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  • THE LONG GAME OF COMPOUNDED FAITHFULNESS

    THE LONG GAME OF COMPOUNDED FAITHFULNESS

    What if I gave you two choices: one million dollars right now, or a single penny that doubles in value every day for 30 days? Which option would you take? Most of us would not even pause. A million feels immediate, secure, and transformative. A penny feels disposable, barely worth the space it takes up in your pocket. But here is the hidden math: That one cent, doubled every day, would grow into more than $ 5.3 million in a month! In just the first week, it would increase, one penny, two pennies, four pennies, eight pennies, 16 pennies, 64 pennies.

    But then we would experience the quiet power of what the finance industry calls “compounding.” By day 10, only $5.12. But by day 20, just over $5,000. Still not overly impressive. But in the remaining days, the growth curve explodes. What once seemed invisible suddenly becomes overwhelmingly apparent.

    In the Bible’s New Testament, the apostle Paul points to a reality that relates directly to this principle of compounding: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). In the marketplace doing good, walking in integrity, practicing generosity, and staying faithful to Jesus Christ in ordinary ways rarely feels dramatic. It feels small. Hidden. Like that first single penny. Yet every act is a seed sown in God’s field, and seeds compound in ways we cannot predict.

    The challenge is enduring and persevering. Paul warns: “Do not grow weary.” Why? Because weariness tempts us to quit before the harvest, the fruit of our labors. Being faithful in obscurity does not always feel rewarding. It often feels unnoticed: A kind word in a meeting no one remembers. A prayer whispered at your desk with no immediate answer. An honest report when no one is checking. Each seems forgettable. But they are not. Every choice is a seed, and Paul promises the harvest will come in God’s time.

    This runs against the culture of the marketplace. The system around us idolizes speed and scale. Quarterly profits. Fast deals. Shiny shortcuts. But the kingdom of God moves at a purposeful, deliberate pace. It treasures small beginnings, steady obedience, and the unseen faithfulness that builds quietly until, in God’s timing, it explodes with fruit beyond imagining.

    Think about how this plays out in your work:

    • A short conversation over coffee plants the first seed of the Gospel in someone’s heart.
    • A mentor’s steady investment in one young professional can shape generations of people to come.
    • A faithful pattern of generosity, compounded over decades, fuels Gospel work around the globe.

    None of this looks impressive at first. They are pennies dropped into God’s economy. But left in His hands, they multiply in ways we could never manufacture. So, as Paul says, do not grow weary. Keep planting. Keep sowing. Keep doing good. Not because results come quickly, often they don’t, but because the Lord of the harvest sees, and He is faithful. Obedience always produces fruit in due season.

    The marketplace will tempt you with shortcuts and instant millions. However, Jesus calls you to the penny: the daily choice of faithfulness, one small act of obedience at a time. And one day, you will see how He multiplied it into something you never could have imagined.

    © 2026. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace.
    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, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Paul warns us not to “grow weary” in doing good (Galatians 6:9). Where are you most tempted to give up because results feel slow or unseen?
    2. How have you seen the principle of “compounding faithfulness” demonstrated in your workplace: small daily actions that eventually carry great influence and impact?
    3. The marketplace often celebrates speed, scale, and shortcuts. How can Christians resist those cultural pressures while practicing endurance and integrity?
    4. What is one “penny of faithfulness” you can commit to this week: something small, but consistent that could reap long-term fruit in God’s economy?

    NOTE: If you would like to explore more on endurance in the Christian life and workplace, consider these Bible passages: Proverbs 14:23; Matthew 13:31-32; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 10:36

    Challenge for This Week

    Do you ever find yourself becoming “weary in well-doing,” wondering what the point of the hard work you are doing without seeing any visible results is? At such times, we need to remind ourselves of God’s promises that “our toil is not in vain in the Lord.” It also helps to have someone to encourage us when our faith is wavering.

    Seek out someone this week, maybe a small group you meet with regularly, and explain about any situations at work or in your personal life that are tempting you to give up because you are growing weary in doing good. Pray for one another fervently, with earnest expectation.

    Matt Trayler

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  • WHY IS MY BUSINESS STRUGGLING?

    WHY IS MY BUSINESS STRUGGLING?

    Business struggles can become overwhelming at times. There are many possible reasons for troubles in a company or organization, so discerning the root problem can be difficult. However, it is necessary. There are common root problems of a struggling business, and how to respond.

    The first requires asking, “Am I being a poor steward?” It is easy to get greedy or distracted, forgetting to care for your customer. Or it may involve ignoring key development and financial management disciplines of business. In the Bible, Titus 1:7 says, “For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money.”

    When trouble comes, review your heart and your daily practices. Consider surveying your customers and examining your business and financial disciplines.

    The second common problem is when the economy, or your industry, is in decline. In an economic downturn, you might assume your only response is to hang on. But a proactive response is critical. Managing expenses is important, but downturns can be opportunities to grow faith and market share.

    Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.” If you are experiencing a downturn, boldly pray for the faith needed to put forth your best efforts to increase market share.

    A third possible reason for business struggles might be that God is disciplining you or your company for sin – disobedience to His laws and principles. Years ago, I served on an advisory board for a ministry leader who was struggling to produce any tangible fruit. Something did not seem right, so we kept digging. Eventually, this ministry leader announced he was resigning because of a pornography addiction. Later, one of his associates said, “I knew there was sin in the camp, but I didn’t know where.”

    The Bible makes it clear: “For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He punishes every son whom He accepts” (Hebrews 12:6). If your business is struggling, take a step back and carefully and prayerfully evaluate whether you or your team has sin in your “camp.”

    Another reason your business may be struggling might be that God is testing, training, or refining you. Early in my marketplace ministry, there were times when God tested and refined my faith. Payroll nearing with no money in the bank drove me to my knees pleading for God’s help. When the Lord provided in unexpected ways, it not only stretched my faith but also provided testimony to God’s greatness. I think of Psalm 66:10, which says, “You have put us to the test, God; You have refined us as silver is refined.” If God seems to be testing and refining you, turn to Him in prayer and marvel at what He does.

    The final reason your business may be struggling may be due to a spiritual attack. Although I try not to give the enemy too much credit, there are times when God will allow the devil to sift us. Job is the best example of someone who experienced an incredible spiritual battle. In Job 1, Satan has taken family members, riches, and all of Job’s possessions, but in Job 1:22 we read, “Despite all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God.” If you’ve considered all other reasons for your struggles and it appears it is a spiritual battle, trust God and do battle by putting on the full armor of God, highlighted in Ephesians 6.

    © 2026, 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. What is your typical first response when struggling in business, whether you are an owner, executive, or member of the staff team?
    2. In terms of owning, operating, or carrying out responsibilities in a business, what do you think it means to be a good steward? Is that something you take into account as you work?
    3. How can a person grow in their faith – as well as continue to grow their business – during difficult times? Why do people often simply put their heads down and try to weather the storm, rather than seeking ways for continued growth?
    4. Do you believe there is a spiritual dimension to our endeavors in the workplace, that there is a battle between good and evil – even if we cannot see it happening in a physical sense? Explain your answer.

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Joshua 7:16-25; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 11:1; James 1:2-6

    Challenge for This Week

    Is your business struggling right now in some manner – stagnant growth, decrease in sales and market share, production problems, strife among the staff, or some other difficulties? If so, now would be a good time to evaluate what is happening and how God might desire to be involved. Take some time to pray about the challenges you are facing and seek God’s wisdom for how to address them in a biblical manner. Sharing your needs with trusted friends or a small group with whom you can speak confidentially could prove to be very helpful.

    Matt Trayler

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  • CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN THE CORPORATE CULTURE

    CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN THE CORPORATE CULTURE

    The corporate world is a true jungle; the law of the strongest becomes evident in remarkable ways, with people pressuring others to win and be successful in the eyes of men. Professor Leon C. Megginson uses this metaphor in his academic studies to illustrate the corporate environment, citing: “It is not the strongest that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Renato Grinberg also compares the corporate world to a jungle, stating that, like a tiger, one must use claws, strength, and intelligence to survive and thrive.

    In light of this, what happens when one gives their life to Jesus Christ? God’s Word reveals profound changes: “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17); “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), and “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

    But does corporate life remain the same after conversion? Everything depends on how we shape our character. It is true that transformation does not happen overnight – it is a process. Yet we are reminded that “the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). If our heart is set on change, God will walk with us through it.

    The Lord never abandons His children and is always ready to help: “…I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10) and to work through our weaknesses: “…My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) – all with the purpose of maturing us until we reach “the full measure of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

    It is not easy, but earthly life is a remarkable experience. To live each day seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness must be the goal that guides every believer (Matthew 6:33). In principle, the true Christian should not fear the challenges of the world when it comes to displaying a renewed character across every sphere of society.

    I once shared with a Christian criminal lawyer that, after my conversion, I could no longer defend people who had committed crimes since lies are so often the means of defense. His reply was: “Work is work.” He explained he separates his personal life from his professional life and feels at peace with that. But should we set aside Christian character in professional life?

    Another defining moment came when I was drafting a petition, and my superior demanded that I include a false statement to support our claim. I refused, saying I would not sign a document built on lies. From that day on, I resolved to eliminate falsehood from my work as a lawyer, and God has never failed to provide for my needs. Following Christ requires courage, wisdom, and discernment of the right time for decisions.

    Would God be pleased if we hide our Christian character at work, knowing that He is the one who sustains us? “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side” (Psalm 3:5-6).

    The Kingdom of God is the ultimate goal. Nothing in this earthly life should become a barrier to what God expects from His children. Christian character is not like clothing, to be put on and taken off according to convenience. Christ must dwell in the heart of His followers at all times: “…but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).

    Rogério Alves is an attorney in São Paulo, Brazil. He graduated from Centro Universitário Nove de Julho and specialist in Public Law from Escola Paulista de Direito. He is a partner attorney at Buratto Sociedade de Advogados and Shilinkert Sociedade de Advogados. Rogério also serves as a speaker at the Department of Culture and Events of the Brazilian Bar Association – São Paulo Section (OAB/SP), contributes to several legal publications, and is the administrator of the blog Discussões por rogerioalvesadvblog. In addition, he is an Associate Pastor at Igreja Adoração em Ação and a member of CBMC Brazil.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    • Do you agree with the statement that to succeed in the marketplace, one must be like a tiger, using claws, strength and intelligence to survive? Why or why not?
    • How do you think being “a new creation in Christ” should affect how we approach our work and conduct ourselves in the workplace? Should it affect how we do things at all? Explain your answer.
    • Have you ever had a time when you had to take a stand at work based on your faith and biblical beliefs? If so, what was the result?
    • What do you think it means to “seek first the Kingdom of God” in the workplace? What would this look like in a practical sense?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 37:4-5; Proverbs 2:6, 3:5-6; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Philippians 4:19

    Challenge for This Week

    Someone has said that being a follower of Jesus Christ is not a part-time activity, but a lifestyle that is 24 hours a day, seven days a week. How does your life align with this statement?

    Over the next week, reflect on the insights from this Monday Manna about resolving to live out our faith in the workplace regardless of the consequences. You might want to talk about this with a trusted friend, mentor, or small group and solicit their feedback.

    Matt Trayler

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  • THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCESSING THE CLOUD

    THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCESSING THE CLOUD

    A generation ago, if you had talked about “the cloud,” no one would have known what you meant. Now it is part of daily life. Every email, every photo, every document; it all lives in the cloud. Accessible anytime. Anywhere. We hardly notice it anymore. But it connects everything, and we depend upon it.

    The Bible speaks of another cloud. It is much older, and far more important: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). If the digital cloud keeps our information close, the biblical cloud keeps our faith alive. It whispers, saying to us, “You are not alone.”

    Work does not always feel that way. Executives sit in corner offices, bearing pressure no one else sees. Entrepreneurs labor late into the night, desperately trying to pull something out of nothing. Employees slip into meetings where faith feels invisible, maybe even unwelcome. The creeping sense of being “the only one” can drain endurance fast.

    That is when you need to remember the cloud, the biblical cloud. The writer of Hebrews is pointing to those who endured before us, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and David. People with messy stories. Complicated lives. But through it all, they trusted God. They carried their faith into impossible moments.

    Best of all, the cloud of the Scriptures did not evaporate in the first century. It is still here, all around us.

    Professionals walking into offices in Nairobi and São Paulo. Believers sitting in boardrooms in Singapore, classrooms in Toronto, and hospitals in New Delhi. Women and men who carry their faith into places where it is easier to hide. Leaders who choose honesty when shortcuts would advance their careers. Employees who serve others when ambition whispers, “Take more for yourself.” We are not running alone.

    Hebrews does not stop at encouragement. It gets practical. Endurance means setting things down. “Lay aside every weight,” it says. Some of those weights are obvious: sin, compromise, and destructive habits. But others are disguised as virtues: Perfectionism. Relentless ambition. The need to control every outcome. The very things that win promotions can also fracture a soul. Endurance does not come from holding tighter. It comes from letting go. Letting Christ carry what you cannot.

    And endurance is not just about release. It is about focus. “Look to Jesus,” we are instructed. Jesus is not only the example of faith; He is its source. He ran the race before us. Endured the cross. Bore its shame. And now He sits at the right hand of God. The witnesses show us it is possible. But Jesus makes it inevitable because He is the author and finisher of your faith.

    Here is the invitation: When you feel alone in the marketplace, access the cloud described in the book of Hebrews. Remember those who endured before you. Remember those walking beside you right now, even if unseen. Set down the weights that slow you down. Fix your eyes on Jesus. And keep running.

    The finish line is closer than you think.

    © 2026. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace. 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, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    • When have you felt most alone in your professional life? How does Hebrews 12:1–2 and the idea of a “cloud of witnesses” reshape that feeling of isolation?
    • What are some “weights” you carry in your workplace – habits, ambitions, or fears – that may not be sinful but quietly drain your endurance in faith? What might it look like to lay them aside?
    • The cloud includes not only the heroes of Hebrews 11, but also believers across the globe today. How can remembering that you are part of a worldwide family of faith strengthen your perseverance at work?
    • Hebrews tells us to run with endurance by “looking to Jesus.” What does it look like, practically, to fix your eyes on Christ in the middle of meetings, deadlines, or business pressures?

    NOTE: If you would like to explore more on endurance in the Christian life and workplace, consider these Bible passages: Romans 2:7, 15:4-5; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; James 1:12

    Challenge for This Week

    This week, pause each morning and consciously “log into” the biblical cloud. Name one weight you have been carrying that Christ never asked you to hold, and lay it down in prayer, deliberately entrusting it to Jesus. Then choose one moment at work to act with quiet faithfulness rather than self-protection. Run your race with endurance, aware that you are seen, supported, and not alone.

    Matt Trayler

  • FIVE REASONS FOR INTEGRATING FAITH AND WORK

    FIVE REASONS FOR INTEGRATING FAITH AND WORK

    There are those who contend that faith and work do not mix and should be kept mutually exclusive. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are countless examples of people whose faith in God propelled them to success in their business pursuits while being effective representatives for Him in the marketplace. Here are five reasons for integrating our faith with our work on an everyday basis.

    To please God. As a hobby videographer, Alex Kendrick dreamed of producing movies that boldly proclaimed faith in God. There was a problem: He was an associate pastor at a small-town church in Georgia. He had no money, and there were no actors nearby. Producing movies seemed impossible.  

    However, Alex desired to please God with his films. Working with his brothers Stephen and Shannon, in faith, they raised $100,000 and produced Facing the Giants, which grossed more than $10 million at the box office. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” 

    God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. In 1955, Stanley Tam’s heart was stirred by the desire to see people in the nation of Colombia come to know God. Tam prayed earnestly to God about his request, but the Lord impressed upon him it would require surrendering 100% ownership of his company. Even though this seemed an unusual, even unprecedented command, Tam obeyed, turning over all the stock in his company to an evangelistic foundation. Years later, he joyfully told me, “Since making that commitment, we have funded over $200 million in evangelism efforts.” Psalm 37:5 declares, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Faith, incorporated into your business life, comes with incredible rewards – especially being used by God. 

    God’s wisdom provides better results than any consultant.  David Green, in his book More Than a Hobby, explains why he decided to close his Hobby Lobby stores on Sundays. Even though he learned it could cost him $100 million annually, Green turned to God for counsel. Proverbs 8:10 teaches, “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Green followed God’s wisdom, allowing his people a day a week for rest and worship. He says it was one of the best decisions he ever made.

    Faith in the workplace changes lives. I had been hiding from God for 20 years when I started working for Gregg. When I needed answers to business issues, Gregg never shied away from quoting a proverb or telling me about a parable from the Bible. His servant leadership approach was different from anything I had ever experienced. Gregg’s courage and willingness to incorporate his faith into his business practices changed my life and eventually resulted in my desire to teach millions to do likewise. In Hebrews 10:38, God says, “But My righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” Incorporating courageous faith in your workplace does change lives for eternity.

    God can transform entire workplaces. Seth felt God was instructing him to stay employed at a large hardware store until every employee heard about Jesus Christ. Obediently, Seth began a Bible study and a prayer group at work. By the time God released Seth from the store two years later, all 170 employees had heard about Jesus, and 100 of them had received Jesus as their Lord. “…and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

    © 2026, 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

    • How do you feel about people sharing their faith in the workplace?
    • What are some of the possible problems that can occur when someone shares his or her faith with colleagues, employees, customers, clients or suppliers? What safeguards do you think are necessary?
    • Have you experienced ways in which you have tried to integrate your faith in God with how you approach your work each day? If so, what are some examples? What kind of response did you receive?
    • Why do you think there is opposition to people seeking to live out their faith through their work, as well as in other areas of their lives?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 22:29; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17,23-24

    Challenge for This Week

    Have you ever wondered why God has placed you in the kind of work that you do – and the specific place where you work? Take some time this week to pray and consider, if you have not already done so, what the Lord would desire to do through you in the workplace.

    It might be helpful to discuss this with some close friends, a mentor, and perhaps members of your CBMC group. Invite them to offer their perspectives.

    Matt Trayler

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  • TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS, GROWTH, AND RENEWED HOPE

    TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS, GROWTH, AND RENEWED HOPE

    How has this year been for you? The greatest year ever? One in which many of your hopes and dreams were fulfilled? If so, congratulations! Or maybe it was just the opposite, the year that cannot end soon enough? The year when it seemed things could not get any worse – yet somehow, they did?

    One of the best things about every new calendar year is the chance for a fresh start, a new beginning. If the previous year was a good one, we can draw from it, build on what we did well, and strive to make the new year even better. However, if the past year was one that we would rather forget, we can start afresh and claim a “do-over” – what golfers call a ‘mulligan’ – making necessary changes with the hope of having better experience and outcomes over the next 12 months.

    Like the coach of an athletic team preparing for the next contest, we can look back and evaluate what went well, what went wrong, and what changes we can make in seeking improvement. Having the opportunity for a new start can be reassuring, exciting, motivating, even daunting.

    For those of us striving to be “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) in the marketplace, being able to begin anew is a promise from God. In Isaiah 48:6, He declares, “…From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you.” God was speaking specifically to His chosen people, the often rebellious, disobedient people of Israel, promising to forgive and restore them. But as followers of Jesus, we too can trust He will reveal, “new things…hidden things unknown to you.”

    It starts with our commitment to Christ, being “born again” spiritually (John 3:3), and becoming “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Speaking through an Old Testament prophet, God promised, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).

    This spiritual transaction makes it possible for us to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4), or as another translation states, “…now we also may live new lives.” We sometimes look back with regret, sorrowful over things we have said or done. Although we cannot erase what has taken place in the past, by trusting in this new life God has given, we can overcome and avoid repeating the same mistakes – what the Bible calls “sins.”

    The apostle Paul understood this. Writing toward the end of his life, knowing his bold, outspoken faith in Christ would soon lead to his execution, he said, “…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

    Paul was not referring to the end of one calendar year and the start of another, but he grasped the danger of dwelling on days gone by and allowing things done in the past to affect the immediacy of the present and the potential for the future. As we confront the challenges of the marketplace, recognizing things we could and should have done differently or better, we would be wise to hold the same attitude.

    We do not have to wait until the advent of a new year to start over and seek to correct past wrongs. However, when we wish one another “Happy New Year!” we can trust that through the Lord’s wisdom, guidance, and strength, we can anticipate the year about to unfold will be better than the one that is about to conclude. All for the glory of God.

    © 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

    • How would you assess the year that is about to end? Was it a good one, not so good, or totally unforgettable? Explain your answer.
    • Looking ahead to the new calendar year, what are some of your plans, goals, hopes and expectations? How does the anticipation of having a fresh start affect those for you?
    • What are the positives – and the negatives – of looking back upon the past? In what ways can it be beneficial? In what ways can it create problems or be counterproductive? Can you think of any specific examples?
    • The Bible speaks a lot about newness, new beginnings, and “becoming new.” What does that mean for you? Do you find that helpful and encouraging, or do you question whether that applies to your life and work in a practical way?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Isaiah 42:9, 43:19; Luke 5:37-39; Romans 7:6; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:2-24

    Challenge for This Week

    Are you feeling excited about the arrival of a new year? Try to take an opportunity to write down some things you have learned over the past year, along with things you would like to change or do differently in the coming year.

    It might be helpful to discuss these things with a close friend, mentor, some trusted advisors or small group, inviting their comments and feedback.

    Matt Trayler

  • CHRISTMAS: A CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER

    CHRISTMAS: A CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER

    This week marks the annual celebration we call Christmas, observed in many parts of the world. For many people, it is about the arrival of Santa Claus, known in other nations by names like Pere Noel, Sinterklaas, St. Nicholas, Der Weihnachtsmann, Father Christmas, Noel Baba, Babbo Natale, and Kris Kringle. Traditions and depictions of the famous Christmas person vary markedly.

    In the business world, Christmas often means the last, most important step in trying to achieve a profitable calendar year. ‘The Christmas season’ often involves lavish gift giving, festive parties and events, and other end-of-year activities. All of these can lead to greatly increased revenues that will please any company’s finance department.

    Of course, the origin of the festive event had nothing to do with a man wearing a red suit, a white beard, big smile, and a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” as he is depicted in the United States. Or holiday sales promotions. It originated in the Middle East, in what one Christmas carol called, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” which is located less than seven miles (about 10 kilometers) from Jerusalem. The word “Christmas” refers to Jesus Christ, who was born there more than 2,000 years ago.

    The first two chapters of both the gospels of Matthew and Luke in the Bible’s New Testament give us accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. They tell us a young woman named Mary was visited by an angel who declared, “Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of his [ancestral] father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).

    In the second chapter, we learn that Mary and her betrothed husband, Joseph, journeyed from their town of Nazareth to Bethlehem in accordance with a census decree by the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus. Jesus being born in Bethlehem fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).

    The most compelling description of Jesus Christ, however, is found in the gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us…” (John 1:1-2,14). What this means would be unbelievable – if it were not true.

    God took on human flesh as Jesus, living on earth for 33 years, teaching and preaching, setting an example of how to live, being crucified as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humankind, and being resurrected from the dead, achieving once and for all victory over death and assuring that everyone who trusts in Him will have eternal life.

    As the Scriptures declare, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13). To summarize in a few words, if it were not for Jesus’ birth, His life, death, and resurrection, there would be no reason for Christmas. But they did occur – so we can sing, “Hallelujah”!

    © 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

    • Describe what Christmas means for you. What impact – if any – does it have on the productivity and profitability of your company or organization? Explain your answer.
    • Have you observed that in many cases Christmas is observed and celebrated without any direct reference to Jesus Christ – His birth and life? Why do you think that is?
    • If you have taken time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance, both for your life and for the world in which you live, what have been your conclusions?
    • The last Bible passage cited in this ‘Monday Manna’ states that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ – has sincerely placed their faith and trust in Him – can know they have eternal life? What do you think that means? What does it mean for you?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-24-2:12; Luke 2:1-20; Romans 8:1-4; Philippians 2:7-8

    Challenge for This Week

    If you observe Christmas, have you ever noticed your feelings about it becoming stale, that you do not have the same enthusiasm and excitement about it that you once did? If so, this would be a very good time to reread the passages listed above and reconsider what they mean for you.

    In Psalm 51:7-9, King David of Israel wrote these words: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” If Christmas for you has become ho-hum, rather than ho-ho-ho, this might be a good time to pray this prayer for yourself and seek to regain the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and all He has done for you.

    Matt Trayler

  • MAXIMIZING THE POWER OF CLOSED LIPS

    MAXIMIZING THE POWER OF CLOSED LIPS

    A few years ago, I was in a high-stakes meeting with senior executives from multiple sectors: an audience not easily impressed. We were discussing integrity in leadership, and I had just finished speaking when I ended with a pointed challenge: “What would it cost you to do what’s right when no one’s watching?” Then I stopped talking. No clever close. No pivot to the next slide. Just silence.

    I looked; I made eye contact. Five seconds, then 10. At first, people shifted in their chairs, waiting for me to finish the script they had written in their heads. But as the silence stretched, the atmosphere changed. They leaned in. The weight of the question didn’t fade; it deepened. The silence gave it room to breathe.

    That is what wise silence does. It does not retreat from responsibility or signal weakness. It magnifies meaning. It invites reflection. And for the Christian leader, it reveals something greater: a deep confidence in God’s sovereignty and in the faithful trajectory you have already set.

    We are conditioned to think good leadership is about having the sharpest answer, the strongest voice, or the most decisive action. But kingdom leadership also includes the discipline of discerned silence, especially when you know you have led with righteousness, planned with godly intention, and can now rest in it. Jesus stood before Pilate, accused, pressured, and misunderstood: “But He gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.” (Matthew 27:14).

    Let that settle in. The Son of God, fully able to dismantle every lie with a word, chose silence. This was not passivity. This was power under perfect control. It was leadership grounded not in image, but in obedience. Not in performance, but in purpose. Jesus’ silence was not uncertainty; it was unshakable trust in God the Father’s plan. It said, “I don’t need to defend myself. The mission is already in motion.” That is the posture we need in the marketplace: set your course, lead with righteousness, plan with godly intention, and then rest. You do not have to fill every pause with self-defense or scramble for consensus when you are anchored in God’s direction.

    In today’s marketplace, noise is currency: strategy sessions, rapid-fire messages, constant “personal branding.” We are told to always speak, always weigh in, always stay visible. But what if your most formative leadership move this week is not what you say, but what you choose not to say?

    When utilized well, silence can:

    • Give space for wisdom to emerge, from you or from others.
    • Shift focus from self-justification to truth-examination.
    • Model emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity.
    • Demonstrate a non-anxious presence: someone who doesn’t need to dominate the room to lead it.
    • Invite reflection on what’s eternal, not just what’s tactical.

    A well-placed pause in a meeting can become a doorway. It’s not manipulation, it’s ministry. It allows the biblical worldview you carry to echo louder than any pitch can. And when you have already set a faithful trajectory, silence becomes less about hesitation and more about steady, God-trusting leadership. In a culture of reactive leadership, the Christian who pauses, listens deeply, speaks sparingly, and embraces holy stillness leads from a different source. Such leadership doesn’t just get results; it shapes souls.

    © 2025. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace. 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, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    • When have you experienced a moment in your professional life in which silence spoke louder than words? How did it impact the outcome of the conversation or meeting, and what did it communicate about your leadership?
    • What does “setting a faithful trajectory” look like in your current role or business environment? How can intentional planning with godly motives give you the confidence to lead without always having to defend or explain yourself?
    • In a culture where “noise is currency,” what practical steps can you take to resist the pressure to always speak, post, or promote? How might those choices influence the spiritual climate of your workplace?
    • Jesus’ silence before Pilate was rooted in His trust in the Father’s plan. In what situations at work do you find it most difficult to remain silent, and how could trusting God’s sovereignty change your approach?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 10:19,32, 11:12, 12:14, 13:3, 15:2,4,7,23, 17:28, 18:21; Ephesians 4:29

    Challenge for This Week

    Set your course. Trust that you have led with righteousness and planned with godly intention, then rest in it. You do not need to hustle for the last word or fight to fill the silence. The confidence of a faithful trajectory lets you stand still without backing down, and it preaches louder than panic ever could.

    This week, resolve not to just fill the air with words that come to mind. Steward your silence. Because sometimes, the loudest act of faith in the marketplace is the choice – the choice not to speak. You might find it helpful to discuss this with someone else, receiving and giving encouragement, and praying for God’s wisdom regarding when to speak. And when not to speak.

    Matt Trayler

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  • OUR PRIMARY CALLING INFORMS OUR SPECIFIC CALLING

    OUR PRIMARY CALLING INFORMS OUR SPECIFIC CALLING

    Mike Sharrow, who works with business executives and helps them to achieve excellence in all areas of their lives, was interviewed in a magazine about his personal journey and calling. He told about when he struggled with a sacred-secular divided mindset and with his identity being tied to his vocation.  

    Fortunately, Sharrow explained, he discovered this profound insight: “If where you are, defines who you are, then maybe you don’t really understand who you are.” In other words, our identity, our innate sense of who we are, should not be determined by our location (where we work or live), or even the position we hold (our job title).

    For one thing, where we work, what company, what office, and even in what city, can change. In some cases, many times during a lifetime. So, why should our identity be defined based on where we happen to be at a specific moment? When we base our identity on where we are, when the setting in which we work changes, that can have a dramatic effect on our perception of ourselves.

    This is especially true for those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, seeking to represent Him through our work. The Bible teaches that our true identity is in being a child of God, not in our job title. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

    God has a calling for each one of us vocationally, and as 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us, we are to serve as “ambassadors of Christ” wherever we go to work. However, our true identity and primary calling is that of a child of God. 

    Sports columnist Terry Pluto wrote about visiting an out-of-town church where a young pastor preached about discovering your vocation. What stood out to Pluto during this message was that while this pastor emphasized the callings of professionals in the workplace, he overlooked the so-called blue-collar professions, such as people who work in the construction trades, mechanics, repair people, even maids and custodial staff.  

    People striving and thriving in jobs like these also have a calling from God. They, too, are representatives for Christ wherever they work, serving others with diligence, excellence, and integrity. 

    I think of the plumber who visited our home when we had multiple appliances broken, which was causing considerable frustration for my wife, Kathy. The plumber was kind to say to her, “I know this is stressful. Would you mind if I pray for you?” Can you imagine someone actually doing that? That is something a true follower of Jesus might do. And it impacted my wife deeply. 

    In our world, we tend to elevate certain professions above others, as if they are more significant. In reality, the most important job at any moment is the work that must be done right then. Including doing household repairs. As 1 Corinthians 7:17 exhorts, “Let each one live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him.” Whether you are a businessperson, professional, or blue-collar worker, God has a purpose for you and desires for you to bloom right where He has planted you.

    © 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

    • Read the quote again, “If where you are, defines who you are, then maybe you don’t really understand who you are.” What is your initial reaction to that statement?
    • When we meet other people, especially in a marketplace setting, one of the first questions we often ask is, “What do you do?” meaning, “What kind of work do you do – and where?” What are the positives and negatives about asking that?
    • What would you say is the basis of your own sense of identity? How important is the kind of work you do – and where you do it – in understanding who you are?
    • How does someone knowing that he or she is a child of God influence not only their sense of personal identity, but also their perspective on their work?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 18:9, 22:29; 1 Corinthians 7:21-22; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17, 23-24

    Challenge for This Week

    Take time this week to honestly evaluate your attitude toward your work. Is it where you receive the most fulfillment – your sense of identity? Where does your faith factor in as you perceive your identity?

    It might be helpful to discuss this with a close friend, mentor, trusted advisors, or a small group you are a part of. Where do they get their own sense of identity?

    Matt Trayler

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  • IMPORTANCE OF SETTING THE ATMOSPHERE

    IMPORTANCE OF SETTING THE ATMOSPHERE

    We all know atmosphere. It’s the air around us; the oxygen filling our lungs, sustaining life without us even thinking about it. We don’t often pay attention, but without it, we couldn’t last a moment.

    The same is true in our work. Every office, every meeting, every conversation carries an atmosphere. Sometimes it’s heavy, sometimes it’s light, but it’s always there. And whether we realize it or not, we bring atmosphere with us into every space we enter.

    Our body shifts the air. Our voice carries. Our presence fills space. There is no such thing as neutral. Whenever we step into a room, we change its atmosphere. This is true for anyone. However, it is especially true for those of us who follow Jesus. We don’t just carry our physical body into a room – we carry the Spirit of God. The air must change when we walk in.

    The apostle Paul expressed it like this: “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15). We are the fragrance of heaven in a world that too often smells like hurry, fear, and pressure.

    Think about your workplace: A tense meeting. A hallway conversation. The client call that could go either way, moving toward a good outcome – or not. The way you speak can oxygenate someone’s soul, or it can leave them gasping. Your presence is never background noise. It sets the tone.

    This is why Paul’s words in Galatians matter: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These are not just private virtues. We could call them corporate atmospherics. They can shape the culture, the mood of the room. They are how people experience you at work. Leadership is not only vision and execution. It is also atmosphere. The air people breathe when they’re around you. What psychologists call “emotional contagion.” Jesus called it “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16).

    With this in mind, here are three important principles we should remember:

    • People catch your spirit before they hear your strategy.
    • Presence is always more powerful than position.
    • Atmosphere spreads – fear and pressure multiply quickly, but so do love and peace.

    Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Colossae, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Imagine a workplace where meetings lift people up instead of draining them. Where words are seasoned with grace, reflecting love, compassion, and kindness. Where your presence quietly but intentionally points people toward life in Christ.

    Not everyone will respond favorably toward us. As Paul also pointed out, “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life” (2 Corinthians 2:16). And yet, all we can do is reflect Christ.

    So leader, capture the space. Not with ego. Not with force. But with the Spirit. Walk into the room with the intention of letting heaven leak out. Breathe in the Spirit. Breathe out grace. Watch the atmosphere change.

    © 2025. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace. 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, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    • In what ways do you think your presence – your tone, body language, or words – helps to shape the culture of your workplace?
    • Paul calls us “the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). What might be the impact on others if they can “smell” Christ through your leadership this week?
    • Leadership often prioritizes results and performance. How can you reframe leadership in terms of setting spiritual atmosphere – love, peace, patience – instead of just seeking to drive outcomes?
    • When you reflect on the fruit of the Spirit (listed in Galatians 5:22-23), which “atmospheric quality” do you most need to embody more intentionally in your daily work?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Matthew 5:13-16; Mark 10:45; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Philippians 2:3-4,14-15

    Challenge for This Week

    When we awaken every morning, we cannot physically see the atmosphere, but we know it is there. We breathe it in without even thinking about it. This week would be a good time for you to reflect on how you are contributing to the atmosphere at your workplace. When you enter a building, office, or meeting room, are you enhancing the atmosphere?

    Take some time to discuss this with someone – a close friend, colleague at work, someone you are mentoring or who is mentoring you, or a small group you are a part of. Invite their honest feedback. Then, think and pray about any changes you might need to make through the power of Christ.

    Matt Trayler

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