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.

AUGUST 22 – SHARE EXCELLENCE

 While they were struggling in troubles and pain, their joy overcame that trial, just like their excellent giving overcame their poverty. I can tell you – they did their very best, and even more; without anyone asking. (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)

                   Do you expect excellence? For each person, the definition of excellence is the same. In every task, large or small, the standard of excellence is that you do your best. Will you adopt that standard for yourself and your people?

                   Paul here tells the story of the Macedonians, who gave generously at a time many people would be selfish and uncaring. They themselves were poor, and they had been suffering through unusually difficult circumstances. However, these people managed to keep their focus on others, loving to the point that it cost them. They did their best. Their actions were excellent, simply because it was what they should do. And, as this group gave, Paul notes that their sorrow became joy. Giving from their poverty in obedience to God’s call to do their best brought the real prosperity of His joy.

                   Lead your people to prosperous excellence. Establish excellence as their standard, and yours.

AUGUST 21 – SHARE IN GIVING

 Give what you have, and you will receive gifts; all you give and even more will come back. So much will be given to you as you continue to give that your pockets will stay full and overflow – again and again. (Luke 6:38)

                  Do you believe these words? Do your actions reflect that belief? Is your focus always on the person who needs your money, time, attention, or love? Are you looking for the one to whom you may give? Or, is your attention on how much you need, and you therefore must keep, to have a fair, reasonable amount for you and your family? Do you focus on having enough as your first consideration?

                  Jesus is clear. The passage just before this cautions against judging others; deciding whether they deserve your love. Here, Jesus promises blessing and provision to those who evidence their trust and love by giving in an unreserved way, confident of His care for them. You may regard this concept with suspicion or skepticism. Many have used this passage, trying to change its meaning to encourage people to give to them. These are pretenders who misuse this promise for selfish gain. However, these are the words of Jesus, a loving friend. They are words of comfort, not promises of riches. They are truth.

Give without reserve, with excitement, and with expectation that the Lord will provide even more that you can give in His name.