» Journaling

Do you have Markers in your Life?

David Roth — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:33:46 +0000

Eight years ago today, I became the first employee of a start-up marketplace ministry called WorkMatters. It was a leap of faith that only God can orchestrate. The challenge, camaraderie and income of my VP, Sales and Marketing job at J.B. Hunt Transport was now fully in my rear view mirror. The excitement and fear of this incredible new journey was now front and center.

It has been an indescribable eight years at WorkMatters. Everything about it has been new. Everything about it has stretched me. Everything about it has tested and pushed my faith.

It is such a joy to reread some of my journal notes early this morning from September and October of 2003. To reflect, just for a moment, on this day eight years ago.

What about you? What are the markers in your life? Do you write them down? Put them on your calendar as recurring every year? This is more than birthday’s and anniversary’s. These are life changing moments.

If the answer is yes, take the time to meditate on those days when they arrive. Some are incredibly exciting, some are heartbreaking. All are a major part of your life, who you are, how God is moving you closer to Him.

If the answer is no, maybe now is the time to get started. Think back about your life markers. Put them on your calendar. Maybe it’s time to buy a journal. Keep it with you. Jot down the moments worth remembering. Use it to see what God is doing in your life.

Last…thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part (large or small) of this WorkMatters marker in my life. It has been an extraordinary blessing to be used by God in the marketplace!

For Him@Work,

David

Decisions

David Roth — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:38:28 +0000

We move so fast in our work. The pace can be frantic sometimes. We get in the habit of making decisions quickly. Then, before we know it, we are making important decisions quickly and based solely on what we think is right.

One of the great leaders of the Bible was exceptionally good at inquiring of God before he made big decisions. And God so often directed Joshua’s path. But in Joshua 9:14, we learn that in one instance they did not “inquire of the Lord”. And it cost them. They were tricked into signing a treaty with neighbors against God’s directions.

Some suggestions:

Read this story of Joshua 9:14.
Begin praying in the morning for the “major” decisions you face each day.
Write it in your journal.
See what God does.

It may feel like you are slowing down in making big decisions, but if you get it right do you care?

The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Joshua 9:14

60 Days…Time Well Spent

Sam Bates — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:35:15 +0000

As this new week begins, I know many of you are will be going back to work after a busy holiday weekend. I hope that everyone had a fantastic time and were able to spend time with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior. It has been non-stop for our family and now that everyone is beginning to make their way home, I am looking forward to some serious quiet time this week.

David and I have often talked about the value of this week between Christmas and New Years. As far back as I can remember, this week has usually been a vacation week for my family. Our parents have always lived far away from us, so normally we were traveling. I have always enjoyed the opportunity to get up early, make my hot cup of coffee and spend time alone with the Lord praying and thinking about the upcoming year. This week has provided many moments of clarity and inspiration as I spent some long, uninterrupted time with the Lord very early in the morning.

I hope as this week begins, you will find extended periods of alone time to pray, plan, journal or spend time in the Word. As this year draws to a close, it will be helpful to reflect on how God has moved in your life over this past year. Write down the blessings and challenges of this past year and as you write, you will find how God has impacted your life. Pray those blessings back to God as praise and worship!

As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer. Luke 5:16 (The Message)

Blessings!

Sam

2010 – Love Jesus More Deeply

David Roth — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:33:15 +0000

OK, this week we have tried to give you some 2010 candy. Some solid ideas for crafting a special year. We focused on being an encourager, not judging others, and living with purpose one day at a time.

But all of that feels somewhat empty if there is no Jesus. If we just keep doing whatever it is we have been doing. Without growing in our relationship with God, these other goals are good, but not great.

So what does that look like? Let me share four tried and true ideas for you to consider.

As disciplined and committed as you are to get up and go to work, use that same discipline and commitment to get up and go to God. The only way to build a relationship, is to spend time with that person. You will get out, what you put in.
When you get there, have a plan to read the Bible. There is no formula. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. I am excited to be reading the entire Bible this year along with six business leaders in our executive small group.
Be committed to prayer. Seek God’s will for your day. Pray for your marriage, your kids and your work. When you’re at work, teach yourself to pray breath prayers as you go through your day.
Last, and this may be a big step for you, buy yourself a journal. Begin to write down what you are learning, what you are hearing. When you read that one special scripture, the one that was perfect for you that day, write it down.

There is so much more that could be said on loving Jesus more deeply in 2010. Maybe a fitting way to leave you is with the special words of Texas QB Colt McCoy, hurt on the third play of the last night’s national championship football game… “God is in control of my life.”

But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:2