E-pistle for January 7, 2008
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation January 7, 2008
"Legitimate Leaders and Faithful Followers"
Judges 6-7
Dr. Curt Scarborough
It was the Twelfth Century B.C. Midianite and Amalekite desert nomads
repeatedly raided the nation of Israel. Their use of camels allowed them to
ride in, destroy crops, take plunder, and then escape back into the desert with
such speed the Israelites could not catch them.
Judges 6 begins with a description of this situation and the call of Gideon
to do something about it. Although his name means "one who cuts to pieces,"
Gideon was not a "sharp" willing volunteer. But his 40-year career as a leader
in Israel and his inclusion in the Faith Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11:32) make a
study of his example profitable to us today.
Ten Things Which Identify Legitimate Leaders
1. Gideon's call to fulfill his life's destiny was based on a solid "Thus
says the Lord God," (6:8). Although the prophet here is unidentified,
the message clearly is authentic. A legitimate spiritual leader much
base his life on God's word.
2. As Gideon, no doubt, relived in his memory the original call of God,
so we should revisit (in memory, if not literally) that spot when God
called us out to serve Him. Perhaps your call, like Gideon's included
dealing with doubts, questions, and arguments, and perhaps it also
included prophecy, signs, and revelations, (6:11-24).
3. A legitimate leader must start by cleaning up his own life, through
confession and repentance. Like Gideon, we may have some sinful
idols which need to be cast down and destroyed, (6:25-33).
4. Gideon tarried for Spirit anointing before leading God's people into
battle, 6:34, 35. Jesus instructed His disciples, and us to do the same,
(Acts 1:4-8)
5. God understands and responds to our prayer for additional assurance
of His power and presence, 6:36-40. The fleece episode was not to
determine what God's will was – Gideon already had heard that word
clearly. Rather, this timid leader was like many of us: needing just
a bit more evidence to bolster his weak and wavering faith.
6. Don't worry about the numbers or the odds against success, 7:1-8.
Frequently, human wisdom is in direct contrast to the plan and
program of God.
7. Listen and learn from what your enemies say about you, 7:9-14. Often
there is an element of truth in what they say.
8. Gideon, out of a private worship experience, spoke prophetic words
of encouragement and victory to the people, 7:15. This verse reveals
a remarkable personal transformation in Gideon's life. Legitimate
leaders must have such a "close encounter" with God.
9. Gideon organized, equipped, and trained his troops for the battle,
7:16-18. We modern-day spiritual leaders also need to equip our
people with trumpets and torches; instruments to sound "charge"
calling other's into warfare, and lights of clear testimony shining in
a dark and perverse world, Philippians 2:15. Our troops must be
trained to shout in unity, speaking loudly and clearly a single message
of deliverance.
10. Gideon led by example. "Watch me, follow my lead, do exactly as I do,"
he said, 7:17. What a statement! Can we also accept the leadership
responsibility of being the role model for our people to follow? Paul
did in I Corinthians 4:16.
No one can be a legitimate leader without faithful followers!
Ten Things Which Identify Faithful Followers
1. Faithful followers recognize the truth that spiritual defeat often is a result
of spiritual disobedience, 6:10.
2. Faithful followers seek spiritual perception to know who are the true,
God-called leaders. They recognize that sometimes those legitimate
leaders may arouse opposition and upset the status quo, 6:28-30.
3. Faithful followers respond to the trumpet call of a Spirit-filled leader,
6:34, 35.
4. Faithful followers are courageous. They do not forsake the leader out
of fear or discouragement, as 22,000 did, 7:3.
5. Faithful followers are alert. They keep their eyes peeled looking for the
enemy, 7:4-6.
6. Faithful followers are teachable. They follow instructions even if the plan
seems strange, because they have confidence that their leader has heard
from God, 7:15, 16.
7. Faithful followers watch their leader, follow his lead, and do exactly as he
does, 7:17. A disciple who is fully trained is like his teacher, Jesus taught
in Luke 6:40.
8. Faithful followers are good team players. They do their part on signal in
cooperation with everyone else, 7:19, 20.
9. Faithful followers exalt the name of the leader! They shouted, "sword of the
Lord and of Gideon!" 7:20.
10. Faithful followers stand in their assigned places, carry out their assigned
tasks, and watch while God brings the victory, 7:21-25.
"Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?" I'm not sure of the answer to
that old conundrum. But I am sure of the answer to this question" Which comes first,
a legitimate leader or faithful follower?" The Lord always begins fulfilling His purposes
by calling out a legitimate leader.
"Father, help me to be a legitimate leader of others by being a faithful
follower of you, Amen."
Harness Your Brainpower
by: Harvey MacKay
How much do you know about everything??? OK, how much do you know
about a few things?
If these seem like odd questions, stop and ponder what you know versus
what you don't. Then consider how you would get along if you needed good
information on topics that were outside your comfort zone.
All of us have the ability to gain more knowledge. The brain is amazing.
While the old theory that we use only 10 percent of our brain has been widely
debunked, there's plenty of evidence that we can increase our brainpower,
retention and focus. You can take some basic steps to improve your knowledge:
READ – pick out books, newspapers, Web sites, encyclopedias, anything
with information that teaches you something you didn't already
know. Learn something new every day. I will get on my soapbox
here again: Embrace lifelong learning!
LISTEN – Sounds simple enough, but it's so easy to be distracted. Focus
on the speaker. If you don't hear it the first time, ask the person
to repeat it. Make sure that you understand what has been said.
You will be surprised what you can learn.
PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND YOU – According to
Mensa current research shows that at least 52 percent of our
intelligence is based on our environment.
MACKAY'S MORALS: Sometimes being smart means recognizing when you're not!
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