Lessons in Leadership (from the Life of Moses)

Having understood clearly that I do not consider myself the quintessence of leadership, I do wish to address this subject. I speak here of leadership, not because I claim to be the prime example of leadership; but rather because I have seen so many examples of how not to lead. On the other hand, I have more positive examples of leadership than negative. I have had the privilege of working with great leaders. I have seen a few men attempt to lead and fail miserably. But I have seen more men lead with courage, truth, stability, and integrity.

Desiring to illustrate some traits of godly leadership, I know of no greater leader (excepting Jesus Christ) than Moses. Moses was the man who was called by God to deliver His people out of their bondage in Egypt. Some traits of Moses' life proves to be great characteristics of good leadership.

1) Moses was chosen by God to lead. The best leaders are God-called. Their leadership is an act of obedience to God Almighty; not a fulfillment of a political agenda; not a following of a personal career; not a job; not a means by which to attain popularity; but a direct act of obedience. Moses never asked to lead. He never approached God and said, "Make me the leader of your people." Actually, he attempted to get out of it! A person who shoves himself into the spotlight is not a godly leader. A godly leader is first chosen by God to lead.

2) Moses learned to lead. Before he took God's people from Egypt, across the desert, and to the brink of the promised land, we find him tending to the flock belonging to his father-in-law. He learned to lead sheep before he learned to lead people. Sheep are stubborn, self-willed, and slow learners; but they are easier to lead than people. He tended to this flock for years! We have, in our day, so many men who wish to be leaders, who have never led in small things; and who have never been a follower! Good followers make good leaders. Let me sit under a leader for just a couple of weeks, and I can tell you how good of a follower that person was prior to becoming a leader. If a man was a good follower, and could lead in the small areas of life; it will certainly be evident when he leads in the big areas of life.

3) Moses was one of the people. By this, I mean that Moses did not elevate himself higher than those he led. Offending one of the children of Israel was to offend Moses. He loved his people so much that he did not separate himself from them. As a matter of fact, when Israel sinned, God purposed to destroy the entire nation, except Moses. But Moses interceded for them, telling God, "If you're going to destroy Israel; destroy me." He did not see himself as being on a throne, and everyone else under him. He was one of them!

4) Moses led by example. He lived like the people lived. He did not feed Israel manna, and then find a secret place to ask God if He could feed him something better! When the cloud led the nation of Israel to go forward, Moses did not command the people to walk; Moses started walking! The greatest leaders must delegate responsibilities at times. Even Moses had to do this. At times, it is beneficial, and even necessary. But Moses didn't sit in an office and delegate orders all day. His number one order to the people of Israel was, "Follow me!" He led by example.

5) Moses was stern when it had to be that way. Moses had a fear of God, and he demanded it from the people. He never asked of them to do what he would not do; but demanded that the people please God. He had a fear of God, and this caused him "lay down the law (literally at times)!" Moses had high expectations for the people, demanding that they please God.

6) In contrast to the previous point, Moses was the meekest man on the face of the whole earth. He was gentle. Did you get that? Moses was a man who demanded strict adherence to the law; and AT THE SAME TIME, was the meekest man on the face of the earth. I will spend a little time on this one, because I have met some "leaders" who "tolerated no disobedience," but their spirit stunk to high heaven. Now, I am talking to those in authority (within the church). Listen carefully. If people cannot stand to be around you, you are absolutely an ungodly leader. Moses was strict; yet gentle. Moses was tough on law-breakers; but had an excellent spirit! It is possible to "lay the law down," AND "be meek (humble)" at the same time. If you can't reconcile the traits of strictness with meekness, I am certain you have elevated yourself to your position. You are not chosen by God to be in authority, and you need to get out of authority. If you are a pastor, youth leader, bus captain, Sunday School superintendent, overseer, bishop, or any other leader in a church or church-related scenario, I'm talking to you! If you walk into a room where there are people who are under your authority, and they quickly leave because they cannot stand your spirit - you need to either find an altar and get a good spirit (the Holy Ghost would be nice) or resign your position until you've sat under some good, godly leadership.

I am not saying that leaders should be soft concerning sin. Preach the Bible! Demand that those under you fear the Lord. I am for all of that. I am not talking about your strictness right now; I am talking about your spirit. I have heard so-called leaders brag because those who are under their authority are scared to approach them. Let's get this straight. If you are a leader, and those who are under your authority are scared to come to you with an issue, opinion, concern, or question, THAT IS NOT COMMENDABLE! It is sick enough to gag a maggot! The Bible says that the wisdom which is from above is first PEACEABLE, GENTLE, and EASY TO BE ENTREATED! If you are not easy to approach, you need to get off your high horse and get on your knees! You need to pray, as David prayed in his backslidden state, "Renew a RIGHT SPIRIT within me!" If you are in authority, and have a filthy, unapproachable spirit, I think you should be forced to follow orders of someone as mean as you are! Maybe that would adjust some attitudes!

It would benefit every leader to know that while they are in authority, they are also UNDER authority. Every leader will stand before God and give account of how they have led. If you are a person who condemns people to hell if they don't obey your every order, let me say that judgment will be dished out to you the way you have dished it out to others (Matthew 7:1, 2)! I have met some in authority who treated people like dirt. They thought that, since they were in authority, those who are under their authority must submit regardless of their filthy, ungodly spirit. If someone who is under your authority does not submit, they will give account. But if you, as the leader, do not rule with meekness, you will give account to God. Let me say this while I'm here. If people hate to be around you, you can make yourself feel good by saying things such as, "Oh, that's just my personality." Personality nothing! If your personality is not saved, you're not saved! You have no right to treat people in a disgusting fashion. When a man is chosen by God to lead, he understands that he, too, is under God's authority. Moses, like all God-called leaders, was strict, yet meek.

In Conclusion
Certainly, my little list of Moses' great leadership traits is neither exhaustive nor complete. I must say that, as for the negative aspects of this post, I am not referring to anyone personally. If that were the case, I would contact that individual personally, rather than writing my thoughts in a blog. I am not mad. I am not angry. I do, however, believe every word I have written, and take full responsibility for the words in this post. I am simply blogging some good traits of Moses' life that pave the way for godly leadership.

Furthermore, to eliminate any thoughts along these lines, the negative remarks in this post DO NOT reflect the leadership of my pastors, Bro. Carlos Burdine and Bro. Wayne Grace. These men are two of the most humble men and two of the greatest leaders I have known. They fit all of the traits I posted here. I thank God for these, and for the many godly leaders with whom I have been privileged to work.

The Most Quoted Promise in the Bible

The Bible is full of promises. There are literally hundreds of promises in the word of God. Personally, I have stood on the promises of God. Repeatedly, I have taken God at His word. Faithfully, God has always fulfilled His promises.

There is one Biblical promise that seems to be quoted more than the others. On numerous occasions, I have heard preachers stand behind a pulpit and repeat it. Christians have stood up in the midst of a congregation to quote it. It is not likely that this particular promise is greater than any other. In my opinion, some preachers quote it as they begin the church service because they do not have anything else to say. Despite the motive of the one speaking the promise, it is a promise of God nonetheless. I am sure you have heard it quoted, and multiple times if you have been a Christian any length of time at all. Somewhere in your Christian walk, you have heard someone say, “I’m glad Jesus said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

There it is – the most quoted promise in the entirety of the scriptures (at least, in some of the circles in which I have been involved). The promise is found in Hebrews 13:5.

Two Prominent Messages in Christ’s Earthly Ministry

In the days when Jesus Christ walked the shores of Galilee, there were two messages that were constantly interwoven throughout the gospels. The first message was from Christ to His disciples. Christ continually told His disciples, “I’ve got to go.” Of course, He had to go to Calvary to suffer and die for the sins of mankind. The second message found throughout the gospels was the response of the disciples to Christ. When Christ spoke of His death, His disciples always replied, “Don’t go!”

In Matthew 16, Jesus spoke to His disciples, saying that He must be rejected of the scribes and elders of Jerusalem and be crucified. “I’ve got to go,” He says. Peter responded, “Far be it from Thee!” In other words, “Don’t go!”

In one instance, we find “the woman who was a sinner,” with her hands around the ankles of our Lord, as she washes the Lord’s feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. There’s something about her grip on the Savior’s feet that says, “Don’t go!” But He must go. He must be separated from the disciples to lay down His life for lost mankind.

In his account of the gospel, Luke tells us constantly that Christ’s face was “set” toward Jerusalem. What’s in Jerusalem? A cross. With His face set, His spirit firm, and His will determined, the Lord says, “I’ve got to go.”

Then came the day when Christ’s death upon the cross ceased to be a prophecy and became a fulfillment. He left His disciples for Calvary. The disciples would have loved to be able to claim the promise we claim so often, that their Lord would never leave nor forsake them. But the Lord left His disciples for Calvary.

Three days following the crucifixion of Christ, Christ is raised from the dead. On that resurrection day, Mary Magdalene is among those who found the tomb to be empty. When the others headed for the city, she remained in the garden where the empty tomb was. Weeping with her head in her hands, she earnestly believes that someone had taken away the body of her Lord. Suddenly, she sees a man. Since the man was evidently the gardener, Mary requested concerning Jesus, “Please tell me where you have laid Him.” Then, the “gardener,” who was none other than Jesus Christ Himself, said to her, “Mary.” Upon hearing the Lord speak her own name, Mary recognized Him. Mary must have fallen upon her knees, taking hold of the Saviour. But Jesus stopped her. “Touch me not,” He said. The word, “touch” here can mean more than just a simple touch. It can mean, “to hold on to; to cling to.” But again, Jesus says, “Don’t hold on to me.” In other words, “I’ve got to go.” Where is He going now? Since He has been resurrected, Christ must now go to the Father. He did not want Mary to get too attached. He is about to depart again. This is a good place to insert that the doctrine of the ascension of Christ is an underrated doctrine in the Bible. The entire discourse of John 14-16 centers around it. The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost depends on it. “If I go not away,” Christ said, “the Comforter will not come.”

Notice what Christ says to Mary. “Touch me not; do not hold on to me.” What does He go on to say? He says, “For I am not yet ascended.” That is where is going – to the Father.

The Ascension

Then, forty days after His resurrection, the day comes for Christ to go to the Father. Christ gathered with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In Matthew’s version of the Great Commission, Christ gives His disciples His last words before His ascension. First, He instructs them to “teach all nations.” Secondly, He commissions them to “baptize them.” And third, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” I can’t help but chuckle when I read Matthew’s account of the Great Commission. Jesus says to His disciples, “I am with you always.” Then, what does He do? He ascends. He leaves. He says, “I’ll never leave you.” Then He leaves!

But when He goes, He takes His place at the right hand of the Father. It is there that Jesus prayed for the Father to send the Holy Spirit to dwell with His disciples forever. This may be a news flash to you, but you do not have the Holy Spirit because you prayed; you have the Holy Spirit because He prayed. Christ said, “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter” (John 14:16). Of course, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. Wherever the Holy Spirit is, Christ is. When Christ prayed for the Father to give us the Holy Spirit, the Lord assured us that He would abide with us forever (John 14:16).

Throughout the gospels, mankind begged Christ, “Don’t leave us!” But He had to go. Now that the Holy Spirit has been given, I know that Christ will be with me through the trials of life, through tears and toils, and even to chilly Jordan – death itself. He will never leave me nor forsake me!

God Wants You To Be Spiritually Poor

Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Spiritually poor – that is God’s will for you. Contrary to contemporary theological exegesis, our Lord was unmistakably clear – “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Some biblical scholars have explained it away. “He means,” they insist, “that we are to be humble.” But He did not proclaim, “Blessed are the humble.” He clearly stated, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

How can this be? To hear it taught in many pulpits today, one would get the impression that God wants His children to be rich, both materialistically and spiritually. In other circles, many ministers insist that, while God does not mind if His children are monetarily poor, He surely wants us to be spiritually rich. After all, is not this the comfort we give to God’s poor people? Do we not console them by reminding them that they are richer than their wealthy neighbors – because their wealthy neighbors’ possessions are only physical, while their own salvation is worth more than all of earth’s gold?

In spite of our efforts to console God’s poor with heavenly riches, it is yet true that God wants His children to be spiritually poor.

Christians, especially American Christians, are accustomed to abundance. Most American families have more than one vehicle. Most Americans have several pairs of shoes, cupboards full of food, and closets full of clothing. Make no mistake about it – this attitude of abundance carries over into our spiritual lives. We get the notion that God wants His children to be spiritually rich. Somehow, we have gained the impression that God desires His children to have storehouses that are filled and overflowing with His grace, love, peace, and joy. However, for us, we would be better off spiritually poor.

What about Exhortations for Christians to Be Spiritually Rich?

I can hear the objections of some of my readers. Does not the New Testament exhort Christians to be spiritually rich? It does. A couple instances come readily to mind. In Luke 12, Jesus tells of a rich fool, who planned to build bigger barns for his earthly treasures, but made no preparation for his soul. Christ concluded the parable in Luke 12:21 by saying, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Surely Christ was exhorting us to be “rich toward God.” Another instance that presently confronts me is 3 John 1:2, where John says to Gaius, “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Did you catch that? John wished for the soul of Gaius to prosper! Is this not an exhortation to the prosperity of the soul?

I acknowledge these exhortations for Christians to prosper spiritually. There are other such exhortations in the New Testament. These exhortations notwithstanding, Christ still proclaimed, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Can there be any legitimate reconciliation between the New Testament exhortations to be spiritually rich and Christ’s unmistakable blessing upon the spiritually poor? I believe that there not only can be such reconciliation, but such an understanding exists.

On one hand, Christians are spiritually rich. On the other hand, we are spiritually poor. Both terms – “poor” and “rich” – describe the state of the true child of God. We are rich in the many spiritual possessions God has graciously given to us. We are poor in our Father’s wise distribution of those possessions.

In the parable of the prodigal son, the Father tells the older brother, “All that I have is thine.” This statement best describes the child of God and his spiritual possessions. Everything God has belongs to us. All the peace of God in heaven is ours. If you are lacking in peace of mind, this is a most unnecessary lack. All the love God has is ours. Christ has everything, and we have Christ! “Rich” is a good word to describe such a disposition.

However, although we possess everything God has to offer, God does not allow us to build barns and store His love, joy, and peace in abundance. Our heavenly Father, in His wisdom, distributes His greatest possessions to us as we need them. Let me give you a few examples of great possessions that our Father gives us only as we need them.

Provision for Physical Needs

I began this post with Matthew 5:3, where Christ said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” The fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew are known as the Sermon on the Mount. In the same sermon, Jesus taught His disciples to pray. In that model prayer, we find this phrase – “Give us this day our daily bread.” Notice carefully how our Father plans to meet the needs we may have. He does not instruct us to ask for a year’s supply of bread; not a month’s supply of bread; not even a week’s supply of bread; but daily bread! God promised to meet our needs when the day arises that we need them! I am rich because I have a heavenly Father who will supply all my needs. But He does not give me the means to meet the need until the need arises. So, like a poor beggar, I am dependent on my heavenly Father.

Ability to Stand in Time of Persecution

I have seen a number of Christians who seem to love to torment themselves. Often, such Christians perform this “self torment” in the area of persecution. Many American Christians are aware that, though we currently have freedom to worship in our great nation, this freedom is not guaranteed. Consequently, Christians worry about whether or not they will be able to stand for Christ should they called upon to suffer for Him. Such worry is unnecessary. You say, “Don’t you believe Christians should be ready to suffer for Christ?”

No. As a matter of fact, if you peruse my spiritual barn and look for “ability to stand in time of persecution,” you will be disappointed. It is absent from my shelves. Allow me to be frank with you. I do not have what it takes to suffer for Christ. I am spiritually poor. I just don’t have it. But I do not panic. Whatever I need when I am called on to suffer for Christ – my Father has it! And He will see that I have it at the very hour I need it.

In Mark 13, Christ told His disciples that they would be brought before judges and be persecuted for His name’s sake. In verse 11, Christ said these words – “Take no thought.” What does “take no thought” mean? Does it mean to “prepare to suffer for Christ”? No, not at all! As a matter of fact, it means the exact opposite. Christ then told His disciples why they need not worry about persecution. They would be given exactly what they need “in that hour.” Not before then. God will give me the ability to stand for Him when I need it.

Grace to Die

If you are a Christian, and if I were to ask you whether or not you are ready to die, I am certain you render an affirmative reply. I am almost equally certain, that if you were told by a specialist that you had contracted a terminal illness, you would wish the physician to take whatever necessary steps needed to lengthen your life. We say we are ready to die. Of course, when we say it, we are generally not dying. When Christians genuinely believe themselves to be dying, they typically struggle to remain alive. This is both normal and commendable. Christ promised to give us life, and even more so, abundant life. Even though Christians know our names are recorded in heaven, we still would rather live than die.

If I conducted a check on the inventory in my spiritual barn and looked for “grace to die,” I would find that such grace would be absent. Is this cause for alarm? Not at all. I am not ready to die. At this point, I would much rather live than die. I do not have what it takes to lie down and peacefully journey from this life to the next. I do not have such grace. What can I say? I am spiritually poor. But my Father has such grace. And He will give it to me in that moment.

Corrie ten Boom, whose family suffered persecution in World War 2, tells of a conversation she had with her father. She asked her father about being ready to die. Her father responded, “When you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?”

“Why, just before we get on the train,” Corrie replied.

“Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run out ahead of him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need – just in time.”

Righteousness Exalts a Nation

Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

I Love the United States of America!

Make no mistake about it! I love America! I do not apologize; I do not take it back; I do not make such a proclamation with my head facing the ground! I get chills when I hear our national anthem. I cannot view our flag without thinking of the blood shed over the years to give us our freedom. I am thankful that God Almighty allowed me to be born and raised in the United States.

In our own nation, I have come across ministers who preach that it is a sin to be patriotic in any form. I have been acquainted with some ministers to object to those saluting a flag or honoring a veteran. The odd thing about it is – THEY WON’T MOVE! If the reader thinks that it is a sin to love America, why don’t you find a better country that you can love, and get out of here? I love this nation, and I’m not ashamed to say it!

In the scriptures, we find Daniel praying concerning the sins of his own people. Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet. Do you know why? It is not because he wept over the state of the Syrians; it is not because he shed tears over the conditions of the Chaldeans; it is because he poured out his tears over his own people! Moses stood in the presence of God Almighty, reasoning with God. Moses told the Lord that if the Lord was going to wipe Israel from existence, to destroy him also! He interceded for his own people. I hear people talk about “having a burden for the lost.” That’s nice. But it should start with loving your own people! How can you have a burning desire to reach the lost in Honduras and have no feeling whatsoever concerning your own people?

When I say, “I love America,” I am not saying that American people are better than any other people. I am not saying for a moment that I am a better man of God than anyone else because I’m American. I am not insinuating that God loves America more than He does anyone else. I do not saying that America is perfect. But I am declaring that I love the United States.

Righteousness Exalteth a Nation

Our nation is a great nation. We have a great history. Men and women risked their lives to come to a fresh continent where they would have the freedom to worship the God of the Bible out of the convictions of their own heart. Our founding fathers were at least God-fearing, and many were professing Christians. The Creator is found in MANY of our founding documents.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” – Declaration of Independence

“For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” – Declaration of Independence

“Our forefathers, inhabitants of the island of Great Britain, left their native land, to seek on these shores a residence for civil and religious freedom.” – Continental Congress’ Declaration on the Causes and Necessity for Taking Up Arms; July 6, 1775

“…the freedom of speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the slaughter.” – George Washington, making reference to Isaiah 53, a Biblical passage.

Many more founding documents could be cited, but let me go on. How about our national motto, “In God We Trust,” which is a testimony of our greatness as a nation? In 1864, the Congress of the United States of America approved adding “In God We Trust” to the two-cent coin. In 1908, legislation was passed and “In God We Trust” was mandatory on all coins. In 1955, “In God We Trust” became mandatory on all U.S. coins and paper currency. In 1956, “In God We Trust” became the national motto of the United States.*

Have you ever seen a flag-folding ceremony? There is much Christianity involved in it. The second fold symbolizes our belief in eternal life. The eleventh fold is for the Hebrew, or Jewish citizen, “and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” The twelfth and final fold is for the Christian, glorifying the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. “When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, ‘In God We Trust.’”*

Yes, our nation is great because it is founded upon the righteousness of the Bible. “Righteousness exalteth a nation.” America has been exalted because of her rich, godly heritage. I know there are goofy professors who want to place Islam on the same plain as Christianity, but it is not. Many Muslims have migrated to America; but few Christians are dying to get into Muslim countries. There is a good reason for this: Christianity has made the United States a great nation. Islam, on the other hand, has never made a single nation in the world great. I cannot think of one Muslim nation where people are dying to enter, as they do America. As a matter of fact, I do not know of one single person who has ever gone to a Muslim nation to spend a vacation (I’m not saying they don’t; I just do not know of any). Islam is not a Christian counterpart. Christianity makes nations great. Every day, radio talk show hosts brag about how capitalism has made America great. No, that’s not it. America is not great because of her capitalist system; America is great because of the God she has trusted in through the years.  Show me a communist nation with greatness equating to that of America.  No one can make such a claim, unless they are dishonest and possess a warped mind.

Sin is a Reproach to Any People!

While it is true that America has become great through her reverence of the God of the Bible, it is equally true that America’s departure from the God of the Bible will bring her down.

We live in dark times in our nation. The God of the Bible defines marriage as being between a man and his wife (Genesis 2). Yet, our nation, state by state, is shaking their fist in the face of God Almighty, calling Him a liar, and redefining marriage their own way. Sin is a reproach to any people.

The God of the Bible has stated that the baby in the womb is known by Him (Jeremiah 1). Yet, many in our day have responded to God that “the child is womb is nothing to us!” And then they brutally kill the baby, showing no mercy as the baby writhes in physical pain.  Sin has reproached the United States!

All over the land today, the most important issue of many voters is the issue of the economy. It should not be this way. My number one concern for America is not that America’s families all become rich. We have worried about that entirely too much. AMERICA WAS GREATER WHEN SHE WAS POOR. She didn’t have the best material things in life, but she had priceless treasures. Family time was valued time. Divorce rates were much lower when America was righteous in the eyes of the God of the Bible. Suicide was rare. Children were brought up to become ladies and gentlemen. The Bible was the textbook in the public schools.

Friend, America needs a revival. Sin is a reproach to any people, and America has sinned! We have taken God Almighty out of the public square. The ACLU (a devilish organization which stands up for every rotten thing under the sun) sues companies wishing to display a manger scene at Christmas. Islam demands freedom of religion while it is soon to be a hate crime for Christians to preach parts of the Bible that condemn sin. Euthanasia is on the table for discussion as it has never been before! Politicians have not and cannot give us the revival we need. There is more corruption in Washington and in our states than ever before. America, when going to the polls, cares little about having a real leader in office; but only desires the man who can best pad their pocket books.

Listen to me! God Almighty is not about to put up with the trash in our nation forever! America will be humbled! Sin is a reproach to any people! The U.S. Supreme Court, once a noble institution, does not have the final say on abortion, gay rights, flag-burning, or any other issue. God Almighty’s word will be the last word! Mark it down. The God of the Bible will have the last and final say!

So, this Fourth of July, I will spend some time in prayer for our great nation. Though our nation is great, our sin has reproached us. America WILL fall to her knees again to petition the God of the Bible. The only question is – “Will it be too late?”

*God Bless America: Prayers and Reflections for our Country. Zondervan Publishing House. ©1999.