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Are You Setting Your Goals Too Low?–2 Kings 13:14-19

June 19, 2013 in 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings, 2013 Journey, Goals, leadership, Success, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 13:1-11; 2 Kings 12:17-21; 2 Chronicles 24:23-27; 2 Kings 13:14-25

When Elisha was in his last illness, King Jehoash of Israel visited him and wept over him. “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” he cried.

Elisha told him, “Get a bow and some arrows.” And the king did as he was told. Elisha told him, “Put your hand on the bow,” and Elisha laid his own hands on the king’s hands. Then he commanded, “Open that eastern window,” and he opened it. 

Then he said, “Shoot!” So he shot an arrow. Elisha proclaimed, “This is the Lord’s arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek.”

Then he said, “Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground.” So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times.  But the man of God was angry with him. “You should have struck the ground five or six times!” he exclaimed. “Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times.”    –2 Kings 13:14-19

Can you imagine how King Jehoash must have felt when he realized just a few more strikes of the arrows and he would have had complete victory? 

I’m sure King Jehoash had no idea how important striking the arrows against the ground would turn out to be in the war between Aram.  He probably thought it was senseless and silly.  The funny thing is sometimes  we need to do some things that seem senseless, silly, and down-right uncool to be able to reach big goals.

    • I wish I would have spent that extra hour studying
    • I wish I would have cleaned the house instead of watched T.V.
    • I wish I would have saved 10% of my income so I had a retirement
    • I wish I would have gone back to school
    • I wish I would have applied for that job
    • I wish I would have talked to that person about Jesus

“Should” and “would” will suck the life out of you.

When you get a chance to set a goal–go for the gold not the bronze.

Pick up every arrow you can find and beat it on the ground as many times as possible!

Heavenly Father, help us to live life in a way that leaves no room for “shouldn” and “wouldn.”  Lead us and guide us.  Teach us to set and work to achieve big goals for You and Your Kingdom.

 

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2013 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 14:1-14; 2 Chronicles 25:1-24; 2 Kings 13:12-13; 2 Kings 14:15-16, 23-27; 2 Chronicles 25:25-28; 2 Kings 14:17-22; 2 Kings 15:1-5; 2 Chronicles 26:1-21; Jonah 1:1-4:11

A 7 year old’s Top 5 Leadership Secrets — 2 Kings 11

June 18, 2013 in 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings, 2013 Journey, leadership, Success with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:   2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 2 Kings 11:4-12; 2 Chronicles 23:1-11; 2 Kings 11:13-16; 2 Chronicles 23:12-15; 2 Kings 11:17-21; 2 Chronicles 23: 16-21; 2 Kings 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 24:1-22; 2 Kings 10:32-36

Theodore Roosevelt was 42 years old when he became President of the United States; he was the youngest president in the history of our country to hold that office.

Can you imagine if we had a seven-year old president?

Joash was 7 years old when he became king of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem for forty years! He must have done something right, especially if we compare him to his father Ahaziah who was twenty-two years old when he became king and reigned for only one year.

Joash’s secret to success was Johoiada the priest

  1. Joash lived with Johoiada the priest in the Temple of God and in the presence of God for the first six years of his life.
  2. Johoiada, a great leader and man of integrity, was Joash’s right-hand man .
  3. The first thing that happened after Joash was crowned king was Jehoiada presented him with a copy of God’s laws.
  4. Joash made a covenant between Jehoiada, the Lord and the people that they would be the Lord’s people.
  5. Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.

Whether you’re seven or forty-seven godly counsel is an important part of being a leader.

Joash was fortunate that Jehoiada lived to a very old age, but no sooner than the priest died Joash sought counsel in an ungodly group, the leaders of Judah and they persuaded him to abandoned the Temple of the Lord, the god of his ancestors, and began to worship Asherah poles and idols instead.

In today’s political world wise counsel is just as important as it was in Joash’s day, and it’s just as hard to find as it was in those days.  Too many times advise is given to use and manipulate rather than for the good of the country.

Father, we pray that you put wise, Godly counsel in the reach of our country’s leaders.  Holy Spirit, draw our leaders to you.  Prompt us as your people to pray for them.  Remind us daily of Your promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

In Jesus Name, we pray.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2013 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 13:1-11; 2 Kings 12: 17-21; 2 Chronicles 24: 23-27; 2 Kings 13:14-25

Are You Addicted to These Three Things? –1 Kings 11

June 7, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Christian Living, Ecclesiastes, Failure, Forgiveness, leadership, Pride, Success with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Ecclesiastes 7:1 through Ecclesiastes 11:6

1 Kings 11 is critical in understanding how Solomon got to the place to write the sad book of Ecclesiastes.

Solomon did exactly what the Lord told him

NOT

to do.

The Lord had clearly instructed Israel not to marry foreign women, because they would turn their hearts to their gods.

What did Solomon do?

He married women from Egypt, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon and the Hittites.  He had 700 wives and 300 concubines and they did exactly what the Lord said they would do—turned Solomon’s heart away from his God.

Success, power, and prestige are as addictive as heroin.

That’s the only explanation for Solomon “needing”so many woman—just one more fix and I’ll be happy!

Solomon’s problem is an epidemic in today’s world.  Leaders both in the political world and the church world start out with the purest of motives but when they get a taste of power and prestige they exchange their noble motives for an enticing ego trip. They start to believe man’s laws AND God’s laws don’t apply to them.

I’m so thankful God shows the good, the bad, and the ugly in the Bible.

Solomon started out with a heart for his people and for God but ended up seeing his life as “meaningless.”  God knows we learn best from “real-live” examples—Solomon showed us what NOT to do.

Here are some of my favorite words of wisdom from today’s reading:

  • A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume (Eccles.  7:1)
  • Finishing is better than starting (Eccles. 7:8)
  • Patience is better than pride (Eccles. 7:80)
  • If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit!  A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes. (Eccles. 9:4)
  • Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade.  That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. (Eccles. 9:10)
  • Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. (Eccles. 11:5)

I think we should pencil in Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 at the end of Ecclesiastes:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Heavenly Father, help us to live a Matthew 6:33 life that is pleasing to you!  Help us to know that this world isn’t about power and prestige, but about knowing You and causing others to know You!  Help us to learn from the mistakes of Solomon!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Ecclesiastes 11:7 through Ecclesiastes 12:14; 1 Kings 12: 1-20; 2 Chronicles 10:1-19; 1 Kings 12: 21-24; 2 Chronicles 11: 1-4; 1 Kings 12: 25-33; 2 Chronicles 11: 5-17

Is Your Life Meaningless?–1 Kings 11:1-3

June 5, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Choices, Ecclesiastes, Giving Our Best to God, leadership, Obedience, Pride, Success with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 11:1-43; 2 Chronicles 9:29-31; Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites.  The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord.  –1 Kings 11:1-3

Have you ever insisted and persisted to do something “anyway” when you knew that You were going against your conscience, the law, your parents, your supervisor or your God?

How did that work for you?

Probably about as good as it did for Solomon…

The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.  He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the Lord’s command.  So now the Lord said to him, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants.   –1 Kings 11:9-11

    • God chose Solomon to be the king
    • God was so impressed with Solomon that he offered to give him anything he asked for
    • Solomon asked for wisdom and God gave it to him, plus riches, and so much more
    • Solomon did amazing things: Built a beautiful temple for the Lord, built a gorgeous home for himself, rebuilt the city of his father, ruled justly, wrote all the amazing Proverbs that are still guiding us today
    • Solomon worked very, very hard
    • But, then Solomon forgot where his wisdom and riches came from
    • He began to believe his own press and decided to go against the will of God
    • He thought he was above it all
    • He thought he needed to experience it all…so he did

The great thing for us is Solomon did it all and told us what he learned from the thrill of going directly against the will of the Living God…

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”

What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?  

Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again.  The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea.  

Everything is wearisome beyond description. 

No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.  –Ecclesiastes 1:2-9

I wonder how many of you feel this way today?  Never satisfied.

There’s only one thing that can truly satisfy–filling that place in the deep, quiet, depths of our soul with a relationship with the One, True, God.  Not just a head knowledge of God, not just a “Santa Claus” mentality of God, but knowing we have a Friend, Savior, King, and Trusted Advisor who knows what’s best for us…

Then, life is never meaningless. It’s an adventure, a wild ride, a well-thought out plan with the perfect destination!

Heavenly Father, forgive us for wanting to go our own way.  Forgive us for never being satisfied.  Call us out to be different.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:12

Would You Attend Solomon’s Conference? — Proverbs 22:17 – 23:22

June 3, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Christian Living, Goals, leadership, Proverbs, Success, The Power of Words, Word of God, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 22:17 through Proverbs 24:34

A one-sheet is a single page document which is designed to provide a summary of information about the expertise of a professional speaker to prospective clients.  If Solomon had a “One-Sheet” it would have possibly looked like this.  I’m sure he could have preached a sermon or developed a seminar on each of these topics; now that’s a speaking portfolio!

*************************

Solomon’s Thirty Wise Sayings

Proverbs 22:17 – 24:22
Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.  For it is good to keep these sayings in your hearts and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the Lord.  I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.  In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you:

  1. Don’t rob the poor; don’t exploit the needy in court.
  2. Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people.
  3. Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
  4. Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations.
  5. Do you see any truly competent workers?  They will serve kings rather than work for ordinary people.
  6. While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.  If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.
  7. Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.  Be wise enough to know when to quit.
  8. Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies.
  9. Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.
  10. Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.
  11. Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.
  12. Don’t fail to discipline your children.
  13. My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.
  14. Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.
  15. My child, listen and be wise; keep your heart on the right course. Don’t carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons.
  16. Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. Get the truth, and never sell it; get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. So give your father and mother joy!
  17. My son, give me your heart; may your eyes take delight in following my ways. A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
  18. Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.  Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
  19.  Don’t envy evil people or desire their company.
  20. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with sorts of precious riches and valuables.
  21. The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.  So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
  22. Wisdom is too lofty for fools.
  23. A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.  The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker.
  24. If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.
  25. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “look, we didn’t know.”
  26. My son, eat honey, for it is good and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.  In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.  If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
  27. Don’t wait in ambush as the home of the godly, and don’t raid the house where the godly live.
  28. Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.
  29. Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked.
  30. My son, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly.

I know some of these sayings sound a little foolish, but if you read all of today’s scriptures Solomon explained the “why” of each one.  I could definitely see Solomon speaking at a mega church or leadership conference on one of these topics!

Would you travel to hear him speak?

We’re moving into Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon; we’ll pick up the rest of the Proverbs in a few days.  Can you believe we’re in our sixth month of this journey…amazing!

Blessings!

 

 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Song of Solomon 1:1 through Song of Solomon 8: 14

Are You Like Vinegar and Smoke to Your Boss? –Proverbs 10:26

May 29, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Failure, Finances, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, leadership, Success, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-10:32

Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes. –Proverbs 10:26

The Bible has a lot to say about lazy people and none of it is good.  One of the worst things a professing Christian can do for the cause of Christ is to be lazy in the workplace.

You may be seen as lazy by your boss if…

    • You are often late for work or walk in the door at the exact minute you are supposed to be starting your day
    • You overlook things like picking up a piece paper in the parking lot or filling the copier with paper because “that’s not your job”
    • You stop working an hour before your day’s over so that you can watch the clock and walk out the door exactly at 5 o’clock
    • You have to be told what to do; you have no initiative
    • All you care about is your paycheck and never think about the success of the business
    • Your boss sees you standing around doing “nothing” when he/she comes into your area
    • You don’t work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)

What would you add to this list?

If you said, “Yep, that’s me” to more than one or two of these statements your boss may see you as lazy.  You may be irritating her/him like vinegar to the teeth or smoke to the eyes.

The day-to-day, routine, and mundane things in life are where we show our character and integrity.  Excellence in the workplace is one of the ways we worship God…

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  –Colossians 3:23

Heavenly Father, in this world of mediocrity teach us to stand out above the crowd as a child of the One, True, God who does everything with excellence!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Proverbs 11:1-13:25

Are You too Tired to Read This? 8 Things You Need to Know

May 26, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2013 Journey, leadership, Parenting, Prayer, Psalms, Success, Workplace with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 4: 1-34; Psalm 72; Psalm 127

I put the words “tired all the time” in my Google search box and got 33,800,000 links (that’s up 15,000,000 from 2 years ago).

I’d say they’re a lot of tired people out there!

If you ask someone how they’re doing, how often do you get the answers—tired or busy?

As I read today’s scripture reading I became tired just from reading  Solomon’s achievements.

How did he do it all?

He had the same number of hours in his day that  you and I have.

Solomon knew how to work hard and rest well.  There seemed to be a degree of balance in his life, which was amazing considering all that he accomplished.  Let’s once again learn from his example today…

  • Am I the ONLY one who can do this?

Solomon didn’t do ANYTHING someone else could do.  I know, we don’t have nine high officials and twelve district governors to manage our affairs and prepare our food.  But we do have kids, family members, spouses, church families, team members, friends, and co-workers who have strengths that we don’t have.  Most of us will not be able to fulfill the plans God has for us without learning to delegate and ask for help.

AND, if we don’t delegate to others we may be keeping them from growing (especially our children).

  •  Can’t we all just get along?

There was more peace in Israel and the surrounding kingdoms during Solomon’s reign than at any other time in history. Constant conflict sucks the energy and life out of people–peace makes life easier–be a peace-maker.

  • What can I create today?

Solomon composed 3000 proverbs and wrote 1005 songs, in addition to all his other accomplishments.  He made the time to create. Find 30 minutes in your day, release those creative juices and put your mark on the world.

  • What can I learn today?

Solomon was the poster child for life-long learning.  Because of constantly learning new things in many areas he became  the authority on all kinds of plants and an expert on animals, birds, small creatures, and fish.  Never stop learning–your hobby may turn into a new career or ministry!

  • What does the Lord have to say to me today?

Solomon constantly sought the Lord’s guidance and direction.  Psalm 72 is a record of one of those times.  God will speak to you–wait on Him.

  • Who can I help today?

Every family in Israel lived in safety and had their own home and garden. Everything Solomon did was to make life easier for the Israelites.  The poor were always on his mind: Let the poor always be treated fairly (Ps 72:2).  You will encounter someone today who needs something that you have to give–take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit and reach out to help?

  •  Where does my success come from?

Solomon continually reminded himself that God has the final say in his life  (Ps 127: 1).  When God makes you successful, no man can take it away.

  • Am I enjoying the gifts and blessings God has given me?

Solomon knew rest was a gift from God that had to be opened and enjoyed daily.  Solomon’s wisdom led him to measure his blessings through his true legacy, his children (Ps. 127: 3-5)  Don’t miss God’s best!

Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to look to you to “build our lives.” Thank You for loving us so much that you gave us rest!  Use us for Your Glory today.

In Jesus Name.  Amen and amen!


 ©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 1:1 through Proverbs 4: 27

How to Lead During Chaos and Catastrophe — 2 Chronicles 7:12-16

May 24, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Fear, leadership, Prayer, Success, Tough Times with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 8:54-66; 2 Chronicles 7:1-10; 1 Kings 9:1-9; 2 Chronicles 7:11-22;1 Kings 9:10-14

Today was a great day in the life of Solomon.  He and the Israelites were coming to the end of a fourteen-day celebration to dedicate the Temple of the Lord.  He had waited for this day since his father ,David gave him the charge to build the Temple when he was just a boy.

The king and all of Israel brought thousands of animals to sacrifice on this special day.  After Solomon finished making prayers and petitions to the Lord he stood up and in a loud voice blessed the entire congregation of Israel.  And before they could start the fire to sacrifice the first animal God showed His pleasure by sending “heavenly” fire to burn up the sacrifices.

Can you imagine putting an animal on the altar and then “poof” fire comes out of the sky and instantly burns it to ashes?

Solomon was probably on cloud nine.  For God to display His approval meant he had successfully completed the job he was born to do.  While he was still enjoying his success the Lord appeared to him and told him three things:

  • I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices.
  • At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.
  • Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.  For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever.  I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.   (2 Chronicles 7:12-16)

God encouraged Solomon with the promise that if His judgment (by drought, locusts, or a plague) should fall on the nation for their sins, then they need only to turn to the Lord in earnest humility and repentance and they would find forgiveness and restoration. God told Solomon exactly what to do if and when his kingdom what struck with chaos or catastrophe.

We may not have droughts, grasshoppers and plagues… but we do have volcanoes erupting, tsunamis, tornadoes and earthquakes, not to mention all of our man-made problems.  God’s promise to Solomon still holds true in 2013…

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

Heavenly Father, our country and our world needs your healing.  This scripture is talking to US– Your people; those who profess to be Christians.  Help us as the church to live out this scripture daily. As Dr. Wayne Lee  said in a message to our church, “God expects his servants to lead amid catastrophic and chaotic changes in culture and societies.”  Help us Lord to humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and turn from our sin so that you can heal our land and use us for Your Glory in these challenging times.

In Jesus Name— Amen and Amen

 


 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Chronicles 8: 1-18; 1 Kings 9: 15 through 1 Kings 10: 13; 2 Chronicles 9: 1-12, 1 Kings 10: 14-29; 2 Chronicles 9: 13-28; 2 Chronicles 1: 14-17

Is Your Work a Gift? –1 Kings 7:1

May 22, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Ecclesiastes, Giving Our Best to God, leadership, Success, Workplace with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 7:1-51; 2 Chronicles 3:15-4:22

Solomon was a builder, not a warrior.  God chose him to build His temple, not fight His battles, like his father.  This is a great example of the uniqueness of God’s calling.  Our Creator doesn’t use the cookie-cutter approach.

Once Solomon finished building the Temple of the Lord, be began working on his palace.  He spent 21 years building.  Building is hard work.  I know Solomon didn’t actually do the manual labor, but overseeing, planning, and designing can be more stressful than manual labor.

I wonder if Solomon was counting the days until his building projects were finished?

I wonder if Solomon was looking forward to the days when he could just be the King?

He probably was, but at the end of his life, when Solomon shared his wisdom, I think he was longing for those days of building.

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! –Ecclesiastes 3:22

The wisest man on the earth is telling us to enjoy our work.

Today’s culture tells us that work is the thing we do so that we can play on the weekends and retire as soon as possible.

There’s nothing better than being happy in our work…  

What do you think?

Do you enjoy your work?

Is work a gift from God to you?

Heavenly Father, help us to find joy in our work.  Help us to”be” where we are and stop wishing our lives away!  We want to honor You in everything we do.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-11; 2 Chronicles 5:1-14; 1 Kings 8:12-21; 2 Chronicles 6:1-11; 1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-42

10 Ways to Network Like a King–1 Kings 5, 2 Chronicles 2

May 21, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Goals, My story, Success, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 3: 16-28; 1 Kings 5: 1-18; 2 Chronicles 2: 1-18; 1 Kings 6: 1-13; 2 Chronicles 3: 1-14; 1 Kings 6: 14-38

In my 30’s I owned a business.  Networking and connecting with others was a huge part of everyday life for me.  In the world of small business networking there’s a cardinal rule, “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.”  This connecting for mutual benefit was and is critical to the success of the small business model.

You are not going to believe this but networking dates all the way back to Solomon’s day!

In today’s reading we see Solomon as a young king building a relationship with king Hiram of Tyre.  King Hiram was instrumental in the building the Temple, a place of beauty for the Presence of God to dwell.  Without his timber and craftsmen the Temple would not have been so magnificent.

From our reading so far, it is very unusual for two kings to work together; just more evidence that Solomon has supernatural wisdom from the Lord! Since Solomon was this wisest person who was or ever will be (1 Kings 3: 12); he was probably the president of his local networking chapter. I think we can learn something about networking and connecting with people as we look at today’s reading.

Below is a great list of  guidelines for networking and connecting straight from the Word of God!

  1. If possible use a family member or friend’s endorsement to make the initial connection. (1 Kings 5:1)
  2. Immediately respond to phone calls, emails or letters; follow-up, follow-up, follow-up! (1 Kings 5:2)
  3. Share your passion, purpose and goals, not a sales pitch about your product or service.  (1 Chronicles 2: 5)
  4. Partner on a project that would benefit both parties.  (1 Kings 5:5)
  5. Do business together as soon as possible. (1 Kings 5:6)
  6. Encourage and build up by pointing out what they’re doing well. (1 Kings 5: 6b)
  7. Do what you say you’re going to do. (1 Kings 5: 10)
  8. When you find someone you work well with; form an alliance. (1 Kings 5: 12)
  9. Allow each person to work within in their strengths. (2 Chronicles 2: 8 )
  10. Always be clear in your agreements. (2 Chronicles 2: 1-18)

 

You may not own a business but these three-thousand year old relationship principles will work in the church, in a corporation, in private business, in our schools, and in our homes.

The Bible is the number one business book in the world.  It’s holds the keys to success in heaven AND on earth!

Go out and Network like a king!


 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:Saturday-1 Kings 7: 1-51, 2 Chronicles 3:15 through 4: 22

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