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 28 – THERE IS POWER IN STORY

 But Jesus would not let him (the man He had healed) sail with them. Instead Jesus said, “Go back to your people and tell the story of the great things God has done for you, and how He showed mercy to you.” (Mark 5:19)

                  Your people know you well. They may not know about your past and your struggles, but they know you well enough to see a change in your life. Are you willing to be transparent with them – honest enough – so they may be encouraged by the story of the Lord’s work in your life? Telling your story is powerful, but it costs you something. That cost is part of your investment in your people; giving your life and your foregoing your privacy, so they may know God.

                   You can understand this man’s desire to stay with Jesus. He had been tormented by demons, and now they were gone. Think of the profound gratitude you feel when someone relieves you of a significant problem. This man truly loved Jesus, and he wanted to show that love. But, consistently, Jesus told people to show their love for Him by giving their lives away to other people. For this man it was no different.

                  Understand that this is the way for you too. Your work will often be to tell your story of God’s powerful work in you, even when it is hard to tell that story. Do that work, and so model transparency for your people.

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 26 – RECOGNIZE THE LEAD

 Understand – what we talk about is Jesus as the Lord, God. We’re serving you for Him; His plan. You see, God who said for light to come out of darkness, has made Jesus, the face of the Glory of God, to shine out of our hearts. So, we understand that we containers of clay have this treasure within us, showing us this great power is from God, not us. (2Corinthians 4:5-7)

                  With all the communicating; talking, showing, encouraging, explaining, that you must do, are you careful to remember that it’s not about you? In fact, one of the quickest, most certain ways to recognize you are heading for a dangerous place, is when you notice your language is dominated by the words, “I” and “me/my.” God’s leaders will speak to their people about the “we” which recognizes that God is in the lead, and that their people are important partners in the work rather than subordinates who are to serve selfish desires.

                  How interesting it is that Paul brought to the reader’s mind the imagery of God creating light in the beginning (Genesis 1:3). Also, he made the same reference to clay pots that he used in a letter to Timothy, making it clear that the flesh that carries God’s light; Jesus, is not honorable and doesn’t deserve any praise. Rather, it is the stuff that must be shed if a person is to be used by God.

                  Recognize as Paul did, that your life, your work, and even your identity is no longer about you. Let your life show only Jesus.

SEPTEMBER 25 – CAST THE PLAY

 If the house is big enough, there will be containers that are made of gold and silver, but some will be made of wood and clay, and some to work that brings great good, and some shame. If a person will stay away from such dishonor, he or she can be used for good purpose, set aside for profitable work for the Lord; remembering He prepared the work.      (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

                  Have you ever considered your work to be like that of a casting director; one who finds the appropriate role for each “actor” in your community? As you lead your people, God will help you to see each individual with His discernment. But, to do this, you must insure that each person has a relationship with you or one of your leaders who can relate to God in that discernment. Are your people being led by someone with a gold standard? If not, are you moving toward that reality each day?

                  Paul explains to Timothy the importance of carefully considering the nature and character of each person around him. He encourages Timothy to go for the gold, and further explains that he must understand that each person must strive for a right relationship with God if he or she will be used for God’s purposes in His ongoing story.

                  Prayerfully consider your people’s actions. Encourage each one to pursue the things of God so they too may be part of God’s “play.” Help those who struggle with the things that lead to shame and dishonor to overcome those things.

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.