Autumn has begun in a whirlwind of activity. I pray as we serve the Lord daily for Him to give me rest on all sides, in every aspect of my life. Tall order? I agree. I pray that huge prayer for you as well.
Is rest on all sides even a remote possibility in the midst of so much activity? I see so much scriptural backing to it. Here are four examples from:
- Joshua 21:44
- 2 Samuel 7:1
- 1 Kings 5:4
- 2 Chronicles 20:30
In all four examples, it seems a battle had just been fought with enemies and won.
In the book of Joshua, after the Lord led Joshua and the Israelites into the land of Canaan, there was so much more land to possess. The disagreement had been over land. Land was then given to all twelve tribes of Israel.
“Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” –Joshua 21:43-45.
In 2 Samuel, the Lord made a covenant with David.
“Now when the king live in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells ‘in a tent.’ And Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” –2 Samuel 7:1
Merely four chapters later, David rested perhaps TOO much and committed adultery with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 11, “In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful…”
David was supposed to be out in battle, “the time when kings go out to battle.” He sinned with so much idle time. Sometimes too much rest is a detriment and possibly a downfall to us. David repented, though. David was a man after God’s own heart.
When King David passed away, he had passed along instructions and wisdom to Solomon for building the temple. David had been in a battle with Saul and his enemies, and God protected him. Now Solomon has rest.
“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David. And Solomon sent word to Hiram, ‘You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune…” –1 Kings 5:4
In the last example, In the lineage of kings of Judah and Israel, many were selfish and were not God-honoring. King Jehoshaphat was a refreshing, Spirit-filled King. He reigned in Judah and strengthened himself against Israel.
During battle, King Jehoshaphat prayed one of my favorite prayers in the Bible, one I say almost daily as a breath prayer.
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” –2 Chronicles 20:12
Then the Lord delivered a victory in Jerusalem.
“They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the Lord. And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.” –2 Chronicles 20:28-30
Now we have seen four different vignettes of rest on all sides, four different battles. What lessons can we learn from these five examples as we pray for rest on all sides, all aspects of our life?
- Pray for God’s favor and protection
- Be teachable and not stubborn– Surrender your will
- Be humble, not prideful
- Be nimble to change plans as the Holy Spirit leads
- Pray for your enemies but be prepared for battle
Friend, these five steps are not easy. You are a leader. you can do it, friend.
Each takes surrender and guidance by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rest on all sides is possible. May it be so in each of us. May it be so.
May we nestle, not wrestle with God.
Respond:
- Which of these five steps can you work on?
- Nestle, don’t wrestle with God.
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With the kickoff of the Fall season, I pray this message encourages you.
Leaders like to set goals. I confess to you that sometimes when I set a goal, I get about 80-90 percent of the way there, then find myself moving on to the next goal without crossing the finish line. Consistency, tenacity and perseverance are daily, prayerful practice.
Recently I’ve learned some signs from the Israelites to avoid settling as a leader. One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is about Moses and the Israelites’ exodus and their 40-year journey into the Promised Land of Canaan. They persevered and Moses led them. Joshua was chosen to lead the final way into the Promised Land.
What would normally have been an 11-day trip took 40 years as they wandered into the wilderness. This time reading this story I discovered an added twist to the plot of this story that I continue to ponder.
What I did not realize is that about 15 months into the journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land of Canaan all the Israelites landed in Kadesh Barnea. Remember when the 12 spies surveyed the Promised Land (Numbers 13)? Their home base was Kadesh. It was at the base of the Promised Land of Canaan. It had a water supply, livestock and vegetation there. They had “just enough.” They had found complacency without the fruitfulness of the Promised Land.
“And the time from our leaving Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the brook Zered was 38 years, until the entire generation that is, the men of war, had perished from the camp, as the Lord had sworn to them. For indeed the hand of the Lord was against them, to destroy them from the camp, until they had perished.” –Deuteronomy 2:14-15.
In fact, two and one-half tribes—the tribes of Gad, Reuben and half of Manasseh—liked Kadesh Barnea so much there they CHOSE to settle east of the Jordan and not go into the Promised Land! What?
The beginning of the journey from Mount Sinai to Kadesh was swift and jubilant. Sad doubt and delay soon followed. Israelites were hesitant and plunged down into wasted years of wandering in the wilderness.
Moses interceded for them over and over.
The wilderness is not the barrier to the Promised Land.
Wandering in the wilderness is the barrier to the Promised Land.
The Promised Land “Canaan” Allotment of Land Among the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Note that Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh settled to the right/east of the Jordan.
Kadesh Barnea is a beautiful oasis. Ruins of the ancient city can be found today. Kadesh could even be considered to be an “Oasis of Complacency.”
Kadesh is where Moses struck the rock and water gushed out. Moses’ patience had worn thin. The Israelites had complained about everything. In a fit of anger Moses called them rebels and struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Water gushed out . God was faithful and kept His promise, even though Moses disobeyed. Because of striking that rock, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. He was able to see it from a distance before he died at 120 years old.
“Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah, as far as the western sea…This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to your offspring. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab…” –Deuteronomy 34:1-5
Can you imagine being so close to seeing your dreams and goals fulfilled as a leader that you settle at the brink of your “Promised Land”?
What are some signs that you are settling in “Kadesh Barnea,” for less than your Promised Land?
- Your fear of risk outweighs your faith.
- You are satisfied and don’t want more.
- Your passion wanes.
- Spiritual warfare seems to be quieted.
Ouch. I am so convicted by these four signs and can trace back in my faith journey the times I’ve settled in my Kadesh Barnea before getting to my Promised Land God-sized vision/goal line.
The enemy can’t destroy us but he will certainly try to distract. If the enemy is on your trail, you are still on God’s journey.
One of my favorite Charles Spurgeon quotes is, “By perseverance, the snail reached the ark.”
Friend, keep pursuing and persevering toward your Promised Land of dreams and God-sized vision on earth and toward heaven for eternity.
Reflection:
How does this message resonate with you?
Recharge:
What actions will you take to keep persevering through Kadesh Barnea to get to the Promised Land of your God-sized vision and goals.
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Create your own personal mission statement template
Hi Leader Friend,
Goodness gracious, I’ve missed y’all. I took a summer break for July.
During this break to rest and as we plan for strong 2025 third and fourth quarters, the Lord is revealing so many leadership messages. I can’t wait to share them with you. I was also blessed to onboard a new Blessings Brokers’ Marketing and Brand Specialist today, so this message is on my heart.
Many of you know how much I love Moses as a leader. I confess, though, I really had not learned much about Bezalel, Moses’ Chief Artisan whose name I can hardly pronounce.
Bezalel is found beginning in Exodus 31: 1-6. Let me set the scene. Moses was called by God to lead the two milion + Israelites to the Promised Land. They were stubborn. What journey was supposed to take 11 days took 40 years.
Moses would go up to Mount Sinai to get away from the crowd and hear God clearly. Don’t we all need that?
God spoke clearly to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments had been given in Exodus 20. Now they need a place for God to dwell—a mobile worship Center. God gave Moses specific instructions about building the Tabernacle.
Now we come to Exodus 31: 1-6. This is where it hit me:
Bezalel, this unknown leader and Moses’ Chief Artisan to build the Tabernacle, is the first man mentioned in the Bible to have the Spirit of God in him. 
What? What about Noah. In Genesis 6, found favor in sight of the Lord.
Bezalel was the grandson of Hur. Who was Hur? Remember he and Aaron, Moses’ priestly brother, held Moses’ arms up to win the battle in Exodus 17:8-13
He came from the Tribe of Judah. Who else came from the Tribe of Judah? Jesus, Lion of Judah.
What leadership lessons can we learn from Bezalel?
- Like Bezalel, God sets us apart for His service and infuses His Spirit in us. Bezalel and Ohaliab surrendered their lives to the calling. First man to have “Spirit of God” in him, 1500 years before the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 officially indwells among us. Spirit of God hovered, even in Genesis 1:2.
- When we serve with our best effort of excellence, God entrusts us with more. Exodus 35:6-7, Exodus 35:30, 36:1-7
- In all every assignment God gives us, finish the assignment and follow through. Starting in Exodus 37, the He is Bezalel. Exodus 39:22-26. Exodus 39:32, 42-43. It is finished. Jesus also said “It is Finished” from the cross.
- When we serve according to His will, the Lord blesses it. Exodus 40:34-36.
In the Old Testament, Bezalel built the Tabernacle. Since Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, now the Tabernacle dwells inside us with the power of the Holy Spirit. We each are Bezalels.
What is God calling you to do for Him?
How is God calling you in this season to step out in faith.
Be encouraged, leader. You are a Bezalel, God’s Masterpiece and Chief Artisan.
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For some of us, Father’s Day is a more difficult day. It’s hard to believe my Dad passed away from colon cancer 21 years ago.
For so many years our relationship was strained, as my parents divorced after 37 years of marriage. He intimidated me because he was sometimes verbally and even physically abusive to my family growing up.
My parents divorced in 1997, Dad remarried in 1998, and he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999. He fought hard for five years until he lost his battle to cancer in 2004.
 Dad and I visiting a few weeks before he passed away with colon cancer in August 2004. The Lord helped heal our relationship. I know my Dad loved me the best way he knew how. Was he the perfect Dad? Absolutely not. Did I disrespect him sometimes? I’m embarrassed to say I did, and I regret that.
One Sunday I was listening to a sermon on the Ten Commandments. I never before realized that the “Honor your father and mother” commandment is the ONLY one tied to a promise.
–“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” –Exodus 20:12 NIV
Notice it doesn’t say “Honor your father and mother” if he is always kind to you, affirms you, is/was the model Dad. My heart was transformed after hearing that sermon.
I’m thankful for those five years the Lord extended Dad’s life for me to forgive him and for us to renew our relationship. I looked at my Dad with a lens of honor, reverence and respect.
I began thanking him for all the blessings he brought to my life, instead of comparing him with my friends’ sweet Dads who took them out on Daddy/Daughter dates growing up. Dads who they wanted to marry men just like. Dads who walked them down the aisle.
Friend, I don’t know what your earthly relationship may be with your Dad. I encourage you to dig down deep and send or give him a card with some of the ways you are thankful for your Dad. If he is in heaven, you can write them in your journal.
If your Dad was abusive to you, or abandoned you, or was a deadbeat Dad, understandable boundaries are there. Or if you may not know where or who your earthly Dad is, heart also aches with you. I wish I was there to hug you and cry with you. Please remember we all have our Heavenly Father, Abba, Daddy, with us. He will NEVER leave us, nor forsake us.
Although Dad’s in heaven, here are just a few of my lessons he taught me for which I am thankful:
- Thank you, Dad, for teaching me how to check the oil dipstick in my old car, so that I never messed up my engine or blew my transmission. That little Ford Escort hatchback car I drove in high school burnt a quart of oil every 200 or so miles. Smile. I loved that car and am grateful that I had it.
- Thank you, Dad, for providing for my needs and many of my wants. We were blessed with a house, plenty of food to eat, clothes and shoes. You even paid for my out-of-state college education. It was such a gift not to have to pay back college loans.
- Thank you, Dad, for teaching me to appreciate the outdoors and fishing. You even taught me to cast a fishing rod and how to bait my own hooks. I wasn’t squeamish about the worms and minnows MOST of the time.
- Thank you, Dad, for taking us to church most times the door was open. Your dedication to the Lord and His Word helped mold my faith.
- Thank you, Dad, for teaching me how to budget my money and spend wisely. I remember how you paid bills promptly and taught me how to abhor debt. I still to this day try to avoid debt, except for my mortgages.
- Thank you, Dad, for teaching me a strong work ethic. You worked hard at Delta Air Lines for 33 years before you retired. You liked to finish tasks you started and showed me follow through and doing what you said you would do.
- Thank you, Dad, for showing me to volunteer in the community and help others behind-the-scenes. You used to mow and weed eat the end of our street where no one would mow. You also mowed around the Turkey Creek bridge in Hanahan where you would walk daily. You thought no one knew. We knew and appreciated your quiet good deeds.
- Thank you, Dad, for trying to come to many of my basketball and volleyball games. Your presence was such a present.
Dad, I pray you can see from heaven I’m trying to carry on the Jordan legacy. Rest assured that I love my Heavenly Daddy–my Abba–with my whole soul. Thank you for loving me, Dad, the best way you knew how. Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
 Dad, me, Mom, and brother Jamie at my college graduation in 1994. Reflect:
–What are some ways you are thankful for your earthly father? Please comment. I’d love to hear your stories, positive or negative.
Renew:
–“ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony…” –Revelation 12:10-11
–“Listen to your father, who gave you life…” –Proverbs 23:22a NIV
–“The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad…” –Proverbs 23:24-25a NIV
Recharge:
–What is something you can do today or this week to honor your Dad?
–If your relationship with your father is strained, please prayerfully consider reaching out and forgiving him WITH boundaries. I reached out years ago. It wasn’t easy. I’m so thankful we reconciled before he passed away. God is faithful.
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Happy June! This message is what my soul needs as we kick off the summer. I pray it encourages you.
A couple of years ago I went away to a week-long, wonderful retreat in Tennessee. We were told they would be procuring our cell phones and all electronic devices on Monday and we would receive them again on Sunday, right before the shuttle bus would take us back to the airport, departing for home.
I admit I went through withdrawals from my Smartphone the first day. Even without texting, email and social media access, I did not realize I would even miss referencing the Weather app and the calculator.
And then it happened. My senses were heightened.
I noticed the way the breeze rustled through the maple leaves as I rocked in the tree swing. I looked up and paid attention to the shape of the clouds as they glided by. I paid attention to the clink of the chain against the spring on the tree swing as I gently rocked back and forth.
As the week continued, I looked more people in the eye for longer. I noticed the color of their eyes, their laugh lines, the white of their teeth as they smiled. Even my food tasted better as I chewed. I even laughed more. I was much more aware of my surroundings.
Why had I not noticed before? Why have I not paid more attention? What have I been doing? The answer is simple. Rushing and looking down at my Smartphone. Too busy to savor the moments of this precious life we are given.
“Pay” attention. The verb we use before the word “attention” causes me to ponder. Pay. Like paying for an item in a store. There is a cost NOT to pay attention. There is value. There is sacrifice. Yes, I desire to pay more attention.
The Bible is full of passages about “paying” attention.
“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach.” –Proverbs 22:17 NIV
“The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your GOD that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” –Deuteronomy 28:13 NIV
“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight.” –Proverbs 5:1 NIV
“You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing.” –Isaiah 42:20 NIV
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. –Hebrews 2:1 NIV
“And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” –2 Peter 1:19 NIV
Forgive me, Lord. Forgive the blinders of my eyes and heart. Forgive my hurried pace. Forgive me for looking down at my Smartphone and not looking up. Please help me pay more attention. Help me notice You, Lord. Help me pay attention to Your majesty, from the gorgeous full moon to the fresh morning dew in my front lawn to the bright hydrangeas in my yard.. Beauty surrounds us if we look. Paying attention is worth the cost, Lord. I pray to experience life through Your lens and Your timing. In Jesus’ Name, By the Power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reflect:
–How would you rank your life’s pace? Please comment.
–Would you challenge yourself to fast from your phone and social media for a week?
–What intentional act will you do to unrush yourself? How? Please comment.
Recharge:
–Please enjoy at least one unrushed moment with your spouse, child, loved one today.
–Savoring a few minutes of prayer and quiet devotional time in the Bible sets a more unrushed pace and peace for the day to pay more attention.
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Create your own personal mission statement template
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