iWork4Him PowerThought

A company we love, and one you may have heard of, called Dayspring, helps direct their branding by asking the question, "what do we want people to walk away feeling after they've encountered a Dayspring product?" Do we want them to feel seen, loved, or encouraged? And what can we do to make customers want to return after an encounter with our products? These kinds of branding questions aren't just for companies! 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that, "we are Christ's ambassadors and God is making his appeal through us." In other words, we are Christ's BRAND ambassadors! Take a moment and ask yourself the question: how well am I representing God's brand at work? When people encounter me, do they walk away feeling seen, loved, and encouraged? Think of one thing you can do today that will make those around you want to return to Christ.

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!

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.

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?

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!

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!

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."

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!

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.

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?

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.

Jesus gave His followers a clear mission: to make disciples of all nations. But in order to fulfill this mission, we cannot be focused only on our personal gain. Rather, we must constantly be pouring into and raising up those around us. In the book She Works His Way, Michelle Myers writes, "Limiting your kingdom impact to what you can do marginalizes the legacy it's possible to leave behind. Make it your mission to believe in others…" In the business world, discipleship is often called mentorship, and it's all about helping someone else up instead of stepping on them to get yourself a little higher. Are you making it a priority to intentionally mentor a next-generation co-worker? We challenge you to pray this week and ask the Lord, "who would you like me to mentor in the workplace and disciple in faith?"

If I had one hundred dollars for every time someone said, "I want my life to have a purpose, so I am thinking about quitting my job to go work in a church or Christian nonprofit" I would be a very, very rich man. There is a myth that has been circulating through theological communities for decades: that in order to have a Kingdom impact, you have to work in a four-walls church, a ministry, or a foreign mission field. But Psalm 139 in the Message translation says, "Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there!" The Holy Spirit resides inside of YOU, and that means that wherever you are – THAT is your mission field. So where you work, doesn't matter nearly as much as WHY you work. How can you work for the Lord today?

How do you define success? Being promoted? Achieving a certain number of social media followers? Reaching a particular income level? Well, Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines it simply as, "a favorable or desired outcome." Take a moment today and consider how God's desired outcome looks different than the world's. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells a lawyer there are two main things we should desire in life… and they have nothing to do with financial status, power, or position! He said, "you shall love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and shall love your neighbor as yourself." What kind of desired outcome are you pursuing at work: the world's version of success that centers on personal gain? Or God's, which is about honoring Him and loving those around you?

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. And today, Friday, is when Jesus was crucified. Traditionally, we call this day Good Friday, and it has often been observed as a time of sorrow, repentance, and fasting in the Church. Accordingly, I always thought the name "Good Friday" was a weird choice. "Bad Friday" seemed more fitting for the day Jesus died. And that would be true – if not for this fact: That it is because of Christ's death, because of his sacrifice on that Friday so long ago, that we are able to be made right with God. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." THAT is the good news of the gospel. Without his death, there would be no salvation. Who can you tell about the good news of Good Friday today?

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. Thursday marked the Passover Feast in Jerusalem, and Jesus met with the disciples in the upper room for a final meal. Before they began to eat, Jesus knelt down and began to wash the disciples' feet. This task was usually something the lowliest servants did – so the disciples cried out "You shall never wash my feet!" but Jesus said, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's." Jesus wasn't just talking about washing feet – he was talking about what true love and service looks like. He was giving us an example of how we are to live. How can you serve those around you at work this week? What task or chore can you take on as a sign of Christ's love for your coworkers?

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. Sunday through Tuesday, Jesus had been busy teaching and prophesying in Jerusalem, so on Wednesday, most scholars believe that he and his disciples spent the day resting in Bethany in anticipation of the Passover. The fact that the Bible doesn't say exactly what the Lord did on Wednesday can serve as a lesson in itself. Knowing that his death was approaching, Jesus took time to rest and spend quality time with those close to him. Sometimes, we become so busy with work, that we forget what really matters… and it isn't a paycheck or promotions; it's PEOPLE. When was the last time you took a day to simply rest and spend time with your family or friends? Do they know that you value them? Do they feel like they are a priority, even when your time is limited? Carve out a space in your schedule for relationship this week.

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. On the Tuesday before his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples the story of a man who left his servants in charge of his finances while he went on a journey. When he returned, one of the servants gave him back double the amount, having worked to grow the sum. Upon receiving the new amount, the Master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much." Jesus told this parable to teach his disciples about good stewardship. God wants you to build up and increase the resources that he has given you for HIS purposes and glory. And not just financially – but also your gifts and talents. How are you using what God has given you to further His Kingdom at work?

Yesterday was Palm Sunday – the day where we remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem and being met with crowds waving palm branches and exclaiming, "Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" You see, the Jewish people had spent thousands of years waiting for the Messiah, the true king, to come and deliver them – and there he was! But instead of a conqueror on a white horse with an army of soldiers, Jesus came slowly, and humbly on the back of a donkey with twelve dirty men. God's idea of success and leadership looks a lot different than the world's. He values a servant's heart over a conqueror's. What kind of success are you seeking in your job? A big promotion, a certain title, a larger office? Or do you seek to humbly serve those around you just like Jesus?

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!

Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world… No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." When you go to work, do you switch off your faith? Do you put your belief under a bowl? Or do you proudly display it, letting it shine so that others can see it? The thing is, nobody benefits from your light if it's hidden... no one even knows it's there! But when you let your light - your faith - shine proudly at work, every good deed and kind word will bring glory to God! These regular parts of your day, suddenly become opportunities to share the love of Christ with everyone around you.

The workplace is the largest mission field in the world, yet many Christ-followers don't engage in their calling as missionaries because they don't know how to share their faith at work. Fear around rejection, offending someone, or saying the wrong thing are just a few of the barriers that prevent believers from bringing the good news of the Gospel to their coworkers, employees, and clients. But here's a tip: the most effective way to share your faith is simply to share your own story. Jesus often spoke in stories, called parables, when he was teaching. Why? Because they are a relatable carrier for important truths! Your testimony is no different! When you talk about God's faithfulness in your life, you are sharing the Gospel. So, who can you share your story of faith with this week at work?

Most people consider a vocation to be a career that they feel a strong draw towards or that they are particularly suited to. But as Christ-followers, we look at vocation a little bit differently. Dr. Chip Roper from the Voca Center in New York talked with us recently about the biblical view of vocation, which is simply a divine call to God's service or to the Christian life. From this perspective, your vocation isn't a career, but how you act in your current career. It is about recognizing that God has called you to your job for this time, in this season, to minister to your coworkers, vendors, bosses, customers, and clients! So remember, you aren't just working for yourself; you're working for the Lord! Step into your Kingdom calling this week by inviting God to teach you about your vocation as a workplace missionary.

Most people consider a vocation to be a career that they feel a strong draw towards or that they are particularly suited to. But as Christ-followers, we look at vocation a little bit differently. Dr. Chip Roper from the Voca Center in New York talked with us recently about the biblical view of vocation, which is simply a divine call to God's service or to the Christian life. From this perspective, your vocation isn't a career, but how you act in your current career. It is about recognizing that God has called you to your job for this time, in this season, to minister to your coworkers, vendors, bosses, customers, and clients! So remember, you aren't just working for yourself; you're working for the Lord! Step into your Kingdom calling this week by inviting God to teach you about your vocation as a workplace missionary.

Imagine coming to the end of your life, and standing before the judgement seat of God. He looks at you and says that if you have ever lied, had an impure thought, stole a stick of gum from your mom's purse, or hated someone that you will be condemned to Hell. Of course, you have done those things… and worse. But just as you are about to be judged, a man steps forward from the right hand of the judgement seat and says, "April Fools." Now, that's not EXACTLY how the Gospel works, but it gets at an important reality. We all deserve to be condemned! None of us is perfect! But through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, our debt is paid and we are made right with God. Now that's some good news! Who can you tell at work about the good news of salvation through Jesus today?

Growing up, I lived in Minnesota. During spring, we had this phrase that, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" meaning it would start cold and snowy and transition gently into spring... but usually it was the opposite. "In like a frozen lamb and out like a roaring lion." Life can be like that too. The transition from a cold winter period of our lives – in other words some dark and cold experiences - into a period of new life and growth and perhaps a new assignment can be trying... but God is with you. He has you right where He wants you and He is preparing you for something great. Your life - right where you are, right at your current job, is critical to God's plan for the redemption of this world. He is shaping you to be more effective. Embrace the cold, for spring is coming!

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.

inspired from: PowerPod "Redeeming Business Itself" 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. How are you going to pursue excellence for the Lord at work this week?

inspired from PowerPod #58 Every paycheck you've been putting a little away for retirement. But once that money enters your 401K, what happens to it? Well, usually it gets invested into a whole bunch of companies. But did you know that many of the companies you may be investing in are actually supporting activities that blatantly go against Scripture! Proverbs 16:8 warns against this by saying, "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice." So, while you may be trying to steward your money well, you could actually be supporting businesses who work AGAINST everything you, and God, stand for! So, what can you do about it? Three words: Biblically. Responsible. Investing. Organizations like Inspire Investing can help you use your money to honor God and support companies whose values align with God's purposes. This week, take a look at where your money and investments are REALLY going.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The fifth of which is Finances, and it's no surprise it made the list. Money is mentioned in the Bible more than 800 times! Why? Because it can be used for good and is also a source of temptation and sin. Mismanaging or seeking after money can cause all sorts of issues in EVERY area of life. BUT healthy money management is spoken about in Scripture as part of being a good steward of your resources. What role does money play in your life? Is it an idol? Or a resource for the Kingdom of God?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The fourth of which is Fitness. In 1 Corinthians Paul writes that our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit within us and thus are precious. What does that mean? That we should take care of ourselves by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Because when we care for our physical body – our whole life benefits. Are you taking care of your temple OR are you treating it like it's disposable? Think of one healthy habit to incorporate into your work week!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The third of which is Friends. God designed us to function within a community of people, and friendships are an integral part of that. Even Jesus had friends, 12 of them! The Psalmist wrote that a good friend is more precious than gold – and it's true - good friends are hard to find! And sometimes being a good friend is just as hard! Do you take the time to invest in and pray for friends? How about to befriend and pray for your coworkers? Take time to be a good friend this week.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The second of which is Family. Because here is the thing - true success starts in the home. Having strong relationships with your spouse, your children, your parents, and your siblings is a part of God's particular calling on your life. While your earthly work, money, and success will pass away, your family is made up of eternal souls – souls that God has given you to help shepherd and grow. Is your family a priority? Take time to show them this week.

WEEK OF BALANCE inspired from: iwork4him.com/podcast/2014/12/reaching-millennials Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The first of which is Faith… and there's a reason that Faith is first– because when it isn't, EVERYTHING else in life will be out of balance. Our number one priority – before marriage, family, or work - has to be Jesus or every area suffers. Matthew chapter 6 says, "But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." What are you seeking first? Take stock this week on where Jesus falls in your priorities, and then move him to the top!

What is the first question someone asks you after an introduction? I'd be willing to bet that 9 times out of 10 its "So… What do you do for work?" That question may feel fine and dandy when you are in a high-powered position or working your dream job – but for most people it's uncomfortable to be instantly framed by their employment OR lack of employment. We live in a society that equates our value with our job title. But the TRUTH is that your identity is NEVER going to be found in the things you do or how impressive your resume is. Psalm 139: 14 says, "I give thanks to you God because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works." PAUSE. So remember, your value and identity are based on the fact that God designed, made, and loves you… just as you are!

inspired from - www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2017/5/business-for-his-glory 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." PAUSE 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?

Have you ever tried to ignore God's direction in your work or career? Tried to follow your own plans and run into constant obstacles, closed doors, and un-ending rejections? The truth is that sometimes we try to LOGIC our way towards our calling instead of entrusting the creator of our calling with the journey to it. Remember the account of the Israelites in Exodus? It took them 40 YEARS of wandering to arrive at a destination that would have taken two weeks if they had simply obeyed God. So, the next time that you feel like God is leading you down a path that you don't want to go… pause before walking away. Try praying about it and asking several trusted friends for their prayers as well. God WANTS to show you the way forward – if you're paying attention, he will give you the next right step!

I recently heard the phrase "mental load" for the first time. If you aren't familiar with it, "mental load" is the largely invisible work of noticing and remembering. For example: I need to schedule a dental cleaning; we are out of lightbulbs; and my kid needs snacks for soccer practice. In other words, It's the running list of everyday responsibilities that tend to fall on women to remember and carry out. The issue of mental Load can be especially applicable for career women or women with a side hustle as they try to carry out their duties at home and work. So, what can you do when your mental load is out of control? The biggest thing is to name it, explain it, and ask for help. Next time you're exhausted, articulate your mental load and ask for help!

Do you ever feel like you are juggling 50 balls at once and sooner or later you are bound to drop one? Well, you're right, you probably will! So instead of trying to keep everything perfectly in the air, take the time to ask yourself which responsibilities are a RUBBER ball and which are a GLASS ball? What I mean by that is, what things could you drop that will bounce back and not be affected, and which would shatter or be irrevocably damaged? A guest on a recent podcast episode talked about identifying and prioritizing the glass balls of life – things like taking care of your marriage, your relationship with Jesus, your kids, and yourself… rather than getting caught up on things that can bounce back - like a promotion, a perfectly clean home, or keeping up with the Jones's. Which responsibilities in your life are glass, and which are rubber?

A company we love, and one you may have heard of, called Dayspring, helps direct their branding by asking the question, "what do we want people to walk away feeling after they've encountered a Dayspring product?" Do we want them to feel seen, loved, or encouraged? And what can we do to make customers want to return after an encounter with our products? These kinds of branding questions aren't just for companies! 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that, "we are Christ's ambassadors and God is making his appeal through us." In other words, we are Christ's BRAND ambassadors! Take a moment and ask yourself the question: how well am I representing God's brand at work? When people encounter me, do they walk away feeling seen, loved, and encouraged? Think of one thing you can do today that will make those around you want to return to Christ.

There is this great TV gameshow called "Wipeout" where contestants go through a ridiculous obstacle course that is designed for them to inevitably WIPEOUT and fall into the water below the course. Life sometimes can feel like the show Wipeout… riddled with challenges that will eventually make you fall on your face. And it's true, none of us are perfect and we're all going to make mistakes and fail, BUT the way that we handle those mistakes is what sets us apart as followers of Christ. Proverbs 24:16 says, "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked." How do you respond to failure, missteps, and disasters? Do you get back with a renewed sense of determination and joy in Christ? Or do you let yourself become defined by your losses? Let God help you up today.

inspired from powerpod #54 Have you ever heard the 70s song, "Message in a Bottle"? The lyrics say, "Only hope can keep me together… I hope that someone gets my message in a bottle." Well – someone did! We recently got to hear the story of a man who is sharing the hope through a LITERAL message in a bottle. In John chapter 4, Jesus tells the woman at the well that to those who asks, he gives living water so they may never thirst again. This story inspired cyclist David Bailey to create what he calls "Living water bottles". David puts the Gospel of John into a water bottle and then hands them out to other cyclists on the road – Brilliant, right! Take a moment today to think about your own hobbies and activities. How can you bring a message of hope with you into those spaces?

inspired from: iwork4him.com/podcast/2020/4/trading-with-god 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?

inspired from: iwork4him.com/podcast/2018/11/words-on-the-millennial-generation When speaking about mentorship, a friend of mine said, "You should always have a hand forward and a hand back." In other words, as Christ-followers we should constantly be in relationship with someone who is spiritually a step ahead of us and with someone who is spiritually a step behind us that we can help bring forward. By doing this, we are creating a beautiful chain of ongoing discipleship – one where we are each always being mentored AND mentoring someone else. If that kind of commitment sounds scary of overwhelming, just remember that Jesus discipled 12 guys – and the primary way he did it was by living life ALONGSIDE them. Mentorship doesn't need to be formal or stuffy, it can be as simple as having dinner or taking a walk. Ask yourself this question, do you have a hand forward AND a hand back?

inspired from - https://www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2014/07/the-languages-of-appreciation All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through acts of service. You may be thinking, "I work all day, isn't that enough?" But let's be honest – you get PAID to work all day. Acts of service happen when we do something above and beyond what is expected of us. Nothing conveys care like lightening the load of someone in a crunch. Has someone shown you appreciation through an act of service recently? Have you shown appreciation in this way? Pay attention at work this week to ways that you can help out and go above and beyond.

inspired from - https://www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2014/07/the-languages-of-appreciation All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through appropriate physical touch… emphasis on the APPROPRIATE. Physical touch in the workplace is a "touchy" subject these days, and one that should always be handled with care. Remember, you want to convey appreciation, not cause offense. That said, there are many gestures of physical touch that are workplace appropriate such as high fives, fist bumps, or firm handshakes. These gestures communicate connection, respect, and celebration in a tangible way! So go high-five someone in your office today (but ask first)!

inspired from - https://www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2014/07/the-languages-of-appreciation All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through spending quality time with the people you work with! But what exactly IS quality time? PAUSE. It's as simple as giving your employees and coworkers your full and focused attention when you're with them… whether that is paying attention in a meeting, asking about how their day is going and waiting for the real answer, or Inviting them over for dinner at your house. Quality time is a way of saying you care! So, this week try putting away your phone and genuinely engaging with the people in your workplace!

inspired from - https://www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2014/07/the-languages-of-appreciation All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through giving them gifts that show they are a valued and seen member of the team! And before you freak out about budget constraints, remember that gifts don't have to be big to be impactful. In fact, sometimes it is the smallest gestures that make the largest impact. For example, bring in donuts and coffee on a Monday morning, or purchase your coworker who is always writing things on post-it notes a fun new pad of paper. Remember, it's the thought that counts!

inspired from - https://www.iwork4him.com/podcast/2014/07/the-languages-of-appreciation All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through words of affirmation. And I'm not just talking about saying, "nice job so-and-so". PAUSE Instead, try giving out compliments to those you work with that are specific, and detailed. Pay attention to the little things people do well in the office or the positive things about their personality and then acknowledge them regularly! Proverbs 16:24 says, "Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Are your words acting as honey in the workplace? Challenge yourself to genuinely affirm someone you work with today!

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.