Thoughts on Christ and His Word

  In the light of the turbulent times we are living in, I want to encourage all you to greater faith in God’s Word through the prophet Ezekiel (from Babylon):  But you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home . I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor; you will be plowed and sown, and I will multiply the number of people upon you, even the whole house of Israel. The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. Ezekiel 36:8-10   Israel did return from Babylon, but years later was scattered again by the Romans. Israel returned to their land once more, and I believe they will not be scattered again. In 1948, when Israel became a state, there were approximately 630,000 Jews living in Israel. Now there are over seven million Jews living there. God has multiplied them. And their land is full of fruit (Israel is the 7 th largest exporter of tropical fruit - $533 mil. worth). God’s Word is true.   Althoug

Jesus is the ultimate leader. He was constantly correcting and rebuking his disciples. He could do this and get away with it because he also was constantly showing them love and full expertise of the Scriptures. It also didn't hurt that he was constantly doing miracles that amazed them. John Maxwell in his book Leadership Gold writes: "The burdens of leadership are great. One of them is to be unpopular when necessary...George Will says, 'leadership is among other things the ability to inflict pain and get away with it...short term pain for long term gain.'" To be a good leader you must correct and even rebuke those you lead to maintain discipline in the organization, churchor even family. But you must preceed that that with love and care so that they will receive it from you with the right attitude.

In the last chapter of the Old Testament, through the prophet Malachi,   God gives us a promise that should cause us to have great hope of great joy at the 2nd coming: Mal 4:2 - But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Especially for older believers, the thought of leaping like calves should  bring us great joy. Our bodies will be completely healed so there will be no aches and pain in jumping or any other activity. In these glorified bodies we will feel like a young kid again, running from place to place just because we can. May the Lord Jesus come back soon. 

  British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery said, "Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence". By this definition, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is one heck of a leader. He has rallied his people to fight against overwhelming odds and has rallied the world to support their cause. In great part, people have responded to him because of one great character trait - COURAGE. Instead of fleeing the capital city of Kyiv, he stayed put and from there has encouraged his army, his people, and the world to rally against the Big Bad Russians. Real leaders put their people and their cause first, above their own  self-interest.

Before God uses a person and fulfills the purpose for their life he will always bring testing. Testing matures the person and also also proves that they're ready for the task. This was the case for Joseph. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character .  Psalms 105:18‭-‬19 NLT Joseph was tested by God and then raised up and fulfilled the purpose of his life. If God us going to use you on mighty ways,  expect mighty trials. 

What is the role of a leader? We get a picture of what God expects of His leaders in how the Bible describes David's role: In times past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel; and the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be prince over My people Israel.’ ” 1 Chronicles 11:2 NASB1995 God gave David two responsibilities as leader. 1. To shepherd the people. In Hebrew the literal term is to "feed my people". A good leader cares for his people, physically, emotionally and spiritually. David 2nd responsibility was to be their Prince or govern them. A good leader cannot be afraid to lead his people, especially in the ways of God.