Tag Archives: work

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 01.21.2018

2 Corinthians 8:21

2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV): For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

When it comes down to it, the most important opinion is God’s. He is the one who truly knows your heart. In the end, it’s all between you and Him. But what about in the meantime? Does it matter what others think?

We are never to change our behavior to conform to the world, but our behavior should show the world who we are and what we value. That’s transparency. You should not only conduct your business in an honest way, you should be able to demonstrate to someone that you have honest business practices. At any given time, you should be able to open your business ledger, grade book, insurance reports or whatever it is you deal with and say “Be my guest. Inspect my practices.”

It’s tempting for the world to misinterpret our actions or question our motives. We can’t control what everyone says or thinks about us, but we can live and conduct our business in the light so that others cannot assume that there are shady things being done in the dark.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for understanding our heart even when others don’t. Help us to be transparent in our business practices so others aren’t tempted to question our integrity. Please forgive us when we are tempted to hide details in the dark. Amen.

Posted on

Work Week Devotion Easter 2017

Mark 10:43-45

Mark 10:43-45 (NIV): “…Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This world tells us to climb the ladder of success and step on as many people as we need on the way up. Our status is determined by how many people are “under” us; who is at our beck and call. As Christians, we are supposed to become more like Jesus as we live in this world. He was above everyone yet He had a servant’s attitude. We should expect no less from ourselves.

Who is your manager, boss or leader? Serve them.
Who do you manage, direct or lead? Serve them.
Serve them like Jesus would – whether or not you think they deserve to be served.

Father God, thank you for showing us the perfect example of servant leadership in Jesus. Please forgive us when pride, insecurity or a hardened heart prevent us from serving others. Help us to serve others the way Jesus would. It’s because of Him and His sacrifice that we can pray – Amen.

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 03.12.2017

Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV): Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

Most of us like to have a plan. We have a goal and make a plan to get there. What do you do when life doesn’t go as planned? Do you throw up your hands in despair? Do you work harder to force your own agenda even when it’s obvious that it’s not working? How many times have you had to look back, at best, sheepishly or, at worst, extremely thankful that your plan was thwarted?

The key to God’s hand in your success is having His input from the beginning. Prayerfully set your goals. Commit your plans to the Lord. Work diligently, always seeking His leading, prepared to change the course even if it wasn’t in your original plan. Never forget the One who will establish your plans has ways that are far better than ours.

Lord, Thank you for having plans far better than we could ever imagine. Please send us reminders to seek Your will in our plans from the beginning and to look for Your leading as we strive to achieve our goals. Please forgive us when we try to run ahead on our own. Amen.

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 03.05.2017

Colossians 4:5-6

Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT): Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Your attitude about your job is often the window outsiders look through to see your heart and the truth about your faith.” Jamie Allen, Central Christian Church Mt. Vernon, IL from “Clock In #2” 09/11/2016

We all have bad days at work. Most of us work alongside people at varying stages of their faith. Believe it or not, these two things make a great combination. Your attitude during a rough time can be one of your greatest witnesses. Even the most cynical person is attracted to someone who is gracious and even-tempered when they could be upset and hot-headed.

Have to stay late to see a patient? Give that patient the best care you can and do it with a smile!
Boss putting unreasonable demands on you? Do your best work and try to give extra.
Have to buy your own classroom supplies because the budget stinks? Be grateful you have everything you need and more.

Life isn’t fair. Your attitude despite that can be the window to your faith.

Gracious Father, thank you for always meeting our needs. Help us to always represent You by having a good attitude. Please forgive us when we are self-centered and selfish. Amen.

To watch Jamie’s “Clock In” series in its entirety please go to www.thenewcentral.com

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 11.06.2016

Election Week Edition

Daniel 2:20-21 (NLT): …Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.
He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.

You should always vote when you have the opportunity. It is a great privilege and responsibility. We should pray before we vote, pray for who we vote for and, perhaps most importantly, pray for whomever is elected. After every election there are some very disappointed people. Social media makes it easier than ever to share that disappointment in some very toxic ways. This week I would like to remind you of some of the things that should NOT change, no matter who is elected to what position.

– How you treat your family. You are not a three year old child. Your personal feelings should never dictate how you treat your children, your spouse and others in your household. No elected leader has the power to change that. Don’t act as if they do.
– How you treat your clients/customers/patients/students. Policy changes can make many things more difficult. Being kind and giving good service costs zero dollars. Smile. Be patient and helpful. Make their day better in whatever way you can.
– Your work ethic. Sometimes life is unfair. That’s too bad. Do the best you can, to do that best job you can, no matter what. It honors your good name and more importantly it honors God.
– How you treat those with whom you work. If you are in a workplace of any size, there will be someone who doesn’t share your beliefs or opinions. You can remain steadfast in those beliefs and not compromise without being a jerk. Even if the other person is being a jerk. Take the high road even if you get a nosebleed. It’s a lot easier for God to use you when you don’t have your foot in your mouth.
– How you represent yourself on social media. Anything you post should have the aroma of Jesus, not the stench of the world. Hatred, sarcasm, bitterness and selfishness all stink. It doesn’t matter if what you are posting is based on truth; if it is mean-spirited or unnecessarily negative you are not advancing the Kingdom.

All Knowing Father, Thank you for giving us the freedoms and blessings that we have. Forgive us when we misuse them and misrepresent You. We pray for you to raise up Godly leaders for our communities and our nations. We humbly ask that you show us how to be more like Jesus in all areas of our lives, no matter the circumstances. Amen.

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 10.23.2016

Mark 10:23-25

Mark 10:43-45 (NLT): But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

The world tells us to climb the ladder of success and step on as many people as we need on the way up. Our status is determined by how many people are “under” us; who is at our beck and call. As Christians, we are supposed to become more like Jesus as we live in this world. He was above everyone yet He had a servant’s attitude. We should expect no less from ourselves.

Who is your manager, boss or leader? Serve them.
Who do you manage, direct or lead? Serve them.
Serve them like Jesus would – whether or not you think they deserve to be served!

Father God, thank you for showing us the perfect example of servant leadership in Jesus. Please forgive us when pride, insecurity or a hardened heart prevent us from serving others. Help us to serve others the way Jesus would. Amen.

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 10.16.2016

Psalms 112: 4-5

Psalms 112:4-5 (NLT): Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

There are many ways to conduct business. Shrewdly, self-serving, humbly, generously, under-handed, transparent… Sadly, as many people believe “all is fair in love and war” they also believe it’s ok to do whatever you need in order to succeed because “it’s just good business.” Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Even when it would be easier or more beneficial in the short term to do something else.

Business owners – you honor God when you are generous, compassionate and fair.
Employees – you honor God when you are positive, productive and a team player.
We ALL honor God when we live a life of integrity at work and at home. It is promised that good will come from it!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that good things will come to those who follow You. Forgive us when we think good things only look a certain way. We know Your plans are greater than ours. Show us how to honor You and live a life of integrity no matter where we are. Amen.

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 09.25.2016

Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV): Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

Most of us like to have a plan. We have a goal and plan to get there. What do you do when life doesn’t go as planned? Do you throw up your hands in despair? Do you work harder to force your agenda even when it’s obvious that it’s not working? How many times have you had to look back, at best sheepishly, or at worst extremely thankful, that your plan was thwarted?

The key to God’s hand in your success is having His input from the beginning. Prayerfully set your goals. Commit your plans to the Lord. Work diligently, always seeking His leading. Be prepared to change the course even if it wasn’t in your original plan. Never forget that the One who establishes your plans has ways that are far better than ours.

All Knowing Lord, Thank you for having plans far better than we could ever imagine. Please send us reminders to seek Your will in our plans from the beginning and look for Your leading as we strive to achieve our goals. Please forgive us when we try to run ahead on our own. Amen.

Posted on

Work Week Devotion Labor Day 2016

The Importance of Rest

Mark 6:31 (NIV): Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

God made us to need rest. Rest renews, refuels and re-energizes us. It prevents us from being burned out and stressed out. It allows us to serve God and serve people with energy and passion that is not available when we stretch ourselves too thin. It gives us the physical and mental stamina we need to tackle whatever comes up at work or at home.

God ordained rest from the beginning. The all-knowing, all-capable Creator of the universe and life itself took time to rest. He established the Sabbath and feasts that made rest a law in the old testament. Imagine a culture where refusing to rest was punishable!

There are several reasons we don’t get the rest we require. We wear the title of “busy” like it’s a badge of honor. We say “yes” to too many things. We feel guilty when we slow down. We’ll rest tomorrow. We are called to emulate Christ in every way that we can. Jesus rested and so can you! The Bible gives several examples where Jesus rested, Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, John 6:15 and Luke 5:16 just to name a few. When was the last time you got some real rest?

Heavenly Father, You knew from the beginning that Your creation would need rest. Thank you for giving us a way to renew ourselves physically and spiritually. Please forgive us for neglecting this gift. Help us to remember how important it is to rest in You and open our eyes to those opportunities. Amen.

 

Posted on

Work Week Devotion 08.28.2016

Matthew 5:14-16

Matthew 5:14a, 16 (NIV): You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

You were put where you are for a purpose. In front of your students, co-workers, patients, fellow parents. You were meant to be a searchlight in the black night.* The love and light of Christ should shine through you for all to see. How do you accomplish this? Through good deeds.

Your good deeds will look different from your neighbor’s good deeds. Maybe it’s a kind word, a helping hand, forgiveness and grace when it’s least deserved or taking the high road (even if you get a nose bleed!) When you do more than expected or don’t repay ugly with uglier you might get a “Wow! How/why did you do that?” and that’s your chance to praise your heavenly Father. “God loves me so much and He wants me to share that love with others. I want you to know that He loves you, too.”

Loving Father, thank you for giving us the opportunity to be Your light in a dark world. Help us recognize opportunities for good deeds and give us the wisdom and courage to act on them. Let it be not be for our glory but so others will recognize and praise You. Amen.

*This catchy line is courtesy of my friend, Jon Henninger