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Character of Good Leadership (Insights in Prophets)

2/28/2011

Good leaders have both a soft and hard side. They are both sensitive and decisive. Their strength is in God, not self. God exalts them as they wait upon Him. Not everyone can aspire to leadership because it involves severe testing and discipline. In his early days, Saul exemplified these character qualities of good leadership.

People wept over the threat of their eyes being gouged out by the Ammonites. Saul came from the field behind the oxen and said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” (1 Sam. 11:1-5). Leaders ask questions so they can assess the emotional state of their followers.

God's Spirit came upon Saul mightily and he became angry when he heard these words. He cut oxen in pieces and sent them throughout Israel saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” People were united after the dread of the Lord came upon them. Saul numbered Israel and Judah into armies of 300k each. He said confidently to the men of Jabesh-gilead, “Tomorrow you shall have deliverance.” Saul put the people in three companies and they defeated the Ammonites (1 Sam. 11:6-11). Leaders take decisive and strategic action to correct issues among their followers.

People wanted to kill those who questioned whether Saul should be king. Saul said that no one should be put to death because the “Lord has accomplished deliverance for Israel” (1 Sam. 11:12-13). Leaders realize the best defense against opponents is trusting in God to fight the battle.

Samuel told the people to renew the kingdom in Gilgal where they made Saul king before the Lord. They offered sacrifices of peace offerings and everyone, including Saul, rejoiced greatly (1 Sam. 11:14-15). Leaders wait upon God to exalt them after they are tested.

Consider the following questions as a husband or leader:
1. Are you sensitive to the emotional states of your wife or followers?
2. Do you take decisive action to correct issues among your wife or followers?
3. Do you trust God to fight the battle among your enemies?
4. Do you wait upon God to exalt you after you are tested?

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How Offenders Reconcile Relationships (Insights in Law)

2/26/2011

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The biggest obstacle for reconciliation of fractured relationships is selfishness. A husband and wife let bitterness build a wall between them so they won't talk or allow anger to drive them apart. Hardened hearts cause selfishness and becomes the wedge to break up relationships, including marriages, families and churches. A peacemaker takes advantage of timing, integrity, compassion and communication in reconciling fractured relationship as you saw with Joseph and his brothers (Gen. 43). For reconciliation to occur, examine how his brothers took responsibility and grieved over their sin in addition to a broken and contrite spirit with compassion for others. It's a model for you to follow in reconciling with broken relationships.

Offenders Take Responsibility for Sin
Joseph commanded his house steward to fill his brothers' sacks with food and put his cup in Benjamin’s sack. Joseph told his house steward to follow and say to the men after catching up with them, “Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which the lord drinks, and which he indeed uses for divination? You have done wrong in doing this?” (Gen. 44:1-5). Obedience tests lead unreconciled offenders to take responsibility for their sin.

Offenders Grieve Over Sin
Joseph’s brothers denied stealing the money from his house. The brothers agreed that he who was found with the money should be killed and the rest become slaves. Joseph said that the person who had the money would be his slave and rest innocent. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, they tore their clothes in grief and returned to the city (Gen. 44:6-13). Obedience tests motivate unreconciled offenders to grieve over sin.

Offenders Have Broken and Contrite Spirit
Judah and his brothers fell to the ground before Joseph. He asked his brothers: “What is this deed that you have done? Do you not know that such a man as I can indeed practice divination?” Judah didn’t know what to say since he realized they couldn’t justify themselves because God knew their sin. Joseph said that Benjamin would be his slave and the other brothers were to “go up in peace to your father” (Gen. 44:14-17). Critical step in reconciliation of broken family relationships is offenders having a broken and contrite spirit.

Offenders Have Compassion for Others
Judah asked Joseph not to make Benjamin his slave. Grief over losing his beloved son would cause him to die. Judah argued that they fulfilled Joseph’s desire by bringing Benjamin back to him. If he didn't return to his father, Jacob would see it as evil and blame Judah. He begged Joseph to let him remain in Egypt instead of Benjamin and said, "For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest I see the evil that would overtake my father?” (Gen. 44:18-34). Another critical step in reconciliation of broken family relationships is offenders having compassion for others instead of being selfish.

Answer the following questions regarding an unreconciled relationship that you face:
1. Have you taken responsibility for your sin?
2. Have you grieved over your sin?
3. Do you have a broken and contrite spirit?
4. Do you have compassion for others?

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Engaging in God's Rescue Mission (Insights in NT)

2/25/2011

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Returning from a vision tour of Costa Rica, I reflected a great deal on what I saw and how it impacts my life in Lincoln. A short-term mission trip allows one to be an eyewitness of God's supernatural working to deepen your appreciation and study of the Scriptures. As a result, you have a greater desire to be part of God's rescue mission in reconciling humankind to Himself. Luke had a similar purpose in writing His gospel.

Luke used eyewitness accounts and ministers of the word so a "friend of God" could know the exact truth about things taught to him (Lk. 1:1-4). The main characters in Luke 1, Zacharias, Elizabeth and Mary, gained greater understanding and experience seeing God work first-hand in turning people from darkness to the "way of peace," like He wants for you. Be available to turn people to Christ.

Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, were old and barren, but walked blamelessly in all God's commandments. He burned incense in the temple of the Lord while a multitude prayed outside. An angel of the Lord told him to not fear since God heard his prayer. The result was Elizabeth bearing a son named John. Many would rejoice at his birth. John's purpose as a forerunner would turn back many of Israel's sons to the Lord. In the power of Elijah, he would "turn the heart of the father back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Lk. 1:5-17). Turn your heart back to Him.

The angel Gabriel said Zacharias' inability to speak would be the sign that he didn't believe his words. After he came out of the temple, Zacharias was mute. Elizabeth became pregnant since God looked with favor by taking away disgrace among men (Lk. 1:18-25). Respond to signs believing that God is real.

Gabriel was sent to the virgin Mary who was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David. The angel said to not fear since she found favor with God. Mary would conceive a son named Jesus, Son of the Most High. The Lord God would give Him the throne of His father David to reign over Jacob's house in an eternal kingdom. In answer to her question about being a virgin, the angel said the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the holy offspring would be called the Son of God. After believing nothing would be impossible with God, Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word" (Lk. 1:26-38). Submit to God's word in impossible situations.

Mary greeted Elizabeth and the baby leaped in her womb as she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord . . . for He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; . . . for the Mighty One has done great things for me; . . . He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. . . . And exalted those who were humble. . . . " (Lk. 1:39-55). Be humble and praise God for His working.

Elizabeth gave birth and the word got out that the Lord displayed His great mercy toward her. God opened her husband's mouth and he spoke praise of God. Fear came upon those living around them (Lk 1:56-66). Be a living example of God's work.

Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, said God visited them, accomplished redemption for His people and shone upon those who sit in darkness and shadow of death by guiding their feet into the way of peace (Lk 1:67-80). Verbally share God's word as testimony of His work.

Engage in God's rescue work by being available, turn your heart to Him, respond to signs believing that God is real, submit to His word in impossible situations, be humble and praise Him for His working, be a living example and verbally share His word as a testimony of His work.

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Need, Calling and Power for Community Ministry (Insights in Psalms)

2/22/2011

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I just back from a vision tour of Christ For the City's (CFCI) ministries in Costa Rica, the reason for not writing a blog post this past week. One of CFCI's projects is "Transformations," a multi-faceted ministry located in the San Jose slum of Guararí where drugs, prostitution, and gangs are rampant. Transformations is dedicated to offering the people of Guararí, many of whom are illegal Nicaraguan immigrants, a chance to experience the transforming power of Christ. They feed children, offer tutoring and after-school programs, play sports with the youth, teach adult sewing & art classes and lead Bible studies. Hugo, the director of this ministry, was physically attacked and slandered recently by neighbors who sought control and wanted him to stop ministering in the neighborhood.

In the last two Psalms we examined, the Psalmist asked God to defeat critical speech against him by trusting in His triumph and praising Him for His strength and lovingkindness, exactly how Hugo responded (Ps. 58-59). He testified that the battle is the Lord's, the subject of Psalm 60.

Need for Community Ministry
In the midst of brokenness and tearing apart of families, physical, sexual and verbal attacks occur. As a result, God's people like Hugo experience great hardship. He experienced similar devastation in his own life where he couldn't speak for five years because of trauma, but the transforming power of Christ delivered him. "Transformations" ministry provides hope so people can be rescued from drugs, prostitution, gangs, sexual abuse and other sin (Ps. 60:1-5).

Calling for Community Ministry
God speaks out of His holiness to call individuals into ministry. Hugo's vision is to send teams out and equip people in other "needy" neighborhoods to do what he's been doing. The land is God's. He portions and measures Shechem and valley of Succoth. Both Gilead and Manasseh are His. Every location and people group has a purpose. Ephraim is the helmet of His head, Judah His protection, Moab is His washbowl and Edom is where He throws His shoe (Ps. 60:6-8). Not only Hugo, but God has a function for you and provides opportunity to minister in your community, whether it's at work or in the neighborhood.

Power for Community Ministry
Hugo testified to me and others that God gave his team the victory over the latest persecution. They gave God the glory for transformation in the lives of children, youth and adults. The Psalmist said God would go forth with their armies and give help against the adversary. Deliverance by man is in vain, but through God he would do valiantly and defeat his enemies (Ps. 60:9-12).

Consider the following questions:
1. What is God saying to you concerning a ministry in the community?
2. How does God want you to minister based on your background, passion and gifts?
3. Where does God want you to focus your ministry?
4. Who can be partners in your ministry since teamwork and accountability will help make you successful?

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Spiritual and Interpersonal Qualities of Successful Leadership (Insights in Prophets)

2/15/2011

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Leadership training often focuses on skills, not developing spiritual character qualities. The first priority for successful leadership is spiritual or obedience to God, not learning techniques of delegating, coaching or time management. After character, interpersonal skills is second in importance. Knowing what, when and how to speak comes out of a heart that is filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul's early experience as a leader provides a great blueprint for successful leadership.

Spiritual Qualities of Successful Leaders
Samuel said to Saul, “Has not the Lord anointed you a ruler over His inheritance?” He told Saul that two men will say that his donkeys were found. He will see a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute and lyre prophesying. The Spirit of Lord will come upon him mightily to prophesy with them. Saul will be changed into another man. When these signs come upon him, “do for yourself what the occasion requires” since God is with him. Samuel will come down to him and offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings. After he waits seven days, Samuel will show him what to do (1 Sam. 10:1-8). Submitting to and obeying the Lord allows people to realize their leadership potential.

God changed his heart and those signs came about that day. A group of prophets met him, Spirit of God came upon mightily and he prophesied among them. People said to one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” After prophesying, he came to the high place (1 Sam. 10:9-13). Successful leaders are filled with the Holy Spirit and worship God in the midst of His people.

Interpersonal Qualities of Successful Leaders
When Saul’s uncle asked where he went. Saul answered that he went to look for the donkeys. When questioned concerning what Samuel said to him, he told his uncle that the donkeys were found. Saul remained silent about the kingdom (1 Sam. 10:14-16). Successful leaders require discernment on when to withhold facts.

When Samuel called the people together at Mizpah, he said the Lord God of Israel brought and delivered them up from Egypt and from the power of kingdoms oppressing them. But today they rejected their God who delivered them from all calamities and distresses. Samuel said they rejected Him by saying, “Set a king over us!” After presenting themselves before the Lord by tribes and their clans, they inquired of the Lord whether the man had come. The Lord said, “He is hiding himself by the baggage” They noticed Saul was taller than anyone from the shoulders upward. Samuel said, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.” (1 Sam. 10:17-24). Successful leaders do not seek the limelight or attention.

Samuel told everyone the ordinances of the kingdom, wrote them in book and placed them before the Lord. Saul went to his house with valiant men whose hearts God has touched. Certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?” Saul kept silent when they despised and didn’t bring a present (1 Sam. 10:25-27). Successful leaders do not take opposition personally.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for following principles of successful leadership (1 being most false and 10 most true):
1. I submit to and obey the Lord.
2. I am filled with the Holy Spirit and worship God with others.
3. I use discernment on when to withhold facts,
4. I do not seek the limelight or attention.
5. I do not take opposition personally.
For the leadership principle having the lowest rating, ask God to develop it in your life.

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Right Way to Reconcile Fractured Relationships (Insights in Law)

2/12/2011

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Nothing hurts more than fractured relationships with family members or close friends. A ministry partner went behind my back to undermine my ministry. I was devastated. God used similar principles in reconciling my relationship with this individual as He used in reconciling Joseph with his brothers who had sold him into slavery. God sovereignly arranged circumstances as we enjoyed fellowship with one another in the relaxed atmosphere of watching a Nebraska football game. A perfect storm of timing, integrity, compassion and communication paved the way in reconciling that fractured relationship as with Joseph and his brothers.

Timing
With a severe famine in Canaan, Israel told his sons to go back to Egypt and buy food. Only by bringing back his brother, Judah said, would they see the man again. Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man you still had another brother?” Judah assured his father that he would bear full responsibility in bringing back his brother (Gen. 43:1-10). God uses trying circumstances to make offenders' hearts tender and responsive so they reconcile fractured relationships.

Integrity
Israel said his sons should bring the best products of the land as a present and return twice as much money found in the mouth of the sacks in case it was a mistake. He asked God Almighty to grant them compassion so this man would release Simeon and let Benjamin come back to him. The brothers, including Benjamin, went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph (Gen. 43:11-15). Integrity tests determine if people will choose character and reconciliation over riches and selfishness.

Compassion
When Joseph saw Benjamin, he asked that an animal be prepared so they could eat lunch together in his house. The brothers were afraid the money returned in their sacks would provide Joseph opportunity to make them slaves. He reassured them, “Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Joseph brought Simeon out, gave them water, washed their feet and fed their donkeys. The brothers prepared the present for Joseph since they heard about eating lunch with him (Gen. 43:16-25). The peacemaker who initiates reconciliation must have a compassionate, non-judgmental heart in putting the offending party at ease to improve chances for reconciliation.

Communication
After Joseph received the gift, he asked about their welfare and whether their old father was alive. They answered yes and bowed down in homage. When Joseph saw Benjamin, he was deeply stirred and wept. He served them separately since it was loathsome for Egyptians to eat with Hebrews. The brothers were seated according to their birthright and looked at one another in astonishment. Benjamin’s portion was five times more than the others as they feasted and drank freely with Joseph (Gen. 43:26-34). The peacemaker observes appropriate cultural norms while engaging in free and open communication.

This passage illustrates Gal. 6:1-5:
1. If you are involved in a broken relationship, look to yourself first.
2. Be gentle & humble while not thinking too highly of yourself.
3. Bear the other person's burden by initiating the process of reconciliation.
4 Use great sensitivity in communication by asking questions and listening to help the offending party feel more at ease as preparation for reconciliation.

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Preach the Gospel Without Fear and Doubt (Insights in NT)

2/10/2011

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Fear and doubt are the two main reasons why people don't share the gospel with others. You fear that people will think you are a religious fanatic if you share the gospel with them. You doubt that the gospel makes a difference in someone's life so you keep quiet. Supernatural signs including life transformation and healing the sick prove the gospel is true and sufficient because Christ rose from the dead and sits at the right hand of God.

Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, and Salome noticed the huge stone gone from the entrance of Christ's tomb. A young man clothed with a white robe told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. He instructed them to tell the disciples and Peter that He was going before them into Galilee where they would see Him. They trembled and said nothing to anyone because they were afraid (Mark 16:1-8). Seeing Christ's supernatural working can cause fear so you remain quiet.

Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene from whom He had cast out seven demons. His disciples doubted that she saw Him alive. Jesus appeared in a different form to two disciples while they were walking and others didn't believe their report (Mark 16:9-13). Sharing Christ's supernatural working with others can cause doubts in them.

In spite of fear and doubts, go into all the world and and preach the gospel to all creation so people can believe. Supernatural miracles of casting out demons, speaking in new tongues and healing the sick accompany those who believe. Because the Lord Jesus sits at the right hand of God, He confirms the word with signs as you preach (Mark 16:14-20).

Experiencing God's perfect love for you removes fear. Having faith in Christ's resurrection and His sitting at the right hand of God removes doubt. Now preach the gospel to all the world.

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Defeating Critical Speech Coming Against You (Insights in Psalms)

2/8/2011

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Words can hurt. Unkind remarks cut like a sword. It's easy to lose confidence when people make you look bad. Guilt causes you to question whether your actions made people respond in hurtful ways towards you. God doesn't leave you defenseless, but always available to help.

Description of Enemies
Leaders or judges on earth with unrighteous hearts perform acts of oppression, cruelty and violence. They speak lies from birth like venom from a serpent. Some people look for the worst in others. Because they don't feel good about themselves, they put others down. I once had a boss who criticized everything. Nothing I did was right (Ps. 58:1–5).

Call for Help
Ask God to destroy the fangs of critical speech since it devours like young lions. Praying causes it to flow away like water while cutting off the arrows before they're shot at you. The constant negative speech will melt and be swept away with a whirlwind (Ps. 58:6–9).

Fruit of Righteous
When God punishes and take vengeance upon the wicked, the righteous rejoice. People observe that God rewards the righteous and judges the earth (Ps. 58:10–11).

Prayer for God's Deliverance
Ask God for deliverance from enemies who do iniquity, shed blood and set ambushes against you. A safe and high place away from harm is especially needed in those times. When my boss was criticizing me, it was easy to feel guilt. The battle seemed very fierce. God laughs at them. They don't feel anyone's listening (Ps. 59:1–8).

Demonstration of God's Reign
Watch for God's lovingkindness because He is your stronghold. You can be confident because of His triumph. Exposing curses and lies because of pride helps God's people understand His power. Destroying destructive schemes and critical speech show everyone in a tangible way that God rules and reigns over the world (Ps. 59:9–15).

Response of God's People
God's people joyfully sing and praise Him for His strength and lovingkindness because He is a stronghold and refuge in tough times (Ps. 59:16–17).

Ask God to defeat critical speech coming against you. Trust in God's triumph and praise Him for His strength and lovingkindness.

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How to Select and Nurture Leaders (Insights in Prophets)

2/7/2011

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How do you select and nurture leaders? They aren't chosen solely on experience and competence. Anyone working for an organization knows that certain people get promoted and others even more qualified get passed over. Various situational factors encourage leadership opportunities to emerge. Good physical appearance, pleasing personality, servant heart and timing all work together. Saul is a good example of someone who was selected as a leader and given every opportunity to succeed. Both divine and human factors came together in Saul's selection and nurturing by Samuel.

Saul who was handsome and taller than anyone else searched for his father’s donkeys. He passed through land of Ephraim, Shalishah, Shaalim and Benjamites, but did not find them (1 Sam. 9:1-4). A good outward appearance and servant heart set people up for leadership opportunities.

When they came to land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that they should return so his father would not be anxious. His servant spoke about a man of God who could tell them about their journey. Saul responded that they had no present to bring for the man of God. After the servant answered that he had a ¼ shekel of silver, they went to the city where the man of God was (1 Sam. 9:5-10). God sovereignly arranges circumstances so people can take advantage of leadership opportunities.

A young woman told them that the man of God would be blessing the sacrifice people prepared on the high place before they ate. Saul and his servant went up to the city and Samuel came toward them to go up to the high place (1 Sam. 9:11-14). God arranges divine coincidences in meeting the right person at the right time.

Lord revealed to Samuel that in response to peoples’ cry, God sent a man from Benjamin for him to anoint as prince over Israel to deliver His people from the Philistines. God revealed to Samuel that Saul was the person to rule over His people. Samuel told Saul that he would eat with him, tell him everything that was on his mind, including his donkey, which had been found; he communicated to Saul that he and his household were most desirable. Saul responded, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin. Why then do you speak to me in this way?” (1 Sam. 9:15-21). A humble attitude that recognizes one's inadequacies prepares people for leadership.

Samuel placed Saul and his servant at the head of those invited and a leg reserved for this appointed time. Saul ate with Samuel that day (1 Sam. 9:22-24). Showing special honor encourages people to serve as leaders.

When they came down from the high place, Samuel woke up Saul early so he could send him away. As they were going to the edge of the city, Samuel told Saul to have his servant go ahead that the former “may proclaim the word of God to you” (1 Sam. 9:25-27). Prophets listen to God for His choice of leaders and equip them by sharing His word.

1. How has God used the underlined principles in your life?
2. Which of these principles in selecting and nurturing leaders do you most identify with?
3. Which of them challenge you the most?

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Pressure Helps Restore Fractured Relationships (Insights in Law)

2/6/2011

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Fractured relationships occur in families, churches and businesses. Husband and wives selfishly try to get their own way or become self-sufficient, which if not checked, leads to emotional or physical divorce. A parent shows favoritism to a son or daughter and the less favored sibling experiences deep hurt and isolation. A pastor and his church board don't communicate, so they go in two separate directions resulting in gossip and more fractured relationships throughout the congregation. A boss tries to control his subordinates instead of praising them for what they do good. As a result, performance suffers leading to more controlling behavior and eventual breaking up of the relationship through dismissal or resignation. The family of Jacob and his 12 sons is a case study on how to reconcile broken relationships, which can be applied anywhere, especially in families.

Jacob told his sons to buy grain from Egypt so they could survive during the famine in Canaan. Benjamin stayed behind as Jacob wanted to protect him. Joseph was ruler over Egypt and sold grain to all the people. He disguised himself after recognizing his brothers who bowed down to him. He spoke harshly and asked where they came from (Gen. 42:1-7). God sovereignly arranges circumstances that apply pressure to open peoples' hearts in reconciling fractured relationships.

Joseph remembered the dreams he had about his brothers and accused them of being spies. His brothers addressed their brother as lord and said they were servants coming to buy bread honestly, not as spies. They shared their family background, including the youngest son left in Canaan and one brother dead. Joseph repeated his accusation that they were spies and would be tested by the life of Pharaoh: they would not leave until their youngest brother, Benjamin, would come to Egypt. One brother would be sent to get Benjamin and while imprisoning the other brothers for three days to test whether they were telling the truth (Gen. 42:8-17). One person must take the initiative to determine whether people are genuinely open to reconciliation.

On the third day of his brothers’ imprisonment, Joseph said one of them must remain in prison while the rest carry grain to bring Benjamin to him so their words could be verified and not die. They followed Joseph’s orders and said to one another: “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen, therefore this distress has come upon us.” Reuben responded with a ‘I told you so’ and saw it as "reckoning for his blood.” The brothers did not know that Joseph understood their conversations because of a interpreter. He wept, took Simeon and bound him before their eyes (Gen. 42:18-24). Ask God for wisdom in devising a test to determine whether the offending party has a repentant heart.

Joseph filled their bags, restored every man’s money in his sack and gave them provisions for the journey. When the brothers found money returned in the mouth of the sack, their hearts sank and trembling to one another, they said, “What is this that God has done to us?” They recounted to their father, Jacob, everything that occurred in Egypt. It became another test devised by Joseph to determine if they would "bring your youngest brother so Joseph may know you are honest" (Gen. 42:25-34). God applies pressure so people see the consequences of their disobedience, which leads to reflection and sorrow over sin in order to reconcile fractured relationships.

Jacob and his sons became dismayed when they saw bundles of money in their sacks. Jacob said they had bereaved him of Joseph and Simeon and now wanted to take Benjamin. Reuben reassured his father that he would kill his two sons if he didn’t bring back Benjamin. Jacob said: “My son shall not go down with you: for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If harm should befall him on the journey you are taking, then you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow” (Gen. 42:35-38). God uses fear to get peoples’ attention so they will consider their bad choices, be prepared to reconcile fractured relationships and take corrective action toward restoration.

If you are experiencing a broken relationship with someone, do the following:
1. Ask God to open the heart of the offending party for reconciliation.
2. Pray for God's wisdom on when and how to approach that person to motivate them toward reconciliation.
3. Ask God to bring necessary pressure to create sorrow for sin that leads to repentance in the offending party (2 Cor. 7:9-10).
4. Ask God to reveal the bad choices, be prepared to reconcile fractured relationships and take correction action toward restoration.

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