» Purpose

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

Employees and Bosses

David Roth — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:44:25 +0000

I am reading Ephesians this week and this scripture, of course, stood out. I don’t think it needs more explanation today…

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

⁸ because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

⁹ And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:5-9

2011…A Defining Year?

David Roth — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:42:29 +0000

Friends,

Welcome to 2011! Unless you are a Razorback fan in New Orleans for tomorrow night’s Sugar Bowl, you are likely at work today with a new year and new priorities staring you in the face.

It has always been important to me to reflect on the year past and to pray about the year ahead. We need to slow down long enough to count our blessings and learn from our mistakes…and to look ahead to see how we can live our life with more purpose. If you haven’t already, let me encourage you to block some time (maybe this weekend?), find a quiet place, buy yourself a cup of coffee (or other stimulus), and just think and listen. Write down what comes to you.

If you are a person that needs some structure, try this on for 2011:

Verse – a single Bible verse or quote that frames up your theme for the year.
Word – a simple word that you can easily remember that provides focus.
Purpose – a statement that describes your focus for the year.
Goals – this can be as short (4-5 goals) or as long (family, work, financial, social, serving goals) as you wish.
Book – this is a freebee…go to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and buy a book that you really need to read.

I pray that your 2011 focus will very intentionally include your faith and how you can choose to be the same person at work that your are in your personal life!

To a defining year,

David

P.S. Thank you for praying for us and with us over the past 60 days! As soon as we close the financial book on 2010 we will share with you what God did! 2010 was an extraordinary year at WorkMatters. And our Board and Staff are more excited about 2011 than any year of our seven years of serving you in the marketplace (more on that tomorrow).

Raising Sheep

David Roth — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:20:20 +0000

…not a particularly spiritual job, is it? Do you ever feel that way about your job?

You may not read the book of Amos very often. I know I don’t. But Amos, as a simple Shepherd, became a channel for God’s message to others.

Your job may not make you feel all that spiritual. You may or may not be “successful”. But if you are in the place God wants you at work, how powerful that can be! God can work through you to do extraordinary things, no matter how ordinary your job may feel.

“The words of Amos, one of the shepherds…” Amos 1:1

Our Purpose

David Roth — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:48:54 +0000

Recently, two people whom I greatly respect, asked “what is the purpose of WorkMatters?” On the surface, it’s a strange question from someone who knows WorkMatters well. It is however, a timely question. I have been thinking a great deal about 2010 and the great vision God has for WorkMatters.

Our vision is memorable and portable. For six years we have been focused on “bridging the gap between faith and work“. Our passion is for solving the enormous problem of the Sunday Christian in our culture today. I know, I was the poster child for twenty years. Our churches and our workplaces are filled with men and women who have some (or a lot) faith, but for a million different reasons, don’t live it Monday through Friday.

Our purpose, is to stand in this enormous gap in northwest Arkansas and the world. And our ultimate purpose is to help you grow deeper and stronger in your relationship with Christ through the lens of the workplace.

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will reject the truth and chase after myths. ⁵ But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2Timothy 4:3-5 (New Living Translation)

Father, what an awesome charge this is for our lives and for this WorkMatters ministry. Help each of us bridge this difficult gap between our faith and our work. Help each of us carry out the ministry you have given us! Amen