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.

MAY 17 – TRUSTWORTHY

 But you, Timothy, have followed my way. You have seen and heard my teaching. You have seen that my behavior has been consistent, and my purpose has never changed. You know the trust, perseverance, love, and patience – along with the inevitable persecution and physical torment. You know that God has always rescued me. (2 Timothy 3:10-11)

                   Can your people trust you? Have you given them unconditional love? Have you been careful to be consistent in your behavior, regardless of who you’re dealing with? If it costs you, even greatly, do you stick to the vision and values you have communicated?

                   Paul is encouraging Timothy in a way that will help him understand trust. First, he explains that the noted false teachers of the day will soon be recognized as the frauds they are. People will see through them, and their deceit. Then, he explains to Timothy how he will gain credibility; how he will prove himself to be trustworthy. In a word, consistency is that answer. But, it is deeper and richer than that. Real consistency means being the same in your stated purpose and your actions. Real consistency requires that you be the same person in harsh circumstances, and that when facing difficult challenges.

                   Make it your sincere goal to be trustworthy today, the Lord helping you.

MAY 16 – THE MAIN IDEA

 He (God) wants everyone to be saved; to know the truth that there is only one God, and one way to Him – Jesus Christ. He surrendered His life so that all people could have life. This, just this, is why I was called by the Lord – to tell this good news to those who haven’t heard. (1 Timothy 2:5-7)

                   What do you communicate to the people around you? Do you have a clear understanding of why you are where you are, and of the purpose of the work that you are doing?

                   Paul obviously knows exactly why he is there, and what he is to do, and he repeats this message many times over – especially to young leaders he prepares for their work. People often dwell on exceptions. The urge, particularly with people who know a subject well, is to communicate about failures or special, extraordinary events rather than the basic, main idea. Many of your people may lack understanding of the very important purpose that is the reason for the work. If so, they will not process your messages about the exceptions in the way you intend. They need to frequently hear about purpose, vision, and values. Communicate that message clearly, so they can understand. Context matters if you are to empower your people to represent you.

                  Know your main things. Talk about them often. Your people need this.

MAY 15 – CONTENT

 I am not telling you that I need anything; because I have learned, whatever the Lord provides for me or whatever I lack, to be content (Philippians 4:11)

                   Are you content – right this moment? Or, do you want more – something you don’t have? What is your most prized possession? Could you be content if it were destroyed or otherwise taken away? Could you give it to someone else if the Lord asked you to do that? ….. And, still be content?

                   As he thanks the church at Philippi for sending gifts to him, Paul explains that the excitement he felt when he received the gift, the true gift from his perspective, was their growth. He was far more grateful that they responded to the need with love than he was to receive the gift. So, he is careful to explain. All he needs is Jesus. To lose everything else can be accepted. Whether freedom, possessions, people, or his life, he would be content. God, who is Paul’s provision for everything he truly needs, is enough for Paul.

                   Let your people know today that all you need is Jesus. Be sure they know that’s what you want to form them. Help them understand that following Jesus is always the best thing they can do for themselves – and to please you.