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Do You Really Want to Rob God?

January 10, 2023

Devotions/Partners

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Malachi 3:8-12 (KJV) “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.”

COMMENTARY: One of the biggest sins in the Old Testament was covetousness. The children of Israel were guilty of coveting their money, possessions and financial resources instead of being faithful in giving the LORD their tithes and offerings. God chastised them and explained the enormous benefits of being faithful in giving.

APPLICATION: Covetousness is still as big a sin today as it was in the Old Testament. When I was born again at age 29, the Holy Spirit began to teach and convict me about tithes and offerings. As New Year’s Day approached, I made a resolution to begin tithing effective January 1, 1986. For decades since, I have faithfully given my tithes and offerings to the Lord and have experienced this promise in Malachi 3. We have been through some challenging times, but through it all, the Lord has been faithful and true to His Word.

Perhaps today, you need to make a commitment to obey the Lord in the area of tithes and offerings. Perhaps you’re guilty of robbing God, of being covetous and stingy. Let God set you free, step forward by faith, and watch Him work. (A word of caution: don’t turn your tithe into an idol. I have a friend who did that, and the LORD had to teach him a dramatic lesson in idolatry. If you’re tithing, don’t worship the tithe and consider it a magical casino slot machine. God is a jealous God, and He doesn’t want the tithe or anything else to become a false god.)

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Ecclesiastes 11:4 (KJV)，read There is No Way to Know What Comes Afterwards (Eccl 9:1-11:6) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary

Declare Your Independence

Devotions/Partners

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Galatians 5:1 (KJV): “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

COMMENTARY: As Paul went on his missionary journeys and returned to visit the churches he had helped to plant, he was astounded by Christians who had been set free by trusting Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit, only to gradually go back into emotional, mental, physical, financial, political and spiritual bondage.

APPLICATION: Perhaps today is the day for you to finally declare your independence from the world’s way of doing business once and for all:

1) As a Christian, I AM FREE to do my job with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

2) As a Christian, I AM FREE to abide in God’s call as a “minister in the marketplace.” I have the liberty to be a Godly employer or employee in word and in deed.

3) As a Christian, I AM FREE from being manipulated by other people including customers, bosses, employees and suppliers. I am free from manipulating others. I have the liberty to build win-win relationships.

4) As a Christian, I AM FREE of covetousness. I have the liberty to lay up my treasures in heaven instead of here on earth. I am free from jealousy over my peer’s power, positions and possessions. I am free to avoid debt, to pay my taxes, to compensate people fairly and on-time, and to avoid the accumulation of material goods that have no eternal value.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Malachi 3:8-12 (KJV)，read Both Sin and Hope Remain Present in Work (Malachi 1:1-4:6) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Customers Come, Customers Go

Devotions/Partners

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Jeremiah 17:5 (KJV): “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD…(v. 7) Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”

COMMENTARY: Throughout human history, the Lord has wanted His people to trust Him completely. In this passage, He promises to bless those who trust in Him. But, alas, human history is full of people who claim to know God and love Him, but who do not trust Him in practical, everyday reality. As a result, they trust in man and suffer the consequences.

APPLICATION: Every business has a customer base of some kind. Some businesses have a small number of customers, others have thousands or millions of customers. Many businesses have key customers who represent a large percentage of revenues.

During an economic downturn, customer upheaval usually increases. You will experience some erosion in your customer base. A key question when you lose customers is, who are you trusting in? Sometimes, you can be so eager to serve and keep customers that you turn them into idols and worship them. When you lose them, you are crushed, heartbroken, discouraged, dismayed and depressed.

While Christians should excel in customer service, the reality is that customers will come and go. Through the ups and downs, you should always trust in God. He knows what He is doing. Today’s discouragement can lead to spiritual growth and God’s resurrection power in ways you never anticipated.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Galatians 5:1 (KJV)，read Living in Christ (Galatians 5–6) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Credential Essential?

Devotions/Partners

Matthew 21:23 (KJV) “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?”

COMMENTARY: Think of the final week of Jesus’ ministry. His exciting entry into Jerusalem. His couragous cleansing of the temple. His divine healing of the blind and the lame. In this passage, religious leaders challenge Jesus’ qualifications. Jesus did not have an official degree from their seminary and had no desire to play their trivial politics. He did not dress like them, walk like them or talk like them. He was, to put it mildly, different.

APPLICATION: Today’s business world delights in the snobbery of credentials. We relish in our college degrees, certifications, licenses, impressive resumes, titles. and LinkedIn profiles.

Credentials can be very helpful and constructive, but far more important than man-made careers and credentials are God-given callings and gifts. If someone is called and gifted in a particular area, the fruitfulness of that calling and giftedness will be very obvious.

As a Christ follower, you have received the ultimate gift–eternal life in heaven–and you are called to share the Good News (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). It has nothing to do with having a degree from seminary or being clothed in a robe. When people in the workplace challenge your authority to share the Gospel, tell them it comes from the same God who gave Jesus authority over 2,000 years ago. Jesus didn’t allow bureaucratic bullies to put him into the bondage of inferiority, and neither should you. You are complete in Christ!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Jeremiah 17:5, 7 (KJV)，read Work Within a Balanced Life (Jeremiah 17) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Contentment @ Work

Devotions/Partners

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Exodus 20:17 (KJV): “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”

COMMENTARY: Much of modern culture is materialistic and covetous, in direct contradiction to this Tenth Commandment. We need to be willing to take a look in the mirror, and see ourselves for who we have become, and repent.

APPLICATION: To a degree, our economy is based on a culture of discontent and covetousness. Keeping up with others motivates people to purchase goods and services. We see a neighbor buy something new, and we are stirred through envy to buy something new. We see a neighbor get a job promotion, and we are stirred through envy to get a job promotion. We see a neighbor’s child going to a prestigious school, and we are stirred through envy to enroll our child in a prestigious school.

This escalation continues until we find ourselves in serious financial bondage. This bondage tears away at the fabric of our marriage and family life, and can lead to destruction.

By contrast, contentment brings peace. It’s still okay to pursue God-given goals, but as you pursue His goals, you should be content with what He provides you with. Contentment is a rare quality in today’s culture, but it’s extremely liberating. Why put yourself in bondage when you can be free? As the Word says in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Matthew 21:23 (KJV)，read Living in the New Kingdom (Matthew 18-25) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Constitution for Restitution

Devotions/Partners

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Luke 19:8 (KJV) “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

COMMENTARY: The word “constitution” means total moral or mental makeup. The word “restitution” means “a giving of something as an equivalent for what has been lost or damaged.”

If you read the context of this passage, it is clear that Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector in Jericho, had blatantly and consistently taken advantage of his powerful position to overtax people through intimidation and manipulation, in order to accumulate personal wealth. After his personal encounter with Jesus, the Holy Spirit instantly convicted him of his wrongdoing. Zacchaeus had an immediate “constitution for restitution.” We now see a new, soft-hearted man who eagerly seeks to repair the damage that he has caused.

APPLICATION: In today’s Christian business community, some Christian businesspeople seem to think that, because they are saved and forgiven of their sins, they should not have to be held accountable for past abuses. After all, looking back on past behavior, seeing the harm they have brought to others, and seeking to repair the damage, takes humility, courage and integrity.

Today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal situations in which you need to make restitution. Forget the legal technicalities. What is right is right in God’s sight. As He reveals people and events to you, be quick to make amends like Zacchaeus did. You will be astounded by the Godly impact! If you have been wronged by a fellow believer, remember that God is in control. The Holy Spirit is a far better collection agent than you will ever be.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Exodus 20:17 (KJV)，read The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Consider the Entrepreneurial Option

January 9, 2023

Devotions/Partners

Galatians 5:1 (KJV): “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

COMMENTARY: When someone is “born again,” it is a fantastic event. Think of how excited Paul was when he reflected on his own salvation and observed others coming to Christ. Even the angels rejoice! However, in this passage, Paul has a concern about believers going back into the bondage of legalism or license from which they have been set free. Paul understands that when a soul is saved, God wants him or her to enjoy the Spirit-filled life of liberty.

APPLICATION: Are you sensing that it is time for a career change? Perhaps you have tried to be a Godly employee or employer, but you are feeling a persistent sense of spiritual oppression. The Holy Spirit is calling you to move on. The key question is, move on to what? Pray about it. The Holy Spirit may be leading you to take a huge leap of faith by starting your own business: a business that could bring glory and honor to the Lord; a business that could have a Christ-based culture; a business that could be operated with Biblical principles; a business that could allow you to soar in your Christian liberty and abound in the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit; a business that could be Kingdom-building.

If the Holy Spirit is leading you toward entrepreneurship, do not fight Him. He will provide what you need to fulfill His call.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Luke 19:8 (KJV)，read Taxing Issues (Luke 19:1-10; 20:20-26) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Casting Out Business Discouragement

Devotions/Partners

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Psalms 55:22 (KJV): “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

COMMENTARY: It is very easy to get discouraged in today’s working world. External and internal dynamics can blow the wind out of anyone’s sails. For example, we can get discouraged due to heavy workloads (Numbers 11:10-15); defeats like losing a promotion, a major client or a big proposal (Joshua 7:7-9); failures or mistakes (1 Kings 19:2-4); or health problems that hinder us from accomplishing all that we want (Isaiah 38:9-20).

Discouragement is as common to working men and women as sipping your morning coffee. It is what you do when discouragement enters your heart, mind, body and soul that is important. Men have a tendency to go into a “cave” and brood. They do not want to talk or go anywhere. After a while, they climb out of their cave and move on. Women tend to deal with discouragement by sharing it with friends. They want to talk it through and move on.

APPLICATION: When you and your colleagues get hit with a major business discouragement, keep moving forward. Do not go into paralysis!

In 1 Kings 19:9-18, Elijah went into the paralysis of his “cave,” and God told him to get up and move forward. In Psalms 55:22, God tells us to give our burdens (including discouragements) to Him and He will keep us going. In Mark 6:31, the Lord reminds us that at times, we need to take breaks to renew. Luke 21:28 reminds us to keep a Godly perspective. For Christ followers, this world is the worst it gets. For unbelievers, this world is the best it gets. Praise God for His indescribable gift! Set the example by trusting in God and soaring like an eagle!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Galatians 5:1 (KJV)，read Living in Christ (Galatians 5–6) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Can You be Trusted with Keys?

Devotions/Partners

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Luke 11:52 (KJV): “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.”

COMMENTARY: One sign of your trustworthiness as a manager or employee is your possession of workplace keys. Keys to your facility, a company vehicle, equipment or machinery, special rooms or files. In today’s high-tech world, keys also come in the form of keypad codes, ID cards with magnetic strips or chips, user names and passwords.

When those who are in authority grant you access, they are trusting that you will be honest, diligent and responsible with this access. It is an honor and a privilege, not a right.

APPLICATION: The Lord is The Key of all true knowledge. Jesus is The Key to salvation. As a Christ-follower, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside, giving you supernatural understanding of His Word.

1) Are you taking full advantage of this access to divine knowledge?

2) Are you helping or hindering others from accessing this knowledge?

3) Are you trustworthy with the “keys to the Kingdom?”

4) Are you faithfully conveying the simple Good News, that salvation (access into His Kingdom) is a free gift by His Amazing Grace, or are you frustrating the grace of God by adding works to saving grace?

Let us be careful, faithful key holders in all we do, for the Lord’s sake.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Psalms 55:22 (KJV)，read Book 2 (Psalms 42–72) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Business Wisdom from Trees: The Evergreen Tree

Devotions/Partners

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Psalm 1:1-3 (KJV): “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

COMMENTARY: In the fall,deciduous trees lose their leaves and turn into seemingly lifeless gray skeletons. As winter arrives, temperatures drop, and cold winds blow, ice and snow transform the landscape until spring starts to bloom.

During the starkness of winter, the evergreen trees become more prominent and noticeable. Even during the most severe storms, these rugged evergreens show off their greenness in an otherwise bland white-and-gray environment.

APPLICATION: In this passage of Scripture, the Lord promises that if you maintain a close, intimate, daily relationship with Him and walk in His ways, He will make you a spiritual evergreen tree in the forest of humanity. Your leaf shall not wither. No matter what your season in life, youth or old age, poor or wealthy times, sickness or health, freezing cold or scorching heat, calm air or storms, through it all, the Holy Spirit will give you a spiritual abundance and strength that will inspire and encourage those around you.

No matter what your season in life is today, be faithful to the Lord. If you are going through difficult times, trust Him. Obey this Scripture. Continue to drink from the living waters. Difficult times are when others will marvel at your supernatural ability to be an evergreen tree, and ask about the hope that lies within.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Luke 11:52 (KJV)，read Luke and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Called To Work

Author: design

Do You Really Want to Rob God?

For Further Exploration

Declare Your Independence

For Further Exploration

Customers Come, Customers Go

For Further Exploration

Credential Essential?

For Further Exploration

Contentment @ Work

For Further Exploration

Constitution for Restitution

For Further Exploration

Consider the Entrepreneurial Option

For Further Exploration

Casting Out Business Discouragement

For Further Exploration

Can You be Trusted with Keys?

For Further Exploration

Business Wisdom from Trees: The Evergreen Tree

For Further Exploration

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