THINK ON THESE THINGS
by Sharon Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
Dear Friends,
Is that three-year-old you’re trying to “lead” driving you crazy? How about the outside the box student in your eighth grade class, or the employee who refuses to do things your way? Life-giving leadership is often hard! Listen to what Karen Hodge, Guest Writer for this week’s devotional has to say about her own struggle with “stiff-necked” people:
“I am not going to lie, I have cried more than a few times as a leader. There have been times I shed tears in the wilderness. God has also placed difficult, dare I even say, stiff-necked people in my life. But the places and the people He calls us to is no accident. There are times I wanted to trade them both in but I am slowly learning they are for my good and His glory. Moses was a focused leader. He was focused not on others, not on self, but on God’s Glory. He loved this obstinate flock enough to plead with God on their behalf. He focused on God’s character and His covenant promise that they were His people. God’s gracious response was, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). Moses knew God’s presence was what distinguishes His people from everyone else. Our prayer life reveals the depth of our understanding of God’s character. When I am weary and frustrated as a leader, honestly my first prayer is not for God’s presence. There is often more whining than worshipping. My prayers sound more like, move me or move them. Deliver me from this mess! I intercede for my deliverance rather than interceding for my people. I cry out for comfort and convenience. Moses cried out, “Show me Your glory!” Karen Hodge
This week Karen invites us to zero in on our hearts as leaders. What is our ultimate goal in our relationships with others? Are we aware of how important it is to think biblically in our interactions with those in our circle of influence? How can we be intentional in feeding our minds and hearts with truth that transforms our prayers of desperation when those “stiff-necked people” drive us crazy?
Remember, leadership comes in all different sizes and packages. Whether you are married, single, pursuing a career, teaching a class of three-year olds, raising a posse of children, a teenager, college student, grandmother, widow, or struggling with a life-changing illness, someone is following you! Be intentional – choose life-giving rather than life-taking.
Treasured by Him,
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Sharon
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Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, co-author of Treasures of Faith. and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.