Some businesses have a generous culture, and some are just plain cheap. I was reminded of that as Tom, my pastor, recently shared an incredible personal experience he had years ago. Before becoming a pastor, newly married, Tom and his wife were new to their church, so they jumped at the offer to have dinner in the home of another ...
While walking in downtown Springfield Illinois, Kathy and I were stopped by a very articulate man. He shared how he was on staff with a well-known ministry visiting Springfield for a conference with his family. This middle-aged man claimed that his keys were locked in his car, and that he was $11 short in paying the locksmith. Kathy recommended that ...
This week we’re discussing the spiritual struggle some have over building wealth. Sometimes wealth is passed on to people, such as when a family member takes over the family business. Years ago, I was speaking with a friend who was taking over his family’s business. In a candid moment, he told me, “I’m afraid that this wealth could draw me ...
This week we’re discussing the spiritual struggle some have over building wealth. Unfortunately, many believe to be a good Christian, you must be poor. This philosophy can hinder someone’s God-given ability to create wealth. Joseph was a God-fearing man that was given the gift of creating wealth, but it was wealth for a purpose. In Genesis 50:20 Joseph told his ...
This week we’re discussing the spiritual struggle some have over building wealth. Some point to the rich young ruler’s story as a mandate for us all to be poor. Jesus knew this rich young ruler’s heart. This young man’s love of money was blocking him from eternal life. Jesus’ call for him to sell his possessions was a specific call ...
This week we’re discussing the struggle some have over their business flourishing economically. A philosophy around since the first century claims that poverty is good for all. Material possessions were considered bad. Although some leaders are called to poverty, we cannot assume that to be true for all. Material possessions are not the problem. The motivations we have for acquiring ...
A friend is concerned that his business partner may leave their business soon, primarily because of his partner’s ingrained belief that building wealth is bad. His partner’s fears have surfaced due to rapid growth in their business. The belief that material possessions are bad has caused many to stumble since the first century church. Although the Bible can be used ...
In 1903, Mary Anderson patented the first windshield wiper. When Mary tried to sell the rights to her invention, however, the prospective buyer saw no value in her invention. In 1920, her patent rights expired. Cadillac then began using her invention, which led to the rest of the car industry following suit. Mary sowed seeds towards our gain. In John ...
One movie I’ve enjoyed watching multiple times is “Groundhog Day.” Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray, is a mean-spirited, egocentric, malcontented reporter who has been forced to cover the annual Groundhog Day ceremony in Pennsylvania. Caught in a time-loop, Connors relives Groundhog Day over and over again. At first, he exploits his knowledge of what will happen for personal gain. ...
When President Trump signed the recent tax reform bill, many businesses had an immediate response. Some gave bonuses or raises to their employees, some donated millions to charity, and some businesses passed it along to shareholders. Most of us will also receive a windfall this month in our paycheck. With a windfall, we have a choice as to how we ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
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