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.
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.
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: Fully
Spirituality at Work
As I write this prayer as part of the Love, Life, Light Series, I’m returning from an international leadership conference. I’m encouraged that there are many around the world who are committed to the Good News of Jesus Christ. I met people from China, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, Mexico and Tanzania that confirm that the Gospel is spreading across the world like never before!
Lord,
Hep me to fully accept your love,
That I may fully love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and
Love my neighbor as myself.
Help me to fully abide in your light,
That I may fully shine the Light of Jesus Christ to those around me.
Help me to fully experience your life,
That I may be a full vessel by which your life flows to others.
In the Name of Mighty Jesus!
Amen
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How is your living contributing to “It’s Happening In Our Lifetime…”?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God is actively working on a global basis.
Often, we get trapped into a way of living that isn’t fulfilling. You might find this article of interest, Why I Burned My Navy Blue Suit.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
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