Workplace Minute: Respect by Seeing
A number of years ago, I recorded “Workplace Minute” on behalf of CitySites for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.
This series is based on those broadcasts and I Peter 3: 15, “But have reverence for Christ for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.” I trust you find the “Respect Series” encouraging.
Are you seeing with Jesus Eyes?
A friend tells me about a recent trip to India and how frightful and repulsive the streets of Calcutta are. They are overflowing with distressed, desperately poor and needy people. It isn’t until he put on his Jesus Eyes that his fear is replaced with confidence and compassion.
It sounds like some work situations that I’m in, brimming with anxious, lonely, desperately needy people.
What’s your work environment like? Where do you need Jesus Eyes? Which work situations are daunting where you might ask God to help you see through Jesus Eyes? Who in your department is offensive and irritating to be around…..where you need Jesus Eyes? Who’s incredible needy emotionally, perhaps even clingy, where you need Jesus Eyes?
God, help us to look at those around us with Your eyes that we would authentically represent you in our work places.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: If you were to see with Jesus Eyes, what might you see that’s different than what you normally see?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Seeing with Jesus eyes means seeing others as people whom God loves and has compassion.
I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador
If you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.
And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.
Stay tuned for upcoming postings in the “Respect Series.” Also check out previous posting: Responding and Engaging.
© Copyright 2012, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Workplace Minute: Respect by Engaging
A number of years ago, I recorded “Workplace Minute” on behalf of CitySites for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.
This series is based on those broadcasts and I Peter 3: 15, “But have reverence for Christ for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.” I trust you find encouraging.
“Where is God in the midst of all your struggles?”
In sharing our faith gently and respectfully as instructed in I Peter 3:15, this question is helpful in engaging people in spiritual conversations.
Faith in the Workplace
Over coffee my co-worker, Janet, begins telling me about her difficult home life. Her two teenage children push every limit imaginable and her traveling husband was rarely home to help provide stability.
As she finishes telling her story, I gently ask, “I’m curious, where is God in all the struggles you’re experiencing?”
The tears well up as she confesses, “ I don’t know; it feels like God is abandoning me.”
I recognize that God is opening the door for me that share His truth about His incredible love.
“Where is God in the midst of all your struggles?” I find that a person’s answer to this question immediately reveals their conception (or misconception) about who God is and how He feels about them.
The next time you’re having coffee with someone who’s struggling, why not respectfully engage them by asking, “Where is God in the midst of all your struggles?”
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Who needs someone to be engaged in their story?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: We respect other’s when we actively engage them in their personal story.
I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador
If you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.
And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
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.
A Leader’s Legacy
After news broke of Steve Job’s death, over a million people from all over the world shared their memories, thoughts and feelings about him. One thing they all have in common is how they were touched by his passion and creativity.
On the other hand, the news reports on the death of Muammar Gaddafi contained scenes of jubilation and celebration. He is being remembered for oppression, terrorism and corruption.
As I’ve been reflecting on these lives, I realize that they both exchanged their one life for something. One dedicated his life to positive contributions. The other’s life resulted in destruction and chaos.
Of course, that challenges me to think about my own life….what’s my legacy going to be? (Does anyone else think about this stuff? Or, am I the only one?!?)
Thinking about legacy raises a core struggle of mine. I’m always wrestling with what it means to really be a marketplace minister. I’ve been raised in what Richard Foster, in Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith, calls the Evangelical Stream. Practically, this means that I feel a need to talk to people about Jesus in order to fulfill the evangelistic call on my life.
However, a wise spiritual mentor of mine constantly challenges me with question, “Which speaks louder, your voice or your life?”
A Leader's Legacy
Of course, deep in my heart, I know it’s my life. That is why the book by Parker Palmer, Let your Life Speak, has a permanent place on my best-of-the-best book shelf.
So, I find it interesting that Jesus, as he’s sharing his last bit of wisdom before his arrest, states, “And, now I give you a new commandment: love one another.” (John 13:34)
And, what’s the result of our loving each other? In John 13:35 Jesus says, “If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” Everyone. If I’m reading this correctly, it means that when we love, serve, care for and encourage each other, everyone will know that we are Christ-followers.
As a Marketplace Minister, I try to share my gifts and talents with others in such a way that they will see how much I treasure the gift of love that God had given me when He sent his Son. By working every day on leaving a legacy of love, our lives as Marketplace Ministers will become the carrier of the Message of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: What thought have you given to the legacy that you will leave for your children, colleagues and community?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: The passion that we put into our careers, how we raise our children and how we are involved in our community is part of spreading God’s message of love.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Love, Life, Light Series: Daughter of the King
For those who’ve been following the Letters from the King: Reluctant Christian Ambassador series, I sent the final manuscript to the editor. A huge relief to have that step done!
This short Love, Life, Light poem is in celebration. See also Fully and Help Me To Hear, See, Feel.
Daughter of the King
Christian Business Women
I am a Daughter of the King, therefore-
I am called in love by the King
That I would love others freely in the King’s Name.
I am anointed by the King
That I would walk in the power, presence and purpose of the life-giving King,
That people would be healed and set free.
I am set apart by the King
That I may share the Light of Jesus Christ.
I am a Daughter of the King!
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Who’s are you? Where are the areas in your life where you need to realize that you are God’s well loved child?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Knowing your identity is foundational to loving and caring for others in your sphere of influence.
As the book launches, I’ll have some new speaking topics. So, stay tuned.
© 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.
Marketplace Minister’s Response to Adversity
I read I Samuel 30 today, and am struck by David’s leadership response to adversity. In this chapter, David’s army was so angry with him that they want to stone him (vs. 6). Imagine that; followers so irate that they’re plotting to stone him!
David’s response to this adversity is instructive for us, as Christian businesspeople and entrepreneur, when we’re facing difficult situations:
Marketplace Ministers & Adversity
- He waits.
- He asks.
- He listens.
- He obeys.
He waits
Scripture says “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” How did David do that? What does that mean?
The first idea that comes to my mind is, this: “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31)” So, there must be a relationship between “waiting” and “strengthening”?
Next question: What does it mean to “wait upon the Lord”?
That’s a challenging one for most of us. Well, personal confession! It’s a difficult one for me! I’m a cross-it-off-the-To-Do-List kind of person; very action oriented. However, scripture is inviting us to wait on the Lord. I imagine that “waiting” looks different for all of us. However, I’m certain that it involves thanksgiving, worship, scripture, fellowship, and listening. Yes, “waiting” involves listening,
He asks
I find it interesting that David didn’t just ask for God to bless his endeavor, which I often do, “God, I ask that you bless this endeavor that I’m involved in.”
No, David asked for direction, “Shall I pursue this band?” He was honestly seeking strategy from the Lord.
This is a exhortation for us to truly seek God’s guidance, asking questions like, ‘Lord, should I pursue this business deal?” And “God, should I engage with this client?”
He listens
In the midst of all the chaos and talk of stoning, David actually listens for God’s response. David was confident that when he asked the Lord for direction, that there would be an answer.
Here’s the personal application question for us: How often do we actually LISTEN?
Often, it requires us creating a quiet place in our lives so that we can hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Where do you schedule that time of listening? When do you do it? What’s your “meeting rhythm” with God?
He obeys
David hears God answer. Interesting, it appears that David didn’t argue with God. Now, I think God is OK if we choose to argue; it’s often part of our leadership development program to argue with God. However, I don’t know about you, but when I argue with God, God invariably wins! Perhaps, David had already learned that lesson and had developed the faith of verse 9, “So, David went” May our faith grow to the point that we readily respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Lord,
teach us to wait on You,
that we may be strengthened;
guide us to ask of You,
that our vision and strategy would be yours;
instruct us listen intently for Your still, small voice,
that we would move in confidence of your presence;
embolden us to respond in faith to Your voice,
that we may partner in the work that You’re doing in our midst.
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson:As leadership, we need to learn a process for dealing with adversity.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Obedience starts with waiting. How are you incorporating “waiting” into your life?
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Christian Business Leaders: Instill Hopeful Realism
One of the most captivating concepts for me, as a Christian Entrepreneur and Marketplace Minister, in Good to Great by Jim Collins is the Stockdale Paradox. In fact, I’ve written about it in my recent eBook, Leadership Shift: Paradoxical Wisdom for Transformational Leadership in These Times of Change. In Leadership Paradox #1: Instill Hopeful Realism, I state, ‘His (James Stockdale) band of optimism is what I call “hopeful realism,” a level-headed response to adversity which acknowledges all the facts, negative and positive. (pg. 18).’ As leaders committed to integrating our Faith at Work, we are often upon to exhibit this leadership quality, Hopeful Realism.
An article in today’s Investor’s Business Daily talks about a contemporary of Stockdale’s, Col. George “Bud” Day, who is also an inspiration to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Businessmen and Christian Business women. Here are some quotes from the article that caught my attention:
Christian Business Leaders
- Purpose: “That instilled in Day a sure and certain belief that God had put him on this earth for a purpose. Until that purpose was fulfilled, he believed that he would not be killed.”
- Flexibility: “But, you have to recognize circumstances change, as as they change, you’ve got to change.”
- Prayer: “How did he survive (Hanoi Hilton)? Faith. During his torture sessions he pleaded with God to give him strength. When he wasn’t being tortured, he spent a great deal of time praying.”
Here are the Marketplace Minister Questions for us as Christian Leaders in our businesses:
- Purpose: What is God’s purpose for your life and for your business?
- Flexibility: Where do you need to be flexible, open to the new vistas and opportunities that God wants to introduce to you?
- Prayer: How much time are you investing in praying for your employees, clients, colleagues, and suppliers?
Note: Need a speaker for a Christian Business Leaders event? Call to customize “Courage in the Marketplace” speaking engagement.
© 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