Word for the day: “Leaders and relationship value.”
I Samuel 3:11 (KJV) And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever. 15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. 17 And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also if thou hide anything from me of all the things that he said unto thee. 18 And Samuel told him every whit and hid nothing from him. And he said It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.
Great day Leaders,
Today’s message will add value to your life and leadership journey in your relationships with family, friends, teams, and colleagues. I believe this message will benefit you now and in the days ahead.
WE ALL HAVE HAD TIMES OF BAD JUDGMENT THAT HAVE IMPACTED OUR LIVES.
Eli was one of the great men of faith and leaders in Israel's history. He served as a priest, prophet, Intercessor, and Israel's last judge. Although Eli was a great leader, he lacked good judgment at times, which proved costly in critical areas of his life. The challenges he faced could have been avoided if he had just used better judgment.
We are all faced with the same challenge in our lives today: how to navigate through life in our humanity. How many times have you made a decision and wished you had used better judgment? Today’s message will speak to the need for the Lord’s influence in all our decisions and actions.
THE HANDLING OF FAMILY AND MATTERS OF THE HEART MUST BE DONE WITH GODLY INFLUENCE.
Eli was human, and he had areas of bad judgment in his life when it came to his children. Many parents have bad judgment when it comes to their children. Eli appointed his sons as judges in his place. The problem was that his sons were not the men of Godly character that he was. Scripture tells us they "were money-focused over being God-focused, and accepted bribes and perverted justice."
The people tried to tell Eli, but he chose not to reevaluate his decision for whatever reason. Eli showed bad judgment when it came to his family (I Samuel 2:12-17). We should seek the counsel of God when it comes to making decisions for our families as well as ourselves. It is important to seek God’s guidance and direction.
EMBRACING GODLY PRINCIPLES IS ESSENTIAL TO MAKING SOUND JUDGMENTS.
We often develop excuses and use bad judgment regarding someone we love and want to protect. If Eli had heard the people's complaints with vigilance, he may have seen the truth before it was too late. He could then have corrected the problem and held his sons accountable for their misappropriations. If others around you are telling you things you don't want to hear, maybe you should stop and evaluate carefully what's being said. And make a proper assessment of what needs to be done to resolve the concern.
Making sound decisions and holding your loved ones accountable for their actions is the Godly thing to do. Often, we don't want to hurt or confront the ones we love, so we tend to avoid confrontation. By doing so, we are not only hurting them, but we are doing them a great injustice; by holding them accountable, we are potentially helping them become what is divinely destined for their lives.
POINT TO PONDER
Do you need to assess someone in your life: a friend, child, or maybe a family member?
Perhaps it is time to look at those that are close to you?
Is it time to confront the relationship concerns in your life?
Are you delaying the need for correction in a relationship?
Do you see how your decisions impact your destiny?
Do you seek God when making decisions in your life?
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in June 2024 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Judith Battle, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the DONATE link below to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,