JULY 2 – AUTHORITY TO RELEASE

 Want to please God? Don’t kid yourself with religious talk. That’s not what does it. The worship God wants is to see you take care of the broken and powerless; orphans, widows, and such, and watch yourself to stay true in the little stuff. (James 1:26-27)

                   Can you even remember the stress of feeling powerless? Or have you become accustomed to the bigger problems of authority and influence; the burdens you carry as a leader? It is hard to be poor, sick, or alone. It is stressful to feel like you have no control over what is happening to you. It can affect your health, your ability to contribute to society, and it can eliminate all your hope for the future.

                   The writer here explains that God gives you strength and influence to look around each day and see who needs help. Your work – your worship – is to help that person He places in your view, as He shows you their need. Your love and help bring His hope for a future. Your simple act of obedience may enable that person to overcome the threats that overwhelm them, so they too can begin to help others and please God.

                   You hold the key to the chains of hardship that bind others. That key is simple, prayerful, obedient worship. Unlock someone today!

JULY 1 – UNIFYING AUTHORITY

 And I have other sheep who are not part of your group. They must come to me as well. They will hear my voice, and follow too, and there will be a great, unified flock of people; united in Me as the Shepherd. (John 10:16)

                   Do you use your authority and influence to distinguish yourself from other people? Do thoughts of status control, and wealth factor in to your decisions? Much of what happens in the world is the result of people trying to divide others into groups, so they may gain a selfish advantage. These people are always looking for a way to move ahead. Does that desire surface in your life?

                   Jesus made clear that all His authority would be used to unify. His life and death were intended to allow men and women to have relationship with God again. His plan for you and your future is a work of bringing other people to the “great, unified flock.” His identity is to be one with the Father, always listening for His will. He wants you, and others you influence to be brought together through this love, not divided and conquered.

                   Recognize today that Jesus’ authority expressed through your life will lead others to selfless unity. Let this truth consume and guide your thoughts and control your actions.

JUNE 30 – HUMBLE AUTHORITY

 Jesus got close, and told them, “all the authority over heaven and earth is given to Me. Take what you know to all the nations and teach them to follow; baptizing them into the fulness of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help them learn to obey all I taught you. I’ll be with you every moment until the end of this world.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

                   Do you believe the authority of Jesus Christ works through you? In this question, the full definition of Christ-like humility can be seen. Maybe you understand the lessons of humility that teach modesty and obedience, being faithful, and willing to pay the cost of serving. But, to really understand your role – to reproduce powerful leaders – you must live the authority of Christ as He acts through you. True humility is to fully understand, and to live, “for me to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21),” and “I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).”

                   Jesus is still saying this, “we will go together! We will reach the nations where I take you. We will work with all the power and authority of God’s Kingdom to bring others to new life.”

                   Embrace your identity today. Be Christ as you live and serve others, with all the power and authority He will show in your life. That is the way others will come to follow Him.

JUNE 29 – HUMBLE ACTIONS

 God will move into the life of each person who recognizes Jesus as His son and who lives in love with Him. We know and trust and stake our lives on the love that God has for us. So that in this world, we stay in His love, and we love just as Jesus loves. (1 John 4:15-17)

                  So, if the Lord God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and present in your life every day, and if His plan is to live through your life to use all that power for good, then what is your purpose as the bearer of all that good power?

                   The writer of this letter says that you should use it to love just like Jesus did. He urges you to live a life that is given away for the benefit of other people. He envisions a group of followers who hold nothing in reserve, being motivated by the love of God to spend every bit of influence and power, knowledge, and energy to enhance the lives of others. The purpose of this letter was to enable the readers, early followers of Jesus, to know and fully experience the great joy that comes from life in Christ (1 John 1:4). And, repeatedly, the writer counsels, “do what God asks,” “live your life as Jesus did,” “love others as Christ has loved you.” Your purpose, whatever the details, is to use God’s good power to love others.

                   Are you using all your power “like Jesus?” Determine today to use all God gives you to show your love for Him, and to help other people to enjoy that love.

JUNE 28 – GIVEN GOOD POWER

 The Lord our God determined the number of stars, and He calls each one by name. He is great – having all power and all understanding. The Lord, Jehovah, helps those who are humble and need Him, and presses the wicked in the ground. (Psalm 147:4-6)

                   Many people accept that power is a bad thing; that too much power will corrupt the powerful. Another common idea is that, to achieve power, you must take it away from another person. Is this your view? Do you play the world’s power games? Do you see a world where there is a limited opportunity to succeed; where only a very few can prosper, so that you must compete with everyone else?

                   The Psalmist saw the world very differently from that world-view. From his perspective, all the power belongs to God. It is not a limited, precious asset to be fought for and selfishly hoarded. Rather, in the Kingdom of God, power is generously shared. It is to be used for good; to help those in need and to overcome those who are selfishly oppressive.

                   Consider how you view power, strength, and knowledge, and how this view affects your actions. Use the power you have been given to help others rather than to achieve more power.

JUNE 27 - …. NOT A SAVIOR

 He (Jesus, Lord of all) says, “Sacrifices as burnt offerings and sin offerings were not what you wanted. You don’t celebrate these acts. He said, “I came to do your will!” And, by that act – the will of God – we are recreated and set apart for Him by His work; taking away the call for our sacrifice because He was the offering. One time for all eternity. (Hebrews 10:8-10)

                   Jesus paid the price that God required. Done. God needs no more heroes to rescue folks. You have that hero. The call on your life is to simply be faithful to that hero, Jesus, and to persevere to the end of the story that is your life.

                   When you think of your life, and the people that God has called you to lead, you may wish to find the one epic reason for which you were created. The world loves these grand stories of fate and heroism. Your story as a follower of Jesus is about Jesus. There is only one heroic, epic role for which you have been prepared – faithful, obedient servant. That is the grand role from God’s perspective. He will celebrate your loving obedience. He does want your love and faithful persistence in following.

                   Let these traits of service and obedience mark your life. Give God what He desires; what He will celebrate.

JUNE 26 – A SHEPHERD….

 Peter was deeply affected; quite hurt that Jesus asked him a third time, “Peter, do you love me so much you will pay the cost?” He said to Jesus, “Lord, you know me inside and out. You know how much I love you!” Jesus replied, “Feed my little sheep.” (John 21:17)

                   Here, John captures Jesus’ presentation to Peter of the job description for a person who will make following Jesus their vocation for life. In a word, Jesus says, “love who I love, how I tell you to love them.” Remember, Jesus identified himself as the bread of life (John 6:35). When telling Peter to feed the weak, little sheep, He was not only saying, “make sure they eat,” but also “give them Me.” Given the challenge as to how dearly Peter loved Jesus, Peter must have understood that his calling was to give his very own life for the benefit of others, so they could know and grow in Christ.

                   The job you are called to do, as you lead your people, is to love them as Jesus loves them, feeding them at your cost; feeding them the bread of His life, and paying for that meal with your life as He did with His own.

                   Do you love Jesus so much you will pay the cost of feeding His sheep? Feed them as He sends them to you – one at a time.

JUNE 25 - …. NO MATTER WHAT

My only food – my tears – all day and all night, all while they humiliate me; taunt me saying, “Where is your God, now?” All day long they laugh and scoff. (Psalm 42:3)

                   The context of this writer’s panting for God is in a place (among enemies), at a time (in exile from the throne), that other people are challenging David for answers. They are asking him to explain God; to defend his trust in a seeming powerless, absent deity. Should David ad-lib? Should he try to vindicate himself? Or God? Not this believer. He would simply, patiently, humbly continue to seek God’s presence and comfort.

                   How about you? Dark days come. God seems to have left you at the moment you need Him most. Will you continue to pursue Jesus, and only Him, when the answers come slowly, while the personal costs rise, and while others laugh at you and make fun of you and your God? Or, will you lose patience with the Lord, and find the world’s most effective way to achieve the result that you think is appropriate? It is at this time of struggle, when life comes down to these simple questions, that you will know if you believe.

                   Persevere in faith. Pursue God’s presence until He acts. Wait on the Lord. 

JUNE 24 – ONLY ONE SOLUTION….

My heart needs and desires you just like the parched deer stag pants for the refreshment of the cool stream. Yes, my soul is literally thirsty for the living God. When can I return to Him? When can I be in His presence again? (Psalm 42:1-2)                

                   This Psalm is thought to be written by David, or a choral director with him, after they fled from David’s son, Absalom. Again, on the run, you may have expected David to long for the luxury of his palace or the cheers of his people. But, David valued the relationship he had with God most of all. He didn’t value property, power, or praise more than that. He needed God.

                   Think of a time you acted without consulting God. Rather than considering the outcome, think for a moment about the arrogance you showed when you did that. You were saying, “I, a child of God, who has told everyone I am devoted to following Jesus in every part of my life – have decided that I can choose not to follow when I want.” Have you truly given your life to Christ if you can say that?

                   Take Jesus seriously. Recognize the value of relationship with God, and only pursue Him and His will for your life.

JUNE 23 - ….AND NOTHING ELSE

 Jesus, even though He had the very character of God, did not seek recognition as God. No, He took on the appearance of a man. He took off the things that would bring Him recognition, choosing to simply serve others as if He were their servant. (Philippians 2:6-7)

                   Do you want to matter? Are you trying to find something important to do? If yes is your answer, Is that consistent with your vocation as a follower? The goal of significance is common, especially among accomplished leaders. But, even when motivated by an intent to accomplish something for God, self-designed efforts just don’t pleased God.

                   Paul shows Jesus was completely aware of this, as God and as man. His nature – His character, was that of God. But, His work was to be man. He was to be the perfect man, so therefore, He simply became a man who was an obedient servant to God; showing mercy to God’s people. How amazing that the Holy Spirit led Paul to write in a way that brought together God’s desire for obedience (1 Samuel 15:22) and love (Mercy) (Hosea 6:6) more than sacrifice. Obedience equals love. Mercy to men and women God loves is the evidence of our love for God.

                   Choose the path of insignificance, and embrace loving obedience to the Lord.

JUNE 22 – ONLY JUST YOU….

 Jesus, while here in the flesh, suffered emotions and pain. He turned to the Father when He had need – with requests and thanksgiving, and with urgent pleas. He knew the Lord God, alone, could bring Him out of the vulnerability of human life and even death, and God honored Him because of that absolute commitment. (Hebrews 5:7-8)

                   When you feel overwhelmed, weak, vulnerable, and you are afraid – do you have absolute confidence that God has the power to save you, or to bring you through – even if you die? You must have this confidence if you are going to respond well when it seems you are all alone.

                   Jesus, who lived this life of submission and death to Himself he offers you, suffered. That is what this passage says. He had emotion and felt pain. He felt alone and vulnerable and weak and tired. But, even when it was hard to go forward on the path designed for Him, Jesus turned to God – only God. God honored Him because He responded with that absolute, consistent, and complete faith. What God desires from you is that kind of total faith.

                   When you want to be afraid, be confident. Know that your God – the Savior – the one who was brought out from death – can bring you through whatever is placed in your day.

JUNE 21 – A DIFFERENT ROAD

 I don’t want your confidence to be based on man’s wisdom. I want you to be anchored in the power of God. There is wisdom in what we have told you who follow. But it’s not this world’s wisdom. No, that will never last. We speak of the Lord God’s ageless wisdom that is hidden from them. It’s a different way. (1 Corinthians 2:5-7)

                   Where do you go for answers? When a big decision looms, and the stakes are highest, is it a consultant, a mentor, or a book that you scour for answers?

 If Paul is to be believed, all that wisdom – if it comes only from the minds of men and women – is temporary. It is destined to become old, dated, and even irrelevant. Paul taught Jesus. He spoke Jesus. He sought Jesus. That is what following Jesus means. Jesus is the answer to every part of life for any person who will follow Him. Ideas, information, observations, experiences, and the like will often come from human sources. How you regard this information must be determined by Jesus though – if you truly want to follow Him. And, much of God’s wisdom is the opposite of this world’s wisdom (Luke 16:15). It is a different way.

   Take the great risk that the world will call you foolish. Trust Jesus who, unlike them, loves you and calls you His own. Trust Him always.

JUNE 20 – VOCATIONAL FOLLOWING

 Jesus told Peter, “Follow Me.” (John 21:19)

Whoever doesn’t accept God’s plan for his or her life, and follow Me – accepting whatever that journey requires – can’t be mine. (Luke 14:27)

                   Have you really considered the enormous cost that Jesus requires of you? “Following Jesus” sounds nice and neat and safe enough. After all, God is love. He cares about me. Could He let harm or difficulty come my way? He did promise, repeatedly, that it would. Immediately before asking Peter to follow, Jesus gave him a picture of the future. It was not a nice, neat, safe vision. Three times Jesus explained to Peter he would give his life away to other people, and then he would meet a difficult, unpleasant end.

    Jesus told followers; promised them, that there would be uncertainty, difficulty, and pain for anyone following Him. He clearly said the cost for each person is to accept that unknown future unconditionally; to enter a vocation of simply following Jesus in every part of life.

Will you accept God’s plan for you without reservation? To make any exception is to say no to Jesus. Say yes – Follow Him - whatever the cost.

JUNE 19 – NO AGENDA

 Take the work I give you, and learn the way I will show you to do that work. Like me, you will find the right way that has been prepared just for you if you accept the timeless wisdom of God’s way to good life. In that life you will find real rest. (Matthew 11:29)

                   Can you really submit to Jesus as He asks? Not only by exception – in the moment where you are motivated to do some act of mercy, or choose a moral option. Jesus is talking about an ongoing, daily relationship that will go to the office with you. He will show you what to do, and how to do it all day at work, as you lead your people. He will set the priorities of your life down to the details. Are you ready for that?

                   With this offer, Jesus may have been thinking of God’s word to Israel through Jeremiah (6:16), where the prophet challenged the Israelites to choose one of the two paths at the crossroads of life, God’s way or not God’s way. He promised that, in God’s good way, they would find real rest for their souls.

                   Always, in every situation, decision, plan, and attitude of life, there are the same two choices. Like Jesus, choose God’s good way, and find His rest and peace.

JUNE 18 – LIKE JESUS

 As we love God, learning to live in His love, the Lord will bring that love to completion, giving us confidence that defeats fear. All this because in this world we will then be like Jesus. (1 John 4:17)

                  The writer here says clearly, “if you live in God your character and nature become what you love.” In loving you – God (verse 14), through His Holy Spirit (verse 13) has revealed and given you Jesus Christ (verses 15-16) as evidence of His love. Your love for other people, expressed by your actions to seek their interests more than your own, is what will become your character; your very identity. Your nature becomes the Christ you love, as you grow in that love and lead in response to the overwhelming love God has shown you (verse 19).

                   You are then becoming “like Jesus.” Like Jesus, your life reflects a selfless love. Like Jesus, what you want is never the basis for what you choose. Like Jesus, others will be influenced, and they will find their way to new life. Like Jesus, the world will not value and honor your work and your life, and will even despise and oppose you as you try to show them God’s love.

                   So, do you really want to be like Jesus? Is your love for Him such that you will have no ambition but to follow Him? If so, a life of passion and powerful transformation can be yours. Be like Jesus!

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.

 

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.

JUNE 8 – LISTEN WITH CONCERN

 … slow to respond… (James 1:19)

    “Slow to respond” speaks to the relationship you should have with the person who is standing before you. This advice is not, “be timid in your obedience when you understand God’s will.” Quite the opposite, the author encourages you to listen carefully, seeking simply to understand, and asking the Holy Spirit to lead you to a proper response – rather than to respond before God speaks.    

        As you listen to your people, with genuine concern, you evidence that you care for the person and for their condition. Listening with such concern is a way of helping another feel that they are not alone. It can validate them as members of a community, and tell that person, “We are in this together,” long before the first word you say in response. “Slow to respond,” means, “listen long enough” for the Lord to work in you and in the other person.

                  Love your people enough to listen to them in a way that helps them understand how much you care. Remember that your active listening may communicate concern more effectively than your words or answers.

JUNE 7 – LISTEN CAREFULLY

 So – (because the Lord Jesus chose to give us life through Himself) – my beloved people, let everyone be swift to hear… (James 1:19)

                   Here begins instruction that is critical to any person who is to lead others. It is a message with two strong points rolled up together in, “be swift to hear,” In other words, “Listen to others.” But, the advice doesn’t end there. Every conversation with another person should include the Holy Spirit. So, do you always listen intently – to both the person before you, and to God’s Spirit to help you have understanding?

                   Many people put themselves in God’s place, making judgments on their own, as they listen to their people. With best intentions, they may be thinking how they will respond to what they hear. In the Lord’s kingdom, you do not have to expend that energy. Rather, the work is to listen carefully, praying even as you are listening for the Spirit to give you the understanding you need. God will give you the thing to do or the words to say when He wants you to speak.

                   Listen today to each person with whom you engage, and as you do, listen for what God will tell you. You may not be asked to respond, but obey always when you are.

JUNE 6 – DWELL ON THIS

Constantly dwell on the word of Christ while you teach and remind each other whether singing or reading, let your hearts focus with gratitude on him. In each thing you do or say, be sure everything brings glory to Jesus and is done as He leads you. (Colossians 3:16-17)

                  You can never dwell on the word of Christ too much. If you have sought the Lord’s guidance; His plan for you and your people, He has given you a word specific to that work. The direction or vision for your way forward together and the important principles or values that He impressed upon you as vital, are part of God’s word.

                  Paul says here to read and re-read, sing and re-sing, teach, and remind each other constantly of this word from God. Paul knows the value of this repetition. He knows this constant focus will serve to renew your heart, change you, and grow you. As they hear you speak with passion about the way forward, your people will be drawn to recognize and appreciate the work of Jesus more each day.

                  Focus on the word of God, the Scriptures, the hymns and Psalms, and His personal word to you for your life today. Dwell on this word to find the life He desires for you.

JUNE 5 – OPTIMISM

(As the people whom God has chosen (verse 12))… Let the peace of Jesus Christ; His rule, make every decision for you. You were called to be one people for Him and His purposes. Always be grateful that He has loved you and called you – let praise and thanksgiving be your character. (Colossians 3:15)

                  Are you optimistic? Shouldn’t you be? You believe that the Lord loves you, and He has chosen you. You know He has a purpose for you. God has called you to lead His people to become a community that is united in doing His work. Should you not be always grateful and optimistic?

                   Paul reminds these people that the burden of being perfect has been removed. They don’t need to have all the answers now, because they have the rule of Christ calling them to work under His direction. That is where peace is found; real, lasting peace. God’s peace allows you to accept each challenge optimistically. You can see each one as an opportunity to be successful simply by doing what He asks. Peace results when you obey, and when you encourage your people to continue to believe and follow the vision too.

                   Consider, always, the hope you have in Jesus. Rest in His peace, and encourage your people with optimism and gratitude.

JUNE 4 – A NEW THING

 So, if someone is to have a part in Jesus Christ, he must become a new creation. The old ways; the old parts – they all die. Listen – everything will be made new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

                   Old stuff is sticky. Habits, speech, attitudes – everything about a person (and the groups of people who spend time together with them) makes that person or group become who they are. These actions frame the character of the people, and they define the culture of the community around them. To change and re-orient character and culture requires new habits, new ways, and new attitudes. What are you doing to introduce the birth of the new to your people?

                   Paul is saying to these people, and to you, this is not a simple, easy evolution God requires. There are parts of you, and each of your people that must die. Everything that goes forward will be new. That means change – both large -scale and small. Some people and some relationships won’t survive those deaths and become part of your peoples’ new life together. There will be cost where there is truly a change to a new thing. All this change will take courage.

                   Ask the Lord to show you the things that must die. Ask Him to give you courage to replace all the old things that must die with His new things.

JUNE 3 – FEEDING PEOPLE

 Jesus is who we put forward, advising, urging, and teaching everyone with all wisdom of the Spirit. We do this so we may see each life be filled and completed as a work of Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:28)

                   Your community – all the people God has called you to influence and love – is hungry. These people need hope. They need life that is meaningful; that has purpose. They need Jesus – the bread of life (John 6:35). If they are going to last; to make it over the long haul of lives and generations, these people must be unified. Unity will be formed around their definition of the common future they will pursue – your vision. Real, lasting change begins to happen when your people begin to move in the same direction.

                   As Paul observed, this happens one person at a time. As you share the vision God has given you for His future, you point each person toward Him. Advising, urging, and teaching the values critical to the work and the success of the group will bring people to pursue right ends and change what they desire, and how they pursue those desires.

                   Put the vision God has given you firmly in your people’s consciousness and help them find the full, complete lives God desires for them.

JUNE 2 – YOUR PEOPLE

 Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

                  God created this world and everything in it. It belongs to Him. He orchestrates and He wills. He acts, and His purposes will be fulfilled exactly as He desires. He has chosen to love men and women, and to work in and through their lives. He has called you to a specific people, at a time, in a place, where He intends to use you. Will you say yes?

                   Esther was presented with an incredibly dangerous task. As the queen, she had privilege – but not without risks. Mordecai asked her to consider her people’s lives. Their fate was execution if she could not persuade the king to prevent the slaughter. But, Esther had to risk her life. She did this simply by asking for the audience before the king. If she made such a bold request, and the king denied it, she would be killed. After praying and fasting, she took the risk, trusting God’s Providence and power. Her people were saved. Such is the call to each person whom God calls to lead a people. To lead them, you place at risk everything you value except your relationship with Christ.

                   God has called you to a people. Love them enough to risk everything for them.

JUNE 1 – TEACH YOUR SELFS

 Teaching all the people in all cultures to see and have a solid understanding of everything I’ve given you. And I will be with you each-and-every day until the end of this age. (Matthew 28:20)

                   Jesus talked often about the Kingdom of Heaven, describing it with colorful stories, relating truths, and contrasting it with the religious and cultural practices and rules of the day. Here, He urges followers to continue this work in other places, with other people. Jesus is asking them to help these other people see God’s Kingdom as new, fresh, and better than the religions and cultures they allow to rule their lives.

                   Are you engaged in this work with your people? Do you ask the Holy Spirit how to tell your people what they need to hear? Do you engage with them regularly, patiently, and seriously to understand them? Do you know how they are challenged by the specific, unique circumstances and influences on their lives? Repeating the vision and values that the Lord God has given you for your life is a big part of that teaching. It gives a picture of life that is very different from the world’s view.

                Teach the people God has given you. Tell them everything He has given you. Teach them well.

MAY 31 – SECOND NATURE

 Don’t love this world, nor anything in it. If you do love these things, you aren’t following God. Because, everything in this world that you want and you think is beautiful and important – that all belongs to this world. It’s not the Father’s concern. All that passes away, and men tire of it. But God’s purpose lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

                   Are you sure you love what you think you love? Consider that your actions are what show your true loves; your deepest desires. When you must choose between more for you, or more for another person, which do you pick? The things you unconsciously choose to pursue during your day were trained into you before you gave your life to Christ. Has the Lord reshaped you with His new, second nature?

                   Many of the New Testament writers cautioned about mindlessly conforming to old habits and the ways of this world. This world teaches you that there are things more important than Jesus. But you know better. Everywhere, all around you and your people, your culture is helping you to acquire this false narrative – this empty vision they call the good life. Don’t be fooled, and don’t let your people buy in to the lies that tell them who and what to love.

    Choose to embrace the new, second nature that God has placed within you and lead your people to do the same.

MAY 30 – WITH PURPOSE

 I’ve given you a new heart and spirit; taking away your old hard heart, I’ve put in you a heart that loves. And, My Spirit that I put in you will lead you and teach you My ways, and you will live in My reality to be My people. And – I will be your God. (Ezekiel 36:26-28)

                   What is truly at the center of your life? A person? A goal? An organization? A Position? An image you maintain? God does not compromise. God will not share you. God will not allow you to exclude Him from any moment of your day. Without a firm focus on Jesus, you will pursue – worship – something else. Those other things you pursue, no matter what you choose, you will need more and more of that thing. The only God that can be enough is the Lord, Jesus Christ.

                   This passage explains the wholesale change that comes by the Power of Christ in you. When you are changed by God, there is a new you; a new reality. The new you is led and taught; mentored and grown by God’s Holy Spirit, who has taken up residence within you. Your capacity (heart) has been enlarged. You can love Jesus as He intended. You have the heart to love others, and unite them in Christ as the Spirit works in and through your life.

                  Recognize who you are. Take the role you have been given seriously. Act with purpose, and from your new heart, in all you do.

MAY 29 – WITH PROCESS

 After this, the Lord Jesus identified seventy others. Then, He sent them out two by two, to arrive before Him into every city and every place He would come. (Luke 10:1)

                   Jesus sent these people out with very detailed instructions. He gave them a very specific process to follow in their work. He gave them actions that would let them live their way into greater understanding of His gospel, His mission, and the Kingdom of God. These practices are preparing them to live their faith in Him.

                   The practices, processes, and detailed instructions for not only what the people of your community will do, but also how they will do the work and how they will relate to each other, and why they are doing what they do – all of that – becomes part of your community’s culture. As your people live their way into greater understanding, much of it will seem to happen unconsciously – almost from habit. But, you must understand that it is your hard work in obedience to the vision God has given you that will create the environment where it occurs.

                   Ask God to give you the whats, whoms, and all the whens and hows you will communicate as you send your people out.

MAY 28 – WHAT DO YOU WANT?

 Then, James and John’s mother approached Jesus. She knelt and asked if he might grant her a favor. Jesus asked her simply, “What do you want?” (Matthew 20:20-21)

                   Do you ask your people what they want? In a world of expert studies and polling data, customer service indices, and trade publications you may think you know what they want. However, if you ask them - seriously – and give them time to think, you may be surprised. You may get a real and thoughtful answer.

                   Jesus often asked this question in one form or another. It was more to make the other person think than to get their answer. This question makes the responder consider, “What is important?” When your people have an opportunity to tell you what they really want, and they have time to carefully think about it, and they believe you will listen and care, they will be serious. The answer will then help you – and the process will help them more. One of the greatest ways to show love for another is to be concerned for their deepest desires.

                   Invest the time and energy to ask your people, “What do you want?”

 

MAY 27 – AND PRAY CONSTANTLY

 We pray for you all the time. We want God to finish His work in you, so you will complete all He has given you to do, and Jesus will shine through you – with you bringing Glory to Him. All this so others see His work in you. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

                   Ultimately, the choice is theirs. Your people will choose whom they will serve. God will lead you through His Holy Spirit to encourage and help, but the choice is theirs. They will choose their own direction. What should you do if that is the case?

                   Paul is clear. Prayer is what makes the difference. Just as it is God who speaks to you through His written word, through the Holy Spirit, and through the world and events around you, He is speaking to your people. Paul knows, and explains here, that it is God who wills to bring you to the place where you will be useful, but He does not abandon others, leaving their future up to you. He is actively working in each person’s life; each of your people’s lives, the best thing you can do to help them is to pray!

                   Pray for your people “all the time.” Ask God to continue to convict, to speak, and to work in and through their lives to complete His work in them.