iWork4Him PowerThought

It's the First Day of 2021. Last year is behind us. No looking back! It's time for a fresh start. It's New Year's Day, the first day of the rest of your life. The first day of 2021. What's the best way to start fresh in 2021? How about enjoying a full day of rest? When God created Adam, his first full day on earth was a sabbath rest day. God knew that we needed rest, and after 2020, we all need rest and refreshment. My prayer for you is that in 2021 you can find rest as a regular part of your day and an integral part of your week. May peace and rest come to define 2021 for you. May it increase your influence at work and home. Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.

It's the last week of the year, and this has been a tough year for everybody. I don't know that anybody is going to look at 2020 and mourn its passing. It's time for a fresh start. It's New Year's Eve and the last day of 2020. Goodbye, 2020! A fresh start begins tomorrow! How will you begin your fresh start? Do you even know where to begin? We can ask our friends or coworkers, bosses or employees, family, or neighbors. They likely have some ideas. We can read the Bible and ask God to direct our paths for 2021. It's essential to surround yourself with people willing to help you make a fresh start in 2021. Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.

It's the last week of the year, and this has been a tough year for everybody. I don't know that anybody is going to look at 2020 and mourn its passing. It's time for a fresh start. I grew up in Minnesota, where a new, beautiful snowfall covers the ground and hides the mess. But eventually, the snow melts and leaves behind the mess that was there before the snow fell. The beauty of following Jesus is when we get a fresh start, and all the mess is left behind for good. As we head into 2021, what kind of mess are you going to leave behind? Will you allow God to give you a fresh start? Can you leave the past in the past, forgive yourself, and start all over again? Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.

It's the last week of the year, and this has been a tough year for everybody. I don't know that anybody is going to look at 2020 and mourn its passing. It's time for a fresh start. So, what will a fresh start look like for you in 2021? Will it be getting up a little earlier and reading your Bible and spending time with God every day? Will it be a new exercise routine or new eating habits? Maybe it'll be a new attitude at work or intentionality to start new friendships. Whatever your fresh start looks like for you in 2021, how will it impact those you live alongside, both at work and home? Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.

It's the last week of the year, and this has been a tough year for everybody. I don't know that anybody is going to look at 2020 and mourn its passing. It's time for a fresh start. When I became a believer, I got a fresh start. Since that day, over 40 years ago, I've gotten a lot of fresh starts. The Bible says that God's mercies are new every morning. I have taken advantage of those new mercies a whole bunch in my life. What's great about a new year is we get an entire new year of fresh starts. God doesn't look back. He is looking forward to 2021. Are you ready for a fresh start in your life? What will that look like in 2021? Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.

It's Christmas Day. A day focused on the giving and receiving of gifts and recognizing the ultimate gift of Jesus. The day that you were born, your parents saw you as a gift. How are you a gift to your family today, to the parents that gave you birth? Is it with your frequent phone calls or notes dropped in the mail? Is it helping around the house with projects that they just can't do on their own anymore? Sometimes it takes a high level of intentionality to be a gift to the family that isn't always easy to be around. As a Jesus follower, you have been given the greatest gift of all time. Forgiveness and eternal life. Today, be that gift to those you love.

It is Christmas Eve. This week has focused on the giving and receiving of gifts and recognizing the ultimate gift of Jesus. Are you a gift to the people you live near? Outside of work, we come in contact with a lot of people. You might be involved in a small group from church. How are you a gift to your small group? Are you a gift in the way you serve others in your community? Are you a gift in the way you love others when they're going through a struggle? Are you a gift in the way you pray for people or the way you help out with projects that others just can't do alone? As a Jesus follower, you have been given the greatest gift of all time. Forgiveness and eternal life. This week, be that gift to those you love.

It's the week of Christmas. A week focused on the giving and receiving of gifts and recognizing the ultimate gift of Jesus. Are you a gift to the people you work with? What does that look like? Is it the work you do, or how you do your work? Is it your attitude at work, or is it the excellence you demonstrate as you do your work? When your coworkers, employees, or bosses look at you, do they see you as a gift to the organization? What can you do today to be a gift to those that you work alongside? You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you figure this out. As a Jesus follower, you have been given the greatest gift of all time. Forgiveness and eternal life. This week, be that gift to those you love.

It's the week of Christmas. A week focused on the giving and receiving of gifts and recognizing the ultimate gift of Jesus. Are you a gift to the people you work with? We all love to get gifts, but what kind of gift do you love to give. For Martha and I, we love to give the gift of entertainment. Not a song and dance routine, but hosting people for dinner. We love to cook a meal and share our kitchen table to build relationships. What kind of gift do you love to give to those you work with? Is it your friendship, a smile, or extra hard work? Do those you work with see you as a gift? As a Jesus follower, you have been given the greatest gift of all time. Forgiveness and eternal life. This week, be that gift to those you love.

It's the week of Christmas. A week focused on the giving and receiving of gifts and recognizing the ultimate gift of Jesus. Are you a gift to the people you work with? What is the most memorable gift you have ever received on Christmas morning? Was it a doll or a train set or a bicycle? Maybe it was memorable because of who you spent it with, like the last time you were with your grandmother or grandfather. One day when you leave your work to start a new job or retire, Will the people you leave behind remember you as a gift to them? Will they mourn the day you leave? As a Jesus follower, you have been given the greatest gift of all time. Forgiveness and eternal life. This week, be that gift to those you love.

As a Christ-follower in the workplace, you are likely to mess up once in a while. What you do next is the key to helping others see the difference Jesus is making in you. Ford Taylor from Transformational Leadership has developed the 6-step Apology. We are going to cover the final step today. Up to this point, we have confessed and apologized. We have asked for forgiveness and permitted accountability. Our final step is to say, "Is there anything else I've done in our relationship that I need to apologize for?" This gives your relationship a chance to start with a clean slate. It could also lead to another 6 step apology. When we are quick to admit our wrong and ask for forgiveness when we make a mistake at work, it is an excellent opportunity to show the world what it looks like to love our neighbor.

As a Christ-follower in the workplace, you are likely to mess up once in a while. What you do next is the key to helping others see the difference Jesus is making in you. Ford Taylor from Transformational Leadership has developed the 6-step Apology. Today is step 5. Step 5 involves accountability. You say to the person you have wronged, "I give you permission to hold me accountable for not behaving this way anymore." You are not making them hold you accountable. You are permitting them. When we open the door to accountability, we are opening the door to change in our life. When we are quick to admit our wrong and ask for forgiveness when we make a mistake at work, it is an excellent opportunity to show the world what it looks like to love our neighbor.

As a Christ-follower in the workplace, you are likely to mess up once in a while. What you do next is the key to helping others see the difference Jesus is making in you. Ford Taylor from Transformational Leadership has developed the 6-step Apology. We are going to cover step 4 today. Step 4 involves asking for forgiveness. Say, "when you can, will you forgive me?" Forgiveness is a gift to both parties, but it must be given, not taken. Asking the offended to forgive you actually frees them from any bitterness that can build up inside them, but it must be a choice on their own and in their own time. When we are quick to admit our wrong and ask forgiveness when we make a mistake at work, it is an excellent opportunity to show the world what it looks like to love our neighbor.

As a Christ-follower in the workplace, you are likely to mess up once in a while. What you do next is the key to helping others see the difference Jesus is making in you. Ford Taylor from Transformational Leadership has developed the 6-step Apology. We are going to cover step 3 today. Step 3 is simply to apologize. Saying I am sorry means so much when you have hurt someone. Be careful not to say, "I want to apologize for…" because that isn't an apology. "I am sorry" is a statement of humility and honor, and it opens the door to relationship healing. When we are quick to admit our wrong and ask forgiveness when we make a mistake at work, it is an excellent opportunity to show the world what it looks like to love our neighbor

As a Christ-follower in the workplace, you are likely to mess up once in a while. What you do next is the key to helping others see the difference Jesus is making in you. Ford Taylor from Transformational Leadership has developed the 6-step Apology. Step 1 is to State the Offense. "You are right. I did it" Step two is acknowledging that you are wrong. So you say something like, " I was wrong to…or I apologize for." It may be humbling to regurgitate what we did wrong and then admit it, but your humility will touch their soul. When we are quick to admit our wrong and ask forgiveness when we make a mistake at work, it is an excellent opportunity to show the world what it looks like to love our neighbor.

Hebrews 11 says By faith Abel brought an offering. What is an offering? Jesus said that while the bridegroom is with us, we want to feast, but when he is gone, then we look at fasting. We don't earn God's favor when we go without or by bringing him an offering. Faith grows when it is expressed in sacrifice, when it's not easy. When I "bring my sacrifice of praise" God is honored and my faith in Him grows because "God dwells in the praises of His people." When God gives the entrepreneur an idea, that does not mean the idea will automatically happen, even if we put some effort into it. The Venture Capital firm that you approach for financial help is more interested in your track record of executing an idea than the idea itself. Abel brought an offering. What are we bringing to God?

Hebrews 11 says By faith we understand. . . that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. Stephen Covey says "Begin with the end in mind." Entrepreneurs start with ideas of something that doesn't exist yet, to form the foundation of what is to come. No wonder the context of Hebrews 11:3 is "by faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command." Why do we struggle with creation when it is self-evident that everything begins as an idea, including the things we create? The essence of the entrepreneur's work is to see a gap in the market, that needs to be done. Something from nothing or at least nothing that we could see! God is "able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

Hebrews 11 says Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation , The prophet Jeremiah reminds his listeners to "Stand by the road, and look, and ask for the ancient paths" Moses, in speaking to the Israelites in Deuteronomy says, "But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart." Paul quotes this to the new Christians in Rome to then go on to say, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord. . .you are saved." This is equally true in business. What you have done in the past, becomes your scorecard and your reputation. If you have a reputation of always doing what you promise to do, you will find a way through the challenges to the success that the Lord plans for you.

Hebrews 11 says Faith. . . is the evidence of things not seen …Faith is holding on even when you can't see the answer. That's how Daniel and his friends must have felt when the King decreed that all of his senior advisors would die if no one could answer the riddle posed by the King's terrifying dream. but The King wouldn't tell anyone what he had seen in his dream. They had to tell him the dream and its interpretation. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Daniel urged his three friends to ask God to show them the secret because God knew the answer. How does this apply in our work? No matter our job, we have strategic planning sessions to help chart the course forward. The planning is our "evidence" that we are believing for what is "not yet seen." But in the end God knows the answer you need.

Hebrews 11 says Faith is the substance of things hoped for…Hope is not the absence of doubt. We all have doubts. Faith has substance when we hold on to it despite our doubts. When Job said in his book that "Though He slay me I will hope in Him" Job is essentially saying what any of us have said when we declare, "Even if God doesn't come through in the way that I expect and am praying for, I still trust He is in charge." The essence of entrepreneurship is "things hoped for." The challenge of business is "hoping" until you succeed, not giving up when the challenges and setbacks come. Hope is collected over time through experience and study. You are surrounded by many at work who have no hope. Will you share some today?

People want to be heard and recognized, which makes listening so important. I have a tendency to listen to the first few words of someone expressing a thought or idea or feeling to me, and then I am busy contemplating a response. I often miss my chance to listen because I want so badly to be heard. I never realized that behavior was so hurtful until I got married. Martha is a great communicator and says so many incredible things. I have had to learn to just listen to her when she speaks without responding. Then she knows I love her. We work together every day, so this is a really important skill. When we listen, we communicate care and love and acceptance. And you know that Jesus is the best listener ever. As Jesus-followers, we can be just like Him. Practice listening today.

People want to be heard and recognized, which makes listening so important. We spend a lot of time with our co-workers—lots of time. We grow to like our co-workers, and some we even grow to love and cherish. But do the people you love know that you listen to them? Do people at work and frankly at home, know that you love them by how you demonstrate your listening skills? Listening is the most powerful communicator of love. Jesus is the best listener ever, and everybody who met him knew He loved them. As Jesus-followers, we can be just like Him. Practice listening to those you love in your work and your home today – listening will show them that you care.

People want to be heard and recognized, which makes listening so important. When I get in my car, I put on the radio. I love to listen to talk radio. It passes the time in traffic, and I get entertained. About 15 years ago, I realized I had an addiction to noise in my car. I needed to learn to be quiet and listen to God. I committed my morning commutes to work to be my listening/praying time. No matter how long or short, my morning time in the car was committed to learning to be a listener…and to be quiet. It changed my life. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." If I learned to be still, you can too. Listening is a Jesus quality. Practice listening to God in your car on your way to work today.

People want to be heard and recognized, which makes listening so important. When you are in trouble or need advice, who do you listen to first? Do you rush right to your bible and get on your knees in prayer? Or do you tend to call a friend or post your trouble on Facebook? I get it. It is easier to connect with humans than to seek the Lord. But if our tendency is to go to people for answers and not our Heavenly Father, how will we attract others to Jesus. Jeremiah 29:11 says "He knows the plans for us" It's good to have sounding boards for advice, but who do you listen to first? Jesus is the best listener ever. Practice listening to your Lord today.

People want to be heard and recognized, which makes listening so important. Are you a good listener? I am a much better talker than a listener. When we listen to others, we are like Jesus. He listened so well. Today you may be on multiple zoom calls or in-person meetings, be the best listener in the crowd, not just listening for your job but listening for what isn't said, things spoken without words. Listening is the best way to open doors to conversations about your faith in Jesus. When we hear people's words, they feel valued. Psalm 34:15 says, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry." Jesus is the best listener ever. As Jesus-followers, we can be like Him. Practice listening in your work today.

It's the week of Thanksgiving and we all have so much to be thankful for. Whether you are working today or off, are you thankful for your work? So often we find ourselves complaining about our work. I am guilty of it often. Our work is given to us by God on purpose for a purpose. We work with people who need to meet Jesus and you may be the one who gets to do that. However, if we are walking around grumbling about our work, we won't attract too many people to Jesus. Let's be thankful. Thankful for the work that uses our minds and bodies and pays our bills. Thankful for the work that nourishes our soul. Spend today focusing on being thankful for your work.

It's the week of Thanksgiving and we all have so much to be thankful for. It's hard to fathom but some people in our country will wake up today with NO FOOD. None. IT may even be someone you work with that is struggling financially and they don't have enough food either. There may be people in your church or neighborhood that will not have enough food today to celebrate thanksgiving. People all over this country have had to learn to live with not enough. We can share from our enough but start with being thankful for the food set before you today. Also, be aware of those around you who are in need of food, clothing and financial help. It's what Jesus-followers do. Be thankful and share. It's the difference that Jesus makes in our lives that can make the difference in someone else's life. Be thankful.

It's the week of Thanksgiving, and we all have so much to be thankful for. I spent a week in the Dominican Republic a few years back. I saw a level of contentment and thankfulness in every person I met. Most had only a tin roof over their head and a couple pairs of clothing, but they were thankful. Thankful for a meal to eat and a place to sleep. What about you? Are you thankful for your clothes, your car, your home, and your bed? The people we work with are looking to you to demonstrate the advantage of being a Jesus-follower. Showing them, you are content and thankful will attract them to Jesus. So, this week spend your time focusing on being thankful and see how it impacts the attitudes of those around you.

It's the week of Thanksgiving, and we all have so much to be thankful for. Yet when many of us think about our time with family later this week, we struggle to be thankful. Many of you have indeed suffered at the hands of family. I am sorry for that. However, for most of you, you have been blessed with a family that loves you, but still get under your skin and irritate you. How do we shift our attitude to be thankful for our family? We remember that God is our Father, and you are surrounded by Brothers and Sisters in Christ who love you. Those at work may not be so blessed, so show them some love this week and invite them to be part of your family Thanksgiving celebration. When you focus on being thankful, it impacts the attitudes of all those around you.

It's the week of Thanksgiving, and we all have so much to be thankful for. Yet, some days, I struggle to be thankful. Work can be overwhelming, and deadlines are looming. Some days I am just outright un-thankful. When we lack a thankful attitude, it impacts our spirit and the spirits of others around us. We don't realize the impact we have on others. 1st Thessalonians 5 18 says, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." Without Jesus, I know this would be impossible for me, but we know that all things are possible with Jesus. So, this week spend your time focusing on being thankful, see how it affects your attitude, and see how it impacts the attitudes of those around you.

Let's start today with some biblical encouragement about work. Ephesians 2 10 says, "For we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them." Imagine with me for a moment that your focus as a Jesus-follower is to deeply integrate your faith into the work you deliver. Continue imagining. You're not contributing…you cannot contribute anything to God's plan that He hasn't prepared ahead of time for you. But you're participating in full, in the plan by WALKING through His plan. So, ask yourself these questions: What does maximum involvement in God's plan look like for me at work? How do I see God using me at work? How can I express myself as His masterpiece? When you start every day with these three questions as your focus, God will do amazing things through you.

When I began working, I fell into a trap. I searched for meaning in the kind of work I was doing. Jeremiah 9 23 tells us …the world defines greatness by wealth, wisdom, and power. That's where I thought my focus should be…to find significance at work. And you know what? I was continually let down and discouraged until I realized Jeremiah 9:24 said this: "…the one who boasts should boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth for I delight in these things." Is your personal value and significance linked to the kind of work you do? NO. You have value because He declares you valuable…valuable enough for Christ to die for you. How can you show your value in your work today?

Do you think your work and your faith are separate considerations? There's always a divine reason God has us at work. When we understand that, we have the right focus. In John 4, the disciples challenged Jesus for talking to the woman at the well after they got back from town buying food. Jesus says: "Don't you say, "There are still four months, then comes the harvest: I say open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest." The disciples dutifully went to town but overlooked sharing their faith. This woman was saved with one kind encounter, and she wanted to share it with everyone! There's nothing wrong with having your head down at your job, doing great work. But, our faith does not end on Sunday. It continues every day, sometimes with the slightest kind gestures and conversations with those around us. Now that's faith and work.

What's God want from us at work? Some think WHAT we produce at work is PRIORITY ONE. No matter your job, consider this from 2nd peter 3 10 "But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief, on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be totally destroyed." So, if our work-product will one day burn up, where should my focus be at work? Ask the Lord this each day: "Why do you have me here?" Does someone at work need me to listen without judgment? Does a co-worker having a hard day need a lending hand? If you focus on the people in your workplace and not just your work, both your work-product and workplace will improve.

Have you ever said, "I go to work just to earn a living."? Most of us will work more than 100,000 hours in a lifetime. That's more than a third of your life! Sadly, stats show that at least 7 in 10 people don't like their job. And, three in seven HATES it. If our Christianity is going to be relevant, it must address how our work week will be used for the glory of God. We also need to understand God's truth about Work. If you believe you go to work just to earn a living, consider this verse about your job: Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." This is just one of God's truths about why we go to work. I pray it re-shapes your thinking and appreciation for the work God has given you. Watch God provide for your needs today.

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