Week Twenty-Eight - He That Ruleth

God's direct mandate is, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God."

Admittedly, few leaders attain this, whether in politics, education, or, sadly, even in the clergy. However, this principle of integrity and justice is admired and expected throughout the ranks of God's servants. 

For example, a father should be just and rule his home in the fear of God, and so should a mother. A pastor should be just and lead his church in the fear of God, as should all church leaders. A teacher should be just and manage their classroom in the fear of God. We could continue thinking of leadership positions that benefit from these two characteristics—justness and Godly fear.

Leadership makes us more accountable before God and others for our words and actions. It is foolish to think that we can flippantly do and say whatever we want simply because we hold a title or position. God will call us to account, so we'd best think before we speak or act. 

Dick Brogen, when speaking of leadership wrote, "If we enjoy pronouncing judgment, we are acting in the flesh and do not understand what it costs the Father to admonish His children. . . God employs an unyielding, unrelenting process to make holy those who would speak holiness." God takes the privilege of leadership seriously.

His mandate is found in 2 Samuel 23:3, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." The remainder of the chapter recounts the exploits and bravery of David's mighty men of valor. This tells me that God recognizes justness and Godly fear at all levels of leadership and service. 

Given the current state of world politics, it may seem easy and warranted to point out the failures of world leaders. But that is not our responsibility. They will give an account, just as we will, before God. So let's not be too quick to point fingers. Let's use justness and Godly fear to examine our own lives first. Are we leading our homes well? Are we exhibiting good leadership skills in our workplace? Are we just with those under our care? Do we understand that all of us will give account unto God?

Humbling, isn't it? So, when and where God gives you a leadership opportunity, take it seriously. Your heavenly Father is watching.

Week Twenty-Seven - For Shame, For Shame

"Be careful, you'll fall in," were the last words I heard before I lost my balance and fell bottom-first into the freshly poured concrete. Embarassed, I raced for the house frantically holding my summer shorts as the concrete began to set. That wasn't the only shameful thing I have done, but I keenly remember feeling ashamed as I tried to salvage my dignity.

Dick Brogden says, "Shame is directly connected to self-consciousness. We were designed to live God-conscious lives, for there is no shame in Him. It is not so much that God wants us to stop thinking highly or lowly of ourselves—He wants us to not think of ourselves at all but to fix our eyes and attention on Him."

It was hard for me not to be self-conscious that day, but there is greater shame than experiencing a childhood accident. Shame comes when we realize we are sinners and the reality of our guilt overtakes our pride. Shame comes when we try to live a secret life or hide our mistakes. And, it comes when we face conviction on how self-centered we are to the exclusion of others and God. Shame exposes us.

Jesus endured shame for us. He was publicly beaten and humiliated. He hung indecently upon a cross, exposed to blasphemous ridicule. These shameful acts were done to Him, yet the Bible says, "Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). He looked past shame to finished salvation and the restoring of His place beside the throne of God.

Brogden notes, "If Jesus' antidote to shame was the delight of intimacy with the Father, then ours should be the same." This will be key as we grow closer and closer to the Lord's return. "It will become less and less respectable to be a devoted follower of Jesus. Our future guarantees more scorn, more abuse, more disdain, and more shame... not less. We despise shame, not by avoiding it but by ignoring it as we fix our eyes on Jesus. Looking to Jesus clothes us, for when our eyes are fixed on Him, He clothes us with His righteousness. He covers all our shame."

I am reminded of Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit." 

For the shame our Christ endured, we should not shy away, but draw ever closer to Him. And for the promise of forgiveness and shame removed, let us keep our eyes solidly on Him. 

Week Twenty-Six - Life on MIssion

My daughter used this book for a ladies' Bible study and recommended it. I ordered a copy and enjoyed it so much that I passed the book on to my pastor. 

Life on Mission is about understanding our God-given responsibility and privilege of living and sharing the gospel. It is about living purposefully for God's glory and discipleship—the cycle of learning and training that propagates the gospel and keeps the church alive and growing. The book ends with a simple breakdown of this process.

He writes,

I do; you watch.
I do; you help.
You do; I help.
You do; I watch.
You do; someone else watches.

As I reflected on my life, I saw this process in action. 

As a young child, I watched my pastors and other church leaders minister doing ministry. Then, doors of opportunity opened for me to help them in small areas of service. I took a roll in Sunday school, played the piano, and participated in church events.

After a while, I even took on some leadership by leading my youth group. It was so scary, but the leaders were there to help me succeed. 

Eventually, I began teaching a Sunday school class, and alongside me was a helper. My helper had already completed Bible College, and she and her husband were doing an internship with the church before going to the mission field. I was so intimidated by her, but my pastor assured me I was the leader and she was there to help me. She was very gracious and encouraging, even when I was ill-prepared or didn't know the answer. She would gently and kindly help me, and I grew to love teaching God's Word, and she became a dear friend whom I greatly admired for her faithful service.

Those years of training set the path of my ministry, and now I have come full circle. Those whose lives I have ministered into are repeating this process in others, and propagation of the Gospel, church growth, and discipleship are blossoming all around because when you live your life on mission, God gives the increase.

My sphere of influence differs greatly from where I began because God took me through this discipleship process. And friend, if we are living for Christ, we are all at some point in this process. "For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).

Life on Mission is a read worth your time.

Week Twenty-Five - I Must Be

What did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse, a doctor, a singer, or a teacher? I never thought about that much when I was young, but as my teen years approached, I became more serious about this choice. I knew I wanted to do something that would help people, but I didn't know what that looked like. 

A nurse was off my list because I can't take gore. Singing wasn't possible because I realised my voice was too plain, and a teacher? Well, I didn't have the patience necessary. So as I looked around, I noticed one overriding interest - houses. I loved drawing house plans, so I began exploring becoming an architect. The sad thing was that women were not in that industry during my era, and my Dad informed me so. So that door seemed closed. I looked into the Peace Corps, but they required a degree, and my family didn't have money for college, so I felt like there was no real place for me in the workforce. What did I do? I got married.

It really was the best choice I have ever made. God was at work in my life, and I didn't even know it. I found Christ as my Saviour, and God called Tom into ministry. My job description was beginning to form. And I'm still working that same job and am very thankful for it.

I mention this because a devotion piqued my interest the other day. Dick Brogden was discussing being and doing from the first chapter of James, and he said, "You cannot be something without doing it."

And how true is that? If we say we are mothers, then we should be mothering or fathering, as the case may be. If we say we are Christians, then we should live and act like one. If we say we are servants of the Lord, then our willing service will be readily seen. If we say we are holy, we will live a holy life, and the comparisons could continue. 

To be legitimate, we must be doing what we see ourselves to be. Otherwise, we are hypocrites, fooling ourselves into believing we are something we are not. Obedience and faithfulness to where God has placed me, to the position I fulfill, and to the calling of God upon my life make me who I am.

But here's the blessed point of the devotion: "Anything good I do flows out of God's being and doing." I must be doing what God has given me to do, but even in my doing, it is He who gives the increase. It is He working through me to accomplish His will. And that counts for mothering, singing, nursing, teaching, and even every day living. I must be doing what I say I am.

Week Twenty-Four - A Sketchy Background

Jesus has a sketchy background. You might find that statement odd. He is the Son of God, perfect and holy. How could anyone say He had a sketchy background? 

When you run the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Matthew, you come across some rather dubious characters. The first two verses are kinda okay, but when you get to verse three, you are introduced to a man named Phares, sometimes spelled Pharez. Do you know his story? 

In Genesis 38, we are told that Pharez and his twin sister, Zarah, were the children of Judah. Their mother, Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, disguised herself as a prostitute and tricked Judah into sleeping with her because he had been negligent in providing her another husband. Pharez's entry into this life was nothing to boast about. But he was recognized as the son of Judah, and when you read the genealogy of David in Ruth 4, you see that he is the grandfather of Boaz and, eventually, King David, Jesus' family line.

We really don't know much more about Pharez, except for the statement in Ruth 4:11-12. As Boaz makes his bid for Ruth, "And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: and let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman."

"Let thy house be like the house of Pharez?" Apparently, Pharez did not let his sketchy background inhibit him. He rose in leadership and was recognized a worthy son of Judah. He wasn't an accident. God had a purpose for his life.

Dick Brogden said, "When God assembles a team of insignificant people and wins with them, it is pretty obvious who is responsible for the victory." A sketchy background does not intimidate God. He specialized in using the unlikely. And He will use you, never doubt it.

Week Twenty-Three - Pressing Needs

Are you like me? Anxious to see how things will work out? Impatient with the process? Annoyed by waiting? I don't consider myself impatient, but I do grow weary of standing in line when things are taking too long or dealing with issues that seem to have no resolution. On the other hand, I also understand the joy of being patient and seeing God at work, and I have enough road behind me to see the wisdom of waiting.

Let me share one of my waiting experiences. Back in 2004, we were facing a financial shortfall, to put it lightly. We were already in debt, but took on a second mortgage to keep us on the field. That fixed things for a while, but the exchange rate jumped, and things got tighter and tighter.  I began asking God for a miracle. 

Sometimes, the weight of the debt grew so heavy that I found myself in tears and real fear, but each time I came to the Lord, His word to me was, "Wait."

Oh, I didn't want to do that. I wanted this off my hands. I prayed and prayed for another ten years, and still, there was no relief. We pulled our belts tight, and God carried us through, but we could not resolve this mortgage. Meanwhile, God gave me Psalm 119:49 to hang on to. It reads, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope."

I heard God telling me to wait. I knew He placed in my heart the realization that He had already answered, but the time wasn't now. So I wiped my tears and rested, hoped, and believed His word to me as I continued to serve. I can't tell you how often I had to return to that verse. I repeated it when the debt overwhelmed me. I'd pray it as I pleaded before the Lord, knowing He always honors His Word.

As we moved into 2020, it still lingered. All our other debt was gone, but this one remained.

God continued to say, "Wait." I kept praying and watching to see how He would help us resolve this problem. I knew He would and only He could, so I waited for Him.

Now, I had prayed from 2004 to 2023, but let me drop back to 2003, before the mortgage. My mother passed away. My inheritance was a rental house. We owned it clear and free, and the income from it we used to clear other debt, keep ourselves afloat, and try to keep up the property. We planned to use it for retirement.

So, in 2023, while still praying about the mortgage, God said, "Now it is the time. Sell that house and clear the mortgage."

"What," I said, "Sell the house?"

"Yes," God said, "It has completed the job I needed it to do, and now this is My answer. Use the funds to clear your mortgage."

I thought I'd be really sad to see the house go, but I wasn't. God's hand was all over it.

The renter wanted to purchase it without any inspections. Our property manager was also an estate agent and managed the sale, only charging us 3%, and things went incredibly smoothly. The mortgage was cleared, and we still had money to invest for retirement. A win, win! 

The sigh of relief and the joy of knowing God had directed the whole thing felt wonderful. I give all glory to Him. My waiting paid off, and what did I learn? God always answers prayer. Wait, is an answer.

In Ruth 3:18, Naomi instructs Ruth to wait, saying, "Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall; for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."

Friend, Christ, your kinsman redeemer, sees your need, and when you bring it to Him and lay it at His feet, He blesses and assures you He will answer. He does not slumber nor sleep in His care and attention to you. You can sit still, knowing He is working on your behalf.

If you have a pressing need today, take yourself to the feet of the altar and ask the Lord to work. You'll go away blessed and anticipating His answer, even if He says, "Wait."

Week Twenty-Two - Under His Wings

Psalm 139 is one of my favorite Psalms because I always find comfort and joy in its description of how much God is involved in the tiny, everyday details of my life. His intimate attention and care are truly too marvelous to comprehend. 

Dick Brogden, in his devotional Live/Dead, speaks of Psalm 139, saying, "It unveils the joys of being fully known."

God knows us, so we do not need others to know us; we rest in who we are in Christ without seeking extra attention from others. 

God knows us, so we keep no secrets from Him, for He knows everything, and we need not fear exposure. 

God knows us, so we are free, hedged in by His love, and under His everlasting wings.

As we continue Ruth's journey from last week, we left her traveling to Bethlehem with Naomi. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, she is steadfast in her determination, venturing with God. As the Lord would have it, Ruth goes out to glean for food and finds herself in the field of Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi. 

God will not disappoint Ruth, for her testimony of kindness and faithfulness to her mother-in-law has gone before her, and Boaz shows her generous favor. Ruth casts herself upon God, and God will not disappoint her.

When we cast our all upon God, trusting fully in Him, He will not fail us either. Whether we need sustenance, encouragement, forgiveness, or strength, He meets us right where we are and provides for our every need. His provision is a testament to His care for us, moving every circumstance for our benefit. 

In Ruth 2:12, Boaz says to Ruth, "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." Ruth's steadfast mind placed her in favor with everyone around her, and God wraps His wings of protection and divine providence around her. 

Psalm 84:11 reads, "No good thing will he withhold from them who walk uprightly." To walk uprightly means to live in a manner that is pleasing to God, following His commandments and living a life of integrity. God always rewards faithfulness, and the faithful are always under His wings for protection and provision. 

"Walking by faith is not a blind walk; it is a confident, assured stride based on the knowledge of God's Word, character, and promises." (Gail Gritts)

Where are you on your spiritual walk? Are you venturing by faith with God? Do you recognize His presence, and are you assured of His protection? Do you, like Ruth, understand that you are "under whose wings thou art come to trust?"