Devotion 
Renaissance Man
David Jacobs 

Music touches me in a way that nothing else does. It has positively impacted my life in many ways, and one story in particular reminds me of these verses.

When I was in my 20s, a good friend of mine slipped and fell off a balcony and died. He was one of the best people I have ever known: kind, intelligent, and funny. Everyone that knew him was devastated. I heard the news as I was heading to the airport to go to Buenos Aires for vacation. I was crushed and didn't want to go, but my entire family was going so we headed to the airport. The vacation was difficult for a couple days; all of us were saddened by this news and weren't in the holiday spirit. One evening, we went to an opera house to hear a piano concert. The pianist was from Buenos Aires, and it was his first concert in his hometown in more than a decade. He played his heart out, giving everything he had for his country mates. My family, each of us, were all incredibly moved by this ...

Morning Prayer 

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

Inspiration 

When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.

Prayer 

Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.