Devotions/Partners, English – Page 7

Casting Out Business Discouragement

January 9, 2023

Devotions/Partners

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Psalms 55:22 (KJV): “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

COMMENTARY: It is very easy to get discouraged in today’s working world. External and internal dynamics can blow the wind out of anyone’s sails. For example, we can get discouraged due to heavy workloads (Numbers 11:10-15); defeats like losing a promotion, a major client or a big proposal (Joshua 7:7-9); failures or mistakes (1 Kings 19:2-4); or health problems that hinder us from accomplishing all that we want (Isaiah 38:9-20).

Discouragement is as common to working men and women as sipping your morning coffee. It is what you do when discouragement enters your heart, mind, body and soul that is important. Men have a tendency to go into a “cave” and brood. They do not want to talk or go anywhere. After a while, they climb out of their cave and move on. Women tend to deal with discouragement by sharing it with friends. They want to talk it through and move on.

APPLICATION: When you and your colleagues get hit with a major business discouragement, keep moving forward. Do not go into paralysis!

In 1 Kings 19:9-18, Elijah went into the paralysis of his “cave,” and God told him to get up and move forward. In Psalms 55:22, God tells us to give our burdens (including discouragements) to Him and He will keep us going. In Mark 6:31, the Lord reminds us that at times, we need to take breaks to renew. Luke 21:28 reminds us to keep a Godly perspective. For Christ followers, this world is the worst it gets. For unbelievers, this world is the best it gets. Praise God for His indescribable gift! Set the example by trusting in God and soaring like an eagle!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Galatians 5:1 (KJV)，read Living in Christ (Galatians 5–6) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Can You be Trusted with Keys?

Devotions/Partners

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Luke 11:52 (KJV): “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.”

COMMENTARY: One sign of your trustworthiness as a manager or employee is your possession of workplace keys. Keys to your facility, a company vehicle, equipment or machinery, special rooms or files. In today’s high-tech world, keys also come in the form of keypad codes, ID cards with magnetic strips or chips, user names and passwords.

When those who are in authority grant you access, they are trusting that you will be honest, diligent and responsible with this access. It is an honor and a privilege, not a right.

APPLICATION: The Lord is The Key of all true knowledge. Jesus is The Key to salvation. As a Christ-follower, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside, giving you supernatural understanding of His Word.

1) Are you taking full advantage of this access to divine knowledge?

2) Are you helping or hindering others from accessing this knowledge?

3) Are you trustworthy with the “keys to the Kingdom?”

4) Are you faithfully conveying the simple Good News, that salvation (access into His Kingdom) is a free gift by His Amazing Grace, or are you frustrating the grace of God by adding works to saving grace?

Let us be careful, faithful key holders in all we do, for the Lord’s sake.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Psalms 55:22 (KJV)，read Book 2 (Psalms 42–72) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Business Wisdom from Trees: The Evergreen Tree

Devotions/Partners

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Psalm 1:1-3 (KJV): “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

COMMENTARY: In the fall,deciduous trees lose their leaves and turn into seemingly lifeless gray skeletons. As winter arrives, temperatures drop, and cold winds blow, ice and snow transform the landscape until spring starts to bloom.

During the starkness of winter, the evergreen trees become more prominent and noticeable. Even during the most severe storms, these rugged evergreens show off their greenness in an otherwise bland white-and-gray environment.

APPLICATION: In this passage of Scripture, the Lord promises that if you maintain a close, intimate, daily relationship with Him and walk in His ways, He will make you a spiritual evergreen tree in the forest of humanity. Your leaf shall not wither. No matter what your season in life, youth or old age, poor or wealthy times, sickness or health, freezing cold or scorching heat, calm air or storms, through it all, the Holy Spirit will give you a spiritual abundance and strength that will inspire and encourage those around you.

No matter what your season in life is today, be faithful to the Lord. If you are going through difficult times, trust Him. Obey this Scripture. Continue to drink from the living waters. Difficult times are when others will marvel at your supernatural ability to be an evergreen tree, and ask about the hope that lies within.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Luke 11:52 (KJV)，read Luke and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Business Wisdom from Trees: The Dry Tree

Devotions/Partners

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Luke 23:31 (KJV): “For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?”

COMMENTARY: Imagine what it must have been like to be in Jerusalem the week leading into Jesus’ crucifixion. He enters Jerusalem preaching and teaching the Word, healing the sick and cleansing the temple. In the history of mankind, there has never been a greener tree than Jesus Christ, and He is in their midst! The nation of Israel has been abundantly blessed, and is a greener tree, because of Jesus’ perfect outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But now, through unbelief and envy, the tree of Israel is going to become dry, and it is not a pleasant experience.

APPLICATION: Based on the historical record and fruit, the United States was primarily founded by people with Biblical worldviews. For example, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (a precursor to the Constitution) stated that part of the purpose of the government was to protect and preserve the liberty and purity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This does not mean that every citizen was a believer. But corporately, the U.S. was a Christian nation and became a very green tree. Its influence for good branched out and touched the entire world. Then, gradually, this green tree began to go dry. Christ was removed from the church, family, school, government, business, arts, entertainment and recreation. Life for millions of Americans became dry.

Today, our business culture is so dry, so devoid of Christ, that serving the Lord in the workplace is often a lonely and disheartening experience. As a result, we gradually become dry trees by rejecting or ignoring God. If you are a dry tree, it is easy to become a green tree again. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, feed on the Word of God, reach out and touch someone for Christ. The rivers of living water will replenish your soul, put joy back in your heart and fire back in your belly.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Psalm 1:1-3 (KJV)，read Personal Integrity in Work (Psalm 1) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Spider

Devotions/Partners

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Proverbs 30:28 (KJV): “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.”

COMMENTARY: There are few common, everyday creatures that bring as much terror to the hearts of people than spiders. But God created the spider, and in this passage, the spider is given to us as an example of wisdom at work. If you study spider behavior patterns, you will discover that many spiders get into homes when they are young. For example, when you leave your porch light on at night, it attracts moths and other bugs. The bugs attract spiders. The bugs die, and the spiders feed on them and breed. The newly hatched spiders are so tiny that they enter your home through nearby screens and cracks around loose-fitting doors and windows.

APPLICATION: Some employees expect “instant” promotions. They may not take job opportunities or projects they consider to be too trite, insignificant or demeaning based on their talents, education and career goals. But, like the spider in the king’s palace, sometimes God wants you to take the seemingly insignificant, low-level job or project. The Scriptures tell us that if we can be trusted with little, we can be trusted with much.

Years ago, I had a boss who started at the company as a shipping clerk, and retired as CEO and Chairman of the Board. He was like a spider, entering the company through a crack and working his way to the executive suite. Are you willing and content to work your way up the corporate ladder from the bottom up? Are you willing to take on projects no one else wants? Be alert to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Seemingly insignificant opportunities may be what God wants to use to teach you humility, patience, faithfulness and perseverance. One day, like the spider in the king’s palace, He may confound the wise and placed you at the top.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Luke 23:31 (KJV)，read The Passion of Jesus (Luke 22:47-24:53) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Moth

Devotions/Partners

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Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV): “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

COMMENTARY: The Lord created the moth, and He mentions it in this passage to give us wisdom at work.

APPLICATION: Many times, we work day after day to earn the money to purchase material possessions that have limited lifetimes and no eternal value. For example, we buy closets full of fancy garments, only to see them wear away or eaten by moths. In this fallen, sinful world, there will always be moths (of various kinds, both actual and symbolic) that eat away and ruin our possessions, time, energy and material wealth. But in this passage, we are told that we have a wonderful option with a divine promise. You could say that this promise is the equivalent of God’s Divine “Mothballs.” You can choose to spend your money on things that will never be eaten away and ruined: God’s Work. Spending money on evangelism and discipleship is never, ever wasted.

How generous are you in giving your time, energy, talent and treasure to Christian ministry? Do you spend more resources on your home, car, wardrobe, gadgets, office, vacation, entertainment or career than you do on ministry? If you truly desire treasures that will withstand the moth and last for eternity, then it may be time to take an inventory of your priorities and make some Holy Spirit-led changes.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Proverbs 30:28 (KJV)，read Proverbs and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary

Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Locust

Devotions/Partners

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Proverbs 30:27 (KJV): “The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands.”

COMMENTARY: Based on Biblical accounts of locusts (like Egypt in the days of Moses), it is amazing that such a tiny bug could have such a dramatic impact. Alone, the locust is relatively powerless. Add enough locusts together in a swarm, and they can cause enormous damage.

APPLICATION: Alone, as Christians in the marketplace, you and I may feel rather insignificant. In reality, one Spirit-filled person can make a difference; but together, we can go forth into the workplace in swarms and have a huge impact! There is wisdom, power and synergy in teamwork.

“But Drew,” you say, “I do not know of any swarms of Christian businesspeople to join.” Perhaps there are swarms nearby, and you do not know they exist. I suggest that a good place to look for swarms of Christian businesspeople is Called To Work. There are many legitimate local, regional, national and global workplace Christian ministries representing hundreds of thousands of Christian businesspeople around the world. It is probable that you will find a swarm near you. Then again, the Lord may want you to be the catalyst to organize a local swarm of Christian businesspeople. The first step is taking the initiative to explore the possibilities. United we stand, divided we fall!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)，read Store Your Treasure in Heaven, Not on Earth (Matthew 6:19-34) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Fly

January 6, 2023

Devotions/Partners

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Ecclesiastes 10:1 (KJV): “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly in him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.”

COMMENTARY: Flies are annoying, distracting and obnoxious. However, God created them and mentions them in Scripture to give us wisdom at work.

APPLICATION: No one likes finding a dead fly in a beverage, food, or medication. It is repulsive to even think about. In this passage, the Lord equates folly in the life of His people with a dead fly in the ointment.

To God and man, our folly stinks. That is why it is so important for us to lead by example and not by force. It is when we lead by force and not by example (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink. It is when we do not practice what we preach (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink. It is when we think that the ends justify the means (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink. It is when we have worldly motives, attitudes, and behavior (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink.

Which leads me to this question: does your work stink? As a Christian business owner, executive, manager or employee, your work quality should be excellent. Your attitude should be enthusiastic. God’s Light should shine through you like a radiant beacon.

Sadly, many Christians in the workplace really do stink. Their sourpuss attitudes and lousy work habits hinder their fruitfulness in leading co-workers to Christ. Right now, please ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and remove any dead flies that are in your heart, mind, body and soul. He is fully capable of cleansing you and making you a vibrant, Godly example at work today.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Proverbs 30:27 (KJV)，read Proverbs and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Ant

Devotions/Partners

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Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV): “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which, having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

COMMENTARY: Ants are annoying pests, but God created them and in the book of Proverbs, the ant is an example of wisdom at work. For example, ants are very industrious, whether they are working alone or together. They create amazing underground homes with different chambers that are used for nurseries, food storage, living rooms and bedrooms. They are extremely alert: their eyes are incredibly astute at observing movement, and their antennae can smell, touch, taste, and hear. They communicate with each other very effectively by touching one another’s antennae.

APPLICATION: In many workplaces, employees depend on external motivation instead of internal motivation. They wait for those in authority to tell them what to do, instead of taking the initiative to do what they know should, could and must be done. In the same way that God blesses the ant’s industriousness, God will bless your industriousness.

How self-motivated are you today? You have a job to do, just do it. Do not slack off when your boss is not looking; keep working, like the ant. Do not wait for your boss to push you; keep working like the ant. If you are bored, take the initiative like the ant.

Christian workers should be the most self-disciplined, self-motivated, industrious and innovative workers in the world. The word “boredom” should not exist in your vocabulary.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Ecclesiastes 10:1 (KJV)，read There is No Way to Know What Comes Afterwards (Eccl 9:1-11:6) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Beware of Worldly Trophies

January 5, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV): “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

COMMENTARY: As children, we are often raised to compete, excel and show off our victory trophies. For example, a student athlete labors tirelessly to earn a trophy. A student musician practices for countless hours to earn a medal. Those trophies are tangible symbols of their achievement, self-worth or power to successfully compete.

Let’s fast-forward through time. These same students who competed in sports, the arts, or some other arena graduate from school and enter the workplace. They are still conditioned to earn trophies, but the trophies have changed to things like bigger homes, fancier cars, elegant jewelry and wardrobes, investments, vacation homes, exotic travel and memberships in exclusive clubs. All of this “stuff” is a symbol of their success. In reality, however, they have laid up for themselves treasures on the earth; the very activity that Jesus warns us NOT to do.

APPLICATION: Are you collecting worldly trophies that have little or no eternal value? A wise Christian will lay up treasures in heaven where there is a 100% guarantee backed by God that they will not be eaten away, rust or be stolen. Perhaps it is time for you to cash in some of those trophies and give the proceeds to Kingdom-building as led by the Holy Spirit. Think of the ministry funding that would come in on a regular basis, if every believer faithfully tithed and exchanged his or her worldly trophies for heavenly treasures. The Body of Christ does not have a funding problem, it has a heart problem. If you are guilty of covetousness, ask Him to set you FREE and He will!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV)，read The Wise Worker is Diligent (Proverbs) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Called To Work

Category: Devotions/Partners, English

Casting Out Business Discouragement

For Further Exploration

Can You be Trusted with Keys?

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Business Wisdom from Trees: The Evergreen Tree

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Business Wisdom from Trees: The Dry Tree

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Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Spider

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Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Moth

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Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Locust

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Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Fly

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Business Wisdom from Bugs: the Ant

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Beware of Worldly Trophies

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