Spiritual Practices for Business Leaders: SOS Prayer
As Christian business owners and spiritual leaders, our days are filled with conflict, aren’t they?
Ryan, a client of mine, shared with me that during his morning prayer time, he reviews all his meetings for the day, especially the high- conflict ones, and prays for each person. In a work environment that naturally involves conflict, he has seen more cooperation; a willingness to listen and learn from each other.
Spiritual Leadership: Prayer
Are you in a “normal” work situation? If yes, there will inevitably be conflict. Why not follow Ryan’s example praying that God will give you His perspective on the people and situations you face in those meetings. If morning doesn’t work, why not set aside a couple of minutes before the meeting to pray that God’s Name would be glorified as you meet with this person, team or committee. And, if you’re in the middle of a meeting that isn’t going so well, why not shoot up at SOS prayer, “Help, Holy Spirit.”
God is faithful to respond…even if the midst of conflict if we will ask for His help.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How do you incorporate prayer into your work world?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God is always faithful to respond when we ask for help.
“For updated insights, comment on Danita’s upcoming book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador.
If you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out her speaking topics.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Are you an Aaron Leader? (Part 2)
In my previous post, I discussed my utter dismay at Aaron’s handling of a leadership challenge and the lesson for us as Christian CEO’s and business leaders. However, let me continue the story.
As I was reveling in my critique and judgment of him as a leader, I suddenly felt the gentle, quiet, subtle voice of the Holy Spirit convicting me:
“Danita, have you never listened to the direction and advice of those around you rather than listening to my voice? Have you never followed your own heart instead of coming into my Throne Room to talk to me? You too are prone to succumbing to the voices of so-called advisors vs. obeying the subtle prompting of the Holy Spirit. You know that I have given you my Right Hand Advisor to guide you in all things. He knows my thoughts and my ways. He can teach you all you need to know and yet you often neglect to consult with him before making an important decision.”
Then, it seemed like the Holy Spirit was reminding of the Marketplace Ministers’ Anointing:
“Remember that I AM the Creator of the Universe–
I AM calling you. I AM anointing you. I AM setting you apart for a divine purpose.
Rise up and walk in this anointing. Turn your back on how you’ve done business before.
Behold, I AM making all things new. I AM opening new vistas and opportunities,
Walk in confidence.”
Then, repenting, I responded:
“I trust that you, the great I AM, is calling me, anointing me and setting me apart for a divine purpose.
Therefore, I will obey you. I will walk in the pathways where you are leading me. I will also turn my
back on my own way of doing things,
For I know that you are making all things new. You are the revealer who opens up new vistas and
opportunities.
With the help of your Holy Spirit, I will walk in confidence and obedience. I will walk in your revelation.
Thank you for reminding me in such a gentle way of – not only my own shortcomings – but above all, your almighty presence in my life that teaches me, helps me to grow and heals my spirit. Amen.”
Marketplace Minister’s Question:What are the situations where you feel like becoming more Aaron-like than you want?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Thankfully we serve a loving God who forgives when we turn from our ways.
You can learn more about the Marketplace Minister’s Anointing in Letters from the King.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Are you an Aaron Leader? (Part 1)
Christian Leader
A couple of months ago, I set a goal to read through the Bible, starting with Genesis. Genesis and the bulk of Exodus fly by. However, after all my Transformational Leadership studies, I’m shocked by Aaron’s incredibly poor leadership in Exodus 32. There’s an important lesson of Christian CEOs and business leaders.
Picture the scene: God calls Moses to the mountain to discuss important matters. He leaves Aaron, his brother, in charge. After a couple of weeks, the people start to get restless, (or bored?) and complain to Aaron about Moses’ absence. They demand that Aaron make them a god to lead them, thinking that the one who had miraculous lead them out of Egypt had forgotten all about them! Without even trying to dispel this hideous idea, Aaron suggests that they bring their jewelry to him. With gold in hand, Aaron suggests that they make a golden calf as their god to worship.
Can you believe this? Scripture doesn’t record Aaron making any attempt to persuade them to alter their thinking. In fact, scripture records that Aaron actually suggests the golden calf concept!! How appalling! Aaron was so weak as a leader that he couldn’t do what was right; he couldn’t step up and lead. He succumbed to the whim of his followers in a flash.
As I read the story, I realize that Aaron is missing core virtues, critical for a leader:
DYNAMIC DETERMINATION: A powerful, forward-moving resolution to be obedient, regardless of the consequences.
INTELLECTUAL FLEXIBILITY: The mental ability to adapt in order to present a reasonable argument to the people of Israel on why they should be patient and why they should continue to honor God.
CHARACTER SOUNDNESS: A solid, virtuous, and morally strong set of values to stand firm on truth.
EMOTIONAL MATURITY: The ability to accept responsibility for your actions, verses coming up with excuses.
I conclude that Aaron was unfit as a leader.
He was given a leadership test. He failed.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: On a scale of 0-10 (with 0 being that you need have lots of growth room & 10 being that this is an area of strength), how do you rate yourself on the following:
- Dynamic Determination?
- Intellectual Flexibility?
- Character Soundness?
- Emotional Maturity?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Strong virtues, founded on solid relationships with God, self and others, help to ensure sustainable leadership in the midst of trying circumstances.
Stay tuned: This is an important lesson; however, was I getting what God intended me to “get” from this section of scripture, an illustration of poor leadership?
In my next posting, I’ll share with you what God was exposing about my own virtues and character.
Articles: As I think about Aaron, I’m reminded of the persecuted Christians around the world who choose to follow Jesus even when there life is at risk. You might enjoy reading, The Rewarding Risk.
© Copyright 2011, 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