Bringing Faith to Work | Marketplace Ministers

Marketplace Ministers Core Values (1 of 9)

Danita — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:32:49 +0000

Core Value 1 – Single-mindedness

I’m finally graduating from Bethel University with a Master’s in Transformational Leadership.

The Transformational Leadership program is an integration of Biblical and Leadership studies.

It’s been a long journey – ten years to be exact. Yes, I stretched a three year program into 10; but to my defense I will add that, during this time, I raised a family of three while building and running a business. Even though some days were extremely tough, I persisted. My goal was to take one class a quarter. That usually worked well, unless there was a family emergency or, I got too stressed out because I had too much other stuff on my plate!

The positive part is that I loved every single class I took. Every class challenged my paradigms about leadership and faith. Since I’m FINALLY graduating on June 3^rd, I’m in a reflective mood. These are some of the Core Values that I wrote a couple of years ago. I hope they are encouraging to you and help you crystallize your Core Values as one committed to being a Christ follower 24/7.

SINGLE-MINDEDNESS

Single-minded: God is most greatly praised, people are most greatly served, and I am most greatly fulfilled, when I seek to walk single-minded with my life-focus on Him.

*Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt 22: 37-40

*No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matt 6:24

*But seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6: 33

*Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matt. 7:13

*Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Roman 12:1

Marketplace Minister’s Question: What are your core values?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: I am most greatly fulfilled, when I seek to walk single-minded with my life-focus on Him.

If you need an speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

Marketplace Minister, Overdose to keep you going?

Danita — Sun, 06 May 2012 12:07:19 +0000

Marketplace Minister, ever thought how often people have a drug overdose while sick with the cold?

Well, I did! I was taking an over-the-counter night-time cold medicine to help me sleep. Then I was talking a different day-time cold medication to mask my symptoms and to energize me so that I keep on the run—ensuring that I met the needs of my clients. I took the two products too close together…not good.

Reflecting on the terrifying experience, I ask myself, “Why do I push myself so hard to meet my clients needs?” Is that really God’s way? Or, will I ultimately serve my clients, my family, my God and myself best if I ensure I’m not running ahead of God…or lagging behind…but walking with him…ensuring I take care of this temple…the temple of the Holy Spirit, my body?

Marketplace Ministers Question: Are you running ahead of God, following your own agenda? Or, are you waiting on him to direct your path?

Marketplace Ministers Lesson: Jonah delivered God’s message in God’s time in God’s place. Jonah became one of the most effective evangelists of all time.

This was recorded at “Workplace Minute” for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

If you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out my speaking topics.

Christian Business Leader, Are you a Workaholic?

Danita — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:34:02 +0000

As a Christian Business Woman, I confess, I’m a workaholic.

Often it seems like I’m having an affair with my work—I get up thinking about my work. I think about my work when I’m sitting at my kids soccer games. I think about my job when I’m cooking supper. Even sometimes when I’m eating supper with the family, I’m disengaged, rethinking the meeting that didn’t go as well as I had anticipated. After dinner dishes, I pull out the project that needs those final touches.

What does God say about this addiction?

Proverbs 3: 5-7 tells us to trust in the Lord. To acknowledge Him and He will make our path straight.

Life on this side of eternity is a test; a test to see if we will trust him even in our work life. To see if we will trust him for Divine Appointments. To see if we will not run ahead of Him or lag behind Him…but walk with Him.

Marketplace Ministers Question: Is your work so important that you would risk your health and family life?

Marketplace Ministers Lesson: Make it a habit to ask yourself, throughout the day, “If I died in my sleep tonight, would I be happy with the way I spent my day?

A number of years ago, I recorded “Workplace Minute” for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

If you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out my speaking topics.

Marketplace Ministers and Atheists

Danita — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:34:09 +0000

Marketplace Minister, do you agree that God is at work in Atheists?

“I’ve decided to be an atheist.”

My 14 year old son reported that one of his school friends announced that he had decided to be an atheist.

I responded with, “How exciting! It sounds like God is actively working in his life!”

Puzzled, my son asks, “What do you mean, Mom? He just proclaimed that he’s decided to be an atheist!”

I remind my son of the scripture which says that man only thinks about God and spiritual things when the Holy Spirit is working in their life.

Do you have people in your life that are antagonistic towards Jesus? If yes, it may be a sign that God is actively working in their life also. It may be a signal for you to pray for them. It surely is an important time for you to love them and to be “salt” and “light” in their world.

Keep your eyes open to how God is working in the lives of those you work with, even those antagonist towards Jesus.

Marketplace Ministers Question: What duties do you need to fulfill to seek the Kingdom of God?

Marketplace Ministers Lesson: Repent your sin, live a better godly life, believe in Jesus Christ son of God, the King of the Kingdom.

If you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out my speaking topics.

I recorded “Workplace Minute” for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

Christian Business Leader, Are You Stunned?

Danita — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:35:58 +0000

I am stunned.

I know how business works. I know how to work the “sales funnel,” as they call it. I plan. I work my plan.

All is going as anticipated…until Dec 8.

Every deal I am working on falls through…on the same day. Every prospect says no to my proposals…on the same day. I am stunned. This HAS to be a God-incident.

Reflecting on my failure, I recall Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

God begins to show me that my job was about me, not about Him. That I wasn’t consulting Him in any of my business plans. Not my clients. Not my engagements. Not my proposals. Nothing.

How do you acknowledge God in your work? Do you consult Him about the challenges you’re facing? The difficult decisions? The problematic people you work with?

I assure you that when you do, you’ll be stunned at what he’s able to accomplish through you.

Marketplace Minister’s Question: How is God getting your attention?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Consult him in all your ways.

“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 my speaking topics.

“Workplace Minute” was recorded for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

Christian CEO, are you Politically Incorrect?

Danita — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:24:43 +0000

It was politically incorrect.

The PC experts instruct us not to send religious books as gifts to clients and colleagues. However, I do it anyway.

I give her a leather-bound copy of Purpose Driven Life. As we sit down for lunch at the restaurant, she says, “Thanks for the book, Danita. I’ll give it to my business partner. I’m not into that Christian stuff; I have my own form of spirituality.”

Well, of course that comment piques my curiosity! I ask, “I’d love to hear about your life…your own form of spirituality.”

For the next half hour, she shares about her upbringing, her struggles, and her visits with her psychic.

Then I share about how I came to know Jesus Christ and he transformed my world.

I’m not certain where the conversation will go in the future. However, God used this “politically incorrect” action to open the doors for future dialogue.

Where is God asking you to do something “politically incorrect”?

Marketplace Minister’s Question: Why do you as Christian need to spread the word of Christ?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

When you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out my speaking topics.

A number of years ago, I recorded “Workplace Minute” for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

Are you Complaining, Christian Business Women?

Danita — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:58:16 +0000

Christian Business Women and Businessmen:

Who are you reflecting?

Two of my favorite people are in the same nursing home at the same time, Gramma and Great Aunt Ruth. Shortly after they are admitted, I visit.

Within moments of entering Gramma’s room, she begins complaining about the horribly bland food, the disrespectful staff and the overall unpleasantness of being in this horrible place.

My next stop is completely different. Aunt Ruth recounts how delightful the nurses are, how scrumptious the food is (especially since she didn’t have to cook it!), and how friendly the other residents are.

What a contrast! I dearly love and respect both of these dear saints. Yet, I leave the nursing home reflecting on my own character. Do my co-workers & colleagues, see me more like my Gramma, complaining about everything? Or, do they see my Great Aunt Ruth, confident in God’s goodness and provision, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Marketplace Ministers Question: Who are you reflecting? Are you reflecting God & His goodness and faithfulness in your work environment?

Marketplace Ministers Lesson: Complaining weakens our resolve. Words of faith empower us.

If you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out my speaking topics.

I recorded “Workplace Minute” for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

Workplace Minute: Are You Caring?

Danita — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:17:51 +0000

“Workplace Minute” was recorded for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

“When I see Christians care for the poor, then I’ll know God is real.”

Tony unloaded his skepticism. Oh yes, he’d been to church…..for years. However, his searching had turned to skepticism.

“Why?”

He said, “The Bible calls Christians to take care of the poor. However, I see a church pre-occupied with itself. It’s become irrelevant.”

He went on to say, “When I see the church reaching outside of its walls to those who are really hurting, then I’ll know that God is real.”

OK, Tony’s a bit skeptical.

But, his skepticism forces me to ask myself a question, “When colleagues and work associates watch me, do they see someone who’s practically showing God’s love and caring for hurting people? Or, do they see a person pre-occupied with my church buddies?”

Marketplace Ministers Question: How do you as a Christ follower help the poor and needy?

Marketplace Ministers Lesson: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” 1Samuel 2:8

“For updated insights, comment on my upcoming 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.

Workplace Minute: Are you Seeing?

Danita — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 13:56:03 +0000

She was invisible, Christian Leaders.

I noticed her on the other side of the sanctuary during the “meet and greet” time during the worship service. In this primarily white, middle class suburban church, she was distinct, dressed in a stunningly beautiful, mustard-yellow Sari that complimented her olive skin.

I especially noticed (and cringed) as she stood alone. No one reached out to her. No one talked to her. No one even looked at her.

In the midst of God’s people, she was invisible.

Who’s invisible in your world? Who’s invisible in your church?

Oh, we all have favorite people to hang with. However, that doesn’t excuse us from reaching out to those in our neighborhoods, our workplaces and our churches that are in desperate need of authentic God-with-skin-on interactions.

A number of years ago, I recorded “Workplace Minute” for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

Marketplace Ministers Question: Where are the invisible people in your life?

Marketplace Ministers Lesson: Open your eyes to see those who society as well as our churches forget or don’t want to see…. those who are invisible.

Need a speaker for an upcoming event, check out my speaking topics.

Workplace Minute: Are You Listening?

Danita — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:42:01 +0000

“Speak Lord, for I am listening.”

“Workplace Minute” was recorded for KTIS as an encouragement to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, Christian Business Owners and Christian Leaders.

In the Old Testament, the young boy Samuel, upon learning that it was the Lord calling him in the middle of the night, responded, “Speak Lord, for I am listening.”

What’s your response when you hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit prompting you to action?

“Invite her to have lunch with you today.”
“Ask how his daughter is doing, the one who just found out she’s pregnant and they don’t know who the father is….”
“Tell Joan that you’ll pray for her.”
“Ask how you might help him meet the pressing deadline that he’s been working so hard on.”

God speaks via the small whisper in our hearts. Will you respond as Samuel did? “Speak, Lord. For I am listening. Or will you turn off your heart and the voice of the Holy Spirit?

Marketplace Minister’s Question: Do you listen to God’s commands and do you pay attention to them?

Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God communicates to us through the Scriptures when we search for specific answers.

Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my speaking topics.