January 7, 2010 by David Roth
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
Posted in Bible, Jesus, Journaling, Prayer | 1 Comment »
January 6, 2010 by David Roth
We’re talking 2010 goals this week. How are yours? Written them down yet? We’ve talked encouragement… then judgment… today is TIME.
Short of our relationship with Christ, this may be THE issue of the year. Precious few of us have all that we need or use what we have wisely. It’s a source of great frustration and anxiety. We worry about tomorrow while we are still living today. We struggle daily to balance our work time, with our family time, with our me time.
For example, as I write this blog tonight so that you can read it tomorrow, I am missing a killer game of SORRY Revenge with my wife and 10-year-old son.
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived gave us some pearls on time. You need to read verses 1-8, but here is how he kicks it off in verse 1:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun. Ecclesiastes 3:1
My goals on time this year are very simple. Maybe they will start your engines.
- Live one day at a time.
- Don’t waste a single day in worry, anxiety or negativism.
- Treasure time spent in relationship; never take it for granted, especially with family.
- Be intentional about investing time in: loving Jesus more deeply, my marriage, my boys, relationships, my work, and my body.
Lord, time or a lack thereof, is one of our greatest frustrations in this life. In 2010, will you give me strength to live just today…just one day at a time. And to live with purpose at work and at home. Amen
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January 4, 2010 by David Roth
Yesterday we talked about focusing on Encouragement in 2010. That’s a logical place to start. It’s a feel good goal. But today? Let’s move on from milk to solid food! (1 Corinthians 3:2)
I have been processing deeply the last few weeks on this word JUDGMENT. As I held the mirror up to my face, I didn’t like the reflection. What I saw staring back at me was that judgment has become as natural as encouragement! In fact, when I really stared hard into the mirror, I saw that encouragement actually took intentional effort and judgment flowed effortlessly from my heart and my lips.
And, of course, the Bible is full of painful reminders about judgement…like this one from Jesus:
Do not judge others and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT)
How about you? What do you see when you look in the mirror? It seems that being judgmental has become a normal rhythm in our marriages, our parenting, our friendships…and especially our work.
It can be even more difficult in our work. Why? Because there is such a fine line between performance evaluation and judgment.
So, what’s the answer? I can’t improve on Jesus’ words…The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
Jesus, thank you for shining your light on this word. It has become a normal, assumed part of my life. Everyone does it, so it must be ok. Jesus give me the courage in 2010…beginning today…to change the reflection in the mirror. To bite my judgmental tongue or bury my judgmental thought. Thank you Jesus…Amen
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January 3, 2010 by David Roth
Friends,
I am so excited to share with you today! The time between Christmas and New Years is always such a blessing. It represents the end of something tangible and real, and the beginning of a fresh new door to the unknown.
Since my crazy 20’s, I have carved out some me-time during this season to reflect on the year past, and write down some specific goals for the following year. My wife laughs at me every year as I come home from Common Grounds or the Library or some other thematic haunt like a conquering hero! So, for the next few days I will share a few thoughts about this year that I pray will be valuable to you.
I can think of no better place to start than this simple word…ENCOURAGEMENT.
Some people, a very few, are just wired for encouragement. It’s just how God made them. But for the rest of us, it takes great effort, doesn’t it?
A few days ago, I received a hand-written letter in the mail. How long has it been since you received one? Do you remember how you felt? In our twitter/fb/text/blog/email world, a letter is indeed something special.
Here is an excerpt from the letter:
“I wanted to thank you for your word of encouragement recently regarding seeking God in times of transition. I have found continued perspective from working through past WorkMatters Eight-to-Five podcasts, specifically providing insights into aligning my life’s activities with His plan.”
As you consider your 2010 goals, consider this powerful word, and what it could mean in the lives of the people you work with and live with.
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)
Father, we have so much to be encouraged about. Give us the motivation to share it with others in 2010. To be intentional about finding opportunities to encourage those we work with and for, as well as our family members. Amen
Posted in Encouragement, Goals | Leave a Comment »
December 31, 2009 by Sam Bates
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in Him will I trust. Psalms 91:2
I love the words refuge and fortress. They communicate strength, protection, security. We seem to fight a relentless search from the catastrophies of life.
Across all of history people have sought refuge in various ways. Some have searched for it in education. Others have sought refuge in science. Still others have sought refuge in money.
There is no refuge in such things. These flimsy fortresses are easily penetrated by disease…accident…war…depression. And, if not by these, then by time. Time carves its lines upon the face, dims the eyes and makes the hands tremble.
Only in God can refuge be found. And only in God is there any real fortress.
I love the words of this old hymn.
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word. What more can he say than to you He has said, You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed; I, I am they God, and will still give the aid; I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.
As you look into another new year, make sure that ”In Him will I Trust.”
Lord, we need you so much. The years go by and we often truly trust in so many other things. Thank you for being our fortress and our ever present help in time of trouble. As we end this year and look into yet another new year, please help us to count on this blessing and to finally learn how to really live in peace through placing all our trust in you alone. Amen
Posted in Contentment, Faith, Trust, perseverence | Leave a Comment »
December 29, 2009 by Sam Bates
Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen heart: wait, I say on the Lord.” Psalms 27:14
The taste of this verse is bitter to modern man. Even the most devout must admit to a measure of impatience. Much of the best of life is lost because of it. We become restless and irritable when that email does not get to someone within a minute or so after sending it. If dinner is five minutes late….if a departure is delayed thirty seconds by another family member. I’m sure you can add some of you own irritations to this.
And, at times we even get impatient with God. We decide the interval is too great between our prayer and its answer, or between our work and its result. So much like Job, we call God on the carpet: ”I cried out to you, but you do not hear me” (Job 30:20).
Patience is not an easily learned attribute. I have heard it said that there is something harder than believing….that’s waiting! All of us know this is true that has stood by the bedside of a critically ill child…or anxiously waited for the test results or patiently prayed for the return of a wayward child.
Patiently pursuing that which is gradual is more difficult than accepting immediate results. But we should not despair. Like those fishermen who “fished all night but caught nothing” the moment may be near when God is ready to bless our labor with success. He is faithful and will reward our patient waiting.
Father, we have become so spoiled in our generation expecting immediate gratification for everything. We get angry and irritated when things don’t happen on our timetable or go exactly like we want. Forgive us Lord and help us to trust in your timing. Help us to accept the fact that waiting on You will ultimately strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with you. Amen
Posted in Patience, perseverence | 1 Comment »
December 27, 2009 by Sam Bates
I have almost always looked forward to Sunday. Going to church has never been much of a struggle for me. I know that is not the case for some of you, so I don’t say that in any kind of judgmental way. I just seem to always feel better after going. Of course we miss from time to time, but almost always I miss it and find out that “the sermon rocked” or “the music was awesome.” It also often feels that by the time the next Sunday rolls around, I feel like I am running on fumes and really need the spiritual fuel I get from meeting with the “family” and worshiping our Father.
I ran across this statement by C.S. Lewis, my favorite author that seemed to relate to all this. Lewis said,” God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
I know that we get this fuel from other ways as well, but I can almost always count on my tank getting refilled and therefore being better equipped to handle the challenges of the week. It is simply how we were designed.
Lord, Please help us to understand and accept that as our Creator, we must operate with you as the main fuel in our lives. We are so willing to be filled with so much other garbage. No wonder we often feel so defeated and depleted. Help us Lord to use our Sunday’s to the fullest and to be refreshed by the power that comes from meeting with our church families and fully engaging in what you want to give us so that we can live abundantly. In the name of your precious son Jesus, Amen.
Posted in Encouragement, Family, Relationships, Worship, celebration, joy, music | Leave a Comment »
December 26, 2009 by Sam Bates
The sights, sounds, smells and memories are still so fresh. At this time yesterday morning the anticipation was high and we were still getting everything ready. All of a sudden the day everyone has been looking forward to for so long has finally arrived. Then before you can believe it, it’s over. But what a day of celebration it was, and how great was the extra bonus of it being a White Christmas.
In the quiet this morning, sitting by a roaring fireplace the memories of a wonderful day with my family are so sweet. I am also thrilled to think about the fact that I am part of a much larger, extended family. Beginning with the birth of our Saviour, God made it possible for us to be part of His family and that gives Christmas a very special meaning. Of course there are other times of the year to celebrate this as well, but there is something about this time of the year that makes it so much more special. Our everlasting, immortal family was made possible because of the special day we celebrated yesterday.
I pray that the wonderful memories of this season will remain with you, but even more, my prayer is that you will dwell on the memories of your life in Christ during the next week. Because of what happened over 2000 years ago in a small town called Bethlehem, I hope you can call these precious days the most wonderful time of the year.
Father, family is really what matters most to us here on this earth. We long to be with our families when we are separated. One day we will be reunited with you and the rest of our family for all eternity and that was only possible because of your precious gift of love that we celebrate this time of the year. With grateful hearts we give all Glory, Honor and Power to you! In the name of your precious son Jesus, Amen.
Posted in Christmas, Family, Hope, celebration, joy | 1 Comment »
December 24, 2009 by David Roth
Today…we celebrate!
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:5-7
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December 24, 2009 by David Roth
As most of us sprint to the Christmas finish line, it’s so easy to forget people in need. This year, WorkMatters has been blessed to help the “poor and the sick” of the marketplace through The Joseph Project. Hundreds of business men and women have lost their jobs this year and this Christmas will look different for many of them. Will you please pray for them?
However, many men and women have now found new jobs! We hope that The Joseph Project has been able in some small way to accomplish our vision of “altering the journey of business people between jobs.”
Please read these blessings below posted on our Linked In website. May you be blessed this Christmas Eve!
I was inspired and encouraged today – and thought I would share with the group. While shopping with Kennedy today, we were stopped by a familiar face – and wished a Merry Christmas. With a few clues, he revealed that we had met at an early Joseph Project meeting – but he hadn’t been able to make it lately because he had landed job and was working a lot. He shared how impactful the Joseph Project had been for him – and it was so special for me to have Kennedy (7 yr old) see a man touched by God, and going out of his way to reconnect and wish us a Merry Christmas. Gary – thank you! Your light shined bright today! Steve Blair, Director, National Accounts at Ghirardelli Chocolate
Thanks for sharing this story. I am also a Joseph Project alum and moved to Springfield, MO for my new job. I miss getting to intermingle with the many that still use JP as a career search and soul lifting program! Merry Christmas to all! Steve Whitfield Managing Partner at CBI-Sunbelt Business Advisors of the Ozarks
Our company was fortunate to have hired a Joseph Project alumni very recently that had been searching for work for over a year. What a blessing to see her in her new job, that probably wouldn’t have happened without meeting her at a Joseph Project meeting. Rob Hey Vice President Staffing and Development at America’s CAR-MART, Inc.
Posted in Encouragement, The Joseph Project, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
