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  • The Lie of Isolation and the Power of Brotherhood

    The Lie of Isolation and the Power of Brotherhood

    A few weeks ago, I spent four days in the mountains of Colorado with one hundred Christian men from across the country. We gathered at a lodge deep in the backcountry, removed from the noise and pace of everyday life, with a shared desire to be filled up and step more fully into the men God created us to be. The guys I met all looked different on the outside, but on our first night together, we realized we had more in common than we expected.

    Wrapping up dinner, we were given a simple instruction. Write down the state of your heart as you walked into the weekend. No names, no explanations, just honesty. Then post your response on the wall and take time to read what the other men have written. This was a vulnerable, sacred experience.

    Some of the words that guys shared on those cards…

    • Tired
    • Scared
    • Angry
    • Frustrated
    • In pain
    • Anxious
    • At the edge
    • Overwhelmed
    • Not the man I want to be
    • Falling behind

    The themes were consistent across the wall, and it became immediately clear that the state of men’s hearts is not that different. Walking into that room, I saw strong men and leaders who love Jesus. These were the kind of guys who carry weight in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Some were tattooed and physically imposing, others quiet and steady, but all of them were the kind of men who step up when things get hard.

    That’s what was visible on the outside… those cards on the wall told a deeper story. Beneath the surface, these Christian men were tired. They were carrying pressure, wrestling with anxiety, and questioning themselves. These are the things we don’t say out loud in front of anyone, especially other guys, but at the core, every man in that room was asking the same question, whether he said it out loud or not:

    Am I enough?

    That question drives so much of how we live. We try to be everything for everyone, pushing harder and carrying more. Over time, striving to be “enough” becomes exhausting. The truth is, most men (Christian or not) are carrying more than they let on. Even the ones who look like they have it all together are feeling the weight.

    The shift begins when we stop pretending otherwise. When we acknowledge where we’re really at and invite other men into that space, something changes. Walls come down, and conversations get real. Do this with other Christian men, and we begin to experience the kind of brotherhood that reminds us we were never meant to carry this alone.

    Lean into that last line for a second… We weren’t meant to carry this alone. We bring our burdens to Jesus, and walk side-by-side with Christian brothers who have burdens of their own. There are not many places where men can show up like that. More often than not, we walk into rooms that add to the pressure. We’ve been conditioned to believe that strength means having it all together, staying in control, and never letting the weight show. That version of strength is incomplete, and it’s not the promise God has for you.

    Real strength is found in connection. It’s built when men choose honesty over image and stand shoulder to shoulder with others who understand the struggle. It shows up when they commit to carrying their crosses together. That kind of brotherhood brings both accountability and empathy. It sharpens us, steadies us, and reminds us where our strength and our identity come from: Jesus.

    The gift I brought back from Colorado is powerful. It’s a realization that the weight I feel is not unique. Other men feel it too. The good news? When we choose to stop carrying that weight alone, when we open up to trusted brothers and invite God into the middle of it, we find our strength and can release control. That’s the journey I find myself on now, back at home… releasing control.

    If you’re reading this and don’t have that kind of brotherhood, I want to encourage you to seek it out. Connect with a CBMC Trusted Advisor Forum or get involved in an Operation Timothy relationship. Find a men’s Bible study at your church. Reach out to an old friend and reconnect.

    Even if it feels uncomfortable at first (and it might), find spaces where you can connect with other Christian men. Lean into that discomfort. Satan will tell you that you’re the only one carrying weights like these, and he’ll try to convince you to carry them alone. He’s a liar, and isolation is his greatest weapon. Battle back and get into a circle with other Christian guys.

    By: John Gamades, Author of WAR: A Tactical Guide for Christian Men

    Matt Trayler

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  • BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM: WHERE IS THE LINK?

    BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM: WHERE IS THE LINK?

    In today’s business and professional world, we can find and gain knowledge from many places and in many ways. Wisdom, on the other hand, is not nearly as accessible. I have learned that firsthand. More than 40 years ago, a newspaper published my name for having received a full scholarship to study at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica in Campinas, Brazil. Universities in my home country of Bolivia had closed their doors, and since I was seeking technical training, my father had submitted my academic documents to the Brazilian embassy. Shortly thereafter, I was no longer at home.

    From Bolivia to Brazil – it was far, but not that far. From Spanish to Portuguese – it was different, but not entirely. It was a tropical country, but not exactly, since it had winter in the middle of the year. Difficult? Yes. Different? Yes, but not completely. We shared a similar South American culture. Despite that, I could not help wondering: Where was I? Without family nearby, without friends, separated from my roots, and in a way, without my faith? It felt as if my prayers had vanished from my memory. I told myself I needed to think very carefully about what to do, what to say, and who I should include in a new group of friends.

    Every decision required choosing which option was the best option – and the wisest. My parents had always been my greatest sources of wisdom; I could no longer rely on their insights. I wrote letters, but it took about 15 days to reach them and as long for their replies. There were no emails, text messaging, or even faxes in those days. And I was already facing new issues that demanded immediate solutions.

    Perhaps today you are also asking the same question: ‘Where am I?’ How we answer this question can affect the course of our lives. If we are followers of Jesus Christ, God is with us, but we do not always recognize that we are with Him. Feelings of loneliness and fear shape how we understand the world and shape our decisions. That is how I lived: step by step, with extreme prudence and care, but also with a deep desire to be less anxious and more spontaneous. Where was I? And was wisdom with me?

    According to my university professors, wisdom can be found in the number of books read, the quality of elaborate conversations, and answers supported by solid cause-and-effect arguments. They were not wrong. But later, I learned that one resource cannot be missing from any bookshelf: the Bible. As Charles Spurgeon wisely observed, “Visit many books, but make the Bible your home.”

    The Old Testament book of Job offers some help in answering these questions. Job 28:12,14 asks, “But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?” The deep says, “’ it is not in me,’ and the sea says, “It is not with me.” And in Job 28: 20–22 we read: “From where, then, does wisdom come? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living being, even from the birds of the sky. Destruction and Death say, ‘We have heard only a rumor of it.’”

    Reading the Word of God leads us to understanding through reflection. Here are three examples:

    1. Where? Job 28:23 states: “God understands the way to it, and He alone knows where it dwells.”
    Without the Word, I walk limited by the fear of making mistakes and the fear of guilt.

    2. How? Job 28:13 says: “No one can comprehend its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living.” It is not common to hear someone being encouraged to kneel before God to ask for wisdom. The intellectual world values accumulated information and personal creativity, trusting in solitary thinking.

    3. Does it guide? Job 28:24 declares: “For He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.” The One – the only one – who can truly show the way and guide your life is God.

    Carmen Milka Herrera is the founder and owner of the language school Españolíssima, and a member of CBMC Brazil and co-leader of a CBMC C3 Group – Conexão Mulheres (Women`s Connection).

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Have you ever found yourself feeling all alone, thrust into a new situation or environment without any of your familiar support mechanisms? How did you feel at that time – and how did you respond to the circumstances?
    2. Family and friends, familiar surroundings, and routines. They all contribute to our sense of identity, our answer to the question, “Who am I?” Have you ever found yourself asking that? Is it a question you might still be asking today? Explain your answer.
    3. How would you distinguish between knowledge and wisdom? Why do you think that with all the information available to us – books, mass media, the Internet, etc. – wisdom still seems in such short supply in many areas, including the marketplace?
    4. Do you agree that an important resource for anyone seeking wisdom is the Bible, the Word of God? Why or why not?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 1:7, 2:6, 3:13-15, 14:1,6, 15:7, 16:23, 18:2,15, 19:8, 24:5-6; Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

    Challenge for This Week

    This week, consider one or more areas of your life where you need wisdom – a difficult problem to resolve, an important decision to make, a plan for healing a damaged relationship, or seeking to discern plans for your future. Where do you think you will find this wisdom?

    Who is the wisest person you know? Or do you have a small team of peers or a group of trusted advisors you can turn to? Seek them out and ask for their support and prayers as you strive to deal wisely with whatever pressing issue (or issues) you are facing.

    Matt Trayler

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  • LOOKING BEYOND APPEARANCES

    LOOKING BEYOND APPEARANCES

    The executive certainly looked the part. He was tall, athletic, radiating with a charisma that drew people to himself. What an impression he made on people when he met them, and especially when he spoke in public. So, everyone was stunned when he was fired for inappropriate use of company resources. It caused people to question not only the executive but the company’s values. How could they have chosen such a person to carry such leadership responsibilities?

    Sadly, this is not a rare occurrence. All too often, we hear or read about a prominent leader, one who was well-known and widely admired, falling into some form of moral or ethical disgrace. What we see is not always what we get. How does this happen? How can appearances be so deceiving?

    We find an insightful example in the Bible’s Old Testament. It is the account of how the king was chosen to succeed Israel’s first and very fallible king, Saul. God had instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint the new king, whom He said would be selected from the sons of a man named Jesse. Once Jesse’s sons had gathered, Samuel looked at each one and thought one or two seemed like royal material. However, God was not fooled by external appearances. He told Samuel to look beyond the surface, beyond superficial characteristics, when seeking to identify the man to succeed Saul. 

    “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7). The passage does not offer specifics about why Jesse’s other sons were not chosen, but it was clear the youngest son – a lowly shepherd boy named David – possessed the qualities God was looking for to lead His chosen people, Israel.

    The truth of this biblical example is clear: Integrity is lived out deep within us, regardless of what the outside looks like. Unfortunately, because we do not have sight that penetrates a person’s heart – their character – we tend to evaluate people according to how they present themselves: how they talk, dress, non-verbal communications, and behavioral cues. Sometimes outward appearances and inward traits line up, but many times they do not. How do we discern whether someone we are intending to hire, or someone we are considering working with, is genuine? Here are some criteria from the book of Proverbs:

    Teachability. It is dangerous to assign important responsibilities to someone who thinks he or she knows it all and is not open to correction and advice. “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance and for victory many advisors” (Proverbs 24:5-6).

    Faithfulness. We need to find people who are dependable regardless of the circumstances. “Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6).

    Humility. When people think too highly of themselves, having inflated egos, problems usually arise. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).

    Control of emotions. A person prone to outbursts of anger and other negative emotions can prove destructive to team morale and harmony. “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered” (Proverbs 17:27).

    © 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. Have you ever been deceived by a person’s outward appearance, thinking they were one thing, only to later discover they were very different from what you originally perceived? Explain what that situation was like.
    2. What are some of the consequences of focusing primarily on outward appearances in making hiring decisions, assigning greater responsibilities, entering a business partnership, or even choosing friends?
    3. We cannot “look at the heart” in the same way God does, as described in 1 Samuel 16:7, but what other ways can we utilize in trying to discover who the inner person really is?
    4. Besides teachability, faithfulness, integrity, and control of emotions, what are some other non-external qualities that are important to consider?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Proverbs 21:2; Jeremiah 17:10; Matthew 23:27-28; Acts 13:22

    Challenge for This Week

    During the coming week, evaluate how you respond to people when you first encounter them. Are you a good judge of character, or are you inclined to make quick judgments about people based on how they appear and act outwardly?

    It might be helpful to talk about this with a mentor, trusted advisors, a close friend, your CBMC team, or an accountability group. How can you – and they – become better at judging who people really are, rather than who they appear to be?

    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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  • An Atheist’s Take on Sharing the Gospel

    An Atheist’s Take on Sharing the Gospel

    By John Gamades

    “How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible, and not tell them that?”

    This quote from Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller has always stuck with me. To be clear, Penn identifies strongly as an atheist. There’s no confusion about where he stands. He’s vocal and direct about his beliefs. But it’s the story behind this quote that makes it so powerful.

    After one of his shows, a man lingered off to the side of the autograph line. He approached Penn and shared that he had attended the show the night before. He was thoughtful, sincere, and genuinely complimentary about the performance.

    As they talked, the man handed Penn a Bible. He explained that he was a businessman, that he was sane, not crazy. and that he simply wanted Penn to have it. It was a gift. The man looked Penn directly in the eyes as he spoke. Penn noted that the man likely knew he was an atheist, but his approach wasn’t confrontational or defensive. He was kind, respectful, and genuine.

    As Penn reflects on that moment, what he says next is jarring. It hit me hard:

    “I’ve always said, I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward… how much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible, and not tell them that?

    I mean, if I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming at you and you didn’t believe it, that truck was bearing down on you, there’s a certain point where I tackle you… and this is more important than that.”

    Here’s the takeaway… Most of us don’t share the Gospel because it feels uncomfortable. We worry about making someone else uncomfortable, or we’re afraid of how they might respond, so we stay quiet. It’s not that we hate people; we just hate being uncomfortable.

    I’ve shared the Gospel on the other side of the world, traveling deep into the mountains to tell people my story, how Jesus has changed my life, and how He can change theirs. One old man responded, “This is good news!” He was right. This is good news… it’s THE Good News.

    So why is it so hard to share it back here in the United States?

    We all have lots of reasons to stay quiet. With what Penn said in mind, here’s my story…

    God created the world, and it was perfect. He created man and woman, and He loved them deeply. But sin entered the picture, and that sin separated us from God. That separation created a hole in the human heart, and we’ve been trying to fill it ever since through alcohol, power, drugs, sex, money, and influence.

    I’ve chased all of it. None of it worked.

    Then, someone introduced me to Jesus. I had known about Jesus growing up in the church, but I realized I didn’t truly “know Him” as a friend or as my Savior. As I began to understand who He is, I also came to realize that my good works could never make up for my sin… sin that comes with punishment. I couldn’t close the gap myself, and my good deeds would never be enough to reconnect me with a perfect God.

    God saw that, not just in me, but in every one of us. Because He loves us, He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for our sins. What do we need to do to receive that gift? Repent of our sins and believe in Christ as our Savior. Simply put, admit your junk and believe in the one who can remove it. It’s that simple… even though it feels like it should be much harder.

    It’s not hard, in fact, it’s incredibly easy. Scripture makes it clear:

    God loves us and sent Jesus…
     “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

    We can’t earn everlasting life…
     “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”. – Ephesians 2:8-9

    We’ve all sinned at some point…
     “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:23-24

    Belief is the key to receiving this free gift…
     “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”. – Romans 10:9-10

    This Easter, like every other Easter that has passed, Jesus will die on the cross… and He will rise again on the third day, putting an end to death. The question is, what are you going to do with that?

    Penn Jillette, an atheist, challenged us in a way most believers won’t. If we believe this is real, if we believe eternity is on the line, then staying silent isn’t an option.

    Here’s the call: Don’t let comfort win. Don’t let awkwardness keep you quiet. Don’t assume someone else will say it. Be the one who cares enough to have the conversation. This is good news. It’s the Good News. Go share it this Easter.

    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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  • LEARNING TO TAKE THE HAND GOD OFFERS

    LEARNING TO TAKE THE HAND GOD OFFERS

    BY JOHN GAMADES

    Several years ago, I was on a mission trip in the mountains of Southeast Asia. It was the final day of our time in the villages where we had spent the week sharing the gospel, and that morning we began the long hike back down the mountain.

    The trail we followed was barely two feet wide, more of a goat path than anything resembling a proper hiking trail. Loose rocks and shale covered much of the ground, and in several places the rain had washed the path away entirely. The mountainside dropped off thirty or forty feet to my left the entire way down, and there were no guardrails… nothing separating the trail from the dropping slope below.

    That morning, the ground was still wet from the previous night’s rain and the morning dew. Every step required attention. With thirty-five pounds of gear strapped to my back, finding balance was difficult.

    A week earlier, we had hiked up that same trail to reach the villages. We had hiked it at night, by headlamps. In the dark, the climb had felt challenging but manageable. You couldn’t see all those thirty and forty-foot drops. Strangely enough, coming down proved much harder. The loose shale shifted underfoot, and each step demanded careful placement.

    The further we descended, the more my anxiety grew. I could feel that my heartbeat had picked up, and I became increasingly aware that a slip or fall here wouldn’t simply be embarrassing. On a trail like this, one bad step could lead to a serious fall.

    Leading our group was my guide and interpreter—we’ll call him Michael. He was a local who had walked this trail countless times and knew every bend, every unstable section, and every place where the footing could become tricky. His steps moved naturally along paths like this; he had grown up in these mountains and had been running trails like this since he was a small boy.

    At several points along the descent, he would reach back toward me and calmly say, “Brother, take my hand. I will help you.”

    My first reaction was not gratitude. It was pride. Something inside me resisted the offer. I told myself I had things under control. I’m a grown man, I thought. I can handle this. Accepting help felt like admitting weakness, and there is a part of many men that struggles deeply with that idea.

    As we continued down the mountain, the reality became harder to ignore. There were sections of the trail where the rocks shifted beneath my boots, and the ground felt uncertain. My heartbeat didn’t get any slower. Michael could see those spots coming before I could. Each time we approached one of them, he would reach back again, steady and confident, offering the same simple words.

    “Brother, take my hand.”

    Eventually, I did. More than once, and every time I grabbed his hand, my footing became more certain. The tension in my chest eased, and the trail became easier to navigate. Michael knew the path far better than I did, and his steady hand helped guide me safely through sections that would have been far more difficult on my own.

    That hike down the mountain left me with a picture I have not forgotten. In many ways, it mirrors how we often walk through life. As men, we tend to believe that we should be able to handle everything ourselves. We pride ourselves on being capable, independent, and strong. Whether it is our work, our marriages, our finances, our health, or the burdens we carry quietly in our hearts, our instinct is often to tighten our grip and push forward on our own.

    The reality is that life can feel a lot like that narrow mountain trail. The path can become uncertain, the ground beneath us can shift unexpectedly, and the weight we carry can begin to feel heavier than we anticipated. In those moments, God is often doing exactly what Michael did for me on that trail. He reaches toward us with an open hand and offers help, even when our pride initially resists it.

    “John, take my hand.” Jesus gives us this invitation in Matthew 11:28–30:

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)

    Those words are not directed at perfect people who have everything under control. They are spoken to those who are weary, burdened, and struggling under the weight of life. In other words, they are spoken to us. God’s message is remarkably simple. He doesn’t ask us to pretend we have everything figured out, and He does not expect us to navigate every difficult stretch on our own. Instead, He invites us to release our grip on control and take His hand.

    When work becomes overwhelming.

    When your marriage feels strained.

    When you question whether you are doing enough as a father.

    When financial pressure builds or health concerns surface.

    When you wrestle with sin, doubt, or the quiet fear that maybe you are not enough.

    In every one of those moments, God’s hand is already extended. His message is the same each time.  “Take my hand. Trust me with the path. I’ve got you, and I am enough.”

    Today, take His hand. Let Him help you carry what you were never meant to carry alone. Trust Him with the path in front of you, even when the footing feels uncertain. His hand is steady, His presence is sure, and He is more than enough to guide you through whatever lies ahead.

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

    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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  • The Pursuit of Wisdom: Daily Practices That Shape Wise Leadership

    The Pursuit of Wisdom: Daily Practices That Shape Wise Leadership

    Wisdom is not something that accidentally finds its way into our leadership or our businesses. It doesn’t fall from the sky. Instead, it’s something that is pursued, sought after, and invited in.

    As Christian business leaders, we often pray that God would be present in our decisions, our strategy, and our organizations. Scripture reminds us that when God is invited, He shows up. But wisdom doesn’t simply land in our lap in the middle of a busy calendar or a reactive week. Wisdom is cultivated through intentional pursuit.

    “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” – Proverbs 3:13 (NIV)

    Finding wisdom implies movement. It’s active, and requires us to slow down long enough to seek God, listen for His voice, and align our leadership with His ways.

    This isn’t just about who we consult in a moment of uncertainty. It’s about how we consistently position ourselves to receive wisdom long before decisions demand it. We put ourselves in proximity to wisdom. Where we invest our time shapes the kind of leaders we become and the quality of counsel we’re able to discern.

    “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)

    When we intentionally invite God into our businesses and leadership through the Word, through prayer, and through the counsel of other believers, we create space for wisdom to take root and grow. How do we do this intentionally? Here’s what that looks like…

    Time in the Word: Where Wisdom Is Anchored

    For Christian business leaders, wisdom begins with time in God’s Word. This isn’t a box to check, but a place where perspective is recalibrated.

    “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

    Leadership has a way of narrowing our focus. We get pulled into short-term pressures, immediate outcomes, and visible wins. You have your own list. Scripture pulls us back to the things that matter most: character, integrity, patience, and obedience. The Word doesn’t always give us tactical answers, but it shapes the lens through which we make decisions. It slows us down and reminds us who we serve. The Word forms the internal compass we rely on when the path forward isn’t obvious.

    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)

    Time in Prayer: Not Just Talking, But Listening

    Prayer is often where leaders struggle most, not because they don’t believe in it, but because it doesn’t feel efficient. Prayer doesn’t always produce immediate clarity, and listening requires patience we often feel we don’t have. That may be true, but scripture reminds us that wisdom is something God wants to give.

    “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” – James 1:5 (NIV)

    Prayer isn’t just about presenting requests. It’s about creating space for alignment. When we rush through prayer (or avoid silence altogether), we miss the opportunity to hear what God may be prompting, redirecting, or cautioning us about.

    “Be still, and know that I am God.”
     — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

    Stillness is uncomfortable in a leadership culture built on motion and momentum, but wisdom often surfaces in the quiet moments we’re most tempted to skip.

    Time With Wise Believers: Counsel Is Sharpened in Community

    Scripture consistently points to the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly counsel.

    “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

    Wise counsel isn’t limited to professional expertise or industry experience. It includes spiritual maturity, shared values, and the willingness to speak truth with humility and courage. Our Christian advisors and peers help us see blind spots we can’t see on our own. They ask better questions and challenge assumptions. They can also remind us of who we are when leadership pressures try to redefine our identity.

    “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

    Listening, truly listening, is a discipline. It requires time, openness, and the humility to admit we don’t have all the answers.

    “I Don’t Have Time” Is Rarely About Time

    Most leaders won’t say they don’t value the Word, prayer, or community. They will say they don’t have time. “I’m too busy.” More often than not, that statement isn’t about availability… it’s about priority. Emails feel urgent, meetings feel necessary. and deadlines demand our attention. Remember this: urgency and importance are not the same thing.

    “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

    Wisdom grows when we become intentional with our time, choosing depth over distraction, and investing in the disciplines that shape us before they serve us.

    Wisdom Begins Long Before the Decision

    By the time a major decision lands on your desk, much of the outcome has already been influenced by where you’ve been investing your time. Wise counsel is the fruit of consistent practices:

    • Time in the Word that anchors your thinking
    • Time in prayer that aligns your heart
    • Time with trusted believers who sharpen your perspective

    As business leaders and owners, the weight of responsibility is real. So is the invitation to lead differently, from a place of wisdom that is cultivated, not rushed. The question is simple, but challenging: Where are you investing your time today, and what kind of counsel is it forming in you for tomorrow?

    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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