Godly Leaders Encourage and Enjoy the Success of Others - 1 Samuel 18:8/Matthew 3:7

S. 1 Samuel 18:8

7 As they danced, they sang:

“Saul has slain his thousands,
    and David his tens of thousands.”

8 Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”

Matthew 3:14-15

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

O. A contrast in leadership - Saul became envious of David’s success and later lost God’s favor (1 Sam.18:12). Jesus submitted Himself to John’s baptism - to fulfill God’s plan for Him. Jesus received God’s favor (Matt. 3:17).

A godly leader will recognize and appreciate the successes of others and be willing to submit to the leadership of others. Godly leaders do not envy, they enjoy and encourage.

A. I will continue to honor those in the position of spiritual authority over me. I will pray for all in authority over me and I will do my part to encourage and enjoy other leaders.

P. Thank you Father for this word. I do pray for your leading and favor as I seek your insights to encourage and enjoy the growth, development and successes of other leaders. In Jesus name!

The Lord Is Our Safe Place - Psalm 9:9-10

S. Psalm 9:9-10

"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you."

O. David records that those who are oppressed by tyrannical leaders will find the Lord as as shelter (a refuge, a safe place, a high place, a strong hold). He adds that those who know God and trust in Him are never let down. God is faithful.

A. I remember growing up during the early years of the Cold War era. Towns had civil defense meetings. People had bomb shelters. It was not unusual to see some people with homes beneath the surface. But what a wonderful thing to know that the Lord God, through Jesus Christ, is our ultimate safe place, our refuge and shelter. He will not fail us.

P. Thank you Father for being our safe place, our shelter. Thank you that in these current times when we may feel oppressed we can turn to you and know we will live our lives in peace and safety. Thank you, in Jesus name!

Prayers for Open Eyes in an Age of Blindness - 2 Corinthians 4:4

S. 2 Corinthians 4:4

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

O. Satan is referred to as the “god of this word.” John refers to Satan as “the prince of the world.” The word “prince” has the meaning of “ruler, chief, a commander with authority.” Paul uses a different word, he uses the term (Grk.) “theos.” which is the term used for god. Paul states Satan has been give over as the ruler of the world or this age. That’s who he is.

Satan’s activity is one of blinding people. He blinds people from seeing the light of the gospel and therefore they are unable to understand God’s word.

A. Along with actively sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, we are to be also praying that God will bind the one who blinds people. We should further pray that God might bring the Gospel of Jesus into the paths of those who have been blinded so they can see and understand.

P. Thank you Father for this word today. I do pray that you will bind the one who blinds people. I further pray that will bring Gospel of Jesus into the pathways of those who are not seeing nor understanding. Allow me the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be one of those that helps people see and understand. I pray this in Jesus’ name!