Our Mission

To present Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to business and professional men and to develop Christian business and professional men to carry out the Great Commission. 

Joshua 10.8, 11-14 observes, And Yahweh said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you…….Then Joshua spoke to Yahweh in the day when Yahweh gave over the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “O sun, stand still at Gibeon, And O moon in the valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stood in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, when Yahweh listened to the voice of a man; for Yahweh fought for Israel. (LSB)  

Most people want to encounter God, they want to see Him act in their lives, confirming His existence and their value before Him. The lack of seeing God at work is what causes many people to doubt He exists. Some have prayed for His presence only to be disappointed that their wishes were not granted by Him and so in anger and revenge they turn away from God, but to what? Ultimately their own destruction both in this life and in the life to come.

So how do we experience God and why didn't He step forward when we called for Him? The means to experiencing God, to see Him at work, to be around the power of His might and to see the goodness of His hand, is to be engaged in His work, obedient to His commands, doing what He is doing for when we are with Him, we shall see Him. We call God to us, to our will and our wants, and He does not often answer. He calls us to His will and His ways through His word, and we don't often answer.

God is always at work, seeking and saving the lost. Those who would experience God, who would see His presence must be engaged in His work for that is where God is and He provides what is needed for those who labor with Him and for Him. Joshua saw a miracle after asking for a miracle because he was doing the work God commanded him to do. So too Jesus promises to give us whatever we need for doing the work He has commanded us to do.

The Great Commission is our mission, are we engaged in it, and what are we asking God for to help us accomplish it? It is in this context that we shall see God and experience His presence most consistently.

Our Opportunities

1. Opportunities abound within CBMC for meeting with other men. Prayer Groups, CEO groups and young professional groups only need YOU to make them happen and to help you fulfill your ministry in the marketplace. Contact Mike today to join or start a team. 

1. You can partner with us here: https://give.idonate.com/cbmc-inc/lansing

CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917  / 517 481 5996 www.lansing.cbmc.com

MONDAY MANNA

A service to the business community

A Publication of CBMC International

July 11, 2022 

Being Prepared For Such A Time As This

By Rick Boxx 

Years ago, while on a flight in South Africa, I met a young lady named Emma. At the time she was an event planner, and spoke enthusiastically about her career, although uncertain about where it eventually would lead. I enjoy meeting with people who are excited about their work and callings. 

Recently I noticed her name on the LinkedIn online networking site. According to her profile, she is now vice president of marketing in China for a significant international company. When I sent a message to congratulate her, Emma responded by telling me that five years ago, she sensed that God would use her career “to serve kings” if she would trust Him. 

I suspect she was referring to the Bible verse that states, “Do you see a man (or woman) skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29). God obviously has made those words become true. Emma now holds a pivotal and influential role in a country with many millions of people desperately needing the hope of Jesus Christ. 

How God will use Emma in that position remains to be seen, but He clearly has opened opportunities for her to not only do her job well, but also to serve as His representative, as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 

Whether starting a new job or remaining in one we have had for a while, we are inclined to view it as a way to pay our financial obligations and acquire things we want. But God sees our vocations – even our careers – in a much broader way. They are an important part of our “calling,” what the Lord wants us to do during our time on Earth, participating in His divine purposes. 

We find an excellent example of this in the Old Testament book of Esther. Also known as Hadassah, Esther was a beautiful young Jewish woman who, through a series of events, was brought into the harem of King Xerxes of Persia and Media. She became a favorite of Xerxes, in line to become the future queen. 

Her cousin, Mordecai, had learned of a plot by one of Xerxes’ subordinates to destroy all the Jews in that region. Since Esther had become an “insider” in the king’s court, Mordecai entreated her to intercede on behalf of her fellow Jews. He understood that in her position, she could exert unique influence on King Xerxes to somehow reverse his fearful decree.

Initially Esther was hesitant, knowing that to approach Xerxes on any matter, without being invited to do so, put her life at risk. But then Mordecai challenged her with this question, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). The story goes on to tell the king did listen to Esther, and a way was found to overcome the murderous scheme. 

Thankfully, most of us do not need to fear a “death sentence” for approaching people in authority at work. However, often God places His people in circumstances where – like Emma – they can represent Him in redemptive ways. Never underestimate what the Lord can do: He can turn even humble beginnings into incredible opportunities. So, pray and obey, trusting Him for the results. 

Copyright 2022, 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. 

CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917 / 517 481 5996  lansing.cbmc.com

MONDAY MANNA

A service to the business community

A Publication of CBMC International

July 11, 2022

Reflection/Discussion Questions 

1. If someone were to ask why you do the work that you do, how would you respond? 

1. Before reading this meditation, were you familiar with the Bible passage that suggests people who are diligent and faithful in their work will “serve before kings”? Do you believe this promise is true? Why or why not? 

1. How do you think people of faith can exert positive influence, even in working environments where biblical principles are ignored or even treated with skepticism? 

1. The passage from the book of Esther would imply that God is actively involved in the modern workplace and takes special, direct interest in His followers whom He has placed there? What is your reaction to this concept? 

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Deuteronomy 30:8-9; Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 21:5; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:17, 23-24 

CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917 / 517 481 5996  lansing.cbmc.com