Leader, Draw Near

Today's Scripture reading comes from Exodus 3:11-12, quoting from the NIV: "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' And God said, 'I will be with you.' " Recall a time you were faced with a difficult task—personally, professionally, or relationally. Did you doubt that you could pull off the seemingly impossible, made dubious not due to elements of the assignment but because of the overwhelming courage or faith it would require? Many men and women of faith have encountered such mountainous, faith-defining missions. As Moses was given his tasking, he was fully aware that neither escaping Egypt nor acquiring the land that flowed with "milk and honey" would be easy. New to his relationship with God (whose name he did not yet know), Moses is being asked to return to the place and person he had fled in fear of his life. Further, he would have to deliver a face-to-face message that would not be received well. Whatever his many apprehensions, the insufficiency of his speech, and the deafening pounding of his heart, God calmed Moses with these words: "I will be with you." Wow! God's words were designed to give Moses confidence for the road ahead. What would Moses do with the assurance of God's presence? What have you done with His assurance? I have done better at sometimes than at others. When it comes to integrating the Christian faith with profession, the point of reliance for mission accomplishment is on the One who says, "I will be with you." We know the end of Moses' story and the daunting tasks he faced all along the road to success, but God's promise stood firm. He never left Moses. Another young man, Gideon, was called to "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand." Like Moses he had a list of protests or reasons why he was surely not the one God was now choosing. To this the Lord's response was "I will be with you." Through the Angel of the Lord, the God of Israel had already expressed faith in him and promised his presence: "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." After a series of displays—an offering consumed on a rock and two fleece tests—Gideon steps out in faith and obeys God's call. God was sending Gideon, and Gideon was going forward. What about you? Do you sense God calling you out, asking you to do something that is outside your comfort zone? What is your source of strength? Moses asked if another could take his place, but God sent his brother Aaron to help him. God recognized Gideon's fear and told him he could take his servant Purah with him to discover strength for his daunting task. In your intimidating assignment look for encouragement through a prayer partner, a mentoring relationship, or participation in a workplace Bible study.   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. Think of these as faith builders to help us know God is with us in every task: First, exercise awareness that God desires to act through the faithful. Second, see faith as a verb. Move out in response to what you know God is asking of you. Third, come alongside others. Your active faith bolsters the courage of others who may be facing similar challenges.   // Monthly Evaluation It's time for a quick monthly evaluation. Click here to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.   // About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Mark 6:31, quoting from the NASB: "And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)" What would you consider a reasonable work/rest rhythm? In Mark 6:7-13, 30-32, and 33-46, Jesus models the dynamics of work and rest. Having sent His disciples on mission to preach repentance, cast out demons, and anoint and heal the sick, He told them to "come away" and rest. Rest has obvious benefits, but sometimes we must be told to rest. The disciples "gathered together with Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught." Stopping to appreciate our accomplishments is a good thing; we get to check an item off our "to do" list and to enjoy the feeling of positive reinforcement. However, before Jesus and the disciples would embark upon the next task, Jesus wanted them to come aside to a secluded place for rest. Coming in many forms, rest helps to us recover and to be ready for the mission that will surely follow. What does rest look like for you? For some, it is "sleeping in" with total disregard for time, watching a Sunday afternoon game with feet elevated—drifting in and out of consciousness, working in the garden, or sitting on the porch thinking about nothing. Another form of rest is quiet time with the Lord, resting in the comfort of His Word and releasing all concerns to His care. Rest gives us a better response to trials, stresses and difficulties. Accomplishments are important, but so are rest and balance that ready us for the next thing. Jesus' admonition to rest is important because rest helps sustain us for the long haul. We never know what is around the corner, and, as Mark 6:33-34 indicates, another opportunity for work awaited them at the secluded place. Where the disciples thought they would have a time of rest alone with Jesus, it did not quite turn out that way. The presence of the crowd presents an important question: How do you respond to interruptions? Jesus and the disciples expected to arrive at a secluded place for rest. However, "when Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd". We can learn much from Jesus' response to this interruption. "He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things." Interruptions can be opportunities to demonstrate compassion. Jesus' compassion included serving the crowd a meal. How we respond when our plans get changed can add to or take away from our resilience. The disciples' resilience was not minimized by the interruption. Jesus' response ensured their staying power would be maximized. The interruption did not remove Jesus' need for rest. Like an accommodating host, Jesus took responsibility for the crowd and sent the disciples on their way to rest. After the crowd was gone, Jesus retreated alone to the mountain to pray, remaining true to His own call for rest. How does Jesus' response to this interruption encourage you?   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 5 questions to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. Consider your own work/rest rhythm and answer YES or NO to these questions: Am I allowing margin between activities? Am I practicing balance in apportioning my time? Do my margin and balance conform to my family's or my personal priorities? If unable to "come away," do I need to rethink in whom or what I am I placing my trust? Do I believe success or failure is on my shoulders alone?   // About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from 2 Kings 2:14, quoting from the NIV: "He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over." Elisha's master had just been whisked away in a "chariot of fire with horses of fire." Many who witnessed his departure also knew that Elisha was the appointed successor. The same tender, young man who could not follow Elijah until he "kissed his father and mother" goodbye now grieves Elijah's "home going" by tearing his clothing. His comment "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel" might suggest that young Elisha comprehends the gravity of the post he has inherited. As he strikes the Jordan River with Elijah's cloak, he asks, "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" He uses his master's cloak to demonstrate that his request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit had been granted him. Was it arrogance for the young man to ask for a double portion? Apparently, two shares or a double portion was an indicator of legitimate succession. The sons of the Jericho prophets witness this miracle and declare, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." Imitation is said to be the greatest form of flattery. What a winsome testimony when a son emulates the godly leadership of his father or a young officer that of a leader of integrity! Elisha had seen in Elijah characteristics worthy of emulation in a nation ruled largely by godless kings. The power of God was strong in the life of Elijah, and Elisha desired the presence of his teacher's teacher. Striking the ground as he had seen Elijah do, he cried out: "Where now is the LORD?" When circumstances turn from desirable to undesirable or when the task ahead is greater than one's resources, it is common to want to know our importance to God and whether He is with us in our labors. We are not all like Elisha, who had a fire of faith blazing in him, emboldening him to ask for a double portion. If, like Elisha, you have made an abrupt lifestyle change to follow God, you may find yourself asking if this is really His plan for you. If you were Elisha striking the Jordan, you might have asked: "Will God be as faithful to me as He was to Elijah?"   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 4 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, Elisha knew God was with him. How do you know whether God is with you? Second, Elisha asked for a double portion. Is it appropriate to ask God for big things? Is something burning in you to accomplish for God? Third, Elisha had a godly mentor or teacher. Are you going it alone? And fourth, Elijah identified a successor to the important work. Whom are you bringing along in faith, profession, or relationships?   // About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from 1 Kings 19:4, quoting from the NIV: "While He himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'" Discouragement. Is there anything worse? Discouragement can suck the life out of momentum and halt forward progress. It has been stated that following victory discouragement and compromise can ensue. Elijah, God's messenger to Ahab, experienced a decisive victory over Ahab's prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, which you can read about in 1 Kings, but on the heels of victory he found himself far opposite God's intention. What could have caused Elijah to move so quickly from God's will? Fear and discouragement from a well-timed threat made Elijah throw it in reverse and flee for his life. Wandering off in the desert, discouraged and desirous of death, he abandoned his helper and concluded that he was the lone survivor of those interested in the things of God. If mishandled, discouragement can take us off task, produce feelings of aloneness and cloud our judgment. Can you recall a time when you reacted to a situation from raw, fearful emotion rather than by seeking God's comfort? Elijah would rather have faced death than the threat of his life being taken. God revealed Himself to Elijah with this question: "What are you doing here?" Isolation is often the enemy of a courageous response. Not even the strongest earthquake will free us from its grip. Discouragement can place us at opposite ends of God's intention requiring Him to correct us, turn us around, and put us back on His course. God told Elijah to go back the way he came. Sometimes we can feel that we have had enough. Truthfully, if God has called us to a task, He will be the one to determine when He is done using us. Discouragement will be there despite the truth. Elijah felt alone—but he was not! He did not know the truth of God's plan. Don't allow threats or the appearance of being the only one interested in what God is working halt your forward momentum and progress.   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, recognize that believers can and do experience spiritual highs and lows. Avoid course redirection, especially when God mapped the course. Second, pray—ask God's help in seeing beyond the range of natural thinking, limited perspective, and dulled spiritual insight. Third, be open to the possibility that God reveals Himself in unexpected ways and sometimes through a "gentle whisper."   // About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Isaiah 6:3, quoting from the NASB: "And one called out to another and said, 'Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.'" Have you considered holiness as an essential leadership quality? I have to admit, when I think of leadership essentials, "holy" does not immediately surface as a necessary trait. What comes to mind when you hear the word "holy?" "Holy roller" and "holier than thou" are cultural expressions we hear. Sadly, the tendency is to use "holy" in a derogatory sense. In his book Leadership Essentials, Greg Ogden makes the point, "The Bible is much more concerned about who a leader is than what a leader does." That is similar to his thought, "Developing character is more important than polishing skills." Performance is the usual bottom line indicator and bread and butter for leaders. However, how are Christ's followers to be as servant leaders? What does it mean to be holy? Jesus is the perfect model of holiness. Based on His life, holiness would include the absence of sin and the presence of fruit of the Spirit. Jesus knew no sin. However, because we are sinful, yet chosen to carry out God's work on earth, it is useful to recount Isaiah's entry into the service of God. Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Isaiah decried his sin before a holy God, saying: "I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips." With a "live coal" Isaiah's lips were touched, his guilt was taken away, and his sin atoned for. We, as Isaiah, have not lived sinless lives, but through forgiveness of sin, the Lord used Isaiah and uses us in spiritual service. Holiness is purity. Though sinful, the one who confesses his sin is purified for service. Finally, as disciples of Christ we should follow His example and exhibit the Spirit's fruit. What good news! When the Spirit of God leads our hearts, good fruit is the result, and the sin nature is quelled. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These qualities abounded in Jesus. As disciples called to lead, we are made to have His nature. Take a minute and evaluate the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Which fruit is most abundant in your life right now? After reflecting on the abundance, think on the fruit you sense needs to be growing in you.   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. Think of these as ways to cultivate greater abundance of the Spirit's fruit: First, offer a prayer to God to help your weakness become your strength. Second, following periods of Bible reading, journal over the next seven days. What applications are the Holy Spirit revealing concerning the fruit you desire in greater. Third, what God has given in abundance, use to His glory. Let our strengths honor Him.   // Monthly Evaluation It's time for a quick monthly evaluation. Click here to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.   // About the Narrator MAJ Marissa Dey serves in the United States Army.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.