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.

Luke 12.8-12 warns, I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before people, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God; but the one who denies Me before people will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him. Now when they bring you before the synagogues and the officials and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. NASB2020

How are we doing at identifying ourselves with Jesus? God says we must confess Him before people. This is not a passive act, waiting for people to ask us for the hope that is within us. This is intentional identification with Jesus. It is not having people 'know where we stand' as moral people, religious people, or good people. It is sharing with people the requirement of all people to become born again to enter the kingdom of God.

When was the last time we said the word Jesus to someone in a way that identified ourselves as His follower? When was the last time we told His story in such a compelling manner that the person responded with repentance and faith in Jesus as God and Savior? Fear keeps us from speaking Jesus' name to men. Fear of ridicule, fear of suffering, fear of loss of prominence. Some of these fears are legitimate.

Jesus tells us the authorities will call us in to ask about this Jesus we profess and who demands all men repent from their sin. However, Jesus also promises to send His Spirit to help those persecuted for identifying with Him so that they can answer those authorities for the glory of God. Those being persecuted by men are being persecuted for speaking Jesus name.

Who is hassling us for being a Christian? In the current political and economic climate if we are regular speakers of Jesus’ Name men should be offended or mocking us. Why would we speak Jesus’ Name anyway? Why is God promising reward to those who are faithful to identify with Him?

The faithful are those who obey His command to make disciples, to live as ambassadors for Christ so that God can make His appeal unto salvation through them. The eternal destiny of the souls of men is established by our response to God on earth and the gospel is the power of God for saving men, moving their eternal destiny from hell to heaven. This gospel must be shared, it must be spoken, so that men can hear and have faith. Who will identify with Jesus and save men for the glory of God? 

CBMC makes possible in a practical and simple way the sharing of the gospel through your simple invitation to lunch at one of our special luncheons where men will hear a saved business man share his testimony of faith in Jesus.

Our Opportunities

1. Our first luncheon is scheduled for May 12th and our second luncheon is scheduled for November 2nd. Create a list of men you want to see come to saving faith in Jesus and begin now to pray for them. Make every effort to stay connected to them so that when you invite them to our luncheon the invitation is easy on your part and the acceptance easy on their part. Details will follow in the months ahead but planning to attend and praying for men is something you can do now.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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

February 28, 2022 

The Tough Task of ‘Watchful Waiting’

By Jim Langley 

For the past several years, I have been been receiving treatment for prostate cancer. It has been nearly a year since my second mildly invasive procedure to remove the disease that lingers within that one small gland. So far, I have elected to not have it surgically removed. And thankfully, I have not experienced any pain during the entire process. 

Recently, I had a video consultation with my urologist to discuss the feasibility of a second treatment to remove the small amount of cancer remaining. His recommendation was to “watch and wait” for another six months. So, I have taken his advice and am awaiting the results of my scan to evaluate my progress. 

Since I have been dealing with this cancer for quite a while, waiting a bit longer before my next treatment is reasonable. I have accepted what I call the “tough task of watchful waiting.” When first diagnosed, I researched all the alternatives available. Prostate cancer is rarely aggressive and usually grows slowly; statistically, very few men die of prostate cancer these days. 

My attitude to this affliction is centered on my faith in the Lord. My Christian journey has been filled with many trials, as well as many blessings. And as a follower of Jesus, I have come to understand there are many times to “watch and wait” on the Lord. In studying the Bible, I have encountered this concept of watching and waiting quite often. King David wrote in Psalm 27:13-14, “I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Excellent advice from the man who was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” 

All of us have faced anxious moments these past few years. They might not have included a serious diagnosis, but the pandemic, the uncertain economy, and the ever-changing working environment have brought about unprecedented changes for most of us. From a business standpoint, I cannot recall a more challenging time for earning a living. So, I have learned to work harder and smarter. 

In the insurance business, my preference has always been to meet clients face-to-face. However, that has become difficult under health restrictions. I have strived to become even more responsive to my client’s needs and preferences. Due to the pandemic, however, many have become difficult to communicate with as their lives also have become more complex and challenging. 

Here is my “secret” to watchful waiting during these trying times. First, we must develop and maintain a strong and consistent prayer life. Christ followers must understand the significance of putting on the armor of God every morning. As the apostle Paul exhorts in Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” We must resist the great temptation to succumb to our spiritual enemy’s wiles. 

Paul continues in Ephesians 6:18: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Yes, my prayers are not just for my personal needs, but also for the many people God has put in my path – as well as others I barely know who diligently work for our Lord and those He puts in their paths. In this way, I am striving to do my part as a vibrant member of the family of God! 

© 2022, 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. 

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

February 28, 2022 

Reflection/Discussion Questions 

1. Have you ever experienced a very situation – perhaps a health issue or financial crisis – that required a considerable of waiting before it could be resolved? If so, how have you responded. 

1. How do you understand the term, “watchful waiting”? What are some of the benefits, and the difficulties, of having to do this? 

1. What are some of the challenges you have encountered over the past year, whether related to the ongoing COVID pandemic or circumstances totally unrelated to that? Has your tendency been to try and resolve the situation quickly, or have you been receptive to a “watch and wait” approach? Explain your answer. 

1. When you encounter formidable obstacles and different kinds of adversity, what role – if any – does your faith play in how you respond to them? 

NOTE: For more about what the Bible says about this topic, consider the following passages: Psalm 130:5-6; Luke 12:35-37; Ephesians 6:13-17; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-9

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