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Joshua’s Leadership Tip #9 Blind Humility: A Battle Strategy

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“When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they also acted craftily… So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord.”

Joshua 9:3-4, 14 (NASB)

According to Bible scholars, the deceit of the Gibeonites can represent the devil as a master strategist of assault on Christians. With a closer look at the ruse of the Gibeonites, we see many of our own vulnerabilities. Satan sometimes attacks us openly, sometimes craftily, but always with an unerring sense of where our weaknesses lie. (1)

The Gibeonites played on the Israelites’ “pity” or emotions, an area we our most vulnerable to attack. When we are stressed, anxious, fearful, fatigued, and others, we are more vulnerable to not seeing things clearly or disregarding Biblical wisdom.

Joshua’s error provides us with important reminders(2):

  1. As Christians, we are involved in deadly spiritual warfare with a power far superior to our own strength. (1 Peter 5:8)
  2.  To be delivered from our opponent and his nefarious schemes, we must cloth ourselves with our spiritual armor as given to us in Christ. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
  3. The offensive weapons given to us by the Lord are the Word of God and prayer. Without the Word and prayer, we are sitting ducks. (Matthew 4:1-12)
  4. When God’s people are victorious or are prospering, it seems Satan doubles his efforts in attacks against them. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

The following passages in Proverbs cautions us not to depend upon our own wisdom   

            There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. A wise  man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. (Proverbs 14:12, 16, NASB).

At the root of Joshua and the Israelites’ temptation was pride. They thought they didn’t need to ask God. May we never be so mature as believers that we forget to walk by faith, not sight, and seek counsel from the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7).

  1. Keathley III, J. Hampton. 9. Destruction of the Amorite Coalition (Joshua 10:1-43)
  2. Keathley, III, J. Hampton 8. The Peril of Walking by Sight (Joshua 9:1-27)

NCFI Cares: Joshua’s Leadership Tip #5 Memorial Stones

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So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.

Joshua 4:7

Except for a few individuals, most Israelites had only heard stories of how God had performed miracles in Egypt and divided the Red Sea. They had never witnessed the mighty hand of God at work. Thus, God wanted the miracle of crossing the Jordan River to be more than a story passed down from generation to generation. He wanted a visual reminder.

So, when the entire nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua. 

“Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you …. that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, What do those stones mean to you? then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” (Joshua 4:1-7)

The three objectives of a memorial of commemoration for the stones: a sign to promote encouragement and reverence, promote instruction to future generations, and a testimony to other nations. (1).

Creating memorials wasn’t something new for the Israelites, nor did the practice disappear for Christians.

Paul instructed the church in Corinth on Jesus’ instructions during the Last Supper.

“This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26). 

As New Testament believers, we continue to commemorate or memorialize the work of Christ when we participate in communion. We also participate in Lent, Easter, and Christmas (1). They unite us as a body of believers and provide an opportunity to remember God’s miracles. There are individual times to reflect on and celebrate God’s work and blessings. Some believers have life verses, carry a special momentum, or save their first Bible to remind them of Jesus’ work in their life.

Commemorating or celebrating God’s work can also be recognized by an organization or personally. We need visual reminders of how the Lord has worked in our hospitals, schools, clinics, or ministries.  Pictures can commemorate special times, like in academics, we have graduating class, or perhaps a group photo of the clinic/ministry staff. Or maybe some logos or symbols point to Jesus in your clinic. For example, at work, I wear a lanyard with my keys from my first NCFI Congress. The purpose is to find a visual reminder that speaks to the work of God in your organization. The hope is not only that we will remember those great moments but that we will find encouragement when we are experiencing difficulties.

Keathley III, J. Hampton, Studies in the Life of Joshua. 3. Crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:1-4:24)

CARES: Reflections for Nurses — Bilingual English/Chinese

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An announcement that got lost in the COVID 19 pandemic is the publication of the translation of CARES: Reflections for Nurses in English/Chinese. In March 2020, while I was sheltering-in-place with my mom in Wyoming, my husband received a box from Taiwan with 20 CARES books.

The plan was to have the books available for the Nurses Christian Fellowship International Congress in July, 2020. Like many conferences the plan was to delay the conference until July 2021!

Since this is a resource for NCFI, you can download your free pdf copy on the NCFI Website under resources. CARES — Reflections for Nurses.

Group picture of editor, translator and author

A big THANK YOU to Min-Rung Lee (Chinese Editor) and Li-Fen Wu (Chinese Translator). It is through their self-less passion and dedication that brings this work to you!

The bilingual devotion page with English/Chinese for each devotion.

NCFI Cares: Year of the Christian Nurse & Midwife by Guest Contributor Martha Fernández Moyano, Argentina

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This year 2020 has been declared by WHO, the World Health Organization as the year of Nurse and Midwife.  This year coincides with the two hundred years of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the nurse par excellence who is considered as the precursor of modern nursing.

This year opens in front of us with many possibilities, not only to recognize us, as a fundamental pillar in the health service, but also, so that our voice becomes audible in the places where important decisions are made in health policy. The entire nursing profession is celebrating. Finally, our efforts are recognized as a knowledgeable vocation and above all that we are part of an important profession in which we still have much to say and do.

This holistic profession that takes care of the human being from birth to death not only does its physical part but includes the spiritual, as well. As Christian Nurses and Midwives we have much to contribute to the new paradigms that arises as the 21st Century runs full of advances in both new discoveries and new technologies in the field of health.

God tells us that “ye are chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2: 9). Today more than ever we have to bear witness to the Lord in our workplace.

You who chose this profession as your vocation, begin the year giving you the first place. Leave aside the negativity, do not hide, train yourself, and do not walk alone. Become known as a Christian nurse. Take care physically and spiritually. Search the Lord in prayer, look in his Word for what He has for you this year. Where can you collaborate to enhance and give relevance to your profession?

Healthy leaders are needed, free with powerful conviction in the values ​​of Christ. “then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4: 1)

NCFI Cares: The Cross-Cultural Mission Field at our Workplace

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Throughout scripture we see the Apostles bringing the love of God and grace of Christ to various cultures and religions. The most dramatic is Philip, who was led by the Holy Spirit to travel to a specific road in Gaza to meet with the Ethiopian court official (Acts 8:27-39). He explains the passage of Isaiah and then proceeds to lead the official to salvation and baptism. Earlier in Samaria Philip had provided physical and spiritual healing to Simon, a magician who practiced in the dark arts (Acts 8:9-13).

Reaching out cross-culturally to bring the love and grace of Christ to others, doesn’t have to be a call to the mission field. We can bring the love of God and grace of Christ cross culturally to those within our sphere of influence. We can connect one-on-one with people around us and explore their religion, country of origin or ethnicity. Here are some ideas to get started:

–Take extra time to talk with a patient or their family exploring their home life.

–Have lunch with a coworker and learn about their religious practices

–Connect with a student and discover their cultural traditions.

As Christians we have the tendency to spend time with only Christians and like-minded individuals. Instead, with the influx of immigrants in most nations and the diversity of global travelers, we have an opportunity to learn about various cultures and religions right within our work environment. As we take time to pray for our coworkers, our patients and/or our students, we can spread the love God has for all his children through our conversations and professional relationships.  

Also, don’t be afraid to talk with those who practice in the evil arts. Get to know these religion/practices, seek prayer support from your pastor, and then hold on to God’s promises, “He that is in me and you is greater than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). How else can those from various religions ever learn about the love of God and the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

NCFI Cares: God’s Name In Nursing: Yahweh Shamma–The LORD is There

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Yahweh Shamma is from Ezekiel’s vision when the Israelites were exiled in Babylon. Ezekiel prophesied that the Israelites would return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city and temple. Then the Israelites would be reunited with the Lord and would name the city “Yahweh Shamma” the LORD is There. (Ezekiel 48:35).

For New Testament Christian believers, Yahweh Shamma communicates much more than just a city or church that the Lord will inhabit, instead through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, that began at Pentecost, believers have a continued promise of Yahweh Shamma. He is with us.

As I reflect upon this miraculous assurance and blessing we have from our Lord, I am reminded of our patients who need the assurance that Yahweh Shamma is with them as they face the unknown of cancer treatments, high-risk pregnancies, or a debilitating illness. Yahweh Shamma is also with our coworkers who are alone and afraid; those caring for chronically ill children and/or parents with dementia; and the single parents struggling to live a godly life in a worldly society. Yahweh Shamma is with each of our patients, families, and coworkers providing comfort and guidance for their life journey.

Similar to the Israelites, we are personally acquainted with those who feel exiled as they live outside the fellowship of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We can be rest assured that Yahweh Shamma is there also. Waiting to be reconciled with his beloved children. They just need to open their hearts and spirits, and they will notice the Yahweh Shamma, the LORD is still there.

NCFI Cares: How Can We Have Self-Control?

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Self-control is probably one of the hardest things to master. How often have we been defeated by a bad habit, a bad attitude, or a wrong mindset? We make promises to improve. We ask someone to hold us accountable. But deep inside, we know that we don’t have the will or the ability to change. We can talk, we can plan, we can read from books, can pray but we still find it difficult to overcome and control many of the things that are inside us!

Thankfully, we know our God knows our weakness, and He also knows the medicine which we need! The Bible says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22–23). The only way to gain self-control is by allowing the Holy Spirit to control us.

God is not nearly as concerned with our ability as He is with our surrender.

In other words, our key focus is not effort but surrender—to live moment by moment submissively trusting in the Lord rather than in self. Paul says this is what it means to “walk by the Spirit” (v. 16).

Are you ready for a change? You can change, for God is in you and in us. As you surrender control to Him, He will help you bear the fruit of His likeness.

So our new year can be started like this: “I am in need, Lord, of your power so that I might change and grow. I surrender myself to You. Please help me to understand how to be submissive to You that I might be filled with Your Spirit.”

Written by Bulbuli Mollick, Bangladesh, NCFI Board Member

NCFI Cares: Easter Blessing for You

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My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I feel compelled this Easter to send each of you an Easter blessing! What better way then an amazing video/song entitled “Easter Song” by Keith Green, 1977. The song’s tempo, lyrics and meaning will have you dancing in worship like David!

Easter Song with lyrics

Keith Green live singing Easter Song

Here are the lyrics, if you are unable to view the video and/or hear the song:

Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the word, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
Christ, He will reveal it now

The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus’ power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah

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Christian Nursing 101: Nurses of Integrity

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Integrity is an important value or attribute as a professional nurse and as a Christ follower. Yet, we may struggle to define integrity or put our finger on what a person with integrity says or does. Honesty, trustworthiness, moral uprightness are few words used by dictionaries. Even though we may struggle to describe a person with integrity, we definitely know it when we see it lacking in a person.  “So and so (speaking of individual) doesn’t act with integrity.”

I encourage you to read the article in Journal of Christian Nursing and let me know what you think. Also, I would enjoy seeing your comments on my definition:

 “Christian integrity is a heart or spiritual condition congruent with God’s character and statutes that is expressed by actions and attitudes forged through the continuous molding of the Holy Spirit through our daily times of devotion.”

How would you define Christian integrity?

Tell me what you think–upcoming article on Servant Leadership in Nursing

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Hey!

I am currently working on an article for my column Christian Nursing 101 in JCNXLargeThumb.00005217-201412000-00000.CV on Servant Leadership in Nursing. I thought it would be great to hear from YOU!

What are you thoughts on servant leadership in nursing? Is there a Bible verse that speaks to you about leadership? What are the necessary components of servant leadership? 

Please comment on the blog or fill free to send me an email with your thoughts!

Thanks, Carrie 

p.s. Feel free to check out the column by clicking on the link and finding Christian Nursing 101 under “Topical Collections.”  You need a subscription to read individual articles.