Faithtalk Spring 2016

Can I Talk About God at Work?

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God’s Will And Your Job PAGE 18

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The Christian Work Ethic

Salem Media Group

letstalkfaith.com

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1380TheBiz.com

Greetings FaithTalk Friends!

This year FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN celebrates 15 years of providing the best in Christian media for communities throughout Tampa Bay from New Port Richey south to Port Charlotte and east to Kissimmee as well as anywhere around the world you go with your smartphone and our downloaded app or internet.

It’s a joy to remember each of you daily and bring you the best preaching, teaching and Christian ministry information as well as the best businesses to do business with that are available today.

BARBARA YODER GENERAL MANAGER 5211 W. Laurel St. Tampa, FL 33607 ph- 813-349-8232 f - 813-639-1272 barb@salemtampa.com www.salemtampa.com www.LetsTalkFaith.com www.760RadioLuz.com www.am860TheAnswer.com www.am930TheAnswer.com www.1380TheBiz.com

You come to FaithTalk to be connected – to churches, ministries, and people that represent products and services you, your family and your own business needs. And though it can be said that I work for you, dear reader, I want you to know that I really work for Jesus as so many of you also do. I know this is an area that we are all challenged by, so you’ll find in this special issue a focus on treating each of our jobs as our ministry to impact lives.

Story upon story in the Bible relate the marketplace ministries of imperfect people like us, that use the place where God plants them, to share with co-workers and customers how God’s working in their lives. In the following pages you’ll find encouragement and inspiration for your marketplace ministry in whatever you do.

Please send me a note and share how your job is your marketplace ministry and if, after 15 years, the pastors, on air ministries and programs on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN have impacted you or those you know in some way, let me know that as well. We hear from many of you and would love to know your story too.

Many Blessings,

BARBARA J. YODER GENERAL MANAGER FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN

LETSTALKFAITH.COM

SPRING 2016

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10

Making Tents At Work?

by Bill Bunkley

6 A Simple Life

by David Jeremiah

13 Can I Talk About God At Work?

by Jim Daly

26

16 Be Faithful In The Small Things

by Michael Youssef

by R.C. Sproul

by Stephen Rummage

18 God’s Will And Your Job

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22 The Christian Work Ethic 26 The Courage To Speak

by Charles Stanley

29 Who Do You Work For, Really?

by Jim Brangenberg

31 Overqualified, Over-The-Hill, Overflowing With Assets?

by June Hunt

35 New York Yankees Call Ken Whitten ‘Mentor’

by David Roach

Inspiration behind the theme for this edition of FaithTalk Magazine “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) 4

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General Manager BARBARA YODER barb@salemtampa.com

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Simple A

Life

by Dr. David Jeremiah

We live in the most complex age known to man! Never have there been as many choices, options, possibilities, and alternatives for our lives as there are today—not to mention possessions. We thank God for much of that complexity when it comes to issues such as health care, education, jobs, and means of enjoyment. But even those aspects of our life that provide needed benefits come with a price: they cost enormous amounts of money, take up huge amounts of time, and require continuous “cycles” of our brainpower, conscious and subconscious, to process them.

Life has become so complex that we hardly have any emotional, spiritual, or intellectual free time or down time. From the moment we rise in the morning until we crash at night, the average American is sprinting through the day. Aside from trying to have a devotional time with the Lord as often as possible, Christians’ lives seem

not to be any less complex in our Scripture to pray about everything society than non-Christians’ lives. (Philippians 4:6-7). Pouring out our heart to God about our need So what’s a follower of Christ to to simplify is the perfect place to do in the twenty-first century? Is begin. Ask Him for wisdom (James this the way our lives should look, 1:5), creativity, and direction. or is it possible to live a simpler, less complex life? Another way to ask Next, do an assessment. Psalm that question is to consider how 84:10 expresses the kind of Christ would live in 2016. What reflection that helps us measure resemblance would our life have to our practice against our priorities: His? “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather That’s a hypothetical question, be a doorkeeper in the house of but one worth considering. Since my God than dwell in the tents I would not presume to tell you of wickedness.” This verse shows specifically how to simplify your that thousands of years ago, people life in detail, let’s think in terms of reflected on their lives and chose principles that might help us all as the best over the possible, the good, we wrestle with our own crisis of and the better. We have to be willing complexity. to make those same choices in our life.

Steps Toward Simplicity When you have talked with God First, pray. Matters of busyness and others, and assessed your life’s and complexity in our life are no “complexity quotient,” consider different than our need for daily pursuing some of the following bread. We are encouraged in strategies.

Dr. Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point for God, and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. For more information about Turning Point, go to www.DavidJeremiah.org. Turning Point Radio Show, airs on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN weekdays at 4:30, 8:30 am and 1:30 pm.

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• Decide: Ultimately, all of life is a series of choices. Joshua presented the Israelites with a choice they had to make concerning who they would serve: the Lord or false gods (Joshua 24:15). Each of us must decide whether we will live complex and harried lives or simple, focused, and peaceful lives.

• Divest: Choices often lead to divesting ourselves of those things that don’t match our new commitments. Paul divested himself of the religious trappings he had accumulated when he became a Christian (Philippians 3:7-8, 13). We may need to divest ourselves of possessions, commitments, activities, attachments, even relationships that do not lead to the simple lifestyle we seek. You may need to encourage your children to do the same: “You may choose one after-school activity per week.”

• Declare: I’m thinking of two things here. First, be willing to say “No” to opportunities that don’t support your choices. We are almost afraid to say “No” today for fear of offending. But Jesus said “No” all the time. When He went to the Pool of Bethesda, He only healed one person out of the multitudes of afflicted people who were gathered there (John 5:2-9). Second, be willing to say “Yes.” When you decide to make changes in your life that lead to a simpler lifestyle, tell someone else. Make yourself accountable for your decisions.

• Detoxify: We live in a toxic age—spiritually as well as environmentally. If you depend on caffeine to fuel your daytime and sleeping pills to soothe your nighttime . . . , if you are too busy to exercise regularly . . . , if you stay up late watching TV . . . , if you while away hours every week surfing the Internet . . . , and if you have time to read the paper but not your Bible . . . — it’s time to detoxify. You will feel better and live better, too (Philippians 4:8-9).

• Decompress: If Jesus Christ could make time to go into the mountains to relax and pray, surely you and I can (Mark 6:46). A life without time to reflect and contemplate is a life that is too complex.

• Delegate: This is one especially for moms who are burning the candle at both ends, trying to keep up: Get your children involved in sharing the load! There is no reason children (depending on age) can’t help with housework, learn to do their own laundry, make their own lunches for school, help with meal preparation, help younger siblings with schoolwork and other jobs, and do other tasks that moms (and dads) typically do themselves. A two, three, four, or five-fold cord is stronger than a single strand alone (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

• Depend: I say this last because it is most important: You must stay focused as a lifestyle on living in the presence of Christ. Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship with others who have the same goals—these are the gateway into the focused life (the simple life) we seek to live (John 15:5). The more time we spend with Him, the more our life will look like His. I encourage you to consider these strategies—and others the Lord shows you—as you seek to develop a lifestyle of priorities and peace that reflect the kingdom of God. LETSTALKFAITH.COM

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Are You When it comes to work, that’s a God-ordained activity that has its origins all the way back to the earliest instructions given to man by the great I AM. In the book of Genesis Chapter 2:15, God created Adam in His image and gave him his life’s instructions to live in the Garden of Eden and to work the field and take care of it.

Those basic instructions for living were set forth even before Eve came into the picture to be Adam’s helpmate. Many are under the false impression that the commandment for work only came after the fall when both are banished from God’s lush garden. Work was not a punishment brought on by their sin; work was a positive activity from the very beginning that matched beautifully with the God-given desires within us for self-worth and accomplishment.

But work was not designed solely for our personal inner benefit. In fact work, as we learn later in Scripture, is also a means to an end.

Today we associate our leaders in ministry as being employed fulltime.

That is actually a later model that didn’t match up with the experience of most of our earliest church fathers.

Remember back to the humble but 10

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FAITHTALK 570 & 910 WTBN

In 1 Peter 2:5, we come to understand that Christians are all members of the priesthood of believers. We all have direct access to God through His Son Jesus, equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit. If we are Priests, we are to minister to those around us. The key point here is that this is a verse Later in the book of Acts, the for all Christians, not just full-time Apostle Paul subscribed to us a pastors and ministers. model I believe God is still calling Christians to follow today.

Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth pointed out that we are Before coming to Christ, Paul to be ambassadors for Christ. An was a tent maker. As we read in ambassador is as an accredited the scriptures when he set off on diplomat sent by a country as its his multiple missionary journeys official representative to a foreign throughout Asia Minor and Europe, country. We are citizens here in he often relied on his tent making America but more importantly expertise, his secular work, to we are citizens of heaven by support his preaching and writing. virtue of our acceptance of Now let’s be clear here. Paul taught Jesus as our Savior that people in full-time ministry and His subsequent were worthy of our financial support. adoption of us But for Paul, he chose to work so as into the family of to be a good witness to those he was God. Therefore, we trying to both reach and disciple. are representatives of Christ as His So I ask the question, even though ambassador as we a Christian in their workplace go about our daily might not view themselves as a bi- lives, including at our vocational minister like Paul, is that workplace. an accurate assessment? I suggest not. Further review of additional A third directive to us is the Great scripture references give us a picture Commission found in Matthew of what a Christian’s opportunities 28:16-20, where each Christian is are in view of their ministry within charged with making disciples of a bi-vocational setting. all nations. Unfortunately, disciple work oriented beginnings of most of Jesus’ apostles. Andrew, James, John, Peter, and Phillip were rugged fisherman. Matthew was a publican or tax collector. Even after Jesus was crucified we see some of His men back at work in their chosen profession.

Making Tents ork?

W t A

by Bill Bunkley

making has fallen out of favor here making” legacy of the apostle Paul. in America.

In your place of work you’re probably not making tents but you are making We see the results of this failure. another product or providing a Many self-proclaiming Christians service. Your work is very important today are shallow and carnal in in meeting your daily needs, but it is nature because after they had become not your first priority. believers, they did not receive one-on-one personal discipleship If Christ is your Savior, He is your mentoring during their first year first priority. And as such, if you with Christ. Online sermons, video are a true disciple of His, you are instruction or audio recordings part of His ministering priesthood, are no substitutes you are His ambassador to this lost for spending time world, and He commanded you not weekly with a just to share the gospel but to make veteran of the faith. disciples of those around you. All I believe if we put three of these directives are 24/7, as much emphasis 365 days a year responsibilities and on disciple-making commitments. And because most as on sharing people spend most of their time at Christ the past few work, that is their primary field of decades, we would Christian witness and service. have a much more mature Christian Consider starting each morning body of believers rededicating your day to His service today. as your first priority. Be prepared to serve Jesus as priest, ambassador So how does this all come and disciple maker. Look upon together in your workplace? your employment as to working unto Him; not to your boss or I believe all of us who are shareholders. By doing so your boss employed today should follow or shareholders will get the VERY in the bi-vocational “tent best employee possible. As in Paul’s

“tent making” experience, your work is providing for your needs so that you can meet your first priority of personal ministry on behalf of Christ.

Your Christ like example at work serves as being His personal ambassador. It is your best witnesing tool. It allows you to be noticed as a caring and giving person, always doing more than expected, going beyond as a model employee.

Serving as His priest you may be asked by a fellow employee for advice when then are going through a tough situation. And after gaining trust, you may have an opportunity to disciple a fellow employee after work hours. In doing so, you are doing exactly what Paul did in his ministry.

So what about you? Can you see yourself as a “tent maker” at work?

Do you accept your role of service as a bi-vocational lay minister?

I pray you do and by doing so life will be an exciting adventure as you pour your life into the lives of others, especially at work.

Tune in to The Bill Bunkley Show weekdays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN. His commentary “Something to Think About” can also be heard daily on AM 860 and 930 The Answer as well as on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN.

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by Jim Daly Christians are increasingly coming up against perspectives in the workplace that run counter to our biblical worldview. That can easily put believers in a precarious position: Should we stay silent? Or should we speak up, bring light into the darkness, and act as a positive witness for Christ?

If your employer advises you against sharing your views while on the job, you can still talk with co-workers outside of the workplace. There’s nothing to restrict you from having a conversation about the Lord over lunch, at dinner, or at a weekend gathering.

With those precautions in mind, let’s double-back to what it means to show “sensitivity and respect toward your co-workers.” I believe Scripture encourages us to share our faith with love and grace. Colossians 4:5-6 says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let But first things first. your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may Keep in mind that free speech rights know how you ought to answer each don’t apply to private companies. person.”

The First Amendment protects you only against government attempts The most effective way to influence to limit liberty of expression. Private someone for the Lord is to develop employers are not obligated to a friendship. That means building support an employee’s expression of authentic relationships, not seeing personal views. Your employer can’t people merely as “projects.” discipline or terminate you because Communicating the love of Christ of your religion, but they can accuse has as much to do with our actions you of “creating a hostile workplace” as it does the words we speak. if you aren’t showing sensitivity and respect toward your co-workers. So Many Christians resist making be careful. deep connections with people they’re I think much of the answer to that depends on how we handle ourselves.

Christians don’t need to lead secret lives in the workplace, but wisdom is crucial, and our words and actions need to be seasoned with grace.

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hoping to reach. They’d rather lob Scripture from a convenient distance.

But if you want to play a part in putting the hands of non-believers into the hand of the Savior, you have to get close enough to risk getting hurt.

have been called to make disciples, not just converts. That requires a much deeper investment from us into the people to whom we’re ministering.

So talk with people, not at them.

Extend them a little patience and empathy. Strive to show them unconditional love and respect.

Invest in them, “neighbor” with them, and introduce God’s grace by demonstrating that you value them as a person.

So the next time you hope to share your personal views at work, be respectful of your employer’s rules and expectations.

And remember this: Letting your light shine for Christ means more than just communicating His truth, it means reflecting His love and grace Sound like a lot of work? I suppose it as well. is. But it’s worth noting that Christians Jim Daly is the president and host of the National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast, Focus on the Family. Focus on the Family airs weekdays starting at 2:30, 7:00 am and 7:00 pm on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN.

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Be Faithful in the small Things

by Michael Youssef

Have you ever grumbled about a “small” job? Maybe you felt it was a thankless task or beneath your abilities. Or perhaps you yearned for something with more responsibility and authority. But the Bible tells us about the importance of being faithful in the small things.

Read Joshua 13–17. After the Israelites conquered the land, they still needed to distribute it among the tribes. In this passage, we learn a valuable lesson about how God assigns His territories and opportunities. When we receive a territory—whether it be our workplace, community, or classroom—God wants us to conquer that territory for Him. God distributed the Promised Land based on faithfulness to Him, not on birthright. In our limited understanding, we may think God was being unfair or unjust. Yet God sees everything from beginning to end, far beyond our comprehension.

He knows the secrets and motives of every heart, even when we do not. God knows how we handle the small tasks, the small blessings, the small opportunities and our future

territories depend on how we handle controls the future. Instead of fearing the little things. what he saw with his eyes, Caleb trusted in the God of all hope.

When God gives us a task— whether big or small, glamorous or Caleb received his promised tedious—He expects our faithfulness. inheritance “because he followed Fear and indifference are no excuse the Lord, the God of Israel, for not finishing our tasks. wholeheartedly” (Joshua 14:14).

But Caleb wasn’t ready to retire The person who will be faithful from God’s work. Even though the with small territories will be faithful hill country was still inhabited by with the larger ones. And that is why the Anakites, Caleb said, “Now give we see Caleb being honored by God me this hill country that the Lord in Joshua 14. Forty-five years earlier, promised me that day. . . . I will drive when the Israelites were still in the them out just as he said” (Joshua wilderness, Moses sent 12 spies into 14:12). Even at 85 years of age, he the Promised Land—one from each was ready to take on the giants. of the 12 tribes (see Numbers 13). He was ready to take on the tough When the group found giants in the assignment because he trusted in the land, only two of the spies—Joshua power of God. and Caleb—were undaunted. The other 10 spies were ready to give up There are plenty of unoccupied out of fear. Yet Caleb reported, “We territories around us today, should go up and take possession of whether in our workplaces, our the land, for we can certainly do it” neighborhoods, or even our own (Numbers 13:30). homes. Will you say with Caleb, “Give me this hill country?”

God loves to see risk-taking faith and optimism in His children. Caleb Commit yourself today to serving had that kind of faith. The other 10 the Lord wholeheartedly like Caleb. spies saw obstacles and danger, but Ask God for His strength to face the Caleb saw victory. Caleb kept his eyes giants, and to keep serving Him until on the God of promise, the God who you see Him in heaven.

Michael Youssef, is the Founder and President of Leading The Way, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. Tune in to Leading The Way weekdays at 4:00 and 11:30 am on Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN.

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by R.C. Sproul

When we are introduced to people, the following three questions are generally asked: What is your name? Where are you from?

What do you do? The third question is the one that concerns us in this chapter.

What do you do? is obviously about one’s occupation, career, or vocation. People want to know what task or service constitutes our livelihood or helps fulfill our personal aspirations.

We are all familiar with the aphorism “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” We understand that life is more than work. We devote periods of time to recreation, sleep, play, and other activities not directly part of our principal employment or 18

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labor. However, the element of our lives that is taken up by work is so encompassing and time-consuming that we tend to understand our personal identity in the light of our work.

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that work is a punishment that God gave us as a result of Adam’s fall in the Garden of Eden.

We must remember that work was given before the Fall. To be sure, our labor has added burdens attached to it. A mixture of thorns and thistles is found among the good plants we seek to cultivate. Our labor is accomplished by the sweat of our brow. These were the penalties of sinfulness, but work itself was part of the glorious privilege granted to men and women in creation. It is impossible to understand our own humanity without understanding the central importance of work.

Whatever else we are, we are creatures involved in labor. This was the design of creation—God himself is a working God. From the very moment of creation he conferred upon our original parents the responsibilities of work. Adam and Eve were called to dress, till, and keep the earth, to name the animals, and to have dominion by way of managerial responsibility over the earth. All of these activities involved the expenditure of time, Most of us spend the early years energy, and resources—in short, of our lives preparing and training work. for a lifelong activity of work. The sensitive Christian understands that

in the labor of his occupation, he is responsible to make a contribution to the kingdom of God, to fulfill a divine mandate, to embark upon a holy calling as a servant of the living God. Such a Christian is keenly aware of the question, How can I best serve God with my labor?

call of the omnipotent Creator: “‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” God also calls his people to repentance, to conversion, and to membership in his family. In addition he calls us to serve him

Vocation and Calling The idea of vocation is based on the theological premise of a divine call.

The word vocation comes from the Latin word meaning “calling.” In our secular society the religious meaning of the term has lost its significance, having become merely a synonym for career. We will be using the term vocation in its original sense: a divine call, a holy summons to fulfill a task or a responsibility that God has laid upon us. The question we as Christians wrestle with is, Am I in the center of God’s will with respect to my vocation? In other words, Am I doing with my life what God wants me to do? Here the question of the will of God becomes eminently practical, for it touches on that dimension of my life that fills most of my waking hours and has the greatest impact upon the shaping of my personality.

in his kingdom, making the best possible use of our gifts and talents.

But still the question faces us: How do I know what my particular vocational calling is?

One of the great tragedies of modern society is that, although the job market is vast and complex with an infinite number of possible careers, the educational systems that train us tend to guide and direct us to a very small number of occupational choices. As a high school graduate embarking upon college, I remember that a great deal of discussion centered on one’s If the Bible teaches anything, it major and career aspirations. At teaches that God is a calling God. that time it seemed as if everyone The world was created through the were setting out to become an

engineer. The mechanized culture of the fifties was one that opened up literally thousands of lucrative positions in engineering. College campuses were flooded with young aspirants for degrees in the field of engineering.

I also remember the engineer glut on the market that occurred in the seventies. Stories circulated about Ph.D.’s in engineering who were collecting unemployment or washing dishes in the local diner because there simply were not enough engineering jobs available.

The same could be said for education majors. Positions in education became fewer and fewer while the number of applicants became greater and greater. The problem was heightened by misguided publicity and counseling that steered people into occupational roles that society already had filled.

A hundred years ago the choices were much less difficult since the vast majority of American children spent their time preparing for a life in agricultural labor. Today roughly 3 percent of the population is now employed in farming—a radical decrease in one particular occupation that has opened the door for a vast number of other occupations.

Dr. R.C. Sproul is chairman and founder of Ligonier Ministries, lead teacher on the Renewing Your Mind radio and online program, airing on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN weekdays at 9:30 am and 11:00 pm.

Excerpt from Can I Know God’s Will? by R.C. Sproul LETSTALKFAITH.COM

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by Stephen Rummage Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is bondservant or is free. Ephesians 6:5-8 Sunday has come and gone.

Perhaps just yesterday you had a great experience fellowshipping with God’s people and being fed from the Word of God by your pastor. A day of worship, rest, and refreshment is now a recent memory, and the alarm rings. Monday is here. Are you still in worship mode, or have you successfully disassociated your work from your worship?

Work is the gift of God to man.

Because work is God ordained, and is itself a reflection of God’s character and activity, we are designed to work to the glory of God. Jesus cares deeply about how we work and how we treat people we work for.

For a follower of Jesus Christ, our work should be characterized by sincere obedience to our earthly masters. The word used by Paul that As followers of Jesus Christ, your is translated “obey” in this text is the work can be, and in fact, should be a same word used earlier in Ephesians continuation of your worship!

5 to describe the obedience of children to their parents. We’re to listen to our employers and supervisors and obey them. It works like this: if they boss says it, you do it. That’s simple, isn’t it? To argue that you don’t need to obey your “earthly master” because you don’t like the directive is to disobey the Word 22

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of God. Therefore, unless you are directed by your boss to violate God’s Word by doing something dishonest, illegal, immoral, or unethical, the Bible instructs that we are to respond at work with obedience.

Not only are we to simply obey, we are to obey with respect — not a cowardly, shaking in your boots respect. Likewise, it is not to be a disingenuous, feigned respect. We are to respond with genuine, mature respect for our supervisor’s position and authority — position and authority sovereignly granted them

by God. We are also to obey with sincerity of heart, producing work that is of the highest quality. We are commanded to work for our earthly boss as we would work for the Lord. Would you give Jesus Christ less than your best?

Your work is actually a self-portrait.

You will be known by the quality of the work you produce and the

attitude with which you produce it.

Zig Ziglar said “Every job is a selfportrait of the person who did it.”

How you respond to your boss and the quality of the work you produce reveals your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Second, God established work for us to do. Before Adam and Eve sinned, God put them in the Garden your aim to please Jesus Christ by of Eden to care for it. (Genesis 2:15).

Work is not something that comes reflecting His character at work. just because of the Curse. Word is There is an epidemic in America part God’s design for mankind. of people not doing work for their Third, our work is noble before pay. Did you know that in our own country, employees, on average, God. Whatever work you do – spend 34 percent of their paid whether you have a title or not,

Perhaps you would say, “But you don’t know my boss. What if my boss mistreats me?” The Word of God addresses this very specifically in 1 Peter 2:18-21 .

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and the gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if you do good, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.” time not working? (By the way, that statistic is pre-internet.) Every The Bible says that when you Christian should perhaps put this suffer at work under the leadership verse where it can be seen at their and authority of a boss who is work: “(Do) the will of God from unkind or unjust that you reflect the heart, rendering service with a the character of Jesus Christ, who good will as to the Lord and not to went all the way to the cross on man.” (Ephesians 6:7) There are our behalf because He submitted to five good reasons that this attitude the authority that God had placed should determine our work ethic. even over Him. For the sake of the Gospel, for the sake of your witness First, God Himself is a worker. for Jesus Christ, even when serving Jesus said in John 5:17, “My Father an unkind boss, whether your is working until now, and I am company is good or bad, whether working.” God is a working God. you’re treated fairly or not, make it LETSTALKFAITH.COM

whether your job is prestigious or not, whether anyone notices your work or not, whether yours is a high-paying job or not — all work is noble before God. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Fourth, when we work, we serve others and provide for our own needs. Our work helps take care of others, our families, and ourselves.

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are to work! 2 Thessalonians 3:10 There’s an old story about three says, “If anyone is not willing to workmen who were part of a church work, let him not eat.” This is a very construction crew. A passerby clear command from Scripture! questioned them, “What are you doing?” The first man replied, I’m Fifth, we serve God through our chipping away at these stones. Just work. No matter what your job chipping away.” The second man is, if you believe it is the work that responded, “I’m just trying to make God has provided for this time in enough money to get through the your life, then that job is significant. day.” The third man gazed to the top In God’s economy, there is no of the rising structure and said, “I’m insignificant work. God is always building a great cathedral.” Three pleased when we do what He has men, all doing the same thing, but given us to do with all of our might. with three very different attitudes.

Any work God has provided for you to do, when done with a sincere heart of service to Jesus Christ, can be an act of worship. Don’t let your worship stop when you walk out of church on Sunday. When your job becomes an act of worship, you will have joy in your work, as well as a platform for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Stephen Rummage is the Senior Pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida. He is a frequent guest speaker for churches and conferences across the United States. His daily radio teaching ministry, Moving Forward, airs weekdays on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN at 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.

Contact Barb Yoder at 813-349-8232 or barb@salemtampa.com to get started today.

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by Charles Stanley How many times have you felt a strong desire to share the gospel with a neighbor, friend, or coworker? Have you ever walked away from a religious discussion with someone of a different faith because you were uncertain of what to say? Do you ever feel compelled but frightened to share the story of how you met Christ?

encounter with the woman at the well. (See John 4:7-42.) When Jesus meets this known adulteress, He does not reject her. Instead, He shows compassion by explaining the wonderful gift of “living water,” the opportunity for eternal life.

ground. After all, no matter what language we speak, where we grew up, or what type of education we received, we are all in need of God’s forgiveness.

The apostle Paul certainly understood the power of personal testimony, as he expressed thankfulness to God for using him despite his sinful past: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor” (1 Tim. 1:12-13).

If you have experienced one or all of these situations, you understand how challenging it can be to speak out with boldness when the Holy Spirit prompts you to do so. This is why it’s important that we be prepared to share our faith compassionately, effectively, and truthfully.

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus is shown to be patient and considerate as He stands and knocks at the door of a person’s heart. Never does He barge in uninvited. As we seek to follow His example, we should proceed in love and refrain from acting critically with regard to the nonbeliever’s lifestyle or past choices. These are areas the Holy Spirit will deal with once he or she receives Christ.

There is much to be learned about evangelism from the One upon whom we base our faith — Jesus Christ. The New Testament provides countless examples of the Lord’s compassion and mercy as He embodies the message of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.

This truth is evident in Jesus’

An excellent way to demonstrate compassion is to share the story of our own conversion experience.

Since feeling worthy of God’s love is a frequent struggle, identifying with someone else’s shortcomings can be Listening to the Holy Spirit helpful. Sharing how we realized (John 16:13). Since waiting upon the need for Christ in our own and submitting to God’s timing life allows us to establish common and plan is extremely important,

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Another important facet of sharing our faith is presenting the gospel in a way that is both relevant and irresistible to the listener.

Being an effective witness generally involves:

we must listen carefully to the Holy Spirit while resisting our own urges to forge ahead or back away. The Spirit will also impart to us the gift of discernment. This invaluable resource allows us to “tune in” to an individual’s spiritual and emotional condition, as well as to his or her receptiveness to the gospel message (1 Cor. 2:10-13).

Knowing our audience (1 Corinthians 9:22). In this passage, Paul explains his method of reaching people: “To the weak I become weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.”

Though Paul was careful to remain obedient to the Lord, it appears that he took time to understand the culture and concerns of the communities where he delivered the gospel. Therefore, if we hope to reach the members of a particular social group (such as single parents, teens, the unchurched, or followers of other religions), we must focus on relationship building. In addition, prayerfully studying the trends in our society will allow us to understand the specific struggles people face, and we will be better equipped to present the gospel to them in an effective way.

listener. This does not mean we are to hide any portion of the gospel.

Instead, we should speak in simple terms and proceed with patience.

For instance, God may be calling you to “plant seeds of truth,” with the intention of using someone else to “reap the harvest” — that is, leading the person into a decision for Christ.

God in preparation for evangelistic opportunities.

An important final note: When we receive questions that surpass our knowledge, it is essential to admit that we are unsure, as opposed to inventing a response. It is perfectly acceptable to stop and look up an answer in your Bible or to defer to When we are faced with an someone with greater scriptural opportunity to explain how to be knowledge. “saved,” or born again through faith in Jesus Christ, it is extremely helpful Every evangelistic conversation to have an outline of scriptural will be one of a kind because each support written down or memorized. person is unique, with different life Otherwise, we can be caught off experiences and needs. Therefore, guard, or end up in a precarious though there is but one truth, situation. The good news is that this there are many effective ways to can be easily overcome by studying share Christ with others. Also, God’s Word daily. Contained within while we long for chances to guide its pages are the answers to help nonbelievers into a relationship with you explain your love for Christ. Christ, we must not forget that there The Bible encourages us to study in are many different opportunities order to present ourselves “approved every day for testifying to God’s to God ... accurately handling the love in our neighborhoods and word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). To workplaces. And oftentimes, our carry out this command, we need actions will speak just as powerfully to fill our hearts with the Word of as our words.

Recognizing our purpose (1 Corinthians 3:7-9). Though it may be tempting to share everything we know about Christianity all at once, it is important to reveal truth in pieces that can be digested by the

This article is reprinted with permission from In Touch Magazine, the bimonthly publication of In Touch Ministries. To receive a free subscription, please visit intouch.org/magazine. Tune in weekdays at 3:30 and 11:00 am to hear the teachings of Charles Stanley on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN. LETSTALKFAITH.COM

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GET IT GROW IT KEEP IT STAY CONECTED WITH THE BIZ APP 28

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(Today God is First) devotional about our lives in Christ and how we can apply our faith to EVERYTHING we do. These daily devotionals shifted my paradigm forever. Instead of thinking that I needed to get into real ministry by working at a church, I realized I could be in real ministry right in my workplace. This thought is nothing new. The Reformation, 500 years ago, was all about recognizing that ALL of us, and our skills, make up the body of Christ, not just pastors, priests and foreign missionaries.

That is the way it is with Jesus; when He impacts your life, you are never the same again. For this, I am eternally grateful. I was living my life and working hard, but I had two lives – my 9-5 job and then the rest of my By opening up my mind to the life. I was involved in ministry during idea that I could be a pastor in my the evenings and weekends while I workplace, I started to realize the did my job by day. impact my behavior was having, and could have, on others. Instead I have been a Christ-follower for of being a secret agent Christian, I 37 years, but it wasn’t until this past could live my life boldly, realizing summer that I heard a sermon that that I may be the only Jesus my cotaught me that my life on Sunday workers or employees may ever meet. was supposed to permeate my daily life. I have always been under the All of us work alongside people impression that the highest calling who may never go to church. We was that of a pastor or preacher. Yet, have opportunities to share what I had never understood that I could Jesus has done in our lives that our be a pastor in my workplace or a pastors may never have. In fact, it missionary in my business. I had no is likely our pastors will not get as idea until… many opportunities to be in front of as many pre-Christians as you and I My friend Bob from Atlanta do. This realization changed my life. forwarded me an email from Os My challenge to you is to Hillman. Os writes a daily TGIF take your calling very seriously.

by Jim Brangenberg

Those six words can define you, and they can also confound you. It almost goes back to the question “What is the meaning of life?” Why am I here? What am I supposed to be doing? Who was I created to be? A little over ten years ago, this question intersected my life and I have never been the same since.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”. We work for the Lord, no matter what we do. I challenge you to do these five things and become a part of the iWork4Him Nation:

1. Start praying for your co-workers and employees daily.

2. Look for ways to serve those you work alongside.

3. Look for ways to befriend those you work with by getting together with them outside the office.

4. Look for ways to pray with people who come to the office that are noticeably down.

5. Most importantly, be a person of excellence in your position.

Represent Christ well in your work!

When you go to work tomorrow, ask yourself this question… “Who do I work for, really?” I hope you can say with me, “iWork4Him!”

Jim Brangenberg is the Host of the iWork4Him Radio program. Find out more about Jim and his passion for purposefully equipping vibrantly effective Christ followers in the workplace on his website www.iWork4Him.com. Listen to the iWork4Him Radio Show on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN Weekdays at 3:00 pm.

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Overqualified, Over-the-Hill or Overflowing with Assets?

by June Hunt

When it comes to employment, some people take an extraordinary path. At an age when many enter retirement and slow down, this unknown entrepreneur horses put out to pasture.” Yet the Bible says, “He will chooses to launch a new business venture. For 10 years, renew your life and sustain you in your old age” (Ruth he had been running a small restaurant, but he now feels 4:15 NIV). the time is right to expand it into a franchising operation.

Therefore, consider the advantages of older employees: From the age of 65 until he reaches 75, Colonel • Greatest creativity and productivity between Harland Sanders oversees the growth of his Kentucky ages 40 and 65 Fried Chicken – from one restaurant in a small Kentucky • Lower rates of absenteeism town, to over 600 restaurants across the United States and • Less inclined to change jobs Canada. Col. Sanders doesn’t allow his advanced age to • More experience at problem solving hold him back. On the contrary, experience, hard work • More wisdom gained through past mistakes and vision propel him to sizzling success.

• More accepting of themselves and others

• More willing to invest time in helping others The workplace can be intimidating if you are a • More awareness of the organization’s history “more experienced” worker who is not yet ready for • More loyalty to the organization’s ideals retirement – especially if you are looking for a new job or moving into a different career field. Many Job 12:12 (NIV) presents this impressive endorsement, older workers fear they will not be hired because of “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long their age. They assume they’ll be viewed as “old work life bring understanding?”

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Granted, some employers are hesitant to hire older applicants for a variety of reasons. Yet it’s unlikely that the stated reason you’re turned down for an interview or a job would be your age since agebased discrimination is illegal.

However, if you are told that you are “overqualified” for a job, and you suspect your age may be influencing the hiring manager’s perspective, carefully consider the position of the interviewer: Could you be perceived as more of a threat to your prospective boss than an asset?

To help counter an employer’s age-related concerns, realistically appraise your work experience and the unique qualities and skills you can

offer an employer. Then, with a spirit of humility, draw the interviewer’s attention to the positive aspects of your personal and professional development.

example, integrity, strong work ethic and being a positive team player).

You could even serve as a mentor for younger colleagues. Many employers have been “bitten” at work by the proverbial “snake in the grass” and The aging process is one in which therefore would feel a sense of relief we all have the opportunity to keep in hiring an employee with a proven maturing… not just physically, but track record of trustworthiness. also mentally and emotionally. If the term “overqualified” is used, A negative bias against you may diplomatically ask the interviewer not be spoken aloud, but that does to expand on the exact nature of not mean you should ignore the the concern to help you better possibility that it exists. As an older understand. applicant, if you sense unspoken assumptions could be working Respectfully point out positive against you, be proactive to counter characteristics that you plan to those negative assumptions with bring to the job because of your positive answers: qualifications and experience (for

NEGATIVE ASSUMPTION

POSITIVE ANSWER

“We can’t afford you. You’ll cost us more than someone younger.”

“I believe I can save the company money because of my experience and work ethic.”

“Older people are set in their patterns of relating.”

“You will abandon the job if a better opportunity is offered.”

“You won’t have much in common with the younger workers.”

Proverbs 16:21 (NIV) clearly states, “The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.”

“Studies show that older employees tend to be better team players.”

“Older employees don’t change jobs as often as younger ones.

My job history will show I am no exception.”

“Seasoned workers are a wise point of reference for younger workers. A diverse workforce is best able to meet the challenges faced by today’s businesses.”

Colonel Sanders found his stride in his golden years. Even after selling his share of Kentucky Fried Chicken, he continued working hard to promote the company he founded.

After trying more than a dozen Up until the age of 90, he traveled vocations, including gas station over 250,000 miles a year visiting attendant and ferry boat operator, KFC restaurants and expanding the

brand that was inseparable from his distinctive appearance — white beard and all.

Just when many of his peers were starting to travel back and forth in a rocking chair — going nowhere — the Colonel was just getting started.

Well, the truth is … so can you!

For Colonel Sander’s story see “Colonel Harland Sanders” (n.p.: KFC Corporation, 2011), http://www.colonelsanders.com/bio.asp.

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June Hunt is one of the world’s leading biblical counselors. An author, singer and speaker, also founder of HOPE FOR THE HEART. Tune in Tuesday-Saturday at Midnight for Hope In The Night on FaithTalk 570 & 910 WTBN. 32

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New York Yankees call Ken Whitten ‘mentor’

by David Roach

LUTZ, Fla. (BP) - Ken Whitten used to dream of playing professional baseball.

“God’s calling on my life into ministry was not really saying no to baseball,” Whitten told Baptist Press. “It But even though God closed that door following was saying yes in a more eternal way, and that was that Whitten’s college pitching career nearly 40 years ago I get to minister to these guys in a spiritual way.” at Eastern Illinois University, He reopens another door into baseball for Whitten each spring as Major League Two pastors on the Idlewild staff are official chaplains players and coaches - especially New York Yankees - for the Tampa Yankees, one of the team’s minor league descend on the Tampa-area Idlewild Baptist Church in affiliates, and Whitten has led Bible studies with Major Lutz where he has served as pastor for 26 years.

League Yankee players.

With the Yankees’ spring training facility less than half “Seeing some of them come to Christ is always a special an hour away, some 8-12 players and coaches worship treat,” he said. at the church each year. That has afforded Whitten the opportunity to forge relationships with legendary On a lighter note, Whitten added that Reggie Jackson, Yankees like Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, a Hall of Fame outfielder, “can Joe Girardi and Reggie Jackson. Former MLB hijack a Bible study quicker player and manager Lou Piniella is an Idlewild than anyone. He’s always got a member, and Angels slugger Albert Pujols is baseball story. And of course, we among other baseball personalities to whom egg him on a little bit.”

Whitten has ministered.

Piniellas, manager of the year In 2014 when Whitten celebrated 25 years twice in the American League at Idlewild in Lutz, Fla., the church honored and once in the National him with bobble head dolls featuring their League, credits Whitten as one pastor dressed in a Yankees uniform with a of the people who helped lead Bible under his arm. him to Jesus. Reared as a Roman LETSTALKFAITH.COM

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training facility. A pitching coach in the organization, Nardi Contreras, recommended Idlewild, and Pettitte became “fast friends” with Whitten upon attending. The pastor stayed in touch with Pettitte throughout his minor league and Major League careers, offering spiritual and practical advice.

“He’s like a second father to me,” Pettitte said, “just a great mentor for me, a great guy for me to go to for wisdom and counsel.” Whitten’s counsel has included “how to be a husband” as well as “how to be a father.”

Catholic, Piniella began attending Idlewild more than Whitten remembers his own children babysitting 20 years ago when he moved back to his home city of Tampa, Fla., and quickly learned about knowing Christ Pettitte’s children during spring training, including Pettitte’s son Josh, who was drafted by the Yankees personally as Lord and Savior. in 2013 but opted to play college baseball instead.

“I had numerous talks with” Whitten about salvation, When the Yankees retired Pettitte’s jersey number and Piniella told BP. “He helped me immensely growing inducted him into their Monument Park museum, he spiritually and going through the process of being born invited Whitten to attend. again and baptized.”

If Pettitte is ever inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, he says Whitten will be invited to that Piniella added, “It’s been a wonderful transformation in my life. The amazing thing is that I managed in the induction ceremony too. big leagues for about 23 years, and the best years I had More recently, Yankees manager Joe Girardi has were when I was immersed in the Word, reading the worshipped at Idlewild, and some of the younger Bible on an everyday basis.” players attended the congregation’s Tuesday night One of Whitten’s favorite memories related to Piniella service for college students. is attending spring training in Arizona with the Seattle As Piniella put it, Whitten “basically has served as a Mariners, whom Piniella managed from 1993-2002. pastor and a mentor to a lot of the Yankees.”

“They put a uniform on me,” Whitten said. “I was Baseball personalities attend Idlewild for a variety around Ken Griffey and Randy Johnson. I was in the locker room with them, and I was going out there of reasons, Whitten said, but one key is that the focus is placed on Jesus, not them. shagging balls.”

“I think they always saw Idlewild as a pretty safe Pettitte, a retired pitcher who leads the Yankees alltime in strikeouts, told BP that Whitten “played a huge place,” Whitten said. “We don’t make; their attendance; role in my life spiritually” and “has been a great mentor.” a big deal. We don’t recognize them. We let them come, be with their family and worship - because that’s what Drafted by the Yankees at age 19, Pettitte sought a they want to do and that’s what they need to do.”

Bible-preaching church to attend while at the Yankees’ Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at: http://www.baptistpress.com/46657/new-york-yankees-call-ken-whitten-mentor

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