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 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.
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.
Love, Life, Light Series: Help me to Hear, See & Feel
In the midst of the pressing demands of everyday work life, I often find myself a slave to my calendar and ToDo List. Therefore, I must intentionally reminding myself of the more important things, the “good works” that God has prepared. I find these three words to be a great guide for my day:
- Love: Because God loves me, He calls me to love others. (I John 4:12)
- Life: Because of the life that He constantly gives me, I am honored to share that life with others. (John 20:31, Woman at the Well)
- Light: Because He dispels the darkness in my soul with His Light, I can help others who are wrestling with life’s issues. (John 1)
Christian Business Leader
Over the next few weeks, I’m posting thoughts from my journal on these struggle. I trust you find these encouraging in your walk.
Help Me to Hear, See and Feel
I’m so driven, so hard of hearing,
I don’t really hear
the cry of the world around me,
the voices of despair,
the plea for help in those I meet.
I confess that I’ve lost my sense of hearing.
Lord, help me to hear, really hear,
that your love can flow through me and people will know that You are Love and really hear them.
I’m so driven, so out-of-touch & cold-hearted,
I don’t really feel,
the pain of others around me,
the frustration of people imprisoned in their world,
the helplessness of those locally and globally who are desperate for live-giving food and water
I confess that I’ve lost my sense of feeling.
Lord, help me to feel, really feel,
that your life can flow through me and others may know that You are Life and really feel their pain.
I’m so driven, so tunnel visioned,
I don’t really see,
the pain and anguish in people’s eyes,
the lonliness and cry for love,
the desperate life searching for purpose and meaning.
I confess that I’ve lost my ability to see.
Lord, help me to see, really see,
that I may shine your Light so that people can see that You are really working in their lives.
Lord, help me to hear, see and feel that I might join you in accomplishing Your task of bringing Love, Life and Light to the world.
Marketplace Minister’s Question:What spiritual practices do you have that remind you of what’s really important?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: It’s easy to caught up in everyday life; be intentional about your walk with God.
Need a speaker for an upcoming event? In Maximizing Ministry Moments, we talk about how to practically share love, life and light.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
This is My Father’s World
The first time I remember intentionally responding to God was at Camp Bentley in Drake, North Dakota while in grade school. I arrived at summer camp with mixed emotions. I was excited–this was a new experience with new people to meet. However, I was also a bit nervous, not familiar with what “Bible camp” was all about.
This is My Father's World
The first song we sang at chapel that evening was “This is My Father’s World.” Our young, excited and exuberant voices filled the small chapel…it sounded and felt like heaven!
At the end of the service, the pastor invited all those who wanted to follow Jesus to come forward. I was amazed to find myself walking to the front of the chapel….I felt something, someone gently drawing me into a relationship! So, the hymn has special memories for me.
Today, when I hear it, I’m reminded that since this is God’s World, we as Christian leaders, business professionals, and marketplace ministers, have the privilege of being about our Father’s business.
This is my Father’s world’,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world,
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
in the rustling grass I hear him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world.
O let me ne’er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!
Marketplace Minister’s Question: What memories and spiritual practices remind you that you are about God’s work and expanding His Kingdom?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: As you go about your day, be open to what’s God’s purpose’s are for you and your work.
Need a speaker or teacher for an upcoming event: On Friday, I had the honor of working with the 13 college students involved with the OPIN Apprentice Program. We discussed how to practically integrate our faith & work.
© Copyright 2010, 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.
A Christian Leader’s Prayer: John Calvin
Last spring, I took “Church History Survey” as I’m on the home stretch for my Master’s in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary. As part of our course work, we studied prayers by our forerunners in the faith. This prayer by John Calvin speaks directly to us as Marketplace Ministers and Christian Leaders:
Christian Business Leader
“Almighty God, because we need the teaching and direction of your Holy Spirit each day on our earthly pilgrimage, we ask you that we may, with true humility, depend both upon your Word and on His secret inspiration. Help us not to take too much upon ourselves. Keep us aware of our own ignorance and blindness and stupidity, and may we run to you and not be pulled this way and that by the cunning of Satan and ungodly people. Let us remain so fixed in your truth that we never swerve from it, while you direct us through all the course of our calling and we arrive at the heavenly glory of your kingdom which is won for us by the blood of your only-begotten Son. Amen.”
(Calvin’s OT Commentaries, Vol. 20, trans. T. H. L. Parker, p. 58 / revised trans.)
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How actively do you rely on the help and wisdom from the Holy Spirit in your daily life to remain laser-focused on God’s Kingdom?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: The Holy Spirit is our constant comfort and guide when we cry out for help.
Also, check out Speaking Topics on the Marketplace-Ministers.com website. Let me know if you’d like your small group or Bible Study to interact with how to be more effective in living a 24/7 life of worship.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Being a Christian at Work 24/7
Today, I was interviewed to be a TV guest on an upcoming show. During the interview, the host asked me, “If there is one thing that you’re passionate about you’d like to speak on, what is it.” Here’s what I said,
“If Jesus is Lord of our lives, then that means He should be Lord of our businesses also. So, what does that Lordship look like when you’re doing your everyday work as a Christian business person, Christian entrepreneurs, or Christian leaders?
“If you are to worship God 24/7, then what does it mean to worship 24/7 when you’re running our businesses? What does it mean when you’re:
Christian Leader
- Hiring people,
- Coaching and developing people,
- Firing staff,
- Developing new products and services,
- Reading your financial statements, or
- Crafting strategic partners.
“What does ‘Jesus is Lord of my life’ and ‘worship God 24/7′ look like in your everyday life?”
Marketplace Minister’s Question: So, what does “Jesus is Lord of my life” look like in your everyday life? And, what does “worship God 24/7″ look like when you go to work tomorrow?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Ask God to show you what these concepts mean.
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
How can Marketplace Ministers hear God’s Voice?
In my article, Marketplace Minister’s Response to Adversity, I suggest that Christian businesspeople and Christian entrepreneurs follow four steps when dealing with adversity:
Christian Business & Listening Prayer
- Wait on God
- Ask for direction
- Listen for God’s response
- Obey the instructions you receive
Easier said than done, isn’t it? In today’s busy world, with our lives spinning out of control so quickly, the noise of everything going on around us can be deafening. Hearing God’s voice might seem downright impossible in the midst all this activity and chaos.
Being a Christian business person or entrepreneur, you are used to planning. Therefore, it might be necessary for you to go about this much in the same way you would plan and execute a sales strategy.
A PROCESS FOR LISTENING TO GOD’S VOICE
Be disciplined – Set aside time regularily when you take your mind off everything else and allow God to communicate with you.
Be quiet – During this time, turn off the cell phone, the radio, the TV and your computer. Don’t burdened yourself with distractions.
Start communicating – After you’ve allowed yourself some quiet time to calm down, start talking to God like you would to a friend. Tell Him that you need his guidance and direction and confirm your dependency on Him. And, don’t be bothered when other thoughts about business race through your mind. Just write them down on your Parking Lot List to come back to at a later time.
Open up your mind – Our minds and imaginations are so powerful and when we dare to open the door, God can use it as a mighty tool to communicate with us.
Resist the enemy – No doubt that this process of powerful fellowship between you and God will be met with attacks of doubt and distraction. Be aware of this and ask God to keep you focused on His voice alone.
Be patient – Sometimes you’ll receive answers to your problems immediately. At other times it may take longer, much longer. Do not become impatient. God knows your heart, and knows when you are ready to hear His voice. You might be guided to a specific portion of scripture or a person whom God will use to clarify his guidance.
Journalize – It’s often helpful to write down what you feel and think as you’re going through this process. It may be weeks later when you read through these notes again and they will suddenly make sense.
Measure by the only truth, the Bible – If you are doubtful about the guidance you have received, or the new perspectives you may have found, there is only one way to know if you’re on the right track, and that is by referring back to the unchanging standard of God’s word, the Bible.
In Jeremiah 29 : 11 – 13 God promises the following:
“I alone know the plans I have for you; plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart.”
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Dedicate quiet time every day to hear God’s voice.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How do I need to rearrange my schedule so that I can spend time listening for God’s voice?
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Focus for the Christian Business Professional
I’m in the process of writing my Internship Development Plan which is a requirement for finalizing my Masters in Transformational Leadership from Bethel University. As I’m writing the plan, I’m reminded of the importance for Christian Entrepreneurs and Christian Business owners to focus on the greatest priorities. This saying helps me to examine my goals and ensure I’m headed in the productive pathway.
Focus for Christian Professionals
May you love God so much
That you will love nothing else too much.
May you fear God enough
That you will fear nothing else at all.
Let us go by His grace, and in His love.
May you fear God so much
That you fear no-one else.
May you love Him so much
That you love nothing more.
Unknown Author
The Marketplace Minister’s Question: What are you loving? What are you fearing?
The Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Ensure you have a God-guided focus daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually.
You’ll find more about the many areas that we as leaders need to balance when you read Leadership Shift.
© 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