Devotions/Partners, English – Page 2

May I Have Your Permission to be Bold?

May 1, 2023

Devotions/Partners

John 3:7 (KJV): “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

COMMENTARY: Today, you may be religious. You may be a church leader or member. But have you been “born again” as Jesus said you must be?

For decades, I’ve had the heart of an evangelist and have discovered a way to be bold while being a gentleman sensitive to each person’s freewill. If I sense the Holy Spirit prodding me to share the Gospel, I often ask the person this question: “May I have your permission to be bold?”

They have the freewill to answer yes or no. Out of curiosity, most people say yes. That opens the door for me to share my personal testimony of salvation and a concise declaration of the Gospel. Since the person gave me permission to be bold, he or she doesn’t get upset with me when I challenge their assumptions about the condition of their soul and the way to heaven. Many of the people to whom I’ve posed this question have become “born again.”

APPLICATION: May I be bold with you now?If you do not have assurance that your sins are forgiven and that you have received the free gift of eternal life, please pray this prayer now with a sincere heart: “God, as much as I try to be a good person, when I compare myself to You, in your perfect holiness and righteousness, I recognize that I am a sinner. I cannot be good enough in my own power and strength to earn my way to heaven. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, that He lived a sinless life; that He died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins; and that He rose from the dead. By faith, I repent of my sin and choose to trust Jesus as my Lord and Savior.” Praise God for salvation!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about John 3:7 (KJV)，read Jesus Teaches Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Look out… Incoming!

April 4, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Ephesians 6:16 (KJV): “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

COMMENTARY: Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Grace through faith is what saves you for eternity. Faith is what keeps you growing in Christ. Faith is what motivates you to serve the Lord. Without faith, you cannot live the abundant, free, victorious Christian life. Don’t be naïve: as a Christ-follower, fiery darts will come at you. Your faith will be tested.

APPLICATION: There are many kinds of fiery darts that can come at you in the workplace. Some fiery darts are visible from a distance. You can see them coming. Others come without warning from the front, left, right or rear. Some come from straight above or straight below.

Fiery darts can come face-to-face or by phone, email, mail, text or social media. They can come from all kinds of people. They can come in the office, on the road, at the airport, on the train or on the boat. They can come when you’re home or overseas. These darts are specifically aimed and fired to wound or destroy you emotionally, mentally, physically, financially or spiritually. They can come 24/7,

day or night, in all kinds of weather, in all kinds of seasons.

You cannot stop the fiery darts of the wicked from being fired at you, but by the power of the Word and the Spirit, if you continue to walk shielded by faith you SHALL be able to quench each and every one. You CAN experience victory through Christ our Lord. The question of the day is, do you believe it or not?

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Ephesians 6:16 (KJV)，read God’s Grand Plan: A Practical Guide (Ephesians 4:1–6:24) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Listen Up!

March 21, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Luke 8:18 (KJV): “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.”

COMMENTARY: Over and over, Jesus exhorted people to listen and hear. There are good consequences for those who hear, and bad consequences for those who don’t. This is true of the Gospel. It’s also true with wisdom.

APPLICATION: At a family birthday party, I struck up a conversation with a semi-retired man with over 40 years of experience at a global manufacturing firm.

He had been a union leader on the shop floor for decades. We seemed to get along well, so as the conversation continued, I felt comfortable asking a probing question. “Based on your years of experience, what would you say have been your biggest issues with management, that have caused the most strife and tension?”

To my surprise, he didn’t say stinginess with pay and benefits, unsafe working conditions, company politics, or management incompetence. To him, the single biggest cause of friction between management and labor was listening. From his point of view, management didn’t listen to employee issues when they were small and easily fixable. Management didn’t hear what employees were saying, and ignored issues until they festered and became serious. Looking back, he believed that much of the friction could have been avoided if management had been listening from the beginning.

Do you actively and regularly listen to your employees? Do they listen to you? Communication requires two-way speaking and two-way listening. The benefits of listening to each other are enormous; the pitfalls of not listening are also enormous. If you want to improve management-labor relations, then communicate constructively on a regular basis.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Luke 8:18 (KJV)，read Luke and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Learning & Development at its Best

March 20, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Isaiah 48:17-18 (KJV) “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.”

COMMENTARY: God’s will for Israel was that they enjoy the benefits of wisdom, of obeying His commands. The Israelites had the potential to live in a culture full of peace and righteousness. However, they chose to go their own way and suffered the painful consequences, including the loss of their freedom.

APPLICATION: God’s Word contains hundreds of wise principles for business. If applied, these principles can bring rivers of peace and waves of righteousness to the workplace, keep companies out of bondage, and set companies free to be “all they can be.”

Just think about the potential impact of millions of Christ-followers in the local, regional, national, and global economy if we allowed God to show us how to be wise and if we obeyed Him on a regular basis! There would be such a tidal wave of genuine, Holy Spirit-led righteousness that revival would break out. Christian employers and employees would be the most sought-after people in the world.

Is this a fantasy? No! It begins with you and me, today. Will we choose to apply Biblical principles in our businesses? Will we obey God? This dream can be fulfilled, one decision at a time.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Isaiah 48:17-18 (KJV)，read Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Laziness @ Work

March 7, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Proverbs 26:13 (KJV): “The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.”

COMMENTARY: Have you noticed that some people are professionals at avoiding work? Avoiding hard work? Avoiding consistent work? Some people always seem to have a convenient excuse for not working. The list is endless. Because they lack a core work ethic and a solid commitment to “manufacturing a living,” they go down the path of poverty, milking the system, mooching off others, and living a life of dissatisfaction and idleness.

APPLICATION: We all need to hit the pause button, rest and refresh. However, don’t allow your downtime to evaporate your core work ethic. Proverbs 26 and many other Scriptures clearly and firmly point to the dangers and foolishness of laziness. Labor is good, necessary, and God-ordained!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Proverbs 26:13 (KJV), read Proverbs and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Keep Your Hand on the Plow

March 6, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Proverbs 10:4 (KJV): “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

COMMENTARY: Whether we like it or not, work is part of life. In this fallen, sinful world, work is challenging, difficult and tiresome. But in this passage, God reminds us that if we are lazy, we will become poor. If we have a strong work ethic and are diligent, we will become rich. Just remember to let God define “poor” and “rich” on His terms!

APPLICATION: When economies are booming, some people can coast and get by with little or no work. But in the long run, their laziness will lead to mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual poverty.

During economic downturns, a strong work ethic becomes even more important. Never forget that, through the good times and bad, God rewards diligent work. Don’t get so wrapped up in strategy and philosophy that you forget to simply put your hand to the plow and get the job done in a wise and quality fashion.

Here’s one very practical application: instead of moaning about declining sales and market share, make those sales calls. Maybe you’re not generating revenues because you’re not actively selling. Selling requires diligence and hard work. It is very hard to reap what you don’t sow!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Proverbs 10:4 (KJV), read Proverbs and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Keep Good Company

February 28, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Proverbs 2:20-21 (KJV): “That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of righteousness. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.”

COMMENTARY: In this passage, wisdom instructs us to watch and follow people who have solid reputations for goodness and uprightness; people who are planted; people with strong Godly roots and Godly fruit.

APPLICATION: Today, during a break, lunch, or after work, take a pen and paper or your device and answer these questions:

Who are your business role models and heroes?

Why?

What have they done, or what are they doing, that causes you to admire them?

Hopefully, some dynamic Christian businesspeople will appear on your list.

If the Holy Spirit reveals that you need more on-fire Christian business role models, then take the initiative to seek them out. They can appear in many places. They may be alive or already home in Glory. They may be found on the shelves of Christian bookstores or online. They may attend your church or the church down the street. They may be members of trade associations or workplace ministries. They may appear in the media. They may speak at Christian conferences and seminars. Seek them and you will find them.

Your investment of time and energy will be worth it, for in the days ahead, these people will be an inspiration and blessing to you. They will help you to stay on the right path, to dwell in the land and remain in it.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Proverbs 2:20-21 (KJV), read Proverbs and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

It’s Time for You to Testify

February 20, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Revelation 12:11 (KJV): “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

COMMENTARY: The word testimony means public declaration of one’s Christian experience. Since being born again decades ago, I have shared my testimony countless times one-on-one, at meetings, in print, on the radio, on television and online. I’ve also published and distributed thousands of gospel tracts containing my testimony. How can I not share what God has done in my life, when people’s eternal destinies are at stake?

APPLICATION: When was the last time you shared your testimony with someone else? With co-workers? At church? With family and friends? With professional peers? In public venues and through the media? Somehow, some way, some time, the Lord can and will give you openings. Your testimony may specifically pertain to your salvation or to how the Lord has and is working in your life in other ways. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, power and soundness of mind. When He says speak, speak and trust the outcomes to Him!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Revelation 12:11 (KJV), read End Times Disaster and Deliverance (Revelation 6-16) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

It’s Smart to be Fraud-Free

February 14, 2023

Devotions/Partners

2 Corinthians 7:1-2 (KJV): “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.”

COMMENTARY: As Paul and his colleagues travelled, sharing the Gospel and establishing new churches, there were always critics and cynics who questioned their motives, intentions, credentials and credibility. Paul boldly declared that his critics are free to inspect his life and see for themselves whether his faith is genuine. Since his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul has consistently “walked the talk” through the supernatural power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION: In 1886, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the classic novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. By day, Dr. Jekyll was a respected, prominent member of the community. By night, he was a monstrous image lurking in the shadows committing brutal crimes. Stevenson believed that his novel explored the hypocrisy of his time, and the innate evil that occurred in society.

Are you guilty of being a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? At church, you’re one person, but at work you’re another? Do you pay your personal and business bills, on time? Do you pay your personal and business taxes, on time? Do you have the strength of character that, even during difficult times, you do what’s right and honor your commitments? Could you honestly say, as Paul did, “I have wronged no man, I have corrupted no man, I have defrauded no man?” The standard for Christ followers is and should be high, indeed.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about 2 Corinthians 7:1-2 (KJV), read The Encouragement of Praise (2 Corinthians 7) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Not for You to Know

Devotions/Partners

James 4:13-15 (KJV): “Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

COMMENTARY: “If we do this, what will we get for it” is a common mindset in the business world today. In many ways, we have become a culture that’s preoccupied and overwhelmed with metrics, statistics, reports, forecasts and anticipated outcomes to the point of ridiculousness.

APPLICATION: News flash: God is God and you’re not. He created mankind with the inability to see into the future. Yes, we can learn scientific principles about how God’s creation works. Yes, we can understand to some degree, the consequences that result from His moral laws and the actions we take. Yes, the Lord wants us to count the cost before we make decisions. He gave us a brain, and he wants us to use it wisely. However, in the final analysis, His ways are not our ways. While we desire to forecast outcomes, the reality is that the future will always be a mystery. That’s why we are to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting Him and not driving ourselves crazy trying to figure it all out in advance.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about James 4:13-15 (KJV), read Business Forecasting (James 4:13–17) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Called To Work

Category: Devotions/Partners, English

May I Have Your Permission to be Bold?

Look out… Incoming!

Listen Up!

Learning & Development at its Best

Laziness @ Work

Keep Your Hand on the Plow

Keep Good Company

It’s Time for You to Testify

It’s Smart to be Fraud-Free

Not for You to Know

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