Serving my leaders

1 Samuel 24, Psalm 57; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8

Scripture:
1 Samuel 24: ⁵ Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. ⁶ He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." ⁷ With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

Observation:
Once again we see the integrity and obedience of David. He could have so easily killed king Saul and taken the throne for himself. His own men remind him of the prophecy spoken over his life that God would hand his enemies into his hand, but Saul was not an enemy. Saul was the anointed man of God for the time and David knew that he would only become king at the hand of the Lord. It was not his for the taking. David honors his king, he honors his position, and humbles himself before king Saul and his own men. David modeled integrity and obedience to his ow men. This would be a vital part of his success in the future. He sowed want he needed to reap in the future, loyalty.

Application:
At this time in the passage, Saul was not a great or godly king. His heart was wicked and the Lord was about to replace him. David was running from Saul and he could so easily have killed him. I love David's respect for his king, he honors the position and the man. In the church sometimes, it is not easy to honor leaders. In fact so many people find fault with their leaders today. It is almost like they are consistently under the microscope and every decision, message or plan is judged or criticized. I must always remember to never judge a man until I have walked a mile in his moccasins. This is a great and old Indian saying, yet its weight in truth is heavy. Someday I will lead a church, not sure when, but then all the weight of leadership is on me. Then I'm in the spotlight. I must sow integrity and righteousness now. I must honor my leaders like never before now. I, just like David, want mighty men around me, and so for this season of my life, I must become a mighty man for my leaders. The great truth and reminder this day, is that God is in control. God anoints men and places them in position. God is the judge and I must stand before Him. When He sees me as fit to lead, then He will promote me, until then, I must be concerned about the state of my own heart and leadership influence. As Jesus declared, "Why do you worry about the speck of dust in your brothers eye, when you have a log in your own?"

Prayer:
Father forgive me for judging my leader this morning. They are in a tough season and it is not easy to lead. Bless them today, help them to make the wise decisions to move our church forward. Bring discernment, clarity and faith to them today. Refresh Pastor Dick and Adam. Give them insight into what is going on and a word to stand on. Father show me how best to serve my pastors and to help them reach the vision for our church. Keep my heart pure and humble. I pray for my heart this morning. Sift out the chaff and purify my thoughts. I pray for wisdom on how to lead. I pray that I would be a better leader and communicate with greater clarity. Help me to not sit with frustrations and help me to keep my mouth silent. I do not like to sit with information or frustrations, so help me to process wisely. I pray for urgency today and ask You to bless our students and leaders. I pray for every student that is struggling in life today heal their broken hearts and deliver them. Fill them with hope and peace today. I pray for wisdom in building Pulse and I pray that You build it. If You are not the foundation of it, then it will not succeed. I pray for my wife today, bless her and refresh her. Fill her with hope and vision. I pray for the songs of heaven to flood her heart and mind. Thank You for her love and devotion, she is a true blessing to me. Thank You for a new day Lord, lead me now I pray, and at the end of it all, may I have lived for You today.
Amen.