God is great and mighty.

“¹⁰Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” – Isaiah 40:10 (ESV)

He is there with all of himself to take down whatever gets in the way of His work being done. He is there to provide for us as we take on the tasks He has for us. He is powerful and in control of all things.

God is loving and gentle and kind.

“¹¹He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” – Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)

He is there to care for us and protect us. He will carry us to safety and make sure that those with others to care for, He will lead them to the same safe place with care and love.

God is our protector and provider, and in all of those times, he does it all with love and care for each of us.

What does it look like for you with God in your life? Are you the lamb being protected and guided? What if we all went into the day knowing that God leads with love?

I have thought about the relationship between leading and following and have even read books related to the subject of both. I know that leading, as mentioned in other of my studies is that of inspiration. Following therefore is that of being inspired. And when looked at in this instance, I can see the harmony that is found in the two.

“⁶The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.” – Isaiah 11:6 (ESV)

I was led to this above passage this morning in my study of the word “lead” and what I found was the essence of the harmony between leading and following. The fierce animals described, the leopard and lion, are able to lie next to the prey they would normally be going after. They are lying not in fear or in wait, but together in concert and harmony. They are able to co-exist without going against one another. And to top things off, a child will lead them. Another of the prey to those that would be predators in the world. This group will follow the one sent to lead as they work together.

I like to believe that I will follow leaders regardless of who they are or what the situation will be. The thing that drives that is the idea of leader in the true sense of the word as I have described. I will follow those that inspire me. I will run through the brick wall that they ask me to when I believe that what is on the other side is truly that of great value, and that will only be manifest when I believe in the leader before me. I will do the work of a manager as a part of the job I have been tasked with, but will not be harmonious with them as I will only be performing a job without inspiration.

It is that harmony of leader and follower that makes the work effective, efficient, and worthwhile. I am looking for that instance when I am lead to complete work and in those I will follow. God is that leader and for Him I will follow in harmony.

What is your thought on leading and following? Are you currently inspired to do work as a follower? What if you were to follow God and His leadership example, what harmony would you find there?

Leading verses Managing is an age old conflict. The meaning of these two are not the same thing at all. Managing is the control of things to keep them in order. Leading is the inspiring of to complete things. What a difference when you look at it from those differences.

“³⁵Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” – Psalm 119:35 (ESV)

I see this verse and am drawn to two parts this morning, “lead me” and “I delight in it”. The first is the idea of being led. Being inspired. Being driven to work and complete the commands of God. He provides me with tasks to complete and those are commanded by Him. I have a duty to complete them for His glory.

The second is the idea of enjoying the idea of being led. Wanting to be inspired. Wanting to be driven to work and complete the commands of God. He provides me with tasks to complete and those are commanded by Him and I am happy and excited and inspired to complete them for His glory. Yes there is the sense of duty to work, but I don’t do it out of duty, I do it out of joy. I want to do His work and whistle the entire time.

I can say with confidence that most of us do not want to be managed or controlled to complete tasks. In fact I hear in the business world all the time of not wanting to be “micro-managed” in doing work. I will say that being led seems to be the choice. Being inspired to do work. And being led by God is that which should be bringing joy to us all. We should as stated in the verse above, “delight in it”.

When you are completing tasks, are you feeling managed or led to do so? Are you doing things out of a sense of duty? What if we approached the tasks that God has for us out of a sense of joy and inspiration and what if you truly were to “delight in it”?

There seems to always be a selfish motive for the things I do. I am human and therefore it is natural for that to be the case. I have been conditioned in the world to look out for number one. If I am not working to get mine, who is.

“³For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;” – Psalm 31:3 (ESV)

And there you have it. I have no reason to look out for me in this world. I ask God to take the wheel and lead and guide me for His glory and no other reason. I am to be the servant of God and do all for Him and with His glory in mind. I should not let my own wants and desires cloud the fact that I am taking action for God and not for me.

Now this does not mean that we are to be door mats with regard to how we are treated in the world. We are still deserving of the respect of those we interact with. We can still strive to do well and be recognized for that work in the world. But where I have to draw the line is in that thinking the recognition somehow defines who I am. It is blessings from God that should be of greatest value to me. I will receive those blessings when I am doing the work He has for me and seeking to be guided and led by Him in that work. I follow God for Him and not for me.

When you are out there seeking to follow, who are you doing it for? Are you willing to follow for the sake of the leader? What if you were to follow God with the express purpose of glorifying Him and not for your own reward?

God leads me. I may not always pay attention and will wander off my own way, but I know He leads me. I believe that what causes me to wander off the path He has for me is that I am looking for the quickest way to achieve something. I feel as though I have a hold on what it is He has in store for me and I then take the fastest route to getting there. I tend to focus on getting it done as opposed to getting it right.

“¹¹Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.” – Psalm 27:11 (ESV)

Here I read the words of David and see that while I may “figure out” what it is that God has in store for me, I must look to allowing Him to “lead me on a level path” in stead of just going with reckless abandon. I have to be willing to see that it is the journey that He wants me on for that is the cleanest path to accomplishing His work. Yes, there may be adversity along the way, but He has already planned for that adversity and will allow me to get through it based on His plan.

Take the Israelites for example. God had them escape along the longer route to get away from Egypt and Pharaoh. That path was level and safe for them to pass. Yet, they came upon the Red Sea that they would have to cross or go around. That adversity was enough to create doubt that God was leading the right path, but He provided a safe level path to cross and protected the from the harm that would have befallen them otherwise. By allowing God to provide the level path, they were able to escape and progress with their journey to the promised land.

I know that too often I want to get to the “promised land” faster than I probably or actually should. I have to remember that the path God has for me is purposeful. He makes it so that I will move at the pace that will produce the fruit He is looking for and ultimately that will provide us with our reward in heaven. I have to remember this and allow Him to lead me on a level path that He chooses and not the quickest route I would like to take to just getting things done.

When you are out there going about things, what path are you looking to take? Are you allowing God to lead your way? What if you allowed God to lead you on a level path regardless of the timeline so that you will reach the destination in the timing that God has for your arrival?

God is always leading me. In the daytime, night time, in good times, and in bad. He is always there to provide me with the direction I need.

“²¹And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.” – Exodus 13:21 (ESV)

Here we see that God was not only with the Israelites as they left Egypt, He provided guidance for them at all times. During the day, they would follow the cloud and by night the fire. Either time, He was with them, leading them through the wilderness toward the promise land.

For me, He is doing the same. Maybe not in such an overt way, by cloud and by fire, but God is leading me all the time. I am not always sure which way to go and it is in those times that I am able to find my way as I read and study His word. I dive into scripture and find just what I am looking for, or at least a direction to take. God leads me to the passages in His word that provide the guidance for my movements and to make sure that I am on the right path.

I will say that just like the Israelites, God does not always take me through the easiest or simplest of routes to where He needs me to go. He provides the path that is needed for me at the time. I may and will still have adversity as I take that path, but when I am being led by God, I am on the right path and He will provide safe passage for me. He led the Israelites through the day and night, and delivered them from Pharaoh at the Red Sea. It was not the easiest of journeys, but He guided them all the way to the promised land.

“²²The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” – Exodus 13:22 (ESV)

God is with me all the way. He leads me, not just when things are going well, but when there are challenges for me to experience. Yes, He guides me through the challenges He allows to be in my way. Whether those challenges are people, things, actions, financial, social, familial, cultural, professional, or whatever other challenges I am to face. He leads me through them all.

When you are out in the world, where are you looking for your guidance? Are you aware that God is with you always? What if you looked to and allowed God to lead you in all?

Promotions and advancements are a good thing to happen. Who would not like to be in a “better” position tomorrow than today. I mean really. More money, more prestige, more responsibility, more stability, more just about everything. I know that I would like and appreciate more or better of just about anything.

“¹¹And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king.” – Esther 5:11 (ESV)

What a great thing for Haman. He was elevated to a high office and rightly, was happy and proud to be in such a position. But, that is where his undoing began. He was proud. He allowed the power and prestige go to his head and it consumed him, taking control of his life.

“²And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. ⁵And Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury.” – Esther 3:2 & 5 (ESV)

The human condition is one of greed and misunderstanding. Actions by the king were not done in haste and for some personal aggrandizement, Haman was elevated to the higher position for a purpose. It was Haman that took the advancement and allowed it to cloud his mind and soul with the thoughts of being “better” than his fellow man. He was angry at someone for simply not bowing down to him. He allowed himself to be filled with hate based on the actions of one person.

“¹⁴Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, ‘Let a gallows fifty cubit high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.’ This idea please Haman, and he had the gallows made.” – Esther 5:14 (ESV)

Wow how fast that escalated, and look how it happened. Haman was already feeling overly proud since he was advanced, and those around him were benefiting from his advancement. He had already hatched a plot to destroy the Jews in the kingdom to “get back” at Mordecai for not bowing down, and now, the people around him were encouraging him to take it a step further and kill the Mordecai. They had let their advancement through Haman take control of their self.

I look here and see the err of allowing advancement go to our head. We are right to want to be taken seriously and seeking to be better than we are. Even God wants for us to be more than just beings here in this world. But, that advancement is for God’s glory and not our own. I have to remember that all that I am is provided by God and for Him. I have been granted provisions, not for me but for Him. He works to give me what I need to do His will. Sometimes that is a bigger, more authoritative position. Sometimes that is more money to give away. Sometime that is more security to work for Him freely. And, sometimes it is just to say thank you for a job well done. I have to remember that God’s actions are all calculated and have a purpose, and I cannot let it consume me nor take control of me. It is all for Him.

What do you think when advancement comes your way or the way of those you know? Do you act proud and believe that it was deserved and that now somehow you or they are now better than others? What if we were to accept advancement and use it to advance the gospel as opposed to advancing ourselves?

This morning I am reading and studying in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Here Paul begins with thanksgiving and prayer as he does in his letters. Then he moves directly into living a life of Christ beginning with advancing the gospel.

“¹²I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, ¹³so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” – Philippians 1:12-13 (ESV)

You can see that Paul is of course maintains his transparency in that he does not shy away from the fact that he is in prison. And everyone knows that he is in prison for advancing the gospel. He is fully aware of the cost to his decision to follow Christ and advance the gospel. I even look here and can see his smile as he tells how everyone is knowing of his reason for being there, as well as in the next verse. It is worth it to Paul in that he has advanced the gospel to all that he has come in contact, regardless of what the consequences are or where he might be at the time.

“¹⁴And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” – Philippians 1:14 (ESV)

Not only does Paul know the cost and is indifferent to it for his sake, but he also knows the result is subjective as well. There are those that will learn and advance the gospel for the glory of God and there are those that will do so in mockery and out of spite.

“¹⁵Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. ¹⁶The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.” – Philippians 1:15-17 (ESV)

I read these 3 verses and see that man will be good and man will be evil. It is not my duty to judge their actions, that is left to God. My role is simply to advance the gospel as Paul did, regardless of the result of my work. God will do the work on the individuals just as He will judge them. I have to understand my role and embrace it for the glory of God.

“¹⁸What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” – Philippians 1:18 (ESV)

Paul understood that any proclamation of the God is good. Whether that proclamation was for Him or against Him, the advance of the gospel took place and God’s word was heard. He knew that if even one life is saved, it is all worth it. The seen result is something that cannot be our concern. We have to be looking for the advance of the gospel and not the result of our actions. God will reward us for the work we are doing when the work is done.

I may not reach everyone that I come in contact, but I have to continue advancing the gospel. I cannot concern myself with what the cost might be, God will care for me by providing for all of my needs. I cannot concern myself with the result of my advance of the gospel, God will cultivate my advancement with those that are interested. It is simply my role to advance the gospel and allow God to take care of the cost and result.

When you are in the world, what does your advance of the gospel look like? Are you “preaching” only in the environments that are favorable and will yield the “best” results? What if you took the approach of Paul and did not worry of the cost or the result and just advanced the gospel to all?

This morning I found it difficult to understand the meanings and lessons, as is often the case. It was not until I dove deeper into the text and the commentary and really studied that I came to know what I believe God wanted from me this morning.

“²⁸Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck down. Thus says the LORD: ‘Rise up, advance against Kedar! Destroy the people of the east! ³¹Rise up, advance against a nation at ease, that dwells securely, declares the LORD, that has no gates or bars, that dwells alone.’” – Jeremiah 49:28 & 31 (ESV)

As I read the full passage of Jeremiah 49:28-33, I was confused as to why the LORD would have wanted the to go to war over nations that had no physical protection. It did not make any sense. I just could not wrap my head around it, that was until I read a passage in Ezekiel that corresponds with verse 31 above.

In Ezekiel 38, there is the prophecy against Gog. Here, the LORD tells Gog that they will go against Israel, a secure nation, and will be destroyed by Him in the process.

Why does this now lead to my understanding? Well, God has plans for all and all of those plans are in place for His glory and not our own. Sometimes there are actions that need to take place that in the now don’t really seem to fit with the plans of God. But later, it will be understood that those actions made complete sense (the old, “hindsight is 20/20” thing).

I am not privy to the overall plans that God has for me, let alone the rest of the world or time. I can only deal with what is in store for me, right now. I have to take it that what God has planned is in accordance with His plan. Even when those plans seem to make no sense at all, like rising up against an unprotected nation. I have to make the decision to follow God and know that He is leading me down the path that will allow me to glorify Him.

I again do not know what will come of my immediate actions, but I do know that my final destination is with God in heaven. I know that my kingdom purpose right now is to provide for the growth and learning for others to improve their lives as an example of the love of Christ. I have to remember that in doing so, I may have to advance when things really do not make sense to me.

When have you had the opportunity to do something that did not make much sense to you? Did you go ahead with it? What if it was in God’s plan and you just went ahead and did it anyway?

“⁷Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” – John 16:7 (ESV)

Jesus was speaking to the fact that He would be leaving this world. He would be going back to be with God. If you just read the last sentence, it would seem that He was abandoning this world and returning to heaven and allowing us to just exist. But you cannot just take my sentence and stop there.

The why He was leaving is of great importance and the actions He took upon leaving are as well. Jesus was leaving because His work was done. He had laid the groundwork and prepared those that would take up the work. He was in charge and developed others to take over when He would leave, and they were ready. I remember reading about Jesus’ development of the disciples in the book by Laurie Beth Jones – “Jesus CEO – Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership”. Here is what she wrote in the chapter titled “He Gave Them Authority”: “Jesus gave his staffers the authority to act in his name even before they seemed ready for it.” Jesus developed His team to do the work without Him.

Jesus knew they could do it. He had readied them for the work. But, as He was leaving, He let them know that He would be sending the “Helper” along to guide them and provide backing for their continuing of the work. He would be headed home, but would not leave them in a lurch. He had prepared them, and now as he leaves, He would be sending them help. The Holy Spirit was not able to come until Jesus sent Him. The “Helper” was ready to be sent, and when the time was right, was able to spring into action. But until SENT, the Holy Spirit waited.

I know that the Holy Spirit is with me as I am in this world. I have to go and do the work that is tasked for me by God. I have been prepared and only need to take action. That action is to go and as I go, the Holy Spirit goes with and comes after me to be the “Helper” Jesus declared Him to be. Without Jesus going, the Holy Spirit would not have come and been able to be everywhere I am and you are and everyone is to “help” us in our work for Him.

When you are in the world what is your awareness that the Holy Spirit was sent as Jesus went? Are you thankful for and using the Holy Spirit in your daily work to accomplish the tasks you have been given by God? What if you and I used the “Helper” as intended by God as He was sent by Jesus?