Coffee With The Lord

Anyone who has experienced the incredible pressures of leading a growing organization (and the multiplying problems that the growth generates) can identify with the words Moses articulated that are recorded in Deuteronomy 1:9-18…

“I am not able to bear you by myself! The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven! May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as He has promised you! How can I bear by myself the weight and burden of you and your strife?” (Deuteronomy 1:9-12 ESV)

Reading Deuteronomy 1, apart from other Scripture on this issue, might get the idea the solution to this challenge was solely Moses’ idea. But that is NOT the case! Moses was a godly leader who listened to God and the wise counsel of others. Exodus 18:13-27 records the same wise counsel given to Moses by His father-in-law, Jethro, when he observed “the people standing around Moses from morning till evening waiting for decisions and counsel…“What you are doing is not good! You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone!”

More importantly, however the solution was God’s idea: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and offers over them…I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.’” (Numbers 11:15-17)

The criteria for choosing such leaders is indicated in the passages cited: Individuals of recognized maturity, wisdom, integrity, loyalty, and leadership skills; plus a commitment to follow the principles of God’s word; and finally, their appointment confirmed by the Lord Himself along with the necessary gifting to carry out the task.

What a blessing to a leader – what a gift from God!

I don’t know what you may be facing… what need you may have… what guidance you may need from the Lord… Prayer is always important (and fervent prayer, believing prayer, sincere prayer is always in order!

How to pray… what to say… what words to use is always an issue. How about echoing the words of a prayer in Scripture (those are “inspired” words you know).

This morning I read a Psalm of David with words like that – Psalm 86. In fact, I decided I’d make a special note of them and use them when I’m facing a need. I think you’ll want to do the same… (Here they are … feel free to use them in prayer to your Heavenly Father!

“Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy!

Preserve my life, save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.

Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.

In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.

“For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol [death].

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Show me a sign of your favor!”

(Adapted for prayer from Psalm 86)

“Just a Sip” from my Bible reading during “Coffee with the Lord” today… May EVERY ASPECT of this benediction to 2 Corinthians be fulfilled in your life!!!… “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!” (2 Corinthians 13:14)