JUNE 17 - HOW?

 Jesus responded, “You must love the Lord God with all you are. That is to be your whole understanding of life. That is most important! And the rest of it is, you must love everyone with whom you deal by showing them a true and pure love. Love them as you love yourself. That’s everything – all of it – in two, simple statements. (Matthew 22:37-40)

                   If your vision is to be summed up in a description of your response to God (worship), it may be said that your values will be about both your relationship with God and everyone whom He sends to encounter you (love). These values statements are promises that you make to explain what it means to be in such relationships of mutual dependence and love.

                   Jesus was very clear when He spoke of what He valued. He gave details, painted stories that were relatable, and cautioned those who wanted to ignore the hard parts. Your challenge, with your people, is to be like Him; clear, detailed, relevant, and wise, as you prepare them to join with you in pursuit of what the Lord is calling you to do.

                   Pray for the wisdom to understand your people and pray for the courage to be clear and uncompromising on the standards God sets before you.

JUNE 16 – DO WHAT?

 Because I came down from the heavens to do only one thing – the will of the One who sent me – not to do what I want to do. (John 6:38)

                   Are you here to do just one thing? Did God create you to lead an organization? Is your purpose to be successful in creating and achieving aggressive business goals; to make a mark on your industry. Are you to impact your culture at large? What is your one thing to do?

                   Jesus said, “My one thing is worship.” He would do what pleases the Lord God. He would consider it to be His work, His life, and His entire focus for life. Nothing is ever more important nor urgent than simply doing the Father God’s will. When you consider the nature of a vision statement, it is a visualization of what will happen in the future. This statement is Jesus’ vision statement. He was more concerned with attitude, relationship, and obedience than busy activity, goals, and objectives. Consider as you lead you people whether you talk about what the Lord wants rather than what you want. Consider – do you want to bring glory and honor (worship) to Him, or make your mark in the world?

                   Communicate your vision in a way that leads your people to a relationship of community, and be sure that community understands your one thing.

JUNE 15 – WHOM?

 Everyone the father is giving to me will come to me, and those who are all heading for me right now, I will receive as my own. (John 6:37)

                   Do you believe that the Lord God prepares each day’s agenda for you? Your days are a series of encounters with people. Do you believe that each meeting has significance from the Father’s eternal perspective? Do you value and engage with each person in a way that is consistent with your belief? Jesus recognized, in a very simple, practical way, that life is planned and ordered by God – toward His purposes. He taught followers life should be lived with constant regard for that plan. Encounters were never chance for Jesus. He was always alert for the people who were heading his way at that moment.

                   So, when you are tempted to carve out pieces of your day or week that are “just business” or “personal time,” maybe you could ask yourself, “Who may Jesus be sending to me right now?” Will you receive that person like Jesus did – as your own (responsibility)?

                   Recognize that the person who is sent to you may be entirely different than you expect. Have no expectation then, except that God will continue to send them. And, when He sends them, accept them as your own. Whom? All of them.

JUNE 14 – TELLING THEM

 Listen! The Lord God, Jehovah always is my rescue. I’m certain of His constant presence, His strength, His love for me, and so I will not ever be afraid. He is not my last resort. He is my only resort. And you can know my joy if you will make Him the source of your life. (Isaiah 12:2-3)

                   Does everyone you influence know the source of your confidence, your optimism, and your love for life and other people? Have you told them that they can have that same life? When you break everything in life down to the most basic, important issue – this is where you will land. One question matters to every person, “Upon what or whom do you base your life?”

                   Isaiah speaks of that great, future day – now – today, when men and women can be reconciled with God. Because of Christ Jesus, intimate relationship with God is again possible. You know God’s character; His nature. He is always present, always stronger than any opposition, always loving and caring. God wants constant trust and daily moment-by-moment intimacy. And, He promises that you can have a future of joining Him to accomplish His purposes in the world together.

                   Live this reality boldly. Tell your people why your life is filled with hope and purpose, and tell them they can have that too!

JUNE 13 – UNITY

 My family, as our Lord and savior Jesus willed, I plead with you to end pointless disagreements. Be united in your thoughts and understanding; your pursuits and your purposes. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

                   Where there are people there will be conflict. Many groups are sentenced to mediocrity by settling for a consensus of human ideas to provide their vision. Often, that agreement among people represents only the ideas of those most willing to engage in conflict, rather than those with better ideas. Paul urges the church at Corinth to reject such politics, and the petty arguments that come from selfish motives. He encourages them to understand and obey Jesus, whose desire is for each member of the community to prosper as they follow God’s unifying vision and purpose for themselves and the group (John 17:21).

                   As the Lord gives you vision, keep in your perspective that this vision will always be for a people. He always wishes for these people to experience the life He offers together; to move in unity toward His purpose for them.

                   Conflict is inevitable. Conflict can be healthy. Have the courage to approach resolution of that conflict in a way that looks to Jesus and promotes unity around His purpose. Let God’s word unite your people.

JUNE 12 – HUMILITY

 God is trustworthy. He has called you into a new identity in His Son; our Lord, our Savior, our everything, Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:9)

                   Can you say like Paul, “For me to live is Christ? (Philippians 1:21)” Jesus made it clear that you must take on this new identity if you want to find the purpose-filled life that will get to see God work in powerful ways (consider John 15:4-5). It is in this sense that Paul says later in his letter, “Let the one who brags brag about the Lord God! (1 Corinthians 1:31)”

                   This concept of a new identity in Jesus is the foundation for understanding real humility; the proper regard for yourself. You are not to be timid, but bold. However, you are to be bold – not about yourself – but about your faith and confidence in Jesus. There is nothing you should fear, because you can truly accomplish, overcome, meet any goal, overcome any obstacle or challenge. You can find this success as long as it is Christ who works in you and through you to meet each struggle.

                   Recognize the great value you have to Jesus. Recognize the great value your life will be to others as you learn true humility.

JUNE 11 – LISTENING IS LOVING

 Oh, I long for my people to listen to me. If only they would obey and walk in my ways. (Psalm 81:13)

                   There is another reason to listen for God’s voice as you engage with other people, and to wait on His instruction before speaking or acting. God longs for you to do it. Is that reason enough? Do you really love the Lord? Then, surely you want to satisfy His desire for an intimate relationship with you. He longs for you.

                   In this context, the Psalmist speaks of God’s desire to be heard and obeyed by the people of Israel. His promise to them was to defeat their enemies and cover them in the security of His love. God is unchanging. He continues to love His people, and He continues to want to enjoy them in a relationship of mutual love and constant trust. He also continues to promise His prosperity; to be a part of accomplishing His work in the world, to those who do trust Him enough to simply do what He asks.

                   Love the Lord with your attention. Listen for His voice. Then, do what He says to do.