Construction Business

There has been a joke running around China that the national bird is the Crane because of all the construction that is taking place. This note is not about China or cranes but about letting God use us to build up His Kingdom. Last evening, an elder of our church shared his testimony on his love for NYC. A love not driven by $, influence, or other trappings of the city. Instead, he and his family has denied themselves of a less expensive lifestyle by staying in the city and being a part of the city. He cited 1 Chronicles where David and Israel embark on building the Temple - the house of God. With the Gospel as the foundation of our lives, we will give up ourselves to live it out.

1 Chronicles 22:1: Then David said, "The house of the Lord God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.:

If You're Happy

Matthew 6:16 when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faes to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Do you have colleagues who consistently walk around looking peeved or they would rather be elsewhere? What's going on that they cannot even smile or be pleasant? Perhaps, the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Perhaps this is just a paycheck. Equally, some colleagues seem above saying, "hello". How are we do approach these situations to glorify God and edify the body? Do you try to engage with them to bring about change? We all play a part. But do remember how you project to the world during the day, let alone, when and if you fast. Fasting does not necessarily mean abstaining from food either, but different topic.

Time to Make the Donuts

John 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."

So, we had a wonderful turnout at the Entrepreneurs fellowship group last night. 58 people joined together to kick off a new and exciting year. Throughout the night, people shared about why they came and the responses ranged from "someone asked me to come" to "this is something exciting that can help me". Those are exactly the reasons why this ministry is important. By participating in our ministry's programs and building community within the Redeemer community, we hope you will examine what you should do when you "wake up" with their God-given talents. It is not our vision that we should pursue first and foremost. It is God's vision we must pursue, but never alone. Growth can come through what Bonhoefer talks about - a community that worships, confesses, rebukes, shares, values and loves each other as the sinners that we are.

Working for the Man

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. My pastor, Craig Higgins, likes to quote blue grass and folk singers in addition to great Scottish theologians - yes plural. One quote he uses numerous times is from Bob Dylan in his Christian enlightened period. 'You have to serve somebody.'

We are all called to serve somebody on earth. If you are like the typical North American worker, you will change jobs at least 6 times before you retire. Therefore, you have had to develop relationships with numerous managers and colleagues. During these adjustment periods, how is one to experience joy and peace while performing on an excellent level? If you have your own business or head a department, who do you serve? Who helps you dictate priorities? when we wake up, it would be good to remember Colossians 3:23. Peace.

Refuge

Are you analytical? Do you believe Freud or do you think 'sometimes a banana is just a banana' I think Yogi Berra said that? Do you over-spiritualize? Like the time you prayed for a good thing to happen and then they finally put in the right amount of cinnamon in your pumpkin cinnamon mocha latte at Starbucks??? Oh yes, so spot on! No, I mean - things happen right and it is good to just remember that God is sovereign and allows "good" and "bad" things to happen. But where do you turn for your help? your strength?

Psalm 18:1;39 I love you, O Lord, my strength. You armed me with strength for battle;