MEMORISE: And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. – 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)
BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 30:6-8
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
MESSAGE:
If you are a leader, you must be emotionally intelligent because the people you are leading will hold you responsible for the outcomes of your decisions. I am glad my Father in the Lord taught me early in ministry never to allow the praise or criticism of people to affect me.
The same people who hailed Jesus, saying, “Hosanna to God in the highest”, were the ones who turned against him, shouting, “Crucify Jesus of Nazareth.” Likewise, in today’s Bible reading, the people who went to battle with David later turned around and wanted to stone him to death.
Dear young leader, you must develop yourself through God’s word and learn from the experiences of godly elders around you. When bad things happen, act like David and run to God for solutions. On the other side, when good things happen, go to God to say, “Thank you.”
KEY POINT:
Do not be carried away by praises or criticisms. Focus on your goals.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezekiel 42:1-43:27, James 5:1-20