Good Thursday Morning!

Yesterday I went to our CPA for our income taxes for 2011 and 2009.  I am glad to get them off my plate.  Yes, you read it correctly.  I went to the IRS office last month to strive to correct a problem with my taxes from 2009.  I had sent in a 1040X and had it registered mail so I know that they received it.  They did, but I never heard from them.  I was patient and yet I was extremely busy last year so I finally tried to get it worked out.  The final analysis was suggested that I check with my tax accountant.  Until last year I have been doing my taxes.  I have had a number of disagreements of what I owe or what they sent me as a refund.  One time I received $7,999 from the IRS and I knew that it was wrong.  So, from now on it is my CPA and let him take care of things for me.  There are too many changes and it is becoming more and more complicated for me even with a business background.  Have a good tax season!  Mine is behind me, Lord willing!!!

THE CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE – DEUTERONOMY 1

Yes, we jump into the book of Deuteronomy.  The title for this book really means “Second Law.”  The Ten Commandments and many of the laws given by Moses to Israel are recorded in this book and are given just before they enter into the land of Canaan to possess the land.  Moses will die at the end of this book and probably Joshua wrote the last chapter in this book.

Moses reflects back 40 years when the people of Israel were at Mt. Sinai and their trip to the Promised Land.  It is interesting that it would have taken about eleven days to reach Canaan from Egypt had they taken a direct route to Kadesh-barnea, the southern edge of that land.  Yet, it took 40 years to cover the same ground because of Israel’s sin of unbelief.

Moses shares how he was not able to bear the burden of judging the people of Israel all by himself.  There were too many cases of conflict among the 2,000,000 congregation that Moses was leading across the wilderness.  His father-in-law, Jethro had suggested that he pick quality men to help him in that project of leadership.

Those qualities were written down in this chapter.  In verses 13-18 we find a list of qualities that these men should have to be a judge of Israel.  Look at this portion to see those characteristics that were important for leadership:

1. Wisdom – I am sure this was godly wisdom. (verse 13)
2. Discerning – The ability to listen, sort the facts and make a wise decision.
3. Experienced – Men who had been leaders in their own right among the people in years gone past. 

These are the same ingredients that we need in men who lead the church today.  Many churches are concerned about the outward appearances, the level of education and degrees, the success in business, or a number of other worldly attributes to lead the church.  But, God is more interested in godly, holy and upright men.  Look at the qualities that God lays down in 1 Timothy 3:1-10 for church leaders.

Moses further gave a charge to the leaders not to show partiality in judgment. (v.17)  It did not matter if the man was rich, influential or had offered a bribe.  The men were to judge in God’s place and be concerned about justice.  In many churches today there are far too many politics and not enough concern about what God’s will is in a matter.

What kind of a leader or judge would you make if you were chosen?  Are you a person of wisdom from God, a person who listens carefully to all the facts and then make a decision, and are you experienced with many years of making wise choices small and great in your personal life?  These are the qualities of leadership that God desires.  If there are areas that you need to change or grow in, maybe you can make a decision to become a godly leader for Christ.

In His love,

Pastor Les