53. He Will Be With You
Leader, Draw Near
Do you sense God calling you out, asking you to do something that is outside your comfort zone? What is your source of strength?
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52. Rest Interrupted
Leader, Draw Near
Interruptions can be opportunities to demonstrate compassion. Jesus’ compassion included serving the crowd a meal. How we respond when our plans get changed can add to or take away from our resilience.
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51. Where Now is the Lord?
Leader, Draw Near
When circumstances turn from desirable to undesirable or when the task ahead is greater than one’s resources, it is common to want to know our importance to God and whether He is with us in our labors.
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50. Discouragement—I Have Had Enough!
Leader, Draw Near
Discouragement can place us at opposite ends of God’s intention requiring Him to correct us, turn us around, and put us back on His course. Don’t allow threats or the appearance of being the only one interested in what God is working halt your forward momentum and progress.
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49. Character of a Leader—Holy?
Leader, Draw Near
Take a minute and evaluate the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Which fruit is most abundant in your life right now? After reflecting on the abundance, think on the fruit you sense needs to be growing in you.
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48. Daniel’s Wise Alternative
Leader, Draw Near
Discerning wisdom is not an overnight process. Spiritual wisdom accompanies the practice of spiritual disciplines, particularly when prayer and Bible study are hallmarks.
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47. The Right Heart
Leader, Draw Near
What is the condition of your heart? Being an effective leader is as much about having the right heart as following proven leadership practices.
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46. Transformation: Clean the Root and Reinsert It
Leader, Draw Near
How do we overcome the dueling natures, the struggle of the flesh to do evil and of the mind that knows to obey the commands of God? We clear away the debris and cultivate in our heart the mind of Christ.
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45. Did You Ask?
Leader, Draw Near
From whom do you seek advice and in whom do you place your trust when it seems you are not receiving discernable direction from God? Asking counsel of wise people is a Scriptural response, and so is asking God to keep you from presumption.
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44. Compassion
Leader, Draw Near
What might cause you to be stingy with empathy or sympathy? Are you tempted to make your compassion for others conditional? Let us strive to find the right blend of Christ-filled compassion and Spirit-guided correction.
info_outlineToday’s Scripture reading comes from Philippians 4:19, quoting from the ESV:
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
“He has been mighty good to me!” “God is good, all the time. All the time; God is good.” I have heard these phrases expressed, somewhat emotionally, at church testimony meetings and other places. These expressions are true and, most often, heartfelt.
Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:19 seems a culmination of his gratefulness for the kindness shown him by the believers mentioned in Philippians 4:10-19. Additionally, Paul’s joyful comments give testimony of God’s faithfulness to meet his needs. Though Paul expressed heartfelt thanks for the gift, at the same time, he seems to stand the act of giving on it head: It is not that those who give satisfy needs, but it is God who uses generous givers to meet.
Those who are generous toward God will find that He is generous toward them and will supply their every need in Christ Jesus. Expressed another way, giving is receiving. I am inspired by Paul’s obvious absence of anxiety as to whether God would give him what he needed. Paul was not concerned for material gifts; his greatest concern was the potential spiritual harvest to be reaped through their generosity. Yet, Paul makes a more far reaching statement: If you had any concerns about parting with your gifts, don’t. Instead, know as I know that, “God will supply every need of yours.” His comments clearly extended beyond concern for material needs.
What leader is not concerned with maximizing his/her time use or hasn’t felt the insufficiency of time in a day to meet all requirements? And what about the challenge of needing fresh insight and perspective in confronting problems? “God will supply every need of yours” whether it is a financial concern, effective time management, or dealing with disgruntled people. Jesus is the resource for all our needs. As faithful followers, ours is to approach Him confidently for grace and help.
// Points to Ponder
Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.
- First, in what areas of work, home, or community service do you especially need help?
- Second, how are you trusting God to meet all your needs, i.e., time management, wisdom, and resources?
- Third, how might those nearest you describe or affirm your unwavering belief that God will supply your every need?
// About the Narrator
Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.