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Fighting Spiritual Dryness (Insights in Law)

12/31/2011

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Everyone experiences times of dryness in their relationship with God. Do you feel stagnant? Have you stopped growing? Have you plateaued in your vocation? Does it seem like you aren't making an impact? Some of the causes of spiritual dryness are lack of prayer, sin, work imbalance, pagan rituals or superstition, spiritual undernourishment and following rules. Exodus 34 shows how to fight spiritual dryness so you are transformed into His image through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Lack of Prayer
The Lord instructed Moses to cut out two stone tablets on Mount Sinai so God could write words that were on the earlier ones. The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there as Moses called upon the name of the Lord. He proclaimed the Lord as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and truth. He forgives sin but visits the iniquity of fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations. Moses asked favor and pardon for their sin so God could take them as His possession (Ex. 34:1-9). Call upon God to experience His love and forgiveness. 

Sin
God made a covenant and performed miracles so everyone would see Him working to drive out the Amorites, Canaanites, etc. Make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land lest they become a snare as you play the harlot and sacrifice to their gods. Tear down altars, smash sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim to not worship any other god and cause your sons to play the harlot with their gods (Ex. 34:10-17). Worship God and trust His deliverance so you aren't lured into sin. 

Work Imbalance

Seven days you are to eat unleavened bread as a reminder when you came out of Egypt. The first offspring from cattle and sheep belonged to God. Work for six days and rest during the seventh even during plowing and harvest time. All the males are to appear before the Lord three times a year with no man coveting your land. God will drive out nations and enlarge your borders (Ex. 34:18-24).  Take time to rest and trust God's power and provision to expand your kingdom impact.

Pagan Rituals or Superstition 
The sacrifice of the Feast of Passover was not be left over until morning. Bring the first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God. Don't boil a kid in its mother's milk (Ex. 34:25-26). Trust Christ's sacrifice on the cross daily for power over sin. 

Spiritual Undernourishment
Moses fasted while being with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights. He wrote the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments (Ex. 34:27-28). Spend quantity of time with God in fasting to hear Him speak to you. 

Following Rules
Moses' face shone as he came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with God. He commanded Aaron and Israel to do all the Lord had spoken. Then Moses put a veil over his face. He removed it while talking to God and replaced the veil when the people saw his face (Ex. 34:29-35). Behold God's glory through the Holy Spirit to be transformed into God's image. 

Rate yourself on ways to to fight spiritual dryness on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lowest and 10 highest): 1. Call upon God to experience His love and forgiveness
2. Worship God and trust His deliverance so you aren't lured into sin
 3. Take time to rest by trusting God's power and provision to expand your kingdom impact
4. Trust Christ's sacrifice on the cross daily for power over sin
5. Spend quantity of time with God in fasting to hear Him speak to you 
6. Behold God's glory through the Holy Spirit to be transformed into God's image  


 

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Replacing Fear and Anxiety with Love and Peace (Insights in NT)

12/28/2011

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Many Christians sacrifice for Christ in their own strength. As a result, they betray Him through disobedience. Fear and anxiety and fear become the fruit. The Christian life is impossible to live. That is why divine resources are required. Christ's relationship with His Father models the dependent relationship we should have with Him through the Holy Spirit. The payoff is knowing God through His word and greater works. He wants to replace fear and anxiety with love and peace. 

Jesus loved His own to the end and knew the following: His time had come to leave the world, the Father gave all things into His hands as He came forth from God and going back to Him. Jesus washed and wiped the disciples' feet with His towel. Jesus said He would have no part with Peter when he refused having his feet washed. When Peter wanted his hands and head washed, Jesus said those bathed only needed their feet washed to be completely clean. Jesus knew the one betraying Him (John 13:1-11). Jesus proved His love by serving and cleansing His disciples.


After washing the disciples' feet, He said they were right to call Him Teacher and Lord. They were to follow Jesus' example in washing one another's feet. Just as a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one sent greater than the sender. Jesus predicted that one would betray Him so "you may believe that I am He." Those who receive Jesus also receive God who sent Him (John 13:12-20). Disciples serve others when they call Jesus Teacher and Lord.

Jesus being troubled in spirit said one would betray Him. He gave the morsel to Judas to show who would betray in answer to Peter's question. Satan entered into Judas and went out immediately at night (John 13:21-30). Disciples betray and trouble Jesus when they follow Satan.  

Jesus said God was glorified in the Son of Man. The disciples could not come where Jesus was going. He told them to love one another as He has loved them so all men would know they are His disciples (John 13:31-35). When people love one another as Christ loved them, they prove to be His disciples.

Peter asked Jesus where He was going. Jesus said Peter would deny Him three times after saying he would lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:36-38). Disciples will deny Christ if they sacrifice in their own strength. 

Believe in God for there are many dwelling places in the Father's house. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth,and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me," in answer to Thomas' question of where He was going. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. The Father abiding in Jesus does His works since He does not speak on His own initiative. You will do greater works than Christ if ask in His name because He intercedes to the Father who is glorified in the Son. God does anything you ask in Christ's name if you love Him and keep His commandments. The Holy Spirit, as Helper and truth, will be with you forever whom the world can't receive. If anyone loves Christ, he will keep His commandments. God loves you while Christ discloses Himself and abodes with you (John 14:1-24). Dependence on the Holy Spirit through prayer leads to knowing God and doing greater works.

The Holy Spirit whom the Father sends in Christ's name  teaches and brings to your remembrance all things He said to you. Christ brings peace so you don't have to be troubled or fearful. Christ went away to the Father and will return in the future. He told them in advance so His disciples may believe and the world would know Christ loved the Father when these events occur (John 14:25-31). The Holy Spirit teaches God's word so you will believe and have peace.

Confess sin of walking in your own strength realizing that apart from Him you can do nothing. Meditate on God's love for you and then trust the Holy Spirit to impress His word upon your heart so you experience peace.


  



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Benefits of God's Word in Affliction: Part 3 (Insights in Psalms)

12/23/2011

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Holistic spiritual growth through transparency and application of God’s word to overcome sin should be your goal in life. The journey involves hating falseness and expecting God to act. Meditate on God's word and ask for deliverance so sin won't rule over you.  Plead  your cause to be rescued and revived in the midst of adversaries.  Praise Him always, despise falsehood, and experience peace through transparency with God.  The outcome is spiritual growth in mind, emotions and will.

I did justice and righteousness so don't let the arrogant oppress me. It's time for the Lord to act because they have broken the law. I love His commandments more than gold while hating every false way (Ps. 119:121-128). Affliction motivates you to hate every false way and expect God to act. 

His testimonies are wonderful since the unfolding of His words gives light in understanding the simple. Establish my footsteps in His word so iniquity won't have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man so I keep His precepts (Ps. 119:129-136). Affliction motivates you to let God's word establish your footsteps so sin does not rule you. 

Because God's testimonies are righteous, faithful, true and pure, His servant loves them. My zeal has consumed me because adversaries have forgotten His words. I am  despised, in trouble and anguish, but His commandments give me understanding so I can live (Ps. 119:137-144). Affliction motivates you to have zeal in overcoming sin. 

I cried for help and deliverance with all my heart. I anticipate the night watches to meditate on His word. Hear my voice and draw near  according to His lovingkindness so I can be revived and protected from wickedness (Ps. 119:145-152). Affliction motivates you to cry for deliverance from sin while meditating on His word through the night.

Plead my cause and rescue me so I am revived according to Your word. Great are Your mercies in the midst of persecutors and adversaries, but I do not turn aside from His testimonies. I loathe the treacherous, but love His precepts that revive me according to God's love (Ps. 119:153-160). Affliction motivates you to plead your cause in being rescued and revived in the midst of adversaries. 

My heart stands in awe of Your words when princes persecute me without cause. I hate and despise falsehood, but praise Him seven times a day. I have great peace and nothing causes me to stumble because I keep His precepts with all my ways before Him (Ps. 119:161-168). Affliction motivates you to praise Him always, despise falsehood and experience peace through transparency with God.

My lips utter praise because He teaches me His statutes. His hand is ready to help me because I have chosen His precepts. I long for His salvation and His law is my delight. Seek your servant as I have gone astray like a lost sheep (Ps. 119:169-176). Affliction motivates you to grow spiritually in mind, emotions and will in response to God seeking you.

Transparency and Application of God’s Word to Overcome Sin: Will Filled with Peace
Outcome: Holistic Spiritual Growth  


1. Hate every false way and expect God to act
2. Let God's word establish your footsteps so sin does not rule you  
3. Zeal in overcoming sin
4. Cry for deliverance while meditating on His word through the night
5. Plead your cause to be rescued and revived in the midst of adversaries
6. Praise Him always, despise falsehood and experience peace through transparency with God
7. Grow spiritually in mind, emotions and will in response to God seeking you


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Benefits of God's Word in Affliction: Part 2 (Insights in Psalms)

12/22/2011

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God wants His word to fully possess every part of your being. It begins with seeking Him and then obeying Him as we saw in the earlier chapters of Psalm 119 (Part 1). God wants to be your guide, joy and ultimate rest so you don't have to be concerned about anything. We will examine how to experience God’s attributes through deeper knowledge of His word. 

Teach me good discernment and knowledge since I believe in His commandments. It was good for the afflicted to learn and keep God's word. The arrogant lie and their heart is covered with fat, but I delight in His law, which is better than 1000s of gold pieces (Ps. 119:65-72). Affliction motivates you to discern, know and obey God's word.

God's righteousness, faithfulness, lovingkindness and compassion  provides comfort in affliction so you may live. I fear, meditate and hope in His precepts when the arrogant lie. Give me understanding that I may learn His commandments so my heart is blameless and unashamed (Ps. 119:73-80). Affliction motivates you to learn God's attributes and gain a blameless heart. 

My soul languishes and eyes fail as I hope in His word. The arrogant dug pits, persecuted me with a lie and almost destroyed me, but I did not forsake His precepts. God's love revives so may keep the testimony of His mouth (Ps. 119:81-88). Affliction motivates you to be revived in God's love. 

The wicked try to to destroy me, but I diligently consider His testimonies to stay alive. God's faithfulness and His authority continue through all generations so I can stand. I seek His precepts because they revive and are exceedingly broad (Ps. 119:89-96). Affliction motivates you to freely stand in God's authority.

His commandments make me wiser than my enemies, more insightful than my teachers and more understanding than the aged because I observe and meditate on His precepts. I hate and restrain my feet from every false way so I can understand and keep His word. God's word are sweeter than honey to my taste (Ps. 119:97-104). Affliction motivates you to be restrain your feet from every false way to understand and obey His word.

His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. When the wicked lay a snare, it causes me to be revived by His word. God's word becomes a joy of my heart as I personally possess and perform His statutes (Ps. 119:105-112). Affliction motivates you to allow God's word to guide and be your  joy.

I hate the double-minded, but I observe His commandments. God's hiding place, shield, safety and sustaining grace occur as I regard His statutes continually. God rejects and removes the wicked like dross so I can love His testimonies and fear His judgments (Ps. 119:113-120). Affliction motivates you to rest in the safety of God's word. 

Experience God’s Attributes through Deeper Knowledge of His Word: 
Emotions Filled with Love & Joy:

1. Discern, know and obey God's word
2. Learn God's attributes & gain a blameless heart 
3. Revived in God's love
4. Freely stand in God's authority
5. Restrain feet from every false way to understand and obey His word
6. Allow God's word to guide and be your joy
7. Rest in the safety of God's word

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Benefits of God's Word in Affliction: Part 1 (Insights in Psalms)

12/21/2011

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God's word, which is more important than riches, has many benefits during affliction, persecution and hard times. The Lord relates in personal ways to make a huge difference as He possesses more of you.  We will examine disciplines in God’s word resulting in obedience and accountability.
 

 How blessed are those whose way is complete with integrity, righteous and unashamed. They will observe His testimonies diligently so God doesn't forsake them (Ps. 119:1-8).  Affliction motivates you to seek God for integrity and be unashamed. 

I sought God with all my heart. I have treasured, rejoiced, meditated and delighted in His word.  These actions keep me pure so I don't sin, forget or wander from His commandments. God's word is more important than riches (Ps. 119:9-16). Affliction motivates you to meditate on God's word to have a pure heart.  


Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things, live and keep God's word. I long for His word because of reproach and contempt. His testimonies are my delight and counselors as princes talk against me (Ps. 119:17-24). Affliction motivates you to delight in God's counsel to overcome negativity.

Since my soul weeps, grieves and cleaves to the dust, revive and strengthen me according to His word. Teach me so I understand His precepts. God enlarges my heart as I run the way of His commandments to remove the false way (Ps. 119:25-32). Affliction motivates you to understand God's word to not live out lies through your false self. 

Teach and give me understanding so I keep His word with all my heart. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity so I long for Your precepts and reverence You. Instead of reproach, revive me in Your righteousness and ways (Ps. 119:33-40). Affliction motivates you to obey His word so you don't look at vain things.  


As Your lovingkindness and salvation come according to your word, I will answer persecutors and speak before kings. I walk in liberty as I seek and keep His precepts. I delight, love and meditate on His commandments without shame (Ps. 119:41-48). Affliction motivates you to walk in liberty as you meditate on God's love and commandments. 

 
His word comforts and revives me as I remember it during affliction or attacks. I burn with indignation when the wicked forsake God's law. I sing His statutes and remember His name in the night during tough times (Ps. 119:49-56). Affliction motivates you to allow God's word to comfort and revive you. 

I considered my ways and entreated His favor before experiencing grace. When the cords of the wicked encircled me, I hastened to obey His commandments. I thank God at midnight and seek fellowship with those who fear Him because of His righteous ordinances (Ps. 119:57-64). Affliction motivates you to walk with those who fear God so you can experience grace. 

 
Disciplines in God’s Word Resulting in Obedience and Accountability: Mind Filled with Truth
1. Seek God for integrity and be blameless
2. Meditate on God's word to have a pure heart
3. Delight in God's counsel to overcome negativity 
4. Understand God's word to not live out lies through your false self
5. Obey His word so you don't look at vain things
6. Walk in liberty as you meditate on God's love and commandments
7. Allow His word to comfort and revive you
8. Walk with those who fear God for accountability so you can experience grace

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Responding to a Leadership Crisis (Insights in Prophets)

12/18/2011

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America has a crisis of confidence in its government, its large businesses, its schools and its churches.  For the last few decades Americans have been leaving existing organizations and not joining new ones. Robert Putnam discussed the decline in social capital the US has experienced in his book Bowling Alone. Part of our loss of leadership is our loss of belonging.

Lao-Tzu's Tao Te Ching  said,
 "Learn from the people 
Plan with the people 
Begin with what they have 
Build on what they know 
Of the best leaders 
When the task is accomplished 
The people will remark 
We have done it ourselves." 

2 Samuel 20 explains how David responded successfully to a leadership crisis.

Rebellion
Because Sheba, a worthless fellow, said Israel had no portion and inheritance in David, they followed Sheba instead of David. Judah remained steadfast to David. The ten concubines remained widows until they died (2 Sam. 20:1-3). People easily rebel from God's plan and follow worthless leaders.

Responsibility
Abishai, Joab, David's servants and the mighty men pursued Sheba. When Amasa was not on guard, Joab killed him with his sword. Joab and Abishai continued to pursue Sheba. A wise woman told Joab not to destroy the city, Abel Beth-maacah, and "swallow up the inheritance of the Lord." The woman wisely came to all the people and they killed Sheba (2 Sam. 20:4-22). Let people take personal responsibility for their welfare instead of relying on the government. 

Service
Joab was over the Israel's army, Benaiah over the Cherethites and Pelethites; Aboram over the forced labor; Jehoshaphat was the recorder; Sheva was scribe; and Zadok, Abiathar, Ira the Jairite were priests (2 Sam. 20:23-26). Let people serve according to their gifts and talents.

Prayer
David sought the presence of the Lord during three years of famine. God said the reason was Saul putting the Gibeonites to death. David asked them how he could make atonement that they would bless the Lord's inheritance. They wanted seven men from Saul's sons to be hanged (2 Sam. 21:1-6). Seek God's presence to learn the reason for any lack or need.


Obedience
David gave the Gibeonites seven sons, which they hanged in the mountain before the Lord during the first days of barley harvest (2 Sam. 21:7-9). Obey what God says even though it's costly. 

Unity
David gathered Saul's and Jonathan's bones with the bones of those who were hanged. They buried Saul's and Jonathan's bones in the grave of his father, Kish, according to what David commanded. God was moved by entreaty for the land (2 Sam. 21:10-14). Pursue unity as you intercede to God in times of famine and need. 

Rest
David became weary as he and his servants fought the Philistines. Abishai killed one of the descendants of the giant who sought to kill David. They told him to not go out to battle again (2 Sam. 21:15-17). Take time to rest as you overcome weariness in the midst of spiritual battles. 

Repentance
Four descendants of Goliath who reproached Israel were killed by David and his servants (2 Sam. 21:18-22). Repent of sin vigorously so it won't have a foothold.

Go through the following checklist when you face a leadership crisis:
1. Take personal responsibility to act

2. Serve according to your gifts and talents
3. Seek God's presence to learn the reason(s) for the deficiencies or lack
4. Obey what God tells you even though it's costly
5. Pursue unity as you intercede to God in times of famine and need
6. Take time to rest in the midst of the spiritual battle
7. Repent of sin so it won't have a foothold



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The Ultimate Coach (Insights in Law)

12/17/2011

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Coaching is an expanding profession in the business arena. A recent study by International Coach Federation (ICF) showed that (42.6 percent) of respondents who had experienced coaching chose “optimize individual and/or team performance” as their motivation for being coached. This reason ranked highest followed by “expand professional career opportunities” (38.8 percent) and “improve business management strategies” (36.1 percent). “Increase self-esteem/self-confidence” and “manage work/life balance” rated fourth and fifth to round out the top five motivation areas. Exodus 33 shows how the ultimate coach in God the Father related with Moses to transform the  idols of success in Ex. 32 into kingdom opportunities and dominion.  

Transform Individual or Team Performance Into Supernatural Kingdom Dominion 
The Lord told Moses to go to the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. God would send an angel to drive out the Canaanites so they could enter the land flowing with milk and honey. However the Lord said to Moses that He would destroy and not go with an obstinate people (Ex. 33:1-6). God goes with obedient people to defeat spiritual enemies. 

Transform Professional Career Opportunities Into God's Kingdom Opportunities 
Moses pitched a tent of meeting outside the camp where those who sought the Lord stood. The pillar of cloud would descend at the entrance and the Lord spoke to Moses face to face just as a man speaks to his friend. Joshua stayed in the tent after Moses returned to the camp (Ex. 33:7-11). God speaks face to face as a friend to those who seek Him.

Transform Business Management Strategies & Manage Work/Life Balance Into God's Kingdom Strategies & Presence
Moses asked to know God's ways so He could know Him and find favor in His sight. God said His presence and rest would go with him. Moses wanted God's presence to go with him before being led out to the land. God's favor was proved by His going with His people so the might be distinguished from all other people on earth (Ex. 33:12-16). God sends His presence, rest and favor to those who pray for His ways.  

Transform Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence to God-Confidence
The Lord answered Moses by saying he found favor and knew him by name. Moses asked to see God's glory. God said He would make all His goodness pass before him and  proclaim His name, while being gracious and compassionate to those He chose. He told Moses to stand in the cleft of the rock to see His back when His glory passed by because no man could see His face and live (Ex. 33:17-23). God reveals His goodness and glory to those He chooses. 

To experience God transformation in the areas  listed in the bold headings above, do the following:  
1. Obey whatever God tells you to do
2. Develop an intimate, face-to-face relationship  with Him
3. Pray for God's ways and direction
4. Listen to God's word and worship Him 



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Spiritual Approach to Evangelism (Insights in NT)

12/16/2011

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There are many mechanical or rote presentations of the gospel that a person can learn like the Four Spiritual Laws, Explosion Explosion and the Bridge. God's word won't return void when it is preached. But is there a higher spiritual level for greater effectiveness for evangelism and ministry to others? I believe so!

Martha served, Lazarus reclined with Jesus and Mary anointed the feet of Jesus, filling the house with the fragrance of costly perfume. Jesus told Judas that the poor would always be around unlike Him when questioned why the perfume wasn't sold to give to the poor (John 12:1-8). Worship and prayer to God has priority over service.


The multitude came to see Lazarus and Jesus whom He raised from the dead. The chief priests wanted to put Lazarus to death because many Jews believed in Him (John 12:9-11). Believe that God can perform miracles.  

The multitude took palm branches and cried out, "Blessed in He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel," while Jesus rode on a donkey. The multitude were bearing Him witness because He raised Lazarus from the dead. The Pharisees said "the world has gone after Him" (John 12:12-19). Bear witness of Christ after seeing Him do miracles. 

Jesus said the hour came for the Son of Man to be glorified. If a grain wheat dies without remaining alone, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, but he who hates this life in this world will keep it to life eternal. Those who serve Christ will follow Him where He is and be honored by the Father (John 12:20-26). Bear fruit by losing your life for Christ's sake. 


The multitude heard a voice out of heaven to show judgment was upon this world and its ruler would be cast out. Jesus draws all men to Himself when He is lifted up from the earth. Those who believe in the light as sons of light won't be overtaken by darkness. Jesus quoted Isaiah explaining why they could not believe: He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts lest they see, perceive, be converted and Jesus heal them. Many rulers believed but did not confess Him as they loved the approval of men rather than God (John 12:27-43). Confess Jesus openly before men shows you love God's approval. 

Believing in Jesus is the same as believing in God. He who believes in Him will not remain in darkness. He came to save the world, not judge it. If you reject God's word, you will be judged in the last day. Jesus spoke what God told Him to say, which is eternal life (John 12:44-50). Speak life-giving words by saying only what God tells you.

To develop a spiritual approach to evangelism and personal ministry, do the following: 
1. Develop a worship and prayer life
2. Believe that God performs miracles
3. Bear witness of Christ when you see miracles
4. Bear fruit by losing your life for Christ's sake
5. Confess Jesus openly before men shows you love God's approval
6. Speak life-giving words by saying only what God tells you
 

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Putting God First in Tough Times (Insights in Psalms)

12/14/2011

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Everyone faces distressful circumstances from time to time. It could be a bad marriage, child who strays, financial loss or tough relationship. When things aren't going well, it's tempting to look for human help first instead of trusting God in the situation. Because God wants to be exalted, He brings tough times to discipline you. The Psalmist explains how put God first in tough times.  

Trust God's Love
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. Everyone who fears God should say  His lovingkindness is eternal. I called upon the Lord in my distress and He answered by setting me in a large place. Because the Lord is for me, I will not fear what man can do to me.  It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes (Ps. 118:1-9). Trust God's eternal love and not humankind during distressful circumstances.

Ask for God's Power
In the name of the Lord, I will destroy nations who surrounded me. The Lord helped as I was pushed violently and falling. He is my strength, song and salvation (Ps. 118:10-14). Ask for God's power and salvation when you are falling. 

Exalt in God's Authority
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly and is exalted. I will tell of the works of the Lord. He has disciplined me severely, but has not given me over to death (Ps. 118:15-18). Exalt in God's authority during distressing circumstances. 

Thanks for God's Righteousness
I will enter the gates of righteousness and give thanks to the Lord. He has answered my prayer and become My salvation (Ps. 118:19-21). Offer thanks for God's righteousness. 

Ask God For Life and Prosperity
The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Let us rejoice and be glad in the day the Lord has made. We ask urgently that God save and send prosperity and light. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His lovingkindness is eternal (Ps. 118:22-29). Ask for God's love in sending life and prosperity.  

To receive life and prosperity in tough circumstances, trust God's love, ask for God's power, exalt in God's authority and thanks for God's righteousness.



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Complexity of Leadership (Insights in Prophets)

12/13/2011

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Leadership is not simply anymore because today's problems are complex and interconnected. No one person can know what to do. To understand issues, all parts of a system must participate and contribute. Leadership must expand from isolated, role-based actions of individuals to innovative, contextual interactions that occur across an entire social system. David faced a complex leadership problem when he tried to unite the 10 tribes of Israel with the two tribes of Judah. When Absalom, David's son and rebel ruler of Israel, was killed and the nation defeated, a system of complex relationships between Israel and Judah began. Observing components of Godly leadership in 2 Sam. 18-19 will help us navigate in the complex systems we face today. 

David numbered the people, set commanders of thousands and hundreds with one third under Joab, Abishai and Ittai the Gittite, respectivel
y. With David staying back, he told the three commanders to deal gently with Absalom (2 Sam. 18:1-5). Godly leaders organize the right quantity and command structure for warriors in spiritual battle.

The servants of David defeated and killed 20,000 Israelites in Ephraim when the battle spread over the whole countryside. The forest devoured more people than the sword. Joab thrust three spears in Absalom's heart after finding him hanging in the air when his hair was caught in over-hanging branches. People cast Absalom in a deep pit and all Israel fled to their tents  (2 Sam. 18:6-18). Godly leaders deploy spiritual warriors on many battle fronts until they defeat the enemy.  

Ahimaaz and  Cushite ran to tell the news to David. He wept when he learned of Absalom's death and said, "Would I had died instead of you, Absalom" (2 Sam. 18:19-33). Godly leaders allow passions and emotions to get out of balance occasionally. 

Joab said David's excessive grief over Absalom's death showed ungratefulness by loving those who hated him and hating those who loved him even though his servants saved David and his family's lives. Joab exhorted David  go out and speak kindly to his servants, which he did. Israel quarreled about bringing David back as king. They reflected how he saved them from the Philistines, but fled from Absalom (2 Sam. 19:1-10). Godly leaders heed correction from others to enhance their effectiveness. 

David asked his close brothers, Zadok and Abiathar the priests, why they were the last to bring him back as king. David turned the hearts of Judah as one man in supporting his return as king (2 Sam. 19:11-15). Godly leaders unify others to work toward a single goal. 

Shimei who had cursed David earlier admitted his sin and wanted to be first of the house of Joseph to meet him. David did not allow Zeruiah to kill Shimei (2 Sam. 19:16-23). Godly leaders discern their followers' mixed motives for serving.   

When David asked Mephibosheth why he didn't go with the king, he said his servant deceived and slandered David by not preparing a donkey for him to leave. Mephibosheth expressed his gratefulness about eating at David's table. He said Mephibosheth would divide the land with Ziba (2 Sam. 19:24-30). Godly leaders care and serve the less fortunate. 

David blessed Barzillai, an old man who sustained the king while he stayed at Mahanaim. He requested that Chimham cross over with David who agreed to do good for him. All the people and David crossed over the Jordan (2 Sam. 19:31-39). 
Godly leaders develop close friendships and are approachable.   


After David, Judah and half of Israel crossed over the Jordan, Israel asked why Judah stole him away and treated them with contempt when David, his family and men were brought over the Jordan. Israel argued that with ten parts in the king (ten tribes) and being the first to suggest bringing back the king, they had more claim than Judah. Judah's words were harsher than Israel's (2 Sam. 19:40-43). Godly leaders face division and quarrels as they seek to fulfill their kingdom purpose. 

Which of the following components of Godly leadership are most important for you to apply right now?
1. Organize the right quantity and command structure for warriors in spiritual battle
2. Deploy spiritual warriors on many battle fronts until they defeat the enemy

3. Allow passions and emotions to get out of balance occasionally
4. Heed correction from others to enhance their effectiveness
5. Unify others to work toward a single goal 
6. Discern their followers' mixed motives for serving 
7. Care and serve the less fortunate
8. Develop close friendships and are approachable   
9. Face division and quarrels as they seek to fulfill their kingdom purpose 

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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

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