Spiritual Practices for Business Leaders – Part 1
Ancient Spiritual Pathways for our Current Chaotic Times
Like many Christian CEOs, Christian Business Leaders, and Christian Entrepreneurs, I often wish there were a
couple more hours in the day to finish those final pressing items on my To-Do List, to put the finishing touches on the important presentation for tomorrow, or…
Then, there’s staying abreast with local economic trends, global market developments and industry breakthroughs. That’s compounded with family and community commitments. Often, it feels out of control. Chaotic. Like a relentless pressure cooker.
In the midst of this we are suppose to be developing our spiritual life.
If you’re like me, when I hear spiritual leaders prescribing their version of spiritual disciplines, I feel guilty wondering, “When, where, how could I ever fit that into my schedule?!?”
Being the entrepreneur who’s always looking for new ways to accomplish life, I then ask, “Frankly, are those ancient spiritual practices even relevant in today’s fast-paced, chaotic world? With everything changing so rapidly, shouldn’t these practices change also?”
And, then I wonder, “With communication speeding exponentially due to technology advancements, is there a better, faster way to get in touch with God?”
Through this series of postings, I’ll share insights from my personal spiritual growth journey regarding why the ancient spiritual practices of praying, reading scripture, gathering together as a community, serving others, meditating and expressing gratitude are critical for leadership in today’s chaotic world. We’ll explore how some of the spiritual activities that have been practiced for thousands of years actually are supported by modern research in positive psychology and neuroscience.
One of the most important lessons I’ve come to appreciate is that we are all uniquely wired. There’s no 1-2-3 prescription that works for every single person, every single time. God is much more creative. In fact, think of the creativity in crafting each one of us. We all have a differing blend of behavioral styles, Meyers-Briggs results and Strengths Finder patterns. Here’s the beauty: God speaks to each of us differently. Conversely, the way we nurture our relationship with God is unique.
I trust our discussion over the next couple of weeks will inspire you to explore how God has wired you and how He wants to communicate with you.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: What are your views on the relevance of spiritual practices in today’s fast-forward lifestyle?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Celebrate your unique design in your walk with God.
If you would like to listen to some recordings of my speaking events go here.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
God, the Great Entrepreneur (Part 3)
Preaching to a congregation in Tanzania who’s eager to learn God’s plans for them is challenging for me. At the same time, it’s a humbling experience.
My Finnish ancestors taught me about SISU – a word they use to describe guts and determination. Now, I draw on all my sisu to stand respectfully before people I have never met before, in a foreign country, with an unfamiliar culture to speak God’s truth.
Using SISU in an acronym, I share with them how the God of the universe, who created “something” out of “nothing,” also helps us create things that we dream and imagine. That the God who creates the endless array of exquisite flowers, fascinating animals, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, also helps us with brilliant new ideas when we ask him. He is the master entrepreneur. He designs us to be a people who are innovative, who create and implement new ideas and concepts. In so doing, we bring honor and glory to His Name.
So, here’s a short outline:
S: Say Thanks
- God blesses us with insights and revelation when we are thankful for what we have.
- When we accept that God knows exactly what we need, we demonstrate our trust in Him.
- “Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.” Sarah Ban Breathnach
I: Ideas
- You can never outdo God, with even your biggest ideas. So, ask big.
- Look and see again the wonder of nature and how creative God is in designing our world.
- God blesses all of us with a good measure of his creativeness. He wants us to find solutions for our challenges.
S: Side-by-side
- God works through the Body of Christ.
- He wants us to help each other, learn from each other and be strong as a community.
- Brainstorm together as a team and know that 1+ 1 can equal more than 2!
- Actively seek out new information and insights from those outside your village.
U: Unbelievable
- God can accomplish that which seems impossible to us. (Eph. 3:20)
- In the Bible we read about many miracles. But, they were not reserved exclusively for Biblical times. Miracles still happen today.
- Look around you to see the miracles that are happening in your town, your community and even in your family home.
- Dare to ask God, the Great Entrepreneur, for wisdom, insight and revelation to perform miracles in Tanzania.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How can you apply this SISU message in your community?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God can use you as his missionary – even in your own community – to spread his message and help Him to make modern day miracles happen.
Here is an article if you want to learn more about SISU: Sales Motivation: The SISU Approach to No Excuses
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
God, the Great Entrepreneur (Part 2)
During a family trip to Tanzania, I have the opportunity to preach in a church. I want to inspire my new friends with a message that shifts their perspective for the rest of their lives. (Yes, I often have grandiose ideas!) I intuitively know that I must do it in a way that respects their culture and takes into account the unique challenges they face – challenges very different from the ones we deal with in America! In addition, any message must align 100% with core Biblical truth that transcends customs.
I title my sermon, “God, the Great Entrepreneur”
I decide to work with one of my favorite words, SISU. I’m not certain if you’re familiar with this Finnish word. It’s something of a minor miracle that Finland exists as an independent entity at all. Of course, the Finns themselves wouldn’t call it a miracle; they’d put their unlikely existence down to something they call ‘sisu’. Being of Finnish ancestry, I know about sisu (their word for guts and determination.) Soon after our arrival, I realize that the daily existence of the Tanzanian people also calls for SISU as they fight for life against numerous financial, national and personal belief obstacles.
In an acronym using SISU, I share the message of motivational and spiritual hope:
S: Say Thanks – and God will bless you with even more
I: Ideas – your ideas can never top what God has planned for you
S: Side-by-side – God works through the Body of Christ
U: Unbelievable – God still does the impossible
In my next posting, I will share in more detail the timeless principles we talk about that Sunday morning in the church in Tanzania .
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Where do you need a dose of SISU in your life?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Since God is the Great Entrepreneur, the most creative one who consistently displays His loving-kindness to us, we can trust Him when we meet our own obstacles.
Here is an article if you want to learn more about SISU: Sales Motivation: The SISU Approach to No Excuses
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
God, the Great Entrepreneur (Part 1)
Last August, my family treks to Tanzania, in eastern Africa. Tanzania is probably one of the oldest known inhabited areas on Earth; fossil remains of humans and pre-human hominids have been found dating back over two million years. So, we knew this would be an adventure of a lifetime, especially since we’re scheduled to be in the remote villages most of the time. Little did we know the life-time impact for all of us as Christian leaders.
Each family member has a special highlight. For my son, Westin, it is visiting with the Masai warriors, the semi-nomadic ranchers in Northern Tanzania. My daughter, Danae, finds the experience of camping next to the hippo pond, with crocodiles continually staking out the baby hippos—which made the mom’s extremely angry, exhilarating (See: Hippo Pond). My husband, Gordon, teaches an entire village about modern farming practices that will save them from days and months of backbreaking labor. With each new tip, the women dance and give a Tanzanian cheer.
God, The Great Entrepreneur
One of my personal highlights is preaching at a church on Sunday morning. When asked on Saturday afternoon, I immediately respond, “Yes! I’m deeply honored.” However, as I begin preparing, I surprisingly realize I am wrestling with an incredible cultural and communication challenge.
Since this is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I ask myself, “If there’s one message, only one, that God wants to speak through me to the people of the village, what is it?” I feel it is critical that I share God’s everlasting truth – a truth that is beyond cultural boundaries. A truth that is true, not just in the westernized, industrialized world, but is also core for this African, agrarian culture. A truth that respects and honors their culture, while calling their culture into a brighter future.
In addition, I wrestle with what wealth I bring to them. As Americans, we consider ourselves to be some of the wealthiest people on the earth. However, by this time, I realize that our idea of financial wealth is in stark contrast to their culture of deep relationship and vital spiritual wealth.
As I search my life, I realize that God has blessed me with a gift for motivation. I pray and ask, “Lord, what do You wish to teach your children about Motivational Wealth?”
In my next posting I’ll share with you the message that God gave me to share with the congregation – hungry to hear about God, the Great Entrepreneur.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: What kind of wealth do you have to share with people, financial, relational, spiritual or motivational?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God, the Great Entrepreneur, who makes “something out of nothing,” blessed us with gifts and talents so that we too can become entrepreneurs.
If you need a motivational speaker for an upcoming event, I’d love to chat and see if there’s a fit with your group.
© 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