A Shadow You’ll Welcome

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

Sunday was Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog, saw his shadow in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pa.

Uh oh. Six more weeks of winter en route – at least, according to a tradition dating back to the 1880s. Remember, meteorology wasn’t quite as advanced back then.

Maybe you missed Groundhog Day. Easy to do. It’s not exactly on a par with Christmas or Easter. As holidays go, it’s decidedly minor league.

For many, though, the concept of Groundhog Day is shaped by the iconic 1993 film of the same name. Bill Murray plays a cynical TV weatherman who, on location in Punxsutawney to report on its annual Groundhog Day festival, gets stuck reliving the same day, over and over.

Staying true to standard movie formula, the story has a happy ending. Murray’s character gradually changes his ways, and perspective, and finds love in the end. Roll credits.

Think carefully. Are you living Groundhog Day (the movie premise, that is)? Does life seem like an unchanging loop? Mundane? Lackadaisical? Are you weary, frustrated and itching for something better?

Try Christ. Not in a “Sure, as long as it’s Sunday” or “When I think about it” approach.

No, go all in. Ask Christ to inhabit your mind, heart and every living moment. Give yourself over to His awesome loving power. Accept Him as your savior, be all, and end all.

In John 16:24, Jesus says, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

If joy is lacking in your life, there’s your answer. Ask away. Beseech Christ to take you out of the cycle of pointless, fruitless living, and put you on a path of peace and fulfillment. Did he not just promise to deliver?

God is on the move in our lives, every day, all year. Question is, do we go with Him … or watch Him go by?

Doesn’t matter if it’s Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day), or Feb. 6 (today), or Feb. 29 (every fourth year). Any day is the best day to pledge your life to Christ.

We can’t lose our shadow … but what if it’s a reminder of God moving with us? You’ll know that only brighter days lie ahead.

We All Need a Safe Space

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” – Psalms 9:9-10

The term “safe spaces” gets knocked about plenty in popular culture. Often, it’s used in connection with young adults allegedly seeking refuge from the responsibilities of maturity.

Yet, whether we realize it or not, we all occasionally need a safe space to unburden our souls … release pent-up stress and anxiety … and allow someone else to lift us up.

Problem is, very few busy people – especially organizational leaders – acknowledge this, as least publicly. Their default mode is to never reveal signs of mental or emotional duress.

Consequences ensue, as can be expected. The related “self- treatment” usually involves diving deeper into work, or more rounds of golf, or consuming alcohol or other substances. These serve only to bury deeper the internal suffering.

Only one authentic refuge exists: Laying our burdens at the foot of the cross.

Create a Place for Others

“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.” – Psalms 16:1

Scripture assures us repeatedly that God is our stronghold in times of trouble. All the other avenues we seek for relief are just distractions. Keeping Christ at the center of our life ensures a thriving, high-quality existence.

Still, we are human. Finding validation and encouragement are basic needs. These lie within the safe space that every person craves (whether they admit it or not).

How do we create this reality, which differs from person to person? Try these action items:

• Teach in love: Without love, we have nothing. Love God and others ceaselessly. A world filled with hate and animosity can crush our hopes and potential. Don’t let it. Live out your love, and watch others open up with truth and authenticity.

• Share the Gospel in words and actions: “Preach the Gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words” is a quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. He’s right. The Bible, especially for the uninitiated, can be just words on a page. We embody the Gospel through service, forgiveness, and compassion. Don’t just memorize Scripture – live it in deeds and words.

• Admit you need Christ: Ego all too often blocks us necessarily diminishing ourselves, so that God can be exalted. We can’t earn salvation. Only Christ can grant it. Admit you need Him, and accept his redemption. In a world that can be dark, nasty, and foreboding, why wouldn’t you want Him on your side?

• Be trustworthy: People are turned off by those who gossip, answer before listening, or are quick to judge. Similarly, do you talk about yourself continuously, at the exclusion of taking interest in others? All create doubt about one’s trustworthiness. Avoiding these behaviors opens spaces where others can fill up spiritually.

God calls us to help others. This includes those who won’t readily seek help, or feel they have no place to turn. Every person is unique – with their own singular experiences, talents, and traumas. They all want validation and encouragement. We must adapt, and be open, to the distinct space that each requires.

God Will Keep Us Safe

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12

The dark forces of the spiritual world seek constantly to trip us up. If we’re preoccupied, we can’t bring others to God. Their roadblocks are constant and innovative.

All the more reason to turn to God with everything – no matter how small, or how much it hurts to describe or confess. Being transparent and vulnerable with Him spills over into other parts of our lives. Knowing God is with us makes life much more manageable, even during challenging times.

Of course, this describes finding your safe space, where you can be completely open and honest. No matter is too minor. Even if you feel like a nobody, to God you’ll always be a somebody. 

Doesn’t this sound refreshing and uplifting? It is. Maybe you’ve found the space where you feel safe. If not, don’t stop trying to help others do so – maybe you’ll find it together. Once there, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

Resolutions that Matter

“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” – Proverbs 15:31

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Roughly 40 percent of Americans do. Most involve healthier lifestyles, improved personal habits, or spending time with loved ones.

Very few last. The lifespan of a New Year’s resolution is usually weeks, at best. Change is hard for everyone. Flipping a calendar page is not a lasting incentive.

God’s promise of eternal salvation, though, defines “lasting.” Our relationship with Jesus Christ is one of life’s bedrocks. Through it, we know that forgiveness will always be granted – no matter how many New Year’s resolutions we forego.

So, let’s try a new twist on this centuries-old practice. Why not make resolutions that will strengthen our relationship with Christ? Resolutions that don’t require lifestyle changes, but rather in how we interact with God?

Hmmm – heavy stuff. But not really. Can you resolve to do one (or more) of these?

  • Pray more. Pray regularly – daily, or with greater frequency. Share everything in your heart, no matter how seemingly minor, or how much it hurts to confess. God welcomes all. Pray for those who have hurt you – can you do it?
  • Give thanks to God. Do so continuously, and for all things great and small. It’s easy to go to God with needs and requests. Share your gratitude, as well.
  • Illuminate God in words and actions. Live out your faith in daily deeds. Demonstrate love that reflects His infinite forgiveness. Be patient with others, as God has been patient with you. Your actions will be noticed, even by the unreached. Remember, to them, the Bible is just words on a page.

A new year can be a source of new beginnings. God doesn’t need us to start over, though, nor feel down about past mistakes.

He just wants us to draw closer. We know that He won’t reject us.

Why not resolve to do so? Timing is irrelevant. Today is as good as yesterday, or tomorrow, or even Jan. 1.

Resolve to take those steps that lead to salvation, and creating a more loving world around us.

If your other New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside, it’s OK.

You’re forgiven.

Paul M. Neuberger – February Speaker

Paul M. Neuberger, a Wisconsin native, graduated from Ripon College in 2005 and Marian University in 2007. He started his career as a professional fundraiser at the collegiate level upon his graduation from Ripon. Following the death of his father-in-law in 2012, Paul followed a new path and became a financial advisor with Thrivent Financial. It’s from here he realized a passion for sales and started his first business, The Cold Call Coach.

Proudly obsessed with the Great Commission and restoring God to His rightful place at the center of our culture, Paul founded C-Suite for Christ in December of 2018. Paul felt called by God to use his talents to bring others to Him and is passionate about pushing back against an ever-increasing secular society. C-Suite for Christ focuses on bringing Christ back into the workplace, starting with C level executives that seek to bring their professional life and deep faith together for God’s glory.

Paul is also a dynamic, in-demand speaker who delivers keynotes worldwide. His most notable talk is “Instantaneous Differentiation: How to Make Yourself Memorable”. Anyone who attends one of Paul’s engaging talks leaves feeling inspired and armed with a new set of skills. Paul loves to show the audience how, together, they can make the impossible possible.

When he’s not speaking or managing many of the great C-Suite for Christ events, Paul loves spending quality time with his wife Tanya and their three children: Kennedy, Hudson, and Reagan. He also enjoys immersing himself in politics, reading biographies, and watching movies

 

A Season of Abundant Thanks

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

The holidays are a time of divergence. Their meaning, and associated feelings, can vary broadly from person to person.

For most, it’s a season of joy filled with family, gifts and celebration. For others, the holidays are a time of trial, darkened by loved ones lost, relationships broken, or stresses tied to finances or health.

We hope that, wherever this season finds you, God is present and abundant in your life. Amidst holiday hoopla, far too many overlook the first six letters of “Christmas” – and how this holiday originated 2,000+ years ago in a manger in Bethlehem.

C-Suite for Christ has more reasons for thanks than can be counted. Our growth and reach accelerated in 2024. Our geographical footprint, and recognition by leading national figures, grows steadily.

Our mission to “Cover the World in Christ” snowballs. Setbacks ensue, as always … and our Holy Father leads us over, around and through them.

The gratitude we owe for His benevolence can’t be quantified. Yet, we’ll list a few of the blessings for which we are thankful:

  • The thousands of C-Suite for Christ stakeholders, and the many thousands more who follow our ministry. Countless disciples engage daily with social media posts, powering our presence before those previously unaware. We eagerly await those who will finally feel the call to join as members – quoting Nehemiah 4:20, “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”
  • The growing number of C-Suite for Christ chapters, now at 19, and their bold leaders who heed God’s call. The potential for more in 2025 is limitless!
  • The content creators whose talents provide Christ-centric materials to share our mission, through outlets such as this newsletter, YouTube channel, our podcast and many others.
  • The presenters at our growing number of events, such as the C-Suite for Christ Speakers Bureau.
  • The churches who have opened their doors for our events, such as Trinity Church for the Jan. 14-16 Winter Savior Summit, and Elmbrook Church for the 2025 Covering the World in Christ Celebration.

Most of all, for God’s innumerable blessings that have lifted and propelled this ministry at every turn. C-Suite for Christ is run by people, but directed by Him. We never lose focus on God as the one who makes all great things happen, and how this ministry is tasked with bringing souls to the salvation of His son, Jesus Christ.

May God’s blessings brighten your life in this holiday season, and throughout 2025.

Mary Grothe – January Speaker

Mary Grothe
Mary Grothe

Mary Grothe
Founder & CEO, Sunday Salmon

At the age of 22, Mary embarked on her sales career with a Fortune 1000 company, rapidly progressing from an administrative role to becoming the company’s top sales representative. Her unwavering commitment to prioritizing customers’ needs allowed her to drive remarkable success, generating millions of dollars in revenue. This accomplishment marked a turning point in her life, enabling her to break free from a traumatic and impoverished childhood marked by abuse.

Read Mary’s full bio here.

Seek the Lost Sheep

I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. – Psalms 119:176

Nothing induces panic like losing something – or someone – that we value immensely.

Your dog or cat runs out an open door and disappears. Everyone loves this innocent, adorable creature. You drive for hours searching, calling its name, to bring the furry family member home.

Worse yet, your child disappears in a busy store. You turned your back … and they were gone. You run from aisle to aisle, frantically looking up and down. Feelings you will never forget – fear, terror and regret – clutch your throat.

In both cases, time is of the essence. Dangers lurk everywhere. These creatures can’t survive long on their own. You understand this … and become totally, single-mindedly focused on your mission.

Christ came to earth for much this same purpose. In Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The “lost” are those who lack a relationship with Him.

Jesus can’t do it alone, though. We have a role to play. How can we help God reach lost souls? 

Moreover, what can we do if we feel lost ourselves? If we’re (metaphorically) wandering in the wilderness, how do we find our way back?

Lost Without Knowing?

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.” – Psalms 73:2

Problem is, we might not know we’re separated from Christ. Secular forces make it their mission to create this divide. They bombard us daily with messages of fear and distraction, taking our eyes off God’s prize.

The symptoms of separation aren’t always recognizable. Sometimes it’s anxiety, or cognizance of a void within us. We feel like we’re missing something undefined, yet real. 

The uncertainty leaves us unsure and unsettled.

Or perhaps it’s paralyzing loneliness, exacerbated by technology that offers us untold numbers of “virtual” friends … yet zero human contact. In reality, we might have few true relationships. Technology works to prevent their formation. Yet, we continue to sit in front of the computer, hour after hour, day after day.

Keeping faith is not easy. The Bible warns it’s a battle. Yet going astray, or losing our foothold, is no reason to give up. Jesus wants an intimate relationship with us. He’ll always welcome us back, as he continues to bring home the lost.

Being a Successful Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalms 23:1

Maybe we’re ready to help God shepherd those who need Him. Or, maybe we need the shepherding ourselves.

How can we best do so? Try these practices on for size:

• Pray for wisdom: We often get upset when we don’t get what we want. Yet, we really don’t know what’s best for us – only God does. Ask for wisdom to see opportunities to follow His paths.

• Seek God’s will: His plan is greater than ours. When we know God loves us, we trust Him and lean on His wisdom.

• Ask Scripture: The Bible contains timeless truths, oh so valuable in an age of ambiguity. Allow its guidance to shine light into a dark world.

• Request wise counsel: Surround yourself with wise people of Christ: clergy, church leaders and devout Christians with greater life experience. Be unafraid to pose difficult questions to them.

• Listen for God’s voice: Stop talking. Listen for God’s whisper. You’ll hear it in prayer, Scripture and unexpected promptings of the Holy Spirit.

• Trust God’s provision: God has infinite love and kindness for His children. Do you trust that He will do the best for you?

Jesus seeks every one of us, regardless of how lost we might be. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7), Christ describes the joy of a shepherd who finds one sheep lost from his flock, even as 99 others graze peacefully.

Maybe you’re this sheep. If not, plenty more wander the wilderness. Prepare to learn shepherding or, if already known, get out there and start searching. 

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a memberPlant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

A Globe-Spanning Proposition

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. – 2 Corinthians 10:3

With establishment of our 19th U.S. chapter, it’s safe to say that C-Suite for Christ has a solid foothold in America. God has driven our success. We’d be wandering in the desert without His bountiful guidance and generosity.

A growing footprint is critical to our mission of “Covering the World in Christ.” Thirty operating chapters by the end of first quarter 2025 is our goal.

Our emphasis on bringing Christ into the workplace continues to gain steam, even as organized religion has increasingly faltered. Business executives need a place to be themselves with God. We provide it. He does the rest.

“Covering the World in Christ” is rooted in the Great Commission. We know this as Christ’s powerful call for evangelism, where he ordered His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” 

Note the last two words: “all nations.” This isn’t our verbiage. It’s Christ’s non-negotiable directive – and C-Suite for Christ’s next frontier.

We’re ready to go international!

Our ministry stands poised to reach abroad, as Jesus described. The “product” is turnkey, needing only market presidents with vision and drive. They bring the movement to their community, regardless of nation … and earn a living while glorifying God.

If you’re reading this outside the U.S., listen to your heart. 

Is God calling on you to boldly and unapologetically pursue the Great Commission? Do you feel a pull to take a big step for Jesus, as a market president of C-Suite for Christ?

If so, we have a 90-minute instructional video we’d like to share. It covers the responsibilities of this faith-filled role … and its potential for helping to achieve God’s kingdom on earth.

E-mail pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com to learn more.

Christians increasingly realize they’ve stayed quiet, and on the sidelines, for far too long. A growing void exists between people of faith and the secular world. 

It’s time to bridge the gap. 

Let’s take Jesus at His word … and “make disciples of ALL nations.”

Break Your Chains

“But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction, he tells them what they have done — that they have sinned arrogantly. He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil. If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.”Job 36:8-11

Job was right. Most of us live in chains. We’re confined and restrained by shackles that resist every attempt at escape.

These aren’t literal metal chains, such as John the Baptist endured in prison before his beheading. His were clamped on by a regime that feared his influential prophecies, foretelling a coming savior who would redeem the masses.

No, these are metaphorical chains we put on ourselves – and, for some reason, don’t see. They restrain our daily existence. They hold us back from fulfilling our potential. Yet, inexplicably, we can’t break them.

Most of us are “chained” by fear. We’re paralyzed by past sins and regrets. Maybe it’s the great job we didn’t pursue, or the amazing person we didn’t ask out.

Or, perhaps it’s hurtful statements we made, or times we shrugged off kindnesses that, later, we realized were incredibly gracious and generous.

Self-imprisonment is all too real. We continually ask: Am I good enough? Am I worthy of love? Do I have what it takes to be successful?

Society can “chain” us, too. Its norms dictate that we not talk about Christ in the workplace, or bring Him up on social media.  Obviously, these chains need to be cast off to fulfil the Great Commission!

So, we remain shackled to our desk, our couch, our doubts … and largely unaware. Yet we desperately want to be unbound and freed. We just don’t know how, or where to turn.

Reach for the Key

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’” – Galatians 2:20

It’s easy to get stuck in the past. We all have regrets, for things we did or didn’t do. Some carry deep scars from trauma of abuse, addiction, or abandonment. Everyone has baggage. The only differences are the weight.

Yes, these are the “chains” that bind us … and only Jesus holds the key.

It’s never too late to turn the page with Christ, and begin a new life. The Bible says the “old” us shared the cross at Calvary. That being is gone. Christ lives in us instead.

He calls on us to surrender. It’s the opportunity to experience a full life in Him. Will we accept this offer of a fresh start?

For many, it’s a big ask. They fear having to give up, well, something that must be really valuable in return. We always expect a trade-off, right?

Hesitations aside, try getting started with these practices in mind:

  • Keep God first. Pray to start the day. Read Scripture. Share the Gospel. Make church a reason to miss other events – not the other way around. Too “busy” to prioritize Christ? All the more reason to escape being Buried Under Satan’s Yoke.
  • Forget the past. Yikes. Talk about “big asks.” Well, just like we’re called to crucify our sinful desires, do the same to your heavy, burdensome past. Nail it to a tree, then pound more nails into it. Crucify and bury its unwelcome, unforgiving weight.
  • Don’t obsess about the future. It’s OK to set goals and make plans. Yet, trust God to guide your path into the future. Know that things might not happen in your desired order or timeframe. He will not abandon you.
  • Put God’s Word first. We’re barraged daily by words – from family, co-workers, friends, social media, advertisements and other sources. Start your day right by reading God’s Word. The Bible is a firm foundation on which to build wisdom and discretion, to interpret the many other words we hear.

Surrender to Victory

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” –  Psalms 62:8

Being “chained” to our past just seems to be part of human nature. We can’t undo what’s done … and it drives us crazy. Therapy and coaching can loosen the shackles. They won’t break them.

Only surrendering to Jesus offers a release from past pains and regrets. We can’t live our best life until this threshold is crossed. Doing so opens the door to joy and prosperity.

It’s not a one-way street, though. We need to be open and honest with Him. This means confessing our sins and missteps, and taking responsibility.

Yes, it’s being vulnerable. Christ offers a safe place where we can be open with our emotions. He will not judge us. He’ll forgive us.

Therein lies the beauty, and freedom, of the surrender. Jesus will break the chains that have held us for far too long. We can turn the page to a new chapter.

Why are we afraid?

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)