APRIL 28 – SHOW YOUR LOVE

 My dear little children don’t let us simply say that we love but love in truth with our actions. Let us show them our love sincerely. (1 John 3:18)

               Do you love your people? All of them? Do you show them your love sincerely; earnestly, as John urges? Don’t answer too quickly. Take a moment. Read the preceding verses (3:16-17) for an example of what this passage is talking about.

               John reminds the readers of the way Jesus showed His love and establishes that total sacrifice is the standard for every believer. Then, he gives a striking, practical example. “Whoever has the means to help when he sees his brother in need, but doesn’t help him, how can he say that the Spirit of God and His love lives in him?” This is a very direct challenge. Especially to you who have substantial means. Your people should know you love them, because at every opportunity you must care for one of them, you do it. High standard? You bet – but not inconsistent with the rest of Scripture. Anyone can say they love. Most will give if it’s not too hard or too much. Jesus taught simply to give. It may be money – yes. But your means may be time or knowledge or influence. Or it may simply be genuinely caring when no one else does.  

                Decide today that you will show your love – God’s love - at every chance, and you will look for those opportunities.

APRIL 27 – EYE-TO-EYE

 Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When everyone denied touching Him, Peter said, “Master, there’s a huge crowd around you; all touching you.” (Luke 8:45)

                You can picture the crowd following Jesus; many desperate to get to Him. Jesus was on a mission to help a young girl who was dying. One woman, who had been tormented for years by disease, managed to reach through the crowd and touch the edge of His coat. As Jesus later explained, her faith caused her to be healed instantly. Notice that, even though Jesus was busy – with lots of people clamoring for His attention – He stopped and made sure to recognize what God was doing. And, He took time to love that individual whose life was being changed. He looked into her eyes.

                Will you do that? No matter what your mission for the day, nor how many people vie for your attention – will you stay conscious of what God is doing around you? Will you stop and relate to the people involved until His work in you, and in them, is completed?

                Stay alert each moment. Find the person God is calling you to help. Look into their eyes and stay with them until His work is done.

APRIL 26 – BRING HIM TO ME

 And many told (blind Bartimeus) to be quiet, but he yelled louder, “Son of David – have mercy on me! Jesus stopped and told them to bring Bartimeus to Him. So, they called him, “Be courageous and get up. Jesus is calling you.” (Mark 10:48-49)

             Jesus and his disciples were headed for Jerusalem; busy and serious on their way. Bartimeus, the blind man on the side of the road, could not be indulged thought the disciples. Jesus doesn’t have time for him right now. They tried to silence Bartimeus, so that he would not get in the way. But Jesus seized the moment He helped them re-think their job description. He told them to go and bring the sick (physically, mentally, spiritually) to Him so He could make them whole.

             Do you get too busy to see the sick person standing in front of you? Is your work too important to stop and bring them to Jesus? Every day brings opportunity to find the people who need Christ. Your work is not to fix them, nor necessarily to please them. It certainly is not to overlook them as a casualty of a busy day. Your work is to bring them to the Lord.

Look around you today. Somewhere, the Holy Spirit will show you your Bartimeus. Go to him or her and bring that sick person to Jesus.

APRIL 25 – WORK

 Shine your light on your work for your servants, so it will show your glory to the children. Let the beauty of the Lord rest upon us as you establish your work for our hands. Yes, our work. You establish our work. (Psalm 90:16-17)

                Do you love your work? Do you eagerly look forward to beginning each day? Why not? God formed you with purpose for the work He intended for you. Listen for His voice that is calling you to that work. If you do this, you will find work that you will love.

                Your best life’s work is to be a part of the mission of God in His world and to His people. So, this request to “shine your light on your work” asks the Lord to reveal your mission. This is the way to find your work. Only then, is it possible to have the Glory of God rest upon you as you do it. He will guide your hands and feet, and speak through you. This relationship with God is where you will find the easy burden and the light load that Jesus promised (Matthew 11:30). Your job is to lead, but if you are to lead well, the Lord must establish the daily details of your job description. Sometimes, He will do this in surprising and unconventional ways, and sometimes you won’t understand. But, you can be certain of God’s presence and provision if you obey.

                Let God establish your work, and enjoy Him each day as you bring Him glory in it!

APRIL 24 – WORSHIP

 God is Spirit. Those who worship Him must worship in their spirit – their very core being, and in the truth of who He is, and who He made and called us to be. (John 4:24)

                Can your people be led to worship – even before they come to know Jesus? Can they act their way toward the Lord and His truth?

                Jesus says that you must worship both in spirit and in truth. So, to engage in real worship that brings glory to God and joy to your life, you must have experienced the birth of God’s Spirit in you. Then, the truth of who Jesus is can be lived out in your words and actions as you are animated by the Holy Spirit who lives in you. Those whom you lead; over whom you have influence, can engage in those actions with you. As they do, experiencing the change they see happening and hearing your story of the Hope in Christ that motivates you, they will be encouraged. As time and your consistency proves your Hope is trustworthy and real, some of these people will begin to have hope as well; hope that can be the basis of their faith and trust in the Lord.

                Remember, worship is what makes the church, not the place where people meet. Lead your people to worship in Spirit and in Truth in every place you meet with them.

APRIL 23 – THE FAMILY

 Jesus asked, “Who is my family?” Then, He looked around the circle of followers who were seated before Him, and said, “Here is my family. The one who does the will of God is my family.” (Mark 3:33-35)

               Who is your work family? Who are the people closest to you; whom you trust, and to whom you give authority? As you clearly communicate the vision God has given you, and you share and define the values that are vital to that plan, this family will grow. Those whom Jesus sends to you will be added to the family. They may not be who you want. Some people whom you want to be a part may choose not to follow the way God has provided, and losing your close, working relationship with those people may become a cost of following the Lord’s vision.

               Jesus said these words while his mother and other family members stood outside the place where He was teaching. It is thought they probably wanted to warn Him of the dangers of His harsh words to the religious leaders. They likely feared for His safety – and theirs. Some of your people will decide not to do what they need to do. Some of them will leave; and some may choose to stay and oppose the work, even if their words say they agree. Jesus said, “Those who do the will of God.” He did not say, “Those who know this will, and can recite it.”

               Be alert. Watch to determine whose actions show they are your family. Rely upon the Holy Spirit guide your decisions.

APRIL 22 – I’LL BE THERE

Yes, He has taken upon Himself our illness. He has carried our pain and suffering. (Isaiah 53:4)

                What do you do when you see that your people are captured by the things of this world that would destroy their lives? Where are you when pain and suffering; mentally, physically, and spiritually, come into their lives?

                Isaiah relays God’s promise that Jesus will come. The man who will take on the cares of the world. He did come, and He was beaten, humiliated, and hung on a cross after a life of comforting and healing and bringing hope to people. By each of those acts He was taking on the sickness, pain, and suffering of other people. Jesus said, “If you want to follow me, forget about yourself. Take up your cross each day to follow me (Luke 9:23).” Jesus is saying you must understand that the life of a follower is a life of engaging with people who are in pain, and this life requires you to take on their suffering – as if it is your own. So, the response when your people are hurting is to view those problems as your own, and to find ways to face these obstacles with them. Sometimes, you may help remove them. Sometimes, you may simply be present. But, be there.

                Love your people enough to help them carry their problems, fears, pain, and suffering.

APRIL 21 – ABOUT STRANGERS

 When the shepherd has taken each one of his sheep from the fold, He walks in front of them. They follow Him because they know his voice. But, they will never follow a stranger. They will run from him because they do not recognize his voice. (John 10:4-5)

               Do you feel that you must try to please everyone, so you may be considered a good person? Do you go along with what another person asks - without asking God – just to keep the peace? Being nice and agreeable is not the standard for a person who will follow Jesus. Obeying - following Him, going where He says, and doing what He says to do is your standard.

Jesus warns that you will hear other voices every day, all around you. When those other voices – of the people who are not your shepherd - call you to something different from what the Lord has told you to do, you must refuse. Say no. One assumption of this counsel is that you must be listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit if you will know the right way to go. If you listen to the voices of the world constantly, they will begin to dull your ears to God’s voice. If you focus on His word, and His voice alone, your decisions will be clear when those other voices try to divert you.

Pursue the Lord’s will for you. Listen always for His voice so you will not be fooled by the voice of a stranger when he or she calls you away from God’s purposes.

APRIL 20 – JUST ONE

 I plead with you – by the name and with the desire and under the power of our Lord, Jesus Christ. You can’t become divided; tearing apart His message. You must agree, and become woven together; united in heart, mind, and spirit as one community. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

               Jesus clearly intended for those who followed Him to be united. In the few words recorded from His prayers the night before He was killed, Jesus fervently asked God for this unity (John 17:21). Paul understood that the church must be one, and spoke often with illustrations teaching how the people of God are to work together in peace and harmony. God told His leaders and prophets often to, “call the people together.” It was in this context of a united community that He performed mighty and powerful acts, provided for the needs of His people, and spoke His instruction to them.

                His intentions have not changed. God still wants His people to be a community united by their constant attention upon Him. He still is telling leaders to call their people to be together in His Spirit, focused on Jesus Christ, and loving each other and the people around them. When people are divided, the message is also torn apart.

                Lead your people to a common vision of bringing honor to the Lord together, as they love each other and the people around them.

APRIL 19 – SAME OLD STORY

 Noah did what God said to do. He did everything exactly as he was told to do it. (Genesis 6:22)

                Think of the great stories of the Bible. You may recall Noah’s story, or Moses and the Exodus. These, and other epics that tell of how God has worked in human history to change peoples’ lives, all share a common trait. Each story includes a man or a woman who had enough faith and courage to choose to trust the Lord and do what He told them to do.

                Can you imagine the people mocking and laughing at Noah each day as he worked on a ship that was longer than a football field, while he was explaining that a flood would come? Think of the conversations he must have had with his wife and sons as they questioned him. But, Noah continued – because he trusted God. God’s instruction very often does not make sense to the people who receive it. It almost never makes sense to the world around them. However, doing what the Lord says to do is how a follower must respond when God speaks. Obedience is the action of one who really trusts God.

                Chose to be obedient today. When God’s Holy Spirit speaks to you, do what He says to do. Let Him write a new story with your life.

APRIL 18 – DON’T STOP

 Pray without ever pausing or stopping. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

                Yesterday, did you pray? Did you really pray with all your heart and your energy? Did you take real time to thank God, to listen for His counsel, and to pray for the people He brought to your mind?

                Prayer is both the constant task and a great benefit of following Jesus. Certainly, Paul understood the demands of everyday life when He wrote this letter. Yet, he said “without ever stopping.” How is that possible? Ephesians 6:18 in part says, “Be alert; watching. Persevere in interceding for all of your people; God’s saints.” This envisions a life of looking for God in each interaction. Every object and each face you encounter, and every different act of your life is an occasion that calls for a conversation with the Lord. That’s why the Father gives you the Holy Spirit. “He will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).” All truth means He will give you understanding of every situation that is appropriate for what He wants you to do. The Spirit will also give you the wisdom to know your way forward.

                Pray today. Pray tomorrow. Pray without ever pausing or stopping. Pray in the shower, in the car, and while you’re being yelled at by a customer. Do all this so that Christ can speak, informing your work every day.

APRIL 17 – CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

 Jesus was impressed by the Centurion’s words; so surprised that He observed, “Listen, I haven’t heard this kind of faith anywhere – not even in Israel!” (Luke 7:9)

                Do you recognize excellence? Bringing attention to exceptional moments is one of the great opportunities for you to influence your people. What the leader talks about, emphasizes, and measures is what his or her people will do.

                The Centurion recognized the power and authority of Jesus’ work. As evidence of this belief, he publicly spoke his affirmation of faith in Jesus. It was an unusual, unexpected show of character, and Jesus wanted His followers to take note and understand, “That is what faith looks like!” There are certain actions your people will take that will reflect the character you know is important to your organization. As the Holy Spirit gives you understanding to see these moments, your celebration will help everyone to move closer to the vision and the values that God has given you.

                Listen carefully and encourage excellence when you see and hear God’s truth lived out. Celebrate these good, good times!

APRIL 16 – PATIENCE

 Keep being serious about the Lord working out the details of your life, just as you did when I was with you. Remember, it is God who gives you courage to will that He do that work, and it is He who completes the work – all for His own pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)

                Good work – God’s work – takes time. Just as you observe in business, those who take a longer view in their planning usually develop a better plan. God’s plan spans eternity. He has chosen to establish times and seasons to do His work in people. He places you in His world for a unique time, and for a person or people He has selected, in each moment of your life.

                The courage Paul urges might look a lot like patience to the world. Essentially, he says, “Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s next step for you; so patient that you continue to want to wait for Him to act even when you are struggling and afraid.” Waiting for God to act is hard work – especially when circumstances are difficult. It is then that waiting is truly the work of faith. Real faith waits, eagerly looking to the Lord for your next step. Real faith obeys immediately, before considering the potential outcomes.

                Today is an opportunity the Lord has planned for you. Let Him work His will each moment.

APRIL 15 – FRUSTRATION

 We have been given the gift of going straight to Jesus with courage, knowing He will show mercy and have the answer that will help us in each moment of our lives. (Hebrews 4:16)

                Are you frustrated by the actions of a person you lead? Have your efforts to fix their problems fallen short? If so, you may be ready to accept some news. Your people are not puzzles for you to solve. Their problems are not opportunities for you to share your wisdom and experience. People are valued creations of God, and - He is their answer.

                The writer explains that Jesus understands you, knows your struggles, and that He alone has the plan for your success in life. Jesus is that same answer for the one who struggles, and for your actions as you become a part of that person’s answer. People who are struggling need Jesus. Every part of your relationship with other people should be guided by the Lord’s Holy Spirit. You may not understand the plan, and you may never even see the result of your investment. The work is simply to do what you are led to do.

                Frustration is a sign that you have designed a plan. One who follows Jesus will focus on completing the work he or she is given to do, and will trust that Jesus is the plan.

APRIL 14 – SUCCESS

 (When you are filled with God’s Spirit) there will be real worship; constant celebration of the Lord, God. Do it like this – sing all kinds of songs that make the melody in your heart rise to the Lord, giving thanks to God for all He gave us in Jesus Christ. And, give your lives to each other in love because of your great love of Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-21)

                What does success look like? Do you measure success by bigger, more, faster, better – less cost or more profit? Real success is where people who once were trapped in drudgery; dreading and fearing, excusing and avoiding – where those same people are filled with hope and wonder, ambition and optimism, peace and love for each other.

                Paul explains, the people who live in God’s Kingdom don’t need to get drunk to be excited and throw a party. Followers of Jesus, who allow Him to consume their thoughts and control their actions, will erupt in praise and gratitude, and show love for others because of the work they will see Him accomplish. God’s success causes people to recognize Him.

                Is this the success you’re leading toward? Is your metric, “How many lives are changing because of God’s work in them?” Are your people celebrating real success, or just numbers?

APRIL 13 – YOUR STORY

 It is only because God loved you, and because He makes it possible that you may escape a life of meaningless pursuits that will end in misery and death. His love is a gift! You did not earn it by following rules, nor doing good deeds. You unwrapped it by putting all your hope in Him; letting the Lord teach you how He will use this gift called grace for Him. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

                Your story matters! The people you influence will not care to hear about your vision, your values, or your God until they understand how God has changed your life. They may listen politely, but unless you give them evidence of God’s power – they will not hear your message over their televisions, their friends, and their own, personal ambitions. It will just be words.

                It is the message of the gospel – God’s transforming power changing the lives of men and women – that awakens peoples’ imagination (John 12:32). Telling your story, explaining what God did, and is doing, in your life focuses attention on Him. Sharing that you have learned He can be trusted brings them hope. Admitting you did nothing to earn God’s love; that He gave you your new life with real purpose, encourages others to listen for God’s call to them.

               Be generous. Tell your story. Lead your people toward their meeting with Jesus.

APRIL 12 – VALUE

 What seemed criminal may have been entirely because he should be yours eternally. Not a slave any more – a person, valued brother, and one who is now so special to me. He’ll be so much more valuable now as he lives in the Lord. (Philemon 15-16)

               Think of your subordinates, whether volunteer or paid. Think of the vendors and reps, and the customers. What is their value to you? Do you value their productivity, performance, usefulness, the profitability they bring? If so, understand this – that basis of valuation is the one used to value a slave.

                Paul appealed to Philemon, the owner of runaway slave, Onesimus in this personal letter. He called on Philemon to recognize the value Onesimus had as a man who was created and loved by God. There is no doubt Paul has spent time helping Onesimus understand Philemon’s value as a brother. How else could he return, trusting the Lord for his safety, and risking his freedom, and his life to help Philemon grow with him. Paul has explained to each of them that they, along with other men and women, are made in God’s image. That is the one source of their true value.

                 See your people in a new way. Recognize the image of God that they bear, and then begin to value them for their potential to live in Christ with you as brothers and sisters.

APRIL 11 – A REASONABLE GIFT

 So, I encourage – even plead with you, to do this one thing.  Do it because God has so extravagantly shown you His grace and mercy. Do it even though you will need His continued mercy to accomplish it. Present your body before the Lord constantly, as if it were a living sacrifice. Let Him do with it what He wills. That is the only acceptable gift that you can give to our Lord. (Romans 12:1)

               Paul sees his life as a daily, even moment-to-moment balance. He wants to obey God as the Lord purposely uses him in His work with other people. This envisions much more than simply following. He is calling for the reader to view every circumstance as an altar where he or she will wait with anticipation for God to animate them, while willing that He control every action. Paul’s reference to an acceptable sacrifice also challenges them to be consumed by God’s work in them, as He continues to bring them to purity and holiness. Sacrifices to God must be pure.

               If you follow Paul’s advice, there will be no work, no relationships, no places where God’s word will not be your answer. Nor will there be situations where you will take back the reins of control over your actions because they are secular or recreational pursuits. Can you make that commitment? Will you make that decision?

               Let your will today be that God will enable you to become the living sacrifice Paul describes.

APRIL 10 – CREATED FOR WORK

 We are the masterfully created work of the Lord; created in Christ Jesus to be prepared and used for good works. God ordained the way we would travel before we existed, thinking of us and preparing for us to walk that path. (Ephesians 2:10)

               You are a masterpiece created by God; fashioned to be a tool in His hand, and you possess a unique purpose. The Lord intends to use you, His own creation, to do more creating that only you were designed to finish. The leader God will use must understand this relationship, both to do his or her own work and to lead the other people.

                If you are a tool in God’s hand, you can be humble and submissive even though your work will evidence great skill and artistry. Your entire story will be one of finding those whom the Lord wants to unite in and through the work of Jesus. In this work, your focus will be on the fine details of another person’s needs; giving yourself completely for their benefit in love.

                This describes the attitude and the work of Jesus. You see that Peter and the other apostles lived in this understanding. Can you see yourself as God’s useful masterpiece today? Will you give yourself completely to the fine details of your people’s lives?

APRIL 9 – STRUGGLING TO CHANGE

 Then the man said, “Your name won’t be only Jacob now, but Israel; because you struggled with God and men and you held on for God’s blessing. (Genesis 32:28)

                Jacob was exceptionally clever. By his wits, his hard work, and his perseverance, he had gained many of the marks of success. But, his history was also marked by the way he had deceived and schemed to take from others – especially his brother, Esau. Then, on the night before finally facing Esau again, he faced not only that struggle, but also had reached the end of himself, where now he sought God.

                He endured a long, exhausting night of struggle, but Jacob held on. He emerged weakened, injured, and exhausted. And – he was changed. No longer just the sly, crafty man who was afraid of those he had deceived, Israel become his new name because he had wrestled with God. He endured the long night of struggle without giving up. Having met God face-to-face, he was now ready to return to the place where he would live out God’s plan for his life.

                Recognize today that this is the struggle each person must engage if they are to live in God’s plan. From that honest, transparent, face-to-face battle with God comes God’s transformation. With God’s transforming power comes a future. Have your struggle to change today.

APRIL 8 – KNOW YOUR PEOPLE

 But Jesus didn’t give full trust to them, because of their words, because He knew people. Nor did He need anyone else to tell Him about each one, because He knew them at a heart level; who they were at their core (John 2:24-25)

                How could Jesus know? Is it possible for you to really know your people? Or, is that out of your reach; something only God can do? Well, yes. Yes, this level of knowing other people is out of your reach, but also, yes – it is possible for you to really know your people this way.

               Jesus explained how this is possible. He said that even He could do nothing, except as the Father gave Him understanding (John 5:19, et al). This is because God knows people’s hearts. He knows their nature. He can tell you if they have truly changed (1 Samuel 16:7). So, the Father can be trusted to give you this understanding as you listen to and observe people at all levels of your organization. As you relate to God through His Spirit in you, He also will give you the actions and the words that will bring hope and belief to those same people He has called you to serve. You must engage with them directly, face-to-face, but as you do so - never lose sight of God’s face.

                Commit to the work of relating to your people, as you relate to the Lord. This will give you the understanding to lead your people well.

APRIL 7 – EXPECTATIONS

 If you walk in the path I have shown you, and value the commands I give you and do what I say, then… (Leviticus 26:3)

                God speaks clearly about the results He expects. The answer is always the same. He requires that you walk in the way He has prepared, you recognize the words He speaks to be Truth, and you spend your Life following Him; obeying what He asks. This is the Lord’s clear expectation for each man and woman He creates.

                In a very similar way, an effective leader will communicate his or her expectations in a clear, complete, and appropriate way to each, individual member of his or her community. There can be no accountability unless you provide each person with a definition of the role that individual will play and the responsibilities that come with the role. Have you done the hard work of asking God to help you see His individualized plans for your responsibility to lead each of your people? Have you modeled and taught them to give clear-cut expectations to those whom they influence? The job of a leader is to build other leaders who also learn how to follow God’s plan.

               Ask God today to give you clarity of thought and the voice to communicate His will to the people you lead.

APRIL 6 – REPETITION

 Store my words deep in your heart and soul. Make them part of every work of your hand and every thought. Teach them to your children, and tell everyone about them, whatever you’re doing, from sun up to bedtime. Post my word everywhere you look. (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)

                Repetition. The name of the book Deuteronomy means repeated law. Not surprisingly, Moses repeats the law in it – repetitively. In this passage, he urges different ways to not only repeat God’s word all the time, but to work His word into every part of life; home, work, sleeping, waking, working, and thinking. God knows you intimately. He created you. So, He knows how important repetition is to the formation of habits that mold your character. Understanding the importance of repetition will then help you in teaching His word to those you lead.

                The words that describe vision and mission for your people, and the words God gives to be their values and principles in the work they are to do together, must be taught and blessed. They should be present everywhere. These words also must be lived. They must become the default system for each process, challenge, and opportunity if you are to lead a group of people to become a real community.

                Repeat God’s word! Again, repeat God’s word!

APRIL 5 – ACTIONS OR WORDS

 I remember Lord. You have saved me from death, have brought me through sorrow, and have kept me from failures. All this, so that I may obey and live for you while I’m on this earth. I will keep on believing, and I will speak, even when I suffer greatly. (Psalm 116:8-10)

                As the Psalmist relates, God can be trusted. Citing this passage, Paul explains to the people in Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:13) that this foundational belief is at the root of action. You, and your people will act based upon what you believe is true.

 What you do, especially as you “suffer greatly,” facing challenges and dangers, will show your people what you really believe. And, other people act based upon what they believe. They know they will prosper most by pleasing the leader. So, they usually will instinctively adjust what they do to what you show them you believe. If your words conflict with your actions, people will be confused, uncertain, and often will even feel that you have lied to them.

In the end, do you have the humility to see times when you have acted in conflict with your core beliefs? Are you strong enough to acknowledge those failures? Do you love your people enough to correct the error? Act as if their lives depend upon it.

APRIL 4 – EVERYWHERE YOU GO

You will receive great power from the Holy Spirit when He comes to you and lives in you. Then, you will tell everyone I send you to all about me; each one, no matter where they are in the world. (Acts 1:8)

                How far is your reach? You may think of each group you see regularly. Maybe you’d count only those in the smaller circles of family, friends, and closest business associates. If you lead an organization, your extended reach is to the far corners of the world. Each person led or influenced by you has influence over others in their geographical location, business relationships, family, and other interests. Also, you may never personally know all the people who will be affected by your obedience when the Lord sends you to a person.

The implications of this reality are many. Each one tells you a little about God’s plans. His plans are bigger, more complex, further-reaching, longer-term, and they affect far more people than you can imagine. As you speak one specific word of God’s encouragement to a person or group, that word begins to travel to the far corners of your organization, and even to the ends of the world.

Begin today to take seriously each opportunity the Spirit presents for you to take Christ to the ends of the world. 

APRIL 3 – EVERYTHING YOU DO

I know what you do. You’ve got this great reputation for being alive with God’s Spirit, but your actions betray you. You are not doing the work God gave you to do. Wake up. Begin where you are, and carefully pursue the Lord’s plan. (Revelation 3:1-2)

               There is nothing that causes faith or hope to be shattered more quickly than for a leader who is trusted to act in a way that is inconsistent with his or her reputation for good character. The Spirit tells the church at Sardis that He sees beyond the reputations they no doubt earned with their prior deeds. He tells this church that today’s reality is that they have lost their way.

               There is great danger in success. Especially when people begin to tell you how good you are. You may become tempted to believe them. If you rest upon your victories and faithfulness of yesterday, and begin to feel that you no longer need God’s leadership each moment, you will mess up. It is only a matter of time. The only source of good is to obey the vision that comes from the Lord. Your people will quickly lose their way, if you begin to take on God’s role in planning the way forward. As a leader, everyone is watching you. Some are hoping you will fail. Some are depending on you to be faithful and to hold them accountable. But, all of them are watching anxiously.

               Be sure to lead them toward the future that God has prepared, so that each of them has a chance to succeed.

APRIL 2 – FOLLOWERS ARE PEOPLE TOO

 … You are favored by God because I (Jesus) was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink, alone and you asked me to join you… (Matthew 25:34-35)

                Jesus is saying, “You looked at the people around you who were overlooked by everyone else. Those who could not possibly help you are the ones you were attentive to, and you searched for what they needed. Then, you gave it to them. You valued all these people; my people. You did it the way that I told you to do it, and the Father loves you for doing this.”

                The purest expression of love is the act of giving a gift to one who cannot repay you. All around you, every day, you will see people, and each of those people have needs. Often the poorest of our society have no place to stand, and very often the rich have found isolation and loneliness to be the price of their wealth. Many people live in self-made prisons, or they have been captured by disease – either physical or mental. Jesus loves each one of these people. He knows each person by name, and he values each one of them as special creations of His Father, God. Do you?

                Stop. Look around you today. Ask God who needs your gift of love.

 

APRIL 1 – LEAD THROUGH AFFIRMATION

 And the Lord, God said to Moses, “I will do exactly what you have asked of me because you are special to me. You have found grace and favor in my sight. You have made a name for yourself with me. (Exodus 33:17)

               This word God spoke to Moses was His response to Moses’ clear recognition that he could not lead, his people could not achieve God’s future for them, and the world would not come to know God by their work – unless they followed God’s plan each step of their way. In that response to Moses, the Lord directly affirmed the humility, the love, and the desire for unity that had come to dominate Moses’ character. These characteristics are what God values, and so they are what God affirmed.

                God still values uncommon character. Through your words, He will give affirmation to those you lead as they live up to the values you have defined and taught to them. This recognition will emphasize the importance of those values as standards for your group, and it will give hope to your people as they move forward toward the vision God has given you to pursue together.

                Watch for, listen to hear, and then recognize those who live toward the vision with character. Give God’s word of affirmation to them.

MARCH 31 – TIME TOGETHER BUILDS TRUST

 Continually, every day, all day long encourage each other, so that not one of you become hardened by sin’s lies. (Hebrews 3:13)

                Your presence speaks loudly. Are there corners of your organization you do not know? No matter how large your group, or how widely they are separated by distance, culture, and other barriers, you must know them. If you are to lead them well, they must also know you.

                  This passage speaks of a relationship in which you are fully present, attentive, and prayerful for God’s words of encouragement. Especially if your time together is brief, or infrequent, you must watch and listen carefully and actively, resisting the temptation to defend, accuse, or even express opinions.  When you watch and listen in this way, the Holy Spirit will give understanding of the emotion and fears that you observe. At times, the act of simply affirming that you understand what they tell you will bring hope and encouragement to them. Listening to people is a powerful way to earn their trust.

              You are limited only by God’s creative Spirit, who will lead you to the answer for your people. Ask Him today how you can best come to know, to spend time with, and to encourage your people. Your group’s prosperity will be based on the trust that will come.

MARCH 30 – ENGAGE PEOPLE TRANSPARENTLY

 The word of God has life! It is powerfully effective, like the most dominant weapon. God’s word disarms men and women at their deepest core, and speaks knowing every thought and attitude of the human heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

                God gives you a vision for the people whom He calls you to lead. This vision is a future He has prepared for you, and for those people to live into. If you will lead them effectively, you must openly, transparently give them His word as He leads you to do that. John Wesley once said, “Light yourself on fire with passion, and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” Does your life “burn” with passion for giving God’s word to others?

                Give your people God’s plan - His words and His vision for your life - as your deepest, most heart-felt desire. This word from God will resonate within those whom He is calling to respond in faith and join with you. You will see them change as they find their place in the work of the vision. Your openness will invite them to speak clearly and courageously with others. There is no other touch like this! The Word of God can convict, challenge, heal, and calm all at once.

                Have the courage to speak God’s transforming word – clearly, openly; transparently – today.

MARCH 29 – LIVE THE VISION WITH SERVICE

 Each of you, in a way that reflects that you have been given all you are from God, be good stewards of His abundant grace! These gifts are given so you can use them to love others and to serve them. (1 Peter 4:10)

               The most powerful way to convey the vision God has given you to those whom you lead is to simply live your life following that vision. Peter speaks clearly. You should be focused on using your life, and everything else you have been given by God, to show His love for other people. Jesus lived this truth (John 15:13), and Paul also encouraged it (Galatians 5:13-14). Jesus clearly said, “If you want to be a leader, your life will be about serving other people (Matthew 23:11).” If this is true, then shouldn’t each moment of your day be a search for each of the people whom the Lord wants you to serve?

                Your life’s aim will then be to actively work to bring hope and help to these people whose needs you have been sent to serve. So, it is – Your service is how you live that vision you are being given by Jesus each day.   

                As you walk slowly among your people, listen and look for the needs that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you. Ask Him how He would have you to serve the person you find. Then serve. Your gift of yourself to serve that person is how others will be drawn to the work of the vision you pursue.

MARCH 28 – PERFECT IS BETTER

 Now go. I – I AM with your mouth. I have already spoken what will be spoken by you. (Exodus 4:12)

               There is a quote of Voltaire often paraphrased, “Perfect is the enemy of good.” Several arguments could be raised either to support or oppose this saying. Before you weigh in, you may want to compose your definition of perfect. If you knew that you could have perfect much more easily than only good, would you not want to pursue perfect?

               God has answered several excuses, complaints, and objections that Moses has offered as he tried to avoid the responsibility of accepting God’s calling. Now, God says to him, “I don’t care if you’re a good speaker, because I will be doing the talking.” Moses’ (maybe) good was going to be replaced by God’s perfect. That offer is available to you today. Jesus promised that, even when you are placed before people who want to harm you, “Your Father will speak through you (Matthew 10:20).” Just like Moses, your only responsibility is to go when and where the Holy Spirit tells you to go. Your obedience; your will to be used, is enough. God will speak. God’s word is Truth (John 17:17). God’s word is Life (John 6:63). Without God and His way, you can’t even hope for good (Psalm 16:2). So, when you think about it, perfect as described here, should be only.

               Perfect is not the enemy of good. Hold out for God’s perfect, so that He will say that your work is, “Very good.”

MARCH 27 – A VALUED POSSESSION

 Now if you will hear me, and you will listen to me, and you will obey me, then you will be my valued possession – treasured more than the other people, though everything and everyone in the earth is mine. (Exodus 19:5)

               God is looking for those whose hearts are committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). God chose Israel as His people. He speaks here about those who will choose Him – by doing what He says to do. Do you want to be God’s valued possession?

                People are quick to leap into opportunities to distinguish themselves. To make a mark, and become known for achievement is a constant pursuit for many. Often, especially for one who has become a leader of a group or a business organization, achievement becomes the single focus – even in their relationship with the Lord. If you hear God; really listen, you will hear Him inviting you to a very different relationship. God is not impressed by your greatest achievements. The Lord is calling you to trust Him enough to remember that you are of great value to Him, and to believe He has carefully prepared a future for you that fits you perfectly. His desire for you to obey is motivated by His desire to see you become whole and complete. He already has control. What He wants is your heart.

                Respond to God’s call to be His valued possession.

MARCH 26 – WHO IS GOD?

 The Lord; the Lord that is God is full of pity, showing mercy, ready to extend grace. He is patient in His compassion, and always can be trusted to be the Truth. (Exodus 34:6)

               It is critical for you to know who God is. He is righteous and just. This is His world, and He will someday call men and women to account. In the end you can either trust god and His way, or you will trust in another way you choose apart from Him. In Proverbs (14:12 and 16:25), you read that any choice other than God’s way ends in death, so it is important to understand God and to understand this choice.

                Moses has just witnessed a small glimpse of God, and in these words the Lord is describing to him what he saw. This was God’s first-person description of Himself to Moses. How encouraging it is that God chooses to describe Himself in these ways. Although He later explains that He is a God of justice and judgment, His first words are descriptions of His love, affection, and His desire for relationship. God also assures Moses, and you, that He is always trustworthy and always true. No one else could make that promise. No one else could deliver if they did.

                Take heart in God’s words of hope and assurance, and trust Him and His way for your life today.

MARCH 25 – SNAKY BIRDS

 …so be wise and shrewd as snakes, while you are pure and innocent, and simple like doves. (Matthew 10:16)

                Like the crowd who first heard these words, you may really be scratching your head. The challenge comes for you to be a snaky dove. What does that look like?

               Jesus is emphasizing what He just said about the danger that lay ahead, and He is giving more instruction. First, consider that Proverbs explains, “all wisdom, useful knowledge, and understanding come from the Lord God. (Proverbs 2:6)” So, Jesus again is saying, “I am sending you, but you will still be dependent. You will still need me to be close to you.” The book of James also wrestles with the rest of this message. There (James 3:13-18), the writer explains that real understanding will lead a follower to use wisdom for the benefit of others, with mercy and humility to make peace and show other people the way to God. This is the real distinction. Many teachers advise students to be wise, but in the world’s way. They advise students to be self-centered, and even deceitful. Jesus is saying His follower will use what he or she knows in the right way. Without understanding, those who are wise as snakes - but who realize they are really sheep who are heading toward the wolves - will live in constant fear. They’ll try to avoid contact with the wolves, rather than going where they’re led.

               Consider today which of your animals; sheep, snake or dove, may need more time with Jesus today.

MARCH 24 – SHEEP AND WOLVES

…where you will be sheep among wolves… (Matthew 10:16)

               Do you see yourself as a sheep? Sheep are valuable, special animals, but they have not had a great press agent. While they are among the more intelligent creatures, they are marked by, and often fail to show that intelligence, because of their strong instincts and emotions that cause them to follow the crowd. They’re very sociable – and that often causes them pain. Are you a sheep?

               Jesus encourages the people He is sending as He gives them this warning. The sheep’s only defense when predators come is the shepherd. Following the people of this world who appear to be most experienced or wise; the experts, while you are in a life-and-death battle with opposing powers and principalities (Ephesians 6:12), will lead to your destruction. This is just as the sheep who blindly follow the old ram will face the wolves’ sharp fangs. So, the sheep, who have difficulty with seeing details, must rely upon the shepherd’s voice. Jesus is explaining to these followers they must follow Him closely as well. Wolves also are attracted to prey that is weak and injured. Maybe the listeners remembered the Psalmist saying, “My help and my strength comes from the Lord God! (Psalm 121:2)”

               Recognize you have predators who would do you harm and remember that you need to follow your Shepherd. 

MARCH 23 – SENT

 Pay Attention! I am now sending you out into the world…. (Matthew 10:16)

                When you close the door of your home behind you each morning, do you think about being sent? It’s very easy to think in those terms when you’re heading to a church meeting, or to do a mission project. Often, there will be a formal send-off for those who travel to do such “ministry work.”

                   Jesus commissions you to your mission every morning. It is your primary vocation to follow that mission from Jesus into the world each day, where He will lead you and empower you with His strength if you keep looking to Him and following. This work of the Lord is to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons. As the Holy Spirit lives in you, and works in and through you, you will do this work both literally and figuratively. This charge from Jesus – “I am sending you!” - gives you that mission. Those words also give you authority; God’s authority to go anywhere He leads, and to speak His message to any person He places in front of you. If you will follow Jesus closely, you will walk in power, and you will get to see lives change.

                  Whatever your company makes, sells, or provides as a service, remember your vocation is that you are sent by Jesus. Live your mission. Be sent!

March 22 – LOVE TAKES RISKS

 Risk yourselves in showing mercy – rushing in to the fire of their torment to save them, but recognize and flee from the sin that entangles their lives. (Jude 23)

                Which people do you love enough to make you put yourself at risk? Would you risk death for your family – maybe even your closest friends? Would you risk “being burned” by investing in someone who doesn’t deserve your help? It may take your money, your time, your personal attention, or an opportunity to work with you. You may even have to go to the place where they are – even a terrible, dangerous place.

 Rescuing someone from a fire is such a good illustration of the tremendous danger that a tormented person, living life without God must face every day. It also makes you think of the risk that you will face when you love that person enough to rush into their fire to save them. That kind of reckless investment even puts you at risk of the consequences of the sin that has them in its bondage, as you draw near and become intimately related with these people.

                For whom will you take this great risk every day? Let your answer be, “everyone the Lord gives me to love.” Let your love for other people take the risks that it takes to rescue them.

March 21 – UNITY

 Be kind and show compassion for people who struggle and doubt and hesitate to commit. Have mercy on them with discernment. (Jude 22)

               How do you deal with the people you lead who are stragglers? Are you tempted to push them to the side, or even drive them out? Those who don’t buy in; who aren’t true believers, will be a source of endless problems. They must be dealt with. But, how do you deal with them the right way?

               This instruction clearly gives you the correct attitude to have, but you may struggle with how to have mercy; how to show compassion to these people who are struggling. Paul also gave some insight in his letter to the Galatians (6:1-2), “Carry each other’s problems, and you’ll be doing what Jesus said to do.” Jesus wanted this mercy for each other, so that His people would find unity. “Let them (the ones who believe in me) be completely unified, so the world will know that the Father sent me and loves them (John 17:23).” Jesus talked in family terms. You become brothers and sisters in God’s family when you follow Him. The unity Jesus spoke about is so complete that you and He are like one person, and through that love you can also be united with other believers. Unity is a high priority of Jesus, and it must be a very high priority for you, if you would lead as God wants you to lead.

Look for your people who struggle today and show them the compassion and mercy that brings this unity.

March 20 – HUMILITY

 But you, my friends that I love, build yourselves on your faith in Jesus; praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love for you as you look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you through into life eternal. (Romans 13:9)

               What is humility? You may most easily define this word using its opposites. Humility is not arrogance or pride. Many would say it is good to be humble, but most seem to choose not to do it. This world is about asserting your rights, self-esteem, and bragging. Our culture even has a phrase that recognizes people struggle with what they know to do versus what they do, “humble brag.” So, are you humble?

                Try this definition for humility. Humility is to understand your proper role, and to live in that role honestly every day. To do this, you’ll need a firm foundation. Trusting Jesus, that he can “bring you through,” is that stable base. Then, trusting the Holy Spirit to know what you need and to pray with and for you (Romans 8:26-27), you can be consistent and live with integrity. It is God’s love for you that makes this happen. It is not whether you are good or bad. It is whether you love, and give your life to the One who loves you.

            Humility is to know that you cannot succeed apart from your relationship with God. Be humble.

March 19 – JUST LOVE

 For these, commandments not to commit adultery, not to kill nor steal, crave to have other peoples’ things, and all the other commands – they all add up to this, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Romans 13:9)

               If you have heard any words from the Bible, it is likely that you have heard this challenge to obey one little commandment, “Love your neighbor!” However, two important questions face you if you want to follow Paul’s advice; “Who is your neighbor?” and “How do you love this neighbor as you love yourself?”

               The word neighbor is an interesting choice. It generally means, “someone close by” or “touching.” If you quickly run through a mental list of people you have at times seen face-to-face, talked to, or written to, each of those would seem to qualify. Paul’s intended definition may have been even broader, including people he had not yet met. Maybe “everyone” could be a good working definition. But, how do you love everyone? Considering the level of attention that most give to themselves, the list of tasks could be long. You must have an interest in how they are doing, understand enough of their story to know why, and work for their interest in a way that accepts the person’s perceptions and feelings. Further, you must appreciate and value them as God’s created people, and both pray and work to help them to find and follow God’s will for their lives.     

Only one little commandment. Just love.

March 18 – MERCY AND JUDGMENT

 And now, as you consider this choice, a reminder that the Lord God, after providing His people a way to escape from Egypt, also later destroyed those who chose not to believe in, act upon, and follow His will and His way. (Jude 5)

                God is love. He does extraordinary things to show that love. He wants the very best for each person whom He has created. God also holds men and women accountable for the choices they make.

                One of the most clear, decisive stories of God’s judgment is found in Daniel 5. King Belshazzar holds a banquet where he uses the sacred temple vessels as common household items during his party. Suddenly, a human hand appeared and wrote upon the wall, “mene, mene, tekel, upharsin” on the wall. The frightened king called for Daniel, who explained that the words meant God has numbered, weighed, and found Belshazzar wanting, and that his kingdom would be taken from him and divided. Belshazzar was murdered that very night.

                Clearly, God’s word tells about His love, but it also clearly teaches there is a great penalty for those who choose a life of selfish rebellion. Choose today to believe in, act upon, and follow the Lord’s way.