Thoughts for Life: #50 You Will be Accountable to Warn of Dangers

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel: God made clear to Ezekiel that his role as a prophet made him responsible for the eternal destiny of those he contacted.

a. You are responsible to see as God sees. At the very beginning of Jeremiah's ministry God gave him a vision and then asked him, "What so you see?" (Jer. 1:11). (Google image, Ezekiel's vision)

When Jeremiah answered correctly, God commended him and said "You have seen correctly." Berkeley translates this, "You are a close observer."

The leader must have eyes to see. Your eyes must always be open. Be a close and accurate observer. God's ability to use you depends first of all on constant close and correct observation on your part.

Many a leader has missed opportunities to help in a moment of need because he was spiritually insensitive, because he did not have eyes to see. There are moments when a person is overwhelmed by a problem.

If at that moment you show Christian concern and love, you have your best opportunity to influence that one or win him for Christ. There are moments when a person faces a special temptation. Do you have eyes to see the moment of need? How can you pray effectively and warn if you do not have eyes to see?

Every leader should repeatedly pray, "Lord, give me eyes to see what You see; give me eyes to see correctly today." Some have been lost to the church and to Christ because in the hour of need the leader was spiritually and personally unprepared to see.

b. You are responsible to hear what God says. Every leader needs a listening ear. Every morning you should pray, "Lord help me to hear Your voice today. Guide me throughout the day."

When you see a person or situation as God sees, you next need to hear what God has to say to that person or group. God always has a word for each need. Have a listening ear to sense quickly His guidance or His voice.

You are not called to be a prophet and give inspired, infallible answers to people. But you are responsibly to have eyes to see and ears to listen for the word of the Lord for your people.

Ezekiel was told, "I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me" (Ezek. 3:17). Later this was repeated word for word in Ezekiel 33:7. This is God's sequence for you: see, hear, pray, and then speak.

Ezekiel was reminded of his awesome responsibility in Ezek. 3:18-21. There are no more solemn words for a Christian leader in all of Scripture. When I was a child I was tremendously impressed by these verses. The words of the King James Version are "His blood will I require at our hand." I could not forget them.

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Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana. Creative reading style by Jean.

Ablaze for God
#50 You Will be Accountable to Warn of Dangers
by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 161-163) ZondervanPublishingHouse

Open Book, man's hand

Father, we want our shepherds to see what You see, as to the needs around us, and what their part is in meeting them.
There will be times when a person is overwhelmed by a problem or temptation, and it is an opportunity to influence them or win them for Christ.

No doubt, many a leader has missed such opportunities to help in moments of need because he was spiritually insensitive, and didn't have eyes to see the need.
Help us pray effectively for our leaders to be able to warn of danger and to have Your viewpoint on the concerns for their people.
Your sequence for us all is to see, hear, pray, and then to speak; especially our shepherds. Help us see that we need to pray for them to have eyes to see the dangers, to give warning, and to speak for You.
In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

Rom. 12:21 (KJV) "Be not overcome of evil but
overcome evil with good."

Rom. 14:12 (KJV) "So then every one of us shall
give account of himself to God."

2 Cor. 3:17 (KJV) "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and
where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

Ecc. 12:14 (KJV) "For God shall bring every work
into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be
good, or whether it be evil."

Today's quote-

~ John Greco- "Because of the gospel, we've been welcomed into the royal family (Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 2:19-20). Because of the gospel, we can escape the muck and mire of sin (Romans 6:15-19; 1 John 3:7-10). Because of the gospel, the power of evil has been defeated (John 12:31; Colossians 2:15).
Because of the gospel, broken relationships don't have to stay that way (Ephesians 4:32; Colosians 3:12-15). Because of the gospel, God is making all things new (Matthew 19:28-30; Revelation 21:5). Because of the gospel, we have real hope (Colossians 1:27).

(Taken from Our Daily Bread®, © 4/2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. www.odb.org) The Pain We've Known, by John Greco, end page).

The Gospel Here and Now
“God’s story cannot be contained between two book covers—you and I are a part of the story today.”—John Greco

10 Ways Wives Disrespect Their Husbands by Lindsey Maestas

Today's question-

Why don't people come to the Light?

When men love darkness more than light, they're afraid of the light, as it exposes their sin. When we choose to believe that Jesus is the way, truth and the Life, there comes to us the ability to see what others do not see; what is unseen.

We begin to see truth that is always there; the realities of what we face. Light is invincible, it overcomes darkness. It crushes darkness. John 12:35 tells us to not let darkness over take us, for we'll not know where we're going.

Matt. 5:14 tells us that as believers, we are the light of the world. As light reproduces itself, Phil. 2:15 tells us we're to shine as lights.

So then, why do people come to the light?

free of bondage
forgiveness
find peace
hate their sin

Our toughest battle is our sinfulness. How are we to respond?

Ps. 139:23-24 tells us to search out hearts. Our inviting Jesus to come into our hearts will enable us to know Him. (See Acts 8:37). Then we can shine for Jesus! (Taken from notes of Pastor Ben, 10-8-17).

Look for the Light by Jennifer Gray

Upcoming posts-

The Trouble with Religion
5th- Saturday's post by Ron Hutchcraft

#51 Your Accountability as a Leader, Part 2
8th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#52 You will be More Accountable than Your People
10th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

Does God Know You?
12th- Saturday's post by Jean Oathout