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  • Lead Like a Baby

    Lead Like a Baby

    “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

    -1 Peter 2:2

    None of us wakes up in the morning thinking, “I’m going to lead like a baby today.” Instead,we’re grown men who often try to lean into our strength, experiences, and intelligence as welead in the workplace and at home. Culture tells us we can do everything we need to on ourown. The Bible tells us something different… that we should live life and lead like babies.

    Babies are hungry… and we should be as well.

    When the verse above says babies crave spiritual milk, it’s because they are hungry. They needmilk to grow, so they have an appetite for it. In the same way, as growing Christian men, we need to have an appetite for God’s word. Here’s where we are different from the babies, though.The baby naturally craves milk. As busy leaders, it can be easy for us to crave things other than God’s Word and ignore it. In those instances where we’re not hungry for God’s Word, we need to drink it anyway. Over time, God will increase our appetite for it and remind us of our dependence on it, which leads us to our second insight for the day…

    Babies are dependent… and we should be as well.

    Babies need their mothers and fathers to meet their basic needs–feeding, changing, and living them. They don’t choose to be dependent; they just are. They can’t take care of themselves on their own, so they look to their parents for everything. In the same way, we should look to God to meet all our needs. That’s where the challenge comes in for men. We believe, incorrectly,that we can meet our needs on our own. We’re tempted every day to be self-sufficient, surviving by our strength. That’s where the baby has an advantage over us. Infants never entertain the thought that they can survive on their own. Just like those babies, we should never entertain that thought, either. We need God, who provides everything we need according to His richesand glory–not ours. This leads us to the third insight…

    Babies make their needs known… and we should as well.

    When a baby needs something, they ask. They cry, fuss, and scream when they are hungry, sick, or need a diaper change. Yet, too often, as men, we hesitate to bring our needs to the Father. Again, we try to control everything and make things happen independently. By not bringing our needs and challenges to God in prayer, we take away His opportunity to feed us and care for us.

    Leading Well…

    Here’s the reality, men. We need God. Just like that baby needs their milk, we need to get fed by God. We need to be hungry, dependent, and willing to ask. We need to drop our pride, set aside our egos, and let God in. Where we end, He can begin.

    Iron Sharpens Iron

    If you’re interested in joining men like you who are learning what it means to be men of God and strong Christian leaders, visit us today at: connect.cbmc.com

    CBMC Webmaster

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  • Wearing the Full Armor of God to Work

    Wearing the Full Armor of God to Work

    As Christian leaders in the workplace, we’re called to show up differently from the rest of the world. At the same time, there are moments when our workplaces become spiritual battlefields, where we can be tempted to lean into our own power to get through some of the challenges we encounter. Looking at Ephesians 6, the Word is clear. God has provided us with the armor weneed to stand firm. To do that, we need to understand the armor God has given us for our workplace battles…

    The Belt of Truth – Ephesians 6:10-14

    It’s fitting that we begin here. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” As we walk into our workplaces each day, we need to show up with this as our foundation. Thinking about this through the lens of a modern-day soldier, for today’s elite warriors, their tactical belt is not an after thought. It is an essential piece of equipment that serves a multitude of purposes on the battlefields of life. For us, the belt of truth is the same.

    The Breastplate of Righteousness – Ephesians 6:10-14

    For Roman soldiers, their breastplate was critical to protecting their internal organs, specifically their heart. For today’s warriors, tactical vests do the same, eliminating some of their vulnerability to attack. As Christians in the workplace and at home, protecting our hearts and leading with righteousness is key to leading well. What’s righteousness? It’s our ability to live and lead in alignment with God’s divine will for us. It helps guide our decision-making, set goals, and walk with integrity daily.

    The Shield of Faith – Ephesians 6:10-16

    Alongside a soldier’s breastplate, being equipped with a shield is essential. As a Christian man in the workplace, especially one who is leading with their faith-forward, you will face attacks from culture on all sides.The devil will take every opportunity to challenge your authority as aman of God and try to minimize your influence. Ephesians 6 compares this to being attacked with fiery arrows. How do you deflect those attacks? As a shield, your faith won’t prevent the attacks but will provide you with God’s protection when those attacks come.

    The Helmet of Salvation – Ephesians 6:10-17

    As Christian men, in the workplace and at home, one of the main battlefields where Satan will attack you is in your mind. This is where our fight against pride, temptation, and fear begins. 2 Corinthians 10:5 is clear. The helmet of salvation allows us to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” As men who are working to take every thought captive, we can ensure that our leadership is pure and effective.

    The Sword of the Spirit – Ephesians 6:10-17

    As young men, many of us got excited when we picked up toy swords. As we got older, we set our weapons down and settled into our careers and lives. The attacks we face didn’t stop. In fact, they probably increased on some battlefields, but we found ourselves with no weapons to fight with. Picking back up the sword of the spirit equips us to protect ourselves,our destinies in Christ, and our families. So, what’s the sword of the spirit? It’s your Bible. Hebrews 4:12 tells us,“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The only way to wield this weapon in our lives is to open up our Bibles and spend time hearing from God.

    Leading Well…

    Guys, this is the armor that God has equipped you with. We all have access to it, but it only works if we use it. So today, think through this list and consider what pieces of armor you’re using and which pieces you’ve been neglecting. Your ability to lead depends on it.

    Iron Sharpens Iron

    If you’re interested in joining men like you who are learning what it means to be men of God andstrong Christian leaders, visit us today at: connect.cbmc.com

    CBMC Webmaster

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  • 10 Key Bible Verses for the Small Business Owner

    10 Key Bible Verses for the Small Business Owner

    Leading a business can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that this is all within His plan. Here are some verses to help you get through the workweek as a small business owner. 

    1. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; – Proverbs 3:13 
    2. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12 
    3. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7 
    4. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. – James 2:26 
    5. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; – Philippians 4:6 
    6. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 
    7. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. – Proverbs 29:18 
    8. And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may [a]establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. – Deuteronomy 8:18 
    9. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4 
    10. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:2 

    When you’re struggling to get through the day, turn to your fellow Christian businessmen. Become a CBMC member today to connect with like-minded individuals and learn to integrate work and faith.

    CBMC Webmaster

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  • Massive Wealth Transfer in Next 30 Years: Are Millennials ready?

    Massive Wealth Transfer in Next 30 Years: Are Millennials ready?

    Did you know that the largest transfer of wealth in history will happen in the next 30 years?  Over the next 10 years alone, US$4.1 trillion is anticipated to change hands, according to the Wealth-X and NFP Family Wealth Transfers Report, released in January 2015.  The United States will see the greatest amount of wealth transfers, with US$6 trillion set to change hands in the next 30 years — amounting to nearly 40 percent of the global total.

    This begs the question:  Have we prepared the next generation and have we passed on our values to those who will be managing the corporations and the government amidst so much wealth?  Are we raising up leaders who will take a stand for Christ in the marketplace and in their homes?  

    Bryan Schick, President of NFP International, added: “With US$16 trillion passing to the next generation over the next 30 years, the enduring legacies of many families will soon be defined.”

    The next 10 years are critical for the future of our nation.  Now is the time to reach the next generation with the good news of Jesus Christ.  A generation is depending on us to point them to hope and salvation.  Statistics show that fathers who come to Christ will almost always lead their families to Christ. Business leaders who come to Christ will almost always run their businesses to the glory of God.  

    CBMC exists to help the next generation do just that.

    Today is Giving Tuesday, a global movement of generosity that encourages us to give our time, our resources, and our money.  

    Prayerfully consider helping us reach 10,000 Young Professionals with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

    Will you help us reach our goal of $10,000 to reach 10,000 YP’s?  It only takes 100 people willing to commit $100.  AND your gift today is DOUBLED! 

    Give now at CBMC.com/give.

    Learn more about how CBMC Young Professionals can help Millennials activate a purpose-driven life with one-on-one mentoring and peer groups.

    CBMC Webmaster

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  • 5 Books You Simply Must Read Right Now

    5 Books You Simply Must Read Right Now

    We’ve all found ourselves with more free time on our hands than ever before, and a great way to pass the time is by reading and expanding your own knowledge. With traditional book clubs out of commission during quarantine, Christian Business Men’s Connections has collected a list of the best books to read while quarantine continues.

    1. No-Fail Communication: 13 Workplace Communication Problems and How to Fix Them by Michael Hyatt

    Communication in the workplace can easily falter, which creates a domino effect of frustration and confusion for future projects and tasks. Make discussions and understanding clear and precise with this book from Michael Hyatt. We’ve found this book particularly helpful during our remote work as we adjust to communicating without face-to-face contact.

    2. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders

    J. Oswald Sanders outlines the classic and timeless principles of leadership through His teachings with examples from men of God, such as Moses, Nehemiah, Paul, David Livingstone, and Charles Spurgeon. Sanders posts that natural leadership abilities are God-given, and those with promising skills will only reach their full potential with His teachings.

    3. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

    Gladwell’s debut book explains the science behind the magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior reaches the threshold to exploding into a phenomena and spreading across the world. Rethink the way you view viral trends, business, marketing, and human behavior.

    4. The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day by John Maxwell

    Not every man is born a leader, but every man can become a leader by learning and sharpening a collection of skills. Maxwell’s book provides a daily plan to help you nurture those skills to better your life spiritually, personally and professionally.

    5. Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin

    It’s human nature to seek out groups of those who share our beliefs, be they religious, ethnic, economic, political, or even musical. These tribes we long to be a part of don’t come with leadership naturally, so it’s up to the people with a passion to make a difference and lead. Godin’s book demystifies the process of rallying employees, customers, investors, and more around an idea.

    Align with other Christian business men looking to improve their integration of work and faith. Become a member of CMBC today.

    CBMC Webmaster

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