give them clear instructions, and follow up with support. Do not dump work on people and disappear, and do not micromanage them so that they can never grow.

Moses raised Joshua, Elijah raised Elisha, and Paul raised Timothy. Paul told Timothy, “the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

A leader is not only measured by how many people follow him, but by how many leaders he raises. Make integrity your foundation. Gifts may open doors, but only integrity will keep you in the room.

“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them” (Proverbs 11:3). Of David, the Bible says, “So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands” (Psalm 78:72).

When Samuel was old, he could stand before the whole nation and ask, “Whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded?” and nobody could accuse him (1 Samuel 12:3–4). Beloved, can you say the same about your leadership?

A leader must also learn to stand firm without becoming harsh. There are times when you must say no, correct people, or hold your ground. Nehemiah refused to come down from the wall when his enemies tried to distract him, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3).

Firmness is necessary. But firmness does not mean cruelty. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves” (2 Timothy 2:24–25).

When someone falls, “restore such an one in the spirit of meekness” (Galatians 6:1). Jesus was firm with sin but gentle with sinners. Be firm in your convictions and gentle in your conduct.

So, beloved, think like a leader and act like a leader. Lead in the storm. Lead with compassion. Lead with prayer. Celebrate others genuinely. Admit your mistakes and correct it. Lead well at home.

Remember you will give account. Take care of yourself. And prepare the next generation. also, follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and lead others the way He leads you.

And above all, depend on God and follow through. You cannot lead God’s people, your family, or your business well in your own strength. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

When Solomon became king, he asked God for an understanding heart to lead the people, and God was pleased with that request (1 Kings 3:9). Depend on God, but also finish what you start.

Many people begin with great excitement and abandon the project halfway. Jesus said of the man who started building without counting the cost, “This man began to build, and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:30).

But our Lord Jesus could say to the Father, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). A leader starts well, but more importantly, he finishes well.

Beloved, David developed leadership long before he entered the palace. While tending his father’s sheep, he protected them from the lion and the bear.

Nobody was celebrating him. Nobody was clapping for him. Yet he carried out his responsibility faithfully. His private faithfulness prepared him for public leadership.

Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). “For who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10).

WISDOM FOR TODAY

A title may give you a position, but only character and service will give you true influence. Lead yourself well first, and others will follow with confidence.

AFRICAN PROVERB

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

Meaning: A person who works alone may move quickly for a while, but he will soon run out of strength and cannot go very far. A leader who brings others along, shares the load, and develops people will go much further and achieve lasting results. True leadership is not about running ahead of everyone; it is about building a team that can travel far together.

PERSONAL CHALLENGE

Today, identify three areas where God has placed you to lead: perhaps your home, your workplace, your church, or a group of friends. For each area, write down one way you can take more responsibility, one way you can serve better, and one habit you need to improve in order to be a better example. Then choose one person you can mentor or encourage in their growth this month.

EVANGELISM CHALLENGE

Use your influence for the kingdom. Ask God to show you one person in your sphere of leadership, whether a colleague, a neighbour, a student, or a family member, who needs to hear the gospel. Let your example open the door, and then share with them about Jesus, the greatest Leader who gave His life for them.

FURTHER STUDY

📖 Deuteronomy 28:1–14; Proverbs 23:7; Mark 10:35–45; Numbers 13:25–14:24; Judges 6:11–16; Exodus 3:1–12; Jeremiah 1:4–10; Nehemiah 1:1–2:20; 1 Samuel 17:32–51; Genesis 39:1–6, 20–23; John 13:1–17; 1 Kings 12:1–16; Genesis 41:33–41; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 1 Samuel 12:1–5; Exodus 18:13–26; 2 Timothy 2:1–2; 1 Kings 3:5–14; 1 Peter 5:1–6

PRAYER ASSIGNMENT (NIGHT)

CLOSING REFLECTION

Beloved, God has not called you to be a spectator in life. He has called you to be the head and not the tail, the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Leadership begins in your mind, so see yourself as God sees you. Then rise up and act. Take responsibility, serve with humility, plan with wisdom, live with discipline, and lead with integrity. Raise others along the way, and depend on God in everything. Whether you have a title or not, you can influence your world for Christ. Think like a leader, act like a leader, and lead like Jesus. Remain blessed in Jesus’ name.