iWork4Him PowerThought

I heard from the owner of a financial planning firm the other day, that people who have a purpose live seven years longer than people who don't. SEVEN YEARS LONGER than those that just retire. .... So what's the other option? Well, this wise man said PIVOT instead of retire. What if the second half of our life (the "retirement years") could be just as meaningful to God or actually MORE SO? We all know retirement is NOT in the bible…But PIVOTING is .... "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.," What would it take for YOU to run the race with endurance for God right now, in YOUR season of work life?

What's the difference between believing IN God and trusting God? A San Antonio business owner got to find out, when he had to choose between going to work on Wall Street as a fat cat, or listen to God, and chose what's best for his family. .... In Matthew 6:33 God advises us to "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." In the midst of your business decision making today, are you seeking first the Kingdom of God? Are you seeking God first vs. YOUR success? Your TEAM's success? The BIGGER sale? The LARGER profit? .... You're invited to seek God's best and highest first, as your go about your work today

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.

• It's the First Day of 2021. Last year is behind us. No looking back! It's time for a fresh start. It's New Year's Day, the first day of the rest of your life. The first day of 2021. What's the best way to start fresh in 2021? How about enjoying a full day of rest? When God created Adam, his first full day on earth was a sabbath rest day. God knew that we needed rest, and after 2020, we all need rest and refreshment. My prayer for you is that in 2021 you can find rest as a regular part of your day and an integral part of your week. May peace and rest come to define 2021 for you. May it increase your influence at work and home. Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.

• It's the last week of the year, and this has been a tough year for everybody. I don't know that anybody is going to look at 2020 and mourn its passing. It's time for a fresh start. It's New Year's Eve and the last day of 2020. Goodbye, 2020! A fresh start begins tomorrow! How will you begin your fresh start? Do you even know where to begin? We can ask our friends or coworkers, bosses or employees, family, or neighbors. They likely have some ideas. We can read the Bible and ask God to direct our paths for 2021. It's essential to surround yourself with people willing to help you make a fresh start in 2021. Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.

• It's the last week of the year, and this has been a tough year for everybody. I don't know that anybody is going to look at 2020 and mourn its passing. It's time for a fresh start. I grew up in Minnesota, where a new, beautiful snowfall covers the ground and hides the mess. But eventually, the snow melts and leaves behind the mess that was there before the snow fell. The beauty of following Jesus is when we get a fresh start, and all the mess is left behind for good. As we head into 2021, what kind of mess are you going to leave behind? Will you allow God to give you a fresh start? Can you leave the past in the past, forgive yourself, and start all over again? Any day can be a fresh start, but with the new year coming, it's as good a time as any.