Saddleback@Work Blog

Taking Responsibility for Your Work- Weekly WorkPlace Wisdom

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

In working with others, you'll meet three kinds of people: Accusers, Excusers, and Choosers.

ACCUSERS: love to blame others for everything. They are self-proclaimed victims. All their problems are caused by others. Their favorite phase is "It's all your fault!" These people are pros at passing the buck. They are experts at dodging responsibility.

Unfortunately, our society is moving away from the idea of personal responsibility. In courtrooms, criminals are now made to look like victims. Kids blame parents, management blames labor (and vice-versa), teachers blame administration, and everybody blames the government! Who are you blaming for your unhappiness? You spell "blame" "b- lame." Whenever you are blaming someone else, you are "being lame."

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EXCUSERS: don't blame others but they have an excuse for everything. They can justify any mistake, every failure, and any lack of responsibility. Their favorite phrase is "Well, I guess that's just the way I am!"

If you're looking for an excuse, you can always find a philosopher to back you up. Darwin said "You are the victim of your creation" (blame evolution). Marx said, "You are the victim of your circumstances" (blame economics). Freud said, "You are the victim of your conditioning" (blame environment). If none of these excuses fit you, there are plenty you can make up.

Ben Franklin said "People who are good at making excuses are seldom good at anything else." And George Washington Carver said "99% of all failures come from people who've perfected the habit of making excuses." The truth is - the more you shrink from responsibility, the smaller the person you become.

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CHOOSERS: are the winners in life. They accept responsibility for both the successes and their failures. They know they can't control everything that happens but they can and do control their responses to life.

The greatest freedom God gave you is the power to choose. The Bible tells us "Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the king's grandson, but chose to share ill-treatment with God's people.."Heb. 11:24-25 . Your willingness to accept responsibility is the evidence of maturity.

At birth, God gives you a set of cards - uncontrollable factors like your genes, parents, background etc. How you play those cards is your choice. Accusers and Excusers are ultimately losers. Take charge of your work this week.

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Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

Many times the actions of the Accusers and Excusers are reflecting a deep hidden pain or fear.� Would you be willing to pray for them instead of getting mad at them?� What in your own life is causing accusing and excusing behavior?�
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What can you take charge of in your worklife this week?
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Not every job, every boss or every situation will be exactly as we would have it, but Paul tells us to be content not matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves.� Together, let's choose to be content and take action where and how appropriate.

Women@Work Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

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

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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.

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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.

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"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)

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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.

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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).�

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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.�

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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).

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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)��

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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).

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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.�

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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.

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Until next week.

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Discussion Questions:

Women in the workplace need each other.� Who do you work with that you can offer encouragement and support?�
What misconceptions about working women do you need to let go of?�
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?

"Problems@Work"- Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

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".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)

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

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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.

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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.�

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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.'�

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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.

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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.

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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.�

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

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Until next week.

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Discussion Questions:
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1.�� What problem at work is challenging you right now?� How would Jesus balance the need to address the problem and preserve relationships?�
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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.
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3.�� What can you do to serve your employer this week to help them with the problems the organization may be facing?

ENCOURAGEMENT@WORK - Weekly WorkPlace Wisdom

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMT

"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)

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�� Until next week...
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Discussion Questions:

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

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HOW TO EARN THE RESPECT OF OTHERS - Weekly WorkPlace Wisdom

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMT

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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? � �

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�� Until next week.

Discussion Questions:

Which of these six character qualities echoes with you and why?
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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?
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Who is it that you respect and why?� What is it that makes them different than someone else?
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How to Make Wise Decisions - Weekly WorkPlace Wisdom

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMT

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?
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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?

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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?�

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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?

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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?

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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?

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

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� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
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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?�
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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?

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

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HOW TO PROSPER WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE - Weekly WorkPlace Wisdom

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMT

� � � � � �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)

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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

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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)

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�� Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
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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?
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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?
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3.�� How can you pray for each other in your small group?

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Sowing Into Others - Weekly WorkPlace Wisdom

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMT

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.

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)�

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.

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.

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:
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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?

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?

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

Speaking the Truth in Love - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

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

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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.�

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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.

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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.

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The Power of Words:

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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)
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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)
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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)

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The Responsibility of Words:

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Speaking the truth in love.

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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)
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Plan your presentation. - "Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive." �Proverbs 16:23 (TEV)

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

�� Until next week...

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Discussion Questions:
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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.�
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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?

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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.� �
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WARREN'S TEN "CAN"MANDMENTS-Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

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"It will never fly."

�� 1. "It's worth giving a try!"

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�� "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.

Speaking the Truth in Love - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

�� ".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:

�

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)
�
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)
�
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.

�

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)
�
Plan your presentation. - "Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive." Proverbs 16:23 (TEV)

�

Give them affirmation. - "A word of encouragement does wonders!" Proverbs 12:25 (LB)
�
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.

Help@Work - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

�

.for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.� Matthew 6:8 (NIV)

�

I was up most of the night working on a project due that morning.� My family and I were in the midst of a long and difficult season. The weight of life and the frustration from a lack of progress dragged me down.

�

As my husband and I stood together that morning to pray for our day and our family, my head began to ache from a lack of sleep. All I could think to pray was, "Lord, you know our situation.� You know our needs best.� We ask for help.� We ask that your will be done through those whom you will send to us."

�

Before I reached my appointment, I received an email from a friend.� I had not seen her in years, but had recently caught up with her over a cup of coffee.� In her email to me that morning she simply said that she wanted to bring us dinner that night.� Yes, that is what we needed most.�

�

God sent her to help us in our time of need.� But the reality is, his plan was already in motion before we asked.� She had already decided to bring us dinner and had made it the night before we prayed for God's help.� .for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.� Matthew 6:8 (NIV)

�

As believers in the marketplace, we tend to turn to the Lord when the answer to a situation eludes us-like determining if we have a viable business model or how to meet an increased workload after the last layoff or how to make money in a market with decreasing customers and profitability. �When everything seems under control, it's a challenge to remember to seek God. But he asks to cast ALL our cares upon him, not just those we can't figure out (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7). We all have decisions we made that seemed so right in the moment but in hindsight we see that it was really a bad idea. Would seeking God have made a difference?

�

As young children we may have learned to be self-reliant, the old "if it's to be, it's up to me" attitude.� Or maybe because of our competence and capabilities we are self sufficient and confident.� Or maybe we tend to wait until we have it all together before we offer an idea or ask someone for help.�

�

God wants us to know he designed us to work in community, both with others and with him:

�

Don't try to figure it all out by yourself.
For in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3) and God alone will lead you into triumphal procession in Christ and through you spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him (2 Corinthians 2:14).� God is the author of all creativity and innovation (Genesis 1:1).

�

But God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6) and the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion (Isaiah 30:18).�

�

2.�� Look for help

The earth and everything in it, including your work, belongs to the Lord (Deut 10:14), there is nothing outside of his care or concern (Matthew 10:30).� So pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).� In order to follow the Lord's direction at work we must listen for and know his voice and then follow him (John 10:27).

�

3.�� Look to give help

Like my friend was for me, you may be the help your co-worker needs.� The Lord searches the heart and examines the mind, (Jeremiah 17:10) so ask him who you can help today.� As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.� (Galatians 6:10 NIV)

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

Lamentations 3:25 (NIV)

�

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Until next week...

Discussion Questions:
�

As you look back on last week, how much of your work was done with help from the Lord and help from others?� Why is it so hard to ask for and receive help?

�

How can you help your employer and co-workers this week?�

�

To discern the Lord's leading, even in minor matters, we must be connected to him daily.� This is not a burden, but a privilege.� God speaks to us through his Word. Prayer is just an opportunity to enter into his presence.� How can your small group support one another to seek God's will at work?

Facing Failure - Part 2 - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

�Last week I shared the five most common causes for failure.� Today I'd like to wrap it up by suggesting the steps to starting over when you've experienced a failure:

�� 1. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN FAILURE. If you've made a�mistake - admit it! Welcome to the human race.� Don't blame others. To blame is to "b-lame."� Losers love to blame bad luck...the economy...the boss...their spouse...or even God for misfortune.� But winners never accuse others and never excuse themselves when they fail.� In 1974, after an 88 game winning streak, UCLA basketball lost to Notre Dame in a game they had led by 11 points. The next day's headline read "Coach Wooden says 'Blame me!'"�� Wooden was a winner. "Anyone who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance."� Prov. 28:13 (LB)

�� 2. RECOGNIZE THE BENEFITS OF FAILURE.��

For instance...

�� It shows you what doesn't work.� Thomas Edison said, "Don't call it a failure. Call it an education!"

�� It forces you to be more creative. You look for new ways.

�� It prevents arrogance and egotism.� If everything you did was a stunning success, no could live with you!

�� It causes you to reevaluate what's important in life. Failure is one way God gets us to reflect on the direction of our lives.

"Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Pr. 20:30 (GN)

�� 3. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSE.

Why did I fail? Is there any reason I might have set myself up to fail? There are many unconscious reasons we sometimes sabotage our own efforts:

�� The fear of success: Success may mean handling more responsibility than I want to carry.

�� Guilt: If you feel you don't deserve to succeed, you may have set yourself up to fail.

�� Resentment: Some people fail as a way of getting even with those who are pressuring them to succeed.

"If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all..." James 1:5

�� 4. FORGET THE PAST AND FOCUS ON THE FUTURE.� Your past is past!� It's water under the bridge.� You can't change it so you may as well stop worrying about it.

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on..."� Phil. 4:1

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

1.�� Is there an area in your life or at work where you need to move on?� How can your small group help you?

2.�� What can you do for yourself and for others to keep failure from paralyzing you into non-action?

Sometimes it helps to have a role model to follow.� Is there someone in your life who experienced failure yet turned it around?

Facing Failure - Part 1 - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

No one's life is an unbroken chain of victories. We all experience setbacks...defeats... Losses...failures. Nobody bats 100%. We all make mistakes.

�� Since failure is common to all of us, one of the most important life-skills you can learn is how to respond to it. Successful people know how to turn every failure into a learning experience - a stepping stone to future success.

�� Although the reasons for failure are numerous, there are five common causes:

��

�� When we don't plan ahead. As the old saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you're planning to fail." Proverbs 27:12 says "A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. Remember, Noah had to start building the Ark long before it started raining!

�� When we think we've "arrived." Remember the lesson of the whale: Just when you get to the top, and you start to blow - that's when you get harpooned! Proverbs 18:18 says "Pride leads to destruction and arrogance leads to downfall." In other words, the man who gets too big for his britches will be exposed in the end.

�� When we are afraid to take necessary risks. The fear of failure can cause failure. We worry about what others will think of us if we fail so we don't even try. Fran Tarkenton says "Fear sets you up to be a loser." We fail to take advantage of golden opportunities. "The fear of man is a dangerous trap." Proverbs 29:25

�� When we give up too soon. Many times, success is just around the corner. Remember, the game is often won in the final seconds. If at first you don't succeed- you're normal! Keep on keeping on! The value of a postage stamp is found in its ability to stick to one thing until it gets there. "A lazy fellow had trouble all through life." Proverbs 15:19

�� When we ignore God's advice. The Bible is our owner's manual for life. It is filled with practical instructions and guidelines for work, home, finances, relationships, and health. When we fail to follow these, we're asking for trouble "There is a way that SEEMS right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

�� In next week's email I'll share how to get a fresh start when you've failed. In the mean�time remember this: Failure is never final unless you let it be. You are never a failure until you give up.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

1.�� What area of your life or in your job might you see as a failure?� Does God see it the same way?

2.�� How can you support others through common reasons for failure and how can they support you?�

� � � 3. ��What was something you thought was a failure butturned into one of your greatest � � �successes?

Shepherds@Work - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ^�An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.� But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.� Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ ^�the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." �Luke 2:8-12 (NIV)

The shepherds were at work that night just as they had been the night before.� I don't think that they had any idea that their lives were about to change - forever.� Their workplace was outside in the fields and in the cold of night they only had the light of the stars to work by as they protected their flocks from danger.�

We don't know why the birth of Christ and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy was announced to a group of shepherds while they were at work but we do know that being a shepherd at that time where they lived was considered a lowly profession with no status or perks.�

Were these shepherds chosen because they fought against the boredom of the job and worked heartily day after day and night after night?� Were these shepherds chosen because they worshipped and praised God as they worked?� What did they do that caught the gaze of the Lord?� God could have chosen to make his birth announcement to rulers, kings or religious leaders but he chose to meet the working class where they were at in their workplace.�

These were men of great faith.� They believed the angel who appeared to them and with confidence left their work to go to Bethlehem to see what God had done.� After they had seen the baby Jesus just as the angel said, they told everyone about what happened.� These working men were the first evangelists for Jesus and the good news.�

How easy it is to lose ourselves in work that can be all consuming or to be tempted to not work as hard as we should because it is not challenging enough.� But if we do that, we are likely to miss it when God shows up where we work.�

And if you ever wondered if God cared about what you do and where you work, your answer can be found in the shepherds who were at work that historic night.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think the angel of the Lord showed up to the shepherds?� Have you ever thought God has forgotten you in your place of work?
In what ways do you catch the gaze of the Lord in your work?

We can worship God when we work heartily as to him, pray continually and be joyful always.� How can you worship God at work today?

Making the Most of Christmas- Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

This week much of the world will shut down for Christmas.� Office and stores will close and the streets will be empty on Christmas morning.� What's the big deal?� How can an event that happened more than 2,000 years ago still have such a profound effect on our world today?

�� At that first Christmas, some angels told a bunch of Middle Eastern shepherds, "Do not be afraid. �We bring you good news that will be a great joy to all people.� Today your Savior was born. �He is Christ, the Lord. Give glory to God in heaven and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God."�� [Luke 2:11-12,14]

From the angels' instructions, we learn how to make the most of Christmas:

�� 1. MAKE IT A TIME FOR CELEBRATION!� "good news.great joy!"

Christmas is a time to celebrate all that God has given us and done for us.� It's a time to set aside your problems and pressures for a moment and focus on God.� If God wanted to communicate to birds he would have become a bird.but he wanted to communicate to human beings so he became like one of us and came to earth 2006 years ago.� Now we can know what God is like - Jesus tells us.

Of all the ways God could have come to earth, he came the same way everyone of us did - by a birth.� Why?� Because he didn't want us to fear him - and no one is afraid of a baby!

�� 2. MAKE IT A TIME FOR SALVATION!� ��"your savior was born."

If we needed information, God would have sent an Educator.� If we needed more government, god would have sent a Politician.� But what we need most is salvation - so God sent us a Savior.� What is "salvation"?� It's forgiveness for my past.power to manage my present problems.and a guarantee for my future.� But like any gif you must accept it in order to benefit from it.� As a young man I worked as a lifeguard for 3 summers.� I learned that you can save people until they stop trying to save themselves.

�� 3. MAKE IT A TIME FOR RECONCILLIATION!� "let there be peace."�

Christmas is a time to seek to restore those broken or strained relationships.� It's a time to say "I'm sorry" and "Will you forgive me?"� it's also a time to offer forgiveness to all those who have hurt you.� First you make peace WITH God, then you receive the peace OF God.� Once you have that you'll find it much easier to make peace with other people.�

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM EVERYONE AT SADDLEBACK CHURCH!�

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

1.�� This time of year we hear people talk about "the spirit of Christmas."� What does that mean to you and what do you think God means it to be?

2.�� What can you do to make Christmas a celebration this year?�

3.�� Is there someone you need to forgive or be reconciled with?� Is there someone whose forgiveness you have been asked to accept?

Delayed By Design - From the Six Phases of Faith-Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. �He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.� Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.� Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.� Deuteronomy 8:2-5 (NIV)

You're waiting.and waiting.and each minute feels like an hour and each hour feels like a day.� Will the bank approve the application?� Will that proposal be accepted?� What am I supposed to do next when I don't have clear direction?� How long will my money, time and energy last?� Will I ever get to the point where the world isn't on my shoulders?

It's in these times when our life and our dreams seem stalled that we are tempted to fill the silence with action.� It is in these times that our deep beliefs of who God is and whether or not he is a good God are tested in our hearts and minds.� Our minds are flooded with questions.� If God is for me why am I going through this?� Why won't he do something?� Is this really the right course of action?

God wants the best for us but like the Israelites in the desert, he uses delays to humble us, teach us and discipline us so we can rise above the intimidation of life's circumstances.

When you're in a delay:

�� DON'T FEAR - Fear keeps you in the wilderness and prolongs the delay.

I will never leave you. I will never abandon you. (Hebrews 13:5 TEV)

�� DON'T FRET - Resting can be an act of faith. It means you're waiting on God.

Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act . . . Don't fret and worry-it only leads to harm. (Psalm 37:7-8 TLB)

�� DON'T FAINT - Don't settle for less than God's best for your life.

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 TLB)

�� DON'T FORGET - Where has God been faithful to you in the past?

They forgot the many times God showed them his love, and they rebelled against the Almighty at the Red Sea. But he saved them, as he promised . . . But they soon forgot what he had done, they had no patience for his plan. (Psalm 106:7-8, 13 TEV/NAB)�

The Lord is not being slow in carrying out his promises . . . rather, he is being patient with you. (2 Peter 3:9 NJB)

These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! (Habakkuk 2:3 TLB)

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

In what area of your life have you been delayed?� What could help you slow down and remember that God is in control?
Where in your life has God been faithful and merciful to you?� When did he send "manna," or just enough for the moment?� Those are the moments to remember his unchanging love and faithfulness.
Who is God to you?� Is it possible that in your delay God is still a good God and good for you? �Can you think of a time when a delay turned out for your good?

Stretching Your ind - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Ken Blanchard is a genius at expressinginsights in simple ways. One of his key concepts in "Putting the One Minute Manager to Work" is this:

�

DON'T JUST DOSOMETHING - SIT THERE!

�

Too often, many of our problems arise fromacting before thinking. In the frantic pace of today's marketplace it's easy toget caught up in the activity trap.We confuse activity with productivity. We think "I'm so busy, Imust be accomplishing something!" In reality, we may just be spinning ourwheels. Like sitting in a rocking chair, you can expend a lot of energy andcreate a lot of motion. but still not make any progress.

�

Progress and productivity always requirethought! The Bible says this:

�

"A wiseman thinks ahead; a fool doesn't and even brags about it!" Pr. 13:16(LB)

�

"A goodman thinks before he speaks."�� Pr.15:28 (LB)

�

"Thewise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won't facefacts."�� Pr. 14:8 (LB)

�

Unfortunately many parts of your work seem toconspire to keep you from thinking! Pressures. deadlines. appointments. andinterruptions fill your day so you have no time to think. You stay so busyswatting mosquitoes that you have no time to drain the swamp.

�

Nothing is as important to your job as thinking, yet nothing is harder to findtime for. The solution is to SCHEDULE "THINK" TIME. Make a daily appointmentwith yourself to simply think about your work. Think about what you do, how you doit, and the results you are getting."Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense,and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts." �

Pr.24:3 (LB)

�

�� Your mind is like a muscle. Itdevelops with use. The more you develop it, the more productive you will be.And productive people will always be in demand as we movie into the 21^stcentury. Your brain is God's gift toyou. What you do with it is your giftto God.

Think about it!

Until next week.

�

Discussion Questions:

This week find a quiet place where you can just reflect on the tough issues you are facing at work.� Ask God to meet you there in that reflection and to give you wisdom and insight on how to handle the matter.�
Have you had a situation where you just froze and you did not act right away only to find out after the fact realized it was the right thing to do?�

As you reflect back on a typical work day andwork week, what consumes most of your time?Meetings?� Computer and officetime?� Collaborating with people?� As you look ahead, how would you like to investyour time?

Working With a Sense of Responsibility - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning and purpose of life, but as those who do.� (Ephesians 5:15 Phillips Translation)

The author of Ecclesiastes had two recommendations for life "under the sun".� For those who don't take life serious, fear God and keep his commandments (Ecc 12:13-14).� For those who take life too seriously, enjoy life (Ecc 2:24-25).� How we spend our time determines what we value and what we are investing in.�

We may start our days with the best intentions to be faithful to the Lord in our work and give our best to our employer but those last minute requests, the urgent matters and the report that wasn't finished begin to weigh heavy.� Unreasonable bosses, customers, circumstances or consequences of poor decisions may dictate the pace to us.� We can't seem to break this cycle because we have spent too much time on the non-strategic and non-urgent matters that have come our way.�

We wonder where God is in all of this.� Some days at work are easy going and other days we seem to be running at a reckless pace but we always need to remember that people are more important than processes.�

How we get results is as important as getting them. �For the perpetually stressed and overworked who wear busyness as a badge of honor will miss investing in others and into the future. �How a Christian treats others in the course of getting the job done is an opportunity to reflect the character of God. We cannot be too busy to say "thank you" or notice the person working next to us.�

Time management is life management.

Those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.� (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV)

Pressure is caused by poor choices.

Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are. Help us to spend them as we should. (Psalm 90:12 LB)

Four Tips for Time Management

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise . . . but as wise, (sensible, intelligent people). (Ephesians 5:15 AMP)�

�

Analyze your lifestyle.

Give careful thought to your ways. (Haggai 1:7 NIV)

Prioritize what's important.

Do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly � � � � � � � � � � � � grasping�what the will of the Lord is.� (Ephesians 5:17 AMP)

Economize your energy.

We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight � � � � � � � � � � �hours�in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation,
in bickering and�grabbing everything in sight. (Romans 13:13 MSG)

Utilize the present.�

Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days.

(Ephesians 5:16 GW)

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

When you look at how you invest your time at work, what has been your return on that investment?�
It is too easy to get caught up in non urgent time wasters that are keeping us from moving a big idea forward or developing an important matter.� What are your time wasters and what is the big idea that needs to be done?

How much is God a part of your workday and the things to be done?

Preventing Emotional Burnout - Weekly Workplace Wisdom

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

With all of the pressure and stress in today's marketplace, it's easy to run out of emotional energy.� Whatever you call it ... depression, "burnout", or "the blahs"... it is an inescapable warning light that something is seriously out of balance in your life.

�� How do people get themselves into such an emotional mess?� The answer is Faulty Thinking.� Your emotions are caused by your thoughts- conscious or unconscious.� If you're experiencing depressed feelings, it means your mind is dwelling on depressed thoughts.

�� There is a fascinating story of a man who experienced major burnout in the Bible and how God helped him recover (1 Kings 19).� Right after he experienced the greatest success of his life, Elijah's emotions hit bottom.� He was emotionally and physically depleted, but his faulty thinking made matters worse.� Elijah's 4 mistakes are common to all of us:

�� MISTAKES THAT INTENSIFY BURNOUT

�� 1. We focus on our feelings rather than the facts.�� The mistake of emotional reasoning says "I feel it, so it must be true!"� Elijah said, "I feel like a failure, so I must be one."� The fact is feelings are highly unreliable.� Great performers and athletes know they must learn to ignore the negative feelings they often experience after they've performed.

�� 2. We compare ourselves to others.� This, of course, is a self-defeating trap.� We end up comparing other's strengths to our weaknesses, while ignoring our strengths.� Or we foolishly label ourselves with derogatory statements.� Labels never motivate us to change - they only reinforce what you don't like about yourself.� The Bible says you shouldn't compare yourself to others because you are unique!

�� 3. We blame ourselves for things that aren't our fault.� Elijah took the failure of others personally.� He felt he should be able to control the actions and attitudes of others - a guaranteed formula for depression.� You can influence people, but you can't control them.� People don't always respond the way you'd like.� So lighten up!� Criticizing yourself or others is a poor motivator.

�� 4. �We exaggerate the negative.� This is called having a Pity Party.�� When you're down, everything seems to look worse than it really is.

�� GOD'S PRESCRIPTION FOR BURNOUT

�� 1.� Rest your body. �God didn't scold Elijah for feeling down.� Instead he gave him a vacation with the needed food, rest, and relaxation.

�� 2.� Release your frustration.� Tell God how you feel.� God encouraged Elijah to pour out his inner feelings to him.� Prayer is a great way to let off steam.� Remember, God isn't shocked because He already knows how you feel!

�� 3. Refocus your life. �Get your eyes off your problems and onto the fact that God wants to help you if you'll let him.� He can help you discover a new purpose and also provide the power to move in that direction.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Until next week...

Discussion Questions:

1.�� Which of the four mistakes do you tend to share with Elijah?�

2.�� How would implementing God's prescriptions in your life help you at work and at home?

Fear and the messages from this world can challenge our sense of peace and knowledge of who God created us to be.� How does spending time with the Lord shrink our fears and anxiety?

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2.��� Look for help

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

Lamentations 3:25 (NIV)

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Until next week...

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2.�� Look for help