MAY 24 – THE BIG QUESTIONS,

 One who was there had been by the pool, unable to walk for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw him, approached, and asked, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5: 5-6)

                   Believe it or not, some people really become accustomed to being miserable. They may settle for a life that is far less than they could have, simply because it is much easier to give up than it would be to change. Some of your people are living this way. The biggest question for them – and for their future with you – is, “Do you want to get well?”

                   Jesus’ suspicion seemed to be confirmed in this story. The response he received when He asked the question was an excuse. People will often have an excuse for not stretching; not reaching beyond their present circumstances. It is your job as a leader to challenge your people with the big question. Ask them, “Will you be all that you were created to be?” If they give you excuses, you may try to help, but you are looking for those who simply say, “Yes!”

                   Ask the big questions of your people, and then challenge and invest in those who respond in faith and hope that they are ready to say, “Yes!”

MAY 23 – ASK….

 They (religious leaders) asked Jesus, “Why do your people not follow all of our traditions and rules? They don’t even follow mealtime ritual.” Jesus replied with a question, “Why do you ignore God’s word, and choose your traditions instead?” (Matthew 15:2-3)

                  Asking questions is a powerful way of teaching truth. Jesus used questions often. As you watch and listen to your people, there will be opportunities for you to see, and to hear the challengers who are competing with God’s will and your stories for your people’s attention. As you are attentive, the Holy Spirit may provide you with a question. That question may lead the person, or those watching, to consider His or her words. This gives each one an opportunity to see the truth.

                  Jesus, recognizing that these Pharisees were not interested in God’s truth, proceeded to explain how they had ignored God’s truth to seek their own, selfish interests. Then, He clearly contrasted God’s desire for heart-felt relationship with men and women to the empty performance rituals of the temple leadership. His question led to many people understanding more about God and His truth.

                   Look for the questions that God wants you to ask your people.

MAY 22 – REMIND THEM CONSTANTLY,

 Even though you know these things; even though you are already firmly planted in the truth God has placed in you, I will always remind you of these qualities – again and again and again. (2 Peter 1:12)

                   How often is enough? How many times, must you teach and explain the values and remind your people to live toward the vision you have been given?

                   Peter has listed the qualities that evidence a life lived for Jesus; faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, Godliness, mutual affection, and love (2 Peter 1: 5-7). He has explained they are critical qualities for those who would be faithful; who would finish the work God has given them. That is why he promises to teach them “over and over again.” If your people are to make sound judgments, and perform the work that is their part well, they must be firmly anchored in your values. Their vision must be stamped with a pattern you have given them for the future, so it can be real to them too.

                   Always; every day remind them of the work ahead, and how God wants it to be done.

MAY 21 – SO, CONFESS PERSONALLY,

 So, therefore, make it a habit to confess your sins to each other, and then pray for each other, so you all may be healed and restored together in unity. (James 5:16)

                   What do you do when you know that it’s you who has messed up? Do you try to hide it, or explain it away, so that you won’t need to humble yourself and confess? Your people see your actions. They know when you mess up, whether you admit it or not. If your actions are inconsistent with your stated values, they must find a way to deal with that difference. They will create an explanation. Studies have shown that people usually become tightly bound to that explanation they create. You can’t risk that they will choose to say that you have abandoned the vision and values of your organization. You must let them know it was an error; that you have not changed – you are simply human.

                   Confession, as the writer explains, is God’s plan for His people to live together in unity. The Lord has a people, and He has a purpose for that people – together. Only when you are humble, accepting that you too need Jesus, and your people, to be fulfilled, can you follow Him faithfully.

                   Be transparent. Be humble when you fail, and so lead your people to genuine unity.

MAY 20 – OPPOSITION

 Jesus used the story with them (the religious leaders), but they did not understand Him. They couldn’t make sense of what He was telling them. (John 10:6)

                   A few of your people will grasp, and be receptive to, your vision. Most will muddle along under various levels of understanding. Some, who have vested interest in their story of the world will aggressively oppose you – often subtly and deceitfully, while acting as though they support you. These people must be addressed – directly, both to be given opportunity, and to stop them from harming other people in your community. Left unchecked, their story will become more prominent than yours in your community.

                  Jesus told the story of the sheep and the good shepherd (John 10:1-5) to help these church leaders understand what they were doing with the people. From their perspective, He had insulted them (John 9:39-41) earlier in the conversation. When they did not understand the story, He tried to explain with a lengthy, literal explanation (John 10:7-18), but they did not wish to understand. Understanding meant they would have to change. Jesus saw them for what they were, and clearly challenged them. When God’s message is opposed in your community, you must do that as well.

                  Make sure that you address opposition to God’s vision for your people. Seek His will in how to combat it effectively, but don’t ignore such opposition.

MAY 19 – THE RIGHT STORY

He (Jesus) didn’t say anything to the crowds without telling a story, but when He was alone with His own people He unfolded God’s truths to them – so they could begin to understand. (Mark 4:34)

                 People use their collection of stories (often their own experiences) to understand how the world works. When presented with new challenges, and especially when facing uncertainty, they will often create their own stories to predict the future. This is how most folks make decisions. Jesus presented God’s kingdom in a way that showed it was consistent with the natural world He created. For the few people who were receptive, He took time to teach more of the depth and breadth of God’s truth.

                  Some of your people also will be receptive to your stories. They will need your further investment in their lives to help them understand more of the meaning and value of the culture you envision. In these encounters, you will have opportunity to share with them how the Lord is your source, and help them grow in their reliance upon Christ each day. Then their stories, and the predictions and decisions they make can be based on God’s truth.

                  Find those who are receptive to truth and invest in them intentionally. Their decisions are going to be made based upon stories. Help them find God’s story.

MAY 18 – TELL THE STORIES

 Jesus told stories to the crowds of people who gathered around Him. He didn’t say anything without using a story. (Matthew 13:34)

                Jesus told parables (stories) about everyday tasks; farming, sheep herding, cleaning house, and such, to help His people become ready to hear the truth about God’s kingdom. Jesus explained that His stories were talking about God’s way of living, and they showed the differences between that way of life and living based on the world’s terms. These stories made it much easier for listeners to observe and find meaning in what Jesus was doing and the reasons for it. Studies have shown, the more complex and difficult the subject, the more valuable will be the availability of these stories to help people interpret ideas.

   In like manner, the stories that you find in your community may help your people understand the messages God asks you to give to them. Look around and see the stories of people following the vision as you have asked. Then, as you tell these stories, you will be showing your people what success looks like. They will begin to look for other expressions themselves, helping even more to gain understanding.

   Find and tell the stories that your people need to hear.