DECEMBER 29 – CONFLICTS ARE CERTAIN

(Martha) had a sister, Mary, who sat by Jesus’ feet, listening as He taught. Martha, who was scrambling to prepare for the gathering said to Him, “Doesn’t it bother you that Mary isn’t doing her job; helping me. Tell her she’s wrong!” (Matthew 10:39-40)

                   Where there are two people, there are usually at least two opinions - maybe more. Often one of those opinions or a person’s actions may be wrong. Do you care enough about your people and their development to tell them the truth? Will you risk the negative aspects of conflict and help them to grow?

                   Jesus knows that ignorance is costly. He loved both Mary and Martha. To see conflict erupt in this public way was probably discouraging to Him. How long had they been friends? Why did Martha not understand? Jesus also knows people become side-tracked. That is why staying “at Jesus’ feet,” or focusing on Him and His word is so important. In your group, there will be conflict. You will be engaged in conflict. The question is, will you create conflict where it is necessary and profitable to your people?

                   In a world of choices, where men and women have freedom to choose, there will be poor decisions. Care enough for your people to confront them when they make poor choices.

DECEMBER 13 – FIND YOUR PLACE

After this (Challenging His followers to find those who were willing to pay the costs of following Him), He named seventy-two people, and sent them out in pairs, each to a place He planned to go. He sent them, saying, “There is a great harvest ready, but so few to work. Pray the Master will produce workers from and for that work. You’ll be like little sheep in a wolfpack. Don’t try to prepare, and don’t get side-tracked. Just go where I send you and say, “I bring God’s prosperity to this place.” (Luke 10:1-5)

                   Can you still follow directions? Sometimes, as people grow older and gain experience, their way becomes fixed. Sometimes, they even begin to think they are too far along to change, so any instruction requiring change may be dismissed as unreasonable and therefore, wrong.

                   Jesus didn’t ask these seventy-two followers to tell Him where they should go nor what they should do, nor how they should do it. He told them, in some detail, about every aspect of the work that was important to accomplish His objective for the work that would be done. He knew what each person needed in their own life, and what those whom they would meet needed as well. You don’t know either of those answers. Your job description still reads, “follow Jesus” even when you lead others.

                   Be sure that today, and every day, you find your place in the work by listening for the Lord’s voice.

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 4 – PATIENT PERSEVERANCE

So, my beloved people, as you await Christ’s return, do everything you can to pursue a close relationship with Him. Persevere in pursuing His way. Be patient, knowing that His patience means opportunity for other people to know His love, just as our beloved brother Paul wrote you from the wisdom that God gave Him. (2 Peter 3:15)

                   Do you ever feel that you are all alone in the battle? Do you get weary and tire of seeking to do the right thing when it is so hard? Do you long for Jesus to return, and bring end to the struggles you face? Should your supply of patience be greater? When you consider Peter’s explanation, does it make you more willing to persevere?

                   Peter has written two letters. Both have urged personal holiness; obedience to the leadership of God’s Holy Spirit – consistently. He has provided the reasons for such faith and he has recited the benefits of that obedience. He has also warned of the dangers and problems that come when people turn away from God defiantly. As Peter closes this second letter, he has come to value perseverance. Interestingly, he includes Paul in his words. Maybe he was reminded of how hard it was for him to keep dealing with Paul, patiently asking God to show them the way to unity. Maybe he is reminding the readers, “I have had struggles too, but with God’s help, I have made it through to my end.”

                   When you are ready to give up, ask God to give you the love for others that will help you to patiently persevere.

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 26 – COMMUNITY REQUIRES TRUTH

You are truly blessed of the Lord God when you recognize your poverty, and you rely upon God for everything. With this understanding, you hold the keys to the kingdom. (Luke 6:20)

                   Are you poor? Does this verse make you uncomfortable? At what point do you have enough (money, intellect, power) relative to other people, so that you believe you are secure and self-sufficient? Do your words communicate arrogance or a humble heart that understands all you possess – except your relationship with God – is temporary?

                   Jesus may have been thinking of God’s word through Isaiah when He spoke these words. Isaiah had said, “Don’t you remember I made everything? I am looking for the person who knows his or her place; who hangs on my every word. (Isaiah 66:2). The fundamental truth; the “I AM” of history, is God. God is all-powerful, always present, all-knowing, both loving and just. He is the creator, sustainer, and the source of all truth. Compared to Him, no person has a reason for pride, apart from God’s involvement in his or her life. Nothing you have will give you security. You are not self-sufficient. Accepting this, and recognizing that only God is your security, is a fundamental truth for you if you will be effective.

                   Grow in the humility that sees God as the source of all strength and power. Embrace your role as a carrier of that gift through the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.

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 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 12 – SIGNS REQUIRE A RESPONSE

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

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

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

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

NOVEMBER 8 - TAKEN IN CONTEXT

Suddenly, surrounding the messenger, the sky filled with angels. All of them at once were praising God, announcing to the world, “Glory to God who reigns on high! He sends peace and prosperity to mankind; showing His great kindness and favor. (Luke 2: 13-14)

                   Signs don’t occur in a vacuum. Where and when a sign is given is part of the communication too. That is a reasonable, intuitive conclusion you may draw very quickly. But, how (how many times, how much, how loud, how…) is also a part of the context. God very often chose to communicate definition for the same signs to multiple people, multiple times, in striking and spectacular ways. Talking animals, pillars of salt, rising flood waters, and such gave added significance to God’s signs.

                   Only once in recorded history has the sky been “filled” with angels, all loudly proclaiming their praise to God, and announcing the birth of a special child. Possibly the shepherds may have questioned if the single angel were maybe a figment of their tired minds at the end of a challenging day. Thousands of angels in a dark sky, singing a deafening chorus would be very hard to dismiss.

                   Pray for the Lord to give you understanding of the time, the place, and the how of His messages to you.

NOVEMBER 7 – WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

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

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

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

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

OCTOBER 28 – RULE PROBLEM – CONTROLS

But I would not have even thought about wanting and desiring so much, had it not been for the law saying, “don’t covet!” But, sin saw an opportunity in that commandment, and brought to my mind lusting after everything I could think about. (Romans7:7-8)

   Some people really like rules and regulations because they can set limits on how much abuse is allowed. Is your response to a rule ever, “How can I get around this?” In some ways, as compared to simple rules being applied with judgment, having a lot of detailed regulation can legitimize bad acts and bad actors if those actions are not too much or too bad. A regulated environment can encourage selective enforcement and punishment by you or by others.

                   As a Pharisee himself, Paul was familiar with all the bad ways to use laws and rules. Certainly, he saw the waste of time and needless oppression of people under a heavy load of rules. But, Paul also saw another aspect of the law. He observed that the sin remaining in his flesh seems to be drawn toward evil simply by knowing what is evil. Presenting the rules against actions, seemed to draw him to those very same prohibited actions as he thought about them.

                   Be cautious as you define your values to give definitions that are positive, and full of promise. Don’t engage in trying to control each detail. Let the Lord lead you to communicate in a clear and hopeful, yet simple and trusting way.

OCTOBER 24 – GOD CHOSE RELATIONSHIP

Be found without any semblance of evil. The very God who desires your peace and prosperity; The Lord, will purify you – completely. He will finish you so that your whole Spirit, soul, and body will be guarded and kept blameless for our Lord Jesus Christ. You can believe and trust that He will do this! (I Thessalonians 5:22-24)

                   Do you believe that good, clear, and detailed rules and regulations are the keys to consistent performance and behavior? Do you think your people need to be guided by lists of dos and don’ts, and to be monitored closely for compliance if your group is to prosper? As you and your group grow, you will make a choice. You must select an organizing process. The choices really boil down to two; rules or relationships. Which will you choose?

                   Paul explains here that God chose relationship to accomplish His work of sanctification in you. The Lord, God sees you as His work. Completing you, and your progress toward His peace and His prosperity – by His working in, along-side, and through you – that is the work He reserved for Himself. God wants to bring about the transformation of His people through relationship, not rules.

                   Consider today whether He may be calling you to work through relationship to bring the vision He has given you to completion.

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.

SEPTEMBER 24 – KNOW YOUR ROLE

You – as my maker - you know the extent of me. You made me and wrapped me in my mother’s womb. You are my God, because you alone made me uniquely. That work was wonderful – I know it still is! You know me to my core, as you alone know the secrets of who I am. And as you put me together, you knew and made me for the life you would give me to live. (Psalm 139:13-16)

                   King David loved the Lord, God. He likely had a lot of time to consider God’s plan for his life after he was told he would be king. As he watched over his sheep, he must have wondered about himself, his own character, and his very nature; wondering what would have made God choose him to be king. In that meditation, he may have come to the realization he expressed here. God created David uniquely, and He did so with the expectation that he would fulfill an important role in the history of the world.

                   Do you realize that you were created by God just as uniquely and specifically as David? Have you considered your own nature, your character, and your values, as you think of the roles God has called you to fill? Knowing yourself is important if you are to lead your people well. Not only must you articulate a vision, but you must also share the values that will be important elements of the culture of your community as you work toward that vision.

                   These values are your values. Your role is to live and teach God’s truth with those values that form your character. Know and live your role authentically.

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 12- FOLLOW-BE THE BACKGROUND

And I, if I may be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself. (John 12:32)

                   Self-esteem, self-promotion, self-reliance, self-assurance, self-determination… Are these the phrases others use to describe you? Are these characteristics the traits that you value? If so, how do you reconcile them with your role as one who follows Jesus; one who is completely submissive to His will for your life?

                This simple statement of Jesus provides a vivid picture of the proper focus of your esteem, promotion, reliance, assurance, and determination. For a follower of Christ, to live and work is to reflect His image. You will be the background music; the canvas on which His love is displayed (lifted up) for others to see. When that is your life, Jesus will draw others to Himself, and they will experience His transforming work in their lives. You are probably more comfortable relying on you, but that is not God’s way. His way is a relationship where every movement is motivated by Him, and you depend entirely on Him.

                   Have the courage to simply be the follower. Rest in Christ, and just be you as He leads.

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.