Work is a blessing, not a curse.Thank God it’s Monday! Bridge the Sunday gap to Monday.Bridge the Sacred and Secular divide.Work is a ministry, not just a job.Work as Worship – work is more than a paycheck.Receive blessings from God and be a blessing at work.Keep an empty seat for Jesus at work – a reminder to invite Jesus to intervene, integrate our faith at work.Take Jesus to work – don’t leave Jesus at home. Don’t lock Jesus outside of your office.Embrace and enjoy our work with God’s 5P blessings – His Presence, Power, Promises, Provisions, Pleasant surprises.
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Mud Season @ Work

Devotions/Partners

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Psalm 107:28 (KJV): “Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.”

COMMENTARY: Here in Connecticut, as the snow gradually melts and spring arrives, we enter mud season. Dry land turns into muck, dry meadows become shallow ponds, and dry streams become active brooks. Hiking during mud season can become a bit challenging. Sometimes when you reach a patch of mud, you can carefully walk on adjacent rocks to avoid stepping into the muck. Sometimes, you have to improvise and build a temporary bridge out of fallen branches. Sometimes trails become impassable, and you must creatively develop a workaround. Sometimes, the mud is hidden by fallen leaves, left over ice and snow. You don’t realize you’ve stepped onto mud until it’s too late, and your boots become encased in it!

APPLICATION: There are times when you experience “mud season” at work. A flurry of challenges, problems and troubles of all kinds (people, technology, bureaucracies, weather, etc.) seem to hit all at once and radically disrupt your progress and throw your projected costs, budgets and delivery times into disarray.

Projects and production schedules can hit delay after delay, obstacle after obstacle to the point where you wonder if you’ll ever get out of the mess. It seems endless, like one big “Black Hole.” You’re discouraged, tired, perplexed, exasperated, frustrated and disappointed. Sometimes the workplace “mud” can get so deep that you consider throwing up your hands and quitting. “I’ve had it!” “This is it!” “I can’t take any more of this!” “I’m out of here!”

During those moments, don’t be shy about crying out to the Lord for divine guidance and help. In His time and in His way, He can and will bring you out of your distresses. Mud season doesn’t last indefinitely. This too shall pass. Your trust and dependence on God during mud season will be a testimony to those around you, and a source of great encouragement to you. As the years go by and you experience God’s deliverance mud season after mud season, your Christ-like confidence will grow. The mud seasons that used to freak you out and paralyze you won’t seem as intimidating as they used to be, and you’ll become a mature, wise example to others on how to effectively navigate through workplace mud season   

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Psalm 119:105 (KJV), read Book 5 (Psalms 107–150) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Adding Fun Extra Touches @ Work

Devotions/Partners

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Psalm 150: 4-6 (KJV): “Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”

COMMENTARY: I picked up my first pair of drumsticks at age seven during a summer music camp in Somerset, New Jersey. I don’t remember exactly why I selected drums instead of another musical instrument, but drums were the one and only instrument I wanted to try. Perhaps it goes back to the toy drum I had been given for Christmas a few years before.

That day, “Drew the Drummer” was born and I’ve never looked back. Drumming has played a huge role in who I am, what I’ve done, where I’ve gone, my career path, my business, my service to and worship of the Lord. Of course, I didn’t know that back when I was seven years old. It was just one baby step forward in what became a lifetime journey.

Inside the shells of each of my drums is the date these drums were manufactured: March 18, 1971. I’ve been playing this drum set since I was a teenager, and I still play it on Sunday mornings as the percussionist in my church’s praise band.

APPLICATION: There’s no logical reason why a drum manufacturer would stamp the birth date on a drum. It doesn’t change the quality of the sound. It’s not for show, since no one can see the birth date hidden inside the shell. However, there’s just something intrinsically “fun” about it!

Which leads me to the point of today’s devotion. God is the ultimate Creator. You are made in His image. You have His Spirit living within you. Be sensitive to the voice of the Lord on how you can add fun touches to make your job, your work environment, your products or services more creative, innovative, fun, interesting, and rewarding. There’s only one you, so show some God-inspired personality!        

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Psalm 107:28 (KJV), read God Undergirds All Work and Productivity (Psalm 107) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Death @ Work

Devotions/Partners

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John 11:25-26 (KJV): “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

COMMENTARY: I must confess that, on the surface, this may be one of the most morbid devotions I’ve ever written. But hang in there. There’s hope and encouragement by the time you reach the end.

Can you think back and remember anyone you worked with who has since died? Over the decades, I can think of quite a few, including former bosses, clients, employees and suppliers. For example, when I worked in Chicago, I watched our CEO deteriorate from being a dynamic business leader (and a huge mentor to me) to a frail man on death’s door through the ravages of lung cancer. He died at age 60. I will never forget his funeral, and how we as a staff had to keep the organization running smoothly for several months as the Board of Directors searched for and hired a new CEO.

The harsh reality is that no environment (home, church, community or work) is insulated from “death.” Death has been part of living in this broken world since the original fall of Adam and Eve. It’s ugly. It’s terrifying. As the Scriptures say, death has a nasty sting. And unless the Lord returns beforehand, you and 100% of the people around you will die.

APPLICATION: Remember the JOY you experienced when your faith in Jesus Christ came alive! Remember that in Christ you HAVE eternal life in heaven! Remember that Jesus died on the Cross so that your workplace acquaintances can also experience the joy of salvation by God’s amazing grace. Many of these acquaintances may not step into a church building, but you are in their current work lives to be an Ambassador for Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you “divine moments” when you can plant and water seeds of faith through your Christ-like words and actions.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Psalm 150: 4-6 (KJV), read Psalm 150 from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Bogged Down in Bureaucracy & Politics

Devotions/Partners

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Acts 24:27 (KJV): “But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.”

COMMENTARY: During your career, either as an individual or an entity, have you ever been bogged down in governmental bureaucracy and politics–by a strange, mysterious and convoluted lack of decision-making and action by the powers that be?

Over the decades of my professional career, I’ve seen government bureaucracies at multiple levels expand and exert an ever-tighter, unreasonable grip on businesses. There are times when I get exasperated “rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” when I see so much unreasonable control, manipulation, and misuse of governmental power, authority and resources.

Back in his day, the Apostle Paul went through a whole lot of nonsense due to bureaucracy and politics, on multiple levels. In Acts 24 and surrounding chapters, we read about a situation during which he sits in jail for two years without being convicted of anything–for apparently no “good” reason except that Felix wanted to please the Jews and receive a bribe from Paul. While Paul was a spiritual giant, I’m sure that humanly speaking, he got frustrated, exasperated, irritated, and restless. However, in due season, Paul had an opportunity to speak and defend himself with Festus, and the wheels of progress began to turn once again.

APPLICATION: If you are bogged down in bureaucracy and politics today, keep praying and trusting the Lord. Be alert to strategic opportunities to speak words of divine, Holy Spirit-led clarity (spoken in a calm, confident manner) into a confusing, confounding and contentious situation. Watch how the Lord works to break up the stagnation and get things moving again. He will work it all out for good, even when we cannot see how or when.   

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about John 11:25-26 (KJV), read Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 10-12) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

You can be a “beautiful gate” at work

Devotions/Partners

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Acts 3:10 (KJV): “And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.” (Read verses 1-11 for more context.)

COMMENTARY: When we think of “beauty,” we often think of visual beauty. However, beauty encompasses all of the aesthetic senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and feel.

In a world that’s full of ugliness, as a Christ-follower, you have a wonderful opportunity to be “a beautiful gate” at work. Not “The” Beautiful Gate, because that’s Jesus. As His ambassadors, we can be beautiful gates into His way of doing business and His Kingdom. Over time, the Lord can make you known as “The Company Christian,” which is a compliment and not an insult!

APPLICATION: There are two kinds of beauty: physical and spiritual. Here are some suggestions on how you can be a beautiful gate at work in both ways:

Beauty through overall cleanliness and order. A dirty, messy, disorganized, chaotic workspace and poor personal hygiene send unhelpful messages to others.

Beauty through visuals. What kind of content do you have on your screensaver, furniture, bulletin boards, equipment, signage and walls?

Beauty through sound. What can you do to make your workplace sounds more beautiful? Remember, quietness can be beautiful.

Beauty through smell and taste. Utilize air purifiers and filters to keep the air smelling “clean.” Offer free, prepackaged snacks to co-workers and guests.

Spiritual beauty. You can be a beautiful gate at work by exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit and through your work quality, work ethic and team-building skills.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Acts 24:27 (KJV), read 4 Attributes of Paul’s Leadership as Witness (Acts 20-28) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Duty Calls

Devotions/Partners

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Colossians 4:17 (KJV): “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.

COMMENTARY: Have you ever heard the expression, Duty Calls? Duty is a moral or legal obligation or responsibility. In recent decades, it appears that many of the most challenging issues in our society stem from the erosion of duty as a valued and vital element of everyday life.

APPLICATION: This passage of scripture challenges and exhorts us to “take heed” to the ministry that we have received, that we fulfil or accomplish it. We have a God-given responsibility and duty to be good citizens, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, family members, students, employers, employees, neighbors and community members. If we want our society to improve, it begins with a renewed sense of duty and an abundance of goodness and godliness. Will you take heed today and every day?

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Acts 3:10 (KJV), read An Orienting Community That Practices the Ways of God’s Kingdom: Acts 2:42-4:32 from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Energy vs. Know-how

Devotions/Partners

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Matthew 26:41 (KJV): “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

COMMENTARY:  In management, and especially in the field of HR training and development, there is a professional discussion that goes something like this: “Which is most important, employee energy or employee know-how?” (I just finished a book on the history of U-Haul, and the founder brought this up all the time.) Of course, both are important, but if you had to prioritize, which would come first? 

Diverse opinions exist, but to me, the pendulum swings in the direction of employee energy. Why? Because if employees have the energy, they’ll be motivated to develop the know-how. If they already have the know-how, they’ll have the energy to apply it, gain more know-how, and continuously grow in their expertise. 

By contrast, if employees have the know-how (whether through God-given talent, formal education and training, and/or work experience) but they don’t have the energy, they won’t apply what they know, and they won’t be motivated to seek more knowledge and grow professionally.    

APPLICATION: Today, how would you rate yourself on the energy scale? Are you maintaining a high level of enthusiasm and motivation, or are you coasting? Have you lost your zeal? Are you just “putting in your time” until you can find another job or retire? 

Maybe inside, your spirit is willing, but you lack the mental, physical, emotional and/or spiritual energy. I’d be happy to send you a free PDF copy of a simple one-page flyer, “Enthusiasm makes a BIG Difference.” The content is Scriptural and timeless. Does anyone have the energy to ask for it?  

Joyfully yours,

Drew

Enthusiasm makes a BIG difference!

Commentary and compilation by Drew Crandall, based on the writings of the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale

There are various definitions of enthusiasm: passionate admiration or interest; religious emotion extravagantly manifested; God in you, full of God, fullness of joy.

Key Scripture text: “Render service with enthusiasm, as unto the Lord and not to men and women.” (Ephesians 6:7)

Key elements of enthusiasm are heat, intelligence, and motivation (2 Tim 1:7). Enthusiasm is a kind of faith that has been set afire under the control of the Holy Spirit. Enthusiasm also breeds faith, which in turn stimulates a sharp awareness of life, a consuming interest in living, and ACTION!

Under the control of the Holy Spirit, enthusiasm creates and builds. It is “relaxed power,” full of drive but lacking tension. Uncontrolled enthusiasm dominates the person and causes him/her to be over-heated, overconfident, and full of uncontrolled anticipation, which leads to a running away from judgement and reason. Uncontrolled enthusiasm leads to unreasonableness, an attempt at too much too fast, loud talking, high pressure, and in the end defeat and frustration. It eventually washes out because it is overpressed.

The alternative problem is a lack or low supply of enthusiasm, which leads to cooling and apathy. Apathy makes jobs more difficult, tiresome, and tense. Common “coolants” in any organization are so-called sophisticates, intellectuals, wealthy cynics and critics. (Sounds like the chief priest, scribes, Pharisees in Matt 23:13-34!)

To ignite and keep enthusiasm, you need to “mentally ventilate” at the start of each day, to cleanse your mind of discouragement, gloom, hate, prejudice, resentment, dissatisfaction, and worry (Phil. 4:6- 9). The word worry means “to choke or strangle” one’s personality.

Once you’ve mentally ventilated, the next step is to undergo a high degree of “combustion of the mind.” This happens when you’re aroused by (a) an ideal that takes your imagination by storm, (b) a definite plan for carrying that ideal into “real world” practice that’s broken down into little goals, and (c) initiative to then do it!

Specific everyday benefits of enthusiasm: (a) joy; (b) motivation; (c) cancellation of fear and worry; (d) new perspective on “problems.” They now become fun, because each problem has a soft spot and carries with it the seeds of its own solution! God wants us to be creative problem-solvers!

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Colossians 4:17 (KJV), read Of Slaves and Masters, Ancient and Contemporary (Colossians 3:18–4:1) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Don’t Gamble Your Life Away

Devotions/Partners

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1 Timothy 6:9-10 (KJV): “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Today’s devotion is on GAMBLING, a topic that you rarely hear anything about in most Christian churches and organizations, except for financial ministries, CPAs and financial advisors.

What does the Bible say about “gambling?” There is no direct prohibition, but there are two ways for Christ-followers to discern wisdom from folly, right from wrong: (1) by studying Scriptural principles and (2) by inspecting the fruit. Tapping various Christian resources, here is a summary:

Gambling disregards responsible stewardship. 

Gambling involves chance of gain at the expense and suffering of others.

Gambling is inconsistent with a Scriptural work ethic.

Gambling is contrary to Biblical warnings against greed.

Gambling is incongruous with a healthy recognition of God’s Providence.

Gambling is unwise because it is enslaving.

Gambling is a compromise of Christian ethics and witness.

Gambling operations are steeped in deceit and manipulation.

Gambling is conducted in corrupting environments.

Gambling sanctioned by government is a travesty.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Matthew 26:41 (KJV), read The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Patience & Praise in Marketing & Sales

Devotions/Partners

1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (KJV):  “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 

Image by mohamed Hassan / Pixabay. Used with Permission.

COMMENTARY: For decades, I’ve seen many parallels between Kingdom-building and business-building. Many times, I’ve told businesspeople that you’ll never take the mystery out of sales and marketing. You can try to forecast, but prospecting has a mysterious cycle that you’ll never be able to neatly fit in an Excel spreadsheet. Yes, everyone should do what they know they should be doing. Beyond that, your team has no good and noble option but to trust the Lord of the harvest to bring in the business in His time and in His way. Otherwise, you can drive yourself and everyone around you crazy trying to manipulate outcomes in an unnatural, forced way. 

APPLICATION: Today’s a new day! Keep making those sales calls. Keep reaching out to existing, past and prospective customers. Keep promoting your products and services. Don’t get flustered, don’t get impatient, don’t try to aggressively force the sale. Faithfully plant, water, and trust God for the increase and praise Him when He provides it. It’s part of His divine provision for your life and organization. 

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (KJV), read Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain (1 Timothy 6:3-10, 17-19) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Diversity @ Work

Devotions/Partners

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Genesis 10:5 (KJV): “By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.”

COMMENTARY: As many subscribers to The Salt Mine know, I’m frequently inspired to write my devotions during quiet hikes in the hilly, rocky forests of Connecticut and nearby Massachusetts. During these hikes, it’s very common to come across clusters of pines, white birch, oaks, mountain laurel, and other species of plant life.

A “cluster” is a group of similar things positioned or occurring closely together. This clustering is not a negative characteristic of plant life. There are understandable environmental reasons why plant life has a tendency to cluster. As a lover of nature, I am free to walk through all of these clusters along the trail, enjoying and appreciating the diversity, without expecting to see every species growing together in the exact same location.

In a similar way, it is natural for social and economic clustering to take place in humanity. This human clustering has taken place for thousands of years, since early in the Book of Genesis. There is nothing inherently wrong or unjust about it.

APPLICATION: Diversity is a hot buzzword in today’s culture and workplaces. As we journey through life, diversity of people (as in plant life) is to be accepted, enjoyed and appreciated. However, be aware that current “politically correct” views of, assumptions about, and expectations for diversity are extreme, unrealistic and impractical. In my view, much of the intense focus on diversity is misguided groupthink and manipulative posturing.

Like nature, people groups will always be prone to cluster, regardless of ethnicity or industry. Clustering and diversity are not mutually exclusive. The societal and spiritual problem arises when clustering makes people so “in-grown” that they fail to explore, engage with, relate to, appreciate, and enjoy the wider diversity that exists in the forest of humanity–with the love of Christ at our inner core.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (KJV), read It Takes All Sorts (1 Corinthians 3:1–9) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.