Focus
Let your soul take a moment of rest as you hear God’s word. Put your busy schedule, wandering mind, stressful thoughts, and burdened heart at the feet of the cross and open up to God’s voice as the Giver of Life tends your soul.
Read
Jeremiah 23:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
Therefore, the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when it shall no longer be said, “As the Lord lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of Egypt,” but “As the Lord lives who brought out and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven them.” Then they shall live in their own land.
Reflect
What does good leadership look like? What do you look for in a good leader or what are the general qualities for leading? The quality I look for in a leader is the ability to set an example. Rather than the person telling me what to do, I need to see him or her do it.
During the summer of 2012, I had the wild idea to ride my bicycle around Memphis and deliver food and supplies to people that appeared to be in need. I thought it would be fun and I would be combining two things I loved: bicycles and ministry. The craziest thing happened. When people saw me doing it, they wanted to join. That idea quickly turned into a non-profit organization that serves hundreds of people affected by homelessness.
I believe that every individual with the Spirit of Christ in them has a unique gift to offer. In other words, we are all leaders and we have the opportunity to lead and set an example for our gracious God. How is God calling you to lead your neighbors in your community? How is God calling you to set an example for the glory of God?
Pray
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the many opportunities that you provide for us. Help us to seize and embrace those opportunities by leading our neighbors into service for the glory of the Kingdom. Let those who witness our actions see you in us. And, let them be filled with your Spirit. In Christ we come to you, AMEN
Go with God!
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