Tag: leader

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Wisdom Prayer

Replacing Judas Iscariot!

Replacing Judas Iscariot!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for church leaders as they select those who will serve. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Peter quoted from the Book of Psalms when it came to selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot.

It says at the end of Acts 1:20 (ESV), “…Let another take his office.”

Not everyone would fit the strict criteria outlined in the verses that followed. The qualifications and the process are described in Acts 1:21-26.

“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. ”

This section of scripture reminds us to be prayerful about selecting church leaders.

Picking qualified leaders among Christ-followers requires great discernment. Pray wise leaders who love Jesus will rise up.

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From The Author

A Time for Reflection: Joseph J. Gould – A Friend Remembered

A Time for Reflection: Joseph J. Gould – A Friend Remembered.

The other day, I had breakfast with my friend, David. He gave me some pictures that brought back memories of a number of our friends and his father who now have passed away. We reminisced about the good old days. I mentioned I had written something right after his father had passed away in 2005. Well, I looked in my computer and found what I had written. This is a long overdue obituary for a man who encouraged me when I was growing up.

In 2005 I wrote the following:

Less than two hours ago, I learned of the death of a long-time friend. Knowing someone from age 16 until now has been great. It gives my life meaning to have spent time with Joe Gould. He was an example: He served in the U.S. military; and he was a Scout Leader for many years.

Through his contacts, I was able to find one of my first jobs; I started my work career on a Hollywood parking lot. (Knowing his sons helped.)

He encouraged me to create a speech for a competition at the Chinatown Optimist Club.  This man served as a life-long champion of youth and his community.

He was the founding owner of Hollywood National Bank. One time, when he was serving as an LA-area bank president for another bank, and I was working as a “headhunter.” He needed an employee to fill a spot as a branch manager. Although his criteria sounded impossible, he gave me a shot at filling the position, and, yes, I located the person he ultimately selected.

I still see him vibrant and alive: as husband of his beloved Dorothy, father to Marc (and his long-time girlfriend, Cindy) and David (and his wife, Deborah), as grandfather to Yona, D’ror (A.K.A. Justin) and Sarah, and as an uncle and relative of so many.

He was an incredible mentor and encourager. As a Boy Scouts of America leader he helped countless children as they grew into adulthood. He was active in the religious life of the Jewish community. He and his wife, together, were advocates of Soviet Jewry.

Additionally, it was through the gracious sponsorship of exchange students, coming in and out of the home from faraway places, I made other life-long friends. Although many friends and relatives I see only occasionally at family functions, I know this man was forever loved and respected.

I want to add my prayers to the many who are praying for the family at this time. May God bless, and keep all who morn this man’s passing.

When you think of the “good old days,” who comes to mind? Reach out to him or her and tell them what they mean to you. If they have passed, write something in memorial, and share with their loved ones.

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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Wisdom Prayer

God Meant It For Good?

God Meant It For Good?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who recall how, although Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers, God used it for good.

Ever feel like things are not going your way? Imagine Joseph’s thoughts as he is being sold into slavery by his brothers.

Decades later, we learn in Genesis 50:20 (ESV) what Joseph says to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Psalm 105:16-25 (ESV) recounts Joseph’s story.

“When he summoned a famine on the land
and broke all supply of bread,
he had sent a man ahead of them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
His feet were hurt with fetters;
his neck was put in a collar of iron;
until what he had said came to pass,
the word of the Lord tested him.
The king sent and released him;
the ruler of the peoples set him free;
he made him lord of his house
and ruler of all his possessions,
to bind his princes at his pleasure
and to teach his elders wisdom.”

Joseph was faithful to God even with all the twists and turns in his life. Given Joseph’s story, will you trust God when the twists and turns take you in a direction you do not expect? Have faith.

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