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  • Being Repurposed, Not Replaced

    Being Repurposed, Not Replaced

    For many of us in the marketplace, our work – what we do – is a large part of our identity. What impact should it have then when striving to incorporate faith into how we carry out our vocational responsibilities? We find the best example in how Jesus Christ addressed this when choosing His closest followers.

    When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He did not strip them of their identities. “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19). Jesus did not say, “Forget everything you know.” Instead, He spoke into their vocation as fishermen and redefined it: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” In essence, He was saying: Everything you’ve been shaped by – your skills, your instincts, your daily grind – I can use that. But now, for something eternal.

    Jesus did not replace their identity; He repurposed it. And this is precisely how He calls us today. We often assume that following Jesus means walking away from the career, the training, the story we have lived up to this point – as if being His disciple requires starting from scratch. But that is not the Gospel. The call of Christ is not to abandon our past, our skills, our experience, but to surrender them. It is not about becoming someone else – it is about letting Him redeem who we already are.

    God has sovereignly authored your experiences, your gifts, your network, your education, and even your struggles. To discard them would not only be wasteful – it would be unfaithful. It would imply that God has not been at work all along preparing you for usefulness in His Kingdom. But He has been at work. Always.

    I witnessed this firsthand during my time with the United States Secret Service. The mission was demanding: to secure environments, protect lives, anticipate threats. I took that mission seriously. But I began to realize that God had not called me out of that mission to serve Him – He had called me to filter it through my faith.

    One day, deep in the Cambodian jungle, we were preparing for a visit by the First Lady, the President’s wife. It was an advance site. But God had other plans. That day became the starting point of forming a Gospel-centered relationship with another agent from New York. That conversation, born out of professional proximity, turned into years of mentoring, prayer, and discipleship – until the Lord ultimately called my friend and fellow agent to his eternal home. The whole thing unfolded not in spite of my profession, but precisely through it.

    This is how Jesus Christ works. He does not waste a moment of your story. The very things you thought were secular, irrelevant, or “just your job,” might in fact be the very instruments through which He calls others to Himself. So don’t think the invitation to follow Jesus means leaving everything familiar behind. It means placing everything you are and everything you have been given into His hands – and trusting Him to repurpose it for His glory.

    You were gifted for a reason. You have been placed where you are on purpose. To separate your calling from your context is to misunderstand both. The call of Christ is not to discard your story; it is to declare a new purpose over it: Same hands. Same instincts. But…New mission. New Master.

    © 2025. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace, driven by a deep conviction in the Gospel’s transformative power. Before becoming President of CBMC International, Chris dedicated 28 years to a distinguished career in the public sector – as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; and serving in the U. S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting seven American presidents and leading elite teams in complex, high-stakes international missions. With his wife Ana, a native of Nicaragua, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida. 

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. In what ways has your career prepared you for Kingdom impact—perhaps without you realizing it at the time?

    Follow-up: How might your current skills, relationships, or position be uniquely positioned for Gospel influence right now?

    2. Jesus repurposed the disciples’ vocation rather than replacing it. How might this challenge our assumptions about what it means to “serve God” in the marketplace?

    Follow-up: Have you ever felt pressure to separate your faith from your work? Why do you think that divide exists?

    3. Reflecting on your own story, where do you see signs that God has been at work “redeeming, not discarding” your past?

    Follow-up: What part of your professional journey do you now view differently because of your faith?

    4. What would it practically look like to “filter your mission through your faith” in your industry or company?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Genesis 50:20; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:23-24

    Challenge for This Week
    Are there conversations to be had, decisions to be made, or relationships to be established or strengthened this week through which you can intentionally start to live out these truths? That God does not want to replace your identity, or re-place you somewhere else, but to repurpose who you are, what you do, and where you are to be actively engaged in His Kingdom work?

    If you know of someone who seems to have a good understanding of what it means live out his or her faith in the workplace, you might want to set a time to meet and talk about what they have learned.

    Matt Trayler

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  • The Distraction of Busy: Slowing Down to Walk With God

    The Distraction of Busy: Slowing Down to Walk With God

    By: John Gamades

    When I ask men how they’re doing, I hear the same response over and over again. “Busy. I’m so busy.”

    Busy has become a badge of honor, and pushing has become a way of life. There’s always one more thing to do, one more fire to put out, one more ball to juggle. The result? Every day, we become more like a frayed rope, pulled in two directions and beginning to come apart in the middle.

    God’s been nudging me on this. Slowing down to walk with Him (and not running out ahead of Him) is one of those things He’s working on in me. It’s been challenging…

    I’ve got routines. To start my mornings, I’m in the Word, I pray, and reflect. I start grounded, but as the day unfolds, I drift. The noise creeps in, and the world demands more. Like many of you, at home I’m a husband and a dad. At work, I’m a leader and an owner. Layered on top of that, I have an aging mom, siblings, and a circle of friends that I care about deeply. Each role comes with its own pressures, and before long, I find myself back out ahead of God instead of walking with Him.

    Add to that a deluge of distractions. They’re everywhere. Facebook. ESPN. Fox News. YouTube. Netflix. Amazon. Then, there’s the constant grind of work, the comparison trap, and maybe worst of all, overcommitment. I don’t say “no” enough, and saying “yes” to everything pulls me off course.

    They call it “paying attention” for a reason. There’s a cost when you give all your attention to all of the distractions. One pastor put it bluntly: “Satan doesn’t have to drag you to hell… he just needs to distract you from Heaven.” That’s what he does best. Satan keeps us busy, distracted, and running ahead of God instead of alongside Him.

    God’s Gift of Rest

    Stay distracted long enough, and I’ve learned that God will get your attention. Sometimes, He uses hardship to slow us down. I’m not saying He causes it, but I know from personal experience that He can certainly use it. He’s been nudging me in this area, and lately, God’s been teaching me about Sabbath. He took me back to the scriptures…

    “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” – Genesis 2:2–3 (NIV)

    “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” – Exodus 20:8–11 (NIV)

    These verses got me thinking and asking this question: If God rested, and He commands us to do the same, then why do I resist it?

    I decided to do something about this resistance, and I’ve been trying to practice Sabbath. It’s harder than I expected, which has been a powerful sign. I run a business and serve as a leader. Just like most of you reading this, there’s always one more thing to be done. For years, Sunday was my day to prep for Monday. When I stopped working and tried this Sabbath concept on for size, I felt like an addict detoxing. The work never left my mind, and I was constantly drawn to grab my laptop and get something done. Anything. That’s when I realized… I had a problem.

    You may be thinking, like I did, “Sunday is my only day to catch up. You have no idea how busy I am.” I get it. Weeks into the process, though, here’s what I’ve found: God is faithful and He redeems the time. The work still gets done, and in the process, I’m learning to walk with Him instead of running ahead.

    Bigger than that, I’m learning to trust… in Him, not in myself.

    Don’t Wait

    Men, don’t wait. Start walking more closely with God now, not tomorrow. If you’ve been running ahead, like I was, adjust your pace. Step back, and let Him lead. He’s right there, waiting for you to walk with Him.

    Matt Trayler

  • Mastering The Art Of Delegation

    Mastering The Art Of Delegation

    Delegation. For some people it is easy, but for others it can be very difficult. ‘If you want something done right, do it yourself!’ they reason. When you are accustomed to doing work yourself, it can be challenging to turn over valued projects to others. However, often there is more work to be done than one person could possibly accomplish. So, here are four steps I have found helpful in learning to delegate some of the work burden to others.  

    The first step is: Recognize and admit you need help. We find a good example of this in the Bible’s Old Testament. After Moses had spent a very long day judging legal cases brought before him, his father-in-law, Jethro, cautioned, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:17).

    Moses had never considered delegation previously but quickly recognized its value. If you have experienced some very long days at work lately, ask yourself, “Is there work I should be delegating?” 

    The second step is: Teach your team members your guiding principles and expectations. Bill was a bank president known for his clean loan portfolio. He prided himself on having very few past due loans. If a loan payment was one day late, Bill expected his lenders to call the borrower – that day! His high standards established an expectation different from anything I had previously experienced. 

    In Exodus 18:20, Jethro directed Moses, “Teach them (God’s) decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.” By training your team to understand your values and expectations, fewer problems will arise that you must resolve.

    The third step is: Choose capable, honest, and trustworthy people. When I was a young commercial lender, my boss and I hired a new executive assistant. On her first week I assigned Brenda a project that could have taken an entire week. Within one day, Brenda had finished a week’s worth of work and had completed it perfectly. Our new assistant proved to be honest, professional, and trustworthy. My trust level in Brenda soared and I discovered the power of delegation. She had significantly lightened my load. 

    As Jethro told Moses, “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain”(Exodus 18:21). Hiring the right people is critical for successful delegation.

    The fourth step is: Establish an effective organizational structure and begin delegating. Bill was the president over five branches. He divided the bank’s operations between retail and commercial. I led the commercial side. Every Monday, Bill assigned me a stack of files and required me to set a date for completion. If they were not completed, Bill would call. The bank prospered – and he enjoyed more golf. 

    Completing his recommendations, Jethro told Moses, “Appoint (capable men) as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you” (Exodus 18:25). 

    As your business grows, you will need an accountability structure and a willingness to delegate the work. By distributing responsibilities equitably, no one will feel overwhelmed – and you still can have the final word when complex or difficult circumstances arise.

    © 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How would you describe what it means to delegate responsibilities, whether in the workplace or even in a home environment? What are some challenges in doing this?
    2. When it comes to delegating work assignments, how easy is that for you to do? How have you felt if someone was unwilling to delegate work that you were fully capable of performing?
    3. What are some of the problems that can arise when work is not properly delegated?
    4. Why is establishing a level of trust important in the process of delegating work responsibilities? What happens when people fail to live up to the trust given to them? Are they deserving of getting a second chance? Explain your answer.

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Deuteronomy 1:9-13; 2 Chronicles 19:5-7; Proverbs 11:14, 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

    Challenge for This Week
    Are you a person who likes to be in control, who would rather do work yourself than to delegate to ensure it is done to your standards? In many instances there is nothing wrong with this, unless you are taking too much on your own shoulders.

    Take time this week to evaluate how well you do at delegating assignments, not only to lighten your own load but also to prepare others to do the work when you are not available to do it. It might help to discuss this with a trusted friend, mentor, or accountability group to get their perspectives.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Looking For Wisdom In All The Wrong Places?

    Looking For Wisdom In All The Wrong Places?

    We are living in a time of virtually unlimited information. We can access it through TV, radio, social media, books, periodicals, and it is literally at our fingertips on the Internet. Because of all this information we can acquire great amounts of knowledge. However, masses of information and knowledge do not always translate into wisdom.

    What is wisdom, anyway? One definition says it is, “the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on deep understanding of situations and experiences, often involving knowledge, good judgment and the ability to discern what is right or true.” This sounds good, right? But how do we gain this ability?

    A young businessman, aspiring to achieve significant corporate success, approached his mentor – a man he regarded as wise – and asked, “How do you acquire wisdom?” “Through experience,” the wise man replied. “Then how do you gain experience?” “Through making good decisions.” “Well, how do you learn to make good decisions?” The wise man quickly replied, “By making bad decisions.”

    This is funny – and true. But is making mistakes the ideal way for gaining wisdom? One place where we can look for wisdom – which I believe to be the best place – is the Bible. In fact, several Old Testament books are called ‘books of wisdom,’ including Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The most quoted of all is Proverbs, which makes this declaration about wisdom: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

    Even a casual glance at our world seems to confirm this. Politicians, business leaders, entertainers and other prominent people, operating without a biblical worldview, fit how the Old Testament describes the ancient Israelites: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6 and 21:25). This was not wisdom, it was foolishness. And it remains the same today as well.

    Most of Proverbs is attributed to Israel’s King Solomon, who was termed the wisest man who ever lived. He explained the proverbs were “for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, for doing what is right and just and fair” (Proverbs 1:2-3).

    If this is true, do you think it might be a good idea to read Proverbs and discover what it teaches? Many people have resolved to read one chapter of Proverbs every day. This way, since the book contains 31 chapters, the entirety of Proverbs can be read in a single month; 12 times over the course of a year.

    Proverbs offer wisdom on many topics, such as restraining anger; being an effective leader; accepting correction and discipline; receiving wise counsel and guidance; having discernment and exercising prudence; dealing with envy and jealousy; avoiding sexual temptation; cultivating generosity; working diligently; pitfalls of pride and benefits of humility; striving for integrity and honesty, and many others.

    Ultimately, they all are anchored in “the fear of the Lord.” This does not mean approaching God with dread. It means recognizing His perfection, power, love, and goodness. Proverbs says fearing the Lord is wise, just as fear widely keeps a person from venturing too close to the edge of a high cliff. More than that, the fear of the Lord offers the assurance of experiencing a fulfilling, fruitful life:
    “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23).
    “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

    © 2025. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How would you differentiate information and knowledge, which we have in great abundance – perhaps more than ever in the history of humankind – with wisdom, which often seems lacking?
    2. Who would you identify as a person who demonstrates great wisdom? Why do you consider that individual to be wise? In what ways have you seen him or her exhibit wisdom in how they work and live?
    3. Early in the first chapter of Proverbs we read the statement, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” What do you think this means? Do you agree with it?
    4. In what ways would you contrast worldly wisdom – which is presented to us every day through various sources – and biblical wisdom?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 2:6, 3;13-15, 10:14-15, 12:8, 14:6,8, 15:7,33, 16:16,21, 17:24, 19:8

    Challenge for This Week
    If you were to decide today, ‘I want to start acquiring wisdom. I want to be wise in how I work and live,’ how would you go about doing that?

    In your life to this point, what are some of the wisest things you have learned? Take time this week and discuss this important topic of wisdom with a close friend, mentor or small group of trusted advisors. What are some ways you need to have and learn how to exercise more wisdom? Who is someone you consider to be wise that might be helpful to you?

    Matt Trayler

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  • A Wake-Up Call for Christians Everywhere

    A Wake-Up Call for Christians Everywhere

    We cannot be passive or outsource discipleship. The mission of God remains, and each of us is called to love, to act, and to go.

    The news of Charlie Kirk’s passing hit me surprisingly hard. I didn’t know him personally, but like many of you, I felt the ripple of his life’s work. Beneath the headlines and debates about his politics was a man, a husband, a father, a brother in Christ, whose absence leaves a gaping hole. My first reaction wasn’t about movements or media coverage; it was sadness for his family and for the countless young people who looked to him for courage, conviction, and clarity.

    Charlie Kirk wasn’t perfect, none of us are. But there was something undeniable about his life: he was willing to do something. He wasn’t content to sit on the sidelines while culture shifted. He didn’t retreat into comfort or convenience. Instead, he leaned in with faith, passion, and courage. That alone is worth honoring, no matter where you stand politically.

    What struck me most about Charlie was that he put his faith first. He never hid his love for Jesus, even when it cost him something. He believed in the hope of the gospel and was unashamed to share it with a broken, searching world. Say what you will about his style or strategy, but he was clear about the most important thing: our only true hope is found in Jesus Christ.

    Charlie was also willing to engage; some might even call him combative. He sat across from people who disagreed with him, sometimes fiercely, and he stayed at the table. He didn’t always persuade, and he wasn’t always persuaded himself, but he never ran away from hard conversations. The Bible is full of courageous people attempting to speak truth – Esther, Nathan, John the Baptist and most importantly Jesus himself. Yet in an age where we so easily silo ourselves with people who think, talk, and believe just like us, that willingness to lean in rather than pull back is something I deeply admire.

    And then there’s the next generation. Charlie had a burning passion for young people. He refused to shrug his shoulders and say, “Kids these days…” Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and built something to reach them. He saw that tomorrow’s leaders were being formed today, and he poured his life into awakening them. That’s a vision CBMC shares, and it should stir us to action.

    His passing leaves me with a haunting question, one I want to pose to you as well: What am I willing to do to live out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission? You would think as the leader of a men’s workplace ministry that I would be “all in.” But if I am honest, there are days when just surviving feels like success. Jesus told us to love God and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). He also told us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20). Those aren’t suggestions for the spiritual elite. They are marching orders for every Christ follower.

    So, let me ask you: Are you content watching from the stands? Or are you willing to get in the game? Are you satisfied with applauding the courage of others? Or will you let God use you, even in your weakness, to bring hope to those who are desperate for it?

    The truth is, every one of us is leaving a legacy. Charlie Kirk’s will outlast his years, not because he was perfect, but because he lived with urgency and conviction. The real question is not if we’ll leave a legacy, but what kind.

    For Christians, this is a wake-up call. We cannot be passive. We cannot outsource the gospel or the work of discipleship. We cannot hope the next generation will be reached by “someone.” That someone is you. That someone is me.

    Charlie Kirk is gone, but the mission of God remains. His death is a sobering reminder that life is short, and eternity is long. What will you do with the time God has given you?

    CBMC’s vision is to see men’s lives, families, and workplaces transformed by God through a growing evangelism and disciple-making movement in every community across our nation. Are you ready to get off the sidelines and step into your purpose?

    David Meyers – President, CBMC

    Matt Trayler

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  • Being Ethical Can Be Profitable

    Being Ethical Can Be Profitable

    “There’s no such thing as business ethics,” says renowned author John Maxwell. “There’s only ethics.” That is true – ethics cannot be limited to just one area of life. Unfortunately, it is a subject almost forgotten by institutions and organizations in many parts of the world – especially in an increasingly competitive world that is focused on immediate results. Under such pressure, acting with integrity can seem like a disadvantage. But in reality, it’s the opposite: ethics builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every solid and lasting relationship.

    In the business world, trust is not built overnight; it is earned over time through consistent decisions, kept promises, and behavior grounded in firm principles. A customer, supplier, or colleague who sees integrity in our actions is much more likely to build long-term relationships, recommend us, and partner with us on future projects. Ethics is not only a moral value but also a strategic one.

    This is why, although acting ethically is not always the easiest path, it is certainly the most profitable in the long run. Let’s look at some biblical wisdom:

    1. Avoid shortcuts. There is no shorter distance between two points than a straight line; and no longer distance than a “shortcut.” “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12).
    2. Examine your true intentions. Human nature often leads us to self-deception; we justify ourselves and lie to ourselves. We must be willing to be held accountable and allow others to speak into our lives. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
    3. Acknowledge your ethical failures. No one is perfect. Eventually, we all fall. The real merit lies not in never falling, but in getting up, taking responsibility, and apologizing when needed. “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes” (Proverbs 24:16).
    4. Pay attention to warning signs. Lack of integrity never just appears overnight. The real failure is ignoring the signs that threaten our character. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3).
    5. Don’t play with fire – you will get burned. “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?” (Proverbs 6:27-28).
    6. Seek counsel when making ethical decisions. Lean on people of integrity. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14).
    7. Be willing to pay the price. Ethics is a strength built from small, consistent choices to do what is right. “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).

    Our ethics are revealed through integrity – being the same person in all settings; doing what is right even if no one else is doing it; and refusing to do what is wrong even if everyone else is doing it. For today’s businesses and business leaders, the most profitable alternative is to become the kind of partner they would want to do business with. The path is called: Ethics.

    Edgar Medina D. is the director of CBMC Mexico. He is an editor and writer. He has worked with hundreds of companies as a trainer and describes himself as someone who was born to communicate life. He is a member of the Executive Committee of CBMC Latin America and the Global Leadership Team of CBMC International. He was a disciple of Dr. Enrique Cepeda for 25 years. He lives in Monterrey, N.L., Mexico. 

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. What is your definition for the word “ethics”? Do you agree with the statement that there is no such thing as ‘business ethics,’ but only ethics that apply to any area of life? Why or why not?
    2. In what ways can strict determination to uphold high ethical standards build trust?
    3. How can consistent ethical practices prove to be profitable – for an individual, as well as a company or organization? What if decisions guided by ethical convictions result in the loss of a client or an important business deal?
    4. Of the biblical principles cited that apply to integrity and ethical behavior, which stands out most prominently for you?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 10:9, 11:1,3,  12:22, 16:11, 19:5, 20:17,25, 21:6; Matthew 6:33

    Challenge for This Week
    Take some time this week to evaluate your own ethical behavior and standards. It might be helpful to meet with someone with whom you can be transparent – a mentor, trusted advisor, or a small group with whom you feel accountable. Ask their opinion about whether they see you as someone who consistently maintains high ethical standards.

    Share with one another your commitment to maintaining ethical principles and pray that God will give you the strength not to compromise, even if it seems expedient to do so.

    Matt Trayler

  • God Provides For Needs “In Its Season”

    God Provides For Needs “In Its Season”

    In the Scriptures, we read that God promised His people that if they walked in His ways, He would give them “rain in its season” – and with it, the fruitfulness of the land (Leviticus 26:3-4). Not instant reward. Not on-demand outcomes. But blessing, in its appointed time, according to what was fitting, according to His divine wisdom. This truth still governs the marketplace today.

    God does not operate according to our calendars or expectations. His actions are never delayed, never rushed, never misaligned. He moves in absolute harmony with His will, according to what is fitting in the scope of eternity. And that is deeply uncomfortable for us. We are trained to measure value by deadlines and deliverables. We prize speed. We reward early achievement. But God is not bound by our urgency. His promises are not transactions; they are covenantal promises. His timing is not mechanical; it is precise. And His movements are not arbitrary; they are appropriate.

    This is the test of faith for every leader: Are we willing to yield not only our ambitions but also our expectations? Much of our frustration in leadership and life does not stem from failure; it stems from mistimed desire. We demand results on our schedule and call it “vision.” But what if the waiting is not punishment? What if it is preparation?

    That is why patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is not a passive disposition. It is Holy Spirit-empowered endurance. God gives patience because He knows what we cannot see – how formation must precede fruit. How roots must deepen before harvest arrives. Waiting is not weakness. It is the strength to trust when everything in you wants to act. As Isaiah 40:31 promises: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

    Daniel Tan, a Christian agricultural engineer in Malaysia, spent years developing a low-cost irrigation tool to serve rural farmers. He believed it was from the Lord, an innovation to restore dignity and open doors for Gospel witness. But for five years, there was nothing. Government delays. Lost funding. Silence in response to his prayers. Then, in year six, a non-government organization discovered Daniel’s prototype. Within months, the tool was in use across Southeast Asia, paired with biblical training on stewardship and the concept of hope. He later realized: The delay was not rejection, it was formation. God was not just preparing the product. He was preparing the man.

    This is how God works. Always with precision. Always with purpose. “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son (Galatians 4:4). Jesus did not appear early or late. He came at the exact moment when roads, language, and hearts were ready for redemption through the life-transforming message. Not a second too soon. Not a second too late. God moves when it is fitting. His timing is flawless.

    So here’s the question every marketplace disciple must confront: Can your faith trust God’s timing? Can your prayers shift from “Lord, bless me now,” to “Lord, shape my life, my work, and my family until the blessing You’ve prepared actually fits who You’re making me to be”?

    Are you willing to surrender not just your outcomes—but your calendar? The rain will fall. The ground will yield. But only in its season (Gal. 6:9).

    The sooner we embrace this truth, the sooner our walk with God matures—from anxious hope to confident trust (Ps. 27:14; Eccl. 3:11).

    © 2025. C. C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace, driven by a deep conviction in the Gospel’s transformative power. Before becoming President of CBMC International, Chris dedicated 28 years to a distinguished career in the public sector – as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; and serving in the U. S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting seven American presidents and leading elite teams in complex, high-stakes international missions. With his wife Ana, a native of Nicaragua, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida. 

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Can you think of a time in your life or leadership when a delay turned out to be exactly what was needed – and even more fruitful than what you had originally hoped for?
    2. Galatians 5:22 lists patience as a fruit of the Spirit. Why do you think patience is essential for spiritual maturity – especially in the marketplace?
    3. Daniel Tan’s story serves to remind us of how God sometimes forms the person before releasing the mission. In what ways might God be shaping you right now for something He has not yet revealed?
    4. Isaiah 40:31 says, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” What would it look like for you to surrender not just your outcomes, but your calendar?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Leviticus 26:3-4; Psalm 27:14; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 4:4, 5:22

    Challenge for This Week
    This week might be a good time for you to consider how you are in terms of patience, especially when it comes to being willing and able to wait upon God’s timing. Are you currently waiting to have a specific prayer – or prayers – answered? How do you think He might be using this time to prepare you and shape you into the person He wants you to be? 

    Share your need with a good friend, mentor, small group or some trusted advisors, asking for their wisdom and counsel – and for their prayers that you can remain faithful as you wait for God to answer your prayers “in its season.”

    Matt Trayler

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  • Appreciating The Courtesy Of Their Business

    Appreciating The Courtesy Of Their Business

    How do you build a successful business? Countless books have been written about this. So-called ‘experts’ tout many formulas for how a company can rise above the competitors. But rarely do we hear these authorities mention a particular word that can make a tremendous difference for both an enterprise and its clients or customers. That word is: Courtesy.

    One definition of ‘courtesy’ is “the demonstration of politeness in one’s attitude and behavior toward others; a respectful or considerate act or expression.” Courtesy – or the lack of it – is a quality that I quickly notice whenever I patronize a business, such as a grocery or department store, doctor’s office, movie theater, or restaurant.

    Sadly, in our world today, it seems that courtesy has largely fallen out of style. Even the simple act of holding the door for another person when entering a business seems to offend some people. This gesture is not intended to demean or seem condescending. It is merely a simple act of recognizing the presence of the other person and politely offering them the opportunity to enter before you.

    In our community, one grocery store and its staff are known for courtesy. They always greet customers, ask if they can help in any way, acknowledge you when checking out, and even offer to help take the groceries to your car. Another grocery store, also very prominent, rarely displays such forms of kindness. Guess which of the stores I prefer to visit?

    Why the difference? I believe in most cases, it is the culture of the business, training, and expecting all employees to act in a certain, consistent manner. Courtesy does not happen by accident. What is most interesting is that it takes so little effort to be courteous to others, but the benefits are substantial. 

    Many passages in the Bible talk about courtesy being extended, along with underlying principles for how and why it should be prominent in our interactions with others. Here are just a few of them:

    Giving others priority. Showing courtesy toward others communicates that they are valued. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

    Treating others as you would want to be treated. When someone asked what God expects of His people, Jesus Christ said the answer was not complicated. In addition to the command to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,’” He said, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). How would you like people to respond courteously to you?

    Setting ourselves apart in a highly competitive working environment. In the marketplace, where profits are often paramount and everything else is considered of much lesser importance, demonstrating genuine concern and interest in others can make us – and our companies – stand out. “…to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone” (Titus 3:2, Amplified).

    © 2025. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Think of a recent example of a time when someone in a business setting demonstrated genuine courtesy toward you. How did that make you feel? How did you respond?
    2. Why do you think that in many businesses, the importance of showing courtesy is not part of their operational philosophy? Do you believe that makes that much of a difference in building and maintaining a strong organization? Why or why not?
    3. In your own company or organization, is the sincere display of courtesy toward others – not just customers and clients, but also employees and suppliers – given a high priority? Explain your answer. 
    4. How do you think the value of expressing courtesy toward others can be encouraged and cultivated, especially in businesses where it is not prioritized?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Luke 7:36-47; Romans 12:9-13,17-18; Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Peter 3:15-16

    Challenge for This Week
    If you were to grade yourself on the ‘courtesy scale’ from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest, what do you think would be your score?

    If you believe your rating in terms of courtesy toward others could be higher, consider ways in which you could improve. Ask for the advice and counsel of someone or a small group that you trust. In the process, you might be able to help someone else who also needs to improve in showing courtesy toward others. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens others, so one man sharpens another.”

    Matt Trayler

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  • Biblical Leadership: Called To Build

    Biblical Leadership: Called To Build

    When we talk about Biblical leadership, lots of names come to mind. David, Moses, Joshua, Nehemiah, Paul… the Bible is filled with examples of Godly leaders.

    A name that needs to be included in this list? Noah. His story in Genesis is a masterclass in what it means to lead with faith, grit, and perseverance.

    Let’s take a step back in time. One man is called upon to build an ark in the middle of dry land. He receives a God-sized vision for a task that will take him decades, a project that will draw ridicule from his neighbors. From Genesis 6:

    So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks.

    I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.”

    Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

    Read that last sentence again. Noah did everything God commanded him, even though the project took years and made no sense to anyone around him. His example shows us that leadership isn’t about titles or applause. It’s about courage to act, obedience when it feels crazy, and faith that outlasts the storm.

    Here are five lessons from Noah’s story we can carry into our own leadership today:

    Lead with Obedience, Not Popularity

    When God said, “Build an ark,” Noah did it. No questions or polls to gauge what others thought. Instead, Noah simply obeyed and got to work. Great leaders understand that obedience to what’s right will always outweigh the approval of the crowd.

    Play the Long Game

    The ark didn’t appear overnight. Year after year, Noah hammered boards and tightened joints with no flood in sight, only the vision God had given him. Leadership is the same. It’s long hours, unseen effort, and the grit to keep showing up.

    Live with Integrity in a Corrupt World

    The Bible says Noah was “blameless among the people of his time.” That wasn’t because the world was good. It was because Noah chose to be different. Leadership starts with how you show up when no one’s watching.

    Be Willing to Stand Alone

    It’s hard to picture how much mockery Noah must have faced, but he stood tall anyway and kept hammering. That’s leadership. It’s staying true to God’s vision when others can’t, or won’t, see it. It’s being willing to stand alone when no one else will stand beside you.

    Lead to Protect and Provide for Others

    Noah didn’t just save himself. His obedience gave his family safety and gave humanity a future. Real leaders carry responsibility beyond themselves, and they build things that bless others. We often talk about servant leadership. Noah is an example of that.

    A Call for Leaders Today…

    You might not be called to build a massive boat, but you are called to lead… your family, your business, your team, your community. Leadership today still demands obedience, perseverance, integrity, courage, and responsibility. Like Noah, you might find yourself swinging a hammer while the world laughs. Keep building anyway, because one day, the work you’ve done in faith will be the very thing that carries you through.

    Lead like Noah.

    …

    Written by John Gamades, author of WAR: A Tactical Guide for Christian Men and Conquer: Daily Devotions for the Christian Man

    Matt Trayler

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  • Do You Suffer From ‘Semmelweis Reflex’?

    Do You Suffer From ‘Semmelweis Reflex’?

    Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician and scientist who in the mid-19th century implemented hand-washing procedures for doctors at Vienna General Hospital. This practice decreased the incidence of maternal death, then called “childbed fever,” from 18% to 2%. Semmelweis, the “savior of mothers,” was a pioneer in medical antiseptic policy and practices that have become commonplace today.

    At the time, however, many in the medical community were offended to be told a “gentlemen’s” hands could possibly carry disease. Because of this attitude and resistance to change, doctors unanimously continued their deathly procedures. Happily, the wisdom offered by the “father of hand hygiene” was not ignored forever, and death rates during childbirth were reduced dramatically.

    Resistance like what Semmelweis received was hardly a unique response. Many of the great advances in history initially were opposed or rejected because they ran counter to conventional wisdom. This behavior, sometimes termed ‘groupthink’ or ‘confirmation bias,’ is known as the Semmelweis Reflex.  

    We see this in the marketplace all the time. Maybe you have responded in similar ways yourself. We do not seem to mind change when we initiate it, but when significant change is being imposed on us, we might dig in our heels and complain, “But we have always done it this way!” 

    This happens with new technology. When mobile phones were introduced, many were reluctant to try them not only because of cost but also because they were unfamiliar. A writer friend, when offered his first desktop computer, initially resisted. He thought, “My electronic typewriter works perfectly well.” Once he tried using the computer, however, he quickly asked to have his trusty typewriter taken away.

    In the Bible we see many examples of minds set in old ways, resistant to change. Especially with the Pharisees and Sadducees – religious leaders who were rigid and hard-hearted. They might not have heard of the Semmelweis Reflex but behaved as if they had invented it.

    In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John we see numerous incidents where these ‘experts of the Law’ presented strong opposition to the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ, regarding him as a radical and troublemaker, a threat to the religious practices and rituals they were espousing.

    When they resisted His teachings of repentance, forgiveness and mercy, they hurled many accusations at Him. In response, Jesus said things like, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?” (Matthew 12:34). Another time, He rebuked the leaders for their hypocrisy: “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” (Matthew 23:33). 

    However, Jesus spoke more kindly to His tender-hearted disciples. He said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!” (Luke 10:23). This is especially important when we deal with spiritual truth, but it is equally valid when facing change in the marketplace. When fresh new ideas are being introduced, let us seek to see what the Lord sees, and not just what our industry embraces. 

    Knowing God is aware of circumstances we face we can find assurance in Proverbs 3:5-6, which tells us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

    © 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. The “Semmelweis Reflex” is defined as “a psychological phenomenon where people reject new evidence or knowledge because it contradicts established norms or beliefs…that leads to dismissal of new, transformative ideas.” Had you heard of this before reading this Monday Manna? Have you ever observed something like this occurring in the workplace?
    2. Why do you think that many people feel uncomfortable or even threatened when new ideas, principles, or practices are introduced?
    3. How do you think the Semmelweis Reflex might be involved when the concept of integrating spiritual beliefs with everyday workplace practices is introduced? How do you respond when someone says the Bible and faith in Jesus Christ have no relevance for the marketplace?
    4. When confronting unwanted change, how do you typically respond? Does trust in God and His involvement in every area of life help you in dealing with such challenges? Explain your answer. 

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Isaiah 26:3, 41:10; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 37:4-5; Matthew 6:33-34; Philippians 2;14-15

    Challenge for This Week
    Are you struggling to deal with changes that are being imposed upon you right now in the workplace? Or perhaps you are facing opposition in trying to introduce changes that you believe would be beneficial. If so, find a good friend, mentor, or advisor with whom you can discuss this and pray for you to have God’s wisdom in how to respond.

    And if you are not currently dealing with troublesome changes, perhaps you can find someone to encourage as he or she needs to address such challenges. With the many changes we all experience in the marketplace, the question is not “if” we will have to find ways to cope with uncomfortable changes, but “when.”

    Matt Trayler