DECEMBER 16 – WHAT YOU CANNOT DO

But, if the people in the place I send you do not accept the gift of God’s blessing, get back on the road. Accept their response. Say to them, “We have done all that we are to do. We will not argue, but you must understand that God’s kingdom is coming to reality.” (Luke 10:10-11)

                   How many times have you tried to “fix” another person? How many times has that effort proven to be successful? In the sense that long-term change is required for success to be declared, you likely must admit that you have not been able to succeed. People don’t change unless they decide to change. The strength of your will, your considerable attributes and talents, nor even your love for them will overcome the other person’s choices. You cannot fix someone else.

                   Jesus’ instructions acknowledge this reality. Yes, you are to use those talents and give your love passionately, as God’s Spirit leads you. But, in the end, each person must decide if he or she will pay the cost (everything) required to enjoy life in relationship with God and His prosperity.

                   Recognize that, when your work is done, you must leave. As with every other aspect of life in Christ, that time is determined by God. But, when the Lord says, “leave,” you must not stay. You cannot fix your people.

DECEMBER 6 – GOODNESS

And Jesus said, “Why do you say that I am good? No one; nothing except for the Lord, God is good (excellent, virtuous, principled…).” (Mark 10:18)

                   What is your standard for excellence in attitude, thought, and behavior? Do you have a list? Have you worked hard to assemble a self-created code of laws to govern your own conduct and that of your people? If so, you are settling for something that is less than ideal.

                   Jesus is here answering the question, “What must I do to become an heir to the life God offers?” This statement is Jesus’ summary of that answer. He continued with a reference to God’s law and challenged His questioner. Finally, Jesus observed the hopeless condition of a person who thinks he or she can find real life, meaning, and purpose – either here on earth, or eternally – apart from relationship with the living, virtuous God who truly is good. The Lord, God has values. He has a framework designed specifically for your life, and for the life of each of your people. Your list of rules is not adequate to govern you, much less will those rules be enough for the unique, diverse people you will lead. Your words and actions must encourage them to find relationship with Jesus if you are to help them prosper.

                   Don’t settle for human goodness. Put all your hope in the Lord’s complete goodness.

DECEMBER 5 – UNFAILING KINDNESS

(In my despair and anguish) Yet I go back to this – and so I have hope. It is because of the Lord, God – His unfailing love that we have not been killed. His kind mercy comes every morning – always. So, I know the Lord, He is where I live. In Him alone will I hope. The Lord, God cares for each one – each of the people who follow Him. (Lamentations 3:21-25)

                   Are you ready to put this together? Will you try? God is faithful! Place all your hopes and dreams – all your life – in His hands.

                   Lamentations is a unique book. It shows what happens when people rebel against God. This book chronicles the pain and depravity of sin. In the middle of this description of evil and hopelessness, the writer points to the one and only hope; the Lord, God. Apart from His continuing, unfailing, vast reservoir of love, caring, and kindness, there is no hope. Because of that love – while you still have breath – there is hope and opportunity. God created you. He is calling you to enjoy the peace and joy of finding purpose in each moment – not tomorrow, nor when you die – today! God has made you uniquely. He has a plan – a vision – for your life. He has created you to grasp His truth in unique ways, and He will share that values framework with you! He has prepared others to partner with you in the work you will do.

                   Recognize the unfailing kindness of Jesus Christ. Place all your hope in His love today.

DECEMBER 1 – VALUES FORM A FRAMEWORK

8-9Love does not ever fall short. Other important things may not always be part of the work. God may not give you a prophetic word. Your gift of tongues may be restrained. Your knowledge may not be enough. Because, what we know today, and what we understand about tomorrow are incomplete…13In summary, the big three: faith, hope, and love; but the biggest is love. (1Corinthians 13:8-9,13)

                   What are values? Most people understand that values are principles that define morality and serve to encourage ethical behavior. You hold many values – but some values you ‘value’ more than others. As a follower of Christ, you have a few concepts that form your framework for understanding your relationship with Him. These values, whether you have paused to identify them or not, have been given to you to help you grow in your relationship with God.

                   Paul had three parts to his framework. Throughout his writings he defined faith, hope, and love for his people with both his words and his actions. For much of this understanding, the Holy Spirit awakened in him the Scripture he had studied all his life. It seemed to fit best into these three values as he had come to define them.

                   Pray today that the Lord will speak to you, and that He will give you clarity as to the values that are most important to you and your people. Ask the Lord to help you articulate and define this framework for you and your people.

NOVEMBER 29 – WHO IS IN CONTROL?

Then, His people came to Jesus asking, “Who gets the highest position in your kingdom?” Jesus called a little child to stand before them and He said, “Listen, unless you change your perspective; see yourself as the immature children you are, you’ll never even see the kingdom. The one who humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4)

                   Many of your people today have no connection to a cultural values framework. Your choice is to either establish detailed rules, or else to establish and define shared values for your community. If that community is going to encourage an environment of trust, fairness, and consistency, as perceived by your people, your group needs the right values. How do you create that list? How do you know which values are most important, and how to clearly communicate these mutual promises to your people?

                   In this story, the disciples were really asking Jesus, “We want to earn our way to the top of your kingdom.” How surprised they must have been to hear Jesus say they must start with humility! And, He used a child as His object lesson. Children look to adults for direction, and they trust what they are told. They assume the parent knows best. That is what Jesus wants for you, both personally, and as you lead others.

                   True discernment, the kind that leads to a change in culture and health, comes only from God. Let Him have control of your decisions and your every action.

NOVEMBER 18 – BUT TRUST IS GOOD, RIGHT?

There’s nothing to trust about mere mortals. Men can’t save you. When a man dies, so do his plans. And, he returns to dust. Real help and blessing – that comes from God. The Lord of Jacob who made everything is the trusted judge who helps those who suffer. (Psalm 146:3-7)

                   Here again, you are advised by Scripture not to expect men and women to be trustworthy. How often have you wondered, “can I trust this person who needs my help?” Maybe you’re worried that, “they will just waste this opportunity. Why should I invest in them (again)?” If so, you are in luck. This passage gives both correct answers to your questions.

                   Absolutely, no! Men and women aren’t even capable of insuring that they will do what they say. They are not trustworthy. And, absolutely, yes! The Lord, God – who created them – loves them (and you). He provides real help and blessing. He can be trusted. Jesus came to find and rescue hopeless, helpless people who were otherwise headed for self-destruction (Luke 19:10). Paul recognized that this purpose becomes your purpose as you follow Christ. He said, “this love of Jesus compels us. (2 Corinthians 5:14)”

It compels you to extend trust to those who don’t deserve it – people just like you.

                   Place your trust in God alone. But, extend His love - in that trust – to other people each day as He leads you.

NOVEMBER 17 – MIXED SIGNALS

Do not look for support from a friend, nor place your trust in a companion. Careful even with one who sleeps in your arms. Even the son dishonors his father, and a daughter opposes her mother. (Micah 7:5-6)

                   Have you ever been betrayed? Have you been victimized by fraud? Have people you held in esteem ever shaped “facts” to influence or persuade you to agree with or to benefit themselves? If you have graduated from kindergarten, your answer is probably yes.

                   Micah concludes his prophetic word from the Lord with a few observations. His verdict on Israel was not flattering. He concluded that none of those people were trustworthy. So, you shouldn’t be surprised that you find those around you to be the same. People will let you down. There are frauds all around. In this world, you will even see that you can’t trust yourself! Fortunately, Micah’s conclusion brings hope for people as well. God can be trusted, and He is compassionate to His people.

                   Recognize that God alone is trustworthy. All others will ultimately fail to be a faithful friend to you at times. God should be at the top of your list of valued relationships. God alone is the person who will always bring value to your life.

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 9 – SIGNS CALL FOR ACTION

After the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds talked among themselves. They decided, “God showed us this sign. We should go to Bethlehem to witness this great thing He has done.” (Luke 2:15)

                   God explained through Isaiah that He is not limited by the constraints of time. “I tell you from long ago things that will happen tomorrow” (Isaiah 46:10). God has an outcome that is fixed. He takes responsibility for that outcome (46:11). God IS integrity. What He says is what happens. He gives signs to encourage His people to move toward His purposes for each of them. How willing are you to be attentive to those messages? Are you ready to act upon them?

                   Given the logic that God expects to see a response to His signs, one who is attentive to God’s signs should interpret the communication in the same way as these shepherds did. Not only did they consider the meaning, but they also sought to determine their proper response to the message. What should they do? This is your relationship with God at its very best. He invites you to join in the work He is doing. You join Him because you love Him and want nothing more than to be part of that work with Him.

                   When God speaks, listen for the immediate, specific action He places in your heart. Understand that His signs call for your action.

NOVEMBER 1 – LIFE ACCOUNTING 102

(Love) can patiently, quietly continue no matter what happens. It extends trust, believing each promise and every promise. It hopes fully in every respect (in God’s promises), so it may endure anything. Love never fails! (I Corinthians 13:7)

                   The thing about investments is that you generally want to build for the long-term. What is the asset that you want to “quietly continue” to grow during your lifetime? Jesus said the new command is to “love one another (John 13:14).” If that’s the work, the related asset certainly is human relationships. So, the equation for building that long-term value would be:

Rich Relationships = My Love + My Trust + My Hope

                   Paul begins with love, but he is telling his people at Corinth that the enduring work comes down to faith (trust), hope, and love (I Corinthians 13:13). With the love that is motivated by God’s love, made bold by a firm trust, and centered on a secure hope, you will have courage to risk investment in other people. Only then, will you be able to extend love and trust in a way that the world can’t understand, and fix your focus on your hope for the other person’s future. That kind of love is what makes for a rich relationship with another.

                   Trust the Lord today. Endure; persevere when life gets hard. Love, even when others don’t love you back. Let God’s love that never fails work through your life.

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 8 – BOLD PERSEVERENCE

But Christ was faithful as the Son over the House of God, His Father. We are His house if we persevere boldly to bring glory to Him with our firm hope always to the end. (Hebrews 3:6)

                   Are there times you don’t feel like celebrating God’s goodness? Have you experienced the place where the work you have done and the processes you have initiated to follow Him seem to be yielding nothing? Were you tempted to use your mind, and the proven ways of the world to turn it around? You should never choose the world’s way.

                   The writer observes, “Jesus was faithful.” He did what God wanted Him to do – period. Then he says, “If you are His house (where He lives)” – in other words – “If Jesus really is your Lord and lives in you,” then you will do the same thing. You will persevere boldly through difficult times if Jesus lives in you. He includes strong adverbs for emphasis. He says to persevere always, every day to the end. Be bold in speaking truth even to those who don’t want to hear. Do the work because you have hope (believe) in God’s power to accomplish His will and purposes in the world. Living this way means you never stop celebrating God; never give up on Him and just do what other people would do.

                   Persevere boldly, with great hope in the Lord God alone, and do it firmly to the end when He completes His work in you.

OCTOBER 6 – CELEBRATE – GROW HOPE

Let this new song be sung; everywhere – to the ends of His earth. Go to the sea, take it to the islands and all their people. Even out in the far wilderness, and from the tops of the mountains they will sing, shouting praises. They will all give glory to the Lord God singing His praises in all the islands. (Isaiah 42:10-12)

                   Are your words full of hope? Or, do you sometimes forget from where your hope comes? Do you speak in ways that convey your fears to your people? Each celebration is an opportunity to show and inspire a hope that sustains confidence in the future. To say, “God loves,” is what enables you to love (1 John 4:19); not just to love Him, but also to love His people. In like manner, celebrating God’s work enables hope for those who are gripped by fear.

                   Isaiah delivers God’s promise that the songs that praise His work on earth will connect to the future. This means, if you sing His songs everywhere, always, to the ends of His earth, then others will inhabit this new life! In still other words, if you are faithful in praising the Lord, God, His earth will be filled with hope-giving celebration and praise.

                   So, speak optimistically, as God leads you. Be careful that your words are filled with His hope rather than with fear.

SEPTEMBER 27 – PRAYER CHANGES PEOPLE

The man answered them saying, “You know this is an amazing thing. That you Pharisees don’t know about him, yet He healed me! Everyone knows God only answers the prayers of those who do His will. He doesn’t do the bidding of unrepentant sinners.” (John 9:30-31)

                   Do you believe that prayer is an effective action? Do you see evidence that the Lord, God hears and responds to your prayers; changing you and the lives of others for whom you pray? The Bible tells the stories of many who have seen God’s dramatic answers to prayer. Jesus, and others, gave assurance that God answers the prayers of His people. Yet many people will say, “All we can do is pray,” as if prayer is an ineffective, last ditch response to a difficult challenge. 

                   The formerly blind man in this story puts this question to the Pharisees in a very direct manner. He said, in effect, “For me – seeing is believing.” In other words - he explained, “It is obvious to me that God acted to change my life in response to the prayer Jesus prayed in faith. Doesn’t that tell you what you need to know about Him?” 

                   As the writer of James said, “The prayer of a person in right relationship with God is powerful and effective (James 5:16).” Live seriously, knowing that other people are changed by your relationship with God and your prayers for them.

SEPTEMBER 22 – BEING REALLY HUMAN

And God said, “Let us make mankind, our very image and likeness, to manage all this – fish, birds, and other. And, so God did it. The Lord, God made male and female; the very image of God. He blessed them, so they would multiply, and fill the earth to accomplish the work He gave them to do. (Genesis 1:26-28)

                   Do your people understand how special they are? Do they know what it means to be fully human and the amazing life they were created to enjoy? One of the first tasks for any leader who will help their people to grow, is to help those people to see and become all God intended people to be. Without taking that step, how will they ever understand the rest of the Lord God’s truth?

                   Through this explanation of creation, God provides you with the identity and the role for you and each of your people. People are created to be a reflection; a copy; an expression of the Lord God in His world. That is each person’ s identity. Sin damaged that perfect creation. To accomplish the work of God, the identity and relationship must be restored. Each person must be recreated by the work of God’s love before that person is able to receive and accomplish the purposes of God for his or her life.

                   Help your people find the restoration of relationship with their God that will enable them to be His image in the world today. Help them learn to be authentically human.

SEPTEMBER 16 – FOLLOW – NEVER SHOW OFF

Satan said (to Jesus), “If you are really God’s child, throw yourself down (from the rooftop of the temple). You know it has been written about you that he will send angels to protect you from harm.” But, Jesus replied, “It is also written – never presume upon God.” (Matthew 4:6-7)

                   As you look around, do you see the markers of success? Are the revenues high, are the profits trending up? Are more raving fans coming into the ranks? If so, is it because you are especially talented? Of course, you will say, “No!” Humility would require that. But, do your actions testify against you on that question? Do you charge ahead, pursuing the rational course that brought you to this place of apparent success without conferring with God each day? Some people become so successful they simply don’t have time to consider God’s will. Is that you?

                   Jesus warns against presuming what God wants. Particularly, He cautions not to expect to have somehow earned special treatment and protection from poor or selfish decisions. Satan wanted Jesus to choose the spectacular. Jesus chose to be faithful and obedient. So must you if you will follow Him and lead effectively.

                   Remember that God participates in and blesses the work He authorizes. He’s not a guaranteed rescue for those who use His name to show off.

SEPTEMBER 15 – FOLLOW-NEVER WALK ALONE

He who lives where the Lord, God shelters him, lives in His very shadow all day. I will live there and say, “He is my safety. He is my strength and my protection. My God is my only hope, and he is who I will always be trusting.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

                   Do you find that the old axiom, “It’s lonely at the top” Is true for your life? Does it get lonelier, the higher you go; the bigger your responsibility? Loneliness is an experience shared by many leaders. It seems harder to connect with other people as many subordinates are intimidated, and the leader may struggle to be transparent or authentic with others, feeling he or she must be nearly perfect.

                   The author of this Psalm recognized that the Lord, God is the true friend. He is the one who accepts you as you are, loves you, and helps you to grow to be the person and do the work he created you to do. Jesus is the best friend for any person; every person, not only the isolated leader. So, the logical, reasonable decision for each person who follows Christ should be to “live where the Lord, God shelters him.”

                   Live in God’s shadow, all day, every day. Allow him to work through your life to love others into that relationship of intimacy with yourself and Him. Never walk alone.

SEPTEMBER 14–FOLLOW–JESUS, THE EXPERT

Jesus responded to her (the Samaritan woman), “Everyone who drinks this (well) water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water I will give will never again thirst. The water I provide becomes a living well; life that brings new and everlasting life!” (John 4:13-14)

                   Think of all of society’s needs; the things that threaten people and destroy their lives in the world around you today. How can you know the answers? Experts are everywhere. Science studies every problem, seeking solutions. But, these problems are varied and they are interrelated in complex patterns. Jesus says these words to explain to the Samaritan woman that God has the best answers for human needs. Also, God desires the very best for His people. That is the expertise that people in the world around you need if they are to prosper.

                Recognize that – apart from God – human answers are short-term, limited responses to your peoples’ needs. Knowing that the Lord has the answers people need and that He wants each of them to find the life that is best for them, listen to Him for your guidance. Send your people to Him when they have needs.

                   Recognize that the Lord God is the true expert for all of life’s concerns.

SEPTEMBER 13–FOLLOW-FOCUS ON THE LIFE

So, which is the easier thing; to say, “Your sins have been forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk?” (Matthew 9:5)

                   Physical needs, financial concerns, health issues, and social concerns are so important. These problems are the issues with which most leaders are engaged. The world around you will rate various of these needs as primary. Which of these are most important to you? Where do you focus your attention each day?

                   Jesus gives evidence here of His focus. The harder thing; the important thing is the sin that separates men and women from the Lord, God. The focus of Jesus’ life – His purpose and work – was the restoration of that relationship. His business was – and is – life, spiritual life. He made a way for people to live as God intended. If you are following Jesus; if in fact He is your life, will that not be your focus too? The world’s material health and social needs are practical problems worthy of address. Be the one who brings the Lord’s spiritual answers to those problems.

                   Help your people; those God sends to you, to see that Jesus is the bread they need for life that matters (John 6:35). Like Jesus, let your business be bringing life to other people every day.

AUGUST 21 – SHARE IN GIVING

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

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

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

  

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