Unexpected Opportunity - Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle

Facing Hurt of Misjudged Motives (Insights in Prophets)

9/29/2011

Having your motives misjudged is very hurtful. Jesus faced this constantly in his ministry. High achievers and those living on the cutting edge have people misjudging them constantly. The temptation is to be a man-pleaser instead of letting God defend your reputation and do what is good in His sight. David had his motives misjudged when he showed kindness to a pagan king (2 Sam. 10).
David consoled Hanun after his father, Hahash, died. Ammonite princes questioned David's motives suggesting he spied the city to overthrow it. Hanun humiliated David's servants by shaving half of their beards and cutting off their garments at the hips (2 Sam. 10:1-5). People can easily misjudge your kind and gracious motives.

When Ammon saw they that they had become odious to David, they hired the Arameans and the king of Maacah who gathered 33,000 soldiers. David sent Joab, his army and his mighty men to face Ammon in battle array at the entrance of the city and Arameans by themselves in the field (2 Sam. 10:6-8). Spiritual warfare surrounds you from all sides when your motives are misjudged.

When Joab saw the battle was set against him in front and rear, he selected choice men of Israel to face the Arameans. The remainder were placed with Abishai his brother to face Ammon. If the Arameans became too strong for Joab, then Abishai could help him and vice-versa. Joab said to be strong and courageous for the sake of Israel and for the cities of their God so the Lord may do what is good in His sight. Ammon fled and entered the city when they saw the Arameans flee before Joab (2 Sam. 10:9-14). Be strong and courageous since God will do what is good in His sight when your motives are misjudged.

David killed 700 charioteers and 40,000 horsemen of the Arameans. They made peace with Israel and served them so the Arameans feared to help the sons of Ammon anymore (2 Sam. 10:15-19). God defeats the evil schemes of those who misjudge your motives.

When your motives are misjudged, trust God to fight the spiritual battle since He will do what is good in His sight and defeat the evil schemes.

Examples of True Justice and Fairness (Insights in Law)

9/26/2011

When a murderer is executed in the United States, three appeals and 12 years after his crime, society has largely forgotten about him. His death has almost no deterrent effect on crime. Further, a life sentence cannot be executed speedily. In Ex. 21, the death penalty is an appropriate penalty for certain crimes and other examples illustrating true justice and fairness.

Yet, the death penalty as executed through American courts is not much of a deterrent. King Solomon explained why this is so: Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefor the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Eccl. 8:11).
A Hebrew slave shall serve for six years and go free along with his wife on the seventh without payment. If the slave loved his master, wife and children, then his master would bring him to God, pierce his ear with a awl and serve him permanently. A female slave displeasing to her master shall be redeemed as he did not have authority to sell her to a foreign people because of the unfairness. If he took another woman, he could not reduce her food, clothing or conjugal rights (Ex. 21:1-11). Employment and labor law require fair salaries and benefits.

Those who struck a man so that he died shall be put to death but if God let him die, he should have a place to flee. If a man killed his neighbor craftily, he should die. He who struck or cursed his father and mother or kidnapped a man shall be put to death. (Ex. 21:12-17). Homicide or wrongful death cases may require capital punishment so justice is rendered for both offender and victim.

If men quarrel and one is struck, he shall pay for loss of time and take care of him until he is completely healed. An offender shall be punished if a slave dies, but no vengeance taken since he is his property (Ex. 21:18-21). Intentional or reckless conduct by individuals resulting in personal injuries require payment of lost wages and medical bills.

If during a struggle between men, one of them strikes a woman so she has a miscarriage, he shall pay a fine as the judges decide. If there is further injury, you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, eye for eye, etc (Ex. 21:22-25). Reckless endangerment calls for indeterminate compensation and possible criminal penalties.

If a man destroys the eye or knocks out the tooth of his male or female slave, he shall let him go free. If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox should be stoned and flesh not eaten, but the owner goes unpunished. If the ox had a habit of goring and the owner failed to heed warnings, and it kills someone, the ox and owner both shall be put to death. The owner shall pay a ransom as a redemption for his life if it gores a son or daughter and the owner will pay a slave master 30 shekels of silver if it gored a male or female slave (Ex. 21:26-32). Intentional or reckless endangerment caused by animals call for appropriate remedies and possible criminal penalties.

An owner of the pit shall make restitution if an ox falls into an uncovered pit. If the ox hurts another so it dies, then they should sell the live ox and divide its price equally and divide the dead ox. If an unconfined ox had a habit of goring, the owner should pay ox for ox (Ex. 21:33-36). Damage to property due to negligence should have appropriate compensation or remedies.

Reflecting on these various crimes and remedies, how does it affect your view of the judicial system? Are certain people favored (those with influence and good lawyers) and those without resources (poor and disenfranchised) taken advantage of?

Operating Out of a Kingdom Agenda (Insights in NT)

9/24/2011

It's much easier and seemingly more effective to adopt the world's way instead of the unpredictable and messy ways of the Spirit. Child raising becomes simplier and straight forward if we get our children to conform instead of the uncertain outcomes in relating to their spirits and uniqueness. Marking things off our to-do list takes less thought than asking God what He wants me to do first. When we operate out of habit and default mode, we seek our own own agenda rather than letting the Spirit of God increase so His agenda predominates. Christ challenged a religious ruler and His disciples to operate out of a kingdom agenda.

Understanding
A Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came by night and said he knew Jesus (teacher) couldn't do these signs unless God was with him. Jesus replied that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saw only physical birth. Jesus answered that one must be born of both water and the Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God since flesh produces flesh and Spirit produces spirit. The Spirit is unpredictable like the wind since you don't know its origin or direction. After asking Nicodemus as teacher of Israel why he didn't understand these things, Jesus gave the illustration of Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness. Israel looked at it for healing like believing in the lifted up Son of Man for eternal life (John 3:1-15). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man understand that outcomes are unpredictable in the kingdom of God.

Desire
God loved the world by sending His Son. Whoever believes and is saved through Him has eternal life, not judgment. Men hated Christ and avoided having their evil deeds exposed to the light. Those who practice the truth come to Christ so their deeds are seen as birthed from God (John 3:16-21). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man desire that their works and words originate from God.

Attitude
Jesus spent time with His disciples and they told John that all were coming to Him for baptizing. John answered that he was sent as a forerunner as the friend of the bridegroom. Because his joy was made full because of the bridegroom's (Christ) voice, he must decrease so He could increase (John 3:22-30). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man allow His voice and will increase in them as their will and agenda decrease.

Actions
Earthly people speak earthly words and heavenly people true words that bear witness of Christ since He gives the Spirit without measure. God sent His beloved Son of Man to speak His words since He gave all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life but he who does not obey the Son does not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him (John 3:31-36). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man speak and do God's will as prompted by the Holy Spirit.

Affirm the truth of the following statements:
1. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man understand that outcomes are unpredictable in the kingdom of God. (understanding)
2. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man desire that their works and word originate from God. (desire)
3. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man allow His voice and will increase in them as their will and agenda decrease. (attitude)
4. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man speak and do God's will as prompted by the Holy Spirit? (actions)

How To Overcome Worthless Things (Insights in Psalms)

9/22/2011

"O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See" is the first line from a children's Sunday School song. The song warns children to be careful what they see, hear, say, and do. We are affected by everything around us such as foods we eat and drink, medicines we take, books and newspapers we read, television we watch, work we do and people we associate with. It affects our bodies and inner being.

I sing praises of God's lovingkindness and justice while walking in the integrity of my heart. By setting no worthless thing before my eyes, apostasy won't grip me. I silence slander and won't endure arrogance from others (Ps. 101:1-5). Don't allow worthless things come into your heart.

Those who are faithful will dwell with me and the blameless minister to me. I don't allow deceit and falsehood to be established before my eyes. (Ps. 101: 6-8). Associate with blameless people so you can focus on truth.

Let God answer quickly my cry for help when distress comes. My bones are scorched like a hearth. My heart has withered away and been smitten like grass. My bones cling to my flesh. I'm like a lonely bird on a housetop (Ps. 102:1-7). Be aware of your emotions as you cry out to God in desperation.

Like eating ashes as bread or mingling my drink with weeping, my enemies deride and curse me. My days are like a lengthened shadow where I wither away like grass (Ps. 102:8-11). Humble yourself when experiencing challenging outward conditions.

In contrast, the Lord abides forever. When grace comes, nations will fear and see God's glory. He has regarded my desperate prayer (Ps. 102:12-17). Offer prayer to God in midst of your desperation to receive His grace and glory.

A future generation will praise the Lord. God has looked down from heaven to hear the groaning of the prisoner and sets free those doomed to death so men may know His glory and serve Him (Ps. 102:18-22). Praise God as He sets you free from bondage to serve Him.

Even though my days are short, God who created heaven and earth endures forever. Even though we wear out like a garment, He changes us and allows our descendants to continue on into the future (Ps. 102:23-28). Allow God to transform and enable you to see spiritual descendants.

Examine the following checklist to help you overcome worthless things you may see, hear, say or do:
1. Associate with blameless people so you can focus on truth
2. Be aware of your emotions are you cry out to God in desperation
3. Humble yourself when experiencing challenging outward conditions
4. Offer prayer to God in midst of your desperation to receive His grace and glory
5. Praise God as He sets you free from bondage to serve Him
6. Allow God to transform and enable you to see spiritual descendants

Overcome Daily Distractions to Pursue Kingdom Goals (Insights in Prophets)

9/20/2011

We all live busy lives with constant distractions like balancing family and job responsibilities, phone calls, emails, texting, etc Media of every type floods us with messages demanding instant response. How can we stay focused on our goals when multiple things compete for our time? God gave David a goal of participating with Him in building spiritual descendants, but the distractions of the Philistines, Moabites, Hadadezer and Arameans blocked him from this kingdom goal illustrated in the life of Jonathan's son, Mephiboseth (2 Sam. 7-9).

Overcome Daily Distractions in Your Outer and Inner Worlds
David took control of the Philistine chief city by subduing them. He made Moabites his servants by having them lay on the ground, measuring two lines to put to death and one line to keep alive. David defeated Hadadezer of Zobah and restored his rule at the Euphrates River. He captured 1,700 horsemen, 20,000 soldiers, hamstrung chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots and killed 22,000 Arameans. David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus who became his servants. The Lord helped David wherever he went. He took shields of gold carried by Hadadezer's servants and brought them to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 8:1-8). The Lord helps you overcome daily distractions in your outer world.

Toi, king of Haamth, who battled Hadadezer, brought articles of silver, gold and bronze. David dedicated all he received to the Lord (2 Sam. 8:9-12). God helps you overcome financial bondage to pursue His kingdom purposes.

David made a name for himself by killing 18,000 Arameans and the Edomites served him when he put them in garrisons. The Lord helped David wherever he went (2 Sam. 8:13-14). The Lord helps and exalts you to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

He reigned over Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people. Joab was over the army, Jehoshaphat was recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech were priests, Seraiah was secretary, Benaiah was over the Cherethites and Pelethites and David's sons were chief ministers (2 Sam. 8:15-18). Participate in team ministry to maintain victory in your outer and inner worlds.

Bear Fruit of Spiritual Descendants By Ministering to Poor and Disenfranchised
David asked if Saul's house had any descendants so he could show kindness for Jonathan's sake. David told Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son, not to fear since he would restore all his grandfather Saul's land, and allow him to eat his table regularly. Mephibosheth was overwhelmed by David's kindness to "regard a dead dog" like him (2 Sam. 9:1-8). Show kindness and righteousness by eating and developing relationships with the poor and disenfranchised.

David gave all that belonged to Saul and his house to Mephibosheth who ate at his table as one of the king's sons. All who lived in Ziba's house were servants to Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:9-13). Empower the poor and disenfranchised so they can be self-sufficient and earn self-respect.

The following steps help you stay focused on kingdom goals in the midst of distractions:

1. Well defined goals: When distracted, review your goals to be reminded of what you are trying to do and why

2. Break things into bite-sized chunks: Actionable plan to identify how you can get from where you are to where you want to go

3. Prioritize constantly: Work on urgent tasks to get things done on time followed by those with greatest impact to maximize benefits you receive

4. Track progress vigorously: Give visibility to what has been done and gauge how much effort is left to sustain commitment

5. Plan ahead without fail: Look at your goals and task lists periodically to assess how much time it’ll take to do something and determine the best time to sit down and work on it

6. Reward yourself when warranted: Reflect on what you have done to maintain motivation

7. Have positive patterns in your routine: Helps you get more done and better judge periods of the day when you really need to focus and work

8. Remove distractions as best you can: Make distractions difficult or inconvenient to access because it takes too much effort to indulge so you are less likely to give in

9. Block out some time: Schedule quiet time specifically for accomplishing a given task such as morning after a restful night in order to be more focused

10. Keep results clear in mind: Maintain motivation by accessing feelings so you can focus on results, especially those things lacking natural motivation

11. Enlist family and friends for help: Share your goals constantly so they can provide gentle reminders and incentives when they see your behavior not consistent with your goals

Finding the Good Life (Insights in Law)

9/19/2011

Where does one find the good life? Some people believe it comes from achievement or making the world a better place. Others find it through relationships, especially in their families. Some can't wait for leisure and doing things they enjoy. Still others seek material possessions or living in a large home. God defines the good life as being a priest and holy nation. Ex. 19-20 explains the preparation to be a priest to God and response as a holy nation to others.

Preparation in Being Priest to God
Once Israel came to the wilderness, the Lord told Moses how He bore them on eagles' wings to bring them to Himself and what they saw Him do to the Egyptians. If they obeyed God's voice and kept His covenant, then they should be His own possession as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Moses gave this message to the elders of Israel and the people said, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do!" He was to consecrate the people, wash their garments and not let them touch the border of Mount Sinai since the Lord would come down on the third day in their sight (Ex. 19:1-15). God bores you on eagles's wings as a kingdom of priests and holy nation.

After thunder and lightning, thick cloud and loud trumpet sounded, Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. He warned Moses at the top of the mountain to not let the people and priests gaze upon Him lest they be killed. To survive, the priests who came near the Lord must be consecrated (Ex. 19:16-25). Jesus' sacrifice allows you to meet God.

God spoke that He is the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. They should have no other gods, not make, worship or serve any idol or likeness of creation before Him since the Lord is a jealous God. He visits the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him, but shows love to 1000s who love Him and keep His commandments (Ex. 20:1-6). Worship God by rejecting any idol or god so as to remove curses from your family.

Not take the Lord's name in vain for He will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Ex. 20:7). Use authentic words and prayers to enhance God's reputation.

Labor six days and keep the seventh day holy as a sabbath of the Lord who made the heavens and the earth and rested on that day (Ex. 20:8-11). Labor six days and keep the seventh day holy to the Lord.

Response as Holy Nation To Others
Honor father and mother to prolong your days in the land the Lord provides. Don't murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness and covet neighbor, possessions or his wife (Ex. 20:12-17). Honor others by not taking advantage of them.

The people asked Moses to speak and not God lest they die. He told the people to not be afraid since God would test them so they fear Him and not sin. The people stood at a distance while approaching the thick cloud where God was (Ex. 20:18-21). God tests you to fear Him and not sin.

The Lord told Moses that they should not make gods of silver or gold, but sacrifice burnt and peace offerings on an altar of uncut stone to not profane it (Ex. 20:22-26). Make God Lord of your life instead of pursuing materialism.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being lowest and 10 highest on the following:
1. I have trusted Christ's sacrifice to meet God
2. I worship God instead of idols
3. I use authentic words and prayers to enhance God's reputation
4. I labor six days and keep the 7th day holy to God as a sabbath
5. I honor others by not taking advantage of them
6. I fear God and don't sin
7. I make God Lord of my life instead of pursuing materialism
Ask the Holy Spirit to develop those areas where you are weak.

Are You Living in the Mask of the False Self? (Insights in NT)

9/18/2011

Are you living in the mask of the false self? Think about the difference between the false and true self. The false self seeks security and significance by what it HAS, what it DOES and what others THINK of it. It finds its identity in the self it portrays to others through performance. One achieves this identity by pretense and is maintained through its own effort and control. The false self wears a mask so no one can see the "real you." Jesus' modeled the true self beginning with His first miracle in the wedding feast of Cana.

The true self seeks security and significance by being deeply loved by God. Its fulfillment is found by surrender to God. Identity comes from who it is and what it is becoming-in Christ. Instead of its own efforts and control, it is maintained by grace.

Jesus and His disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana. When Jesus' mother said the wine was gone, He replied His hour hadn't come yet. Jesus told the servants to fill the waterpots with water, draw some out and take it to the headwaiter. He learned the water became wine after tasting it. The headwaiter said to the bridegroom that every man serves the good wine first but he kept the good wine until now. This was Jesus' first sign where He manifested His glory and His disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11). Those who experience Jesus' resurrection power reject performance and instead follow His instructions and see miracles in the ordinary events of life.

Jesus stayed a few days with His mother, brothers and disciples in Capernaum (John 2:12). Those who experience Jesus' resurrection power reject busyness and instead pursue a quality relationship with Him.

Jesus drove out the animals and money-changers seated in the temple during Passover in Jerusalem. He poured out the coins, overturned the tables and told those selling the doves to stop making His Father's house a house of merchandise. His disciples remembered it was written, "Zeal for Thy house will consume Me." When the Jews asked for a sign showing He did these things, Jesus said "destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said the temple took 46 years to build and wondered how Jesus would raise it up in three days. Knowing He spoke of His body being the temple, His disciples believed the Scripture when Jesus was raised from the dead (John 2:13-22). Those who experience Jesus' resurrection power reject personal agendas and instead have concern for the poor and His kingdom purposes.

Many believed in Jesus' name by seeing His signs at the Passover. He didn't entrust Himself to them for He knew all men. Jesus didn't need anyone to bear witness concerning man because He knew what was in man (John 2:23-25). Those who experience Jesus' resurrection power reject unrealistic expectations and instead set realistic boundaries.

Answer the following questions to determine if you operating in Holy Spirit power of the true self or in the flesh of the false self:
1. Are you spiritually open, aware, "connected", receptive (true self) and growing or are you spiritually unaware, skeptical, closed, scornful and uninterested (false self)?
2. Are you genuine, honest, open and direct (true self) or dishonest, indirect, sly and controlling (false self)?
3. Are you compassionate, kind and forgiving (true self) or blaming, critical and bigoted (false self)?
4. Are you able to judge who to distrust and to trust with what (true self) or have difficulty discerning who to trust with what (false self)?

Why God Answers Prayer (Insights in Psalms)

9/14/2011

Many of us think God is reluctant to answer prayer. We pray and God appears to ignore us. For many years, my wife and I asked God for a baby. We spent time and money looking at fertility issues. In God's time, Karen conceived and Steve was born. Is there a basis for believing that God is committed to answering our prayers? Because God created you and accomplished salvation on your behalf, He will answer your prayers.

God Accomplished Salvation
The Lord does wonderful things in accomplishing salvation and showing faithfulness to His gracious promises. The world sees His salvation as His people remember God's love and faithfulness (Ps. 98:1-3). God accomplishes salvation and is faithful to His promises.

The earth shouts joyfully to the Lord. Use instruments to sing praises to the King (Ps. 98:4-6). God is King over the earth.

All creation sings for joy before the Lord. He judges the world with righteousness and equity (Ps. 98:7-9). God is fair in His judgments.

God Answered Prayer
The Lord reigns and is enthroned above the cherubim. Because He is exalted and holy above all peoples, let them praise His great and awesome name. His justice and righteousness should lead to worship (Ps. 99:1-5). God reigns and His name is holy, great and awesome.

The Lord answered the prayers of Moses, Aaron and Samuel. He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud as they kept His testimonies. God forgives and also avenges evil deeds. Exalt and worship our holy God (Ps. 99:6-9). God answers prayer, forgives and avenges evil deeds.

God Created Humankind
Serve the Lord with gladness and come before Him with joyful singing. The people He made are the sheep of His pasture (Ps. 100:1-3). God created humankind.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Bless God's name for He is good. His lovingkindness and faithfulness are eternal (Ps. 100:4-5). God is good and His lovingkindness and faithfulness are eternal.

Praise God and enter into His presence with thanksgiving and confidence because He created you, accomplished salvation and will answer your prayers.

Why We Don't Pray More (Insights in Prophets)

9/13/2011

Why don't we pray more? Here are five reasons why we don't pray:
1. We don't want anything since we live satisfied, complacent lives
2. We don't care enough about others
3. We think small since the world revolves around our daily routine, television, visiting the mall, etc.
4. We don't want to get involved since we pay the pastor to run the church, missionaries to evangelize and government to care for the poor
5. We're afraid God will respond since He may want to use us personally in answering our prayer.
David's comfortable and peaceful life got interrupted when God started speaking to Him through Nathan (2 Sam. 7).

Listen to Revelation of God's Word
In a time of peace, David told Nathan, the prophet, that he (David) dwelt in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelt within tent curtains. The Lord said to Nathan that David shouldn't build God a house since He lived in a tent since Israel left Egypt. God never commanded them to build a house of cedar. David went from pasturing sheep to ruling over His people Israel. God's continual presence would make David's name great and protect Israel from the afflictions of the wicked. The Lord would build a house for David by raising up descendants through him to establish his kingdom. God would build a house for His name and establish the throne of His kingdom forever. He would father His son, David, correct him with the rod of men and continue His lovingkindness. David's house, kingdom and throne would endure forever (2 Sam. 7:1-17). God promises to build His kingdom through your spiritual descendants.

Respond by Praying to God
David humbly acknowledged God's greatness and uniqueness in promising descendants through his line. He marveled that God would redeem Israel out of Egypt and their gods to make a name for Himself. Since the Lord would become Israel's God, David asked that His spoken word magnify His name forever. David's heart to pray was motivated by God's revelation that "I will build you a house." As truth, God's word was a promise to actively bless David and his descendants forever (2 Sam. 7:18-29). Prayer activates God's promise to build His kingdom through your spiritual descendants.

Consider these three challenges to enrich your prayer life:
1. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19). Nothing like dealing with someone's eternal destiny for you to take prayer seriously.

2. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:36-38). Working in God's harvest field helps you develop a deep care and concern for others when you see your neighbor struggling without a shepherd.

3. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36). Getting involved in the lives of needy, hurting people will supercharge your prayer batteries.
When we serve, we love. When we love, then we pray.

Effective Delegation of Responsibility (Insights in Law)

9/5/2011

People don't delegate responsibility because they believe the following myths:
1. I could do it better and faster myself
2. I'm not doing my job if I have to ask someone to help
3. If someone wants to help, they'll tell me
4. I'm the only one who knows how to do it
5. If I do it, I know it will get done
6. If I delegate, I'll be giving up my authority
Instead of believing these delegation myths, Jethro gave Moses important counsel to delegate his responsibility, which saved himself and the nation of Israel.

Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law, heard all God did for Moses and Israel in delivering Israel from Pharaoh and the Egyptians and their hardship on the journey. After Jethro said he knew the Lord was greater than all gods, he took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God and ate with Aaron and Israel's elders (Ex. 18:1-12). Effective delegation presupposes God's prior deliverance and submission to His leadership.

The next day, Jethro asked Moses why he judged the people all day alone. Moses said the people came to inquire of God where he judged a dispute between two people and revealed God's statutes and laws. Jethro said Moses and the people would wear out since the task was too heavy for one person.
He counseled Moses as the people's representative to bring their disputes to God, teach His statutes and laws, and share which way to walk and the work they were to do. Moses would then select able and truthful men from those who feared God and hated dishonest gain to be placed as leaders of 1000s, 100s, 50s and 10s. They would judge the people at all times with only major disputes brought to him so they could bear the burden with him. If God commanded him to follow Jethro's instructions, Moses would endure and everyone could live in peace (Ex. 18:13-23). Effective delegation involves prayer, teaching the principles and applications of God's word, and selecting competent and godly men who feared God as leaders with spans of control no greater than ten to handle disputes.

Moses followed Jethro's counsel by choosing able men from Israel to be leaders of 1000s, 100s, 50s and 10s. They judged every minor dispute with difficult ones brought to Moses (Ex. 18:24-27). Effective delegation involves listening and following godly counsel.

After following the principles of effective delegation in the underlined statements above consider the following:
1. Assigning responsibility to others does not lessen your responsibility--it gives you the capacity to handle greater responsibility
2. Never assign a task to someone because the task is unpleasant to you
3. Delegate only if you have confidence that the member is capable of handling the task
4. When delegating, be sure to back the member when his or her authority is called into question
5. Even though you may be able to do the task better or faster, delegating allows others to grow
6. Delegating often includes teaching someone how to do a task-what better way to ensure that others can run the group when you're gone
7. Delegating can be a significant motivator in retaining members, it gives them a sense of accomplishment when a task is successfully completed
8. Delegating is most successful when someone expresses an interest in the task or when he or she has a specific skill which would suit the task, or when he or she has the sufficient time to do the task