MY PERSONAL GPS

A great post by Dave Craft

One of the traits that I admire in others and, with His help, practice in my life, is being a life-long learner.  This is especially true as it relates to my character.  In I Timothy 3 and Titus 1, two key chapters in the New Testament on leadership, most of the listed qualities have more to do with character and relationships than with skills.

I camped on Joshua 13:1 a while back “Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.’ ”  As I memorized, and have been meditating on that verse, I understood that, application-wise, it impacts both my work for the Lord, and my walk with the Lord. At first I was thinking of remaining land to possess mostly being my work…dreams to dream…goals to reach…people to influence.  Then I was led to consider that “land to possess” could apply to my character and my relationships.

In some extended time with Jesus, which I try to have once a month, I was led to develop my personal GPS (Global Positioning Satellite).  I wrote three thoughts in my prayer book that I have been praying about daily.

Gracious words –

 It is so easy to be everything but gracious with the words that flow out of my mouth. I can be judgmental, cutting, unkind, not compassionate and critical.  I am asking Jesus to help me be gracious in my speech.

Patient spirit –

If there is one sin that has caused more trouble in my life than any other it is being impatient…being in too much of a hurry and not waiting for God’s timing. I tend to rush ahead and take things into my own hands, not trusting the Lord.  Luke 8: 15 mentions “bearing fruit with patience.” That is the first time I connected the dots between being fruitful and being patient. I confess that I hate to wait. I am grateful for His patience in dealing with my impatience. Even at my old age of 80 (that is why I can identify with Joshua…old and advanced in years), I am trusting the Lord for personal transformation in this area of my life

Servant’s heart – 

I read Luke 22 and focused on verses 25-28, “The kings of the gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” I’m asking Jesus to show me what true servant leadership looks like.  How can I humbly serve others in ways that don’t draw attention and praise to myself?

As a life-long learner and leader, what has He been showing you?  Can you identify some remaining land He wants you to possess?