Have you ever thought about giving your work place to God? Today's post, was first published by B. Parks, on January 4, 2017 at Gotential, a great resource for those interested in doing "tentmaking" ministry. Adapted, used by permission.
I was teaching English to the head professor of the anatomy and physiology department at a large university in Turkey. One day, wiggling my fingers on the table in front of her, I pondered aloud, "Our hands are a magnificent creation aren’t they?" She smiled and said, "Yes, our human systems are the evidence of God." A calm moment of agreement settled in, and then I asked her, "have you read the story of Creation in the Bible?” A new energy flashed through her eyes as she leaned forward eagerly and said, “I have always heard of that book, what does it say?"
This educated woman had "heard" there is such a thing as a Bible but had NEVER seen nor read one. I told her the creation account and then asked her if she would like a Bible of her own. She was delighted. As it turned out, it was the beginning of the end of a major problem she had.
The scripture asks these two poignant questions, "How can someone believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how can they hear without a messenger?" (
Romans 10:14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?). The same scripture answers it’s own questions with this absolute statement: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." (
Romans 10:17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God., paraphrased).
I pause here to ask you two poignant question: 1) Would you like to see one of your work associates find faith in Jesus in this year? 2) Would you be willing to be the messenger communicating God’s Word for your work associate IF God were to appoint you?
The Word of God is unusual in that it is the solution to so many problems . . . the very kinds of problems that cripple those you work with: Family problems, esteem problems, will-power problems, selfishness problems, debt problems, depression problems, worry problems, fear problems. The word of God solves the very kind of problems that the people around you have. Jesus leaps from the promises and verses to muscle His winning influence into the lives of people who hear them.
Here are three things you can do to help bring the solution God offers to the people around you in your work place.
1) Dedicate both your work and your workplace to God.
A simple prayer: "God in heaven, my work, my vocation, my company is yours to use as a medium for your Majesty's service. I dedicate my time and effort to you."
2) Pray by name, privately, for the people you work with.
A simple prayer: "Father God, I ask that this year you speak with
. As their friend I pray the power of the cross would come alive to them."
3) Receive God's ordination as the "chaplain" of your workplace.
A simple prayer: "God, you have told me through the Bible that all believers are priests in your kingdom, so I step into that role at my workplace. I accept your ordination to be a chaplain, to pray for, listen, counsel, and help those I work with. I am ready - you lead the way."
Comments
What about you? Have you ever given your workplace to God? Have you ever thought of yourself as a chaplain to the people you work with? What might happen if every believer prayed these three prayers?
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Posted by Liza W on 08/04/17 |
| Challenging because I want to leave my job!..Still something I'm thinking about, how to be a witness even though I've lost the joy of my job.. |
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Posted by Fiona van Wyk on 06/22/17 |
It is as you say, Dan, that it IS amazing what people can get used to, after a time. The mind boggles, though, about getting used to that height!!!
But, as you say, Dan, we too, can become used to things that were a bit scary initially, like driving a car for the first time, but with practice these things become normal. It is an encouraging thought. :-) |
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Posted by Dan Vis on 06/16/17 - Coach |
| It's a pretty well known picture Fiona. Not sure the original source, but it is amazing. Shows what people can get used to with a bit of experience. Maybe that says something in itself about our potential for growing in our ability to witness... That's a thought isn't it. |
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Posted by Fiona van Wyk on 06/16/17 |
The picture you have chosen for this memo, Dan, is amazing! It makes me feel a bit of vertigo just looking at it!
Sharing our faith in the workplace is sometimes a difficult thing, but sometimes I was surprised about the topics that would come up at lunchtimes and tea times. They were golden opportunities. I hope I made the most of them ... The work friends were interested to hear what I believed (and another work colleague who was of the same faith.) |
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Posted by Dan Vis on 06/15/17 - Coach |
| Sounds like the Lord really opened that door for you Marion. So glad you were willing to be used by God to move forward and share a bit. The Lord gives opportunities. It's up to us to make the most of them... |
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Posted by Marion Coppock on 06/14/17 |
I too am retired, but share my faith in my Volunteer activities. Recently I had a friend (Olga)who almost started our conversation with "I have decided the Trump is the antichrist" I took a breath and said that is not what the Bible teaches. I have followed this up with giving her the Amazing Facts Website and told her I would be willing to study with her. Pray with me that there will be more interest.
We are from Canada |
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Posted by Dan Vis on 06/14/17 - Coach |
| Great to hear your willingness to serve the Lord in your family, Jackie. I'm sure the Lord will bless... |
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Posted by Jacqueline on 06/12/17 |
I am ready and willing to be used as a chaplain and the priest of my home. Please prepare my sons heart. Joshua the word is quick, and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a diserner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.. Let us come to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace, that help in every time of need. Hebrews 4:12,16For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. . . . Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Joshua 1:8-98 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. KJV
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. [9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. [16]
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. [16]I know you shall supply our every need. If we are to move to Vancouver you will shut the doors that need to be shut and open wide the doors that no one can shut.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. [5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. [6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] please help strengthen me to be used by the Holy Spirit in a mighty way. I dedicate every vocation my house and my life to use as you wish. I. Jesus name.Amen |
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Posted by Dan Vis on 06/12/17 - Coach |
Glad to see this post has been a blessing, and that so many of you have already made that commitment to be God's representative in your work place. Praise God!
Let's all do continue to keep each other uplifted in prayer, that God would give us greater impact.
Carole, to check off a reading in a challenge, just click "Challenges" at the top of the page, then the reading you need to check off. Use the help hotline if you have trouble.
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Posted by Marvin Rich on 06/12/17 |
| I experienced some of this when I was working. People knew that I was a Christian. Not so much by my words but by my actions and they would come and talk to me about things that were on their minds. We had a great time. I was always concerned and interested in my fellow workers. God is Good! |
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Posted by Albert Owusu Ansah on 06/12/17 |
Sure Dan, we can't force religion anyone. One of our sales guys called me days after the Manchester tragedy because he knows am a religious person like himself. We spoke about how the love of many has grown cold like the Bible said. I offered to give him a book asked if he had enough time read. He actually agreed to read the I will be sending him. I plan on sending him Great Controversy and Steps to Christ (both in German). I believe this is an appropriate platform to ask for prayers for him. He is very open and am glad about that.
Please say a prayer for him.
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Posted by Carole Bliss on 06/12/17 |
Dan, I forgot to check off I read todays' lesson. Having trouble finding
the page to check it off.
Carole |
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Posted by Benz on 06/12/17 |
| What a wonderful memo to share! I had a great experience too in inviting God to rule in my workplace. He could do extraordinary things for you. It reminds us of the great commission given to us to take up the very work that Christ did while on this earth. Thank you for this memo Dan Vis. God bless us all! |
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Posted by Carole Bliss on 06/12/17 |
This really hits home. I am now retired, but, when I was working I was a Spiritual Ambassador in our dept. We had once a month meetings to learn how to carry that role out. We had daily prayer time, and a prayer list. To me, it was my most important role, and our LORD blessed in many ways.
Carole |
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Posted by Lillian E. Cepeda on 06/12/17 |
I have enjoyed this powerful message. I am going to share it with some friends that are still working, including my daughter and my son.
I am now retired from nursing. For many years I prayed for my co-workers.
I have been praying for my best college girlfriend since 1969. I gave her and her mother Bible studies. Her Mom got baptized. She is now resting in Jesus. My girlfriend still haven't accepted the message of Salvation, but every time I go to visit the country, I do encourage her to look up for the time is near, and for the Blessed Hope we have in Christ. |
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Posted by Dan Vis on 06/12/17 - Coach |
| Great to hear the different ways you are sharing! Great idea Jill to include prayer as part of your training process. :) Albert, we do have to be careful to not push religion on people who are not open, but rather find ways to first soften and open their heart. Giving out books as gifts is another great idea Ann. Lots of opportunities to do that, aren't there. Just need to have a supply on hand and let the Spirit guide us. And bless the books too, of course! |
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Posted by Ann Lavenburg on 06/12/17 |
| Oh how I pray that the copies of the Great Controversy and Desire of Ages and Steps to Christ bear fruit. I have given out many to work colleagues and graduating high school students and just recently a computer tech who is so tired of computers that when he gets home he wants to read PRINT. I was unable to say much in a public school situation but.....God has promised that his word would not return onto him void. Please Lord protect the literature and make it bear fruit. I am retired as of June 8 and now I need to pray more earnestly for this. I have never seen any fruit but I am trusting god thay there will be. |
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Posted by Albert Owusu Ansah on 06/12/17 |
| Great message!! I have been praying for some of my work colleagues and have occasionally pointed them to the bible. It's a bit difficult out here and am being very careful about how I go about telling people about Jesus. I share my office with a lady who actually hates God and doubts His existence mainly because of her experience as a child. It is a difficult task but nothing is too hard for God. |
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Posted by Jill Macgillivray on 06/12/17 |
| Yes I surely want to be a messenger for the Lord in my daily activities (when you enjoy what you do, you can hardly call it 'work'). Today I encouraged two girls who were learning how to use an overlocker, to pray before they use it, as I had just been praying for the Holy Spirit to touch me as I worked on an overlocker for another woman. I believe He answered that prayer with success, thus I could share that experience with the two new girls - I want to share more in my 'work' place, what Jesus means to me and how He helps me in the insignificant chapters of my life. |
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