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Few of us are thrust into the role of chief executive. But all of us wrestle with how best to divvy up the limited hours of each day. The Bible records how Moses learned to cope with the pressures of directing an entire fledgling nation. His experience provides clues about how we must adjust in order to thrive.

Exodus 18:5, 13-26

1.         Do you see Jethro's timely visit (v. 13) as part of God's special provision for Moses? What experienced, godly man could provide fresh perspective for the pressures you face?
   
   
2.          What (v. 13) was Moses' schedule like? What (v. 17) did Moses' father-in-law conclude about it?
   
   
3.        What (v. 14) did Jethro ask Moses to review about how he was functioning?
   
   
4.         Was Moses' answer (vv. 15-16) based on others' demands, a strategic priority, or a mix of both?
   
   
5.         How did Jethro help his son-in-law distinguish between his unique teaching function (v. 20) and his partly delegatable administrative function (vv. 21-22)?
   
   
6.        Have you ever tried sorting your activities into essential, negotiable, and deispensible categories? Could it be a useful exercise?
   
   

Ask God to help you marginalize non-essentials in your schedule so that you can devote yourself to what really matters.

Exodus 18:5, 13-26

5 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, now came to visit Moses in the wilderness. He brought Moses' wife and two sons with him, and they arrived while Moses and the people were camped near the mountain of God.

13 The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people's disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.

14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, "What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?"

15 Moses replied, "Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God's decrees and give them his instructions."

17 "This is not good!" Moses' father-in-law exclaimed. 18 "You're going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people's representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20 Teach them God's decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the people's common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace."

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Prayer for the Week

I want to be directed by your Spirit, Lord, not driven by my calendar. Please teach me how.

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