Author Archives: lrbartel

May 08 2016
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Devos

Oh the privilege of investing in young leaders!

One of the most gratifying things that can happen to a leader is to invest time, prayer, counsel and confidence in a young leader and see them develop, grow, gain confidence and fulfill all that their God-given potential! I’ve had that privilege to see that happen over the years! Believe me, it is a satisfying experience… an exquisite delight! I love investing in young leaders!
 
Paul expressed it so well about Titus, who was a protégé he had the privilege of mentoring. He said, “Thanks be to God, who put it into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you! … He is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit.” (2 Corinthians 8:16 & 23)
 
As I reflected on those words this morning during “coffee with the Lord” a multitude of faces and names flashed through my memory – each one bringing a gratifying sense of fulfillment! Believe me it pays to invest in others! It pays to invest in emerging young leaders! It pays to invest in the next generation!
 
If you’re doing that today… investing in a young leader, God bless you! If someone is investing in your life and leadership… Thank God for them… and thank them personally! Do your best to replicate what best in their leadership for the glory of God! It will mean the world to them!
May 05 2016
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Devos

“Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation!”

DCF 1.0

Summoned by my parents, I stood there ashamed! I had been caught! I was guilty! And oh, the scolding I took! They were disappointed! They were angry (and they had every right to be)! I had fouled up big time! Grounded! Restitution required! “Make it right!” they said. I felt so guilty! I blurted out my apologies! I asked for forgiveness! I assured them I would do what was right – What was required! To my relief, they assured me of their love, their forgiveness, their confidence that I would follow through…

 
Sound like anything you’ve ever experienced? I hope so! Grief over personal failures and sin can be redemptive! It was for me! It was for the Corinthian believers…
 
We are not sure what their sin – their failure – was… But it was bad enough that it caused Apostle Paul to make a personal visit to the church followed up by a “severe letter,” dealing with the situation (2 Corinthians 2:1-11)…
 
Here is what he said about their response… “Even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it – though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting! For you felt a godly grief… Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation, whereas worldly grief produces death. See what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you! What eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal!” (from 2 Corinthians 7:8-11)
 
Perhaps God has been dealing with you about something! Perhaps a caring Christian friend has confronted you about an issue in your life… And you know you are guilty! It hurts! Of course it hurts! And you’re ashamed… You’re tempted to defend yourself, but you know you’re wrong! May I be one voice urging you to turn your shame into “godly grief” and see the failure become a redemptive opportunity! God will honor you with His forgiveness and grace (and I believe others will as well)! How do I know? I’ve experienced it!
May 03 2016
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Devos

Ending one season in your life? What to do next? Pause and praise!

an isolated generic college diploma with cap and tassel

Got the the end of a major section in the Psalms this morning in my Bible reading… (Book 2 ends with Psalm 72 – will start reading the Psalms in Book 3 tomorrow)…

Have you ever gotten to end of one season in your life – one phase in your journey – and wondered what was next? At that point in life have you asked yourself what you should do? Perhaps is was graduation (from high school, university, or finishing an advanced degree). Or it might have been a layoff from a job. Perhaps it was “retirement.” Whatever it was, the question was, “What’s next? What should I do now?”
 
Well, at the end of Book 2 in the Psalms, I believe we’re given a good recommendation… Pause and praise the Lord! Bless his holy name!
 
Here’s what it says… “Blessed be the Lord our God who alone does wondrous things! Blessed be His glorious name forever! May the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!”
(from Psalm 72:19)
 
I don’t know about you, but that seems like really good advice! At the end of various seasons or episodes in life – before you begin something new, something different – Pause and praise! Bless the Lord! And then let Him lead you into something new and different. Going to try to remember that – and do that!
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