Deep Calls to Deep Devotion 7 "Christians in the Marketplace."

I have had the opportunity to be in the business world for 14 years, 10 of which have been with a committed relationship to Jesus. When Jesus revealed Himself to me, my first instinct was to think that all Christians should be in full-time ministry because of Scriptures such as, "Go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19.  I learned quickly that a Christian doesn't have to be in full-time ministry with a church or para-church organization to make disciples.  It's a Christian's job in the *marketplace, also, and much needed.

When a Christian is called to the business world, they are still entrusted with the task of spreading the Gospel.  It just looks different than a pastor, preacher, or church teacher.  The hard part about being a Christian in the business world and spreading the Great Commission is the acts of lawlessness and unrighteousness are overly prevalent in the secular field; however, the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11), even in the marketplace.

There are a few areas that I see as a real temptation in the secular business world, but the main temptation is the love of money.  Many people are climbing the corporate ladder, thirsty with the love of money.  Our challenge is to focus on God's kingdom and not get wrapped up in the endless pursuit of the love of money.  Jesus taught, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."  Matthew 6:24.  The world needs Christians in the business world to show a higher standard, to serve God and not money, to have a bottom line that says, "Christ is my master."  As we focus on these Scriptures; Hebrews 12:1-2, Acts 1:7, and especially Philippians 4:13, we will find strength to stand strong in the face of temptation.  We will be a light house for the Lord, drawing people to Him.

The key in the business world is to, "Walk in the Spirit and you will not accomplish the lusts of the flesh." Galations 5:16.  As we stay planted daily in the Word of God, focused on the Kingdom and not our own world, obeying the rules of the corporation unless they specifically defy the Word of God, we can make a significant impact in the 21st century and beyond.

*Marketplace defined by dictionary.com: the commercial world; the realm of business, trade and economics.

Deep Calls to Deep-Devotion 6-Contentment

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Timothy 6:6

Can we really be content in ANY circumstance?  Can we be content when we're taken advantage of?  Can we be content when we're fat?  Can we be content when we're living a boring, suburban life?  Can we be content (you fill in the blank)?  

Paul said he had learned contentment in any circumstance, "I can do all things through Christ His gives me strength."

That's the secret!

The secret isn't changing your circumstances.  The secret is relying on Christ's strength for contentment.

As we do that, it matures us.  It takes us way beyond where we are spiritually.  It grows us from babes into spiritual giants.  It forces us to leave the mundane and go to another spiritual plane.

I think of the man that wrote our key verse.  Paul said he had been stoned, shipwrecked, poisoned, and hated to name a few, yet He was content.

Contentment; an inner peace, an inner satisfaction given by the strength of Christ.

And maybe, just maybe, that contentment comes from knowing that our home is in heaven.  That we weren't created for this earth.  We are just passing through, as a feather floating on a breeze.  

Although we can't see the breeze, and it seems that we are floating endlessly and without direction, the Holy Spirit is that breeze.  You can remain content.

Power Verses

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:8

"I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13

2013-An Exciting Year!

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. 

The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” 

~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

There is an excitement in the air for a new year!  A year of new beginnings, of restoration, new books to read, new books to write, high moments, low moments, and learning to be content.

Contentedness is my focus for the year....and I'm excited.

I'm excited to see dreams come true and to even see dreams die.

I'm excited to cling to my Savior, His realness, His nearness, His truth.

I'm excited to LET THINGS GO.

I'm excited to Dream Again and to DREAM BIG!

I love that He makes all things new.  This year, may you remember on 12/31/13 what your goals were on 1/1/13.  May you praise Him for those that were filled and those that weren't.  May you learn contentedness with me.  May you let the sparkle in your eye be bright.  And may you hope...again.