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Written by the Lead Like Jesus team, an organization founded by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges that promotes a transformational leadership model based on following Jesus.

Criticism is a given in life and leadership. When we focus on exalting ourselves, boasting of who we are and what we have done, criticism is sure to catapult us into distress. Humble leaders, confident in their identity, security, and significance in God, are increasingly able to receive and evaluate feedback, whether positive or negative. Paul’s criticism of Peter was aimed at reminding Peter to live by the truth of Christ so that others would not be led astray. Let criticism shape you to be more like Jesus for the benefit of those you influence.

But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong.  [Galatians 2:11]

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Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor, author, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his work “God’s Story, Your Story.”

You are in the hands of a living, loving God. Random collection of disconnected short stories? Far from it. Your life is a crafted narrative written by a good God, who is working toward your supreme good. God is not slipshod or haphazard. He planned creation according to a calendar. He determined the details of salvation “before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20). The death of Jesus was not an afterthought, nor was it Plan B or an emergency operation. Jesus died “when the set time had fully come” (Galatians 4:4), according to God’s “deliberate plan and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). God isn’t making up a plan as he goes along. Nor did he wind up the clock and walk away. “The Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will” (Daniel 5:21). He “executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another” (Psalm 75:7). “The Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intentions of his mind” (Jeremiah 30:24). Look at those verbs: God rules, sets, executes, accomplishes. These terms confirm the existence of heavenly blueprints and plans. Those plans include you. “In him we were also chosen, . . . according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11). This discovery changes everything!

But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten. [Jeremiah 20:11]

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Written by Phil Rehberg, a contemporary lawyer and author.  This devotion was adapted from the classic work “The Imitation of Christ.”

At first, solitude may feel monotonous or like a heavy burden. If you patiently practice it, in time you will know the benefits of solitude; it will be close friend. Then your soul has developed an important spiritual affection…One of the important benefits of solitude is that we learn to take our sins seriously and view them as God does. If we tend to overlook our sins, solitude gives us time to feel the proper remorse… One of the best benefits of solitude is that it fortifies us against all the worldly influences constantly pressing in on us. They come from every direction, even when least expected. If we have developed a heart bonded to God – through solitude – we will find strength to resist the small temptations that present themselves each day. In solitude we remember that the distractions of the world will all turn to dust. They are just pointless pursuits. Worldly distractions rob us of our peace. In solitude we find the deep peace we long for, even if we find it just one step at a time.  

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. [Psalm 119:15]

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Written by Brian Morykon, a contemporary writer.

There is a time for focus. A time for deep work and Do Not Disturb.  A time to stick to the schedule. But a mark of spiritual maturity is being interruptible and having a willingness to do menial things. “It is a strange fact,” writes Bonhoeffer, “that Christians and even ministers frequently consider their work so important and urgent that they will allow nothing to disturb them. They think they are doing God a service in this, but actually they are disdaining God’s ‘crooked yet straight path.’” I once shared an office with a pastor for three weeks, where the door stayed open most of the day. When a person popped in unannounced, which happened often, the pastor turned from the computer and offered full-presence listening without an ounce of irritation. That willingness to attend to small matters with great care was to me a sign and a wonder. Anyone with a job or a family knows there are limitless opportunities to serve others through small things—few things shape a soul like dishes and diapers.  For those who crave recognition, writes Richard Foster, “nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness.”  On the other hand, those who fear recognition—perhaps both fear and crave it—may try to avoid the pitfall of human praise by only serving in small ways, even when God invites them into more public service. Obscurity or visibility is not the goal. Love is the goal. Jesus is the goal. We follow him wherever he leads, serving people in small things, and maybe even in great ones, too. So, Father, make us interruptible—not for distractions of our own making, but for the people you put in our path. Help us to do small things and big things with great love, by the power of the Spirit of Jesus who lives and works in us.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. [2 Corinthians 9:12]

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Written by Patrick van der Vorst, a priest, writer, and founder of the Christian Art website, which offers a daily Gospel Reading paired with a related work of art and short reflection.

In today’s conflict-ridden world, loving our enemies can seem an impossible task. The phrase “love your enemy” is often cited by those who portray Jesus as an unrealistic idealist, disconnected from the harsh realities of life…On 17^th December 1957, Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed this very question, stating: “Far from being an impractical idealist, Jesus has become the practical realist. The words of this text glitter in our eyes with a new urgency. Far from being the pious injunction of a utopian dreamer, this command is an absolute necessity for the survival of our civilization—love even for enemies.” King further elaborated: “How do you go about loving your enemies? I think the first thing is this: In order to love your enemies, you must begin by analyzing self…To truly love others, we must first embrace and cherish the unique selves that God has lovingly created in each of us.”

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. [Luke 6:27]

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Written by Paul David Tripp, a contemporary pastor, author, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his book “New Morning Mercies.”

The words of Hezekiah, king of Judah, ring as true today as they did in the scary moment centuries and centuries ago when they were first spoken. Judah had been invaded by the powerful king of Assyria, Sennacherib. Hezekiah prepared and armed Judah for battle, but that is not all he did. He addressed the people with a more significant issue. He knew that in these moments, God’s people were often given to fear, and he knew where that fear came from. Often in these moments of challenge the people of God would panic because they were identity amnesiacs. They would forget who they were as the children of God and they would forget who God is in all his almighty power and glory. So at this moment, Hezekiah knew that he couldn’t just be a good king and a skilled general; he must also be a wise pastor to his people. As they were preparing for the Assyrian onslaught, Hezekiah didn’t want the people of Judah to think that they were left to their battle courage, their war experience, and their skill with weapons. He wanted them to know that they had been amazingly blessed with another ingredient, one that they could not, must not, forget. … There will be a moment when you will ask, “Where is courage to be found to face what I am facing?” Hezekiah gives you your answer: “Look up and remember your God.” As God’s child, you are never left to battle on your own.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. [2 Chronicles 32:7-8]

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Written by John Henry Jowett (1863-1923), a British preacher and author.

Evil never surrenders its hold without a sore fight. We never pass into any spiritual inheritance through the delightful exercises of a picnic, but always through the grim contentions of the battlefield. It is so in the secret realm of the soul. Every faculty which wins its spiritual freedom does so at the price of blood. Apollyon is not put to flight by a courteous request; he straddles across the full breadth of the way, and our progress has to be registered in blood and tears. This we must remember or we shall add to all the other burdens of life the gall of misinterpretation. We are not “born again” into soft and protected nurseries, but in the open country where we suck strength from the very terror of the tempest. “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” [Mark 9:26]

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Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor, author, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his work “God’s Story, Your Story.”

Is there anything in your life that needs to be removed? Any impediment to the impression of God’s Spirit? We can grieve the Spirit with our angry words (Ephesians 4:29–30; Isaiah 63:10) and resist the Spirit in our disobedience (Acts 7:51). We can even quench the Spirit by having no regard for God’s teachings. Here is something that helps me stay in step with the Spirit. We know that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23 nasb). God’s Spirit creates and distributes these characteristics. They are indicators on my spiritual dashboard. So whenever I sense them, I know I am walking in the Spirit. Whenever I lack them, I know I am out of step with the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit, respond to the promptings God gives you. Don’t sense any nudging? Just be patient and wait. Abraham waited for the promised son. Moses waited forty years in the wilderness. Jesus waited thirty years before he began his ministry. God instills seasons of silence in his plan. Winter is needed for the soil to bear fruit. Time is needed for the development of a crop. And disciples wait for the move of God. Wait for him to move, nudge, and direct you.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [Galatians 5:25]

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Written by the Lead Like Jesus team, an organization founded by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges that promotes a transformational leadership model based on following Jesus.

Psalm 1 extols the benefits of consistently meditating on God’s law, as does Psalm 119. Proverbs compares the wisdom God gives with silver, gold, and precious gems. As we meditate on God’s Word, His truth and wisdom begin to permeate our thoughts and shape our leadership perspective. Our minds are transformed with the same truth that shaped the character and ministry of Jesus. What kind of treasure do you store up in your mind? How much does God’s Word shape your perspective and influence your decision-making?

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. [Romans 12:2]

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Written by Whitney Hopler, a contemporary writer and editor.

In our materialistic world, we are constantly bombarded with opportunities for consumption. It’s easy to spend our valuable time on activities that bring us temporary entertainment but little lasting value – from scrolling on social media and binge-watching TV shows to shopping or eating too much. While moments of rest and recreation are important, we must guard against allowing these activities to dominate our lives and distract us from our higher calling. Jesus’ words … remind us of the vast opportunities for meaningful work in God’s kingdom. The harvest is plentiful. There are countless ways we can make a positive difference in our communities, churches, and beyond. Yet, the laborers are few. Many people are caught up in consumption, missing the chance to contribute to God’s work. Just as farmers work diligently to gather their crops during harvest season before the cold sets in, we too must diligently make good use of the opportunities God places before us to reap a spiritual harvest. We have a limited window of time to plant seeds of faith, hope, and love that can help people grow spiritually. God calls us to be laborers in his harvest. This means prioritizing the work God has prepared for us over excessive consumption. When we focus on contributing rather than consuming, we fulfill God’s purposes for our lives. We become instruments of God’s love, shining God’s light into the darkness of a world in need. 

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  [Matthew 9:37-38]

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