In 2001, I owned a consulting practice that morphed into less consulting and more ministry. God’s blessing on those ministry activities led to forming a nonprofit today called Unconventional Business Network. During that transition I wanted to assure that I was following God’s vision rather than mine. I fasted, prayed and journaled. The result was a document outlining God’s vision ...
It’s hard to know whether the plans I develop for the New Year are from me or from God. I’m a very optimistic person so my plans can lean towards being unrealistic. Yet, a common question is, “If I’m carrying out God’s purpose, wouldn’t He provide all that’s required?” Although I don’t have all the answers, what has helped has ...
Valuable information tends to level the playing field when you are in negotiations. Recently, I was negotiating a contract. There was one significant item in the proposed contract that didn’t seem reasonable to me. This item was going to add significantly to my costs. So, I typed out my scenario in Perplexity AI and moments later I had a detailed ...
In a devotion from several years ago, Dr. Richard Bouch contemplated the conversion of Saul to Paul. Saul, as a Pharisee, was educated and energetic in persecuting the followers of Jesus. He needed a supernatural encounter with Jesus to recognize that his perspective was wrong. Bouch notes that before this conversion, Paul was convinced he was working for God. He ...
Recently, Kathy and I went with friends on a Kansas City Gangster tour. We learned that Boss Tom Pendergast ruled Kansas City in the 1920s by providing favors for others, provided they voted for his political candidates. This enabled Pendergast to handpick politicians who ran his city, including Harry Truman. However, when Truman submitted a road contract for bids, according ...
When I examine my career path, on the surface it seems to be wīndy and disconnected. But in the tapestry of life and with hindsight, I see God’s divine direction. Moving from CPA to car rental entrepreneur to banking, then consulting, and finally ministry may seem strange, but God had a plan. Today, I primarily minister to small business ...
The movie, “The Boys in the Boat” highlights several powerful leadership lessons. This true story spotlights a University of Washington rowing team who surprises the world by competing in the 1936 Olympics. Rowing was a sport that had been dominated by well-resourced Ivy League schools. This team from Washington, however, began with at least one homeless young man. One of ...
According to a Gallup study, employee engagement declined in 2022 to 32%. More than 2/3 of workers do not feel committed to their work. One of the key areas of decline was employees’ lack of connection to the mission or purpose of their organization. Work with no purpose feels meaningless. Everyone has within them the desire to feel like their ...
In the story of Esther, Haman is an evil character who hated Mordecai and the Jews. He had risen to power, becoming the king’s right-hand man, filling Haman with pride and arrogance. In Esther 5:11, we read, “Haman boasted to them about his wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated ...
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was recently accused of improprieties, due to a wealthy friend who has shown Justice Thomas kindness and hospitality. Prior to any other disclosures in the media, the press and enemies of Justice Thomas began calling for his impeachment. If Justice Thomas’ friend had a case before the Supreme Court, then, there would be a conflict, ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
