Workplace Minute: Respect Series
“Workplace Minute” is an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.
This series is based 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.”
For the entire Workplace Minute: Respect Series, see these postings:
For updated insights, comment on Danita’s upcoming book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador.
Plus, when you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out my speaking topics.
© Copyright 2012, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Workplace Minute: Respect by Talking
Check out the first of this seven part Workplace Minutes series: Responding.
A number of years ago, I recorded these on behalf of CitySites for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.
“How are you today?”
I am the first person in the restaurant for breakfast. As the waitress seats me, I look at her and ask, “How are you today?”
Her heart felt response, “Thank you. Thank you so much asking. I’m good today,” so early in the morning takes me by surprise. In fact, her response is so unusual that I ask her about it.
She smiles, then says, “I’ve worked in this same restaurant for 8 years. Every day I can count on it–only three people of the hundreds I serve on notice me enough to ask me how I’m doing. You’re the first of three today. I appreciate your caring enough to ask me how I’m doing. Thanks for talking to me.”
Although my heart is warmed, I feel guilty. I feel guilty for all the times I run through life too self-absorbed not even asking someone how they’re doing?
What would Jesus do? Would he stop long enough to talk to others? Would he be continually surprising people with his rapt attention to them?
Marketplace Minister’s Question: What will help you treat someone with more respect … even if they have not “earned” your respect?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: You can find something to respect in anybody if you look hard enough.
I’m waiting to hear what a publisher has to say about my manuscript. What are your thoughts on the story line? Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador?
I’m working on a talk, Why I Burned My Navy Blue Suit. Check it out my speaking topics.
And go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.
© Copyright 2012, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Workplace Minute: Respect by Caring
“He’s dead in the head.”
Maria begins to tell her story of lost hope. As a teenage immigrant from Mexico, she is afraid to be alone. She wants someone to protect her in the new land of America. She gets married way too young.
However, for the last 20 years, her “protector” ends up being her “abuser.” His drinking habit is wrecking havoc with their marriage. According to Maria, “He is dead in the head.”
Sensing Maria is at a major crossroads in her life, I ask if she’d like to try out a new church with me, an hispanic church plant. The next Sunday we are first time visitors….together.
As Christ’s ambassadors in the workplace, we are to bring hope. Sometimes that requires us to step outside our comfort zone and bring people to others where they can find a home. We respect and honor them by caring enough to reach out and help.
Let’s not be “dead in our heads” or our hearts.” Let’s reach out and practically care for those God puts in our path.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Why do you think taking a “caring” approach towards others is so important?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God created the Church to send people out into the world, not just to be Ambassadors in their daily lives but also in their workplace.
Plus, I would love your perspectives on my book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador
When you need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.
And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts. I recorded “Workplace Minute” on behalf of CitySites for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders. The first blog posting in this series is Respect by Responding.
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.
© Copyright 2012, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Workplace Minute: Respect by Encouraging
This series of ”Workplace Minute” was recorded on behalf of CitySites for KTIS. The series is based on 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 in your work as a faith-filled marketplace leader.
“Why is God punishing me?”
Following a major heart attack and a series of unfortunate events, Ronnie loses his well-paying job. Saddled with high medical costs and continued poor health, Ronnie is convinced that no employer will hire him.
As he finishes his story, I ask, “Where is God in all this?”
Tears well up, “I don’t know….I don’t know why God is punishing me this way.”
Ronnie had lost faith. He had lost faith in the goodness of God’s heart. He didn’t realize that there’s a battle going on and that the enemy of his heart whispers lies accusing God of causing this hardship.
As God’s ambassador, we have a message of truth to share. The truth is that God’s heart is indeed good. As Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come to bring life, abundant life.”
How are you bringing the message that God’s heart is INDEED good?
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How do you bring the true message of God in this world?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Spreading the word of God should be an honor and part of your daily life.
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, Engaging, Speaking and Praying.
© Copyright 2012, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Workplace Minute: Respect by Praying
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.
“Do you mind if I pray?”
I’m nervous. I’m stepping outside my comfort zone.
Chris seeks me out after a group leadership meeting, “Danita, I’d like your perspective.”
As we sit down over a cup of coffee, Chris begins to tell the deep concern and fear he has for his daughter who is struggling at college. She is lonely, depressed, and chronically sick. I see such a deep love as this father shares his feeling of helplessness, not knowing how to help his most precious daughter.
After a half hour of listening and asking questions, I ask, “Chris, do you mind if I pray for your daughter?”
Surprisingly, he says, “No, not at all.”
I took at deep breath and ask a question that I’d never asked before in the workplace, “Chris, do you mind if I pray for her now?”
Once again, to my surprise, Chris responds with “No, not at all.”
To this day, Chris and I continue to dialogue about the health and vitality of his daughter.
You may not be called to pray for a colleague at work. However, there may be other areas where God is asking you to step outside your comfort zone. How will you respond?
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How will you respond to God’s call to pray for others?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God wants you to be His ambassador, and you can start by praying for others.
And, go here for the Workplace Minute podcasts.
Stay tuned for upcoming postings in the “Respect Series.” Also check out previous posting: Responding, Engaging and Speaking.
© Copyright 2012, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Love, Light, Love Series: Going into the New Year
This poem is part of the Love, Light, Love Series.
Here are links to other poems in the series: Fully; Help me Hear, See, Feel; and Daughter of the King.
Christian Leadership
Going
Love
I am going out this year as Your Daughter, called in love by the King,
You for the love needed for every person I encounter.
Life
I am going out this year in the power, purpose and presence of the Holy Spirit,
Trusting You will provide for the needs of those around me…through me.
Light
I am going out this year lifting high the light of Jesus Christ,
You to shine through me that others will see You in the darkness.
Laughter
I am going out this year in laughter and joy,
You have the best in store for us as we seek after You.
As I am going, I trust you for
Love,
Life,
Light, and
Laughter
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Which area do you need God the most? Love? Life? Light? or Laughter?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God is able to do beyond what we can dream or imagine, even in these areas of our lives.
© Copyright 2012, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Workplace Minute: Respect by Responding
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.
Respect.
To share our faith walk as I Peter 3:15 instructs us to, we need to show respect and respond to people’s concerns.
Workplace Minutes
I meet Roger six months after he’s sold his sprawling multi-million dollar franchise business. When I ask how retirement life is going, he says, “Things are going well.” He pauses, then jokingly confesses, ” Although, I’m getting a bit tired of golfing. I’m looking for more productive things to do with my life.”
Responding to his story, I courageously ask, “I’m not certain how much you’ve thought about this–have you ever wondered why God put you here on earth? What’s your purpose for living?”
His face lights up, “As a matter of fact, that’s the very issue I’m wrestling with!”
Then, we begin to talk about God’s design for his life.
We show respect for other’s when we listening and active respond to their life stories. We learn where God is working in people’s lives. Respect open’s the door to share our faith.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Who needs someone to listen to their story?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: We respect others when we listen and respond to their 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.
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.
Marketplace Ministers and the Bottomless Black Hole
I just finished reading Get the Word Out: How God Shapes and Sends His Witnesses by John Teter. Read my Amazon review. This sentence caught my attention : “If we are not hearing the voice of the Shepard, we are vulnerable to the claps and cheers of the world.”
Christian Business Leader
John also writes, “Jesus knows the human heart. He knows we are weak, frightened people who struggle every day. We wobble on the brink of emotional meltdown in one bad glare, one bad lane change on the freeway or one insensitive action from a a friend or foe. Jesus knows that our human hearts want us to be liked. This works well when befriending our world, but it does not work well when the moment to challenge the world comes. The praise and applause we thought didn’t mean much suddenly controls our behavior and acts as a filter to what we say. And, unless our hearts are trained to love God more, they will be filled with the praise of mere mortals.” (pg. 41)
This reminded me of a “Letter from the King” that I wrote in my journal on Feb. 2, 2004, when I was wrestling with the Need for Approval.
Bottomless Black Hole
“Only the great I AM can fill the bottomless black hole in your life, Danita.
Money will not.
Recognition will not.
Status will not.
Your husband will not.
Your kids will not.
Friends will not.
Your career will not.
Knowledge will not.
Success will not.
Only I AM can fill the bottomless black hole in your life.
Will you let me?”
Marketplace Minister’s Question: Where do you seek your approval?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Our identity must be grounded in who we are in Christ. Everything else we leave us longing and searching for more.
To read more “Letters from the King,” start here.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Christian Leaders: You are not what you do
As Christian leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs desiring to be more effective in impacting the people, companies and systems around us with the Good News, it’s critical for us to be grounded in our identify in Christ.
Christian Leader
For me, this is a constant battle. It’s so easy for me to thoughtlessly yield to the values of the surrounding culture. It takes intentional, focused work to remind myself of God’s truth about who I am in his Kingdom. It seems that living Romans 12:2 needs to be a daily reality, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
In light of this personal challenge, I find this sermon on July 31st, God Cares About How You See Yourself, by Aaron Sorenson, pastor of the Exchange, to be both encouraging and challenging. Here’s how I summarize:
You are NOT what you do.
Jesus was so confident in who he was, God’s Son, that he didn’t need to DO anything to prove it. He didn’t turn the stone into bread, even though he could have. He knew that he was NOT what he did.
How certain are you in your identity as a Child of the King?
You are NOT defined be what you do.
You are defined by whose you are.
You are NOT who others say that you are.
Jesus was so secure in who he was, God’s Son, that he didn’t need others to approve of him. He didn’t need to rely on what others said about him. Because of this, he didn’t take the bait to jump from the highest point of the temple, then call on angels to safe him. In doing so, the people in the crowded temple courtyard would see him and be in awe of his powers. He could have; but he didn’t. He knew that he was NOT who others said that he was.
How convinced are you in your identity as a Child of the King?
You are NOT defined who others say you are.
You are defined by God, by whose you are.
You are NOT what you have.
Jesus was sure in who he was, God’s Son, that he didn’t have to acquire, own, or rule anything to prove it. He didn’t succumb to the temptation to rule all the kingdoms of the earth, even though he could have. He knew that he was NOT what he possessed or owned.
How persuaded are you in your identity as a Child of the King?
You are NOT defined by what you have, own or influence over.
Know you identity as a Child of the King. You are defined by whose you are.
Marketplace Ministers Question: What might you do to continually remind yourself about who you are in Christ?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Regularly examine your motives, actions and reactions to determine when you’re operating out of God’s truth.
P.P.S. My recent series of posting, Letters from the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador, relates the struggle of how to live out our identity in Christ. You may find it helpful.
P.P.S. Finally, when you’re looking for a conference speaker on this topic, feel free to contact us.
© 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