Everyone needs a "Jethro"

I remember how ironic I thought it was that Moses’ father in law was named Jethro ~ a name I do not associate with wisdom, in fact far from it.  I think of “Jethro” as one of the Beverly Hillbilly’s characters, without a lick of sense really :)  But that is not the case at all ~

In Exodus, chapter 18, Jethro hears about all that God is doing through his son-in-law Moses and comes to see him.  Moses welcomed him, and shared all that God was doing in his life.  As Jethro observed Moses in his daily routine, he offered him advice to help him be a more effective leader.  In verse 17, he laid out foundational leadership principles that are in effect throughout every successful organization I have ever been a part of – and Moses listened.

Everyone needs a “Jethro” in their life.  We all need people who support us, who recognize what God is doing in our lives, and who want to see us be successful.  Jethro was a priest himself – so he understood leadership, and he understood and valued what God was doing in Moses.  So he gave him good advice – direct and to the point “what you are doing in not good” (v17) “Listen … I will give you some advice” (v19).

Moses valued Jethro.  He allowed him to speak into his life … and Moses was better for it.  Maybe you don’t currently have a “Jethro” in your life ~ observing and offering wisdom.  Maybe you need someone that you trust, that will give you Godly advice, and help you identify the blind spots in your life.  If you don’t, I think of what Pastor Rick Bezet (Pastor Randy’s brother) shared with our staff once.  He said “I have never had a mentor come and ask if they could mentor me, I sought them out.”

My prayer for you is simple:  If you don’t have a “Jethro” – seek one out.  If you do, I pray you listen.

Props to Jennifer Hudson ~

I was so impressed with Jennifer Hudson this week with her tribute to the late great Whitney Houston.  See sang “I Will Always Love You” with incredible poise and passion … with much of the world watching.  Who woulda thought?

It was only a few years ago, that this voice was brought to the American public via the stage of American Idol.  And even there, her fans were not strong enough to propel her into the final stages of the competition – she left in 7^th place.  Imagine what that must have been like for her?  So close, and yet, so far away from pursuing the dream that she had to sing ~

Of course it wasn’t long after that she got over the loss with a starring role alongside Beyonce in Dreamgirls, where she later took home an Oscar for her outstanding performance.  She won a Grammy for her debut album “Jennifer Hudson” and now here she was … singing good-bye to Whitney.  Imagine if she had quit when she failed to make the finals?  Imagine if she had thrown in the towel when her “dream” was not realized?

How often does God give us vision and passion for something and it doesn’t turn out the way we expect it to?  In those moments do you continue to pursue God and go after the vision He has given you … or do you quit, and give up?  Romans 8:28 says “all things work to good” NOT all things ARE good :)

Jennifer Hudson sang good-bye to one her idols this week … so many could have been on that stage … but Jennifer was the one who got the call, while the world watched ~

"Why" ~ ready to explain the reason

This morning I had the privilege of listening to my 247 “daughter” Tori Browning give her last “message” of her 247 career.  My family has been blessed to have Tori live with us for 2 ½ years of her time in the 247 program – so proud of her!  And so I thought I’d share some of her thoughts with you today ~

1 Kings 10:2 -3

King Solomon is the known as the wisest man to ever live – people from all over the world would come to seek his wisdom and advice.  God granted him a wish for any one thing – and Solomon asked for wisdom.   In 1 Kings 10:2 – the Queen of Sheba came to talk with Solomon about all “she had on her mind”

The “What’s”

People see “what” we do all the time.  Your kids imitate you, the people you have influence with - they want to be like you, or sometimes, you serve as a warning of “what” not to do.   Our “What’s” are being watched – is there purpose behind “what” you do?

“If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just be a horrible warning”  -Unknown

The “Why’s”

Be ready to explain “why” you do the “what” – In verse 3, it says Solomon “answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.”  Do you know why you do what you do?  Are you ready to explain to people why?  Can you explain the value in the things you believe in?  That you are passionate about?

If you cannot explain the “Why”, then Why would anyone ever want to follow?

When Jesus died on the cross – he knew the “Why”.  When he was spit upon, tortured, beaten, nailed to the cross, and later died … he knew the “Why”.  As he died, it wasn’t his life that flashed before his eyes … it was a picture of your face, of mine, of our families, of the people we love, and the people we don’t so much care about … Jesus knew his Why … it was all for you ~

P.S.  – Tori Browning, you are an amazing woman of God – our family is blessed to have gotten to share 2 ½ years with you … I look forward to see what God does through you in years to come ~

God's got your back!

Exodus 13:21 & 14:19
So this year I have decided to read the Bible via Youversion‘s Chronological reading plan.  And in the spirit of transparency, my recent trip to Disney got me behind on my reading … I know, bad Pastor.  Oh well, “confess your sins one to another” right?

Okay … so in Exodus we have the story of Moses leading his people out of the land of Egypt and into the promised land, and Pharoah agrees to let his people go, but then changes his mind and chases after them.  The Egyptian army overtakes the Israelites at the Red Sea, and then God splits the sea, and Moses walks through on dry land, and the Egyptians get killed in the Sea.  Cool story about God’s will and protection.

See in Exodus 13:21 you have God providing the Israelites guidance and direction as a “pillar of cloud” by day, and a “pillar of fire” by night.  And in Ex 14:19, the “angel of God” moves from guiding in the front, to standing in between the approaching armies of Egypt and provides protection - He had their back! What a great illustration of God’s guidance and protection in our lives. He's got our back.  God is out front of us guiding and directing each step, day and night.  And when necessary, He moves to defend us in times of need.

My prayer for you today is that you are in God’s will - that you seek His guidance and direction day and night. And in so doing, you would have His Divine protection in all areas of you life.  Who else better than God to protect our backs?