DECEMBER 31–YOU MUST CELEBRATE

17-18The seventy-two followers came back – elated, saying, “Master – even the devils obeyed us at the sound of your name.” Jesus said, “I saw the adversary tumble down like lightning from the sky… 20But don’t celebrate that you defeated the demons. Rather, celebrate that the Lord, God makes that victory possible!”(Luke 10:17-20)

                   Do you celebrate? It takes time and costs resources to celebrate. Why would you spend money needlessly to throw a party? Isn’t the satisfaction of experiencing the victory enough? You will celebrate. In whatever way you feel is appropriate, you will take a personal victory lap. The real question is, will you allow your people to join you?

                   Jesus let His people celebrate. He was never in too big of a hurry to focus on them, and what was going on in their lives. This passage likely is a shortened version of a much longer discussion, but Luke does include that Jesus joined in, echoing His peoples’ excitement (vv.18 & 19). Then, He did what every great leader should do. He reminded them it was God’s work that they had done, and that God gave them everything they used to succeed. Jesus pointed all the celebration toward God. They celebrated Him rather than what they had done.

                   Be the leader who sees value in celebration. Show the world that God has worked in and through you and your people each time He does something great.

DECEMBER 25 – YOU MUST PERSEVERE

(Satan said,) “I will give all of it (everything the world has to give) to you, if you submit to me; spend your life following my way.” Jesus said, “That’s enough – get out of here. God’s word is this – ‘Worship the Lord, Your God, and serve Him only.’” (Matthew 4:9-10)

                   How many times have you thought, “Just this once?” Often, when you are tired, or distracted, or facing unusually harsh opposition, Satan will show you what appears to be an easy way out – a shortcut solution. “If you ignore your values; just for a moment, it will go so much better – so much more quickly – so much less pain and cost…” If ever you have chosen this easy way, you know the human cost – to yourself and to others.

                   Jesus must have been tired, and probably weakened by His time praying and fasting. As He came to receive and understand more of the work that lay ahead of Him it must have seemed very intimidating, even to Jesus. Rejection, animosity, pain, loss, and constant opposition lay ahead. But, Jesus persevered. He kept the bigger picture in mind. He remembered that only God’s way would lead to the end He wanted. He remembered that Satan’s shortcuts lead only to death, misery, and destruction.

                   You will be opposed if you pursue God’s vision for your life. When you are opposed, remember God’s words to you immediately. Continue to pursue His vision for your life and work. Persevere, as Jesus did, Him helping you, as you hold to the values and lead your people forward.

DECEMBER 21– YOUR PROMISES TEACH VALUES

Jesus saw the crowds, and He went up on the mountain. As they drew near to Him, He began to share God’s promises; “The poor are blessed that they are rich in the kingdom of God. The mourners, that they will find comfort. The gentle and humble, that they are the heirs to the land. Those who want more of God’s way as if thirsty or starving for it are blessed that God will fill them up…” (Matthew 5:1-6)

                   The values you hold dear; what matters to you, can be communicated and defined for your people by the promises you make to them, and by the promises you require from them. The character of relationships is composed of these promises when they are clearly stated, and even if they are simply learned by watching you.

                   Jesus communicated His promises. These were the promises of God. He did it clearly in words, and with everyday examples people could understand. Here he mentions the feelings of rejection, humiliation, and loss that are so common to the human experience. Then He counters all the negative with God’s promises. God’s best is theirs not only despite their sad state and great needs, but these gifts are the antidotes for these human problems.

                   Your people are looking for someone to promise that they can be valued, loved, and included. Will you make those promises to them today?

DECEMBER 19 – COMMUNITY COMES FROM YOU

At all times, we carry around in our bodies the same, intentional putting to death of us that Jesus suffered, so that His life will show through our lives. We who are alive are constantly surrendering these earthly bodies to a daily death for Jesus – so that others can see His life in these bodies. In other words, we die so you can live. (2 Corinthians 4:10-12)

                   Have you ever seriously considered the practical implications of this explanation? If you had no hesitation to tell the truth about cost and sacrifice before considering this, you may re-think your approach, huh? What a warm invitation this is to life in Christ.

                   Paul explains, the success that you see; the changed lives around you, will come at your own expense. Denying yourself in this daily death of what you want is the way that your people will come to see, experience, and to embrace Jesus themselves. If you want to see God build a community of faith from the people whom God sends your way, the mortar that holds you and those folks together will be the cost you pay to be obedient to the Holy Spirit; to use your life the way God wants rather than to hold onto it for selfish purposes. As you give your life to Christ, and He lives in you, others will be able to see only Him. That is when change happens.

                   Be the source of change for your community of people. Show them from the beginning how to live in faith.

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 24 – A COMMUNITY OF LEADERS

(Those who rejected Jesus failed yet again) But you – believers – followers – God picked you! You are Priests. As His own, favorite people, you can be Holy – part of His royal family. Show other people the way to this Jesus; the Christ who rescued you from a meaningless existence to give you His magnificent purposes. (1 Peter 2:9)

                   Is your group a community full of leaders? Are you working toward that end? Would you like to have more of your people growing to love and care about others?

                   Peter was serious about rocks. Maybe it was because Rock (Cephas) was the name Jesus gave to him as a replacement for Simon (God has heard) when Simon first identified Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16). In a way, this was Jesus explaining to His followers the truth that Peter tells others here. Jesus is that rock on which prosperous lives must be based. When you are adopted into His Holy family, you begin to follow Him. As you grow in that relationship, you inherit His purpose of providing others help in restoring their relationship with God and with each other.

                   Help your people find their identity as a co-rock; a partner in God’s purposes. It will provide meaning in your life and in the lives of those whom you are called to lead.

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 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.

NOVEMBER 2 – THE PARADOX

For our God so much wanted His people to return to His love that He put His Son – the only, unique Son of God – in their place. So, if they will invest all their trust in Him, they won’t be dead, but will be restored to life – real life. (John 3:16)

                   One of the problems associated with Jesus’ new way of accounting for life is that it is different; especially in a place of work. You are familiar with how to establish rules and penalties; use carrots and sticks. But, how do you “do relationship” in that world? In the work world, it is all about what you and other people do – how they perform. In this new economy of faith in Christ, it is about what you allow Christ to do through you. As you live the story He has written for your life, the vision and the values Jesus has given you become a story of your sacrifice for others. The less you do on your own, the more success.

                   That’s how Jesus lived thousands of years ago. He went to the people to whom the Father sent Him. The Son of God used each moment of His life to live out His story as the Father showed Him (John 5:19). If you will follow that path, giving your life, this scripture explains you will be raised to spiritual life just as Jesus was resurrected after giving His physical life.

                   Let your life be a daily invitation for others to find that real life too.

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 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 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 13 – TEACH THE NON-NEGOTIABLES

My fellow believers, I’m not saying I’m there, but I can say I do this; I’ve forgotten all the past. I’m pushing forward. I’m going for a goal! I want to do that thing; live the life God has called me to through the power of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:13-14)

                   Do you clearly articulate where you are headed? What are the bottom-line, non-negotiable values that you have determined to be critical to your people? In a world that encourages people to define their own, individual choices for good and bad, your people will never become united toward the vision if you haven’t defined and taught these values. Your shared values will shape and define the culture of your community.

                   Paul, who invested time living among his people in their communities and teaching them the important values that Christ taught, continues to reiterate the messages in his letters. Not only did he speak directly, but he also said, “Pray for me. Pray that I will be able to say what I should say clearly (Colossians 4:4).” Even in his time, there were people who pursued competing goals. Paul knew, without clear presentation, there could be no common effort. That’s why the values are so important.

                   Teach your people the values that you know should be non-negotiables for yourself and for them, so you can lead them to life in Christ.

OCTOBER 3 – CELEBRATE – GROW OWNERSHIP

Come, listen – if you want to know what God has done, so I can tell you what He has done for me! (Psalm 66:16)

                    Have you given your people opportunity to listen to God’s vision for you and for them, and to the values He has given you to teach? That work is very important, but it is also important for them to hear the stories of how the vision and values look when they are lived. As people hear how God has used others in their community for His purposes, they will begin to see themselves in those stories. They will understand how to show integrity in living the values and pursuing the community’s shared vision, rather than just talking about them as ideals.

                    Again, the writer focuses on what God has done. It is important that this topic dominate your words, too. When your people listen to – and celebrate - the stories, and they hear, “this is how you have lived,” and “this is how you have participated in pursuing God’s purpose,” they will begin to take ownership. The vision becomes “our vision,” rather than simply the words you have spoken. As the importance of the values become evident, they will be adopted too.

                    Speak in ways that will help your people to hear what God is doing and to embrace that work as their own.

OCTOBER 2 – CELEBRATE - GROW AWARENESS

Sing, show delight, and great joy all who belong to the Lord, God. It is right for you to praise God for what He does. Praise Him using every instrument. Sing with your voice and heart your gratitude for all the new work He does. Give it your best! (Psalm 33:1-3)

                   As you notice the work God is doing in and around you, there is opportunity to help your people share in the celebration you lead to recognize God’s prosperity. Think of the many ways you can provide evidence of Jesus’ work, and call attention to Him as well as the culture He is calling you all to inhabit. You will be teaching them the patterns of worship each time you speak, “We celebrate!”

                   Here, the Psalmist says, “It is right for you to praise God for what He does.” He encourages a full-throated celebration – loud with lots of instruments and joyful gratitude. The encouragement to give it your best, and to be grateful for everything - all of what the Lord does - eliminates any doubt about the importance of this celebration. Clearly, your voice is critical to God’s plan for you and your people.

                   Celebrate loudly, publicly, and give it your best. Bring awareness to God’s purposes and His work in and through your people!

SEPTEMBER 30 – LIVING IN THE STORY

Nothing else matters. The only thing important is that the story is told. When that happens, I’m elated because I know my story. With your prayers and by God giving me the power of His Spirit, my ending is assured. I just hope and pray that I’ll always be courageous enough to live in Him; exalting Him. You see, for me, my story must be the story of Jesus Christ and even if I die that will lead to a great ending. (Philippians 1:18-21)

                   What does it mean to live in your story? Actors sometimes “step out of character” for a moment. This is a time when they will stop acting their role. For that period, they are no longer a part of the work to present the story. Is there a parallel for you? Do you ever “step out of your role” as leader? Do you ever fail to act consistently with your character? Are you ever too tired, or too distracted, or too worried about yourself to do what you must do to be true to your calling as the leader?

                   Paul’s one, fervent hope as he awaited trial, punishment, and even possible death, was that he would be true to the call of Jesus Christ upon his life. He wanted to be strong, and to live his life faithfully all the way to the end.

                   When you understand the story you have been given to live, it becomes the way you see the world. You will live a story each day. Be sure that Jesus is the center of that story as you face whatever your story provides.

SEPTEMBER 29 – IT COULD HAPPEN TO ME

The disciples asked Jesus, “Why tell stories?” Jesus answered, “God has given you understanding of His truth, but these people have not yet received it. You know the one who has will be able to take in more, but the one who has not, will even lose what he has. I tell them these stories, so that they may begin to understand. Until now, they have seen and heard God’s word, but can’t understand it.” (Matthew 13:10-13)

                   Jesus told powerful stories. He introduced them in ways which held the attention of his listeners by telling stories about the things of everyday life; things in their lives. He painted a vivid picture of what the kingdom of God looked like, but he used stories instead of paints. These stories helped His listeners see through eyes that could now imagine that kingdom to be possible, and they became more open to hearing further truth from God.

                   You have these interesting, powerful stories too! Each day, as you look around where you are, some of your people will be living the reality of the vision God has given you for your community. As you observe these people living the values, doing the work of making the vision become reality, take advantage of this great opportunity. Share their story with others of your people as examples of the future you are pursuing together. Paint the picture for them.

                   Why will you tell stories? So that your people will understand and will be drawn to fulfill God’s plan for their lives. Tell them stories.

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 21-FOLLOW EVEN WHEN IT'S HARD

Hear me when I (Jesus) tell you (Peter) this. When you were younger, before you met and began following Me, you made the plans, you prepared, and then you did life your way. As you grow to completeness in Me, you will simply stretch out your hands and reach for Me, and you will willingly go wherever I lead – even though you don’t want to go where I’ll take you. (John 21:18)

                   Peter experienced a very challenging three years with Jesus. It was marked by soaring highs and dramatic lows, as he always seemed to be one of the more serious, passionate disciples. This passage immediately follows an exchange between Jesus and Peter where Jesus allowed him to both be restored in close personal relationship, and to gain new understanding for his way forward.

                   Do you struggle against this expectation of Jesus? Do you think of great plans; big projects you can do to make up for the times you may have failed Jesus? You must understand, these desires, without the kind of complete submission Jesus describes to Peter, will lead you down the broad way of destruction. Hear Jesus tell you today, “Your work is to feed My sheep; love my people. Just stretch out your hands and let me show you the way, even if that way doesn’t make sense to you.”

                   Learn the truth of following Jesus. Understand and accept that it means you give up control. Trust the way Jesus shows you, even when you don’t understand.

SEPTEMBER 18-FOLLOW-NEVER PLAY POLITICS

Just as a file of iron is used to make the iron axe sharp, one person is an instrument used to sharpen the face of another. (Proverbs 27:17)

                   King Solomon also gives insight into the relationships of a healthy community of faith. He explains that people are to sharpen and improve the effectiveness of each other as they rub against and challenge each other in relationships each day. This is in sharp contrast with the way of the world. There, every interaction is framed as a self-serving, competitive battle in the arena where there must be winners and losers. In God’s economy, each day’s business can result in benefit to each person.

                   Do you view your daily interactions as battles to be won, or do you see those events and activities as opportunities to find God’s purpose and his will for each of you whom He brings together? Living with partners; doing business God’s way, means using your relative power to influence and encourage submission and obedience to the Lord and His will. It is not to be used as a political lever to be used for leverage to win the day.

                   Living with partners in community protects you from the temptation to manipulate others. Also, a broad, inclusive view of community encourages you to follow Jesus and His will for each relationship to which he leads you.