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 28–MEASURING & ACCOUNTABILITY

When Cephas came to Antioch, I confronted him directly – face-to-face. I saw that he was acting hypocritically; bringing condemnation on himself and leading others away from truth. (Galatians 2:11)

                   When you see a friend messing up in a way that will harm that person and others around them, will you step up to address it? Do you feel a responsibility for praying; asking God to give you direction? Do you act when the Holy Spirit moves you to speak? There is great risk – to relationships, self-interest, even to the entire group, when someone falls short of the community’s stated values. It is a big deal.

                   Paul and Peter (Cephas) were two of the most visible leaders of the early church. Conflict between them was a serious issue that carried a high degree of risk. Paul must have wondered how it would end, when he decided to confront Peter with his failure. Fortunately, we know from Peter himself that he and Paul continued to have a solid, perhaps better, relationship (2 Peter 3:15), but Paul could not have been sure of this ending when he approached Peter. Fortunately, Peter did listen, and the church community was strengthened.

                   Measuring your own performance, and the actions of your people is important ongoing work. Holding them, and yourself accountable in humility is a critical part of creating a strong values-based culture.

NOVEMBER 19 – YOU WILL GET HURT

Even though people are terrible, and they will lie about me, I’m going to obey what you tell me to do with all my heart. Even though others won’t understand, I will embrace this pain, and all that goes with it, if I can learn to live life your way. (Psalm 119:69-71)

                   Do you love God enough to obey Him when it hurts? Can you overcome your fear of pain or loss with your trust in Jesus and His promises? The difficulties are inevitable when your work requires extending trust to people. Are you willing to embrace this difficulty as a necessary part of the job?

                   Scholars have said that the basic principles of God; His values, are repeated often throughout Scripture. If this is true, there is suffering for each person who would live life on God’s terms. Jesus explained that suffering has long been a part of obeying God, and that such suffering is part of following Him (Matthew 5:11-12). Paul, Peter, and others explain that your willingness to accept personal loss is an important part of both showing God’s love to others, and of growing in understanding of His love for you. Just as physical pain can teach lessons to every person, the suffering you experience because you follow Jesus is part of bringing you to spiritual maturity.

                   Understand and trust that God’s love for you will be worth the costs of following His way.

NOVEMBER 10 – SIGNS CAN BREED FEAR TOO

So, right away they went to Bethlehem, and they discovered Mary and Joseph. There was the baby, lying in the manger just as God promised. (Luke 2:16)

                   In the relationship you have with the Lord, God, where He communicates His sign to you while anticipating you will accept His invitation to work together, you have two choices. Each time, you will have opportunity to answer, “yes!” joining with Him, and doing exactly what He is calling on you to do. Otherwise, you will create an alternative response that you will argue is, “enough.” No matter how risky and dangerous the way forward appears to be, when you consider God’s way, the alternative is much more perilous. God does not negotiate. He is God. The choice is His way, with His provision, or else you are choosing to go your way – alone. He will let you fail.

                   Right away, the shepherds went to Bethlehem. They found Jesus! They could have hidden under the rocks, hoping the sky full of angels would not return. If they worried about how risky it would be to leave the sheep, and how dangerous it is to travel at night, and had they not gone, they would have missed out on what God was doing.

                   Don’t let fear keep you from experiencing everything that God has prepared for you. Choose to do what He asks – right away!

AUGUST 31 – FAR FROM PERFECT

No – I’m far from perfect. I haven’t arrived. I may not even fully understand. But, I am pressing on to find His way forward, so that I may realize and gain what Christ Jesus gave me. (Philippians 3:12)

                   Do you allow yourself to be imperfect? Is there room in your group for people who will mess up? Fear of liability and loss drive many to assume that perfection is the minimum standard. When that is a leader’s perspective, those who are not able to explain away their actions, put the right spin on a course of events with a bad ending, are found guilty by reason of imperfection. In that environment fear takes over, as each person waits for the dreaded day when they make the unforgivable mistake.

                   Paul explains here that perfection is an ideal worthy of a life-long effort. The life of one who follows Christ is a process of growing closer to Him; learning, growing, and becoming a completed masterpiece at His return. This understanding should lead you to greater humility. You are not perfect. This understanding should lead you to seek unity. Those who falter need restoration rather than punishment.

                   Recognize that your people are imperfect. Encourage them, as Paul has modeled, to press forward to find God’s way when they struggle. Love them to restored relationship.

AUGUST 2 – NEVER AFRAID

You’re going to find yourself in trouble, but don’t worry. It is part of the work. The Father has planned for this, and He has placed you in these situations. He is going to speak to you; through you to the people you face. And, He will accomplish what He has planned to do. It’s all for Him. Don’t be afraid. (Matthew 10:18-20)

                   So many times, Scripture urges, “Don’t be afraid.” When the angels appeared, they usually began, “Fear not!” As the prophets foretold the events to come, even where they were difficult, they counseled, “Don’t be afraid…” Here, Jesus says explicitly, “Don’t be afraid,” and He explained why. God is in control. He knew that all of this would happen. He is going to walk through it with you, and He is going to win.

                   What does this mean to you? In a word, it means, “freedom.” You are free to simply do what the Lord God gives you to do each day. Every morning, you can get up, head out, and explain to your people that you are all headed out on a great adventure. And, you are headed together for success!

                   Never, not ever, should you fear. Don’t let your people fear. Instead, love them well encourage them to trust Jesus.

AUGUST 1 – NEVER TIRED

The apostles came back and reported everything to Jesus. Jesus, seeing all the people around them, and all the activity, said, “get away with Me and rest. You haven’t even refreshed yourselves.” So, they went away together to a quiet place across the lake. (Mark 6:30-32)

                   Do you rest in Jesus? Or, are you stressed, worn out, tired of trying to do something that matters; something that will please Him? Worry and constant anxiety reveal fear. Perpetual busy-ness betrays that same emotion. Do your actions reveal your fear? How about your people?

  

The disciples had just returned from a work Jesus asked them to do. They were excited. No doubt they were concerned as to His view of their work, and - apparently - they came back to a busy, noisy, active scene around Jesus. Notice that Jesus didn’t feel compelled to address every person and every issue. The disciples were who He had called, and who He was given to lead. So, He focused on them.

   Jesus left the crowds, and the demands of His work to spend time with His people. He refreshed Himself, and in so doing, He refreshed them. Shouldn’t you do the same?

JULY 30 – ACT LIKE A WINNER

The Lord God told Joshua, “Not one of their men will be left standing. I have given you the victory – so, don’t be afraid.” So, Joshua marched all night, and was on the enemy suddenly. Then, God – the Lord God – crushed them. (Joshua 10:8)

                   Joshua was assured the victory. His response? Immediate! He got to work, confident of the outcome. Are you confident the enemy will be crushed? So confident that all your actions reflect your confidence that God is for you?

   Hesitation is fear. Action is borne of faith. If you trust that the Lord, God is going to give you the victory, you will act like it. You will look for His hand in each event. You will be grateful for each twist and turn of your story’s plot. You will be optimistic in the face of adversity and apparent defeat.

                   Have confidence. Be strong in the Lord and be of great courage. You are a winner because you belong to Jesus – Act like it!

JULY 24 – TRANSFORMED OR TERRORIZED?

So, therefore, if you are a master, give each of your servants what he or she needs to live in this reality; God’s rule. Stop your threats. Only the Lord, God is truly their master as He is yours. He doesn’t see you as superior to another because of your earthly status. (Ephesians 6:9)

                   Remember, your role in life is to live in close, loving, devoted relationship with the Lord, and to love your people in a way that helps each of them to find that transforming relationship. You can’t make a rule or threaten a consequence in a way that will lead to real transformation. In such an environment of regulation, fear is the result, and that fear motivates only the body. The heart, filled with terror, begins to focus on self-preservation and escape; not a great breeding ground for prosperity and transformed lives.

                   Paul here is really talking about trust. He encourages the reader to trust God when He says that God will prevail, expects only obedience from you, and that He has a plan for each of your people’s lives as well. Paul also is encouraging you, as a leader, to trust your people; to recognize that each of them – if they submit to God’s plan – can fulfill God’s role for them in your community. Each one can achieve without your constant intervention.

                   Trust God enough not to terrorize your people.

JULY 23 – PROSPEROUS OR POWERLESS?

Remembering that you know, you will ultimately be measured by whether you have obeyed; how you have responded to God’s will. So, no person is a slave in the end. You are free in Christ Jesus, whether you are master or slave in this life. (Ephesians 6:8)

                   Those who see themselves as slaves to another person feel the heavy weight of powerlessness. Most people, under the authority of another who treats them as slave, will struggle. The fear of failing to please the master will lead to stress that ultimately affects every part of life and every relationship. People cannot prosper if they feel they are powerless and enslaved. Have you created an environment of empowerment and encouragement for your people that will enable your group to prosper? Or, do your people suffer in an atmosphere of stress and fear where they feel powerless?

                   Paul reminds the believers at Ephesus that there is no fear of man nor of this world when you are in Christ Jesus. The joy of relationship with God is that all your hope is in Him. Your work as a free child of God is simply to do what He asks you to do. That is the work for each of your people, too. To lead them well is to encourage them to pursue the life God has planned for each one – even if that vision leads them away from you.

                   Trust the Lord. Trust your people to His care. Let them prosper in His power.

JULY 20 – RIGHT PLACE…

Jesus was becoming known. The news was spreading abroad, so that great numbers of people were coming to see Him and to be healed. But, He frequently went away to the deserted areas to pray – alone. (Luke 5:15-16)

                   Do you ever walk away from the crowd? Do you stop in the middle of apparent success because you need to be somewhere else? Because God is calling you to pause?

                   Jesus was not ruled by a schedule. Often, at critical times, He would go the opposite direction from where reason alone may have taken Him. God’s direction may send you to a quiet place to pray and reflect at what seems to be an inopportune time. He may want you to spend time in a different place or with other people, so that He can speak to you through what you see and hear there. It may be that your people need for you to be absent at a critical time, so that they will be more able to allow God to help them grow. Whatever the reason, whatever God’s call, don’t ignore His call and pursue what appears to be best simply because reason and judgment dictate that path.

                   Go to the right place, where the Lord is leading you, in preparation for what He will do in and through your life.

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 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 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 of 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.

APRIL 16 – PATIENCE

Keep being serious about the Lord working out the details of your life, just as you did when I was with you. Remember, it is God who gives you courage to will that He do that work, and it is He who completes the work – all for His own pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)

                Good work – God’s work – takes time. Just as you observe in business, those who take a longer view in their planning usually develop a better plan. God’s plan spans eternity. He has chosen to establish times and seasons to do His work in people. He places you in His world for a unique time, and for a person or people He has selected, in each moment of your life.

                The courage Paul urges might look a lot like patience to the world. Essentially, he says, “Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s next step for you; so patient that you continue to want to wait for Him to act even when you are struggling and afraid.” Waiting for God to act is hard work – especially when circumstances are difficult. It is then that waiting is truly the work of faith. Real faith waits, eagerly looking to the Lord for your next step. Real faith obeys immediately, before considering the potential outcomes.

                Today is an opportunity the Lord has planned for you. Let Him work His will each moment.

APRIL 15 – FRUSTRATION

We have been given the gift of going straight to Jesus with courage, knowing He will show mercy and have the answer that will help us in each moment of our lives. (Hebrews 4:16)

                Are you frustrated by the actions of a person you lead? Have your efforts to fix their problems fallen short? If so, you may be ready to accept some news. Your people are not puzzles for you to solve. Their problems are not opportunities for you to share your wisdom and experience. People are valued creations of God, and - He is their answer.

                The writer explains that Jesus understands you, knows your struggles, and that He alone has the plan for your success in life. Jesus is that same answer for the one who struggles, and for your actions as you become a part of that person’s answer. People who are struggling need Jesus. Every part of your relationship with other people should be guided by the Lord’s Holy Spirit. You may not understand the plan, and you may never even see the result of your investment. The work is simply to do what you are led to do.

                Frustration is a sign that you have designed a plan. One who follows Jesus will focus on completing the work he or she is given to do, and will trust that Jesus is the plan.

APRIL 9 – STRUGGLING TO CHANGE

Then the man said, “Your name won’t be only Jacob now, but Israel; because you struggled with God and men and you held on for God’s blessing. (Genesis 32:28)

                Jacob was exceptionally clever. By his wits, his hard work, and his perseverance, he had gained many of the marks of success. But, his history was also marked by the way he had deceived and schemed to take from others – especially his brother, Esau. Then, on the night before finally facing Esau again, he faced not only that struggle, but also had reached the end of himself, where now he sought God.

                He endured a long, exhausting night of struggle, but Jacob held on. He emerged weakened, injured, and exhausted. And – he was changed. No longer just the sly, crafty man who was afraid of those he had deceived, Israel become his new name because he had wrestled with God. He endured the long night of struggle without giving up. Having met God face-to-face, he was now ready to return to the place where he would live out God’s plan for his life.

                Recognize today that this is the struggle each person must engage if they are to live in God’s plan. From that honest, transparent, face-to-face battle with God comes God’s transformation. With God’s transforming power comes a future. Have your struggle to change today.

MARCH 25 – SNAKY BIRDS

…so be wise and shrewd as snakes, while you are pure and innocent, and simple like doves. (Matthew 10:16)

                Like the crowd who first heard these words, you may really be scratching your head. The challenge comes for you to be a snaky dove. What does that look like?

                Jesus is emphasizing what He just said about the danger that lay ahead, and He is giving more instruction. First, consider that Proverbs explains, “all wisdom, useful knowledge, and understanding come from the Lord God. (Proverbs 2:6)” So, Jesus again is saying, “I am sending you, but you will still be dependent. You will still need me to be close to you.” The book of James also wrestles with the rest of this message. There (James 3:13-18), the writer explains that real understanding will lead a follower to use wisdom for the benefit of others, with mercy and humility to make peace and show other people the way to God. This is the real distinction. Many teachers advise students to be wise, but in the world’s way. They advise students to be self-centered, and even deceitful. Jesus is saying His follower will use what he or she knows in the right way. Without understanding, those who are wise as snakes - but who realize they are really sheep who are heading toward the wolves - will live in constant fear. They’ll try to avoid contact with the wolves, rather than going where they’re led.

                Consider today which of your animals; sheep, snake or dove, may need more time with Jesus today.

March 22 – LOVE TAKES RISKS

Risk yourselves in showing mercy – rushing in to the fire of their torment to save them, but recognize and flee from the sin that entangles their lives. (Jude 23)

                Which people do you love enough to make you put yourself at risk? Would you risk death for your family – maybe even your closest friends? Would you risk “being burned” by investing in someone who doesn’t deserve your help? It may take your money, your time, your personal attention, or an opportunity to work with you. You may even have to go to the place where they are – even a terrible, dangerous place.

Rescuing someone from a fire is such a good illustration of the tremendous danger that a tormented person, living life without God must face every day. It also makes you think of the risk that you will face when you love that person enough to rush into their fire to save them. That kind of reckless investment even puts you at risk of the consequences of the sin that has them in its bondage, as you draw near and become intimately related with these people.

                For whom will you take this great risk every day? Let your answer be, “everyone the Lord gives me to love.” Let your love for other people take the risks that it takes to rescue them.

March 14 – WHERE TO GO

Therefore (since God’s correction is good for you), lift your hands. Get on your knees. Pray and fast, and find God’s straight path so the injuries you suffer in that difficult time won’t make you unable to go on. Persevere until God brings you through and heals you. (Hebrews 12:12-13)

                How do you react when your belief; your trust and reliance on God, is tested? When things are going well for you, and life seems easy, you may be quick to thank the Lord for His love and for the way He provides for you. But, do you begin to question God in difficulty, when you are challenged, or when you face betrayal or opposition? Do you sometimes even turn to other sources for comfort and rescue?

                Pauls’ words echo the words of Isaiah (35:3-10), where the prophet urged the Israelites to stay faithful in very hard times. He promised, if they would continue in their belief, keep trusting even when they became tired and weak and afraid, that God would come. Isaiah said, “He will save you!” (Verse 4). Both Paul and Isaiah promise a day of joy and wholeness, when the suffering of trials and discipline and oppression will end. They said, “a great day is coming that will make you be glad you were faithful, and you kept on trusting the Lord.”

                Life will be hard. You will hurt. You will be angry. You will get weary. The answer is always the same – take it to God. The deeper the pain, the more you need Him.