Leader, Draw Near

Today's Scripture reading comes from Matthew 5:1-2, quoting from the NASB:

"When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them saying…"

How do you behave in a crowd? How do you know what to do and what not to do? Does your Christ like behavior identify you as different, and do others find you approachable? Jesus' demeanor generally drew others to Him. He was not prickly, rude, arrogant, or stingy with His wisdom. On the hillside where He delivered the beatitudes, Jesus in the presence of many and in the company of His disciples freely shared wisdom for living.

For many who lead and influence others, the right words may not always seem self-evident. One may be tempted to play it safe by delivering some writer's scripted lines or by taking the path of least resistance in the arenas of work or relationships. When it is not clear exactly what to say, we can safely rely on God's Spirit for guidance. The presence of the Holy Spirit will aid in knowing how and what to speak. Jesus sat on a hillside and out came words for living, words relevant to each and every one who listened. Being fully God, Jesus could be expected to know what to speak to every man, but what about us mortals? As we set Christ apart in our hearts and make studying God's word a priority, we too can know how to answer every man, whether in the board room, at a lunch table, in the workplace or on the golf course.

Jesus also encountered individuals, including the solitary woman at the well. Likewise, many of our encounters occur one on one and are no less significant than large group interactions. They may, in fact, be more significant or impactful. The issue often boils down to speaking when the Spirit prompts! Knowing how to respond actually starts before the encounter. Time spent in reading, studying, meditating, and memorizing Scripture will extensively aid how the Spirit directs conversation.

When we do not fully grasp all the parameters of the here and now, the Holy Spirit does and will give understanding at the right time. The disciples did not fully grasp all of Jesus' teachings while in His presence. They grew in depth of understanding as they continued in the Scriptures and in the Spirit.

How about you? Are you discerning God's voice when you find yourself speaking to many, a few, or one on one? Just as Jesus spent much time in prayer and solitude with God, the basis of our responses may be proportional to the time we spend with God in study of the Scriptures.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

The Holy Spirit gives conversation discernment as we…

1. First, spend time with God in study.
2. Second, trust the Spirit for the response.
3. Third, listen for His voice.

// About the Narrator

Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Genesis 7:1, quoting from the NASB:

"Then the LORD said to Noah, 'Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time.'"

In the midst of man's evil and God's displeasure with him, Noah found favor "in the eyes of God." When all around you are caught up in misbehavior, unethical practices and wickedness, how should you respond?

Noah's example gives us a significant testimony of godly behavior and influence in the home that we can also adopt as leaders in the workplace. Noah refused to compromise amidst mass self-indulgence and lawlessness. Father to three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—Noah erected a lasting, godly influence for them and for us. Noah behaved honorably and did not allow the evil of his day to shape him. "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God." He cultivated right thinking and keen discernment, a safeguard for the godly in an ungodly culture.

When we have our eyes set on godly living, the lust of the flesh has no attraction. We will dare to do bold things for God, and we will influence others. Noah was 600 years old when he, his wife, his sons, and their wives boarded the ark. For roughly 100 years while the ark was under construction, Noah's convincing example was so credible that his sons followed their father's lead throughout the project. And what of the centuries before construction started? The Lord's commendation is "You alone I have seen to be righteous before me in this time."

Cynics will say: No one else listened to Noah. Why is he such a noteworthy person? As a father and leader, the more I think of Noah's influence in his sons' lives, the more it blows me away. He reared three boys without rebellion in those pre-Flood days!

What has God commissioned you to do? In your vocation or avocation, are you aware of the influence that your obedience is positioning you to wield? In your home, church, community, and work, steady obedience to God's always perfect, sometimes counter intuitive directions for living is still the way to distinguish yourself for God in your time. Positive influence on others requires full obedience.

I am impressed that Noah's influence over his sons was greater than the negative influences around them. Noah honored God, and his sons followed suit.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

We can learn much about influencing others from God's commendation of Noah.

1. First, be intentional about making a lasting, positive influence in the life of another.
2. Second, be aware that influence is often a function of others watching our non-polished or non-published actions.
3. Third, obediently perform what God has given you to do and keep at it.

// Monthly Evaluation

It's time for a quick monthly evaluation. Point your browser to ocfusa.org/LDNpodcast or check out the show notes for a link to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.

// About the narrator

Maj Gen Rick Martin recently retired from a 36-year Air Force career and is now involved with various nonprofit organizations and serves as a consultant in San Antonio. During his Air Force career he flew 5000+ hours in a dozen aircraft and served on numerous headquarters staffs with multiple deployments in Southwest Asia and the Middle East. Rick and his family have enjoyed many decades of connection with OCF ministry and have a heart to reach military members and families for Christ.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Exodus 3:14, quoting from the NASB:

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

Ever had the feeling of being inadequate for a task, but deep down inside you knew you had to take it on? The situation or event was yours to win or lose, but your internalized anxiety hindered your ability to believe that things would end well. That lack of faith is not the Commander's desire for us. Rather, His intent is that we stretch ourselves to demonstrate bold and courageous faith. The faith required to act on the seemingly unfeasible plans of God may take us well outside our comfort zones. It may well force a confession or a denial of God's sufficiency, of His simply being enough. Moses had a similar dilemma.

Moses made many excuses. He could visualize no plan that resulted in successfully bringing God's people out of Egypt. Moses might have thought: Lord, what you're asking me to do is impossible. He asked, "Who am I?" God did not ask Moses if he wanted to go to Pharaoh. He told him, I am sending you. In so doing, He extended to Moses the assurance that he (Moses) was indeed sufficient for the task because God himself would be present: "I will be with you." Later in Exodus 33:15, Moses declares, "If your presence will not go (with us), do not carry us up from this place."

Though Moses' response is still tenuous, he is coming to understand the power that accompanies His presence. Distress and discouragement—the unwelcomed duo—are banned from His presence. Anxiety is checked at the door, and faithlessness becomes courageous faith in action.

God will do no less for the committed servant leader than He would do for Moses. He will act to uproot discouragement and, often, remove obstacles. He will give favor in the face of the unreasonable and will prevail over disagreeable circumstances. We must come to see the right and necessary action as His idea, His plan, and His intention. We must come to terms with the action of an infallible God choosing fallible man to execute His great plans.

When faced with matters that seem insurmountable, revisit the full text of God's mission for Moses, move ahead in faith, and walk confidently in the assurance of God's presence in demanding circumstances. Courageously strive to fulfill His intent.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

1. First, God gives insight, creativity, and wisdom to meet all tasks He asks of us. Trust His leadership.
2. Second, when done according to His plan, no necessary action is unfeasible. Express confidence in God's promised presence and faithfulness.
3. Third, rely on God's provision. Feasibility studies are said to be the doorway to action. Make your stand here: God is trustworthy and true.

// About the narrator

Maj Gen Rick Martin recently retired from a 36-year Air Force career and is now involved with various nonprofit organizations and serves as a consultant in San Antonio. During his Air Force career he flew 5000+ hours in a dozen aircraft and served on numerous headquarters staffs with multiple deployments in Southwest Asia and the Middle East. Rick and his family have enjoyed many decades of connection with OCF ministry and have a heart to reach military members and families for Christ.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Luke 9:54, quoting from the New King James Version:

"And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?'"

There are few things in life I know for certain. I can be wrong; I am subject to make mistakes. I cannot help but wonder about James and John when they cited Elijah's act of calling down fire from heaven to destroy the messengers from Samaria. Apparently, they saw some parallels between the Old Testament Samaritan king Ahaziah's response to the man of God (Elijah) and the Samaritans who did not welcome Jesus at His arrival. James and John perhaps succumbed to a mistaken understanding of Jesus' purpose.

Sometimes, we respond from ignorance either through lack of compassion or failure to grasp the big picture. James and John's compassionless desire to call fire down from heaven on a people, who would later welcome Jesus and the gospel into their borders, demonstrates not only a lack of compassion, but also insensitivity to Jesus' bigger purpose. Jesus' response to James and John's desire to rain down death and destruction gives us the Master's leadership attitude, one which we should emulate in response to personal rejection.

Servant leaders who seek to minister to all people groups must do so with a spirit of compassion. The compassionate Christian leader would do well to strive to express the heart of Christ. Controlled and sparingly used, anger or aggression might be an appropriate response to quell selfish, sinful acts. However, the decision to turn from hot emotions as a response to rejection and insensitivity and to "shake the dust off your feet," can lead one to turn to Christ for His big picture perspective. This demonstrates the better part of spiritual valor.

Jesus said He "did not come to destroy lives but to save them." If one's tendency is to write people off when there is disagreement, might this have the same effect as "commanding fire" or wishing another dead, spiritually dead that is. The gospel message is for all people and the servant leader does not withhold the message at the first sign of personal rejection.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

Consider this Spirit directed response to tough circumstances, resistance, or rejection:

1. First, Pray. Ask God for His perspective and for a compassionate spirit when dealing with difficult people. Desire to know the heart of Christ when emotions would evoke an angry, fleshly response.
2. Second, Practice. Exercise patience with others, especially those who seem insensitive or ignorant to spiritual matters. Patience manifests compassion and replaces anger and aggression with gentleness and sincere concern.
3. Third, Picture. Focus on the big picture. Appreciate the fact that God has a far larger perspective and plan than we sometimes comprehend. Strive to be in sync with God. It is not His desire that any should perish.

// About the narrator

Maj Gen Rick Martin recently retired from a 36-year Air Force career and is now involved with various nonprofit organizations and serves as a consultant in San Antonio. During his Air Force career he flew 5000+ hours in a dozen aircraft and served on numerous headquarters staffs with multiple deployments in Southwest Asia and the Middle East. Rick and his family have enjoyed many decades of connection with OCF ministry and have a heart to reach military members and families for Christ.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Hebrews 11:6, quoting from the New King James Version:

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Faith expresses not only belief in God's redemptive act, but also active acceptance of the Lord's palpable presence in our lives. God is for us and thus permeates our thoughts, prayers, and actions. Confidence in God's redemptive act must be without degree, yet our behavior as those who believe in the God of the Holy Scriptures is marked with imperfection. Those listed in Hebrews "faith hall of fame" were faithful, but they were also fallible human beings who committed faithless acts. Faith marks itself in acts of belief in the character of God and in His faithfulness to us through Himself.

The better we understand God's character, the better we will demonstrate belief. As a young 21-year-old, I checked myself into the hospital for significant surgery that would medically qualify me for an Air Force commission. With no health insurance and less than five dollars to my name, I took action consistent with my belief that God would take care of the hospital bill. I did not know how He would do this, but I had no doubt that He would provide. The day following my surgery, two men walked into my hospital room. They said, "We want to pay your hospital bill." I was blown away! These people did not know me nor I them, and I don't know how they found me or how they knew of my need. I signed a form and that was the end of it. I never even received a bill. "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." I expected God would work something out for my medical expenses, and He did. He did it right away. That said, how does one reconcile results that go contrary to what one prays?

Jesus' disciples witnessed the immediate demise of a fig tree. Jesus responded, "If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, it will happen." This was not the first time Jesus called out the disciples' faith. However, Jesus' statement, "If you have faith and do not doubt," should lead those who call themselves followers of Christ to check their faith or belief rhythm.

Do you maintain a barometer of your expressed faith? Jesus said, "All things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." This is not "name it and claim it." This is not, "I know what is best, so hand it over, God." This is "nevertheless, not my will but thine be done." If we falter in unbelief when our prayers seem to go unanswered, let us not fail to recognize who is in the boat with us.

"Why are you afraid, you men of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm." Our belief should be that God will maintain the integrity of His character and that He will do good for us in the final analysis. Yes, I hear it. The words of the father whose boy was tormented by a spirit echo in my heart: "I do believe; help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). How do we hit a faith rhythm that repeatedly expresses belief without doubt, belief that what we ask will be done according to His will?

Faith, like any muscle, requires exercise. Faith enlarges our leadership effectiveness, enables us to achieve the mission, and makes us more capable of serving others. Those who follow your lead will note your faith in action and prayerfully glorify God.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

1. First, Pray and Rejoice. Let prayer and thanksgiving be our ready.
2. Second, Believe. Trust and have confidence in knowing that God always acts according to His will.
3. Third, Genuine faith is active. Commit your ways to God, and trust his leading.

// About the narrator

Maj Gen Rick Martin recently retired from a 36-year Air Force career and is now involved with various nonprofit organizations and serves as a consultant in San Antonio. During his Air Force career he flew 5000+ hours in a dozen aircraft and served on numerous headquarters staffs with multiple deployments in Southwest Asia and the Middle East. Rick and his family have enjoyed many decades of connection with OCF ministry and have a heart to reach military members and families for Christ.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Matthew 16:24, quoting from the New King James Version:

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'"

Who wants to "deny" himself? What does it mean exactly, and how is it done? Look around you and observe. Ours is not a society that particularly thrives on self-denial.

I will be the first to say, there is nothing wrong with having. The problem comes when possessions have us and when our minds are not on God's interests but on man's. It is not natural to give up our self-interest or to sacrifice for others. The thought of doing without is not an ingredient the typical leader prefers. We do not like having fewer resources than the mission requires.

However, we must ask ourselves what might be facilitated through self-denial and in making Christ our all. Denial of self might translate to, "But whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Joy in service then becomes the byproduct of giving oneself unreservedly to God's interests.

Self-denial leads to the possibility of flourishing, both professionally and spiritually. It might lead one to integrate faith with one's profession. Where do the two intersect? One might ask if there is anything "actionable" that shows one how to take up his cross or that projects spiritual integrity into the workplace.

Some professions require an oath to demonstrate commitment to the profession. The Christian and Christian leader must also determine the extent of his or her faith commitment in service.

One might think that through self-denial one forfeits what is due him. The opposite is true. Through such renunciation, we gain and what is given up is repaid. God knows what we give up in service to Him. The fact that He will "repay" represents His recognition and appreciation.

While our flesh does not like the idea of giving up or accepting less, it benefits us to do so. In the words of Jim Elliot, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

The leader whose commander is the Lord knows who controls his destiny. The tug of fleshly desires is weakened when I take my mind off my own interests and focus on God's interests. When I do that, I am, in effect, denying myself.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

1. First, Are justice, kindness, and humble service the tenor of your leadership?
2. Second, Are you genuinely concerned for the welfare of others?
3. Third, As you consider workplace or home productivity, are you willing to be ruled by godly wisdom even if it runs counter to your "get-it-done-now" approach?

// Monthly Evaluation

It's time for a quick monthly evaluation. Point your browser to ocfusa.org/LDNpodcast or check out the show notes for a link to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.

// About the narrator

Chris Blake is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and serves as OCF Chief of Staff. In his role, Chris is responsible for the daily management, supervision, and oversight of all organizational wide activities. This includes direct management of all home office support activities, supervision of conference center directors, and of all field operations that execute ministry programs and initiatives serving member officers and their families through our lay-led and staff led outreaches on university campuses, military bases, military academies, and conference centers.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from 2 Timothy 1:7, quoting from the New King James Version:

"For God has not given to us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind [discipline]."

What is your synonym for "fear?" Is it trepidation, apprehension, alarm or dread? Whatever your definition, that is the side of 2 Timothy 1:7 you need to address. My synonym for "fear" is anxiety. I admit it. I can get anxious about a thing or two. As recently as yesterday I became anxious over an issue.

Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14 for a full appreciation of Paul's response to Timothy's fear. Paul acknowledged that Timothy's "sincere faith" was in need of a fresh rekindling. God reminded me that dwelling within me is the antidote to fear, which is trust. This reminder led me to an appropriate response to what troubled me. Once I quieted myself, prayed, and then acted, peace returned.

God certainly has not given those who trust Him a spirit of fear. What He has given us, though, is His Holy Spirit, who guides us to apt responses or actions that quell our concerns and calm our anxious hearts. Further, He has given us power, love, and discipline.

It is hard to imagine an earthly matter these three cannot surmount. Beware. As with Timothy, fear can cause us to stifle the gift God has given. Do not allow shame or any form of apathy to keep you from living out your call to serve according to His purpose. As followers of Christ, as servants, as leaders, we would be well advised to take our own advice. Commit your ways to God and trust Him in your circumstances.

How was your walk with the Lord yesterday? How do you want your walk to be with Him tomorrow? As an act of faith, trust God to reveal the response you need to what concerns you. What other lessons can we draw from Paul's comments to Timothy?

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

1. First, God has entrusted to you a treasured, indwelling gift.
2. Second, Sometimes we need the help of another to reignite our gift.
3. Third, Though we may have backed away from what God called us to, He is always willing to reenlist us in service. He wants us to keep our faith on the line.

From what fear do you need to be delivered? Rescue is yours for the asking. Trust Him to reignite your gift in faithful service to Him.

// About the narrator

Chris Blake is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and serves as OCF Chief of Staff. In his role, Chris is responsible for the daily management, supervision, and oversight of all organizational wide activities. This includes direct management of all home office support activities, supervision of conference center directors, and of all field operations that execute ministry programs and initiatives serving member officers and their families through our lay-led and staff led outreaches on university campuses, military bases, military academies, and conference centers.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Hebrews 4:12, quoting from the NASB:

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

When I am suddenly arrested by God's word, it becomes immediately apparent that God is commanding my attention. He is redirecting my swayed focus to sharpen or to compel me to obedience. God sometimes invades my private world because I have lost sight of Him.

In all my doing and achieving, I have somehow blundered off the course charted for me by Christ, my Captain. Secular directives and instructions compel compliance. The Word of the Lord, however, has another effect. It penetrates the heart and compels an obedient response—it is life changing and course changing. His penetrating Word exposes and lays bare all to God.

So how does the leader practice the presence of God in response to His Word? God gives us every measure of guidance we need: "Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left." Ours is to listen, respond and dutifully obey. Some respond to the Word of God with "So what next?" or "Why now?"

The sudden squall of God to return to shore is an inconvenience or even a challenge to their plans. Others incorporate His direction and make it an active part of their daily activities. The intentional spiritual leader strives daily to integrate God's directives into his/her thoughts, conversations, and actions. Believing that the greatest impact will come from yielding to the preeminent Word, that leader strives to glorify God through the influence he has in service to others.

The Lord's living and active Word inspires completeness and excellence in each task. It also confirms. Often the Lord says, "Stay the course." Finally, the Word judges and discerns our thoughts. This knowing encourages us to cast every care upon Him, who alone can handle the full range of human emotion and hurt. We can trust Him with our heart and with our deepest concerns.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 4 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

God's Word changes us! A disciplined regimen of practiced behavior perfects an obedient response to God.

1. First, Pray. Disclose all to the one who knows the intentions of our heart.
2. Second, Listen. Be open to confirmation or a change of course.
3. Third, Dine wisely. No diet is as effective as daily, full helpings of His Word.
4. Fourth, Share the Lord's guidance. It is effective and beneficial and can produce unimaginable favor in your sphere of influence.

// About the narrator

Chris Blake is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and serves as OCF Chief of Staff. In his role, Chris is responsible for the daily management, supervision, and oversight of all organizational wide activities. This includes direct management of all home office support activities, supervision of conference center directors, and of all field operations that execute ministry programs and initiatives serving member officers and their families through our lay-led and staff led outreaches on university campuses, military bases, military academies, and conference centers.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from Jeremiah 18:6, quoting from the NASB:

"'Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?' declares the LORD. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.' "

How do you respond to shaping? I mean the kind of shaping that causes you to conform fully to the one doing the shaping. Some of us conform better than others. As leaders, do you reflect the positive image you desire to see in your followers?

"Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand." When the potter is satisfied with his work, he displays it for use and admiration. The potter only reshapes the clay when the clay fails to conform to the image the potter intends to fashion. My heart's cry is to be a vessel fitted for His purposes. If that necessitates reshaping, I am in the faithful potter's hand.

So it is with the believer. Jesus declared, "You did not choose Me but I chose you..." God calls us for specific purposes and each purpose comes with an expectation. Though God may deal with us (the clay) as He pleases, we need not be anxious or apprehensive of His molding as we present ourselves to Him in total submission to His skillful hand.

What behavior might warrant reshaping? "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, ... those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Conversely, a leader led by the Spirit walks in "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control." The latter is a picture of clay conforming to the potter's hand. The one who does the deeds of the flesh is a candidate for reshaping. Good leaders love it when followers comply and excel. Be the leader your followers can emulate.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

When we find ourselves not conforming to the potter's hand, but leaning more toward the pull of the flesh, review this performance check:

1. First, Yield to God's use and desire His total purpose.
2. Second, Submit to the Spirit and cultivate inner fruit that honors God.
3. Third, Examine how you are contributing to the spiritual shaping of others.

// About the narrator

Chris Blake is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and serves as OCF Chief of Staff. In his role, Chris is responsible for the daily management, supervision, and oversight of all organizational wide activities. This includes direct management of all home office support activities, supervision of conference center directors, and of all field operations that execute ministry programs and initiatives serving member officers and their families through our lay-led and staff led outreaches on university campuses, military bases, military academies, and conference centers.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today's Scripture reading comes from John 4:34, quoting from the NASB:

"Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.' "

What happens when the Christian leader stays true to the task and maintains focus despite signs of indifference and rejection? He finds satisfaction in a job well done and his efforts benefit those he is called to serve. From a close reading of John 4:7-42, one might conclude that the courageous leader who stays to the task ultimately helps others become better people.

The Samaritan woman received salvation, a regenerated life. Through her newfound faith, she pointed many others to Jesus. When they heard for themselves, they believed that Christ was "indeed the Savior of the world."

The leader bridges cultural divides and finds satisfaction when he/she does not quit at signs of rejection. The woman at the well was a Samaritan and Jesus, Jewish. Historically, the two ethnic groups did not interact. Not only could Jesus have rejected the woman, she could have also rejected Him and refused what He had to.

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

First, The leader keeps a frontal awareness of why he is doing what he is called to do. Jesus persisted in his offer: "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." Not offended, nor hardened by rejection, the leader keeps to the task.

Second, The leader removes barriers for the good of the one in need. Jesus gave the woman the opportunity to confess her past mistakes. He did so without assigning condemnation or judgment.

Third, The leader's satisfaction comes in doing what he is called to do. When the disciples offered Jesus food, Jesus had no appetite for what satisfies the flesh. His satisfaction had come in engaging this marginalized outsider and in crossing cultural barriers in the name of the Father and for the sake of a race of people who needed the message of salvation. The result was marvelous! Many Samaritans believed. Jesus did not vacate the area or seek a transfer; He actually went out of His way to encounter her. He modeled what a good leader does...He made himself fully available, spoke truth in love, spent time with the people and saw lives changed.

Jesus was so committed to His service that, metaphorically, it served as His physical nourishment. What about you? Does your stalwart service satisfy you as nourishment? Remember the words of Paul. "Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men." Let your selfless service be your satisfaction and nourishment.

// About the narrator

Chris Blake is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and serves as OCF Chief of Staff. In his role, Chris is responsible for the daily management, supervision, and oversight of all organizational wide activities. This includes direct management of all home office support activities, supervision of conference center directors, and of all field operations that execute ministry programs and initiatives serving member officers and their families through our lay-led and staff led outreaches on university campuses, military bases, military academies, and conference centers.

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.