“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

Most little girls dream of being a princess and living happily ever after.  One day, those little girls grow up to be women who enter the workforce or choose to stay home and raise children of their own. But that dream of being a princess and living happily ever after never leaves her.

Most working women struggle with balancing work and family and being confident in their role in life and society.  We tear ourselves apart between the internal battles over self worth and seeking the affirmation from our culture--which does not come. But we keep on dreaming.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function…We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”  Romans 12:4, 6 (NIV)

God has given each woman a unique purpose in life, along with the talents and spiritual gifts to fulfill it.  He calls some to be in the workforce for a season, some not at all, and a few to serve in the highest positions of leadership and influence.  God created every woman special, each one different from the next.

In Judges 4:4, we meet Deborah, a wife, a woman of great influence and a mighty leader.  She was a spiritual and political authority in the nation of Israel.  “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time” (NIV). 

God used her courage, wisdom and leadership skills to fight out on the battle field.  She

accompanied Barak into battle against Sisera, to bring victory and liberation to the people of Israel. 

Phoebe, an influential woman in her community served in and was a contributing part of Paul’s ministry. “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.  I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me” Romans 16:1-2 (NIV).

But perhaps the most challenging yet influential role a woman may have is that of mother.  On mornings when we are running late, the kids are slow in putting on their shoes and they are in danger of missing the bus and you the morning meeting, it may be hard to see our work as a mother as service unto the Lord and our children a gift.  “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”  Psalm 127:3 (NIV)  

But Jesus cares very much about the role of the mother.  Jesus knows how important the bond between mother and child is; he understands what a mother’s love and touch does to an impressionable mind and heart.  In fact, Jesus’ last act of kindness was to take care of his mother and make sure that she was not alone.  “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” John 19:25-27 (NIV).

We are also the bride of Christ and Jesus is our husband.  Married or not, we should all desire to conduct ourselves in such a way to honor Jesus because of our love for him.  If we live as if Jesus were our husband, then we cannot disappoint our earthly husband. 

Ladies, know that you are loved by the King and you are his princess. One day you will live happily ever after.  God has specially gifted you to carry out your life’s purpose at home, in the church, at work, and in the community according to his perfect order and plans.

Until next week…

Discussion Questions:

1. Women in the workplace need each other.  Who do you work with that you can offer encouragement and support? 
2. What misconceptions about working women do you need to let go of? 
3. What is holding you back from recklessly abandoning yourself to God and knowing that you are highly esteemed by God and madly loved by Jesus?

“…Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.” 

Genesis 3:17-18 (NIV)

In the Garden of Eden, when sin was first introduced into the world, so were problems and challenges at work.

Here in Genesis, God is telling Adam that his job is to work the land.  God makes a point to say that it is through painful toil that he will earn a living.  The thorns and thistles he will face are roadblocks to achieving his goal of plowing the land and harvesting the plants of the field.

While we don’t share much with Adam in the areas of farming and tending flock, we do share with Adam the expectation that we will face trials and obstacles at work. 

I too often hear false hope such as, ‘when we hire another person…’ or ‘when business slows down a bit we can catch our breath…’ or ‘now that we got over that, we will be fine.’ 

Not only did God tell us to expect challenges and obstacles at work, but through normal business growth and industry and market changes, there will be new challenges and opportunities.  A certain amount of challenges are normal and to be expected.

Admittedly some business problems are because of choices we make or because of choices someone else makes and yet other problems are totally out of our control, like a sudden change in the economy.  A wise person knows the difference.

Challenges and problems at work make us more Christ like.  Challenges and problems may lead to opportunities to show the love of Jesus or to demonstrate humility when we have been wrong in our words, actions or deeds.  And many times, some of the greatest ideas and work solutions are found through trials and crisis. 

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”  Psalm 62:5

Until next week…

Discussion Questions:
 

1.    What problem at work is challenging you right now?  How would Jesus balance the need to address the problem and preserve relationships? 
 

2.    Jesus said, “No greater love than a man lay down his life for his friend.”  Ask God to show you who you can lay down your life for, i.e. press pause on your work, in order to help a co-worker.
 

3.    What can you do to serve your employer this week to help them with the problems the organization may be facing?

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, the number one reason people leave their jobs is because they do not feel appreciated.

The Gallup organization reports that one poll found that 65% of Americans reported receiving no recognition for good work in the past year.

Wow!  Almost seven out of ten people last year were not once told “thank you”, “good job”, “I appreciate that”, “you made a difference”.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

With a crushed spirit at work, is it any wonder why most people live for the weekend?  Or why people don’t feel like taking the initiative?  Why should they, will it even matter? 

God’s word tells us that we are made in His image and it is He who gave us our talents, abilities and creativity.  So when we acknowledge a co-worker, our spouse or our children for work well done using the abilities God gave them, we are not only lifting them up we are praising God for His work.

I have been asked, “They are expected to do that as part of their job, why should I express my appreciation?”

It is because sincere and deserved encouragement reinforces expected positive behavior.  Because it makes us more Christ like to focus on the needs of others.  Because it makes us feel good and energizes our work day too.  Because Jesus said so.  “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”  John 13:35 (NIV)

If that is not enough, encouragement and appreciation improves morale, decreases employee turnover and improves productivity.

It is really easy to do!  It must be honest and deserved, not made up or superficial.  Tell the person what it is that they did that made a difference.  For example, quickly getting you that information at the last minute; working late on that report or proposal; or for calmly stepping in to soothe brewing anger between co-workers.  Tell them how that impacted you, the organization or your family and what difference it made. 

You will be amazed at how much better you feel and how energized your co-workers will be.

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”  Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

                                                                       Until next week...
 

Discussion Questions:

1. Who at your work place could use some encouragement this week and how can you make them feel appreciated? 
    
2. Is it hard for you to appreciate others who are different from you in skills, abilities and talents? 
    
3. What do you do or where do you go when you are in need of encouragement?

Having a good reputation is an indispensable factor in succeeding at work.  A recent study revealed the difference between top salesmen and average ones was not talent, but reputation.  People trusted the top salesmen more.  No one likes to do business with someone they don't respect. 

The Bible says "A good name is more desirable than great riches."  In other words, your self-worth is more important than your net-worth.

The common mistake most people make is thinking that reputation is a matter of "image."  So they worry themselves with questions like "How do I look?" or "Did I say the right thing?"  To build a long-term good reputation, you must focus on your character, not your image.  Respect must be earned.  The book of Proverbs in the Bible identifies six character qualities found in people who are respected by others:

     1. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH INTEGRITY.  "Respected people do not tell lies."(17:7)  "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."  (10:9)

     2. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH HUMILITY.  "Arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected."(29:23)  "Anyone who listens to correction is respected."(13:18)

     3. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH DEPENDABILITY.  "Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give."(25:15)   "He who keeps an oath even when it hurts will never be shaken." (Psalm 15:4-5)

     4. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH HAVING PRIORITIES.  "If your goals are good, you will be respected." (11:27)  "You will earn the trust and respect of others if you work for good."(14:22)

     5. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH GENEROSITY.  "He who gives generously to the needy and shows kindness will be powerful and respected."  (Psalm 112:9)

     6. RESPECT IS EARNED THROUGH PUTTING GOD FIRST IN YOUR LIFE.  "If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely.  In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." (3:4-6)

What are people going to remember most about you? How many of these qualities could you work on this month...starting today?    

                                                                       Until next week.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which of these six character qualities echoes with you and why?
    
2. As you build on your strengths, what should you continue to do and what will you need to do or stop doing?  How can your small group support you?
    
3. Who is it that you respect and why?  What is it that makes them different than someone else?
    

If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5 CEV)

Should I take this job?  Is this promotion what God has planned for me?  Should my company engage in this merger?  How do I get all this work done with less time and fewer resources?  How am I going to make my sales targets in a tough market? I end up working harder for less money.

Big decisions like these stop most people, at least for a moment, causing us to ask “what to do?”  Gradually, we arrive at a decision making process that seems to work when it comes to the big questions.  It might be asking a friend, co-worker, or spouse for their advice.  Others may just ponder the positives and negatives.

But what about those little decisions that add up?  Each decision we make contributes to a habit and that habit adds up to our character and reputation.  Should I get that report due for tomorrow or spend a movie night with the kids? It’s a small choice in the moment, but it tips our balance of life one way or another.

Seeking direction and wisdom from God in only the big decisions misses the point of fellowship with the Lord.  He wants to be a part of your life and loves you without measure.  There is nothing that escapes his attention.  Next time you’re faced with one of those “which way” questions, why not lob it God’s way and then move in the direction you believe he is pointing you towards.

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30 (NIV). 

So what to do?
 

1. Pray for Guidance - Before you do anything else, get God’s perspective on the issue.
   
   A man is foolish to trust himself. But those who use God's wisdom are safe.
   (Proverbs 28:26 TLB)
   
   Ask:  What does God want?

2. Get the Facts - There is no contradiction between faith and fact.  It’s wise to find out all you can before you make a decision. 

Every prudent man acts out of knowledge. (Proverbs 13:16 NIV) 

How stupid to decide before knowing the facts! (Proverbs 18:13 TLB)

Ask:  What do I need to know before I make this decision? 

3. Ask for Advice - It is wise to learn from experience, but it is wiser to learn from the experience of others.

. . . the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win. (Proverbs 24:6 TEV)

Get good advice and you will succeed. (Proverbs 20:18 TEV)

Ask: Who can I talk to about this?

4. Calculate the Cost - Every decision has a price tag.
   
   It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. (Proverbs 20:25 NIV)
   
   Don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? . . . Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? (Luke 14:28-31 NLT)

Ask: Is it worth it?

5. Prepare for Problems – Prepare for what you know, but don’t try to solve it all. 
   
   A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 27:12 TLB)

Ask:  What could go wrong?

6. Face your Fears - Fear is at the root of all indecision. 
   
   If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done. (Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB)
   
   Not being able to make a decision, not wanting input from others or making too hasty of a decision may reveal a deep fear that limits our abilities.  Perfectionism paralyzes potential. The basic commitments of life must be made under imperfect conditions.
   
   Ask: What am I afraid of?
    

                                         If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NIV)

                                                                                  Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
 

1. What are you wrestling with that you think is too small for God to care about?  Will you seek God’s wisdom and let go of the outcome? 
    
2. God often speaks through other godly people.  Who do you have in your life that you trust and can turn to?  Are you such a person for others?

3. Not to decide is to decide. What decision do you need to make?

           Twenty years ago, the 1992 headline was simple:  "Keating's sentence -12 years." The court had decided that the costliest Savings & Loan failure in history up to that time, (a $2.6 billion collapse) was the result of massive fraud committed by the former CEO Charles Keating.  In addition to his sentence, Mr. Keating was ordered to pay $122.4 million in restitution.  It's probably safe to assume that if Charles Keating had the opportunity to do it over again, he'd think twice about putting profit before ethics.

            There's nothing wrong with making a profit.  In fact, Jesus commended the man who made the highest return on his investment (Matthew 25:21).  But there is a right way and a wrong way to prosper.  What matters to God is not how much you make, but how you make it. You can avoid a lot of pain if you’ll follow what the Bible says about prospering:

"Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers little by little makes it grow."  Pr. 13:11

"Ill-gotten gain brings no lasting happiness; but right living does."  Pr. 10:2 (LB)

WRONG WAYS TO PROSPER

1.    BY DISHONESTY.  (deceptive buying and selling) 

      "The Lord wants all weights and measures to be honest and every sale to be fair." 
        Pr. 16:11 (GN)

2.    BY DEFRAUDING.  (acquiring by trickery or pretending)

            "Don't hold back the wages of a hired man overnight."  Lev. 19:13

3.    BY DEFAULTING.  (failing to fulfill an obligation)

      “Let no debt remain outstanding..."  Rom 13:8   "The wicked borrow and do not
        repay."   Ps. 37:21

4.    BY DEPENDING ON LUCK INSTEAD OF GOD. (get rich quick schemes)

      "The man who wants to get rich quick will quickly fail. Trying to get rich
        quick is evil and leads to poverty" Pr. 28:20 &  "... the one who chases fantasies will end in 
        end in poverty"  Pr. 28:19

RIGHT WAYS TO PROSPER

1      HONEST, HARD WORK.

      "Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
      "Pr. 13:11 (LB)  "Hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." 
       Pr.  14:23

2      WISE SAVING AND INVESTING.  "The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish
       man spends whatever he gets." Pr. 21:5

3      PRAYING FOR GOD'S BLESSING.  "If you.know how to give good gifts to your 
        children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"
       Matt. 7:11

4      GIVING BACK TO GOD AND TO OTHERS.  "Honor the Lord by giving Him the 
       first part of all your income and He will fill your barns... to overflowing!" Pr. 3:9-10 (LB)   
     "Be generous and you will be prosperous.  Help others and you will be helped..." 
      Pr. 11:24-25 (GN)

                                                                Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
 

1.    Most of us won’t be faced by the temptations that Charles Keating faced, but we all encounter the temptation to not give our employer our best or to use company resources for personal reasons.  What impact might it have if all of Christ’s followers fully committed themselves to their work and to excellence in their work?
 

2.    If you and God were to talk to you about the stewardship of your finances and the balance for the need for money and for the care of people, how would that conversation go?  How is he strengthening you and working through you today?
 

3.    How can you pray for each other in your small group?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

Right from the beginning of creation, God said that it was not good for man to be alone.  And because everything about God is good, he took a holy pause and created for Adam a helpmate, a partner, a coworker in the gardens of life.

God knows that humans need emotional and relational connection with one another.  When that connection is missing in our lives, we often find ourselves feeling isolated and alone. Even in a busy work environment, we can be isolated physically, emotionally, or relationally.  If our loneliness is deep enough, it can lead to depression.

While our workplaces are intended to function as teams, there are frequently barriers within the very structure of the organization that stand in the way of that teamwork. One department may function separately from another, hindering the collaboration required to better the organization and meet an individual’s need for community.  Any exclusion, whether intended or not, from the company information “loop” may challenge one’s need to belong.  A boss who fails to acknowledge your hard work and results achieved may cause an employee to question his or her value to their employer.

Sometimes those feelings of disconnectedness come as a result of our own choices.  We may be on the lookout for ourselves, over-protective of our position, so driven and focused on getting the job done that we don’t make time for people. We fail to reach out and get to know our coworkers in any way that leads to the genuine partnering God had in mind for us.

God never intended for you to go through life or do your work on your own.  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV).

There are four vital relationships you must develop if you want to maximize the life God has given you.

1. Models who inspire you

 “I have given you an example to follow: do as I have done to you.”  - John 13:15 (TLB)

You became imitators of us and of the Lord . . . and so became a model to all the believers. - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (NIV) 

2. Mentors who advise you

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

- Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.

- Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

A model could be a person in history, but a mentor must be a contemporary—someone who is alive now and who can actively feed into your life. A model is someone you emulate; a mentor is a personal coach. While models give you ideals to follow, mentors give you perspective.

3. Partners who assist you

Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone . . . there is no one to help him. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (TEV)

These partners are your coworkers, teammates, and helpers, the network of people committed to a similar life mission. Even Jesus needed partners. They were called disciples.

4. Friends who support you

A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps in time of trouble.  - Proverbs 17:17 (NCV)

• True friends give you emotional support

• True friends give you intellectual support

• True friends give you spiritual support

Don't be teamed up with those who do not love the Lord . . . How can a Christian be a partner with one who doesn't believe? - 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (TLB)

We rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying for our sins—making us friends of God. - Romans 5:11 (TLB)

Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
 

1. To have a friend like the one described in point 4, we need to be that kind of friend.  As you look at your relationships, what do you think your friends would say about you?  What are you sowing into other people?

2. As you invest in or sow into those around you, ask the Lord to show you the Christian mentors and friends who can encourage you and invest in you.  What would you reap today from your investment into others?

3. Who can you encourage this week in your workplace? And to whom can you be a mentor?

“…we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”  Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)
 

Words have the power to build up or take down.  To give life or to destroy.  To encourage or to discourage.

Mastering our words is more than counting to ten in the middle of conflict or biting our tongue when that proposed plan is presented yet you know it won’t work. 

One of the most common mistakes in organizations is the lack of performance feedback and regular performance reviews.  Experience shows that the feedback and reviews are superficial if they occur at all.  We love to give the praises but tend to coat over the areas for improvement and shy away from conflict or we sit on them in a seat of judgment.  Most people struggle with telling the truth in love.  Feedback and telling the truth isn’t reserved for our supervisor and our annual review – we have opportunities with our words everyday at home, in our workplace and in our community.

God knows how powerful words are.  In Genesis 1, he spoke the world and life into existence.  But God is so merciful and Psalm 103:14 says he knows how we are made which includes at times having trouble handing the responsibility and the power of words.

The Power of Words:

1. My mouth directs where I go. – “Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.”  James 3:4 (NKJV)
    
2. My mouth can destroy what I have. – “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”  James 3:6 (NIV)
    
3. My mouth displays who I really am. – “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”  Luke 6:45 (NIV)

The Responsibility of Words:

Speaking the truth in love…

1. Check your motives. – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”  Matthew 7:1-3 (NIV)
    
2. Plan your presentation. – “Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.”  Proverbs 16:23 (TEV)

3. Give them affirmation. – “A word of encouragement does wonders!”  Proverbs 12:25 (LB)
    
4. Risk their rejection.  “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 
   1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV)

                                                                               Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
 

1.    Is there someone in your life who has spoken words to you that hurt and wounded you?  What would it take to forgive them for those careless words?  Why would you want to continue to nurture that hole in your heart?  Give it to Jesus.  Afterall, he paid for that healing on the cross. 
 

2.    Is there someone you have hurt with your words?   Did you wound or withhold truth that they needed to hear?  Who do you need to be reconciled with this week?

3.    This week, as you walk as one entrusted with the power and responsibility of words, ask God who you can build up and encourage for his benefit and theirs.   
 

“It will never fly.”

                   1. “It’s worth giving a try!”

          “It won’t work.”

                   2. “We’ll make it work!”

          “It’s never been done before.”

                   3. “We have the opportunity to be the first!”

          “What if we fail?”

                   4. “What if we fail to try?”

          “We don’t have the money.”

                   5. “Money flows to great ideas!”

          “We don’t have the time.”

                   6. “We can reevaluate our priorities!”

          “We don’t have the expertise.”

                   7. “All leaders are learners!”

          “It’s been tried before.”

                   8.“There’s always room to improve. We’re wiser now!”

          “There are so many problems with it.”

                   9. “Think of the possibilities!”

          “It’s not working out.”

                  10. “Let’s try it one more time - from a different angle!”       

“I CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!”  Phil. 4:13

                                                                                          Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
 

1.    Are you struggling with one of these negative statements?  What has God told you or how has he led you in the circumstance?   
 

2.    What problem are you facing at work that your small group can pray specifically about?  What breakthroughs do you need?
 

What is in your control that you do today?  Don’t look at the whole problem, it can be overwhelming.  Break it down to what you can do today and you will find yourself moving forward.