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.    

Mathew 4.4 records, Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.

The first need for the men of the church is for them to be men in the word of God. We cannot know the will of God or the ways of God apart from the word of God. So much confusion exists in our society, including the church, over Who God is and what He requires. This confusion is the result of ignorance alone for God has given us clear detail of His workings in the world, the way in which He works and the works He requires men to do and for which they will be held accountable on that day they see Him face to face.

The will of God is not getting done because the Word of God is not being utilized as our instruction manual for living. The ways of God are not being discussed and insisted upon in our culture by the Christian men in leadership roles in government, the marketplace or education. This is the result of men ignoring the Word of God.

In this country we have so much information but so little transformation into the image of the First Born Son, Who is our God and Savior and into Whose image the Spirit of God is working in us to form us into His likeness. The fuel for this transformation is the Word of God. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to change our hearts and minds toward the will of God and the ways of God. All Christian men must show themselves workmen of God’s word, handling it accurately and teaching it diligently first in their homes and then in their church and finally in their marketplace.

Our Opportunities

1. Friends, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for helping us get to the finish line in 2020. With all the chaos and economic turmoil, you stayed faithful to the Lord and gave to CBMC. We ended the month at $42,847.60. Your generosity resulted in our surpassing our goal of $40,000 in the month of December. We are now setup for a great 2021 financially and our local leadership team has a great plan strategically for helping us continue to win men to Christ and disciple them in the faith. THANK YOU for being part of the team. 

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

January 11, 2021 

Never Underestimate The Value of a Friend

by Rick Boxx 

If you have ever watched a TV wildlife documentary that shows a lion hunting its prey, you will recognize the lion’s common practice: Finding the slowest or weakest gazelle and isolating them. Once the prey has been isolated, victory is assured. There is safety in being part of a group; alone, the prey does not have a prayer. 

This problem manifests itself in the marketplace as well. Ambitious, driven people willing to do whatever it takes to reach their goals and advance their careers choose to go it alone. Rather than partnering with others, seeking to leverage their respective skills and strengths, the “lone ranger” pursues the prize unaware of pitfalls lying ahead. Many a rising star has stunningly crashed and burned without the support and accountability that come from being a part of an effectively, well-functioning team. 

In a professional, personal and spiritual sense, we have an enemy who – like the cunning lion – also desires to isolate us so we can be taken down morally, knowing we are at our weakest when we are alone. If we allow our pride to prevent us from calling a friend when we sense that we are in danger, we are prone to destruction. 

Over and over in the Scriptures, we read about the importance of joining forces with others in common pursuits:

The safety found in numbers. We find countless examples of how working together, whether on a project or seeking to solve a problem, is more effective than trying to accomplish things alone. Two horses, or oxen, can haul multiple times what a single animal can pull. We see this all the time in the business and professional world as well. “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 falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). 

The value of a trusted friend. Sometimes all it takes is a single genuine friend, someone who cares enough about us to tell us the truth. Even when what they have to say is hard to hear. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). 

The benefits of friendly friction. Sometimes “sparks” fly when we interact with others, whether in creative interactions or in receiving constructive criticism. As the adage tells us, “Not one of us is as smart as all of us together.” The potential benefits of rubbing shoulders with one another in workplace settings are immeasurable. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). 

The importance of mutual encouragement. Facing the challenges and struggles of life and work can at times seem overwhelming. Having others alongside of us to offer support, helpful advice and affirmation can make a tremendous difference in how we cope with difficulties and hardships. “And let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). 

When we are well-rested, well-fed, calm and content, we are tempted to believe that we do not need anyone else, that we can handle any and all obstacles alone. But at times like that we can become most vulnerable, letting down our guard against temptations and external threats. So we are wise to beware and be aware. When you are feeling hungry, angry, lonely or tired, do not insist on trusting in your self-sufficiency. Seek out a friend. It may save you from destruction. 

© 2021, Unconventional Business Network Adapted with permission from “Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx,” a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more, visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. His latest book, Unconventional Business, provides “Five Keys to Growing a Business God’s Way.” 

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

January 11, 2021 

Reflection/Discussion Questions 

1. When you consider the image of a lion stealthily pursuing another animal that has become separated from the group, what thoughts or feelings come to mind? 

1. Has there ever been a time when you felt like the “prey,” when you became separated or isolated from everyone else? What was that like? Did you suffer adverse consequences as a result? 

1. What has been your best example of working together with others, rather than choosing to take a “lone ranger” approach of trying to get the job done all by yourself? Describe the difference you saw in the outcome. 

1. Which of the Bible passages listed in this week’s “Monday Manna” is most meaningful for you – or has given you the most to think about? Explain your answer. 

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Exodus 4:14-16; Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, 20:18; Matthew 10:1-10; Mark 6:7; Hebrews 3:12-14

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