SEPTEMBER 14–FOLLOW–JESUS, THE EXPERT

 Jesus responded to her (the Samaritan woman), “Everyone who drinks this (well) water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water I will give will never again thirst. The water I provide becomes a living well; life that brings new and everlasting life!” (John 4:13-14)

                   Think of all of society’s needs; the things that threaten people and destroy their lives in the world around you today. How can you know the answers? Experts are everywhere. Science studies every problem, seeking solutions. But, these problems are varied and they are interrelated in complex patterns. Jesus says these words to explain to the Samaritan woman that God has the best answers for human needs. Also, God desires the very best for His people. That is the expertise that people in the world around you need if they are to prosper.

                Recognize that – apart from God – human answers are short-term, limited responses to your peoples’ needs. Knowing that the Lord has the answers people need and that He wants each of them to find the life that is best for them, listen to Him for your guidance. Send your people to Him when they have needs.

                   Recognize that the Lord God is the true expert for all of life’s concerns.

SEPTEMBER 13–FOLLOW-FOCUS ON THE LIFE

 So, which is the easier thing; to say, “Your sins have been forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk?” (Matthew 9:5)

                   Physical needs, financial concerns, health issues, and social concerns are so important. These problems are the issues with which most leaders are engaged. The world around you will rate various of these needs as primary. Which of these are most important to you? Where do you focus your attention each day?

                   Jesus gives evidence here of His focus. The harder thing; the important thing is the sin that separates men and women from the Lord, God. The focus of Jesus’ life – His purpose and work – was the restoration of that relationship. His business was – and is – life, spiritual life. He made a way for people to live as God intended. If you are following Jesus; if in fact He is your life, will that not be your focus too? The world’s material health and social needs are practical problems worthy of address. Be the one who brings the Lord’s spiritual answers to those problems.

                   Help your people; those God sends to you, to see that Jesus is the bread they need for life that matters (John 6:35). Like Jesus, let your business be bringing life to other people every day.

SEPTEMBER 12- FOLLOW-BE THE BACKGROUND

 And I, if I may be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself. (John 12:32)

                   Self-esteem, self-promotion, self-reliance, self-assurance, self-determination… Are these the phrases others use to describe you? Are these characteristics the traits that you value? If so, how do you reconcile them with your role as one who follows Jesus; one who is completely submissive to His will for your life?

                This simple statement of Jesus provides a vivid picture of the proper focus of your esteem, promotion, reliance, assurance, and determination. For a follower of Christ, to live and work is to reflect His image. You will be the background music; the canvas on which His love is displayed (lifted up) for others to see. When that is your life, Jesus will draw others to Himself, and they will experience His transforming work in their lives. You are probably more comfortable relying on you, but that is not God’s way. His way is a relationship where every movement is motivated by Him, and you depend entirely on Him.

                   Have the courage to simply be the follower. Rest in Christ, and just be you as He leads.

SEPTEMBER 11 – DETAILS…. WHO ARE WE?

 And this – This is His will (the Father, God) – that I will not lose any person he has given to me. They are mine, and I will raise them up on that last day. (John 6:39)

                   You are a child of the Lord, God. He has called you to a life of following Jesus Christ; to be a part of the story of His work in this world today. That is your identity. You are a Christ-follower. You do not have to waste time trying to find yourself, nor figure out your purpose in life. That identity and your purpose have been given to you by God. Will you give this identity; this purpose to your people? Or, will you allow them to struggle and search for it in an effort to find themselves?

                   Jesus understood His role. He says clearly in this passage, “God has given me a people to save, and I will deliver them safely home.” With Christ living in you – consuming your thoughts and controlling your actions – this is your work with the people He has given you as well. God has promised that he will complete the work in and through your life. This is a promise to every believer. When you know this, you can find rest in the Lord. You can know who you are!

                   Lead your people to understand their identity as followers of Jesus Christ. Help them to walk each day in the confidence of His love.

SEPTEMBER 10–DETAILS...COUNT THE TOUCHES

 Put my words in your hearts. Repeat them to your people diligently; whether at home, traveling, and even when sleeping or rising. Have them always at hand, and always on your minds. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

                   Your vision; the work that the Lord God has given you to do, is the priority for you and your people. Do you repeat it frequently to them? Is it on their minds when they wake up? Do they go to sleep at night thinking about the values you have communicated to them frequently and urgently? When they make decisions at their work each day, are these concepts etched in their hearts?

                   Moses knew the value of repetition. He urged the Israelites to treasure, value, teach, and even obsess about God’s word for them. He knew that these were the words of life. Moses knew that God’s people must follow, in every detail – as their top priority, the word of the Lord God. The same is true today for your people; if they are to be successful, they must follow the Lord’s will for their lives. Repetition, constant and consistent, will help them remember to consider the vision and the values you have received from the Lord, and have communicated to them.

                   Touch them often with God’s words. Saturate them in the story of his work in your life, and His desire to work in their lives.

SEPTEMBER 9 – DETAILS…. CHECK THE MIRROR

 Another of the people following Jesus asked, “Lord first (Before I follow you), I need to go see to my father’s burial and affairs. He’s dying, you know. But Jesus said to him, “You follow me now. Come and work with the living. Others can deal with the dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22)

                   Jesus is counter-cultural. The world tells you to complain; to view events selfishly, and to follow the rules. Jesus says, “No! You have been given a unique opportunity to change the world!” Every moment of your life is brimming with the opportunity that comes from being one of the few who are really living. Will you seize each day, and attack with creative, imaginative energy? Will you use the entrepreneurial spirit that has placed you where you are to transform your people? When you look in the mirror are you serving Jesus, or are you serving yourself?

                   Jesus told this gentleman, “You are more!” And, before he could protest or question, Jesus explained to him that few have found real life, and those who find that life are in the business of helping others to find it. “Follow me – live with the living – help others find life,” He counseled.

                   Use all your creativity; everything you can imagine, and all that you know – every day – to follow Jesus, and to lead others to Him.

SEPTEMBER 8–DETAILS...SPEAK THE LANGUAGE

 If the speaker knows not the language of the hearer, and the hearer does not understand the language of the speakers, how will they relate? They will each be to the other as a deaf and mute person. They can’t relate or communicate.           (1 Corinthians 14:11)

                   Language is surprisingly complex. It is not simply words strung together into sentences. Language is a tool; complete with complex rules and methods, words, and even the “how.” Often, the medium – the how – becomes the message. You must decide what language should be used. What is the medium; the delivery method for your story and the message God has given you to communicate?

                   Paul speaks further about those who look to impress others, or to advance their own, personal cause or benefit. He argues that the purpose of communication is not to promote yourself, or even your message. It is rather to communicate the truth of Christ to your people. Otherwise, he cautions, you will impress only yourself. Your people won’t understand. They won’t benefit or be changed.

                   Learn the language your people understand. Communicate using the means, the methods, and the words they understand. Focus on their languages so they will understand the way to God.