iWork4Him PowerThought

Whether we're aware of it or not, temptation is all around us at work. It didn't get left at home when we left for work today. As we take God to work with us, we should also be aware that the enemy will be working there too. Starting our day with the Lord in prayer, and putting on the FULL armor of God (Ephesians 6), are some of the best ways to keep the door shut on temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. And IF you've opened the door to temptation at work, speaking and praying bible verses over it is the way to combat it. Today, will YOU fight temptation at work with the presence of the Lord and His word?

A businessman and book author recently told me: In my search for leadership knowledge, I kept coming back to the bible and realized that Proverbs is a practical business book. I don't need much more. The bible IS a source of wise counsel for us in all aspects of our life and that includes our work. .... Many Kingdom workplace leaders hold to the belief that the bible is THE BEST BUSINESS BOOK ever written. Psalms provides wisdom during challenges, to give words to our lamenting and petitions to the Lord. The leaders in the bible, such as Moses, Deborah, Abraham and Queen Esther, provide real examples of what it looks like to BE a Godly leader. When's the last time YOU went to THE WORD, for business wisdom?

Do you want God to unlock His purpose for you in your work? As you execute the first 4 steps of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant: Praying for, serving, befriending, and praying with others, remember your work behavior is important. The final step of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is to be someone of excellence in your work. Be the best and brightest example of a worker in your workplace position. Excellence makes your behavior believable and your faith real. Excellence gives you a platform for sharing your faith. As a Jesus Follower, everything about us should be changing, and everyone around you should be benefiting from your faith, whether they believe in Jesus yet, or not. Colossians 3:23 says, "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Does God care for the people you work with? Of course, He does. In step 4 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, look for opportunities to pray with others. When you continually work alongside the same people, you know their typical manners and facial expressions. When you notice someone having an off day, ask them, "How are you doing?" when they say "I'm Fine," keep asking, " No really, how are you doing? I noticed you looked a little down today" then wait and be QUIET. When they have shared what is on their heart, ask, "Can I pray with you about that, right now?" I have never had someone say "No" when I followed these steps. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." When you pray, you are opening the door for them to meet your savior.

Do you want to see your workplace as a mission field? In step 3 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, we encourage you to befriend your co-workers or employees outside of the office. Why? Our work relationships are work focused and can be shallow. When you build friendships on your own turf, outside of work, real relationships develop. When you let someone into your world, it breaks down walls. Breaking down walls builds trust. Eventually, they will trust you when you share your Jesus story, the work He has done in your life. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble"….Be a real friend to someone today.

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? Step two of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant helps transform your workplace mindset into a mission-focused workplace ministry mindset. Start looking for ways to serve your co-workers, bosses, and/or employees outside your job requirements. Why? Anyone can do a job that meets expectations, but how many people help others meet or exceed expectations? When you go out of the way to help others at work with a stressful project or a mundane responsibility, you open up a door of ministry opportunity. Galatians 5:13-14 says For you have been called to live in freedom… use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? I thought so. Step one of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is the most powerful step you can take at work to transform your workplace and your heart. Prayer - Start praying for those you work alongside every day. Pray for your co-workers, bosses, and employees by name. You can even pray for their spouses and kids. After you have done this for a few months, have a conversation like this "Hey, I have been praying for you, is there anything I can pray about specifically?" 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. " Start Praying today and watch the transformation begin.

The wonder-woman syndrome is alive and working in the hearts and minds of Christian women in the workplace. Women are not called to be all things to all people, to be the master of every role in their lives. Excellence yes, super-human feats of strength, and perfection, no. Corrie Ten-Boom, author of the famous book The Hiding Place says "If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy." No amount of busyness will make them more valuable, not to God, not to their families and not to their organizations. Women need to know that they are created in the image of God, and that they ARE ENOUGH. Don't let the ways of this world tell YOU that you aren't enough. Instead find strength, value and confidence in the hands of Him who created you.

Seems like there is a new day dawning in the professional lives of women in the workplace. The lies women have been believing for decades are starting to crumble, and are being replaced by the strength and knowledge and truth of WHO they are in Christ. .... And the way that God created women, the natural attributes they have, are of great benefit to the workplace. Women no longer have to act like a man, or be aggressive or competitive to "get ahead" and prove themselves. .... They can rest in their gifts and be authentic. Genesis 1:27 So God created human beings[a] in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. May we each, male and female rest in our identity today

Seems like there is a new day dawning in the professional lives of women in the workplace. The lies women have been believing for decades are starting to crumble, and are being replaced by the strength and knowledge and truth of WHO they are in Christ. .... And the way that God created women, the natural attributes they have, are of great benefit to the workplace. Women no longer have to act like a man, or be aggressive or competitive to "get ahead" and prove themselves. .... They can rest in their gifts and be authentic. Genesis 1:27 So God created human beings[a] in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. May we each, male and female rest in our identity today.