saturndev, Author at C-Suite For Christ

Chris Rickerson – May Speaker

I was abandoned as a child and spent the first part of my life as a career criminal. I dropped out of high school after failing the 9th grade.

Do You Truly “Value” Prayer?

“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow or reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” – Matthew 6:26

On the surface, even thinking about the offer would seem ludicrous to most.

You drive a 1998 Toyota Camry dating back to your college days. The car has taken you everywhere, in times lean and flush. You love this car. Its odometer reads 250,000 … and counting.

A car collector with, shall we say, a thing for Camrys offers you a deal: a brand-new Mercedes-Benz for your quarter century-old Toyota. Straight up. No strings attached.

Most drivers wouldn’t think twice. They wouldn’t jump – they’d leap at the offer.

Except, you don’t. It’s not so straightforward. You’ve heard Mercedes-Benz vehicles are expensive to maintain and repair. Your ancient Camry, not so much.

Moreover, you have a real, sentimental attachment to the old Toyota. It’s been there for you. It’s defined “reliable.” This new, Johnny-come-lately European hotshot – who knows when it might get finicky?

Everyone thinks you’re nuts. Well, maybe you are. Or, perhaps your values system is just different. Maybe the emotional attachment to the old car has no price tag … because it can’t. It’s what you believe and hold true – and nothing will change it.

The Uniqueness, and Strength, of Values

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” – Daniel 1:8

Everyone holds different values. Our core values are those in which we will always persist – even if doing so costs us substantially, or results in punishment.

This diversity makes for a fascinating world. It can get messy, too, when those with strong, conflicting values butt heads.

Consider Daniel who, in the Old Testament, was taken away to a foreign nation while young. He was pressured to change. He refused, and trusted God to safeguard him from the potential deadly wrath of King Nebuchadnessar.

Daniel later gained great prominence in the kingdom by revealing and interpreting the ruler’s dream. Other acts followed, each boosting his stock in the eyes of the powerful.

In chapter 6 of the book named after him, Daniel has aged. His detractors have repeatedly sought to undermine him. Yet Daniel is trustworthy and uncorrupted.

Still, they persist. The “high officials and the satraps” convince King Darius to decree that anyone who proclaims allegiance to anyone besides him, the almighty ruler, will be cast into a den of lions.

Undeterred, Daniel continues to pray to God three times daily, as he has long done. Those opposing him report this grievous violation to the king. Unhappily, he orders Daniel into the lions’ den, and that a stone be rolled over its entrance.

We all know the result. The next day, King Darius finds Daniel unharmed. God had shut the lions’ mouths. The king, overjoyed, sends Daniel’s accusers to the lions’ den … where they meet a notably different fate. A royal decree follows, praising God and saying His kingdom is inviolate.

The Value of Prayer Needs No Explanation

“Oh my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.” – Daniel 9:18

Daniel valued prayer. He risked death, rather than be cut off from God.

Communion with God is a core value. Christians crave and need it. We create this communion through prayer, giving thanks for our blessings and beseeching our needs.

Similarly, we Christians should hold prayer as a core value. It should be held deep within us, unsusceptible to logic or persuasion. These types of values act at a non-cognitive level. We don’t have to think about whether or not to pray – we know the answer.

We want presence with God. Prayer offers a pathway. Only by grasping prayer as a non-negotiable, no-arguments value can we clear away the obstructions, and follow an unblocked route to His grace.

How, or what, we “drive” to get there is irrelevant. Understanding the value is all that matters. God has made us an amazingly generous, no-end-date offer. We’ll make our decision – and we don’t have to explain it to anyone.

(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.)

Overcome Self. Embrace God.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.’” – Proverbs 16:18

We all could have tight personal relationships with God … if it weren’t for ourselves.

Why is this?

God’s ability to do the impossible and miraculous is unquestioned. The Bible is filled with moments that create a sense of awe. Just ask Moses!

You’d think we would do everything possible to get closer to God. Yet, we frequently push him away. Again – why?

Increasingly, the world around us turns from the beliefs and practices that God has ordained. We should seek to overcome these earthly denials.

Except, it’s hard. Going against the popular grain sets us up for ridicule and rejection. Sin plays into the equation, too. Lawlessness abounds in our hearts to do that which we know isn’t right.

Our pursuit of success – at least, how we define it – can be all consuming. We become our own law, and justify it to ourselves. A public face of success can hide a private life in turmoil. Slowly, surely, we get eaten away from inside.

The Barrier is Staring from the Mirror

And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. – Acts 5:32

We have a key to unlock the door to God. Barriers, however, lie between us and the door. Are we willing to get through them?

The chief hurdle is overcoming our dominant sense of self. We must let go of ego. Think of ourselves less. Prepare to surrender our lives to Christ. Be righteously bold as a lion.

The path isn’t easy. It’s filled with obstacles of pride and arrogance. Satan lurks around every corner, seeking to derail God’s disciples in a vulnerable moment.

Only by taking up the cross can we overcome “self,” the dominant roadblock between us and Christ. Long ago, God humbled himself by coming to us in the flesh, as Jesus. We should be willing to similarly reduce our self-perceived importance.

Just as Christ did by assuming a bodily form, we have to obey God. Doing so requires a burning desire inside us. Maybe the biggest step is cooperating with God, accepting His instruction and changing our lives accordingly. Who said this would be easy?

Do You – Will You – Have Faith?

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

The Bible repeatedly tells us to “have faith.” We receive salvation through faith. Yet faith is an invisible entity, present and still hidden to the eye.

Faith can be hard to hang onto. Many elements of sinful worship, unfortunately, aren’t. Money, for example, amplifies every desire we have in life – good or bad. It’s easy to fall into the trap of pursuing more and more.

Controlling its pull can be challenging indeed. As Romans 6:16 observes, “you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey.” Is this shiny object secretly laced with sin?

We overcome sin through faith in Christ. Doing so requires cooperation with God. He directs how we should live. We should act accordingly.

We might have to hit rock bottom to recognize this necessity. We finally grasp that sin took us there. Lucky for us that God is the ultimate giver of second chances – and, for most people, many, many more.

A close relationship with God beckons … if we are willing to toss away the bondages of self and ego. Peace of mind, and heart, is possible. It’s all up to us. God awaits – just as He always has, and always will.

Beth Fisher – April Speaker

Beth Fisher is an author, speaker, business leader, leukemia-survivor, and marathoner with a passion for helping others overcome adversity. A lifelong learner who consistently asks the question, “Is better an option?” – Beth helps bridge the gap between making decisions based on what others expect and instead, living life according to who you were created to be. She is a passionate inspirer of people, especially those seeking to understand their true meaning and calling.

Beth spent over twenty-five years in corporate sales, leading thousands of people within Fortune 500 companies to identify and execute process improvement. During that career is when Beth recognized what she had truly been doing all along was teaching individuals how to persevere in their own personal process improvement journey. Her strong business acumen, coupled with a deep desire to help others traverse difficult situations, is what led her to resign from the for-profit world and serve as the Chief Advancement Officer for Mel Trotter Ministries, a non-profit which exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus for anyone experiencing hunger and homelessness. Today Beth is a senior strategist for Grey Matter group, working primarily with Templeton Religion Trust grantees who are Ph.D. interdisciplinarian researchers conducting global projects surrounding science and religion.

Beth holds two master’s degrees in theology, founded her own consulting company, and is a certified leadership and development coach.

Learn more about Fisher Strategic at www.fisherstrategic.com.

Fear Not – You’ve Nothing to Gain

“Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘Do not fear.’” – Lamentations 3:57

Remember, as a kid, a place (or places) where you were afraid to go alone? Maybe the basement? Or the closet? Or even peeking under the bed?

You weren’t sure why you were afraid. You just were. Your imagination ran wild with fear. Surely there was something in those dark places that meant you harm!

When Mom or Dad accompanied you, though, things were different. They’d turn on a light, and go into the basement (or elsewhere) with you. Light and darkness can’t coexist, after all. You’d discover the monsters you dreaded … weren’t there. You probably checked around every corner, just to be sure they wouldn’t sneak out when darkness returned.

We never shake irrational fears, even as adults. Only the subject matter changes. Now it’s money, or health, or relationships, or … go ahead. Fill in the blank. No shortage of possibilities, right?

Only, these fears carry price tags. We lose rest, or contentment, or peace of mind. Maybe not quantifiable, but certainly undeniable.

Here’s the ironic part: We claim to be disciples of Christ who follow God’s Word. Well, the Bible states “fear not” 365 times! Why don’t we believe it?

Either You Do … Or You Don’t

“For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” – Isaiah 41:13

Nothing in Scripture associates fear with God. In fact, passage after passage exhorts Christ’s disciples to act boldly, for they have nothing to fear.

If only. Were we really a fearless body of Christ, what could we accomplish? Imagine the possibilities!

Yet, we continually fall prey to external forces that want to keep us on edge, and fearful.

Inflammatory headlines. Social media tales of harrowing experiences. Even a tailgating driver behind us, making it hard to take one’s eyes off the rear-view mirror.

If you’ve ever stumbled across an ant nest in a lawn or planting bed, you’ll notice the tiny insects going about their business in an orderly manner. Stomp your feet a few times, and what happens? They swarm out in great numbers, racing every which way to find the source of disruption. Their quest is inevitably futile.

The external forces affecting us are foot stompers. They rile us up. They make us fear things that might happen – not “probably” happen, or “likely to” happen. Just a possibility, no matter how remote. Our minds still race … just like the ants.

Do we ignore the words in Isaiah 41:13? Do we believe God holds our hand, or not? Because if we don’t – what do we believe? Truly following God’s Word, means taking the Bible’s repeated “fear not” admonition to heart. Just as a scared child clutches their parent’s hand, let us hold firm to God’s.

Living a Life Free of Fear

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” – Psalms 55:22

Society tells us that, if we really “have it all together,” we shouldn’t be unsure or fearful. This, of course, isn’t possible. We’re human. We’re prone to doubts and insecurities.

Yet we should take the Bible’s repeated (365 times!) “fear not” to heart. Try these simple steps to work toward living a life free from fear:

Cast all of your cares onto the Lord: In Scripture, God repeatedly asks us to give Him our fears and burdens. He’ll handle them. Will we finally do so?
Set your spiritual compass: If you get lost in the woods, a compass can lead you out. If we point our moral and spiritual compass toward God, he’ll lead us away from the forces that seek to distract and disrupt us.
Recognize you’ve already been redeemed from fear: Jesus suffered and died on the cross so we could experience lives of spiritual wholeness. Don’t be too proud to accept this astonishingly generous grace.
Choose to have a sound mind: When we embrace all that God gives us, we choose happiness. When we are timid to accept, our vulnerabilities weaken us.
Adopt a “zero tolerance” policy toward fear: Certain situations – often involving lust, worldly goods or societal expectations – prey on our weaknesses. Avoid them! The fallout often leads to fear of consequences. Why would we choose this?
Walk in love: Where we walk, matters far less than who we walk with. 1 John 4:18 assures us that God’s love “has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.” Walk with God, now and always.

Jesus goes with us wherever we go. He is the light that casts out darkness. He is the one who pulls back the curtain, to reveal the nothingness behind.

In short, he is the one who vanquishes our fears. Christ will never leave us. If we trust Him, though, our fears can head for the exits.

David Tyree – February Speaker

David Tyree is known by many for making arguably the greatest catch in Super Bowl history. After building a rewarding and successful career as an NFL player, David worked for several years within the NFL in player engagement and development for the League and the New York Giants. Being a professional athlete provided him with the opportunity to be a voice to a generation that worships sports, by always keeping Jesus at the center of all he did both on and off the field.

In recent years, David has become a national speaker, entrepreneur, sports analyst, and an active member of several charities. Now more than ever, David is aware of the character disparity in our nation. He recognizes the cost of poor decisions, and the urgency for mentorship, believing that strong role models and transformative impact can lead to successful future generations. As a strong believer, David has a zealous passion for serving others and sharing the importance of remaining steadfast in the ways of Jesus Christ.

So When Do We Talk About Christ?

“For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” – 1 Corinthians 9:16

With Christmas in the rear-view mirror, consider a follow-up question: Did you talk about faith during the holiday?

Christmas would seem to be the equivalent of low-hanging fruit for sharing the Gospel. It celebrates the birth of Christ! Could there be a more appropriate occasion to talk about Him?

One would think so. The first six letters of “Christmas” will always be “Christ.”

The elephant in the room is that, while nearly everyone understands that Christmas is rooted in faith, few seem to acknowledge it anymore.

Christmas has shifted to a focus on gathering families, exchanging gifts, and breaking bread. Christ has taken a back seat … if He’s even allowed along for the ride.

Perhaps Christians fear “offending” others by raising the topic of faith … at a holiday with an undeniably religious origin. Or, maybe it’s just not hip.

From an historical perspective, Jesus is widely viewed as an important, world-altering figure. Many say He was a great moral teacher. Even atheists admit He existed, and claimed to be the Son of God.

So, we can discuss why Christ is famous … but not acknowledge His birthday? What’s wrong with this picture?

The Biblical Backing

“For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.” – John 4:44

Opinions about who Jesus was run the gamut. Most scholars admit His impact was as significant, or more so, than any other historical figure.

Still other observers label Him a liar or lunatic, a fraud who’s somehow managed to pull the wool over the eyes of countless millions for 2,000 years. Are they sure He’s not a magician, too?

The Bible – perhaps the most thoroughly-studied historical document ever – offers plenty of backing for the pure divinity of Jesus.

Fully 27 percent of the Bible – more than 8,000 passages – is prophetic. Of these, more than 300 share details about the birth, life, and death of a coming messiah.

Daniel 9:24-26, for example, predicts the dire fate of Jerusalem after an Anointed One arrives and is put to death. The New Testament recounting of Palm Sunday fulfils the prophecy.

In Luke 18:31, Jesus tells his disciples, prior to entering Jerusalem, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished.” He later weeps over the city (Luke 19:41), saying that its enemies would “dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

The Bible abounds with uncannily accurate predictions about Christ. Yet, these writers lived centuries before Jesus was born. It’s as if several royal flushes were dealt in the same game of poker – even though the chances of a single dealing are 650,000 to 1!

What are the odds? How could these prophets have gotten these details correct … unless they were inspired by God?

Not the First, Nor the Last

“We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the end.” – Hebrews 3:14

Perhaps these prophets, in their time, were labelled as crackpots. Still, they were ultimately proven correct. In the words of 1 Corinthians 1:27, written much, much later: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

Many others have gone before us, risking their lives and reputations to carry the cross. As disciples, our duty is to keep moving it forward.

So have confidence in your faith. Be unafraid to share it – at holidays, or any time.

Make it easy on yourself by asking others a simple query: “What do you think about Jesus?” Even if they aren’t sure, it’s an innocuous-enough question.

From there, only Christ has the answers.

Paul M. Neuberger – January 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

Dull the Sharp Tongue

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” – Proverbs 15:1

The COVID-19 pandemic might be over. Its impact on our psyches remains.

The roughly two-year stretch of shutdowns and societal disruption opened very raw wounds. Stressed people found their patience gone, and accompanying tolerance seriously diminished. Small, incidental disputes could quickly become major confrontations.

We all remember the debates: Mask or no mask? How far apart should we stand? Vaccine or no vaccine?

History and science will decide – if it is possible – who was right, and who was wrong.

At the height of the pandemic, though, it did not matter. Those on opposing sides were equally certain of their righteousness. Name-calling and vile accusations often ensued. Middle ground was non-existent.

Sadly, harsh temperaments remain the disposition of the day. The world around us seems more tense and on edge than ever. In a word of (metaphorically) tinder-dry kindling, the ability of sharp words to start fires is greater than ever.

How Should We Speak?

“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” – Colossians 4:6

The late, great Rev. Stuart Briscoe famously said (paraphrasing), “Some see difficulty in every opportunity. Others see opportunity in every difficulty.”

Let us be part of the latter group. In these societal walking-on-eggshells times, employing the “gentle” verbiage cited in Proverbs is not just about defusing situations. It is an

opportunity to demonstrate faith, and the love that Jesus embodied.

Do not forget Christ’s example. He was eminently powerful. The man who cast out demons, and walked on water, could have summoned immense, earth-altering forces to create the world He envisioned. He did not.

Instead, He led by word and deed. He allowed himself to be led to the cross. Even when dying there, His only act was to assure the convicted criminals also being crucified that they would soon be in paradise with Him.
Jesus lives within us. We do not have to be told this – we know it. So, let us respond to anger and venom with kindness and gentleness. His spirit will guide us … if we let it.

Responding and Rejoicing

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” – Proverbs 12:18

Being verbally accosted by others is never pleasant. Sometimes people need to be rebuked. In those moments, do so with love.

Sometimes, it is not even clear who (or what) others are upset with. Is their anger misdirected? Are they just lashing out at the nearest target, as a release for pent-up tension and frustration?

Hard to know. It is clear, though, that in today’s world there is not a lot of space for grace. We must find and create that space.

How? Avoid hair-trigger responses. Instead, in confrontational situations, employ a seven-second delay. Allow yourself the luxury of pausing to respond. Seek out a kind rebuke, instead of the escalatory accusation.

Or, show vulnerability. Accept some responsibility for the source of the dispute. Admit you have been in a similar situation before, and apparently did not learn enough from it. Often, the other party will admit to a similar failing. A peaceful resolution results.

Winning the battle, while losing the war, is still a no-win. The conflict – to keep our world from becoming a darker, unloving place – is too important. Let us dull our sharp tongues, and speak in a fashion that leaves no doubt about Whose we are.

(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.)

Lead as a Servant

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10

One of the most enduring images of Christ’s final days occurs at the Last Supper. Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. It’s the ultimate act of servitude, of a leader completely humbling himself to reinforce an all-important message.

We might forget what was occurring immediately beforehand. The disciples were arguing – not over the menu, or over money, or over another typical conflict. Rather, they were fighting amongst themselves over who was the most important member of the group.

Jesus immediately realized the seriousness of the predicament. A central element of his ministry still had not sunken in with his most devoted followers. He needed to take dramatic action. The first step was filling a wash basin.

As Christ knelt before each disciple, He reminded them that He came to serve, not to be served. The message was imparted by setting an example – his total, utter humility – instead of through mere words.
Jesus provides us the ultimate example of Christian servant leadership. The practice is action-based – not just talk. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We must go out and serve.

Living as Christ’s Ambassador

”Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’” – Philippians 2:3-4

The principle of “servant leadership” isn’t new. It’s a topic of innumerable books, and leadership seminars, and consulting practices. The notion of leading others, by putting their needs first, has tremendous cachet.

The idea of Christian servant leadership is a different concept. Its lead practitioner was a man who cast out demons and healed the sick. With His power, Jesus could have ruled as far and wide as He desired. Yet He took a complete opposite tack.

Christ’s message to Christians was clear: Leadership isn’t about gilding our own throne. It’s about putting others first, and glorifying God by doing so.

As our world gets darker, and ever more secular, the need for Christian servant leaders grows. Those holding Christian values, and willing to serve others to exemplify them, are tasked with pulling humanity from its tailspin. The need to step up has never been greater.

Embracing the Role

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14

God has blessed each of us with abundant, unique talents. He expects us to use them to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

How are each of us gifted? How can we use these talents? How should we partner with others to create a cumulative, unstoppable wave?

If we follow God, our gifts will only grow and develop throughout life. Let us embrace them to embolden ourselves, to be courageous in faith, and to be unapologetic in acting it out. Be prepared for God’s redirection of our lives. These should not be fought, but followed.

We’ve all had people who influenced us in positive ways: parents. Teachers. Coaches. Close friends or business colleagues. They shaped us into who we are.

Similarly, Christian servant leadership is about helping others, one person at a time. Where trust is built, results follow. No one should be overlooked. Even simple acts, performed for strangers, can start unexpected ripples. From these humble beginnings, powerful waves grow.

Challenges will present themselves. How far can we go, sharing faith in diverse modern settings? Heaven forbid we “offend” someone!

The answer is not to hide our beliefs. Being non-genuine won’t get us, and our distressed larger society, where we need to be. There is always a way to share Jesus. Maybe even a simple greeting – “Have a blessed day?”

Who will you interact with today … tomorrow … next week … a year from now? How can you share God’s light and message with them? What will their experience be?
The last point, of course, is most important. If others don’t decipher the why of our actions, we aren’t grasping the point Christ made when he washed his disciples’ feet.

As Christian servant leaders, we need to be doing the washing (metaphorically speaking). Are we willing to truly humble ourselves? When the moment arrives, will our basin be full?