Through the Storm

Taking a break from Joshua, let's switch our focus to finding strength through the storms life throws our way.

Sometimes life throws us trials that seem impossible to surpass. We may be going through a peaceful time, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, life slaps you in the face. In those times, we must remember that God is not the one against us. In Romans 8:31-32, Paul says, “What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He Who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” Rest assured: If you are in Christ, He is for you! Chris Tomlin sings, “And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then who can stand against?!” (“Our God”)

There may even be times when we do think that things have gotten so bad that God has something against us. We may think, God, what have I done that you have brought this on me? In those times, remember, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:9-10) Look carefully at how that verse is written. Jesus has never forsaken His people. It is not in His nature to do so! Even in the Old Testament times, when He was grieved at the ways of His people, He relented and kept a remnant alive. If He cared that much for His people then, He cares that much for us now, for, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

God is there with you through everything, thick and thin, trials and triumphs. Psalm 112:4 says, “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” Furthermore, verses 7 and 8 say, “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” These verses present promises! First, we are promised light in the darkness. This is reiterated in Psalm 109:105, which says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Jesus Himself is the Light of the World! If you have His Spirit in you, the light is in you and with you always!

We will not fear bad news! How can that be? Fear is in the human nature. However, we are to live by the Spirit, not by the flesh, if we have the Holy Spirit in us (see Romans 8:5). And when living by the Spirit, we have God’s love. And God is love. Going on from there, we can look at 1 John 4:18 which says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Conclusion: With God, we shall not fear! Chris Tomlin sings, “I know Who goes before me; I know Who stands behind. The God of angel armies is always by my side. The One Who reigns forever: He is a friend of mine. The God of angel armies is always by my side!” (“Whom Shall I Fear”)

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells you to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” There are two parts there that we must remember in order to take hold of the second promise provided in Psalm 112:7. We must not only trust in God wholeheartedly, but we must also learn not to lean on what our mortal minds can comprehend. God is above all and through all and in all. Our minds cannot comprehend what He really is and how much He really loves us. How are we to overcome this hurdle? Trust in Him. Believe that He means what He says and that He will fulfill all of His promises! And those promises are found in His Word, which is available to us!

Next, take a closer look at Psalm 112:8 (presented above): “In the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” This can be taken multiple ways, and I think that each can be applicable to their respective situations. After we have made it through a storm, we can look back and realize that God was with us and that He brought us through it. We were victorious over that situation! And, in the grand scheme of things, when He returns, we will be victorious! So, no matter how you look at it, with Jesus in control (and He is in control), we are victorious! He even promises us that in His Word! Psalm 60:12 tells us, “With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.” If we are unable to conquer our enemies (due to our human limitations), He will trample them! What does this tell us? He backs us up when we walk with Him and trust in Him!

One key aspect in all of this is patience. Psalm 27:14 tells us to, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” We have to remember that God has His own timing. We must trust that He knows what He is doing. And through all of it, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.” (Psalm 145:18-19)  He does hear us and will save us! That is quite comforting to know!

God also gives us peace so that we can make it through our sufferings. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” He has not given us peace as if from the world. Instead, He has provided us with His peace! He is with us! “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (See Romans 8:31.)

In everything, we must trust in God and place our faith in Him. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:7-8a)  At the sound of Jesus’ Name, Satan must flee! He has no choice! Furthermore, when we draw near to God instead, He comes close to us as well! Take the story of the Prodigal Son. He saw his son far off, and ran to him. That is how God comes to His children (that’s us)!

We should cast all of our anxiety on Jesus. Why? Because He cares for us! (See
1 Peter 5:7.) And when we turn over our trials, fears, problems, and shortcomings, and truly let them go, He takes them and replaces all of the negativity with His strength! And with that, we can and will persevere and make it through anything life throws our way!

Finally, after we have placed our trust in Him, we can have confidence that we are already victorious! Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”  “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)

Pray this prayer: Father, Thank You for never leaving me and for never forsaking me. I acknowledge that You are God in heaven above and on the earth below. Nothing is impossible with You. I lift my problems up to You. I know that You are with me through this storm, and I trust that You will bring me through it. Thank You for saving me and walking along with me. I know that Your love will bring me through this. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

God bless you!

Joshua: Chapter 3

There is one distinct leadership characteristic that radiates throughout Joshua Chapter 3: Leaders must have followers. And good leaders influence their followers to get them to go in their direction.

First, we see Israel's officers giving orders to the nation: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it." (vv. 3-4, NIV) Israel's officers gave clear directions to the people. Leaders must be able to communicate clearly and effectively so that their followers can come in behind them in the proper manner.

Then, in verse 6, we see an example of the people following their leader. "Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.' So they took it up and went ahead of them." (NIV) Note the cause-and-effect situation here. Joshua gave the order, and the priests followed his direction. This is an essential dynamic that must take place between the leader and his followers in order for things to get done effectively.

So, first we see the officers giving direction to the people. Then Joshua giving directions to the officers. Next, we see God talking to Joshua. (Note that, even though there is an increase in rank, leaders still have someone they need to follow, up to the point of God Himself, who Maxwell titles the Ultimate Leader.) In verse 7, God tells Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses." (NIV) For the nation of Israel to operate in the proper manner, and do so effectively, the general populace needed to look to the officers for direction, who looked to Joshua for their orders, who looked to God for guidance. And the fact that Joshua looked to God before seeking anyone else made his leadership real and effective.

While you may be a leader, you probably have someone you have to follow as well. Take the example of Joshua. He held Israel's leading rank as far as mankind was concerned. However, he needed to look to God for guidance on what he was to do. It is very important to remember that, while you may have the highest title in an organization, you still have someone that you need to look to and follow, even if it is only to God Himself.

Ask God to help you better yourself as a leader. But also remember to ask Him to mold you into a better follower as well. Taking the two together, with God's guidance, you can do amazing things!

God bless you!

Joshua: Chapter 2

Good leadership characteristics are portrayed in Joshua Chapter 2. One cannot lead others if they are not willing to follow. Joshua was able to get his people to follow him.

Right away, in verse 1, we see that Joshua told his followers to go, and they went! That took influence. As Maxwell points out in his Law of Influence, "Leadership is influence--nothing more, nothing less." If you cannot influence your followers, how can you expect them to follow you? In fact, I believe that it is impossible for someone to follow another if there is no influence. There must be some reason that a person follows another, or they wouldn't be following!

Maxwell points out that Joshua came to leadership at a time when Israel needed military leadership. And that is plain to see, as the book of Joshua has a lot to do with the conquest of Canaan. Through this example, we learn that, though someone may be a leader, he or she is not always suited for every situation. A leader has specific strengths, and God can call him to lead when the situation best fits his skillset.

Another example of the Law of Influence comes from a person we might least expect it from: Rahab, the prostitute. God changed Rahab's heart and used her for good, to help His people take the Promised Land. Maxwell points out that God chose her, "because leadership depends less on titles than it does on influence." He mentions that Rahab was considered lower than the lower-class citizens because of her profession. Yet God chose her to do His will. God is able to use anyone, as long as they are willing to follow His direction and trust Him. "Wise leaders remember that God sees the human heart." (Maxwell)

Chapter 2 provides proof that God changed Rahab's heart and thus was able to use her. In the second part of verse 11, Rahab says, "for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below."  Furthermore, the oath sworn between her and the spies she requested be made in the Lord's Name. God used Rahab to influence the Israelite people in a positive way and helped the spies to carry out the commands Joshua gave them. God used her in his plan despite her position.

We see two distinct examples of leadership in this chapter. Joshua was indeed a leader, appointed by God, to help the Israelite nation. Rahab was also given the opportunity to lead by helping the spies. In doing so, she saved the lives of her family and herself. Both of these cases boil down to one thing: Influence. To conclude, I leave you with the words of John Maxwell: "Leadership is influence--nothing more, nothing less."

God bless you!

Joshua: Chapter 1

After praying to God about studying one book in particular (I didn't have one in mind at the time), I asked Him to help me choose one to study. He led me to Joshua. And Joshua is a great book for leaders to study, as the man was indeed a leader, and one that we can model ourselves after.

 First of all, Joshua's call to leadership came straight from the Lord Himself. In the second part of verse 5, the Lord tells Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6-8 also backs up that claim that the Lord is always with us. No matter what God has called you to, it should be comforting to know that you're not in it alone! And for leaders, while we are called to lead others, we must also submit to God, whom John C. Maxwell calls The Ultimate Leader.

What does it take to be a leader? One thing is courage. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Further confirmation of this teaching can be found in Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:7-8, and Jeremiah 1:8. The band Casting Crowns reiterates, "We were made to be courageous! We were made to lead the way!" ("Courageous") God has called us not to worrisome leadership, but to courageous leadership! He is with us! Why should we be afraid?

Furthermore, not only did God tell Joshua to take courage, but his followers continued the call, telling him, at the end of verse 18, "Only be strong and courageous!" Under Joshua's leadership, the nation of Israel was pointed toward God and followed Him. Where does your leadership take your followers? Do you point them to a Godly life?

As you take on new endeavors, whether they involve leadership or not, take note of what the Life Application Study Bible has to say: "Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life's challenges." Don't cower back and say that you are incapable or that you do not have what it takes. Remember, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12)

No matter what you face, trust God to lead you. Say to yourself, "Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world!" (That comes from MercyMe's song "Greater.")

Ask God to give you the faith and the courage that Joshua had so that you can be a great leader for God! No matter what, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Pray this simple prayer: "God, please lead me so that I can lead others. In Jesus' Name. Amen!" The first part of the Serenity prayer may also help if you are facing difficulties: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

God bless you!

Overcoming Unbelief

Have you ever felt like what you do doesn't matter? Have you ever thought that you are doing everything for nothing? Those sorts of thoughts have crossed my mind a few times, and it is likely that they have crossed the minds of some of you as well. However, that mindset is from the devil. He is trying to bring you down and distract you and make you forget that God has a purpose for you!

Steven Curtis Chapman sings a song called, "Do Everything." He sings, "While I may not know you, I bet I know you wonder sometimes, Does it matter at all? Well, let me remind you, it all matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of the One Who made you, 'cause He made you to do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face and tell the story of grace with every move that you make, and every little thing you do." Let these lyrics sink in as I move forward to back up Chapman's words with Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (NIV)

No matter what you may think, God has a plan for your life. And that plan can be strengthened by accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior, if you haven't already. He is the only Way to heaven, as John 14:6 says, " 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.' " (NIV) In Romans 10:9-10, my favorite Scripture verses, Paul says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV) It all begins with Christ. He is where we find our purpose!

John C. Maxwell notes, "Trust and obey God, because He is the ultimate Judge." Faith and trust in God are very powerful tools. Proverbs 3:5-6 even says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)

While all of this can apply to anyone, these next points especially apply to leaders.

Maxwell points out ten ways that godly leaders should think. He answers the question, "So, how are godly leaders to think?" His points are as follows (each is a direct quote):

1. Godly leaders think big: They realize God's vision is usually bigger than theirs.
2. Godly leaders think other people: They always include others in the mix.
3. Godly leaders think continually: They're not satisfied with today's answers.
4. Godly leaders think bottom line: They want to see results and fruit.
5. Godly leaders think continual growth: They want to keep improving.
6. Godly leaders think without lines: They let God outside of the box.
7. Godly leaders think victory: They want to see God's rule come to earth.
8. Godly leaders think intuitively: They have a sense of what will work.
9. Godly leaders think servanthood: They want to serve and add value to people.
10. Godly leaders think quickly: They evaluate quickly and see possible answers.

Let's take a look at one of these points in particular. We can view Number 9 in light of what Jesus said in Matthew 20:28: " 'Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.' " (NIV) And we are to follow Christ's example of servanthood. Even leaders are able to do this by being servant leaders, serving their followers and not thinking of themselves more highly than they ought to (see Romans 12:3).

Thinking is very powerful. We should not become like those Paul speaks of in Romans 1:21: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile..." (NIV)

After all, having doubts and not believing in oneself begins with one's thoughts, right???? However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and, provided that we take hold of it and allow it to, it can shed bright light in even the darkest places.

In his song, "Only a Mountain," Jason Castro sings, "Just a little bit of faith can change it all, change it all! This is only a mountain; you don't have to find your way around it. Tell it to move; it'll move! Tell it to fall; it'll fall! This is only a moment; you don't have to let your fear control it. Tell it to move; it'll move! Tell it to fall; it'll fall!"

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says, " 'I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.' " (NIV) Let's take special note of a word used in this verse. Jesus did not say that the mountain may move. No, He says that it will move! There is definite power in the Name of Jesus, and that power is bestowed upon those who place their faith and hope in Him!

The Life Application Study Bible commentates the following on that verse: "If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Only then will your work for Him become useful and vibrant."

I have explained all of that to conclude with this: We should not doubt! " ' "If you can"?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' " (Mark 9:23-24, NIV) Replace your doubts, fears, and unbelief with faith and trust in Jesus and His promises!

Father, thank You for everything You have given me. I am blessed abundantly, spiritually and materially. Forgive me for all of my sins, including unbelief. Increase my faith and help me to trust in You more and more. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

God bless you!

Godly Counsel

Hillsong sings, " 'Cause the enemy has been defeated! Death couldn't hold You down! We're gonna lift our voice in victory! We're gonna make Your praises loud! Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Shout unto God with a voice of praise! Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! We lift Your Name up! We lift Your Name up!" ("Shout Unto God") No matter what we're going through and no matter what lies ahead, we have the victory because of Christ. He is our Victory! "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV)

In 1 Samuel 19:2-3, Jonathan tells David, " 'My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I'll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.' " (NIV) Jonathan helped his friend David succeed, even as David led Israel. Maxwell says, "Jonathan remained faithful to his comrade until the very end of his life." Successful leadership requires the leader to rely on others for help in times of need. And even when things are going well, others should share in the victories inasmuch as the leader relies on them during the trials.

Leadership is not a solo endeavor. Above all, a leader needs to follow God and seek Him for knowledge and guidance. To strengthen this leadership dynamic, one should also seek advice from godly friends and colleagues. Ecclesiastes 4:12b says, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (NIV) Those from whom a leader seeks counsel should serve to point back toward God, the Ultimate Leader, and to His guidance. There is no better help available than from our Father!

Maxwell asks, "Who are your friends that 'strengthen your hand in God?' "

Several came to mind when I read this question. Josh, one of my friends from OSUIT, helps to keep me on the right path in God. Kady, another friend I met in Okmulgee, does the same and has helped me through many trials. And I now have found a friend in JJ, a coworker of mine who is also a brother in Christ. Further, Hannah and Kerri have proven to be good friends of mine and very helpful at work. And there are many other brothers and sisters in Christ in whom I have found friendship and help in times of need and fellowship in times of peace.

Ask that question of yourself. Who can you rely on to keep your focus on Christ?

Father, thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. Among Your gifts are godly friends to lead me along the right path and help to keep me on it. Thank You for guidance in my leadership, work, and life overall. All I have is from You. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

God bless you!

Submitting to Governing Authorities

Steven Curtis Chapman sings, "Something Beautiful." Beginning from God's perspective, he sings, "'I'm gonna turn it into something different. I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all in the hands of the Father! Give it up, give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful!"

By following God and His direction and leadership, we allow Him to mold us and create us, including our mistakes, mess-ups, and downfalls, into something beautiful in His hands!

Today's key Scripture is Romans 13:1-2, which says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." (NIV)

Note that Paul mentions twice that God has established the authorities! In the Old Testament (specifically Genesis 41:1-40), God presented a dream to Pharaoh in two forms. Verse 32 says, "'The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God...'" (NIV) Two times God presented the dream to Pharaoh, and two times His word says that authority has been established by Him. Do you see the connection?

By instructing us to obey authorities, God is not trying to remove our freedom. Rather, He is ensuring that we are able to trust that He knows what He is doing in guiding us. And to that point, how can we learn to submit to God, Who is not physically seen, if we cannot submit to those people whom He has physically given us? If we are able to pass this test, we show God that He can entrust others to our care as leaders.

Maxwell says, "God simply provides us with an authority test. Before we will ever become leaders of integrity, we must learn to follow other leaders, regardless of differences." We must learn to properly follow before we can effectively lead.

It all comes down to matters of the heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV, emphasis added) Put your trust in Him (with all your heart) and let Him turn your life into something beautiful! Maxwell mentions, "When we refuse to demand our own way and instead submit to others, our hearts are right. This is when God can trust us to lead others."

We must remember that authority is established by God. Does that only include those who pass laws? Does it only refer to the head leader of a nation, such as the President? No. That even includes us, as leaders whom God has called to such a task. We have to remember that, if we are to remain in a proper relationship with our followers, we have to let God, the Ultimate Leader, guide us so that we can lead others.

Maxwell asks, "What authorities do you need to submit to?"

My bosses came to mind. If you work, you have to follow the direction of your boss, right? If you don't, you probably won't have that job for much longer. Furthermore, we must follow God, for He is the ultimate authority!

Reflect on that question for yourself, keeping in mind Romans 13:1-2.

Father God, thank You for Your many gifts and blessings to me, both spiritual and physical. If we, as humans, know how to bestow good gifts unto our children, how much more so You to us! Please help me to properly submit to authorities. Guide me always, and help me to follow Your guidance. The, please be with me as I lead others. I hold onto Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You for that! I know that You are turning me and my story into something beautiful! I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I praise You and thank You for that! I love You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

God bless you!