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 Micah 6:8, quoting from the NASB:
“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?”
How does God speak justice, mercy and humility to you? The issue of Micah 6:8 was that God’s people wanted to know how to placate God. They seemingly wanted to offer Him what did not require a change of heart or compassion on their part. God rejected their offer of materialism and issued His precise requirements of man: to do justice, to love mercy and to be humble. Service done in God’s name is best received when done with a compassionate heart and sincere concern.
The people of Micah’s day erred through ingratitude to God, religious pretense, dishonesty, idolatry and the like. The same could be said for the sin of choice today.
In view of God’s requirement for justice, mercy, and humility, what does it mean to practice these on a daily basis at home and on the job? Within the confines of a close knit, selfless community, it is not a stretch for leaders and subordinates to express selfless love for those they serve alongside. Let’s face it, when a leader goes out of his or her way to ensure compliance with safety directives and take extra steps to discourage illegal or potentially harmful behavior, that leader is not only practicing justice but is also demonstrating love and sincere concern.
The practice of upholding standards discourages one from straying, thus avoiding unwanted consequences. Humility helps the servant leader find balance between justice and mercy.
The reminder of God’s requirements to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with Him suggests that the people were doing the opposite. Consider the opposing actions to his instructions: lack of justice would result in unfair treatment, unreasonableness, and unconcern for others. The opposite of mercy would reflect a lack of compassion, unforgiveness, and unkindness. Absent humility, one becomes prideful, self-serving, and arrogantly assertive.
What is God speaking to your heart regarding the application of justice, loving kindness, and humility? God’s preferred sacrifice is a “broken spirit and a contrite heart.” He rejects self-justification but embraces compassion.
// 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, what sacrifice of service are you offering God?
- Second, when was the last time your heart was pricked to demonstrate selfless concern for one who did not deserve it?
- Third, is God pleased with your heart of service?
// About the Narrator
COL Laurence Mixon, USA, a 1986 graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, retired in June 2016 after a 30-year career with the Army and transitioned to an Army Senior Executive assignment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He served on the OCF Council from 2011-2019 and has also been active as a local leader in OCF. He and his wife, Tracey, have 8 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.