Spiritual Guidance in the Workplace

A privilege to have once again Pastor Arnold Perona speak to us about "Spiritual Guidance in the Workplace" as we close this month for our series study mentioned.

There were a total of 14 people present with a first time guest Christy, invited by Janet joining the fellowship.

The summary of the message is as follows:

OWNERSHIP and PURPOSE
-Our actions in the workplace depends on how we think "who we are".
-We need to be able to learn from one another.
-Like fish in the ocean let us not be affected of the environment we are in; the ocean is salty but when you cook a fish the taste of of the ocean doesn't affect it, you have to actually add salt into it.
-You have to know who owns you.

The PROBLEM - we have inadequate knowledge and clarity on Biblical principles.

The CRISIS - some has poor understanding who God really is. and we tend to think that it is all about our SELF, no GOD in between.
-We feel we are "Owners".
-We freely accept erroneous teachings; not Biblical.


The SOLUTION-keep in mind that you have been created/raised up wisely and as godly men and women.
-You work because you help the company earn profit.
-God's way of conducting business is different.
- Isaiah 40:8 says "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." meaning we do not put the "culture" (our culture) on top of the Word of God but rather we put the Word of God on top of the culture.

The OBJECTIVE
1. Integrate principles from the scriptures with your daily life, do not neglect your daily devotion and quiet time.

2. Doing business God's way is not a shortcut to more profits and fewer difficulties, from time to time it may cost money. But honest profit earn in an essential way because it glorifies God.
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." - Isaiah 48:17

3. To develop leadership and to grow in christ so that you will be more like Him as a business leader. Even if you think you are not a leader do not forget that "We are leaders in our own ways..."

OWNERSHIP
"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" -Psalm 24:1
-After creating all things He did not transfer the ownership.
-Recognizing God's ownership is the foundation to making Jesus Christ the Lord of our business. He is the owner of EVERY business, large or small, public or private.

CONTROL
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." - 1 Chronicles 29:11
-We get disappointed because we think we are in control while it is clearly stated we are not.
-Instead of expecting, hope and pray to lessen disappointment.
"The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths." - Psalm 135:6
-God allows difficult circumstances to develop our character, He allows difficult circumstances to discipline His children. His plan is "not to harm you but to give you hope."

RESPONSIBILITY
"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2
-A steward is a manager of someone Else's possessions.
-We cannot choose how we die but we can choose how to live.
-A faithful steward is what God is looking for.
-We are in the position to influence others for Christ specially those who would rarely consider attending a church.

PURPOSE
1. Is to glorify God.
-You are placed there to take care of your customer; customer satisfaction first then profit comes next, a win-win relationship.
-Look at the Cross before looking at the crown; His suffering before the glory, His sacrifices before the prize.

2. To make profit
-Monetary or a side kick reward.
-The most important profit is you store up treasures in heaven.

3. To support the work of Christ.
-Consider your work a ministry; work and take on eternal significance.

4. to spiritually impact our sphere of influence.

CONCLUSION- keep it in your mind and in your heart and live it up!
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all." - 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Our group picture with P. Arnold

Next month study series will be about - LOVE, SEX AND LASTING RELATIONSHIP by CHIP INGRAM with P. Arnold Perona facilitating our study for two months. Hope to see you all there!

To God be the glory!