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  • What Are Your Ultimate Goals?

    What Are Your Ultimate Goals?

    As business and professional people, what we do is governed at least in part by goals: Sales or productivity goals; daily goals; project goals; financial goals; career goals. You could probably add to the list. But have you ever thought in terms of life goals, the ultimate goal for your life?

    Recently I viewed a brief video in which a pastor described a meeting with a businessman in his congregation. The businessman planned to leave the church because the pastor had offended him by something said in his sermon. The pastor asked about what had seemed so offensive.

    The businessman recalled the pastor had commented it was unwise for someone to strive to make as much money as possible, then move to a popular retirement area and spend the rest of his life playing golf. The businessman was offended because that was what he intended to do – as soon as possible.

    In response, the pastor suggested the businessman was trivializing his life, devoting the rest of his life to chasing a ball around a golf course instead of using his God-given gifts and experience to be an influence on people. He said, “When you give your life to Jesus Christ, He calls you to be an influencer – to use your power, abilities and talents to influence the world around you for good, making it a better place.”

    Too often we spend our work hours eagerly awaiting the weekend. We spend our careers anxiously anticipating retirement so we can ‘finally do what I want to do.’ Have you ever considered that what you do at work, where you are currently doing it, is precisely what God wants you to do?

    The entire Bible mentions retirement only once. In the Old Testament book of Numbers it says of the Levites, the ceremonial priests of Israel, “at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves must not do the work” (Numbers 8:25-26). God had a succession plan for the priests who performed the ritual sacrifices, but even then, the “retired” priests were to continue assisting those who had taken their place.

    We all are unique, having different interests, skills, life experiences, and for followers of Jesus Christ, spiritual gifts that God intends for us to use for His divine purposes. As Colossians 3:23-24 states so clearly, “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.”

    There are times for rest and relaxation, as we have discussed in past editions of Monday Manna. But having a life goal of working only long enough to amass enough resources to be able to withdraw from the world and engage all our waking hours in activities of no eternal impact makes little sense.

    In His so-called “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus spoke of focusing on things that will last for eternity: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Golf, or whatever pastime we choose, may be enjoyable, but we are unlikely to find much treasure there that will last for eternity.

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

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Can you identify with the businessman who is striving to earn as much money as possible so he can retreat to a nice retirement area and spend the rest of his life pursuing his favorite hobby? Explain your answer.
    2. Do you believe the talents, skills, and abilities you have ultimately were given to you by God, meaning you are responsible for faithfully stewarding them for God’s glory? Why or why not?
    3. Assuming you do believe that what you bring to the workplace – including spiritual gifts and experience accumulated over years in the marketplace – ultimately have been entrusted to you by God, how should that affect your approach to your job every day?
    4. Jesus spoke about “laying up treasures in heaven” rather than “treasures on earth.” What do you think He meant? What do you think this looks like, practically speaking?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 12;11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:17

    Challenge for This Week
    When you wake up each day and prepare to go to work, does the idea that “whatever you do, do your work as for the Lord” ever come to your mind? If so, how does this affect your attitude and approach to what you will be doing?

    Try to find some time this week to discuss this with a close friend, trusted advisor, mentor, or accountability group to get their input into what this means in a practical sense. If you admit you have been like the businessman who intends to devote his retirement years to what might be considered ‘trivial pursuits,’ share with them your thoughts based on what you have read in this week’s Monday Manna.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Finding Strength in Faith: How CBMC Helps Men Integrate Faith and Work for Better Well-being

    Finding Strength in Faith: How CBMC Helps Men Integrate Faith and Work for Better Well-being

    In today’s demanding world, men face unique pressures that can impact their mental and spiritual well-being. Acknowledging that mental health issues can affect anyone, including believers, Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) is highlighting its “10 Attributes” course of faith formation as a powerful resource to combat these challenges.

    June is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to shed light on critical issues and foster support. Interestingly, a study published in Psychological Medicine underscores the profound benefits of religious and spiritual interventions in mental health care, particularly in reducing clinical symptoms like anxiety. CBMC, a Gospel-centered fellowship dedicated to Christian men in business, firmly believes its “10 Attributes” program can equip men for both spiritual and mental health battles.

    “Fighting depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can be a significant challenge,” says Joe Beckler, CBMC Vice President, Development, Marketing, and Communications. “Alongside competent counseling and medication where indicated, a solid spiritual foundation can make all the difference.”

    The “10 Attributes” course provides this crucial spiritual grounding. It’s designed to equip men with practical tools for greater happiness and well-being, enhanced coping mechanisms for stress, and robust social support from their CBMC peers. This program is specifically tailored for men who are committed to integrating their faith seamlessly into their work lives and home lives.

    The comprehensive topics covered in the “10 Attributes” program include:

    • Walking daily in intimacy with Jesus Christ.
    • Living in accountable relationships with believers.
    • Sharing faith in Christ in your sphere of influence.
    • Helping others grow spiritually through life-on-life discipleship.
    • Living an integrated life with proper life priorities.
    • Living a life of generosity.
    • Applying biblical principles in all areas of your life.
    • Maintaining a standard of excellence with integrity.
    • Genuinely caring for people.
    • Living out God’s call on your life.

    Each session is thoughtfully structured, featuring short video presentations, relevant scripture references, engaging group discussion questions, and prompts for personal application. Participants also benefit from prayer connections with their peers, fostering a supportive community.

    The “10 Attributes” program is conveniently accessible through the CBMC Advance mobile application, allowing men to engage with the material at work, at home, or on the go.

    “It is a privilege to share ’10 Attributes’ with our members,” Beckler adds. “Having a solid spiritual foundation can help in many areas of life, including emotional and mental health.”

    Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) is dedicated to presenting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to business and professional men, and to developing Christian business and professional men to carry out the Great Commission. CBMC exists to point marketplace men to Christ, allowing the Gospel to transform them into marketplace ambassadors. Reaching men in the marketplace with the Gospel and equipping them for Kingdom impact in their life and work is now more relevant than ever. As men strive for meaningful lives, CBMC is prepared to share the hope of the Gospel and offer essential tools for spiritual growth. Through Gospel-centered peer advisory groups and mentoring relationships, CBMC helps professionals achieve their business objectives and personal development goals.

    To access and go through the 10 Attributes study, log in at https://advance.cbmc.com/eng/at/introduction

    Questions to think on:

    1. In what ways do you currently integrate your faith into your professional life? What are some challenges you’ve faced in doing so?
    2. Which of the “10 Attributes” do you feel is most crucial for your personal and professional growth right now, and why?
    3. How do you believe a strong spiritual foundation can impact a man’s mental health and ability to cope with stress?
    4. Beyond formal programs, what are some practical steps men can take daily to strengthen their spiritual grounding amidst the demands of work and life?

    Matt Trayler

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  • Visionary Leader’s Secret: Showing Up In The Moment

    Visionary Leader’s Secret: Showing Up In The Moment

    Visionary leadership is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days. In a fast-moving, globalized world, leaders are expected to anticipate the future, set bold directions, and shape organizations that thrive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Richard Stearns, former CEO of World Vision, once said, “A leader must define the current reality, articulate a desired future, identify a way forward, and personally ‘own’ the vision.” And he is right – without vision, leadership becomes reactive rather than proactive. The best leaders see not only what is but also what could be.

    And yet, this presents a hidden danger: Leaders so consumed by the future can easily lose sight of the people right in front of them. There is a paradox at the heart of leadership: to truly shape the future, one must be fully present in the now.

    The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” That is not a command to those with flexible schedules or abundant free time – it is an essential trait of Christian leadership. If leaders are too absorbed in strategy, too fixated on long-term outcomes, they will fail to notice the joys and sorrows of those they are called to serve. And when people feel unseen, they disengage. They will not follow a leader who appears distant, even if that leader has a compelling vision for the future.

    This is where many leaders stumble. They believe their primary calling is to cast vision – to inspire, to strategize, to set bold goals. But the Bible suggests leadership is not merely about direction – it is about presence. Colossians 3:14 reminds us to “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Love is not just a virtue to cultivate in personal life; it is the glue that holds together an organization, a team, a community.

    And love, at its core, requires presence. Showing up in the moment. Leaders who truly lead well do more than articulate the mission; they walk alongside their people. They listen before they speak. They notice the exhaustion in an employee’s voice. They recognize the quiet victories worth celebrating. They see people, not just productivity.

    Jesus Christ embodied this. As the ultimate visionary leader, He did not simply arrive with a grand vision of redemption – He walked among the people. He touched lepers. He dined with sinners. He wept at Lazarus’ tomb. He did not merely announce salvation; He lived among those He came to save.

    Here is the irony: a leader too obsessed with the future may never actually get there. People do not follow vision alone. They follow those who know them, who love them, who walk with them. The best leaders are not only visionaries; they are shepherds.

    To lead well is to love well. And to love well is to be fully present. Leadership is not just about taking people somewhere; it is about being with them on the way. And in doing so, we reflect Christ, the ultimate servant-leader, who did not remain distant but entered our world, walked our streets, and called us to something greater. If we want to lead like Him, we must learn to do the same.

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

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How can a leader balance the tension between casting a vision for the future and being fully present with the people he or she leads?
    2. Paul instructs us in Romans 12:15 to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” What practical steps can leaders take to cultivate and demonstrate genuine empathy and engagement in their daily leadership?
    3. Jesus modeled leadership by walking among His people rather than leading from a distance. What are some modern leadership habits or mindsets that can unintentionally create distance between leaders and their teams?
    4. The article states, “A leader who is too obsessed with the future may never actually get there.” How have you seen this play out in leadership, either in your own experience or in others? What are ways to ensure that vision does not come at the expense of presence – not being readily available to people when needed?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 27:23-27; Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:26-27; Ephesians 6:7-9; Philippians 2:3-4

    Challenge for This Week
    If God has placed you in a leadership role, whether it is as CEO of a company, a vice president, manager of a department, or leader of a small team, how would you evaluate yourself in terms of “showing up in the moment”?

                Are you too preoccupied with goals and objectives, striving toward the future, that you ignore or neglect the people who work around you every day? It might be helpful to ask a friend, a trusted advisor, or an accountability group to help in assessing how effective you are as a leader in demonstrating your concern and care for their needs. If you find yourself deficient in this respect, what steps might you take to be “fully present in the now”?

    Matt Trayler

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  • Remember Who You’re Praying To

    Remember Who You’re Praying To

    “Too often, we keep God in a small box on the shelf. We forget how big He is.”

    As we were prepping for a recent mission trip, one of the guys I was traveling with shared this reminder with our group. We would undoubtedly encounter challenges as we traveled, from delayed flights to illness and injuries to the mental wear and tear of moving across the globe. Being on mission for God was going to test each of us in different ways, and prayer was going to be essential.

    With that in mind, his words were a reminder that on those mountain paths where this trip would take us, we would be praying to a big God. We were going to have to take Him out of the comfortable little box where we’d kept Him and open ourselves up to believing in something bigger. How big?

    Jesus spoke it clearly in Matthew 19:26:

    “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

    That’s what it looks like to take God out of the box. Jeremiah echoes the same truth in the Old Testament:

    “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

    That’s how big. So big, in fact, that He can take five loaves and two fish, feed five thousand people… and still have leftovers.

    “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” – Matthew 14:20-21

    These are all reminders that we need to remember who it is we’re praying to, specifically, how powerful He is. If that’s true, why do we keep Him in such a small box? What’s driving that?

    We like a God we can manage – one who stays quiet until we need Him, who fits neatly into our routines and doesn’t disrupt our plans. It’s easier to keep Him tame, like a safety net or backup plan we turn to when things fall apart. At the same time, it keeps us from being disappointed if He doesn’t answer our prayers exactly the way we want. The small box feels safe, but it actually keeps us stuck longer.

    By putting God in a small box, we shrink Him down. We forget that He’s the same God who spoke the universe into existence, who commands storms and shatters chains. When we only reach for Him in crisis, we miss the daily power and presence He offers. He’s not a last resort. He’s the Source, and He was never meant to fit in a box.

    So, how do we open the box?

    We take God out of the small box by shifting how we trust Him daily, not just in emergencies. It starts with praying bold prayers, not just safe ones. Asking Him to move in big ways, even when the outcome feels impossible. It means surrendering control, laying down our plans, and letting Him lead, even when it feels risky. Practically, this looks like carving out real time to listen to Him in scripture and prayer, acting in faith when we feel called, and talking about Him openly in our lives, not just behind church walls. When we live like He’s big, powerful, and present, we release Him from the box we’ve built and invite Him to move freely in every part of our lives.

    Let’s be clear. Taking God out of the box doesn’t mean treating Him like a vending machine, expecting Him to deliver exactly what we want, when we want it. When Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7), it wasn’t a promise of instant results or perfect alignment with our plans. It was a reminder that God hears us, loves us deeply, and has the power to respond in the way He knows is best.

    Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s wait. Sometimes it’s something completely unexpected. Whatever the answer, it’s always rooted in His wisdom and goodness. Trusting a big God means trusting how He answers, not just that He will.

    Take the lid off the box.

    Let God be as big in your life as He truly is and trust that whatever He does. It will be more than enough.

    …

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

    Matt Trayler

  • Recognizing and Overcoming Perils of Pride

    Recognizing and Overcoming Perils of Pride

    Recently as I was watching an interview with comedian and legendary talk show host Jay Leno, he commented about being a big believer in low self-esteem. He explained his perspective that if he begins to think he knows more than the next person, he is in trouble. Leno also observed that if we start to believe we know everything, that means we have decided to stop learning.

    When Leno was hosting “The Tonight Show,” for example, he would never try to tell the lighting people or sound people how to do their job, something he had seen some TV hosts attempt to do. He reasoned that if a person was a lighting director for a major network TV show, they were the best at their job. It would be foolish to try telling them how to position the lights.

    As business leaders, community leaders or political leaders, our job is to find the best people for each role and then listen to them. As soon as we start thinking that we are the smartest person in the room, we are inviting disaster. In the Bible, Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” In other words, pride always foretells destruction. 

    Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” It does not get much clearer than that. Pride – or boasting about ourselves or our accomplishments – never ends well. This is a consistent theme throughout the Bible, as well as in secular wisdom throughout the ages.

    When we hear somebody bragging about how smart they are, boasting about how much they know, it should always be a signal to take caution. In reality, they might be just talking to themselves trying to overcome their fear and insecurities about their own shortcomings.

    But some people counter with, “Shouldn’t we be proud of our work, our kids, or our favorite team?” Bestowing praise and showing pride about the accomplishments of others is not the same as taking credit that others deserve, or assuming we were the only ones responsible for any success that is achieved.

    To be successful at whatever we do, we must be continual learners. The faster the world changes, the better students we need to be. Pride, however, often prevents us from learning. Because learning requires that we put ourselves in a place where someone else is the master teacher or mentor. 

    We must admit there are things we do not know or are not skilled at doing. As Proverbs 13:10 tells us, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” We can always find people who are smarter, more skilled, or simply better at doing certain things than we are.

    Having been an entrepreneur, self-employed person and sometimes freelance worker, I have discovered we need to spend half of our time learning and improving our skills. If we have only six hours to chop down a tree, three of those hours are best used sharpening the ax – learning to improve ourselves. 

    As Ecclesiastes 10;10 in the Bible’s Old Testament states, “If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success.” Spending time bragging about how skilled we are with that ax is just not going to cut it – both literally and figuratively.

    © 2025. Jim Mathis is a writer, photographer, musician and small business owner in Overland Park, Kansas. His latest book is The Camel and the Needle, A Christian Looks at Wealth and Money. He formerly was a coffee shop manager, as well as executive director of CBMC in Kansas City, U.S.A.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Have you ever worked with – or for – someone who seemed to know better than anyone else about practically everything? If so, what is it like to work with an individual like that?
    2. What do you think about Jay Leno’s suggestion that having “low self-esteem” is a good thing, meaning being able to realize that others might be better at doing some things than we are? 
    3. Do you consider yourself to be a continual learner, a person who is eager to discover new insights and understanding about many things – recognizing you do not ‘know it all’? 
    4. How do you respond to people who demonstrate genuine humility, who seem to put others ahead of themselves and recognize the value and contributions of people they work with?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 15;33, 16:5, 18:12, 21:4, 21:24, 22:4; Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12;10; James 4:6

    Challenge for This Week
    The Bible declares that “money is a root of many kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), but some theologians have suggested that pride ultimately is the basis for every sin, including the love of money. Because pride causes people to desire more and more.

    Is pride an issue for you? It can manifest itself in many forms, including insisting that we know best about virtually everything. It also can involve selfishness, self-promotion, self-centeredness, and many other ways of exalting self. If you find yourself wrestling with pride – and most of us do, to some extent – find someone to talk with about this, even being willing to accept their advice and their prayers.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Striving to Find Work You Can Enjoy

    Striving to Find Work You Can Enjoy

    Why do you go to work? We can offer many reasons for working, ranging from earning a living to being able to pay off debts to putting into productive use many of our waking hours. But how many of us go to work primarily because we simply enjoy what we are doing? 

    There is an adage that suggests, “If you love your job, you will never go to work again.” That means if you find enjoyment and fulfillment in what you do, it will not seem like a burden going to work each day.

    In the 1981 theatrical film about Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympic runner who also was preparing to become a missionary to China, one particular scene illustrates this truth. Liddell is explaining to his sister why he continues to train for the Olympics even though he has committed his life to missions work. 

    Liddell agrees with his sister that serving as a missionary is what God has called him to do. Then he adds, “I believe God made me for a purpose – for China. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Have you ever had a time in your work when you too could “feel God’s pleasure”?

    This reminds me of a theme King Solomon highlighted in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. After having experienced virtually everything that life could offer – sensory pleasures, wealth, fame, and great success – the king of Israel arrived at this conclusion: 

    “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him…to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift from God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).

    You might ask yourself, ‘Am I doing work that I enjoy, or am I engaged in work that is soul-depleting?’ With many of our waking hours being spent in the workplace, striving to be able to enjoy our work is a beneficial, fruitful pursuit. A question might come to your mind: ‘How can I do this?’ Especially if you do not currently have a job that you find very enjoyable. Here are some principles about work to consider from the Scriptures:

    God ordained work for us. Many people regard work as a necessary evil, but from the beginning God designed work as part of our ‘job description’ as human beings. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed [Adam and Eve] and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea…and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” (Genesis 1:27-28).

    God has created us uniquely. Like Eric Liddell, the Bible says God has created each of us uniquely and with a purpose. If possible, discover and pursue work that best utilizes your God-given gifts and passions. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

    Wherever we are, God wants us to honor Him. Even if our current job is not as fulfilling as we would like, the Lord has put us there for a reason. Perhaps you could try to restructure it in ways that maximize your gifts and passions, honoring God in the process. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

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

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. If someone were to ask you, “Do you enjoy your work?” how would you respond? Explain your answer.
    2. What are the reasons that you go to work? How did your current job come about?
    3. Have you ever given serious consideration to what your God-given gifts and passions are? If so, what are they? In what ways do you think you are able to express them?
    4. The Scriptures admonish us to do our work as if we are working directly for God, rather than for human bosses or supervisors. What do you think that means? 

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
    Proverbs 2:11,24, 14:23, 22:29, 27:18; Ecclesiastes 9:15; Colossians 3:17

    Challenge for This Week
    This week consider this question:

    If money were not a consideration, would you consider doing the job you are currently doing? With that question in mind, pray about your answer. If you sense the need, find someone – a mentor, trusted friend, or small group of people you know want the best for you – with whom you can discuss how you feel about your work.

    If you have not already done so, try to identify the gifts and passions God has given to you. It might help to invite the comments and advice of others.

    Matt Trayler

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  • When God Says, “Ask for Anything”

    When God Says, “Ask for Anything”

    “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

    That’s the question God posed to Solomon, a young man newly anointed as king over all of Israel.

    Just imagine hearing that from God. If you’re anything like me, your mind starts racing. What would you ask for? Wealth or power? Relationships or health? Provision or protection? Kingdoms or possessions?

    If I look back at my twenty-year-old self, I know I wouldn’t have had the maturity to respond the way Solomon did in 1 Kings 3:

    At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

    Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” – 1 Kings 3: 5-9

    With everything on the table and no limits, Solomon asks for wisdom. That single request reveals self-control, discipline, and a deep awareness of his limitations. He recognizes his gaps. And more than anything, he wants discernment—the ability to lead well and judge rightly.

    God’s response to that humble request is powerful:

    “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” – 1 Kings 3: 12-13

    So what can we take away from this as leaders today?

    Wisdom is the key to everything.
    Solomon’s request—and God’s response—show us that success starts with wisdom. Discernment helps us make better decisions, avoid pitfalls, and navigate what’s ahead. While the world chases wealth and power, Solomon teaches us to chase God’s guidance first.

    Stewardship requires wisdom.
    God has entrusted us with leadership—not to act as creators, but as stewards. That mindset shift changes everything. When we recognize that what we lead ultimately belongs to Him, we stop rushing ahead and start seeking His direction first.

    Humility is a leadership superpower.
    Solomon didn’t pretend to have it all figured out. He acknowledged his inexperience and asked for help. As leaders, we often feel pressure to have all the answers. But real strength comes from admitting we don’t—and asking God to fill the gap.

    No matter where God has placed you—in business, in transition, or winding down your career—seek wisdom. Ask for it. His Word promises to provide it:

    “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 NIV

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

    Matt Trayler

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  • Maximizing The Leverage Of Our Latter Years

    Maximizing The Leverage Of Our Latter Years

    Years ago, I began writing a series of essays I called “Fourth Quarter Strategies.” The premise is that while every stage of our professional life is important, our final quarter should be our best. If we remain healthy, living to age 80 and beyond is a reasonable goal. That would mean the last 20-plus years of our lives could be the most productive of all – because of both expertise and experience.

    Some time ago Alan Smith, a staff director for CBMC met with a small group of older Christian business leaders (some of them were retired). He encouraged them to recognize the incredible value they still had for the Lord as well as for younger professionals they interact with in the local marketplace. 

    Smith offered six Bible verses as “food for thought” that share one thing in common: All are found in the first chapter and third verse in their respective books. We believe this is not coincidental, but by design, to underscore the importance older followers of Christ have for God’s purposes. Here are those verses:

    There is no time limit to being fruitful. “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:3).

    Wisdom is to be passed down through the generations. “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation” (Joel 1:3).

    We can serve as examples for others to follow. “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

    Spiritual growth never ends. “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

    Our prayers make an eternal impact. “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers” (2 Timothy 1:3).

    Wisdom, understanding and faith are to be shared. “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may also have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).

    As a fellow follower of Christ, I agree with Smith’s perspective on the value of our latter years. Many of us are less encumbered with work demands and more available to serve, teach, mentor and disciple others. God does not want us to sit back and put ourselves on a shelf for our remaining years on earth. 

    In his letter to the Church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul succinctly concluded, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). His life gives us a beautiful example of how to live our lives to the very end for the Lord Jesus. I encourage you to join me with the attitude of a distance runner determined to reach the finish line strong, focusing on the prize that lies ahead! 

    © 2025, all rights reserved. Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his relationship with God. His goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. A long-time member of CBMC, he started writing “Fourth Quarter Strategies” in 2014.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How do you relate to the content of this Monday Manna? If you are a younger business or professional person, still building your career, have you taken advantage of the wisdom and experience of older colleagues? If you are in your latter years, have you recognized the value you can continue to bring to the workplace – and to those you encounter each day?
    2. What are obstacles that can prevent or inhibit older and younger people in the marketplace from successfully interacting and benefiting mutually from one another?
    3. If you are a younger person in the marketplace, and an older person were available to meet with you to offer his or her wisdom, experience and knowledge, what things would you like to receive?
    4. If you are one of the people referred to, a veteran of the workforce or retired, what things do you think you have to offer to younger people? How would you go about trying to find someone you could invest in to share experience, insights and wisdom you have gained through many years in the marketplace?

    NOTE: For more about what the Bible says about this topic, consider the following passages:  Psalm 92:12-14; Philippians 1:21-26; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 12:1-2

    Challenge for This Week
    Regardless of where we are in our working careers – just getting started, in the midst of our prime years, or moving toward retirement (or already there) – we have much to offer that can benefit one another. This week, try to take some time to think about how you might benefit from the synergy of older and younger people collaborating where you work.

    If you recognize the benefits of spending time with another person in a different stage of his or her career, consider approaching someone to begin such a relationship. Pray that God would lead you to the right person.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Answering God’s Call to Be A Craftsman

    Answering God’s Call to Be A Craftsman

    From the beginning, God has always valued excellence.

    “Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron…” —Exodus 28:3

    “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands.” —Exodus 28:6

    God didn’t call just anyone to design the garments for His high priest. He called skilled workers. Craftsmen. Men to whom He had given wisdom.

    Gentlemen, here’s a reality check. Too many men walk through life undervaluing their work and their skills. Instead of approaching their work like craftsmen, they chase paychecks, coast on talent, and settle for “good enough.” You either know guys who approach their work like that—or maybe you feel like that guy right now.

    The message for you today? God wired you for more. Whether you work with steel or spreadsheets, marketing strategies or mechanical tools, financial planning or job sites—your work matters. And, when done with intention, that work becomes your act of worship.

    The Value of Godly Wisdom
    When God said He had given wisdom to the skilled workers in Exodus, He was pointing to a truth we can’t miss: real wisdom comes from Him. It’s the kind of insight that helps you make decisions when the path isn’t clear. It’s discernment amid pressure. It’s a strategy bigger than an idea your mind could come up with. Never take that lightly. God doesn’t waste wisdom and He doesn’t hand it out without a purpose.

    Developing Your Skills
    God may have given you wisdom, but He also expects you to develop it. It requires a commitment to your craft—training, failing, getting feedback, showing up daily, and doing it again tomorrow. The world needs more men who are dangerous with their skill sets—not sloppy or entitled, but dialed in and constantly growing. If God gave you the raw material, it’s your job to shape it.

    Having a Godly View of Work
    Before sin ever entered the world, God placed Adam in the garden to work it and take care of it. That was holy ground, and the work Adam did there was holy work. The same is true for you. Your job, your business, your craft—it’s about more than making a living. A Godly view of work sees every task as an opportunity to worship, every meeting as a mission field, and every client as someone God’s placed in your path.

    Yes, You’re a Craftsman
    Your hands are tools. They were designed to build, lead, shape, and influence. You are a true craftsman. Not just because of your skills—but because the God of the universe gave you wisdom. He’s entrusted it to you, and now He’s asking you to steward it.

    Just like the men called to make Aaron’s garments, your work can carry a sacred weight. It can reflect God’s excellence. It can make a difference.

    Today—don’t just do your job. Be a craftsman. Take pride in your precision. Sweat the details. Create with purpose. Honor God with your craftsmanship. Never forget… your skilled hands? They’re not just yours…

    They’re His, and He’s got a purpose for them.

    Written by John Gamades

    Matt Trayler

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  • An Important Part of Work is Getting Enough Rest

    An Important Part of Work is Getting Enough Rest

    BY ROBERT J. TAMASY

    Someone described spectator sports in this way: Thousands of fans sitting in their seats – people desperately in need of exercise – watching athletes desperately in need of rest. Many of us have a great need for more physical activity. At the same time, however, rest is something we also require – especially as we negotiate the stressful, frenetic business and professional world.

    Years ago, I had been in the midst of a very hectic schedule: Lots of early morning meetings, demanding daily schedules and deadlines, and a considerable amount of travel. An illness suddenly stopped me in my tracks. Forced to remain at home for several days, I would sit down and try to do some important reading but very quickly would fall asleep. I had not realized how weary I had become. A few days later I was back to work, reinvigorated, and keenly aware of my need for getting sufficient rest.

    In some professions the 40-hour week is regarded as working ‘part-time.’ It is not unusual for people in some businesses to work 70, 80, even 100 hours a week! While there might be times when such schedules are unavoidable, working at that pace over long periods of time will inevitably take a toll physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally – and spiritually.

    The Scriptures speak to this. While we often read calls to action and faithful service to God and His purposes, we also find instructions to rest – both body and spirit. Here are some examples:

    Rest is fitting for everyone – even God. The first chapter of Genesis describes all God did in creating the heavens, the earth, and all of the universe. Then we are told once His work was done, He chose to rest. “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work” (Genesis 2:2).

    God designed us for rest. One of the 10 Commandments is for us to set aside a day for “sabbath rest,” hitting the pause button from all our labors, regardless of what form they may take. No matter who we are, no matter what we do, we all need time to rest. “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest, even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest” (Exodus 34:21). 

    Sabbath rest is a gift, not a burden. When God ordained the Sabbath day, He did not do so to institute new regulations. He did it for our benefit, to remind us of the importance of rest and renewal. “Then [Jesus] said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath’” (Mark 2:27). 

    Taking time to rest can be a form of worship. One of the worst admonitions anyone can make is, “Do as I say, not as I do.” When God instructs His people to rest, He points to Himself as an example of doing just that. “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God, for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:9-10). 

    There is a time to work – and a time to rest. Many of us are busily trying to do things for God, and that is good. But the Scriptures also tell us there is a time to slow down, rest, and focus on Him. “Trust in the Lord and do good…. Delight yourself in the Lord…. Commit your way to the Lord…. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:3-7). 

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

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Describe your typical work schedule each week. If an objective observer were to evaluate it, do you think you would be regarded as working excessively, even being a so-called ‘workaholic’? Why or why not?
    2. How good are you at resting? When you take time to rest and relax, what does that look like? Do you think you give yourself sufficient time to recharge physically and mentally?
    3. What role do you think that rest – taking a deliberate break from work, for a few minutes or a day or even a week – can play in our spiritual growth and development?
    4. In what ways can a commitment to getting sufficient rest affect our productivity at work, as well as our sense of joy, satisfaction and fulfillment in what we do?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Deuteronomy 5:12-14; Psalm 23:1-4, 46:10; Isaiah 40:29-31; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 6:30-31

    Challenge for This Week
    Looking at the week ahead of you, do you feel rested, refreshed and renewed, or do you feel weary and beaten down even before the week gets underway?

    Take some time to pray and reflect on your balance between work and rest. We are called to work diligently and faithfully, but if we are not sufficiently rested, eventually that will be reflected in the quality and quantity of our work. It might be helpful to discuss this with a mentor and small group of trusted friends.

    Matt Trayler

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