iWork4Him PowerThought

I heard a clever quip the other day about trying to take control from God's hands. God is writing the story of your life: so STOP TRYING TO GRAB THE PEN FROM HIS HAND! This applies to our work as well. Sometimes we think we are living God's plan for us in our work when we are actually just "taking Jesus with us".  And only praying to Him to ask for blessings on what we are doing at work. How can we know when we've succeeded in FOLLOWING Christ in our work? By changing our mindset to one of FOLLOWING, vs. LEADING.  Why not start your work day with a prayer like this: Father, today, I commit my hands to YOUR work. As you lead me, may YOUR will be done and may YOU be glorified in all I do. Amen. 

If you are like me you jump up out of bed, check for emergency text messages, check the weather, rush through your morning devotional time so you can get on to the "real work of the day." Just recently Martha and I were reading a book by Kim Avery "The Prayer Powered Entrepreneur" and she suggests a different approach. Kim suggests that when we have our morning quiet time, be quiet and ask our Lord what His priorities are for us today. Instead of letting distractions rule our day, ask the Lord to prioritize our day so His will is done. I'm going to try this from now on, and maybe you would like to do the same. Lord, what is at the top of your priority list for today? I pray that I can do this the rest of my life, what about you? 

Is God leading your work? How do you get the point where you can say YES, He is.  Here're a couple of ideas to get you started. First, read a book or listen to faith at work podcasts that introduce you to the concept of working for the Lord. Second, pray and ask God to show you how and where He is at work in your work today. Three, take a faith at work devotional and put it on your desk. Before you turn on your PC, read the devotional and pray that God lead you in your work.  This might take some consistent practice, like changing a habit, to shift your mindset. So how about you? Colossians 3:23  is a GREAT verse to put on your desk, so it reminds you WHO you work for: 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 

Being intentional seems to be a consistent hallmark of followers of Christ. Because Christ is our best example of intentionality. Intentionality is defined as being deliberate or purposeful. How about you? How are you working with intentionality today? In the office, with your co-workers, intentionally representing Christ and showing His love and patience to everyone you come in contact with? Most days we may just be unconsciously going through our work day. We invite you to begin today by going before the father and asking Him: "Here's all I have, what do YOU want me to do with it today? What is YOUR priority today, Lord?" And then living that out as we step into our work, and every other place our feet may wander. 

Are you a leader in your organization? If so, what are you doing to care for your team members? Your employees?  Are you ignoring the big stresses in their lives? If you are, it could be costing you in a big way. For example: The divorce of a $60,000 a year employee will cost $86,000 in lost productivity.  There are legal, low cost remedies to helping your employees get the help they need to calm the sometimes raging seas of their lives. So how about YOU? Are you turning a blind eye to the pain in your workplace? Wake up! Look and listen, and seek to put benefits and programs in place that make employees lives easier. And commit today, to start being the good shepherd. The one who sacrifices his life for the sheep. 

I wonder how much of our life is lived from a place of "taking". Not consciously, but just getting up and living our life, as we go to work and just delve in. I've found my unconscious self is pretty selfish. If I don't pray first, submit in obedience, my day, my hands, my mouth, eyes and ears, to serve all those I come in contact with, I'll just spend all day at work taking what I need and want. .... So how about you? Are you living your life and workday taking? .... We challenge you today, to stop unconsciously working, and living as a taker. But to set up your day from a place of "How can I be a giver today? How can I contribute to everyone I come in contact with?" 

At work, sometimes we walk away from a meeting or conversation and think to ourselves "Boy, that person sure needs some fixing." But, in reality, if we took a moment, and thought more carefully about it, maybe even looked a little deeper, we may just see what needs to be fixed is US, not them. Leaders know this. They know that the organization is a reflection of WHO they are and WHO they are being.  A leader knows that before their "team needs fixing", THEY need fixing first.  So how about YOU?  Are you a leader that leads knowing they need to fix themselves first? Or are you the leader that looks at all the fixing everyone else needs to do? We challenge you today, if you have a thought about someone else, to first look at yourself, and see what needs to change.  

Mutual respect. It's when two people show respect for each other. .... Respect is defined as the process of honoring someone by exhibiting care, concern, or consideration for their needs or feelings.  This should be a HALLMARK of us as Christ followers. And even more apparent at work, with our colleagues. To respect them as co-laborers AND as fellow sons and daughters of God. .... Author Dina Dwyer-Owens says it's been her experience that When we hold ourselves accountable and show mutual respect to others, it's amazing the respect that comes back.  So how about you? Are you living mutual respect in your work today?    

When's the last time you really saw your co-workers?  .... Saw them as real three-dimensional people?  Not just a co-worker, workplace mate or just an employee?  When's the last time you remembered, that they're a son or daughter of God? .... That they were created, like you, by God, for a purpose. That they are worthy. That they have a life, and that life is just as important as yours.  That they're on a journey, their own journey, just like we all are.  .... So how about you?  We invite you today, to put on God's view of each person you work with, and to see Christ in each of them. And then watch the supernatural transform your work relationships and your workplace. 

Are you dreading Monday? Do you start to lose your joy come Sunday evening? .... What if instead of dreading Monday, you LOOKED FORWARD TO IT? What if instead of moaning about Monday, you prayed away your dread, and replaced it with thanks, and joy and intention? .... To pray that come Monday morning, you would FEEL GOD in your work, as you work. That your work would glorify God, that you would be the best Ambassador for God your workplace has ever seen? .... So how about you? Are you ready to be used by God in your work? To see Monday as a tremendous opportunity, to enjoy your work and to glorify God, and maybe even give your co-workers a glimpse of our Heavenly Father. 

What if today, we committed to operate our businesses from a philosophy of "It's not about WHAT we sell or HOW MUCH we sell, it's about the LIVES we TOUCH and CHANGE."  That's "God's way of doing business". And it's the exact OPPOSITE of everything we have been taught as professional business people. But isn't that always God's way? This counter-cultural philosophy is rooted in Matthew 6:33: But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. What is the Lord asking YOU TO DO as a next step in seeking first HIS Kingdom in YOUR workplace? 

Every one of us in ministry. What? No, you say, I'm a CPA, I'm an engineer, I manage people at a construction company.  Yes, and you are called to be an Ambassador for Christ there.  The Apostle Paul agrees, as he wrote to the Ephesians, in Chapter 6 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.  If Paul can be an ambassador in chains in prison, then we (without chains) can too….wherever He placed us. And God placed YOU in YOUR SPECIFIC WORKPLACE for a reason. For HIS REASONS, not our own. 

Ahhh rebellion. Its' the sickness of youth but perhaps, there's still some rebellion in our hearts as adults.  Is there some ONE or some THING that you're rebelling against at work?...You may be doing it unknowingly… "under the table"…undermining, backbiting, using sarcasm or pushing against another's ideas or leadership in subtle ways. Romans 13:1 and 2 is clear: Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. So how about you?  Won't you commit to glorify God, by submitting to YOUR authorities at work? 

As we start our work week, let's remind ourselves of our calling to our work and God's plan for our work. Declare this now as you head to work today, walk to your office, or sit down to do your devotions. … "My workplace is my mission field, a place of full-time ministry… My workplace ministry manual is my Bible. …My calling to my workplace is not a second-class calling…. I dedicate my workplace as a mission field for God, and because of Jesus in my life, I am committed to celebrating the work that God gave me….AMEN" 

Do you want to see your workplace as a place to live out your faith? Your work is a place where you finally get that chance to be involved in fulltime ministry. Then do these things. 1st Start praying for those you work around, by name every day. 2nd look for ways to serve those same people over and above what your job requires you to do. 3rd look for ways to build a friendship with those you work with, outside of work, where real relationships can develop. 4th Look for ways to pray with people when you see them having a rough day. And 5th, all along be a person of excellence, in your work. Do these things and you will see your workplace transformed by God right before your eyes. We call this the iWork4Him Nation Covenant. 

Do you ever feel like a hamster on a wheel - stuck in a monotonous, repetitive, and unfulfilling pattern of going to work, eating, sleeping, and paying bills? When every day feels the same it can be difficult to live with a sense of significance… but here's some good news: our significance is not determined by our position or plans but by God working out His plans through our current position. Psalm 57:2 says, "I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me." God has a purpose for you, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE. The job that you hold, the people that you work with, none of that is an accident. Jesus wants to use you to bring His light to everyone that you encounter. Next time you feel stuck on the hamster wheel, pray that God would open your eyes to His eternal purposes for you today at work. 

Why do you go to work? Something gets you out of bed and on the clock. Is it for a paycheck, to get experience, or to feel like you're making a difference? All of us have a reason. If you paused and assessed yours, what would the answer be? For nine years we have opened the iWork4Him radio show and podcast by asking: Who do you work for, really? This simple question gets at the heart of the matter because when it comes down to it, there are only two people you can be working for: yourself or God. Either you are laboring for the things of this world – your comfort, wealth, status, and pride. Or you are laboring for the things of eternity – a harvest of righteousness and the fruit of the gospel. Your work matters to God – invite Him in! 

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through social media and feeling bad about yourself or your life? Or how about, looking over at your coworker and wondering why they got the promotion you feel you should have had? Sound familiar? Comparison is an ugly emotion… one that Mark Twain calls "the death of joy." When Simon Peter, one of Jesus's closest disciples, was told that he would be martyred for his faith, he looked over at his friend John and asked how he would die. Jesus responded, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me." Jesus's answer to Peter holds true for us as well! Next time you find yourself comparing your life, achievements, or appearance to that of a coworker or friend - stop looking at them, and instead, follow Jesus. 

Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb crying. She thought that someone had stolen the body of Jesus, the only thing she had left of him. But Jesus himself – very much alive – said from behind her, "Woman, why are you weeping? … I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Have you ever been in a position like Mary's - mourning the loss of a friend, family member, job, relationship, or dream? Maybe you are in that position today. In these desolate moments beside the tomb of something lost, Jesus wants to meet you. And in your grief, he reassures you that you are a child of God, seen and loved and heard. No matter what you are facing this week, remember that Jesus is alive and because of that, you are a child of the Most High! 

Mission fields are EVERYWHERE – including apartment communities. Statistics show that 96% of those who live in apartments have no connection to a church. So, as a Christ follower, if you live in an apartment complex or work in one on-site, there's an opportunity to bring Christ to those that live there. Maybe you have Christian friends that live in an apartment. Would you be willing to share this idea with them? They have an amazing opportunity to start living INTENTIONALLY, loving on and caring for their neighbors.  As we are all called to do wherever we live. 1 Corinthians 13:1  If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Are you ONLY a noisy gong or clanging cymbal where YOU live? 

Can ANY type of business impact the lives of the customers they serve?  Even, let's say, an office cleaning company? They sure can…. How does it happen? Is it by being a Christian that leads a company with good morals, values and ethics? Or, is there a level above and beyond that?  There IS a level above and beyond and it's called being a kingdom company. So how do you become a "kingdom company"? A great place to start is to have a trusted Christian board of advisors, where you learn and grow in business acumen and actively apply your faith at work.  Proverbs 11:14 says Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.  Do YOU have advisers speaking truth into you and YOUR business? If not, WHY NOT?

Businesses always seem to be searching for "the magic bullet" that will propel them into the "big leagues".  We've heard hundreds of stories of eternally successful companies and their practices and believe we know the secret. It's excellence. Excellence as unto the Lord.  Not being great at what you do, but EXCELLENT. .... It's the very top level. Consider these synonyms for excellence:  high quality · superiority   · brilliance   · greatness  · eminence   · supremacy   · peerlessness.    Remind you of anyone?  These words describe Jesus Christ. And since our entire purpose is to conform to His likeness, these words should be describing US, and our work, and our organization. ....the Question is… DO they?

We all have a calling, have you heard this before? Some of us get called to the pulpit and some to the foreign mission field but most of us get called to our cubicles, construction sites, care facilities or whatever your job site may be. Your Workplace, It's your mission field and in that mission field, you and me, we may be the only Jesus our co-workers, employees and bosses may ever meet. That Job that you hold and the work that you do, and the people that you work with, none of that is by chance. The people that you work with need to meet Jesus and you may be their only chance. So, as you contemplate the value of your work today, realize this…You don't need to quit your job in order to go into fulltime ministry. You are already in fulltime ministry, right there where you work. 

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients?  On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture begins with individual care of those within the organization. One way to begin caring for the people you work with is to start simply praying for them by name. When you pray for someone, God changes your heart TOWARDS them and opens the door for you to show His love TO them. I challenge you to pray for your coworkers, employees, and bosses by name this week – it'll change everything. 

In John 17:17, Jesus prays for his followers saying, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." But what does Jesus mean by sanctify? The Greek word used for sanctify in this verse is hagiazo and it means to separate something – to set it apart – for an intended purpose or mission. In other words, Jesus intended that all those who follow after him would be set apart for a unique purpose and mission: to spread the good news of the gospel to the world. And guess, what? This same mission extends to you today! You have been strategically placed in your workplace for a reason. There are people there who need to hear about the truth of who Jesus is, and you may be their only chance! So, how can you carry out the mission of Christ at work today? 

1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it." I love it when the Apostle Paul talks about all the different parts of the body of Christ because so often, we get caught up in comparing ourselves to someone who was designed to function differently. But the truth is, no matter which part of the body of Christ you are, you are essential, and your role is significant! Every part of the human body must be in working order for it to be healthy. Similarly, every believer must be participating in their unique calling for the whole body of Christ to function well! When you understand who God created you to be and what He created you to be doing, comparison disappears. So, lean into your work today, because God placed you there for a reason! 

Have you ever felt like your life is an endless cycle of waking up, going to work, making dinner, paying bills, and then going back to work again? King Solomon could relate. Even though he was an extremely wealthy and successful ruler, he still struggled with feeling like everything in life was meaningless, a striving after the wind. But God gave Solomon supernatural wisdom, and after some consideration, Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:24, "So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?" You see, Solomon knew that the only true source of joy is God – and with God, even our work can be filled with satisfaction. Next time you feel exhausted by the cycle of work and life, ask God to give you joy in your work. 

Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? Like all you do is go to work, come home, eat, and sleep, just to go back to work and do it all over again the next morning? This endless cycle can feel maddening! But did you know that God never intended for our work to be a burden? In fact, God gave Adam the job of caretaker of the world as a GIFT – as an opportunity to partner with Himself! And guess what? Jesus is extending the same gift to you today! When you dedicate your work to God, you become a partner with Him. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Jesus wants to take your daily work and make it so much more than toil! He wants to partner with you in the redemption of the world! Invite Jesus into your work today. 

God is up to something. He is not idly sitting by up in the Heavens, uninterested and uncaring about the matters of earth. He is intimately involved. Luke 12:7 says that "He even counts every hair on your head!" And as if it isn't already crazy enough that the Lord of All cares about our day-to-day lives, He doesn't stop there. He asks us to join Him in His work! Let me say that again: the Maker of Heaven and Earth wants to partner with YOU!  What an invitation! You have the chance to be part of what God is doing in your workplace, neighborhood, and friend group. Have you said 'yes'? Or have you left God knocking on the door with the invitation in his hand? Don't miss out on this opportunity. Don't let another day pass you by without asking Jesus what he wants to accomplish through you today. 

65% of the population will never go into a four walls church – that means that over half of the people in the U.S. will never hear about Jesus from a pastor or dedicated ministry. BUT here's the good news: almost everyone will be employed during their lifetime, which makes the workplace one of the LARGEST mission fields in the world – a place where we, as ambassadors for Christ, are given free access to the lost and hurting! John 4:35 says, "Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest… and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life." Are you treating your workplace like your mission field? If not, WAKE UP! The fields are ripe with people waiting to be brought to eternal life – and Jesus is asking you to be a part of the harvest. 

What does it take to transform a city? One answer is "a city movement".  When a city brings together the isolated segments of government, clergy, companies, and non-profits, a PROFOUND shift occurs. The power of the body of Christ is unleashed into every area of the city. The light of Christ shines and exposes that which is hidden and a city is miraculously transformed. It reminds me of what JFK used to often say: "The rising tide lifts all the boats."  This is biblical collaboration at its ultimate expression. Ecclesiastes 4:12 - A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. What's your workplace doing to transform YOUR city? 

A businessman and author recently told me: In my search for leadership knowledge, I kept coming back to the Bible and realized that Proverbs is a practical business book. I don't need much more. The Bible IS a source of wise counsel for us in all aspects of our life and that includes our work. .... Many Kingdom workplace leaders hold to the belief that the Bible is THE BEST BUSINESS BOOK ever written.  Psalms provides wisdom during challenges, to give words to our lamenting and petitions to the Lord.  The leaders in the bible, such as Moses, Deborah, Abraham and Queen Esther, provide real examples of what it looks like to BE a Godly leader. When's the last time YOU went to THE WORD for business wisdom?   

We have heard it said from just about every Kingdom company we have interviewed that it is all about relationship. That putting people first makes all the difference in the health of their business. This concept is contrary to how the world has taught us to do it.  But we have heard and seen in these Kingdom companies, that when you put people first before profits, the profits will follow. That is a heavenly model of doing business, vs. a worldly one. This proves out the words of Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  What will you do today, to implement this Kingdom model of doing business? 

I recently heard a new term for a business where the leader is a Christ follower. He called his business a "for-profit ministry".  That was   dad's term for their family business, a junkyard of all places. He had a holistic approach to it. Yes, he was a businessman, who was committed to turning a profit. AND, He saw it as an opportunity to help people by giving them a job, and helping them anyway he could…like sending their children to college.  There was an intentionality of bringing Christ with him to the junkyard every day. As James 4:17  exhorts us: So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. What about your mindset? We invite you to try on the  "for-profit ministry mindset" today, and see what happens! 

When you have a major decision to make or a faced with a "fork in the road" in your career, whose opinion do you seek out first? Do you ask your friends? Your partner? Do you make a list of pros and cons? Do you just avoid it? Although we've all probably done each of these things, there is a BETTER way: ask the one who already knows everything about your past, present, and future. When we get on our knees and seek God's opinion first, He leads us towards the best decision. So, next time you are faced with a tough choice, pray, read God's word, and pay attention to the confirmations and affirmations that come through Christ Followers in your life. Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." So, stop worrying, and start praying – He will take care of you. 

When unexpected things happen, when crises come, when you are let go, or passed over, or disappointed, or get a bad diagnosis… where do you put your faith? The phrase "do not be afraid" can be found in the Bible 365 times; one time for each day of the year! It is the most repeated command in Scripture, and for good reason: life can be difficult. In fact, before his ascension to heaven in John 16, Jesus says "In this world you WILL have trouble" as in… it's a certainty. BUT, he says, "take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus is bigger than our troubles and he knows in advance everything that will happen to us. If you find yourself in an anxiety producing situation today, remember that God goes before you. His promises are new every morning, so do not be afraid. 

Have you ever felt unsure about your future or about a big decision in your life? Maybe you're feeling that way right now – confused, uncertain, and discontent. Perhaps you feel paralyzed by fear of making the wrong move or wrong choice. In these seasons, when everything seems dark and foggy, how do you move forward with confidence? James 1:5 in The Passion Translation says, "If anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won't see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace." Did you catch that? God doesn't want you to fail – He WANTS to guide you! Ask Him for wisdom and trust He will give it. Then take the pressure off yourself, leave the rest… and rest in His generous grace! 

Whether we're aware of it or not, temptation is all around us at work. It didn't get left at home when we left for work today. As we take God to work with us, we should also be aware that the enemy will be working there too. Starting our day with the Lord in prayer, and putting on the FULL armor of God (Ephesians 6), are some of the best ways to keep the door shut on temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.  And IF you've opened the door to temptation at work, speaking and praying bible verses over it is the way to combat it. Today, will YOU fight temptation at work with the presence of the Lord and His word?

A guy named David Foster Wallace once said, "Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship." Now Wallace may have had a lot of things wrong, but he had this right… every day – you and me and every other person on this earth - worships something. We worship whatever it is that absorbs our heart, imagination, and mind to such an extent that it gains PRIORITY over everything else. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  Everything that we do in our day to day lives can be an act of worship to God when He is our number one priority – even work! Would you say you're using your work to worship God? Or have you slipped into worshiping your work? 

Our country is more divided today than in almost any other time in history. All you have to do is turn on the television or log in to social media, to be bombarded by anger, hatred, accusations, and arguments. Everyone has an opinion and they are all shouting to be heard! But as Followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to be counter-cultural. In Ephesians 4:1-3 the Apostle Paul says, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." What is your attitude towards others? Are you patient and gentle or are you rude, harsh, and condescending? We challenge you to bear with one another in love this week. Be kind to those you find difficult at work. Act in a manner worthy of your calling in Christ. 

I recently had my concept of "neighbor" challenged. Does neighbor mean only the people in my neighborhood? The ones we live near? Actually, in a broader sense, it is anyone "living or located near another". That means the folks all around us at work, in the next cubicle. The teacher in the next classroom. The person exercising next to us at the gym. Our neighbors are everywhere and the Lord had a great deal to say about them.  Some Hebrew origins of the word, also translate it to mean "fellow man". Matthew 22:37-39  Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Today, how will YOU show love to ALL THOSE who you work around all day long?

Have you ever had a coworker who seems to get all the breaks and suddenly, the green-eyed monster of envy rears its ugly head? Envy is birthed out of comparing our lives to someone else's and being dissatisfied with the difference. But here's the thing: comparison is a dangerous game. When you become preoccupied with watching someone else's life, you miss the things that God wants to do in your life. Proverbs 14:30 says, "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones." You see, jealousy and envy will slowly destroy you and destroy the good and gracious plans that God has in store for your life. So, next time you find yourself silently judging, critiquing, or being envious of someone at work, try what Paul suggests in Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." 

We live in a busy world. If we aren't in a meeting, or working on a project, or going to an appointment – we are looking at our phones, or answering emails, or hopping on a video conference. Technology has made work accessible ALL. THE. TIME. Not just from nine to five. But as Mahatma Gandhi once said, "there is more to life than increasing its speed." So, how about you? Are you running so fast that you are missing the things God has in store for your day? Try intentionally slowing down and scheduling in blank space on your calendar. When you do, you may be surprised by the connections and conversations you are able to have. When we make time for people, the Lord opens incredible ministry opportunities. Who does God want you to speak to today? 

Have you ever heard the old adage, "you have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you speak?" Well, it's true! Nobody likes to be run over with somebody else's words! James 1:19 says it this way, "Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak." What is your speaking to listening ratio? Do you tend to overrun the conversation, or do you wait to hear what other people have to say? When we take the time to ask thoughtful questions and genuinely listen to the answer, the person we are talking to feels valued and understood. Find one coworker or client at your job today and ask them how they are really doing. Then wait for the real answer… the one that goes deeper than just "fine." You may be surprised by what you find out! 

Have you ever been afraid to share the gospel because you might not know all the answers? Well, here's the good news: we don't need to argue people into Christ, we just need to invite them to encounter Him! What a relief - God is the one who does the heavy lifting… not us! When you set out to simply do good, work with excellence, and love people… others will be drawn to the light of Christ inside of you naturally… like a moth to a flame. Matthew 5:6 says, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." So, remember today that by working with integrity and honoring those around you, you're INVITING them to encounter Christ… and it is Christ who will change and soften their hearts – the pressure is off!

If you have a job, chances are you have a job description - you know, that piece of paper that lists out what duties you are responsible for performing at work. Take a moment to consider your performance at work over the last 6 months. Are you meeting the requirements of your job description or are you exceeding them? Do you do the bare minimum or do you look for ways to improve your workplace? Are you someone who helps your coworkers or who shirks your duties? Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human men." Here's the thing: your job performance matters to God! And when you work with excellence, going above and beyond the expectations of your employer, you honor Him! Put in a little extra effort this week, and see what God does! 

When was the last time you pushed yourself to do something that made you uncomfortable at work - whether volunteering to learn a task outside of your usual job duties, offering to take on a new project, or making friends with another employee? Moving outside of your comfort zone may feel awkward or stressful at first, but it is also the best way to grow! And in order to become a mature person – personally, professionally, and spiritually – we absolutely MUST grow! William S. Burroughs once said, "When you stop growing, you start dying." So, ask yourself, is your work ethic alive and growing? How about your family life? How about your spiritual life? This week, challenge yourself to find one thing that you can do to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and into your growth zone! 

Have you had a performance review in the last year or two? If you have, how did you do? Did you need improvement? Did you meet expectations? OR did you EXCEED expectations? Because here's the thing: when you do good at work, people notice. Your quality of work is, in itself a witness to who God is… a God of goodness, of care, and of EXCELLENCE. Colossians 3:23 says, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Because the thing is, God is interested in good business, good profit, good attitudes, good character development, and meeting your employee needs. And when we connect God's passion for people with God's passion for quality and excellence the line between the sacred and the secular dissolves and the secular BECOMES sacred.  

God formed Adam and Eve on the sixth day of creation… making their first full day in the Garden of Eden the Sabbath – a day of REST. God is gracious so He didn't start them out on a Monday … instead, God emphasized the importance and holiness of spending time in his presence FIRST, before the work week begins. He asks us to look to him FIRST. Rest in Him FIRST. And only then, after worshiping, resting, and praying, are we to be sent out to do the work that God has for us. The Sabbath is a GIFT. And when we don't treasure it, we don't honor God. Remember, Jesus was always busy but NEVER in a hurry. He always made time for people, for rest, and for prayer. So, what about you? Do you consider Monday to be the start of your week? Or Sunday… the day of Rest? 

Your work matters to God, and God has strategically placed you in your workplace to be his representative. But what exactly does it mean to be a representative of God? 1 John:4 says,that God IS love. So, when we genuinely love people, we are giving them a taste of who God is – it's as easy as that! Being a representative of God in the workplace doesn't mean that you need to be a pastor, an evangelist, or an apologist – all you need to do is love God and love the people around you with authenticity, transparency, and humility. So, when you go to work, remember that you have an opportunity to be a representative of God by showing care and respect to those around you. Pick one way this week to show your coworkers that you genuinely love them, and so does God!

God loves our work! Why? I'll give you a hint – it's not because He's a workaholic. It's because work is an opportunity for God to partner with us for the salvation of souls! When we head to our jobs each day, we have an opportunity to not only make a paycheck but to engage in Kingdom purposes! 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, "So we are Christ's Ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ..." What does it mean to be Christ's ambassadors and to speak on his behalf? Simply this: that we represent Christ and his purposes wherever we go, including work. Because when our faith is put into action people notice something is different and it becomes a catalyst for conversation. How can you partner with God at work this week as His ambassador?