iWork4Him PowerThought

God formed Adam and Eve on the sixth day of creation… making their first full day in the Garden of Eden the Sabbath – a day of REST. God is gracious so He didn't start them out on a Monday … instead, God emphasized the importance and holiness of spending time in his presence FIRST, before the work week begins. He asks us to look to him FIRST. Rest in Him FIRST. And only then, after worshiping, resting, and praying, are we to be sent out to do the work that God has for us. The Sabbath is a GIFT. And when we don't treasure it, we don't honor God. Remember, Jesus was always busy but NEVER in a hurry. He always made time for people, for rest, and for prayer. So, what about you? Do you consider Monday to be the start of your week? Or Sunday… the day of Rest?

What is the first question someone asks you after an introduction? I'd be willing to bet that 9 times out of 10 its "So… What do you do for work?" That question may feel fine and dandy when you are in a high-powered position or working your dream job – but for most people it's uncomfortable to be instantly framed by their employment OR lack of employment. We live in a society that equates our value with our job title. But the TRUTH is that your identity is NEVER going to be found in the things you do or how impressive your resume is. Psalm 139: 14 says, "I give thanks to you God because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works." So remember, your value and identity are based on the fact that God designed, made, and loves you… just as you are!

Have you ever tried to ignore God's direction in your work or career? Tried to follow your own plans and run into constant obstacles, closed doors, and un-ending rejections? The truth is that sometimes we try to LOGIC our way towards our calling instead of entrusting the creator of our calling with the journey to it. Remember the account of the Israelites in Exodus? It took them 40 YEARS of wandering to arrive at a destination that would have taken two weeks if they had simply obeyed God. So, the next time that you feel like God is leading you down a path that you don't want to go… pause before walking away. Try praying about it and asking several trusted friends for their prayers as well. God WANTS to show you the way forward – if you're paying attention, he will give you the next right step!

A company we love, and one you may have heard of, called Dayspring, helps direct their branding by asking the question, "what do we want people to walk away feeling after they've encountered a Dayspring product?" Do we want them to feel seen, loved, or encouraged? And what can we do to make customers want to return after an encounter with our products? These kinds of branding questions aren't just for companies! 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that, "we are Christ's ambassadors and God is making his appeal through us." In other words, we are Christ's BRAND ambassadors! Take a moment and ask yourself the question: how well am I representing God's brand at work? When people encounter me, do they walk away feeling seen, loved, and encouraged? Think of one thing you can do today that will make those around you want to return to Christ.

We all have a calling, have you heard this before? Some of us get called to the pulpit and some to the foreign mission field but most of us get called to our cubicles, construction sites, care facilities or whatever your job site may be. Your Workplace, It's your mission field and in that mission field, you and me, we may be the only Jesus our co-workers, employees and bosses may ever meet. That Job that you hold and the work that you do, and the people that you work with, none of that is by chance. The people that you work with need to meet Jesus and you may be their only chance. So, as you contemplate the value of your work today, realize this…You don't need to quit your job in order to go into fulltime ministry. You are already in fulltime ministry, right there where you work.

All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through acts of service. You may be thinking, "I work all day, isn't that enough?" But let's be honest – you get PAID to work all day. Acts of service happen when we do something above and beyond what is expected of us. Nothing conveys care like lightening the load of someone in a crunch. Has someone shown you appreciation through an act of service recently? Have you shown appreciation in this way? Pay attention at work this week to ways that you can help out and go above and beyond.

All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through appropriate physical touch… emphasis on the APPROPRIATE. Physical touch in the workplace is a "touchy" subject these days, and one that should always be handled with care. Remember, you want to convey appreciation, not cause offense. That said, there are many gestures of physical touch that are workplace appropriate such as high fives, fist bumps, or firm handshakes. These gestures communicate connection, respect, and celebration in a tangible way! So go high-five someone in your office today (but ask first)!

All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through spending quality time with the people you work with! But what exactly IS quality time? It's as simple as giving your employees and coworkers your full and focused attention when you're with them… whether that is paying attention in a meeting, asking about how their day is going and waiting for the real answer, or Inviting them over for dinner at your house. Quality time is a way of saying you care! So, this week try putting away your phone and genuinely engaging with the people in your workplace!

All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through giving them gifts that show they are a valued and seen member of the team! And before you freak out about budget constraints, remember that gifts don't have to be big to be impactful. In fact, sometimes it is the smallest gestures that make the largest impact. For example, bring in donuts and coffee on a Monday morning, or purchase your coworker who is always writing things on post-it notes a fun new pad of paper. Remember, it's the thought that counts!

All of us need to feel appreciated, especially at work. But not everyone feels appreciated in the same ways… So how do we value our coworkers, employees, and bosses in ways that are meaningful to THEM? According to the the book, the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, one way is through words of affirmation. And I'm not just talking about saying, "nice job so-and-so". PAUSE Instead, try giving out compliments to those you work with that are specific, and detailed. Pay attention to the little things people do well in the office or the positive things about their personality and then acknowledge them regularly! Proverbs 16:24 says, "Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Are your words acting as honey in the workplace? Challenge yourself to genuinely affirm someone you work with today!