iWork4Him PowerThought

Most people consider a vocation to be a career that they feel a strong draw towards or that they are particularly suited to. But as Christ-followers, we look at vocation a little bit differently. Dr. Chip Roper from the Voca Center in New York talked with us recently about the biblical view of vocation, which is simply a divine call to God's service or to the Christian life. From this perspective, your vocation isn't a career, but how you act in your current career. It is about recognizing that God has called you to your job for this time, in this season, to minister to your coworkers, vendors, bosses, customers, and clients! So remember, you aren't just working for yourself; you're working for the Lord! Step into your Kingdom calling this week by inviting God to teach you about your vocation as a workplace missionary.

Imagine coming to the end of your life, and standing before the judgement seat of God. He looks at you and says that if you have ever lied, had an impure thought, stole a stick of gum from your mom's purse, or hated someone that you will be condemned to Hell. Of course, you have done those things… and worse. But just as you are about to be judged, a man steps forward from the right hand of the judgement seat and says, "April Fools." Now, that's not EXACTLY how the Gospel works, but it gets at an important reality. We all deserve to be condemned! None of us is perfect! But through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, our debt is paid and we are made right with God. Now that's some good news! Who can you tell at work about the good news of salvation through Jesus today?

Growing up, I lived in Minnesota. During spring, we had this phrase that, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" meaning it would start cold and snowy and transition gently into spring... but usually it was the opposite. "In like a frozen lamb and out like a roaring lion." Life can be like that too. The transition from a cold winter period of our lives – in other words some dark and cold experiences - into a period of new life and growth and perhaps a new assignment can be trying... but God is with you. He has you right where He wants you and He is preparing you for something great. Your life - right where you are, right at your current job, is critical to God's plan for the redemption of this world. He is shaping you to be more effective. Embrace the cold, for spring is coming!

65% of the population will never go into a four walls church – that means that over half of the people in the U.S. will never hear about Jesus from a pastor or dedicated ministry. BUT here's the good news: almost everyone will be employed during their lifetime, which makes the workplace one of the LARGEST mission fields in the world – a place where we, as ambassadors for Christ, are given free access to the lost and hurting! John 4:35 says, "Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest… and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life." Are you treating your workplace like your mission field? If not, WAKE UP! The fields are ripe with people waiting to be brought to eternal life – and Jesus is asking you to be a part of the harvest.

inspired from: PowerPod "Redeeming Business Itself"

Have you had a performance review in the last year or two? If you have, how did you do? Did you need improvement? Did you meet expectations? OR did you EXCEED expectations? Because here's the thing: when you do good at work, people notice. Your quality of work is, in itself a witness to who God is… a God of goodness, of care, and of EXCELLENCE. Colossians 3:23 says, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Because the thing is, God is interested in good business, good profit, good attitudes, good character development, and meeting your employee needs. And when we connect God's passion for people with God's passion for quality and excellence the line between the sacred and the secular dissolves and the secular BECOMES sacred. How are you going to pursue excellence for the Lord at work this week?

inspired from PowerPod #58

Every paycheck you've been putting a little away for retirement. But once that money enters your 401K, what happens to it? Well, usually it gets invested into a whole bunch of companies. But did you know that many of the companies you may be investing in are actually supporting activities that blatantly go against Scripture! Proverbs 16:8 warns against this by saying, "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice." So, while you may be trying to steward your money well, you could actually be supporting businesses who work AGAINST everything you, and God, stand for! So, what can you do about it? Three words: Biblically. Responsible. Investing. Organizations like Inspire Investing can help you use your money to honor God and support companies whose values align with God's purposes. This week, take a look at where your money and investments are REALLY going.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The fifth of which is Finances, and it's no surprise it made the list. Money is mentioned in the Bible more than 800 times! Why? Because it can be used for good and is also a source of temptation and sin. Mismanaging or seeking after money can cause all sorts of issues in EVERY area of life. BUT healthy money management is spoken about in Scripture as part of being a good steward of your resources. What role does money play in your life? Is it an idol? Or a resource for the Kingdom of God?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The fourth of which is Fitness. In 1 Corinthians Paul writes that our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit within us and thus are precious. What does that mean? That we should take care of ourselves by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Because when we care for our physical body – our whole life benefits. Are you taking care of your temple OR are you treating it like it's disposable? Think of one healthy habit to incorporate into your work week!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The third of which is Friends. God designed us to function within a community of people, and friendships are an integral part of that. Even Jesus had friends, 12 of them! The Psalmist wrote that a good friend is more precious than gold – and it's true - good friends are hard to find! And sometimes being a good friend is just as hard! Do you take the time to invest in and pray for friends? How about to befriend and pray for your coworkers? Take time to be a good friend this week.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The second of which is Family. Because here is the thing - true success starts in the home. Having strong relationships with your spouse, your children, your parents, and your siblings is a part of God's particular calling on your life. While your earthly work, money, and success will pass away, your family is made up of eternal souls – souls that God has given you to help shepherd and grow. Is your family a priority? Take time to show them this week.