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?
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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.
info_outline
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 Deuteronomy 7:22, quoting from the NASB:
“The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you.”
Even if I want to accomplish something, if it is not God’s will, I will not be able to do it. Why would the Lord not allow something that seems a good thing for His people? We most often only perceive what is in front of us, and our tendency is to make decisions based on what we see—the facts. God, on the other hand, has all wisdom, knowledge and understanding and acts according to our best interests, based on more than is apparent to mortal man.
The fact that God will act requires faith and trust on the part of those who look to Him for help. As we trust Him, faith and confidence develop—little by little as we wait with patience. God moves on behalf of those who trust Him. Gradually, the mustard seed germinates and develops into a thriving tree. Draconian actions can overwhelm and negate good intentions. Seeds need time to develop just as the enthusiasm of a new Christian should be channeled to outlets of sound spiritual development.
Little by little, in God’s time He performs His purposes. Some leaders, thrust into positions of greater responsibility as a reward for a job well done, fizzle in their performance because they lack the wisdom that seasoning and time bring.
The route to success is through recognition of the One who is really creating the headway: “The LORD your God will.” God does the heavy lifting. Joshua could not take credit for his victorious army; God fought for Israel. Our best plan should be to cooperate with God in recognition of our mortal limitations: “You will not be able to put an end to them quickly.”
Is not our challenge to recognize there is more to matters than what is in front of us? God acts on behalf of those He loves, and He has a wonderful plan for us despite present circumstances.
// 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 are you demonstrating cooperation with God in leadership on the job or in the home?
Second, do you trust God to work all things for your good in His time?
Third, within our flesh, God’s plans are hard to discern; through acts of trust and faith. We come to accept His intentions as good.
// 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.