Meditation

11/15/2021

“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, ‘This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.’ Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they turned out as one man.” (1^st Samuel 11:6-7)

Beloved, passion and innovative leadership come to Spirit-driven leaders. The Spirit gave Saul righteous anger at the blasphemous an proud actions of the Ammonites. He used a symbolic act similar to prophetic acts to arouse the nation to defend itself and it friends.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, You have gifted us with the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of giving us guidance in our lives, that we would stay within Your will always serving You through our actions and words. Let our worship then flow out of grateful hearts. This we pray. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“At my age I’ve learned many things, but the most important two are; ‘There is a God! And I’m not Him!”

KNOWING GOD:

“Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O Lord.’ Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. ‘Why should they say among the people, Where is their God?’” (Joel 2:17)

God’s judgment on His people and their land indicated His absence to some. God is present in the work of discipline as well as in the work of salvation! Priests wee God’s servants, mediating between the people and God. They interceded with God for the people’s needs. Under the new covenant all Christian disciples are priests. Clergy today should intercede for their people as well as preach to them. It’s not that we cannot go to God in prayer, but clergy have a special responsibility and call to do this, as well.

I AM:

“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)

“Prophets” (Hebrew – nabi) means literally “one called out.” The Hebrew prophets believed God had revealed His secrets to them and called them to announce His message. They could not resist speaking to others what God had revealed. All the prophets considered themselves to be spiritual leaders commissioned by God to warn the people concerning the perils of wickedness and to give guidance on moral issues. The prophets were the moral leaders of Israel. They also announced and interpreted God’s actions in history. Under God they were the creative force in the development of Israel’s spiritual greatness. Prophets always have been on the cutting edge in advancing the work of God om the world. All have been filled with enthusiasm as they have sought to advance God’s will. God uses the prophetic voices of His leaders today, to warn and inspire His people. A prophetic dimension should characterize the ministries of all who preach the good news of the gospel. God still needs His leaders to be on the moral cutting edge, but remember, they speak what they are told, not what is on God’s mind!

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.’” (Acts 10:25-26)

Ministry should bring honor and reverence to God, not to human ministers. Peter, one of the apostles, was on a special mission for God when he entered Cornelius’ house. He evidently was surprised when Cornelius fell down in reverence before him. Peter wasted no time in letting him know that such an expression was not appropriate. He was just a man and was due no such reverence. He then went on with his ministry. Spiritual leaders who perform unusual ministries for Christ today need to make sure they are not honored in inappropriate ways. Spiritual leaders point others to God, not to themselves. It is true that those of us who are called into ordained ministry are given titles, but it is also true that we foremost human beings, and can be led astray by “special titles or treatments.” This is what the priests and teachers of the law fell into by seeking special attention for themselves. We may have had special education in the Biblical studies and so on, but we still remain human beings.