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.

APRIL 30 – TALKING GOSPEL

 For I am not embarrassed or humiliated to share the gospel. It is the power of God to bring hope and help, and to save everyone who believes from destruction; both the Jew and the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)

                When you talk to your people about your faith, what do they hear? Do you promote church meetings? Do you talk about principles and things people should not do? Or, do you tell them about Jesus, why He came, and what the Lord has done in your life to transform it?

                Paul knew that many of the educated, sophisticated elite of the world would see the gospel as a fairy tale. Many feel this way today. In fact, Jesus promised they would       (1 Corinthians 1:18). But, Paul knew. He had experienced the power of the gospel in his life. He knew it was real because it had changed him. So, he didn’t care if most of the people laughed or mocked him. The only concern was to be sure everyone had an opportunity to find their way to Jesus. He was willing to be regarded as a fool by the people he was working to help.

                Consider today how the Holy Spirit is leading you to share the gospel, and to talk about God’s work in your life, with all the people He sends to you.