MAY 17 – TRUSTWORTHY

 But you, Timothy, have followed my way. You have seen and heard my teaching. You have seen that my behavior has been consistent, and my purpose has never changed. You know the trust, perseverance, love, and patience – along with the inevitable persecution and physical torment. You know that God has always rescued me. (2 Timothy 3:10-11)

                   Can your people trust you? Have you given them unconditional love? Have you been careful to be consistent in your behavior, regardless of who you’re dealing with? If it costs you, even greatly, do you stick to the vision and values you have communicated?

                   Paul is encouraging Timothy in a way that will help him understand trust. First, he explains that the noted false teachers of the day will soon be recognized as the frauds they are. People will see through them, and their deceit. Then, he explains to Timothy how he will gain credibility; how he will prove himself to be trustworthy. In a word, consistency is that answer. But, it is deeper and richer than that. Real consistency means being the same in your stated purpose and your actions. Real consistency requires that you be the same person in harsh circumstances, and that when facing difficult challenges.

                   Make it your sincere goal to be trustworthy today, the Lord helping you.

MAY 16 – THE MAIN IDEA

 He (God) wants everyone to be saved; to know the truth that there is only one God, and one way to Him – Jesus Christ. He surrendered His life so that all people could have life. This, just this, is why I was called by the Lord – to tell this good news to those who haven’t heard. (1 Timothy 2:5-7)

                   What do you communicate to the people around you? Do you have a clear understanding of why you are where you are, and of the purpose of the work that you are doing?

                   Paul obviously knows exactly why he is there, and what he is to do, and he repeats this message many times over – especially to young leaders he prepares for their work. People often dwell on exceptions. The urge, particularly with people who know a subject well, is to communicate about failures or special, extraordinary events rather than the basic, main idea. Many of your people may lack understanding of the very important purpose that is the reason for the work. If so, they will not process your messages about the exceptions in the way you intend. They need to frequently hear about purpose, vision, and values. Communicate that message clearly, so they can understand. Context matters if you are to empower your people to represent you.

                  Know your main things. Talk about them often. Your people need this.

MAY 15 – CONTENT

 I am not telling you that I need anything; because I have learned, whatever the Lord provides for me or whatever I lack, to be content (Philippians 4:11)

                   Are you content – right this moment? Or, do you want more – something you don’t have? What is your most prized possession? Could you be content if it were destroyed or otherwise taken away? Could you give it to someone else if the Lord asked you to do that? ….. And, still be content?

                   As he thanks the church at Philippi for sending gifts to him, Paul explains that the excitement he felt when he received the gift, the true gift from his perspective, was their growth. He was far more grateful that they responded to the need with love than he was to receive the gift. So, he is careful to explain. All he needs is Jesus. To lose everything else can be accepted. Whether freedom, possessions, people, or his life, he would be content. God, who is Paul’s provision for everything he truly needs, is enough for Paul.

                   Let your people know today that all you need is Jesus. Be sure they know that’s what you want to form them. Help them understand that following Jesus is always the best thing they can do for themselves – and to please you.

MAY 14 – ACT RIGHT

 Don’t be content with simply hearing God’s word. You can agree with it, and believe it is true. But, if you’re not acting on that truth, thinking it enough to simply agree, you are mocking that Holy Word. Don’t deceive yourself – or others! (James 1:22)

                   What are you doing today to act on your trust in Jesus? When have you put yourself on the line in a way that the plan fails without His action – because He told you to do it? To truly believe, every part of you; every aspect of your life must be fully invested in following and obeying Jesus. There are no carve-outs where you can maintain control.

                   This challenge to, “act on that truth,” doesn’t mean to simply dream up a work to do for God, and then go do it because you believe. It is a much more challenging charge. To act on the truth of the Lord is to submit to His authority and constantly communicate with Him, listening for - and immediately acting upon what the Holy Spirit calls on you to do. Whether the task is large or small, the same answer applies. Simply obey.

                   Believing, trusting, following; all these words mean action. Act today.

MAY 13 – GO HOME AGAIN

 Jesus did not let him come. Instead, he told the man to go home and tell his people all the great things the Lord did for him while he was helpless and unworthy. (Mark 5:19)

                   What the Holy Spirit leads you to do will spring from your experiences in life, and the things that the Lord has done for you and has taught you. Many people, especially those accustomed to leading, look for big, important assignments thinking that is where they will find great purpose.

                   In this story, Jesus has cured a man who had been suffering for years. Legions of demons had taken over his life. He lived in the caves alone, and from there he terrorized the townspeople. In a moment, Jesus transformed his life. So, he wanted to go with Jesus, and be a part of His great mission in the world. Jesus had a different plan. He sent the man back to the people he had terrified. When they heard the story, they were amazed! They knew the change that come, and could appreciate how Jesus had done the impossible.

                The work begins with your people. It is important work. Don’t be reaching for more than God leads you to do, but go exactly where He tells you to go.

MAY 12 – TELL THEM ABOUT JESUS

 People can’t give their lives to Jesus if they don’t believe in Him. They can’t believe in Him if they aren’t told. How will they hear if you don’t tell them? (Romans 10:14)

                   Do your people know that Jesus is the reason for, and the source of, your vision and values? Have you told them your story that gives context and help to them in understanding why your life and work are so wholly devoted to the Lord? It is important that you do so.

                   Paul explains in the preceding part of this letter, that many have a form of religion that seeks to please God. Their lists of rules and series of rituals and sacrifices may give these people a sense of comfort. The projects they have designed to win God’s favor may be expensive and far-reaching. However, it is only by fully entrusting every part of their lives to Jesus that they will find meaning and purpose in life. It is the reality of your story, the one which has motivated you to seek the Lord’s vision, that can give your people hope to dare to believe they can do this as well.

                   Have your people heard about the real, powerful life in Christ that is available to believers? Tell them about Jesus. Tell them about that life.

MAY 11 – ACCOUNTABILITY

Earnestly, sincerely, and frequently challenge and encourage each other – every day – so sin won’t become habit. Don’t allow sin to harden you, and lead you away from truth. (Hebrews 3:13)

                   When you see one of your people violate the values you have established, do you address it? Immediately? Often, to do that is uncomfortable. It may be inconvenient, and there are certainly risks associated with confrontation. Accountability is hard. Accountability can be costly to you and to others.

                   But, look at the goal of such accountability. Here, the writer of Hebrews observes the true goal of consistent accountability. It is the prosperity of the person being challenged. Accountability is one of the most sincere and practical ways to show love for another person. In that light, remember the characteristics of love described by Paul (1 Corinthians 13). Love is patient, calm, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, seeks the truth, and – importantly – never stops. If these characteristics are present in your work of accountability, it will help you and your people find that prosperity that you both seek.

                   Take courage. Hold your people to account – with love – even when it is costly or hard to do.

MAY 10 – WATCH CAREFULLY

 Behind your door, on the back side of your door posts, you hide what you really pursue. You’ve removed your loyalty from Me. You’ve added other gods, and you never tire from looking for new ones. You prefer what they give you rather than Me. (Isaiah 57:8)

                  Do you observe your people carefully? There are many who will give lip service to what you ask of them, but their actions will show they are pursuing other, selfish goals. Some will even actively oppose you, leading others with them, away from the vision you teach and opposing the values you have said are important. Are you prepared to respond to this reality?

                   Through Isaiah, God is talking about this person who pretends. God’s word was on the front of the doorpost of His people’s homes. These people left the exterior claim to follow Him. But, on the inside, in secret, they sought and worshipped other gods. There would likely have been a penalty imposed by the community for open defiance, so they chose a cowardly way. Many will go along with what a leader wants, at least they will say so to be favored. But, behind the façade, in secret, they will seek other motives. Others will simply lose their way. You must be alert for every instance.

                   Watch carefully. Recognize when words and behavior don’t agree. Be ready and willing to act.

MAY 9 – TEACH CONSTANTLY

 Engage with your people closely, preaching and teaching the word through every circumstance of life. When they don’t understand, correct them. When they don’t obey, warn them. Comfort them whenever they miss the mark as they grow, showing them great patience while continuing to teach (2 Timothy 4:2)

                   Do you identify and personally invest in the people whom God gives you to lead? Is that work a priority for you? If you wish for your business to grow, and especially if you would like to see it survive past your time as the leader, you must grow new leaders. Growing leaders takes significant personal engagement.

                   Paul is here telling Timothy, his young protégé, how to lead. Timothy is warned not to assume that those who hear will follow the Lord. Rather, Paul says he should become part of their lives. From this relationship, he can encourage his people daily to embrace the Hope in Christ, and the vision and values he has been given. As Timothy tells his story each day, his people can see his actions and know that he is being obedient to God’s calling.

                    Find your leaders, as God reveals them. They may not be who you think. Invest fully in their growth in Him. Teach constantly.

MAY 8 – SPREAD THE WORD

 Make these words I am giving you be a part of you – heart and head. Constantly teach them to your children, and talk and think about them every moment you are awake. Carry them around with you and post them everywhere – in the most prominent places. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

                   Do your people know what is important to you? Have you told them what the Lord has said to you? Did you write those words down? Do you think of this vision, and speak of it – often?

                   Moses has reminded the people of Israel of all God had said to him. He gives clarity to the message, saying that God has given them this law so they will live long, prosperous lives in the new land they will inhabit. That dynamic has not changed. The Holy Spirit has given you a vision for the prosperity of your people. Write it down. Tell others about what He has said. Be sure that everyone hears and sees that you have heard, and that you are pursuing what God has asked you to do. Then, other people can hear and embrace that message. They can partner with you, understanding the work that is to be done together.

                Spread the word today. Tell your people about all that God has prepared for them.

MAY 7 – CONTINUE TO SEEK

 Have I been with you all this time, and yet you haven’t known me, Philip? (John 14:9)

                   Philip had been with Jesus almost since the beginning of His ministry. In this passage, thought to be near the end of that work, Jesus observed that he still didn’t know who Jesus was. Many people, even those who may appear to be closest to God, still do not know Jesus for all that He is. That kind of relationship is a knowledge that comes only from intimacy with God; time alone with Jesus, experience relying upon Him, and burdens shared with Him.

                   Do you really know Jesus? Your life, and the lives of other people depend upon on this knowledge. As you lead your people toward the Lord, there will be opposition. Friends, colleagues, business associates, employees, and others will challenge you to conform to more acceptable behavior – even to simply be reasonable. If you want to continue doing what the Holy Spirit leads you to do, you must have this intimate knowledge and trust in Jesus. You will not prevail against the powers and principalities which actively work against the Lord’s will.

                   Continue today to spend time with Jesus. Ask that He reveal more of Himself and His desires to you. Learn to know Jesus well.

MAY 6 – THE VISION

 Don’t trust in the powerful, brilliant people. Men’s projects and plans die when they do. You’ll be blessed if you trust and hope in the Lord God. He made the heavens and earth, and He will be faithful forever. (Psalm 146:3-6)

                  How do you make your plans? Do you consult all the leading experts for current market projections? Do you watch for what market leaders are doing? Or, do you ask God what He would have you to do? Market awareness is good. It is useful. Expert opinions are part of the information you can process. But, all of it should be taken to the Lord in prayer if you genuinely trust Him as your hope in all of life.

                   This passage reminds you that obedience is not only what God commands, but it also is very practical. Your self-developed plans will be no more ingenious than those of other men and women. They will be short-term successes at best, because only God sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). The Lord is not impressed by your projects, even when you design them to honor Him (Romans 9:23). What God wants is for you to wait until He speaks to you through His Holy Spirit, and tells you His plans.

                Don’t waste your time doing business the way the world does it. Seize the opportunity to trust God for the plans that will lead to His prosperity.

MAY 5 – THE SOURCE

 But thanks always be to God. He leads us to victory in the Christ, and raises through us a fragrance of incense that shows everyone His glory. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

                   What do your people believe in? What gives them confidence in your organization’s ultimate success even when times are hard? Is it your intellect, experience, track-record, wealth, or have you explained to them that the Lord is your source for all things?

                   Paul says, “in every triumph, be sure God gets the thanks, the praise, and the glory.” Some modern sports figures show how this looks after big wins. Occasionally, one will say, “First, I want to give thanks to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.” Could you do this in your organization? In your big wins, and even when struggling? Could you explain the basis of your vision and values statement in terms of God’s calling on your life and your desire to bring honor and glory to Him? If so, you will be raising the fragrance of praise that leads people to see God’s glory. For this reason, your story is very important. That story must be told if you will lead your people to Jesus.

                Direct your people to the Lord as their hope, and lead them to give praise to Him in all things.

MAY 4 – HARVESTING

 Look! Open your eyes and see the fields are white. The harvest is ready. (John 4:35)

                   When you walk into your business each morning, what do you see? People busily at work, accomplishing the tasks of the day may be one answer. But, what do you see as a believer, who has a responsibility to show other people the way to Jesus? Do you see a potential community of faith?

                   Just before this statement, Jesus reminded his disciples of their ability to see the everyday, work-related aspects of their environment. By simply looking at a field they could project harvest time. His plea was for them to open their eyes of faith and hope – to see the huge harvest of people waiting to hear the good news of God’s kingdom.

                   That call has not changed. He is still calling you to see the potential around you. He is calling you today, in your context, to see the community around you - that spends half their lives living and working together – as a future community of faith. He wants you to see each man and woman as a valuable person who needs your consideration. While the tasks they do are important, their eternal destiny is critical.

                   Open your eyes today. See the people around you who are ready to hear a message of hope.

MAY 3 – FARMING

 Listen, a farmer once planted his field. Some seed fell on a hard-packed path, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocks. It grew quickly, but died when the sun scorched because it had no root. Other seed fell into thorns and briars that choked the plant, and it didn’t bear fruit. (Mark 4:3-7)

                  Not every seed grows. Jesus later explains that, when you show others the way to Him, very few people will give their lives to Christ and fully embrace the life of following Him. You are not responsible for this outcome. That is the responsibility of each man and woman who hear God’s word, and who are given the opportunity to surrender themselves to Him and the hope that He offers. Your responsibility is to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit leading you, telling you how to plant your words and actions in His garden each day.

                   So, what are you to do? Love. You are to love every person God places in your way. However, this does not mean you are to agonize over their choices, nor does it mean you should self-design ways to reach them. Often, it will not be your job to do more than plant the first seed – which they may reject. You also can love them enough to pray God will continue to call others to the life He offers.

                Farming is hard work! Planting is a long-term venture. Make sure God is guiding your work.

MAY 2 – VALUABLE PEOPLE

 A second time Jesus asked, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord; you know I love you very much.” Jesus said, “Then care for and look after my sheep.”

               You value your people. They are very important; employees, customers, and vendors. But why? Why do they mean something to you? Is your primary, or only, measure of their value what they can contribute to the financial bottom line?

                Every person has tremendous value. Each one has been created by God. Jesus died for each man and woman, regardless of that person’s attitude, behavior, or character. And, if you love Jesus, He says to you, “then care for and look after” each of them. Regardless. Difficult business decisions often must be made, and they very often are in the best interests of the affected people – even when the short-term consequences are negative. But, even in those situations, where there must be a reprimand or an end to the business relationship, the charge is still to love and care for the person. That responsibility may extend past the time that your “business” relationship lasts. Sometimes it is your uncommon love that will lead to the transformation of their life.

                Everyone has great value. Recognize that in your life, and show it in your work today. Love God’s people.