Ethan Fisher 

Gideon: Divine Power in Human Weakness

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Gideon: Divine Power in Human Weakness

In reading through the leadership profiles It struck me that despite these leader’s and there greatness, they were human, and they all fell. One way or the other each of the leaders in scripture have a reputation that is ruined, except one, Jesus Christ. The leader I felt most connected to was Gideon. Gideon, though he was fearful, shows the courage is the true measure of a man. [1] But this courage did not come naturally to Gideon. Like Gideon I can be insecure when it comes to leading others and accomplishing God’s purposes.  Fortunately God loves to make his power known through weak vessels, as it shows that He can use anyone to advance His kingdom. The story most associated with Gideon is when the Lord had commanded him to reduce his army before attacking the Midianites. I am the type of person, and i imagine Gideon to be this way as well, that would feel better and more secure with more resources available. When Gideon was told by God to keep decreasing the number of men in his army, I am sure his heart sank with each command. But like Gideon, I have to learn to lean into God as the ultimate resource. I think Gideon knew the Lord was on there side, and He was going to bring the victory. Gideon and his 300 men were merely a vessel God used to take down the large 135,000 Medianite army. That’s what I see my self as. There are so many battles in our world today that seem so overwhelming that I almost don’t even want to fight. Then I remember that God has chosen people like Gideon, insecure and weak, to accomplish great purposes according to His will. In my own leadership I must be able to lean into what God has instructed me, even if that means eliminating resources to focus more on Him and relying solely on the Lord for the victory. 

[1]  Don N. Howell, Servants of the Servant (Wipf & Stock Publisher: Eugene, OR, 2003), 5

6

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Bibliography

Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant. Wipf & Stock Publisher: Eugene, OR, 2003.

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January 20, 2020 9:39:48 PM EST 15 hours ago

Rita Lin

DB#1 – Samuel

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I think I can relate (a sprinkle only) my leadership style with Samuel’s. In the OT, Samuel is considered the last judge (1 Sam 7:15-17) and the first of the prophets (1 Sam 3:7, 20-21). My leadership style is in ‘work-in-progress’ mode, which involves a daily transformational process of alignment for both inner and outer self. At work, I have three direct reports. I hope I could be a good role model for an authentic and effective biblical leader.

One of Samuel’s leadership qualities that I admire the most is his integrity, which he maintains throughout his entire life.

[1]

 Samuel declares, “Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or who have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you. And they said, “you have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand” (1 Samuel 12:3-4). In the face of opposition, or challenges, and hardships, it is sometimes difficult to maintain one’s integrity. However, Samuel embraces the truth 100% of the time.

Another Samuel’s leadership quality that inspires me is his uncompromised values for the truth (Spokesman for Truth).

[2]

 His leadership foundation is based on the Word of God. His decision is not aimed to please men but to please God. For example, Samuel always speaks the truth to the king, elders, anyone without fear, and trembling. When he demands the removal of idols, this indicates his courage to expose ungodly behavior.

Samuel is a teacher of the Word.

[3]

 He states, “I will teach you the way that is good and right.” As a leader, he develops everyone to follow God’s way.

Samuel consults God first every time through prayer and worship. God is the person whom He goes first. For example, when the people demanded a king like the other nations, Samuel paused and prayed before responding (1 Sam 8:6). 

Samuel is fully committed to fulfilling God’s redemptive plan to reconcile men and Himself. He reminds them, “Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for considering what great things He has done for you. However, if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king” (1 Sam 12:24).

Bibliography

Howell, Don. Servants of the Servant. Eugene: Wipf & Stock publisher, 2003.

Footnotes

[1] Don Howell, Servants of the Servant (Eugene: Wipf & Stock Publisher, 2003), 65.

[2]
Ibid., 72.

[3]
Ibid.

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Alisha Gilliland

DB1 Week 2

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Of the 8-character studies

given by Don N. Howell Jr., I relate mostly with Joseph: Character refined through suffering, regarding my leadership path.1 In my opinion, I most imitate Joseph; in keeping himself in the presence of the Lord, Integrity, and his confidence in God’s sovereignty. 2 Joseph had to deal with hostility, even though he seemed unaware of it, from his brothers.  For me it was my mother, she was very hostile towards me and eventually did try to sell me and attempted to murder me at the age of 14.  Afterward, I was sent to live with my father but after a year, my stepmother accused me of doing awful things, I kept my integrity and stood up to the acquisitions.  I moved out and rented a room until I was emancipated from both my parents.  I got my apartment but had to work 3-4 jobs at a time.  I completed High School and eventually joined the military.  I feel a connection with Joseph because even though I was living, surviving, these experiences I did not waiver in my knowledge that I am loved by God.  God gave me amazing strength to not become weary while I was defending myself against others, while I worked all day, into the night, and while I was completing school to provide for myself.  I did not get involved with the things of the world, which would have been easy in my circumstance but instead, God kept me focused on my future and proving I could survive.  There was not a time when I called on God that He did not come and ease my pain or loneliness. He delivered me from my past and helped me to forgive those that hurt me.  

I long to emulate Joseph by imitating his strong faith and obedience to the tasks God assigned him.  Through reading about Joseph, I realized he had to deliver some difficult messages: impending death while in prison and future death and starvation.3  He discerned and stood strong while delivering messages that others could be unable to interrupt and probably doubted and ridiculed him for. I want to be firm in the knowledge of God’s plan for me and not be deviated by others’ doubt or understanding. His unwavering loyalty and infinite forgiveness are inspiring, and I hope to emulate those to others in my leadership.  

Footnotes 

1 Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant. 22. 

2 Ibid., 25. 

3 Ibid., 23-24. 

Bibliography 

Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003. 

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