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.

 

JUNE 10 – THEN SPEAK

 If you speak, be sure it is God’s word. If you will serve, let it only be the work God provides in the strength and ability He gives you. Do this so that everything you do, coming from Him, by His design, will bring glory to Jesus Christ as it should be – always and evermore. (1 Peter 4:11)

                   Can you wait? No, can you really wait – when you think you’ve seen the situation before, or when you just know you have the tools and experiences to rescue the person you want to help? Is it ever okay to tell God, “I got this?”

                   No one in history has struggled more publicly with letting his words and actions get ahead of God than Peter. How fitting then, that he makes a dramatic point here. Peter urges the reader – urges you today - to always wait on God. If you will wait, God will give you the words, and will act through you with His all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect will.

                   Today you will face opportunities to either listen carefully, and wait on God, or you can rush ahead to action that you will ultimately regret. Choose to wait and, as Peter promises, you will see God’s glory.

JUNE 9 – ACCEPT THAT PEOPLE DIFFER

 …and very slow to anger. (James 1:19)

                   Anger is a symptom, not a disease. You may have argued as Jonah (“I do well to be angry.” (Jonah 4:9)), as you read that statement. But, the “righteous anger” you wish to claim from a human perspective is challenged by the next verse, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:20).” It’s as if he read your mind, right?

                   What is your alternative to anger? Identifying the disease is critical to this answer. The disease of self-centeredness is often behind the anger people feel. If you resolve that you will simply accept people unconditionally, you will slow the speed of your anger in a measurable way. Taking time to learn who a person is, why they are who they are, and the experiences and feelings which have formed their beliefs and attitudes is the way to that acceptance. As you build relationships this way, you will find yourself consumed by concern for them and their welfare. It is difficult to respond in anger when your goal is for the person to find God’s love and then pursue His perfect will for their life. Such concern centers you on mutual need rather than differences and disagreements.

                  Accept your people as they are, even when they differ from you. Love them enough to seek their best as a higher priority than your own. But, begin where they are.