Today’s Scripture reading comes from Exodus 3:11-12, quoting from the NIV: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you.’ ” Recall a time you were faced with a difficult task—personally, professionally, or relationally. Did you doubt that you could pull off the seemingly impossible, made dubious not due to elements of the assignment but because of the overwhelming courage or faith it would require? Many men and women of faith have encountered such mountainous, faith-defining missions. As Moses was given his tasking, he was fully aware that neither escaping Egypt nor acquiring the land that flowed with “milk and honey” would be easy. New to his relationship with God (whose name he did not yet know), Moses is being asked to return to the place and person he had fled in fear of his life. Further, he would have to deliver a face-to-face message that would not be received well. Whatever his many apprehensions, the insufficiency of his speech, and the deafening pounding of his heart, God calmed Moses with these words: “I will be with you.” Wow! God’s words were designed to give Moses confidence for the road ahead. What would Moses do with the assurance of God’s presence? What have you done with His assurance? I have done better at sometimes than at others. When it comes to integrating the Christian faith with profession, the point of reliance for mission accomplishment is on the One who says, “I will be with you.” We know the end of Moses’ story and the daunting tasks he faced all along the road to success, but God’s promise stood firm. He never left Moses. Another young man, Gideon, was called to “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand.” Like Moses he had a list of protests or reasons why he was surely not the one God was now choosing. To this the Lord’s response was “I will be with you.” Through the Angel of the Lord, the God of Israel had already expressed faith in him and promised his presence: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” After a series of displays—an offering consumed on a rock and two fleece tests—Gideon steps out in faith and obeys God’s call. God was sending Gideon, and Gideon was going forward. What about you? Do you sense God calling you out, asking you to do something that is outside your comfort zone? What is your source of strength? Moses asked if another could take his place, but God sent his brother Aaron to help him. God recognized Gideon’s fear and told him he could take his servant Purah with him to discover strength for his daunting task. In your intimidating assignment look for encouragement through a prayer partner, a mentoring relationship, or participation in a workplace Bible study.   // 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. Think of these as faith builders to help us know God is with us in every task: First, exercise awareness that God desires to act through the faithful. Second, see faith as a verb. Move out in response to what you know God is asking of you. Third, come alongside others. Your active faith bolsters the courage of others who may be facing similar challenges.   // Monthly Evaluation It’s time for a quick monthly evaluation. Click here 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 LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // 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.

Leader, Draw Near

53. He Will Be With You

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Mark 6:31, quoting from the NASB: “And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.’ (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)” What would you consider a reasonable work/rest rhythm? In Mark 6:7-13, 30-32, and 33-46, Jesus models the dynamics of work and rest. Having sent His disciples on mission to preach repentance, cast out demons, and anoint and heal the sick, He told them to “come away” and rest. Rest has obvious benefits, but sometimes we must be told to rest. The disciples “gathered together with Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught.” Stopping to appreciate our accomplishments is a good thing; we get to check an item off our “to do” list and to enjoy the feeling of positive reinforcement. However, before Jesus and the disciples would embark upon the next task, Jesus wanted them to come aside to a secluded place for rest. Coming in many forms, rest helps to us recover and to be ready for the mission that will surely follow. What does rest look like for you? For some, it is “sleeping in” with total disregard for time, watching a Sunday afternoon game with feet elevated—drifting in and out of consciousness, working in the garden, or sitting on the porch thinking about nothing. Another form of rest is quiet time with the Lord, resting in the comfort of His Word and releasing all concerns to His care. Rest gives us a better response to trials, stresses and difficulties. Accomplishments are important, but so are rest and balance that ready us for the next thing. Jesus’ admonition to rest is important because rest helps sustain us for the long haul. We never know what is around the corner, and, as Mark 6:33-34 indicates, another opportunity for work awaited them at the secluded place. Where the disciples thought they would have a time of rest alone with Jesus, it did not quite turn out that way. The presence of the crowd presents an important question: How do you respond to interruptions? Jesus and the disciples expected to arrive at a secluded place for rest. However, “when Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd”. We can learn much from Jesus’ response to this interruption. “He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.” Interruptions can be opportunities to demonstrate compassion. Jesus’ compassion included serving the crowd a meal. How we respond when our plans get changed can add to or take away from our resilience. The disciples’ resilience was not minimized by the interruption. Jesus’ response ensured their staying power would be maximized. The interruption did not remove Jesus’ need for rest. Like an accommodating host, Jesus took responsibility for the crowd and sent the disciples on their way to rest. After the crowd was gone, Jesus retreated alone to the mountain to pray, remaining true to His own call for rest. How does Jesus' response to this interruption encourage you?   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 5 questions to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. Consider your own work/rest rhythm and answer YES or NO to these questions: Am I allowing margin between activities? Am I practicing balance in apportioning my time? Do my margin and balance conform to my family’s or my personal priorities? If unable to “come away,” do I need to rethink in whom or what I am I placing my trust? Do I believe success or failure is on my shoulders alone?   // About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // 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.

52. Rest Interrupted

Today’s Scripture reading comes from 2 Kings 2:14, quoting from the NIV: “He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. ‘Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?’ he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.” Elisha’s master had just been whisked away in a “chariot of fire with horses of fire.” Many who witnessed his departure also knew that Elisha was the appointed successor. The same tender, young man who could not follow Elijah until he “kissed his father and mother” goodbye now grieves Elijah’s “home going” by tearing his clothing. His comment “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel” might suggest that young Elisha comprehends the gravity of the post he has inherited. As he strikes the Jordan River with Elijah’s cloak, he asks, “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” He uses his master’s cloak to demonstrate that his request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit had been granted him. Was it arrogance for the young man to ask for a double portion? Apparently, two shares or a double portion was an indicator of legitimate succession. The sons of the Jericho prophets witness this miracle and declare, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” Imitation is said to be the greatest form of flattery. What a winsome testimony when a son emulates the godly leadership of his father or a young officer that of a leader of integrity! Elisha had seen in Elijah characteristics worthy of emulation in a nation ruled largely by godless kings. The power of God was strong in the life of Elijah, and Elisha desired the presence of his teacher’s teacher. Striking the ground as he had seen Elijah do, he cried out: “Where now is the LORD?” When circumstances turn from desirable to undesirable or when the task ahead is greater than one’s resources, it is common to want to know our importance to God and whether He is with us in our labors. We are not all like Elisha, who had a fire of faith blazing in him, emboldening him to ask for a double portion. If, like Elisha, you have made an abrupt lifestyle change to follow God, you may find yourself asking if this is really His plan for you. If you were Elisha striking the Jordan, you might have asked: “Will God be as faithful to me as He was to Elijah?”   // 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. First, Elisha knew God was with him. How do you know whether God is with you? Second, Elisha asked for a double portion. Is it appropriate to ask God for big things? Is something burning in you to accomplish for God? Third, Elisha had a godly mentor or teacher. Are you going it alone? And fourth, Elijah identified a successor to the important work. Whom are you bringing along in faith, profession, or relationships?   // About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // 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.

51. Where Now is the Lord?

Today’s Scripture reading comes from 1 Kings 19:4, quoting from the NIV: “While He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” Discouragement. Is there anything worse? Discouragement can suck the life out of momentum and halt forward progress. It has been stated that following victory discouragement and compromise can ensue. Elijah, God’s messenger to Ahab, experienced a decisive victory over Ahab’s prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, which you can read about in 1 Kings, but on the heels of victory he found himself far opposite God’s intention. What could have caused Elijah to move so quickly from God’s will? Fear and discouragement from a well-timed threat made Elijah throw it in reverse and flee for his life. Wandering off in the desert, discouraged and desirous of death, he abandoned his helper and concluded that he was the lone survivor of those interested in the things of God. If mishandled, discouragement can take us off task, produce feelings of aloneness and cloud our judgment. Can you recall a time when you reacted to a situation from raw, fearful emotion rather than by seeking God’s comfort? Elijah would rather have faced death than the threat of his life being taken. God revealed Himself to Elijah with this question: “What are you doing here?” Isolation is often the enemy of a courageous response. Not even the strongest earthquake will free us from its grip. Discouragement can place us at opposite ends of God’s intention requiring Him to correct us, turn us around, and put us back on His course. God told Elijah to go back the way he came. Sometimes we can feel that we have had enough. Truthfully, if God has called us to a task, He will be the one to determine when He is done using us. Discouragement will be there despite the truth. Elijah felt alone—but he was not! He did not know the truth of God’s plan. Don’t allow threats or the appearance of being the only one interested in what God is working halt your forward momentum and progress.   // 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, recognize that believers can and do experience spiritual highs and lows. Avoid course redirection, especially when God mapped the course. Second, pray—ask God’s help in seeing beyond the range of natural thinking, limited perspective, and dulled spiritual insight. Third, be open to the possibility that God reveals Himself in unexpected ways and sometimes through a “gentle whisper.”   // About the Narrator LT Cassandra Mulkey joined the Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at University of Utah in 2012 and served aboard two Navy ships as a Nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to continue in the Navy as a Medical Officer. She currently is stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband where they are raising two beehives.   // 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.

50. Discouragement—I Have Had Enough!

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Isaiah 6:3, quoting from the NASB: “And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.’” Have you considered holiness as an essential leadership quality? I have to admit, when I think of leadership essentials, “holy” does not immediately surface as a necessary trait. What comes to mind when you hear the word “holy?” “Holy roller” and “holier than thou” are cultural expressions we hear. Sadly, the tendency is to use “holy” in a derogatory sense. In his book Leadership Essentials, Greg Ogden makes the point, “The Bible is much more concerned about who a leader is than what a leader does.” That is similar to his thought, “Developing character is more important than polishing skills.” Performance is the usual bottom line indicator and bread and butter for leaders. However, how are Christ’s followers to be as servant leaders? What does it mean to be holy? Jesus is the perfect model of holiness. Based on His life, holiness would include the absence of sin and the presence of fruit of the Spirit. Jesus knew no sin. However, because we are sinful, yet chosen to carry out God’s work on earth, it is useful to recount Isaiah’s entry into the service of God. Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Isaiah decried his sin before a holy God, saying: “I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.” With a “live coal” Isaiah’s lips were touched, his guilt was taken away, and his sin atoned for. We, as Isaiah, have not lived sinless lives, but through forgiveness of sin, the Lord used Isaiah and uses us in spiritual service. Holiness is purity. Though sinful, the one who confesses his sin is purified for service. Finally, as disciples of Christ we should follow His example and exhibit the Spirit’s fruit. What good news! When the Spirit of God leads our hearts, good fruit is the result, and the sin nature is quelled. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These qualities abounded in Jesus. As disciples called to lead, we are made to have His nature. Take a minute and evaluate the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Which fruit is most abundant in your life right now? After reflecting on the abundance, think on the fruit you sense needs to be growing in you.   // 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. Think of these as ways to cultivate greater abundance of the Spirit’s fruit: First, offer a prayer to God to help your weakness become your strength. Second, following periods of Bible reading, journal over the next seven days. What applications are the Holy Spirit revealing concerning the fruit you desire in greater. Third, what God has given in abundance, use to His glory. Let our strengths honor Him.   // Monthly Evaluation It’s time for a quick monthly evaluation. Click here 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 Marissa Dey serves in the United States Army.   // 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.

49. Character of a Leader—Holy?

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Daniel 1:8, quoting from the NASB: “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” Born in the 1880s, William Borden was the son of the notable producer of Borden’s dairy products. Responding to the call of Christ on his life. William renounced his life of affluence and traveled to Egypt to prepare for the mission field. He contracted meningitis in Egypt and died at the age of 25. Later, his parents found in his Bible the words “No Reserves,” dated shortly after he rejected fortune in favor of missions. In another place in his Bible he had written “No Retreat,” dated after his father told him he would never work for the Borden Company again. Shortly before he died in Egypt, he added the phrase “No Regrets.” Those six words defined young William Borden’s life resolve: “No reserves, no retreat, no regrets.” Daniel lived his life with similar resolve toward God as did William Borden. At a young age (some estimate twelve to fourteen), Daniel was taken captive and placed in service in Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar’s rule. When confronted with assuming a Babylonian diet of food forbidden by his scriptural teachings, Daniel declared he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food and wine. Instead, he asked for vegetables and water in place of the king’s food and wine. What will loyalty and faithfulness to God get you? In Daniel’s case, first, it got him the favor and compassion of his chief training official. Daniel made his declaration not to defile himself with an alternate plan in mind. Though a youth, Daniel’s request reflected his trainer’s concern that he not lose his life by compromising his responsibility to assimilate Daniel and his three friends into the Babylonian culture. Daniel did not stage a hunger strike. He asked that they be given vegetables and water for ten days followed by comparison with the other youth in appearance and training. Daniel’s request was reasonable, and his trainer agreed to the trial. Daniel’s loyalty and faithfulness to God also netted him a host of knowledge, intellect, wisdom, and the ability to understand visions and dreams. God did not stop there. Daniel and his friends’ loyalty to God resulted in an audience with Babylon’s decision maker, King Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar observed the wisdom and understanding of Daniel and his friends and found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all of his realm. Though efforts may be taken to change one’s worldview, believers must decide on Scriptural hotspots or points of no compromise and maintain faithfulness to God. Daniel’s resolve helped him to discern a wise, alternate plan. Christ followers can expect to “…hear a word behind you, saying: ‘This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.’” Doubtless, Daniel’s wise request was in response to hearing God through prayer and study of the Scriptures. Discerning wisdom is not an overnight process. Spiritual wisdom accompanies the practice of spiritual disciplines, particularly when prayer and Bible study are hallmarks. Daniel’s practice of spiritual disciplines readied him with a wise response when his circumstances demanded compromise.   // 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, are there cultural issues that you defend or reject which oppose God’s clear teaching? Consider that, like Daniel, you may be assuming responsibility for other believers under your influence. Second, how do you respond when you feel your “rights” have been violated? Are you willing to give up your rights for the good of someone else? Third, in what areas of faith have you declared, “No reserves, no retreat, no regrets?”   // About the Narrator MAJ Marissa Dey serves in the United States Army.   // 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.

48. Daniel’s Wise Alternative

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Genesis 9:16, quoting from the NASB: “When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” Not all covenants are unrestricted, but God’s covenant with Noah was unconditional. God keeps His covenant independent of man’s obedience. God will do what He says He will do—this covenant with man is, in fact, one-sided. After nearly twelve months of water completely covering the earth, God’s wrath was satisfied. He cleansed the earth and purged wicked man from it. Though God cleansed the earth of man, He did not cleanse man’s heart. Why? God is after something here. Man’s free will love and obedience was his desire in the garden and in giving his commands to Israel through Moses. Loving obedience to God is within man’s reach. Noah found favor in God’s eyes, as one who was righteous and without blame. Whatever motivated God’s covenanting with man must also inspire His love for man. When we choose God, He is pleased. God did not command Noah’s worship or his burnt offering upon returning to dry land, but God was pleased to receive his worship and was soothed by its pleasant aroma. God desires our unprovoked worship and obedience. God absolutely loves it when we turn to Him and worship Him with a heart that says: “Not my will, but your will be done.” God initiates unqualified covenant because though the “intent of man’s heart is evil,” not everyone lives out the evil intent—though provoked. For ten righteous men God spares a city. God is pleased with the heart of a righteous person. What is the condition of your heart? When all around you succumb to evil intent, do you hold to the narrow way and find God’s favor? Being an effective leader is as much about having the right heart as following proven leadership practices. God covenants with man and He always keeps His Word.   // 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, consider how you commit your ways to God. Second, how are you resisting when all around are caving to common cultural demands or political correctness? Third, keep doing the right thing, even when it is unpopular.   // About the Narrator MAJ Marissa Dey serves in the United States Army.   // 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.

47. The Right Heart

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Romans 7:21, quoting from the NASB: “I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.” Dig through the dirt, go deep, clear everything out of the way, find the root, grab it, clean it, and, with great care, replant the root. Transformation starts when we, in cooperation with God, strip away veneer and fully expose to God a heart in need of His cultivation. Having entrusted to God areas of vulnerabilities, put into place spiritual practices that will resist re introduction of the old nature. How different are we from the writer of Romans? Paul stated so eloquently the dual nature of the fleshly struggle: But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Transformation starts with God, and with no less power will the influence of the flesh be defeated. Recently, a guy shared with me that he and his wife experienced spiritual milestones on the same day. He rededicated his life to Christ, and she participated in believer’s baptism. What a delight it was for the two of them! He said that now people ask, “Why do you attend two Bible studies during the week, in addition to attending worship services on Sunday?” His response displays credit to the work of transformation taking place in his life. He states earnestly, “I need to. It keeps me from returning to bad habits, and besides,” he added, “all I would otherwise be doing is watching TV.” How do we overcome the dueling natures, the struggle of the flesh to do evil and of the mind that knows to obey the commands of God? We clear away the debris and cultivate in our heart the mind of Christ.   // 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 these leadership challenges as indications that transformation is occurring:   First, tightness in the chest is replaced by soft responses. “A gentle answer turns away wrath…” Second, disagreements are toned down and extending grace becomes an easier alternative. “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Third, blaming others for our personal shortcomings is replaced with ownership and responsibility for personal spiritual growth. “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”   // About the Narrator MAJ Marissa Dey serves in the United States Army.   // 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.

46. Transformation: Clean the Root and Reinsert It

Who is a leader? You are—the one who turns to God for wisdom and direction in leading others. "Leader, Draw Near" is a 54-week podcast devotional based on the book written by Col Larry Simpson, USAF (Ret). The podcast features 12 narrators from a variety of ranks, branches of service, and walks of life. Each podcast devotional is fashioned to prompt reflection on a specific topic. Listeners are encouraged to search out each Scripture reference and to lean into God for more light as He meets you where you are. Each episode ends with a few Points to Ponder, which are perfect for personal reflection, or for use with a mentor or in a small group setting.

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Leader, Draw Near

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