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 2 Corinthians 1:20, quoting from the NASB:
“For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”
Spare me the goat trails. Just give me a straight answer! Ever had one of those days when all you wanted was a straight answer?
If the Corinthian people ever desired a straight answer, Paul gave it to them. God’s promises are “Yes,” and the appropriate response is “Amen” (so let it be). There’s no gray, no verbal spin, only a matter of fact “Yes.” Leaders operate in a fact-based realm that sometimes calls for rapid fire decisions. Paul, Silvanus and Timothy preached a fact-based gospel. In our flesh, so much of what we say is colored with political viewpoints and opinions, but God has not called us to deal in questionable, opinionated answers. His Word is sure and certain.
How can we know that His Word is true?
Consider Paul’s approach, written about in Acts chapter 18: “When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the Word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.” Paul’s unwavering confidence in the Lord’s intent and direction enabled him to speak truth and to move on when his message was rejected.
Are you seeking clarity from God on a matter but are uncertain that you are hearing correctly? Here is a thought: Do not ask for something for yourself but ask that His will in that situation be done and earnestly desire to be part of the answer. God cannot say no to what He has already said yes to.
// 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, how do we know the truth? Those who continue in His Word know the truth.
- Second, God grants clarity to the concerns of our heart as we spend time with Him and seek His guidance.
- Third, are you embracing the promises of God, or are you relying on your own understanding?
// 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.