When the Spirit Leads

Jesus’ example shows the importance of timing as a key element in leadership. Aligning Himself closely with the Father’s perspective, He recognized the times in which He lived and knew His part of God’s unfolding story. Prompted by the Spirit, He knew when and how to respond to those around Him. Peter, following Jesus’ example, became the first to take Jesus’ message across cultural boundaries. Developing God’s perspective allows us to respond when the time is right. Following our leader, we will be ready to respond when the Spirit leads.

Scripture: The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house.—Acts 11:12

Prayer: Spirit, remind us to wait, to pray, to listen, so that we will recognize Your voice and be ready to respond when You lead. We ask this in Jesus’ name, so that Jesus will be seen and the Father will be exalted in and through our lives, amen.

The Test of Prosperity 

Like our response to adversity, our response to prosperity reveals our hearts. What kind of prosperity do we long for? Do we long for more of God Himself? Do we want a better relationship with Him for ourselves and for others? Do we long to see His love, grace, mercy, justice, and faithfulness characterize the world? Do we work for that in our spheres of influence? How can you steward your energy and resources today to help others prosper in these ways? God has placed us where we are and prospered us for His purposes. Let us serve Him with grateful hearts.

Scripture: Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.—Isaiah 26:12

Prayer: Lord, may we prosper in our relationship with You so that we will be able to lead others into the riches of knowing You and being known by You. May our lives increasingly reflect our gratitude for all You do for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let Us Hear 

Adversity comes into our lives in many ways, and it comes to all of us. Our response to adversity matters, because it reveals the condition of our hearts. When we are at the mercy of forces beyond our control, where do we turn? Do we run, and if so, do we run to God? Do we stand, and if so, do we stand in His strength? Are we changed, and if so, are we changed into Jesus’ likeness?

Scripture: Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me—God  sends forth his love and his faithfulness.—Psalm 57:1-3

Prayer: God, may we find confidence in Your love and faithfulness as we face adversity. May we respond like Jesus, in whose name we pray, amen.

Stand Firm and Hold Fast 

God has given us this day to live, to love, to lead like Jesus. Whatever yesterday held, whatever may come our way tomorrow, we trust it all to Him. Today, this day, we live, love, and lead by faith. Today we live by engaging with each opportunity; we love by honoring those around us; we lead by serving God with heart, head, hands, and habits. Today lies before us. How will our lives and leadership exalt God today?

Scripture: So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.—2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

Prayer: Lord, may we stand firm and hold fast today, living and leading like Jesus, following His example, and exalting You alone. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Simplicity

The simplicity of leading like Jesus focuses on one person’s ability to touch and change the lives of those around them. Living, loving, leading like Jesus. It doesn’t require complex formulas, as the Way of the Carpenter makes clear. It involves being aware of the needs of those around us, and using our resources to meet their needs. Serving, helping, developing. Being present. How can you become more aware of the people around you today?

Scripture: When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. -Mark 6:34

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to impact the world. Who are the people I will come in contact with today? What needs will they bring? How have You equipped me to meet those needs? Open my eyes, fill my heart with compassion for them, show me how I can serve them in Your name, I pray, Amen

Wanted: Wisdom & Courage

How do you contribute to conversations in order to help others align with God’s vision? Where do you find the words to say and the courage to say them? God offers wisdom from above to those who seek Him and desire to see His future come to be, especially to those who are peacemakers. The servant leader looks to God for insight, wisdom, courage, and strength. What circumstances are causing you to look to God for wisdom and courage?

Scripture: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17

Prayer: Lord, open my mouth at the prompting of Your Spirit. Let my words reflect Your wisdom in difficult situations. Keep me from both passivity and impetuous interruption. When it is time to speak, may my words benefit those around me, bringing life, resolving conflict, showing a way forward. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Tested by Praise

How do you respond to being complimented? The ability to receive and respond to praise says much about our inclination to edge God out or exalt Him only. Servant leaders are aware that their ability to be a blessing to others comes from God, and that they are indebted to God and those around them for any success they experience. Sometimes a simple “thank you” is an appropriate response, other times acknowledging the efforts of others and redirecting the praise to them is most apt. How will your response to praise exalt God?

Scripture: The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise. -Proverbs 27:21

Prayer: God, thank You for the gifts You have given me, and for the ability to be a blessing to others. When I receive praise, prompt me to share that praise with others and to look for opportunities to exalt You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

The Secret Peace

Anxiety, worry, and fear are closely related to one another. Together, they combine to form a dark cloud that obscures God's presence, promises, and peace. Writing in very difficult circumstances, Paul shared his secret for overcoming anxiety. First he reminded the Philippians that God was present with them, and to rejoice in that knowledge. Then he told them the secret of exchanging anxiety for peace. Where do you need to follow his advice?

Scripture: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer: God, thank You for Your presence in my life. Thank You for reminding me to pour out my anxieties to You, and to focus on what I can be thankful for. Thank You for hearing me and for giving me peace to guard my heart and mind. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.