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  • WHEN THE NUMBERS DO NOT WORK

    WHEN THE NUMBERS DO NOT WORK

    It usually starts with a screen glowing back at you. A spreadsheet. A forecast. A set of numbers that refuse to behave. The margin is thin. The pressure is real. People are looking to you for an answer, and everything in front of you says the same thing: This is not enough.

    That moment is common in the marketplace. It is also sacred ground, the place where beliefs and values and convictions are put to the test. The question is, will we pass the test – or fail?

    This is not a new problem. It is as old as time. We see it often in the Bible. For example, in John 6, Jesus stands before a massive crowd. Thousands of people. Real hunger. Real need. And before He does anything miraculous, He asks a question that feels almost imprudent: “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” (John 6:5).

    One of His disciples, Philip, does what leaders are trained to do. He calculates. He checks the purse. He runs the numbers and delivers the verdict. Even if they spend everything, he concludes, it will not be enough. Disciple Andrew tries a different angle. He spots what little they do have. A boy. Five loaves. Two fish. But he can’t even finish the sentence without admitting defeat. “What are they for so many?” (John 6:9).

    In his account, the disciple John pulls back the curtain: “He (Jesus) said this to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do” (John 6:6). That line changes everything. Jesus is not confused. He is not asking because He lacks a plan. He already knows the outcome. The question is not about bread. It is about belief. Philip brings calculation. Andrew brings initiative. Both are reasonable. But both fall short. Not because they are wrong, but because they stop where human logic stops.

    This is where many professionals live. We are disciplined. Trained. Competent. And when pressure hits, we instinctively default to control. More effort. Better planning. One more attempt to make the numbers bend. John 6 exposes that lie. There are moments when leadership is no longer about fixing the problem but about surrendering it. Jesus does not dismiss what is offered. He receives it. He gives thanks. Then He does what only He can do.

    Abundance does not come from better math. It comes from placing what you have into the hands of the Lord, who already knows what He will do. In the marketplace, faith is not tested when the numbers work. Faith is tested when they do not. When the plan feels thin. When the solution feels embarrassing. When your best effort falls short. That is often where Jesus is most determined to show Himself faithful. When the numbers don’t work, the Lord may be testing not your ability, but your trust.

    Leadership Takeaways:

    1.  Not every leadership challenge is meant to be solved. Some are meant to be surrendered.

    2.  Competence is a gift, but it becomes a liability when it replaces trust.

    3.  Jesus asks questions to expose where we place our confidence.

    4.  God can do more with surrendered resources than we can do with perfected plans.

    © 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. Where are the “numbers not working” in your current season of leadership? Be specific. What pressures, limitations, or expectations are revealing how you normally respond when control starts slipping?
    • In John 6, Philip calculates, and Andrew improvises. Which response do you default to under pressure and why? How has that instinct served you well, and where might it be quietly limiting your dependence on Christ?
    • What does surrender look like in the marketplace without turning into passivity or irresponsibility? Where is the line between faithful stewardship and faithless control in your role right now?
    • If Jesus already “knows what He will do,” how should that truth change the way you carry leadership weight this week? What would it look like to lead from trust rather than fear when the outcome is uncertain?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Exodus 4:1-7, 16:1-18, 17:1-7; Deuteronomy 8:1-5; Isaiah 48:10; Matthew 16:8-10

    Challenge for This Week

    This week, identify one leadership situation where the numbers do not work. Instead of fixing it immediately, bring it honestly before the Lord in prayer. Acknowledge your limits and offer Him what you have, even if it feels insufficient. Then take one concrete step of trust. Release control where you normally grip it tightly. Obey where fear would push you to manage outcomes.

    Finally, share this situation with your CBMC team or a trusted discipleship mentor. Invite prayer and accountability. Let others help you discern where faith is being tested. By the end of the week, pay attention to what changes, not just around you, but within you. When numbers do not work, God is often working most deeply in the leader. Lead with trust. The Lord already knows what He will do.

    Matt Trayler

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  • BRINGING EASTER TO THE WORKPLACE EVERY DAY

    BRINGING EASTER TO THE WORKPLACE EVERY DAY

    For many people around the world, the observance of Holy Week and Easter has just ended. This annual celebration ranks at the top of the calendar for Christendom, but for the marketplace, its importance ranks far below other holidays – like Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving

    The reason is simple: In the world of commerce, Christmas and Thanksgiving represent times for greatly increased consumer spending, and for many companies, that means a significant surge in revenues. New Year’s Day typically signifies the turn of the calendar and a fresh start for planning and setting goals for another year. Easter, by comparison, does not make as significant a mark on the profit and loss ledger. And yet it is the most spiritual of all holidays, commemorating the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And its impact can be meaningful every day of the year.

    How does that relate to the pragmatic, pressure-packed business and professional world? Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ might think Easter has little if any significance. But for those who follow Jesus, who strive to live as disciples of Christ, it should make all the difference in the world. We do not worship and serve a dead spiritual leader or participate in religious rituals with no practical relevance for the everyday workplace. We serve Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead on the third day, and now offers new life to anyone who will receive it. Here is some of what the Bible says:

    Aiming for the highest standard. Any good company upholds standards of conduct for its employees, as well as clearly articulated values. Effective bosses communicate what is expected of those who report to them. But for followers of Jesus, we should not only adhere to corporate standards, but also to the standards God has established in the Scriptures. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).    

    Finding purpose and meaning. For many people, work is only a means for paying bills or attaining a desired standard of living. Followers of Christ, however, have a much higher purpose and calling. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). “…God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ…. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:19). 

    Appropriating the necessary strength. Have you ever found yourself confronting a seemingly insurmountable challenge, yet one that could not be avoided and had to be addressed? Each of us, at one time or another, reaches a point when we think, “I cannot do this!” At such times, Christ provides us with His strength, wisdom, and insight. “If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As the apostle Paul declared, “I can do everything through [Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).    

    Being able to overcome temptation. There are many temptations in the marketplace, some that seem too enticing to ignore. They might involve being dishonest, stealing, compromising our integrity, engaging in improper relationships, and many other things. In Christ, we have the power to resist. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).    

    © 2026. 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, and numerous other books and magazine articles. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. What, if anything, does Easter mean for you? Compared to Christmas and New Year’s, how would you rate its impact for you – both personally and professionally?
    2. Do you agree that biblical teachings call us to an even higher standard of behavior and performance than company or corporate guidelines establish? Why or why not?
    3. Where do you find meaning for your life? If someone were to ask you, ‘Why do you go to work?’, what would be your answer?
    4. When tempted to do things you know you should not do, whether at work or in your personal life, what is your typical response? Do you fight the temptation, attempt to think about something else, or do you find yourself eventually yielding to the temptation – and then regretting it? How can faith in Jesus Christ make a difference in how we handle the various temptations that confront us every day in the workplace?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Exodus 20:1-17; Ecclesiastes 2:11,24, 5:18, 12:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:17

    Challenge for This Week

    Someone has said that if there had not been an Easter, there would have been no reason to celebrate Christmas. This week, it might be good to take time to reflect upon what Easter means for you, not only as a once-a-year observance but as an everyday reality.

    Share your conclusions with a good friend, mentor, trusted advisor, or a small group you meet with regularly. Invite them to share their thoughts as well.

    Matt Trayler

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  • STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING SUCCESS

    STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING SUCCESS

    The “how-to” section of most bookstores and libraries is typically the most popular. People are eager to learn how to do things, from making furniture to getting their finances under control to learning to lose weight. If you do not know how to do something, there are books available that can tell you how.

    There are many such books relating to the business and professional world, including how to build a successful career. If you are a salesperson, you can learn how many calls you should make each day or how to close a sales deal. If you are an executive, books will tell you how to be an effective leader, how to create and manage a high-performing team, and how to use time productively.

    Regardless of the role you have in the marketplace, however, we can find some universal “how-to” principles in the Bible for how to experience a fulfilling, God-honoring career. Here are some of them:

    Be Prepared. Whether going into an interview, participating in a meeting, making a sales presentation, or just starting a new workday, we need to be prepared. Even to the point of expecting the unexpected. When opportunities present themselves, we need to be ready to respond. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).    

    Be Present. Rather than dwelling on the past or dreaming about the future, it is critical to remain fully aware and engaged in the current moment, concentrating on the “here and now.” We cannot undo what has occurred in the past, and what the future holds can be greatly influenced by what we do right now. In addition, those we work with and interact with need our full attention. “…better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away” (Proverbs 27:10). “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up, but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).    

    Be Patient. One of the hardest things in life and work is remaining patient when whatever we are hoping to achieve is slow in coming. This is where trust and faith, not only in ourselves but also in God and His plans, are important. “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:11-12).    

    Be Persevering. Sometimes failure is a result of not trying one more time. Achieving success often requires being willing to stick with the process and not surrendering to discouragement. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

    Be Praying. For followers of Jesus Christ, our belief in His calling and that we are exactly where He has placed us for this moment gives us hope. With this in mind, we should maintain an attitude of prayer, always seeking His wisdom and direction regardless of the circumstances we are facing. “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).   

    © 2026. 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; andThe Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard, and numerous other books and magazine articles. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. What ideas or principles have been guiding you as you seek to succeed and excel in your work? Are you influenced by the latest and greatest fads, people who emerge promising to provide the “secrets” to being successful and prosperous in the marketplace? Explain your answer.
    2. Obviously, the Bible is not a book that focuses solely on the marketplace. Why do you think we should have confidence in applying principles from the Scriptures to our everyday workplace responsibilities and challenges?
    3. Many other biblical principles could have been cited, but which of the ones presented in this Monday Manna seems most meaningful for you? Being prepared? Being positive? Persevering? Or something else?
    4. Have you ever considered prayer as an important aspect for pursuing success in the business and professional world? In what ways might you consider praying about situations you are dealing with right now?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs10:9, 11:3, 15:22, 16:3-4, 19:21, 21:5, 25:13, 28:2; Galatians 6:9-10

    Challenge for This Week

    If you have been following other paths for success in your career, what changes might be needed if you were to study and apply biblical principles for how to approach your work?

    If you are relatively new to the idea of using the Scriptures for wisdom in carrying out your workplace responsibilities, it would be good to seek out someone you have seen who understands and demonstrates how those principles work effectively. Or, if you have already been using the Word of God to guide your career, you might pray for God to lead you to someone who would benefit from your experience and insight – someone you might even begin to disciple, in keeping with Jesus’ commission to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

    Matt Trayler

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  • RUN THE RACE TO FINISH WELL

    RUN THE RACE TO FINISH WELL

    The marketplace worships competition, bigger numbers, faster growth, and relentless pursuit of the next win. The pressure never lets up: grow revenue and capacity, expand, outperform. But the truth is, you can run hard and still cross the wrong finish line.

    How can we know which is the right finish line? Jesus Christ’s words cut through the noise: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). That is not a call to abandon excellence or shrug off results; it is a call to reorder them. Excellence still matters, but the aim changes. The scoreboard is no longer expansion or applause; it is obedience. The pace is no longer set by adrenaline or ambition; it’s governed by eternity.

    Hebrews 12 says, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” That phrase – “the race set before us” – matters. It means the path God has designed for you, not someone else’s. Not the path that culture celebrates or your ego prefers, but the one bound to God’s purposes through your life. Yet we drift. Comparison pulls us into someone else’s lane, chasing their influence instead of following our calling. Comfort tempts us to reshape the race for safety and ease. Distraction eats at our focus, filling our minds with noise until eternity fades from view. Still, the call remains: Keep running the race God has actually given you.

    What does that look like for leaders in the marketplace? Three things mark those who run well.

    Run the right race. Comparison is poison. Faithfulness isn’t imitation but obedience. You have been wired for a specific assignment; people, places, and purposes that God fitted for His glory through your life. Stop glancing sideways; run forward with endurance and conviction. The lane God gave you is exactly wide enough for carrying out His will.

    Seek the Kingdom first. Comfort and control will always compete for your loyalty. Kingdom-first leadership refuses to make personal ease the goal. Success must be defined by what aligns with God’s character, promises, and commands, not by what insulates you from risk. The race of faith will always stretch you beyond what feels manageable, because grace meets you where comfort will not.

    Finish well. The trumpet will sound. Christ will return. On that day, the metrics that ruled your calendar will not matter. What will matter is endurance; did you stay the course, with your eyes fixed on Jesus? Falling does not disqualify you; refusing to get up does. The Christian life is not about flawless execution but about relentless faithfulness. When you stumble, repent quickly, stand up, and keep running. Keep loving even when it costs you. Keep forgiving even when it hurts. Keep serving even when no one sees. Perseverance is the true proof of devotion.

    The marketplace will always measure your worth by pace and performance, by who is ahead and who is behind. Christ, however, measures it by endurance, by the quiet strength of a heart that refuses to quit when the crowd moves on. He isn’t impressed by speed but by surrender, not by spotlight but by steadfastness. In the end, the voice of the market will fade, and the voice of Jesus will remain:

    Run your race. Eyes up. Kingdom first. Finish well.

    © 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. Where do you feel the pressure to keep up – chasing numbers, status, or approval – and how might that be pulling you out of the race God actually set before you?
    2. How would your daily priorities shift if “seeking first the Kingdom of God” became the true filter for how you led your team, managed time, or measured success?
    3. What comforts or conveniences at work tempt you to play it safe instead of trusting God’s call to lead courageously, speak truth, or serve others sacrificially?
    4. If someone observed your leadership this past week – your decisions, your tone, your pace – would they see a person running to win applause, or a disciple running to finish well?

    NOTE: If you would like to explore more on endurance in the Christian life and workplace, consider these Bible passages: Romans 5:3-5; Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 4:15-16; James 1:2-4,12; 1 Peter 1:5-8

    Challenge for This Week

    Trying to cope with the everyday pressures and demands of the marketplace can feel overwhelming – especially if you are trying to handle them on your own. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.” Do you have someone in whom you can confide, to help in sharing burdens that seem too heavy?

    If you have someone – or a small group – that is helping you in this way, fully utilize their support, encouragement, and counsel. If not, pray that God will guide you to a friend in whom you can confide, a mentor, a trusted advisor, or a small accountability group that can help you in serving the Lord and representing Him faithfully and effectively.

    Matt Trayler

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  • CREATING A WINNING CORPORATE CULTURE

    CREATING A WINNING CORPORATE CULTURE

    Have you ever visited different businesses and noticed the considerable differences in employees’ attitudes and behaviors? Last week I went to a health supplements store to replenish some of the vitamins I use each day. I was greeted with a smile the moment I walked in the door, and then another staff person was more than happy to assist me in locating the items I was looking for. I made my purchase and left feeling like a valued customer.

    Many of us have experienced similar interactions when going to the Chick-fil-A fast-food restaurants. I’ve been to a number of them in different states, but at each, I have had the same experience: The employees make you feel welcome, seem pleased to see you, and when you complete your transaction, they always close by saying, “My pleasure.”

    On the other hand, I have also gone to other businesses where employees seem disinterested, even rude. They act as if your arrival has become an interruption, a great inconvenience, rather than an opportunity to be of service to a customer who plans to spend money with them.

    What is the difference? Corporate culture. It involves hiring and retaining the right kinds of people, giving them proper training, clearly communicating expectations for how they are to interact with customers, clients, and suppliers, and ensuring the company’s clearly thought-out and communicated mission and values are consistently maintained.

    This does not happen by accident. It must be intentional. We cannot expect that staff people and team members will instinctively understand how they are to relate with people who do business with us. And it must start at the top – it is up to the CEO, other executives, and managers to set the example.

    Establishing a strong, customer-centered corporate culture is not as difficult as it might seem, especially if we use some simple, foundational principles as guidelines. Here are some that we find in the Scriptures:

    Casting clear vision. There is a saying that if you do not know where you are going, any road will get you there. Every member of the business team should have a good understanding of where the company wants to go and how it intends to get there. “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained” (Proverbs 29:18). Another translation states, “the people perish.”  

    Setting the example. We cannot expect those who report to us to live and work according to a higher standard than we demonstrate. Live up to the standard, then communicate that others should strive for the same. “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24).    

    Showing value by serving. Customers and clients are not luxuries; they are essential for a business or organization to survive and thrive. They should be served in a manner that affirms how important and valued they are. We have no better example of this than Jesus Christ. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

    Treating others well. If you were the customer rather than the executive or staff member, how would you want to be treated? Determine that – and then train all members of the team to treat others the same way. “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).

    © 2026. 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; andThe Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard, and numerous other books and magazine articles. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Think of a company or store that you enjoy patronizing again and again. What is it about that business that makes you want to be a repeat customer or client?
    2. Now, think of another company or store that you no longer want to do business with. What happened that made you unwilling to go there anymore?
    3. What is your approach to dealing with the “customers” you have – clients, suppliers, people that report to you, fellow team members? Are you helping to establish and maintain a winning, successful corporate culture where you work? Explain your answer.
    4. Looking at the list of biblical guidelines for building a strong, healthy corporate culture, can you think of any other principles that could have been included?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read, consider the following passages: Proverbs 10:9, 11:1, 15:33, 16:11; 28:2; Acts 20:35; Colossians 3:17, 23-24

    Challenge for This Week

    Take some time to think about a company, business, or store that makes you feel valued every time you go there. After evaluating why that is, consider your own attitude and behavior toward those you work for and work with. How does it compare?

    If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your foremost responsibility at work – as well as in your private life – is to serve as an “ambassador for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Consider how effectively you are doing this. It might be helpful to discuss this with others who know you and have your best interests at heart.

    Matt Trayler

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  • THE POWER OF ‘NO’

    THE POWER OF ‘NO’

    What did you say “No” to today?

    Most of us rush to count our “Yesses” – new projects, new clients, new commitments, new opportunities. We stack them high like trophies, convinced that activity equals value. But it is not the things we say “yes” to that define us. It is the things we say “no” to that make the difference. Ronald Rolheiser once wrote, “Every choice is a thousand renunciations.” To say yes to one thing is to say no to a thousand others. You cannot avoid it. The question is not if you will say no; it is what you will say no to.

    We find the perfect example in the Bible: Jesus lived with that kind of clarity. After a long night of healing in Capernaum, His disciples came searching. “Everyone is looking for you,” they said, as if that were reason enough to stay where they were. But Jesus said no. “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out” (Mark 1:38). He was not being callous or careless. He simply knew His “yes” was already spoken for. That freed Him to say no, even to good and urgent things.

    Saying “yes” out of fear. That is where many of us fall apart. We keep saying yes out of fear – fear of missing out, fear of disappointing people, fear of being left behind. But endless yeses are not signs of strength. They are symptoms of slavery. A yes to everything eventually becomes a no to what matters most. It is exhaustion dressed up as importance.

    A season for everything that matters. The writer of Ecclesiastes puts it simply: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (3:1). That is not a sentimental verse to print on a coffee mug. It is a line of spiritual defiance against the tyranny of the urgent. You cannot do everything at once and call it obedience. There is a season for what God has assigned to you right now; having the courage to guard it with a “no” is what keeps it holy.

    Discernment over drive. The apostle Paul gets more direct with followers of Jesus in ancient Ephesus: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Wisdom is not about squeezing more into your calendar; it is about naming what matters most and refusing what does not. The wise do not run faster. They run truer. They understand that discernment is more powerful than drive.

    Understanding your essentials. Think about your week. Every yes costs you something: time with your spouse, being present with your kids, attention to your soul, and a deepening friendship with God. If your life feels packed and thin, it is not because you are too important. It is because you have stopped protecting the essentials. The marketplace will never do that for you. Your company will always ask for more. Your industry will always push harder. You have to be on guard; protect what is sacred yourself.

    Faith. Marriage. Family. Fellowship. Calling from God. These are the load-bearing walls of your life. If they collapse, everything else caves in. So, pause. Take time to breathe. Ask the question again: What did you say “No” to today? Not out of laziness. Not out of fear. But because your “Yes” was already spoken for, already committed in the presence of God.

    © 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. What drives most of your yesses right now – faith and purpose, or fear of missing out, falling behind, or disappointing someone?
    2. Which relationships or spiritual habits have quietly suffered because your schedule is too full to protect them?
    3. Where is God inviting you to draw a boundary at work or in ministry – not to quit, but to make space for what actually sustains your soul?
    4. If someone looked at your calendar this week, would they see evidence that your “yes” belongs to Jesus – or that it is already sold to something else?

    NOTE: If you would like to explore more on endurance in the Christian life and workplace, consider these Bible passages: Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:2-6; Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12;

    Challenge for This Week

    As you have read this Monday Manna, have you realized you have become a “yes man” or “yes woman”? If you find yourself agreeing to do something simply to please others or out of fear that they might think less of you, this week might be a good time for a “reset” on your commitments.

    Discuss this with someone else – a trusted friend or advisor, mentor, or a small group in which you can confide. Perhaps they also are struggling to say “No” at times. Oswald Chambers has said, “Good is the enemy of the best.” Talk about how saying “No” to the good can enable you to say “Yes” to the best.

    Matt Trayler

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  • USING THE ‘CHRIS PAUL EFFECT’ AS A GUIDE

    USING THE ‘CHRIS PAUL EFFECT’ AS A GUIDE

    By Rick Boxx

    Readers of Monday Manna come from many backgrounds. Some people are high-ranking executives, even CEOs. Most would fit into other classifications: Managers, department heads, salespeople, retail clerks, administrative assistants, entrepreneurs, professional people like physicians, attorneys, CPAs, and engineers. The list could go on. We all have different levels of authority and responsibility. However, even if you are not a CEO or business owner, at any level you can still have incredible influence on your team.

    A recent article in the respected periodical, Harvard Business Review, was titled, “Every Team Needs a Super-Facilitator.” It highlights longtime professional basketball player Chris Paul as a super-facilitator. Four times he has joined a new team, and within two years, each team experienced its best record ever.

    Chris Paul has become known for encouraging and getting the best from his teammates. According to the authors of the HBR article, teammates can add tremendous value to any team by learning to encourage and maximize the diverse expertise of their peers and cultivating trust.

    This principle is not limited to the realm of sports. It applies to virtually every area of life, including the business and professional world. We all work on teams. Even entrepreneurs rely on skills and abilities that others possess that they do not. So, while we are seeking to benefit from them to accomplish our goals and objectives, we can also strive to be like Chris Paul – to bring out the best in them.

    Reading through the Bible, we find much being said about the power and effects of encouraging others and building up one another. Here are several examples:

    Providing motivation. True leaders are people who prove to be worth following. That means they have vision and communicate it to others, work with enthusiasm, demonstrate how things should be done, and understand and value the capabilities of everyone on their team. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

    Setting the example. Working with excellence, integrity, determination, and humility are just some of the qualities that inspire others. When we set high standards of conduct and behavior for others, the impact cannot help but influence others in positive ways.  “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

    Sharpening each other’s abilities. Have you heard of creative friction? This occurs in the process of developing ideas, planning, and actual implementation of plans. Sometimes this results in constructive conflict, the offering and discussion of differing opinions and perspectives. Just as metal blades become sharper as they come into contact with each other, we too can become sharper and more effective in doing our jobs by rubbing shoulders with one another. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

    Receiving mutual support. Inspiring others and seeking to motivate them to perform at their best is not a one-way pursuit. Often, there is a reciprocal benefit, receiving encouragement and support as we are striving to provide those things to people we are teamed up with. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

    Regardless of your position, look for ways to encourage each teammate and their collective value. 

    © 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. Can you think of someone you know or have worked with who exhibited traits similar to the basketball player Chris Paul, who was described? What do you remember most about that person and the effect he or she had on other people?
    2. How do you think someone becomes a “super-facilitator,” being able to bring out the best in others?
    3. Consider the team in which you are currently working. Is there someone – even yourself – that would be an example of this “Chris Paul effect”? What steps do you think you could take to be more like that kind of person?
    4. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, striving to serve and represent Him in the workplace, you understand He was the ultimate example of motivating others and challenging them to do and become the best they could be. How can your relationship with Christ enable you to become a stronger, more impactful member of your team?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Matthew 16:24; John 13:15; Ephesians 5:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 13:7

    Challenge for This Week

    The challenges, demands, and stresses of the 21st-century marketplace are enough to wear down even the strongest among us. Take some time to do a personal evaluation: What is your typical attitude from day to day? Are you someone people look to for encouragement and inspiration? Or are you more likely to draw energy away from them?

    It would be helpful to share your conclusions with someone else – a close friend or coworker, accountability team, mentor, or group of advisors. Discuss – and pray about – how you can motivate one another to become “super-facilitators.”

    Matt Trayler

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  • THE WISDOM OF CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES

    THE WISDOM OF CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES

    In the professional world, conflict is part of the journey. Sometimes it involves unfair criticism, other times a misunderstanding, or a harsh word. The temptation to fight back can be strong – after all, who does not want to have the last word? But is it really worth it? Does every argument deserve our attention? More often than not, the true mark of strength is not winning a verbal battle, but having the discernment to know when silence is the wisest response.

    Jesus gave us a powerful example. Standing before Pilate, unjustly accused, He did not defend Himself. He remained silent – not out of weakness, but because He knew His mission was greater than that moment of confrontation. “But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed” (Mark 15:5). Jesus understood that the truth doesn’t need to be shouted to be recognized. It stands on its own.

    Centuries later, businessman Henry Ford faced a similar situation but in a very different context. After being called ignorant by a newspaper, he took the matter to court. During the trial, the lawyers tried to humiliate him with complicated questions about history and geography. Ford calmly responded: “If I want the answer to any of those questions, I can press a button and call someone who knows it. So why should I clutter my mind with information that isn’t essential to my purpose?”

    His answer completely disarmed the attack. Ford did not lose focus or allow himself to be shaken. He knew who he was, what he was doing, and where he wanted to go – a valuable lesson for all of us.

    As Christian business and professional people, we are called to seek that same kind of wisdom. The Bible reminds us: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues” (Proverbs 17:28). Not every battle is worth fighting. And even when it is, sometimes the best choice is to wait for the right moment. I learned from my father that a strategic retreat is also wisdom.

    Before entering into an argument, pause and ask yourself: “What is the purpose of this?” or “Where do I want this conversation to lead?” If your answer is “to prove I’m right,” or “to satisfy my ego,” it may be time to step back. Some battles just drain us. They do not help us grow; they do not build bridges – they wear us out. When we stay focused on what God has called us to do, we avoid unnecessary distractions and demonstrate maturity. Here are some suggestions on how to apply this wisdom in our lives:

    • Discern before reacting. Not every provocation deserves a response. Before you speak, ask: “Is this worth my peace?” Remember: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
    • Stay focused on your purpose. Don’t waste energy trying to convince those who do not want to listen. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
    • Silence can speak volumes. Sometimes moving forward without replying is the strongest thing to do. “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him” (Proverbs 26:4).
    • Pray before acting. If you need to respond, let your words be guided by God. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

    © 2026. Erenia Mendoza is the National Director of CBMC Brazil and a member of CBMC International’s Global Leadership Team. She also serves on CBMC’s Executive Committee for Latin America. Born in Nicaragua and raised in Brazil, Erenia built her career in the entertainment industry, specializing in distribution and marketing for films and series. She has worked with and for major studios, including Sony and Walt Disney, across Latin America.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. When confronted by conflict or criticism, what is your typical response? Do you quickly seek to defend yourself? Are you determined not to let the other person get in the last word? Explain your answer.
    2. How difficult is it to remain silent when you become the subject of unjust criticism or accusation? Can you think of any examples you have observed of people who have been able to do that?
    3. The writer of this Monday Manna states that not every battle is worth fighting. Do you agree with her? How can we determine which battles should be fought, and which should be avoided?
    4. In what ways can faith in Jesus Christ aid us in finding the necessary wisdom for determining which verbal battles are not worth the time or energy they would require of us?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 10:19-21,32, 12:18, 13:3, 14:16-17, 18:21, 21:23; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:5-6

    Challenge for This Week

    This week, let your intelligence shine more through your actions than through your arguments. Choose your battles with wisdom. And at the end of your journey, may you echo the apostle Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

    His was the legacy of someone who fought the right battles – and won – even when he chose to stay silent. Discuss this with someone you trust, inviting his or her feedback on how well you are doing in this area.

    Matt Trayler

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  • ALWAYS HELPFUL TO REVISIT THE BASICS

    ALWAYS HELPFUL TO REVISIT THE BASICS

    Years ago, the legendary coach of a pro sports team would start the first practice of each new season with a simple gesture. Holding up an object, he would say, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Why did he start this way? The players on his team were professionals. They knew what the ball looked like. However, the highly successful coach understood an important principle: It is helpful to get back to the basics.

    Many of us attend conferences, workshops, and seminars all designed to refresh and refine knowledge and skills in our chosen profession – to better understand our own ‘football.’ Such “continuing education” can be invaluable in not only surviving but also thriving in a highly competitive marketplace environment.

    In a similar way, for those of us who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ, revisiting the “basics” of what the Bible teaches can be very helpful for faithfully representing Him through our workplace pursuits. When I studied journalism in college, we were taught to write articles providing answers to the “five W’s and an H” – Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Since Monday Manna is translated into many languages, those letters may be different, but principles from the Scriptures are the same:

    Who? We typically go to work each day thinking we are working for a boss, a department, or a company. In some respects, that is true, but a passage from the Bible says we have an even higher calling: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him…. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:17,23).

    What? We all have job titles and descriptions that outline our daily work responsibilities. More than that, we each have unique platforms and spheres of influence through which we can represent Christ and speak to others about Him and what He has done for them. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

    When? One of our first responsibilities as followers of Jesus is to teach the truth of the Gospel to our families whenever we have the opportunity. In a similar way, we are to pray and look for opportunities to tell others about Him any time an opportunity arises. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 66-:7).

    Where? We are tempted to think we are to represent Jesus Christ only in religious settings. But He said we represent Him everywhere. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

    Why? Our desire in working is to earn a living, utilizing our abilities, gifts, and talents in the vocation of our choice. There is nothing wrong with that. However, there is an even greater reason for striving to perform our work in a way that honors God. Colossians 3:24 tells us, “…since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

    How? Talking with others about Jesus Christ, important as it is, can seem hard, even too difficult. But we do not have to do it alone. Jesus said, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), and the apostle Paul declared, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

    © 2026. 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, and numerous other books and magazine articles. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How often do you revisit the “basics” for what you do in the workplace? Do you attend conferences, seminars or workshops that focus on your vocation? How helpful are they for you?
    2. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, how important do you think it is to review the basics of how to be an effective representative or ambassador for Him in the marketplace?
    3. When do you think it is appropriate to talk with others about faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ? When do you think it is not appropriate to do so?
    4. What does it mean to rely on Jesus Christ and His strength as we go about our everyday work responsibilities – including times when we have opportunities to talk with others about Him.

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read, consider the following passages: Matthew 25:14-30; Ephesians 6:5-9; Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:10-11

    Challenge for This Week

    Take time this week to consider these six questions relating to your work – the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of what you do. Are the answers clear in your mind?

    Find someone to share your thoughts with – a close friend, trusted advisor or mentor, or a small group in which you can talk openly and candidly about your motivations, as well as the challenges and struggles you experience in seeking to live and work for Christ.

    Matt Trayler

  • 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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