JULY 14 – SELFISH AUTHORITY

 Where there is a culture of selfishness and competition, there will be only noise and leadership will be ignored. Then; every manner of evil will flourish. (James 3:16)

    God’s way is a way of respect and honor. That way leads to empathy and giving. In God’s kingdom we see stories that unite and lead people to hope. When you look up to those who lead you, do you seek ways to serve and participate? When you look down, do you see ways to encourage and lift others up?

   James here observes that the world – living in Christ-less selfishness – compares and competes rather than loving. Looking up leads to envy and jealousy, while looking down brings a sense of arrogance and pride. In this culture of unbridled selfishness, there is no chance for unity; no chance that God will be glorified, and lives be transformed through the community’s influence. When people are led to be self-serving and selfish, there is division and incivility. There is no empathy as leaders lose touch with their people. People who have much will take even though they have no need.

                   Your people – those who stick around - become who you are. Look around and see who you have taught them to be.

JULY 13 – LASTING STORIES

 Bring glory to God with words and actions that come from your heart. Your being and your story always focused on Christ’s work, so that all who see you will see your hope in Christ. And be always alert to opportunities to point them to God. (1 Peter 3:15)

                   Are you constantly asking the Lord to show you what you need to see; to recognize the stories that will unite your people? Do you pray for discernment, so you will see the action you should take next? Are you working to live and tell the new story they will need to gain understanding for the way forward? God is the author of creativity. He knows what will speak to your people powerfully, leading them to remember the experiences they have shared that are significant and meaningful.

                   Peter gives two important challenges here. Trust your Holy Spirit-informed heart, while focusing your energy on the actions that the Lord shows you to be the work of Christ in the world around you. Also, make sure that when Jesus transforms; when He brings life to someone who was dead – make sure that He gets the glory for it.

                   Like Peter says, look for what Jesus is doing among your people, take part as He leads you. Then, be sure that everyone knows it was His work.

JULY 12 – THANKFUL OPTIMISM

 In every thought, action, or circumstance – whatever happens – express gratitude and thanksgiving to God, because the Lord God wills for you to live a life filled with thanksgiving as you live in Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

                   Does this sound possible? In a world where complaints are valued, can you afford to be thankful? Is optimism realistic? Do you think it is ridiculous to be grateful for circumstances you perceive to be negative? Do you want to fly in the face of the whole world; people who say, “How can there be a God when there is so much evil in this world?” So many bad things happen to good people – and these bad things are affecting your people.

                   Paul emphatically says, “Yes! God sent Jesus. Jesus plus nothing else – His redeeming sacrifice alone – is reason for you to live a life of gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving.” Yes, maybe things look bad. Maybe you feel so alone, but yes – you have Jesus, and you have been restored to relationship with the Lord God. This is the sentiment expressed by Jesus, himself, when He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But be courageous – I, myself, have overcome this world.”

                   Whatever the circumstances, lead your people to see that Jesus has overcome those challenges.

JULY 11 – SELFLESS GIFTS

 If we are given suffering, even extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain – it is so that we may encourage and comfort you in a way that helps you persevere to find God’s prosperity. Or, if we are blessed with comfort and ease, we know that it is also to be used to help you to endure and learn to give as well. (2 Corinthians 1:6)

                   What is your first thought when you think of giving? Maybe you think of money or time. It’s not likely your first thought is of suffering. However, one of the most powerful gifts you can give another person is comforting encouragement – especially if that gift is wrapped in empathy; if you know suffering first hand.

                   Paul communicates two important truths here. First, every part of life; sorrow, joy, plenty, and want, is a gift from the Lord God - if you trust Him. He also teaches that every gift received is to be used as the Lord desires. The conclusion you draw, as you observe this design, is that God must certainly have intended for your life to be a continuous process of receiving from God and giving to others.

                   Look around. Consider your experiences. What has God given you that you haven’t given to another? Give it selflessly as the Holy Spirit leads you to give.

JULY 10 – GENEROUS RESPONSES

 Never let your motivation be your own, personal gain – ever! Instead, humble yourself, and value other people and their prosperity more than you value your life. Then you will generously respond to them in ways that advance their interests. (Philippians 2:3-4)

                   What is your greatest challenge to your efforts to be a good listener? Think. You have a choice of two answers; selfishness or focus. It’s easier to call selfishness lack of focus, right? But, the critical issue in listening in a focused way is to live as Paul encourages here; humbly and generously. Focusing on people is about self-LESS-ness.

                   Paul obviously had some experience with personal interaction. How often he must have sought to manipulate others to a desired end. With his intellect and education, and the power of his office before he met Jesus, he certainly knew the dynamics of power and intimidation. Post-meeting Jesus, Paul understands that listening to the person God sends to him, and to the Lord who arranged the meeting, is the way to advance that person’s cause. The work is to help them find God’s way, and that work became Paul’s reason for living.

                   Give yourself, and your focus, generously to others. Pursue their interests as God leads you to respond to their needs.

JULY 9 – FOCUSED APPRECIATION

 You carefully arranged me from your materials, and skillfully wove me into a unique person before I was even formed. And, as you created me you wrote my story, blessing me; blessing the work you would do through me. (Psalm 139:15-16)

                  Do you live in the reality of this passage? Do you recognize that this promise from God is also reality for each of the people you will encounter today? If so, should you not focus on helping each of your people to recognize and appreciate that he or she has a destiny; a story to complete? With this understanding, your people will be encouraged to seek relationship with their Creator; emboldened to pursue their unique story. Then, they too can act with courage and power; real authority.

                   The Psalmist understood – your relationship with God begins long before you are even aware of Him. Although the writer can’t see and touch the Lord, he knows that God’s hand has shaped him into a unique creation He deems to be very good. The hopeful confidence of knowing he was destined to participate with God to finish the story of his life – and that he could not fail – gave him the confidence to overcome his fears (verse 23) and to boldly pursue God’s vision (verse 24).

                   Invest focused attention on each of your people so they can pursue the story God has written for their lives.

JULY 8 – UNEARNED TRUST

 God gives us, as evidence of His love for us, this thing. While we were still rebelling against His authority, His love was extended to us through Jesus Christ’s atoning death. (Romans 5:8)

                   Do you trust your people? Do you require that they earn your trust before you make a significant investment in them? Do you look for failures to support limiting or withholding your trust? Or, do you make and keep promises to pursue their best interests individually and as a group, even if they fail the trustworthiness test?

                   This passage is hard reading for one who would seriously try to follow Jesus. The requirement to risk your own status – physically, emotionally, and financially, for someone who doesn’t appreciate your gift is hard to accept. To risk your freedom, and even your safety, for someone who may not even understand what you are doing seems to be a really dumb thing to do. But, that is the action that evidences God’s love – just as in Christ’s death. That act is the sacrificial love that brings hope.

                   Risk it all for your people. Extend your love to them just as Jesus did; without reservation. Give it all. Give them hope and love them, even though they don’t deserve it.

JULY 7 – ENOUGH FOR TODAY

 The Lord God said to Moses, Listen! I will send what you need each day from my resources; what each person needs for one day – every morning. Then, I will watch to see if they prove to be faithful in doing what I ask of them. (Exodus 16:4)

                   Every interaction; every relationship is different, and each ongoing relationship is different each day. How can you possibly prepare to meet that level of challenge? Can you read enough books, learn enough rules, or have enough experience to always do what is best in each of dozens of daily interactions? No, but God can – and better still – He promises that He does.

                   God’s provision for His people is constant, steady, and consistent. In this passage, He is explaining to His leader, Moses, “I will show you what your people – My people – need each day, and then I will provide all that you lack to accomplish what I will give you to do.” Has God’s nature changed? (Numbers 23:19). If not, then each person should take seriously the rest of God’s counsel to Moses. The Lord will also be evaluating constantly whether you follow in simple faith.

                   This one action; simply following in faith, is God’s consistent standard for men and women. Adopt that measure as your own. Do enough each day.

JULY 6 – AUTHORITY TO CALL

 Through this Jesus we also were given this great favor of God and the authority to call followers from every people. We call them at His instruction, on His behalf, and to move in obedience to His authority – And you too are those people who are called to have this relationship of belonging to Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:5-6)

                   Remember. Authority is about unlocking the world’s chains. So, it is about people. The great, powerful events of life are when groups of people respond to a call to do better. Those whom you lead – your group – acting together, in obedience to God’s leadership will be used by the Lord to change the lives of others. That call -the foolishness of preaching Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:21-23) is why you are leading your people.

                   As you obey, and call others to relationship and obedience, pursuing what is best for all – God’s will for their lives – those people will change. They will change dramatically, and will lead others to the new life they have found.

                   The reputation of your leadership is determined by its character – how you use it. Use it as Jesus intends. Use it to call others to be Him, so they can be made complete.

JULY 5 – INCORRUPTIBLE AUTHORITY

 Bragging that they, with human authority, were wisdom, they lived out being a fool! That’s what happens if you try to take all the glory that belongs to the incorruptible, forever God, and say that humans, or anything else that God created, can contain that authority. (Romans 1:22-23)

                  Do you ever get a little too big for your britches? Do you maybe worry about how you will solve the huge problem that hangs over you and your people? Do you plan how you will fix that person who is messing up the work? Do you think you have the power or authority to change another person’s life in a significant way? If so, you may be dangerously close to becoming the person Paul describes in this passage.

                  Paul is describing mankind in this part of his letter, but he offers a very important insight into how God responds to idolatry. Clearly, God doesn’t suffer fools gladly (2 Corinthians 11:19). If a person is foolish enough to experience God’s creation, His intervention in the lives of people, and His personal call to relationship, and yet still deny His authority as God, He will let them become the very essence of foolishness. Their innate need to worship will cause them to either try to become god, or to create some other, false god in which to invest their lives.

                  The only authority that is forever and incorruptible (stays firm, lasts) is the Lord God. Never try to take His role. Never assume responsibilities that are His. Always give Him the glory for what He alone can do.

JULY 4 – LASTING AUTHORITY

 Everything around you, and everything you can see – it’s all temporary. One day it will all be gone. But, my words last – forever! So, don’t focus on or get overwhelmed by this other stuff, or you will miss the chance for my words to become your life. My words mean either life or death for everyone on earth. (Luke 21:33-35)

                  Do you want legacy? Do you wish for the work you do during your lifetime to really endure through time? Are you afraid you may be invested in something that will not last beyond your leadership tenure? If so, Jesus gives the answer you are looking for to build something lasting.

                   What lasts forever is what God values. Over the course of history, He has repeatedly told men and women that His words are the way to real, fulfilling, purposeful life, and His words are about relationship. God’s desire is for obedient worship – period. All the work you must do to please the Lord is described by one phrase, “do what God wants you to do.” Nothing else will last. No manmade monuments will survive. No accomplishments will matter. No heroic, sacrificial deeds will be long-remembered, unless what you build or do is what the Lord asks you to make of your life.

                   Build for forever. Accomplish the work that God gives you each day. Obey His word and build lives that will last.

JULY 3 – WIDER AUTHORITY

 (16) Immediately, the man he gave the five talents went to work, using what he was given. He grew the investment; doubling it…. (21) the employer said, “You did so well; exactly what I asked of you. Because you have done what I asked, I have much more opportunity for you. You’ll love it!” (Matthew 25:16, 21)

                  God values and invests in people. What He has given you is people. He places a few in your life, and He gives you opportunity to do what He asks you to do for them. If you obey His word; if you do what He asks you to do, He will bring more and more opportunities to work with Him. Unfortunately (verse 30), if you don’t obey, there is a great cost. Rather than closely relating to the Lord God every day to invest in the people He loves, that opportunity will be lost. Rather than the joy of fulfilling work and growing influence and prosperity, there will be only tearful regret.

                  Every choice has a cost associated with it. The man in this passage decided to immediately go to work doing what his employer asked. That meant he could not spend what he had been given on himself, nor could he do business the way others around him said to do it. Probably, he had to leave some people behind as he worked with only those he was told to engage.

                  Will you leave what you want to do behind you, so you may follow the path Jesus tells you to pursue? That is the path to greater work – the kind you’ll truly love.

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.