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 11 – GOD’S SIGNS TRANSFORM

After living through this amazing experience, they began to tell others about God’s great message concerning the child. Each person who heard was astonished. They all wondered about what all this meant to them. (Luke 2: 17-18)

                   God’s work is to communicate through signs and to provide for His people. Paul says you are what God makes; His work (Ephesians 2:10). So then, you are a sign, and a provision for God’s people. As you are affected, it is to affect others. As the anointed one, Jesus was created and gave His life for you. As God makes you with His transforming power, you – being transformed – will become an agent of His transforming work. As He has given you signs and experiences leading to that change, you will be made to be a sign for others. Your life will communicate God’s truth to your people.

                   Scripture tells that the shepherds went away from Bethlehem changed; prepared to work with, and to be the work of, God. And you see that, as a result, other people were changed too. They were astonished. They wondered. They understood this was not just a fabulous story told by deranged shepherds. Armed with God’s truth, their passionate communication led to transformation.

                   That is God’s plan for you as well. Your action, upon God’s call to you, prepares you to be a part of His work in others through your continued obedience to Him. You are His sign. You are His mission.

NOVEMBER 6 – GOD’S ENDS ARE SIGNIFICANT

So, don’t worry about what you’ll be eating and drinking, and the style of your stuff. People who don’t know God are consumed by these things. For your father, God, these are details – He knows your needs. Invest your attention on the Lord and His work. You’ll find that you have what you need. (Matthew 6:31-33)

                   Have you noticed that God has chosen to do things differently? In this world, negotiation is important. Therefore, most business communication is cloaked in and hindered by the pretense that masks selfish motives. Will you be like those people whose every word; every action is carefully calculated and crafted for personal advantage? Or will you focus your attention on the needs of others, trusting Christ to provide what you need?

                   Here, Jesus explains that in God’s Kingdom economy, there is provision rather than a need for constant negotiation. Real trust in a faithful God allows you to live freely. Your changed life will then become one of the Lord’s signs for others. You will become one of the living words of God’s sign language that speaks hope to the men and women you encounter.

                   Very few of the things of this world are significant. Each of those things is found in Christ. Focus on Him so you will always be about significant pursuits.

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 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.

OCTOBER 17 – EVERY ACTIVITY WITH PRAYER

Don’t be worried and distracted, no matter what happens, nor what lies ahead. Instead, if you humbly and seriously take everything to God, asking Him with a faith that thanks Him, even as you are asking, then He will give you a peace that will blow your mind. He will keep your thoughts and feelings on Himself in Christ’s love. (Philippians 4:6-7)

   It is said that great power corrupts. But, for those who truly understand the great responsibility that God gives to His chosen leaders, Paul explains this power should lead to great humility. His first words are comforting. They should inspire confidence. Maybe he thought about Nehemiah (1:5-11), as he explained why you can have this great peace. And note, the promise is not for a certain or specific outcome. The peace of God comes from focusing on Christ’s love - whatever happens, and whatever lies ahead.

                   What about you? Do you take everything – every action, every decision, and every word – to God? Do you always do it humbly, seriously, and with a faith that allows you to focus on Jesus and His love for other people? Do you have the peace Paul had that blows your mind? Do you have peace when, like Nehemiah, you make an audacious request or deliver a difficult message to a powerful ruler?

                   If not, begin today taking everything to God. Begin every activity with prayer.

OCTOBER 15 – MODELING TEACHES MOST

In every action, see an opportunity to show a model of good works, so your teaching will have integrity and be taken seriously. Let your words always be carefully chosen, so opponents will be silenced in their attempts to harm you. (Titus 2:7-8)

                   Do you realize that you are always teaching; every moment? Those who follow you; especially those who admire, respect, and aspire to be like you are looking constantly at what you do. If your actions and your words disagree they will be confused at best, and they may become frustrated or feel betrayed. Those who oppose you or your vision will also be watching. They will miss no opportunity to point out disparities.

                   Paul cautions his student Titus, first telling him that his attempts to mentor and teach others will be harmed if he does not have the integrity to live his values. That lack of consistency will be called hypocrisy; a label that no one wants to hear applied to themselves. Hypocrites are treated with contempt, and they are compared with the worst and least honest of a group. That is why Paul added special advice that Titus must especially guard his words. “Don’t say you will if you won’t, and don’t tell me not to do what you are doing – nor what you are allowing others to do.”

                   Be true to your rules. Live out your values, so that everything you do will help and teach your people.

OCTOBER 9 – TEACHING IS VITAL

Go and replicate yourselves in the other nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them how to follow in all that I taught you. And listen, I am with you every day; all the time, until the completion of this age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

                    Does your plan for your people include ongoing teaching? Is teaching imbedded in your processes? Is it a responsibility of each leader to be teaching and growing others whom they lead? Repetition is important. Recognize that new people enter the groups you lead and relate to, and that someone must be charged with teaching them as well.

                   Jesus left His followers here with three clear, direct mandates; replicate, baptize, and teach. Replication is the product of transformation. Baptism is the clear communication of the changed life. This includes both the intentional act of the transformed person to say, “I have been changed, “and the public witness he or she gives to that transformation. Teaching brings maturity, forming the new life that grows each day when it is nurtured. God has chosen to do the work of teaching and nurturing partly through His people just as people share in helping others come to faith in Christ. He intends for you to include your people in this work of teaching and nurturing too.

                   Embrace the opportunity that Christ has given you to teach and provide for ongoing instruction of His people. It is vital to His work and yours.

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.

OCTBER 5–CELEBRATE–GROW PARTICIPATION

The Holy Spirit of the Father, the Lord God, is covering me; my life. The purpose; the reason He placed that Spirit in my life is to tell the great news to the poor. The captives are now free, those who have been stumbling around blind can now see, and I bring real liberty to the oppressed and enslaved. (Luke 4:18-19)

                   Do some of your people need re-charging? You don’t celebrate just to introduce and invite new people to respond and join the effort. Celebration also promotes and grows participation for those already engaged. Remember that what you talk about as the leader is what your people will do. Your words will have a desire-shaping focus. If you stop talking about vision and values, and you stop telling and celebrating the stories of what God is doing, they will notice. Your actions and words, or your inaction and silence are watched very carefully.

                   Jesus said the Spirit was placed upon Him; “covering His life (completely),” so that He would be constantly telling and celebrating the good news. Every day brought an opportunity to shape focus on God, encourage participation, and grow people together in community. His whole business, and yours, is to replicate workers who will in turn bring more transformation.

                   Let your life be covered with the Spirit. Keep on telling the good news. See the transformation God promises as you allow Him to work through you every day.

SEPTEMBER 23 – LEARN THE STORY

To your revealing – showing your will and desire – we have looked and waited on Lord, God. As we have struggle and suffer we wait on you. All night long my soul wants you; my spirit seeks you. Because your arrival will bring the world to right-living. (Isaiah 26:8-9)

                   Augustine said, “You (God) have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Do you now recognize this in your life; that your proper role in life is to be that part of God’s story which He made you to fulfill? Do you live in that reality, explaining life to your people in those terms, and encouraging them to find their place in God’s plan – their story?

                   Isaiah has relayed God’s promise to His people. He explained that God’s day of judgment is coming. A day when he reveals Himself to all mankind as God, making everything right and justice becomes reality on the earth. Here, he explains the emptiness that each man and woman feel when they are separated from God. Isaiah speaks of a knowing sense in each person that longs for God, and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is that Jesus’ atonement made it possible for men and women to relate to God again. God will show you your part of His story. He will make clear to you the role you are to play in that story.

                   Learn your story. Live in and teach from that place and encourage your people to join you in it.

SEPTEMBER 10–DETAILS...COUNT THE TOUCHES

Put my words in your hearts. Repeat them to your people diligently; whether at home, traveling, and even when sleeping or rising. Have them always at hand, and always on your minds. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

                   Your vision; the work that the Lord God has given you to do, is the priority for you and your people. Do you repeat it frequently to them? Is it on their minds when they wake up? Do they go to sleep at night thinking about the values you have communicated to them frequently and urgently? When they make decisions at their work each day, are these concepts etched in their hearts?

                   Moses knew the value of repetition. He urged the Israelites to treasure, value, teach, and even obsess about God’s word for them. He knew that these were the words of life. Moses knew that God’s people must follow, in every detail – as their top priority, the word of the Lord God. The same is true today for your people; if they are to be successful, they must follow the Lord’s will for their lives. Repetition, constant and consistent, will help them remember to consider the vision and the values you have received from the Lord, and have communicated to them.

                   Touch them often with God’s words. Saturate them in the story of his work in your life, and His desire to work in their lives.

SEPTEMBER 9 – DETAILS…. CHECK THE MIRROR

Another of the people following Jesus asked, “Lord first (Before I follow you), I need to go see to my father’s burial and affairs. He’s dying, you know. But Jesus said to him, “You follow me now. Come and work with the living. Others can deal with the dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22)

                   Jesus is counter-cultural. The world tells you to complain; to view events selfishly, and to follow the rules. Jesus says, “No! You have been given a unique opportunity to change the world!” Every moment of your life is brimming with the opportunity that comes from being one of the few who are really living. Will you seize each day, and attack with creative, imaginative energy? Will you use the entrepreneurial spirit that has placed you where you are to transform your people? When you look in the mirror are you serving Jesus, or are you serving yourself?

                   Jesus told this gentleman, “You are more!” And, before he could protest or question, Jesus explained to him that few have found real life, and those who find that life are in the business of helping others to find it. “Follow me – live with the living – help others find life,” He counseled.

                   Use all your creativity; everything you can imagine, and all that you know – every day – to follow Jesus, and to lead others to Him.

SEPTEMBER 6 – DETAILS…. KNOW YOUR STORY

Now the man (from whom Jesus took away the demons) begged Jesus that he may stay with Him, but Jesus sent him away saying, “Go back to your people and tell them what the Lord God has done for you.” So, the man went and told his whole community all the great things Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:38-39)

                   Have you considered what the Lord has done for you? If you are going to introduce other people to Jesus should you not have a clear, compelling reason to do that? What has Jesus done for you that you could not do for yourself? What change did that make in your life? How did it happen? The Bible is one long story that continues into our present day. Your experience with Jesus is another chapter of that Jesus story.

                   This passage relates a common desire you may have. When Jesus acts in your life, you may wish to stay with Him; to simply enjoy being healed by him. But, Jesus explains to this man that he must now take responsibility for the new life he has been given. He must begin immediately to live the mission. His job now is to live as evidence of Christ’s work in this world.

                   That is your work as well. Know your story! Be ready to share that story as a part of God’s work in His world when He sends others to you.

AUGUST 24 – DON’T FORGET THE MISSION

What I will speak about all day long, every day is your righteousness and the salvation you offer men and women here and now and forever, because there is no way I can ever tell them all. Yes, your acts; your mighty acts! I will tell it as a story of your righteousness, faithfulness, and truth! (Psalm 71:15-16)

                   So, what do you talk about – all day long, every day? Is it Jesus? What do you tell about Him? You are the mission; the visible expression of God’s love in this world and to this world. So, what is that message; your mission? Saving people from death and despair! Men and women are doomed to spiritual death apart from God’s offer of salvation through trusting and following Jesus Christ.

                   The Psalmist speaks of an obligation; even a sacred trust given by God. Entrusted with the understanding of God’s righteousness and salvation and its power to transform human life, this child of God had a message too important not to pursue with all his strength. He must invest every day, every hour, and every minute to tell that story of God’s forgiveness and grace. He would never run out of stories to tell.

                   As you share Jesus with your people, tell them about His life-saving power and love every minute of every day.

AUGUST 19 – SHARE A DESIRE

In your passionate focus and intensity be careful and persistent, your spirit boiling over – serving the Lord with great urgency. (Romans 12:11)

                   Paul directs the reader of this passage to embrace a consistent devotion to brothers and sisters. He challenges that person to be both focused on acting, and to be focused in his or her spirit toward the Lord’s business. It is an attitude that combines passionate, intense, eager, expectant, obedient submission with carefully and constantly watching – alert for opportunity - all while waiting to hear what is urgent to the Lord.

                   Do you live with this passion? Do you focus intently and carefully on God, looking for how He would have you act to show your devotion to your brother and sister? Passion cannot be taught. Rather, if you live your life before your people in this attitude of burning desire for what is the Lord’s; boiling over for Him, your people will be attracted to the life that they see in and through you. They will begin to share your passion and desire as they see it is the way to life that is worth living.

                   Boil over with desire for Jesus Christ. Lead you people to find that passion within themselves as they learn to follow Him.