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 Nehemiah 6:3, quoting from the NASB:
“So I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?’”
Nehemiah was obviously a man of focus and commitment. It is tough enough working through the routine distractions of a day, not to mention distractions intended to intimidate. Nehemiah, an unknown newcomer, repeatedly responded with clear resolve not to be drawn or distracted from what he came to town to do, which was to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall.
Distractions confront us all. Some distractions are a result of task saturation, simply piling more on our plates than we can reasonably handle. Yet other distractions have influence through other means, such as an unshared vision or fear and intimidation as in the case of Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem. Nehemiah models for us how to respond to distractions and intimidation. Five times Nehemiah refused to turn from what he was called to do. His focus was to complete the great work and not to delay its completion.
Most people (especially those in the military) can appreciate being the new kid on the block, but note how Nehemiah channels any fear, worry, and anxiety. He cried out and asked God to strengthen him. He took courage and resisted every ploy of his adversaries.
It is naive to think that the work we do in the Lord’s name will be received with enthusiasm from everyone. How does one keep focus when distractions and discouragement come? Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Keep focus on the big picture and ask His help. Remind yourself that what you do is for His glory.
// 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, lack of appreciation by others can lead to untruths about your real effort and motive. It is designed to halt a great work.
- Second, pray about task saturation that can lead to fixation on the surroundings to the exclusion of the goal.
- Third, fear and intimidation are a formidable duo. Rely on the sufficiency of God to equip you for the task.
Nehemiah and his team completed the wall in 52 days! Fear came upon those who attempted to produce fear in him. Distractions are designed to prevent the great work of God from being completed. Persevere. Have a mind to work. Stay on the wall.
// About the Narrator
Tom Schmidt was raised in a family of nine on a dairy farm in Kansas. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, graduating in 1970 with a commission in the Infantry. He served for 25 years in command, staff, and instructor assignments, ranging from platoon to Department of the Army level. Tom and his wife, Jean, also served on OCF staff as Field Representative at Ft. Leavenworth and Director of Field Operations.
// 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.