Transform Our World Conference
Breaking news: I just registered for the 20th International Transform Our World Conference that’s in Hawaii during Nov. Ed Silvoso, author of one of my life-changer books, Anointed for Business, will be there along with an incredible faculty of transformational practitioners:
- Francis Oda, president of Group 70 International
- Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin
- Barbara Chan, Judge, Hong Kong
- King Flores, Philippines
- Derj Matt, CEO of GPEC, Canada
I’m looking forward to seeing how God is moving in the marketplace around the globe.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
The Lord’s Prayer and the Workplace Minister
The small group that I’m involved in through church has started an ancient practice of reciting The Lord’s Prayer together to close our meeting. It’s meaningful to reflect not only on God’s greatness, but also to reflect on the numerous generations of Christ followers who faithfully passed on the truth of Jesus Christ. Many times, it was unpopular or uncomfortable to do so; others, so committed to the Truth, gave the very lives through martyrdom.
Because of this new practice, I start wondering how The Lord’s Prayer might be a model for me as I pray for clients. Here are some of my initial thoughts. What else do you see? What other applications to our work as Marketplace Ministers do you see?
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
“Father, we acknowledge that you are worthy of all praise, glory, honor and power. That there is none higher than You, more amazing than you. Even though we think that we know it all and are in control, we know that isn’t the case. You are the one and only God.”
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.
“Even as your perfect wisdom guides what happens in heaven, I ask that your wisdom be present to guide the interaction with my client. I thank You, that in your wisdom, you have ordained this meeting, that you have orchestrated this meeting for the purpose of expanding your wisdom and rule here on earth.
More reflections to come…
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
The Samaritan Woman’s Marketplace Ministry Journey: Unlikely Person
I’m inspired by the Samaritan Woman’s Unconventional Approach and Unabashed Cry. But, frankly, she’s an Unlikely Person to be a Marketplace or Workplace Minster! Here’s what I wrote in my journal as I contemplated this amazing example.
Unlikely Person: The Interpreters’ Bible Commentary (1981 edition) says: “She was a most unlikely person to bring any authentic tidings about the matters of which she was talking, but she impressed them enough to make them stream out through the glare to see for themselves if there was anything in it.” Dummies.com says, ” The Samaritan woman at the well is no angel. Mixed up with a wrong crowd, this poor woman from Samaria has quite the reputation. She had been married five times and was living in sin with man who wasn’t her husband.”
And, yet, upon hearing the Good News ran back to the village to invite others to meet the Messiah.
Application: I sometimes feel like that “unlikely person.” I from a ranch in the middle of North Dakota. To many people, ND is like a non-state. In fact, some people ask me what I think about the idea of combining North Dakota and South Dakota into one state and just calling it Dakota?! It’s not so bad that I’m from North Dakota, I’m from the “outback of North Dakota.” I grew up with no running water; using an outhouse, even if it was 20 below zero, taking Finnish sauna’s every Saturday evening, even if was 110 above zero; and playing with frogs for summer pastime.
However, this story reminds me that no matter how insignificant our background, we are called to be the bearer of Good News where ever I go.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a bearer of the Good News, even in situations where I might feel insignificant. Help me to speak of You in a way that people are drawn to You, the Living Water.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
The Samaritan Woman’s Marketplace Ministry Journey: Unabashed Cry
I’m inspired by the Samaritan Woman’s Unconventional Approach.In addition, I’m challenged by her exclamation that she’s in need to Living Water, just like all of us who are committed to being Christ’s ambassadors in the marketplace. Here’s what I wrote in my journal about her. What are your thoughts as it relates to your challenges?
Unabashed Cry: I love the Samaritan Woman’s response to Jesus when He says, “Those that drink this water, will get thirsty again, but those who drink the water that I will give to them will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give to them will become in them a spring which will provide them with life-giving water and give them eternal life.”
She cries out, “Sir, give me that water! Then I will never be thirsty again…”
She doesn’t sit with Jesus and argue, or debate, or ponder….She exclaims with her whole being, “Sir, give me that water!”
Here’s what the Interpreters’ Bible (1981 Edition) says about the Living Water, “This is a bold claim by Jesus—to permanently satisfy the longing in one’s soul.” They explain that satisfaction it like this:
“a spring of water, perennial and inexhaustible;
a peace that passes understanding;
a joy deeper and more real than any other joy;
a life far more abundant than anyone else can know;
a power that can meet every all upon it; and
a perpetual fountain, a clear and clean, cooling and refreshing.”
Application: Do we do that? Do we respond to Jesus’ invitation to Living Water, unabashedly, “Give me that water!”? Do we pursue him with all of our being?
Prayer: Lord, as the Samaritan Woman cried out “Give me that water!” May we as Christian businessmen, businesswomen, leaders and entrepreneurs also continually cry out to you that our clients, colleagues and coworkers would see the Living Water in us.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
The Samaritan Woman’s Marketplace Ministry Journey: Unconventional Approach
I’m intrigued by the Samaritan Woman in John 4. In many ways, she’s a role model for Christian businessmen, business women, and entrepreneurs in the workplace. Here’s one of my insights. What are yours? What else can we learn from the Woman at the Well.
Unconventional Approach: Who knows the “real” story behind the Samaritan Woman and why she’s going for water mid-day when everyone else makes the trek in the evening. It probably doesn’t matter. What does matter is that she willingly goes against the cultural norms of her day that prohibit women from engaging directly with men in public, especially men of a different culture. She disregards the cultural norms. She’s strong, she’s direct and she’s interested in getting to know Jesus.
Application: As Christ’s ambassadors in the workplace, what “cultural norms” might we need to disregard in order to pursue an in-depth dialogue with Jesus? And, what “cultural norms” might we need to encourage others to disregard in order to engage in an authentic dialogue with Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be strong enough to disregard the cultural norms and to pursue you with all that I am. Help me to “not conform to the standards of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12 :1) , so that I might have an intimate relationship with You.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
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About Danita
Bold and Refreshing
Danita has a special gift of igniting others into action. Her skill and experience, partnered with ministry insight, makes Danita a powerful marketplace minister! Her sharp precision cuts right to the heart of business matters – assisting others in breaking new ground for Kingdom Advancement!- Rhonda M. Kalal, President
MN Christian Chamber of Commerce
Connects in Conversation
"Danita delivered a powerful, insightful and thought-provoking talk that dramatically kicked off the new semester with great success. She is a polished, professional and prepared speaker, yet connects with her audience as if she were having a conversation with a good friend. Thank you, Danita!"- Heather Lam
Communications & Marketing Director
Moms In Step, Woodridge Church
Medina, Minnesota