DECEMBER 23 – VALUES MUST BE TAUGHT

Therefore (because God’s unchanging law is forever), anyone who dismisses the least one of these, God’s laws, and teaches other people to do the same thing – that teacher will end up being last in God’s realm. But, the person who pursues right-living and teaches others to do so, will be great in that kingdom. (Matthew 5:19)

                   You will teach your people something. Remember, they are listening to you, looking for clues and creating a mental picture of what is important. Jesus gives you the two alternatives you can choose. You may decide to treat some or all of what is important to God as unimportant, displeasing God. If so, you’ll finish last. Or, you can pursue what He gives you diligently, working to communicate clearly and consistently that everything God says is important. Then you will please God.

                   Jesus says here, “Obeying God, obediently, and helping others understand what to obey, how to obey, and the importance of obeying God, obediently – That is the way to greatness.” Since Jesus included teaching others in His metric, you may want to be intentional about that work as well.

                   Follow the values God gives you. Teach the values to your people. Become great in God’s eyes.

DECEMBER 20–OTHERS TRUST BECAUSE OF YOU

Like it was said, “I believed; so, I have told it.” We have that same great confidence, so we speak. We know that the God who raised Jesus will bring us through too, and you as well. All this – for and through you – growing more and more to a great celebration that brings glory and honor to God. (2 Corinthians 4:13-15)

                   Your people will be encouraged, and their fears will be calmed, when they can see your steady, consistent confidence in Jesus. Will you keep the assurance of God’s faithfulness in your mind and in front of your people all the time?

                   Paul recalls a verse from Psalms (116:10). In this Psalm, the circumstance was that, “in His great affliction” the writer continued to believe, and therefore continued to speak of God’s glory. The psalm writer says he was changed from the day when adversity had made him despair. Paul begins with reference to this change, saying he too has had this experience. This encourages his friends in Corinth to become new – to see God’s glory and persevere when they are challenged. Ultimately then, through their faith, many other people will come to faith, celebrating and worshipping God. All of this because of one person’s simple, confident belief.

                   Recognize that your actions, because you believe, will be the basis for others to believe in an ever-increasing, geometric progression. The trust of others begins with you.

DECEMBER 18 – YOU MUST GET TO THE POINT

Remember, we aren’t preaching the truth according to Paul. We are sent to tell them about Jesus, the Messiah, Lord of the world, and the Master who sent us as His servant to serve and help you. The Lord, God who said, “Light – come from obscurity,” has made His light; the truth about Him that shows who Jesus really is, come out of our hearts for you. (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

                   What are the things that you should be sure your people understand about their relationship with you? Do you spend a lot of time and energy explaining who you are, and how you do things? Do you wait for a special, right time to let them know why you are, and why they are there with you?

                   Paul is clear. When God sent him to a person it was for him to tell them about Jesus. He didn’t spend a great deal of time and effort qualifying or explaining himself. He didn’t talk a whole lot about anything other than what God sent him to do. Shouldn’t that be true of you? When is too early to tell someone that you do all that you do because you are a servant of Jesus? Or, how long must you have relationship with a person before they hear that you believe life is a series of opportunities to tell people good news?

                   The Bible says to wait upon the Lord. The Bible also teaches that, when God speaks, and He shows you what to do, you should get to the point and obey Him immediately.

DECEMBER 17 – YOU MUST BE TRANSPARENT

Rather (instead of giving up when you are rejected), we won’t resort to desperate tactics, dishonesty, or try to spin the word of God. No, we transparently present God’s Truth. The, it is up to them. Even if this Truth is hidden, it is only hidden to those who have been blinded by Satan. Choosing the road to certain death, some can’t see God’s light and truth and glory the truth about Jesus. (2 Corinthians 4:2-4)

                   Do you sometimes choose to talk more (or only) about God’s love and care and gifts, and the peace and joy of following? Do you hesitate to give the full picture of what life lived on God’s terms will require of others? Have you ever been surprised to see someone turn away from God angrily when things go wrong, or when times are hard?

                   People deserve the truth. God did not create men and women with the freedom to choose so they could be tricked into choosing relationship with Him. The work with each person God sends you, as Paul explains, is to share the unvarnished truth with them. That is the only way that you can be obedient, and God can be glorified. There is no end that justifies anything less than transparency. Your end is always to obey God’s call.

                   Be transparent. Present the truth about Jesus and His work in your life authentically and honestly.

DECEMBER 15 – IT’S GOD’S WORK

2Pray for the Master to provide workers from and for the work of harvest… 9Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, “you have experienced the working presence of God.” (Luke 10: 2,9)

                   Can you keep understanding that it’s not about you when great things are happening, and people are praising you? Can you remember that your work is no more important than that of any other believer, no matter what your role? Can you stay focused on the single person Jesus puts in front of you each moment, even if there are so many you must consider?

               

                   Twice during His instructions to the seventy-two follower/students, Jesus reminded these people, “It is not about you. This is God’s work.” Think for a moment. There were no believers in these towns where Jesus sent them. The prayer in verse two is for a harvest full of harvesters. The workers to lead the people must rise from the people who would be changed. That takes a miracle of God. It is no less a miracle than to heal the variety of “sickness,” (whether emotional, spiritual, or physical) these people would encounter. All of it was beyond their human capacity.

                   This same work is also your job. And, it is also beyond your capacity, apart from the Holy Spirit’s leadership in your life. It is still God’s work – all of it – every day.

DECEMBER 10 – RULES CAN’T DO IT

But the results that give evidence of God’s Holy Spirit working in a life are evident in what you see. They are a love for other people, cheerful happiness, an inner calm and peace, a willingness to wait. These people are kind and gentle, consistently good, and are unruffled by challenges. You can’t make these traits appear by force. Rules don’t bring these results. (Galatians 5:22-23)

                   People who lead are often fond of rules. Rules are simple. If you could only list the important dos and don’ts in one place, and then threaten consequences for those who don’t follow that list, it would be so easy…. Well, not really. Remember the Ten Commandments? Like it happens today, the short list didn’t work, so people in power created many more rules that no one followed, not even the leaders. Why not? Why don’t rules work?

                   Paul observes, the important values of God can’t be created with rules. Jesus explained, “It’s from your very core; your heart, that you desire evil ways and hate others. (Matthew 15:19)” Jesus restored your ability to relate to God through the Holy Spirit living in you. With your heart focused on Christ in you, you can live the life that Paul describes.

                   Understand that living God’s values is an issue of the heart. Frame these values as promises from Him and from you - because of His love – not as rules.

DECEMBER 9 – PRAYERFUL SELF-CONTROL

I am sure that the faith of your ancestors has become yours. We affirmed that gift, and we are praying for you. Charge ahead with that Spirit leading you – just as if it were a consuming fire. Be bold in using that power to discipline yourself and love other people. (2 Timothy 1:5)

                   What controls you? Many people, especially those who have been successful, fear loss or failure or pain. That fear is often what turns their bold thoughts into passing ideas. Living boldly with self-control is a very difficult balancing act for most people. Charging ahead is not usually considered a part of discipline. How do you accomplish this balance and go all out without fear of rejection or humiliation when God calls to you?

                   Paul argues that it is Timothy’s faith in the Holy Spirit of God constantly leading him that will enable him to have this confidence. His act of self-discipline is simply to focus intently on what God tells him to do next. Paul also hints at another helpful constant. Jesus is always focusing His work on people. He always loves you and the other people around you. That orientation will always mark His work in and through your life.

                   Focus on the vision God has given you, and upon the people who are the face of that vision, and then charge ahead. Set your community on fire for Jesus.

NOVEMBER 15–SIGNS:UNDERSTAND NOT QUOTE

“This is my promise to my people after those days” (when Jesus conquers sin by His atoning sacrifice allowing God’s people to relate to Him as He has always intended) says the Lord and Master God, “I am going to place within them – at their core and etched into their minds – My truth and what I want from them.” (Hebrews 10:16)

                   There is another choice to be made if you will be this sign for your people. Will you learn about God, memorize and quote His words and decide which of His written laws you will follow? Or, will you pay attention to Him, listen to the Holy Spirit as you read His word and live in His world, and seek to recognize Him and His works in the people around you?

                   The writer of Hebrews is quoting Jeremiah here, as he argues that a person can never know so much about God and what God wants, that He can determine what is important each moment. Without the Holy Spirit, active in your life, it is impossible to behave in a way that will please the Lord. Instead, Jeremiah argues that Jesus has created a new way (vv. 20-25) that requires only that you be attentive to the Lord in community with your people, so that you may encourage and help each other. God now takes the responsibility for your prosperity if you will lead your people to Him.

                   Point your people not to what you tell them about what God says, but to the Lord, God Himself.

NOVEMBER 14 – SIGNS: LIFE NOT DEATH

All the world is witness today. I’m giving you a choice – right out in the open – life or death; prosperity or ruin. Choose life – live – love your Lord, God and do what He says. Hang on to Him because He is your very life! (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

                   Do you concentrate on the after-life or the now life? Do you dwell on controlling the impulses to sin and doing the things that the someone else says that you’re supposed to do, or do you focus on Jesus and what He is doing right now? Is what He wants you to do most important to you? There is great value in Scripture, a church family is helpful, even critical to provide accountability and encouragement. You should oppose sin and your flesh, and the life to come will be ecstasy. All of this is true. But, God’s call is to relationship – and life in Him – today!!!

                   Moses is calling on his people to pursue prosperity rather than destruction and death (Deuteronomy 30:15). He poses a clear choice. He argues very forcefully. The way you and your people will find prosperity is the same way. Prosperity – from the time of creation up through today – is found in “loving the Lord your God, walking in obedience to Him, and keeping His commands to you.”

                   See life – live God’s prosperity by answering Him always, “yes, Lord.” Just, “yes!” Choose life!

NOVEMBER 12 – SIGNS REQUIRE A RESPONSE

But Mary; she added sign to sign. She brought it all together in her heart. It began forming at her core. The shepherds went home, and as they went they were praising God for everything He had done. God had not let them down. (Luke 2:19-20)

                   The shepherds saw the light. They returned to their place; changed. And, Mary – she had received many signs. The angel spoke to her. Surely Joseph told her of the sign given to him. She visited with her aunt. Now the stunned shepherds were sent by thousands of angels, affirming all the other signs. All these people were changed by the one thing – the baby that would be the way for a clueless world to find meaning and be restored to right relationship with God.

                   What about you? Do you ever take time to think about what God has done in your life? Have you ever taken the time to add up all the signs He has given you? That is what you must do if you will let Jesus become your life. If you settle that He is the answer for your life, and you focus on what He has said and done, and what He continues to say and do in your life today, you can be used to move your people toward Him too.

                   Today is the best day to determine that you will settle the issue in your heart. Add up the signs and act on God’s call to you.

NOVEMBER 7 – WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Today, in David’s hometown a deliverer has been born to you. This is the anointed one; the Christ! And this is the sign that will tell you it is Him. This baby will be wrapped in layers of fabric, and He will be laying in a feeding trough. (Luke 2:11-12)

                   Have you ever looked for signs in Scripture? One of the greatest God-signs in all of history is found in the story of Jesus’ birth. To bear significance, a sign must have meaning. Just as words must be defined for you to understand language, signs must also be defined if they are going to communicate a message.

                   Many would say that having an angel announce the birth of the anointed one would, alone, be enough to give meaning to the sign he explained. But, as is often the case with God’s signs, there was yet another layer of meaning. The shepherds no doubt would be very familiar with the practice of wrapping the first-born lamb with cloths and laying it in a manger, so it would not harm itself or become blemished. Hearing the angel’s words, while imagining the perfect sin sacrifice gave them greater understanding of God’s communication, and greater significance to this great event.

                   Scripture is filled with such definitions, giving you insight into events of your world. Read, and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as God defines His signs for you.

NOVEMBER 5 – EXPERTS OR GOD?

But you, Daniel – keep all this secret – let the book be closed tightly until the time that will come after. Then, many will travel the earth and knowledge will become great. (Daniel 12:4)

                   Do you believe that you are living in the time about which Daniel speaks here? Jesus encouraged alertness (Matthew 24:44 and 25:13). Paul spoke often of anxiously waiting for Christ’s return (Titus 2:13). Certainly, since Jesus ascended, the story of mankind has been marked by people traveling more each year, and by human knowledge increasing day-by-day. These are those “times that will come after;” the time near the end of this age.

                   Daniel’s words bear further implications for today. Later in this discussion, Daniel is told that those who have been made clean; God’s people, will understand His signs. They will know what to do, while those who reject God will continue in ignorance. To lead your people effectively, it is God’s signs; His word, that you need. The words of others, who don’t follow your God, even if filled with sound, scientific observation, lack the significance and wisdom of the Lord’s simple, timeless truths.

                   Don’t be distracted by the experts of the world. Don’t concentrate on what the world says; where experts will tell you to focus. Find your way by watching and listening for the word from God. 

NOVEMBER 3 – JESUS KNEW THE KEY - SIGNS

Say to those who cower in fear, “Don’t be afraid! Your God is coming! He is just, and He is coming to save you. Then, you’ll see the signs – blind will see, deaf will hear, those who can’t walk will leap, and the mute will speak God’s praises. Living water is coming to your wilderness; life to the desert!” (Isaiah 35:4)

                   God’s presence in this world, and His work of restoration and healing are signs He uses to communicate. He has chosen to use prophets to explain how people can see God in His actions. Those who look for God will have these signs that serve to encourage them and to affirm their hope in His love and provision. Through Isaiah, the Lord, God, gave Israel the meaning that makes the signs related to Jesus communicate clearly. God’s desire is for them to see Him present and working as Jesus healed and brought new life.

                   Do you know God’s signs? Do you look for them, so they can be affirmation for the work you pursue each day? Do these signs provide the map that guides your work? and your evaluation of its progress? Are the people with whom you work really the most important part of that work? If you are genuinely pursuing a God-given vision, people must be your focus. God’s signs; your work, have one purpose – to be living water to people in a desert.

                   Work for transformation today. Find what God is doing to change peoples lives around you, and then take your part in that work.

OCTOBER 31 – LIFE ACCOUNTING 101

Each one decides how to invest their own life… Those who just exist for their own purposes worry all the time about material things. But, those who really live, live according to the Holy Spirit of the Lord. (Romans 8:5-6)

                   When you read Paul’s self-descriptions, you never see him mention that he was an accountant. But in this letter, he talks about how to affect the value of a person’s investment. Maybe it’s because, as a businessman, he understands the profit and loss statement. His equation for how to profit was this:

The Work of the Spirit – Himself = God’s Prosperity

For him, the way to prosper was to stop going after what he wanted and his own prosperity. Interesting formula.

                   Can you use this as a rule of thumb for life? When you find that you are pursuing some selfish purpose or gain, might that prompt you to stop and consider if that behavior is in your best interests? If Paul’s equation is right, the word of God is to be valued as the source for a life that gives you the chance to really live. This must have been the abundant life about which Jesus spoke (John 10:10).

                   Decide today that you will invest your life only in the work that God gives you. Let God’s love that never fails work in you, and find His prosperous, abundant life.

OCTOBER 30 – RULE PROBLEMS – A BIG IDEA

And after the great trembling, there was a great fire – God still was not in this. But, after the fire there came a still, small voice. When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face and went out to the entrance. Suddenly the voice challenged him, “What are you doing, Elijah?” (I Kings 19:12-13)

                   Leaders often are attracted to BIG ideas. Often, this is even motivated by desire to have a big impact for the Lord. The world generally says, “bigger is better, stronger, and more important!” There are at least two big problems with this idea. First, strategic planning often requires looking long-term, and trying to predict the end from the beginning. That’s dangerous territory if you have only been given the first, or next, step by God. Also, God has a habit of acting in unexpected, and often small, ways.

                   This verse also presents two things to consider. Elijah waited to hear from God. He was not distracted by the big things going on around him. The fire, earthquake, nor any other major world events really got his attention. But, when God spoke, he was there. Second, Elijah must have been familiar with that voice. People used by the Lord in the stories of the Bible consistently shared these characteristics.

                   Look for God in everything big or small. Listen until you hear His voice, instead of being pulled to the things that others pursue as big or important.

OCTOBER 29 - RULE PROBLEMS – CONSENSUS?

So, the Lord said, “This people, they speak honor with their mouths and call to Me with the words of their lips. But, their hearts are far from Me. That’s not worship. It’s just following human rules. (Isaiah 29:13)

                   Another challenge of presenting the vision and values God would have you and your people embody, is truly gaining consensus among your people. Your position of relative power will dictate that most of your people will say that they are with you. They may recite the vision and list the values, but if they haven’t applied these to their lives, you have been forcing lip service rather than leading them well. Using power to force fake agreement leads to hypocrisy. Leading others to real consensus around God-given vision and values leads to the formation of a community of people who can be unified.

                   Through Isaiah, God expressed His frustration with His people who didn’t understand this. Jesus also challenged the Pharisees (Matthew 15:1-14). He berated them for failing to understand and live by God’s true intent, and for leading others to follow confusing rules instead of God’s purposes. Leaders who fail to stay close to God’s intent will often try to reduce God to mere rules.

                   To pursue God’s purpose honestly, and to invest in helping others to relate to Him, is God’s model for your service to your people. That work will produce real consensus, and to a culture marked by God’s prosperity.

OCTOBER 27–RULE PROBLEM-FAKE OPENNESS

(After the interaction with the Pharisees) as thousands had gathered around them, Jesus first told His disciples, “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees. It is deceit!” (Luke 12:1)

                   The Pharisees loved rules and regulations. Much of their power was exerted through the imposition, interpretation, and enforcement of Jewish law. They were masters at using law to exclude and manipulate, but Jesus had just challenged them for another cause. In fact, He told the Pharisees they were headed for judgment and doom (Luke 11:42-52). They were dishonest, and they lacked integrity as they applied the law, and their actions ignored the truth behind those laws. Apparently, this fake behavior is judged very harshly by God (vv. 50-51).

                   How about you? Do you ever engage in spinning a situation to present a customer or employee proposal in a more favorable light? Do you ever leave out important details or circumstances that would qualify for exceptions to rules or policies when those disclosures may change the hearer’s perception? Would you ever provide a thick document to someone under the guise of being transparent, when that document serves to hide negative parts?

                   Trust Jesus to lead you to decisions which are good decisions, and then be honest with people. There can be no trust unless there is open and honest communication in dealing with your people.           

OCTOBER 23 – THE WHY IS SO IMPORTANT

And everything – the whole body of all the work you do and all you say – Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. And, all the time, thank God the Father that He allows you this great gift. (Colossians 3:17)

                   No doubt that the early readers of this letter included many who had heard and understood the truth that love of work is key to performing with excellence and to enjoying that work. Do you love your work? Do you love the vision that drives it? Is that enough? Not according to Paul.

                   Paul tells the people at Colossi, “It is not enough to love your work, even if it is work that God has given you to do. The why is important. Paul says you and your people must love your work because God loves it; because you are pursuing the vision He has given you as an objective in the way He has told you to pursue. In a word, you must love most the relationship with God. When that happens, your work and your worship become one. When it is God you love and pursue – when He is the reason (the why) for all of it – the work can change and yet it will still be work that you will love.         

                   Make sure your why is Jesus. Make sure your people know that all you lead them to do is part of your worship that wants to honor and represent Him.

OCTOBER 22 – DIFFICULT/COMPLEX WORK

And so, the people who heard Jesus tell them how very difficult it is to live the life God requires asked Him, “then, who can possibly be rescued?” Jesus answered, “the things that are impossible with men; they are possible only with God.” (Luke 18:26)

                   So, what is the hard part of the new, better work that God has given you to do? The part men and women find hard is to be consistent in constant attention to the work God is doing; His story for their lives. It is difficult to make every small piece of your life be about pursuing that one purpose. Jesus’ message, explained further by Paul and others, is that living out God’s purposes requires true justice, real mercy, and a unity that exceeds anything men and women can create. Living out God’s will this way is hard.

                   In fact, here Jesus says it is impossible without constant relationship with God, allowing Him to shape your heart, transform its desires and make you ready to face the complex challenges of a world dominated by fallen people and failed ambitions. In a world that chooses sin, only God can remain faithful and true as He works in your life and the lives of your people.

                   Focus your people, and yourself, on the God who will make possible His prosperity, no matter how complex or difficult the work of following Him becomes.

OCTOBER 21 – BECOMING WHAT YOU LOVE

Even though people knew God, they turned inward, foolishly claiming to know best for themselves instead of worshipping and glorifying the Lord, God. They gave up aspiring to God and His glory, choosing instead the common things He created. (Romans1:21)

                   Men and women are very good at achieving what they really want most in life. You are always living toward a future, a goal, an end. What is yours? You must be careful to choose this end with serious intent. Recognizing the truth of this passage; that your efforts are animated by your habits that in turn come from what you really want, you should focus intently on God’s vision for your life. You should also be careful to consistently focus your people on God and the work God has given you all to do together.

                  As Paul was describing the choices these folks made, he must have scratched his head. “They know better,” is his real observation here. As he wondered why others (and he, himself at times) would do such a foolish thing, he must have remembered Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinks in his heart, so he is.” Against their own interests, these people chose to cling tightly to all the lesser things provided by the world; the latest shiny object, rather than pursuing God and His true worth and glory.

                   Be careful. Lead your people to a carefully considered decision to pursue God, so they will become the image bearers He wants them to be.