“Moses continued, “At that time I told you, ‘You are too great a burden for me to carry all by myself. The Lord your God has increased your population, making you as numerous as the stars! And may the Lord, the God of your ancestors, multiply you a thousand times more and bless you as he promised! But you are such a heavy load to carry! How can I deal with all your problems and bickering? Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.’” Deuteronomy 1:9-13 NLT
This remembrance Moses is referring to is the time his father-in-law Jethro came to visit. After an evening of celebration Moses went back to work the next morning. After watching his needless toil Jethro gave him a solid piece of advice on how to be a better leader and how to serve God better because of it. You can read about that here.
Yesterday I had a devo written and ready to send out on this passage. I talked about our need to accept help and to delegate minor issues to we can focus on the things that really matter, like fulfilling God’s calling on our lives. Then I got a phone call…
…I texted my BFF to get her feedback on my blog and devos because: we’ve been friends since high school; she knows me better than I know myself; and she will tell it to me straight. So when she called instead of texting her reply, all I could think was, “I’m in trouble.”
-Your devotionals are wonderful, like I would expect anything else. But how is your book/bible study coming? (I knew she was going to ask that)
-* cue crickets
-That’s what I thought. (Pursing her lips I’m sure)
-I know you put hours into each devo. But at this pace you’re going to burnout and your Bible Study won’t get written. But, honestly, what would make your blog better would be to let your readers get to know you. They will love you and become your biggest cheerleaders. And mix it up. Do your devotionals, but also quick life stuff, and take us on your publishing journey—the ups and downs, what’s next, etc. One of the things you are really good at is seeing Jesus in everyday mundane things or relating those mundane things to our relationship with Christ. This has increased my faith and I encouraged me to learn to do the same. It’s those things that have encouraged me the most over the years.
I was dumbfounded, I do that?? I took her words to heart and them to the throne of God. I refuse to change anything without His blessing. This is His project, and I want to be sure I am in obedience.
Today I shared what my BFF said with one of the amazing young women I mentor, and she added: “Growing up, God was ‘out-there’, passive, voodooish. But for you, He’s ACTIVE, ALIVE, REAL. You have a real RELATIONSHIP with Him! I want that! Your passion for Him, your love for Him…I want that. Every time I’m with you or talk with you I learn more and more of how to do that.” I had no idea. I really didn’t. I just love my Jesus.
I believe God used her heartfelt words to confirm what my BFF said, so I’ve decided to mix it up a bit. I will do a 2 week rotation:
Week 1
Monday: Life
Tuesday: Devo
Wednesday: My publishing journey
Thursday: Life
Friday: Devo
Week 1
Monday: Devo
Tuesday: Life
Wednesday: Devo
Thursday: Life
Friday: Devo
I want you to know I love and value your feedback. If there are devos that bless you—like them or comment so I know you’re there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, chances are someone else has that question too whether they realized it before or not. I will try to find answers for you if I can. Also, fell free to share my blog with your friends and loved ones. My prayer is God’s Word will be VIBRANTLY RELEVANT in your everyday life. That you will fall in love with your Savior and He will be active in your life.
We all need a Jethro in our lives, I am so thankful for mine. We need someone who loves us enough to encourage us with sincerity, but at the same time isn’t afraid to help refine us so we can shine a little brighter. Who is your Jethro?
Blessings!
