This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, January 2024

Born to Lead

By Dr. Jeff Padgett

Genesis 1:26-31, “26 Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ 29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you, it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food’’; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

The Word of God is an endless ocean of knowledge and understanding. In the first chapter of Genesis, we see the perfect design of God, unfolding His plan through His creation. In this passage of scripture, there is a great deal we can learn from the context in which God has given. There are four observations that I would like to point out, based on the God-given leadership potential we have within all of us:

1. Being made in God’s image means that we are created to lead. (V.26) When God says, “Let Us make man in Our image,” He then says, “Let them have dominion…” One way that we reflect God’s Image is by leading. This was His original intent, and we show that through leading God’s way. We find out the correct way to do this is through God’s Holy Word.
2. God commanded both males and females to have dominion. (V.27-28) Both men and women have been given the authority to lead. Leadership is not gender-specific. There are varied roles and assigned responsibilities that we have as men and women, as designated by God. Again, this is laid out in the Bible, and we would follow them accordingly.
3. All of us are to serve one another in the areas of our gifting and purpose. (V.29-30) God created everything for a purpose. We are placed on this earth to lead. The next question we should ask God is, “What is my specific purpose?” As God provides the answer to this question, we are able to fine-tune our areas of giftedness and use them as we are called to accomplish His will.
4. Each person’s leadership is best exercised in his or her area of giftedness. (V.31) As we discover our gifts, we will naturally lead in those areas where we are most productive, intuitive, comfortable, influential, and satisfied.

In essence, the power of purpose and order shadows the divine nature and will of our Heavenly Father. If you are not sure of what that area may be yet, do not be afraid to walk boldly into the throne of grace and ask for Jehovah’s help in your time of need. I can promise you this: He will not disappoint.

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

Congratulations Noah and Robert

At PAYH, hard work pays off. We are so proud of Noah and Robert for their graduation from PAYH. Noah’s future plans are to enlist in the Army, and Robert’s plans are to attend Swainsboro Technical College and obtain his certification as an automotive engine performance technician. Congratulations again, Noah and Robert! You did it!

PAYH is excited to once again partner with the Chick-fil-A Organization for the Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race that will be held on March 2nd, 2024. It is a day for the whole family, with food, games for the kids, on-site shopping, and of course, the Road Race, itself. The proceeds will benefit PAYH, WinShape Camps, and Vidalia Heritage Academy. Go to RunVidalia.com and become a part of this amazing event.