praying effectively: Find Trustworthy Leadership (Ex.18)

(Exodus 18:14-24)  Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?” 15 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. 19 Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, 20 then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. 21 Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. 22 Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”

24 So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we delegate and not try to do everything on our own
- that we find trustworthy leadership

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, You are God, and we thank You for guiding us in knowing Your will.  We thank You for trusting us in serving You in different ways in order to build up Your kingdom.  Thank You for sending people into our lives who are able to teach and guide us in Your truth.

Help our churches select the appropriate leaders to place over Your children, and give them wisdom in knowing how to best keep themselves accountable.  Protect and guide our leaders in unity and peace.  Give them deeper insights as to how to instruct Your word.  Keep them humbly steadfast in truth, that they will not be led astray, or that they will not lead any of Your children astray.

Help us to respect and appreciate our spiritual leaders, serving where we can so they do not wear themselves out.

And help all of us to remain steadfast and obedient to Your teachings, eager to serve and not just be served.  Give us insights as to how to keep our schedules balanced and prioritized, so that we do not neglect any aspects of our lives, or become discouraged and tired of serving.  And help us to serve with an attitude of joy and thankfulness!!!  Amen.