Bad examples can be effective teachers. You may have been exposed to poor parenting as a child. Let this be a lesson on how not to parent. Do not default to the bad habits of your mom and dad. They did what they could, but now you know better. Do not stay mad at them for their poor example. Rather, learn from them. Display the opposite of their attitudes and behaviors that were counterproductive and relationally destructive.

Your supervisor at work may not be the best in the world. In fact, he may be a jerk. Humility and patience are the only things keeping you from lowering yourself to his volatile temper and demanding spirit. One day you will be the boss, and because you have been a victim of the wrath of an insecure leader, you will not do the same. You do not wish their dysfunctional management on another. You are learning from this leader, who is a bad example. Do not stay angry with them, but thank God instead, that by His grace you will not be the same. Instead, you will be a loving and loyal leader.

Or, maybe your lessons from a bad example stem from a friend or colleague. You have witnessed the pain and the sad consequences of their poor choices. Their example of bad decision-making is loud and clear. Their impulsiveness and inability to receive advice is literally destroying everything and everyone around them. Others have chosen to worship the gods of this world. Sexual immorality, money, ingratitude and busyness have all eroded their ability to enjoy God, enjoy people and enjoy life. You can learn from their mistakes. Use this time to take notes of what not to do. Whatever someone of ill repute does, simply do the opposite. Over time your good example will shine as a light of hope to those who walk in the darkness of their bad example.

There may come a time when you seem to be the only hope for those who have stumbled around in their bad choices. Be there for them. Your current ability to refrain from caustic criticism will earn you the right to help them when they finally turn from living badly. You are no better than them, just better off. Do not let your good example in many areas go to your head. It is only by the grace of God that you are not a poster child for behaving badly. Your good example is an asset that God has blessed you with, and as such it is not to be taken for granted. Also, do not let your good standing become a pulpit to preach down to those who are poor examples. Your life already speaks louder than your words. In a good way you are providing hope for those around that seem hopeless.

Bad examples do not need a lecture over the plight of their errors. They already feel the hollowness of self-absorbed living. What they need is someone who will accept them but not their lifestyle. Bad examples are really searching for good examples. You have been blessed with the moral authority to help. Bad examples need help badly. Do not do what they do or say. Do the opposite. Learn from their failures and mistakes. Be there for them as a good example. Bad examples can be good teachers. Therefore, go to school and learn from them!

Taken from Dose 59 in the 90-day devotional book, Infusion.

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Releasing on Labor Day the 90-day devotional book, Seeking God in the Psalms.

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Jacob gave his dying instructions to his sons as they waited at his beside. They lingered there out of love and respect. They had observed his life. And though not perfect by far, it was a life of overall faithfulness to God. The sons of the father wanted to receive his blessing and they were proud of the legacy left to them, a legacy of faithfulness to God.

What legacy will you leave? If you died today, how would you be remembered? These are important questions for your children’s sake. Maybe your parents did not leave you a godly heritage. Nevertheless, you have a wonderful opportunity to start a new tradition, one based on the principles of Scripture. Lord willing, your legacy will start a godly lineage that will reach across the future for generations to come. Yes, your name will probably be forgotten, but what you stand for will be held in high esteem for all to remember.

Perhaps you can start by documenting your family vision and mission. Write out outcomes you are praying for related to your family. Pray that your parental example of character compels your children to walk with Christ. Hold the Bible in such high regard that its commands and principles are lived out in love and obedience. Love your children with acceptance, discipline, training, and kindness. Follow the ways of God, and your children will see and secure a clear path of purpose to pursue.

Moreover, consider a family credo that defines what you value as a family. Character traits like humility, hard work, community, forgiveness, communication, and relationship. Weave these beliefs throughout the language and behavior of your family. Challenge each child to be intoxicated by Scripture, so much so that God’s word is on their breath and seen through their behavior. Slow down and be intentional in legacy building. Then your children and your children’s children are more apt to love Christ.

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).

Do I live my life with legacy in mind, and do I uniquely and fully bless each child?

Related Readings: Daniel 10:19; Joshua 24:27-29; Luke 2:29; Hebrews 11:13-22

Taken from Reading #3 in the new eBook Wisdom for Fathers (free for June), click here: http://bit.ly/j650BI

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Attention to detail communicates care. When we show intimate interest in something or someone, we value them. This is also the nature of our heavenly Father. No concern is missed by His interest. Every bird is known by God: each cardinal, sparrow, black bird, vulture, robin, eagle, condor, blue bird, humming bird, wren, dove and quail is cared for by God.

Yet the value of a bird compared to the value of a person is really incomparable. It is like comparing the value of a glass sliver to a radiant diamond. It is the cost of a bicycle in contrast to a Mercedes. It is like setting side by side a bird’s nest and a mansion. It is laughable to surmise any kind of similarity in value. Yet God values you like the jewelry, the automobile and the home. Your worth way out weighs all of His other creations.

You are the pinnacle in the portfolio of Christ’s creation. You are His most valued asset—He knows and understands the every detail of your life. You may be right in the middle of a maze of uncertainty. Your life could not be more confusing. Your marriage is in chaos. Your career has hit a dead-end. Your finances are at a new low. Your motivation to move forward is like walking in a malaise of molasses. Life may not be fun right now.

However, the one with an eye on the sparrow also has His heart on you. His care is beyond your comprehension. He is relentless and reassuring in His compassion. Let Him into the details of your life—He already knows and He has your best interest in mind. Your heavenly Father knows what’s best for you. No need to fear—God is near. He is as near as a prayer. His attention to detail invites you to trust and lean into His great love.

Since Jesus values details, shouldn’t we? Of course, thoughtful and responsible people care about details, because they represent what’s important to you or someone else. But details are not always easy to keep up with. They can become cumbersome and cranky. This is why you surround yourself with people who are passionate about the areas which you are not.

It may be time to trust others with the critical details screaming for your attention. They will probably do a better job than you can in managing them anyway. You are still accountable for the details, but give a trusted advisor the responsibility.  You cannot cover all the details well—all alone, but with a gifted few friends you will go far.

Be aware of the overall details and give close attention to the ones only you can manage. Otherwise, you will be average at best in your execution. Most of all, trust God and others with the shepherding of details. However, as you trust, provide friendly follow up. Do for others what God does for you. He gives attention to the details of your life—no need to fear and worry for you are God’s most valued creation in all the world. He cares for you.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:31-32).

What details of my life do I need to trust and give to the Lord and what details do I need to focus on?

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Resolve is the result of righteous living. There is a determination deep within a soul to be dependent on God. When you are established in the faith, no one can remove you from Christ’s call. He has appointed you to this post of service. Do not leave until the Lord reassigns you. Righteous resolve decides to stay put; so, by faith, keep on for Christ.

It probably means you disappoint some and invigorate others. However, if your goal is to first trust and obey the Lord, you will be misunderstood by some and rejected by others. Friends may even urge you to move on, but you cannot because Christ has not released you. Your resolve is His resolve. Therefore, you persevere through pain, suffering and uncertainty. Righteous resolve remains, regardless of the consequences, good or bad.

Moreover, there is a righteous resolve that remains in Christ (see John 15:5). Your conversion to Christianity was a resolution to abide under the influence of Almighty God. You stay true to your commitment to Christ because of the joy that comes from following Jesus. The “meek inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5), while the wicked don’t.

Lastly, you cannot lose what you give away, and you cannot keep what you will not release. Indeed, a righteous resolve has a relentless trust in the Lord. Obedience, generosity and contentment all require tenacious trust. Therefore, resolve in your heart to go hard after God. Release your relentless pursuits, only after He has released you. Perhaps you ask, “Is my resolve righteous, or is it contingent on circumstances?”

The Bible says, “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Where do I need to make a righteous resolve to remain true to my commitment and calling?

Related Readings: Psalm 15:5; Daniel 1:8; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 2:2

Taken from Reading #12 in the new 30-day devotional eBook, “Wisdom for Graduates”. Click here to download your copy… http://bit.ly/jHlNX0

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People are a priority for God—they are on His heart. Jesus died and rose from the grave for people. The earth is filled with people and heaven is populated with people. God created people in His image and they are a product of His grace. The Lord’s affection and holy desire is to enjoy and bless His people forever. People matter much to Christ.

Thus, as an image bearer of Almighty God, our prerogative is to love people. When we love the Lord, we love what He loves. Oh what a privilege to pour into people on behalf of Jesus Christ. Yes, we are all a work in progress and the road of relational investing can be bumpy and disappointing—but how rewarding to see faithful people flourish.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

Who at work needs your patient attention and time to learn how to become the best at what they do? If you do well in your job of training them, there is a good chance they will exceed you. When you work yourself out of a job, others are blessed and you have the joy of staying fresh in a new challenge. Indeed, people investment pays off for all.

Is there a young and insecure mom or a struggling new dad who needs your words of wisdom and your affirming support? How many families flounder for lack of confidence and understanding? Take the time to teach others truth and practical tools—and they will grow in their knowledge of how to be the best in their God-given roles.

“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40).

Most of all, train faithful men and women who can train others in the art of godly living. Use work as a laboratory to do what’s right. Capitalism becomes corrupt without the infrastructure of character, so model integrity in your financial dealings. Be honest and forthright with information, so all parties understand the consequences of the contract.

Fathers and mothers take the time to train up your children. Help them to understand the “why” behind “what” they need to do. Training is messy and sweaty, but sweet in its outcomes. When we take the time to train on the front end, it saves us a ton of money, time and tears on the back end. Therefore, pray for wisdom on how to invest in those the Lord has given you to oversee. Look for reliable disciples who will reproduce righteous living.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Related Readings: Daniel 1:5; Acts 22:3; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 5:14

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God’s Passover for the Christian is the blood of Jesus Christ. The cross of Christ is the reason God’s judgment of hell is withdrawn from believers. The blood of Christ brings you to God and repels you from sin. God prepared the blood sacrifice for those who desire to follow Him. The shedding of His only Son’s blood was the final sacrifice for the sin of mankind. Yes, it was a gory event tied to a grace-filled consequence. Jesus went through the muck and the mire of man’s sin to lead you to salvation. It was not a pretty process, but it was a radically redeeming one.

Christ’s unconditional love on the cross has empowered you to love freely. His torturous death on the cross has equipped you to die daily to your worldly whims. Christ’s focus on the will of His heavenly Father as He faced the cross compels you to pray, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42). It is the cross of Jesus that gives individual believers God’s Passover. God gives you a pass from His judgment, and it is a pass stamped with the blood of His Son, Jesus.

Once you believe in Jesus as the Lamb of God who was slain for your sins, your past, current and future sins are covered. God’s Passover is thorough and complete. Therefore, celebrate religiously the radical love and grace of God’s Passover. Do not take for granted this emancipation from sin, sorrow, and death. It is cause for solemn yet joyful celebration.

His Passover is meant to be celebrated corporately and individually. This is one reason to stay engaged with Christ’s bride, the church. The church of Jesus Christ is designed to raise the roof in worship and celebration for God’s Passover through his Son, Jesus. This weekly celebration is not meant to settle into a take-for-granted posture that is expedient for the moment. Rather, this first day of the week is set aside to celebrate God’s Passover. Believers remember to celebrate God’s passover, so that they don’t forget the price paid. It breaks the heart of God when a church with a steeple outside forgets the cross inside.

Therefore, celebrate corporately and in community with energy and thanksgiving because of God’s Passover through the Cross of Christ. But celebrate God’s Passover individually as well. Consider making a big deal out of the anniversary of your spiritual birthday. Perhaps as part of your physical birthday celebration you could tell the story of your spiritual birth. God’s Passover in Christ is to be remembered and celebrated, both in community and individually. God’s Passover in Christ is preeminent. Enjoy and be grateful, for what great things He has done.

Taken from the April 17th reading in the 365-day devotional book, Seeking Daily the Heart of God.

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Wise leaders lead others into rest—they find a quiet place and rest together. After extreme busyness rest is required, as your spirit begins to rebel against the hustle and bustle of life. The joy of service for God starts to fade. People become a drain rather than a blessing. It is time to breakaway to a solitary place. Jesus took a break after a big event.

If you continually push yourself you will eventually lose all energy and perspective. A driven heart becomes a judgmental heart. You begin to look down on others because they are not pulling their weight. Your joy is replaced with jaded criticism. You feel you are the only one who is really committed. Your peers have become slackers in your mind.

Furthermore, be careful you may be serving out of your own strength and not the Spirit’s. It is the Holy Spirit that sustains you over the long haul. Wise leaders understand the danger of an unsustainable schedule. You begin to sacrifice relationships in reach of unrealistic goals. Indeed, God gives us goals as a guide and motivation, but do not be driven by the goal—rather be lead by the Holy Spirit.

Otherwise the goal can become your god. Unchecked goal setting can lead you down the path of disappointment and disillusionment. You may need to better pace yourself. Be patient. Develop the team around you and watch God work through them way beyond your capacity. Indeed, some of your team development comes in the quiet places.

Find a quiet spot and calendar a time today for you and your team. They desperately need this enrichment both personally and professionally. Without a retreat they may be unable to advance. Some may be on the verge of burnout or quitting because of discouragement. Solitary places allow you and your team to recalibrate with the vision and mission of the organization. Quiet times together build camaraderie and trust.

A retreat is an investment. By taking time to pause you are able to continue—and you continue with more effectiveness and efficiency. A quiet place is an opportunity to get on the same page with God. Your soul is refreshed and replenished. The words of the Bible leap from the pages and lodge in the crevices of your heart and mind. A retreat is an exercise of trust that routine matters will be taken care of in your absence.

Take a retreat for your sake and sanity—and for the morale of the team. We hear more clearly when it is quiet. Our comprehension expands. Our bodies rest. Our soul is renewed. A solitary place provides strength and stamina to finish well. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest in a quiet place!

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15

When can I calendar a retreat time with my team for rest and reflection?

Related Readings: Job 3:25-26; Psalm 37:7; John 6:37; 1 John 3:19

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Connection is a common craving for those created in the image of God. You were made to connect with Christ, your spouse, your parents and children, friends and those with whom you have daily contact. You also want a connection with the Body of Christ and with your community. Having a connection is critical to relational health. Without it, you feel alone and fearful. There is a much higher probability of mistrust and misunderstanding when there’s no connection. Indeed, you can be disconnected from someone and not realize it has happened.

You may feel like everything is just fine, because on the surface things are running smoothly. But when you take the time to do a relational audit, you may discover that some degree of unintentional disconnection has transpired. Take the time to build back this trust. Do not blame others or ignore its reality. Instead, with a posture of humility and a position of brokenness, extend an apology and accept the love and forgiveness of the offended party. This is the spirit of mature men and women. Relational restoration is the goal of all who are seeking to follow Jesus Christ. You have a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Moreover, connection with Christ is the noblest need. Trust in Him penetrates your being when you experience a high degree of connectivity to Christ. However, when you experience a divine disconnect, you become prey to Satan’s fearful lies. He seeks to make you a victim of his vicious cycle of cynicism. The enemy exploits relational disconnection with fear, anger, and suspicion. He does this in your marriage and in your working relationships.

However, there is a conduit for connection. Sincere surrender to God Almighty links you with the Lord. He lifts up those bowed in submission to Him, and loves them. The love of God dissolves disconnection and replaces it with connection. When you humbly receive the love of Christ, you connect. When you humbly receive the love of people, you connect. Love leads to connection, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

Furthermore, connection travels on the road of clear communication and care. Communication and care connect by understanding one another. This takes time, unselfishness, and discipline, but this is the high road of extending honor to others. Pray about how to best connect with your spouse, child, or friend. Commit to this over the long haul, and assure them that disconnection is not an option.

Give and receive love and respect, then watch connection progress aggressively. Go often for hugs from your heavenly Father and linger long in the love of the Lord. Connection with Christ sets the table for connection with people. The fruits of connection are peace, assurance, and trust. Stay connected for Christ’s sake. Stay joined to Jehovah, and feast on the fruit of faith.

Taken from the March 27th reading in the 365-day devotional book, Seeking Daily the Heart of God

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God’s will is the goal of every sincere seeker of the Lord. His will is not allusive, but attainable to His children—it is good and acceptable. But discernment is a process of testing and approving—so that a Christian’s faith and character grows—and Christ’s best is clarified. Discerning God’s will is a spiritual exercise in divine due diligence.

God’s will does not contradict God’s word. For instance, the Lord does not lead couples to live together outside of marriage. Men and women are meant to come together in marriage. It is the commitment of “becoming one” that God blesses. Indeed, the general principles for living are already outlined in the Bible—to know Him is to know His will.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17).

What about career decisions? How do you know God’s will for your work? If you are single you have the freedom and risk tolerance to travel the world. If you are married it is a joint decision for Jesus. His will resides in righteous motives. Don’t be afraid to leave and don’t feel guilty for staying—just make sure His peace precedes your decision-making.

Christ’s best for you consist of wise stewardship, the alignment of your passions, gifts and experiences, and your investment in others. You can be certain Jesus wants to use you to draw people unto Himself—and family is your first priority for ministry. So, don’t run ahead and leave them exposed to the enemy. Patience produces right relational results.

“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:11).

God does not delight in keeping His children in the dark, so pray often and pray believing. It is in prayer that the Holy Sprit reveals His ways. Clarity may come in the form of a scripture verse, another person’s example or godly counsel. The flesh presses for a decision, but the Spirit leads. You can trust the Lord to lead you in His providential path.

His will is not forced, contrived or manipulated. It’s not a complex Rubik’s cube; instead it aligns around your God-given unique purpose on the planet. Why did He create you? What gives Him the most pleasure? Place your life, skills, gifts, experiences and calling in the best environment to glorify God. Peace accompanies the discernment of God’s will.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Am I waiting on the peace of God, as I am prayerfully determining the will of God?

Related Readings: Isaiah 53:10; Acts 21:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; James 4:15

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