AUGUST 29 – PEOPLE AREN’T PROBLEMS ….

 Look to God – obey Him so you can stand and fight the battles of life. This is war against the spiritual powers of evil and darkness, because we fight them, not against other men and women. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

                   One of the consistent themes of Paul’s letter to the people in the church at Ephesus is unity. He covers many of the familiar relationships of life, explaining on each occasion how God’s will and God’s work through time have been to bring His people; those He created, together in their proper relationship of love with Him and each other – through Christ’s sacrifice. Here, he is explicit, “You are not to engage in battles with each other as if you are enemies.” Rather, Paul explains you must fight the powers of the spiritual world who oppose men and women.

                  Do you look at your people who are struggling and see an enemy? Do you see them as a problem to either be fixed – or even eliminated? If so, you’re not seeing them through eyes of faith in Christ. He loves that person. He died for that person. How can you then throw him or her away; see them as disposable?

                  People aren’t problems to be overcome. They are valuable creations; made in the image of God. See their humanity and help them battle the real enemies of life.

AUGUST 28 – WHAT DO THEY SEE?

 These people come in to you as if they are really my people. They listen to my words as you speak, but they never act on them. They talk about their great love for me, but then they pursue selfish ambition. (Ezekiel 33:31)

                   Your pets, friends, children, and other family members all watch much more than they listen, as they try to figure out who you really are and what you really want. The same is true of those you lead each day as you work. Your people; the ones who are acting on your vision, and whom you are encouraging to adopt your values, don’t just listen. They watch very carefully. What do they see?

                   God is telling Ezekiel that actions are the evidence of faith. When your actions are inconsistent with your vision, when decisions are made that contradict your values, or when people are not held accountable for their behavior, your words have no meaning. Your influence will be lost. Your people will not listen.

                   Be sure your actions and your processes are consistent with your words. Let them see you living out what you profess to believe. Lead your people to a living faith.

 

AUGUST 27 - JESUS, NOT MEN

 Jesus told them (the disciples arguing over which of them would be greatest), “The powerful abuse their power to manipulate, while calling themselves faithful helpers. But, not so with you. If you want to be the greatest, then you will serve the most. Focus on meeting the needs of others, as I have done.” (Luke 22:25-27)

                   What will you do? The world says to seize power, “Manipulate if you must – there will always be casualties, it can’t be avoided. The task must be accomplished.” Jesus says, “Meet their needs and send them to me. Don’t seek their approval or to have power.”

                   Choose carefully between these options, because Jesus is clear in His assurance that your choice will determine your future, and that of your people. He continues, saying, “The Father’s kingdom is yours because you have continued with me; my way. You will reign forever in His kingdom, with Me” (verses 28-30).

                   Will you choose the kingdom of men or the kingdom of God? Power, abuse, and manipulation seeking more power, wealth, and selfish notoriety pave the road to the top by the world’s standards. Submission, obedience, cost, and even suffering is the price of serving Jesus’ way. Choose well. Choose God’s eternal kingdom. Continue with Jesus, not men.

AUGUST 26 – STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

 From there (Shechem), Abram broke camp and moved to a mountain east of Beth-El. He set up his home and there built an altar to the Lord, God between Beth-El and Hai to the east. There he preached in the name of God. (Genesis 12:8)

                   Which is more important to you; living and working, resting and waiting, or giving God praise in worship? If you are going to lead your people effectively; God’s way, your answer must be, “Yes. All of the above.”

                   Understanding that Bethel symbolizes communion with God, and that Ai is symbolic of the world, may help you understand the importance of this event in Abram’s life. As God led him to live there, He reminded Abram that He must always be influenced by both the time he spent meditating and waiting for the Lord’s word, and by the events of the world where he lived and worked. The altar reminded him to always worship and give thanks, whatever his circumstances with God and with people.

                   You are in that place as well. Each of your decisions and actions will be determined in this same, complex environment. Live embracing all God gives you as you are between Him and His world. Worship Him there.

AUGUST 25 – PERSONALIZE THE STORY

 So, recognize – in everything you say and do – that the Lord God is Holy. Regard Him with awe, and be ready at any moment, to answer. People will ask you why you believe in Christ. Be ready to tell your story; why you put all your confident hope and trust in Jesus. Tell your story; what He has done for you. But, tell it giving God all the glory, and be sure you don’t say more than the Spirit tells you to say. (1 Peter 3:15)

                  Are you ready to tell your story? Have you prayed and thought about what the Lord has done for you? Do you tell your people at every opportunity; with everything that you say and do, that Jesus wrote your story?

                   Peter foresees that those who follow Christ will be noticed if they live as the Spirit leads. And, he knows that people are looking for answers to life. Here, he gives counsel on how to prepare and how to respond when that happens. As the leader of your people, they will ask you, “Why?” They will do it often if you allow them to do so. The Lord will give you the response. He knows what they want and need to hear to be receptive to His transforming work in them. You must look for those He is sending to you, and He will tell you the part of your story they need to hear; even how to tell it to them best.

                   Simply listen for God’s voice, saying only what He tells you to say. But, tell your story.

AUGUST 24 – DON’T FORGET THE MISSION

 What I will speak about all day long, every day is your righteousness and the salvation you offer men and women here and now and forever, because there is no way I can ever tell them all. Yes, your acts; your mighty acts! I will tell it as a story of your righteousness, faithfulness, and truth! (Psalm 71:15-16)

                  So, what do you talk about – all day long, every day? Is it Jesus? What do you tell about Him? You are the mission; the visible expression of God’s love in this world and to this world. So, what is that message; your mission? Saving people from death and despair! Men and women are doomed to spiritual death apart from God’s offer of salvation through trusting and following Jesus Christ.

                   The Psalmist speaks of an obligation; even a sacred trust given by God. Entrusted with the understanding of God’s righteousness and salvation and its power to transform human life, this child of God had a message too important not to pursue with all his strength. He must invest every day, every hour, and every minute to tell that story of God’s forgiveness and grace. He would never run out of stories to tell.

                   As you share Jesus with your people, tell them about His life-saving power and love every minute of every day.

AUGUST 23 – SHARE WHAT MATTERS

 All of those whom the Lord God has saved will come home. They will be singing with a joy that will last forever, and that can’t be taken away. All the sorrow; the frustrations and sighing will run away. They will find gladness and joy that will never end. (Isaiah 51:11)

                   What has eternal significance? Only one thing; the transforming power of the Lord, Jesus Christ – only that matters. You will share a lot of things with your people as you lead them. None of those things will matter unless the Spirit of God changes them, and they find new life in Christ.

                   As God speaks through Isaiah, it is assumed that all men and women have sorrow. They all have circumstances of fear and disappointment which make them sigh. Isaiah reports, “Only the saving, redeeming, reconciling, transforming act of God can take away that sorrow.” It only can happen when someone returns home to relationship with the Lord.

                   Share all that the Lord has called you to share with your people. But, remember the thing that matters is that you share Him. Be sure to share what matters.