Broadcasts – Christian Working Woman

Would you like to become known as a person of extraordinary love? It is possible for you and me to become really good at loving other people the way God wants us to. But it won't just happen. We have to learn how to practice love in our everyday lives. My challenge to you is to truly focus on loving like Jesus loves. I am offering you a two-week plan to learn to practice love, which is based on the description of love found in 1 Corinthians 13. God's love is an action, not a feeling, so we can learn to be a true lover as we learn to practice those attributes of love found in this wonderful chapter. This plan is available to you right now online at christianworkingwoman.org. It's simple, easy, and doesn't take much time. But it could be absolutely life-changing for you because as the famous chapter reminds us, love never fails. It never fails to transform us as we learn how to love better and better, and it transforms those to whom we extend God's love. Our motivation and power for learning to practice love has to come from God's love for us. John wrote: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are (1 John 3:1)! In his Gospel, John identifies himself as “the one Jesus loves.” That was his identity, his motivation, his inspiration—Jesus loved him, and he lived in that love. As you and I live more and more in the truth that we are loved by the eternal God, that nothing can ever separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus, and that God's love for us will never change, the more we are capable of loving others. Then we will have the love of God to give to others, and we can truly practice love on a daily basis and become powerful transmitters of God's love to our world. I hope you will join me and make loving God and loving people your primary focus. I believe my simple plan will help you, but however you do it, make love your life's goal. Pray that you will be more and more rooted and grounded in love. Remember, that two-week plan is available now at christianworkingwoman.org.

If I asked you to define love, you might come up with an emotional description, because we typically think of love as it relates to our feelings. We have warm feelings for people we love, or our dogs, or any number of other things that we “love.” But the Bible's definition of love as found in 1 Corinthians 13 is all about actions and attitudes, not about feelings. Did you know love is a skill you can learn? Like any other skill, the more you practice love, the better lover you become. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul exhorts Timothy to set an example for believers in the way he loves. And he says, Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress (1 Timothy 4:15). I've come up with a two-week plan to learn to practice love, based on 1 Corinthians 13. This plan will help you to be diligent in learning to practice love, and believe me, your progress will be very evident. It's an easy plan; it won't take a lot of time. You just read 1 Corinthians 13 every day for the two weeks, and then you focus each day on one of the specific attributes of love found in that chapter. For example, on Day 6 the focus is on Verse 5, which says, love is not rude, it is not self-seeking. The challenge for that day is to practice very good manners. Just simple things, like remembering to say thank you, to let others go ahead of you, to open doors for others, to let other cars in your lane of traffic, to relinquish your seat to someone else. Love is not rude, but sometimes I can be careless in my attention to simple everyday manners, and that means I need to practice love by having better manners. And to do that, I must intentionally work at it. Now, the secret to success in learning to practice love is to pray these love actions into your life. On Day 6 pray that God would remind you to be aware of practicing good manners—to go out of your way to be polite. When you do, you're practicing love. If you seriously started each day with a focus on becoming a better lover, by God's standards, can you not see how it could truly make a difference in you? I urge you to join me; go to our website—christianworkingwoman.org—and print out the two-week plan or call us and we'll mail it to you.

No doubt you know this one verse from the Bible that says God is love. But what does that mean? This verse in 1 John 4 goes on to say, Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16). Living in love—that's my focus, and I'm challenging you to join me as we undertake a two-week plan to learn to live in love. Living in love takes practice. This plan suggests reading 1 Corinthians 13 every day for two weeks. It's a short chapter—won't take you long at all—but after two weeks of soaking truth into your mind, you will have a much clearer understanding of what living in love means. Then, on each of those 14 days, I suggest you focus on one specific attribute of love. For example, on Day 10 the focus is “looking for the good in others.” That's because 1 Corinthians 13:6 says love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. That means you're intentionally looking for the good in others instead of focusing on the things that irritate you. That could be someone you really don't like, so you pray God will show you something about this person that is good. Or it could be your mate or someone close to you. Maybe you've been so focused on what you don't like about them you've forgotten all the good things you do like. If you pray and sincerely look for the good in others, you will be practicing love—you will be loving like Jesus loves. How exciting is that?! God taught me this principle many years ago when I worked for a difficult man. All I saw was his bad points. Then I finally asked God to help me see him the way God saw him, and it changed me. I saw that he had outstanding business knowledge and acumen which I could learn from him, but until I intentionally prayed and looked for the good in him, I couldn't see it at all. We just have to get serious and specific about living in love. I hope you'll take my challenge to get my two-week plan on our website and join me in this adventure.

Do you practice love? My challenge to you is to make love your theme word for at least two short weeks. John wrote, Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). To help you and me put love into action, I have put together a two-week plan to learn to practice love, based on the definition of love we find in 1 Corinthians 13. You'll find this plan on our website—christianworkingwoman.org—or we'll be glad to mail one to you. It's just a method you can use to keep you focused on growing in love. For example, the plan includes reading 1 Corinthians 13 every day for two weeks and then focusing on one aspect of love each day. The first day's focus is patience, because love is patient. But if you're like me, patience does not come naturally for you. What can you do to learn to practice patience? Here's my suggestion for Day 1: Think about who or what makes you impatient and then pray for that person or situation specifically. Perhaps it's a person you work with who just really tries your patience, and because of that, you've had some harsh words or at least harsh attitudes and thoughts about that person. But have you ever prayed specifically that God would help you show patience to this person? When you do this, you begin to see that person the way God sees them, and you understand why they behave as they do. That, in turn, helps you be more patient with them as you look at them through God's eyes. Praying specifically for a person or situation will unleash God's power in you to learn to practice patience. And when you practice patience, you are practicing love! I promise—it works!

Everyone talks about love, so what in the world could I say about love that hasn't already been said thousands of time and much more eloquently? I find talking about love is pretty easy, but putting it into practice can be quite challenging. Love is such an abused word that it almost becomes meaningless in today's culture. But when we understand the Bible's definition of love, it becomes quite a challenge. If you and I are going to be the kind of lovers the Bible says we should be, we'll need some help in knowing how to practice love. That's my goal. I've prepared a two-week plan to help you and me learn to practice love by the Bible's definition. The truth is, if you're not intentional about putting God's principles into practice, they just remain words on the pages of your Bible. They don't become transformational in your life. That's why I often use specific plans, in writing, to keep me on track and help me do what I really want to do. This two-week plan is based on 1 Corinthians 13, which gives us very explicit and practical instruction on just what it means to love. It has very little to do with our emotions, but it has everything to do with our attitudes and our actions. This plan will help you focus on one thing at a time—one characteristic of real love each day—and give you ideas on how to implement them in your life. The Apostle Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus that they would be “rooted and established in love.” In John 13, Jesus says to his disciples, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35). I think it's so interesting Jesus says this is a new command; loving one another wasn't required under the Law but under the New Covenant, under grace, we have a new commandment, and it is to love as we have been loved by Jesus. I invite you to join me in this two-week plan to practice love. It's important we take this love thing seriously, and if you will join me in learning to practice love, I think it will be transformational for you and me.

I want to begin by saying that God has put each of us who are Christ-followers in this time, in this place in history, as we read in Esther, “for such a time as this.” So, we must first see this as an opportunity, privilege, and blessing to be part of God's plan for this time. It's no accident that we are living in this culture. Now, here's my first suggestion for sharing the gospel with people who don't care: Share your life. If anyone is going to be open to the gospel, it will be because they sense we are real people and we really care about them. Don't you hate those cold calls you get trying to sell you something? Usually, they try to sound so friendly and make you think they really care about you personally when they're selling a new cable system or whatever. But no matter how slick their presentation may be, you know they don't know you and they don't really care about you. They're just trying to make a sale. If we come off that way when we talk about our faith in Jesus Christ, it simply won't work. In reaching the people in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul wrote that: we dared to tell you this gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you (1 Thessalonians 2:2-3). He was facing very similar circumstances there as we do here, and he made it known that he was sharing the gospel with them because he cared for them. His motivation was transparent and pure. There was no hidden agenda with him. He further wrote: We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us (1 Thessalonians 2:8). When people believe we are sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with them because they are dear to us and that we are sharing not only our faith, but our lives with them, then there's hope that they will begin to believe the gospel is relevant, real, and worthy of consideration. So, if there are some people in your life right now who just simply don't seem to care about things of God, about hearing the truth of the gospel, don't be discouraged and don't give up. Share your life with them and let them know you care about them personally. That is a big step one in sharing the gospel with people who don't care. Here's another suggestion that can be powerful—tell stories. I never cease to be amazed at the power of storytelling. Jesus used parables almost exclusively in his short ministry on earth. That should give us the first clue that storytelling is an effective way of sharing truth because you and I will listen to a story, give it our full attention, and remember it better than anything else. Stories stick with you. Stories from the Bible are, of course, very powerful, so the more familiar you are with the stories of Scripture, the more you can tell them to others. For example, suppose you have a friend who is grieving over a wayward son or daughter. You could at an appropriate time tell them the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) and encourage them to believe that there is hope for their child, too. Or if you're in a discussion about social issues, helping the poor, homeless people, or something similar, you could tell the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). You don't have to read from the Bible; just tell the stories of the Bible in your own words. I think of a friend, Kate, who spent five years in Afghanistan in a culture totally opposed to the gospel. She was very effective at sharing the gospel in that environment. Besides loving the people and caring about them, she also found that telling the stories of the Bible was the best way possible to share truth with them. Time and again God opened a door for her to share a Bible story. The women listened and learned, and many came to saving faith. Keep in mind it is not your job to win people to Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen As women at work, we are still faced with many challenges despite all the progress that has been made. More than ever, women have excelled and held leadership positions. Pay equity has improved but surely isn't perfect, and there is still bias in the workplace as seen in how people respond to men presenting an idea versus women. What does this have to do with being an ambassador? Well, if self doubt creeps in, your role as an ambassador can feel diminished or difficult. But we would be remiss if we didn't look to an amazing example in the Bible of how the women who followed Jesus were walking counter culturally for their time. After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3). Again, we see women with imperfect past lives were following Jesus and providing for the ministry! What is significant about this? Mary Magdalene. In John 20:11-18 we find Mary at the tomb looking for the body of Jesus. He appears to her first as the resurrected Christ and tells her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her (John 20:17-18) In Mark 16:11, we learn that when they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. This did not stop her from serving as an ambassador to Jesus in the resurrection! She boldly went to them and proclaimed he had risen. To me, Mary is an encouragement. Despite her likely knowing she would not be taken seriously, she still did as Jesus commanded her. How can you follow Jesus' command today even if you are feeling self-doubt? Surely, he will equip you for every good work!

Presented by Lauren Stibgen How will God use me as an ambassador? I have such a terrible past and I really don't know how he will ever use me! How often do thoughts of your past life as a citizen of this world creep into your mind? Are you overcome with thinking God cannot use you as an ambassador for Jesus at work? I hope you are a regular reader of the Bible and abiding in this way! If not, I want to take this moment to encourage you to pick up a Bible reading plan because this is the best way to see how God can redeem and use anyone for his glory! Even if you are not in the Word daily, you surely have heard of the apostle Paul. In fact, Paul was used by God to write the most books in the Bible! What do you know about Paul? What I can tell you is he was one of the most ardent adversaries of the followers of Jesus Christ. In fact, many of the followers at that time were met in persecution and even execution for their faith under the direction of Paul who was, at the time, named Saul. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison (Acts 8:3). He speaks of his life contrary to following Jesus in Acts 26:9-11. But God changed Saul in an instant and redeemed him to be one of his greatest ambassadors! Saul is renamed Paul. You can read about this in Acts 9:1-19. Was this you? Were you walking in a way contrary to leading people to faith in Jesus? Maybe you were making fun of the Christian lifestyle, but now you whole heartedly follow Jesus. Paul went to prison for his belief in Jesus. He worshiped in prison. He wrote letters (the Epistles) to tell the early church to repent and follow the ways of Christ. Paul was beaten for his faith. All of this was after an entire life persecuting the church! Paul was able to use his past life to be a testimony of the huge change Jesus made in his life. Have you prepared to share your testimony? Sometimes sharing your testimony can be one of the most powerful ways Jesus uses you as his ambassador.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen We know we are to renew our minds daily! How can we focus on being ambassadors of Jesus? What happens when we are overcome and fail to be the best representatives of Jesus? Let's look at two examples of this. One ends in despair, and the other ends with beautiful redemption and an even deeper commitment to being an ambassador for Jesus. Temptation is around every corner in this world. It was back in the time of Jesus, and it is today. We got a sneak peek into the heart of Judas yesterday with his rebuke of Mary in the anointing of Jesus feet. We also know Judas betrayed Jesus. In Matthew 26:14-16 we see Judas's greed take over. Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over (Matthew 26:14-16). In the end, after Jesus' death, we know Judas is grieved and tries to return the money! When he cannot, he ends up taking his own life. He had betrayed Jesus! But we also see the other side of this in the story of Peter's denial in Luke 22:54-62. Not only did Jesus predict Peter would deny knowing him, we see how grieved Peter is when he realizes this! The rooster crows three times, Peter sees the Lord, remembers the Lord's words, and weeps bitterly. Peter's heart was grieved. One can consider he had a repentant heart. When Peter meets the resurrected Jesus on the shores, we see Jesus question him in John 21:17. Do you love me? He does this three times. And then Jesus commands him to feed my sheep. Your role as an ambassador will not be easy. Temptations will come and sometimes it will be easier to deny Jesus than it will be to boldly speak of your faith. If you do end up like Judas (hopefully not) or Peter, your repentance and return to Jesus are critical to your future kingdom work as an ambassador for Jesus! Jesus sees your heart; he knows and feels your repentance.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen One of the ways we can show up as ambassadors for Jesus at work is in the sacrifices we make for others. This can show up in different ways. Maybe it is a financial sacrifice or perhaps it is the sacrifice of time or even placing yourself aside to shine the light on someone other than yourself. All of this can feel costly! And most of the actions we will take as ambassadors of Jesus in this world will be counter to what the culture of this world tells us we should do. In John 12:1-8, we see a costly and counter sacrifice. Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it (John 12:1-6). In the remaining verses we see Jesus rebuke Judas and tell him to leave her alone for he would not always be with them. In this time, her sacrifice was costly. What about today? If you are a leader with a budget and times are tight with the company, how will this impact pay increases and rewards for your people? Would you be willing to forgo an increase, so your team can be properly rewarded for their hard work? This would be counter to what culture tells you to do. Perhaps your team had a big win for the company. In a meeting, the CEO praises you very specifically for this win. Rather than accepting all this praise, how are you shining the light back to the contributions of your team? Perhaps it is as simple as time, which also can be costly. Are you seeing a colleague struggle with a project? Perhaps you offer to help them. Maybe the cost is defending your faith at work. In a way, we see Mary representing her faith in Jesus with the costly sacrifice of this anointing. She did what was counter to the culture. Is someone making fun of people who believe in Jesus? It may feel costly to speak up, but it is one way you can be an ambassador for the kingdom you serve.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen If you have followed our ministry over the years, you know the word ambassador is part of our purpose. More specifically, the purpose of The Christian Working Woman is to encourage, equip and empower Christians in the workplace to love Christ more, to live their daily lives by biblical principles, and to go to their jobs as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. To me, the title of ambassador feels important—high ranking, a leader. Ambassadors represent their country to foreign delegations. We are ambassadors of a heavenly delegation! In John 17:16 Jesus states, “They are not of this world, just as I am not of it.” Underscoring this delegation we have here in the world. The word ambassador comes from a Latin word ambactus, which means servant. Although ambassadors are diplomats and representatives to a foreign country—in our case, a heavenly country—being an ambassador truly means we are here to serve others for Jesus Christ. Are you a willing servant for Jesus at work? And are you keeping your citizenship top of mind as you walk in the workplace each day? This world is loud. The busyness and activity in our days often overshadows our citizenship and can cloud our very best efforts to be ambassadors for Jesus at work! Romans 12:2 holds a bold reminder for this reason. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). How are you starting your days? Do you pause to think about how you are being transformed in your faith? Do you stop to seek God's will for your day? How can you seek what is good, acceptable, and perfect for your day? Don't let the world overcome you! Be mindful and on watch to prepare to be the best ambassador or servant you can be.

Jesus promised us many good things, but he also warned of the sacrifice we would face as his followers and more importantly in our work as his ambassadors. As we consider how we represent Jesus as ambassadors in the workplace, we really need to consider what Jesus says about the reality of this role and take counsel from how some of the best ambassadors in the Bible handled this. In John 15:18-20a Jesus told his disciples: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” The word ambassador comes from the Latin root of ambacus, meaning servant. The servant or ambassador in these verses from John is not greater than his master. If your master is Jesus, you can count on all the hatred and persecution that he experienced. But how might this hatred or persecution show up for us as we represent Christ at work by serving others? First, let's really think about why we are persecuted in this world—at work or in general. We are in a foreign country, ruled by the prince of the power of the air, not in the heavenly realms. More specifically, we can count on the devil trying to thwart our good efforts to serve God's Kingdom! 1 Peter 5:8 states: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We must be watchful and aware that this can happen at any time, and when we are feeling discouraged in our serving, we need to consider this verse. We have all faced this, especially when we are sharing our faith with someone at work. The enemy wants to sow the seeds of self-doubt to thwart our efforts! You have been there. People notice you are different. Maybe you are positive when it seems like you shouldn't be. Perhaps it is how you lead and provide feedback to your team. Are you more uplifting than anyone in your office—always looking to be a mighty encourager, and coach? Are you offering help? Maybe you have even bought a coffee for someone who was having a bad day. As ambassadors we show our faith by saying no to certain things that others engage in at work. Whether it is gossip or not attending a happy hour that seems to happen often, you may feel like you don't fit in with your colleagues. Rest assured your absence from both gossip and even a wild happy hour honors the Lord, and you are being his servant at work by not engaging. Are you showing up and reporting something that needs to be brought to light? Maybe it is a simple compliance issue, or it could be something more egregious like theft. This is being Christ's ambassador. All these actions are your faith at work 1.0—ways to be an ambassador without even telling people about your faith. But what if someone calls you out for sitting out? How will you answer? It is easy to walk away from gossip and to reply no to an outing, but what if someone asks why? What happens if someone gets upset when you report the wrongdoing? Or what about when someone inserts a small comment, “Gosh you are so different than everyone else here,” Or “Why are you so positive all the time?” They simply want to know about your joy! 1 Peter 3:13-17 outlines the expectation of our reply! Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Fran has to deal with a coworker who often is profane and obscene. In a meeting he makes a point of using the Lord's name in vain and then sarcastically apologizes to Fran for hurting her feelings. Jesus helps Fran to respond. "Actually, Bud, you didn't hurt my feelings; you hurt my heart," Fran answers. Suddenly the whole room gets quiet, and everyone is watching Bud and Fran. Nobody is really fond of Bud's vile language, but he's been in the company for years. So, no one confronts him, not even upper management. Bud gives a nervous laugh. "Hurt your heart? What do you mean, Fran?" "Well, I just mean when you use the name of Jesus like that, it really hurts me because he's the most important person in my life. He's my best friend. How would you like it if I used the name of your best friend—or someone close to you—in a derogatory way? I think it would hurt your heart, Bud, just like you hurt mine," Fran says. She thinks, Lord, were those words from you? I never planned to say that! "Oh, Fran, you take things too personally. That's just the way people talk," Bud replies, obviously unnerved by Fran's response. The air is full of electricity. Jesus nudges Fran, “It's time to get this conversation out of this public arena. Invite him to lunch.” “Invite him to lunch, Lord? Bud? I don't want to have lunch with him—and besides he would never accept,” Fran replies, but Jesus is insistent. Invite him to lunch, Fran. When Jesus tugs at her like that, she knows she has to obey, so Fran turns to Bud, "You know, Bud, this would make for an interesting conversation over lunch today. How about it—my treat?" "You're inviting me to lunch? You think you can endure me that long, Fran?" Bud asks with a big laugh. "I'm sure of it—if you think you can put up with me that long," Fran answers with a laugh. "Okay, you got a deal. I never turn down a free lunch," Bud replies. All through the meeting Fran communicates to Jesus about this upcoming lunch with Bud. “Lord, what am I'm going to say to Bud?” “You're going to become friends with Bud, Fran, and let him see what I'm like, living in you. How can you ever do that if you never get to know him?” Jesus explains to Fran. “Well, okay, but it's probably wasted effort. Bud's a hopeless case,” Fran thinks. “Oh, Fran, many times the people who look the least likely to want to know me are the ones most hungry. You may be surprised,” Jesus informs her. Fran is learning that witnessing begins with loving people, spending time with them, getting to know them—even the people who seem to be the least likely candidates.

If you've been reading all week, you've read the continuing story of Fran, who gave up a free night to listen to a neighbor talk about her broken relationship. The next morning as she talks with Jesus early in her day, she says, "You know, Lord, I had hoped I could tell Sue about you last night. She really needs you, Lord, but I don't know—she didn't seem to want to listen. She just wanted to talk about Ed." "Fran, you're sowing seeds. You did the right thing to listen to Sue. You showed her love, and that's what she needed last night," Jesus assures Fran. "Yes, but I don't want her to think I approve of her relationship with Ed. She was living in sin, and it's a good thing he left, you know?" Fran responds. "Yes, I know, but listening to someone's hurts doesn't mean you approve of their lifestyle. Don't worry, Sue knows how you feel about her relationship. Last night she needed to know that you cared and loved her unconditionally," Jesus replies. "Okay, but I hope someday to be able to lead her to know you, Jesus." "Yes, well, you certainly earned your right last night, Fran, so keep praying for her," Jesus says. And after a few more minutes in prayer, Fran gets her day going, a little weary, but feeling good about her evening with Sue. As she arrives at the office, Fran remembers there's a department meeting this morning. "Oops, better get into that meeting before I'm late," she says, and hurries to the conference room. It seems the only chair available is right next to Bud, head of operations. Fran is not terribly fond of Bud. He's crude, to put it mildly, and uses profanity a lot, not to mention dirty jokes when he has a chance. "Oh, Fran, don't tell me you're going to sit next to me," Bud says as she sits down. "Be careful, you might catch something.” Bud always tries to get to Fran, and it seems as soon as she gets near, his language gets worse. She tries to ignore his comment, but he immediately uses the Lord's name in a blasphemous way. Fran winches at his words. "Oh, 'scuse me, Fran, I forgot you're a Jesus freak, didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Bud says, with obvious sarcasm. Lord, Fran whispers to Jesus, am I supposed to just sit here and let Bud get by with this profane use of your name? “Stay calm,” Jesus replies. “I'll tell you what to say.”

Fran has run into a neighbor who needs a friend, and although Fran had planned a quiet evening for herself, at Jesus' prodding, she gives Sue a call. "Hi, Sue, this is Fran. Listen, I don't have anything I have to do tonight. Why don't you come on over in a little while. The kids go to bed around 8:30 or 9:00. We'll have some time then to talk. I've got good ears, Sue, and I'm willing to listen," Fran invites Sue over. "Yeah, I'm sure; see you later,” Sue responds. As she hangs up the phone, Fran smiles. "You know, Lord, I didn't really plan to do that, but when I started thinking about Sue and how I'd feel if I were in her shoes, well..." Fran's voice trails off. "Yes, Fran, you just put on compassion. You have prayed that I would help you to be a compassionate person, so I just answered that prayer," Jesus tells her. "When you care about someone, when you feel compassion toward them, it's not so difficult to be a servant to them, is it?" "Oh, I didn't think of it as being a servant; I just wanted to help her. I hope I can," Fran replies. "True servanthood," he says, "is when you are a servant and don't even realize it. And that happened, Fran, as soon as you stopped thinking about how inconvenient it was and how you had a right to have a night all your own. Instead, you thought about Sue." "I get the picture, Lord," Fran replies. "Keep praying for compassion, keep putting myself in other's shoes, and day by day, you will answer my prayer and make me more like you—compassionate. It really is amazing to see how you can change me,” Fran says. She helps the kids with their homework, and as they're getting ready for bed, Sue knocks on the door. It turns out to be a late night for Fran, as Sue talks for several hours and pours out her hurt and pain from her broken relationship. Fran falls in bed about midnight, exhausted, praying for Sue as she goes to sleep. Jesus reminds her Sue is desperate for love. She doesn't know his love, so she's looking for it in a man. That happens a lot, doesn't it? She and Jesus talk a bit about Sue's dilemma, and before she knows it, Fran has reached for the phone and dialed Sue's number. Fran continues with Sue: "I'm sure this has been very hurtful for you, Sue. Sorry. I didn't know." "Well, maybe I could talk with you sometime when you have time. I know how busy you are..." Sue looks at Fran with hopeful eyes. "Of course, we'll get together soon, I promise," Fran replies, and with that they each head for the check-out stand.

Have you ever wondered how you can befriend a non-believer whose lifestyle is sinful, without appearing to approve of the sin? Fran is facing that dilemma. On the way home from work, she runs into a neighbor, Sue, who tells Fran that her live-in boyfriend has just moved out. Sue is obviously upset and wants to talk, and Fran promises to call her soon. In the check-out line, Jesus says to Fran, "You know, Sue is really needing a friend right now, Fran. Why didn't you invite her to come over tonight and talk?" "Tonight? Well, Lord, you know this is the first night in two weeks I've had to myself. I just want to be alone and read after the kids go to bed," Fran replies, sounding a bit defensive. "Yeah, I understand, Fran, but can you afford to pass up an opportunity like this to reach out to someone who was obviously asking you to help her?" Jesus asks. "Well, I'll call her and set up a date next week for pizza or something," Fran answers, hoping that will satisfy Jesus. "Next week?" he replies. "Next week is a long time off when you're hurting like Sue is." As she heads for the car, Jesus doesn't say anything else, but Fran is very uncomfortable. She pulls into her driveway, and says, "Lord, you really think I should give up my one free night and ask Sue over tonight? I mean, don't I have a right to one night to myself?" "A right? Well, think about that, Fran,” Jesus says. “I gave up my rights to all that was coming to me when I left heaven to come to earth. The essence of the Christian life is that we give our rights over to God and allow him to run things for us. You remember I said, 'Not my will, but thine be done.'" Fran remembers in a flash all she has been learning about giving up her rights and being a servant. But when the rubber hits the road, as it has this evening, she finds it a bit difficult. "Guess I really don't like being a servant sometimes, Lord," Fran replies, as she sits in the car a few more minutes. "It's not always convenient, is it," Fran says with a smile. "No, sometimes it's terribly inconvenient and requires sacrifice. But the rewards are good, Fran," Jesus reminds her. As she makes dinner for the kids, her mind again goes to Sue. She thinks Sue must be devastated. Ed was her whole life, and now he's gone. Fran knew he would never marry her, but Sue thought for sure if they just lived together for a few months, then he'd want to get married. Jesus reminds her Sue is desperate for love. She doesn't know his love, so she's looking for it in a man. That happens a lot, doesn't it? She and Jesus talk a bit about Sue's dilemma, and before she knows it, Fran has reached for the phone and dialed Sue's number. Fran continues with Sue: "I'm sure this has been very hurtful for you, Sue. Sorry. I didn't know." "Well, maybe I could talk with you sometime when you have time. I know how busy you are..." Sue looks at Fran with hopeful eyes. "Of course, we'll get together soon, I promise," Fran replies, and with that they each head for the check-out stand.

Knowing how to witness to others is often a perplexing question for many of us. Our friend Fran is facing that issue. This on-going story of Fran and Jesus is told as though Jesus was with her all day, and she talks to him and he to her. Of course, Jesus is with us all the time, but sometimes we forget. Hopefully, these stories of Fran and Jesus will help us remember to practice the presence of Jesus everyday everywhere. Fran is hurrying home from work. "It seems like I always have to stop at the store for something," Fran thinks. "You know, Lord, if I didn't have to buy groceries, I'd be rich," she muses. “But with a growing nine-year-old boy, he just seems to never get enough. I'm thankful you told us not to worry about what we eat or wear, because you know we have need of these things," Fran says to Jesus. She is reassured by the promise Jesus will never leave her or forsake and has indeed promised to supply all her needs according to his riches in glory. She pulls into the grocery parking lot and dashes into the store, practically running through the aisles to find the things she needs. In the midst of her hurry, she hears a voice, "Hey, Fran!” She turns and sees her neighbor. "Sue, hi. How are you? Goodness, I haven't seen you in several weeks. Good to see you," Fran says in a friendly way. "Yeah, I've been thinking about calling and stopping in to talk, but—well, I know how busy you are with the kids and everything," Sue says. "How about your job, Sue? Did you get that new job you were hoping for?" Fran asks. "No, I decided not to even apply for it, Fran," Sue answers. "I'm sure I didn't have a chance, and besides. . ." her voice trails off, and Fran can tell something is wrong. "What's wrong, Sue? You look a little upset," Fran encourages her to talk. Sue looks around, uncomfortable talking in the middle of the store. "Well, Ed moved out a couple of weeks ago, and I've just been upset, I guess." "Oh, I see," Fran replies. "I'm, well I'm...” What can I say, Lord? Fran asks Jesus. I'm not sorry Ed moved out; they shouldn't have been living together anyway. “Just show her some love, Fran,” Jesus responds. “You can show love for people even if you don't approve of what they're doing.” Fran continues with Sue: "I'm sure this has been very hurtful for you, Sue. Sorry. I didn't know." "Well, maybe I could talk with you sometime when you have time. I know how busy you are..." Sue looks at Fran with hopeful eyes. "Of course, we'll get together soon, I promise," Fran replies, and with that they each head for the check-out stand.

My friend Judy was a missionary living in Nairobi, Kenya. She traveled a good deal in and around Nairobi, and if you've ever been there, you know it's pretty much a continual traffic jam. And there are always people lined up on the streets selling everything you can imagine—including to my horror, puppies. One day Judy was traveling with her driver, Baraza, and she saw a woman selling bananas, with a baby strapped to her back and two others playing at her feet. Judy told Baraza, “Pull over; I want to buy some bananas.” She gave him the equivalent of about two dollars and told him to buy all her bananas—about 20. “But Sister,” he said, “why are you buying 20 bananas? You can't eat that many.” “Just buy them,” she told him. He was baffled as to why Judy would want so many bananas, since she lives alone, but he did as she insisted. When he paid the lady for all her bananas, her face lit up with a huge, incredulous smile. That probably represented two days of food for her and her family. Baraza said, “Sister, did you see how happy she was. You did a good thing for her.” Then they traveled on, and Judy saw a crippled man with only one leg by the side of the road. She told Baraza to stop and give him some bananas. Once again, Baraza saw how thrilled the man was to get the bananas. This went on for their entire journey until Judy had given away all the bananas. Baraza—who is a wonderful believer—said, “Sister, this was so good. I can do this. I can give away bananas.” And as a result, Baraza began to carry bananas, apples, and other fruit with him to give to people randomly as God led him. So, he had a banana ministry. What do you have in your hands that could easily become gifts of love to the people in your life—strangers, coworkers, family, friends—whoever?  I'm suggesting that every one of us should look for our banana ministry—something we intentionally do to share the love of God. You're probably familiar with the phrase “random acts of kindness.” Actually, it has become a movement, encouraging people to purposely plan and perform kind acts for others. Lots of research has been done that shows the incredible benefits for the person who decides to plan and execute random acts of kindness. According to research from Emory University, when you are kind to another person, your brain's pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper's high.” Isn't it interesting that when people follow the principles of Scripture, whether they are believers or not, they discover it benefits everyone. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone. . . (2 Timothy 2:24). And to the church in Colossae he wrote: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). He was preaching “random acts of kindness” long before the term was coined. Certainly, as followers of Jesus Christ, we should share “random acts of kindness” more than any others because we have the Holy Spirit, and we also have the great privilege of showing God's love to a loveless, often cruel world. And then, as the studies show, we discover what Jesus told us—it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. Let me tell you about my friend, Kiyoko, a Japanese woman in my church. She was inspired to use her creativity to share the gospel. So, she made beautiful little bookmarks with a Bible verses, using things people throw away, like candy wrappers. She carried her bookmarks with her and whenever she had an opportunity—with a stranger, a store clerk, someone she sat by on the bus or airplane—she gave them one of her bookmarks. She called them “born-again bookmarks,” and explained how she makes them from scraps of paper that people throw away. This opened the door for her to tell them that her born-again boo...

Are you a risk taker? Jesus asks us to take risks for him. He challenges us to lose our lives for the sake of the Gospel. He warned us our lives might incur hard times and persecutions, just as his did. But you can be sure of this: It is better to lose your life than it is to waste it. Let me quote from John Piper's booklet, Risk Is Right: “Therefore, it is right to risk for the cause of Christ. It is right to engage the enemy and say, ‘May the Lord do what seems good to him.' It is right to serve the people of God, and say, ‘If I perish, I perish!' It is right to stand before the fiery furnace of affliction and refuse to bow down to the gods of the world. At the end of every other road—secure and risk-free—we will put our face in our hands and say, ‘I've wasted it!' But at the end of the road of risk, taken in reliance on the blood-bought promises of God, there will be fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.” The kind of risk-taking we should do for Jesus is not the impulse of being a hero, or the lust for adventure. If our motives are to heap praise and glory for ourselves, we are doing it for the wrong reasons. And we don't take risks for Jesus to earn his acceptance or gain his approval. It has to be about doing it for the love of Christ—nothing more, nothing less. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). When the love of Christ compels you, then the risk is a no-brainer. You just have to do it because Jesus loves you so much, and he has redeemed your life and given you hope and purpose. And now you have the privilege to do something risky out of love for him. Regardless of what God is leading you to do, I can promise you it will be bigger than you are, and it will be risky. It will require you to live by faith and not by sight. It will test you and frighten you, but that's where the blessing is, where the abundant life is. Don't miss it. If God is for you, who can be against you?

Do you know someone who has taken a big risk for Jesus? We've looked at two women in Scripture who took great risks—Esther and Deborah. But what about a contemporary risk-taker? Let me tell you about my dear friend, Donnita Travis, who left her very successful career in marketing to begin an after-school ministry for under-served children in the poorest neighborhoods of Chicago. In 2001 she began with 16 children, coming three days each week to our church for tutoring, teaching, and nourishing. Now there are over 1,200 children involved in By the Hand Club in four different locations in our city, and it is absolutely mind-boggling to see how God is using this ministry to bring children hope and love and help them reach their potential. These children not only improve in their schoolwork, but they also hear the gospel clearly and are loved by the staff. The success stories are abundant. You can learn the whole story by going to bythehand.org. I look at Donnita and think, if only I had faith like she does, or if only I had her management and marketing skills. And of course, she is uniquely gifted. But it's much more than that. Donnita heard God's call on her life, and she simply said, like Esther, “God has put me here for such a time as this.” She took enormous risks and for over twenty-five years has boldly moved forward with ever-growing impact on our city. But let me tell you one more thing: It's been loads of hard work, long days, many serious safety and legal issues to resolve. It's not an easy road. There are days I see her and know she is simply tired to the bone. But she keeps doing what God has put her here to do, and God is blessing. I know God doesn't call all of us to such highly visible tasks, but I know he calls each of us to step out on faith, take a risk, and be willing to let him do through us what he alone can do. Are you standing on the brink of a new challenge? Does your heart tell you this is what God wants you to do? The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Don't miss the great thing God has for you to do because you're not willing to take the risk.

Do you know the story of Deborah, who was a judge in Israel? Deborah was a risk-taker for the Lord. This woman was way ahead of her time. She had to take an enormous risk—and that was to go herself and lead her army into battle. Barak was the leader of the army, but he said, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go.” Maybe he thought she never would agree to go into battle and that would get him off the hook. If so, she fooled him. She said, “Very well, I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours…” Obviously she recognized he was not the brave leader he should be. So, she took a risk. You can read her story in Judges 4—an amazing story of how God gave her and her army victory over their much larger enemy. I wonder what it is that makes one person willing to take a risk for God and another is not. Isn't it true we are prone to trust those we know, but if we don't know someone too well, we're less willing to trust them? No doubt our trust in God has a lot to do with our willingness to take a risk for him. It's at these times—when there is some risk involved—that we find out just whether we trust God or not—or how much we trust him. God wants us to take risks as he leads us and allow him to do through us what we could never do on our own. We should attempt something so great for God that only he could do it. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way (Psalm 18:36). Ron Hutchcraft tells the story of how he had to overcome a fear of walking across a slippery pipe to cross a stream so he could see an incredible waterfall. He was afraid to do it and was ready to back out, but his friends encouraged him to walk across the pipe so he could see this beautiful waterfall. He finally took the risk and made it across. And he reports the risk was more than worth it because the view was awesome. When we start across a pipe that looks risky, that "faith pipe" that will take us to new territory for Jesus, the pipe becomes a broad path, and our ankles don't turn! Jesus broadens the path beneath our feet. I love that image. Walk across the pipe today. Don't miss the view. Don't miss what Jesus wants to do in you and through you. Don't stay where it's comfortable. Be willing to be an entrepreneur for Jesus. That's where the abundant life is—doing what only he can do through you.

Be a risk-taker! The Bible is full of stories of risk-takers. Esther took a great risk to rescue her people from annihilation. This young, inexperienced woman literally took her life in her hands and approached the king. Before doing that, she asked all the Jews to pray and fast for her. That's a good principle. We don't go headlong into some risk without being fortified in prayer, knowing God is leading us. But once Esther knew she had to take this risk, she said, “I will go to the king even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther was a meek, humble young woman. She was not equipped for such an assignment. She could have given any number of legitimate excuses why she just could not take this risk of approaching the king to save her people. But she knew it was a unique opportunity, and she knew it was the right thing to do. She did face the possibility of failure; she knew the extent of the risk she took, but she knew she had to do it. She said, “If I perish, I perish.” Many are very willing to serve Jesus as long as it's comfortable and not terribly demanding. They have their life plan in place, and they've put Jesus in the schedule. Yes, they love him, but they think things like: We're not all called to be missionaries, right? They go so far but no further. Would that describe you—maybe in part? Do you see some people who are taking risks for Jesus and doing amazing things, but you rationalize and tell yourself that it's just not your thing? God is looking for believers who are so in love with him—soul, heart and mind—that the risk doesn't scare them. Or if it scares them, they go ahead anyway! When God is opening a new door and I know he wants me to take the next step, I usually feel very overwhelmed, inadequate, and just plain scared. Scared of the risk of failure, scared I won't be able to do it, scared I'll make a fool out of myself. But I just tell God I'm scared, give my fear to him, and take the next step. John Piper says, “Doing nothing needs forgiveness as much as doing the best you can and erring.” It is right to take a risk for Jesus.

Are you a risk taker? Some people would tell you not to ever take a risk, because it's risky! Play it safe would be their motto. Taking risks is not always a smart thing to do. But if you were to talk to any successful person in any field, no doubt they would tell you about some time in their life when they took a risk. They exposed themselves to failure and maybe even ridicule, but that's what it took for them to be successful. As we live our lives for Jesus, there will be times when we need to take a risk, move out of our comfort zones, attempt something that looks difficult, and even run the possibility of failing. For example, maybe God has been prompting you to share your faith with a coworker, but you've been reluctant to do so because it's risky. You think: That coworker may react negatively, or I may botch it and say all the wrong things, or maybe it's against the law to share my faith on the job! And so fear keeps you from taking the risk. Have you ever thought about how many times you've missed out on so much of what God wants you to do and the blessings that come when you obey, simply because you were not willing to take a risk? Obviously, you should always proceed with prayer and caution, but if you're afraid of any risk, you will simply never do all the good things God has put you here to do. You'll miss so much of God's blessing in your life. In his insightful booklet, Risk Is Right, John Piper says his aim is to explode the myth of safety and deliver us from the enchantment of security, because it's a mirage. It doesn't exist. None of us know what the next moment holds, not to mention tomorrow. God never takes any risks because he knows the end from the beginning. We don't know the end, and God doesn't tell us. He intends for us to live by faith not by sight, and so our lives are risky.[1] Fear of risks keeps many of us paralyzed. Bonhoeffer wrote: “To delay or fail to make decisions may be more sinful than to make wrong decisions out of faith and love.”[2] I'm exploring people in the Bible who took great risks, and I hope you'll be inspired to step out on faith and take whatever risks you need to in order to follow Christ and his plans for you. -- [1] Piper, J. (2013). Risk Is Right. Crossway. [2] Eric Metaxas. (2010). Bonhoeffer : Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Thomas Nelson.

I want to begin by asking some questions. Have you ever preached a sermon at work? Have you given the four spiritual laws over the PA system in your office? Do your coworkers beg you to take them to church with you? Do you read the Bible out loud to your coworkers each day? I'm guessing not many of you answered yes, but neither did I. Does that mean none of us are effectively witnessing for Jesus on our jobs? Effectively witnessing on our jobs. That thought frightens most Christians in the marketplace. For most of us, the idea of witnessing conjures up visions of cornering someone against their will, or passing out tracts, or badgering a coworker to go to church with us, resulting in being labeled as a religious fanatic, etc. Does that sound familiar? And yet, we know we should be sharing the good news of Jesus because there is likely someone in our work environment who really wants to know the truth. Besides, Jesus has called us to be his witnesses to the whole world. Well, let me ask you another question: Has someone on your job ever asked you a question or made a comment that opened a door for you to talk about your faith in Jesus—maybe just a little bit? Now all of us should have our hands up on that one, because if we're living our faith out in our everyday worlds as we should be, someone will ask us a question and open a door for us to share what Jesus means to us. Peter wrote: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). I believe question-answering is the most effective means we have to share who Jesus is and the good news of his gospel with the people we interact with daily. Jesus was the master of this technique. Nicodemus was fascinated with what he'd seen and heard about Jesus, so he came quietly to him to ask some questions. Jesus answered Nicodemus's questions, explaining what it meant to be born again because Nicodemus found that a baffling statement. His interaction with the rich young ruler was a series of questions and answers. With the Samaritan woman at the well, his behavior was so unusual it caused her to ask questions. And Jesus kept leading her to ask other questions. By the time he answered her questions, he'd revealed to her that he was the Messiah, and she went back to town to tell everyone else about him. Effective witnessing, wouldn't you say? No meeting, no altar call, no one-two-three formulas. Those techniques would not have been appropriate at those times. But Jesus lived a life that generated questions, and he was prepared to answer them. Throughout our history, Christians have spread the good news of Jesus by this one-on-one question and answer method. Just look at the Church in China or any of the countries where Christians have endured persecution for years. Not only have they been unable to wipe out Christianity, as Stalin claimed he would do in Russia, but the Church grew and increased amid persecution. And how did the Church survive? They could not hold evangelical meetings; most of their churches were closed; they could not speak openly about Jesus. Yet they continued and grew because they infiltrated their society. They became living examples and question-answerers. Their presence could not be ignored because their lives told a story that caused people to ask questions. Your calling and mine is exactly the same as theirs: To infiltrate our worlds for Jesus. And I firmly believe the American marketplace is one of the last frontiers for infiltration. It's a ready-made mission field. You're already there; and you're there on equal footing with everyone else who is working with you. Your presence is legitimate, and you are there for long hours every day. What better opportunity could you ask for? Now, how do you infiltrate your world?

I am examining the difference between your job and your work when you are indeed a Christ-follower. Understanding the difference is the key to finding joy and purpose for your life. When you know what work God has planned for you to do, that job doesn't have the hold on you it used to. The frustrations don't get to you like they used to. You run into a problem, deal with it as best you can with God's help, but you always know: "Hey, this is just a job." Also, your priorities are much clearer when you understand the difference in your work and your job. You make better decisions about what to do and how you spend your time. Then you can prioritize your life so you have time to do your work. Please keep in your mind the ever-present vision of standing before Jesus to give an account of how you've used your time here on earth. We're told in 1 Corinthians 3 that our work will be shown for what it is at the Day of Judgment. And we will have either wood, hay, or straw, or we'll have gold, silver, and costly stones. And they will be tested by fire, to see which ones last. Now, wood, hay, and straw take up a lot more space than gold, silver and costly stones, right? And we get fooled sometimes by volume. A million dollars could buy a bunch of wood, hay and straw, and it would take up a great deal of space. You'd have to notice it. But if you bought a million dollars worth of gold, silver and costly stones, you could hold them in your hand or at most a small bag. You might not notice it because it wouldn't take up much room. If we don't understand the difference, we might opt for the wood, hay, and straw because it looks bigger. But that stuff goes up real fast when you strike a match to it; whereas the gold and silver and costly stones will survive any fire you put them through. Do you get the picture here? You don't want to spend your life doing things that eventually won't matter. Don't let volume fool you; don't let appearances deceive you. Make sure you know what your work is, what God wants you to do, and then do it with all your heart, mind, and soul. That's gold, silver, and costly stones, and they will endure to eternity.

Does your job cause you a lot of frustration? Do you often feel you're just spinning your wheels or running on a treadmill, getting nowhere in your daily job? I'm talking about the differences between your job and your work. And one major difference is: Your job may sometimes produce frustration; your work will most often produce fruit. Jobs carry no guarantee of inner tranquility or accomplishment. You can work as hard as possible and never feel like you've done a whole lot. You may never get appropriate recognition for the job you do, and indeed others may take credit for what you have done. You may discover the harder you work at your job, the more frustrating it is. Often our jobs bring a great deal of frustration into our lives, for all kinds of reasons. On the other hand, your work will energize you because you know you're doing something eternally significant. Your work will bring satisfaction. You will be rewarded for your work and receive recognition from the ultimate manager, God your Father. You surely can grow weary in doing your work, but you won't grow weary of the work God has planned for you to do. Your job will end in retirement; your work will not end until death. Jobs come to an end. Either you retire or you walk away from the job, or the job is eliminated. Work, however, has no termination age. As long as life remains, there is work to be done, and it gives substance and value to every day at any age. Your work most likely will take some turns and changes as you progress through life, but there is always work to do. You may be thinking, "You mean, I can't expect to find a job I really love?” No, you can educate yourself and look for a job using your talents and strengths, and you can do your work while you're doing your job. God plans for all of us to be lights in a dark world, so part of your work may be to shine the light and love of Jesus right there on your job. Also, God often uses our jobs to prepare us to do his work. The skills and experience I gained in my job have become a tool in God's plan to touch lives in ways I could not have done without that job.

What is the difference between your job and your work? Your work will give you an opportunity to exercise the gifts you have—the abilities God has given you, whereas your job may not use your gifts. The use of our gifts always brings fulfillment and joy into our lives. Another difference is: Your job will result in income; your work may never result in income. Most people go to their jobs each day primarily because they get paid to do it. I'm not saying you can't enjoy doing your job and that there aren't other motivational factors involved. But there are very few who would continue going to their job each day without compensation. Your work may never pay you a dollar, but it will pay benefits that cannot be valued in earthly terms. When you are doing your work, what God has called you to do, you're putting deposits in God's heavenly bank, where thieves can't steal it, and rust cannot destroy it. Your work certainly brings compensation, but it's deposited in a different bank and held as a long-term invest In our society where people are valued by the size of their salaries and bank accounts, this is a totally different perspective for a Christian, and one we have to adjust to. It's one of those areas where we must fight not to allow the world to shove us into its mold or way of thinking. There is always someone else who can do your job; there is no one else who can do your work. If you called your employer tomorrow and said, "I'm not coming back; you won't see me again," guess what? They would survive. It might cause some temporary problems, but somebody soon would move into your role, learn your job and do it. However, you are indispensable when it comes to your work. If you don't do the work God has called you to do, it will go undone. How do you know God has work for you to do? Because of Ephesians 2:10. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). God has a to-do list just for you, and if you miss it, you'll miss the abundant joy of doing the work God planned for you to do. If you told me I could never use the gifts God has given me, I would feel empty. Life would be tasteless. My gifts are the activities that bring meaning and joy to my life. Your job may employ your gifts, and if so, that is a blessing. If not, you still have work to do that is very meaningful. You just need to have a clear understanding, based on God's Word, of the difference in your job and your work.

Let me ask you: As a Christian, is it essential for you to have a job that is personally fulfilling? Is that your right? Should we assume something is missing or wrong in our lives just because our job isn't what we hoped and expected it to be? Have you come to the point of acknowledging that your job is not fulfilling, and you've worked long enough to know no job is going to be the exciting adventure you hoped it would be? The good news is your job may never be all you want it to be, but your life can be purposeful and fulfilling when you know the work God has given you to do, and that will fill your life with meaningful and important activity. Let's consider some significant differences in your job and your work: Your job may employ none of your gifts; your work employs all your gifts. Now, first, do you know what your gifts are? All Christ-followers have at least one spiritual gift, and many times several. Romans 12 is a good starting place to learn about these gifts, and there are many good helps on this topic. If you don't know what your gifts are, start a research program and ask God to show you. The really neat thing about our gifts is what we've been gifted to do, we love to do, and it doesn't come hard for us. God is an incredibly smart manager of his human resources. He knows if I love to do what I have to do, I'm going to do it much better. It's a joy to exercise your gifts, isn't it? Now, that doesn't mean you never grow tired or weary or don't want to run away once in a while. But a few days away from doing my work, and I'm restless. I'm ready to go back. If you told me I could never use the gifts God has given me, I would feel empty. Life would be tasteless. My gifts are the activities that bring meaning and joy to my life. Your job may employ your gifts, and if so, that is a blessing. If not, you still have work to do that is very meaningful. You just need to have a clear understanding, based on God's Word, of the difference in your job and your work.

I wonder: Do you know anyone who is out of a job? And another question: Do you know anyone who is out of work? You may be thinking, you just asked the same question. Those are two different questions because your job and your work are not the same things. We tend to get those terms confused, but they are not interchangeable terms. I want to point out the differences between our job and our work. Let's begin with some very basic definitions: Your job is what you do day-in and day-out usually to bring in income, sometimes not. It is the duties you perform, most often for an employer, for which you expect to receive money or some form of compensation. A company achieves its goals by hiring people to do jobs that are pre-designed, with job descriptions that are pre-written, without consideration of the person who will fill it. Your work, on the other hand, is what God has designed you to do. It is your purpose for being here, what you are uniquely created for. It is distinctly linked to the gifts, talents, and assets you have been given by God. Your work is for the purpose of bringing glory to God and giving you fulfillment as well. While many people may have identical jobs, no two people have the same work, because each of us has a unique plan for our lives. I wonder how many Christians really know the difference between their job and their work because when this is not clear to us, we can encounter many difficulties. For example, one of our most common mistakes is to expect a job to fulfill us. We prepare for it, work hard to get a good job, try hard for promotions and pay raises, and then reality sets in. We realize they call it work because it's work! Not always so fulfilling; not so fun; not so rewarding. If you see your job as your work, still hoping it will bring meaning and purpose to your life, you may be experiencing some frustration, some disappointment, even some despair and hopelessness because that job—that career you worked so hard to get—doesn't live up to your expectations. Do you know anyone who has been utterly shattered because they lost their job? Or a retiree who fell apart with no job to go to everyday? That's because their jobs defined them, and once their job went away, they didn't know who they were. They didn't have any work to do. We need a biblical perspective of our jobs, don't we?

If you will remember, this message of needing to feel good about yourself and have really good self-esteem became an unquestioned truth for most people. It became prominent in the 1980's, when it was taught in some schools. However, the concept of self-esteem itself has roots much earlier, with certain philosophers. The general theme of this teaching was that the troubles that plague our society—crime, addictions, failed marriages, and abuse—is attributable to low self-esteem. It was thought and taught that if we could just help people think about themselves in more positive ways, then they wouldn't do negative things and our societal problems would go away. But as I looked at myself and others, God made it clear to me that self is not my solution; self is my problem! And looking back at the topics I covered early in this ministry, I see ways I was trying to communicate this truth as early as 1989. Trying to get people to feel good about themselves will not reach into the depths of their souls and bring healing. And that's because each of us was born in sin, we commit sin willfully, and we simply have a sin problem. The Bible says there is nothing good in ourselves—that all the righteous things we try to do are like filthy rags to God. Well, that doesn't exactly fit with the good self-esteem message, does it? Recently I found a transcript of a sermon by Tim Keller entitled The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness[1]. Tim did such a good job of explaining how this idea of low self-esteem causing society's big problems is just not true. I want share some of Tim's thoughts, which are echoes of what I've tried to say for many years on this topic of self-esteem. The title of his booklet gives you a clue to where he's going: The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness. When you and I can come to a place where life is not all about us, we begin to walk in the freedom Jesus came to give us. Believe me when I tell you: Self is your problem and not your solution, and when you grasp the incredible freedom of forgetting about yourself, you are going to love it. Tim asserts that up until the twentieth century, almost all cultures believed and taught that having too high a view of yourself was the root cause of all the evil in the world. Human pride, selfishness, greed, and evil were presented as the cause for all bad behavior. But in our modern western culture, we have developed a completely opposite idea. Now our educational systems, our counseling curriculums, our treatment of prisoners, and much of our legislation starts with the viewpoint that all we need is to feel good about ourselves. Think of some evil in our world today—such as abuse of children. This philosophy would have us believe this evil would go away if those who abused children didn't have such low self-esteem. Even secular psychologists have come to see the error of this belief system. Some have reported there is no evidence that low self-esteem is a big problem in society, but rather, people with high self-esteem pose a greater threat to those around them. This is hard for people to accept. As Tim wrote: “The thing about the low self-esteem theory of misbehavior is that it is very attractive. You do not have to make any moral judgments in order to deal with society's problems.”[2] And elsewhere Tim wrote: “If someone has a problem with low self-esteem we, in our modern world, seem to have only one way of dealing with it. That is remedying it with high self-esteem. We tell someone that they need to see that they are a great person, they need to see how wonderful they are.” Do you like people to tell you things like that? I sure do—who doesn't? But guess what: No matter how many times people tell you that you are a great person, it doesn't change who you are, does it? The only way you and I can truly be changed into a person of worth is when we allow God to do it in us. And that happens when we are born into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen Are you an expert at something? Perhaps you have gone to school for an advanced degree in a specific subject. Your deep knowledge uniquely qualifies you among your peers and shows people just how qualified you are, but suddenly your expertise is no longer welcomed. People don't seem to appreciate what you have to say or care about your accomplishments and accolades. We have considered different people in the Bible who seemed disposable. Let's explore an ultimate expert who was easily dismissed or disposed of—Jesus. In Scripture, we learn of Jesus' innate knowledge of the Word. In Luke 2:42-47, Jesus is only 12 years old when his parents take him to Jerusalem for the customary Passover. When the feast ends, they leave, but Jesus stays. Frantically searching as parents would, they go back and find him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers (Luke 2:46-47). Surely, we know Jesus is the Son of God, which is ultimately why he knows the Word, but here Jesus establishes this at the young age of 12. After his baptism by John, we know Jesus is led into the wilderness for 40 days and tempted by Satan. When Satan tempts him in his hunger, Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone” (Luke 4:4). Again, he establishes for us a deep knowledge and reliance on the Word of God. As he began his ministry, Jesus taught in the synagogues of Galilee and was glorified by all (Luke 4:15). But then he went home to Nazareth. Going to the synagogue he read from Isaiah, and while they spoke well of him and marveled, someone asks, “Isn't this Joseph's son?” You can read more about this interaction in Luke 4, but it ends with them driving Jesus to the edge of town, attempting to throw him off a cliff. Why? Because he quotes Scripture about himself, and no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. Throughout the Gospels, we read about Jesus' rebuke of the religious leaders for their actions and, well, inactions. Using Scripture the leaders of the day knew richly, he showed their hypocrisy repeatedly, ultimately leading to such great jealousy that they called for his crucifixion. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior know all of this was part of God's plan to redeem his people and the world. Jesus lived as an expert to the ultimate sacrifice of being disposed on the cross, but he rose on the third day and has eternal life at the right hand of the Father! God's plans are always greater. When you feel dismissed for your expertise and deep knowledge, rather than leaning into discouragement, pray to the Lord! How will he use your unique talents and gifts for his glory? Today our professional experience and expertise are always on display. From LinkedIn to TedX, to being a member of a coveted organization, if you aren't on display, it can feel like you aren't qualified for what is next professionally. Maybe it is a title or the way someone dresses at work. Perhaps you hope to attend meetings or a company offsite but weren't selected. Remember, like Leah, God has a plan just for you!

Presented by Lauren Stibgen You are not enough. You feel second to everyone else, and you just can't seem to find your place at work. Feelings of being inadequate or left out are more common at work than we talk about. An AI overview of this, highlights that these feelings can negatively impact well-being and productivity, leading to loneliness, anger, shame, and even disengagement or turnover. This isn't good for you as an employee, and it isn't good for you if you are an employer either. What can we do when we or our employees feel disposed of? Let's consider Leah, the older sister of Rachel who was sought after by Jacob. We have already explored the jealousy of Joseph's brothers. It started here—with their mothers! Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful (Genesis 29:17). Jacob sought to marry Rachel and worked for seven years to earn her hand in marriage. What's worse, after serving the seven years, he was duped into marrying Leah—not Rachel! You can read the entire story in Genesis 29, but Jacob works another seven years for Rachel. Leah bears many sons and a daughter for Jacob, and Rachel only two children—Joseph and Benjamin. As we did for the bleeding woman, let's place ourselves in Leah's shoes. Culturally she would be the first to marry. The description of her isn't much and her sister is described as beautiful. She likely grew up knowing she was not pretty like Rachel and then faced knowing a potential husband did not really want her. She was forced into the marriage by her father, Laban. Jacob was angry at her father's deception but accepted her. However, she was never favored. She was easily dismissed—disposable. Her children were not as loved as the children of Rachel. The sons of Jacob would become the 12 tribes of Israel. And ultimately a descendant of Leah—the easily dismissed wife—would come our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. The opinions of man didn't matter; God had a great plan for Leah. Today our professional experience and expertise are always on display. From LinkedIn to TedX, to being a member of a coveted organization, if you aren't on display, it can feel like you aren't qualified for what is next professionally. Maybe it is a title or the way someone dresses at work. Perhaps you hope to attend meetings or a company offsite but weren't selected. Remember, like Leah, God has a plan just for you!

Presented by Lauren Stibgen Have your dreams and ideas ever impacted you at work? Or maybe how much positive attention you receive from a boss? Either way, big ideas and favor from up top can often intimidate others, and it can sometimes leave you feeling easily dismissed, disposable by your peers. One of the greatest leaders in all of Israel's history had dreams of his greatness. His name was Joseph. One could argue he should have had a little more emotional intelligence than to share such a bold dream with his jealous brothers, but it was all part of God's plan to have Joseph save Israel. In Genesis 37 we learn Joseph was loved by Jacob more than any of his other brothers. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him (Genesis 37:4). On top of the favoritism shown to Joseph by his father, he shared his dreams which indicated that his brothers, mother, and father would one day bow down to him. In Genesis 37:11, we learn his brothers are jealous of him. Following these dreams, we learn Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers and bring back information on their well-being. This is when the jealousy gets the best of his brothers. First, they contemplate killing Joseph. Then, they find more benefit in selling him into slavery. Moreover, they faked his death and told poor Jacob he had died by an animal attack. The story of what happens to Joseph continues in Genesis 38-46. Being disposed of by his jealous brothers wasn't the end of his hardship. However, we see God had great plans for him. When the famine was bad, his brothers set out to Egypt for food. Joseph, now overseeing all of Pharoah's kingdom, saved his brothers and father from starvation. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance (Genesis 45:7). Clearly, God chose Joseph to be a leader. He placed dreams in Joseph's mind that perhaps gave him hope during some of the worst trials we could ever imagine. To his brothers, he was disposable. For God's plans, he was not. Being in leadership as a trusted advisor is a coveted position that can often lead to isolation and attack from peers and even subordinates. Jealousy and covetousness creep in and peers at work soon can work against you. This can lead to feelings of being thrown away or disposed of. In these times, trust that the Lord may be bringing you closer to him, and into a new position for his glory.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen The last several years of praying with women has opened my eyes to how physical and mental health can impact people at work. A physical disability (seen or unseen) or mental health challenges like anxiety or depression can lead to feelings of being no longer useful or dismissed—disposable. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, we find the story of the bleeding woman. Mark 5:25-34 tells us this woman has suffered from a discharge of blood for 12 years. She has suffered, seen many physicians, spent all she had, and was no better for it. Culturally, this woman would have been unclean. While this is not written, let's pause to think of her. First, she is in physical discomfort. Perhaps she is constantly tired because she is constantly bleeding. Because she was unclean, she was socially isolated and could not work—even if she wanted to. This isolation likely created even more loneliness and despair. The financial burden would have only compounded this. If we were to transport her to today perhaps, she would be unable to work due to this condition. Her mental and financial state likely would be similar. If she needed to work, imagine the stress of managing this bleeding every day. While this woman was disposable to society, she was not disposable to Jesus. Her desperation and faith in knowing that Jesus was healing people led her into the crowds to simply touch the hem of his garment. This woman was instantly healed. Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering (Mark 5:34). Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus healing people who were outcasts. He gladly touched and healed the lepers, the blind, the disabled. It was his mercy and their faith in his healing power that was on display. None of them were disposable to Jesus! Are you invertedly causing some employees to feel disposable? One of the women I am blessed to be in community with has lived with a hidden disability for many years. It can cause her severe physical pain, migraines, and gastrointestinal issues. One look at this executive leader and you would never know how much she endures to get through her days. Recently she has become an advocate for herself and for others at work who cannot participate in physical activities planned during a retreat. Golf, pickleball, and horseback riding are not possible for her. She advocated for an alternative and helped her CEO see how these activities made her feel “dispensed with” while others were having fun. As followers of Jesus Christ, how can we see others as Jesus saw the bleeding woman, the lepers, the blind, and disabled? We are called to love them like Jesus did. To him, they were perfect.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen During one of our recent Walking Worthy podcast conversations with a fellow ministry leader and friend, we talked about the sensitive feeling of being disposable. This word sums up being cast away or used up and can summon thoughts of some of our deepest hurts whether at work or in other aspects of our lives. But being disposable is not part of our God-given identity. As an adjective, the word disposable is defined as intended to be used once, or until no longer useful, and then thrown away; or to be able to be dispensed with or easily dismissed. As a noun, disposable is defined as readily available for use as required, or an article to be thrown away after use. When we focus our identity on what the world says of us, this definition can truly impact how we feel. I would argue this is one of the roots of imposter syndrome in our work culture today. Feeling like our talent is no longer useful or valued can play on repeat in our professional mind, leading us to feel like we're no longer qualified for the work we set forth to accomplish. In fact, I see this repeatedly with executive level women. The worst part is women in leadership roles are contributing to this feeling in other women! Intentional or not, our actions and words and our inaction or lack of words can leave those around us feeling disposable. Let's explore this worldly “disposable” identity through a biblical lens. There are truly remarkable heroes in the Bible the world disposed of, but God used for his glory! Perhaps in our reading of them, we may not have stopped to consider their feelings. I have learned throughout the years that we often focus on the glory without pausing to see ourselves in the feelings of those God has truly used for his purposes. Do you have a hidden or other disability which has caused you to feel disposed? Maybe you have a vision of greatness of which has been disposed. Have you ever felt less than or not good enough? Perhaps you were the perfect expert for a job but simply were rejected. All these situations exist in God's Word! They play out in the lives of real people who had a greater identity to God than they did to their fellow man or woman! I will not stop reminding you of Ephesians 2:10, but today I want to phrase it for you simply. You are created perfectly as you are by God in Christ Jesus to do just what you are doing right now. God prepared your path before you were even born. All you need to do is walk forward. You are not disposable.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen This year marked my third reading of the Bible cover to cover in a year. It isn't a literal page by page turn from cover to cover, but a reading plan that jumps between the Old and New Testaments and a Psalm each day. My experience with reading the Bible in its entirety has proved that the Word of God continues to have new revelation to me as a believer with every read—even when I have already seen the words countless times. Recently, I have been lingering with one single verse in Psalm. Psalm 84:10 reads: Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Numerous things about this verse jumped out to me but the one-word title I cannot ignore is doorkeeper—simply, the person on duty at the entrance of a building. My mind was flooded with doorkeepers. Do they still exist today? They do. The person who greets you at a nice hotel, someone taking a ticket at a movie theater, a guard at an office building. As I pondered the vocation of being a doorkeeper, I thought about describing my role to someone if they asked me about what I do for a living. I thought about what financial compensation a doorkeeper would receive. If this was my profession, would I have pride in my work or feel lowly? Simply, would I be content being a doorkeeper in the house my God? After so many years of exploring education and training in leadership and law, would I be OK just greeting people at the door? I thought about the spaces this verse described. God's courts and the tents of wickedness. Courts feel grand, lovely, important, royal. Tents feel dirty, small, out in the wilderness, primitive. Where would I want to dwell? Often, we choose a tent. While it may not be intentional, we are easily caught up in the worldly aspects of what success looks like in the form of a title or our position on the corporate ladder. We settle for the tent of wickedness and forget to look at the glorious, beautiful royal courts in the house of God. When we are caught up in this world, we miss that the doorkeeper has a position of great importance. She is a doorkeeper in the house of God. If we stop and take a humble approach to our identity at work (leadership), we can see that we are doorkeepers to the house of God right where we are at work, and there is no better position we could every enjoy. Jesus is clear in his call to us as his followers. In Mathew 28:19-20 he exhorts, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them all I have commanded you. How do we show up with the posture of a humble doorkeeper? Whether we are truly a doorkeeper or if we hold positions of leadership, we should consider this royal appointment with humility. If we consider our identity with God, we can take comfort. Throughout the Bible, God appointed the lowly to do great things. Consider Moses. Moses was truly resistant to the calling God had for his life to the point that he even begged God to give the job to someone else! Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). As we read about Moses' leadership of the Israelites, we see how he constantly leaned on the greatness of God to help him lead the people. In Numbers 11 we see everyone complaining about food and water and wandering. Moses is displeased and “the anger of the Lord blazed hotly” (Numbers 11:10). So, Moses grows sick of the complaining, and God is just plain mad. Since they are in this leading together, Moses tells God he cannot carry the burden alone—the burden was too heavy for him. God answers and says, Bring me seventy men of the elders of Israel...Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit t...

What is God trying to teach you through your job? Recently a friend shared with me God is teaching her how to get along with all kinds of people, even those with whom she has some strong disagreements. These are coworkers who really needed to know Jesus, coming from different religious backgrounds and very different beliefs. She said through the years she was not—in her words—“very nice to my unbelieving coworkers.” Their discussions would often end with not so pleasant words of condemnation. She said, “I have not been quiet about it when I think they're wrong.” When a new coworker joined their company who was very lovely, bright, and energetic, she liked her a lot, and then she discovered she was living an unbiblical lifestyle. She said, “I think the Lord has given me another chance here.” She is learning on her job how to love the “lost sheep”—people who don't know Jesus. She's learning how to communicate with them in loving ways, not in harsh, condemning ways. That's a lesson we all need, isn't it, but you can never learn that lesson if you never interact with unbelievers. In most situations your job puts you right in the middle of many people who do not share your faith, do not know Jesus, or even people who may think your commitment to Christ is fanatical. How do you build friends and share the love of Jesus with people like that? You can learn a Christ-like attitude right there on your job. Can you see how God is teaching you many valuable lessons through your job? You learn critical lessons about relationships—cooperation, fairness, flexibility, humility, patience—all fruits of God's Spirit that help you to shine as a light in a dark place. You learn to forgive people who may never ask you to forgive them—who don't even recognize or care that they have hurt you. You learn to persevere, to hang in there even when you think you can't hang in any longer. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4). That is the path all Christ-followers are on—growing mature and complete. Perseverance helps us get there. Maybe your job is very frustrating right now and you're thinking of leaving. Could it be that you don't need a different job? You just need a different attitude toward the job you have. You can grow spiritually right there where you work. Sometimes we think our spiritual growth only comes through Bible studies, church attendance, prayer, and they are all important in our lives. But you can grow much faster and in so many diverse ways if you see your job not only as a mission field but also as a classroom. Don't miss what God wants to teach you through your job.

What are some of the most valuable things God has taught you through your job? I think we can sometimes get so weighed down with the day-to-day busyness and difficulties of our jobs that we fail to see all the good things God is doing in us and through us through those jobs. One valuable lesson you often learn in a job is how to get along with people you may not like that much. Another thing you can learn through your job is how to cast all your care on Jesus because he cares for you. Instead of taking those problems home with you every day and dumping on your family or friends, you can learn to trust God to work all things out for your good and leave those cares and concerns in his hands, so you can spend a carefree evening with your loved ones. Do you realize how absolutely important it is to learn to draw boundaries in your thought life? To not allow yourself to think about things over which you have no control? To cast all your care on Jesus regularly—everyday—so the joy of the Lord can be your strength? That's an eternally important thing you can learn through your job. Jesus said to his disciples: Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all (Mark 9:35). When you were young, did you ever tell anyone you wanted to be a servant when you grew up? I doubt it. Yet, Jesus made it clear his disciples must learn to be a servant to all. And what better place to learn that lesson than on your job each day! The way we serve God is by serving others, and developing a servant heart and attitude takes practice. You have to be intentional about it; you have to be humble and do it out of love for Jesus, not to get recognition. Think of ways you could serve your coworkers, your management, your employees. You could serve by choosing to go the extra mile and help someone get their job done (even though you think they could have done it themselves if they hadn't wasted time talking on the phone!), help someone learn a new skill, stay late to give a helping hand to your boss, doing things for which you may get no credit or recognition. These are everyday things that can teach you the joy of being a servant, and that means you're growing more like Jesus.

What does God want to teach you through your job? I think toward the top of that list would be learning to love people you may not like that much! Your coworkers may not necessarily people you would choose to be with five days a week, eight hours a day. No doubt you have discovered not everyone is “your type,” and so you are challenged to get along with people who are not that easy to get along with. In 1 Corinthians 13, the Bible teaches us the true definition of love. It is patient, it is kind, it looks for the good in people, not the bad, it doesn't hold grudges, it hangs in with someone when others have given up, and it endures all things. God's love is an action, not necessarily a feeling, and you can choose to love someone by showing them these kinds of actions, even if you don't like the way they behave, the way they treat you, their work habits, or their lifestyle. Almost any job you have—and that includes working in a Christian environment—places you in the company of other people, and you have the privilege, the great opportunity, to learn to love people with God's kind of love. That means you become more and more like Jesus, as you follow his commandment to “love one another.” Of course, you also have the option of refusing to learn this lesson, and instead just being continually irritated and negative about the people you work with or for. You can choose to gripe and complain and blame others for your bad attitude. But all that gets you are bitter roots growing in your heart, which will cause you great pain and affect those around you, as well. But if you can see what God wants to teach you through working with difficult people, you then can turn a desert into a garden and use that tough place as your training grounds to teach you this incredibly useful and critical ability to love and get along with people you don't like that much. And just consider this—as you accept and learn what God wants to teach you through your job, your light for Jesus shines so much brighter. You have the great privilege of demonstrating through the way you work and the way you treat others the difference it makes when Jesus is the central focus of your life. I want to encourage you not to miss what God wants to teach you through your job. They are worthwhile lessons that will make a difference in your life and your testimony for Jesus.

You have learned skills and gained experience on your jobs that have proven very beneficial to your career, and those skills and abilities have been an important part of your growth. Just stop and think about how your jobs have taught you many skills and made you more productive and confident. I think in the midst of hectic schedules and deadlines and difficulties, it's easy to overlook the many good things you're learning and ways you're growing simply by doing your job each day. In addition, think about the many life and relationship skills you are learning, even while you're in it. It may seem more like baptism by fire rather than a training experience. Here are some examples of the practical and important things you should be learning in a job, if indeed you're doing a good job. You learn: The importance of being on time. The importance of meeting deadlines. How to work with a team to accomplish a task. How critical it is to fulfill your promises and commitments. That it's very important to do everything with excellence and avoid do-overs! That procrastination is deadly. That you can't afford to let things fall between the cracks. Those are just some of the practical things you learn when you accept the responsibility of a job. For sure a job well-done will require these kinds of skills. And if you are not willing to learn these things and grow in these areas, it will affect your progress, your promotions, and your paycheck; it will hold you back. I would ask you to survey your work habits. Are you learning these things, or are you resisting them? Have you established a reputation within your organization of being truly committed to doing your job with excellence, to improving and learning and growing? I've often said a Christ-follower may not be the smartest or the most educated or the most experienced person on their job, but they can be the most dependable, the hardest worker, and have the highest level of integrity. No matter what you do or where God takes you, these characteristics will always be important to your success and to pleasing God.

Have you ever thought of your workplace as God's classroom for you? This may be a totally new thought for you—that God can use your job, the people you work with and for, and the atmosphere where you work as a training course. I must confess I didn't always see my job that way. But God never wastes anything in our lives. He uses every experience, every person, every struggle, even our failures and sinful choices to teach us something we need to learn, so we can move forward—becoming more like Jesus. Having this attitude about your job—looking at it as a training course, so to speak—could make it a bit easier to get up and go to work every day. It gives new meaning to your workdays, even if those days aren't always pleasant. When you start to see the lessons God wants to teach you through your job, it's a paradigm shift; a new perspective that gives meaning even to mundane and tedious work, even to irritating relationships, even to a demanding boss or heavy workload. Think about this: No matter what you do on your job each day, you have developed skills and abilities through that job that are valuable. I have a friend who is teaching communication skills in a very different and difficult cross-cultural environment. As she was telling me what she does and how she has learned to communicate in this challenging setting, I told her what she is learning through her experience in this job, though difficult at times, is giving her skills and abilities that are rare and very valuable. She's learning “on the job” as we say, and that knowledge and skill is giving her very important and marketable skills you could not learn in a classroom. Certainly, that's been true in my life, as well, as I spent many years conducting training seminars in my company and for many other companies across the country. That experience of putting together and making an effective presentation is a skill God was teaching me through my job—and one he now uses for ministry purposes. Think about what you've learned through your jobs and how God is—or maybe how God wants to use that in his service.

Having been to Israel many times, leading tours, I have a much clearer vision of what a crucifixion was really like and how horrendous it must have been to have watched anyone dying on a cross. We have tended to romanticize the cross a bit, with our jewelry and pictures of a cross on a hill far away, but actually the place of crucifixion was the most horrible place in Jerusalem. It would have been by a busy road so everyone could see and mock and be terrified by a crucifixion. It was meant to be a deterrent to crime and rebellion, to cause anyone who thought they might challenge the rule of Rome to think twice, because they would have to endure this horrible death. Knowing how awful a crucifixion was, it is amazing to read in Matthew 27:55 that: Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Moses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. In Mark 15:40 we read: Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. Luke tells us that: A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him (Luke 23:27). And John tells us: Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25). By my count, there are seven women who are identified in the four Gospels, but we know there were many others as well. It's interesting that the women are named, and yet there are no named men at the cross. Certainly, there were men there, but how many were the friends and disciples of Jesus Christ? We only know for sure that John was there, because Jesus refers to him in John 19:26-27, as he instructs him to care for his mother. Where were the other disciples? And why were all these women there at this ugly scene? It was not a place for a woman; unless it was your close relative, no woman would have intentionally gone to such a horrible place. Yet, there were all these women at the cross of Jesus. These women had gathered there to mourn and to wail the crucifixion of their Savior, Jesus Christ. They were there because they loved Jesus. They had been delivered from their sins and their pasts by Jesus, and they were determined to stay with him until the end, as ugly as it was. Can you even imagine what it meant for these women to stay there throughout the whole crucifixion? Mary Magdalene was there. We know Jesus had delivered her from seven demons. There have been some scurrilous writings and suggestions that Jesus had a romantic relationship with Mary Magdalene. That is a lie and totally unsubstantiated by Scripture or history. But for sure, this woman had deep feelings for Jesus because he had delivered her from her past. And it was an awful past. Can you even imagine being possessed by seven demons? What could be worse than to be indwelled by seven demons from hell? No doubt she had been abused and suffered great harm from these demons for many years. No doubt she was full of guilt and gloom and despair, fearing she would live all her days possessed by them. And then she met Jesus. In Mark 16:9 we read that Jesus had driven out those demons. However he did that, it had to be dramatic—perhaps painful—but no doubt the best day of her life. She was set free from her past, her guilt, her shame. And because Jesus has risen from the dead, he is able to do the same for you today. It may not be demons you are dealing with, but whatever haunts you from your past, Jesus is a qualified Savior because he is risen from the dead. He can deliver you, too. We are told that Mary, his mother, was at the cross. As she stood there, she must have remembered the prophecy told to her by Simeon when they took baby Jesus ...

I wonder why we call it Good Friday? For those of us who have placed our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, celebrating his resurrection is of utmost importance to us. Our salvation rests on the fact that Christ is risen indeed. Yet, why we would call this Friday a “good” day? That day is a good day if you have an eternal perspective. The day Jesus died is the Day of Atonement, when once and for all, Jesus became our sacrifice, shedding his blood, paying the debt we owe, so we could be forgiven of our sins and made righteous in Jesus. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). That is what took place as Jesus was crucified. Therefore, he had to die in order to become a perfect sacrifice that would pay for our sins. As a result, we have the opportunity to become the righteousness of God, so that God sees us in Christ, redeemed and righteous before him. It's a Good Friday for us because Jesus gave his all on that day. However, without Resurrection Sunday, this Friday would not be good. It is because of the resurrection we can call this Good Friday—the day Jesus paid it all for us. The price he paid—bearing all our sin and being separated from his Father—was far greater than the agony of the crucifixion, as terrible as that was. And he endured it for you, declaring as he died, It is finished. He did it all so you and I could be assured of eternity with him.

There is no other religion that claims to have a risen savior; Jesus is the only qualified Savior because he conquered death. We worship a risen Savior who gives us victory over death. I wonder if you could articulate why you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Josh McDowell's book, Evidence for the Resurrection[1], goes into this in great detail. Here are some of the facts that prove the resurrection: #1: The broken Roman seal Because the religious leaders were afraid the disciples would steal the body and claim Jesus was risen, they asked Pilate to put the seal of the Roman Empire on the tomb. The consequences of breaking that seal would give pause to anyone who might try to steal the body, because that would have been a crime punishable by death. The disciples were not a courageous body of men at this time. They were hiding from authorities after fleeing from the Garden of Gethsemane. There's no way they would have tried to steal Jesus' body, and they certainly would have been too frightened to break the Roman seal. #2: The large stone was moved All the Gospel writers mention the huge stone in front of the tomb had been moved. John said it was removed from the entrance. Luke and Mark say it was rolled away from the tomb; Matthew records an angel from heaven came down and rolled back the stone. This stone weighed one and a half to two tons, so it would take several very strong men to roll it even a few inches. McDowell writes, “Now, I ask you, if the disciples had wanted to come in, tiptoe around the sleeping guards, and then roll the stone over and steal Jesus' body, how could they have done that without the guards' awareness?” #3: The behavior of the disciples Consider once the disciples knew Jesus was raised from the dead, and they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, they didn't go to some faraway place to preach the gospel. They went right back to Jerusalem, where, if what they were teaching was false, it would be most evident. That would be the last place they'd want to go if they had not seen the risen Christ and knew the tomb was empty. They preached the gospel of the resurrected Christ in Jerusalem, and there was no doubt Jesus had risen. I encourage you to meditate on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, see that empty tomb, and celebrate the risen Savior. --- [1] Mcdowell, J., & Mcdowell, S. (2008). Evidence for the Resurrection: What it means for Your Relationship with God. Baker Publishing Group.

For many years, I was privileged to lead groups on a visit to Israel, the Holy Land. The highlight of those days in Israel is the last day when we visit a site in Jerusalem that could well be the place where Jesus was crucified. Next to is, there is a garden with an ancient tomb, dating back to the time of Jesus. There is much evidence to believe this could be the garden where Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took the body of Jesus and placed it in that tomb. Each of us goes into that tomb and comes back out, and the word on our lips is always, “It is empty; he is risen!” I always imagine what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene and Peter and John as they discovered the empty tomb. In John 20 we read that Simon Peter went into the tomb, where he saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen (John 20:7). It's an interesting little detail John gives us, and you might wonder why he made sure it was recorded that the cloth was folded up by itself. In order to understand this, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant, and every Jewish person knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait just out of sight, until the master had finished eating. The servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. When he finished, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and his beard and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table, for in those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I'm done.” But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the servant knew the folded napkin meant, “I'm not finished yet.” The folded napkin meant, “I'm coming back!” John is careful to record the napkin was folded, because he knew it would be very meaningful to the disciples! He's coming back! He's not dead; he's alive. You and I need to be just as thrilled and excited as Peter and John and Mary Magdalene were the day they walked into that empty tomb.

Are you preparing to celebrate the empty tomb this Sunday? As Christians, all our hope is vested in the good news that we serve a risen Savior. Have you ever thought how depressing it would be to worship a savior who was dead? Death is the enemy; death is the reason we need a savior, to make sure we're ready to die. But how can I be ready to die if the one I worship is dead? What can a dead savior do for me? The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians, if only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). He's saying if Jesus were just a good man who lived for 33 years and then died, why would we put our hope in him? Why would we trust him to bring us to eternal life? But, Paul continues, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). How do we know Christ is risen from the dead? First, because the Bible makes it abundantly clear he rose bodily, and he now lives in his resurrection body at the right hand of the Father in heaven. But beyond that, there is much evidence for the resurrection. For example, a scholar of Classics from Auckland University, E. M. Blailock, says, “I claim to be a historian. My approach to Classics is historical. And I tell you that the evidence for the life, the death, and the resurrection of Christ is better authenticated than most of the facts of ancient history.” Obviously, all ancient history we know and believe is based on eyewitnesses from the time who wrote about it. And all four Gospel writers have given us eyewitness accounts that are totally compatible and indisputable. Another evidence is the disciples, those who saw the risen Christ, were willing to give their lives for him, and they did. They were depressed and defeated when Jesus was crucified; they thought it was over; they were frightened of the leaders. Only a risen Christ, whom they saw, to whom they talked, could invoke such devotion and commitment from them. They knew he was risen. And personally, we who have been born from above know he is risen, because he has brought new life to us and only a risen Savior could do that! Celebrate the empty tomb! Jesus Christ is risen from the tomb!

Which is the most important event for Christians to celebrate: Jesus' birth or Jesus' resurrection? There's no reason to choose between the two. Celebrating Christmas is joyful, and it causes us to remember Jesus chose to come to earth, as a babe taking on human flesh, in order to become our Savior. However, there is no question the most important event for Christians to celebrate is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Apostle Paul made that clear to the doubting people of Corinth. He wrote: But if it is preached that Christ has been raised form the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, you are still in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:12-14, 17). Have you ever wondered why almost anybody will celebrate Christmas, the birth of the Christ child, but celebrating the resurrection is not so universally accepted? Let's face it: It does strain credulity and sound quite brazen to say you believe someone was raised from the dead. Some time ago I was explaining to some international students from China what Christians believe. These young women had no religious background whatsoever. So, I told them we believe in the virgin birth and the resurrection of Jesus, and I explained why both are so vital to our faith. As I was speaking to them, I thought to myself how absolutely unreal—perhaps even absurd—it must have seemed to these young women. Did I actually believe Jesus was buried in a tomb, but after three days, he left that tomb empty on his own, alive forevermore? No other religion in the world has a risen savior. No other religion claims their leader or their deity rose from the dead. They worship their graves, in some cases; they memorialize how and where they died. But they don't claim their savior became alive again. As we come up to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we need to think again of that empty tomb. Jesus is the only qualified Savior because he has conquered death. We need to celebrate this glorious truth and tell others about it.

What should you do when suddenly you lose your job? I'm Mary Lowman and Maribeth Foley is here with me again this week. That's where she is right now, as she walks through the stress and fears that can grip you when you need a job and nothing is happening. Her story will encourage you, so please listen in.

Presented by Julie Busteed We have been talking about our identity. How we identify ourselves, how we think about ourselves. Here's a definition of identity: it is the set of qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, or expressions that characterize a person. Unfortunately, finding your identity is never as easy as looking up the definition. There are so many factors that come into play. For example, culture will tell you how to deal with an identity crisis: they advise you to ground yourself in your core values, be aware of your emotions, create a mental fitness plan, enlist the help of a coach, and stay optimistic about the future. While these may “sound” good, they are really all dependent on you. They rely on your own strength and might, and that is daunting. But if your foundation is the Word of God, you have a trustworthy and reliable source that is relevant to your life today. If you are in Christ, a Christ-follower, then you have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). Back to the dictionary. Webster defines the mind as the part of a person that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and reasons. Since we have the mind of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who knows the thoughts of God, teaches us, guides us, helps us to obey, brings joy and freedom, produces fruit in us, transforms us, and the list goes on. In every area of our life, we can have the mind of Christ and understand spiritual things. What would happen if you made it your goal to constantly pursue the mind of Christ? What would happen if that became your identity? As we continue on this journey of realizing our true identity in Christ, we will be changed to be more and more like him. I pray as Paul does for the Ephesians: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).

Presented by Julie Busteed How do you define yourself? Is it by your family, the church you attend, or your job? What does it mean to be identified as a Christ-follower? We have looked at how we are made in God's image and how that defines us. We are also loved by God so deeply we can hardly grasp how wide and long and high and deep it is. And we are also chosen by him for his good purposes. We are also made for community—to be in community. And this community defines us. We were not created to live isolated lives. The first and best example is our Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are eternal and distinct, and yet they are one. Yes, not an easy concept for our minds to wrap around. But we see beginning in Genesis the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are at the creation of the world. They are in community with one another. We were not created to go it alone. A 2024 Harvard survey found 21% of adults in the U.S. feel lonely. They feel disconnected from friends and family. The data suggests it may be due to anxiety, depression and a lack of meaning and purpose.[1] Because we are made in God's image and he is One God in three persons, we are made to be not only in relationship with God but with each other. We need each other for encouragement, to love and care for one another, to be accountable to each other, to worship and praise God together. And in essence, learn about who we are—our identity. Paul also describes the body of Christ like our own body: For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:4-5). We all belong to each other. When you don't show up for church or Bible study it doesn't just affect you. Your presence is missed whether you realize it or not. Showing up is huge! Let's remember each of us are a vital part of the body of Christ—it's part of who we are—for our own good and for his glory. --- [1] Batanova, M., Weissbourd, R., & McIntyre, J. (2024). (rep.). Loneliness in America: Just the Tip of the Iceberg? (Ser. Making Caring Common, pp. 1–14). Cambridge, MA: The President and Fellows of Harvard College.

Presented by Julie Busteed Have you ever wanted to be chosen for something and not been picked? There are many opportunities in our life when we can be chosen. For example, as a child you get picked to be on a sports team based on your size and skill. When you are interviewing for a job or a promotion, you are being evaluated and chosen by the degrees you have and your work history and performance. The Apostle Peter tells us: You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). We are chosen by God. Have you ever tried to really wrap your head around that truth? It's not based on anything we have done. In fact, he chose us before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). We are his treasured possession (Deuteronomy 7:6). God accepts us, chooses us, loves us as we are right now. You don't have to put your resume together with a great cover letter and references and prepare for an interview. His choosing you is not based on your past successes or failures. It's all because of Christ's saving grace and sacrifice on the cross. Since we are chosen, how then does this affect our daily lives? The Apostle Paul told the Colossians: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). Because we are chosen by God, we are to act with compassion toward everyone, even those who annoy us. We are to be kind to people, even those who are unkind to us. We are to act with humility and to quote C.S. Lewis, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” And we also need to be gentle and patient with one another. Be gentle with your words to coworkers. Be patient with loved ones. Practicing these things—also known as the fruit of the Spirit—will not only honor God, but it also will cause others to notice the difference in your life. God has chosen you. He is calling you into a relationship with himself.