On Thanksgiving Day, the race for buying Christmas presents began. Black Friday amplified the season, Small Business Saturday grabbed their fair share and then Cyber Monday excels online. In addition to the Christmas buying season, there’s another important season: the Year-End Giving season. Today is officially Giving Tuesday, but Black Friday is far better known and celebrated than Giving Tuesday. ...
According to an annual Gallup poll, 68% of people surveyed trust small businesses in contrast to only 14% trusting large businesses. In 2010, American Express decided to leverage that respect by encouraging shoppers to buy from local businesses on Small Business Saturday. Although Black Friday gets more press, $19.8 billion was spent with small businesses on Small Business Saturday in ...
In this series, we’re pondering the Ten Commandments and how they can relate to our business life. I first thought connecting the sixth commandment to work would be challenging. Then I read an article that reported how the Christian Medical and Dental Association sued the Biden administration. The Department of Health and Human Services recently pronounced that doctors had ...
In this series, we’re pondering the Ten Commandments. Many small businesses can be devastated when these commands are violated. For example, if you want to ruin a restaurant, spread rumors about seeing mice or cockroaches in their kitchen. Or, if you want to better your chances for a promotion, begin a whisper campaign slandering your rival’s character. But, Exodus ...
In this series, we’re discussing the stages of true repentance required before God brings revival. After you’ve acknowledged your sin, if you are sincere, there should be humble sorrow. Last time, I shared about Rob who discovered that his sin was how poorly he treated his employees. As that reality sunk in, Rob was deeply grieved over the people he ...
For years, Rob was actively involved in his church. But each Monday he felt like a hypocrite. His approach to work conflicted with his faith. Finally, one Monday morning Rob realized the way he was running his business wasn’t pleasing to God. He fell on his knees and cried out, “God there must be a better way.” That day God ...
At a Casey’s General Store, my wife, Kathy, stopped a young man in an Army uniform to thank him for his service, then paid for his gas! Kathy, then, asked this soldier if he’s often thanked for his military service. This polite soldier simply said, “No ma’am.” The lady in front of me then turned and thanked this soldier, then ...
As Americans prepare for costumed children descending upon homes seeking candy, some around the world are instead celebrating a Christian holiday called “All Hallows Eve.” This is a day for remembering the saints and martyrs who have gone before us. Many Christians have been persecuted or died, due to holding on to their Christian faith, in spite of knowing the ...
In this series, we’re pondering the Ten Commandments. Years ago, my friend, Frank, helped a convicted felon be released early from prison by offering him a job. Years later, Frank’s good deed was dishonored when this convicted felon stole Frank’s customer list and his proprietary technology and began a competing business. Although Frank chose not to prosecute this thief, there ...
Early in the ministry I recruited our oldest daughter, Megan, to help with our bookkeeping. She did a remarkable job, but I knew eventually she was destined for a medical profession, not this ministry. Many small business owners engage their children in helping with the family business. When these children are groomed for future leadership positions, it can sometimes ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
