Fill the Stage

Daniel Dignan

Fill The Stage

“Character is Destiny”

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Hand Me Another Brick

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This book is a guide to Nehemiah, an Old Testament story about a man who rebuilt and revived Jerusalem. Many believe Nehemiah is the best leadership book ever written.

Nehemiah, the subject of the book, served Artaxerxes the king of the Persian Empire, ensuring the safety of his food and drink. Nehemiah lived during the time of Socrates, over 400 years before Christ. The story begins with the arrival of messengers from Jerusalem who told Nehemiah that Jerusalem was in ruins and unable to protect itself or prosper.

In response, Nehemiah wept bitterly and prayed for about four months, all the while developing a plan to rebuild the city. One day, the king asked him why he looked sad, Nehemiah’s moment had arrived; he told the king and requested permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, and revealed a sound plan for doing so.

Chuck Swindoll, a well-known pastor, wrote several books about great leaders of the Bible, including Moses, David, and Esther. In Hand Me Another Brick, he helps leaders and aspiring ones learn how to lead well. Topics include the following:

  • Prayer
  • Preparation
  • Motivation
  • Opposition and criticism
  • Discouragement
  • Financial issues
  • Handeling success
  • Intimidation
  • Priorities

I highly recommend the book.

Land of Hope

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This is one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read. It’s the story of America from its discovery and founding to recent times. Wildred McClay overviews the significant events, people, and ideas that shaped America, aiming to show what made America a land of hope.

Events include the unsettlement of Europe, Christopher Columbus’s journeys to the New World, the Revolutionary War, Westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization and modernization, the World Wars, the Cold War, and more. Highlighted leaders include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt.

The book offers a positive account of America’s rise and greatness without glossing over grave issues such as slavery and our national debt. The author reveals the unique ideas, convictions, and traditions that spurred American energy, generosity, purpose, commitment, and self-criticism. Moreover, McClay insightfully describes the role of America’s Christian heritage and its leaders in shaping American destiny. Along these lines, America’s literature is integrated into this retelling of American political and religious history, showing its impact and effect on the generations that followed.

This book is a tremendous educational experience. If you want a fascinating story about the land of hope that is America, this book is for you.

Called to Lead

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This is one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read. It’s about two leaders who changed the world: Nehemiah and Paul. Nehemiah lived about 400 years before Christ, when the Persian Empire ruled Asia. He rebuilt the ancient wall of Jerusalem and revived the nation about 150 years after the Babylonian Empire destroyed it. Paul lived during and after the time of Christ, writing much of the New Testament and spreading Christianity throughout much of the world. Both of these men were world-class leaders.

The author, John MacArthur, taught the Bible for over 50 years at Grace Community Church in California. In Called To Lead, he explains leadership principles implicit in Nehemiah and one of Paul’s letters, 2 Corinthians, such as trustworthiness and discipline. The book is an extraordinary guide to those who want to lead well.

What leadership principle helped you the most?