AUGUST 2 – NEVER AFRAID

 You’re going to find yourself in trouble, but don’t worry. It is part of the work. The Father has planned for this, and He has placed you in these situations. He is going to speak to you; through you to the people you face. And, He will accomplish what He has planned to do. It’s all for Him. Don’t be afraid. (Matthew 10:18-20)

                   So many times, Scripture urges, “Don’t be afraid.” When the angels appeared, they usually began, “Fear not!” As the prophets foretold the events to come, even where they were difficult, they counseled, “Don’t be afraid…” Here, Jesus says explicitly, “Don’t be afraid,” and He explained why. God is in control. He knew that all of this would happen. He is going to walk through it with you, and He is going to win.

                   What does this mean to you? In a word, it means, “freedom.” You are free to simply do what the Lord God gives you to do each day. Every morning, you can get up, head out, and explain to your people that you are all headed out on a great adventure. And, you are headed together for success!

                   Never, not ever, should you fear. Don’t let your people fear. Instead, love them well encourage them to trust Jesus.

AUGUST 1 – NEVER TIRED

 The apostles came back and reported everything to Jesus. Jesus, seeing all the people around them, and all the activity, said, “get away with Me and rest. You haven’t even refreshed yourselves.” So, they went away together to a quiet place across the lake. (Mark 6:30-32)

                   Do you rest in Jesus? Or, are you stressed, worn out, tired of trying to do something that matters; something that will please Him? Worry and constant anxiety reveal fear. Perpetual busy-ness betrays that same emotion. Do your actions reveal your fear? How about your people?

The disciples had just returned from a work Jesus asked them to do. They were excited. No doubt they were concerned as to His view of their work, and - apparently - they came back to a busy, noisy, active scene around Jesus. Notice that Jesus didn’t feel compelled to address every person and every issue. The disciples were who He had called, and who He was given to lead. So, He focused on them.

   Jesus left the crowds, and the demands of His work to spend time with His people. He refreshed Himself, and in so doing, He refreshed them. Shouldn’t you do the same?

JULY 31 – LIKE AN ARTIST

 Remember – You didn’t pick me. I picked you because there is a work you are to do; that you were made to do; that I will do in and through your life. Whatever you need; whatever you ask to complete that work my way, will be yours. God will provide it, so you can finish His work. (John 15:16-17)

                   Is it your work, or the Lord’s work? Quickly. When you know it is God’s purpose, and you know He will prevail, you can simply complete the work as he made you to do it. That is the easy load and the light burden (Matthew 11:30) that Jesus spoke of. You will be an artist, completing the masterpiece that is your life – your story. God has ordained the ending. You simply complete the work.

                   Jesus here explains that you were uniquely crafted to be the one who He uses for a unique, important part of His plan. The promise He gives is that everything; everyone, you need to complete that work will be provided – just when you need them.

                   Understand this gift of being chosen. Help your people to understand what it means to follow Jesus, and to grow to be confident in His work in and through their lives. Help them, so He may complete His work in them as well.

JULY 30 – ACT LIKE A WINNER

 The Lord God told Joshua, “Not one of their men will be left standing. I have given you the victory – so, don’t be afraid.” So, Joshua marched all night, and was on the enemy suddenly. Then, God – the Lord God – crushed them. (Joshua 10:8)

                   Joshua was assured the victory. His response? Immediate! He got to work, confident of the outcome. Are you confident the enemy will be crushed? So confident that all your actions reflect your confidence that God is for you?

    Hesitation is fear. Action is borne of faith. If you trust that the Lord, God is going to give you the victory, you will act like it. You will look for His hand in each event. You will be grateful for each twist and turn of your story’s plot. You will be optimistic in the face of adversity and apparent defeat.

                   Have confidence. Be strong in the Lord and be of great courage. You are a winner because you belong to Jesus – Act like it!

JULY 29 – KNOCK DOWN OR BUILD UP

 And God said, “Build up the road! Build it up! Remove any obstacle that will keep My people from returning to Me!” (Isaiah 57:14)

    So, what is the work of leadership? What is the job description for your role? Do you envision slaying dragons? Do you see that you are in a position of power and authority so that you can oppose those who use their power for evil? Or, should you focus on empowerment that enables your people to find God’s plan for their lives?

                   This word of the Lord through His prophet, Isaiah, speaks of a day like today, when there are humble people who are ready to turn back to God. The command is to make that return possible by removing barriers and creating pathways. Deep, solid, well-founded roads are implied by the language. God is saying to do good work; build solid, reliable environments where detours and potholes are eliminated.

                   Build the roads your people need, so they can return to the Lord. Don’t be an obstacle. Don’t allow others to be an obstacle on your roads. Remove every obstacle the world presents. Clear the way for God’s people to return to him!

JULY 28 – DIGNITY OR HONOR?

 If you – being fallen and incapable of showing the consistent, complete love God shows – know how to provide the things your children need, how much better will the Lord God – your father – provide for you. So, spend all your energy to determine how to serve all the needs of all the other people and to do whatever you must to provide it to them. This work lives out all the law and the prophets’ teaching. (Matthew 7:11-12)

                   People often speak of human dignity, emphasizing and affirming that each person has worth. Many encourage self-respect, self-esteem, and generous tolerance of others. In times past, the emphasis was upon honor; a respect based upon status conferred or earned, and upon behavior. How do you decide to whom you will grant respect? What must someone be or do to gain your attention and the standing to be heard?

                   Jesus says that your entire focus should be on such listening; respecting everyone as if the other person were yourself, and working tirelessly – sacrificing anything, to serve their needs. That is not respect based on dignity nor honor. That is love based upon God’s authority, and upon His desire for the world to be united by that love.

                   Open your door, your ears, and your heart, to everyone whom the Lord sends your way.

JULY 27 – GIVE ORDERS OR OPPORTUNITY

 I can’t even compare the costs we suffer now to the glory that God will bring from it. All of creation is straining in anticipation; longing to see God’s glory shine through God’s children! (Romans 8: 18-19)

                   What is the value of one life transformed? Consider this. In John 1:12 you read that everyone who believes has the power to become a child of God. Each of these children carry God’s glory and all the potential for healing and transformation His power makes possible. So, is your plan to use your authority and influence to direct your people’s efforts? Or, do you want to trust each of them to your father and theirs, so that His Spirit will guide their lives?

                   Paul’s focus was directed toward making an introduction, knowing each person had the power to be used by the Lord God in ways that make all of creation stand up and take notice. Because of that, he was willing to suffer any cost required to bring one more person into restored relationship with God.

                   Focus on your people’s potential to be children of God. Give whatever you must to empower them to see God’s glory shine through their lives.