20-20 Blog

Scripture Focus:

1Chronicles 25:6–8 All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king. So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.
And they cast lots for their duty, the small as well as the great, the teacher with the student.

Observation:

This is a fascinating peek into a family owned “business” during the time of David. Fathers taught their sons, and I’m sure that behind the scenes mothers were teaching their daughters the business of homemaking. The sons were brought up to be contributing members of the household and the fathers were under a higher authority—the king.

There were skills to be learned, teamwork needed, personality differences to handle, I’m sure, but what a joy for a father to see his children grow into contributing members of the family business!

I also thought it was interesting that they cast lots for their duties so the older ones or more talented ones didn’t get all the cushy jobs.

Application:

We are fortunate to have a family business. For a long time Charlie and I saw it as our business, but through our business coach we’ve come to see the power of the family unit and the potential for growth we have by utilizing the talents of our two children.

It takes effort for parents to train their children and patience for children to learn from their parents, but the rewards can be staggering. And to do it together—what a joy! What a privilege!

Prayer:

Abba Father, as we move into uncharted territory with our family business, may you be our guiding light.

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Scripture Focus:

1 Chronicles 22:6 Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel. And David said to Solomon: “My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the LORD my God; but the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.

Observation:

Before the house of the Lord could be built there had to be a period of preparation, of subduing the enemy so there could be a time of peace in which to build. David also gathered many of the materials needed to build the temple. And even though David would have liked to have built the temple himself, that’s not how it happened. His son Solomon built it instead.

With any great dream or work there are seasons of preparation, overcoming obstacles, planning and gathering, and finally, a time of peace during which the work finally comes to fruition. And it’s even possible that the one who came up with the idea won’t be the one to see it through to the end, but if it’s a work ordained by God, it’s worth being part of the process.

Application:

I must not be impatient at the season I’m in as long as I’m moving forward. Has God given me a vision of the future he wants me to build? Yes. Then I can be content, as long as I’m moving forward with his help, wisdom, and strength.

Prayer:

Abba Father, keep me faithful to the dreams you’ve given me, no matter what season I’m in.

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1 Thessalonians 2: 11–12,19 you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

Observation:

Three words describe our relationship to our children at this stage of their lives: we must exhort, comfort, and charge them. Paul is referring to this in a spiritual sense, and that’s definitely important, but I think the same words apply in other ways, too, such as moving forward in their life and careers—not just getting ahead, but moving forward as God directs them.

Application:

This is a time (post college) that our kids are finding their way in the world. They really need our encouragement right now and they also need some exhortation. We can’t let up on our parenting responsibilities quite yet.

Prayer:

Abba Father, it’s easy to think that my parenting time is over, but my children still need Charlie and me to be there for them—to exhort, comfort, and charge them in the things of God and of life in general.

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Scripture Focus:

Psalm 109:22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.

Matthew 11:2–3 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the coming One, or do we look for another?”

Observation:

Two great men, David and John the Baptist, are struggling. They were chosen by God, and they’re doing what God asked them to do, but their circumstances are abysmal. Shouldn’t God keep them from such calamities and, instead, reward them for their faithfulness?

The truth is that almost every great leader you read about in the Bible goes through deep waters of the soul. Some, like David, finally reach an end to the suffering and take their place as the recognized and revered leader. Others, like John the Baptist, don’t make it out of prison with their head intact.

This deep suffering often leads to anguished prayers and feelings of doubt. It seems to be the crucible in which great leaders are formed.

Application:

God has called me to certain tasks and positions. Am I willing to suffer to accomplish what God has called me to do? Or do I opt for the easy way out rather than embrace the hardship that is the inevitable path to mature leadership?

Prayer:

Abba Father, may I not be one who looks back and wishes I had taken the easy route. Form in me the leader you want me to be for your kingdom’s sake.

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Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:16–18 So they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.

Joshua 2:11 11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.

Observation:

First God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Then the people tell Joshua they’ll follow him as they followed Moses, but they tack this condition on the end: Only be strong and of good courage.

When the spies go to Jericho they find that the people there had lost their courage because of what they had heard about Israel. Rahab tells the spies “As soon as we heard these things our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you.

Application:

God and people are looking for courageous leaders, but courage can only be born out of the knowledge that “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” and obedience to the word of God:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

One other thought. What I listen to will affect my courage. The people of Jericho were terrified when they heard the stories about Israel. Will I put more stock in what I see or hear going on around me, or in the promises of God?

Prayer:

Father God, may I be the kind of leader that inspires confidence in people because I trust in you and follow your Word.

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Scripture Focus:

Numbers 27:18 And the Lord said to Moses: “Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit . . .

Observation:

God told Moses he would die soon, so Moses asked God to choose the next leader so the people would not be like a sheep without a shepherd. In reply, God told Moses to appoint Joshua “a man in whom is the Spirit.”

I notice a couple of things from this passage. People need leaders to shepherd them and the best qualification for a leader is not talent or experience, but one “in whom is the Spirit.”

You look down through the Hall of Fame for good biblical leaders, and you see this characteristic.

Application:

If I want to be a leader and make an impact in my family, church, and community, I should seek first to be a person of the Spirit. Do I invite the Holy Spirit to be in control? Do I listen for the voice of the Spirit? Do I follow through and do what he tells me to do? Does my life give evidence of the fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5:22–25)? Good questions to ask. Maybe even daily.

Prayer:

Abba Father, please give your Spirit to me in full measure and help me to hand over the control of my life. May the fruit of the Spirit be evident in me today!

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