The Christian Worker By Udeme Anosike

"The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies....."(1)
"A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done...."(2)
"God hates cheating in the marketplace; He loves it when business is aboveboard....."(3)
These are some of the many tidbits of wisdom provided in the Scriptures for the Christian worker or business person. Our God knows that we live in the world and need to earn a living to survive; consequently, He provides abundant counsel in His Word to help us succeed and excel at our work.
Today, many Christians lack wisdom on how to apply the values of their faith to their work or businesses. Some believe that life at work is separate from life in church and therefore put on one "cloak" when engaging in spiritual activities and a completely different one when engaging in business or work-related activities. By so doing, they not only dishonor God, but miss out on an important and fundamental aspect of our Christian faith, namely, we are called to be salt, light, and a blessing to our world.(4)
SALT
As "salt", our Christ-centered lives should add flavor to our workplaces. What a pleasure it is to walk into an office or a shop and be welcomed by a friendly, polite, and knowledgeable employee. What glory it brings to God when that person is one of His children, a Christian who allows the fruit of the Spirit to flow through him or her in the marketplace.
Organizations such as offices, charities, schools, and stores are never without problems and faults, obviously because they are run by imperfect human beings. Even among the best, there are usually ample reasons to complain or become negative after we have been around them for a period of time. But, how pleasant and refreshing it is to find a handful of people who, in the face of those problems and faults, choose to exercise patience and give the other party some benefit of the doubt. What honor it brings to God when such positive attitudes emanate from the Christians who work there or are being served by those organizations!
LIGHT
As "light" we have the task of bringing solid Christian values into the darkness and corruption that pervades our world today. As we demonstrate integrity, transparency, kindness, and justice in our jobs and business dealings, we shine the light of Christ within our circles of interaction. For example, it is not uncommon to find business owners who slash prices to secure projects or make sales, only to add them back later as "unexpected expenses." While such unethical business practices may be considered insignificant in the secular world, they are unacceptable in the kingdom of God. What a joy it is, therefore, to find Christian business people who actively uphold the values of integrity and truth as they offer services to the public.
BLESSINGS
As "blessings", we have been given the grace to bring relief to difficulties in the world around us. Through our obedient and established relationships with God, we can seek and receive wisdom and spiritual breakthrough to help our businesses and workplaces survive today's harsh economic conditions. What a pleasure it is to have a team leader who not only works diligently to ensure completion of tasks, but also lays her entire project and team members in the hands of the Almighty, seeking His favor and blessing and invoking promises such as, "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands ... the Lord will ...bless the work of your hands."(5)
We often under-estimate the value that a genuine Christian can bring to a workplace or business environment. In reality, the virtues needed to build successful businesses (excellence, integrity, respect, customer friendliness, accountability, and more) are similar to the character traits that the Holy Spirit develops in Christians as we mature in our relationships with God. When we follow wholeheartedly, He builds in us qualities that make us valuable assets, not only to the body of Christ, but also to our work places, businesses, and the world at large. Like He did for Joseph, David, and Daniel, He transforms us into people who bring honor and glory to God both in spiritual pursuits and in work and business-related endeavors.
" let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven"Matthew 5:16.
1. Proverbs 12:11 The Message
2. Proverbs 12:27 The Message
3. Proverbs 11:1  The Message
4. Matthew 5:13-16
5. Deuteronomy 28:1,12
Udeme Anosike has journeyed with the Lord for over twenty years. She is an author and teacher of God's Word. Her heart's desire is to help Christians serve God faithfully and live victoriously.
Website: www.refreshingwearysouls.com
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN">http://www.faithwriters.com">CHRISTIAN WRITER

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The Little Penny

Walking across the parking lot tonight I saw a spot on the dark asphalt. It looked like a coin so I bent down and picked it up. My first thought was that it might be rare and important. But it turned out to just be a common copper penny, tarnished and damaged from being run-over too much. You could barely see Lincolns face imprinted on the one side. It was useless.  I quickly saw how it reflected my life in such a way. I felt tarnish, ran-over and useless. Cast away onto the dark asphalt of life.  
I will keep this coin that is useless to the world and keep it in my pocket to remind me how the Lord had picked me up from my uselessness and saved me and making me precious to Himself.  As I carried the little coin and stuck my hand in my pocket and felt its rough edges, I would rub it and thank the Lord for what He had done in my life. Then I noticed something strange. The little coin’s rough edges were becoming smooth from my rubbing.
I saw quickly how the hard times I was going through was the Lord rubbing me to a copper shine. The way the coin was made. The way I was made. All this time I thought the Lord’s hand was rubbing me too hard and hurting me, but He was rubbing me lovingly to make me valuable to Himself. He is making me new again.

Bell Ringing Lesson

While ringing bells for the Salvation Army, I had been asking the children whose birthday we were celebrating this month. I had one little girl pipe up and say, "mine". We all laughed at her innocence, but I got to thinking about this. I thought that although we celebrate Christ's birthday in December, not knowing the exact day, it would be good for us to remember why He came. That is to give us a new birthday. All those who have been born again as taught in John Chapter 3, should take some time this season to celebrate our spiritual birthday. If we will lift up to Him the thankfulness He deserves, we offer Him the greatest of gifts that we can give Him.

The Late Zig Ziglar

Late Zig Ziglar Hailed as a 'Giant of the Faith' - US - CBN News - Christian News 24-7 - CBN.com

Ring Those Bells

Picture from 2007

This year I decided to go back to ringing bells for the Salvation Army because of being unemployed and still trying to finish college. I did this awhile back about (around 2007 when I wrote this post) three years in a row.

It is amazing the things you learn. Here are the things I always see:

1. A small child asking her parent if she can put money into the pot and the parent tells her she can put her own money in if she wants. The child comes up with a beautiful smile on her face and opens her purse and pulls out all the bills she had in her purse and puts them in. Then she dumps her change purse. Then she digs to the bottom of the purse and puts in all the extra change found there. Then quickly smiles and runs off before I can offer her candy from the SA apron I'm wearing. In the Spiritual Life of a Christian I see in this child a trust that we need to learn. Her supply does not depend on her but her Father (or Mother). She can give all because her Father will replace it. She trusts Him. Like-wise we should be able to give of ourselves freely because we trust in God the Father to supply our needs. And do it with a smile.
2. I have to laugh at the one's who come by and put a nickel, dime or some pennies, then comment,"I might better give because I might need them one day". This is ridiculous at the least. The Lord does not bless because of a gift but by His mercies. There is a law for giving that says we will get back what we give with interest (so-to-speak). So I hope they get their dimes worth. Give from the heart, that's were the Lord looks. The Bible is full of the right way to give. Giving to get isn't it.
3. Also I see many people who just walk by and ignore you. These people are probably tired of hearing the bells and feeling guilty because they don't think they can afford to give. Unknowing all the Army wishes to get is pocket change. They would like more but they know if everyone gave there pocket change, it would add up and supply the need. One thing I believe is that we should "glean" from our shopping. When the time comes to pay, don't pay the correct change down to the cent. Use larger bills so that you would have change left on purpose to give. This is a biblical concept called gleaning. Were the workers in the fields would not harvest the grain that they drop so the poor could pick it up for themselves. This is a good way to do it and do it as an act of worship.
4. People in general may seem rude and lack manners. This is a result of the dehumanizing of people in our schools and teaching that we are only animals without a need for morals.
5. There was some very bright spots to speak of. One person came up and stated that She had needed the Army to help with giving gifts to her children for the past two years but today she didn't and wanted to help.

All-in-all it was a good experience and I recomend it to all.

Obama Re-Election is Punishment from God

I had read a post on facebook by missionary to Haiti, Yvonne Melchionne Trimble, the other day before the 2012 election. She prophecied that Obama would win and it was the punishment of God on America. I also believe this is true. The Bible speaks of God putting in place rulers such as in verse 15 of Proverbs 8, but He will give the people what they demand and the people will have to be held responsible as told in First Samual 8:1-22. So with the judgement of God on US. We can turn to the OT and see which why we must now go. In Jereimah 18: 7 it says:
"If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, ⁸ and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. ⁹ And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, ¹⁰ and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it."
Our preachers must leave their get rich gospel and self-help teachings and preach Repentance. We must turn back to God. The Bible was writin for our instruction, it is all there. First let us develope our relationship with the Lord ourselves so we can hear His voice. You will know it because it will agree with the Word of God. I encourage all Christians, humble yourselves, heal the sick, feed the hungrey and preach the gospel to the poore. That's what we do best.
As posted on Facebook at (Wayne Brooks)

Merchandising the Church

For some time now I have been sharing at Church the teachings of Jesus. What He taught directly and indirectly. I am doing this by tracing His steps through the Bible lands and teaching what He was saying or doing.

I start with Jesus in Jerusalem during the Passover:

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, t “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up. John 2:17

Jesus came to the temple and found a group offering their services of providing animals for sacrifice, for a price, and exchanging “heathen” money for temple coinage. It is assumed they are cheating the worshippers. But Jesus makes only one accusation. They were merchandising the House of God. They were making money off the worshippers for a profit. Now I’ll not mention what Keith Green calls Jesus Junk”. Which are items made for sale to Christians. Cheaply made trinkets with a fish or dove stamped on it. But I speaking of instead of allowing the Church to allow the Holy Spirit to draw worshippers, but Churches advertising services that they supply in order to draw other Christians away from their Churches or fellowships. Depending on a good marketing firm to gain attendance is a current popular trend. I see Jesus really having a problem with this. They are trusting worldly ways to grow a Church. Now I have seen some of these Churches gaining attendance and some even getting saved and baptized. I’m not going to judge them in this. I think the Lord will not turn people away when their hearts are in the right place, or until the Lord reveals the truth to them. Some are doing this because it is the only way they know.

Here in these verses, the Lord is showing how He feels about this practice. In case you did not know, this is the first of two times the Lord does this. The second time, the Jewish leaders put a price on His head. Maybe the Lord is allowing this in our Churches now and soon these worldly Christians reached by worldly ways will mature and become disciples in Christ. The Lord is patent, He had seen these people in the people many times before, but when it was time to change, He showed the way. Maybe He spoke against this practice when He was speaking to the teachers back when he was 12 and got left in Jerusalem by His parents. So carry on in the name of the Lord, but when the time comes to change Bride’s ways, it is time. Let’s get the same zeal for the House of God as Jesus had. When the Groom comes for the Bride, He wants her in a wedding gown, not a sales apron.

Are YOU a Workplace Apostle?

by Michael Tummillo

The word 'apostle' simply means "a sent one." Contrary to Church teaching and individual beliefs, the word describes the FUNCTION of an individual who is either sent or called upon and is NOT an elite title. If one is an apostle it is because he/she has been sent. In other words, God has opened the door and the apostle has obediently walked through it. If you are working at a particular job for a certain company, the ONLY reason you're there is because God ALLOWED it. He has you there for a reason. You have been sent; you are an apostle there. That is, in fact, the MAIN reason you are there. It's not merely to advance the cause of the organization and it's not merely to earn more money. On the contrary, you are there because the Father needed you there. What are you doing with that responsibility? If we are faithful with the little things, God will make us rulers over much more. Promotion, after all, doesn't come from the East or the West - it comes from above. It stands to reason that if we work hard, arrive early, stay late, have an infectious 'can-do' attitude about our jobs and are genuinely glad to be there, we'll get pay raises, bonuses, promotions and favor and will be given an opportunity to influence the lives of an even greater number of people - either through promotion or extended tenure, working there longer and meeting greater numbers who come and go while you remain a constant force. Believe me, every one of us is a person of influence. We are ALL being watched by someone on some level. I have interviewed many employees who have recalled moments - good and bad- when some Christian person in the workplace made either a positive or negative impact on their life. Be the best Workplace Apostle you can be. The same Hebrew root (avodah) was used for 'work' as for 'worship' and was mentioned over 800 times in Scripture. That’s more than all the words used to express worship, praise, music and singing combined! Does God need apostles at Work? You bet He does - it's where we spend the majority of our waking hours. Every blessing, Michael Tummillo Workplace Chaplain http://www.YourTown4Jesus.com If you would like to SUBSCRIBE to my FREE Workplace Ministry E-newsletter called "The Communique," simply Hit REPLY and type "WORK" in your SUBJECT BAR. Also, if you're a Facebook Member, join my Workplace Ministry group called "The Church @ Work" (TCAW). Shared from FaithWriters.com

Evidence - Red Sea Crossing

I found this on the net and was surprised I had never heard of this discovery.

Evidence - Red Sea Crossing

Christian Ethics in the Workplace

I found an interview with Dr. C Everett Koop on "Christian Ethics" in the workplace. On YouTube. http://youtu.be/HsZwhp6zlbo

God Don’t Give Socks for Christmas

Have you ever had one of those times when the Lord gave you something unexpected? Something that He used to show you that He is near and He cares. Driving in my old pickup, that I affectionately call Williford, I noticed how nice it would be to have a sliding glass rear window. Seeing I have no AC and not likely to pay to have it fixed anytime soon. I could almost feel the wind on my neck from the air blowing in. Well it was a nice dream. I did not ask for one, and it was not on my list of priorities to get. Many other things, besides a truck window, was on my NEEDS list and that was a WANT. So I removed it from my mind.
Then one day as my wife and I where coming down our neighborhood street. This was odd in itself since my wife rarely accompanies me in Williford. Then she tells me to stop and turns around and says,” There is a window beside the road that is unbroken.” That was a strange thing to hear and I did not see it. I am usually the one who sees things beside the road and have to fight to keep from picking it up. So I turned around and after she pointed it out, I saw it not in the ditch, but lying on the asphalt beside the road. I saw it and it was a rear window that had sliding glass doors and tinted. I had forgotten my desire for a window like it for my truck and immediately thought it might sell at our ministry thrift store. But when we got it home we held it up to my rear window and it was a perfect fit. I got happy that I had a window for my old pickup. I thanked my wife and I thanked God. The chances that a window for my ’89 Ford pickup was laying in the road in my busy neighborhood, unbroken, was indeed a gift from God.

We trust in the Lord to provide for our needs. They are supplied daily and sometimes get’s to be so common that we do not acknowledge them. But the Lord promises to always provide these needs as our Heavenly Father. Wants, is another story. Just as a boy loves gifts at Christmas, because it is a want that makes it special. Socks and clothes should be given during the year. And a Christmas gift is a gift of Grace. We do not deserve the gift, it is from our parents. Forget Santa Clause and the naughty and nice list. In reality children do not have to do anything to receive gifts during Christmas. Because it is a way to show children they are special and loved. Likewise God has a way of giving us gifts of Grace that we did not need or deserve. Just His way of saying, I love you and I’m here for you.” Socks are good and needed, but it’s the gifts that show us a Holy Father that goes beyond promises.

Review of "Blue Like Jazz" by Don Miller

I held off on this book. I usually do not read new books when they come out. I wait till they hit the thrift stores or someone trust-worthy recommends it. My son recommended it and I found a copy in our Church thrift store. It turned out not to be what I expected. It was not another seeker-pleaser church-bashing book. This book reads like a journal. The author leads us through his personal spiritual immaturity. At the end we see some growth. It has some good ideas on community and some bad.This book offers to show us a little immaturity in ourselves. I know even though I've followed the Lord for 30 years, I saw some in myself. I believe this is a book for the believer and the non. When you start on it, give it a chance all the way to the end. I read some things I did not agree with but there was a lot I did.

Bookcrossing ID 11138469

Mother's Day Thought

On Mother's day tomorrow there will many sermons and thoughts in our Churches and on radio programs on the virtues on motherhood and praise for worthy Mothers. But for years I've wondered about those who sit and listen and were not blessed with such a Mother. So here is a little quote for those.
"Love and honour given to a good Mother is your gift to her, love and honour to a bad Mother is your gift to God."  Wayne Brooks

By Way of Appomattox

 I left my home in Alabam,
To fight with the boys of the 60th.
Like other natives of Pike County,
Who too fought against invaders galore.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like others, be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

We spent some time at Chickamauga,
And picnicked at Snodgrass Hill.
The main course was Union lead,
And canister shot was dessert.

I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like most, be buried in a canvas sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Present at Knoxville’s siege, Gracie’s boys in reserve.
We watched Ole Miss fall,
while General Braggs stood alone.
We never should have left his side.

Not knowing if I would make it back,
To where my loved ones back home,
Or would I be buried in a burlap sack.
But now, I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

When General Longstreet saw the mistake,
We rushed off to join with Braggs.
The enemy tried to stop us at Bean’s Station,
We paid their toll at a mighty high price.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Wounded in a skirmish around Richmond,
Caused me to sit out Drury’s Bluff.
Then returned to Company A,
To fight our way to the courthouse.

I knew then that I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
I did not die or get myself buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

It was a long, long walk from Virginia to Alabam.
Caught a train and wagon when I could.
The cause was dead but I was alive.
I prayed I would make it back to the ones I love.

Making it back to my loved ones dear,
Remembering the trials the Lord had brought me through,
Knowing He also walked a long, long way to the cross,
Made my walk seem not near so hard.

Now I’m fighting another battle, One I know I’ll win.
Because He won the fight on the cross to set me free.
Now I’m on my way home to the Savior I love so dear.
Not by way of Appomattox, but by way of Calvary.

 In memory of: Private Edward Y.Martin
60th Alabama Regiment. Company A, 3rd Battalion Hillary’s legion.
And all of those who made the long trek back to their homes after the Civil War.

Should You Use the Bible to Prove the Bible?

What I've Learned in Class This Term About Voting

What I have learned in Busn and Personal Finance class this term is that our economy has a regular cycle. It Peaks, then contracts, then bottoms out, then recovery, then growth, and then peaks again. The hope is that each time it peaks that it will be better than the last time it did. The bottom out or "Through" is not as bad as the last time and the recovery time is shorter. But all in all the economy is suppose to make this cycle without fail. So I have been wondering if this is true, then why all the fuss during election time. Was the Bush administration not at fault, they were just in the wrong cycle? Do we just need to keep things as is and let the cycle work it's magic? Who do we vote for or does it matter. The Cycle has chosen. So if this is true then we need to turn and vote for who we believe is the most moral of the bunch. Who can we trust the most. If a person has no compassion for the unborn, do they really have compassion for the born? If they have lied in congress, will they not lie in the white house? This is just a thought. The cycle be praised!
Figure from Kelly/McGowen BUSN 4th Edition c.2012 South-Western, Cengage Learning

Book Review: God Chasers by Tenny

The God Chasers: "My Soul Follows Hard After Thee" by Tommy Tenney








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Recommended Read: From Jerusalem to Iran Jaya by Ruth Tucker

From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions by Ruth A. Tucker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Great book for any person interested in missions. Church history students would also enjoy.



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For Whom the World Was Not Worthy

I would like to take this time to honor some fallen soldiers. Not the ones in brown with body armor, but those only wearing spiritual armor. Two Texas missionaries were brutally murdered in Mexico on February 2, 2011 . They were John and Wanda Casias of the First Fundamental Independent Baptist Church in Santiago. They had been serving there since 1979. Drug cartels are blamed for this crime. It seems we are losing our elder warriors at an alarming rate. Where are the younger generation that we here that are on fire for the Lord. Will they rise up to battle or are they content to stay in their contemporary Church services with their casual dress and contemporary worship? We need some with the old time religion of these devoted saints.

I also just learned of 59 year old Nancy Davis who was also gunned down in Mexico last January 27,2011. Here is a snip from a youtube video of her and Sam, her husband.

Let us remember these sanits and all the others that serve the Lord. Not just will to die for Him but to really live for Him in the fullest.